I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 53 with Changing Lines 4 to Hexagram 33

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 53.4 -> 33

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

53. Development

Yang Yang Yang Yang Yin Yin

33. Retreat

53. Development (漸 Jiàn)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 53

Hexagram 漸 (Jiàn) represents gradual development or progress. This hexagram speaks of a time when slow, steady progress leads to success. Success comes from patience, perseverance, and a clear vision of long-term goals.

Hexagram 53 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"漸，女歸吉，利貞。"
(Jiàn, nǚ guī jí, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Development. The woman’s marriage brings good fortune. Perseverance furthers.”

This hexagram advises gradual, steady progress in any endeavor. Just as a marriage requires time and effort to succeed, so too do all long-term goals. Perseverance and patience lead to good fortune and lasting success.

Hexagram 53 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山上有木，漸。君子以居賢德善俗。"
(Shān shàng yǒu mù, jiàn. Jūn zǐ yǐ jū xián dé shàn sú.)
English Translation:
“Wood on the mountain: The image of Development. The superior person lives with virtue and improves customs.”

The image of wood slowly growing on a mountain symbolizes gradual progress. The superior person, like the wood, patiently builds virtue and improves the customs of society through steady effort and commitment to high ideals.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"鴻漸于木，或得其桷，无咎。"
(Hóng jiàn yú mù, huò dé qí jué, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“The wild goose gradually approaches the tree. Perhaps it finds a branch. No blame.”

This line describes a stage of development where progress is uncertain but there is hope for success, symbolized by finding a branch to rest on. It advises continuing with patience, as there is no blame in making slow progress.

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