| 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 third line, undivided, shows one retiring but bound, to his distress and peril. If he were to deal with his binders as in nourishing a servant or concubine, it would be fortunate for him. |
| The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject retiring notwithstanding his likings. In a superior man this will lead to good fortune, but a small man cannot attain to this. |
| 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, and Yin (the passive feminine force) is gaining ground. |
| The future is embodied in Hexagram 24 - Fu (Turning Point): There will be a free course and progress. He finds no one to distress him in his exits and entrances. Friends come to him, and no error is committed. He will return and repeat his proper course. In seven days comes his return. There will be advantage in whatever direction movement is made. |
 | The things most apparent, those above and in front, are embodied by the upper trigram Chi'en (Heaven), which is transforming into K'un (Earth). As part of this process, strength and creativity are giving way to docility and receptivity. |
 | The things least apparent, those below and behind, are embodied by the lower trigram Ken (Mountain), which is transforming into Chen (Thunder). As part of this process, stillness and obstruction are giving way to movement, initiative, and action. |
