Hexagram 29 The Abysmal (Water) — Nine in the Second Line Explained

Nine in the Second: The abyss is dangerous. One should strive to attain small things only.

Yao Position Overview

Yao Text

Nine in the Second: The abyss is dangerous. One should strive to attain small things only.

Tuan Commentary

The Tuan Commentary: The Abysmal repeated. If you are sincere, you have success in your heart, and whatever you do succeeds.

Image Commentary

Water flows on and reaches the goal: The image of the Abysmal repeated. Thus the superior person walks in lasting virtue and carries on the business of teaching.

Hexagram 29 — Nine in the Second Diagram

Nine in the Second occupies the center of the lower trigram — finding the middle way within danger. "Strive to attain small things only" — do not attempt grand achievements while navigating the abyss. Focus on modest, achievable goals that keep you moving forward.

This is the wisdom of measured response to danger: not ambitious leaps but careful steps. The centered position provides stability; the modest approach preserves energy for the long passage through difficulty.

Modern Insight: In times of sustained difficulty, scale back your ambitions to what is achievable. Small daily wins maintain momentum and morale. Do not attempt to solve everything at once — focus on what is immediately within your power.

Yilore Reading

Small Gains Amid Danger

Hexagram 29 Nine in the Second — Front
Hexagram 29 Nine in the Second — Back

Yilore interprets Nine in the Second as "Small Gains Amid Danger." Nine in the Second occupies the center of the lower trigram — finding the middle way within danger. "Strive to attain small things only" — do not attempt grand achievements while navigating the abyss. Focus on modest, achievable goals that keep you moving forward.

This is the wisdom of measured response to danger: not ambitious leaps but careful steps. The centered position provides stability; th

Divination Insights

Nine in the Second speaks to this moment.

Career

In career matters, Nine in the Second advises careful consideration at this stage of development.

Relationships

In relationships, Nine in the Second speaks to the dynamics of emotional exchange and mutual support.

Wealth

Financially, Nine in the Second counsels mindfulness about risk and sustainability in your approach.

Health

For health, Nine in the Second emphasizes awareness of your current condition and appropriate response.

이라 앱 아이콘

Get the Yilore app

Full charts, daily hexagrams, and deeper AI readings on your phone.

App Store

FAQ

What does Nine in the Second mean?

Nine in the Second occupies the center of the lower trigram — finding the middle way within danger. "Strive to attain small things only" — do not attempt grand achievements while navigating the abyss. Focus on modest, achievable goals that keep you moving forward.

This is the wisdom of measured res

Is this line favorable?

The text 'Nine in the Second: The abyss is dangerous. One should strive to attain small things only.' reveals the nature of this position.

How to apply this guidance?

The teaching of Small Gains Amid Danger is: Nine in the Second occupies the center of the lower trigram — finding the middle way within danger. "Strive to attain small things only" — do not attempt grand achievements while navigating the abyss.