䷵ The Marrying Maiden guīmèi
Core Meaning
The Gui Mei hexagram reveals the dangers of emotional impulsiveness. Gui Mei is the marrying maiden, an embodiment of the great principles of yin and yang in heaven and earth, but 'moved by joy' (说以动), acting impulsively due to pleasure, easily leads to problems. Gui Mei emphasizes: emotional impulsiveness is dangerous; 'in undertaking brings misfortune' (征凶), proceeding rashly surely leads to misfortune; improper position, 'position is not appropriate' (位不当), yin and yang are out of alignment; order is inverted, 'the yielding rides the firm' (柔乘刚), yin oppresses yang; one needs to maintain correctness, 'perceive the end for enduring' (永终知敝), to maintain longevity and prevent disadvantages. In contrast to the Jian hexagram, Jian represents a gradual and proper marriage path, while Gui Mei describes an emotionally impulsive marriage. Emotional impulsiveness is common in modern society, and Gui Mei tells us: impulsiveness comes with a price, 'undertaking brings misfortune, nothing is advantageous' (征凶无攸利); one must adhere to the proper path, like the First Nine, 'marrying maiden as a concubine' (归妹以娣), though a secondary wife, she maintains her proper place, 'undertaking brings good fortune' (征吉); one must be humble, like the Six in the fifth place, 'Di Yi gives his daughter in marriage' (帝乙归妹), a princess yet in simple attire, 'the moon is almost full, good fortune' (月几望吉); one must await the right timing, like the Nine in the fourth place, 'marrying maiden delays her return, her late return is timely' (归妹愆期迟归有时), patiently waiting for the opportune moment. A true marriage requires 'enduring duration' (永终) and 'knowing the imperfections' (知敝) to prevent shortcomings.
The Judgment
Undertaking brings misfortune; nothing is advantageous.
Interpretation:
If a marrying maiden proceeds improperly, it leads to misfortune, with no benefit whatsoever.
The Image
Thunder over the Lake: The Marrying Maiden. The superior person thereby understands the transience of duration and the end of all things.
Structure
The hexagram Gui Mei (The Marrying Maiden) has Dui (Lake) below and Zhen (Thunder) above. Dui represents the lake and the young maiden below, while Zhen represents thunder and the eldest son above, forming the image of Thunder over Lake, the Marrying Maiden. Thunder over the lake signifies the movement of thunder and the joy of the lake, which is the atmosphere of 'Gui Mei'. Gui Mei refers to a marrying maiden, embodying the great principles of heaven and earth. The lower trigram Dui represents joy, and the upper trigram Zhen represents movement. Joy combined with movement signifies emotional impulsiveness leading to action, which can easily deviate from correctness. Gui Mei is the opposite of Jian (Development). Jian represents a gradual and proper marital path, while Gui Mei signifies an emotionally impulsive and improper marriage. The key points of Gui Mei are: 'Undertaking brings misfortune' (征凶), meaning forward movement is perilous; 'improper position' (位不当), indicating an incorrect alignment of yin and yang; 'nothing is advantageous' (无攸利), suggesting no benefit, with 'the weak riding the strong' (柔乘刚), where the yielding yin oppresses the firm yang; 'moved by joy' (说以动), acting impetuously due to pleasure; and 'perceive the end for enduring' (永终知敝), to maintain longevity and recognize shortcomings. The Gui Mei hexagram emphasizes that emotional impulsiveness brings danger; one must adhere to the proper path, strive for 'enduring duration' (永终), and 'know the imperfections' (知敝) to prevent problems.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
First Nine: The marrying maiden as a concubine. A lame person who can walk. Undertaking brings good fortune.
Nine in the second place: One-eyed who can see. The perseverance of a secluded person is beneficial.
Six in the third place: The marrying maiden is taken as a slave girl. She returns as a concubine.
Nine in the fourth place: The marrying maiden delays her return. Her late return is timely.
Six in the fifth place: Di Yi gives his daughter in marriage. The sleeves of the princess are not as fine as those of her little sister. The moon is almost full, good fortune.
Top Six: The woman carries a basket without fruit. The scholar slaughters a sheep without blood. Nothing is advantageous.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
In career, one must prevent impulsive actions and adhere to the proper path. 'Undertaking brings misfortune, nothing is advantageous' (征凶无攸利), impulsive advancement leads to misfortune with no benefit. The First Nine, 'marrying maiden as a concubine, a lame person who can walk, undertaking brings good fortune' (归妹以娣跛能履征吉), though in a humble position like a secondary wife and with limited ability like a lame person, 'with constancy' (以恒也) she maintains stability, and 'good fortune is supported' (吉相承) by mutual help. The Nine in the second place, 'one-eyed who can see, the perseverance of a secluded person is beneficial' (眇能视利幽人之贞), though with impaired vision, 'does not change constancy' (未变常) and maintains integrity, 'the perseverance of a secluded person is beneficial' (利幽人之贞) suitable for keeping one's proper place. The Six in the third place, 'marrying maiden is taken as a slave girl, she returns as a concubine' (归妹以须反归以娣), 'not appropriate' (未当也) in behavior, having too high expectations leads to 'returning to her original place' (反归). The Nine in the fourth place, 'marrying maiden delays her return, her late return is timely' (归妹愆期迟归有时), 'acting after waiting' (有待而行) until the opportune moment. The Six in the fifth place, 'Di Yi gives his daughter in marriage, the sleeves of the princess are not as fine as those of her little sister, the moon is almost full, good fortune' (帝乙归妹其君之袂不如其娣之袂良月几望吉), 'her position is central, acting with nobility' (其位在中以贵行), though noble and central, she is humble and modest, 'the moon is almost full' (月几望) means moderation, not overfilling, bringing good fortune. The Top Six, 'the woman carries a basket without fruit, the scholar slaughters a sheep without blood, nothing is advantageous' (女承筐无实士刲羊无血无攸利), 'carrying an empty basket' (承虚筐) means being empty and insubstantial, merely having an appearance without real benefit. The key is not to be impulsive, to keep one's proper place, and to be practical.
❤️ Relationships
In relationships, prevent impulsiveness, adhere to the proper path, and seek lasting duration. 'Moved by joy' (说以动), acting on pleasure is most dangerous; 'undertaking brings misfortune, nothing is advantageous' (征凶无攸利), emotional impulsiveness surely leads to misfortune. The First Nine, 'marrying maiden as a concubine, a lame person who can walk, undertaking brings good fortune' (归妹以娣跛能履征吉), although of low status, 'with constancy' (以恒) she maintains stability, and 'good fortune is supported' (吉相承) by mutual help, leading to good fortune. The Nine in the second place, 'one-eyed who can see, the perseverance of a secluded person is beneficial' (眇能视利幽人之贞), 'does not change constancy' (未变常), maintaining integrity, suitable for 'the perseverance of a secluded person' (幽人之贞), quiet and righteous. The Six in the third place, 'marrying maiden is taken as a slave girl, she returns as a concubine' (归妹以须反归以娣), expectations are too high, 'not appropriate' (未当), one must 'return' (反归) to reality. The Nine in the fourth place, 'marrying maiden delays her return, her late return is timely' (归妹愆期迟归有时), not rushing into marriage, 'acting after waiting' (有待而行) for the opportune moment. The Six in the fifth place, 'Di Yi gives his daughter in marriage' (帝乙归妹), is the best example; although 'acting with nobility' (以贵行) with high status, she is 'not as fine as her little sister's sleeves' (不如其娣之袂良), dressed simply and humbly; 'the moon is almost full' (月几望) means moderation, not overfilling, which is 'good fortune' (吉). The Top Six, 'the woman carries a basket without fruit, the scholar slaughters a sheep without blood' (女承筐无实士刲羊无血), is empty and without sincerity, 'nothing is advantageous' (无攸利). The key is 'perceive the end for enduring' (永终知敝), to maintain a long-lasting relationship and prevent pitfalls, not ruining one's life due to temporary impulsiveness.
🎯 Decision Making
In decision-making, guard against impulsiveness, uphold the proper path, and consider the long-term. 'The Marrying Maiden, a great principle of Heaven and Earth' (归妹天地之大义), marriage is a significant matter requiring caution. Guard against 'moved by joy' (说以动), being impulsive due to temporary pleasure; guard against 'undertaking brings misfortune' (征凶), impulsive action leads to misfortune; guard against 'improper position' (位不当), disordered yin and yang; guard against 'the yielding riding the firm' (柔乘刚), inverted priorities. The First Nine, 'marrying maiden as a concubine' (归妹以娣), keeps her proper place; though 'a lame person who can walk' (跛能履) with limited ability, 'with constancy' (以恒) she maintains stability and can 'undertake auspiciously' (征吉). The Nine in the second place, 'one-eyed who can see' (眇能视), though with deficiencies, 'does not change constancy' (未变常) and adheres to the proper path, 'the perseverance of a secluded person is beneficial' (利幽人之贞). The Six in the third place, 'marrying maiden is taken as a slave girl' (归妹以须), with inappropriate expectations, must 'return as a concubine' (反归以娣) to reality. The Nine in the fourth place, 'marrying maiden delays her return' (归妹愆期), is not hasty, 'acting after waiting' (有待而行) for the opportune moment. The Six in the fifth place is the best example, 'Di Yi gives his daughter in marriage' (帝乙归妹), though noble, she is humble; 'the sleeves of the princess are not as fine as those of her little sister' (不如其娣之袂良), simple and modest; 'the moon is almost full' (月几望) means moderation, not overfilling, which brings ultimate good fortune. The Top Six, 'carrying an empty basket' (承虚筐), being empty and insubstantial, must be avoided. The key is 'perceive the end for enduring' (永终知敝), to consider the long-term, maintain longevity, and prevent pitfalls, not ruining affairs due to impulsiveness.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest warning of the Gui Mei hexagram is acting on emotional impulsiveness. 'Undertaking brings misfortune, nothing is advantageous' (征凶无攸利) is the core warning; impulsive action will lead to misfortune with no benefit. 'Moved by joy' (说以动), being impetuous due to pleasure, is the most dangerous; temporary delight leading to impulsive action will inevitably result in problems. Be wary of: emotional impulsiveness lacking reason; improper positions leading to disorder; inverted priorities where the weak rides the strong; unrealistic high expectations; and emptiness without substance. Remember: Gui Mei means 'perceive the end for enduring' (永终知敝), to maintain longevity and prevent pitfalls; be like the First Nine, 'marrying maiden as a concubine' (归妹以娣), keeping one's proper place leads to 'undertaking auspiciously' (征吉); be like the Nine in the second place, 'does not change constancy' (未变常), not altering integrity; be like the Six in the third place, 'returns as a concubine' (反归以娣), returning to reality; be like the Nine in the fourth place, 'acting after waiting' (有待而行) for the opportune moment; and be like the Six in the fifth place, ‘Di Yi gives his daughter in marriage’ (帝乙归妹), humble and simple, 'the moon is almost full' (月几望) means moderation, not overfilling. The Top Six, 'the woman carries a basket without fruit, the scholar slaughters a sheep without blood' (女承筐无实士刲羊无血), is the most dangerous; being empty and insubstantial, 'carrying an empty basket' (承虚筐) without sincerity inevitably leads to 'nothing is advantageous' (无攸利). Gui Mei is the opposite of Jian. Jian represents a proper and gradual path, while Gui Mei signifies impulsive and improper actions. 'Heaven and Earth do not unite, and all things do not flourish' (天地不交而万物不兴); marriage is a great principle, and one must not ruin one's life due to temporary impulsiveness. True wisdom is 'perceive the end for enduring' (永终知敝), to maintain longevity and prevent pitfalls.
Applicable Scenarios
The The Marrying Maiden hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
Empress Lü marrying Liu Bang exemplifies the Gui Mei hexagram. Lü Zhi married the impoverished Liu Bang, 'moved by joy' (说以动), acting on pleasure, but 'undertaking brings misfortune' (征凶), this marriage was full of perils. She was like the First Nine, 'marrying maiden as a concubine' (归妹以娣); although Liu Bang was of low status at the time, she 'a lame person who can walk' (跛能履) persisted in moving forward, and 'with constancy' (以恒也) maintained stability, finally achieving 'good fortune' (征吉). After Liu Bang became emperor, she became empress, but she did not act with the humility of the Six in the fifth place, 'Di Yi gives his daughter in marriage' (帝乙归妹); instead, her 'position was not appropriate' (位不当) and she 'the yielding rode the firm' (柔乘刚), inverting priorities and controlling the court. She was not like the Nine in the second place, 'does not change constancy' (未变常), maintaining integrity, nor like the Nine in the fourth place, 'acting after waiting' (有待而行) for the opportune moment; instead, she 'undertook with misfortune' (征凶), acting impulsively. Ultimately, she was like the Top Six, 'the woman carries a basket without fruit, the scholar slaughters a sheep without blood' (女承筐无实士刲羊无血); she ruthlessly eliminated meritorious officials and her in-laws, 'carrying an empty basket' (承虚筐) without substance, leading to 'nothing advantageous' (无攸利) and the extermination of the Lü clan after her death. This is precisely the warning of the Gui Mei hexagram: 'moved by joy' (说以动), acting on pleasure is dangerous; one must 'perceive the end for enduring' (永终知敝), to maintain longevity and prevent pitfalls; one must be like 'Di Yi gives his daughter in marriage' (帝乙归妹), humble and simple, 'the moon is almost full' (月几望), meaning moderation, not overfilling; one must not 'the yielding ride the firm' (柔乘刚), inverting priorities; and one must not 'undertake with misfortune' (征凶), acting impulsively. Marriage is 'a great principle of Heaven and Earth' (天地之大义), and one must adhere to the proper path.
Related Hexagrams
Based on the connections between hexagrams, the following are also worth exploring:
Deepen Your Understanding
This interpretation provides a foundational understanding of the The Marrying Maiden hexagram. For a deeper comprehension, consider:
- • Reading commentaries from classical scholars and modern interpreters
- • Studying the hexagram's position within the overall sequence of the 64 hexagrams
- • Reflecting on how its wisdom applies to your current life situation
- • Exploring the changing lines and their resulting hexagrams in divination
Authoritative Resources
Want to explore the I Ching more deeply? These authoritative resources provide scholarly perspectives: