Zhun, nine at the beginningHexagram 3, line 1 · Zhun (Difficult Beginnings) · changing to 8
The line
In plain wordsGoing around in circles, unable to move forward. You have hit difficulty right at the start: first settle down and keep to the right course, get a firm footing and find good helpers. That is favorable.
The Image commentary on this line
雖磐桓，志行正也。以貴下賤，大得民也。
Though "circling on the spot", the purpose is to act correctly. The high places itself below the low, and greatly wins the people.
The small Image commentary is the earliest explanation of the line texts. It usually explains a line from its position: where it stands, whether it holds the center, and which line answers it.
Verdict
平Neutral. Neither good nor bad. Do your part, correct mistakes, and nothing will go wrong.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- You are stuck right at the start; don't rush to force your way through. First find your footing and keep to the right path. Put aside your airs and sincerely befriend the people around you; that is where helpers come from.
- Love
- Things between you are stuck; you want to move forward but can't. Don't rush to force it. Settle your mind first and hold on to your sincerity and sense of measure. Lower your stance, treat the other person with an open heart, and take it slowly.
- Money
- When money is tight at the start, don't rush to borrow and charge ahead. Keep to what is yours to do and lay a solid base. Sincerely ask for help and work with others; don't carry it all alone.
This is how to read it when this is the only changing line. With several changing lines, first see which text governs; for the hexagram as a whole, see Zhun.
Line position
A yang line in a yang place: it is in its proper place. Its partner is the fourth line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
First place: the beginning of the matter. Low position, little power. Begin carefully.
When you get this line
If this is the only changing line in your cast (three backs, old yang), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Zhun (Difficult Beginnings); when this line changes it becomes Bi (Alliance): hexagram 3 changing to 8.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Bi (Alliance)
It is time to find people to work with and draw close to your companions, and to do it early.