The Marrying Maiden
"Thunder over the lake. Undertakings bring misfortune. Nothing that would further."
The Judgment
The Marrying Maiden. Undertakings bring misfortune. Nothing that would further.
Original Text
征凶，无攸利。
The Image
Thunder over the lake: The image of The Marrying Maiden. Thus the superior man understands the transitory in the light of the eternity of the end.
Original Text
泽上有雷，归妹；君子以永终知敝。
The Lines
Nine at the Beginning初九
"The marrying maiden as a concubine. A lame man who is able to tread. Undertakings bring good fortune."
Accept a lower position if it allows you to serve effectively.
Original: 归妹以娣，跛能履，征吉。
Nine at the Place 2九二
"A one-eyed man who is able to see. The perseverance of a solitary man furthers."
Loyalty in solitude is honorable.
Original: 眇能视，利幽人之贞。
Six at the Place 3六三
"The marrying maiden as a slave. She marries as a concubine."
Compromising your dignity leads to a lower status.
Original: 归妹以须，反归以娣。
Nine at the Place 4九四
"The marrying maiden draws out the allotted time. A late marriage comes in due course."
It is better to wait for the right partner than to rush.
Original: 归妹愆期，迟归有时。
Six at the Place 5六五
"The sovereign I gave his daughter in marriage. The embroidered garments of the princess were not as gorgeous as those of the serving maid. The moon that is nearly full brings good fortune."
Inner virtue is more important than outer rank.
Original: 帝乙归妹，其君之袂，不如其娣之袂良。月几望，吉。
Six at the Top上六
"The woman holds the basket, but there are no fruits in it. The man stabs the sheep, but no blood flows. Nothing that acts to further."
Empty forms without sincerity are useless.
Original: 女承筐无实，士刲羊无血，无攸利。