Above; Thunder and awakening
Below; A pool of water, joy

The hexagram represents the eldest son and the youngest daughter. the hexagram represents the older man leading a young girl through the door of his house. But the girl is not his first wife. She is his second wife or perhaps the first of his concubines. For this reason Gui Mei is not a very fortunate omen, even though it should not be taken as referring in every case to marriage.

Gui Mei is the marriageable maiden. Going forward brings misfortune and no destination is at present favourable.
This hexagram symbolizes the proper relationship between heaven and earth. If heaven and earth had no intercourse, nothing would come into existence and flourish. The marriage of the younger sister is both her end and her beginning. Joy and movement together is the image of a maiden marrying. But the inappropriate positions of the third and fifth lines indicate that going forward will bring misfortune. The weak yin lines are mounted upon the strong yang lines.

Thunder over water is the image of Gui Mei. The Superior Man understands the mischief that may be made at the beginning in order to reach a lasting conclusion.

Line 1

The maiden marries as a concubine
the lame man can still walk
going forward brings good fortune.

The girl who enters a family in the position of first concubine is in much the same position as a man who is appointed adviser to a high minister. He has no power of his own, but although this hampers his activities, he is still able to advance both himself and the matters for which he is responsible.

Line 2

The one eyed man can still see The hermit can still advance himself
by righteous persistence.

A man who neglects the affections of his concubine is like a man with one eye. He is concerned only with his own interests. But even the solitary person, man or woman, is not without virtue.

Line 3

The maiden was but a slave
And rose to become a concubine.
Desperate to improve one's position, one can take the first opportunity that offers itself. But it is likely to be only a small advance, one still implying subservience.

Line 4

The maiden remains unwed
Beyond the proper day.
But a late marriage comes in time.
A girl may delay her marriage, in expectation of finding the right husband, until it seems too late. But her intentions are correct, and in the end all will be well.

Line 5

The emperor Yi gave his daughter in marriage
Her garments were not as fine
as those of her bridesmaid.
The moon is near full
and brings good fortune.

The Emperor Yi, Tang the Completer. He decreed that his daughters, though of highest rank, should be subordinate to their husbands. The compliant modesty of the princess is shown in the simplicity of her clothes compared with that of her younger sister, the bridesmaid. She is like the moon which, shortly before it is full, shines brightly but does not yet oppose its face directly to the sun.

Line 6

The woman holds the basket
But there is nothing in it.
The man sacrifices the sheep
But no blood flows
Having no destination is favourable.

The empty basket, and the sacrificed sheep that does not bleed, signify ritual form without sincerity. In such circumstances, there is no advantage to be gained from proceeding further.

© 1979 Neil Powell

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