I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 29 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 5 to Hexagram 24

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 29.1.2.5 -> 24

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

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:
"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

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 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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
習坎,入于坎窞,凶。
(Xí kǎn, rù yú kǎn dàn, xiōng.)
English Translation:
"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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
坎有險,求小得。
(Kǎn yǒu xiǎn, qiú xiǎo dé.)
English Translation:
"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 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 depth is not filled; it has reached level. No error."

The danger has stabilized and is no longer increasing.

This creates a condition where movement can resume without escalation.

Changing to:

24. Return (復 Fù)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth) — 地 · Receptive
Below
☳ Zhèn (Thunder) — 雷 · Arousing

The Symbolism of Hexagram 24

Hexagram 復 (Fù) describes a return to origin after decline. It is the reappearance of movement at the base, marking the beginning of a new cycle.

Hexagram 24 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
復,亨,出入无疾,朋來无咎。反復其道,七日來復,利有攸往。
(Fù, hēng, chū rù wú jí, péng lái wú jiù. Fǎn fù qí dào, qī rì lái fù, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)
English Translation:
"Return. Origin and smooth progress. Movement in and out without harm. Companions return: no error. The course turns back on itself; after seven days, return occurs. It is favorable to proceed."

After decline reaches its limit, movement begins again at the base. This return is not forced—it follows a natural cycle.

Because it aligns with the underlying pattern, movement is now possible again. What was lost begins to re-emerge.

Hexagram 24 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
雷在地中,復。先王以至日閉關,商旅不行,后不省方。
(Léi zài dì zhōng, fù. Xiān wáng yǐ zhì rì bì guān, shāng lǚ bù xíng, hòu bù xǐng fāng.)
English Translation:
"Thunder stirs within the earth: return. The superior person closes the passes and restrains movement at the turning point."

The returning force is still contained below the surface. It has not yet emerged fully.

At this stage, external movement is limited. The return must complete internally before outward expansion resumes.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team