I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 29 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 5, 6 to Hexagram 52

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 29.2.3.5.6 -> 52

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

29. The Abysmal (Water)

Yang Yin Yin Yang Yin Yin

52. Keeping Still

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 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"坎有險，求小得。"
(Kǎn yǒu xiǎn, qiú xiǎo dé.)
English Translation:
“There is danger in the abyss. Seeking small gains brings success.”

This line advises caution and suggests that small gains are possible even in dangerous situations. By proceeding carefully and not taking large risks, one can achieve success.

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 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 abyss is not full. There is peace and no blame.”

This line describes a situation where the danger is not overwhelming. The abyss has not reached its full depth, and there is peace. No blame comes from proceeding with caution and calmness.

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:

52. Keeping Still (艮 Gèn)

Trigrams

Above
☶ Gèn (Mountain)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 52

Hexagram 艮 (Gèn) represents stillness and stability, like a mountain. This hexagram speaks of the importance of remaining calm and centered, even in the face of external pressures. Success comes from mastering self-control and inner peace.

Hexagram 52 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"艮其背，不獲其身，行其庭，不見其人，无咎。"
(Gèn qí bèi, bù huò qí shēn, xíng qí tíng, bù jiàn qí rén, wú jiù.)
English Translation:
“Keeping still, restraining the back. One does not grasp oneself. Walking in the courtyard, one does not see others. No blame.”

This hexagram advises remaining calm and centered, restraining impulses and external distractions. By focusing on inner stillness, one avoids mistakes and remains clear-minded. Success comes from self-discipline and tranquility.

Hexagram 52 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"兼山，艮。君子以思不出其位。"
(Jiān shān, gèn. Jūn zǐ yǐ sī bù chū qí wèi.)
English Translation:
“Mountains standing still: The image of Keeping Still. The superior person does not allow their thoughts to go beyond their place.”

The image of mountains standing still symbolizes the importance of maintaining stability and not overreaching. The superior person remains grounded, controlling their thoughts and emotions, leading to success.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team