Hexagram 39 changing to 53: Obstruction to Development

Where it starts: 39 Obstruction

Water on the mountain, a dangerous ravine ahead: the obstacle is real, and the way is to turn and seek help. Mountain below, water above: a steep mountain with a treacherous stream at its top, an obstacle that cannot be walked through. Obstruction differs from Difficulty at the Beginning: this obstacle is outside you, in the terrain, and it is not passable by persistence alone. The tradition's judgement gives directions: the southwest furthers, the northeast does not, it furthers to see the great person, and persistence brings good fortune. The southwest is the open plain; the reading says to turn toward the easy ground, to seek allies and advice, and above all to turn inward and examine oneself, which the image names as the response to obstruction.

Where it goes: 53 Development

The wild goose flying stage by stage to its home: gradual, orderly progress that cannot be hurried. Mountain below, wind above: a tree on a mountain, growing slowly, visible from far away. Development describes progress that must be gradual, and the tradition's image is the wild goose migrating in stages: the shore, the cliff, the plateau, the tree, the summit, the cloud heights. The judgement is that the maiden is given in marriage, good fortune, persistence furthers, meaning that the process is like a proper courtship: it has stages, and each must be completed. The reading says the goal is reachable and the way to it is orderly patience. Skipping a stage does not shorten the journey; it ends it.

The lines that move

1. Line 6

   Going leads to obstruction; coming leads to great good fortune. It furthers to see the great person.

   Someone who has already left the difficulty behind and returns to help those still in it. The return is voluntary and it is greatly fortunate. Seeking the great person means combining one's efforts with someone able. Come back to help, and ally yourself with someone capable.

What is changing. The situation of Obstruction is moving toward Development. Turn toward the open ground, seek help, and use the block to examine yourself. As the change completes: Advance in order, stage by stage, and complete each one before the next.

love and relationships

Now: An obstacle between you that cannot be bulldozed. Stop pushing, look at your own part in it, and bring in help or perspective from outside. The lines repeatedly favour turning back to gather allies over going forward alone. Then: The reading for a relationship developing properly, with its stages honoured: acquaintance, courtship, commitment, home. Do not rush a stage and do not skip one. The goose reaches the summit by landing on every ledge on the way.

career

Now: A real block. Do not attack it head-on. Turn to easier ground, seek advice from someone experienced, and use the pause to work on yourself. The reading treats the obstruction as an occasion for growth rather than a failure. Then: Steady, staged advancement: the apprenticeship, the first responsibility, the recognition, the seniority. Each stage prepares the next. The reading warns against grabbing at a position two stages ahead; the goose that flies straight to the cloud heights has nowhere to land.

money

Now: Blocked. Move toward the easier, more open option rather than the difficult one, take advice, and do not throw resources at the obstacle. Persistence is favoured, force is not. Then: Gradual building. The reading supports the patient, staged plan and is against the leap. Each level of security is the foundation for the next; establish it before reaching higher.

decisions

Now: Choose the option that goes around, not through: the open plain, not the ravine. Bring in help. If a decision can wait until you have examined your own role in the block, let it. Then: Choose the option that takes the next step, not the final one. The reading favours the sequence: what is the stage you are at, and what does it prepare? Decide for that.