I Ching hexagram
33. Retreat
遯Dùn
Heaven over Mountain
Also called The Symbol of Retirement, Yielding, Withdrawal, Retiring, Wielding, Strategic Withdrawal, Inaccessibility, Disassociation from Inferior Forces, “When an opportunity for something better comes along, do not quarrel with an impossible situation.” -- D. F. Hook
Hexagram 33, Retreat (遯 Dùn) is formed by Heaven over Mountain. It is also known as The Symbol of Retirement, Yielding, Withdrawal, Retiring, Wielding, Strategic Withdrawal, Inaccessibility, Disassociation from Inferior Forces.
Legge
Read as
The judgment
Legge
亨，小利貞。
Retreat means successful progress. Advantage comes from firm correctness and attention to details.
The six lines
line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yin
遯尾，厲，勿用有攸往。
You are currently very close to an opponent. It would have been better to pull back earlier. Taking any action now would only lead to danger.
- Line 2Yin
執之用黃牛之革，莫之勝說。
You don't have enough strength to completely withdraw. If you can cultivate a strong desire to retreat or find someone to guide you, you can escape.
- Line 3Yang
係遯，有疾厲，畜臣妾吉。
Being stuck in a challenging situation is holding you back from retreating. You may be surrounded by lesser individuals or ideals. They may offer some protection, but you won't achieve anything significant while tied to them.
- Line 4Yang
好遯君子吉，小人否。
When you see the opportunity to retreat, make sure you do so willingly. This mindset will help you adjust smoothly and thrive in your new circumstances. Those who withdraw in turmoil will face greater difficulties.
- Line 5Yang
嘉遯，貞吉。
Withdraw in a kind but decisive manner. Avoid getting caught up in unnecessary arguments about your decisions. A steady retreat will bring you good fortune.
- Line 6Yang
肥遯，无不利。
You are far enough away from the situation that you can retreat without feeling guilty or uncertain. This brings you great fortune, and your efforts will be rewarding.
When this hexagram changes
These are the moves that have come up most often in readings. Each page keeps the book text.
Use this hexagram in a reading
These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 33 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings. The throw uses the odds of three coins: how a reading is cast.