Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 坎 (Kǎn) |
| English Name | The Abysmal / Water / Danger |
| Trigrams | Water over Water (坎上坎下) |
| Number | 29 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, and whatever you do succeeds.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
Water flows on and reaches the goal: the image of the Abysmal repeated. Thus the superior man walks in lasting virtue and carries on the business of teaching.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初六 | Bottom | Repetition of the Abysmal. In the abyss one falls into a pit. Misfortune. | Unfavorable; exercise caution and restraint |
| 九二 | 2nd | The abyss is dangerous. One should strive to attain small things only. | Awareness of risk is itself protective |
| 六三 | 3rd | Forward and backward, abyss on abyss. In danger like this, pause first and wait. You reach a small goal only. | Awareness of risk is itself protective |
| 六四 | 4th | A jug of wine, a bowl of rice with it, and earthen vessels simply handed in through the window. There is certainly no blame in this. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 九五 | 5th | The abyss is not filled to overflowing, it is filled only to the rim. No blame. | Acceptable situation; no error in this approach |
| 上六 | Top | Bound with cords and ropes, shut up between thorn-hedged prison walls. For three years one does not find the way. Misfortune. | Unfavorable; exercise caution and restraint |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Repeated danger; navigate by sincerity and flowing like water
- Upper trigram Water (deep and flowing) over lower trigram Water (deep and flowing)
- Embodies the qualities of danger, depth, perseverance and teaching, water, flow
Keywords
DangerDepthPerseveranceTeachingWaterFlow
Divination & Prediction
★★☆☆☆Dangerous — Sincerity Required
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Challenging period requiring patience. Repeated danger; navigate by sincerity and flowing like water Preserve your strength through water and flow. |
| Timing | Not the time for bold initiatives. Consolidate and wait. |
| Challenge | The temptation to force progress will backfire. Practice teaching. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels danger and depth. The Water trigram above suggests deep and flowing energy in your outer dealings, while the Water trigram below points to deep and flowing foundations. Retrench and preserve resources until conditions improve.
Health & Wellness
Focus on kidneys and ears and kidneys and ears. Rest and recovery are priorities. Don't push your body beyond its current capacity.
Relationships
In relationships, embody danger and depth. Patience and understanding are needed. Avoid confrontation; focus on maintaining what you have.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes perseverance and teaching. Focus on fundamentals and review. Build a strong foundation before advancing.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate danger in all your actions
- Practice depth consistently
- Embrace perseverance as your guiding principle
- Develop teaching through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of water
- Abandon flow under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 30. Lí (离) | The Clinging — fire complementing water |
| 3. Zhūn (屯) | Difficulty at Beginning — water energy creating new beginnings |
| 39. Jiǎn (蹇) | Obstruction — water blocked by mountain |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “I face one crisis after another. When will it end?”
You received Hexagram 29, The Abysmal. The judgment says: 'The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, and wh...' Repeated danger; navigate by sincerity and flowing like water This is a cautionary sign. The current conditions call for water rather than action. Preserve your resources and wait for the cycle to turn.