Hexagram 54

The Marrying Maiden

雷泽归妹 · 归妹 · Guī Mèi | Thunder over Lake

Thunder over the lake; entering a position without proper standing.

SubordinationCautionProprietyAwareness

Upper trigram

震 · Thunder

Lower trigram

兑 · Lake

The Judgment

“Undertakings bring misfortune. Nothing that would further.”

The Lines

Nine at the beginningThe marrying maiden goes as a secondary bride. A lame man can still tread. To go forward brings good fortune.

Nine in the second placeA one-eyed man can still see. The perseverance of a solitary person furthers.

Six in the third placeThe marrying maiden waits unwed; she turns back and goes instead as a secondary bride.

Nine in the fourth placeThe marrying maiden lets the time slip by. A late marriage comes in due time.

Six in the fifth placeKing Yi gives his daughter in marriage. Her embroidered sleeves were not as fine as those of her bridesmaid. The moon is nearly full. Good fortune.

Six at the topThe woman holds up a basket with no fruit in it; the man stabs the sheep but no blood flows. Nothing is favorable.

Line texts are an original modern translation of the classical Zhou Yi (public domain).

Meaning

The lake stirs beneath thunder—an image of entering a relationship or role from a subordinate, irregular position. Acting rashly here brings trouble.

Guidance

Understand your true position and act with care; do not force a role you have not properly earned.

When This Hexagram Appears

Joining a relationship or arrangement from a weak or unofficial footing, where caution is vital.

FAQ about Hexagram 54

What does Hexagram 54, The Marrying Maiden, mean?

The Marrying Maiden (雷泽归妹, hexagram 54 of the I Ching). The lake stirs beneath thunder—an image of entering a relationship or role from a subordinate, irregular position. Acting rashly here brings trouble.

What is the Judgment of the The Marrying Maiden hexagram?

The Judgment reads: “Undertakings bring misfortune. Nothing that would further.” Thunder over the lake; entering a position without proper standing.

What guidance does Hexagram 54 offer?

Understand your true position and act with care; do not force a role you have not properly earned.

When does the The Marrying Maiden hexagram apply?

Joining a relationship or arrangement from a weak or unofficial footing, where caution is vital.

Related Hexagrams

Opposite Hexagram

No. 53 · Development

Every line changed to its opposite — the mirror situation.

Reversed Hexagram

No. 53 · Development

The same figure turned upside down — the view from the other side.