Hexagram 33: Retreat
䷠ 遯 (Dùn) · Retreat. Withdraw with dignity; a strategic step back.
withdrawal, timing, dignity, distance
Lower trigram: Mountain ☶ · Upper trigram: Heaven ☰
The judgment
Some forces are rising that you can't stop by pushing against them, and the wise move is to step back while you can still choose how. Retreat here is not defeat; it keeps your strength whole for a better moment. Small, steady acts of integrity still go well, even while you give ground on the larger field.
The image
Mountain below Heaven: however high the peak climbs, the sky keeps its distance. Hold yourself a little apart from what drains you, calmly and courteously, without anger and without slamming doors.
The six lines
Read only the lines that changed in your casting, counting from the bottom.
- Line 1 (bottom): You are at the tail of the retreat, closest to the trouble. This is no time to start anything; staying quiet and still is the safer course.
- Line 2: You are held as firmly as if bound with a strap of yellow oxhide. A loyalty or purpose you are sure of keeps you in place, and that steadiness deserves respect.
- Line 3: A retreat that keeps getting halted by ties and obligations is uncomfortable and a little risky. Look after the people who depend on you in small ways, but don't let them steer the larger decision.
- Line 4: You step away by your own free choice. For someone at peace with the decision it is a clean move; it only stings if you were holding on for appearances.
- Line 5: A friendly, well-timed retreat: you leave on good terms and at the right moment. Holding steady to that choice serves you well.
- Line 6 (top): A cheerful retreat, free of doubt and second thoughts. With nothing left to cling to, every road is open.
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