Hexagram 54 · 歸妹

Thunder moves above the lake, joining excitement with willing attraction. Movement can carry feeling beyond an arrangement's proper foundations. Gui Mei means the marrying younger sister or maiden. Its ancient marriage setting explores unequal positions and the limits of a commitment entered without full authority.

1. Line 1 · 初九

   歸妹以娣，跛能履，征吉。

   The marrying maiden enters as a secondary wife. A lame person can still walk. Advancing brings good fortune.

   Nine in the first place is yang with useful ability despite limited standing. The Small Image emphasizes mutual support, like contributing well in a junior role while recognizing its actual authority.

2. Line 2 · 九二

   眇能視，利幽人之貞。

   One with impaired sight can still see. The secluded person's constancy is beneficial.

   Nine in the second place is central yang maintaining its standard within an incomplete relationship. The Small Image values unchanged constancy, like keeping professional integrity when a promised partnership offers less support than expected.

3. Line 3 · 六三

   歸妹以須，反歸以娣。

   The marrying maiden waits, then returns to marry as a secondary wife.

   Six in the third place is yin in an unsuitable position, with expectations exceeding the available arrangement. The Small Image notes that mismatch, like reconsidering a proposed role once its limits become clear.

4. Line 4 · 九四

   歸妹愆期，遲歸有時。

   The marrying maiden lets the appointed time pass. A delayed marriage has its proper time.

   Nine in the fourth place is yang willing to wait instead of accepting unsuitable terms. The Small Image describes purposeful delay, like postponing a partnership until both sides can enter it with clear responsibilities.

5. Line 5 · 六五

   帝乙歸妹，其君之袂，不如其娣之袂良，月幾望，吉。

   Di Yi gives his younger sister in marriage. The lady's sleeves are not as fine as those of her accompanying secondary wife. The moon is nearly full. Good fortune.

   Six in the fifth place is central yin corresponding with the second yang. The Small Image locates worth in dignified conduct, like someone secure in a relationship who has no need to outshine others through display.

6. Line 6 · 上六

   女承筐无實，士刲羊无血，无攸利。

   The woman carries a basket with nothing in it. The man cuts a sheep, but there is no blood. Nothing is beneficial.

   Six at the top is yin at an empty conclusion without corresponding substance. The Small Image highlights the empty basket, like a formal partnership announcement unsupported by actual resources, duties, or willingness to cooperate.

Examine the arrangement beyond its appealing beginning. Accept only the responsibilities you can understand, and wait when the terms do not support a dignified commitment.

• Nuclear既濟63
• Inverted漸53
• Opposite漸53
• Previous漸53
• Next豐55