The Hexagrams 33-64


Tun

33. Retreat
      (Withdrawal)
Orderly withdrawal is necessary, but avoid 'running away', rather: do not confront those who oppose you.  Conserve your energies, do not start new ventures, and consolidate existing ones with extreme care.


Ta Chuang

34. The Power of
      the Great
A time of progress and good fortune, when others follow your example. Act justly and wisely, not only strongly. Follow your actions to their end.


Chin

35. Progress Opportunities appear for rapid progress in many areas. Act justly and humbly in order to succeed. This is also a time to think of others, not only 'self'.


Ming I

36. Darkening
      of the Light
Things do not go well, but do not become down-hearted. Be careful who you trust, and act with caution. Be patient, things will improve, make plans in preparation, but; try to hide your disappointment until the improvement comes.


Chia Jên

37. The Family
      (The Clan)
This concerns all aspects of family relationships. Do not act in isolation, but in co-ordination with close family and friends. Act morally, justly, and with respect for others. Be sure to consolidate close relationships.


K'uei

38. Opposition Treat others generously in order to turn conflict and suspicion into shared success. The differences between opposing views can be small: look for ways to unite them constructively and harmoniously. Disaster can be avoided with care.


Chien

39. Obstruction Difficulties surround you, but are part of an essential process. Be constant in your objectives, but do not apply force to achieve them: be patient and think before acting.


Hsieh

40. Deliverance Good and improving fortune is to arrive when you free yourself from current problems. Deal with your difficulties quickly but gently: success has not arrived yet. Remember the lessons learnt, but do not be a slave to the past.


Sun

41. Decrease Avoid excesses, and preserve what you have. You may need to accept a loss, but do so easily: greater benefit will replace the loss. Be restrained but flexible, and act with sincerity.


I

42. Increase This is a good time for increased activity and prosperity, and maybe travel over water. Make the most of this time because it will pass. Be generous and do not seek unfair advantage over others.


Kuai

43. Break-through There is danger which must be acknowledged, and actions taken in quiet ways with the support of others. Greater prosperity will follow if you act fairly and with honour, and are cautious in your actions.


Kou

44. Coming to
      (Encountering)
Do not follow someone else's path. Be careful of dangerous situations: deceit and hidden objectives will be harmful, although honesty and honourable actions could be beneficial. Learn from these situations for the future


Ts'ui

45. Gathering Together (Massing) A harmonious balance requires a gathering together with others, although you should only take advice from one other. Be prepared for your inner calm to be tested, and be ready to act if things get out of control.


Shêng

46. Pushing
      Upwards
Growth may take time, but will produce success and good rewards. Do not become lazy or arrogant, and be prepared to work hard to consolidate your gain: growth will not continue forever.


K'un

47. Oppression
      (Exhaustion)
Use your inner resolve and strength to face the difficulties ahead. Losses which you suffer may be necessary to show what is truly important. Be silent, and be watchful for deceit and false flattery.


Ching

48. The Well The Well of Human Nature contains your understanding, based on past experience of yourself and others. Use the understanding to ensure you stay on a natural path. Things are good, but be watchful for change.


Ko

49. Revolution Significant change should occur, bringing with it good opportunities. Be wary of acting only with materialistic interest, but act carefully and with sincerity.


Ting

50. The Great Bowl
      (Sacred Vessel)
Material and spiritual success surround you in harmony. Maintain balance and understanding of the world in your actions, and new and existing projects will progress well.


Chên

51. Thunder
      (Shock)
After a brief (but significant) period of turmoil, possibly with news conveying a 'shock', this should be a period of success and plenty. Calm will follow the 'storm'. Be wary of gossip causing problems.


Kên

52. Keeping Still This is a time to wait an be patient. Nothing can be achieved by action, although you should continue to work quietly in the background. Avoid new partnerships, but be true to existing ones.


Chien

53. Development Wait for the time to become right for action. Success will follow, but only if you are patient. Be truthful with yourself, and strong in your objectives, while you wait.


Kuei Mei

54. The Marrying
      Maiden (Love)
Be cautious and be prepared to settle for less, or to back down, if necessary. Be sure that you are not seduced by the superficial or the short term, but look for truth and objectivity. Do not 'bite off more than you can chew'!


Fêng

55. Abundance
      (Fullness)
Good fortune will follow, leading to abundance and prosperity. Use this abundance to prepare for the hard times which may follow. This time and abundance may also be used to identify new goal and plan for reaching them.


56. Travel
      (The Seeker)
Like the 'Fool' in Tarot, this indicates starting a journey, with lessons to be learned. Attempts to reach the destination too quickly will fail, so move slowly. Concentrate on each step you take before progressing to the next one.


Sun

57. The Gentle
      (The Penetrating)
Be flexible and gentle, but get to the heart of problems. Being steadfast will produce results, but don't push. Have clear objectives, and act honourably to achieve success.


Tui

58. The Joyous There is good news, and good fortune. Your joy and inner strength attracts those who wish to partner you. Be humble and avoid arrogance and talking too much about your success if you wish this to continue.


Huan

59. Dispersion
      (The Dissolving)
Follow a 'middle' path, and avoid being forced too far away from it, if you wish to be successful. Work hard and with determination, and remember to be reasonable. You may meet people from your past looking for a spiritual bond.


Chieh

60. Limitation
      (Due Measure)
Stay calm and turn the negative into the positive using common sense. Be wise and think ahead, and don't be daunted by obstacles in your way or limitations placed upon you.


Chung Fu

61. Inner Truth Learn to be happy with yourself and your life, as you plan for the future. Material and practical issues will not be so successful, but your peace lies within. You are well-liked, so communicating well will bring some success.


Hsiao Kuo

62. Preponderance
      of the Small
Pay attention to detail, as success will come in small ways. Do not be over- ambitious, but be modest and conscientious in order to achieve results. Be patient before starting on large projects: now is not a good time for them.


Chi Chi

63. Order
      (After Completion)
There is good fortune, but this is not a time to relax. Be sure to consolidate what you have, or have gained. Act with caution and strive to maintain balance.


Wei Chi

64. Transition       (Before Completion) The time is not yet right for you to act, so be patient: the transition from chaos to order is not yet complete. You are following the right path, but avoid disputes, and success will come to you in time.