All hexagrams · ← 53 · 55 →
歸妹 54 · Guī Mèi · The Marrying Maiden
Thunder over Lake — upper Zhèn 震 (arousing, sudden movement); lower Duì 兌 (joyous, open, exchanging)
Hexagram 54, The Marrying Maiden (Guī Mèi, 歸妹), is Thunder over Lake. Thunder over lake. Entering a relationship without equal standing.
The situation
Thunder over lake. Entering a relationship without equal standing.
The counsel
Know the limits of your position and take the long view. Do not force what cannot be.
The six lines
Line 1 — Marrying as a secondary wife. The lame can still walk.
Line 2 — The one-eyed can still see. Persist in solitude.
Line 3 — Marrying as a servant. Accept the lesser place.
Line 4 — Missing the time. A late marriage comes.
Line 5 — The princess’s garments plainer than her servant’s; the moon nearly full. Good.
Line 6 — The basket is empty; no blood in the sacrifice. Nothing favours.