Trigrams
☰☶ – Heaven above, Mountain below
Meaning
Represents the wisdom of strategic withdrawal. Heaven draws back behind the mountain. The strong retreats not from weakness but from understanding the timing. A well-executed retreat preserves strength and prevents unnecessary loss.
Interpretation
- Recognize when conditions require retreat rather than advance.
- A strategic withdrawal preserves strength for the right moment.
- Retreating with dignity and without hesitation is itself a form of mastery.
Six Yao (Lines) with Classical Quotes
1st Yao (初爻)
遁尾，厉，勿用有攸往。
English: Retreating at the tail — dangerous. Do not try to go anywhere. Being the last to retreat, having delayed too long, puts one in the most dangerous position.
Luck Level: Caution
2nd Yao (二爻)
执之用黄牛之革，莫之胜说。
English: Holding fast with yellow oxhide — no one can tear it away. A firm and resolute commitment that cannot be broken by any force.
Luck Level: Neutral
3rd Yao (三爻)
系遁，有疾厉，畜臣妈吉。
English: Bound retreat — there is sickness and danger. Keeping servants and concubines is auspicious. Being unable to retreat freely due to attachments is hazardous; manage your responsibilities carefully.
Luck Level: Caution
4th Yao (四爻)
好遁，君子吉，小人否。
English: Voluntary retreat — good fortune for the noble person; harmful for the petty person. The wise person retreats gladly when appropriate; the petty person cannot give up what they cling to.
Luck Level: Good
5th Yao (五爻)
嘉遁，贞吉。
English: Excellent retreat — perseverance brings good fortune. Retreating with full appropriateness, at the right moment, in the right way.
Luck Level: Good
6th Yao (上爻)
肥遁，无不利。
English: Generous retreat — nothing is unfavorable. Retreating fully and freely, without regret or residual attachment, is the finest withdrawal.
Luck Level: Good