__  __
__  __
______
__  __
______
______ Hexagram Fifty-Four:
       Kuei Mei /  
       A Loveless Marriage

The Thunderstorm 
inseminates the swelling Lake,
then moves on
where the Lake cannot follow:
The Superior Person
views passing trials
in the light of Eternal Truths.

Any action
will prove unfortunate.
Nothing furthers.



Hexagram Fifty-Four/Line One:
Even becoming a concubine
would be an advance
in this woman's life.
For the lame,
any step forward
is a good step.


Hexagram Fifty-Four/Line Two:
Left alone in her marriage, 
she remains content
in her illusions.
Sometimes a one-eyed man
is blessed for
what he can't see.


Hexagram Fifty-Four/Line Three:
Not fulfilled by her marriage,
the young woman returns home
to her former life.


Hexagram Fifty-Four/Line Four:
The maiden waits
far longer than seems wise,
to make sure 
her marriage is right.



Hexagram Fifty-Four/Line Five:
The princess bride
dresses humbly,
out of respect
for her commoner groom.
Her bridesmaids
outshine her by far.
She is a treasure.


Hexagram Fifty-Four/Line Six:
The groom draws no blood
from the sacrifice.
The bride's basket
remains empty.
A barren marriage.

Copyright 1995-1996 Roger Norton Consulting. All rights reserved.