I Ching · Hexagram 33 of 64
33. Dùn 遯 · Retreat
By Destiny Kua · Updated
Withdraw wisely; stepping back is not defeat.
- Upper trigram
- Heaven 乾
- Lower trigram
- Mountain 艮
What hexagram 33 means
Dùn is a mountain under heaven: heaven withdraws as the mountain rises. It is strategic retreat. When opposing forces are growing, stepping back at the right moment preserves your strength. Retreat is not defeat; it is timing.
Hexagram 33 in daily life
At work
Step back from a losing battle. Preserve your resources.
In relationships
Give space. Stepping back may protect the relationship.
For yourself
Withdraw from what drains you.
The six changing lines
If your cast included changing lines (a 6 or a 9), read the matching lines below. Line 1 is the bottom line.
| Line | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Line 1 | At the tail of the retreat. Danger; don't try anything now. |
| Line 2 | Held fast by a strong bond. Stay loyal. |
| Line 3 | A retreat held back by obligations. Stressful; take care of those who depend on you. |
| Line 4 | Voluntary retreat. Good fortune for the wise. |
| Line 5 | Friendly retreat. Persistence brings good fortune. |
| Line 6 | Cheerful retreat. Everything is favourable. |
The two trigrams
The lower trigram, Mountain 艮 (Gèn), stands for your inner state and the root of the situation. The upper trigram, Heaven 乾 (Qián), stands for the outer circumstances. In element terms this is Metal over Earth. Mountain is the trigram of Kua 8 and Heaven is the trigram of Kua 6.
Related hexagrams
- Opposite (every line changed): 19. Lín 臨 · Approach
- Inverted (read upside down): 34. Dà Zhuàng 大壯 · Great Power
- Trigrams swapped: 26. Dà Chù 大畜 · Great Taming
Questions to reflect on
- What do I need to step back from?
- What am I protecting by retreating?
- Is it time to go?
Our line summaries are written in plain English in our own words, based on the traditional meanings. For reflection and entertainment, not prediction or professional advice.