I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 29 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 21

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 29.1.2.4.5.6 -> 21

29. The Abysmal (Water) (坎 Kǎn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 29

Hexagram 坎 (Kǎn) symbolizes danger, difficulty, and the need to navigate through perilous situations. This hexagram speaks of repeated challenges and the need for resilience and wisdom in order to move through difficulties successfully.

Hexagram 29 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"習坎,有孚,維心亨,行有尚。"
(Xí kǎn, yǒu fú, wéi xīn hēng, xíng yǒu shàng.)
English Translation:
“The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, and whatever you do has merit.”

This hexagram speaks of repeated dangers, symbolized by water that constantly flows and faces obstacles. Success comes from being sincere and steady in the face of these challenges. Inner strength and determination bring merit and success.

Hexagram 29 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“Water flows into the abyss: The image of The Abysmal. The superior person cultivates virtue and continues their teaching.”

The image of water flowing into the abyss represents constant challenges. The superior person uses these challenges to cultivate inner strength and virtue, continuing their teaching and work despite difficulties.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"習坎,入于坎窞,凶。"
(Xí kǎn, rù yú kǎn dàn, xiōng.)
English Translation:
“The Abysmal repeated. Entering the abyss, there is misfortune.”

This line warns against entering a dangerous situation without preparation. Repeated difficulties bring misfortune if one is not cautious. It advises retreat or careful planning.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"坎有險,求小得。"
(Kǎn yǒu xiǎn, qiú xiǎo dé.)
English Translation:
“There is danger in the abyss. Seeking small gains brings success.”

This line advises caution and suggests that small gains are possible even in dangerous situations. By proceeding carefully and not taking large risks, one can achieve success.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“A jar of wine, a bowl of food, and using earthenware. Acceptance from a window brings no blame.”

This line speaks of modest offerings and simple sustenance. By accepting what is simple and using what is available, one avoids blame and finds success. Modesty and simplicity lead to favorable outcomes.

Line 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"坎不盈,祗既平,无咎。"
(Kǎn bù yíng, zhī jì píng, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“The abyss is not full. There is peace and no blame.”

This line describes a situation where the danger is not overwhelming. The abyss has not reached its full depth, and there is peace. No blame comes from proceeding with caution and calmness.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"係用徽纆,寘于叢棘,三歲不得,凶。"
(Xì yòng huī mò, zhì yú cóng jí, sān suì bù dé, xiōng.)
English Translation:
“Tied with ropes to thorns and thickets, for three years one cannot escape. Misfortune.”

This line describes a situation of being trapped by difficulties, symbolized by being tied to thorns. Misfortune follows if one cannot find a way out. It advises seeking a new approach to escape long-term challenges.

Changing to:

21. Biting Through (噬嗑 Shì Kè)

Trigrams

Above
☲ Lí (Fire)
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 21

Hexagram 噬嗑 (Shì Kè) represents biting through or confronting obstacles. This hexagram speaks of a time when forceful action is needed to break through resistance or obstacles, but it advises using this force with justice and wisdom.

Hexagram 21 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"噬嗑,亨。利用狱。"
(Shì kè, hēng. Lì yòng yù.)
English Translation:
“Biting through. Success. It is favorable to use legal proceedings.”

This hexagram describes a time for taking decisive action to resolve problems, like biting through tough material. Success comes from being firm yet fair, using justice or legal means to resolve disputes.

Hexagram 21 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷電噬嗑。先王以明罰勑法。"
(Léi diàn shì kè. Xiān wáng yǐ míng fá chì fǎ.)
English Translation:
“Thunder and lightning: The image of Biting Through. The ancient kings made laws clear and enforced punishments.”

The image of thunder and lightning represents swift and powerful force. The superior person uses this time to clarify laws and ensure that justice is served. It is a time for decisiveness in dealing with wrongdoing.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team