[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":17},["ShallowReactive",2],{"metaeast_iching64_en-iching-54":3},{"slug":4,"archived":5,"date_created":6,"date_updated":7,"title":8,"content1":9,"content2":10,"seotitle":11,"seodescription":12,"htmlcode":13,"content0":14,"number":15,"seo_keywords":16,"og_title":8,"og_description":12},"iching-54",false,"2026-08-11T00:57:10.466Z","2026-07-04T14:35:09.000Z","Zhouyi \u002F I Ching, Hexagram 54, Return of the Maiden: Thunder over Lake, Zhen above and Dui below","Detailed explanation of the 54th hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Original text of the Marrying Maiden hexagram\n \u003Cbr>The Marrying Maiden. Going forth is inauspicious; there is nothing beneficial.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Thunder over the lake is the Marrying Maiden. Thus the superior person understands, over the long term, how marriages end and what harms them.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>The Marrying Maiden: If this line is obtained in divination, setting out on a campaign is dangerous. Nothing is beneficial.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: In the Marrying Maiden, the lower trigram is Dui, which means lake; the upper trigram is Zhen, which means thunder. Thus thunder sounds over the lake and the water moves, symbolizing a man and woman moved by love and becoming a married couple. This is the image of the Marrying Maiden. The superior person observes this image and thereby recognizes, throughout a long married life, the success and failure of marriage.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes\n \u003Cbr>The Marrying Maiden, with Zhen above and Dui below, is the Returning Soul hexagram of the Dui palace. Receiving this hexagram means Heaven and Earth do not unite, communication is blocked, calamity and blame arise, there is neither beginning nor end, actions do not proceed smoothly, and nothing goes well.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Acting against the natural order, one’s path will become exhausted; understand affairs clearly and put an end to deluded thoughts.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this hexagram are in a difficult period and may act contrary to reason, causing disasters to arise continuously. They should understand affairs clearly, cultivate themselves, and cut off deluded thoughts.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing and fortune: Advancing without following the right path makes it difficult to endure.\n \u003Cbr>Financial fortune: The price of goods is acceptable, but the outcome is uncertain.\n \u003Cbr>Home: A married person should not live in the maternal family’s home; do not indulge in sensual desire.\n \u003Cbr>Health: The final limit is approaching.\n \u003Cbr>Traditional interpretation of the hexagram\n \u003Cbr>This is a dissimilar hexagram, with Dui below and Zhen above, repeated. Zhen means movement and the eldest son; Dui means joy and the young daughter. A young woman following an eldest son gives rise to love, marriage, and the image of a daughter marrying out; hence it is called the Marrying Maiden.\n \u003Cbr>Overall image: Zhen, the eldest son, is above, and Dui, the young daughter, is below. The girl must follow and marry out; however, a young daughter paired with the eldest son is not a normal combination.\n \u003Cbr>Fortune: Acting contrary to reason and the right path may bring initial benefit, but many troubles follow.\n \u003Cbr>Career: You are entering a new stage, and another situation will soon appear. First, you must have broad vision and discern benefits, harms, auspiciousness, and danger; only with preparation can you avoid trouble. Second, hold firmly to pure virtue and correct principles.\n \u003Cbr>Business: Expanding into a new market is about to succeed. In future commercial activities, pay attention to the direction and types of operation, and strengthen cooperation with others.\n \u003Cbr>Seeking fame: You must be determined and work hard to improve yourself, laying the foundation for achievement and renown. What is most frightening is that romantic attachments to children and family may affect your future and career.\n \u003Cbr>Love and marriage: Let nature take its course and do not violate principles, especially do not force matters. It is better to marry late than to choose the wrong partner. After enduring life’s tests, a couple can live harmoniously into old age.\n \u003Cbr>Decision-making: In life, uphold a fair and pure character, treat marriage and family correctly, and use a happy, complete family as the foundation for developing your career.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The philosophical meaning of the 54th hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The judgment of the Marrying Maiden: the symbolic meaning of Thunder over Lake, the Marrying Maiden\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>The Marrying Maiden is formed by two dissimilar trigrams. The upper trigram is Zhen and the lower is Dui. Zhen means movement and the eldest son; Dui means joy and the young daughter. A young woman following the eldest son gives rise to affection, the movement of marriage, and the image of a daughter marrying out; hence it is called the Marrying Maiden. After Gradual Progress, the Sequence Commentary explains: “Advancement must have a place of return, so it is followed by the maiden.” Gradual Progress concerns advancement; once progress reaches a certain point, there must be a destination, which can be extended to a woman marrying out. The Miscellaneous Commentary says: “The Marrying Maiden is the end of the woman,” emphasizing this meaning. Ancient people regarded a woman’s marriage as her having a place to return to, like returning home.\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains this hexagram: Thunder over the lake is the Marrying Maiden. Thus the superior person preserves marital harmony forever and grows old together with the spouse, preventing the marriage relationship from being damaged.\n \u003Cbr>The Marrying Maiden symbolizes marriage and family formation, offering the principle of establishing a household and developing a career; it belongs to the lowest of the low hexagrams. The Image divines it this way: To seek fish, one must go to the water; seeking it in a tree will not satisfy. After enduring climbing and scraping, things still do not go as desired; labor produces no result, and fortune remains ordinary.","Detailed explanation of the first line of the 54th hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Statement of the First Nine line\n \u003Cbr>Initial Nine: The maiden marries as a junior wife, like a lame person who can walk; setting out is auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The maiden marries as a junior wife; this is the normal pattern. The lame person can walk and it is auspicious because she receives support.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Initial Nine: The daughter marries and takes her younger sister along as a junior wife. A lame person can walk. If this line is obtained in divination, setting out is auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: A daughter marries and takes her younger sister along as a junior wife; this means sisters marry the same husband, which was customary among ancient nobles. A lame person can walk and setting out is auspicious because the lame person receives help from others.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Good fortune: Those who receive this line possess modest virtue and see their plans proceed smoothly. Officials may achieve political results.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing and fortune: Accomplish things through others; little of personal merit can be claimed.\n \u003Cbr>Financial fortune: Act under orders; fortunately, profit can be obtained.\n \u003Cbr>Home: A side house is also auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Walking is impaired.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Transformation of the First Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_54_1.png'\" alt='\"周易第54卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the first line changes, it becomes Hexagram 40 of the Zhouyi: Release, Thunder over Water. This is a dissimilar hexagram, with Kan below and Zhen above. Zhen is thunder and movement; Kan is water and danger. Danger is inside and movement outside. In the severe winter, Heaven and Earth are closed off; after stillness reaches its extreme, movement begins. All things renew, winter passes and spring comes, and everything is released—this is Release.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The first line of the Marrying Maiden, line statement: Initial Nine: The maiden marries as a junior wife, like a lame person who can walk; setting out is auspicious. Interpretation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>Junior wife: In ancient times, when an elder sister married, a younger sister who accompanied her as a secondary wife was called a junior wife. Tread: to move forward.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: The elder sister marries and becomes the principal wife, while the younger sister marries and becomes a secondary wife; both serve the same husband. It is like a lame person: although walking askew and not upright, the two assist each other, observe propriety, and may still gain good fortune by advancing.\n \u003Cbr>In terms of the hexagram image, Initial Nine is at the bottom of the hexagram, in the lowest position, and cannot be valued by Six in the Fifth, which occupies the ruler’s line; it is not the position of the principal wife. Initial Nine is also in an adverse relationship with Nine in the Second, which has a proper correspondence with Six in the Fifth. If Initial Nine refuses to become a concubine, it will be difficult to find a husband she favors. Realizing that her prospects are dim, she compromises and marries as a junior wife. Because she can observe rules and propriety, this is also auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>。\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains this line: “The maiden marries as a junior wife”—this is the normal pattern; “the lame person can walk, and it is auspicious because of mutual support.” This indicates that an elder sister marrying as principal wife and a younger sister as junior wife is normal in marriage; although in a secondary position, she can assist and care for the husband and still attain good fortune.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line should understand this principle: Even knowing that the treatment one receives is unfair, willingly accepting it with a humble attitude can bring good fortune.\n \u003Cbr>If this line is obtained in divination, do not rush to achieve results; otherwise you will be like a bride who becomes a concubine—there may be an outcome, but it will not be satisfactory.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the second line of the 54th hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Statement of the Second Nine line\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the Second: One-eyed, yet able to see; this favors the perseverance of a secluded person.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: This favors the perseverance of a secluded person; one has not changed the constant way.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the Second: Though blind in the eye, one can see. This is a favorable divination for a prisoner.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: This is a favorable divination for a prisoner because, although confined, one does not abandon the right path and can therefore see the light again.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Neutral: Those who receive this line should not advance aggressively; if they preserve the old ways, no harm will arise.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing and fortune: Do not indulge in fantasies; calmly cultivate yourself.\n \u003Cbr>Financial fortune: An original insight brings hidden profit.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Suitable for a secluded life; a side residence is preferable.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Take care of your eyes.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Transformation of the Second Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_54_2.png'\" alt='\"周易第54卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the second line changes, it becomes Hexagram 51 of the Zhouyi: Zhen as Thunder. This hexagram consists of two identical trigrams, Zhen below and Zhen above, repeated. Zhen is thunder; two Zhen trigrams together produce a tremendous reverberation that dispels stagnant energy and opens the way to free progress. In ordinary times, one should remain alert in safety, maintain a sense of fear, and not dare to be negligent. Then, even when sudden changes occur, one can remain calm and behave as usual.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The second line of the Marrying Maiden, line statement: Nine in the Second: One-eyed, yet able to see; this favors the perseverance of a secluded person. Interpretation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>One-eyed: Originally referring to defective vision, here it means turning a blind eye, being wisely tolerant, and possessing the virtue of forbearance. Secluded: Refers to hidden resentment. Perseverance: Maintaining correctness.\n \u003Cbr>In terms of the hexagram image, Nine in the Second is a yang line in a firm position, located in the middle of the hexagram. Although inwardly unwilling, it can hold to the middle way. It is like a young woman eager to marry who has found a husband she is not satisfied with. Though she feels resentment, she can only turn a blind eye and hold firmly to the right path.\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains this line: “This favors the perseverance of a secluded person”—one has not changed the constant way. This indicates that such an attitude helps a resentful person maintain the right path because the constant rules are being observed.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line may encounter difficulties in their career and feel dissatisfied with their leaders or superiors. Their conduct may seem contemptible, but because you need the job, you should turn a blind eye, do your work well, fulfill your duties, and simply collect your salary. In marriage, you may feel dissatisfied with your partner but be unable to change the situation. In that case, do not try to control the other person; simply fulfill your own responsibilities.\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the Second: One-eyed, yet able to see; this favors the perseverance of a secluded person.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: This favors the perseverance of a secluded person; the constant way has not changed.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the third line of the 54th hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Third: The maiden waits; she returns and marries as a junior wife.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The maiden waits; this is not appropriate.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Third: A daughter is married with her elder sister as attendant, then she returns to her parents’ home with her younger sister.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: Marrying a daughter with her elder sister as attendant is inappropriate.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Inauspicious: Those who receive this line experience unstable advance and retreat, hard labor, and sorrow. Officials face the risk of demotion.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing and fortune: Subject to suppression by others; endure for a while.\n \u003Cbr>Financial fortune: No immediate profit; future opportunities may be pursued.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Not the proper residence; not a proper marriage.\n \u003Cbr>Health: It can heal if one waits for the right time.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_54_3.png'\" alt='\"周易第54卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the third line changes, it becomes Hexagram 34 of the Zhouyi: Great Strength, Thunder over Heaven. This is a dissimilar hexagram, with Qian below and Zhen above. Zhen is thunder; Qian is Heaven. Qian is firm and Zhen moves. Thunder resounds in Heaven, clouds and thunder roll, the momentum is grand, yang energy is vigorous, and all things grow. Because firmness is strong and powerful, it is called Strength; because it is both great and strong, it is called Great Strength. Four yang lines flourish, actively accomplishing things; the upper and lower positions are correct, so the standards are upright and the reflection straight.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The third line of the Marrying Maiden, line statement: Six in the Third: The maiden waits; she returns and marries as a junior wife. Interpretation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>Wait: Literally “to wait”; here it means eagerly seeking to please a superior while waiting to marry, but being unable to marry and having to return to wait.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: A woman wants to marry as a principal wife but cannot find a suitable partner and keeps waiting. In the end, she misses her youth and, eager to marry, marries as a secondary wife accompanying another bride.\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Third is a yielding line in a firm position, so it is out of position. The Image explains: “The maiden waits”—this is not appropriate. Wanting to marry as a principal wife but continually waiting for a suitable partner is improper.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line may be unable to find a suitable place in life or career. Do not continue waiting idly; lower your standards so that others can accept you. Although this may feel unfair, it is better than wasting time and youth.\n \u003Cbr>From another perspective, Six in the Third also reminds people not to rush for results. Like a daughter marrying, one may not originally wish to become a junior wife, but by rushing to marry, one ends up as a secondary concubine.\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Third: The maiden waits; she returns and marries as a junior wife.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The maiden waits; this is appropriate.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the fourth line of the 54th hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Statement of the Fourth Nine line\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the Fourth: The maiden’s marriage is delayed; delaying the marriage means waiting for the right time.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The intention behind missing the marriage date is to wait and then act.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the Fourth: She exceeds the marriageable age; delaying marriage is because she is waiting for something.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: She does not marry after passing the proper age because she is determined to find a man she truly approves of.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Neutral: Those who receive this line do not have an auspicious date yet and must wait for the right time.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing and fortune: The right time will come; do not advance rashly.\n \u003Cbr>Financial fortune: Wait for the right time to act, and profit can naturally be obtained.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Do not move house for now; wait for the right time.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Rest peacefully and recuperate.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Transformation of the Fourth Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_54_4.png'\" alt='\"周易第54卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the fourth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 19 of the Zhouyi: Approach, Earth over Lake. This is a dissimilar hexagram, with Dui below and Kun above. Kun is Earth and Dui is lake. Earth is higher than the lake, and the lake is contained by the Earth. This symbolizes a ruler personally approaching the realm to govern the country and secure peace, with harmony between above and below.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The fourth line of the Marrying Maiden, line statement: Nine in the Fourth: The maiden’s marriage is delayed; delaying the marriage means waiting for the right time. Interpretation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>Missing the date: Delaying the date; here it means not rushing into a hasty marriage when one should marry.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: A young woman waiting to marry delays the wedding date and quietly waits for a good opportunity.\n \u003Cbr>In terms of the hexagram image, Nine in the Fourth is a yang line in a yielding position, immediately next to Six in the Fifth, occupying the position of a minister close to the ruler. This indicates a noble woman of distinguished birth, with both virtue and talent, who refuses to marry hastily and waits for a good opportunity.\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains this line: The intention behind missing the marriage date is to wait and then act. This means that missing the opportunity to marry is done in order to wait for a better opportunity.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line may have reached marriageable age but remain unmarried while looking for a suitable partner. Wait a little longer and the person you like will appear.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line should not rush for results. Although this may delay the opportunity, it will lead to a more complete outcome.\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the Fourth: The maiden’s marriage is delayed; delaying the marriage means waiting for the right time.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The intention behind missing the marriage date is to wait and then act.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the fifth line of the 54th hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fifth place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Fifth: Lord Yi gives his daughter in marriage; the ruler’s sleeves are not as fine as those of his junior wife. The moon is nearly full. Good fortune.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Lord Yi gives his daughter in marriage, and her ruler’s sleeves are not as fine as those of her junior wife. Her position is central; she acts with nobility.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Fifth: Lord Yi marries his daughter to King Wen of Zhou, with his second daughter accompanying her. The elder sister’s dowry is not as fine as the younger sister’s. An auspicious date is chosen on the fourteenth day of a month. Good fortune.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: Lord Yi marries his daughter to King Wen of Zhou, and the elder sister’s dowry is not as fine as the younger sister’s. The line Six in the Fifth occupies the central position of the upper trigram, like a woman marrying into her husband’s family and holding an honored position.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Good fortune: Those who receive this line are in a favorable period and may marry or gain wealth. Officials will be heavily employed and occupy important positions.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing and fortune: Humility brings blessings; advance together with others.\n \u003Cbr>Financial fortune: Later goods are better; selling early is advantageous.\n \u003Cbr>Home: A happy event is approaching; two daughters marry into families.\n \u003Cbr>Health: It may heal in half a month.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fifth place changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_54_5.png'\" alt='\"周易第54卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the fifth line changes, it becomes Hexagram 58 of the Zhouyi: Dui as Lake. This hexagram consists of two identical trigrams, lake below and lake above, repeated. Lake means water. Two connected lakes exchange water; above and below harmonize, people unite, and friends help one another in joy. Dui means joy. Sharing the virtue of strength while outwardly embracing gentleness, one firmly follows the right path and guides the people upward.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The fifth line of the Marrying Maiden, line statement: Six in the Fifth: Lord Yi gives his daughter in marriage; the ruler’s sleeves are not as fine as those of his junior wife; the moon is nearly full. Good fortune. Interpretation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>Ruler: Refers to the head of the household. Ruler’s wife: Here refers to the principal wife. Sleeve: Refers to clothing. Nearly: Means approaching.\n \u003Cbr>Full moon: The day when the moon is round.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: When Lord Yi’s younger sister marries, the gown she wears is not as bright and splendid as the gown of the secondary wife accompanying her; the moon is nearly full, and there is good fortune.\n \u003Cbr>In terms of the hexagram image, Six in the Fifth occupies the ruler’s position at the center of the hexagram. Lord Yi’s younger sister occupies this position, yet does not please people through adornment or rely on her brother’s status as ruler to consider herself superior.\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains this line: “Lord Yi gives his daughter in marriage, and her ruler’s sleeves are not as fine as those of her junior wife”; her position is central, and she acts with nobility. This shows that although she holds a central and highly honored position, she maintains the virtues of diligence, frugality, and humility.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line, in marriage, if they have found a satisfactory home, can achieve a happy and complete union by avoiding attachment and comparison and maintaining a humble, gentle attitude. If you are a strong, career-oriented woman or hold a higher status than your husband, pay even more attention to this.\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Fifth: Lord Yi gives his daughter in marriage; the ruler’s sleeves are not as fine as those of his junior wife; the moon is nearly full. Good fortune.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Lord Yi gives his daughter in marriage, and her ruler’s sleeves are not as fine as those of her junior wife. Her position is central; she acts with nobility.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the top line of the 54th hexagram of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Upper Six line statement\n \u003Cbr>Top Six: The woman carries a basket with nothing in it; the man cuts the sheep, but there is no blood. Nothing is beneficial.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Top Six has nothing real; it carries an empty basket.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Top Six: At the time of sacrifice, the bride holds a basket meant to contain offerings, but it is empty; the groom pierces a sheep with a knife, but the sheep does not bleed. This is an inauspicious sign, and nothing is beneficial.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: Top Six has nothing real; it carries an empty basket. The line is at the end of the hexagram, isolated and without support, so it is fitting that she carries an empty basket.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Inauspicious: Those who receive this line encounter many things going wrong, and all plans come to nothing. Officials hold empty titles without real salary or authority.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing and fortune: Nothing goes smoothly; caution is advisable.\n \u003Cbr>Financial fortune: The capital is empty and goods are lacking; how could profit be gained?\n \u003Cbr>Home: Guard against disputes; the marriage is improper.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Emptiness, exhaustion, and blood loss; this appears difficult to treat.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Upper Six changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_54_6.png'\" alt='\"周易第54卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>When the top line changes, it becomes Hexagram 38 of the Zhouyi: Opposition, Fire over Lake. This is a dissimilar hexagram, with Dui below and Li above. Li is fire; Dui is lake. Fire above and lake below oppose rather than assist each other. Conflict gives rise to further effects, cycling back and forth without emptiness. All things differ, and difference necessarily exists, producing mutual contradiction. Kui means contradiction.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr> Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The sixth line of the Marrying Maiden, line statement: Top Six: The woman carries a basket with nothing in it; the man cuts the sheep, but there is no blood. Nothing is beneficial. Interpretation of the line statement\n \u003Cbr>Woman: Refers to an unmarried young woman. Carry: To support or hold. Basket: A dowry container used to carry betrothal goods.\n \u003Cbr>Man: Refers to an unmarried young man. To cut: Means to pierce.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: The woman’s basket is completely empty, while the man slaughters a sheep with a knife but no blood appears. This is extremely unfavorable.\n \u003Cbr>In ancient betrothal and wedding rites, the woman’s family was supposed to provide a certain dowry, while the man killed a ram and offered its blood in sacrifice. In Top Six, the woman has no dowry in her basket and the man’s sheep does not bleed, implying that the woman cannot bear children and the man has no blood heir; hence “there is nothing beneficial.”\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains this line: Top Six has nothing real; it carries an empty basket. This points out that Top Six is empty and insubstantial, like holding a completely empty basket.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this line have a disharmonious marital relationship; both sides have lost their attraction to each other, and it is difficult for anything to come of it.\n \u003Cbr>Top Six: The woman carries a basket with nothing in it; the man cuts the sheep, but there is no blood. Nothing is beneficial.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Top Six has nothing real; it carries an empty basket.","Zhouyi \u002F I Ching, Hexagram 54, the Marrying Maiden: Thunder over Lake, Zhen above and Dui below—detailed explanation of the judgment—Eastern Metaphysics Library","Detailed explanation of Zhouyi \u002F I Ching Hexagram 54, the Marrying Maiden (Thunder over Lake, Zhen above and Dui below): original judgment and plain-language translation, auspicious and inauspicious analysis of each line statement, and interpretations for career, relationships, and fortune.","䷵","\u003Cp>The Marrying Maiden: Going forth is inauspicious; there is nothing beneficial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tuan Commentary says: The Marrying Maiden is a great principle of Heaven and Earth. If Heaven and Earth do not unite, the myriad things do not flourish. The Marrying Maiden is the beginning and end of human life. Joy leads to movement; what is returned to is the maiden. “Going forth is inauspicious” because the position is inappropriate. “There is nothing beneficial” because the yielding rides upon the firm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Image says: Thunder over the lake is the image of the Marrying Maiden. Thus the superior person understands, over the long term, how marriages end and what harms them.\u003C\u002Fp>",54,"Zhouyi, I Ching, Hexagram 54, the Maiden hexagram, the 64 hexagrams, hexagram judgments, line statements, detailed plain-language explanation",1787044933351]