Takashima Ekidan · Hexagram 54 Thunder over Lake—Marrying Maiden. Marrying Maiden: Advancing is inauspicious; there is no undertaking that is favorable.

Marrying Maiden: Advancing is inauspicious; there is no undertaking that is favorable.

54 Thunder over Lake—Marrying Maiden

The hexagram has Zhen above and Dui below. Zhen is the eldest son, Dui the youngest daughter. Whenever the Tuan takes men and women as images—such as the young man and young woman in Influence, or the eldest daughter and young man in Gradual—it speaks of husband and wife. Yet here, with the male Zhen and female Dui, the images are taken as brother and sister. A girl born first is the elder sister, and one born later the younger sister. When a feudal lord married one wife, he took nine women; when the elder sister married, the younger sister accompanied her as a junior wife. Kong Yingda said: “The youngest daughter is called the younger sister; when she goes along with her elder sister, this is called marrying.” This is why the hexagram is called Marrying Maiden.

Marrying Maiden [65]: Advancing is inauspicious; there is no undertaking that is favorable.

Marrying Maiden concerns a younger and an older woman who are not a proper match; it is an improper relationship between husband and wife. A woman takes her husband as her household; for a man it is called taking a wife, and for a woman it is called returning to her husband’s home. Thus Gradual says “the woman’s marriage is auspicious,” while Influence says “taking a wife is auspicious.” “Advancing” means going forth—eloping in secret—and is therefore inauspicious. Such conduct, peeping through cracks and following one another over walls, is despised by parents and the people of the state. If a woman’s virtue is like this, what benefit can the husband gain? Hence “there is no undertaking that is favorable”: a painful warning and profound condemnation.

The Tuan Commentary says: “Marrying Maiden is a great principle of Heaven and Earth. When Heaven and Earth do not unite, the myriad things do not flourish. Marrying Maiden is the beginning and end of human life. Joy joined with movement—that is what the younger sister’s marriage is. Advancing is inauspicious because the position is inappropriate. There is no undertaking that is favorable because the yielding rides upon the firm.”

Hexagrams with three Yang and three Yin lines all derive from Qian and Kun. The upper line of Qian changes from solid to broken, forming Dui; the lower line of Kun changes from broken to solid, forming Zhen. Dui is the woman and Zhen the man, so the hexagram is named Marrying Maiden. The parents of Zhen and Dui are Qian and Kun, which are Heaven and Earth. Heaven and Earth unite and the myriad things flourish; men and women unite and offspring multiply. This is “the great principle of Heaven and Earth,” and also the beginning and end of human relationships. Dui means joy, Zhen movement; “joy joined with movement” means following one another in emotional delight, and marrying a younger sister in this manner loses what is proper. “Advancing is inauspicious”: Zhen signifies advancing, and seeking advancement through pleasure means flattering and cultivating slander, intending to use the junior wife’s status to seize the position of the principal wife. Hence the Commentary rebukes it: “The position is inappropriate.” “There is no undertaking that is favorable”: with the yielding nature of pleasure riding on the force of movement, once she gains favor, she wishes to control the Yang of Qian. If female power becomes like this, it will not only harm her personally but must also harm the family and state. The Commentary specifically exposes the reason for its impropriety: the younger sister being married is one who “moves through pleasure.”

Applying this hexagram to human affairs, 'Guimei' (Converting Maiden) signifies a maiden having a home and a man having a household, which is the beginning and end of human affairs. The Way of Heaven and Earth generates and transforms all things through the interplay of Yin and Yang; husband and wife are also a pair of Yin and Yang. However, when a woman marries, she should be betrothed with propriety and married in due season, moving after stopping like in Jian (Gradual Progress), hence 'it is auspicious for the maiden to marry.' On the contrary, if the woman acts out of pleasure and the man moves, following each other privately without waiting for the parents' command or the matchmaker's words, moving out of passion, how can this be called the rectitude of Guimei? Its line position has Yang occupying a Yin place, which is improper, hence 'misfortune'; moreover, a single Yin rests atop two Yang lines, which means 'the yielding rides over the firm', hence 'nothing is advantageous.' The Commentary issues warnings one by one, deeply cautioning against falling for female charm and letting a glamorous wife incite disorder. Once wifely virtue is compromised, the household order declines accordingly; this is the aberration in human affairs. When the hen crows at dawn, the resulting disasters are beyond description!

Applying this hexagram to the nation, a wife following her husband is like a minister following his ruler; husband-wife and ruler-minister are the major virtues of human relations, indeed 'the great righteousness of Heaven and Earth.' A minister who secures position through pleasing the ruler relies on artful words and a flattering appearance, devoting himself entirely to sycophancy. In his treacherous plots, he inevitably aligns with the inner court and conspires with eunuchs to build influence, embedding manipulation within his flattery. Once authority is in his hands, he nearly disregards royal authority, no longer respecting the throne; ultimately, disaster strikes, his power collapses, and he loses his life. This illustrates why women and petty men have been difficult to handle since ancient times, which is why the sages issued earnest warnings. The Tuan Commentary of Guimei begins with the five words 'To undertake action brings misfortune; nothing is advantageous,' expressing this very principle. The Commentary further elaborates, 'Moving out of pleasure is the marriage of the maiden,' meaning that Guimei represents the norm of human relations, while 'moving out of pleasure' is its aberration. The reason why 'action brings misfortune' and 'nothing is advantageous' stems entirely from the danger brought by 'moving out of pleasure.' In the affairs of the world, anything undertaken out of emotional attraction cannot remain righteous; for women and petty men, the misfortune is the same. Those who govern a nation should be deeply vigilant.

Viewing the hexagram as a whole: “The Marrying Maiden” is the younger daughter; being young and ignorant, she is called the maiden. When desire is aroused, something pleasing is seen, one becomes confused, and moves without ritual—this is “The Marrying Maiden.” The elder sister has not yet married but the younger sister goes first, disrupting the order. Serving as a secondary wife yet thinking of taking the primary position, she oversteps her place. If a wife’s virtue is like this, no misfortune could be greater; what benefit could there be? The six lines are yielding above and firm below, with inner and outer positions reversed. In the second and fourth lines, yang occupies yin places: the man, being improper, follows the woman. In the third and fifth, yin occupies yang places: the woman, being improper, follows the man. In the upper trigram, the sixth fifth line rides upon the ninth fourth; in the lower trigram, the sixth third rides upon the ninth second: the husband is humbled by the wife, and the wife controls her husband. Yin is instead above and yang descends to the beginning; all have lost the gradual order. Therefore the six lines of “Gradual Progress” are mostly auspicious, becoming more auspicious toward the top, whereas in “The Marrying Maiden” only the initial line is auspicious, and at the top there is “nothing beneficial.” Hence the gentleman values the gradual restraint of “Keeping Still” and guards against lighthearted delight.

The Great Image says: Thunder above the lake: Guimei (Converting Maiden). The noble person, in light of the end, understands the potential pitfalls.

This hexagram reverses “Gradual Progress”: the upper trigram is Thunder and the lower trigram is Lake. When thunder moves, the lake’s water is shaken and ripples. Yin responding to yang is like a woman enticing a man and making him act. If she loses her chastity and virtue by failing to be careful at the beginning, how can she preserve the “end forever”? Seeing this image, the gentleman knows that delight entangled with private desire makes action lose its correctness: when the beginning is already bad, the flaw will appear afterward. To prevent this before it happens, one should “know the flaw” by preserving the “end forever”; then one will not take a concubine as a wife or allow the low to obstruct the noble. With the distinctions between primary and secondary wives made proper and status distinctions kept strict, the great righteousness can be maintained from decay.

　　[Divination]
○ Inquiry about current fortune: A sudden burst of activity may be difficult to sustain.


○ Inquiry about business: The price of goods is rising and buyers are pleased, but one may be unable to plan for the end.

○ Inquiry about achievement and reputation: Advancing without following the proper way invites later regret.

○ Inquiry about warfare: A sudden burst from an earth-thunder formation can secure victory, but after one victory the troops may become exhausted, making it impossible to preserve the end.

○ Inquiry about marriage: Those who merely indulge in a passing private desire should not expect to grow old together for a hundred years.

○ Inquiry about the household: The ground beneath the house is shifting; a married woman should not live together with her mother’s family.

○ Inquiry about illness: The two words “end forever” are uniquely unfavorable when asking about sickness; they clearly indicate that the allotted span of life has ended.

○ Inquiry about litigation: It can be brought to an end.

○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born.

Initial Nine: The Marrying Maiden as a secondary wife. Lame, she can still walk; undertaking a campaign is auspicious.

The Commentary on the Image says: “The Marrying Maiden as a secondary wife: this is constancy. Lame, she can still walk: this is auspiciousness following in succession.”

Among the six lines, the fifth is the honored position and represents the primary wife; all the others are secondary wives. The initial line is at the lowest position, hence “The Marrying Maiden as a secondary wife.” A secondary wife receives the primary wife’s orders and cannot exercise authority independently, like a lame person who cannot walk normally; she can only maintain the position of a secondary wife and practice obedience and compliance. Hence, “Lame, she can still walk.” The trigram Thunder represents the feet, while Lake represents damage and breaking, forming the image of lameness. The ninth line in the initial place occupies its proper position: she can remain content as a secondary wife below, not go before others, and knows she will not overstep or fall. Hence, “Undertaking a campaign is auspicious.” Regarding the whole hexagram, moving from delight refers to a woman acting from private emotional pleasure, so undertaking a campaign is inauspicious. Regarding this single line, firm occupying a firm place represents a woman of worthy and upright virtue, so undertaking a campaign is auspicious. The Commentary on the Image explains it with “constancy,” meaning that a maiden becoming a secondary wife is the enduring norm of ritual. It explains it with “following in succession,” meaning that she complies with everything; therefore it is auspicious.

　　[Divination]
○ Inquiry about current fortune: Your fortunes are low; you can only rely on others to accomplish things.


○ Inquiry about business: You cannot act independently and must follow orders; fortunately, you gain profit. Auspicious.

Divination on official rank/fame: A subordinate or deputy position.

○ Inquiry about warfare: You are not the commander in chief, but can win as a deputy commander. Auspicious.

○ Inquiry about the household: This house must be a side building or corridor wing. Auspicious.

○ Inquiry about illness: It must be an ailment of the feet, making walking difficult, but the life and body are not endangered.

○ Asked about pregnancy: A girl will be born; guard against a foot ailment.

【Case】 In the sixteenth year of the Meiji era, I traveled to Ikaho in Kamiko and met Professor Fujino Masahiro. The professor was a great Confucian of his age, long versed in the principles of the I Ching, and had been acquainted with me for the longest time. Now that we met at an inn, we conversed morning and evening and were both very pleased. One day, he straightened his robes and said: “Please perform a divination for my fortune.” The casting produced “The Marrying Maiden” changing to “Release.”

The professor was thoroughly versed in the I Ching, so once he obtained the changing line he could judge it in detail himself; what more was there for me to say? Previously, however, I had divined this line for a certain Yokohama merchant. This man had traveled for a long time through various European and American countries and understood the affairs of each country. After returning home, he was hired as a manager by a certain Yokohama shop. He was upright and diligent. For every inflow and outflow of money and goods, the quality of merchandise, and the rise and fall of market prices, he planned everything in detail. His sincere and earnest dedication was deeply moving. Before long, the shop dismissed him. One day he came to ask for a divination, and the casting produced “The Marrying Maiden” changing to “Release.” I examined it repeatedly and finally understood the reason for his dismissal. A secondary wife follows her elder sister when marrying; all household affairs must be carried out according to orders, and she cannot act independently. It is like a lame person who has feet but cannot walk on their own. Although this man devoted himself fully to his work, he could not avoid appearing to take sole charge, and thus incurred blame. The line the professor received today was exactly the same. I therefore understood that the professor upheld the Way and walked the middle path, and had long been known for firmness and uprightness. Yet in the present age, when the world is declining and the Way is weakened, he found no place where he fit; instead, he was like a secondary wife following others and unable to act independently. Because he could humble and discipline himself, it says, “Undertaking a campaign is auspicious.” This was my judgment according to the line statement. Yet there was another matter that concerned me: “The Marrying Maiden” is a Returning-Soul hexagram, and when it reaches the sixth line it signifies the year in which one’s allotted life ends. The professor was a man who understood the Way, but from the initial line to the top is six years, so he should take care. The professor smiled faintly and said, “The principles of the I Ching are subtle indeed, just as you say.” Six years later, he did in fact die.

【Case】 A certain official came to ask for a divination concerning his fortune. The casting produced “The Marrying Maiden” changing to “Release.”

I judged: The initial line is at the bottom of the hexagram, and a secondary wife is below others; the image of the line is humble, indicating one who cannot rise above the crowd. You have received this line when asking about your fortune, so you should know that you rely on others to accomplish things and cannot decide and act independently. It is like a secondary wife following her elder sister when marrying, making obedience and compliance her sole concern. If you try to act on your own, you may instead be like a lame person attempting to walk quickly and inevitably falling. It is better to follow another’s steps; then you will not overstep or stumble. Hence, “Undertaking a campaign is auspicious.”

Nine in the second place: One-eyed, yet able to see; beneficial is the constancy of a secluded person.

The Commentary on the Image says: “Beneficial is the constancy of a secluded person: he has not changed the constant norm.”

This line is Yang, strong and centered, representing a virtuous younger sister/concubine. The lower nuclear trigram is Li, which signifies the eye; the upper nuclear trigram is Kan, which signifies illness, hence the image of being one-eyed (squinting). One-eyed means sight in one eye is smaller; two eyes look straight, while one eye looks sideways. A concubine occupies a secondary/slanted position and dares not look directly, hence the metaphor 'a one-eyed person can see.' Line 2 has a correct response with Line 5; Line 2 looks sideways and gains favor, but she cannot rely arrogantly on this favor, so the text cautions with 'it is advantageous for a secluded person to remain steadfast.' 'Secluded person' refers to a quiet, virtuous maiden who does not step beyond the threshold or peek out of the door. The Commentary on the Image says 'has not changed the norm,' meaning she can maintain her principle and stay content with her lot. Seclusion implies extreme stillness without agitation; steadfastness implies utmost virtue without changing. A recluse does not alter his way due to lack of recognition, and a woman does not compromise her integrity due to losing her mate; their underlying principle is identical.

　　[Divination]
○ Inquiry about current fortune: Your fortunes are not on the proper course; it is advisable to remain secluded and steadfast.


○ Inquiry about business: By observing the commercial situation, you have independent insight and may gain considerable hidden profits.

○ Inquiry about achievement and reputation: It is honorable to remain above worldly office and decline service.

○ Inquiry about warfare: You can observe the hidden and detect the subtle, with the marvelous ability to anticipate the enemy as if by divine insight.

○ Inquiry about the household: This residence is most suitable for secluded living.

○ Inquiry about marriage: This woman is suited to being a secondary wife; if she occupies the primary wife’s chamber, there may instead be hostility and discord.

○ Inquiry about litigation: Guard against the calamity of confinement.

○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born.

【Case】 A member of the nobility visited my villa. It was the season of continuous rain, and he was gloomy and unhappy. Just then, Ito Shioka was invited, and a special banquet was arranged to accompany the wine. Shioka saw the yarrow stalks on my bed and asked: “Does my lord enjoy the I Ching?” I replied: “Yes.” Shioka said: “I wish to divine my life span. Please perform a casting.” The casting produced “The Marrying Maiden” changing to “Thunder.”

I judged: “The Marrying Maiden” is a Returning-Soul hexagram. From the second line through the top line is five years; will your life perhaps end within the next five years? The statement of the top line says: “The woman carries a basket, but it is empty; the man cuts the sheep, but there is no blood.” “The woman carries an empty basket” means that the family finances are utterly impoverished and there is nothing in the basket; “the man cuts the sheep, but there is no blood” is an image of a corpse.

Shioka said: “Your lordship’s words are truly apt. There is a saying that ‘A person who reaches forty has not died young.’ I am now sixty, so my allotted years are not short. Although death is near, I must plan for my family’s finances. Thus I resolutely reformed the household administration and assessed my property, hoping to make my household prosperous and well supplied. My ability to accumulate surplus wealth truly came from your lordship’s gift.” He left laughing and talking. Five years later, in the sixth month, Shioka eventually died of illness.

【Case】 In the thirty-first year of the Meiji era, I divined the fortune of the Government-General of Taiwan. The casting produced “The Marrying Maiden” changing to “Thunder.”

I judged: The lower nuclear trigram is Fire, which represents the eye, the organ by which one sees; “one-eyed” means that one can see only from the side. A “secluded person” is one who is quiet, leisurely, steadfast, and still; a person who can be quiet, leisurely, steadfast, and still will certainly not cause rebellion. Hence, “Beneficial is the constancy of a secluded person.” Now, in divining the governmental policy of the Government-General of Taiwan, this line statement is obtained. Taiwan has newly entered our territory, and its customs cannot be abruptly changed all at once. We can only view it from another angle; the government should generally pacify it through silence and restraint. Hence, “Beneficial is the constancy of a secluded person.”

Six in the third place: The Marrying Maiden as a waiting woman; she returns and becomes a secondary wife.

The Commentary on the Image says: “The Marrying Maiden as a waiting woman: this is not appropriate.”

“Waiting woman” is a term for a low-status woman. The third line is at the extreme of Lake and is the ruler of delight. “The Marrying Maiden as a waiting woman” means she is made into such a woman. The third line, being yielding, rides upon firmness and strives to please people. Therefore, when she first goes to marry, she is demoted to this waiting position. Although it is clearly known to be inappropriate, she is suppressed for that very reason, so that she is not allowed to display skill and beauty or offer flattery, thereby opening suspicion that a concubine might displace the primary wife. The purpose of disciplining licentiousness and correcting status distinctions is exceedingly strict. When the third line can reverse its delight-seeking behavior, it can finally return to the position of a secondary wife; hence, “she returns and becomes a secondary wife.” The Commentary says “not appropriate,” meaning that yielding and improper, it does not occupy the right position. The Correct Meaning interprets “waiting” as waiting for the proper time: since the third line has not reached its proper time, it should wait; hence “The Marrying Maiden as a waiting woman.” Once its time arrives, she proceeds as a secondary wife; hence “she returns and becomes a secondary wife.” This interpretation also makes sense.

　　[Divination]
○ Inquiry about current fortune: Your circumstances are awkward and you are being restrained by others. You should endure; later you can gain room to act.


○ Inquiry about business: Prices are falling and profits cannot be obtained; afterward, an increase may be expected.

○ Inquiry about achievement and reputation: What is obtained is of low rank.

○ Inquiry about marriage: It certainly will not be a primary marriage.

○ Inquiry about the household: This is not the main residence; it must be a side wing, low in position and small.

○ Inquiry about illness: It will heal when the time comes.

○ Inquiry about a traveler: It is advisable to wait for now; after some delay, the person can return.

○ Inquiry about litigation: It can be decided and concluded when the time comes.

○ Question about pregnancy: A girl will be born.

【Case】 A person from a certain county sent a letter with a relative or friend and asked whether his attempt to obtain office would succeed. The casting produced “The Marrying Maiden” changing to “Great Strength.”

I judged: Zheng says, “Waiting is a term for someone of talent and wisdom.” The Correct Meaning says, “Waiting means a low-status concubine.” Thus it refers to one who possesses talent and wisdom but is forced to remain in a subordinate position. You have received this line when asking about obtaining office. I understand that you have an old connection with a prominent official and asked him to recommend you for an official rank, but unexpectedly he suppressed you, did not give you a suitable position, and instead granted you a minor office. This is the image of “The Marrying Maiden as a waiting woman.” You should accept it obediently and absolutely must not recklessly seek advancement. Later, you will certainly be promoted. “She returns and becomes a secondary wife” means that action awaits its proper time.

Nine in the fourth place: The Marrying Maiden misses the proper time; a delayed marriage comes at the proper time.

The Commentary on the Image says: “The intention behind missing the proper time is to wait and then act.”

Nine at the fourth line is a Yang line occupying a Yin position and serves as the master of movement. In moving, she is eager to marry, but Dui represents the younger daughter, hence called 'younger sister' (mei), who should not proceed before her elder sister. Thus she ought to await her proper age in her maiden quarters, hence 'the marriage of the maiden delays its time.' When the appropriate age arrives and she marries, it is not too late, hence 'marrying late has its time.' In the Book of Songs, the preface to 'Jiang Si' states that a concubine waited at home for her proper age while the principal wife did not travel with her; later the principal wife regretted this and welcomed her, so she was married in the end. This serves as a commentary to this line. Line 3 governs pleasure, seeking nobility but ending in lowliness; Line 4 governs action, seeking speed but resulting in delay. Both deeply warn that 'moving out of pleasure' inevitably leads to misfortune. Advising a delayed marriage with patience serves to curb impetuous ambition and let her know that waiting for the proper time before acting is the correct path.

　　[Divination]
Divination on fortune: Must know to move in accord with time; fortune has its timing, impetuous progress is of no avail.


Divination on military expedition: Best to assess the situation carefully; avoid hasty and rash advances that cause loss of military force.

Divination on business: Wait for the right time to get a good price, and profit will naturally be gained.

Divination on official rank/fame: Impetuous advance will lead to failure.

Divination on marriage: Wait until the proper age/time to marry.

Divination on residential fortune: The residential fortune has not yet arrived; it is not yet time to relocate.

○ Asked about a traveler: He will not return for some time.

Divination on litigation: Should be delayed or slowed down, and then it can be resolved.

Divination on lost property: Will be recovered after a long delay.

○ Pregnancy: A boy will be born.

[Case Study] A certain merchant came and asked for a divination regarding a business opportunity. He divined and obtained Guimei (Converting Maiden) changing to Lin (Approach).

Judgment: A maiden awaiting her proper time to marry is like goods awaiting the right price to sell. 'Delays its time' means the deadline has passed; 'marrying late' means it can be sold after a long delay. You asked about a business opportunity, and obtained this line text; the line image and the divined situation suit each other in meaning. 'The marriage of the maiden delays its time' because the elder sister has not yet married, so the younger sister cannot proceed first; hence it is fitting to delay and await the right time. I know you must have goods purchased earlier that have not yet been sold, so the goods acquired later will naturally have to wait. Thus, action cannot proceed without waiting, and sales cannot be realized without delay. Delaying will ultimately bring profit; there is no need to worry.

Six at the fifth line: Emperor Yi gives his maiden daughter in marriage. The sleeves of the princess-bride [67] are not as fine as the sleeves of her younger sister-concubine. The moon is almost full; auspicious.

The Commentary on the Image says: Emperor Yi gives his maiden daughter in marriage; the sleeves of the princess-bride are not as fine as the sleeves of her younger sister-concubine. Her position is in the center, and she acts with noble dignity.

'Emperor Yi' was the father of King Zhou of Yin; 'Jun' is a title for the principal wife; 'Mei' means sleeves; 'Moon' is the essence of Yin, symbolizing wifely virtue; 'Wang' means the moon is full, and 'Ji' means near. Line 5 resides in the middle of Zhen (Eldest Son), responding below to Line 2; Line 2 resides in Dui (Younger Daughter), forming a brother-sister relationship. The so-called 'Emperor Yi' refers to the elder brother in Zhen, and 'marrying the maiden' refers to the Emperor's sister marrying down to a feudal lord, hence called 'the princess-bride.' The Commentary says 'acts with noble dignity,' which refers to calling the lord's wife 'the princess-bride.' The hexagram form transforms Qian into Dui, and Qian represents clothing, hence 'sleeves.' The Records of the Grand Historian states 'long sleeves are good for dancing,' depicting female charms, showing that sleeves serve to please. The moon fills at the full moon; on the 8th day Dui appears, and on the 15th Qian fills; Dui grows until it becomes full on the 15th, transforming from Qian to Dui, hence called 'almost full.' Jing Fang's I Ching Commentary records King Tang's admonition when marrying off his sister: 'Yin follows Yang, woman follows husband; this is the righteousness of Heaven and Earth. Go serve your husband strictly with propriety and righteousness.' Training with propriety and righteousness cautions against pleasing through beautiful sleeves or acting rashly out of reliance on noble rank. Line 5 corresponds to Mao, the mid-spring month, fitting the rites of marriage, hence auspicious. The Commentary says 'her position is in the center'; Line 5 is in the middle of Zhen and Line 2 is in the middle of Dui. Marrying Line 2 to Line 5 links middle to middle, making all positions proper. Moreover, Line 5 is the most noble, hence 'acts with noble dignity.'

　　[Divination]
Divination on fortune: Be modest in everything, not boasting or self-satisfied; remaining centered in fortune leads to good luck.


Divination on military expedition: Lowering oneself to gain the hearts of soldiers; advancing under a moonlight night to surprise the enemy will yield complete victory.

Divination on business: Goods acquired earlier are not as fine as those acquired later; they can be sold around the time before the full moon, surely securing a high price.

Divination on official rank/fame: If brothers go together to seek fame, the younger brother will surely succeed.

Divination on marriage: Two women will marry into the household together; auspicious.

Divination on residential fortune: The position of the residence is centered; happy events will surely arrive at the door.

Divination on travelers: Will return before the full moon.

Divination on illness: Will recover within half a month.

○ Pregnancy: A boy will be born.

[Case Study] A friend came to visit and asked for a divination regarding the fortune of So-and-so taking up a new official post. He divined and obtained Guimei (Converting Maiden) changing to Dui (Joy).

Judgment: 'Guimei' means a woman following her husband, which is like a scholar coming forth to engage in politics. Today you divine the fortune of your friend taking up an official position and obtained Line 5 of Guimei. Examining the line text closely, I know this friend's status must be noble, and this assumption of office is surely a humble acceptance, like an Emperor's daughter marrying down. His fine talent will certainly surpass that of his predecessor, hence 'the sleeves of the princess-bride are not as fine as the sleeves of her younger sister-concubine.' 'The moon is almost full' symbolizes that his governance will be thorough and his political administration bright, like the full moon on the fifteenth night. Furthermore, he dares not use flattery to please others, nor relies arrogantly on noble status. Governing the people with such virtues, his good fortune is evident.

Six at the top: The woman holds the basket [68], but there is no fruit; the gentleman slaughters [69] the sheep, but there is no blood. Nothing is advantageous.

The Commentary on the Image says: Six at the top has no fruit, holding an empty basket.

'Shi' refers to an unmarried man, and 'Nü' refers to an unmarried woman. The Rites of Marriage for Scholars states that a bride performs ancestral sacrifices three months after entering the household. The top line represents the ancestral temple, hence sacrifices are mentioned. Only after performing the sacrifice three months later does she become a wife; before assisting in the sacrifice, she is still called a maiden. In ancestral rites, the housewife holds the basket, as sung in the Book of Songs: 'Where to put them? In baskets and hampers.' Dui represents the sheep; in sacrificial offerings, the Sima slaughters the sheep ('kui' means slaughter). Holding the basket and slaughtering the sheep are both acts of assisting in sacrifices. In the I Ching, Yang represents substance and Yin represents emptiness. When lines three and four change position, Kun turns into emptiness, hence 'holding a basket without fruit.' Line 4 is part of nuclear Kan, which is the blood trigram; when lines 3 and 4 revert to form Tai, the Kan image disappears, hence 'slaughtering a sheep without blood.' According to sacrificial rites, senior wives hold vessels, royal ladies present dishes, and housewives set out grains; it is unheard of for concubines or younger sisters to conduct these rites. Allowing a concubine to participate in ancestral sacrifices profanes moral relations; attempting to display favor only invites disaster. What benefit could there be? 'In light of the end, understand potential pitfalls'—how could one not take heed?

　　[Divination]
Divination on fortune: Everything is unfavorable.


Divination on military expedition: Provisions are unprepared and weapons are unrepaired; going into battle like this is the path to guaranteed defeat.

Divination on business: Capital is empty and goods are deficient; how can profit be made?

Divination on official rank/fame: Seeking fame empty-handed, how can it be obtained?

Divination on marriage: The marriage is improper and will lead to the ruin of the household.

Divination on residential fortune: The household norms of this residence are improper; beware of conflict between principal wife and concubine.

Divination on illness: It is an illness of consumption and blood loss, an incurable sign.

○ Asked about a lost object: It will not be recovered.

○ Pregnancy: A boy will be born.

[Case Study] A friend named So-and-so came and said: 'Recently I plan to start a business venture with a friend. From my personal calculation, the affair is joyful and the profit is quite abundant, but I do not know if it is auspicious or ominous. Please perform a divination for me.' He divined and obtained Guimei (Converting Maiden) changing to Dui (Joy).

Judgment: The hexagram structure has Dui as pleasure and Zhen as action; the hexagram image has Dui as woman and Zhen as man. Moving out of pleasure without the proper Way makes marital union unfavorable, and any partnership in business through pooled capital can be inferred similarly. Now you divine regarding a business venture and obtained this line, whose text says 'holding a basket without fruit' and 'slaughtering a sheep without blood.' A basket without fruit means an empty pouch. Blood circulates through the entire body, just as capital circulates throughout a country; without blood the sheep dies, and without capital the business fails. 'Shi' (man) and 'Nü' (woman) are the business partners; since the woman has no fruit and the man has no blood, both capital and capacity are empty. How can a business succeed? Thus it says 'nothing is advantageous.'