I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 29 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4 to Hexagram 49
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 29.1.2.3.4 -> 49
29. Repeated Depth (坎 Kǎn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☵ Kǎn (Water) — 水 · Depth
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water) — 水 · Depth
The Symbolism of Hexagram 29
Hexagram 坎 (Kǎn) describes repeated descent into depth. It represents recurring exposure to danger, requiring continuity of movement and internal stability.
Hexagram 29 Judgment
習坎,有孚,維心亨,行有尚。
(Xí kǎn, yǒu fú, wéi xīn hēng, xíng yǒu shàng.)
"Repeated depth. There is underlying alignment. In the heart, there is smooth progress. Movement has value."
The situation involves recurring entry into difficulty. Stability must come from within, not from external conditions.
Continuity of movement is required. Stopping within danger leads to entrapment.
Hexagram 29 Image
水流至坎,習坎。君子以常德行,習教事。
(Shuǐ liú zhì kǎn, xí kǎn. Jūn zǐ yǐ cháng dé xíng, xí jiào shì.)
"Water flows on into the depths: repeated depth. The superior person keeps conduct constant and practices the work of instruction."
Water does not resist the terrain—it continues through it. This reflects persistence through danger rather than avoidance.
Consistency of behavior provides stability when conditions are unstable.
Line 1 Changing
習坎,入于坎窞,凶。
(Xí kǎn, rù yú kǎn dàn, xiōng.)
"Repeated depth. Entering into a pit within the depth. Unfavorable outcome."
Instead of passing through danger, one descends further into it.
This represents loss of direction within a hazardous condition.
Line 2 Changing
坎有險,求小得。
(Kǎn yǒu xiǎn, qiú xiǎo dé.)
"Within the depth risk present. Seek small gains."
Large movement is not possible. Progress must be incremental.
Stability is maintained through limited, controlled advancement.
Line 3 Changing
來之坎坎,險且枕,入于坎窞,勿用。
(Lái zhī kǎn kǎn, xiǎn qiě zhěn, rù yú kǎn dàn, wù yòng.)
"Approaching depth upon depth. Danger accumulates. Entering a pit within it—do not engage."
Conditions compound rather than resolve. Movement leads deeper into instability.
At this point, action increases risk instead of resolving it.
Line 4 Changing
樽酒簋貳,用缶,納約自牖,終无咎。
(Zūn jiǔ guǐ èr, yòng fǒu, nà yuē zì yǒu, zhōng wú jiù.)
"A vessel of wine and simple food, received through a window. In the end, no error."
Support arrives in a limited and indirect way. It is not grand, but it is sufficient.
Acceptance of modest assistance allows continuation without error.
Changing to:
49. Transformation (革 Gé)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☱ Duì (Lake) — 澤 · Open
- Below
- ☲ Lí (Fire) — 火 · Radiance
The Symbolism of Hexagram 49
Hexagram 革 (Gé) describes transformation—fundamental change applied at the correct moment. It is not gradual growth, but decisive restructuring when conditions demand it.
Fire within the lake shows internal pressure building beneath a contained surface. When the timing is correct, change becomes inevitable.
Hexagram 49 Judgment
革,巳日乃孚。元亨,利貞,悔亡。
(Gé, sì rì nǎi fú. Yuán hēng, lì zhēn, huǐ wáng.)
"Transformation. At the proper time, there is underlying alignment and trust. Origin and smooth progress. It is favorable to remain correctly aligned. Regret resolves."
This hexagram describes necessary change that must occur at the correct moment. Timing is critical—transformation cannot be forced prematurely.
When the moment is right, alignment forms naturally and resistance falls away. Stability during change ensures success and removes prior tension.
Hexagram 49 Image
澤中有火,革。君子以治曆明時。
(Zé zhōng yǒu huǒ, gé. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhì lì míng shí.)
"Fire burns within the lake: transformation. The superior person orders the calendar and clarifies the times."
Transformation depends on timing. Change is not continuous—it occurs at defined intervals when conditions align.
Clarity of timing determines whether change succeeds or fails.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team