Water above – Water below
The Chinese name of this hexagram is Kan which was translated as a pit, hole, chasm. Kan is one of the repeating-trigram hexagrams as Water is both above and below. Ancient Chinese did not go out to sea and therefore, for them, water represented danger. In the 5-element system associated with the cosmology, Kan (Water)’s color is blue-black, giving the impression of falling into darkness. Kan is associated with the Moon. There are many aspects and therefore many titles for Kan: Repeating Chasms, Abyss, Darkness, Danger, Repeated Exposure. This archetype refers to (and instructs on) how one moves through times of difficulty or danger, whether as a result of one’s own actions or through natural cycles. A deeper understanding of the symbolism shows, although not a preferrable situation, Kan presents the prospect of opportunity rather than defeat.
Breaking down the symbolism of the 3-line trigrams helps with understanding the ancient teachings:
Trigram Water is on top of trigram Water. Water has no definitive form of its own and this makes the situation very fluid, so there is nothing to really hold on to. Water continually conforms to the shape which surrounds it. Water will always adhere to universal laws of gravity and flow downward in a rhythmic manner. It also holds the concepts of rhythm and repetition through its constant patterning (think of waves at the seashore or the ripples of a stone thrown in a pond). We are largely made of water and, within its patterns, we are shaped physically and emotionally (through feelings such as nostalgia, sorrow or loneliness). Water is dark, mysterious, penetrating, always flowing and changing.
The ancient ideograph is on the upper left portion of the image below. On the left is an image showing Earth. The right at the very top shows a person standing on one foot in the midst of falling as one foot is in the air. With the vertical line inside and the image of a pit surrounding it, this shows the person is falling into the pit. The suggestion is of a difficult or perilous situation with assurance all is not lost.
In summary: Everyone experiences perilous times as pictured by Kan and the ancient diviners say one must be prepared in order to overcome it. This ancient understanding shows it is possible to move through such a situation if it is undertaken by maintaining confidence, by not being intimidated, by maintaining firmness within. It was also understood that within such challenges, the biggest threat may be found in one’s own fear or reluctance to embrace the changes that are inevitable. There is no way to have foreknowledge of the outcome and you will be in the dark for as long as it takes. These are usually those situations where, once embraced, it is best to allow yourself to be carried along by the fluid re-shaping forces and allow the transformation to happen.
Following are a few ideas for interpretations of each line:
Line 1 – A dark and difficult situation can be the result of unwise decisions or it may have been triggered and taken out of your hands by unwillingness to take any chances or move into transformations voluntarily. During such times one has the opportunity to learn the practice of self-restraint and avoid the perils of emotional reactions.
Line 2 – Although this may be a dark or difficult situation, fighting it will not help. Rather, keeping calm, sincere and content to make small advances over time will reveal there may be more stability here than first appeared.
Line 3 – There is not a way around or out of the danger in this situation. Turning back is not possible. Even if you do not understand what is happening, do not try to take action. Take some time to calm down, rest and allow time to move things along.
Line 4 – Being held back and feeling stuck, it would be easy to move into fear or point to what you feel is lacking. Take this time to strip back to basics and begin to take a thorough look at everything. Resist the temptation to gloss over or procrastinate because what is called for at this time is attention, patience and keeping things very simple.
Line 5 – A time of danger or peril is moving toward normalcy. Your actions at this time can be strong as long you they do not exceed your talents and abilities.
Line 6 – It is possible illusions have become perilous, imprisoning and restricting movement. The best course of action lays in recognizing and dispersing illusions by allowing yourself to become willing to face truth, no matter how difficult it may be.