I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 29 with Changing Lines 1, 4, 6 to Hexagram 10
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 29.1.4.6 -> 10
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 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:
10. Treading (履 Lǚ)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven) — 天 · Creative
- Below
- ☱ Duì (Lake) — 澤 · Open
The Symbolism of Hexagram 10
Hexagram 履 (Lǚ) concerns conduct under constraint—how one moves within a situation that demands awareness, respect, and precision. It describes navigating proximity to power or danger, where correct behavior determines outcome more than strength.
Hexagram 10 Judgment
履虎尾,不咥人,亨。
(Lǚ hǔ wěi, bù dié rén, hēng.)
"Stepping upon the tiger’s tail—yet it does not strike. Smooth progress."
This judgment presents a situation of real danger held in balance. The image is not symbolic exaggeration—it describes proximity to something that could cause harm, but does not, when approached correctly.
Success depends entirely on conduct. When movement is measured, aware, and properly aligned, even hazardous conditions can be navigated without injury.
Hexagram 10 Image
上天下泽,履。君子以辨上下,定民志。
(Shàng tiān xià zé, lǚ. Jūn zǐ yǐ biàn shàng xià, dìng mín zhì.)
"The lake lies below heaven: treading. The superior person clarifies distinctions and steadies the intentions of the people."
The contrast between above and below establishes order. Proper conduct depends on recognizing position, relationship, and boundary.
Clarity of distinction stabilizes movement. When roles and levels are understood, action becomes appropriate and collective direction holds.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team