I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 39 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 4, 5 to Hexagram 34
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 39.1.2.4.5 -> 34
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
"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.)
“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
"山上有水，蹇。君子以反身修德。"
(Shān shàng yǒu shuǐ, jiǎn. Jūn zǐ yǐ fǎn shēn xiū dé.)
“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
"往蹇來譽。"
(Wǎng jiǎn lái yù.)
“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
"王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。"
(Wáng chén jiǎn jiǎn, fěi gōng zhī gù.)
“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 4 Changing
"往蹇來連。"
(Wǎng jiǎn lái lián.)
“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 5 Changing
"大蹇，朋來。"
(Dà jiǎn, péng lái.)
“Great obstruction. Friends come.”
This line speaks of a serious obstacle, but one that brings help from friends or allies. It advises accepting support from others to overcome the difficulty.
Changing to:
34. The Power of the Great (大壯 Dà Zhuàng)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 34
Hexagram 大壯 (Dà Zhuàng) represents great power and strength. This hexagram speaks of a time when great energy and force are available, but it advises using this power with care and wisdom. True strength comes from knowing when and how to apply it.
Hexagram 34 Judgment
"大壯，利貞。"
(Dà zhuàng, lì zhēn.)
“The Power of the Great. Perseverance furthers.”
This hexagram advises using great power wisely. Success comes from perseverance and the careful, deliberate application of strength. It is important to avoid rash or impulsive actions.
Hexagram 34 Image
"雷在天上，大壯。君子以非禮勿履。"
(Léi zài tiān shàng, dà zhuàng. Jūn zǐ yǐ fēi lǐ wù lǚ.)
“Thunder in heaven above: The image of The Power of the Great. The superior person avoids stepping beyond what is proper.”
The image of thunder in heaven represents great power that must be controlled. The superior person, like thunder, understands the need for restraint and does not overstep the bounds of what is proper.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team