Obstruction
Water atop the mountain; faced with obstacles, turn inward.
The Judgment
“The southwest furthers; the northeast does not. It furthers one to see the great person. Perseverance brings good fortune.”
The Lines
Line texts are an original modern translation of the classical Zhou Yi (public domain).
Meaning
Water lies on the steep mountain—an image of difficulty and blockage. When the path ahead is barred, the fault may lie within.
Guidance
When blocked, pause and look to yourself rather than pressing on; seek wise help and the right direction.
When This Hexagram Appears
Hitting a hard obstacle, where self-examination and seeking guidance beat brute persistence.
FAQ about Hexagram 39
What does Hexagram 39, Obstruction, mean?
Obstruction (水山蹇, hexagram 39 of the I Ching). Water lies on the steep mountain—an image of difficulty and blockage. When the path ahead is barred, the fault may lie within.
What is the Judgment of the Obstruction hexagram?
The Judgment reads: “The southwest furthers; the northeast does not. It furthers one to see the great person. Perseverance brings good fortune.” Water atop the mountain; faced with obstacles, turn inward.
What guidance does Hexagram 39 offer?
When blocked, pause and look to yourself rather than pressing on; seek wise help and the right direction.
When does the Obstruction hexagram apply?
Hitting a hard obstacle, where self-examination and seeking guidance beat brute persistence.