Hexagram 33
Retreat (Dùn)
Above: Heaven · Below: Mountain
Taking a step back is not giving up
Video
The judgment
Stepping back actually makes things go well. In small matters, keeping to what is right is enough.
The Image: Mountain under heaven: retreat. So the noble person keeps petty people at a distance — not with hostility, but with firm reserve.
From the ancient texts
Shao Yong
Withdrawing and retiring; what peaks must decline. Be careful in word and deed, and wait for the chance to rise again.
Jiao’s Forest of Changes
The Three Paths and Five Peaks, Yangcheng and Taishi — guarded by the spirits, they alone are free of war.
Those famous mountains are watched over by the spirits; when the whole land is at war, they alone stay at peace.
Takashima
- On trade: prices may rise and fall very differently for a while, with wide gaps between them.
- On marriage: the second and fifth lines, yin and yang, naturally answer each other, but one is upright and one is not — declining is the lucky choice.
Five common questions
Timing
Retreat, don't advance; wait for another chance
Health
Avoid noise and bustle; rest quietly
Money
Prices swing far apart
Home
Let light in; keep petty people at a distance
Love
Tell right from wrong; don't commit lightly
The health notes are traditional observations to reflect on. If you feel unwell, follow your doctor’s advice.
The six lines
- Six at the beginning: At the tail end of the retreat. Danger. Do not try to go anywhere.
- Six in the second place: Held fast with yellow oxhide — no one can tear it loose.
- Nine in the third place: A retreat held back by ties — illness and danger. Taking care of servants and maids brings good fortune.
- Nine in the fourth place: A willing retreat. Good fortune for the noble person; not so for the petty.
- Nine in the fifth place: A graceful retreat. Steadfastness brings good fortune.
- Nine at the top: A cheerful, easy retreat. Nothing that is not favorable.
Reminders from the ancients, offered for reflection only.