Hexagram 39, Line 3

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line depicts a critical moment of decision in the face of insurmountable difficulty. The line, a strong Yang line, is positioned at the transition point between the inner trigram (艮 Gèn, Mountain/Keeping Still) and the outer trigram (坎 Kǎn, Water/Danger). To advance (往) means to leave the relative stability of the mountain and plunge directly into the abyss of danger (坎). The hexagram's wisdom is unequivocal: this path leads only to deeper trouble (蹇). The correct and only viable action is to turn back (來反). This is not an act of cowardice but of profound wisdom and responsibility. By turning back, one returns to the support and stability of the inner trigram, specifically to the other lines below who depend on this leadership. The commentary highlights this by stating, "The ones within are joyful about this." Your team, family, or inner circle will be relieved and happy that you have chosen a wise retreat over a foolish and destructive advance. This line teaches the strategic value of recognizing a dead end and consolidating one's position by returning to a secure base.

Guidance for Action

You are at a crossroads where the path forward is clearly blocked and dangerous. Do not try to force your way through with sheer willpower or aggression; this will only lead to failure and entanglement. The wisest course of action now is to execute a strategic retreat. Stop what you are doing, pull back from the venture, and return to your foundation. Reconnect with your core supporters, your team, or your family. This is a time to regroup, reassess, and strengthen your home base. Acknowledging the obstacle and choosing not to engage is a sign of strength, not weakness. Those who depend on you will applaud your prudence and feel a sense of relief and security because of your decision.

For Love & Relationships

If you are pursuing a new relationship, this line is a clear sign to stop. Pushing forward will only lead to rejection, heartache, and complication. The other person is unavailable, or the circumstances are simply impossible right now. The wise move is to turn back and focus on yourself, your friends, and your own well-being. In an existing relationship, this line points to a major conflict or issue that cannot be solved by forcing it. Continuing to argue or press your point will only deepen the chasm between you. You must retreat from the conflict. Return to the core of your connection, the foundation of love and support you share. Your partner will likely be relieved that you are not escalating the fight, creating space for a more constructive approach later.

For Career & Business

A project, career move, or business deal you are pushing is hitting a wall. To continue is to risk significant failure, financial loss, and damage to your reputation. This is not a time for heroic efforts; it is a time for a tactical withdrawal. Halt the project, step back from the negotiation, or reconsider the career change. Turn your attention back to your core responsibilities, your trusted team, and your established, stable areas of business. Your colleagues and employees will be grateful for your wise leadership in not risking the security of the whole enterprise on a venture that is clearly doomed. Consolidate your current position and wait for a better opportunity.

For Financial Matters

You are facing a financial decision where moving forward—making a specific investment, taking on a large loan, or pursuing a risky financial scheme—is fraught with danger. The I Ching warns that this path leads directly to loss. Do not proceed. Pull your money out if you can, or at the very least, do not commit any further funds. The correct action is to return to a position of financial security and conservatism. Re-evaluate your portfolio and focus on protecting your capital and strengthening your financial base. Resisting the temptation of a high-risk "opportunity" and choosing security instead will bring you inner peace and prevent a significant setback. This retreat is a financially astute and highly recommended move.