The 64 hexagrams

Browse every hexagram by number, search by name or theme, or filter by element.

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No. 1QiánThe CreativeNo. 2KūnThe ReceptiveNo. 3ZhūnDifficulty at the BeginningNo. 4MéngYouthful FollyNo. 5WaitingNo. 6SòngConflictNo. 7ShīThe ArmyNo. 8Holding TogetherNo. 9小畜Xiǎo ChùSmall TamingNo. 10TreadingNo. 11TàiPeaceNo. 12StandstillNo. 13同人Tóng RénFellowshipNo. 14大有Dà YǒuGreat PossessionNo. 15QiānModestyNo. 16EnthusiasmNo. 17SuíFollowingNo. 18Work on the DecayedNo. 19LínApproachNo. 20GuānContemplationNo. 21噬嗑Shì KēBiting ThroughNo. 22GraceNo. 23Splitting ApartNo. 24ReturnNo. 25无妄Wú WàngInnocenceNo. 26大畜Dà ChùGreat TamingNo. 27NourishmentNo. 28大过Dà GuòGreat PreponderanceNo. 29KǎnThe AbysmalNo. 30The ClingingNo. 31XiánInfluenceNo. 32HéngDurationNo. 33DùnRetreatNo. 34大壮Dà ZhuàngGreat PowerNo. 35JìnProgressNo. 36明夷Míng YíDarkening of the LightNo. 37家人Jiā RénThe FamilyNo. 38KuíOppositionNo. 39JiǎnObstructionNo. 40XièDeliveranceNo. 41SǔnDecreaseNo. 42IncreaseNo. 43GuàiBreakthroughNo. 44GòuComing to MeetNo. 45CuìGathering TogetherNo. 46ShēngPushing UpwardNo. 47KùnOppressionNo. 48JǐngThe WellNo. 49RevolutionNo. 50DǐngThe CaldronNo. 51ZhènThe ArousingNo. 52GènKeeping StillNo. 53JiànDevelopmentNo. 54归妹Guī MèiThe Marrying MaidenNo. 55FēngAbundanceNo. 56The WandererNo. 57XùnThe GentleNo. 58DuìThe JoyousNo. 59HuànDispersionNo. 60JiéLimitationNo. 61中孚Zhōng FúInner TruthNo. 62小过Xiǎo GuòSmall PreponderanceNo. 63既济Jì JìAfter CompletionNo. 64未济Wèi JìBefore Completion

Hexagram 33 · · Dùn

Retreat

Element:
Mountain over Heaven
Key themes:
retreat, withdrawal, strategy, caution, timing

Image

A mountain beneath heaven, symbolizing the need to retreat and withdraw strategically.

Overall message

Hexagram 33 represents the concept of retreat and strategic withdrawal. It emphasizes the importance of caution, timing, and strategic planning. Success comes from knowing when to step back and regroup for future opportunities.

Recognize when to retreat and withdraw. Act with caution and strategic timing. Success comes from knowing when to step back and regroup for future opportunities.

The six lines

  1. Line 6 · Completion of Retreat

    The period of retreat is complete. Reflect on the journey and prepare for the future.

    Reflect on the experience and learn from it. Prepare for future opportunities.

  2. Line 5 · Leadership in Retreat

    Strong leadership guides the retreat and ensures safety.

    Lead with wisdom and caution. Ensure the safety of your group.

  3. Line 4 · Seeking Safety

    Seek safety and regroup. Prepare for future opportunities.

    Find a safe place to regroup. Prepare for future actions.

  4. Line 3 · Overcoming Resistance

    Resistance may arise, but it can be overcome with careful planning.

    Stay focused and strategic. Overcome resistance with careful planning.

  5. Line 2 · Strategic Withdrawal

    Withdraw strategically to avoid unnecessary conflict.

    Avoid confrontation. Withdraw with a clear plan in mind.

  6. Line 1 · Initial Retreat

    The beginning of a retreat. Be cautious and strategic.

    Start the retreat with caution. Plan your next steps carefully.