Jian

Judgment

蹇 利西南 不利東北 利見大人 貞 吉

The southwestern side will be good, and the northeast side will not be beneficial. It will be good to meet the advisor and the divination will be good.

Interpretation

The Geon (Difficulty) Hexagram has Gam (Water) in the upper trigram and Gan (Mountain) in the lower trigram. Gam represents water, and Gan represents a mountain. The image of the Geon hexagram is water above and a mountain below. When water is above a mountain, it is difficult for the water to flow freely, as it is obstructed by the stacked rocks or trees. Geon means difficulty.

In the commentary, it is said that the Great Man refers to King Wu, who conquered the Shang dynasty with the help of his allies from the southwest. The vassals should meet with King Wu to seek benefit.

For someone who receives this hexagram, it indicates that they are facing a truly difficult and challenging situation. The mountain blocks the water, symbolizing obstacles and dangerous situations. It suggests that after overcoming one difficulty, another will immediately arise. The saying "going from bad to worse" applies here. This is a difficult situation, so it is advised not to act hastily. Any action taken will only lead to more difficulties. In this time, the best course of action is to quietly observe the situation and wait for the right time.

The southwest is a flat, easy path to walk, while the northeast is a rugged and difficult one. When facing difficult circumstances, it is better to avoid the rough path and choose the easier, smoother route, as this will be beneficial.

初六 往蹇來譽

Initial Six: Proceeding with difficulty, coming with praise.

'Geon' means difficult, and 'Ye' refers to proceeding slowly. The situation at the beginning of an endeavor may be difficult, but eventually, it leads to success. A person who receives this line in divination is in a situation where the beginning is hard but will improve. The matter inquired about will eventually succeed, leading to comfort and fulfillment.

六二 王臣蹇蹇,匪躬之故

Six Second: The king’s ministers proceed with difficulty, not for personal reasons.

The character "" refers to difficulties, and "Remark" means none. The situation described involves a ruler and his subjects facing a challenge that is not their fault. The person drawing this hexagram is in a situation where they will face challenges, but these difficulties will not be of their own making. The work they are asking about will be difficult but not impossible.

九三 往蹇來反.

Nine Third: Proceeding with difficulty, coming back, reversing.

The term "Ban" means half and is used in a very positive context. When King Wu went on an expedition to conquer the Yin dynasty, it was difficult, but when he returned victorious, the situation was very favorable. The person asking about the hexagram is in a situation where the task will be hard at the start but will result in a favorable outcome in the end. The task will be very successful and beneficial.

六四 往蹇來連

Six Fourth: Proceeding with difficulty, coming continuously.

The beginning is arduous, but the outcome is triumphant. The task at hand will be greatly auspicious after overcoming challenges.

九五 大蹇朋來

Nine Fifth: Great difficulty, friends come.

King Wu conquers Yin, yet many vassal states remain unsubdued until they submit willingly, easing his great challenge. The task at hand will find many allies joining you in tough times, making it auspicious despite difficulties.

上六 往蹇來碩,吉.利見大人

Top Six: Proceeding with difficulty, great, beneficial to meet the great person.

King Wu’s march to conquer Yin is tough, but the return brings gains, as vassals and people submit willingly. The task at hand starts hard but ends rich, aided by allies, ensuring auspiciousness.