Obstruction
The Halted Path
Blocked both ways: take easier ground and look to yourself, rather than force it or blame the road.
Obstruction sets Kan, water, above Gen, the mountain: danger lies ahead and the mountain stands behind, so neither advance nor return is open. The tradition does not read this as a call to force a way through. The Judgment holds that the south-west furthers and the north-east does not, that it furthers one to see the great man, and that perseverance brings good fortune; the difficulty is met by choosing easier ground and finding help, not by pressing on. The Image turns the halt to account, since the way outward is closed: the superior man turns his attention upon himself and works on his own character.
Light
Signifies knowing when not to advance, difficulty taken as an occasion for self-examination, help sought in good time, and steadiness that waits for the way to open.
Shadow
Can indicate paralysis, obstacles met with stubborn force, blame directed outward at circumstances, or a turn inward that becomes an excuse for never moving again.
