Hexagram 39: Obstruction — I Ching Meaning

ChineseChien TrigramsWater over Mountain Symbol

The Judgment

Obstruction: the southwest furthers; the northeast does not further. It furthers one to see the great man. Perseverance brings good fortune. A dangerous abyss lies ahead, a steep mountain behind — the way is genuinely blocked, and the counsel is threefold: go the accessible way (southwest, the way of ease and allies), seek wise counsel, and turn the blockage inward as self-examination.

The Image

Water on the mountain: the superior person turns their attention to themselves and moulds their character. When the road is blocked, the wise work on the traveller — obstruction is the classroom of character.

What This Hexagram Means for You

The way you intended is blocked, and the block is real — this is not a hexagram of illusory obstacles. Three moves are counselled: first, stop assaulting the blocked direction and find the southwest — the easier route, the friendly territory, the path with allies on it; second, actually consult someone wiser, because this knot wants an outside eye; third — the deep move — ask what in you the obstruction is pointing at, since blocked roads reliably school character. Retreat here is preparation. Joined by others and enlarged by the lesson, you will pass where you could not push through alone.

Seek deeper guidance

The Book of Changes has spoken — let the cards answer too. A free Tarot reading awaits your question.

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