I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 57 with Changing Lines 2, 4 to Hexagram 33

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 57.2.4 -> 33

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

57. The Gentle

Yang Yang Yang Yang Yin Yin

33. Retreat

57. The Gentle (巽 Xùn)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☴ Xùn (Wind)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 57

Hexagram 巽 (Xùn) represents the gentle, penetrating influence of wind. This hexagram speaks of subtlety and gradual progress. Success comes from gentle persistence, allowing time for small influences to create great changes.

Hexagram 57 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"巽，小亨，利有攸往，利見大人。"
(Xùn, xiǎo hēng, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì jiàn dàrén.)
English Translation:
“The Gentle. Small success. It is favorable to have somewhere to go. It is favorable to see the great person.”

This hexagram advises taking small, gradual steps toward progress. Like the wind, influence is subtle but consistent. Success comes from moving forward carefully and seeking wise counsel when needed.

Hexagram 57 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"隨風，巽。君子以申命行事。"
(Suí fēng, xùn. Jūn zǐ yǐ shēn mìng xíng shì.)
English Translation:
“Wind following wind: The image of The Gentle. The superior person uses clear orders and acts with authority.”

The image of wind following wind represents a situation where influence builds gradually, reinforcing itself over time. The superior person, like the wind, acts with gentle authority and clear guidance, ensuring progress through consistency.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"巽在床下，用史巫紛若，吉，无咎。"
(Xùn zài chuáng xià, yòng shǐ wū fēn ruò, jí, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“The gentle influence is under the bed. Using divination brings clarity. Good fortune. No blame.”

This line describes subtle influence or hidden forces at work, symbolized by the gentle influence under the bed. By seeking clarity through divination or wise counsel, good fortune follows, and there is no blame for careful actions.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"悔亡，田獲三品。"
(Huǐ wáng, tián huò sān pǐn.)
English Translation:
“Regret disappears. Hunting brings three kinds of game.”

This line describes a situation where previous mistakes or regrets are overcome. By taking action and moving forward, success follows, symbolized by the bounty from the hunt. It advises persistence and adaptability.

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