Difficulty at the Beginning

Upper trigram: Water (deep, perilous, flowing) · Lower trigram: Thunder (arousing, stirring)

Judgment

Water above thunder: clouds and lightning mingle, a moment of birth that has not yet taken shape. Every new beginning contains some chaos; this hexagram treats that first difficulty as natural. Rather than rushing forward, it suggests building order and finding helpers. The turmoil can be seen as a sign of growth.

Image

Cloud and thunder: the crowding of beginnings. In such times the noble-minded separate the tangled threads one by one, weave them and bring order.

Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)

1. 1Line 1 (from the bottom)Hesitation and obstacles. Holding your ground, building a firm base and seeking helpers may be fitting.
2. 2Line 2 (from the bottom)Difficulties pile up, the horse and wagon part. Instead of accepting every offer at once, waiting for the right time is worth considering.
3. 3Line 3 (from the bottom)Chasing deer in the forest without a guide leads you astray. Knowing when to give up may be wisdom here.
4. 4Line 4 (from the bottom)Horse and wagon have parted, yet there is a call to unite. Asking for help and forming a partnership may open the way.
5. 5Line 5 (from the bottom)Sharing blessings is difficult. Moving forward in small steps may be safer than grand moves.
6. 6Line 6 (from the bottom)Horse and wagon apart, tears flowing. It may be an invitation to let go of an exhausted effort and consider starting anew.