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Hexagram:
03. Difficulty at the Beginning
Line #
Drawn as
Energy
Duality
Trigram
Dynamic
Polarity
Upper Trigram
Water
Middle Son
Immature Yang
Lower Trigram
Thunder
Eldest Son
Immature Yang
6
5
4
3
2
1
Yin
Yang
Yin
Yin
Yin
Yang
Feminine
Masculine
Feminine
Feminine
Feminine
Masculine
#
English Name
Chinese Name
Hanzi
Pinyin
Action
Hexagram:
卦 Guà
03. Difficulty at the Beginning
屯
zhūn
Persevere
Hidden Influence:
互卦 Hu Guà (nuclear)
Underlying Cause:
綜卦 Zong Guà (reverse)
23. Splitting Apart
50. The Cauldron
剝
bō
鼎
dǐng / ting
Regenerate
Refine
Expression:
Also known as:
I face challenges
Sprouting, Initial Struggle, Early Challenges, Birth of Potential, Growth Through Adversity, Emerging Obstacles, Starting Points, New Beginnings, Obstacles to Overcome, Foundations of Change
Affirmation:
I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, knowing that every beginning may be difficult, but it is also the start of something wonderful. I trust in my ability to navigate the unknown with courage and resilience.
Image (Legge):
Clouds and thunder: the image of Difficulty at the Beginning. Thus the superior man brings order out of confusion.
Judgement (Legge):
Difficulty at the Beginning works supreme success, furthering through perseverance. Nothing should be undertaken. It furthers one to appoint helpers.
Overall meaning:
Difficulty at the Beginning, symbolizes the challenges and complexities that arise when embarking on a new journey or undertaking. It represents the chaotic and uncertain phase that often accompanies the start of any endeavor, where confusion, obstacles, and lack of direction may cloud the path ahead. Like the first sprouts breaking through the soil, this hexagram reminds us that initial struggles are a natural part of growth and creation. It encourages perseverance and patience, urging us to navigate these early challenges with courage and adaptability, knowing that these trials are necessary steps toward establishing a solid foundation.
Resilience and faith in the face of uncertainty. It teaches us that beginnings are rarely smooth and often require careful nurturing, planning, and guidance. By remaining flexible, seeking support, and taking small, deliberate steps forward, we can gradually bring order to the chaos and transform potential into tangible progress. This hexagram reminds us that every great achievement starts with overcoming the difficulties of inception, and it is through perseverance and determination that we ultimately shape our dreams into reality.
Quotes:
Upright Hexagram
Rotated 90°
counter clockwise
Change - - to 0
Change — to 1
Binary Number Created:
010001
Line 1:
Indicates a challenging beginning, where progress is difficult and obstacles are present. It suggests that by remaining steadfast, correct, and true to one's principles, the situation can improve, potentially leading to a position of authority or influence.
Line 2:
Depicts someone facing setbacks and being forced to retreat, symbolized by horses pulling back. Despite these challenges, the subject remains firm and true to their values, choosing not to rush into a premature union; in time, patience and steadfastness will lead to a meaningful and fruitful connection.
Line 3:
Suggests a situation where one pursues a goal without proper guidance, becoming lost and entangled in difficulties. The wise choice is to recognize the hidden dangers and abandon the pursuit, as continuing forward would lead to regret and greater trouble.
Line 4:
Shows a situation where retreat appears necessary, yet the subject wisely seeks support from someone offering a genuine partnership. Moving forward with this alliance will lead to good fortune and positive outcomes for both parties.
Line 5:
Indicates that the subject faces challenges in fulfilling their potential or offering their generosity as expected. Maintaining a firm and correct approach will lead to good fortune in small matters, but attempting grand actions may lead to negative consequences.
Line 6:
Depicts a situation of great difficulty and sorrow, where the subject is forced to retreat and feels deep emotional pain, symbolized by "weeping tears of blood." It suggests a time of profound struggle and frustration, indicating that pushing forward is no longer possible, and acceptance of the current reality is necessary.
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