I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 33 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 11

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 33.1.2.4.5.6 -> 11

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 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"好遯,君子吉,小人否。"
(Hào dùn, jūn zǐ jí, xiǎo rén pǐ.)
English Translation:
“Delighting in retreat. The superior person finds good fortune, while the inferior person does not.”

This line speaks of the wisdom of knowing when to retreat. The superior person understands the benefits of withdrawal and finds good fortune in doing so, while the inferior person struggles with the concept and does not benefit.

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.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"肥遯,无不利。"
(Féi dùn, wú bù lì.)
English Translation:
“Full retreat. Nothing is unfavorable.”

This line describes a complete and successful retreat. By fully withdrawing from danger or unfavorable conditions, everything turns out well. It advises a full commitment to retreat when necessary.

Changing to:

11. Peace (泰 Tài)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 11

Hexagram 泰 (Tài) symbolizes peace and harmony. This hexagram represents a time when heaven and earth are in perfect balance, and all things function smoothly. It signifies a period of prosperity, ease, and stability.

Hexagram 11 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"泰,小往大来,吉亨。"
(Tài, xiǎo wǎng dà lái, jí hēng.)
English Translation:
“Peace. The small departs, the great approaches. Good fortune and success.”

This hexagram signifies a time of transition when small, petty concerns fall away, and larger, more significant matters take their place. It is a time of prosperity and harmony, where everything flows smoothly, bringing good fortune and success.

Hexagram 11 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天地交泰,后以财成天地之道,辅相天地之宜,以左右民。"
(Tiān dì jiāo tài, hòu yǐ cái chéng tiān dì zhī dào, fǔ xiāng tiān dì zhī yí, yǐ zuǒ yòu mín.)
English Translation:
“Heaven and earth unite: The image of Peace. The ruler completes the cycle of heaven and earth, supports harmony, and ensures the welfare of the people.”

The image of heaven and earth in harmony represents a time when all elements work together in perfect balance. The wise ruler uses this time to support and enhance the natural order, ensuring that the people prosper and that peace and harmony are maintained.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team