Guimei, six in the fifth placeHexagram 54, line 5 · Guimei (The Marrying Maiden) · changing to 58
The line
In plain wordsEmperor Yi marries off his younger sister, and the princess's sleeves are not as beautiful as those of the woman who attends her. She values virtue, not dress. Like the moon that is almost full but not yet full: good fortune.
The Image commentary on this line
帝乙歸妹，不如其娣之袂良也。其位在中，以貴行也。
"Emperor Yi gives his younger sister in marriage", and her sleeves are "not as fine as those of the secondary wife": her place is in the center, and she acts from what is noble.
The small Image commentary is the earliest explanation of the line texts. It usually explains a line from its position: where it stands, whether it holds the center, and which line answers it.
Verdict
吉Favorable. This text describes a good outcome. Act the way it says and the matter can succeed. The promise has a condition: keep to the right course.
How to read good fortune, misfortune, regret, humiliation and no blame →
Asking about work, love or money
- Work
- Being high up, you can afford to keep a low profile: leave the pomp and the spotlight to others, and win people over with real character and real work. Leave things a little short of full, don't lord it over anyone, and that is good.
- Love
- Don't compare looks, circumstances or show; sincerity and character are what matter. However good your own circumstances, lower yourself a little, don't demand that everything be perfect, and leave a little room. A love like that is good.
- Money
- Even with money and standing, there is no need to outdo others in food, clothes or show. Spend where it counts, treat people modestly, don't squeeze out every last bit of profit, and leave some room. That is best.
This is how to read it when this is the only changing line. With several changing lines, first see which text governs; for the hexagram as a whole, see Guimei.
Line position
A yin line in a yang place: it is not in its proper place; it holds the center of its trigram. Its partner is the second line, which is its opposite, so the two answer each other.
Fifth place: the center of the upper trigram, the ruler's seat, a place of achievement. This is where things are decided.
When you get this line
If this is the only changing line in your cast (three inscribed sides, old yin), this line is your answer. The primary hexagram is Guimei (The Marrying Maiden); when this line changes it becomes Dui (Joy): hexagram 54 changing to 58.
Which text to read with several changing lines →
Resulting hexagram · Dui (Joy)
When people are amiable and enjoy each other's company, things go smoothly.