What does the Obstruction hexagram (水山蹇) mean?

Obstruction is hexagram #39 of the 64 I-Ching hexagrams. Hindrance from a hard road. Turn back and seek the great man for help.

What are the upper and lower trigrams of Obstruction?

The upper trigram of Obstruction is Kǎn (Water) (坎) — representing Water / The Abysmal, element Thủy. The lower trigram is Gèn (Mountain) (艮) — representing Mountain / Keeping Still, element Thổ.

What is the mutual hexagram (互卦) of Obstruction?

The mutual hexagram of Obstruction is Before Completion (火水未濟). The mutual hexagram reveals the hidden inner dynamic and intermediate development of the situation.

What are the six line texts of Obstruction?

Line 1: Line 1 yin: Going leads to obstructions, coming meets with praise. | Line 2: Line 2 yin: The king’s servant is beset by obstruction upon obstruction, but it is not his own fault. | Line 3: Line 3 yang: Going leads to obstructions; hence he comes back. | Line 4: Line 4 yin: Going leads to obstructions, coming leads to union. | Line 5: Line 5 yang: In the midst of the greatest obstructions, friends come. | Line 6: Line 6 yin: Going leads to obstructions, coming leads to great good fortune. It furthers one to see the great man.

Hexagram #39

Obstruction

水山蹇

Hindrance from a hard road. Turn back and seek the great man for help.

Obstruction (水山蹇, Hexagram 39) is the 39th of the 64 hexagrams in the I-Ching. It consists of the upper trigram Kǎn (Water) (坎, Thủy) over the lower trigram Gèn (Mountain) (艮, Thổ). Hindrance from a hard road. Turn back and seek the great man for help.

Mountain / Keeping Still

Judgment (Thoán từ)

Obstruction. The southwest furthers. The northeast does not further. It furthers one to see the great man. Perseverance brings good fortune.

Image (Tượng từ)

Water on the mountain: the image of Obstruction. Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself and molds his character.

The Six Lines

1
Line 1 yin: Going leads to obstructions, coming meets with praise.
2
Line 2 yin: The king’s servant is beset by obstruction upon obstruction, but it is not his own fault.
3
Line 3 yang: Going leads to obstructions; hence he comes back.
4
Line 4 yin: Going leads to obstructions, coming leads to union.
5
Line 5 yang: In the midst of the greatest obstructions, friends come.
6
Line 6 yin: Going leads to obstructions, coming leads to great good fortune. It furthers one to see the great man.

Nuclear Hexagram (互卦)

䷿

Before Completion

火水未濟

Frequently asked questions

What does the Obstruction hexagram (水山蹇) mean?: Obstruction is hexagram #39 of the 64 I-Ching hexagrams. Hindrance from a hard road. Turn back and seek the great man for help.
What is the judgment text of Obstruction?: Obstruction. The southwest furthers. The northeast does not further. It furthers one to see the great man. Perseverance brings good fortune.
What is the image text of Obstruction?: Water on the mountain: the image of Obstruction. Thus the superior man turns his attention to himself and molds his character.
What are the upper and lower trigrams of Obstruction?: The upper trigram of Obstruction is Kǎn (Water) (坎) — representing Water / The Abysmal, element Thủy. The lower trigram is Gèn (Mountain) (艮) — representing Mountain / Keeping Still, element Thổ.
What is the mutual hexagram (互卦) of Obstruction?: The mutual hexagram of Obstruction is Before Completion (火水未濟). The mutual hexagram reveals the hidden inner dynamic and intermediate development of the situation.
What are the six line texts of Obstruction?: Line 1: Line 1 yin: Going leads to obstructions, coming meets with praise. | Line 2: Line 2 yin: The king’s servant is beset by obstruction upon obstruction, but it is not his own fault. | Line 3: Line 3 yang: Going leads to obstructions; hence he comes back. | Line 4: Line 4 yin: Going leads to obstructions, coming leads to union. | Line 5: Line 5 yang: In the midst of the greatest obstructions, friends come. | Line 6: Line 6 yin: Going leads to obstructions, coming leads to great good fortune. It furthers one to see the great man.

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