Gui Mei · 归妹

Judgment (卦辞)

The Marrying Maiden. Undertakings bring misfortune. Nothing that furthers. The marrying maiden represents a union formed without proper procedure — acting out of impulse rather than following the correct order. Such unions bring lasting difficulty.

归妹：征凶，无攸利。

Image (象辞)

Lake above, thunder below — the image of the Marrying Maiden. Thus the superior man understands the transitory in the light of the eternity of the end. Thunder and lake in improper relation show a union that disregards correct sequence; one must see beyond immediate impulse.

泽上有雷，归妹；君子以永终知敝。

Modern Application

Gui Mei warns against unions formed through impulse rather than proper process — premature commitment. Key for avoiding rushed partnerships, hasty hires, and premature market entry.

归妹警告通过冲动而非正当程序形成的联合——过早承诺。对避免仓促合作、匆忙招聘和过早市场进入至关重要。