Hexagram 54
Returning Maiden - The Marrying Maiden
归妹
Meaning and Overview
The upper trigram of the Guimei hexagram is Zhen, representing the eldest son, and the lower trigram is Dui, representing the young maiden. This hexagram depicts the eldest son presiding over his younger sister's marriage on behalf of their father, reflecting the marriage system of the nobility at that time. The hexagram statement 'Action brings misfortune; nothing is favorable' primarily warns against the danger of yin encroaching upon yang, or concubines usurping the primary wife, urging caution to prevent calamity. The first line (initial nine) indicates that when Di Yi married off his sister, she was accompanied by younger sisters or nieces from the same clan. 'Lame but able to walk' suggests that these junior wives could assist the primary wife in managing household affairs, hence 'action brings good fortune.' The second line (nine in the second place) occupies the central position; 'One-eyed but able to see' implies that the junior wives adhere to the proper way of women and ministers, helping the mistress govern the household. The third line (six in the third place) describes the marriage system: during the wedding, because the junior wives were still young, they would return to their natal home following the 'returning the horse' ritual, only going to the husband's family after reaching adulthood. The fourth line (nine in the fourth place) speaks of the junior wives delaying their departure to the husband's family for some reason, but a date for their eventual departure is set. The fifth line (six in the fifth place) is the ruling line of the hexagram: the primary wife marries as the legitimate spouse. Since the primary wife is Di Yi's sister, and Di Yi presides over her wedding in accordance with ritual, it is auspicious. The top line (six at the top) indicates that if a married woman does not observe proper conduct and ritual, the ancestral sacrifice three months after marriage will not succeed, and she will ultimately not become the mistress of the household. The Guimei hexagram primarily warns that married women—including the primary wife and junior wives—must strictly adhere to ritual; otherwise, misfortune will follow. This is the meaning of the Xiang commentary: 'The superior person, through enduring endings, gains understanding.'
Chinese Interpretation
《归妹》卦上卦为震为长子，下卦为兑为少女，《归妹》卦是长子代父主持妹妹的婚姻之事，反映了当时贵族婚姻中的婚制度。《归妹》卦辞“征凶，无攸利”主要从阴凌逼阳、娣妾凌逼女君主等角度告诫应该防患于未就会很凶险。初九爻说明帝乙嫁妹妹时，以同姓同族之娣侄相从，“跛能履”说明娣侄能够协助女主人主中馈，治理好家政，因此说“征吉”。九二爻居于中位，“眇能视”说明娣侄能够遵守妇道臣道，协助主人治理好家政。六三爻说明当时婚制度，举行婚礼时因为娣侄年龄还小，因此要随“反马”礼返回娘家，待到成年后再去夫家。九四爻说的是娣侄因为某种原因耽误了去夫家的日期，但是会确定去夫家的日子。六五爻是《归妹》卦主爻，即女君出嫁为嫡夫人，女君是帝乙的妹妹，帝乙给妹妹主持婚礼，符合礼制规定，因此吉祥。上六爻说明如果出嫁的女人不守妇道，不遵礼制，那么出嫁三个月后祭祀祖先之礼就不会成功，最终不会成为女主人。《归妹》卦主要是告诫出嫁后的妇人包括女主人以及娣侄妾等应该谨守礼制，否则不会吉利，象辞说的“君子以永终知”就是这个意思。
Line Interpretations
These passages include the core hexagram statement, the six moving line texts, and traditional commentary where available. Read them as layered guidance: the early lines describe the root of the situation, while later lines reveal development, pressure, and outcome.
征凶，无攸利。
如果有行动，就会很凶险，没什么好结果。
Action brings misfortune; nothing is favorable.
If there is action, it will be very dangerous; nothing good will come of it.
初九：归妹以娣，跛能履，征吉。
初九爻，妹妹出嫁时为妾，为娣，随姐姐出嫁，像跛脚的人还能走路，有所行动则吉。
Nine at the beginning: The maiden is married off as a younger sister; lame but able to walk. Action brings good fortune.
The first line: The younger sister is married as a concubine, accompanying her elder sister. Like a lame person who can still walk, action brings good fortune.
九二：眇能视，利幽人之贞。
九二爻，一只眼勉强能看东西，利于幽居之人守持正固。
Nine in the second place: One-eyed but able to see. It is beneficial for the secluded person to remain steadfast.
The second line: One eye can barely see; it is favorable for a reclusive person to maintain constancy.
六三：归妹以须，反归以娣。
六三爻，妹妹出嫁时以年长的侍女陪嫁，但最终仍以娣的身份返回娘家。
Six in the third place: The maiden is married off as a waiting woman; she returns as a younger sister.
The third line: The younger sister is married with an older maidservant as companion, but ultimately returns to her natal home as a concubine.
九四：归妹愆期，迟归有时。
九四爻，妹妹出嫁延误了日期，但迟嫁自有其时。
Nine in the fourth place: The maiden's marriage is delayed; the late return has its time.
The fourth line: The younger sister's marriage is postponed, but the delayed marriage has its own proper time.
六五：帝乙归妹，其君之袂不如其娣之袂良；月几望，吉。
六五爻，帝乙嫁妹妹，正夫人的衣饰反不如陪嫁的娣妾华美；月亮接近圆满时，吉祥。
Six in the fifth place: Di Yi marries off his sister. The sleeves of the ruler's wife are not as fine as those of her younger sister. The moon is nearly full. Good fortune.
The fifth line: Di Yi marries off his sister. The primary wife's garments are not as splendid as those of the accompanying concubines. When the moon is nearly full, it is auspicious.
上六：女承筐无实，士刲羊无血，无攸利。
上六爻，女子捧着竹筐却无实物，男子宰杀羊却不见血，没有什么好结果。
Six at the top: The woman bears a basket but it has no contents. The man stabs a sheep but there is no blood. Nothing is favorable.
The top line: The woman holds a bamboo basket but it is empty; the man slaughters a sheep but no blood appears. Nothing good comes of it.