Hexagram 33: Retreat
Hexagram
33. Retreat · Dun
Structure of the sign
The power of the dark is ascending. The light retreats to safety before it, so that the dark cannot harm it. This retreat is not a matter of human caprice, but of natural laws. Therefore, in this case, retreat is the proper course of action that does not exhaust one's forces. As a sign of the month, the hexagram is assigned to the sixth month (July–August), in which the forces of winter already begin to show their effects once again.
The Judgment
Retreat. Success. In small matters, perseverance furthers. Conditions are such that the hostile forces, favored by the time, are on the advance. In this case, retreat is the proper course, and it is through retreat that one achieves success. Success consists in being able to carry out the retreat correctly. Retreat is not to be confused with flight, which seeks nothing more than salvation under any circumstances. Retreat is a sign of strength. One must not miss the right moment while still in full possession of power and position. Then one knows how to interpret the signs of the times in due season and prepares a temporary retreat instead of engaging in a desperate life-and-death struggle. Thus one does not simply abandon the field to the opponent, but makes the advance difficult for him by still showing perseverance in small matters. In this way, one already prepares the turnaround while in retreat. To understand the laws of such an active retreat is not easy. The meaning hidden in such a time is profound.
The Image
Mountain under heaven: the image of Retreat. Thus the superior man keeps the small man at a distance, not angrily, but with dignity. The mountain rises under heaven, but by its nature it finally comes to a stop. Heaven, on the other hand, retreats upward before it into the distance, remaining unreachable. This is the image of the way the superior man conducts himself toward the ascending small man. He retreats before him in his disposition. He does not hate him; for hatred is a kind of inner involvement by which one binds oneself to the hated object. The superior man shows strength (heaven) in bringing the small man to a standstill through his dignity (mountain).
The lines
Line 1
At the tail in retreat: this is dangerous. One must not wish to undertake anything. Since the hexagram is the image of something retreating, the first line is the tail and the topmost the head. In retreat, it is advantageous to be in front. Here one is behind, in immediate contact with the pursuing enemies. This is dangerous. Under such perilous circumstances, it is not advisable to undertake anything. By keeping still, one most easily escapes the threatening danger.
Line 2
He holds him fast with yellow oxhide. No one can tear him loose. Yellow is the color of the middle. It indicates what is correct and dutiful. The hide of an ox is tough and unbreakable. While the superior men retreat and the inferior press forward, here an inferior man is depicted who holds on so firmly and tenaciously to the superior men that they cannot free themselves from him. And because he wills what is right and is so strong in his will, he achieves his goal. In this way, the line confirms the word of the Judgment: 'In small matters (here meaning: for the inferior man), perseverance furthers.'
Line 3
A halted retreat is distressing and dangerous. To keep people as male and female servants brings good fortune. When it is time to retreat and one is held back, this is both disagreeable and dangerous, since one is deprived of freedom of action. In such a case, the only way out is to take the people who will not let one go into one's service, so to speak, in order at least to preserve the initiative and not fall defenselessly under their domination. Yet even if this provides a way out, the situation is by no means pleasant. For what can one accomplish with such servants?
Line 4
Voluntary retreat brings good fortune to the superior man, and downfall to the inferior man. In retreat, the superior man makes his departure willingly and in all friendliness. The retreat is also inwardly easy for him because in this way he does not need to do violence to his conviction. The only one who must suffer from this is the small man, from whom he withdraws and who must deteriorate without the guidance of the superior man.
Line 5▶ ruling line
Friendly retreat. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is the business of the superior man to recognize in time when it is season to retreat. If one chooses the right time for retreat, this retreat can take place in completely amicable forms, without the need for unpleasant confrontations. Yet despite all the courtesy of outward form, absolute firmness of resolve is necessary so that one is not led astray by other considerations.
Line 6
Cheerful retreat. Everything furthers. The situation is unequivocal. Inner detachment is an established fact. One thereby has the freedom to depart. Where one sees one's path so clearly and without doubt before oneself, a cheerful composure sets in, choosing what is right without any misgivings. Such a clear path always leads to good.
Lower ☶ Mountain (Gen)
- Direction
- NE
- Element
- Mountain · Stone
- Attributes
- Keeping Still · Firm · Immovable · Setting Boundaries
- Family
- Youngest Son
Upper ☰ Heaven (Kien)
- Direction
- NW
- Element
- Heaven · Metal
- Attributes
- Creative · Strong · Untiring · Luminous
- Family
- Father