Hexagram 29 · 坎 · Kǎn
The Abysmal
- Element:
- Water over Water
- Key themes:
- danger, challenges, perseverance, caution, resilience
Image
Flowing water, symbolizing danger and the need for caution and perseverance.
Overall message
Hexagram 29 represents a situation of danger and challenges. It emphasizes the importance of caution, perseverance, and resilience in navigating through difficulties. Success comes from facing dangers with inner strength and determination.
Face challenges and dangers with caution and resilience. Stay focused and determined. Success comes from navigating through difficulties with perseverance and inner strength.
Classical text (Legge, 1882)
Judgment. Khan, here repeated, shows the possession of sincerity, through which the mind is. penetrating. Action (in accordance with this) will be of high value.
Image. (The representation of) water flowing on continuously forms the repeated Khan. The superior man, in accordance with this, maintains constantly the virtue (of his heart) and (the integrity of) his conduct, and practises the business of instruction.
From James Legge's translation of the I Ching (Sacred Books of the East, vol. XVI, 1882). Public domain.
The six lines
Line 6 · Resolution of Danger
The period of danger comes to an end. Reflect on the lessons learned.
Reflect on the experience and learn from it. Prepare for a safer future.
Line 5 · Leadership in Danger
Strong leadership is crucial in navigating through the danger.
Lead with wisdom and strength. Guide others through the difficult times.
Line 4 · Seeking Support
Seek support and guidance to navigate through the danger.
Collaborate with others and seek guidance. Support will help you navigate through the danger.
Line 3 · Overcoming Obstacles
Obstacles arise, but they can be overcome with persistence.
Stay persistent and resilient. Overcome obstacles with determination.
Line 2 · Navigating Challenges
Challenges become more pronounced. Focus on navigating through them.
Take steps to navigate through the challenges. Stay focused and determined.
Line 1 · Initial Danger
The first signs of danger appear. Be cautious and alert.
Stay vigilant and address the early signs of danger. Prevent further risks.
Related hexagrams
Opposite: If every line of this hexagram were inverted (yang to yin and vice versa), you would have Hexagram 30 · 离 · Lí. This is the hexagram's structural counterpart — the situation it could become if every dynamic flipped.
Nuclear: The hexagram hidden inside this one, built from lines 2-3-4 and 3-4-5, is Hexagram 27 · 颐 · Yí. The nuclear hexagram describes the inner pattern that produced this situation — what is going on underneath.
If only one line of this hexagram changed in your cast, you would arrive at:
- Line 1 changing → Hexagram 60 · 节 · Jié
- Line 2 changing → Hexagram 8 · 比 · Bǐ
- Line 3 changing → Hexagram 48 · 井 · Jǐng
- Line 4 changing → Hexagram 47 · 困 · Kùn
- Line 5 changing → Hexagram 7 · 师 · Shī
- Line 6 changing → Hexagram 59 · 涣 · Huàn