Hexagram 56 changing to 33: The Wanderer to Retreat

Where it starts: 56 The Wanderer

Fire on the mountain, passing on: the stranger in a strange place, who succeeds in small things by courtesy and reserve. Mountain below, fire above: fire burning on a mountain, moving on as the grass is consumed, never staying. The Wanderer describes the condition of being away from home, without standing, dependent on the goodwill of strangers: a traveller, an outsider, someone whose position is temporary. The tradition's judgement is modest: success through smallness, persistence brings good fortune. The image adds the rule of conduct: the wise person is clear-minded and cautious in imposing penalties and does not prolong disputes. The reading says you are, in some sense, passing through, and that the way to do it well is with restraint, courtesy, care in choosing companions, and no expectation of the rights of a resident.

Where it goes: 33 Retreat

A timely, dignified withdrawal: strength stepping back before it is forced to, with its integrity intact. Mountain below, heaven above: heaven receding from the mountain. Two yin lines are entering at the bottom and rising; the strong lines above withdraw in good order. Retreat is not flight. The tradition's judgement is that retreat succeeds, and that persistence in small things furthers. The reading describes a situation in which the lesser is gaining ground and the right response is not to fight it head-on but to withdraw with dignity, keeping one's distance and one's standards, and giving no ground in the small things that define who you are. Timing is everything: the retreat done early is a strategy; done late, it is a rout.

The lines that move

1. Line 5

   He shoots a pheasant. It drops with the first arrow. In the end this brings both praise and office.

   The stranger who makes a proper introduction, offering what the place values, and is accepted into it. The pheasant is the gift; the single arrow is skill. The line describes the outsider who earns a place. Offer what the place values, skilfully, and you will be accepted.

What is changing. The situation of The Wanderer is moving toward Retreat. Behave as a good guest: modest, courteous, reserved, and careful about disputes and companions. As the change completes: Withdraw early, calmly and with reserve; hold your standards in the small things.

love and relationships

Now: One of you is passing through, or the relationship is in a transitional, unsettled phase with no fixed home. Do not demand the rights of permanence. Be courteous, choose carefully whom you trust, and keep your reserve. The lines describe both the wanderer who finds a resting place and the one who burns it down. Then: Step back. Not a break, a withdrawal from a dynamic that is not serving you, done calmly and without anger. Keep your dignity and your small standards. Distance now may be what preserves the relationship later.

career

Now: You are the outsider: new, temporary, without standing. Success is in small things. Be modest, reliable and reserved; do not throw your weight about, and do not entangle yourself in the disputes of the place. The inn is found by good conduct. Then: The environment is turning against you and confrontation would lose. Withdraw strategically: reduce exposure, keep your work impeccable in small things, and do not engage the people who are gaining ground. Retreat early and it is a choice.

money

Now: Travelling light. Keep your resources with you, do not invest in a place you are passing through, and avoid disputes that would cost more than they are worth. Small, careful gains. Then: Reduce exposure. Pull back from positions that are going wrong while you still can do it on your own terms. Persistence in small, careful matters is favoured; large moves are not.

decisions

Now: Choose the modest option that suits someone without standing. The reading rules out large commitments and prolonged conflicts. Decide as a guest would, with courtesy and an eye to moving on. Then: Choose the option that lets you step back in good order. The reading is against fighting the rising tide and equally against retreating so late that it becomes a collapse. Withdraw while it is still a decision.