Hexagram 54 of 64
歸妹
The Marrying Maiden
Guī Mèi
Upper Trigram
震
Thunder
Arousing, Movement
Thunder · Eldest Son
Lower Trigram
兌
Lake
Joyous, Open
Lake · Youngest Daughter
The Judgment
The Marrying Maiden. Undertakings bring misfortune. Nothing that would further.
Thunder over the joyous lake — excitement and joy generating movement, but not through the proper main door. The marrying maiden goes into a household in a secondary role. The caution: do not try to exceed this role; the relationship's value lies in accepting its actual nature.
The Image
Thunder over the lake — the image of the Marrying Maiden. Thus the superior person understands the transitory in the light of the eternity of the end.
Every relationship has its proper nature and limits. The wisdom here is to see the transitory arrangements within the larger eternal context, neither idealizing nor resenting.
The Six Lines
Line 1
The marrying maiden as a concubine. A lame man who is able to tread. Undertakings bring good fortune.
Beginning in a secondary role — moving forward despite the limitation. Even a lame step is a step.
Line 2
A one-eyed man who is able to see. The perseverance of a solitary person furthers.
Limited capacity for connection — but what sight remains is used faithfully. Alone but steadfast.
Line 3
The marrying maiden as a slave. She marries as a concubine.
Accepting an even lower position than expected because the connection itself has value. No shame in honest humility.
Line 4
The marrying maiden draws out the allotted time. A late marriage comes still.
Not giving in to urgency or settling out of impatience. The right connection comes when its time arrives.
Line 5
The sovereign I gave his daughter in marriage. The embroidered garments of the princess were not as gorgeous as those of the serving maid. The moon that is nearly full brings good fortune.
The truly noble person takes on a lesser role without pride. Their inner worth far exceeds their outward station — and the timing, just before fullness, is exactly right.
Line 6
The woman holds the basket, but there are no fruits in it. The man stabs the sheep, but no blood flows. Nothing that acts to further.
The outer forms of relationship without the inner substance — the gestures without the reality. Hollow connections produce nothing.
For contemplation and self-reflection only. Not a substitute for professional advice.