I Ching hexagram
54. Improper Advances
歸妹Guī Mèi
Thunder over Lake
Also called The Marrying Maiden, The Symbol of the Marriage of the Younger Sister, Marriageable Maiden, The Marrying Girl, Subordinate, The Second Wife, Converting Maidenhood, Returning maiden, Making a young girl marry, Marrying a young girl, Marrying a Maiden, Unilateral Action, Impropriety, Improper Advances, "Deals with life and death, sex and birth. It contains a warning about a person or situation. It deals essentially with discrimination. The first step on the Path without which we are useless." -- D.F. Hook
Hexagram 54, Improper Advances (歸妹 Guī Mèi) is formed by Thunder over Lake. It is also known as The Marrying Maiden, The Symbol of the Marriage of the Younger Sister, Marriageable Maiden, The Marrying Girl, Subordinate, The Second Wife, Converting Maidenhood, Returning maiden. The judgment is James Legge. The six lines are R.L. Wing — the same texts used in a reading on this site.
The judgment
James Legge
Propriety indicates that action will be evil, and in no wise advantageous.
The six lines
R.L. Wing · line 1 is at the bottom
- Line 1Yang
Your position within the situation is low in stature, but you have the good fortune of being taken into the confidence of a superior. If you remain Subordinate, you will assure your security. You can then influence the situation using tact and reserve.
- Line 2Yang
The situation is disappointing. It is up to you, alone, to carry on the original vision. Such devotion and loyalty will ultimately bring progress.
- Line 3Yin
To attain your desires, it will be necessary for you to compromise your Self.
- Line 4Yang
You are faced with a situation in which you must now refrain from action in order to await a more propitious time. It may appear that the world is passing you by as you wait, but your reward for maintaining your principles is on its way.
- Line 5Yin
When you can overlook your social position and stature and place yourself in the service of another, you will realize good fortune. To accomplish this you must overcome vanity, pride, and any ostentatious behavior. To Subordinate yourself to others, regardless of their position, is now a good thing.
- Line 6Yin
Are you just going through the motions? Is there content to the refined manner you present? If you are acting out of adherence to form, don't bother. Nothing will come of it.
Use this hexagram in a reading
These are the same judgment and lines that appear when hexagram 54 comes up in a cast. Ask a question to see which lines change, or keep a journal of your readings.