The 54th Hexagram of the I Ching: Guī Mèi Guà (归妹卦)
The Symbolic Meaning of the Guī Mèi Hexagram: Thunder and Marsh
The Guī Mèi hexagram is formed by two trigrams, zhèn (震) above and duì (兑) below. Zhèn represents movement and the eldest son, while duì represents joy and the youngest daughter. The combination of these two trigrams symbolizes the situation of a young woman (the daughter) being under the influence of the eldest son, leading to an expression of affection or the beginning of marriage, symbolizing a marriage arrangement or a daughter leaving her family to marry. This is why it is called the “Returning Younger Sister” hexagram. It appears after the Jiàn Guà (渐卦), which deals with gradual progress. As progress reaches a certain point, there must be a destination or resolution. This idea is expanded to the notion of a daughter leaving her family to get married, which was seen in ancient times as her “returning home” or fulfilling her role in society.
The Xuè Guà (序卦) explains this: “When one advances, there must be a destination; therefore, the hexagram represents the younger sister.” The Zá Guà (杂卦) also states: “Guī Mèi is the ending of a woman’s life stage,” emphasizing the notion of a woman’s transition to marriage. In ancient China, marriage was viewed as a woman’s return to a new family, where she would establish a new home.
Interpretation from the “Duàn Yì Tiān Jī”
In this text, the Guī Mèi hexagram is seen as a sign of closed-off energies and misalignment. With zhèn (震) above and duì (兑) below, this hexagram represents the “Dui Palace Return Soul” pattern. It signifies that the heavens and earth are not in harmony, and the situation is stagnant, with obstacles and no clear beginning or end. The results of actions will be unsatisfactory, and all endeavors will be met with misfortune.
Interpretation from the Northern Song Dynasty Scholar Shao Yong
Shao Yong, an influential scholar of the I Ching during the Northern Song Dynasty, offers a cautionary interpretation:
“When one goes against reason, their path will end in failure. To avoid disaster, one must be clear-eyed, examine matters rationally, and eliminate impulsive thoughts.”
Advice for those who receive this hexagram:
When encountering difficulties, actions will seem to defy logic and will lead to constant misfortune. It is advised to remain calm and focused, cultivate inner strength, and avoid irrational impulses or thoughts.
Interpretation from Taiwanese Scholar Fu Pei-Rong
Fu Pei-Rong, a prominent figure in Chinese classical studies, offers the following interpretation:
- Fortune and Timing: When one moves forward without following the proper path, their progress will not be sustainable.
- Wealth: Business opportunities are available, but the outcome is uncertain.
- Home and Family: Married individuals should avoid staying in their mother’s house; it’s important not to indulge in emotional distractions.
- Health: There may be signs of approaching a significant change or end.
Traditional Interpretation of the Guī Mèi Hexagram
The Guī Mèi hexagram is formed by the trigrams duì (兑) below and zhèn (震) above. Duì represents joy and the younger daughter, while zhèn represents movement and the eldest son. In this configuration, the daughter is under the influence of the son, symbolizing a scenario where the young woman is drawn to the eldest son, leading to a situation of affection, marriage, or departure from her family, signifying the transition into a new phase of life. This hexagram suggests a shift in the natural order, as the pairing of the daughter and the eldest son is an unconventional combination.
Great Image (Dà Xiàng): The eldest son (zhèn) is above, and the young daughter (duì) is below, implying that the daughter must “return” or marry, but this pairing is unusual or not in line with the natural sequence of things.
Fortune and Fate: The fortune suggested by this hexagram indicates that one’s actions may defy normal principles, leading to initial success but followed by misfortune. If you are moving forward in a new project or stage in life, you should have a clear understanding of the pros and cons and be prepared for unexpected challenges.
Business: As you venture into a new market, success seems within reach, but attention should be paid to the direction and nature of your business, as well as strengthening partnerships with others.
Career and Reputation: If you aim for success, you must do so with resolve, strengthening your own character and building a foundation for your reputation. However, emotions, particularly romantic attachments or family distractions, should not affect your professional growth.
Marriage and Relationships: In love and marriage, take things naturally and do not force or rush the process. If marriage is not yet ideal, it is better to wait for the right partner. Over time, with shared life experiences, marital harmony will be achieved.
Decision Making: It is crucial to maintain a pure and just character in life, especially in matters of marriage and family. Building a strong family foundation will provide the security needed for professional and personal success.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Guī Mèi Hexagram
Hexagram Text: Chū Jiǔ (初九): Guī mèi yǐ dì, bǒ néng lǚ, zhēng jí.
Translation: “The elder sister marries as the principal wife, the younger sister as a secondary wife. Though one is lame, together they move forward with mutual help, and success is possible.”
Interpretation:
This line describes the scenario where the elder sister marries as the main wife and the younger sister as a secondary wife, living together with the same husband. The metaphor of a lame person represents the imperfect situation where the two women, though they may not fit the conventional role, work together and help each other. Despite the imbalance, if they follow the principles of propriety, progress is possible, leading to success.
Advice for this line:
When encountering difficulties, it is important to proceed cautiously, recognizing that the situation may be imperfect, but collaboration can still bring success.
The metaphor of the snake moving with limited ability or the screen not yet revealing its clarity suggests that progress might be slow and unclear initially, but over time, opportunities will emerge. Like the spring bringing new growth to the garden, or the clouds dispersing to reveal the sun, success will come, but only after persistence and patience.
Change of the Guī Mèi Hexagram, First Line
When the first line changes, it transforms into the 40th Hexagram: Léi Shuǐ Jiè (雷水解). This hexagram consists of kǎn (坎) below, representing water and danger, and zhèn (震) above, representing thunder and movement. The hexagram symbolizes the end of a difficult period: the harsh winter finally gives way to spring, and all obstacles are removed. This signifies release, change, and renewal.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Guī Mèi Hexagram
Hexagram Text: Jiǔ Èr (九二): Miǎo néng shì, lì yōu rén zhī zhēn.
Translation: “One with a small vision can still see, it is beneficial for those who are misunderstood or harbor resentment to remain true to their principles.”
Interpretation:
This line suggests that although one may not have a broad perspective, they can still perceive what is important. The emphasis is on being patient, forgiving, and maintaining integrity, especially when dealing with people who may have grievances or negative emotions. By staying true to one’s moral compass, success will be found.
Advice for this line:
Avoid rushing to judgment or action. Sometimes, it is better to stay quiet, allowing the situation to resolve itself. This line calls for patience, especially in dealing with matters that require discretion and reflection. The imagery of the snow and frost eventually giving way to blooming flowers symbolizes the renewal and eventual clarity that come with time.
Change of the Guī Mèi Hexagram, Second Line
When the second line changes, it becomes the 51st Hexagram: Zhèn Wéi Léi (震为雷). This hexagram is formed by two zhèn trigrams, representing thunder. The double thunder symbol indicates a powerful, sudden movement, shaking up stagnant situations. The hexagram suggests a dynamic breakthrough, removing obstacles and bringing clarity and progress.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Guī Mèi Hexagram
Hexagram Text: Liù Sān (六三): Guī mèi yǐ xū, fǎn guī yǐ dì.
Translation: “A woman desires to marry as the principal wife but has not found the right match. As time passes, she marries hastily as a secondary wife instead.”
Interpretation:
This line portrays a woman who initially seeks a marriage with a principal position but, due to time running out, ends up marrying hurriedly as a secondary wife. This represents unfulfilled desires or missed opportunities. It warns against rushing into decisions when proper preparation or the right timing has not been achieved.
Advice for this line:
It is crucial to avoid impulsive actions and rushing into decisions. Instead, patience and careful consideration will lead to better outcomes. The metaphor of the delayed flower or the quick changes in fortune advises caution in times of uncertainty. Though things may feel rushed, clarity and calmness will ultimately guide one to a better resolution.
Change of the Guī Mèi Hexagram, Third Line
When the third line changes, it becomes the 34th Hexagram: Léi Tiān Dà Zhuàng (雷天大壮). This hexagram is formed by zhèn (震), representing thunder, below and qián (乾), representing heaven, above. The combination indicates tremendous energy and movement. It is a symbol of strength, power, and the vitality of a new phase, where all things are growing with great momentum. The hexagram advises courage and decisiveness, taking action when the time is right.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Guī Mèi Hexagram
Hexagram Text: Jiǔ Sì (九四): Guī mèi qiān qī, chí guī yǒu shí.
Translation: “The marriage of the girl is delayed, but the right time for return will come.”
Interpretation:
This line speaks of a girl who has delayed her marriage, patiently waiting for the right time. The message here emphasizes the importance of timing and patience. Just as a flower waits for the right season to bloom, or a river waits for its course to clear, success comes when things are in their proper place. The metaphor of “waiting for the right moment” highlights the need for careful preparation and alignment with circumstances.
Advice for this line:
Patience is key. Like a garden waiting for spring or the moon gradually becoming full, sometimes timing is everything. It’s important not to rush, as waiting for the right time ensures a better outcome. It also warns against unnecessary doubts and hesitations. Once the right moment arrives, things will fall into place naturally.
Change of the Guī Mèi Hexagram, Fourth Line
When the fourth line changes, it becomes the 19th Hexagram: Dì Zé Lín (地泽临). This hexagram consists of kuí (坤) below, representing earth, and duì (兑) above, representing lake or marsh. The earth is higher than the lake, symbolizing a ruler who comes down to personally address matters, ensuring harmony between the upper and lower realms. The hexagram suggests that leadership should be hands-on and that harmony and unity must be established from top to bottom.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Guī Mèi Hexagram
Hexagram Text: Liù Wǔ (六五): Dì Yǐ guī mèi, qí jūn zhī mèi, bù rú qí dì zhī mèi liáng; yuè jī wàng, jí.
Translation: “The younger sister of Emperor Yi marries, but the sleeve of her gown is not as beautiful as that of the secondary wife’s. The moon is approaching its full phase, bringing auspiciousness.”
Interpretation:
This line speaks of a situation where the emperor’s younger sister marries, but her dress is less splendid than that of the secondary wife, symbolizing a slight imbalance in status or position. However, this is balanced by the approach of the full moon, signaling a time of success and good fortune. The idea of the moon nearing fullness reflects the eventual fulfillment of a situation or goal.
Advice for this line:
Despite apparent inequalities or imperfections, everything will come to fruition at the right time. Just as the moon, though waxing, will eventually reach its full glory, one must trust the process and allow time for things to align. The key here is to remain humble and patient, and the outcome will be favorable.
Change of the Guī Mèi Hexagram, Fifth Line
When the fifth line changes, it transforms into the 58th Hexagram: Duì Wéi Zé (兑为泽). This hexagram is composed of two duì trigrams, symbolizing joy, communication, and unity. The hexagram signifies harmony, mutual support, and collective happiness. It suggests that when people work together with clear communication and shared purpose, success and joy are inevitable.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Guī Mèi Hexagram
Hexagram Text: Shàng Liù (上六): Nǚ chéng kuāng, wú shí, shì jiān yáng, wú xuè. Wú yōu lì.
Translation: “The woman carries an empty basket, and the man slaughters a sheep without blood. There is no benefit in this.”
Interpretation:
This line presents an image of futility—an empty basket and a sheep slaughtered without blood, both representing actions that lack substance and yield no results. It suggests that some endeavors are fruitless, and no matter how hard one tries, the outcome remains unproductive. The line warns against engaging in actions without genuine purpose or sincerity.
Advice for this line:
Avoid efforts that are destined to fail. Empty actions lead nowhere, much like a fruitless labor or an unfulfilled goal. If you are pursuing something without a solid foundation or sincerity, it will only lead to frustration and disappointment. The key to success is to engage in meaningful actions, grounded in authenticity and purpose.
Change of the Guī Mèi Hexagram, Sixth Line
When the sixth line changes, it becomes the 38th Hexagram: Huǒ Zé Kuí (火泽睽). This hexagram consists of lì (离) for fire above and duì (兑) for lake below, which represents conflict or separation. The two elements of fire and water do not naturally harmonize, suggesting tension, contradiction, and opposition. The hexagram advises caution when facing situations full of discord, where opposing forces challenge progress.