What this change means
Water on the mountain: five lines move, leaving only the third line still, and the great possession becomes a steep, blocked path. In 39 Held Back, that still line is the focus: the wise course is to withdraw from the obstacles and go back to ordinary life, among those who love you, until it's time to act. So don't press against the wall. Whatever you were trying to push through, set it down for now. Go home, in whatever sense that means for you. Rest among people who care for you, and let the ordinary rhythm of life restore you. This isn't defeat; it's waiting with good company. When the time comes, you'll return to the challenge stronger and better supported.
What to read, in order
Marked ● is what Zhu Xi's tradition puts at the center for this number of moving lines.
- Line 3 of 39 Held Back, which stays still
The right thing now is to step back from the obstacles and return to normal conditions, with the people who love you, until the time to act comes.
Going: hardship. Coming: a return.
- The judgment of 14 Wealth
A time of abundance and prosperity, both inner and outer. It's important to keep your character centered and to cultivate good deeds and generosity, so that this wealth lasts and reaches others.
Great success.
- Line 1 of 14 Wealth
It's the early stage of wealth, and obstacles may arise. If you stay on the straight path and act simply, you'll keep moving forward.
No dealings with what harms; not a fault. Mindful of hardship, no fault.
- Line 2 of 14 Wealth
Not only can you have wealth, you also have the capacity to enjoy it and to surround yourself with the right people to make it grow.
A great cart for carrying. There is somewhere to go. No fault.
- Line 4 of 14 Wealth
It's important not to let envy get the better of you: look at the wealth you have and be grateful for it.
It does not flaunt its abundance. No fault.
- Line 5 of 14 Wealth
It's a time of wealth whose challenges aren't outside you but in falling into inertia or apathy. If you stay active and alert, you'll succeed.
Its sincere trust is shared, and it has majesty. Good fortune.
- Line 6 of 14 Wealth
Heaven grants you blessings; everything is favorable right now.
Heaven itself protects it. Good fortune. Nothing that is not favorable.
- The judgment of 39 Held Back
Every time you advance, something blocks you, forcing you to stop, step back, and look for help from like-minded people who give you their support. That way you'll get past the obstacles one by one until the final victory.
The southwest is favorable; the northeast is not. It is favorable to see the great person. Constancy brings good fortune.
The trigrams
The way back
39 Held Back → 14 Wealthlines 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6
Other transformations of Wealth
Make your own cast
The answer changes with the question. Toss the coins and see which lines move for you.