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

否之巽：杜口結舌，言為禍母。代伯受患，無所禱免。

Remaining silent and unable to speak, the tongue is tied, and speaking becomes the root of misfortune. Taking the blame for the elder brother, prayers cannot avert the calamity. This is a forest of misfortune, indicating calamity from words, where one enters smoothly but suffers greatly in return.

否之兌：免冠進賢，步出朝門。儀禮不正，賊孽為患。

Remove the crown and recommend the virtuous, slowly stepping out of the palace gate. The rituals are not properly observed, and wicked people become a source of calamity. This lord of the forest recommends the virtuous but neglects propriety, and amidst the joy of recommendation lies hidden worry.

否之渙：娶於姜女，駕迎新婦。少齊在門，夫子悅喜。

Married to a woman of the Jiang clan, he drives to meet his new wife. A young woman from Qi is already at the gate, and the husband is delighted. This forest is auspicious, indicating the success of marriage. Even in times of dispersion, union is achieved.

否之節：牡羊稻園，聞虎喧歡。畏恐悚息，終無禍患。

A male sheep was in a rice field and heard the loud noises of a tiger. It became frightened and held its breath, not moving at all. In the end, it did not suffer any misfortune. This indicates that the person in charge of the forest remained calm and restrained in a crisis, knowing when to hold back, thus avoiding blame.

否之中孚：老妾踞機，緯絕不知。女功不成，冬寒無衣。

An old servant woman sat by the loom, unaware that the warp thread had broken. She could not complete her sewing, and with the severe winter coming, there was no clothing to wear. This is a凶 sign, indicating negligence and abandonment of one's duties, as well as the inability to maintain sincerity and reliability.

否之小過：黑龍吐光，使陰復陽。榮獵載聖，六師以昌。

A black dragon spits out light, transforming Yin back into Yang. Glorious hunting proceeds with virtue, leading to the prosperity of the six armies. This forest is auspicious, indicating a transition from darkness to light and a small excess turning into great achievement.

否之既濟：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 guest houses to honor the royal princess. The woman returned to the capital, and Ji Jiang was delighted. This forest is very auspicious, indicating successful marriage and high status, with matters completed and proper etiquette observed.

否之未濟：灌頡同徒，道頓跌踦。日辰不良，病為身禍。

The Guan clan and the Jie clan are both groups of followers, but on the way they fall and walk with a limp. The day branch and the season are inauspicious, and illness becomes their own misfortune. This forest is凶 (unfavorable), and during the time of《Wei Ji》 (The Unfinished), the situation is still uncertain, indicating that those who go together will face setbacks and suffer from illness.

同人之同人：槖置山顛，銷鋒鑄刃。示不復用，天下大歡。

Place the weapons into a bag and put it on the mountain peak, melt down the sharp edges and recast them into other tools, indicating that weapons will no longer be used, and the world will rejoice greatly. This is a great auspicious sign, signifying the cessation of warfare and the promotion of culture, with all people united in harmony.

同人之乾：一臂六手，不使堵口。莫肯為用，利棄我走。

One arm has six hands, yet they cannot stop one mouth. No one is willing to use me. Benefits abandon me. This forest has many branches but none are useful. People's hearts do not wish to follow.

同人之坤：獐鹿逐牧，飽歸其居，安息無悔。

Deer and wild boars follow water and grass for food, eat until full, then return to their resting place, rest peacefully without regret. This forest is auspicious, indicating timely nourishment and secure dwelling.

同人之屯：鴻魚逆流，至人潛渚。蓬蒿代柱，大屋顛倒。

Wild geese and fish swim upstream, indicating that virtuous people retreat to live on water islands. Using reeds and grass as beams leads to the collapse of a large house. This is a凶 omen, signifying the retreat of the virtuous and the improper use of talents.

同人之蒙：三羖五牂，相隨俱行。迷入空澤，經涉六駿，為賊所傷。

Three black male sheep and five female sheep walk together. They lose their way and enter a wasteland, crossing past six fine horses along the way, and finally get injured by thieves. This forest is dangerous, indicating a group losing their way and suffering harm on the way.

同人之需：黃帝出遊，駕龍乘馬，東上泰山，難過齊魯。邦國咸喜。

The Yellow Emperor went out for a journey, riding a dragon and a horse, heading east to Mount Tai. Along the way, he passed through the regions of Qi and Lu, encountering difficulties. The people in the states were all joyful. This forest is auspicious, indicating a nobleman's journey, despite hardships, ultimately leading to good fortune.

同人之訟：履危不安，心欲東西。步走逐鹿，空無所得。

Being in a dangerous situation without peace, the mind wanders aimlessly. Walking in pursuit of a wild deer, one goes empty-handed. This indicates that the person in charge of the forest has no fixed direction, and efforts made in competition result in no success.

同人之師：望尚阿衡，太宰周公，藩屏湯武，立為侯王。

Looking up to Lü Shang, also known as Tai Gong Wang, and the renowned minister I Yin, as well as the Grand Minister Zhou Gong, they assisted King Tang of Shang and King Wu of Zhou in safeguarding the state, and were enfeoffed as marquises for their meritorious deeds. This forest is auspicious, indicating the attainment of virtuous ministers as assistants and the establishment of meritorious achievements leading to enfeoffment as a marquis.

同人之比：白龍黑虎，起伏俱怒，戰於阪兆，蚩尤走敗，死與魚首。

White Dragon and Black Tiger rise and fall together, raging at the same time, fighting at Banshipan Field. Chiyou retreats and dies in the place called "Fish Head." This refers to the legendary battle between Huangdi and Chiyou. This forest symbolizes a struggle between two powerful forces, with one prevailing and the other perishing.

同人之小畜：載石上山，步跌不前。顰眉之憂，不得所歡。

Carrying a stone up a mountain, each step is hindered and progress is difficult. Worrying with a frown, one cannot obtain what is desired. This omen indicates a burdened journey with difficulty in movement and unfulfilled wishes.

同人之履：周德既成，行軸不傾。中酉跌墓，耋老衰去，箴石不佑。

The Zhou family's virtue and merit have already been established, with the chariot's axle straight and not leaning. At the midpoint of the You (酉) period, it falls into the墓 limit, and with old age and decline, he passes away. The use of stone needles for treatment offers no assistance. This indicates that prosperity inevitably leads to decline, and lifespan has its limit.

同人之泰：乘雲帶雨，與飛鳥俱。動舉千里，見我慈母。

Riding on clouds, carrying rain, accompanying flying birds. In one movement, covering a thousand miles, seeing my kind mother. This forest is very auspicious, indicating taking advantage of favorable conditions to reach far, and meeting relatives.

同人之否：齎貝贖狸，不聽我辭。繫於虎鬚，牽不得來。

Taking goods to redeem the cat, the other party does not listen to my arguments. The cat is tied to the tiger's whiskers and cannot be brought over. This forest master is controlled by the strong, and his desires cannot be fulfilled.

同人之大有：三翼飛來，字我逢時。俱行先至，多得大利。

Three flying birds come with their wings spread, nurturing me at the right time. Traveling together, they arrive first, gaining great profit. This forest is highly auspicious, indicating unity, seizing the initiative, and achieving abundant gains.

同人之謙：兩足四翼，飛入吾國。寧我伯姊，與母相得。

A sacred bird with two legs and four wings flew into my country. It calmed my elder sister and reunited her with her mother. This forest is auspicious, indicating family peace, humility, and receiving blessings.

同人之豫：案民湖池，玉貝文案。魚如白雲，一國獲願。

Calming the people by utilizing the benefits of lakes and ponds, jade shells and documents are arranged on the desk. Fish are numerous, like white clouds surging, and the whole country achieves its wishes. This is a great auspicious omen, indicating proper preparation and benefit for the entire nation.

同人之隨：季姬踟躕，望我城隅。終日至暮，不見齊侯，君上無憂。

Ji Ji wandered hesitantly forward, looking afar at my city corner, quoting from the "Book of Songs · Bei Wind · Jing Nu" which says, "Wait for me at the city corner." She waited from morning until night, yet never saw Qi Hou. The lord thus remained free from worry. This master of the woods had a meeting but did not meet, yet not meeting averted her misfortune.

同人之蠱：龍渴求飲，黑雲影從。河伯捧觴，跪進酒漿。流潦滂滂。

The dragon's mouth is thirsty and needs to drink water. Black clouds follow the shadow. The river god holds a vessel and kneels to present wine. Accumulated water flows abundantly. This forest is auspicious; it signifies that what is sought will be responded to, with upper and lower authorities showing respect. The mischief of a蛊 is thus moistened and resolved.

同人之臨：出門逢患，與怒為怨。更相擊刺，傷我手端。

When one steps out, they immediately encounter calamity, and due to anger, resentment arises. They fight and clash with each other, injuring my finger. This forest is凶, indicating that going out will bring about disputes and conflicts arising from matters.

同人之觀：播天舞地，神明所守，安樂無咎。

His reputation extends to Heaven, his movements reach the Earth, guarded by deities, enjoying peace without fault. This forest is auspicious, indicating grandeur and proper appearance.

同人之噬嗑：兩金相擊，勇武敢敵。終日大戰，不破不缺。

Two pieces of metal collide with each other, fierce and bold in their confrontation. They fight all day long, yet neither is broken or damaged. This indicates that the situation is evenly matched, with a struggle that has no clear winner. It is advisable to cease hostilities early.

同人之賁：車雖駕，兩紖絕，馬奔出，雙輪脫，行不至，道遇害。

The carriage has been hitched, but the two reins have broken, the horses bolt away, the two wheels fall off, the path does not lead to its end, and misfortune is encountered along the way. This is a great凶 (fate of misfortune), indicating that although external adornments are complete, there is collapse in the middle of the journey.

同人之剝：文山紫芝，雍梁朱草。長生和氣，王以為寶。公尸侑食，福祿來處。

The purple fungus of Wen Mountain and the red grass of Yongzhou and Liangzhou are both auspicious signs, fostering harmony and prosperity, and are regarded as treasures by the king. During worship, the public corpse encourages eating, and blessings and honors follow. This grove is highly auspicious, even during a time of decline, the auspicious signs do not cease.

同人之復：把珠入口，為我畜寶。得吾所有，欣然嘉喜。

Putting a pearl in my mouth, it becomes a treasure I have stored. I have obtained something that belongs to me, and I am happy. This forest is auspicious, indicating loss regained and possessing treasures leading to contentment.

同人之無妄：負車上山，力盡行難。烈風雨雪，遮過我前。中道復還，憂者得歡。

Pushing the cart up the mountain, strength is exhausted and progress is difficult. A storm of wind, rain, and snow blocks the way ahead. Halfway, one turns back, and the worried person turns sorrow into joy. This forest indicates that retreating from difficulty brings good fortune.

同人之大畜：陶朱白珪，善賈息資。三致千金，德放上人。

Tao Zhu Gong Fan Li and Bai Gui were both recorded in the "Huo Zhi Lie Zhuan" of the "Shiji" as ancestors of those skilled in business and wealth accumulation. They were adept at commerce and increasing their wealth. They thrice accumulated a thousand gold, surpassing ordinary people in virtue. This Lin Dagji is primarily engaged in commerce, possessing great wealth, and is rich with virtue.

同人之頤：子鉏執麟，春秋作元。陰聖將終，尼父悲心。

A carriage driver named Chuzi captured a qilin, and Confucius therefore ceased writing the Spring and Autumn Annals. The way of the Sage King was about to end, and Confucius felt sorrowful. This indicates that the master of this forest missed the right time, his path was blocked, and his aspirations were filled with grief.

同人之大過：春日載陽，福履齊長。四時不忒，與樂為昌。

In spring, the yang energy gradually increases, as mentioned in the "Book of Songs · July" with the line "In spring the yang grows strong." Blessings and honors also grow together. The four seasons proceed without error, and joy is part of prosperity. This is a great auspicious sign, indicating smooth seasonal changes and the simultaneous arrival of blessings and joy.

同人之坎：孔德如玉，出於幽谷。飛上喬木，鼓其羽翼，大光照國。

Great virtue is warm and smooth like jade, emerging from a deep valley. It flies up to tall trees, spreads its wings, and shines over the country. This forest is highly auspicious, indicating emergence from obscurity to prominence, rising from the perilous waters to attain a high position.

同人之離：甌脫康居，慕仁入朝。湛露之歡，三爵畢恩。復歸窮廬，以安其居。

The people of the border region Ou Tu and the people of the Western Regions Kang Ju, admiring virtue and benevolence, came to pay homage. The banquet of "Zhan Lu" was set, which is the music for the Son of Heaven to entertain the feudal lords, and after three rounds of wine, the ceremony of propriety was completed and the grace was exhausted. They returned to their own felt tents and settled down in their places. This is Lin Da Ji, indicating that distant people come to attach themselves, and the host and guest enjoy themselves fully.

同人之咸：秋冬夜行，照覽星辰。道理利通，終身無患。

In the autumn and winter seasons, when traveling at night, one can rely on the stars to determine direction. The path is smooth and unobstructed, leading to a lifetime free from misfortune. This forest is auspicious, indicating a response to omens and receiving guidance from unseen sources.

同人之恆：鳴鵠抱子，見蛇何咎。室家俱在，不失其所。

A swan calls out while protecting its young, and encountering a snake brings no harm. The household is complete and secure. This forest is auspicious, indicating proper protection and constant preservation without worry.

同人之遁：安如泰山，福祿屢臻。雖有豺虎，不能危身。

Peaceful as Mount Tai, blessings and honors come repeatedly. Even if there are fierce wolves and tigers, they cannot harm oneself. This forest is very auspicious, indicating safety through retreat and no external threats can invade.

同人之大壯：老目瞢眠，不知東西。歲君失理，命直為曲。王稱為寶。

The old eyes are dim, half-asleep, unable to distinguish east from west. The year's ruler has lost order, speaking of straight things as curved, and the king takes it as a treasure. This is a dangerous forest, indicating confusion and misusing people, with right and wrong reversed.

同人之晉：植璧秉珪，請命於河。周公克敏，沖人瘳愈。

Set up a jade bi and hold a jade gui, and appeal to the river god for a mandate. The Duke of Zhou was diligent and prompt in his actions, praying on behalf of King Wu, and the young King Cheng recovered from his illness. This is recorded in the Book of Documents, the Jin Teng section. This omen signifies that sincerity can move the spirits and that serious illness can be cured.

同人之明夷：大王執政，歲熟民富。國家豐有，王者有喜。

Great King governs the state, with abundant harvests and wealthy people. The country is prosperous, and the ruler experiences joy and celebration. This forest is very auspicious, indicating a wise ruler above and all people enjoying abundance.

同人之家人：爭訟相悖，和氣不處。陰陽俱否，谷風母子。

Contentions arise and mutual opposition occurs, with harmony unable to find a place. Yin and Yang are both blocked and uncommunicative, like the sorrow of a discarded wife and her child as described in the Book of Songs, Chapter Gu Feng. This is a凶 sign, indicating domestic discord and the severing of affection and righteousness.

同人之睽：齊魯爭言，戰於龍門。構怨結禍，三世不安。

Qi and Lu quarreled over words and fought at Longmen. Their enmity led to calamity, causing three dynasties to lack peace. This is a凶林, indicating disputes over speech, discord, and the accumulation of resentment.

同人之蹇：鹿得美草，鳴呼其友。九族和睦，不離邦域。

A deer finds abundant water and grass, calls out to its companions to share the food. The nine clans live in harmony, remaining within their homeland. This forest is auspicious; even in times of difficulty, relatives remain together.

同人之解：百里南行，雖微復明。去虞適秦，為穆國卿。

Baili Xi traveled south, though once in humble condition, he later regained prominence. He left the state of Yu and went to Qin, becoming a high official under Duke Mu of Qin. This forest, named Dají, signifies overcoming difficulties, leaving behind old circumstances, and then achieving honor and status.

同人之損：梅李冬實，國多寇賊，擾亂並行，王不能制。

Plum and loquat trees bear fruit in winter, which is an abnormal omen; there are many bandits in the country, and disturbances and chaos erupt together, the king unable to suppress them. This is a great凶 omen, indicating the disruption of the natural order and the collapse of laws and regulations.

同人之益：府藏之富，王以賑貸。捕魚河海，笱網多得，巨蛇大鰍。戰於國郊，君遂走逃。

The state treasury is full, and the king opens the granary to provide relief. Going to rivers and seas to fish, large bamboo traps and big nets catch a great deal, but among the catch are fierce creatures like big snakes and large eels. Warfare begins near the capital, and the king has no choice but to flee. This forest first benefits then causes loss, indicating gaining and then losing again.

同人之夬：牡飛門啟，憂患大結。去老乘馬，不為身禍。

The door latch flies off and the gate is wide open, causing great worry and confusion. Abandoning the elderly and weak, and leaving on horseback, one can avoid causing one's own misfortune. This is the moment for the master of the forest to make a decisive decision; hesitation will lead to suffering.

同人之姤：宜昌娶婦，東家歌舞長樂歡喜。

It is favorable for prosperity and suitable for marriage. The eastern neighbor's household is filled with continuous music and dance, enjoying long-lasting joy and celebration. This forest is auspicious, indicating the meeting of a good partner and family happiness.

同人之萃：正陽之央，甲氏以亡。禍及留籲，湮滅為墟。

At the time when the yang energy was at its peak, the state of Jia was therefore destroyed. The calamity spread to Liuxu, and both were completely ruined and turned into wastelands; Jia and Liuxu were both states of the Red Dikes, and they were conquered by Jin, as recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan · Xuangong Fifteenth Year." This forest is extremely凶, indicating a gathering of misfortune leading to simultaneous destruction.

同人之升：鳧過稻廬，甘樂麥鰍。雖驅不去，田畯懷憂。

Wild geese fly over the rice fields of the village, greedily eating wheat and mud eels but unwilling to leave. No matter how they are driven, they will not go away, causing the village official great worry. This indicates that the owner of the forest is losing external possessions; although there is an upward trend, it results in loss instead.

同人之困：跛踦俱行，日暮車傷，失旅乏糧。

A lame person traveling in company, the vehicle breaks down at night, they fall behind and run out of food. This forest is dangerous, the main force is unable to cope, and they are trapped in the middle of the journey.

同人之井：龍門水穴，流行不害。民安其土，君臣相保。

The water channel at the龙门 is open and unobstructed, allowing the water to flow without causing harm. The people live in peace in their land, and the king and ministers protect each other. This is a great auspicious sign, indicating proper疏导 methods and harmony between superiors and inferiors.

同人之革：山陵四塞，遏我徑路。欲前不得，復還故處。

The mountain ranges block all four directions, blocking my path forward. I wish to move forward but cannot, so I have to return to where I started. This forest indicates obstruction in transformation, with no way to advance or retreat.

同人之鼎：兩虎爭鬥，血流漂忤。城郭空虛，蒿藜塞道。

Two tigers fighting fiercely, their blood flows so much that it can float a pestle. The city and walls are empty with no people, and wild grasses block the roads. This forest is extremely凶, indicating the conflict between two strong forces, leading to the destruction of the country.

同人之震：依東牆隅，志下心老。楚亭晨食，韓子低頭。

Leaning against the corner of the eastern wall, with low spirits and a weary heart. Eating breakfast in a pavilion in the state of Chu, Hanzi looked down without speaking. This person has a depressed spirit and is dependent on others.

同人之艮：龍生無常，或托空桑。憑乘風雲，為堯立功。

The birth of the dragon has no fixed place, sometimes resting upon the empty mulberry grove, referencing the example of Yi Yin born in the empty mulberry grove. Relying on the momentum of wind and clouds, it establishes achievements for Yao and Shun. This forest is auspicious, indicating a humble origin but rising to prominence at the right time.