屯
ZhūnUpper: Water · 坎 · Lower: Thunder · 震
Judgment元亨，利贞。勿用有攸往，利建侯。
In plain wordsStarting is hard, but if the footing is sound the way opens in the end. This is not the time for rash journeys; lay a foundation and find dependable helpers to build with.
The imageWater and clouds above, thunder below: thunder stirs inside the rain clouds, and things are just beginning to sprout amid difficulty and confusion.
A hint for youDifficulty at the start is normal, not a sign that you did something wrong. Strengthen the basics and travel with people you trust. Do not rush ahead out of confusion, and do not give up too soon either.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初九磐桓，利居贞，利建侯。The first line, undivided, shows the difficulty (its subject has) in advancing. It will be advantageous for him to abide correct and firm; advantageous (also) to be made a feudal ruler.
- 六二屯如邅如，乘马班如，匪寇婚媾，女子贞不字，十年乃字。The second line, divided, shows (its subject) distressed and obliged to return; (even) the horses of her chariot (also) seem to be retreating. (But) not by a spoiler (is she assailed), but by one who seeks her to be his wife. The young lady maintains her firm correctness, and declines a union. After ten years she will be united, and have children.
- 六三即鹿无虞，惟入于林中，君子几不如舍，往吝。The third line, divided, shows one following the deer without (the guidance of) the forester, and only finding himself in the midst of the forest. The superior man, acquainted with the secret risks, thinks it better to give up the chase. If he went forward, he would regret it.
- 六四乘马班如，求婚媾，往，吉无不利。The fourth line, divided, shows (its subject as a lady), the horses of whose chariot appear in retreat. She seeks, however, (the help of) him who seeks her to be his wife. Advance will be fortunate; all will turn out advantageously.
- 九五屯其膏；小贞吉，大贞凶。The fifth line, undivided, shows the difficulties in the way of (its subject's) dispensing the rich favours that might be expected from him. With firmness and correctness there will be good fortune in small things; (even) with them in great things there will be evil.
- 上六乘马班如，泣血涟如。The topmost line, divided, shows (its subject) with the horses of his chariot obliged to retreat, and weeping tears of blood in streams.
Early difficulty; lay foundations first
For entertainment and self-reflection only