| The present is embodied in Hexagram 33 - Tun (Retreat): Successful progress is indicated, but to a small extent it will still be advantageous to be firm and correct. |
| The first (bottommost) line, divided, shows a retiring tail. The position is perilous. No movement in any direction should be made. |
| The second line, divided, shows its subject holding his purpose fast, as if by a thong made from the hide of a yellow ox, which cannot be broken. |
| The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring in an admirable way. With firm correctness there will be good fortune. |
| The sixth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring in a noble way. It will be advantageous in every respect. |
| The situation is changing rapidly, but neither Yin (the passive feminine force) nor Yang (the active masculine force) is gaining ground. |
| The future is embodied in Hexagram 34 - Ta Chuang (The Power of the Great): It will be advantageous to be firm and correct. |
 | The things most apparent, those above and in front, are embodied by the upper trigram Chi'en (Heaven), which is transforming into Chen (Thunder). As part of this process, strength and creativity are giving way to movement, initiative, and action. |
 | The things least apparent, those below and behind, are embodied by the lower trigram Ken (Mountain), which is transforming into Chi'en (Heaven). As part of this process, stillness and obstruction are giving way to strength and creativity. |
