Hexagram 39: Obstruction

Written by Orbitarot · Sources: James Legge, The Yi King (The I Ching), 1882 (judgment and lines); plain readings our own · Updated October 7, 2026

Hexagram 39 in plain words

Water sits on top of the mountain: a steep climb with danger ahead. The way forward is blocked, like trying to walk a rocky path in deep snow. Tradition says it is favorable to go toward the southwest, the direction of open, level ground and company, and not toward the northeast, the direction of mountains. It also says it helps to see a great person.

The obstruction is a signal to pause and turn inward. Instead of blaming circumstances, ask what in your own approach is adding to the difficulty, and correct it. Most of the lines repeat one idea: going forward leads into obstruction, coming back leads to something good, whether praise, union, or support. That is not cowardice; it is good judgment. Gather allies, accept advice, and wait until you can move with the ground rather than against it. Obstacles of this kind are often temporary and mainly ask for patience and cooperation. Use the pause to strengthen yourself, and when the path opens you will be ready to take it.

The judgment

In (the state indicated by) Kien advantage will be found in the south-west, and the contrary in the north-east. It will be advantageous (also) to meet with the great man. (In these circumstances), with firmness and correctness, there will be good fortune.

Translation: James Legge, 1882 (public domain).

The image

(The trigram representing) a mountain, and above it that for water, form Kien. The superior man, in accordance with this, turns round (and examines) himself, and cultivates his virtue.

From Legge's Appendix II (the Great Symbolism), The Sacred Books of the East, vol. 16, 1882 (public domain).

In plain words: Water lies on top of the mountain, a hard road ahead. When the way is blocked, turn your attention inward, look at your own part, and grow from it.

The six lines

Read only the lines that changed in your reading. Lines are counted from the bottom.

Line 1 (bottom)

From the first SIX, divided, we learn that advance (on the part of its subject) will lead to (greater) difficulties, while remaining stationary will afford ground for praise.

Going forward runs into obstruction; holding back earns praise. Wait for a better moment.

Line 2

The second SIX, divided, shows the minister of the king struggling with difficulty on difficulty, and not with a view to his own advantage.

You meet difficulty after difficulty, but not through any fault of your own. You are carrying a duty to others, so keep going.

Line 3

The third NINE, undivided, shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and returns (to his former associates).

Going ahead runs into obstruction, so you come back. Those close to you are glad to have you home.

Line 4

The fourth SIX, divided, shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and unites (with the subject of the line above).

Going ahead runs into obstruction, but coming back brings you together with allies. Unite with others before trying again.

Line 5

The fifth NINE, undivided, shows its subject struggling with the greatest difficulties, while friends are coming to help him.

In the middle of the worst difficulty, friends come. Your steady position draws helpers to you.

Line 6 (top)

The topmost SIX, divided, shows its subject going forward, (only to increase) the difficulties, while his remaining stationary will be (productive of) great (merit). There will be good fortune, and it will be advantageous to meet with the great man.

Going on alone leads into obstruction; coming back brings great good fortune. Seek out a wise person and work alongside them.

Related hexagrams

All three relations have traditional Chinese names (cuo gua for the opposite, zong gua for the inverse, hu gua for the nuclear). Many modern readers use the opposite as the shadow side of a situation, the inverse as the same moment seen from the other side, and the nuclear hexagram as its inner core.

If one line changes

With a single changing line, hexagram 39 turns into:

Learn more: what the I Ching is, how to read changing lines, the eight trigrams, how to cast with coins or yarrow.

Hexagram 39 in love and relationships

In love, there may be a block between you that cannot be forced open. Step back, look honestly at your own part, and work on it together rather than pushing for a resolution.

Hexagram 39 for work and decisions

At work, a project or plan has hit a real obstacle. Pause, rethink the approach, and ask for help from someone experienced before pushing on.

Questions