54.5

[prynne]

Could it be her dress was not as fine because it was a marryage made in a hurry? No time to make the dress? The moon approaching fullness, 'hurry up'?

 

[pagan]

Hi Pyrnne,
I like to look at the lines in Hexagram 54 (one through six) as a progression sometimes. In line one a person follows an inclination towards a certain person. In two, this creates times when the person, who is not protected by some contractual or legal system such as marriage, to be left out of the picture. (her lover becomes unfaithful or dies and she must carry on alone.) In three, she finds herself in a situation that is humiliating, which is another pitfall of relationships that are based solely on personal preference and not protected by custom or law. In three it seems that she is dispensible and her worth and self esteem are at a low ebb. In line four, she has waited out the typical amount of time to marry, but is rewarded for her patience and faith by finally finding a suitable person, or the situation becomes suitable, to marry. That takes us up to line five, where her wedding dress (her own outer appearance) is not as beautiful as a younger woman beneath her 'station'. I think that this talks more about the hard won uphill battle that any relationship requires if it is to endure. By the time you reach the 'golden years' you have a few battle scars. But this kind of relationship is richer and more fulfilling than those that were based on mere physical attraction. Here I feel that regardless of what she looks like, he prefers her because of the depth and meaningful exchange of two people who are now old friends and have learned what real love is. This is a friendship based on affection and personal inclination that has survived the test of time. That says a whole lot.

In line six, there seems to be a 'going through the motions' but real feeling is lacking. It seems that the subject of line six missed the point of developing relationships that are based on something real instead of shallow outer form that was line's fives great acheivement. The result is that the relationship lacks the richness and fulfillment of 'old friends' and they are partners only by contract but not by a heartfelt union of souls.

If anything I think that hex 54 talks about how sexual attraction can not be the basis of a long term relationship because it will fade. But sexual attraction can enhance a relationship that is based on good principles and creates a bond of intimacy between two people that can help them get through times when they are at odds in other ways.
P.

 

[prynne]

Pagan, your reply far exceeds my expectation. You answered more about my question than I can express here. Thank you very much.

I had reservations about the 'modesty' implied in line 5. What I know of Kings daughters or sisters is that they are not particularly humble. Proud, even haughty, more like it.

Thanks.

 

[samoyedgrrl]

That takes us up to line five, where her wedding dress (her own outer appearance) is not as beautiful as a younger woman beneath her 'station'. I think that this talks more about the hard won uphill battle that any relationship requires if it is to endure. By the time you reach the 'golden years' you have a few battle scars. But this kind of relationship is richer and more fulfilling than those that were based on mere physical attraction. Here I feel that regardless of what she looks like, he prefers her because of the depth and meaningful exchange of two people who are now old friends and have learned what real love is. This is a friendship based on affection and personal inclination that has survived the test of time. That says a whole lot.

[SNIP]

If anything I think that hex 54 talks about how sexual attraction can not be the basis of a long term relationship because it will fade. But sexual attraction can enhance a relationship that is based on good principles and creates a bond of intimacy between two people that can help them get through times when they are at odds in other ways.

I know this was written a few years ago, but man, did this really resonate with me. Thanks for your perspective on hex 54!

 

[zelion]

Years ago... But Pagan perfectly nailed the meaning of this line, already materialized in my life after years of struggle...

So 54.5 is good if you have the guts to endure...

 

[mythili]

Zelion, Thank you very much for this update! Its especially useful, given how long a 54 situation takes.