Hexagram 54: The Marrying Maiden
Outer trigram (upper)
Chấn
Thunder · Wood
Inner trigram (lower)
Đoài
Marsh · Metal
Judgment
歸妹：征凶，无攸利.
Translation
The Marrying Maiden: to press forward brings misfortune — nothing is favorable.
Commentary
Zhen (thunder) sits above, Dui (marsh) below. Thunder stirs above the marsh — excitement and agitation. This depicts a younger sister following her older sister into marriage in a subordinate position, without the full proper rites. Because it goes against the natural order, pressing forward brings misfortune, and nothing is gained by it.
Line Readings
Line 1 (yang)
初九：歸妹以娣，跛能履，征吉.
Translation
The younger sister marries as a secondary wife; though lame, she can still walk — to advance is good fortune.
Commentary
This yang line shows the younger sister entering the marriage as a secondary wife, in a lowly position — like someone lame who still makes the effort to walk. Because she accepts her place and holds to her virtue, advancing brings good fortune.
Line 2 (yin)
九二：眇能視，利幽人之貞.
Translation
Though half-blind, she can still see — favorable for one living in seclusion who holds to what is right.
Commentary
This yin line holds the central position. Even though her status is lowly, like eyes too weak to see clearly, by holding to integrity as a person in quiet retreat would, she fares well.
Line 3 (yin)
六三：歸妹以須，反歸以娣.
Translation
The younger sister waits before marrying; she returns and becomes a secondary wife after all.
Commentary
This yin line is neither central nor correctly placed. She wishes to become the principal wife but cannot; after waiting, she returns to a lowly position as a secondary wife.
Line 4 (yang)
九四：歸妹愆期，遲歸有時.
Translation
The younger sister's marriage is delayed past the appointed time; the delay itself has its own right moment.
Commentary
This yang line holds a correct position. She waits for the right opportunity before marrying — late, but well timed, without the mistake of rushing.
Line 5 (yin)
六五：帝乙歸妹，其君之袂，不如其娣之袂良，月幾望，吉.
Translation
King Yi gives his younger sister in marriage; the principal bride's gown is plainer than her attendant's — the moon nears the full, good fortune.
Commentary
This yin line occupies the position of honor: the king marries off his sister according to proper ritual. The principal wife is modest and does not flaunt her status — her gown plainer than her attendant's — like the moon just short of full, virtue complete without excess. A favorable sign.
Line 6 (yin)
上六：女承筐无實，士刲羊无血，无攸利.
Translation
The woman holds up a basket with nothing in it; the man cuts the sheep and draws no blood — nothing is favorable.
Commentary
This yin line stands at the extreme: the marriage is empty of substance — the basket is bare, the sheep bleeds no blood. The ritual is form without real content, and nothing good comes of it.