Dun, six at the beginningHexagram 33, line 1 · Dun (Retreat) · changing to 13
The line
In plain wordsYou mean to withdraw, but you have ended up at the very back. Dangerous. Do not head anywhere now; hide, wait quietly, and you can escape harm.
The Image commentary on this line
遯尾之厲，不往何災也。
The danger of "the tail of the retreat": if one does not go anywhere, what calamity can there be?
The small Image commentary is the earliest explanation of the line texts. It usually explains a line from its position: where it stands, whether it holds the center, and which line answers it.
Verdict
慎Proceed with care. There is some risk, or some regret left over, but nothing serious. Notice it early, correct it early, and things turn for the better.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- Everyone who was going to pull out has already gone, and you are left at the very back, the most dangerous place to be. Don't make any big moves now, and don't rush for the exit. Keep a low profile and wait quietly; that is how you actually get through.
- Love
- You were a step too slow when it was time to pull back, and now you have the least control and are the easiest to hurt. Don't force a showdown, don't press for answers, and don't rush into a decision. Say little, do little, stay quiet for a while, and nothing will go wrong.
- Money
- Others pulled out long ago, and you are still in, carrying the most risk. Don't rush to win back your losses now, and don't start anything new. Stay put and hold on quietly; that way less goes wrong.
This is how to read it when this is the only changing line. With several changing lines, first see which text governs; for the hexagram as a whole, see Dun.
Line position
A yin line in a yang place: it is not in its proper place. Its partner is the fourth line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
First place: the beginning of the matter. Low position, little power. Begin carefully.
When you get this line
If this is the only changing line in your cast (three inscribed sides, old yin), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Dun (Retreat); when this line changes it becomes Tongren (Fellowship): hexagram 33 changing to 13.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Tongren (Fellowship)
Find like-minded people and do it together. This can succeed.