All hexagrams · ← 32 · 34 →
遯 33 · Dùn · Retreat
Heaven over Mountain — upper Qián 乾 (creative, strong, initiating); lower Gèn 艮 (still, resting, bounded)
Hexagram 33, Retreat (Dùn, 遯), is Heaven over Mountain. Mountain under heaven. Strategic withdrawal at the right time.
The situation
Mountain under heaven. Strategic withdrawal at the right time.
The counsel
Retreat with dignity and keep small things in order. This is not defeat.
The six lines
Line 1 — At the tail of the retreat. Danger; undertake nothing.
Line 2 — Holding with yellow oxhide. Cannot be torn loose.
Line 3 — A halted retreat. Nerve-racking; care for those who depend on you.
Line 4 — Voluntary retreat. Good for the noble; ruin for the petty.
Line 5 — Friendly retreat. Right.
Line 6 — Cheerful retreat. Everything favours.