I CHING HEXAGRAM
Hexagram 3: Difficulty at the Beginning
Chun · 屯
Chaos precedes order. It is the moment of the birth of something new.
- beginning
- chaos
- growth
- patience
- birth
- Upper trigram
- Water 坎 · Depth
- Lower trigram
- Thunder 震 · Movement
The Judgment
DIFFICULTY AT THE BEGINNING brings sublime success, furthering through perseverance. Nothing should be undertaken. It furthers one to appoint helpers.
The Image
Clouds and thunder: the image of DIFFICULTY AT THE BEGINNING. Thus the superior man acts by disentangling and setting in order.
Meaning
Chaos precedes order. This is the birth of something new, full of potential yet still fragile and confused. Do not force growth by pulling the sprout upward. Organize the chaos first.
In love
A new relationship or a new phase. There is much passion (Thunder), but also uncertainty (Water). Go slowly. Do not define labels now; let the bond strengthen.
In work and business
The start of a venture or project. Everything is disorganized. Do not chase immediate profit; establish processes and find the right team (helpers).
Symbolism
Water (danger) stands above Thunder (movement). The movement tries to rise but meets difficulty — like a sprout breaking through hard soil.
The six lines
Lines are counted from the bottom (1) to the top (6). A line is read only when it changes in your cast.
Nine in the 1st place
Hesitation and hindrance. It furthers one to remain persevering.
You want to advance, but meet barriers.
You want to advance but meet barriers. Do not give up — and do not go alone. Seek allies.
Six in the 2nd place
Difficulties pile up. Horse and wagon part.
Someone or something approaches, but seems a problem.
Someone or something approaches, but looks like a problem or a threat. Wait. The true intentions will prove good with time.
Six in the 3rd place
Whoever hunts the deer without the forester only loses his way.
You are acting without a guide in unknown territory.
You are acting without a guide in unknown territory. Failure is certain if you continue. Stop.
Six in the 4th place
Horse and wagon part. Seek union. Going forward brings good fortune.
Help is available if you have humility.
You are in a difficult spot, but help is available if you are humble enough to accept it.
Nine in the 5th place
Difficulty in blessing. A little perseverance brings good fortune.
Do a little; do not try to save the world at once.
You have good intentions but cannot express them or be understood. Do a little; do not try to save the world at once.
Six in the 6th place
Horse and wagon part. Tears of blood are shed.
The moment to act has passed. The chance was lost.
The moment to act has passed. The opportunity was lost. Accept the pain and learn.
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagram 3 mean?
Difficulty at the Beginning (Chun): Chaos precedes order. This is the birth of something new, full of potential yet still fragile and confused. Do not force growth by pulling the sprout upward. Organize the chaos first.
What does hexagram 3 say about love?
A new relationship or a new phase. There is much passion (Thunder), but also uncertainty (Water). Go slowly. Do not define labels now; let the bond strengthen.
What does hexagram 3 say about work?
The start of a venture or project. Everything is disorganized. Do not chase immediate profit; establish processes and find the right team (helpers).