I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 24 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 33

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 24.1.3.4.5.6 -> 33

Old Yin Old Yin Old Yin Old Yin Young Yin Old Yang

24. Return

Yang Yang Yang Yang Yin Yin

33. Retreat

24. Return (復 Fù)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 24

Hexagram 復 (Fù) symbolizes a return to balance, renewal, and the beginning of a new cycle. This hexagram represents a time of renewal after a period of decline. It is a time for returning to one's roots and starting fresh.

Hexagram 24 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"復，亨，出入无疾，朋來无咎。反復其道，七日來復，利有攸往。"
(Fù, hēng, chū rù wú jí, péng lái wú jiù. Fǎn fù qí dào, qī rì lái fù, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Return. Success. Going out and coming in without harm. Friends come without blame. On the seventh day, return. It is favorable to have somewhere to go.”

This hexagram speaks of a return to normalcy after a difficult period. It advises patience, as renewal will come naturally, like the turning of a cycle. The seventh day symbolizes completion and renewal. It is a favorable time to move forward.

Hexagram 24 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷在地中，復。先王以至日閉關，商旅不行，后不省方。"
(Léi zài dì zhōng, fù. Xiān wáng yǐ zhì rì bì guān, shāng lǚ bù xíng, hòu bù xǐng fāng.)
English Translation:
“Thunder within the earth: The image of Return. The ancient kings closed the passes at the solstice. Merchants and travelers did not move, and the ruler did not travel to the regions.”

The image of thunder within the earth suggests a time of quiet preparation for renewal. The superior person uses this time for reflection and planning, waiting for the right moment to act. It is a time of rest before moving forward.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"不遠復，无祗悔，元吉。"
(Bù yuǎn fù, wú zhī huǐ, yuán jí.)
English Translation:
“Not far to return. No need for remorse. Great good fortune.”

This line advises a quick return to the right path. If one has strayed, it is not far to return, and there is no need for regret. Good fortune comes from making this return quickly and without hesitation.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"頻復，厲无咎。"
(Pín fù, lì wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Repeated return. Danger, but no blame.”

This line warns of repeated deviations and returns to the right path. Although there is some danger in continuously straying, no blame comes if one remains committed to returning each time.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"中行獨復。"
(Zhōng xíng dú fù.)
English Translation:
“Walking in the center, returning alone.”

This line describes someone who stays on the correct path, even when they must do so alone. It advises independence and inner strength, as following the right course may sometimes require standing apart from others.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"敦復，无悔。"
(Dūn fù, wú huǐ.)
English Translation:
“Sincere return. No regret.”

This line speaks of a sincere, heartfelt return to balance and right action. There is no regret, as the return is made with full commitment and clarity.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"迷復，凶，有災眚。用行師，終有大敗，以其國君凶，至于十年不克征。"
(Mí fù, xiōng, yǒu zāi shěng. Yòng xíng shī, zhōng yǒu dà bài, yǐ qí guó jūn xiōng, zhì yú shí nián bù kè zhēng.)
English Translation:
“Lost return. Misfortune. There is disaster and calamity. Using the army leads to great defeat. The ruler faces ruin. For ten years, there is no success.”

This line warns of becoming lost and failing to return to the right path. Misfortune, disaster, and defeat follow if one continues down the wrong path. It advises taking immediate action to return before it is too late.

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