Tai's Forest (Sixty-fourth Forest of the Tai Hexagram)

泰之泰：有求陳國，留連東域，須我王孫，四月來復。主君有德，蒙受恩福。

There was an affair concerning the state of Chen, and I was detained in the eastern territory, waiting for my lord's son. I returned only in the fourth month. The master has virtue, thus receiving grace and blessings. This grove is auspicious; although the journey was delayed, it will ultimately bring good fortune. The great path is open and unimpeded, yet there is also something to be guarded.

泰之乾：伯夷叔齊，貞廉之師。以德防患，憂禍不存。

Boyi and Shuqí renounced the throne and upheld their principles, serving as exemplary figures of steadfast integrity and purity. By cultivating virtue to prevent calamities, worries and misfortunes naturally do not arise. This forest is auspicious, indicating the ability to maintain righteousness and avoid calamity, preserving oneself through virtue.

泰之坤：濟深南渡，濡我衣袴。五子善擢，脫無他故。

He crossed a deep river and headed south, getting his clothes wet. His five sons were good at rowing, and finally they escaped safely without any other mishaps. This indicates that the forest owner faced danger but emerged unharmed, thanks to the help of others.

泰之屯：倚立相望，適我道通，驅駕奔馳，比目同創。

Leaning against the gate, I see my path is clear, so I drive forward quickly. It is like the pair of fish that walk together, yet they suffer together. This forest signifies companionship and shared fate, with ease containing danger. One should carefully examine the companion.

泰之蒙：葛藟蒙棘，花不得實。饞佞為政，使恩壅塞。

The葛藤 twists around the thorny brambles, blooming but bearing no fruit. Flatterers hold power, blocking the sovereign's grace from reaching below. This forest symbolizes separation between superiors and inferiors, with appearance but no substance.

泰之需：四併兼用，君子所服。南征述職，與福同德。

The talents from all four directions are employed and welcomed, gaining the trust of the virtuous. Traveling south involves military campaigns and ceremonial duties, aligning with fortune and virtue. This is a favorable omen, indicating proper appointments and success in travel.

泰之訟：踝踵足傷，大指病癰。失旅後時，利走不來。

The ankle and heel are injured, and a boil has formed on the big toe. Falling behind causes delay, and benefits are lost without return. This oracle indicates obstruction in movement and failure in competition.

泰之師：春稱夏國，生長之域。可以服食，保全家國。

In the southern country during the transition from spring to summer, which is the land where all things grow, one can obtain clothing and food here, ensuring the safety of the family and the state. This forest is auspicious, indicating the possession of geographical advantage and the ability to sustain oneself. Therefore, the army can rely on this resource.

泰之比：望驥不來，駒蹇為憂。雨驚我心，風撼我肌。

I long for a good horse but it does not come, and the small horse is lame, causing worry. Sudden rain disturbs my heart, and strong wind shakes my body. This indicates that the owner's expectations are not fulfilled, and there is inner and outer disturbance. It is an omen of close relatives but no support.

泰之小畜：久客無床，思歸故鄉。雷雨浸盈，道不得通。

Having been away for a long time, with no place to rest, he is deeply thinking of returning home. Thunder and rain cause flooding, making the roads impassable. The owner of this forest has his heart set on returning, but his accumulated efforts are small and ultimately cannot be realized.

泰之履：方船備水，傍河燃火。積善有徵，終身無禍。田福吉昌，永得安康。

Building rafts to prepare for crossing water, and lighting fires by the riverbank. Accumulating virtue and doing good deeds will surely bring results, ensuring no misfortune throughout life. The land and property will be prosperous and auspicious, always enjoying peace and health. This forest is very auspicious, indicating prevention before trouble arises and walking uprightly to achieve security.

泰之否：徙岵望母，役事未已。王政靡鹽，不得相保。

Climbing the hill to look upon one's mother, derived from the "Book of Songs · Wei Wind · Zhi Hu," depicts a soldier missing his parents; the conscription never ends. The royal government is oppressive and excessive, preventing mother and son from being together. This is a凶林, indicating harm to relatives through conscription, and a transition from prosperity to adversity.

泰之同人：多載重負，捐棄於野。王母離子，思勞自苦。

Overloading and bearing a heavy burden, they had to abandon things in the wilderness. The Queen Mother was separated from her child, pining and suffering. This forest's master took too much, leading to abandonment, and thus bone and flesh were separated.

泰之大有：生值地乳，上皇大喜。賜我福祉，壽算無極。賓於作命。

Born amidst the flourishing land where sweet springs emerge as a吉祥 omen, the Heavenly Emperor is greatly pleased. He grants me blessings, an endless lifespan, and treats me with courtesy, entrusting me with royal commands. This forest is highly auspicious, indicating heavenly bestowed prosperity and great wealth beyond measure.

泰之謙：翕翕＃＃，稍墜山顛。滅我令名，長沒不全。

Many mouths echo together, causing confusion and disorder; the original text here is missing a character. It gradually falls from the mountain top. It destroyed my good reputation, and it has been long buried and cannot be preserved. This person follows the crowd, bowing and yielding, losing their integrity and reputation.

泰之豫：東鄰嫁女，為王妃后。莊公築館，以尊王母。歸於京師，季姜悅喜。

To the east, a neighbor married off his daughter, who became a queen consort. Duke Zhuang of Lu built a pavilion to honor the royal lady, as recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals, Year One of Duke Zhuang. The woman went to the capital, and Ji Jiang was delighted. This is a favorable omen, indicating a high-ranking marriage that is properly prepared and in accordance with propriety.

泰之隨：伯虎仲熊，德義淵閎。使布五穀，陰陽順敘。

Bohu and Zhongxiong are virtuous persons among the "Ba Yuan," possessing profound and extensive virtue and righteousness. They were sent to promote agricultural activities and distribute the five grains, harmonizing the order of yin and yang. This forest brings great auspiciousness, indicating that employing virtuous people leads to good governance, and all those who follow are of good character.

泰之蠱：敏捷勁疾，如猿升木。彤弓雖調，終不能獲。

The person is agile and quick, like a monkey climbing a tree. Although the red bow is properly adjusted, it still cannot hit the target. This forest's master has ability but no results, and under the influence of a corrupted蛊, things are difficult to accomplish.

泰之臨：舉袂覆目，不見日月。衣裘簟床，就長夜室。

He raised his sleeve to cover his eyes, unable to see the light of the sun and moon. He wore a fur coat and lay on a bamboo mat bed, entering a chamber of long night. This forest master self-blinds his wisdom, indulging in ease and comfort. When facing matters, he fails to discern and thus ultimately falls into darkness.

泰之觀：忍丑少羞，無面有頭。耗見寡虛，日以削酒。

Enduring disgrace without shame, having a head but no face. Losses become increasingly evident, emptiness and scarcity grow, and the family's resources dwindle day by day, like wine gradually being consumed. This ruler does not reflect on oneself, and is becoming more and more depleted. One should return to self-examination and maintain inner discipline.

泰之噬嗑：固陰冱塞，長冰不溫，令人隳殆，庖火為災，電火為蕃。

Yin energy becomes stagnant and blocked, solidifying into hard ice that remains frozen for a long time, causing people to become weary and in peril. The kitchen catches fire and leads to disaster, yet lightning and thunder instead spread the flames further. This forest is凶, indicating disorder in the balance of cold and heat, with internal and external forces interacting to bring about calamity.

泰之賁：夏麥麩曲，霜擊其芒。疾君敗國，使民夭傷。

In the summer, the wheat is left with only bran and rice wine fermentation agents, and the frost breaks the wheat spikes. Harmful policies that lead the ruler to ruin cause the people to die young and suffer. This forest is ominous, indicating reversed seasons, superficiality harming reality.

泰之剝：淵涸龍憂，箕子為奴。干叔隕命，殷破其家。

The deep abyss dried up, causing the dragon to feel anxious and fearful. Ji Zi was demoted to servitude, Bi Gan and his paternal uncle died, and the Shang dynasty ultimately perished. This is a great凶 (fate of misfortune), indicating that virtuous people suffer calamity and the foundation of the state is ruined.

泰之復：跛踦相隨，日暮牛罷。陵遲後旅，失利亡雌。

A lame person follows along, but as the sky grows dark and the ox becomes tired, he gradually lags behind the group. He loses benefits and also loses the female animal. This indicates that the forest owner moves slowly and exhausts his strength, suffering a loss without gaining anything.

泰之無妄：桑之將落，隕萁黃葉。失勢傾側，如無所立。

The mulberry tree is about to wither, with yellow leaves falling in abundance. It has lost its position and is tilted and unstable, as if having no place to stand. This grove signifies the rise and fall of things according to their time; unexpected misfortunes cannot be forcibly avoided. It is advisable to make preparations for withdrawal at an early stage.

泰之大畜：長生以時，長柱根本。陰陽相和，歲樂無憂。

Growth follows the season, enduring and strengthening the root. Yin and yang are in harmony, leading to a bountiful harvest and joy without worry. This forest is highly auspicious, indicating the cultivation of virtue and solid foundation, ensuring prosperity year after year.

泰之頤：童女無室，未有配合。陰陽不和，空坐獨宿。

A young woman has not yet married and has no spouse. Yin and yang are not in harmony, and she sits alone in solitude. This indicates a situation where there is a single yin without a corresponding yang, and marriage has not been achieved, symbolizing a state of being without a companion for cultivation.

泰之大過：春令原宥，仁德不周。三聖攸同，周國茂興。

In the spring season, an edict of leniency was issued, and although benevolence has not yet fully reached all, three sages shared the same aspirations, leading the Zhou state to flourish and rise. This forest (symbolizing the ruler) signifies a policy of leniency that gains the people's support; even with mistakes, it will ultimately achieve great accomplishments.

泰之坎：金景耀怒，帶劍過午。兩虎相距，雖驚無咎。

The radiance of metal is bright and fierce, with anger contained. A man with a sword passes at noon. Two tigers face each other, though startled, have no fault. The master of this forest holds a precarious position, but by being cautious and self-restrained, misfortune can be avoided.

泰之離：危坐至暮，謀求不得。膏澤不降，政戾民忒。

Sitting upright and thinking hard until dusk, the matter still remains unresolved. Grace does not descend, the policies are discordant and the people rise in rebellion. This is an omen of the ruler above not bestowing favors and the subjects below losing their proper conduct, indicating a situation where clarity exists but illumination is lacking.

泰之咸：老楊日衰，條多枯枝。爵級不進，日下摧頹。

The old elm tree is gradually declining, with many branches already withered. The ranks and positions cannot be promoted, and the situation is getting worse day by day. This grove indicates a weakening of energy and a retreating trend, with weak responsiveness.

泰之恆：蔡侯適楚，留連江湖。逾日歷月，思其後君。

Cai Hou went to the State of Chu and was detained among the rivers and lakes. Day after day, month after month, he missed his younger son. This man is detained and has not returned, longing to return home after a long stay.

泰之遁：右撫劍頭，作援鉤帶，凶訟不止，相與爭戾，失利市肆。

He holds the sword handle with his right hand and then climbs to grasp the hook, indicating continuous dangerous disputes. There is mutual contention and discord, and losses occur in the marketplace. This suggests that the person in charge of the forest is being stubborn and initiating lawsuits, unable to retreat, resulting in financial loss.

泰之大壯：水流趨下，遠至東海。求我所有，買鮪與鯉。

Water flows to lower places, reaching the East Sea. To obtain what I need, I buy tuna and carp. This forest is auspicious, indicating smooth progress and success in what is sought.

泰之晉：登几上輿，駕駟南遊，合縱散衡，燕寢以強。

Mounting the carriage and driving four horses southward for a journey, the alliance of the horizontal states is formed while the strategy of the vertical states disperses. During peaceful rest, the state's strength transforms into power. This is Lin Dají, indicating that strategies are effectively implemented, leading to increased strength.

泰之明夷：求兔得獐，過其所望。歡一相迎，高位夷傷。

He originally intended to catch a rabbit but ended up obtaining a civet, which exceeded his expectations. In the moment of joy, those in high positions suffered harm. This situation indicates an unexpected gain accompanied by hidden worries, reflecting the dangers of holding high positions in a time of clarity obscured by darkness.

泰之家人：過時不歸，道遠且迷。旅人心悲，使我徘徊。

After the appointed time, he still does not return, having traveled a long and confusing path. The traveler's heart is filled with sorrow, causing me to wander in distress. This indicates that the forest's owner has family separated and an uncertain return date.

泰之睽：魂孤無室，御宿舍食。盜張民潰，見敵失內。

The soul and spirit are lonely and have nowhere to rest, so they must stay at others' homes and rely on others for food. Robbers are rampant and the people are scattered, and when encountering enemies, the inner defenses are already lost. This is a great凶 omen, indicating separation and loss of control, with both internal and external forces collapsing.

泰之蹇：居如轉丸，危不得安。東西不寧，動生憂患。

He resides like a rolling ball, in a state of danger and without stability. Moving east or west brings no peace, and any movement brings trouble. This person is prone to misfortune whenever they act. In times of difficulty, it is best to remain still and avoid action.

泰之解：坤厚地載，庶物蕃息。平康正直，以綏百福。

The virtue of the Earthly Mother is profound and deep, bearing all things and supporting the growth and proliferation of myriad creatures. With peace, health, fairness, and integrity, one can enjoy a hundred blessings. This is derived from the "Book of Documents · Hongfan" which states "peaceful and upright." This indicates that Lin Da Ji embodies the virtue of bearing all things with great virtue, attracting a hundred blessings.

泰之損：列敝牡荊，聖賢止悔。仇敵皆憎，孰肯相迎。上下有眚。

A display of dilapidated mugwort items, even sages and virtuous men can only stop and lament. Enemies are universally hated, who would be willing to come forward to welcome. There are calamities above and below. This forest is ominous, leading to widespread rebellion and estrangement, with loss but no gain.

泰之益：鳳凰銜書，玄珪賜我，封為晉侯。

A phoenix came bearing heavenly scriptures in its beak, and a black jade scepter was bestowed upon me. I was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Jin. This forest is highly auspicious, indicating the heavens have chosen me, bringing increased honor and prestige.

泰之夬：作凶不善，相牽入井。溺陷辜罪，禍生憂滋。

Committing evil deeds and causing harm, they are linked together and fall into the well. They are submerged and trapped in punishment, with calamities arising and worries increasing. This is a great凶 (dangerous) situation, indicating mutual assistance in wrongdoing and being unable to escape.

泰之姤：悲鳴北行，失其長兄。伯中不幸，骸骨敗亡。

A mournful cry echoes northward, having lost the elder brother. The elder brother and the second brother meet an unfortunate fate, their bodies destroyed. This forest is extremely凶, leading to the premature death of family members and encountering evil forces.

泰之萃：羔衣豹裘，高揚我宇，君子維新。

Dressed in a sheepskin coat with leopard-skin sleeves, the reference is from the "Gao裘" poem in the "Zheng Feng" section of the "Book of Songs," symbolizing the attire of a scholar-official. Elevating the gate and courtyard, the demeanor of a gentleman is renewed. This refers to Lin Ji, indicating the gathering of virtue leading to honor and a renewed appearance.

泰之升：日中為市，各抱所有。交易資貨，含珠懷寶，欣悅歡喜。

At noon, a market is set up, based on the saying from the Great Treatise of the Book of Changes, "At noon, the market is held." Everyone brings their own possessions, exchanges goods, trades wealth, and carries precious jewels, rejoicing with delight. This is a favorable omen for Lin Da Ji, indicating thriving trade and mutual benefit for all.

泰之困：振急絕理，恆陽不雨。物病焦乾，華實無有。

The situation is urgent and the order is broken, with prolonged dry weather and no rain. All things are scorched, withered, and diseased, and there are no flowers or fruits. This is a great凶 omen, indicating excessive yang heat causing drought and the exhaustion of vital energy.

泰之井：狐貉載剝，凌溫厚蓐。寒棘為疾，何所不足。

Peeling the skins of foxes and badgers to make clothes, during the cold season there are warm and thick mats. Although there are cold thorns that prick, what is there not to be satisfied with? This forest is auspicious, indicating thorough preparation and protection, so that even in hardship there is no worry.

泰之革：履踐危難，脫執去患。入福喜門，見誨大君。

Having personally experienced danger and hardship, one escapes from constraints and removes calamities. Entering the gate of fortune and joy, one meets the great sovereign and receives his teachings. This is Lin Da Ji, indicating a master of transformation and escape from difficulties, encountering a superior and receiving guidance.

泰之鼎：四亂不安，東西為患。退止我足，毋出國城。乃得全完，賴齊生福。

The country is in turmoil and unrest, with calamities arising from both the east and west. One should halt movement and retreat, remaining within the capital city gates, in order to preserve safety. Relying on order and stability, blessings will arise. This oracle indicates that the subject should avoid chaos and maintain routine, and by remaining calm and still, security will be attained.

泰之震：南國少子，材略美好。求我長女，賤薄不與。反得醜惡，後乃大悔。

In the south there is a young man who is talented and capable. He came to marry my eldest daughter, but the family thought him too lowly and refused to let him marry. The daughter ended up marrying a repulsive man, and later regretted it deeply. This man has slighted a worthy person and suffered humiliation, and now, after the shock, it is too late to regret.

泰之艮：妄弩失理，陽孤無輔。物病焦枯，年飢於黍。

Rashly shooting arrows without following the proper method, losing the established rules, the yang energy is isolated and lacks support. All things suffer illness and wither, resulting in a poor harvest even of millet. This indicates a forest of misfortune, where isolated yang energy fails to generate life and remains ineffective.

泰之漸：倬然遠咎，闢患害旱。田獲三狐，見民為寶。

Clearly distant from misfortune, avoiding calamity and drought. Hunting yields three foxes, which is the statement of the second line of the hexagram 解 (Release). The people regard it as a treasure. This forest is auspicious, indicating the gradual removal of troubles and gaining the hearts of the people.

泰之歸妹：逐鹿山顛，利去我西。維邪南北，無所不得。

Chasing a wild deer on the mountain peak, the benefit has gone to my west. Moving diagonally between north and south, I yet gain all. This forest's main subject cannot be obtained directly but can be acquired through seeking elsewhere. The gain of the hexagram归妹 lies in flexibility and adaptability.

泰之豐：龍蛇所聚，大水樂處。滑滑沛沛，使我無賴。

The land where dragons and snakes gather is precisely where great water delights to reside. The flow of water is smooth and mighty, leaving me without anything to rely upon. This forest's master is the abundance of water, which causes trouble, and when prosperity reaches its peak, worries arise.

泰之旅：從風吹火，牽騏驥尾。易為功力，因催受福。

With the wind blowing in the right direction, fire spreads easily. Riding along the tail of a swift horse. Effort is saved and success is easy to achieve, by taking advantage of favorable conditions and receiving blessings. This is a favorable omen, indicating that things will be accomplished through others' help, and assistance will be received during travel.

泰之巽：澤狗水鳧，雞畜少雛。不為家饒，心其亟逋。

Wild dogs and waterfowl in the marsh, few young chickens and domestic fowls in the house. Unable to make the family prosperous, the mind is only on fleeing quickly. This omen indicates that the household's affairs do not accumulate, and people's hearts are scattered.

泰之兌：水壞我裡，東流為海。龜鳧還囂，不見慈母。

A great flood destroyed my village, flowing eastward to join the sea. Turtles and wild geese return in noise, yet I no longer see my kind mother. This forest is ominous, indicating disaster from water, dispersion of people, and separation from relatives.

泰之渙：褰衣涉行，水深漬多。賴幸舟子，濟脫無他。

He took off his clothes and waded through the water, which was deep enough to soak him greatly. Fortunately, a boatman helped him across, enabling him to pass through the difficulty without any other mishaps. This person encountered danger but was saved, escaping trouble through the help of others.

泰之節：龜厭河海，陸行不止。自令枯槁，失其都市。有悔為咎，亦無及已。

The turtle is tired of rivers and seas, persistently moving on land without rest. It has become dry and weary, losing its proper dwelling. Regret has turned into fault, but it is too late to remedy. This indicates that the forest ruler has lost its proper position and does not know when to stop.