The power of the shadowy element is rising. The light retreats into safety before it, so that the light cannot harm it. This retreat is not a matter of human caprice, but of the laws of natural phenomena. Therefore, in this case, retreat is the right course of action, one that does not wear out the forces. (A similar idea is expressed in the symbol as in Jesus’ words: “You shall not resist evil” (Math 5:39))

As a monthly symbol, the hexagram is assigned to the sixth month (July-August), in which the winter forces are already beginning to exert their influence again.

Conditions are such that the hostile forces, favored by the time, are advancing. In this case, retreat is the right thing to do, and it is precisely through retreat that one achieves success. Success lies in being able to carry out the retreat correctly. Retreat is not to be confused with flight, which is concerned with nothing more than escape at all costs. Retreat is a sign of strength. One must not miss the right moment as long as one is in full possession of strength and position. Then one understands how to interpret the signs of the times in time and prepares for a temporary retreat instead of engaging in a desperate life-and-death struggle. Thus, one does not simply cede the field to the enemy, but rather makes it more difficult for him to advance by continuing to show persistence in individual details. In this way, one prepares for the reversal in retreat. Understanding the laws of such an active retreat is not easy. The meaning hidden in such a time is significant.

The mountain rises beneath the sky, but it is in its nature that it ultimately remains standing. The sky, on the other hand, withdraws upwards before him into the distance, so that it remains unattainable. This is the image of the way the noble man behaves toward the ascending common man. He withdraws from him in his attitude. He does not hate him; for hatred is a kind of inner involvement through which one unites with the hated object. The noble man demonstrates strength (heaven) by bringing the common man to a standstill (mountain) through his composure.