Qian's Forest (the 64th forest of the Qian hexagram)

小畜之坎：亂茅縮酒，靈巫拜禱。神怒不許，瘁愁憂苦。

Using disorderly straw to filter wine for sacrifice, "shrink wine" was an ancient ritual offering, mentioned in the "Zuo Zhuan · Xi Gong Fourth Year"; the spiritual shaman repeatedly bowed and prayed. The deities were enraged and refused to respond, leaving only exhaustion, worry, and hardship. This man's sacrificial rites were improper, his prayers unheeded, and he is trapped in a situation of difficulty, unable to extricate himself.

小畜之離：李華再實，鴻卵降集。仁哲以幸，蔭國受福。

The blossoms of the persimmon tree bloom again and bear fruit once more, while the eggs of the wild geese fall and gather in abundance; these are all auspicious signs. Therefore, the benevolent and wise individuals gain favor, and the entire country benefits under their protection. This grove is auspicious, with the right conditions, indicating that virtuous people will find suitable opportunities and enjoy long-lasting good fortune.

小畜之咸：源出陵足，行於山趾。不為暴害，民得安居。

The water source flows from beneath the hills, running along the mountain foot. It does not overflow and cause disasters, allowing the people to live in peace. This forest represents a gentle and non-contentious nature, responding in a proper way, benefiting people without causing harm.

小畜之恆：客人其門，奔走東西。童女不織，士奇耕畝。暴骨千里，歲寒無年。

A guest burst in, and all people ran in different directions. The young woman stopped her loom, and the scholar abandoned his fields. Bones lay exposed over a thousand miles, and in the cold of winter there was no harvest. This is a great凶 portent, indicating warfare and chaos, the destruction of livelihoods, and the end of the enduring path.

小畜之遁：天之所予，福祿常在。以永康寧，不憂危殆。

The blessings and official positions bestowed by Heaven are enduring. Thus, one can long enjoy peace and tranquility without worrying about dangers. This forest is greatly auspicious; retreating and receiving Heavenly favor, it indicates that by withdrawing one finds security, and there is no misfortune for oneself or one's family.

小畜之大壯：蝗食我稻，驅不可去。實穗無有，但見空藁。

Locusts are eating my rice plants, and no matter how I drive them away, they won't leave. The grain ears are completely destroyed, leaving only empty stalks. This indicates that the forest is suffering from external invasions and losses, with efforts in vain. Although there is a strong appearance, it cannot defend itself.

小畜之晉：牛驥同堂，郭氏已亡。國破空虛，君奔走逃。

A weak cow and a fine horse share the same stable, unable to distinguish between the virtuous and the wicked, leading to the downfall of the Guo state. The "Sayings of the States" records that the Duke of Guo "could not utilize the good and could not remove the evil," resulting in his country's destruction. The city is abandoned, and the king flees in panic. This indicates that the ruler fails to recognize capable people, leading to the loss of the state.

小畜之明夷：狗無前足，陰謀其比。為身賊害，何以安息。

The dog has lost its front legs, yet it still plots secretly with its intended companion. In the end, it harms itself, where can it find peace? This forest's master injures its own group, causes harm in secret. In a time of darkness, hidden schemes will ultimately come back to haunt itself.

小畜之家人：兩輪自轉，南上大阪。四馬共轅，無有重難。與禹笑言。鶴鳴竅穴，不離其室。

Two wheels turn on their own, moving southward up a great slope. Four horses pull a single yurt, with no heavy burdens. They converse with Yu in joyous ease. Cranes call from their burrows, never leaving their own homes. This forest is highly auspicious, indicating unity and harmony, and the household is secure.

小畜之睽：芽櫱生達，陽昌於外。左手執＃，公言錫爵。

Grasses and trees sprout and grow, with yang energy flourishing externally. The left hand holds something, though the original text is missing a character here; the Duke or Marquis immediately grants a title. This forest symbolizes vitality emerging externally and receiving rewards and official rank, amidst differences there is still favorable opportunity.

小畜之蹇：秋花冬萼，數被嚴霜。甲兵當庭，萬物不生。雄犬夜鳴，民擾大驚。

In the autumn, flowers wither, and in winter, the petals are damaged by severe frost. Armies are arrayed before the gate, preventing all things from growing. A strong dog howls wildly at night, causing the people to panic and be greatly alarmed. This is a great凶 portent, indicating impending military calamity and the cutting off of vitality. When difficulties are at their peak, it is advisable to retreat rather than advance.

小畜之解：霜降必戶，蜇蟲隱處。不見日月，與死為伍。

At the time of Frost Descent, one must close the doors and windows, and the insects retreat to deep hiding places. They cannot see the light of the sun and moon and instead accompany death qi. This forest is in a state of closure and concealment, waiting for the right time. Although there is a possibility of dispersion, the time has not yet arrived. It is advisable to remain quiet and avoid any movement.

小畜之損：身載百里，功加四海。為文開基，武立大柱。

He should shoulder the responsibilities of a hundred li, with his achievements spreading throughout the four seas. Using literary governance to establish a foundation and military strength to build support. This is Lin Dají, who sacrifices himself for the benefit of the world, indicating a main theme of establishing meritorious deeds and combining both literary and military talents.

小畜之益：禹作神鼎，伯益銜指。斧斤高閣，憧位獨坐。賣庸不售，苦困為禍。

The great Yu cast a divine tripod, and Boyi stood by in silence, holding his finger. Axes and hatchets were put away high on the shelf, and he sat alone in his position. He wanted to sell his labor but found no one to hire him, and thus his hardship turned into calamity. This indicates that the person in charge has talent but cannot display it, holds a position yet has no use for it, and the arrival of help is not forthcoming, instead causing further distress.

小畜之夬：福祚之家，喜至憂除。如風兼雨，出車入魚。如魚逢水，長樂受庇。

A family with blessings will experience joy and have troubles removed. It is like a season of proper weather, with a car waiting outside and a fish waiting at the door. Like a fish returning to water, they will long enjoy peace and comfort, receiving the protection of others. This is a great auspicious sign, indicating the removal of old worries and the natural arrival of good fortune.

小畜之姤：蒼龍隱伏，麟鳳遠匿。寇來同處，未得安息。

The celestial dragon is hidden and does not appear, the qilin and phoenix retreat far away. Robbers come to live among people, making it impossible to find peace or rest. This indicates that the forest is ruled by the virtuous retreating and the petty people advancing. The hexagram Guo signifies an unexpected meeting, but the one encountered is not the right person.

小畜之萃：旦生夕死，名曰嬰鬼，不可得視。

A baby born in the morning and dying by evening is called an infant ghost, and even looking at it is not permissible. This forest is extremely凶, causing gatherings that quickly disperse and short-lived vitality. It is most inauspicious to inquire about pregnancy and childbirth or new matters.

小畜之升：白鶴銜珠，夜食為明。懷安德音，身受光榮。

A white heron holds a pearl in its beak, feeding at night by the light it emits. With a heart of peace and virtue, it enjoys honor. This grove is auspicious, indicating inner virtue that gradually rises, with hidden support providing illumination.

小畜之困：行役未已，新事復起。姬姜勞苦，不得休息。

The people are burdened with endless conscription and tasks, with new duties constantly assigned. The noble women of the Ji and Jiang clans are also overworked and unable to rest. This forest owner faces continuous toil and successive hardships, and should endure and wait for the right time.

小畜之井：憂患解除，喜至慶來。坐立歡欣，與樂為鄰。

Worries and troubles are completely removed, and joyful and celebratory events follow one after another. Whether sitting or standing, the heart is full of joy, and happiness is nearby. This forest is very auspicious, like a well that has regained its water flow, indicating a transition from hardship to security and the natural arrival of blessings and celebrations.

小畜之革：晨風指翰，大舉就溫，昧過我邑，弈無所得。

In the morning breeze, the bird spreads its wings and flies high, migrating en masse to warmer lands. When the sky is dim, it passes over my city, but the hunters gain nothing. This forest's master signifies a fleeting opportunity; if one fails to grasp the moment of change, they will return empty-handed.

小畜之鼎：下田稷黍，芳華生齒。大於集降，紛澇滿甕。

In low-lying fields, millet and foxtail millet grow with fragrant flower clusters and rows of grains. The harvest comes down from the sky, with grains filling the jars abundantly. This forest is auspicious; the tripod is the main vessel for cooking, nourishing people. It signifies abundant harvests and sufficient food supplies.

小畜之震：君子碌碌，鳥庇茂木。見春百穀，心勞願德。

A gentleman works diligently without ceasing, like a bird finding shelter in a dense forest. With the arrival of spring, all grains sprout, though laborious, their virtue is fulfilled. This forest is active yet provides shelter, and amidst shocks there is a place to rest.

小畜之艮：折臂踒足，不能進酒。祠祀闊曠，神怒不喜。

He broke his arm and sprained his ankle, unable even to offer wine. The worship has been neglected for a long time, and the spirits are angry and displeased. The master of this forest is physically disabled, his affairs are abandoned, and his reverence is incomplete. This is an omen of being unable to act despite stopping.

小畜之漸：學靈三年，聖且神明。光見善祥，吉喜福慶。鳴鳩飛來，告我無憂。

After practicing spiritual arts for three years, I finally reached a state of sage-like wisdom and divine communication. In the radiance, auspicious signs appeared, and joyous blessings followed continuously. A calling dove flew in, announcing peace and safety. This grove is highly auspicious, indicating gradual cultivation leading to success and eventual attainment through persistent effort over time.

小畜之歸妹：三婦同夫，志不相思。心懷不平，志常愁悲。

Three women share one husband, but their hearts and aspirations do not align. Each harbors resentment and grievances, spending their days in sorrow and grief. This indicates that the master of the forest has an improper status, and the hearts of the people are not unified. The error in the hexagram归妹 lies in the妾 (concubine) usurping the position of the妻 (wife).

小畜之豐：中田膏黍，以享王母。受福千億，所求大得。

In the field, there is abundant millet used to worship the Western Venerable Mother. The blessings received are counted in the hundreds of thousands, and what is sought will be greatly obtained. This forest is very auspicious, with worship yielding results and abundance in excess.

小畜之旅：陽火不災，喜至慶來。降福送喜，鼓琴歌謳。

Heavenly fire is bright but does not cause calamity; joyful and festive events follow one after another. Deities bestow blessings and happiness, and people play music and sing songs. This forest is auspicious; even those traveling away from home can find joy, and hosts and guests meet with good fortune.

小畜之巽：陽明不息，君無恩德。伯氏失利，農喪其力。

The sun shines fiercely without ceasing, yet the sovereign shows no benevolence towards the people. The elders lose their benefits, and the farmers exert themselves in vain. The ruler of this forest does not bestow his grace, and the people suffer beneath him. The principle of yielding and compliance is not practiced, leading to the hardship of the common people.

小畜之兌：燕雀銜茅，以生孚乳。兄弟六人，姣好孝悌。各得其願，和悅相樂。

A sparrow brings straw to build a nest and raises its young. The six brothers have good looks, are filial and friendly, each fulfilling their wishes and living in harmony. This forest is greatly auspicious, indicating family harmony and a thriving population. The trigram Dui represents joy, and the happiness lies in family affection.

小畜之渙：鶉尾奔奔，火中成軍。虢叔出奔，下失其君。

The pheasant birds fly in pairs, following each other, as mentioned in the "Book of Songs · Yong Feng · Chen Zhi Ben Ben," which satirizes the lack of distinction within the palace. When the red star is dim and visible, it is the right time to mobilize the army. Duke Guo Shu fled abroad, and the common people lost their ruler. This indicates that the ruler is disorderly and the subjects are scattered, a sign of separation and disunity, indicating the loss of trust between ruler and subject.

小畜之節：兩人相距，止不同舍。夫妻立散，衛侯失居。

Two people resist each other, each ceasing to act and not living together in the same house. The couple immediately separates, and the Duke of Wei loses his place of rest. This forest is excessive in restraint, leading to isolation, indicating separation and loss of position.

小畜之中孚：魃為燔虐，風吹雲卻。欲止不得，反鬼其宅。

Drought demons run rampant, causing unbearable heat. Strong winds scatter the clouds. Attempts to stop the drought are futile, and instead, ghosts occupy the houses. This forest's master lacks sincerity in communicating with heaven, and his prayers and rituals are ineffective. The virtue of sincerity is lost, thus failing to connect with the divine.

小畜之小過：關雎淑女，佩我君子。少妻在門，君子嘉喜。

The "YaoTiao ShuNü" in the "Book of Songs, Zhou Nan, Guan Ju" is sung about a virtuous woman who marries a gentleman, forming a happy couple. A young wife is already at the gate, and the gentleman is joyful and celebrates. This line indicates that marriage will be harmonious. If there is a minor mistake, performing small actions will bring good fortune.

小畜之既濟：慈母赤子，饗賜得士。夷狄服除，以安王家。

A kind mother nurtures her young child, hosts feasts and bestows rewards to gain the loyalty of virtuous men. The four directions and the barbarians submit, weapons are removed, and the royal house becomes secure. This is a great auspicious omen, indicating harmony within and without, and peace between superiors and inferiors.

小畜之未濟：三足孤鳥，靈鳴督卸。思過罰惡，自賊其家。

A solitary bird with three legs cries out from a distant place, as if urging someone to relieve guilt. Reflecting on mistakes and punishing wrongdoing, yet ends up harming oneself. This forest's master is overly self-reproachful and harshly criticizes relatives. At the time of "Not Yet Completed," the situation remains uncertain; it is better to be lenient than harsh.

履之履：十烏俱飛，弈射九雌。雄得獨全，雖驚不危。

Ten crows flew up together, and the Archer shot down nine female ones. Only the male bird remained unharmed, though startled, it was not in danger. This indicates that the master of the forest is the only one spared among the group, safely navigating danger through careful actions.

履之乾：東向藩垣，相與笑言。子般執鞭，圉人作患。

Facing east and standing under the wall, he laughed and talked. Lu Zhuanggong's son Ban once whipped the stableman Luo, but later it was this very man who caused chaos and killed him, as recorded in the Zuo Zhuan, Volume 32 of Duke Zhuang. This master of the forest, in a moment of pleasure, sowed the seeds of disaster. One who treads on a tiger's tail must not lightly despise those beneath him.

履之坤：循河樀舟，旁淮東遊。漁夫舉網，先得大鰍。

Traveling along the Yellow River by boat and proceeding eastward along the Huai River. A fisherman spreads his net wide and catches a large eel first. This indicates good fortune, suggesting that one should act in accordance with the natural flow of things, allowing those who act first to gain advantage. Through gentle and compliant actions, one will naturally achieve success.

履之屯：轅折輪破，馬倚僕臥。後旅先宿，右足跌踒。

The chariot's yoke is broken, the wheels are damaged, and the horses are falling sideways and lying down. The rear group stops first, while the leading group twists its right foot. This indicates that the leader's progress is obstructed, and everything is lagging behind. During a time of difficulty, it is not advisable to travel far.

履之蒙：兩人相伴，相與悖戾。心乖不同，爭訟凶凶。

The two were originally companions, but their relationship was marked by mutual opposition. Their hearts were discordant and incompatible, leading to loud disputes. This forest's master is of the same path but with divided intentions, resulting in constant conflicts. When clarity is lacking, right and wrong become difficult to discern.

履之需：北辰紫宮，衣冠立中。含和建德，常受天福。

The Pole Star resides in the Purple Micro Palace, standing upright and dignified in the center, dressed in formal attire. It maintains a harmonious heart and establishes virtue, long receiving blessings from heaven. This forest is auspicious, indicating a person who holds to righteousness and waits for the right time. If one remains steadfast and patient, blessings will naturally come.

履之訟：遊居石門，祿祉安全。受福西鄰，歸飲玉泉。

He stayed and traveled at Shimen, with stable official rank and blessings, no worries. He received blessings from the western neighbor, returned and drank the jade spring water. This forest is auspicious; although there is an omen of disputes, he can still securely obtain official rank, indicating assistance received while traveling abroad.

履之師：羊腸九縈，相推並前。止須王孫，乃能上天。

The path is winding and narrow, twisting through many turns. People push and help each other, moving forward shoulder to shoulder. As long as the master comes to assist, they can rise swiftly. This forest indicates a dangerous route that requires collective effort. With the support of the group, it can be crossed. When the master receives help from a nobleman, the way becomes clear.

履之比：爭訟相倍，和氣不處。陰陽俱否，谷風母子。

Strife persists with both parties turning away from each other, and harmony has no place to reside. Yin and yang are both blocked and uncommunicative, like the lament of the abandoned wife and her child in the "Poetry · Bei Wind · Gu Feng." This indicates that the master of the forest, originally close, has turned into enmity, signifying a lack of harmony within the household.

履之小畜：郭叔矩頤，為棘所拘。龍額重顙，禍不成殃，復歸其鄉。

Guo Shu was born with a square jaw, but was bound by brambles. He had a dragon-like forehead that was high and prominent, with overlapping bones on his forehead, indicating a noble destiny. Therefore, misfortunes did not turn into calamities, and he eventually returned to his homeland. This forest is a place of noble destiny that resolves misfortunes; although he encountered restraint, there was no blame or wrongdoing.

履之泰：蠆室蜂戶，螯我手足。不得進止，為吾害咎。

Scorpions' nests and wasp hives have stung my hands and feet. I cannot advance nor retreat, becoming a source of harm. This forest's subtle poison harms people; even in times of prosperity, one must beware of small troubles around them.

履之否：怒非其願，因物有遷。貪妬腐鼠，而呼鴞鳶。自合失餌，到掖困患。

Anger is not intended, but is caused by external things. Coveting a rotten mouse, one invites crows and kites, as illustrated in the "Autumn Waters" chapter of the "Zhuangzi." By approaching oneself, one loses the bait and falls into trouble between the armpit and elbow. This person loses a great opportunity due to a small gain, and brings about his own misfortune.

履之同人：嬰孩求乳，母歸其子。黃麑悅喜，自樂甘餌。

A baby cries for milk, and the mother returns to the child. A young deer is happy and joyful, enjoying its delicious food. This forest is auspicious, indicating harmony between mother and child, mutual understanding and closeness, with immediate response to what is sought.

履之大有：針縷徒勞，錦繡不成。鷹逐雉突，爪折不得。

He who spends his efforts in threading a needle and weaving silk will never complete the tapestry. The hawk chases the wild pheasant, swooping down suddenly, but breaks its claws and still fails to catch it. This person toils without success, exhausts his strength yet gains nothing. Though occupying a position of great abundance, his aspirations remain unfulfilled.

履之謙：雨潦集降，河渠不通。齊魯閉塞，破費市空。

A heavy downpour causes water to accumulate, blocking rivers and ditches. In the regions of Qi and Lu, roads are blocked and expenses are incurred while markets become empty. This indicates that the forest owner faces water blockage, disruption of commerce, and loss of wealth without gain. Retreat and humility are also inevitable sources of hardship.

履之豫：封豕溝瀆，水潦空谷。客止舍宿，泥塗至腹，處無黍稷。

A large pig overturned the ditch, causing water to flood the empty valley. A guest came to stay here, and the mud reached up to his waist and abdomen, with not even a bit of millet to eat. The owner of this forest has not prepared adequately, and his movements are trapped in mud. Traveling is most inauspicious.

履之隨：三奸相擾，桀蹠為友。上下騷離，隔絕天道。

Three villains interfere with each other, associating with King Jie of Xia and盗跖. The people above and below are restless and divided, causing the heavenly path to be blocked. This is a great凶 portent, indicating that the person follows the wrong people and becomes corrupt.

履之蠱：齊景惑疑，為孺子牛。嫡庶不明，賊孽為患。

Prince Jing of Qi was captivated by his excessive love for his son, willing to mouth a rope and pretend to be a cow for his young son to lead, thus giving rise to the phrase "the child's cow" from the "Zuo Zhuan · Ai Gong Sixth Year." When the distinction between legitimate and concubinal offspring is unclear, the illegitimate offspring eventually become a source of trouble. This lord's favoring of concubinal sons at the expense of the legitimate ones has led to domestic chaos. It is advisable to rectify the proper distinctions and roles as soon as possible.

履之臨：三羊俱亡，走奔南行。會暮失跡，不知所藏。

Three sheep ran away together and fled southward. By evening their trail was completely lost, and it is unknown where they have hidden. The owner of this forest has lost something difficult to find, and there is no success in searching or seeking. It is an inauspicious omen for both searching for people and seeking lost items.

履之觀：請伯行賈，岱山之野，夜歷險阻，不逢危殆，利如澆酒。

The elder brother went out to trade, passing through the plains below Mount Tai. At night, he crossed dangerous terrain but did not encounter any danger, and gained great profits, as full as a wine jar. This forest is auspicious, indicating a prosperous journey abroad for business, facing dangers yet remaining safe.

履之噬嗑：桑之將落，殞其黃葉。失勢傾側，而無所立。

The mulberry tree is withering, its yellow leaves falling in abundance. This is cited from the "Book of Songs · Wei Wind · Meng" which says, "The mulberry has fallen, its leaves yellow and falling." It signifies losing support, being unstable and about to fall, with nowhere to stand. This indicates the ruler of the forest experiencing a peak followed by decline, and the breaking off of affection and duty.

履之賁：上山求魚，入水捕兔。市非其歸，自令久留。

Going up the mountain to look for fish, going down the water to catch rabbits, the direction is completely wrong. The market is not the right place to go, causing one to waste time in vain. This person seeks fish by climbing trees, indulges in empty adornments, and their pursuits are not in accordance with the Way.

履之剝：名成德就，項領不試。景公耋老，尼父逝去。

Renown is achieved, virtue is complete, yet it is like a fat horse kept only by its neck without being harnessed for use, a phrase from the Book of Songs, Xiao Ya, Jie南山 (The Reed Hills), "Si Mu Xiang Ling." Qi Jinggong has grown old, and Confucius has already passed away. This person has virtue but it is not used, and time does not wait for anyone.

履之復：天之奧隅，堯舜所居。可以存身，保我邦家。

The hidden corner of Heaven is precisely where Yao and Shun resided. Here one can establish oneself, find one's purpose, and safeguard one's family and country. This forest is highly auspicious, indicating a return to one's origin, secure residence, and no misfortune.