Hexagram 33 - Returning To Base
Hexagram 33 is an i Ching symbol with an important message for your life. This symbol shows the need to take a step back in certain situations, because avoiding certain problems is better than facing them. Taking a step back does not mean giving up. In this case, it means taking a step back to see things from a different perspective.
If hexagram 33 comes out to you in a game of i ching, it is a good sign. It’s a sign that you needed to see this symbol to know when to stop insisting on a certain situation or action.
Hexagram 33 Symbol
Hexagram 33 is composed of 4 unbroken and 2 broken horizontal lines. This symbol is associated with strategic withdrawal.
Hexagram 33 Strategic Withdrawal Gain Perspective Facing Criticism |
Many people believe that life is all about striking and moving forward. However, some journeys and circumstances will require you to take a step back. If six coin tosses direct you towards Hexagram 33 from the I Ching, it means climbing the mountain any further will only add to the risk and that returning to base might be a better idea for now.
Guidance:
- Some objectives are just not worth fighting for. Your ego might be chasing after them for gratification but, in practicality, they mean nothing to you. Recoiling allows you to look at the bigger picture and analyze if what you’re chasing is worth the while.
- By taking a step back, you can better set up for your next attempt. It’s difficult to look ahead when there’s an obstacle right in front of you. But, an aerial view of the situation allows you to view everything in full frame meaning you can aim your shot finer.
- Retreating from a conflict means both parties have time to cool down. This way, the situation is unlikely to get out of hand and escalate into a bigger issue.
Warnings:
- Stepping down and retreating from conflict might make you appear weak and vulnerable.
- Excessive pride and ego will make it harder for you to withdraw from a situation even when it’s necessary. You’ll need to fight that nature in order to find clarity.
- Even a silent withdrawal doesn’t go unnoticed. Some bashing and humiliation from critics is to be expected even if you pulled back for a better cause.
Hexagram 33 Message
There’s one kind of regret that stems from not taking a shot and another kind that stems from taking the shot when you shouldn’t have. While constantly advancing and reaching new heights in life is important, times will come when stepping back will be necessary in order to see another good day.
When the situation doesn’t seem right and things may be starting to get a little too heated, it’s okay to retreat and buy yourself some time and mental clarity. Even just a small step back can allow you to view the situation at large and find a way around obstacles in your path.
Hexagram 33 Message For Love & Relationships
Coming to conclusions too quickly in a relationship is like setting yourself up for failure. Impatience and love don’t really go hand in hand. While some days can be rainbows and unicorns, others can be hell.
When life isn’t treating you or your partner right, the frustration and upset mood can become a reason for trouble. In times like these, it’s especially important to empathize with each other and not give up on the relationship whatsoever.
Messages From The Lines Of Hexagram 33
Line 1:
It’s better to drop something that doesn’t interest you any more than stick to it and waste your time and energy. If you’re loud and vocal about the withdrawal, people who had faith in you might be disappointed. But, their expectations shouldn’t keep you from doing what you think is right; people forget and move on much quicker than you think.
Line 2:
A conflict with a loved one should never get too heated, otherwise, the bond you share with them will be at risk. If you happen to be clashing with someone in your life by any chance, don’t make the mistake of ignoring cues and warnings to pull back. It’s easy to lose your head and let out things you shouldn’t in the midst of chaos. Try to get a hold of yourself and retreat before the relationship takes a serious hit.
Line 3:
In a team setting, allies and associates may not take a retreat very well, especially if they don’t expect it.
Despite being the right decision to make at the time, there will always be teammates who disagree and they’ll likely stand in the way of a proper retreat. Getting everyone on the same page is difficult but it’s the trouble you’ll need to go through to make sure everyone stands down and there are no wrong moves played.
Line 4:
If fear of humiliation is keeping you from retreating, it’s actually a good thing. It means you have honor and credibility that you don’t want to lose.
If, however, the price for this protection of honor is your peace and well-being then the retreat might be worth considering. One can only give up so much to remain intact. At one point or the other, the fisherman has to get the dangerous fish off his boat even if he’s ridiculed for it.
Line 5:
A huge downside of retreating is that rivals and competitors start to view you as vulnerable. It makes you an easier target for those who intend to overtake you.
When placed in such a position, it’s best to retreat while keeping your guard up. Show no weaknesses and give opponents the impression that they’ll be making a mistake by striking right now. Even without a solid plan, just displaying some sort of mock-up “defense” should do the job.
Line 6:
Acceptance of failure/loss is important in order to retreat; you obviously don’t retreat without a reason. Whether you failed to get favorable results or don’t seem to be making any marginal progress for a while, whatever the reason is for your retreat, fully accept it and own up to your misfires.
Hexagram 33 and its interpretations pretty much cover everything in terms of enlightening you about the option of pulling back and recoiling in any situation. The only little piece of advice I can add to it is that the universe will usually send signals and warnings your way regarding retreat, so just make sure you don’t ignore or disregard them. Whatever the circumstance, universal signals telling you to retreat means you retreat without hesitation; there should be no second thoughts or regrets involved when the green light comes from above.