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

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 29.4.6 -> 6

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

29. Repeated Depth

Yang Yang Yang Yin Yang Yin

6. Conflict

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

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:
"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

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 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 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 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

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:
"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:

6. Conflict (訟 Sòng)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven) — 天 · Creative
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water) — 水 · Depth

The Symbolism of Hexagram 6

Hexagram 訟 (Sòng) describes contention, dispute, and opposing claims. It arises when two sides move against each other and no natural accord is present. The hexagram does not treat conflict as inherently heroic; it shows that once contention hardens, it becomes difficult to conclude well.

In human terms, conflict tends to escalate if not recognized early. Clarity, restraint, and careful judgment shape whether it remains manageable or grows into something more difficult to resolve.

Hexagram 6 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
有孚，窒惕，中吉，终凶。利见大人，不利涉大川。
(Yǒu fú, zhì tì, zhōng jí, zhōng xiōng. Lì jiàn dà rén, bù lì shè dà chuān.)
English Translation:
"There is underlying alignment, but also obstruction and apprehension. A middle course brings favorable outcome; carrying it through to the end brings unfavorable outcome. It is favorable to engage a person of great capacity. It is not a case where it is favorable to undertake a major transition."

This passage describes a conflict in which one may be sincere and justified, yet still blocked by opposing forces. The best outcome comes from handling the matter before it hardens into a prolonged struggle. Once pushed to the extreme, even a justified dispute turns harmful.

Seeking sound judgment and avoiding major undertakings while contention is active allows the situation to remain contained. Resolution depends on measured handling rather than total victory.

Hexagram 6 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
天与水违行，訟。君子以作事谋始。
(Tiān yǔ shuǐ wéi xíng, sòng. Jūn zǐ yǐ zuò shì móu shǐ.)
English Translation:
"Heaven and water move in opposite directions: conflict. The superior person considers the beginning of affairs."

The image shows two movements that do not align, making friction inevitable. Conflict often begins not at the moment of open dispute, but much earlier, in mismatched intentions and directions.

For that reason, the lesson is to think carefully at the outset. When beginnings are handled well, open contention is less likely to arise.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team