Hexagram 33 · Line 1
Retreat — 初九
Dun · Chu Jiu
初九 · Chu Jiu
The Line
At the retreat, at the tail: this is dangerous. One must not want to undertake anything.
Interpretation
Since the hexagram is the image of something that is withdrawing, the first line is the tail, and the topmost is the head. In retreat it is advantageous to be at the front. Here one is at the back, in immediate contact with the enemies pressing after. This is dangerous. Under such dangerous circumstances it is not advisable to undertake anything. Through keeping still, one most easily escapes the threatening danger.