I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 33 with Changing Lines 1, 4 to Hexagram 37

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 33.1.4 -> 37

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

33. Retreat

Yang Yang Yin Yang Yin Yang

37. The Family

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.

Changing to:

37. The Family (家人 Jiā Rén)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☲ Lí (Fire)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 37

Hexagram 家人 (Jiā Rén) symbolizes the structure and harmony of the family. This hexagram speaks of order, mutual care, and proper relationships within the family unit. Success comes from cultivating harmony and fulfilling responsibilities.

Hexagram 37 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"家人，利女貞。"
(Jiā rén, lì nǚ zhēn.)
English Translation:
“The Family. It is favorable for the woman to persevere.”

This hexagram emphasizes the importance of harmony and order in the family, with a particular focus on the role of the woman in maintaining the household. Success comes from fulfilling responsibilities and persevering in one's duties.

Hexagram 37 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風自火出，家人。君子以言有物，行有恆。"
(Fēng zì huǒ chū, jiā rén. Jūn zǐ yǐ yán yǒu wù, xíng yǒu héng.)
English Translation:
“Wind comes forth from fire: The image of The Family. The superior person speaks with substance and acts with consistency.”

The image of wind coming forth from fire represents the dynamic energy of the family. The superior person, like a family leader, speaks and acts with consistency, ensuring harmony and order within the household.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team