I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 33 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 4

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 33.2.3.4.5 -> 4

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

33. Retreat

Yang Yin Yin Yin Yang Yin

4. Youthful Folly

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 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 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:

4. Youthful Folly (蒙 Méng)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 4

Hexagram 蒙 (Méng) represents youthful folly, the state of ignorance and inexperience. It symbolizes the early stages of development when one lacks knowledge or wisdom and requires guidance. Youthful Folly encourages learning, seeking instruction, and being open to correction in order to grow and mature.

Hexagram 4 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"发蒙，利用刑人，用说桎梏，以往吝。"
(Fā méng, lì yòng xíng rén, yòng shuō zhì gù, yǐ wǎng lìn.)
English Translation:
“Youthful folly has success. It is not I who seek the young fool, but the young fool who seeks me. At the first oracle, I inform him. If he asks two or three times, it is importunity. If he importunes, I give him no information. Perseverance furthers.”

Youthful folly represents a lack of knowledge and understanding, which can only be overcome through learning. The judgment advises that one should seek wisdom rather than passively wait for it. At the same time, if someone repeatedly asks the same question without making an effort to learn, their behavior is considered importunate, and they will not receive further instruction. Success comes through the sincere pursuit of knowledge and perseverance.

Hexagram 4 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山下出泉，蒙。君子以果行育德。"
(Shān xià chū quán, méng. Jūn zǐ yǐ guǒ xíng yù dé.)
English Translation:
“A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain: The image of Youthful Folly. The superior person fosters character by thoroughly carrying out his or her resolve.”

The image of a spring beneath the mountain suggests that wisdom and clarity are hidden beneath the surface, much like how a youth must grow and develop in character before wisdom can emerge. The superior person fosters their development by persistently acting on their resolve, committing to a path of learning and self-improvement.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team