54. Guī Mèi 歸妹
MARRIAGE OF THE MAIDEN, INEXPERIENCE, BRIDE
Key Concepts:
disappointment, lack of substance, subordination, prospects, alliance
Move in accordance with long-term goals, do not succumb to whims, and do not be influenced by others.
Above is the trigram Zheng (Thunder), below is the trigram Dui (Lake). The metaphorical image of this hexagram is getting married in a burst of passion, about which the young couple will deeply regret later. This hexagram denotes the tendency of the inexperienced to be easily carried away by those with whom they have little in common.
The I Ching develops this image by describing a young girl who enters into a marriage that does not fulfill her hopes. In the absence of genuine love, which is the foundation of a true union, she finds herself dependent on a husband who takes her for granted. An improper union in the broadest sense is indicated by Gui Mei.
In such situations, it is necessary to acknowledge such mistakes and take tactical steps to rectify the situation. The desire to escape reality leads to painful failures. We should not exacerbate the situation by layering one hasty mistake upon another.
As the Book of Changes says: "A man takes a wife, a woman gets married – and this is correct. The man has a home, and the woman has a family, such is the primal law of Heaven and Earth. If Heaven and Earth do not unite, then a multitude of beings will not be born. And if a man and a woman do not unite, then the human race will cease. Thus, marriage gives rise to everything human."
Gui Mei reminds us that misunderstandings and errors in judgment can occur where we allow ourselves to drift through life guided by our whims rather than by purpose.
The I Ching encourages us to move in accordance with the inner flow of life, not to drift randomly under the influence of others. However, realizing that everything eventually comes to an end allows us to avoid mistakes and brings the opportunity to bring things to completion.
The I Ching develops this image by describing a young girl who enters into a marriage that does not fulfill her hopes. In the absence of genuine love, which is the foundation of a true union, she finds herself dependent on a husband who takes her for granted. An improper union in the broadest sense is indicated by Gui Mei.
In such situations, it is necessary to acknowledge such mistakes and take tactical steps to rectify the situation. The desire to escape reality leads to painful failures. We should not exacerbate the situation by layering one hasty mistake upon another.
As the Book of Changes says: "A man takes a wife, a woman gets married – and this is correct. The man has a home, and the woman has a family, such is the primal law of Heaven and Earth. If Heaven and Earth do not unite, then a multitude of beings will not be born. And if a man and a woman do not unite, then the human race will cease. Thus, marriage gives rise to everything human."
Gui Mei reminds us that misunderstandings and errors in judgment can occur where we allow ourselves to drift through life guided by our whims rather than by purpose.
The I Ching encourages us to move in accordance with the inner flow of life, not to drift randomly under the influence of others. However, realizing that everything eventually comes to an end allows us to avoid mistakes and brings the opportunity to bring things to completion.
I Ching Talking
Even the crooked can see. Favorable is the constancy of the hermit.
Hexagram Line Descriptions
If they send off the bride, then with bridesmaids.
She is like a lame person who can step.
Expedition leads to misfortune.
You may need to lower your claims, but success will still come.
Even the crooked can see.
Favorable is the constancy of the hermit.
Things may not go as planned, but not all is lost.
If they send off the bride, then with bridesmaids.
If, not accepting her, they send her back, then also with bridesmaids.
Some of your hopes might come true in an unexpected way for you.
If in sending off the bride the timing is missed, then later she will be sent off.
There will be a time!
Some time may pass before your reward appears.
King Yi sent off the bride.
But the royal attire is no match for the sparkle of the bridesmaids' dresses.
The moon is almost full.
Happiness.
Wealth is considered less valuable than a sincere heart.
The woman carries baskets,
but they are not filled.
The servant shears the sheep, but there is no blood.
Nothing favorable.
Hypocrisy and insincere gestures will not bring anything good.