Retreat 遯 Dùn

Withdraw gracefully when the time is wrong; it is strength, not defeat.

Trigrams: Heaven over Mountain

The judgement

Retreat brings success. In small matters, staying steady is still worthwhile, but now is a time to step back wisely.

The image

A mountain stands under heaven, which withdraws ever higher. The noble one keeps petty people at a distance, without anger, through quiet dignity.

Light side

A timely step back preserves your strength for a better moment.

Shadow side

Retreat taken as defeat, or done in bitterness, turns into flight.

Drawing Retreat in a game of Leela

In Leela Atlas you can draw a card from the I Ching when you land on a square. A bridging question links the card to the square, so the card speaks to your own question:

• From what would a wise and calm withdrawal serve you now?
• What does "Retreat" show you about your square?
• If "Retreat" were advice for your question, what would it say?
• Where do you meet "Retreat" in your life right now?