I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 38 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 5 to Hexagram 33

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 38.1.2.3.5 -> 33

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

38. Opposition

Yang Yang Yang Yang Yin Yin

33. Retreat

38. Opposition (睽 Kuí)

Trigrams

Above
☲ Lí (Fire)
Below
☱ Dùi (Lake)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 38

Hexagram 睽 (Kuí) represents opposition or divergence. This hexagram speaks of differences between people or situations, where opposing forces or viewpoints lead to tension. Success comes from recognizing and managing these differences.

Hexagram 38 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"睽，小事吉。"
(Kuí, xiǎo shì jí.)
English Translation:
“Opposition. Small matters bring good fortune.”

This hexagram advises focusing on small matters and resolving them carefully during times of opposition. Success comes from managing differences and not letting minor conflicts escalate into major problems.

Hexagram 38 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"上火下澤，睽。君子以同而異。"
(Shàng huǒ xià zé, kuí. Jūn zǐ yǐ tóng ér yì.)
English Translation:
“Fire above, the lake below: The image of Opposition. The superior person seeks unity in diversity.”

The image of fire above and the lake below represents two opposing forces. The superior person seeks to find harmony within these differences, recognizing that unity can be found even in diversity.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"悔亡，喪馬，勿逐，自復；見惡人，无咎。"
(Huǐ wáng, sàng mǎ, wù zhú, zì fù; jiàn è rén, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Regret disappears. Losing the horse, do not chase it; it will return on its own. Seeing an evil person, there is no blame.”

This line advises patience in the face of loss or opposition. By not chasing after what is lost, it will return on its own. Encountering negative people brings no harm if one remains centered and does not engage.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"遇主于巷，无咎。"
(Yù zhǔ yú xiàng, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Meeting the leader in an alley. No blame.”

This line describes an unexpected encounter with someone of authority or importance. It advises not to worry, as this meeting brings no harm. The situation is neutral and offers no danger.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"見輿曳，其牛掣，其人天且劓，无初有終。"
(Jiàn yú yè, qí niú chè, qí rén tiān qiě yì, wú chū yǒu zhōng.)
English Translation:
“Seeing a cart being dragged, the ox is pulling back, the person is cut off and their nose is cut. No beginning, but an end.”

This line describes a difficult and unpleasant situation, where things are not going as planned. The person is struggling and faces punishment, but the situation resolves itself over time. It advises patience, as the end is better than the beginning.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"悔亡，厥宗噬膚，往何咎？"
(Huǐ wáng, jué zōng shì fū, wǎng hé jiù?)
English Translation:
“Regret disappears. The ancestor bites through the skin. Going forward brings no blame.”

This line describes the resolution of past regrets. The ancestor biting through the skin represents the removal of a superficial problem, allowing for healing. Moving forward brings no blame, as the issue has been resolved.

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