I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 39 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 6 to Hexagram 9
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 39.1.2.6 -> 9
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 6 Changing
"蹇徵，利西南，利見大人，吉。"
(Jiǎn zhēng, lì xī nán, lì jiàn dà rén, jí.)
“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:
9. The Taming Power of the Small (小畜 Xiǎo Chù)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
- Below
- ☰ Qián (Heaven)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 9
Hexagram 小畜 (Xiǎo Chù) represents the power of restraint and the ability to control small things. This hexagram emphasizes the importance of tending to details, self-discipline, and preparing for future success by controlling one's impulses and desires.
Hexagram 9 Judgment
"小畜，亨。密云不雨，自我西郊。"
(Xiǎo chù, hēng. Mì yún bù yǔ, zì wǒ xī jiāo.)
“The Taming Power of the Small brings success. Dense clouds, no rain, come from the western outskirts.”
This hexagram speaks of success that comes through careful restraint and moderation. Although there is potential, represented by the clouds, the time is not yet ripe for action (no rain). Patience and preparation are needed before the full potential can be realized.
Hexagram 9 Image
"风行天上，小畜。君子以懿文德。"
(Fēng xíng tiān shàng, xiǎo chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ yì wén dé.)
“The wind blows across the heavens: The image of The Taming Power of the Small. The superior person refines the outward appearance of his or her virtue.”
The image of wind moving across the sky suggests a subtle but persistent force. The superior person uses this time to refine their actions and cultivate their virtue. It advises paying attention to the details and ensuring that small things are in order before larger tasks are undertaken.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team