Gui Mei — The Bride Given
Also known as: The Marrying Maiden
The Judgement
归妹卦：征凶，无攸利。
Setting forth is inauspicious; nothing is favourable.
AI commentaryThis hexagram shows the youngest daughter following the eldest son, the Lake below delighting in Thunder's movement above. It pictures a bride given in marriage, yet most lines sit in unsuitable positions. Hence the judgement: when one goes along out of pleasure rather than by the right path, setting forth is inauspicious and nothing is favourable. In a reading it concerns marriage or any joining of people, where roles are unclear and feeling overrides duty. One must hold to what is right, define roles and weigh the end at the start; a union formed for passing pleasure ends in regret and a mean outcome.
AI plain readingThis hexagram pictures the youngest daughter following the eldest son and acting out of delight, an image of a bride being given in marriage. Yet most of its lines sit in positions that do not suit them. The judgement says that setting out is inauspicious and nothing is favourable, because following someone for pleasure, without keeping to the proper path, leads nowhere good. If you draw it, your question usually concerns a marriage or a partnership, and the hidden risk is that roles are unclear or feeling outweighs principle. Hold to what is right, be clear about where you stand, and think through how things will end before you begin. A match made for a moment's pleasure brings regret later.
The Great Image
泽上有雷，归妹；君子以永终知敝。
Thunder above the Lake: the bride given. The noble person, accordingly, keeps the distant end in view and recognises early what will wear things down.
The Six Lines
1st Line (nine)
初九：归妹以娣，跛能履，征吉。
The younger sister goes along as a secondary consort; lame, she can still walk. To go forward is auspicious.
AI commentaryFollowing as a secondary consort (娣), one accepts a lower rank and fulfils its duties, like a lame walker who cannot go far yet keeps a steady pace. Knowing one's place and serving capably beneath others, one advances auspiciously.
AI plain readingYou join as a secondary consort, content with a modest place and doing your part well, like someone with a limp who cannot go far but walks steadily. By knowing your role and serving capably beneath others, you move forward to an auspicious result. A supporting role, accepted willingly, turns out well here.
- Timing
- This is a phase for supporting roles rather than the lead; a steady, modest pace now carries you forward auspiciously.
- Money
- Steady earnings from a supporting role prove favourable; manage within your means and avoid bold bets beyond your station.
- Career
- Serve as a capable deputy rather than seeking the top seat; diligent, unglamorous work done well leads to auspicious results.
- Relationships
- Let the other person lead for now; offering quiet support without competing for attention keeps the bond warm and auspicious.
- Home & Household
- Doing your share of household tasks without overstepping others' roles keeps the family settled; the home is calm and fortunate.
- Health
- The tradition favours quiet recuperation and a gentle routine; pacing yourself instead of pushing hard lets strength return gradually.
- Marriage
- In a committed partnership, accepting a supporting part with grace and patience is auspicious; steady mutual care outweighs claims to precedence.
- Exams & Study
- Work through the basics methodically instead of aiming above your level; consistent effort brings auspicious progress and real results.
- Travel
- Travelling as a companion or in a supporting capacity is auspicious; keep a steady pace and follow the group's plan.
- Disputes & Legal Matters
- Stay within your proper standing and argue from verifiable facts, not overreaching claims; the tradition reads a measured approach as favourable.
- Finding a Person
- Enlist helpers and search patiently through intermediaries rather than rushing; a calm, methodical inquiry is likely to locate them.
- The Decision Point
- Accept the supporting role willingly and do it well; like the lame walker who keeps a steady stride, you advance auspiciously.
2nd Line (nine)
九二：眇能视，利幽人之贞。
One-eyed, yet able to see. It is favourable for the secluded person to hold to what is right.
AI commentaryLike seeing with one eye, the view is partial yet sight remains. Though the match is poor, keeping to what is right with the quiet constancy of a secluded person is favourable; one who meets misfortune calmly still keeps integrity intact.
AI plain readingIt is like seeing with only one eye: your view is limited, but you can still see. The partner or situation you have is not ideal, yet if you stay quiet, composed and principled, like someone living a secluded life, it works in your favour. Even in poor circumstances you can protect your integrity.
- Timing
- This is a period of imperfect circumstances, best met with a low profile; principled restraint turns the time to your favour.
- Money
- Refuse shortcuts and tempting deals while finances are weak; simply guarding existing savings is the favourable course and keeps them safe.
- Career
- Working under an unsuitable boss calls for quiet, correct conduct; keeping your head down and your standards up serves you well.
- Relationships
- The person you are drawn to may not be a good match; keep your self-respect and composure, and you protect yourself.
- Home & Household
- When family life is strained, avoid stirring up quarrels and keep your own conduct orderly; the household then stays secure.
- Health
- The tradition advises calm, regular self-care while your condition is below par, and reads steadiness as the path to gradual improvement.
- Marriage
- Even within an imperfect marriage, quiet dignity and faithfulness to your own standards are favourable and preserve your standing.
- Exams & Study
- If the exam conditions or teaching are poor, study calmly and steadily without panic; disciplined preparation keeps your results secure.
- Travel
- Expect imperfect travel conditions; cautious plans, no risky detours and a calm temper keep the journey safe and favourable.
- Disputes & Legal Matters
- In a weak position, stay composed and stick to documented facts; avoiding improper tactics is favourable and helps protect you.
- Finding a Person
- Leads are poor at first; keep searching through proper channels without frantic guesswork, and the person can still be found.
- The Decision Point
- When what you have been dealt is flawed, stay quiet and principled like the secluded person; integrity kept intact is the favourable course.
3rd Line (six)
六三：归妹以须，反归以娣。
The younger sister is sent off from a lowly station (须); she turns back and goes again as a secondary consort.
AI commentaryFrom a lowly rank (须) she grasps at the principal wife's place, fails, and steps back to follow as a secondary consort. One who is weak, not upright and impatient for what is not due returns at last to a humbler place.
AI plain readingFrom a lowly position you reach for the principal wife's place, cannot get it, and have to step back and follow as a secondary consort instead. Anyone who is weak, not upright and impatient for what is not theirs ends up returning to their proper station and accepting a lower place.
- Timing
- Reaching for more than your position allows will not work now; step back to your proper level and things stay manageable.
- Money
- Overreaching for returns beyond your means comes to nothing; scale spending back to what you can afford, and your capital holds.
- Career
- A premature bid for promotion is unlikely to succeed; accepting a junior post and working correctly keeps your career viable.
- Relationships
- Pressing for a status someone has not offered you gets nowhere; settling honestly into the place you actually hold is workable.
- Home & Household
- A grab for household authority beyond your role will not succeed; keeping to your usual part brings the home peace.
- Health
- Chasing quick fixes does not work; the tradition favours patient, consistent care within your limits and reads recovery as gradual.
- Marriage
- Insisting on terms the other side will not grant stalls the match; on a modest, fair footing it can still proceed.
- Exams & Study
- Aiming at a top mark without preparation falls short; solid groundwork and honest effort are what bring real progress.
- Travel
- An itinerary beyond your budget or stamina will not come off; a trip sized to your means can go ahead.
- Disputes & Legal Matters
- Inflated claims are likely to fail; narrowing them to what the evidence supports keeps your position tenable.
- Finding a Person
- Frantic, far-fetched searching turns up nothing; go back to the obvious places, inquire steadily, and the person can be found.
- The Decision Point
- Do not grab at a place that is not yours; step back to your proper station, as the returning bride does, and stay upright.
4th Line (nine)
九四：归妹愆期，迟归有时。
The younger sister lets the wedding date pass; marrying late, she waits for her proper time.
AI commentaryA worthy woman stays unwed past the usual age, not for lack of prospects but because she awaits the right time and chooses well. Better late than careless: one who commits slowly and correctly finds a fitting match.
AI plain readingA capable woman is past the usual age to marry, not because no one wants her but because she is waiting for the right moment and choosing carefully. Better late than settling: if you hold to what is right and do not commit lightly, a good match comes in the end.
- Timing
- Things move later than planned, and that is acceptable; waiting for the right opening and choosing carefully brings good fortune eventually.
- Money
- Pass on rushed deals; the reading favours keeping capital ready for a sound opportunity, with gains arriving later rather than sooner.
- Career
- Hold out for a role that truly fits rather than the first offer; the slower route ends in success.
- Relationships
- Do not give your heart to the first person who asks; patience and discernment lead to someone truly worth the wait.
- Home & Household
- Postpone major household changes until conditions are right; a move or renovation chosen carefully later brings a happier home.
- Health
- Favour slow, sensible care over hasty remedies; the tradition reads a well-chosen, patient regimen as leading to recovery in time.
- Marriage
- Marrying later than others is no misfortune; declining unsuitable proposals and committing only to the right person ends auspiciously.
- Exams & Study
- Sit the exam only when ready; choosing the right date and preparing thoroughly yields good results, even if later than planned.
- Travel
- A postponed departure beats a hurried one; set out once route and timing are right, and the trip goes smoothly.
- Disputes & Legal Matters
- Resist pressure to accept a hasty, unfair settlement; patience, sound evidence and a well-chosen moment favour a just resolution.
- Finding a Person
- News may be slow to come; pursue reliable leads rather than every rumour, and word of the person arrives in time.
- The Decision Point
- Better late than compromised: wait for the right time, choose carefully, and do not commit lightly, for a fitting outcome comes in its season.
5th Line (six)
六五：帝乙归妹，其君之袂，不如其娣之袂良，月几望，吉。
King Di Yi (帝乙) gives his younger sister in marriage; the royal bride's sleeves are less fine than her attendant's. The moon is nearly full. Auspicious.
AI commentaryKing Di Yi gives his sister in marriage, yet the royal bride's sleeves are plainer than her attendant's: virtue counts above adornment, and humility guides her. Like a moon nearly full but not brimming, rank worn with modesty shines and is auspicious.
AI plain readingKing Di Yi gives his sister in marriage, and the royal bride dresses more plainly than the companion who accompanies her, valuing character over display. Like a moon almost full but not overflowing, her rank shines brighter through humility. If you hold high standing yet stay modest and balanced, the outcome is auspicious.
- Timing
- Your standing is high but should be worn lightly; restraint and substance over show make this an auspicious stretch.
- Money
- Spend plainly even when you could afford luxury; frugality from a position of strength is auspicious and brings gain.
- Career
- Lead without flaunting rank or credentials; colleagues respect quiet competence more than display, and the team rallies behind you.
- Relationships
- Win affection with kindness and character rather than gifts or appearances; gentle humility deepens the bond auspiciously.
- Home & Household
- Run the household on simple, unpretentious lines; a modest home life led from a position of comfort helps the family flourish.
- Health
- The tradition favours plain food and an unpretentious, moderate routine over costly indulgence; such balance is read as auspicious for wellbeing.
- Marriage
- A wedding that puts character before spectacle is auspicious; a simple ceremony and mutual courtesy see the union happily made.
- Exams & Study
- Favour substance over flashy technique: humble, thorough study, even when you are already strong, makes the result auspicious.
- Travel
- Travel without extravagance and treat hosts and fellow travellers courteously; an understated approach keeps the journey smooth and fortunate.
- Disputes & Legal Matters
- Argue with courtesy and substance rather than status; the tradition reads a modest, principled stance as auspicious for a fair hearing.
- Finding a Person
- Ask for help politely and plainly, without pulling rank; people respond to humble requests, and the person can be found.
- The Decision Point
- Hold your rank lightly and let substance outshine adornment; like the moon just short of full, modesty at the height of standing is auspicious.
6th Line (six)
上六：女承筐无实，士刲羊无血，无攸利。
The woman holds up an offering basket with nothing in it; the man cuts the sacrificial sheep and draws no blood. Nothing is favourable.
AI commentaryThe woman's offering basket is empty and the man's sacrificial sheep sheds no blood: the rite exists in form only, so nothing is gained. A match or undertaking that is all name and no substance comes to nothing in the end.
AI plain readingThe woman's basket holds nothing and the man's sacrificial sheep yields no blood. The ceremony goes through the motions, but nothing real stands behind it, so nothing is gained. If a marriage, partnership or arrangement exists in name only and is all surface, it eventually comes to nothing.
- Timing
- Much of what is happening is show without substance; unless you give plans real content, the period yields no benefit.
- Money
- Insist on tangible assets and real cash flow; paper gains, inflated valuations and unbacked promises offer no benefit at all.
- Career
- Titles without duties and projects that live only on paper lead nowhere; build your standing on work you have actually done.
- Relationships
- If affection has become mere routine, kept up for others' eyes, the bond has no future; only sincerity can renew it.
- Home & Household
- Family rituals performed without warmth leave the household hollow; real attention to one another matters more than keeping up appearances.
- Health
- The tradition sees little benefit in a regimen kept only for show; genuine, consistent care is what counts, not token gestures.
- Marriage
- A marriage in name only, like the empty offering basket, comes to nothing; commit sincerely and with substance, not for show.
- Exams & Study
- Looking busy at your desk is not the same as learning; without real understanding the exam will not go your way.
- Travel
- Delay departure until bookings and purpose are concrete; a trip that is all plans and no substance brings no benefit.
- Disputes & Legal Matters
- Posturing and formal threats without evidence achieve nothing in a dispute; argue from documented facts and sound reasoning instead.
- Finding a Person
- Expect false sightings and empty rumours; follow only verified leads and check each claim, or the person stays hard to find.
- The Decision Point
- An empty basket and a bloodless sacrifice gain nothing: give any union or undertaking real substance, and never settle for form without content.