I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 5 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 4, 6 to Hexagram 33

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 5.1.2.4.6 -> 33

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

5. Waiting (Nourishment)

Yang Yang Yang Yang Yin Yin

33. Retreat

5. Waiting (Nourishment) (需 Xū)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 5

Hexagram 需 (Xū) represents waiting or nourishing. It reflects a time when patience and perseverance are necessary to allow circumstances to unfold naturally. The image is of rain held in the clouds, which will eventually fall, nourishing the earth. In human terms, it advises readiness without rushing, cultivating inner strength while waiting for the right moment to act.

Hexagram 5 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"有孚，光亨，贞吉。利涉大川。"
(Yǒu fú, guāng hēng, zhēn jí. Lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
“If you are sincere, you have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is favorable to cross the great water.”

This Judgment emphasizes the importance of sincerity and clarity during times of waiting. Success will come through perseverance and maintaining one's integrity. The phrase 'cross the great water' suggests a major challenge or journey that can be successfully undertaken if approached with patience and readiness.

Hexagram 5 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"云上于天，需。君子以饮食宴乐。"
(Yún shàng yú tiān, xū. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǐn shí yàn lè.)
English Translation:
“Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. The superior person eats and drinks, is joyful and at ease.”

The image of clouds rising up to heaven indicates that rain is not yet falling. This represents a period of waiting before action. The superior person takes this time to enjoy life's simple pleasures—food, drink, and joy—without anxiety. It is a call to cultivate patience and inner peace while waiting for the right moment.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"需于郊。利用恒，无咎。"
(Xū yú jiāo. Lì yòng héng, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Waiting in the outskirts. It is beneficial to be persistent. No fault.”

This line suggests that during the early stages of waiting, one remains on the outskirts, not yet in the center of action. Patience and persistence are key to avoid acting prematurely. By maintaining steadiness, one avoids mistakes and prepares for the proper moment.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"需于沙。小有言，终吉。"
(Xū yú shā. Xiǎo yǒu yán, zhōng jí.)
English Translation:
“Waiting on the sand. There may be some gossip, but in the end, good fortune.”

In this line, the image of waiting on sand represents an uncertain and shifting situation. During this time, there may be criticism or gossip, but these small disturbances will not affect the final outcome. Patience and perseverance will lead to success despite the distractions.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"需于血，出自穴。"
(Xū yú xuè, chū zì xué.)
English Translation:
“Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit.”

This line symbolizes a situation of extreme danger or difficulty (blood). The advice here is to take action to extricate oneself from this perilous position rather than continue waiting passively. Escaping from the 'pit' represents the need for proactive measures when circumstances become too dangerous.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"入于穴，有不速之客三人来，敬之终吉。"
(Rù yú xué, yǒu bù sù zhī kè sān rén lái, jìng zhī zhōng jí.)
English Translation:
“Entering the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Treat them with respect, and in the end, there will be good fortune.”

This final line portrays an unexpected situation (the arrival of three uninvited guests) that may initially seem challenging. However, by treating the unexpected circumstances or individuals with respect and patience, good fortune will result. This line advises composure and open-mindedness when confronted with surprises.

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