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

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 33.1.3.4.5.6 -> 24

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

33. Retreat

Yin Yin Yin Yin Yin Yang

24. Return

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 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 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:

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.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team