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

履之無妄：雎鳩淑女，賢聖配偶。宜家壽福，吉慶長久。

In the "Book of Songs," the雎鸠 (sju jiu) and the淑女 (shu nv), representing the virtuous woman, are paired with the wise and saintly, forming a harmonious marriage. This is auspicious for a peaceful and prosperous home, long life and blessings, with continuous good fortune. This forest is very auspicious, indicating a perfect marriage that is naturally formed without any misfortune.

履之大畜：兩人俱爭，莫能有定。心乖不同，訟言起凶。

Two people are holding opposing views and quarreling, with no one able to decide. Their hearts are discordant and incompatible, and words of contention lead to misfortune. This indicates that the person in charge of the forest holds a grudge and fails to resolve it, with disputes difficult to settle. It is advisable to yield and avoid litigation.

履之頤：涉伯殉名，棄禮誅身。不得其道，成子奔燕。

Shi Bo sought fame at the cost of his life, abandoning rituals and laws ultimately leading to his death. His actions did not follow the right path, so Cheng Zi had to flee to the Yan state. This indicates that pursuing reputation at the expense of one's body is wrong, and nurturing should be based on proper conduct. The way to maintain health lies in upholding rituals.

履之大過：逾江求橘，並得大栗。烹羊食肉，飲酒歌笑。

Crossing the great river to seek oranges, also obtaining large chestnuts. Roast a sheep, eat the meat, drink wine and sing songs. This forest is auspicious, indicating great gains from distant endeavors. Although the matter is outside the usual course, in the end it will result in abundance and beauty.

履之坎：山險難升，澗中多石，車馳轊擊，重傷載軸，擔負善躓，跌豕手足。

The mountain is steep and difficult to climb, with the ravine filled with scattered rocks. Vehicles and horses rush forward, colliding at the axle heads, and the heavy load breaks the axle. Those carrying burdens frequently fall, and even pigs suffer broken limbs. This forest is extremely凶, indicating dangerous paths with heavy loads, and injuries occur whether advancing or retreating.

履之離：元利孔福，神所子畜。般樂無苦，得其歡欲。

It is highly advantageous and extremely prosperous, nurtured and favored by the divine. There is peace and joy without suffering, and wishes are fulfilled. This forest is greatly auspicious, attached to brightness, with the sovereign receiving protection and the people achieving their desires.

履之咸：烏鵲食穀，張口受哺。蒙被恩福，長大成就。柔順利貞，君臣合德。

The crows peck at the grain, and the young birds open their mouths to receive nourishment. They are blessed and favored, able to grow and become strong. By being gentle and upright, they gain advantage; the ruler and minister's virtue are in harmony. This forest is greatly auspicious, indicating mutual response and unity between superiors and inferiors.

履之恆：潼滃蔚薈，膚寸來會。津液下降，流潦滂沛。

Clouds gather thickly and rise, accumulating bit by bit into a mass. Ancients described the rapid rising of clouds on Mount Tai as "a skin-thick gathering." When rain falls, it accumulates into a mighty flood. This is a favorable omen, indicating the accumulation of small things leading to significant results, and the achievement of enduring success. It signifies the arrival of rain after a long drought.

履之遁：路多枳棘，步刺我足。不利旅客，為心作毒。

The road is full of citrus trees and brambles, each step pricking my foot. It is not favorable for travelers, causing worry in the heart. This forest indicates many obstacles in retreat, and even evasion is not possible. Travel is not advisable.

履之大壯：虺蝮所聚，戲以居處。毒螯痛甚，瘡不可愈。

A place where venomous snakes and scorpions gather is used as a place for leisure and residence. Being bitten by a venomous sting causes severe pain that is unbearable, and the wound does not heal. The owner of this forest relies on strength, ventures into danger, and thus incurs serious injury.

履之晉：麟鳳相隨，觀察安危。東郭聖人，后稷周公。共和政令，君子攸同。利以居止，長無憂凶。

Qilin and Fenghuang travel together, examining opportunities for safety and danger. The sage Dongguo, Houji, and the Duke of Zhou work in harmony to govern, with the君子 all aligned in purpose. It is suitable to reside peacefully and remain steadfast, with long-term absence of worries and dangers. This forest is highly auspicious, indicating the gathering of virtuous people and harmonious governance.

履之明夷：桀亂不時，使民恨憂。立祉為笑，君危臣羞。

In the time of Xia Jie, who was tyrannical and out of harmony with the natural order, the people became resentful and distressed. He treated matters that should bring blessings as mere jests, causing the ruler to be in peril and the ministers to suffer disgrace. This is a great凶 (misfortune), where the sovereign is昏 (ignorant or foolish) and the people are resentful. In an era of 明夷 (dimming light or decline), one should conceal one's brilliance.

履之家人：黃帝所生，伏羲之宅。兵刃不至，利以居止。

The Yellow Emperor's birthplace and Fuxi's dwelling. Weapons will not reach here, suitable for settling and resting. This forest is highly auspicious, indicating the family residence is in a favorable location and free from military calamity.

履之睽：雀行求食，暮歸屋宿。反其室舍，安寧無故。

A sparrow goes out to forage during the day and returns home to rest in the evening. It goes back to its own dwelling and remains safe and unharmed. This forest is auspicious; even in a time of discord and estrangement, it ultimately finds its place to return. It indicates regular comings and goings and a peaceful household.

履之蹇：太倉積穀，天下饒食。陰陽調和，年歲時熟。

The capital's granary is full of grain, and all people have sufficient food and clothing. Yin and yang are in harmony, and the harvest comes on time. This is a great auspicious sign, indicating abundant storage. Even when facing difficulties, there is no worry about food and clothing.

履之解：干旄旌旗，執幟在郊。雖有寶玉，無路致之。

Standing upright with a flag and holding a banner, standing in the outskirts with the banner held high, this is based on the "Poetry · Yong Feng · Gan Mao," representing the ceremony to seek virtuous talents. Although there is a gift of jade to be given, there is no way to deliver it. This indicates the host's sincerity is not understood, and the virtuous person does not arrive, which is an image of a situation that is explained but not fully understood.

履之損：履危蹈顛，墜入泉淵。蹇不能前，足踒不便。

Standing on a dangerous place, moving through perilous terrain, finally falling into a deep abyss. Lame and unable to proceed, the foot is twisted and movement is hindered. This is a great凶 omen, indicating involvement in dangerous situations leading to loss and difficulty in taking steps.

履之益：銜命上車，合和兩家。峨眉皓齒，二國不殆。

Obedient to orders, he boarded a carriage to embark on a mission, promoting the reconciliation between two families. A beautiful woman with bright teeth married, forming an alliance, thus enabling both countries to avoid calamity. This is the auspicious omen of Lin Ji, indicating that the mission will succeed and the marriage alliance will bring benefits.

履之夬：吉日車攻，田弋獲禽。宣王飲酒，以告嘉功。

Selecting a propitious day to prepare chariots and horses, this is based on the "Poetry Classic·Minor Odes·Chē Gōng," which speaks of hunting and capturing animals. King Xuan of Zhou held a banquet and drank wine to celebrate the successful accomplishment of his achievements. This is a favorable omen, indicating decisive action and success in hunting, followed by celebration of the achievement.

履之姤：金帛貴寶，宜與我市。嫁娶有恩，得利過倍。

Gold and silver, silk and cloth, these valuable goods are most suitable for trade. Marriage brings about a bond of kindness, yielding profits exceeding onefold. This forest is auspicious; the meeting (姤) signifies encountering opportunities, indicating that both trade and marriage can bring substantial gains.

履之萃：延頸望酒，不入我口。深以自喜，得利無有。

He stretches his neck longing for that cup of wine, yet it never reaches his mouth. He is secretly delighted in vain, and in reality gains nothing. This forest lord desires but cannot possess, his longing ultimately goes unfulfilled.

履之升：牧為代守，饗食甘賜。德利士意，戰大破胡，長安國家。

The governor took charge of border defense, providing generous food and rewards to the soldiers. His kindness and virtue won the hearts of the troops, and in one battle he defeated the enemy completely, bringing long-term stability to the country. This is the fortune of Lin Da Ji, indicating gaining the support of the people and achieving remarkable feats. After walking the righteous path, he will attain promotion.

履之困：日出溫谷，照臨萬國。高明淑仁，虞夏配合。

The sun rises from the warm valley, shining upon all nations. It is lofty, distant, wise, and benevolent, matching the virtue of Yu, Shun, Xia, and Yu. This forest is auspicious, indicating that virtue will be evident even in times of hardship, and ultimate brightness will eventually arrive.

履之井：逐兔索烏，破我弓車。日暮不及，失利後時。

Chasing a rabbit and searching for crows, he damaged his bow and cart. Even in the dark, he still failed to catch up, missing the opportunity and losing the benefit. This forest owner's greed for more leads to losing two things, and his delay causes mistakes.

履之革：訛言妄語，傳相詿誤。道左失跡，不知戶處。

False rumors spread from person to person, causing confusion and mistakes. The trail is lost, and even the family gate cannot be found. This indicates that the crowd is being misled by false words and there is no solid basis for change. It is advisable to first distinguish truth from falsehood.

履之鼎：履虎躡尾，貶損我威。君子失否，去其國家。

Walking on a tiger and stepping on its tail embodies the essence of the履卦, leading to a loss of power and authority. The gentleman loses his support and must leave his country. This person faces danger and loses their position, and even the heavy tripod cannot be held onto.

履之震：本跟不固，新花落去。更為孤嫗，不得相視。

The foundation is not firm, and newly opened flowers fall off one after another. In a moment, she becomes an old and lonely woman, with no one to care for her. This woman's fortune is unstable, and her flourishing beauty quickly fades. Under the shock, her situation becomes even more perilous.

履之艮：五軛四國，優得饒有。陳力就列，騶虞悅喜。

Five chariots proceed to the four directions of the land, broad and prosperous. Each exerts its strength and occupies its proper position, as described in the Book of Songs, Zhao Nan, Zou Yu, where benevolence reaches all things and people's hearts are joyful. This is Lin Ji, which signifies that each person is content with their role and both superiors and inferiors are fully satisfied.

履之漸：黃帝紫雲，聖哲且神，光明見祥，告我無殃。

The Yellow Emperor was surrounded by purple clouds, wise and enlightened, communicating with the divine. In the radiance, auspicious signs appeared, proclaiming my safety and freedom from calamity. This forest is greatly auspicious, indicating gradual success and prominent omens.

履之歸妹：五利四福，俱田高邑。黍稷盛茂，多獲藁稻。

Five benefits and four kinds of good fortune are cultivated together in the high city. Millet and millet grow vigorously, yielding abundant grain. This forest is highly auspicious, indicating that things will return to their proper place and farming will result in a bountiful harvest.

履之豐：群虎入邑，求索肉食。大人衛守，君不失國。

A group of tigers rushed into the city, searching everywhere for food. Fortunately, there was an elder to guard and defend, so the king did not lose his state. This forest's master faced external threats but relied on the virtuous to remain secure. Even in abundance, there is still a need for defensive preparations.

履之旅：烏子鵲雛，常與母居。願慕群侶，不離其巢。

Crows and magpies often stay with their mothers. They are attached to their companions and do not wish to leave the nest. This omen suggests that the person is fond of home and should not travel far. Being away from home is not as good as staying in the nest and being safe.

履之巽：蹇驢不材，駿驥失時。筋老力盡，疲於沙丘。

The lame donkey has no strength, and the fine horse was born at the wrong time. Its bones are old and its strength is exhausted, trapped in the sand dunes. This person has talent but is not meeting with opportunity, and their efforts are not in harmony with their hearts. They should follow the time and be content with restraint.

履之兌：玄鬣黑顙，東歸高鄉。朱鳥道引，靈龜載莊。遂抵天門，見我貞君，人馬安全。

A black-maned and black-faced noble horse moves eastward back to its highland homeland. The Vermilion Bird leads the way, and the spiritual turtle carries the belongings. Eventually arriving at the heavenly gate, it pays homage to my upright sovereign, with the horse and rider unharmed. This forest is highly auspicious, indicating divine creatures protect the journey and success in meeting the Nobleman.

履之渙：探巢得雛，鳩鵲俱來，使我欣娛。

Delving into the nest to take a young bird, the magpie and the sparrow come flying together, bringing me joy and delight. This forest is auspicious; wherever one seeks, they will gain. Amidst dispersion, joy gathers again.

履之節：安上宜官，一日九遷，升擢超等，牧養常山，君臣獲安。

Resting in a high position, suitable for an official post, one may ascend nine times within a single day, being promoted beyond one's rank. Sent to govern Changshan, both sovereign and ministers will find peace. This is a great auspicious omen, indicating a sudden rise in official career. With proper governance, one's status and prestige will increase day by day.

履之中孚：大頭目明，載受嘉福。三雀飛來，與祿相得。

A person with a large head and bright eyes is destined to receive good fortune. Three birds fly in, corresponding to the official position. This forest is auspicious, indicating inner integrity and external blessings and official favor.

履之小過：遠視千里，不見黑子。離婁之明，無益於光。

One's eyesight may reach a thousand miles away, yet fail to see a small black spot right before them. Even with the sharp vision of Li Lu, as mentioned in the Mencius, who could discern the finest hairs, it would not help in seeing nearby things. This person is good at seeing distant things but poor at noticing close ones. Failing to observe minor matters leads to mistakes.

履之既濟：三女成奸，背夫夜行，與伯笑言，不忍王母，為失醴酒，冤天誰告。

Three women conspired together, acting dishonestly, and went out at night without their husbands. They talked and laughed with others, could not tolerate the Queen Mother, and thus lost the sacrificial liquor used in worship. They cried out to heaven in their innocence but had no one to appeal to. This is a sign of a forest disaster, indicating internal disorder and loss of propriety, with affairs succeeding only to fail again.

履之未濟：日辰不良，強弱相振，一鳥兩離，客勝主人。

The day branch and the seasonal timing are not auspicious, with strong and weak forces shaking each other. A bird is pulled in two directions, and the guest overpowers the host. This situation indicates that the host and guest are reversed, and the strength cannot be maintained. It is the age of "Unfinished," where matters remain unresolved.