The judgement
It is hexagram 33 of the I Ching, formed by the Mountain trigram below and the Heaven one above: six lines, three for each trigram. Retreat is heaven withdrawing from the mountain. To withdraw in time is victory, not cowardice. The small must not obstruct.
Trigrams
- Lower
- 艮 Mountain
- Upper
- 乾 Heaven
What it means today
Leave the scene with style. Reduce exposure, do not explain everything, do not fight for ground that is worsening. Save the forces.
Classic image
Heaven on the mountain. The wise person keeps the small person at a distance, not with anger, with reserve.
Love
In love a space is necessary. Withdraw without vanishing into nothing: communicate the perimeter.
Work
At work a project, a company, a role: if the climate is hostile, take a strategic step back. Document; do not burn bridges.
Relationships
In relationships, do not chase those who wear you down. Distance is a form of self-respect.
Decisions
Yes to withdrawal. No to a disordered flight. Leave a door, not a fire.
Related hexagrams
Frequently asked questions
- What does hexagram 33 Retreat represent?
- Retreat combines Mountain (lower) and Heaven (upper). It is a symbolic key for reflecting on the present moment.
- How do I get a personalized reading?
- Use the interactive oracle with the three-coin method: moving lines make each consultation unique.
- Does this page quote Wilhelm?
- No. The text is original prose by the Aurapure team — not a specific classical translation.
- What are moving lines?
- Lines valued 6 or 9 in the cast. They show where the situation is changing and produce a second hexagram.
- How is the figure read?
- Bottom to top. The lower trigram is lines 1–3, the upper is lines 4–6.