Hexagram 33: Retreat
Strategic withdrawal, retreat
| Chinese | 遯 (Dùn) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☰ Heaven — The Creative (Metal) |
| Lower trigram | ☶ Mountain — Keeping Still (Earth) |
| Keywords | retreat, withdrawal, strategy, timing |
| Opposite | Hexagram 19: Approach |
| Inverted | Hexagram 34: Great Power |
What does Hexagram 33 (Retreat) mean?
Retreat 遯 (Dùn) is hexagram 33 of the I Ching, formed by Heaven (The Creative) over Mountain (Keeping Still). Its theme is strategic withdrawal, retreat, with key ideas of retreat, withdrawal, strategy, timing. The Judgment reads: “Retreat. Success. In what is small, perseverance furthers.”
The Judgment of Retreat
Retreat. Success. In what is small, perseverance furthers.
The Image of Retreat
Mountain under heaven.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 33
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Six at the beginning
“At the tail in retreat. This is dangerous. One must not wish to undertake anything.”
Being caught at the rear during a withdrawal is the most exposed position. Act on nothing; survive the retreat first.
Six in the second place
“He holds him fast with yellow oxhide. No one can tear him loose.”
A firm, central bond holds even through the pressure of retreat. True loyalty or commitment cannot be severed by circumstance.
Nine in the third place
“A halted retreat is nerve-wracking and dangerous. To retain people as servants and maidservants brings good fortune.”
Retreat delayed by entanglements is stressful and risky. Keeping reliable helpers close while disengaging from the wider situation is the right compromise.
Nine in the fourth place
“Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior man and downfall to the inferior man.”
Choosing to withdraw before being forced to preserves dignity and options. Those who retreat by choice retain their strength; those who resist lose everything.
Nine in the fifth place
“Friendly retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune.”
Withdrawing with grace, maintaining good relations even as one steps back, is the most complete form of strategic retreat.
Nine at the top
“Cheerful retreat. Everything serves to further.”
When the time to withdraw is fully ripe and accepted wholeheartedly, every step of the departure is favourable. Joy in letting go is the final freedom.
Will Retreat answer your question?
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