I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 33 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 5 to Hexagram 38

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 33.1.2.3.5 -> 38

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

33. Retreat

Yang Yin Yang Yin Yang Yang

38. Opposition

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.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"遯尾，厲，勿用有攸往。"
(Dùn wěi, lì, wù yòng yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
“Retreat at the tail. There is danger. Do not advance.”

This line advises retreating carefully from a dangerous situation. By withdrawing before becoming too deeply involved, one avoids greater danger. It warns against continuing to push forward.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"執之用黃牛之革，莫之勝說。"
(Zhí zhī yòng huáng niú zhī gé, mò zhī shèng shuō.)
English Translation:
“Held fast with the hide of a yellow cow. No one can loosen it.”

This line suggests being in a stable, secure position, like being tied with a sturdy hide. It advises holding firm and not letting go, as this security ensures safety in the retreat.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"係遯，有疾厲，畜臣妾吉。"
(Xì dùn, yǒu jí lì, xù chén qiè jí.)
English Translation:
“Tied in retreat. Illness and danger, but nurturing one's servants brings good fortune.”

This line describes a difficult situation where retreat is hindered, leading to danger or illness. However, by taking care of others (symbolized by servants), one still finds good fortune.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"嘉遯，貞吉。"
(Jiā dùn, zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“Praising retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune.”

This line describes the benefit of recognizing the value of retreat. By persevering in a wise withdrawal, good fortune follows. It advises accepting retreat as a positive step.

Changing to:

38. Opposition (睽 Kuí)

Trigrams

Above
☲ Lí (Fire)
Below
☱ Dùi (Lake)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 38

Hexagram 睽 (Kuí) represents opposition or divergence. This hexagram speaks of differences between people or situations, where opposing forces or viewpoints lead to tension. Success comes from recognizing and managing these differences.

Hexagram 38 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"睽，小事吉。"
(Kuí, xiǎo shì jí.)
English Translation:
“Opposition. Small matters bring good fortune.”

This hexagram advises focusing on small matters and resolving them carefully during times of opposition. Success comes from managing differences and not letting minor conflicts escalate into major problems.

Hexagram 38 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"上火下澤，睽。君子以同而異。"
(Shàng huǒ xià zé, kuí. Jūn zǐ yǐ tóng ér yì.)
English Translation:
“Fire above, the lake below: The image of Opposition. The superior person seeks unity in diversity.”

The image of fire above and the lake below represents two opposing forces. The superior person seeks to find harmony within these differences, recognizing that unity can be found even in diversity.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team