Hexagram 39 · 蹇 · Jiǎn
Obstruction
- Element:
- Water over Mountain
- Key themes:
- obstacles, challenges, perseverance, caution, resilience
Image
Water flowing around a mountain, symbolizing obstacles and the need for careful navigation.
Overall message
Hexagram 39 represents a situation of obstruction and challenges. It emphasizes the importance of caution, perseverance, and resilience in navigating through difficulties. Success comes from carefully navigating through obstacles and finding alternative paths.
Face obstacles with caution and resilience. Be patient and persistent. Success comes from carefully navigating through challenges and finding alternative paths.
Classical text (Legge, 1882)
Judgment. In (the state indicated by) Kien advantage will be found in the south-west, and the contrary in the north-east. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man. (In these circumstances), with firmness and correctness, there will be good fortune.
Image. (The trigram representing) a mountain, and above it that for water, form Kien. The superior man, in accordance with this, turns round (and examines) himself, and cultivates his virtue.
From James Legge's translation of the I Ching (Sacred Books of the East, vol. XVI, 1882). Public domain.
The six lines
Line 6 · Resolution of Obstruction
The period of obstruction comes to an end. Reflect on the lessons learned.
Reflect on the experience and learn from it. Prepare for a smoother future.
Line 5 · Leadership in Obstruction
Strong leadership is crucial in navigating through the obstruction.
Lead with wisdom and strength. Guide others through the difficult times.
Line 4 · Seeking Support
Seek support and guidance to navigate through the obstruction.
Collaborate with others and seek guidance. Support will help you navigate through the obstruction.
Line 3 · Overcoming Obstacles
Obstacles arise, but they can be overcome with persistence.
Stay persistent and resilient. Overcome obstacles with determination.
Line 2 · Navigating Challenges
Challenges become more pronounced. Focus on navigating through them.
Take steps to navigate through the challenges. Stay focused and determined.
Line 1 · Initial Obstacle
The first signs of obstruction appear. Be cautious and alert.
Stay vigilant and address the early signs of obstruction. Prevent further difficulties.
Related hexagrams
Opposite: If every line of this hexagram were inverted (yang to yin and vice versa), you would have Hexagram 38 · 睽 · Kuí. This is the hexagram's structural counterpart — the situation it could become if every dynamic flipped.
Nuclear: The hexagram hidden inside this one, built from lines 2-3-4 and 3-4-5, is Hexagram 64 · 未济 · Wèi Jì. The nuclear hexagram describes the inner pattern that produced this situation — what is going on underneath.
If only one line of this hexagram changed in your cast, you would arrive at:
- Line 1 changing → Hexagram 63 · 既济 · Jì Jì
- Line 2 changing → Hexagram 48 · 井 · Jǐng
- Line 3 changing → Hexagram 8 · 比 · Bǐ
- Line 4 changing → Hexagram 31 · 咸 · Xián
- Line 5 changing → Hexagram 15 · 谦 · Qiān
- Line 6 changing → Hexagram 53 · 渐 · Jiàn