Trigrams
☵☳ – Water above, Thunder below
Meaning
Represents the painful birth of something new. Like a seedling pushing through hard soil, great effort is required at the outset. Confusion and difficulty are natural at beginnings; perseverance brings eventual growth.
Interpretation
- Expect obstacles and delays at the start of any new venture.
- Seek guidance and build alliances rather than acting alone.
- Persist through initial chaos; the difficulty is temporary.
Six Yao (Lines) with Classical Quotes
1st Yao (初爻)
盘桓，利居贞，利建侯。
English: Hesitating and circling. It is favorable to remain steady and to establish leaders. Hold your ground and build support before advancing.
Luck Level: Good
2nd Yao (二爻)
屯如屑如，乘马班如，匡寇婚婴，女子贞不字，十年乃字。
English: Difficulty in moving forward. The horse-drawn carriage turns back. The one who approaches is not a robber but a suitor. The woman does not yield yet. After ten years she yields. Patience in matters of relationship is needed.
Luck Level: Neutral
3rd Yao (三爻)
即鹿无虚，惟入于林中，君子几不如舎，往吝。
English: Pursuing a deer without a guide, one enters only the forest. The wise person stops; continuing would bring regret. Know when to give up the chase.
Luck Level: Caution
4th Yao (四爻)
乘马班如，求婚婴，往吉，无不利。
English: The horse-drawn carriage turns back, seeking a union. Going forward is auspicious; all is favorable. The right time to form alliances has come.
Luck Level: Good
5th Yao (五爻)
屯其膏，小贞吉，大贞凶。
English: Hoarding resources. Small persistence brings good fortune; great ambitions bring misfortune. Stay modest and focused in scope.
Luck Level: Caution
6th Yao (上爻)
乘马班如，泣血涟如。
English: The horse turns back, tears of blood flow. The situation is beyond recovery at this stage. Retreat and regroup.
Luck Level: Misfortune