䷂ Zhūn zhūn
Core Meaning
The Zhūn hexagram symbolizes the difficult situation at the beginning of things. Like a seed breaking through the soil, although it has vitality, it faces many difficulties. At this time, the most important thing is to accumulate strength and not rush to achieve success, just as all things gather momentum during a thunderstorm.
The Judgment
Supreme success, furthering, perseverance. Do not act, but go forward; it is favorable to appoint helpers.
Interpretation:
The Zhūn hexagram symbolizes the difficult state of all things at their inception. Although there is an omen of progress, one must adhere to the righteous path. At this time, it is not advisable to act rashly; instead, one should establish a foundation and accumulate strength.
The Image
Clouds and thunder, Zhūn; the superior person brings order out of chaos.
Structure
Kǎn above Zhèn below, thunder and rain intermingle. Zhèn signifies thunder and movement, Kǎn signifies water and danger, symbolizing the difficulty of all things at their beginning.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial nine: Hesitating and lingering; it is favorable to dwell in perseverance, it is favorable to appoint helpers.
Six in the second place: Zhūn as if hindered, also as if perplexed, riding horses in a perplexed manner. Not a bandit, but a suitor. The maiden, being chaste, does not pledge herself; after ten years, she will pledge herself.
Six in the third place: Pursuing a deer without a guide, merely entering the forest. The superior person, if he perceives this, would rather give up; going forward will bring regret.
Six in the fourth place: Riding horses in a perplexed manner. Seeking a suitor, going forward is auspicious, nothing will be unfavorable.
Nine in the fifth place: Zhūn accumulates its fatness. Small perseverance brings good fortune; great perseverance brings misfortune.
Top six: Riding horses in a perplexed manner, weeping tears of blood in streams.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
The career is in its initial stage, fraught with difficulties. It is not advisable to advance rashly; a solid foundation should be established first. Hesitating and lingering is not cowardice but waiting for the right moment. One should accumulate strength and resources like establishing feudal lords.
❤️ Relationships
The initial stage of a relationship may encounter obstacles. 'The maiden, being chaste, does not pledge herself; after ten years, she will pledge herself' indicates that patience is required. Do not be deterred by superficial difficulties; true destiny can withstand the test of time.
🎯 Decision Making
The current situation is chaotic and unclear, like the chaos of creation. Do not rush to make major decisions; first observe the situation and accumulate strength. 'Pursuing a deer without a guide' tells us not to act blindly without certainty.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest danger is rushing for success. 'Weeping tears of blood in streams' warns us that reckless advancement will only bring pain. One must learn to abandon unrealistic goals and focus on laying a good foundation.
Applicable Scenarios
The Zhūn hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Related Hexagrams
Based on the connections between hexagrams, the following are also worth exploring:
Deepen Your Understanding
This interpretation provides a foundational understanding of the Zhūn hexagram. For a deeper comprehension, consider:
- • Reading commentaries from classical scholars and modern interpreters
- • Studying the hexagram's position within the overall sequence of the 64 hexagrams
- • Reflecting on how its wisdom applies to your current life situation
- • Exploring the changing lines and their resulting hexagrams in divination
Authoritative Resources
Want to explore the I Ching more deeply? These authoritative resources provide scholarly perspectives: