ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author explores the processes of change and balance as reflected in the hexagrams for the contemporary reader. 'The Marrying Maiden' takes its name from the imagery of Tui, the youngest daughter, following Chen, the oldest son, who may be giving his sister in marriage to another man or who may, himself, be the bridegroom. Tui symbolizes joy and youth, and she follows Chen, who, as the oldest son, is responsible for ritual and for the observance of tradition and custom, a very conservative figure. But life embraces opposing energies without difficulty, and this hexagram explores all aspects of the imagery of youth and age and, more particularly, of maturity and immaturity. The four trigrams which constitute Kuei Mei represent the four cardinal points and the four seasons: North and winter, Kan; South and summer, Li; East and spring, Chen; West and autumn, Tui. In addition, Kan symbolizes the moon and Li the sun.
