I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 29 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 1
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 29.1.3.4.6 -> 1
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 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.
Line 6 Changing
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.)
"Bound with cords and placed among thorns. For three cycles, there is no release. Unfavorable outcome."
Entrapment occurs due to prolonged exposure to danger without resolution.
Failure to move through earlier stages results in sustained confinement.
Changing to:
1. The Creative (乾 Qián)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven) — 天 · Creative
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven) — 天 · Creative
The Symbolism of Hexagram 1
Hexagram 乾 (Qián) represents pure creative force and unbroken strength. It is associated with heaven, constant motion, and the active principle that initiates all things. This energy is direct, expansive, and never at rest.
In human terms, it reflects a person who is self-driven, disciplined, and committed to continual growth. It emphasizes inner strength, initiative, and the responsibility that comes with creative power.
Hexagram 1 Judgment
元亨,利贞。
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn.)
"Origin and smooth progress. It is favorable to remain correctly aligned."
This statement describes a powerful beginning that carries the potential for growth and development. Success unfolds naturally when one stays aligned with what is firm and correct. The emphasis is not only on strength, but on maintaining consistency and clarity of direction.
In practice, this suggests that strong initiative must be guided by discipline. Advancement comes through sustained effort and inner alignment, not force alone.
Hexagram 1 Image
天行健,君子以自强不息。
(Tiān xíng jiàn, jūn zǐ yǐ zì qiáng bù xī.)
"Heaven moves with strength: the creative. The superior person continually strengthens themselves without rest."
The ceaseless movement of heaven serves as a model for human conduct. Just as the cosmos never pauses, a person of character maintains constant effort in self-development. This is not strain, but steady and enduring refinement.
The message encourages persistence over time. Growth is achieved through continuous attention and effort, rather than bursts of intensity.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team