I Ching Hexagram 29 · Kan

Hexagram Information

• Sequence: Hexagram 29
• Name: Kan
• Image: Kan over Kan (water arriving in succession)
• Nature: A very inauspicious hexagram, symbolizing danger, pitfalls, and repeated trials

• Primary Hexagram: Kan Hexagram (Hexagram 29)
• Nuclear Hexagram: Yi Hexagram (Hexagram 27)
• Inverse Hexagram: Li Hexagram (Hexagram 30)
• Reverse Hexagram: Kan Hexagram (Hexagram 29)

The Kan Hexagram is the image of doubled Kan: before one danger has passed, another arrives. Outer danger and inner danger coexist, symbolizing the repeated tests and barriers of life. In such a time, the noble person must not rely on luck and must not rush forward; only by holding to what is right and remaining sincere can one emerge from danger.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Kan. Repeated abyss. If there is sincerity, the heart finds success, and action wins esteem.

The Kan Hexagram signifies repeated encounters with danger. Only by keeping faith within and remaining firm in will can one move forward toward success; when advancing through peril, if one acts uprightly, one will still receive respect and assistance.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

The Image says: Water comes repeatedly; this is Repeated Kan. The noble person, in accordance with this, maintains constant virtue and practices the work of instruction.

Waves of water keep arriving one after another: before one pit is filled, another surge follows. This is the image of doubled Kan. The noble person should emulate the ceaseless flow of water, facing repeated trials with steady virtue, practicing and correcting again and again in the midst of difficulty.

• Symbolism: danger, repeated obstruction, inner anxiety and outer trouble
• Structure: one yang line trapped between two yin lines, layered danger upon danger
• Keywords: danger, trust, uprightness, constancy

The Kan Hexagram reveals this: move through danger by understanding danger; emerge from danger by keeping faith. Hardship in life is unavoidable; the key is not how to avoid danger, but how to remain on the right path within it. By keeping sincerity and valuing constancy, one can let the radiance of character shine through repeated trials.

The Progression of the Six Lines

1. Initial Six: Repeated Kan; one falls into the pit of the abyss. Misfortune.

   In the midst of repeated danger, one falls into an even deeper pit. Philosophical meaning: stubborn delusion only leads one deeper into trouble.

2. Nine in the Second Place: There is danger in Kan; one may seek and gain only a small result.

   One is in danger and can achieve only small gains. Philosophical meaning: in times of hardship, seek a way to survive through small opportunities.

3. Six in the Third Place: Coming and going, abyss upon abyss; danger at hand like a pillow; one enters the pit of the abyss. Do not act.

   Danger lies in both advance and retreat; action is unwise. Philosophical meaning: learning to wait is a form of wisdom.

4. Six in the Fourth Place: A jug of wine and a bowl of food, using simple earthenware; accepting what is offered through the window. In the end, no blame.

   By remaining simple and upright, one can ultimately avoid blame. Philosophical meaning: respond to danger with sincerity and transform peril into peace.

5. Nine in the Fifth Place: The abyss is not yet full, but it is already leveling out. No blame.

   Though the danger is not yet over, a turning point has appeared. Philosophical meaning: hold to the center without agitation, and one gradually emerges from distress.

6. Top Six: Bound with cords and ropes, shut away among thorn bushes; for three years one cannot escape. Misfortune.

   Having lost the right path, one is trapped for a long time and cannot free oneself. Philosophical meaning: once one strays from the proper way, self-rescue becomes exceedingly difficult.

Guidance for Real Life

Keywords and Overall Guidance:

Crises abound, and danger lies in both advance and retreat. Remain calm and composed, respond with caution, and avoid acting out of impulse.

Career and Finances:

When caught in difficulty, do not push forward rashly, but do not give up passively either. Seek a way out with patience and wisdom, build up conditions, and gradually move beyond danger.

Money is like flowing water, coming in and going out. Small, modest gains are suitable; do not be greedy for large ones.

Love and Relationships:

Relationships may face many setbacks. Both sides must share the pressure and cross the danger together in the same boat.

Physical and Emotional State:

There may be vulnerability to damp-related ailments or recurring illness. Quietly nourish body and mind, and persist steadily.

The above content is for everyday self-care reference only; if physical or emotional discomfort persists or worsens, please give priority to consulting a qualified medical or mental health professional.

One-Sentence Reminder

The way of the Kan Hexagram lies in keeping faith amid danger and holding to what is right amid hardship; only perseverance and virtue can lead one out of repeated traps.