← All 64 hexagrams
Hexagram 21 / Shi He

Working Through

Address the obstruction.

A situation in motion.

Something specific stands between intention and action. Clear language, proportionate boundaries and a direct response can be kinder than avoidance.

A question for reflection.

Which obstacle needs to be named and dealt with plainly?

Bring it into your life.

Think of one recent moment that brings this theme to mind. Describe what happened before deciding what it means. Notice the response that felt automatic, then consider one different response you could try.

Hold the image of thunder below fire alongside your situation: awakening movement meeting clarity and connection. Let the relationship between them open a question.

This is original modern commentary, not a prediction or a translation of the ancient text.

Ask the I Ching ↗