Hexagram Analysis

I Ching Hexagram 54 : 歸妹 Kuei Mei / The Marrying Maiden

The eldest child, Chên, is positioned above while the youngest child, Tui, is below. The person in charge leads while the other follows with joy. This image represents the moment when the newlywed enters their spouse's home. There are four hexagrams that depict the relationship between partners. "Influence" (31) describes the mutual attraction between two individuals, "Duration" (32) portrays the long-lasting bond of marriage, "Development" (53) reflects the elaborate and ceremonial procedures of a wedding, and "The Marrying Maiden" shows a young person under the guidance of an older individual who officiates the marriage.

The Judgment

"The Wedding Youth. Commitments lead to adversity. No actions that promote progress."

When someone is welcomed into a family as a secondary partner, they must be mindful of their actions and words. It is not their place to try and replace the primary partner, as this would only cause chaos and strain the relationships involved. This same principle applies to all types of relationships. When two people come together based on their own desires, it is important to approach the situation with care and respect. Love is the foundation of all connections in the world. Just as the union of heaven and earth created the natural world, so too does love bring people together.

The Image

As lightning strikes above the body of water, the symbol of the union of two souls emerges. It is through this that a wise person comprehends the fleeting nature of life, in the context of the everlasting finality.

The thunderous roar of the storm ripples through the lake, causing the water to dance in shimmering waves. This dance is akin to the journey of a person who chooses to follow another. However, every relationship carries the risk of taking a wrong turn, leading to misunderstandings and disagreements. It is crucial to remain mindful of the end goal. If we allow ourselves to drift aimlessly, we may come together and drift apart as fate dictates. But if we focus on a lasting end, we can avoid the obstacles that often arise in close relationships.