I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 39 with Changing Lines 1, 3, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 21
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 39.1.3.4.5.6 -> 21
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 3 Changing
"往蹇來反。"
(Wǎng jiǎn lái fǎn.)
“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
"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.
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:
21. Biting Through (噬嗑 Shì Kè)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☲ Lí (Fire)
- Below
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 21
Hexagram 噬嗑 (Shì Kè) represents biting through or confronting obstacles. This hexagram speaks of a time when forceful action is needed to break through resistance or obstacles, but it advises using this force with justice and wisdom.
Hexagram 21 Judgment
"噬嗑，亨。利用狱。"
(Shì kè, hēng. Lì yòng yù.)
“Biting through. Success. It is favorable to use legal proceedings.”
This hexagram describes a time for taking decisive action to resolve problems, like biting through tough material. Success comes from being firm yet fair, using justice or legal means to resolve disputes.
Hexagram 21 Image
"雷電噬嗑。先王以明罰勑法。"
(Léi diàn shì kè. Xiān wáng yǐ míng fá chì fǎ.)
“Thunder and lightning: The image of Biting Through. The ancient kings made laws clear and enforced punishments.”
The image of thunder and lightning represents swift and powerful force. The superior person uses this time to clarify laws and ensure that justice is served. It is a time for decisiveness in dealing with wrongdoing.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team