Hexagram 54
The Marrying Maiden
归妹 (Guī Mèi)
Thunder over Lake
The image is of Thunder stirring the waters of the Lake. This symbolizes excitement and attraction, as the joyous young girl (the Lake) follows the arousing older man (Thunder). This represents a relationship or situation entered into based on impulse and pleasure rather than on correct principles and proper sequence. It is an arrangement with a flawed and unstable foundation, portending difficulty.
Key Concepts
The Judgment (彖传)
This is a hexagram of caution. The Judgment is stark and clear: taking action or moving forward in this situation will lead to misfortune. The foundation of the matter is incorrect. It may be a relationship with an improper power dynamic, a business venture based on a weak premise, or any situation entered into from a subordinate position without true correctness. Because the beginning is flawed, no amount of effort can lead to a positive outcome.
The Image (象传)
The superior man observes the inherent instability of this situation. He sees that any arrangement based merely on fleeting passion (Thunder) and pleasure (Lake) cannot last. By reflecting on the inevitable end of such unions, he learns to value what is enduring over what is transient. This teaches him to build his life and relationships on a solid foundation of correctness and lasting principles, not on momentary impulse.
Interpretation & Guidance
This hexagram serves as a strong warning. You are likely considering or already involved in a situation that is fundamentally flawed. This could be a romantic relationship, a job offer, or a partnership. The attraction may be strong, but the underlying structure is improper, and proceeding will lead to disappointment and trouble. The advice is to stop. Do not move forward. Reflect on the long-term consequences and recognize the danger of building on a weak foundation. Seek what is correct and enduring, not what is merely attractive in the moment.
The Six Lines (六爻)
Nine at the Beginning (初九)
Bottom line - Yang
"The marrying maiden as a concubine. A lame man who is able to tread. To set forth brings good fortune."
You are in a subordinate role, but you understand and accept your position with humility. Though your situation is disadvantaged ("lame"), you are still able to function effectively. In this specific context, accepting the secondary role and proceeding cautiously can lead to a positive outcome.
Nine in the Second Place (九二)
Second line - Yang
"A one-eyed man who is able to see. The perseverance of a solitary man furthers."
Your situation is flawed and your perception is limited ("one-eyed"), but you are still able to discern the right path. You must hold to your principles alone, as there is no one to support you. Persevering in this solitary integrity is the correct and only way forward.
Six in the Third Place (六三)
Third line - Yin
"The marrying maiden as a slave. She is married off as a concubine."
You have aimed too high for your station or have been waiting for an ideal offer that never came. As a result, you are now forced to accept a demeaning, subordinate position. This represents a humbling situation that results from misplaced ambition.
Nine in the Fourth Place (九四)
Fourth line - Yang
"The marrying maiden draws out the time. A late marriage comes in due course."
You recognize that the current opportunity is improper or unfavorable. Instead of jumping into it, you wisely choose to wait. By patiently delaying your commitment until the right time and conditions arise, a proper and successful union will eventually become possible.
Six in the Fifth Place (六五)
Fifth line - Yin
"The sleeves of the princess were not as beautiful as those of the serving maid. The moon that is almost full brings good fortune."
This line describes a person of high rank who enters a subordinate position with true modesty and humility, not arrogance. They are valued for their inner worth, not their outer status. This genuine humility in a secondary role is what brings good fortune and success.
Top Six (上六)
Top line - Yin
"The woman holds the basket, but there are no fruits in it. The man stabs the sheep, but no blood flows. Nothing that would further."
The situation has proven to be completely empty and sterile. All actions are mere rituals without any real substance or result. The relationship is a hollow shell; the venture yields no profit. There is nothing to be gained by continuing. This path is fruitless.
Love & Relationships (爱情)
This is one of the most cautionary hexagrams for relationships. It warns against unions based on fleeting passion, convenience, or an improper power dynamic (e.g., an affair, a relationship where one person is solely dependent on the other). Such relationships lack a correct foundation and are destined for misfortune. The hexagram advises extreme caution and recommends against proceeding with or continuing in such a union. Look for what is enduring, not what is merely exciting.
Career & Business (事业)
In a career context, this warns against accepting a job or entering a partnership that is flawed from the start. You might be tempted by a subordinate role in an exciting venture, but the terms are unfavorable, or the company culture is unsound. You are entering a situation where you will have no real power or dignity. To proceed ("set forth") with this career move will lead to disappointment and trouble. It is better to wait for a proper opportunity.
Health & Wellness (健康)
This can suggest a disharmonious state within the body where systems are not working together correctly. It may also point to the temptation to use a "quick fix," fad diet, or unproven treatment based on impulse rather than sound medical advice. Such an approach will prove to be fruitless ("no fruits in the basket") and could lead to further problems. Lasting health requires a proper, stable foundation.
Financial Matters (财运)
This hexagram warns against impulsive financial decisions and arrangements. Be wary of entering into loans, partnerships, or investments where you are in a weak, subordinate position. An arrangement based on a verbal promise or a handshake rather than a proper contract is an example. The foundation is incorrect, and the venture will not be profitable. Misfortune is the likely outcome.
Personal Growth (个人成长)
The lesson here is about developing foresight and understanding the difference between temporary impulse and enduring principles. Growth comes from learning to see beyond the immediate gratification of a situation and to evaluate its foundation. It is the wisdom to choose commitments—in love, work, and life—that are based on mutual respect, correctness, and stability, and to reject those that are based on fleeting passion or a disadvantageous, subordinate position.
Timing & Advice (时机与建议)
The advice is unequivocal: stop. Do not move forward. The path you are considering is improperly founded and will lead to misfortune. This is not a time for action, but for reflection. Contemplate the long-term consequences of your choices. Wait for a situation that is built on a correct and stable foundation.
