I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 39 with Changing Lines 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 16
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 39.3.4.5 -> 16
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 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.
Changing to:
16. Enthusiasm (豫 Yù)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
- Below
- ☷ Kūn (Earth)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 16
Hexagram 豫 (Yù) represents enthusiasm, excitement, and a sense of shared purpose. This hexagram speaks of a time when energy and joy fuel collective actions. Enthusiasm drives forward progress and creates harmony among people.
Hexagram 16 Judgment
"豫，利建侯行师。"
(Yù, lì jiàn hóu xíng shī.)
“Enthusiasm. It is beneficial to appoint helpers and set armies marching.”
This hexagram signifies a time when enthusiasm drives collective action. It is a good time to delegate tasks to others, appoint capable helpers, and move forward with large plans. Progress is made with shared energy and excitement.
Hexagram 16 Image
"雷出地奋，豫。先王以作乐崇德，殷荐之上帝，以配祖考。"
(Léi chū dì fèn, yù. Xiān wáng yǐ zuò yuè chóng dé, yīn jiàn zhī shàng dì, yǐ pèi zǔ kǎo.)
“Thunder comes bursting out of the earth: The image of Enthusiasm. The ancient kings made music and offered it in honor of virtue. They worshiped with reverence at the temple of their ancestors.”
The image of thunder erupting from the earth represents the energy and power of enthusiasm. The ancient kings used this energy to create harmony through music and honor their ancestors. In modern terms, this means using the joy of collective effort to build on past virtues and create a better future.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team