Hexagram 29
Dangerous, bumpy, and accustomed to
The Kan hexagram is one of the most dangerous hexagrams in the Book of Changes, but it also contains the most profound wisdom. It tells us that danger is a normal part of life, and the ultimate weapon to overcome danger is not external power, but unswerving inner belief.
Trigram Structure
䷜, Kan above, Kan below
Palace：坎
Key Themes
Dangerous, bumpy, and accustomed to
The Kan hexagram is one of the most dangerous hexagrams in the Book of Changes, but it also contains the most profound wisdom. It tells us that danger is a normal part of life, and the ultimate weapon to overcome danger is not external power, but unswerving inner belief.
Xi Kan: You are prosperous, your heart is strong, your actions are noble.
Rivers, abyss, canyons, heavy rain, the moon (light of the night).
Traps, ditches, liquids, poison.
The Kan hexagram is one of the most dangerous hexagrams in the Book of Changes, but it also contains the most profound wisdom. It tells us that danger is a normal part of life, and the ultimate weapon to overcome danger is not external power, but unswerving inner belief.
Getting used to the ridge, entering the ridge, it is fierce.
Guidance
Falling into double danger, entering a cave; dangerous.
Modern Insight
This is the worst start. You are in the deepest predicament from the beginning, unable to move. At this time, any rash action will only make the situation worse. The first thing to do is accept reality and remain calm.
There are dangers, so seek small gains.
Guidance
Trapped in danger, only seeking small gains; not yet out of danger.
Modern Insight
You are trapped, but not without hope. The wisdom of this line is not to aim too high, not to delude yourself that you can immediately escape completely. Focus on solving some immediate small problems, gaining some small progress, to accumulate strength and maintain survival.
It's hard to come by, but be prepared for danger. Don't use it if it gets into rough terrain.
Guidance
Danger ahead, danger behind, danger everywhere; do not act.
Modern Insight
You are completely surrounded by danger, with enemies on all sides and no way out. At this time, any struggle is futile and will only consume your remaining strength. The only strategy is "do not use"—stop all action, wait quietly, preserve energy, and wait for a turning point to appear.
Bottle wine with two guis, use the gui, accept the promise, and save yourself, there will be no blame in the end.
Guidance
Communicating with the sincerity of a cup of wine and a bowl of rice can bring no fault.
Modern Insight
In difficulty, sincerity is the best way to communicate. You do not need grand pomp; just use the simplest, most honest way to express your sincerity to those who might help you (fifth line). Through this small window, building trust, you can find hope of escape.
The hurdle is not full, but it is flat, and there is no fault.
Guidance
The danger has not yet overflowed; wait for it to level slightly before acting; no fault.
Modern Insight
You hold a high position and have the ability to solve problems. The danger before you exists, but has not yet reached the point of being out of control. This is the best time to act. Decisively take action, fill in the problem (Kan), and you can resolve the crisis without disaster.
It is tied with Huixi and placed on a bush of thorns. If it is not allowed to reach the age of three, it is unlucky.
Guidance
Bound with ropes, imprisoned; unable to escape for three years; dangerous.
Modern Insight
This is the worst outcome of the Kan hexagram. Because of obstinacy, you ultimately completely lose freedom and fall into long-term, inescapable difficulty. This sternly warns us that when there are still choices, we must escape in time; otherwise, the consequences will be unimaginable.
