I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 42 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4 to Hexagram 33

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 42.1.3.4 -> 33

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

42. Increase

Yang Yang Yang Yang Yin Yin

33. Retreat

42. Increase (益 Yì)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 42

Hexagram 益 (Yì) represents increase, growth, or expansion. This hexagram speaks of a time when positive developments and opportunities for growth are present. Success comes from giving and sharing with others, which leads to mutual benefit and prosperity.

Hexagram 42 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"益，利有攸往，利涉大川。"
(Yì, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“Increase. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to cross the great river.”

This hexagram advises taking advantage of opportunities for growth. Moving forward with purpose and crossing challenges (symbolized by the great river) brings success. By being generous and sharing resources, one fosters mutual prosperity.

Hexagram 42 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"風雷，益。君子以見善則遷，有過則改。"
(Fēng léi, yì. Jūn zǐ yǐ jiàn shàn zé qiān, yǒu guò zé gǎi.)
English Translation:
“Wind and thunder: The image of Increase. The superior person sees good and moves toward it. If they see a mistake, they correct it.”

The image of wind and thunder represents dynamic energy and growth. The superior person uses this energy to recognize opportunities for improvement and correction. By moving toward what is good and correcting errors, one fosters growth and success.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"利用為大作，元吉，無咎。"
(Lì yòng wéi dà zuò, yuán jí, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“It is beneficial to undertake something great. Great good fortune. No blame.”

This line advises taking on a significant endeavor, as it leads to great good fortune. There is no blame in aiming high or pursuing ambitious goals during this time of increase.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"益之用凶事，無咎。有孚，中行告公用圭。"
(Yì zhī yòng xiōng shì, wú jiù. Yǒu fú, zhōng xíng gào gōng yòng guī.)
English Translation:
“Increasing during difficult times. No blame. There is sincerity. A middle path is followed, and the leader is informed using a jade tablet.”

This line speaks of increasing one's efforts during challenging times. With sincerity and balance, difficulties can be overcome. The jade tablet symbolizes respect and clear communication with authority figures, leading to resolution.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"中行告公從，利用為依遷國。"
(Zhōng xíng gào gōng cóng, lì yòng wéi yī qiān guó.)
English Translation:
“A middle path is followed. The leader agrees. It is beneficial to relocate the capital.”

This line describes successful communication with a leader, resulting in their support. It advises following a balanced approach and making necessary changes (such as relocating). By doing so, the foundation is strengthened.

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