Delayed Retreat

Retiring at the tail. Adversity, the hungry souls and angry ghosts. Make the sacrifice. Do not act. Have a direction to go. You are caught up in old plans and old promises. You cannot cut through them yet, but be ready. The people are gathering at the gate, poised at the threshold. Though you are stuck at the moment and in for a bit of hard work, the fault will not last long. Accept the hardship. Have no fear. Heaven is shielding the birth of this new group. You are coupled with a creative force.

初六, 遯尾, 厲, 勿用有攸往.

At the tail in retreat. This is dangerous. One must not wish to undertake anything. ##### Comments Since the hexagram is the picture of something that is retreating, the lowest line represents the tail and the top line the head. In a retreat it is advantageous to be at the front. Here one is at the back, in immediate contact with the pursuing enemy. This is dangerous, and under such circumstances it is not advisable to undertake anything. Keeping still is the easiest way of escaping from the threatening danger.