I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 29 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 1

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 29.1.3.4.6 -> 1

Old Yin Young Yang Old Yin Old Yin Young Yang Old Yin

29. The Abysmal (Water)

Yang Yang Yang Yang Yang Yang

1. The Creative

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 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"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.)
English Translation:
“The abyss is dangerous and filled with obstacles. Entering the abyss, it is not useful.”

This line describes a situation filled with obstacles and danger. It advises against moving forward into the abyss, as doing so will not lead to success. It is better to wait for safer conditions.

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 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:

1. The Creative (乾 Qián)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 1

Hexagram 乾 (Qián) represents the primal creative force of the universe. The unbroken lines symbolize pure yang energy—strong, forceful, and unyielding. This hexagram is associated with heaven, creativity, and powerful motion. In both the cosmos and human life, Qián refers to the energetic forces that initiate movement, development, and progress. It represents the continual, dynamic flow that drives change and growth. In human terms, Qián reflects the traits of a great leader or sage. It describes a person who is unrelenting in their pursuit of ideals, constantly striving to improve themselves and others through perseverance and strength. This leader possesses the ability to inspire and bring out the best in those around them, shaping the world through their creative power.

Hexagram 1 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨，利贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì zhēn.)
English Translation:
“Sublimely successful, furthering through perseverance in what is right.”

The Judgment emphasizes the importance of both creativity and persistence. The word 'sublime' refers to greatness, not just in terms of success but in the ability to create something meaningful and lasting. 'Perseverance in what is right' underlines the importance of ethical action. True success comes not just from power or ability, but from staying true to principles and following the right course, even when it is difficult. In practice, this means that those who receive this hexagram are being encouraged to persist in their endeavors, but only as long as they act with integrity. This is not a blind call for perseverance—it’s about remaining committed to a path of righteousness and making steady progress toward one’s goals.

Hexagram 1 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"天行健，君子以自强不息。"
(Tiān xíng jiàn, jūn zǐ yǐ zì qiáng bù xī.)
English Translation:
“The movement of heaven is powerful. The superior person strengthens themselves and never stops.”

The image of heaven's constant, strong movement is a metaphor for both cosmic forces and human willpower. Just as the heavens never cease moving, the superior person must continuously work on self-improvement and inner strength. This implies a lifelong dedication to personal development, without giving in to laziness or complacency. In practical terms, this is a call for resilience and endurance. It suggests that by emulating the continuous motion of heaven, individuals can achieve great things over time. Success in life comes not from short bursts of effort, but from steady, long-term commitment to one's goals.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team