I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 33 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4 to Hexagram 59

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 33.2.3.4 -> 59

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

33. Retreat

Yang Yang Yin Yin Yang Yin

59. Dispersion

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.

Changing to:

59. Dispersion (渙 Huàn)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 59

Hexagram 渙 (Huàn) represents dispersion or dissolution, symbolizing the scattering of obstacles or rigid structures. This hexagram speaks of a time when rigidity and blockages are being dissolved, allowing for movement and renewal. Success comes from breaking down barriers and freeing up resources.

Hexagram 59 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"渙，亨。王假有廟，利涉大川，利貞。"
(Huàn, hēng. Wáng jiǎ yǒu miào, lì shè dà chuān, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Dispersion. Success. The king approaches his temple. It is favorable to cross the great river. Perseverance furthers.”

This hexagram advises breaking down obstacles and removing barriers to progress. By dispersing rigid structures or habits, success follows. It is favorable to take bold actions, symbolized by crossing the great river, but perseverance is essential.

Hexagram 59 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風行水上，渙。先王以享于帝立廟。"
(Fēng xíng shuǐ shàng, huàn. Xiān wáng yǐ xiǎng yú dì lì miào.)
English Translation:
“Wind moves over the water: The image of Dispersion. The ancient kings offered sacrifices to heaven and built temples.”

The image of wind moving over water represents the power to dissolve obstacles and create movement. The superior person, like the ancient kings, makes offerings and creates structures to channel this energy toward positive outcomes.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team