Hexagram 3, Line 2
Difficulty at the Beginning (屯)
六二
The Line Text
六二，屯如邅如，乘馬班如。匪寇婚媾，女子貞不字，十年乃字。
Piling up, turning back; the team of horses is in disarray. He is not a robber, but one who comes to woo. The maiden, chaste, refuses. Ten years pass; then she accepts.
The Commentary says: The difficulty of the second line comes from riding on a strong line. "Ten years pass, then she accepts" signifies a return to the proper order.
Interpretation
This line depicts a situation of profound hesitation and entanglement. You are caught in a state of arrested development, like a chariot whose horses are pulling in different directions. Progress is impossible, and there is a feeling of being stuck, circling the same point of difficulty. A potential solution or helper appears (the "suitor"), but the timing is wrong, or the offer is not yet appropriate. The correct response, symbolized by the steadfast maiden, is not to leap at the first apparent escape route. Instead, one must maintain integrity and refuse a premature commitment. The "ten years" is symbolic, representing a full cycle of maturation. It signifies that the current impasse is not permanent, but a lengthy period of patience and steadfastness is required before a correct and fruitful union or resolution can be achieved. The delay is not a failure but a necessary phase for circumstances to ripen and for order to be restored.
Guidance for Action
You are currently facing a complex and confusing situation where your efforts to move forward are thwarted. It feels like you are taking one step forward and two steps back. An opportunity or person may present themselves as a solution, but you must exercise extreme caution. Do not act impulsively. Your task is to re-evaluate the situation: the perceived "threat" may actually be a potential ally, but the conditions for partnership are not yet right. The wisest course of action is to hold your ground, maintain your principles, and patiently wait. Do not compromise your integrity for the sake of a quick fix. This period of waiting is crucial for your own growth and for the situation to develop properly. Trust that by remaining steadfast, a genuine and lasting resolution will become possible in due time.
For Love & Relationships
In a relationship context, this line points to significant complications and delays. You or a potential partner may be hesitant, sending mixed signals ("horses in disarray"). An approach is made, but it feels ill-timed or fraught with problems. The image of the "maiden" advises you to maintain your standards and your independence. Do not rush into a commitment or accept a proposal out of loneliness or a desire to resolve the uncertainty. The foundation for a healthy relationship does not yet exist. Both parties may need time to mature or for external circumstances to change. This line asks for immense patience, promising that if you can wait and stay true to yourself, a genuine and stable union can form when the time is finally right.
For Career & Business
Your career path or a specific project is currently stalled. There is a lack of alignment and coordination, making progress feel impossible. You may receive a job offer, a proposal for a partnership, or a new project, but it comes with significant complications or feels premature. This is not the right move to make at this time. Accepting it now would be like the maiden accepting a suitor under duress—it will lead to more trouble. The best strategy is to hold your position, continue to develop your skills, and maintain your professional integrity. Do not let the current frustration push you into a decision you will later regret. A much better, more suitable opportunity will arise after this period of stagnation has passed.
For Financial Matters
This line warns of a period of financial stagnation and confusion. Your investments may be performing erratically, or your financial plans may be blocked. An opportunity to invest or enter a financial agreement may present itself, but it is not what it seems or the timing is deeply flawed. Acting on it now would be a mistake. This is a time for capital preservation, not aggressive action. Like the chaste maiden, you must guard your resources and refuse to commit them to an uncertain venture. Your patience will be your greatest asset. By holding steady and avoiding rash financial decisions, you will weather this difficult period and be in a strong position to act when a truly sound opportunity emerges in the future.
