I Ching · No.54 · Kuei Mei / The Marrying Maiden

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

Kwei Mei indicates that (under the conditions which it denotes) action will be evil, and in no wise advantageous.

Translation

The Marrying Maiden. Divining this hexagram, setting forth on an expedition is dangerous. Nothing is advantageous. The Image says: The hexagram of the Marrying Maiden: the lower trigram is Dui, which represents the marsh; the upper trigram is Zhen, which represents thunder. Thus, thunder rolls over the marsh, and the thunder moves the water, which metaphorically represents the mutual attraction of man and woman falling in love and forming a union. This is the image of the Marrying Maiden hexagram. In observing this image, the superior man perceives the success and failure of marriage in the long course of married life.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Violating the natural order, one's path will come to an end; examine the principles of things clearly, and bring an end to wild delusions. Ominous: For those who obtain this hexagram, in times of difficulty, acting contrary to the natural order will bring continuous disasters. It is advisable to clearly examine principles, cultivate the mind and character, and eliminate wild delusions.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Advancing not in accordance with the proper way, it is difficult to endure.
• Wealth 财运: Prices are acceptable, but the final outcome is uncertain.
• Household 家宅: The married should not reside in the maternal home; do not indulge in desire.
• Health 身体: The end of life is approaching.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: A sudden impulse, feared to be unsustainable.
• Business 营商: Commodity prices rise and fluctuate, bringing joy to the sellers, but it is feared that a successful end cannot be achieved.
• Fame & Career 功名: Advancing not in accordance with the proper way; guard against regret.
• Warfare 战征: Subterranean thunder erupts suddenly, sufficient to secure a victory, but it is feared that after one victory, military strength will be exhausted, leaving no way to secure the end.
• Marriage 婚姻: Those who merely love out of temporary personal desires can can hardly expect to grow old together for a hundred years.
• Household 家宅: The foundation has moved; a married woman should not live in her maternal home.
• Illness 疾病: The words 'everlasting end' (yong zhong) are uniquely unfavorable when divining illness, clearly showing that the limit of life has reached its end.
• Litigation 讼事: Can be brought to an end.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a daughter.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (lower Dui and upper Zhen). Zhen is movement and the eldest son; Dui is joy and the youngest daughter. With the youngest daughter following the eldest son, feelings of affection arise, initiating the movement toward marriage and the image of marrying off a daughter, hence it is called the Marrying Maiden (Kuei Mei).

• Overall Image 大象: Zhen, the eldest son, is above; Dui, the youngest daughter, is below. The female must follow and return; 'returning' means marrying off. However, a youngest daughter pairing with an eldest son is an abnormal combination.
• Fortune 运势: Handling matters in a way that violates common sense and the proper path may yield benefits at first, but subsequent misfortunes will arise in a hundred ways.
• Career 事业: Entering a new stage, a different prospect will soon emerge. At this time, one must first possess a far-reaching vision to discern the advantages and disadvantages, good fortune and misfortune, for only with preparation can one avoid trouble. Second, one must hold fast to pure character and correct principles.
• Business 经商: The opening of new markets is nearing success. In future business activities, one must pay attention to the direction and types of business operations, and strengthen cooperation with others.
• Seeking Fame 求名: One must strive to improve oneself with firm determination, laying the foundation for fame and career. The most dreaded outcome is that romantic entanglements will affect one's future and career.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Let things take their natural course, and do not violate principles; in particular, do not force things. It is better to marry late but choose an ideal partner. Having gone through the trials of life, the husband and wife can live in harmony until old age.
• Decision 决策: In life, one must adhere to fair and pure character, treat marriage and family correctly, and use a happy and harmonious family as a foundation to pioneer and develop one's career.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows the younger sister married off in a position ancillary to the real wife. (It suggests the idea of) a person lame on one leg who yet manages to tramp along. Going forward will be fortunate.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: Marrying a daughter and sending her younger sister along with her. A lame man who is able to walk. Divining this line, setting out on a journey is auspicious. The Image says: 'Marrying a daughter and sending her younger sister along with her' means sisters marrying the same husband, which was the custom of ancient nobility. 'A lame man who is able to walk, setting out on a journey is auspicious' because the lame person receives help from others.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, they possess minor virtue, and their plans and aspirations will proceed smoothly. Officials may achieve political success.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Dependent on others for success; there is little to commend.
• Wealth 财运: Acting under orders, fortunately profitable.
• Household 家宅: A side room is also auspicious.
• Health 身体: Difficulty in walking.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is low; one can only achieve success by relying on others.
• Business 营商: Unable to act independently, acting under orders; fortunately profitable, auspicious.
• Fame & Career 功名: A subordinate or secondary position.
• Warfare 战征: Not the commander-in-chief, but able to win victory as a subordinate commander, auspicious.
• Household 家宅: This house must be a side gallery or wing room, auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: Must be a foot ailment, causing difficulty in walking; the life itself is not endangered.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a daughter; guard against foot ailments.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

In (the state indicated by) Kieh advantage will be found in the south-west. If no (further) operations be called for, there will be good fortune in coming back (to the old conditions). If some operations be called for, there will be good fortune in the early conducting of them.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Hsieh (Deliverance) Hexagram. It is advantageous to move toward the southwest. But if there is no definite destination, it is better to return; returning is auspicious. If there is a definite destination, it is advisable to set out early; setting out early is auspicious. The Great Symbolism says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Chen, representing thunder; the lower trigram is K'an, representing rain. Thunder and rain work together, nourishing and developing all things, which is the image of Deliverance. The noble person views this hexagram, and thereby pardons mistakes and forgives criminals.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Difficulties are dissolved and scattered; resolving hardships and settling disputes. Seize the opportunity and proceed early. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram can free themselves from previous difficulties. It is advisable to seize good opportunities to plan endeavors; it is even better for those going abroad to seek undertakings.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (K'an below and Chen above). Chen is thunder and movement; K'an is water and danger. Danger is within, movement is without. In severe winter, heaven and earth are closed and blocked; at the extreme of stillness, movement begins. All things are renewed, winter departs and spring arrives, and all things are dissolved—this is Hsieh (Deliverance).

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows her blind of one eye, and yet able to see. There will be advantage in her maintaining the firm correctness of a solitary widow.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: A blind man who is able to see. This is a divination beneficial to a prisoner. The Image says: 'This is a divination beneficial to a prisoner' because despite being in a cage, one does not lose the correct path, and thus can see the light again.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair: For those who obtain this line, it is not advisable to advance; for those who adhere to the old ways, no harm will arise.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: No need for illusions; rest and cultivate yourself in peace.
• Wealth 财运: Unique insights; profiting in secret.
• Household 家宅: Suitable for seclusion; a side room is appropriate.
• Health 身体: Take care of the eyes.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is not upright; it is advisable to maintain quietness, purity, and self-preservation.
• Business 营商: Through observing business conditions with unique foresight, there is considerable profit to be gained in secret.
• Fame & Career 功名: To be noble and not serve in office is valued.
• Warfare 战征: Able to perceive the subtle and hidden, with the wondrous capability of anticipating the enemy's moves like a divinity.
• Household 家宅: This house is most suitable for secluded living.
• Marriage 婚姻: This woman is suitable as a concubine; if she becomes the principal wife, discord and estrangement are feared.
• Litigation 讼事: Guard against the disaster of imprisonment.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kăn gives the intimation of ease and development. When (the time of) movement (which it indicates) comes, (the subject of the hexagram) will be found looking out with apprehension, and yet smiling and talking cheerfully. When the movement (like a crash of thunder) terrifies all within a hundred lî, he will be (like the sincere worshipper) who is not (startled into) letting go his ladle and (cup of) sacrificial spirits.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Zhen Hexagram. When the sacrifice is approached, the sound of thunder arrives, making some people tremble with fear; yet shortly afterward, they talk and laugh as usual. A sudden clap of thunder shocks a hundred li, yet some remain calm and composed, holding the sacrificial ladle without spilling a single drop of wine. The *Xiang Zhuan* (Treatise on the Symbols) says: The upper and lower trigrams of this hexagram are both Zhen, and Zhen is thunder. Thus, successive claps of thunder form the image of the Zhen Hexagram. The gentleman, in accordance with this, stands in awe and dread, examining and cultivating his character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Successive thunderclaps resound; one should exert oneself and strive for progress. First difficult, then easy; first bitter, then sweet. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should rise up and strive, for much can be achieved; however, while the surface appears prosperous, there may be hidden difficulties within. One should be cautious in speech and behavior to avoid losses.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling the same trigram (Zhen below, Zhen above). Zhen is thunder. The doubling of Zhen creates a resounding echo, which clears away stagnant air, leading to smooth progress and prosperity. In daily life, one should prepare for danger in times of peace, harboring a sense of reverence and fear without daring to slacken, so that even in the face of sudden emergencies, one remains calm, talking and laughing as usual.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows the younger sister who was to be married off in a mean position. She returns and accepts an ancillary position.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: Marrying off the daughter and using her elder sister as a bridesmaid, then returning with her younger sister to the parental home. The Image says: 'Marrying off the daughter and using her elder sister as a bridesmaid' is not appropriate.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous: For those who obtain this line, advance and retreat are erratic, bringing hard labor and sorrow. Officials have the worry of demotion.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Suppressed by others; endure for the time being.
• Wealth 财运: No profit at present, but can plan for the future.
• Household 家宅: Not the main residence; not a primary marriage.
• Health 身体: Will heal given time.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is awkward and suppressed by others; it is advisable to endure, as one may find relief and expansion later.
• Business 营商: Commodity prices are low, preventing profit, but they can be expected to rise later.
• Fame & Career 功名: What is obtained is humble and lowly.
• Marriage 婚姻: Must not be a primary marriage.
• Household 家宅: This house is not the main residence; it must be a side wing, small and low in status.
• Illness 疾病: Will heal given time.
• Travelers 行人: It is advisable to wait temporarily; return is possible after a delay.
• Litigation 讼事: Await the right time for a judgment.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a daughter.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tâ Kwang indicates that (under the conditions which it symbolises) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Ta Chuang (The Power of the Great) Hexagram. A favorable divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Zhen, Zhen is thunder; the lower trigram is Qian, Qian is heaven. Thunder rolling in the heavens is the image of the Power of the Great. Looking at this image, the gentleman, seeing the fearsome sudden thunder and the strictness of ritual laws, stands in awe and knows fear, adhering strictly to propriety.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Just and honorable, strong and grand; tolerant and harmonious, avoid impulsiveness. Minor fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their fortune is excessively strong. They should remain calm and act with caution; otherwise, mistakes will surely occur.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below, Zhen above). Zhen is thunder; Qian is heaven. Qian is firm, Zhen is movement. Thunder rolls in the heavens, clouds and thunder rumble, the scale is grand, Yang energy is robust and strong, and all things grow. Being firm, strong, and powerful, it is called Zhuang. Great and strong, hence the name Ta Chuang (The Power of the Great). The four Yang lines are strong and flourishing, active and achieving. The upper is upright and the lower is upright; when the pole is straight, the shadow is straight.

Nine in the Fourth Place 四九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, undivided, shows the younger sister who is to be married off protracting the time. She may be late in being married, but the time will come.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the fourth place: Marrying beyond the proper age; she delays her marriage because she is waiting for someone. The Image says: 'Delaying marriage past the age' because she is determined to find a suitable husband.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Fair: For those who obtain this line, it is not the auspicious time; one must wait for a turn of fortune.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The movement of fortune takes time; it is not advisable to make hasty advances.
• Wealth 财运: Act only when the time is right, and profit will naturally follow.
• Household 家宅: Do not relocate for now; one must wait for the right time.
• Health 身体: Rest and recuperate with peace of mind.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Warfare 战征: It is most advisable to assess the situation and avoid hasty, reckless advances that result in the loss of military forces.
• Business 营商: Wait for the right time and price, and profit will naturally be obtained.
• Fame & Career 功名: Hasty advance will lead to failure.
• Marriage 婚姻: Waiting for the right years to marry.
• Household 家宅: The fortune of the house has not yet arrived; one cannot relocate yet.
• Travelers 行人: Will not return for the time being.
• Litigation 讼事: Should be delayed, and can be settled.
• Lost Items 失物: Will be recovered after a long delay.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a son.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Lin (indicates that under the conditions supposed in it) there will be great progress and success, while it will be advantageous to be firmly correct. In the eighth month there will be evil.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Lin (Approach). Great success and supreme fortune, a favorable divination. When it comes to the eighth month, there may be danger. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Dui, representing the Marsh; the upper trigram is Kun, representing the Earth. The dyke rises above the great marsh, and the marsh is contained within the earth. This is the image of Lin (Approach). The superior person, observing this image, rules over the world, teaches and civilizes the people, thinks deeply and extends benevolence, tolerates and embraces all people, and their virtue and deeds are boundless.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Approaching the lower from above, supporting and assisting each other; be mindful of danger in times of peace, and always remain cautious and vigilant. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, good fortune arrives, all matters go as wished, and human relations are harmonious, but one should not act with too much haste.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below, Kun above). Kun is Earth, Dui is Marsh. The earth is higher than the marsh, and the marsh is contained within the earth. This symbolizes the ruler personally presiding over the world, governing the country and securing the state, with harmony between the upper and lower classes.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, reminds us of the marrying of the younger sister of (king) Tî-yî, when the sleeves of her the princess were not equal to those of the (still) younger sister who accompanied her in an inferior capacity. (The case suggests the thought of) the moon almost full. There will be good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: Sovereign Yi marries off his daughter to King Wen of Zhou, sending his second daughter along. Regarding the bridal gowns, the elder sister's was not as fine as the younger sister's. An auspicious day is chosen near the fourteenth of the month, bringing good fortune. The Image says: 'Sovereign Yi marries off his daughter to King Wen of Zhou; the elder sister's gown is not as fine as the younger sister's.' The line of six in the fifth place occupies the central position of the upper trigram, symbolizing the bride occupying a noble position in her husband's family.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: For those who obtain this line, they are in the midst of good fortune, either marrying or gaining wealth. Officials will be heavily relied upon and hold important posts.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Humility brings blessings; advancing together hand in hand.
• Wealth 财运: Later goods are of better quality; selling early is profitable.
• Household 家宅: Joyous events arrive at the door; two women marry into the house together.
• Health 身体: Will heal in half a month.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Humble and self-restrained in all things, not daring to boast or become self-satisfied; the path of fortune is balanced, hence it is auspicious.
• Warfare 战征: Descending from a high position to occupy a lowly one, thereby winning the hearts of the troops; advancing under a moonlit night, catching the enemy unprepared, can secure complete victory.
• Business 营商: The goods acquired earlier are not as good as those acquired later; selling around the time before the full moon will surely fetch a high price.
• Fame & Career 功名: If there are brothers seeking fame together, the younger brother is bound to succeed.
• Marriage 婚姻: There should be two women marrying into the house together, auspicious.
• Household 家宅: The fortune of the house is balanced; joyous events should arrive at the door.
• Travelers 行人: Will return before the full moon.
• Illness 疾病: Will heal in half a month.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a son.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Tui intimates that (under its conditions) there will be progress and attainment. (But) it will be advantageous to be firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Tui Hexagram. Prevalence. An auspicious divination. The Great Image says: This hexagram consists of two Tui trigrams stacked together, and Tui represents a lake; two lakes connected, their waters mingling and flowing together, is the image of Tui. Reflecting on this image, the superior man joins with friends for discussion and practice, and expands his knowledge.

Shao Yong's Commentary

The lake moistens all things, bringing double joy; harmony and happiness among peers, while firmly maintaining the correct path. Auspicious: Those who obtain this hexagram will have many celebratory events and harmonious relationships, but they must firmly adhere to the correct path, otherwise disaster will strike.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking the same trigram (Lake below, Lake above). The lake represents water. Two lakes connected, two waters mingling, the upper and lower in harmony, united as one, with mutual help from friends, bringing joy and happiness. Tui means pleasure. Both sharing the virtue of strength and firmness inside, while presenting a gentle and yielding posture outside, firmly walking the correct path, and guiding the people upward.

Six at the Top 上六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The sixth line, divided, shows the young lady bearing the basket, but without anything in it, and the gentleman slaughtering the sheep, but without blood flowing from it. There will be no advantage in any way.

Line Text (Translation)

Six at the top: During the sacrificial offering, the bride holds the basket containing the offerings, but the basket is empty; the groom stabs the sheep with a knife, but the sheep does not bleed. This is an inauspicious sign, and nothing is advantageous. The Image says: 'The line of six at the top is at the very end of the hexagram, isolated and without support, so it is only fitting that she holds an empty basket.'

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous: For those who obtain this line, most matters are unfavorable, and plans end in vain. Officials hold empty positions without real emoluments.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: All matters are unfavorable; it is advisable to be cautious.
• Wealth 财运: Capital is empty and goods are lacking; how can one make a profit?
• Household 家宅: Guard against disputes; the marriage is improper.
• Health 身体: Consumptive fatigue and blood loss, a sign of incurability.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: All things are unfavorable.
• Warfare 战征: Provisions are not prepared, weapons are not maintained; to set forth on a campaign thus is a path to certain defeat.
• Business 营商: Capital is depleted and goods are scarce; how can profit be made?
• Fame & Career 功名: Seeking fame empty-handed; how can it be obtained?
• Marriage 婚姻: Improper marriage leads to the ruin of the household.
• Household 家宅: The conduct within this household is improper; guard against the trouble of disputes between concubines and the principal wife.
• Illness 疾病: A disease of consumptive fatigue and blood loss; a sign of incurability.
• Lost Items 失物: Cannot be recovered.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Birth of a son.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khwei indicates that, (notwithstanding the condition of things which it denotes), in small matters there will (still) be good success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

K'uei (Opposition) Hexagram. Divining this hexagram indicates good fortune in small matters. The 'Image' says: The upper trigram is Li, which represents fire; the lower trigram is Dui, which represents marsh. Fire above and marsh below, diverging from each other—this is the image of Opposition. The superior man, observing this image, synthesizes the commonalities of all things and analyzes their differences.

Shao Yong's Commentary

People's hearts are directed outward, running counter to the Dao; it is difficult to achieve success, and it is not advisable to take major actions. Ominous: Those who obtain this hexagram have poor fortune; like water and fire being incompatible, they contradict each other, and all matters are difficult to succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Dui below, Li above). Li is Fire; Dui is Marsh. Fire above and marsh below, opposing and not aiding each other. Overcoming generates life, cycles without emptiness. All things have differences, there must be deviations, contradicting each other. K'uei (Opposition) means contradiction.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.