#54
The Marrying Maiden
歸妹
— Guī Mèi
Upper trigram: Thunder (Zhèn) · Lower trigram: Lake (Duì)
Overall meaning
Hexagram The Marrying Maiden symbolizes the giving in marriage of a daughter and unequal relations. Upper trigram is Thunder, lower is Lake — thunder rolling over the lake. The Marrying Maiden is the younger sister given in marriage with the elder — subordinate following the higher. This hexagram warns of advances out of season and unsuitable position.
Judgment text (Thoán từ)
The Marrying Maiden: undertakings bring misfortune — nothing furthers. Unequal relations bring difficulty.
Line texts (6 lines)
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1
First Nine: The marrying maiden as a concubine — a lame man who is able to tread — undertakings bring good fortune. Even as concubine, fulfilling duty well — advancing succeeds.
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2
Second Nine: A one-eyed man who is able to see — the perseverance of a solitary person furthers. In a hard position yet still seeing — perseverance furthers.
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3
Third Six: The marrying maiden as a slave — she marries as a concubine. Wishing too high, must accept a lower place.
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4
Fourth Nine: The marrying maiden draws out the allotted time — late marriage comes in due course. Wait for the right one rather than rush.
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5
Fifth Six: The sovereign Yi gave his daughter in marriage — the embroidered garments of the princess were not as gorgeous as those of the serving maid — the moon almost full — good fortune. Modest in the second position but the moon nearly full — good fortune.
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6
Top Six: The woman holds the basket but there are no fruits in it — the man stabs the sheep but no blood flows — nothing that furthers. Marriage without substance — nothing furthers.
Applications by topic
- Marriage
- Beware unequal or unsuitable relations. Don't rush marriage when not ripe. Wait for the right one and right time.
- Career
- Beware roles or positions not matching capacity. Don't jump into a position not ready. A lower but fitting place may be better.
- Wealth
- Avoid unequal contracts or agreements. Read terms carefully before signing. Don't rush into unclear investment opportunities.
- Health
- Not the time for major medical interventions. Get multiple expert opinions before deciding. Wait for the right time.
- Lawsuit
- Position unfavorable in the current case. Not the time to attack. Consider withdrawing or settling.
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