Hexagram 39
Obstruction (Limping)
蹇 (Jiǎn)
Water over Mountain
The image is of Water on a Mountain. Before you lies a dangerous abyss (Water), and behind you is a steep, immovable mountain (Mountain). This is the very essence of obstruction. Advancing is perilous, and retreating is blocked. To push forward blindly would be foolish. The only wise course of action is to stop, recognize the obstacle for what it is, and seek an alternative path or the guidance of others.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
The Judgment gives clear strategic advice. To push forward into the obstacle (the northeast, the direction of the Mountain trigram) is ill-advised. It is better to retreat to level, open ground (the southwest, associated with the Earthly). This means stopping your forward push and finding a stable position. From there, it is highly advantageous to seek help from a wise, capable, and virtuous person ("the great man"). By halting the futile struggle and getting expert guidance, you can persevere through the difficulty and find good fortune.
The Image (象传)
When faced with an insurmountable external obstacle, the superior person does not waste energy trying to break through it. They recognize that the situation cannot be changed by force. Instead, they turn their focus inward. This period of forced inactivity becomes an opportunity for self-reflection and personal development. They examine their own character, correct their flaws, and strengthen their virtues. The obstacle becomes a catalyst for inner growth.
Interpretation & Guidance
Receiving Hexagram 39 is a clear sign that you are facing a major obstacle. Your current path is blocked. The most important message is: stop. Do not try to force your way through. Any attempt at aggressive forward movement will only lead to deeper trouble. The wisdom of this hexagram lies in knowing when to halt. Retreat, regroup, and seek counsel from a trusted mentor or expert. Use this enforced pause as a valuable time for introspection and self-improvement. The way forward will be found not by fighting the obstacle, but by strengthening yourself and finding a new path around it.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Six at the Beginning (初六)
Bottom line - Yin
"Going leads to obstruction, coming brings praise."
At the very beginning of the difficulty, you have a choice. If you try to advance, you will immediately get stuck. If you recognize the danger and stay put or retreat, you will be praised for your wisdom and foresight. Do not proceed.
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."
You are facing immense difficulties, but they are not of your own making. You are entangled in them because of your loyalty or duty to a higher cause or authority. Your role is to endure these challenges patiently without seeking personal gain. The responsibility ultimately lies elsewhere.
Nine in the Third Place (九三)
Third line - Yang
"Going leads to obstruction; hence he comes back."
Acting rashly, you attempt to push through the obstacle but quickly realize it is a mistake. The wise action is to turn back and return to the safety of your group or family. They will welcome you, and you will find security by rejoining them instead of struggling alone.
Six in the Fourth Place (六四)
Fourth line - Yin
"Going leads to obstruction, coming leads to union."
To overcome the current challenge, you must not go it alone. Advancing by yourself will lead to failure. The correct move is to turn back and unite with like-minded allies who can provide the support you need. The solution lies in partnership, not solitary struggle.
Nine in the Fifth Place (九五)
Fifth line - Yang
"In the midst of the greatest obstructions, friends come."
You are in the heart of the difficulty, facing the most severe challenges. Because you are a sincere and capable leader, you attract help even in this dire situation. Allies will appear to support you. You are in a position to organize this help and lead the way through the trouble.
Top Six (上六)
Top line - Yin
"Going leads to obstruction, coming leads to great good fortune. It furthers one to see the great man."
You have passed through the immediate danger, but pressing on to new, unknown territory is still ill-advised. The greatest fortune comes from turning back to consolidate what you have learned and achieved. By connecting with a wise teacher ("the great man"), you can make sense of your struggle and set a new, stable foundation for the future.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This hexagram indicates a relationship facing serious, perhaps seemingly insurmountable, problems. Pushing for a resolution, demanding change, or trying to force more commitment will only make things worse. This is a time to stop pushing. The relationship needs a pause. This may mean giving each other space or halting difficult conversations. "Seeing the great man" is a strong suggestion to seek outside help, such as couples counseling. The obstacle is a test: can you stop, look inward at your own role in the difficulty, and find a new way around it together?
Career & Business (事业)
In business, Hexagram 39 signals that a project, venture, or your entire career path is blocked. Continuing to invest time, money, and energy in the current direction is futile. This is a red light. The command is to halt all forward progress on this front. Retreat, reassess your strategy, and analyze what went wrong. "Seeing the great man" is a clear directive to seek advice from an experienced mentor, consultant, or industry expert. Use this hiatus to develop new skills ("mold your character") that will allow you to approach the problem differently later on.
Health & Wellness (健康)
For health, this hexagram points to a significant blockage or a serious condition that is preventing recovery. It is a strong warning against pushing your body through strenuous activity or aggressive treatments that aren't working. The body is saying "stop." Rest is essential. "Seeing the great man" is one of the clearest indications in the I Ching to seek expert medical help, possibly a leading specialist or a second opinion. The path to wellness is blocked, and you need expert guidance to find a new way.
Financial Matters (财运)
This hexagram represents a severe financial obstruction. An investment may be failing, or your income stream may be blocked. The absolute worst thing you can do is invest more money to try to fix it. Stop all financial outlay in this direction immediately. It is time to "turn back" and cut your losses if necessary. Protect your remaining capital. Seeking professional financial advice ("seeing the great man") is strongly recommended before making any further moves. This is a time for defense and capital preservation, not risk-taking.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
The ultimate lesson of Obstruction is about the nature of wisdom. True wisdom is not just about knowing how to push forward, but also knowing when to stop. Personal growth here comes from accepting limitations and turning a frustrating external block into a powerful internal opportunity. When the world outside says "no," the superior person turns inward to cultivate their character, correct their faults, and build resilience. You learn that sometimes the only way to move forward is to stand still.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The timing is clear: Halt. This is not a time for action, but for inaction. Do not advance. Do not try to force a solution. Your primary task now is to stop, take a step back, and assess the situation from a safe distance. This is a mandatory pause. Your next move should be to seek wise and experienced counsel. Only after careful reflection and expert advice should you consider a new path.
