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

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 33.1.4.5 -> 22

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

33. Retreat

Yang Yin Yin Yang Yin Yang

22. Grace

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 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.

Changing to:

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.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team