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

謙之萃：水壞我裡，東流為海。龜鳧歡譁，不睹我家。

A flood destroyed my village, flowing eastward to join the sea; turtles and wild geese were noisy and cheerful on the water, yet I could no longer see my home. This omen indicates water disaster causing loss of property. Divining about the dwelling place, it shows loss of home and wandering.

謙之升：七竅龍身，造化八元。法天則地，順時施恩。富貴長存。

A sage king, with a face having seven orifices and a body like a divine dragon, cultivated virtuous talents akin to the Eight Officials. By following the way of heaven and earth and governing in accordance with the seasons, he bestowed grace and thus achieved enduring wealth and security. This forest signifies a ruler of saintly virtue who employs capable ministers. When divining about achievements and family legacy, it indicates a solid foundation and enduring blessings.

謙之困：四夷慕德，來興我國。文君徙降，同受福德。

The surrounding foreign tribes admire the moral teachings and come to assist in the prosperity of the state. A virtuous ruler moves down to be near the people, and both ruler and subjects share in the fortune and virtue. This forest lord shows kindness to distant people. The divination concerning state alliances and cooperation indicates that external support will assist internal efforts, and both will gain benefit together.

謙之井：華首山頭，仙道所遊。利以居上，長無咎憂。

The peak of Huashou Mountain is a place where immortals pass through and wander; it is suitable for dwelling in a pure and quiet manner, remaining without fault or worry for a long time. This forest indicates a person who avoids worldly troubles by retreating from society. When consulting about residence and whether to advance or retreat, it suggests that maintaining a high and distant position brings security.

謙之革：鸇鳩徙巢，西至平州。遭逢雷雹，闢我葦蘆。室家飢寒，思吾故初。

A hawk and a dove moved their nest westward to Pingzhou; on the way they encountered thunder, lightning, and hail, so they had to take shelter in a reed thicket to avoid danger; the whole family suffered from hunger and cold, and they recalled their former home. This indicates that the household has made a wrong decision in moving, and when divining about moving far away, it suggests encountering obstacles along the way and a longing to return.

謙之鼎：狗無前足，陰謀叛背，為身害賊。

A dog has lost its front foot and secretly plots to betray, yet ends up harming itself. This indicates someone who is weak yet acts recklessly, harboring deceit and injuring themselves. When divining about schemes, it suggests that conspiracies will not succeed and the person will suffer misfortune instead.

謙之震：陽孤亢極，多所恨惑。車傾蓋亡，身常驚惶。乃得其願，雌雄相從。

The yang energy is isolated and reaches an extreme peak, causing inner resentment and confusion. The vehicle overturns and even the roof is lost, leading to constant fear and uncertainty. Eventually, the desire is fulfilled, and the male and female partners can be together. This situation starts with danger but ends in good fortune. When divining about marriage or endeavors, although there may be hardships, the outcome will ultimately be as desired.

謙之艮：空巢注豬，豚彘不至。張弓祝雞，雄父飛去。

Heavenly Stems: Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui Earthly Branches: Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai Trigrams: Qian (Heaven), Dui (Lake), Li (Fire), Zhen (Thunder), Xun (Wind), Kan (Water), Gen (Mountain), Kun (Earth) Pouring feed for pigs into an empty pen, yet no pigs come at all; drawing the bow and praying for the rooster, but the rooster has already flown away. This indicates that the actions taken are misplaced, leading to outcomes contrary to intention. When divining for seeking or obtaining something, it suggests effort without reward.

謙之漸：長夜短日，陰為陽賊。萬物空枯，藏於北陸。

The night is long and the day short, with the yin energy reversing to harm the yang energy; all things wither and exhaust, retreating to the cold and remote northern regions. This forest signifies excessive yin and declining yang, with vitality hidden away. When divining about career prospects, it indicates blocked fortune, suggesting one should remain still and wait for a turning point.

謙之歸妹：爪牙之士，怨毒乞父。轉憂於己，傷不及母。

A warrior serving as a henchman channels his resentment towards the father who asked him to do so; his troubles fall upon himself, fortunately without involving his mother. This ruler of the forest is compelled by others to cause resentment, and when divining about his family, it indicates that he himself suffers while his family remains unharmed.

謙之豐：拜跪請兔，不得臭腐。挽眉銜指，低頭北去。

He knelt down to beg from others for rabbit meat, but even the rotten leftovers could not be obtained; he had to frown, bite his fingers, and lower his head to walk northward. This indicates that the person is humble and submissive, suffering humiliation, with hopes unfulfilled. Divination for seeking favor or petitioning others suggests encountering obstacles and returning empty-handed.

謙之旅：有莘季女，為王妃后。貴夫壽子，母字四海。

The daughter of the Shening clan, Tai Si, became the wife of the King of Zhou. Her husband became prominent and their descendants lived long. She acted as a mother nurturing the people of the world. This forest indicates a virtuous woman who brings prosperity to her husband. When divining about marriage and family fortune, it signifies that internal support leads to family prosperity.

謙之巽：季姜踟躕，待孟城隅。終日至暮，不見齊侯。

Ji Jiang hesitated and lingered, waiting for Meng氏 at the city corner; she waited from day to dusk without seeing Qi Hou arrive. This divination takes the meaning of "waiting for me at the city corner" from the poem Shijing·Jingnü, and is used to inquire about a meeting and marriage engagement, indicating that the appointment was not kept, leading to unfulfilled expectations.

謙之兌：邯鄲反言，父兄生患。涉此憂恨，卒死不還。

Heavens' Mandate from Handan spreads rumors that are changeable and unreliable, causing troubles for fathers and elder brothers; involved in this sorrowful matter, one ultimately dies in a foreign land without returning. This forest of slanderous talk leads to accusations, when divining about travel and litigation, the danger is extremely severe, and one should avoid disputes and stay far away.

謙之渙：逐鹿山顛，利去我西。維邪南北，所求不得。

On the mountain peak chasing deer, benefits slip away to my west; both north and south are disordered and misaligned, and what is sought ultimately cannot be obtained. This indicates a loss of direction, futile pursuit of profit, and for those seeking opportunities or wealth, it suggests hard work with no success.

謙之節：穿鼻繫株，為虎所拘。王母祀福，禍不成災，突然自來。

A cow has its nose pierced and is tied to a wooden post, while a tiger is forcing it and preventing escape. Fortunately, the Western Queen Mother was worshipped and bestowed blessings, so the misfortune did not turn into a major disaster, and good fortune suddenly arrived on its own. The owner of this forest is constrained but receives divine assistance. When questioning about difficulties and obstacles, the outcome is from bad to good.

謙之中孚：虎豹熊羆，遊戲山谷。君子仁賢，亦得所欲。

Tigers, leopards, bears, and wild boars each play and roam in the mountains and valleys, each in its proper place; gentlemen who are benevolent, kind, and wise can also achieve their desires. This forest's master has each in its proper position, following its nature and fulfilling its course. When divining about plans and aspirations, it indicates smooth success and fulfillment.

謙之小過：梅李冬實，國多盜賊，擾亂並作，王不得制。

Plum and peach trees bear fruit abnormally in winter, leading to an increase in bandits throughout the country; disturbances and chaos arise simultaneously, and the king is unable to control them. This forest indicates that natural phenomena are out of order, reflecting human disorder. When divining about the current situation, it indicates that the fundamental principles are neglected, and there is great unrest and instability.

謙之既濟：望幸不到，文章未就。羊子逐兔，犬踦不得。

The king has not come as desired, and the article remains unfinished; the child leading a sheep chases a rabbit, but the dog with a lame leg cannot catch up. This indicates that the situation lacks favorable opportunity and the effort is insufficient. Divining for fame and success suggests that the endeavor will fail at the last moment.

謙之未濟：千柱百梁，終不傾僵。仁智輔聖，周宗寧康。

A thousand pillars and hundreds of beams support a great hall, yet it will not collapse; the benevolent and the wise assist the sage king, ensuring the stability and prosperity of the Zhou dynasty's ancestral temple. This omen signifies that many virtuous ministers support the state, and the foundation of the nation is firm. When divining about the state or family affairs, it indicates long-term stability without worries.

豫之豫：冰將泮散，鳴雁雍雍。丁男長女，可以會同。生育賢人。

Hard ice is about to melt and disperse, and the geese fly in harmony; an adult man and a woman who has reached the age of marriage are now suitable for marriage, and they will have virtuous offspring. This name takes the meaning from the poem "Poetry: Gourd with Bitter Leaves" where it says a gentleman is like a wife returning home, and when the ice has not yet melted, which signifies the proper time and auspiciousness for marriage and offspring.

豫之乾：龍馬上山，絕無水泉。喉焦唇乾，口不能言。

A dragon horse gallops up a high mountain, yet there is not a single spring of water on the mountain. Its throat is parched and dry, its lips cracked, and it cannot even speak. This indicates that the forest is not suitable for its habitat and resources are exhausted. If one consults this divination for travel or endeavors, it signifies hardship and lack of support.

豫之坤：蔡侯朝楚，留連江濱。逾時歷月，思其後君。

Cai Hou went to the State of Chu to pay homage but was detained by the river; after exceeding the time limit and spending a whole month, he could only think of his king and country behind him. This divination concerns a person in exile detained abroad, asking about a mission, indicating that he will be delayed and unable to return.

豫之屯：文厄羑里，湯囚夏臺。仁聖不害，數困何憂。免於縲紲，為世明侯。

King Wen of Zhou was imprisoned in Youli, and King Tang of Shang was confined in Xiatai; virtuous and enlightened men ultimately suffer no harm, and to be repeatedly inpredicament is nothing to worry about. In the end, they both escaped from prison and became renowned kings of their time. This divination text indicates that one will first encounter difficulties but eventually achieve success. When questioning about imprisonment or disputes, although one may be trapped, they will surely escape, and this will result in a good reputation.

豫之蒙：典冊法書，藏閣蘭臺。雖遭亂潰，獨不遇災。

Classical texts and legal documents are stored in the Lantai repository; although they encountered military chaos and collapse, they alone remained unharmed. This forest owner guards his treasures properly and escapes disaster effectively. When consulting about documents, studies, and stored items, they will remain intact and undamaged.

豫之需：氈裘羶國，文禮不＃。跨馬空弦，伐我都邑。

A country of nomadic people wearing felt clothing and having a sheepy smell, who do not follow the cultural teachings and rituals of the Central Plains, comes riding horses and drawing bows to attack my capital. This forest represents external troubles and disturbances. If one asks about traveling on matters concerning the borders, it indicates concern over military conflict.

豫之訟：星隕如雨，力弱無輔。強陰制陽，不得安土。

The stars fall like raindrops, weak in power and without support; strong yin energy suppresses yang energy, making it impossible to reside in the original place. This forest indicates excessive yin overpowering yang, losing its proper position and being unsettled. When questioning about residence or official position, it suggests being controlled by others and forced to move.

豫之師：蝗齧我稻，驅不可去。實穗無有，但見空藁。

Locusts are eating my rice, and no matter how I try to drive them away, they won't leave. The sturdy grains are all gone, and only the empty stalks remain. This indicates that the landowner is causing misfortune and taking away resources. If one asks about farming or seeking wealth, it suggests that hard-earned efforts will be completely consumed.

豫之比：虎飢欲食，為蝟而伏。禹導龍門，避咎除患，元丑以安。

A hungry tiger about to hunt is forced to lie still by a spiky hedgehog curled up; similarly, Da Yu opened the龙门 to divert the floodwaters, avoiding calamity and removing dangers, with a dangerous beginning leading to peace. This situation indicates that the subject uses gentleness to control violence and guides danger into safety. The divination for difficulties suggests a transformation from danger to safety.

豫之小畜：蝙蝠夜藏，不敢晝行。酒是酸漿，魴死鮑羹。

Bats hide by day and only appear at night, not daring to move in daylight; the wine in the house has turned into sour soup, and the crucian carp has died, only to be made into a stinking broth. This indicates that the household owner avoids light and is in a deteriorating condition. When divining about career and food, it suggests that actions are obscure and the results are spoiled.

豫之履：精華墮落，形體醜惡。齟齬挫頓，枯槁腐蠹。

The essence and brilliance have already dispersed and fallen, the form becoming ugly; the teeth are uneven, movement is awkward, and the person is emaciated like rotten wood infested by insects. This omen indicates the decline of qi and blood, the waning of fortune, and for those who inquire about health or career, it foretells a gradual decline.

豫之泰：兩足不獲，難以遠行。疾步不能，後旅失時。

Both legs are uncooperative, making it difficult to travel far; one cannot walk quickly even if desired, falling behind the group and missing the appointed time. This indicates that the person in question faces obstacles in movement and delayed progress. When divining about travel and the appointed time, it suggests a delay and the loss of opportunity.

豫之否：令妻壽母，宜家無咎。君子之歡，得以長久。

There is a virtuous wife and a long-lived mother, the family affairs are in harmony without faults; thus the joy of the gentleman can be sustained for a long time. This divination indicates that the household has a capable wife, and when consulted about the home or marriage, it foretells harmony and enduring prosperity.

豫之同人：飢蠶作室，緡多亂纏，緒不可得。

A hungry silkworm spins its cocoon, the silk tangled and confused, unable to find order. This indicates that the foundation is weak and affairs are chaotic. When divining about planning matters, it suggests difficulty in organizing, with things remaining unresolved for a long time.

豫之大有：子鉏執麟，春秋作元。陰聖將終，尼父悲心。

A man from Lu named Chu Shang hunted a qilin, and The Spring and Autumn Annals thus ended with the record of obtaining the qilin; the sacred deeds of the simple sage were about to conclude, and Confucius wept bitterly. This indicates that the master of the forest, a virtuous person, is not favored by the times, and his great undertaking is about to come to an end. When consulting about one's career, it suggests that success is achieved but the fortune is exhausted, and one should know when to stop.

豫之謙：螟蟲為賊，害我稼薔。禾殫麥盡，秋無所得。

Locusts have become a plague, destroying my crops; the millet is eaten up, the wheat is exhausted, and in autumn there will be no grain at all. This omen indicates that the owner of the forest is secretly undermining things. When divining about agriculture and profits, it suggests that stored resources will be invaded and lost.

豫之隨：憂在腹內，山崩為疾。禍起蕭牆，竟制其國。

Anxiety lies hidden within the abdomen, erupting suddenly like a mountain collapse into illness; calamity originates within the inner courtyard, eventually seizing control of the entire state. This passage cites the saying from the "Analects of Confucius · Ji Shi" that "anxiety is not in Zhuyu but within the inner courtyard," to inquire about the state and family, indicating that internal disorder is the greatest threat.

豫之蠱：茹芝餌黃，飲食玉瑛。與神流通，長無憂凶。

Taking spiritual herbs, swallowing the essence of yellow ginseng, and drinking the refined essence of jade; thus connecting with the vital energy of the divine, enduring without worries or calamities. This forest is ruled by one who cultivates longevity and attains spiritual enlightenment. When divining one's life and destiny, it indicates prolonged life, illness avoidance, and peace.

豫之臨：一夫兩心，技刺不深。所為無功，求事不成。

A person harboring two different intentions strikes but does not go deep; what he does achieves no result, and what he seeks cannot be accomplished. This indicates that the person lacks focus and determination. When divining about endeavors, it suggests indecision and eventual failure.

豫之觀：十里望煙，散渙四方。形容滅亡，終不見君。

Looking far out ten li away, the cooking smoke is scattered and drifts in all directions; the figure and shadow disappear, ultimately unable to see the person one longs for. This indicates that the person in charge of the forest has lost contact, and reunion is uncertain. If one divines to seek someone returning, it foretells disappointment and failure.

豫之噬嗑：張弓控弩，經涉山道。雖有伏虎，誰敢害諸。

Draw the bow, tighten the crossbow, and walk through the dangerous mountain path; even if there are fierce tigers hidden, who would dare to harm? If the forest owner is well prepared, the danger will not cause trouble. Divination about traveling through danger, with preparation there will be no blame.

豫之賁：泉閉澤竭，王母飢渴。君子困窮，乃徐有說。

The spring source is blocked, the marshes dry up, and even the Western Queen Mother feels thirsty; the gentleman is temporarily in hardship and only gradually regains relief. This forest indicates resource depletion followed by relief. When questioning about difficulties, it suggests the need to wait for the right time, and after a long period, things will become smooth.

豫之剝：野鳶山雀，弈棋六博。山梟四散，主人勝客。

Wild kites and mountain sparrows gather, setting up a game of six pieces to bet; the mountain hawks scatter, and the host wins the guest. The owner of this forest, occupying the main position, gains benefit. When questioning about a game or contest, the defending side wins.

豫之復：羊驚馬走，上下揮擾。鼓音不絕，頃公奔敗。

A sheep was startled, a horse fled, causing confusion and chaos throughout. The war drums sounded continuously, and Duke Jinggong of Qi finally fled in disarray and suffered defeat. This refers to the Battle of An, where Duke Jinggong of Qi suffered a defeat. It is used to divinate conflicts and struggles, indicating that disorder and panic will lead to defeat.

豫之無妄：黃帝神明，八子聖聰。俱受大福，天下康平。

The Yellow Emperor was wise and enlightened, and his sons were all intelligent and sage-like; father and son shared great blessings, leading to peace and prosperity throughout the land. This indicates that the family has a continuous succession of virtue and talent, with descendants flourishing. Divination concerning the family's children brings great auspiciousness.

豫之大畜：住車醊酒，疾風暴起。泛亂福器，飛揚位卓，明神降祿，道無害寇。

Stop the carriage, offer wine and sacrifice to the gods. Suddenly a violent wind arises; the sacrificial vessels are blown about, overturned, and lifted high and far, becoming prominent and glorious. The wise and virtuous deities descend to bestow blessings and favors. There are no thieves or bandits on the road. This omen indicates that amidst change and upheaval, divine assistance is present. If one asks about traveling and making sacrifices, there may be alarm but no harm, and instead, good fortune is obtained.

豫之頤：騰蛇乘龍，宋鄭飢凶，民食草蓬。

The serpent ascends upon the dragon and flies, yet the states of Song and Zheng suffer from a year of famine, with the people forced to eat grass and thorny bushes to survive. This forest depends on the strong, leading to deteriorating living conditions. When divining about the harvest and livelihood, it indicates a poor harvest and hardship.

豫之大過：揚水潛鑿，使石潔白。裡素表朱，遊戲皋澤。得君所欲。心志娛樂。

Rushing water secretly erodes and polishes the stone, washing it white; its inside is pure and its outside is bright red, leisurely wandering among the marshes. All desires towards the superior have been fulfilled, and the mind is joyful and content. This signifies that the person in question is gradually refined and perfected, with harmony between inner and outer qualities. When consulting about plans and aspirations, it indicates that things will go according to one's wishes.

豫之坎：西過虎廬，驚我前驅。雖憂無危。

Going west through the area where the tiger's den is, I startled my leading horses; although there was worry, there was no real danger. The forest owner experienced a false alarm, and the divination for travel indicates a cause for concern but no actual danger.

豫之離：衣成無開，不知所穿。客指東西，未得使安。

The clothes are made but without a collar or sleeves, unsure where to put them on; the guest points east but talks west, never allowing people to feel at ease. This indicates the person in charge has a missing link, with many conflicting opinions. When divining about endeavors, it suggests indecision and difficulty in making decisions.

豫之咸：晨風文翰，隨時就溫。雄雌相和，不憂危殆。

In the morning breeze, the bird and the splendidly feathered pheasant fly together towards warm places according to the season. Male and female call to each other, without fear of danger. This forest signifies harmony with the seasons, avoiding harm, and a harmonious couple. When divining about marriage or moving, it indicates smoothness and no worries.

豫之恆：心多悔恨，出言為怪。梟鳴室比，聲丑可惡。請謁不得。

The person is filled with regret and shame, and their words are strange and abnormal. A foul and unpleasant cry comes from near the corner of the room, and when they go to seek an audience, they cannot find anyone. This indicates that the person's words will bring misfortune, and their attempts to seek help will be unsuccessful. If they consult about matters or ask others to do something, they will encounter obstacles and end up causing resentment.

豫之遁：離女去夫，閔思苦憂。齊子無良，使我心悲。

A woman leaves her husband and grieves alone in sorrow; a woman from the state of Qi behaves improperly, causing me deep sorrow. This passage uses the "Nan Shan" poem from the Book of Songs to satirize Duke Xiang of Qi, and when divining about marriage and family, it indicates separation and emotional distress.

豫之大壯：過時不歸，雌雄苦悲。徘徊外國，與叔分離。

After the expected return date, he still does not come back, with the male and female partners grieving separately in different places; one person wanders in a foreign land, separated from his maternal uncle. This indicates that the subject is detained and unable to return, asking about a distant journey and waiting, which suggests a long separation without reunion.

豫之晉：鵲巢柳樹，鳩奪其處。任力德薄，天命不佑。

A magpie has built its nest on a willow tree, but the sparrowhawk comes to take it over; relying on strength while lacking virtue will not be favored by heaven's mandate. This situation reverses the imagery from the poem "Qie Chao" in the Book of Songs, and when divining about contention, it indicates that the one who forcefully takes will not last long.

豫之明夷：鶴盜我珠，逃於東都。鵠怒追求，郭氏之墟。不見蹤跡，使伯心憂。

A white heron stole my pearl and fled to the eastern capital; a swan, in anger, pursued it, searching all the way to the ruins of the Guo family. Yet there was no trace of it at all, causing the Bo family great worry. The owner of this forest has lost something difficult to recover. Divining about searching for lost property or collecting debts, the outcome is labor in vain without success.

豫之家人：夫婦相背，和氣弗處。陰陽俱否，莊姜無子。

The husband and wife are mutually estranged, with no place for harmonious energy; yin and yang are blocked and do not interact, just as the wife of the Duke of Wei, Consort Jiang, remained childless throughout her life. This divination indicates domestic discord and difficulty in having offspring. When consulting about marriage or seeking offspring, it foretells disharmony and failure.

豫之睽：月走日步，趣不同舍。夫妻反目，主君失居。

The moon moves swiftly while the sun moves slowly, and the two follow different star lodges; thus, husband and wife become estranged, and the master loses his dwelling. This forest indicates discord and inconsistency, internal conflict and external loss. When divining about family and residence, it signifies separation and instability.

豫之蹇：洛陽嫁女，善逐人走。三寡失夫，婦妒無子。

A woman from Luoyang married off her daughter, but the daughter was accustomed to running away with others. She has been widowed three times in a row and, due to jealousy, has no children. This indicates that the household's moral standards are improper and the family's fortune has declined. When divining about marriage and descendants, the outcome is ominous.

豫之解：周德既成，杼軸不傾。太宰東西，夏國康寧。

The Zhou family's virtue has been realized, and the loom's shuttle and axle no longer run empty or fall apart; the Grand Minister travels east and west managing affairs, leading the Middle Kingdom to peace and security. This indicates that the ruler has established virtue and governance, with capable ministers in charge. Divination on state and family matters shows prosperity and stability.