Kan, six at the beginningHexagram 29, line 1 · Kan (The Abyss) · changing to 60
The line
In plain wordsDanger upon danger, and you fall into the hole at the bottom of the pit. Misfortune. Weak to begin with, and at the very bottom, you sink deeper and deeper.
The Image commentary on this line
習坎入坎，失道凶也。
"Abyss upon abyss", and falling into the abyss: he has lost the way, and there is misfortune.
The small Image commentary is the earliest explanation of the line texts. It usually explains a line from its position: where it stands, whether it holds the center, and which line answers it.
Verdict
止Hold back. This text describes a bad outcome. Carry on as you are and you will lose by it. Stop, step aside or change your approach. Do not force it.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- Things were hard to begin with, and you are in the weakest position; the more you move, the deeper you sink. Stop trying tricks for quick results. Stop first, and find your way back to the right path.
- Love
- Your love life has sunk to a low point, and the more you struggle, the further you fall. Stop arguing and stop clinging. Stop first, and step away from the pit that keeps pulling you deeper.
- Money
- You have already fallen into a financial pit, and the harder you try to climb out in one go, the deeper you sink. Don't take on new debt, and don't gamble on one big move. Stop now, and first keep from falling any further.
This is how to read it when this is the only changing line. With several changing lines, first see which text governs; for the hexagram as a whole, see Kan.
Line position
A yin line in a yang place: it is not in its proper place. Its partner is the fourth line, which is also yin, so there is no answer from it.
First place: the beginning of the matter. Low position, little power. Begin carefully.
When you get this line
If this is the only changing line in your cast (three inscribed sides, old yin), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Kan (The Abyss); when this line changes it becomes Jie (Limitation): hexagram 29 changing to 60.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Jie (Limitation)
Have restraint, but do not be so harsh that even you cannot bear it.