Hexagram 54 of 64
The Marrying Maiden歸妹
Thunder over the lake. The noble person looks to the far end and knows what wears out.
- Upper
- Thunder
- Lower
- Lake
- Order
- 54 / 64
征凶，无攸利。
Judgment: Going on brings misfortune. Nothing is gained.
澤上有雷，歸妹；君子以永終知敝。
Image: Thunder over the lake. The noble person looks to the far end and knows what wears out.
In plain words
The situation: You are not in the right place, and forcing it will not help.
What you can do: See your position clearly and do not push.
For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.
The six lines
- 上六女承筐无實，士刲羊无血，无攸利。The woman holds a basket with nothing in it. The man cuts a sheep and draws no blood. Nothing is gained.In shortGoing through the motions with nothing inside brings no benefit.
- 六五帝乙歸妹，其君之袂，不如其娣之袂良，月幾望，吉。King Yi gives his daughter in marriage. The bride's sleeves are not as fine as those of her sister. The moon is almost full. Good fortune.In shortHold high rank modestly; plainness shines more, and the timing is nearly ripe; good.
- 九四歸妹愆期，遲歸有時。The younger sister's wedding passes its time. A late marriage has its season.In shortThe timing is delayed; don't rush, the right moment comes later.
- 六三歸妹以須，反歸以娣。The younger sister marries while waiting, and comes back as a lesser wife.In shortAiming too high sends you back down; accept a humbler place for now.
- 九二眇能視，利幽人之貞。One-eyed, yet able to see. It helps a quiet person to stay steady.In shortEven with limited sight you can see; quietly keep your principles.
- 初九歸妹以娣，跛能履，征吉。The younger sister marries as a lesser wife. A lame person can walk. Going forward brings good fortune.In shortIn a minor role with limited means, you can still move forward; this is good.
Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.