Hexagram 39 changing to 8: Obstruction to Holding Together

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: 8 Holding Together

Union around a worthy centre: people come together, and the time to join is now rather than later. Earth below, water above: water gathering on the ground, flowing together. Holding Together describes union, the natural drawing-together of people around someone or something worth gathering around. The tradition's judgement carries a note of urgency: those who come late meet misfortune. It also asks the centre of the union to examine itself, to ask the oracle again whether it has the greatness, constancy and perseverance to hold a group. The reading favours joining and belonging, sincerely and without delay.

The lines that move

1. Line 3

   Going leads to obstruction; hence one comes back.

   Advancing, meeting the wall, and turning back to the people who depend on you, who are glad of it. The return is not defeat; it is the recognition that others need you more than the obstacle does. Come back to those who depend on you; that is the right retreat.

What is changing. The situation of Obstruction is moving toward Holding Together. Turn toward the open ground, seek help, and use the block to examine yourself. As the change completes: Commit to the union around a sound centre, and do it before the moment passes.

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 favours commitment and closeness. If you have been holding back, the moment to commit is now; hesitation reads as unwillingness and the door does not stay open indefinitely.

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: Join the team, the alliance or the organisation that is forming. Being part of a group with a sound centre is favoured over standing apart. If you are the centre, make sure you can carry the role.

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: Pooled resources, partnerships and shared ventures are favoured, provided the centre is trustworthy. Check the person at the middle of the arrangement before you commit.

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: Decide to join, and decide soon. The reading does not reward the person who waits to see how a union turns out before choosing a side.