I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 29 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4 to Hexagram 31
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 29.2.3.4 -> 31
29. Repeated Hazard (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 hazard. 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 hazard. 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 2 Changing
坎有險,求小得。
(Kǎn yǒu xiǎn, qiú xiǎo dé.)
"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 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.
Changing to:
31. Resonance (咸 Xián)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☱ Duì (Lake) — 澤 · Open
- Below
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain) — 山 · Stillness
The Symbolism of Hexagram 31
Hexagram 咸 (Xián) describes resonance—how one system responds to another through sensitivity and internal alignment. Influence here is not applied force, but the natural transmission of signal between receptive structures.
The mountain below provides stability, while the lake above allows openness and exchange. Together, they form a system where stillness enables accurate reception, and openness allows response. This hexagram models how connection forms through responsiveness rather than control.
Hexagram 31 Judgment
咸,亨,利貞。取女吉。
(Xián, hēng, lì zhēn. Qǔ nǚ jí.)
"Resonance brings smooth progress. It is favorable to remain correctly aligned. Forming a union brings favorable outcome."
This describes a state where mutual responsiveness allows connection to form naturally. Stability is required so that influence is not distorted or forced.
When alignment is genuine, union emerges without friction. The system holds together because its components respond to one another accurately.
Hexagram 31 Image
山上有澤,咸。君子以虛受人。
(Shān shàng yǒu zé, xián. Jūn zǐ yǐ xū shòu rén.)
"The lake rests upon the mountain: resonance. The superior person remains inwardly open and receives others."
The mountain holds still while the lake responds to what it encounters. This pairing creates a system capable of sensing and responding without distortion.
Openness is not passivity, but clarity of reception. By remaining unfilled, one can register external influence accurately and respond appropriately.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team