Hexagram 29: The Abysmal Water (坎 Kǎn) – I Ching Meaning

Hexagram 29 of the 64 I Ching hexagrams is called The Abysmal Water (坎, Kǎn). It is made of the lower trigram Kan (Water) and the upper trigram Kan (Water). Keywords: depth, sincerity, persistence. This is for reflection and entertainment, not a prediction.

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Judgment

You are in deep water, with one challenge after another. Stay sincere and steady, like a stream that keeps flowing.

The Image

Water flows on and on. Practise your values over and over until they are second nature.

The Abysmal Water hexagram meaning

General meaning

Things feel deep and repetitive. Keep a steady heart and move through it like water, one bend at a time.

Love

Emotions run deep. Be honest, patient and gentle with each other.

Career

A demanding stretch of repeated tasks. Keep your principles and take it step by step.

Advice

Stay sincere and flow forward. Do not let the depth of it shake your calm.

The six changing lines

  1. Line 1. Falling into a low spot shows the habit of looking down. Lift your sight and steady your footing.
  2. Line 2. Danger lies ahead, so aim for small gains only. Do not demand the whole solution at once.
  3. Line 3. One challenge follows another. Do not act yet; rest and wait for a better moment.
  4. Line 4. A simple offering, simply presented, is enough. Plain sincerity opens the door.
  5. Line 5. The water fills but does not overflow. Content with what is enough, you stay safe.
  6. Line 6. Feeling tangled and bound can last a while. Work patiently to untie one knot at a time.

In short

Danger repeats; stay sincere and steady, and keep moving through it.

← Previous: 28. Great ExcessNext hexagram: 30. The Clinging Fire

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