Hexagram 3 · Difficulty at the Beginning

Judgment

Difficulty at the Beginning: supreme success, furthering through perseverance. Do not use this to undertake ventures; it is favorable to appoint helpers.

Lines

• First line (1): Nine at the beginning: Hesitating and halting. It is favorable to remain persevering. It is favorable to appoint helpers.
• Second line (2): Six in the second place: Difficulties pile up. Horse and rider turn round and round. He is not a robber; he comes to woo. The maiden is chaste, she does not pledge herself; after ten years she pledges herself.
• Third line (3): Six in the third place: Chasing the deer without a guide, one only gets lost in the forest. The superior man, seeing the signs, prefers to give up. To go on brings humiliation.
• Fourth line (4): Six in the fourth place: Horse and rider turn round and round. Seeking union, one goes forth. Good fortune; nothing that does not further.
• Fifth line (5): Nine in the fifth place: Difficulty spreads like fat. For small matters, perseverance brings good fortune; for great matters, perseverance brings misfortune.
• Top line (6): Six at the top: Horse and rider turn round and round. Weeping tears of blood flow in streams.