I Ching

Difficulty at the beginning. The birth of anything – including any new venture or relationship – is an entry into the realm of the unknown. At the same time, new things seem to be rushing upon you, and confusion can easily take over. But chaos is a powerful force if you harness it properly. Just don’t rush things. Do not let events overwhelm you. Stay calm and persevering, but do take the first step. And get whatever help you can.

Challenges lie ahead. Gain strength; find courage. Like a new born fawn, the opportunity for rapid development is real, but only by being determined can the fawn rise to its feet and survive to grow to full stature. Keep going despite difficulties and you will find the success you desire. Your primary challenge is maintaining personal clarity. Avoid lunging at solutions; wait until a good course of action becomes clear. Do not start a new venture before thinking it through. A careless step in the beginning can easily cause events to get out of control later. Enlist the aid of experienced people.

1. Your way is blocked for now. Remain determined but act sensibly. Do not hesitate, but don’t force things either. You have little power over the situation for the time being, but do not give up. With a strong spirit and some humility, you can attract the people and knowledge you need. Seek the advice of someone more experienced than you are.
2. When facing obstacles or difficulties, sometimes there is a sudden turn of events. For instance, people who had seemed useless, or even negative, may turn out to be surprising benefactors. Others whom you immediately trusted could turn out to be rogues. Even in the case of a what appears to be a new benefactor or ally, be careful not to rush into a mismatch – be it marriage or some other kind of partnership.
   It is critical to wait for the right moment, even if this means working hard for a long time before you can enjoy the success you want. Although you look forward enthusiastically to relief from this situation, it may be the wrong solution that appeals to you now, one that is full of restrictive obligations. For the time being, you should remain uncommitted. In moving beyond obstacles, keep a high priority on maintaining your freedom.
3. Continuing what you have been doing would bring regret. Take a look at your desires – perhaps they are inappropriate. You are like a mushroom gatherer in a strange forest, who failed to bring along a guide. You are losing your way. The wise person foresees difficulties, knows when it would be foolish to continue alone, and gives up the chase before becoming hopelessly lost.
   When standing on the edge of a cliff, it is better to give up the dream of flying than to give in to it and crash on the rocks.
4. An unusual opportunity is about to arise. It may involve some embarrassment in the beginning, but the opportunity must be seized. To accept help in a difficult situation is no disgrace. Try to assess everything properly and give others time to learn that you are trustworthy.
5. You will find it difficult to grant the favors people expect of you. In this situation, careful behavior leads to success in minor affairs. Any attempt to deal with major issues at this time will not succeed. Just put your nose to the grindstone. This is a time to work diligently and conscientiously.
6. Some people constantly get stuck in the difficulties at the beginning of each venture. Finally they throw up their hands, and become cynical about making any effort at all. This is the greatest danger of difficulty at the beginning of things – that the growing pains will be mistaken for a permanent condition, and lead to resignation. Once you give up the struggle, you are like a cart which has lost its horse.