54. The Marrying Maiden (歸妹 Guī Mèi)

Trigrams

Above

☳ Zhèn (Thunder)

Below

☱ Dùi (Lake)

Symbolic Meaning

歸妹 (Guī Mèi) represents the marrying maiden, symbolizing the secondary role and the idea of following established protocols. This hexagram speaks of relationships where one may not have full autonomy, requiring adaptation. Success comes from understanding one's position and accepting supportive roles.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"歸妹，征凶，无攸利。"
(Guī Mèi, zhēng xiōng, wú yōu lì.)

"The Marrying Maiden. Going forward brings misfortune. Nothing is favorable."

This hexagram advises caution in advancing into a situation where one lacks full authority or power, as misfortune may follow. It speaks of accepting limitations and adapting to circumstances without overreaching.

Image

Original Chinese:
"澤上有雷，歸妹。君子以永終知敝。"
(Zé shàng yǒu léi, guī mèi. Jūn zǐ yǐ yǒng zhōng zhī bì.)

"Thunder over the lake: The image of The Marrying Maiden. The superior person is careful about endings and recognizes the imperfection of things."

The image of thunder over the lake symbolizes a situation of imbalance, where one must adapt to changing conditions. The superior person understands that all things are temporary and imperfect, leading to wisdom and balance.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"妹巿，跛能履，征吉。"
(Mèi shì, bǒ néng lǚ, zhēng jí.)

"The maiden is offered in marriage. Though limping, she can walk. Going forward brings good fortune."

This line speaks of a situation where the initial conditions are not ideal, but progress can still be made. Though there may be limitations (symbolized by limping), with effort, good fortune is achievable.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"目无子，凶。"
(Mù wú zǐ, xiōng.)

"Blind in one eye. Misfortune."

This line describes a situation where one’s vision or understanding is incomplete, leading to potential misfortune. It advises caution and reflection before advancing in such circumstances.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"歸妹以須，反歸以娣。"
(Guī mèi yǐ xū, fǎn guī yǐ dì.)

"The marrying maiden waits. She returns as a concubine."

This line describes a situation where one is in a secondary or subordinate role, symbolized by returning as a concubine. It advises patience and acceptance of limitations, as pushing for more may lead to a lesser outcome.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"歸妹愆期，遲歸有時。"
(Guī mèi qiān qī, chí guī yǒu shí.)

"The marrying maiden is late. She returns in due time."

This line speaks of delays in progress, but eventual success. Although things may not happen as quickly as desired, with patience, everything will come to fruition at the right time.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"帝乙歸妹，其君之袂，不如其娣之袂良，月幾望，吉。"
(Dì Yǐ guī mèi, qí jūn zhī mèi, bù rú qí dì zhī mèi liáng, yuè jī wàng, jí.)

"The emperor marries off his daughter. Her sleeves are not as fine as those of the concubine. The moon is almost full. Good fortune."

This line describes a situation where the outward appearance or position may not seem as prestigious (symbolized by the lesser quality of the maiden’s sleeves), but success is still achievable. It advises focusing on inner qualities and recognizing the gradual approach of good fortune, symbolized by the waxing moon.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"女承筐无實，士刲羊无血，无攸利。"
(Nǚ chéng kuāng wú shí, shì kuī yáng wú xuè, wú yōu lì.)

"The woman carries an empty basket. The man sacrifices a sheep without blood. Nothing is favorable."

This line describes a situation where efforts or actions are empty and lack substance. It advises avoiding superficial or meaningless actions, as nothing beneficial comes from them.