The 64 hexagrams

Browse every hexagram by number, search by name or theme, or filter by element.

Sort:
No. 1QiánThe CreativeNo. 2KūnThe ReceptiveNo. 3ZhūnDifficulty at the BeginningNo. 4MéngYouthful FollyNo. 5WaitingNo. 6SòngConflictNo. 7ShīThe ArmyNo. 8Holding TogetherNo. 9小畜Xiǎo ChùSmall TamingNo. 10TreadingNo. 11TàiPeaceNo. 12StandstillNo. 13同人Tóng RénFellowshipNo. 14大有Dà YǒuGreat PossessionNo. 15QiānModestyNo. 16EnthusiasmNo. 17SuíFollowingNo. 18Work on the DecayedNo. 19LínApproachNo. 20GuānContemplationNo. 21噬嗑Shì KēBiting ThroughNo. 22GraceNo. 23Splitting ApartNo. 24ReturnNo. 25无妄Wú WàngInnocenceNo. 26大畜Dà ChùGreat TamingNo. 27NourishmentNo. 28大过Dà GuòGreat PreponderanceNo. 29KǎnThe AbysmalNo. 30The ClingingNo. 31XiánInfluenceNo. 32HéngDurationNo. 33DùnRetreatNo. 34大壮Dà ZhuàngGreat PowerNo. 35JìnProgressNo. 36明夷Míng YíDarkening of the LightNo. 37家人Jiā RénThe FamilyNo. 38KuíOppositionNo. 39JiǎnObstructionNo. 40XièDeliveranceNo. 41SǔnDecreaseNo. 42IncreaseNo. 43GuàiBreakthroughNo. 44GòuComing to MeetNo. 45CuìGathering TogetherNo. 46ShēngPushing UpwardNo. 47KùnOppressionNo. 48JǐngThe WellNo. 49RevolutionNo. 50DǐngThe CaldronNo. 51ZhènThe ArousingNo. 52GènKeeping StillNo. 53JiànDevelopmentNo. 54归妹Guī MèiThe Marrying MaidenNo. 55FēngAbundanceNo. 56The WandererNo. 57XùnThe GentleNo. 58DuìThe JoyousNo. 59HuànDispersionNo. 60JiéLimitationNo. 61中孚Zhōng FúInner TruthNo. 62小过Xiǎo GuòSmall PreponderanceNo. 63既济Jì JìAfter CompletionNo. 64未济Wèi JìBefore Completion

Hexagram 3 · · Zhūn

Difficulty at the Beginning

Element:
Thunder over Water
Key themes:
challenges, perseverance, patience, foundation, growth

Image

A sprout struggling to break through the earth, symbolizing the difficulties of new beginnings and the need for perseverance.

Overall message

Hexagram 3 represents the challenges and obstacles that often accompany new beginnings. It emphasizes the importance of patience, perseverance, and building a strong foundation. Success comes from staying focused, seeking support, and adapting to difficulties with resilience.

Expect challenges and obstacles at the start of any new endeavor. Stay patient, focused, and determined. Build a strong foundation and seek support from others.

The six lines

  1. Line 6 · Overwhelmed by Challenges

    The difficulty becomes overwhelming. It may be necessary to retreat or reassess the situation.

    Know when to step back. Regroup and plan a new approach rather than forcing progress.

  2. Line 5 · Assistance from Above

    Help arrives from a higher source. The difficulty eases, and progress becomes more attainable.

    Accept support graciously. Use this opportunity to advance your goals.

  3. Line 4 · Turning Point

    The situation begins to improve. A turning point is reached, but progress is still fragile.

    Proceed with caution. Build on small successes and avoid overconfidence.

  4. Line 3 · Straying from the Path

    The difficulty intensifies, and there is a risk of losing direction. Temptations or distractions may arise.

    Stay focused on your goal. Avoid impulsive decisions or distractions.

  5. Line 2 · Seeking Help

    The situation remains challenging, but help is available. Seek guidance and support from others.

    Reach out to trusted allies or mentors. Collaboration can help overcome obstacles.

  6. Line 1 · Hesitation and Obstacles

    The beginning is fraught with difficulties. Progress is slow, and obstacles seem overwhelming.

    Be patient and persistent. Do not rush; focus on laying a solid foundation.