Hexagram 39
Obstruction
蹇 (Jiǎn)
Water over Mountain
Hexagram 39 in the I Ching represents obstruction and difficulty - a time when progress is blocked and challenges seem insurmountable. This iching hexagram 39 symbolizes the encounter with obstacles that require patience, reflection, and strategic retreat rather than forceful advance.
Key Concepts
The Judgment
Hexagram 39 represents a time of significant obstacles and challenges that cannot be overcome through direct confrontation. This iching hexagram 39 teaches us about the wisdom of knowing when to retreat, when to pause, and when to seek help from those wiser than ourselves. The obstruction is not permanent, but forcing through it will only lead to greater difficulty.
The Image
The image of this hexagram shows water accumulating on a mountain, unable to flow freely. In iching hexagram 39, we learn that when external progress is blocked, the wise person uses this time for internal development and self-cultivation. Obstacles in the outer world become opportunities for inner growth.
Interpretation & Guidance
When hexagram 39 appears in your reading, it signals a time when direct action toward your goals will meet with resistance and difficulty. Rather than pushing forward against insurmountable obstacles, this is a time to pause, reflect, and consider alternative approaches. The universe is asking you to develop patience and inner strength.
This hexagram encourages you to view obstacles not as permanent barriers but as temporary conditions that require a different strategy. Sometimes the greatest progress comes from stepping back, reassessing your situation, and seeking wisdom from experienced mentors or advisors.
In all areas of life, iching hexagram 39 suggests that success comes through recognizing your limitations, accepting temporary setbacks with grace, and using periods of obstruction for self-improvement and preparation for future opportunities.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"Going leads to obstruction; coming meets with praise."
The first line advises against moving forward into difficulty. When you recognize obstacles ahead, the wise choice is to retreat and regroup. This is not cowardice but wisdom - knowing when conditions are unfavorable and choosing to wait for a better time.
Six in the Second Place (六二)
Second line - Yin
"The king's servant is beset by obstruction upon obstruction, but it is not his own fault."
This line represents facing difficulties in service to a higher purpose or duty. Though obstacles multiply, you persevere not for personal gain but out of loyalty and responsibility. Your dedication in difficult times builds character and earns respect.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"Going leads to obstructions; hence he comes back."
A time when attempting to advance only reveals greater difficulties ahead. The wise response is to return to familiar ground and wait. Those who depend on you will understand and appreciate your prudent decision to avoid unnecessary risk.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"Going leads to obstructions; coming leads to union."
This line emphasizes the value of seeking support and forming alliances when facing obstacles alone proves futile. By returning and connecting with others, you gain the strength and resources needed to eventually overcome difficulties together.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"In the midst of the greatest obstructions, friends come."
The ruler's line shows that even in the darkest times, help arrives for those who maintain their integrity and position. When you face obstacles with dignity and perseverance, loyal supporters will emerge to assist you through the difficulty.
Six at the Top (上六)
Top line - Yin
"Going leads to obstructions; coming leads to great good fortune. It furthers one to see the great man."
The top line indicates that the time of obstruction is nearing its end. By seeking guidance from wise mentors and choosing to work with rather than against circumstances, you position yourself for eventual success and recognition.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
In love, hexagram 39 represents a period of difficulty and misunderstanding in relationships. Communication may be blocked, and efforts to connect with your partner or potential love interest meet with resistance. This is not the time to force intimacy or demand resolution.
For those seeking love, this hexagram suggests that external circumstances or internal obstacles are preventing romantic connection. Rather than pursuing relationships aggressively, focus on self-development and healing past wounds. The right person will appear when conditions improve.
The wisdom of iching hexagram 39 in love is recognizing that some relationship problems cannot be solved immediately. Patience, self-reflection, and sometimes temporary distance allow both partners to gain perspective and return to each other with renewed understanding.
Career & Business (事业)
Professionally, hexagram 39 signals a time of career obstacles and business challenges. Projects may stall, promotions may be delayed, and your efforts seem to produce minimal results. This is not the time to launch new ventures or make aggressive career moves.
For entrepreneurs, this hexagram warns against expansion or major investments during this period. Market conditions, resource limitations, or other factors create unfavorable circumstances for business growth. Focus instead on consolidating existing operations and improving internal processes.
In established careers, iching hexagram 39 suggests using this difficult period for professional development, skill-building, and networking. The obstacles you face now are temporary, and the preparation you do during this time will position you for success when conditions improve.
Health & Wellness (健康)
Health-wise, hexagram 39 may indicate a period of reduced vitality or chronic health challenges that resist quick solutions. Rather than seeking aggressive treatments or pushing your body beyond its limits, this is a time for gentle healing and patient recovery.
The obstruction energy of this hexagram suggests that healing requires time, rest, and possibly a change in approach to health and wellness. Listen to your body's signals and don't ignore symptoms or warning signs. Seek expert medical advice when needed.
For those managing ongoing health conditions, iching hexagram 39 encourages acceptance of limitations while maintaining hope for gradual improvement. Focus on what you can control - diet, rest, stress management - and trust that consistent healthy practices will eventually overcome current obstacles.
Financial Matters (财运)
Financially, hexagram 39 indicates a period of economic difficulty or blocked income streams. Money may be tight, investments may underperform, and financial goals seem out of reach. This is definitely not the time for risky financial ventures or major purchases.
This hexagram favors conservative financial management, debt reduction, and building emergency reserves. Rather than seeking to increase income through new ventures, focus on reducing expenses and protecting existing assets until economic conditions improve.
The key to financial survival with iching hexagram 39 is patience and prudent management. Avoid the temptation to take desperate measures or high-risk gambles to overcome financial obstacles. Steady, conservative financial practices will see you through this difficult period.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
On a personal level, hexagram 39 represents a crucial period for inner development and character building. External obstacles force you to turn inward and confront aspects of yourself that need attention and growth. This difficult time is actually a gift for self-discovery.
This hexagram encourages you to use periods of obstruction as opportunities for meditation, study, and self-reflection. When you cannot move forward in the external world, you can make tremendous progress in the internal landscape of consciousness and character.
The challenge of iching hexagram 39 is maintaining faith and perseverance when progress seems impossible. True personal greatness is forged not in times of easy success but in how you respond to difficulty, setback, and temporary defeat with dignity and continued effort.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The timing associated with hexagram 39 is unfavorable for new initiatives and forward movement. This is a period for consolidation, reflection, and preparation rather than action and expansion. Patience is not just advised - it is essential for eventual success.
The best advice for those receiving this hexagram is to accept current limitations without losing hope for the future. Use this time wisely for self-improvement, skill development, and building relationships that will support you when conditions change.
Remember that obstruction is temporary. The water on the mountain will eventually find its way down. Your task is to maintain your integrity, continue your inner work, and be ready to move forward decisively when the obstacles finally clear and opportunity returns.