Dun, nine in the fifth placeHexagram 33, line 5 · Dun (Retreat) · changing to 56
The line
In plain wordsA beautiful withdrawal, done at just the right point. Stay true: good fortune.
The Image commentary on this line
嘉遯貞吉，以正志也。
"An admirable retreat. Staying true brings good fortune": because the purpose is made correct.
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
吉Favorable. This text describes a good outcome. Act the way it says and the matter can succeed. The promise has a condition: keep to the right course.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- Both the timing and the manner of your withdrawal are right: say things clearly, hand over properly, don't burn bridges, and don't drag your feet. If your intentions are right, this is a graceful exit, and it works in your favor.
- Love
- When it is time to step back, you do it at just the right point: no fighting, no scenes, things said plainly, and the other person's dignity left intact. As long as your intentions are right, stopping here is good.
- Money
- Pull out when it is time, and don't get greedy for that last bite; that is the most graceful way to exit. Settle the accounts properly, leave your relationships in good order, and then walk away with dignity.
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 yang line in a yang place: it is in its proper place; it holds the center of its trigram. Its partner is the second line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
Fifth place: the center of the upper trigram, the ruler's seat, a place of achievement. This is where things are decided.
When you get this line
If this is the only changing line in your cast (three backs, old yang), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Dun (Retreat); when this line changes it becomes Lü (The Wanderer): hexagram 33 changing to 56.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Lü (The Wanderer)
You are away from home with no firm footing. Small matters are fine; do not seek anything big.