Hexagram 39Upper Kan · WaterLower Gen · Mountain

Jian · Obstruction

蹇卦 · 水山蹇

Difficulty
Obstacles
Self-reflection
Asking for help

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.

利西南，不利东北。利见大人，贞吉。

The Image

Water on the mountain: obstruction. The noble one, in the same way, turns inward and cultivates their character.

山上有水，蹇。君子以反身修德。

Plain-language reading

Your situation

The road ahead is blocked, as if there is a mountain in front and water behind, leaving you stuck. Jian is a symbol of difficult going. You may be stuck on a problem that will not move, and the harder you try, the more exhausting it feels.

Where to put your effort

When you hit an obstacle, stop and ask yourself whether the problem lies in your own approach or direction. Do not force your way through alone; find someone experienced and capable to help. Take the easier route: choose the path of least resistance and solve the parts you can solve first.

Four areas of life

Career: In hard times, work even harder.
Wealth: Money does not circulate; profit is difficult.
Family: Guard against water damage; regrets in marriage.
Health: Foot problems; take good care.

Health notes come from traditional texts and are cultural reference only. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.

The six lines

Read from the bottom up: the first line is at the bottom, the top line is at the top. Open each line for details.

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

初六：往蹇来誉。

Image：Going forward meets obstruction, coming back meets praise: it is right to wait.

Career: Fall back for now and wait for better luck.
Wealth: Do not take risks; protect your capital.
Family: Moving is unfavourable; wait before marrying.
Health: An illness is just starting; step back and rest.

Six in the second placeThe second line, divided, shows the minister of the king struggling with difficulty on difficulty, and not with a view to his own advantage.Moving

六二：王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。

Image：The king's servant struggles with obstruction: in the end there is no fault.

Career: Endless toil; steer clear of danger.
Wealth: Blocked halfway; losing both people and money.
Family: The direction is unfavourable; the husband may face difficulties.
Health: The toll of overwork.

Nine in the third placeThe third line, undivided, shows its subject advancing, (but only) to (greater) difficulties. He remains stationary, and returns (to his former associates).Moving

九三：往蹇来反。

Image：Going forward meets obstruction, so he comes back: those within rejoice.

Career: Advancing is hard; fall back first.
Wealth: Goods are not moving; sell in the home market instead.
Family: The joy of reunion; a destined reunion.
Health: Take extra care of yourself.

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

六四：往蹇来连。

Image：Going forward meets obstruction, coming back he finds allies: the position is right and solid.

Career: Working together, you can get through.
Wealth: Customers all arrive; profit naturally follows.
Family: Living side by side with neighbours; family ties grow closer.
Health: A long-standing illness that will not clear quickly.

Nine in the fifth placeThe fifth line, undivided, shows its subject struggling with the greatest difficulties, while friends are coming to help him.Moving

九五：大蹇，朋来。

Image：In great obstruction, friends come: through central restraint.

Career: Danger turns to safety; look for new opportunities.
Wealth: Too much stock; hard to sell.
Family: Not a good time to stay at home.
Health: Only a joint consultation of doctors will cure it.

Six at the topThe topmost line, 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.Moving

上六：往蹇来硕，吉。利见大人。

Image：Going forward meets obstruction, coming back brings great things: the will is turned within. It is favourable to see the great person: by following the noble.

Career: A great run of luck is coming; both fame and fortune are real.
Wealth: Prices rise; your capital is safe and you profit.
Family: A mentor helps you; a marriage into a distinguished family.
Health: A good doctor steps in.

Related hexagrams

Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.

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