Hexagram 54 changing to 19: The Marrying Maiden to Approach

Where it starts: 54 The Marrying Maiden

Entering a relationship on unequal terms: a position with little standing, held well by tact and by knowing its limits. Lake below, thunder above: the young daughter following the eldest son, joy in the wake of movement. The Marrying Maiden describes a relationship or a role entered from a position of weakness: the secondary partner, the junior, the one who joins an arrangement already formed. The tradition's judgement is unusually stark: undertakings bring misfortune, nothing that furthers. This is not a condemnation of the person. It says that a position with no standing cannot be used to push, and that the way to hold it is with tact, patience and an understanding of what will and will not last. The reading asks you to see the terms of the arrangement clearly before you act within it.

Where it goes: 19 Approach

A favourable time approaching, and the reminder that it will pass: use it before the eighth month. Lake below, earth above: the earth leaning over the water, the higher approaching the lower with care. Approach describes a rising time, spring coming, the strong lines entering from below and growing. The judgement is very favourable and it contains a warning: in the eighth month there is misfortune. The season will turn. The reading asks you to act now, generously and attentively, as someone in authority approaches those they are responsible for, and to keep the coming turn in mind so that the gains are secured before it arrives.

The lines that move

1. Line 4

   The marrying maiden draws out the allotted time. A late marriage comes in due course.

   Refusing an unsuitable arrangement and waiting, past the expected time, for a suitable one. The wait is long and the line approves of it: what comes late and right beats what comes early and wrong. Wait for the right arrangement even if it comes late.

What is changing. The situation of The Marrying Maiden is moving toward Approach. See the terms of the arrangement as they are, hold your position with tact, and understand what will not last. As the change completes: Act generously and attentively while the time is favourable, and secure the gains before it turns.

love and relationships

Now: A relationship on unequal terms, or one entered without the standing you would want. The reading does not say leave, and it does not say push. It says understand exactly what the position is, hold it with dignity and tact, and do not mistake it for something it is not. Then: Things are growing and the time to invest in them is now. Approach the other person with care and generosity. The reading's warning is that a good season is not permanent: use it to build what will last past it.

career

Now: A junior or secondary role, joined late, with little leverage. The reading is against initiatives from this position and in favour of doing the role well, with tact, while understanding its limits. The lines describe both the people who thrive in it and those who overreach. Then: Rising influence and opportunity. Engage fully, teach and protect the people you are responsible for, and secure the gains. The eighth month is a real deadline: what is not established by then may be lost.

money

Now: An arrangement in which you are the weaker party. Do not push for more than the terms allow. Understand the transitory nature of the deal and do not build permanent plans on it. Then: A growing phase. Invest, build and act while conditions favour it, and set aside for the turn. Do not assume the rise continues indefinitely.

decisions

Now: The reading warns against undertakings. If you must decide, choose the option that keeps your dignity inside the unequal arrangement, and understand its temporary nature before you commit anything lasting to it. Then: Act now on the opportunity; delay wastes a favourable season. Choose the option that uses the rising conditions while they last and does not depend on them lasting.