Hexagram 39, Line 4

The Line Text

Interpretation

This line describes a situation where you are not the primary leader but are deeply involved in a significant challenge. You are in the upper trigram of Kǎn (Danger), indicating you are in the midst of the difficulty. The impulse might be to push forward heroically, to try and solve the problem on your own. However, the oracle is unequivocal: this path leads only to deeper trouble (往蹇, wǎng jiǎn). Your strength is insufficient for a solo breakthrough. The correct and wise path is to "return" (來, lái). This "returning" is not a retreat in defeat, but a strategic pivot. It means turning away from the solitary, head-on assault and turning towards others to form a "union" (連, lián). You must recognize your limitations and understand that the solution lies in collaboration and alliance. By seeking out those who share your predicament or those in a position to help (specifically, the strong ruler in line 5), you create a united front. This is a time for humility, teamwork, and pooling resources. The obstruction is too great for one person, but it can be overcome by a connected group.

Guidance for Action

Immediately cease any attempts to solve this major problem by yourself. Pushing harder will only get you more stuck. Your current strategy is not working. Take a step back and assess who your potential allies are. Who else is affected by this obstruction? Who has the resources, influence, or wisdom that you lack? Swallow your pride and reach out. The key to progress is not individual effort but collective action. Form a team, seek counsel, or join forces with others who have a common goal. This is a moment for diplomacy and coalition-building, not for solitary heroism. By uniting with others, you will find the substantial support needed to navigate the danger and eventually overcome the obstacle.

For Love & Relationships

In a relationship, this line indicates a major obstacle or conflict that one person cannot resolve alone. If you are trying to "fix" the relationship by yourself, making unilateral decisions or forcing a resolution, you will only create more distance and difficulty. The guidance is to "return to union." Stop pushing your agenda and instead, turn toward your partner. Re-establish a sense of "we" and "us." The conversation needs to shift from "what I want" to "how can *we* navigate this together?" It is a call for deep communication, mutual support, and tackling the problem as a unified team. For those who are single, this line advises against trying too hard to force a relationship to happen. Desperate efforts will only lead to frustrating obstructions. Instead, "return" to your own center, connect with your friends and community (union), and build a solid, happy life for yourself. This authentic connection with yourself and others is what will naturally attract the right partner.

For Career & Business

You are facing a significant roadblock at work—a project is stalled, a political situation is difficult, or your career path is blocked. Your instinct to work harder, put in more hours, and solve it all by yourself is a mistake. This approach will lead to burnout and failure. The correct action is to "return" from this solo effort and "unite" with others. This means building a coalition. Talk to your teammates, get buy-in from other departments, seek the guidance of a mentor, or present the problem to your superiors to garner their support and resources. Acknowledge that you cannot do it alone. By creating a team and sharing the burden and responsibility, you create the collective strength necessary to break through the obstruction. Your value right now lies not in being the hero, but in being the catalyst for a team solution.

For Financial Matters

You are facing a serious financial obstruction, such as significant debt, a major loss on an investment, or a critical income shortfall. Trying to solve this problem alone, perhaps by taking on risky "get rich quick" schemes or by hiding the problem from your family, is a path to deeper financial trouble. The advice is clear: you must seek help and create a union. This means being transparent with your partner or family and tackling the issue together. It means consulting a professional financial advisor, a credit counselor, or an accountant. It may mean contacting creditors to negotiate a payment plan (a form of "union"). Stop trying to be the lone hero who can fix it all. The smart and effective move is to assemble a team of allies and experts to create a realistic, collaborative plan to overcome the financial difficulty.