Hexagram 3 · Line 2
Difficulty at the Beginning — 二九
Zhun · Er Jiu
The Line
Difficulties pile up. Horse and wagon part. He is no robber; he would woo in due time. The girl is chaste, does not pledge herself. In ten years, she will pledge herself.
Interpretation
One finds oneself in difficulty and hindrance. Then suddenly a turn appears, as if someone were approaching with wagon and horses and unhitching them. The event comes so unexpectedly that one suspects the one arriving is a robber. Gradually it becomes apparent that he has no evil intentions, but seeks friendly connection and offers relief. One does not accept the offer, however, since it does not come from the right quarter; one waits instead until the time is fulfilled. Ten years are a closed span, a completed time. Then the normal conditions return of themselves, and one can unite with the friend who is destined for one. Under the image of a bride who remains faithful to her beloved through severe conflicts, advice is given for a particular life situation: if, in times of difficulty when one meets with hindrance, unexpected relief is offered from a quarter with which one has no connection, one should be cautious and not take on obligations, as would follow from such help, for otherwise one would be impaired in freedom of decision. If one waits out the time, the calm conditions will return, and one will attain what one hoped for.