The Meaning of Hexagram #29

Hexagram #29: Water over Water

Dangers and challenges are indicated in this unwelcome hexagram. Faith and connection to others are your lifelines during this doubly dangerous time. Confront all dangers headfirst. Summon your strength and rise to the call. This is a time to take charge. Don't run away from yourself or your problems. To give up at this time may prove disastrous.

NOTE: Want to know how I Ching hexagram #29, "Water over Water", is interpreted for questions about your relationship? See our special Hexagram #29 Love I Ching interpretation.

Changing Lines in Hexagram #29

Changes in Line 1

"Falling into an Abyss"

Any attempt to fight what is happening could make the situation worse. True surrender is your savior. Resistance is futile. Ride out the current bad situation and soon it will be over.

Changes in Line 2

"Rejoice in Small Gains"

This line is a reminder that there is light in the dark. Place attention on the positive, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. Attention on the positive makes it grow stronger.

Changes in Line 3

"The Power of Waiting"

Stay put. Don't act one way or the other. Herein lies your strength.

Changes in Line 4

"The Power of Sincerity"

This line is a reminder to keep things simple and pure. With honest intentions, you will see an open window and let more light in to the situation

Changes in Line 5

"The Path of Least Resistance"

Though there is still danger, all is not lost. Don't make your goals too lofty. Stay with what is most immediate. Find the path with the fewest obstacles and soon the peril will diminish

Changes in Line 6

"Imprisonment"

The shackles you wear have grown tight. Come to grips with what is happening. Within three years time the light will shine brightly again

The Trigrams Inside Hexagram #29

Hexagram #29 is composed of two 3-line trigrams mounted over and under each other. The bottom three lines of hexagram #29 form the trigram for Water, while the upper three lines form the trigram for Water.

NOTE: In general terms, the hexagram's upper trigram symbolizes external forces, and the bottom trigram symbolizes internal forces.

In the case of hexagram #29, the upper and lower trigrams match. Bear in mind however, that one trigram can reflect different interpretations in the top and bottom positions.

Hexagram #29's Upper and Lower Trigrams of Water

The fluid and forever-changing trigram of water is also sometimes called the trigram of the 'Gorge' or of the 'Abysmal'. Water itself is shapeless and liquid — symbolizing shifting realities and random outcomes. This fluid trigram is often an indication of uncertainty or sudden shifts. The water trigram is associated with the moon's cycles and with the direction north.

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List of all possible changes for hexagram #29

A note on iFate's I Ching translation: This is not a direct translation of the original "Book of Changes" from 1000 BC. While multiple translations of the original text are available, they include many archaic references and can be difficult to understand for 21st century readers. iFate uses our own modern rewritings (two different editions) of the "Book of Changes" which makes interpreting I Ching readings far simpler. For iFate's additional contemporary re-writing of the original text, see our "Love I Ching" translation.