蹇
Hexagram 39 · 蹇
Upper trigram: 坎 · Lower trigram: 艮
Jian (Obstruction): the hexagram of a difficult path. Stop to assess the ground, seek capable help, and return to what can support progress.
The image
Water stands above mountain, placing difficulty before stillness. A steep landscape meets a deep or uncertain crossing. Jian means obstruction, evoking movement that cannot proceed easily. The picture values recognizing limits early enough to choose help and a workable route.
Judgment
利西南，不利東北；利見大人，貞吉。
The southwest is beneficial; the northeast is not. It is beneficial to meet a great person. Constancy brings good fortune.
The commentary calls it wisdom to see difficulty and be able to stop. When a project reaches an unfamiliar barrier, consulting an experienced colleague often serves better than forcing the original route.
Great Image
山上有水，蹇；君子以反身修德。
Water above the mountain: Obstruction. The exemplary person accordingly turns back toward the self and cultivates virtue.
An external barrier can prompt a useful review of one's preparation. A student struggling with advanced material can strengthen earlier skills without treating the difficulty as a personal verdict.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初六
往蹇，來譽。
Going brings obstruction; coming back brings praise.
Six in the first place is yin able to wait before committing to the blocked path. The Small Image favors waiting, like postponing a meeting until the person with essential information can attend.
Line 2 · 六二
王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。
The king's servant faces obstruction upon obstruction, not for the sake of the self.
Six in the second place is central yin corresponding with the fifth yang. The Small Image finds no final fault, like a coordinator patiently handling difficulties because others depend on the task being completed.
Line 3 · 九三
往蹇來反。
Going brings obstruction; coming back brings return.
Nine in the third place is yang needed by the yielding lines within. The Small Image says those inside welcome it, like returning to strengthen the home team before pursuing an ambitious external assignment.
Line 4 · 六四
往蹇來連。
Going brings obstruction; coming back brings connection.
Six in the fourth place is fitting yin seeking dependable support rather than isolated advance. The Small Image emphasizes a substantial connection, like bringing colleagues together to solve a problem no one can handle alone.
Line 5 · 九五
大蹇朋來。
Great obstruction. Friends come.
Nine in the fifth place is central and correct yang attracting assistance during difficulty. The Small Image credits its measured center, like a respected manager openly asking trusted specialists to help with a complicated task.
Line 6 · 上六
往蹇來碩，吉；利見大人。
Going brings obstruction; coming back brings greatness. Good fortune. It is beneficial to meet a great person.
Six at the top is yin turning inward rather than pressing beyond the obstruction. The Small Image favors following worthy guidance, like returning to an experienced adviser before choosing a new professional direction.
When asking about
Career
A blocked route often calls for consultation. Strengthen cooperation before trying another ambitious step.
Love
Difficulty may need shared attention rather than individual pressure. Return to a conversation where both people can participate.
Money
An unfamiliar obstacle deserves careful review. Clarify commitments and seek competent guidance before proceeding.
Home
A household problem may exceed one person's capacity. Gather practical support and divide the work.
Study
Returning to prerequisites often makes a difficult topic clearer. Ask a teacher to identify the missing connection.
Health
A demanding period can benefit from a simpler rhythm and adequate rest. See a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Recognize the barrier without making a contest of it. Turn toward dependable support, examine your preparation, and choose a path that can actually be traveled.
Related hexagrams
Weighing a decision? Cast a hexagram for your own question.
Cast a hexagramReference content based on the I Ching classic, not a prediction.