I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 29 with Changing Lines 5, 6 to Hexagram 4
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 29.5.6 -> 4
29. Repeated Depth (坎 Kǎn)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
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. With trust, the heart remains open. 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 into depth: repeated depth. One maintains constant conduct and practices what is learned."
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 5 Changing
坎不盈，祗既平，无咎。
(Kǎn bù yíng, zhī jì píng, wú jiù.)
"The depth is not filled; it has reached level. No fault."
The danger has stabilized and is no longer increasing.
This creates a condition where movement can resume without escalation.
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 a long duration, there is no release. Harm."
Entrapment occurs due to prolonged exposure to danger without resolution.
Failure to move through earlier stages results in sustained confinement.
Changing to:
4. Youthful Folly (蒙 Méng)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 4
Hexagram 蒙 (Méng) describes a state of not yet knowing—an early stage where clarity has not formed. It reflects inexperience, confusion, and the need for guidance. This is not a failure, but a necessary phase in development.
In human terms, it points to learning through correction and discipline. Growth comes through openness to instruction, but also through personal effort to understand and mature.
Hexagram 4 Judgment
蒙，亨。匪我求童蒙，童蒙求我。初筮告，再三瀆，瀆則不告。利貞。
(Méng, hēng. Fěi wǒ qiú tóng méng, tóng méng qiú wǒ. Chū shì gào, zài sān dú, dú zé bù gào. Lì zhēn.)
"Youthful ignorance has success. It is not I who seek the inexperienced; the inexperienced seek me. On the first inquiry, guidance is given. Repeated questioning becomes disorderly, and no further guidance is given. It is favorable to remain steady."
This passage describes the proper relationship between teacher and learner. Instruction is given when it is sincerely sought, but not when questions are repeated without reflection. Learning requires effort, not just asking.
The emphasis is on discipline in learning. When one approaches with sincerity and steadiness, understanding develops; when one relies only on repeated questioning, progress stops.
Hexagram 4 Image
山下出泉，蒙。君子以果行育德。
(Shān xià chū quán, méng. Jūn zǐ yǐ guǒ xíng yù dé.)
"A spring emerges from beneath the mountain: this is youthful ignorance. The superior person, through decisive action, nurtures character."
The spring begins hidden beneath the mountain, not yet fully formed or directed. It represents early development that requires shaping.
The response is not passive. By acting with clarity and consistency, one cultivates strength of character and brings immature potential into form.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team