Hexagram 29: The Abysmal
Danger, water, repeated challenge
| Chinese | 坎 (Kǎn) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☵ Water — The Abysmal (Water) |
| Lower trigram | ☵ Water — The Abysmal (Water) |
| Keywords | danger, water, challenge, sincerity |
| Opposite | Hexagram 30: The Clinging |
| Inverted | Itself — the figure is symmetric |
What does Hexagram 29 (The Abysmal) mean?
The Abysmal 坎 (Kǎn) is hexagram 29 of the I Ching, formed by Water (The Abysmal) over Water (The Abysmal). Its theme is danger, water, repeated challenge, with key ideas of danger, water, challenge, sincerity. The Judgment reads: “The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart.”
The Judgment of The Abysmal
The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart.
The Image of The Abysmal
Water flows on and reaches the goal.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 29
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Six at the beginning
“Repetition of the Abysmal. In the abyss one falls into a pit. Misfortune.”
Habitual exposure to danger without developing the skill to navigate it deepens the trap. Repetition of the wrong response multiplies risk.
Nine in the second place
“The abyss is dangerous. One should strive to attain small things only.”
In genuinely perilous conditions, limit ambition to what is achievable. Small, achievable gains keep one afloat.
Six in the third place
“Forward and backward, abyss on abyss. In danger like this, pause and wait, otherwise you will fall into a pit in the abyss. Do not act in this way.”
When every direction presents danger, stillness is the only wisdom. Acting in any direction increases the risk of falling deeper.
Six in the fourth place
“A jug of wine, a bowl of rice with it; earthen vessels simply handed in through the window. There is certainly no blame in this.”
In deep adversity, simple sincere offerings — unpretentious and direct — maintain connection and trust better than elaborate gestures.
Nine in the fifth place
“The abyss is not filled to overflowing; it is filled only to the rim. No blame.”
Danger contained within natural limits does not overwhelm. Working steadily within constraints, rather than seeking dramatic escape, is correct.
Six at the top
“Bound with cords and ropes, shut in between thorn-hedged prison walls: for three years one does not find the way. Misfortune.”
Prolonged captivity in dangerous conditions with no visible exit is the deepest misfortune. Persistence in the wrong direction has led here.
Will The Abysmal answer your question?
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