Water above – Mountain below
The Chinese name of this hexagram is Jian which means impasse, obstacle, setback, handicap. Originally Jian indicated someone who was lame or limping with cold feet. Some of the titles for this hexagram are: Hardship, Limping, Difficulties, Impasse. The obstructive quality of Jian is illustrated within the trigram structure as the unyielding solidity of Mountain is not suited to combine with the always-adapting fluidity of Water. The ancient diviners taught that it is within the friction of obstructions that transformations occur, a necessity for evolution.
Breaking down the symbolism of the 3-line trigrams helps with understanding the ancient teachings:
When trigram Mountain is below (the bottom 3 lines in image below right), it references the inner realm of the person or situation. Mountain, in this hexagram, shows the firm and settled internal reality of your personal or situational individuality. Mountain’s rigidity can be seen as protection against the outer world, but it can also become an isolating prison.
Trigram Water is on top of trigram Mountain as seen in the top 3 lines of the hexagram image (below right). Water carries Heaven’s directives regarding specific patterning. This patterning gives unique definition to creatures and creations within the world – for example a tree has a pattern that differs from that of a bird. The ability of Water to shape things exists although it does not have a shape of its own. To the ancient Chinese Water symbolized danger, sometimes imagined and sometimes real.
The ancient ideograph is on the upper left portion of the image below. The top portion shows a roof with a chimney. Immediately below the roof there are 2 bundles of grasses which are used to stuff bedding material. A person is under the bedding keeping warm. At the very bottom there is a foot with crutches on either side indicating the person is lame and their foot would be cold because the circulation is impaired. Together they convey the idea of obstruction or hardship.
In summary: The manner in which Mountain and Water combine in this hexagram illustrates the inevitability of change or transformation. Everyone has occasion to meet with temporary difficulties, setbacks or obstructions. The external environment (represented by Water) symbolizes these difficulties and they impose the necessity of making internal changes to the rigid structure of one’s individuality or circumstances (represented by Mountain). With Water as the external environment, it is not possible to power through it, one must find a way to summon intuition and look for ways around the obstacles. At times, Jian occurs when your perception or mindset is the obstruction. When this is the case, it is within the stillness of Mountain you are afforded the space to look at what needs to be realized or revealed to move past it. Jian can also indicate one has wandered away from their true self or path and the hardship or impasse provides an opportunity to get back to it.
Following are a few ideas for interpretations of each line:
Line 1 – Meeting obstruction means the timing is not right to push forward and would likely lead to further complications. The attitude you hold at this time makes all the difference. Waiting for the right time, with an open mind which is free of the past, can make it much easier when the time to proceed presents itself.
Line 2 – Within the mysterious ways of the universe there are times when hardship occurs within life that you have not provoked or is not your fault. Although the hardship may not have been your choice, how you handle it does offer a choice. Diligence and commitment to a goal beyond your personal self within arduous circumstances is the guidance ancient diviners have given in this situation.
Line 3 – When meeting with an obstacle of such proportion that continuing is not a wise option, it becomes obvious there are choices to be made. Retreating or coming back from that path can take many forms. The situation may require a period of cooling off to see if still warrants pursuit. It may be that by continuing recklessly, you would put not only yourself, but those within your inner circle at risk. Choosing temporary retreat can afford time to reaffirm or rethink your own goals and relationships.
Line 4 – If you are coming to or sensing a potential impasse, the correct course is to reverse and join with others. Sincere connection in relationships during this time of pulling back on your actions provides an opportunity to, not only work on development of your own potential, but to pool resources.
Line 5 – During some of the most difficult impasses or huge obstacles, it is natural to feel alone. Some scholars translate the ancient Chinese on this line as, “If one is virtuous, one will not be left to stand alone. It is certain that associates of like mind will come and join with one.” While certainly arduous, it is possible to find others who will come to assist, giving the ability and strength to deal with big difficulties.
Line 6 – Finding yourself in the midst of an impasse or obstruction, the struggle is not over, but there is an opportunity for a change. You have gained maturity and perspective that enables you to focus more successfully inwardly and/or join with someone of high rank. In this way you are transforming the experience into distinguished service on a larger scale and serving the greater good.