I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 44 with Changing Lines 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 29
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 44.3.4.6 -> 29
44. Encounter (姤 Gòu)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☰ Qián (Heaven) — 天 · Creative
- Below
- ☴ Xùn (Wind) — 風 · Penetrating
The Symbolism of Hexagram 44
Hexagram 姤 (Gòu) describes encounter—an unexpected element enters the system and makes contact with what is established. The issue is not simple union, but how a sudden influence is handled before it spreads too far.
Wind below heaven shows penetration entering from beneath a strong structure. What arrives is subtle but capable of far-reaching effect if not recognized early.
Hexagram 44 Judgment
姤,女壯,勿用取女。
(Gòu, nǚ zhuàng, wù yòng qǔ nǚ.)
"Encounter. A newly entering force is strong. Do not engage in taking this woman."
This hexagram describes the arrival of a potent element that enters suddenly and can influence the whole system. It emphasizes the risk of forming immediate attachment to what has just appeared.
Early contact requires caution. What is strong and newly arrived should be observed and managed before being integrated.
Hexagram 44 Image
天下有風,姤。後以施命誥四方。
(Tiān xià yǒu fēng, gòu. Hòu yǐ shī mìng gào sì fāng.)
"Wind moves beneath heaven: encounter. The sovereign issues commands and proclaims them to the four directions."
Wind moving under heaven suggests influence traveling widely once it gains entry. A small point of contact can become system-wide if left undefined.
The proper response is clarity of response and scope. Once the new element appears, the system must state how it will be handled.
Line 3 Changing
臀无膚,其行次且,厲,无大咎。
(Tún wú fū, qí xíng cì qiě, lì, wú dà jiù.)
"Movement is strained and uncomfortable. Risk present, but no great error."
The system is already feeling the friction of this encounter. Forward movement becomes awkward and constrained.
Because progress is difficult, overextension is limited. The strain itself prevents a larger failure.
Line 4 Changing
包無魚,起凶。
(Bāo wú yú, qǐ xiōng.)
"Containment is empty. Unfavorable outcome arises."
The expected object of control is no longer there, or control was assumed where none existed. The system acts on an absence.
Because the real point of encounter has been missed, disorder begins to emerge. Misfortune comes from failure to contain what mattered.
Line 6 Changing
姤其角,吝,無咎。
(Gòu qí jiǎo, lìn, wú jiù.)
"The encounter becomes hard and pointed. There is a constrained outcome, but no error."
What enters is now met at its most forceful edge. The contact is no longer subtle and produces friction.
Even so, there is no fault in recognizing and meeting the situation as it is. The difficulty comes from the nature of the encounter itself.
Changing to:
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.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team