I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 34 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 5, 6 to Hexagram 33

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 34.1.2.5.6 -> 33

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

34. The Power of the Great

Yang Yang Yang Yang Yin Yin

33. Retreat

34. The Power of the Great (大壯 Dà Zhuàng)

Trigrams

Above
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 34

Hexagram 大壯 (Dà Zhuàng) represents great power and strength. This hexagram speaks of a time when great energy and force are available, but it advises using this power with care and wisdom. True strength comes from knowing when and how to apply it.

Hexagram 34 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"大壯，利貞。"
(Dà zhuàng, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“The Power of the Great. Perseverance furthers.”

This hexagram advises using great power wisely. Success comes from perseverance and the careful, deliberate application of strength. It is important to avoid rash or impulsive actions.

Hexagram 34 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷在天上，大壯。君子以非禮勿履。"
(Léi zài tiān shàng, dà zhuàng. Jūn zǐ yǐ fēi lǐ wù lǚ.)
English Translation:
“Thunder in heaven above: The image of The Power of the Great. The superior person avoids stepping beyond what is proper.”

The image of thunder in heaven represents great power that must be controlled. The superior person, like thunder, understands the need for restraint and does not overstep the bounds of what is proper.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"壯于趾，徵凶，有孚。"
(Zhuàng yú zhǐ, zhēng xiōng, yǒu fú.)
English Translation:
“Power in the toes. Advancing leads to misfortune. There is sincerity.”

This line warns against acting impulsively or advancing too quickly, as it leads to misfortune. Although there may be sincerity, it advises caution in applying strength.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"貞吉。"
(Zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“Perseverance brings good fortune.”

This line advises perseverance and steady application of power. By maintaining a course of consistent strength and not rushing, good fortune follows.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"喪羊于易，无悔。"
(Sàng yáng yú yì, wú huǐ.)
English Translation:
“Losing the ram in easy circumstances. No regret.”

This line speaks of avoiding entanglement and danger. By letting go of something (symbolized by the ram), one avoids regret. It advises knowing when to release and not hold on to what may cause trouble.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"羝羊觸藩，不能退，不能遂，无攸利，艱則吉。"
(Dī yáng chù fān, bù néng tuì, bù néng suì, wú yōu lì, jiān zé jí.)
English Translation:
“A ram butts against a fence. It cannot advance or retreat. Nothing is favorable, but perseverance brings good fortune.”

This line describes a situation where one is stuck, unable to move forward or back, like a ram entangled in a fence. Although it is an unfavorable situation, perseverance and patience eventually bring good fortune.

Changing to:

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.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team