Hexagram 3
Difficulty at the Beginning (Zhūn)
Above: Water · Below: Thunder
Every beginning is hard — get through it and the way opens
Video
The judgment
The overall direction is good, but don't rush out just yet. First build your foundation and gather people who can help.
The Image: Clouds and thunder: difficulty at the beginning. So the noble person sorts out the tangled threads and sets things in order.
From the ancient texts
Shao Yong
All things are just being born, and the start is hard. Toil comes first and ease later; after the bitter comes the sweet.
Jiao’s Forest of Changes
The army marches on far-off Dayuan, heading north through the Jade Gate. They fight the raiders west of the Pingcheng road. Seven days without food — they barely come back whole.
An expedition far from home, seven days without food, and they nearly don't make it back. The ancients knew well how hard beginnings can be.
Takashima
- On trade: whoever starts something new usually suffers through the early hardships.
- On marriage: early in a marriage, there is bound to be friction. It helps to have a fair-minded person talk things through with you both.
Five common questions
Timing
Hard at first, easier later; wait for the moment
Health
Energy not yet restored; recover slowly
Money
Starting out is tough; avoid big moves
Home
Much to sort out; take it step by step
Love
Early friction; let someone help you talk it out
The health notes are traditional observations to reflect on. If you feel unwell, follow your doctor’s advice.
The six lines
- Nine at the beginning: Hesitation and lingering. It is favorable to stay steady and to appoint helpers.
- Six in the second place: Difficulty and going in circles; the horses pull apart. He is no robber — he comes to ask for her hand. The young woman stays true and does not promise herself; after ten years she does.
- Six in the third place: Chasing deer without a guide, one only wanders into the forest. The noble person sees the signs and would rather let it go. To press on brings humiliation.
- Six in the fourth place: The horses pull apart. Go seek the marriage — going brings good fortune; nothing that is not favorable.
- Nine in the fifth place: Difficulty in sharing out one's blessings. In small matters steadfastness brings good fortune; in great matters, misfortune.
- Six at the top: The horses pull apart; tears of blood flow and flow.
Reminders from the ancients, offered for reflection only.