I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 39 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 10

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 39.1.2.3.4.6 -> 10

Old Yin Young Yang Old Yin Old Yang Old Yin Old Yin

39. Obstruction

Yang Yang Yang Yin Yang Yang

10. Treading

39. Obstruction (蹇 Jiǎn)

Trigrams

Above
☵ Kǎn (Water)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 39

Hexagram 蹇 (Jiǎn) symbolizes obstacles or obstructions. This hexagram speaks of difficulties or impediments on one's path. Success comes from patience, perseverance, and knowing when to retreat and when to push forward.

Hexagram 39 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"蹇，利西南，不利東北。利見大人，貞吉。"
(Jiǎn, lì xī nán, bù lì dōng běi. Lì jiàn dà rén, zhēn jí.)
English Translation:
“Obstruction. It is favorable to go southwest, not favorable to go northeast. It is beneficial to see the great person. Perseverance brings good fortune.”

This hexagram advises adjusting one's direction when facing obstacles. Success comes from going with the flow (symbolized by the southwest) rather than forcing one's way forward. Meeting with a wise person and persevering brings good fortune.

Hexagram 39 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"山上有水，蹇。君子以反身修德。"
(Shān shàng yǒu shuǐ, jiǎn. Jūn zǐ yǐ fǎn shēn xiū dé.)
English Translation:
“Water on the mountain: The image of Obstruction. The superior person turns inward and cultivates virtue.”

The image of water on a mountain represents difficulties or obstacles that prevent easy progress. The superior person uses this time to turn inward, cultivating inner strength and virtue while waiting for the right time to act.

Line 1 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"往蹇來譽。"
(Wǎng jiǎn lái yù.)
English Translation:
“Going brings obstruction, returning brings praise.”

This line advises against pushing forward in the face of difficulties. Retreating and waiting for a better time to act brings praise and success.

Line 2 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。"
(Wáng chén jiǎn jiǎn, fěi gōng zhī gù.)
English Translation:
“The king's servant is obstructed. It is not his fault.”

This line describes a situation where someone faces difficulties, but the obstruction is not due to their own actions. It advises patience and understanding that sometimes obstacles are beyond one's control.

Line 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"往蹇來反。"
(Wǎng jiǎn lái fǎn.)
English Translation:
“Going brings obstruction, but returning brings a way out.”

This line advises recognizing when to retreat in the face of difficulties. By returning and reconsidering one's approach, a way out of the obstruction is found.

Line 4 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"往蹇來連。"
(Wǎng jiǎn lái lián.)
English Translation:
“Going brings obstruction, but returning brings connection.”

This line describes a situation where pushing forward leads to more difficulty, but retreating brings opportunities to reconnect with others and find support.

Line 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"蹇徵，利西南，利見大人，吉。"
(Jiǎn zhēng, lì xī nán, lì jiàn dà rén, jí.)
English Translation:
“Obstruction. It is favorable to go southwest. Beneficial to meet a great person. Good fortune.”

This line advises adapting to the situation by changing direction (symbolized by going southwest). Meeting with a wise person helps bring good fortune, even in difficult times.

Changing to:

10. Treading (履 Lǚ)

Trigrams

Above
☰ Qián (Heaven)
Below
☱ Dui (Lake)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 10

Hexagram 履 (Lǚ) represents careful treading or walking. It emphasizes caution in behavior and the need for sensitivity to the conditions around you. Success comes from walking the line between boldness and discretion.

Hexagram 10 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"履虎尾，不咥人，亨。"
(Lǚ hǔ wěi, bù dié rén, hēng.)
English Translation:
“Treading on the tail of the tiger. It does not bite the man. Success.”

This hexagram speaks of treading in a dangerous situation, like walking on a tiger's tail. However, if one proceeds cautiously and with respect, no harm will come, and success can be achieved.

Hexagram 10 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"上天下泽，履。君子以辨上下，定民志。"
(Shàng tiān xià zé, lǚ. Jūn zǐ yǐ biàn shàng xià, dìng mín zhì.)
English Translation:
“Heaven above, the lake below: The image of Treading. The superior person discriminates between high and low, and strengthens the people’s resolve.”

The image of heaven above and the lake below suggests a balance between different forces. The superior person walks carefully, recognizing the hierarchy of forces and ensuring that the people’s resolve is firm. It is about maintaining balance and discernment.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team