Hexagram 29: The Abysmal

Hexagram 29, The Abysmal (Kǎn, 习坎), is formed of the upper trigram Water (坎) over the lower trigram Water (坎). Below is the classical judgment, the six line texts, and how to read this hexagram in a reading.

The Judgment

Trigrams

The outer (upper) trigram Water describes the situation as it meets the world; the inner (lower) trigram Water describes its inner disposition. Together they set the theme of The Abysmal.

The Six Lines

• 初六 · Line 1 Peril upon peril, falling into the pit's depth. Misfortune.习坎，入于坎窞，凶。
• 九二 · Line 2 In the midst of danger, seek only small gains.坎有险，求小得。
• 六三 · Line 3 Danger coming and going; rest is also peril. Do not act.来之坎坎，险且枕，入于坎窞，勿用。
• 六四 · Line 4 A jug of wine, a bowl of rice, plain vessels passed through the window: sincerity in simplicity. No blame in the end.樽酒，簋贰，用缶，纳约自牖，终无咎。
• 九五 · Line 5 The pit not overflowing, only filled to level — no blame.坎不盈，祗既平，无咎。
• 上六 · Line 6 Bound with cords, thrust among thorns, three years without release. Misfortune.係用徽纆，寘于丛棘，三岁不得，凶。

Reading Hexagram 29 for Your Question

When The Abysmal appears without changing lines, the judgment above stands as the whole answer. When you cast changing lines (a 6 or a 9), read those line texts first — they are the most specific guidance — then look to the relating hexagram they form for where the situation is heading. For love, career, or a decision, apply the theme of The Abysmal to your own circumstances rather than reading it as a fixed prediction.