I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 22 with Changing Lines 1, 4, 5 to Hexagram 33

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 22.1.4.5 -> 33

22. Grace (賁 Bì)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☲ Lí (Fire)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 22

Hexagram 賁 (Bì) represents grace, beauty, and adornment. This hexagram speaks of the power of beauty and form in enhancing life. Grace does not replace substance but enhances it.

Hexagram 22 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"賁,亨,小利有攸往。"
(Bì, hēng, xiǎo lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Grace brings success. It is not favorable to take large ventures; small ventures are beneficial.”

This hexagram advises focusing on grace and beauty in one's actions. Small, careful ventures bring success. The hexagram suggests that too much focus on appearance can lead to problems unless substance and action are in balance.

Hexagram 22 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山下有火,賁。君子以明庶政,无敢折獄。"
(Shān xià yǒu huǒ, bì. Jūn zǐ yǐ míng shù zhèng, wú gǎn zhé yù.)
English Translation:
“Fire at the foot of the mountain: The image of Grace. The superior person brings clarity to governance but does not make final judgments.”

The image of fire at the base of the mountain represents the beauty and clarity that come from grace. The superior person focuses on clarity and transparency in governance but does not rush into decisions or judgments.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"賁其趾,舍車而徒。"
(Bì qí zhǐ, shě chē ér tú.)
English Translation:
“Grace in the feet. Abandoning the carriage and walking.”

This line advises simplicity and humility. By focusing on the basics (grace in the feet), one should proceed without unnecessary embellishments or complications. Success comes from simplicity and straightforwardness.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"賁如皤如,白馬翰如,匪寇婚媾。"
(Bì rú bó rú, bái mǎ hàn rú, fěi kòu hūn gòu.)
English Translation:
“Grace that is plain and white. The white horse comes swiftly. It is not a bandit, but a suitor.”

This line suggests that simplicity and purity are forms of grace. A swift arrival, like that of a white horse, represents a positive change. It reassures that what seems sudden is not threatening but brings good fortune, like a suitor seeking union.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"賁于丘園,束帛戔戔,吝,終吉。"
(Bì yú qiū yuán, shù bó jiān jiān, lìn, zhōng jí.)
English Translation:
“Grace in the hills and gardens. Small bundles of silk. Some regret, but in the end, good fortune.”

This line speaks of grace in simple, natural surroundings. Even though one may feel limited or constrained, the simplicity brings eventual good fortune. Natural beauty and humility bring success in the end.

Changing to:

33. Retreat (遯 Dùn)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 33

Hexagram 遯 (Dùn) symbolizes strategic retreat in the face of superior forces. This hexagram speaks of the wisdom in knowing when to withdraw and conserve strength rather than continue fighting a losing battle. Success comes from prudence and waiting for better conditions.

Hexagram 33 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"遯,亨。小利貞。"
(Dùn, hēng. Xiǎo lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Retreat. Success. Perseverance brings small gain.”

This hexagram advises a strategic retreat in the face of difficulties. Success comes from knowing when to pull back, rather than pushing forward in unfavorable conditions. Perseverance brings small but important gains.

Hexagram 33 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天下有山,遯。君子以遠小人,不惡而嚴。"
(Tiān xià yǒu shān, dùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ yuǎn xiǎo rén, bù è ér yán.)
English Translation:
“The mountain stands beneath heaven: The image of Retreat. The superior person keeps distant from inferior people without hatred but maintains dignity.”

The image of the mountain under heaven suggests a time for standing firm and maintaining distance. The superior person knows when to withdraw from negative influences while remaining dignified and unresentful.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team