Zhouyi, received text. Traditional characters are retained from the electronic reference; punctuation is editorial.
A contemporary perspective
An obstacle may call for a different route. Seek companions instead of forcing passage alone.
This is Fatefold’s original reflective interpretation, not a word-for-word translation or a classical prediction about a modern question.
Classical line statements · bottom to top
01
初六 往蹇，來譽。
02
六二 王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。
03
九三 往蹇，來反。
04
六四 往蹇，來連。
05
九五 大蹇，朋來。
06
上六 往蹇，來碩，吉，利見大人。
Read the structure
The lower trigram is Gen · Mountain; the upper is Kan · Water. The six lines describe positions and stages within one situation, rather than six independent answers. An obstacle may call for a different route. Seek companions instead of forcing passage alone.
The Tuan discusses the judgment through polarity, position and timing. Its conditions belong with the judgment; an isolated favorable or unfavorable word does not settle a whole situation.
Great Image · from pattern to conduct
山上有水，蹇，君子以反身脩德。
The Great Image turns Obstruction into a model for conduct. Alongside divinatory language, this layer asks how to act. Consider whether your approach to obstruction fits the actual conditions.
Line-by-line commentary
初六 · 1
往蹇，來譽。
《小象》：往蹇來譽，宜待也。
Returning to support can be wiser than pressing into difficulty.
The first line concerns an initial stage and its readiness.
六二 · 2
王臣蹇蹇，匪躬之故。
《小象》：王臣蹇蹇，終无尤也。
Responsibility can bring hardship but still needs limits.
Line two is central within the lower trigram; consider nearby coordination. Centrality is not an automatic favorable verdict.
九三 · 3
往蹇，來反。
《小象》：往蹇來反，內喜之也。
Reconnect instead of pursuing the obstacle alone.
Line three ends the lower trigram and invites attention to a threshold and its pressures.
六四 · 4
往蹇，來連。
《小象》：往蹇來連，當位實也。
A difficult setting may need coordinated assistance.
Line four enters the upper trigram; consider a transition of setting or responsibility.
九五 · 5
大蹇，朋來。
《小象》：大蹇朋來，以中節也。
Use assistance when substantial difficulty arises.
Line five is central in the upper trigram; consider responsibility and the use of resources.
上六 · 6
往蹇，來碩，吉，利見大人。
《小象》：往蹇來碩，志在內也；利見大人，以從貴也。
A return can open access to experienced support.
The top line ends this pattern; consider excess, closure and a next stage.
Relate it to your question
Separate known facts, unconfirmed information and available actions. Which part of this symbol fits, and which does not?
