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

隨之家人：水火父母，先來鳴呴。澤高之上，從高而處。

Water and fire are like the parents of all things, originating their own sounds first; when water and marshes rise to high places, people settle in those high areas. This forest ruler adapts to the terrain, seeking high ground and avoiding danger. When questioning about residence, if one chooses a safe place, there will be no fault.

隨之睽：東鄰少女，為王長歸。柔順利貞，宜夫壽子。

The maiden from the eastern neighbor married as the first wife of the Wang family; she is gentle and steadfast, suitable for her husband and her children will live long. This forest divination indicates a woman attaining proper virtue; when consulted about marriage, it signifies a virtuous match and the prosperity of the family.

隨之蹇：戴瓶望天，不見星辰。願小失大，福逃於外。

He who carries a jar on his head and looks up at the sky cannot see any stars; preoccupied with small desires, he loses the bigger picture, and good fortune slips away. This indicates that the person in question is self-imposed limitations and misses opportunities. When divining about plans and aspirations, it suggests losing the bigger picture due to focusing on minor things.

隨之解：王喬不病，狗頭不痛。三尸頭履，乏我逆從。

The immortal Prince Wang Qi is healthy and free from illness, even his dog's head does not feel pain. The three worms causing trouble within his body are crushed underfoot, although there is some deficiency, people still come forward obediently. This forest is free from evil influences. If one asks about illness, it indicates minor discomfort but eventual safety.

隨之損：使燕築室，身無庇宿。家不容車，微我衣服。

A swallow builds a nest but has no place to rest; the house is so small it cannot even hold a cart, and the clothes are simple and poor. This indicates that the person is relying on an unreliable person, living in poverty without support. If one asks about acquiring property or seeking dependence, it suggests a state of hardship and insecurity.

隨之益：威權分離，烏夜徘徊。爭蔽月光，大人誅傷。

The authority is dispersed and not centralized, with crows flying back and forth at night. They compete to cover the moon's light, and the ruler in power thus suffers harm. This omen indicates that the sovereign's authority has declined, and evil forces are obscuring the light. If one asks about official positions, it suggests harm and advises early prevention.

隨之夬：辯變白黑，巧言亂國。大人失福，君子迷惑。

Skillful argumentation turns black into white, and flowery words disrupt the state affairs; the superior person loses blessings, and the gentleman is also confused. This oracle indicates a master of sophistry deceiving the people. When questioning about right and wrong, the true and false are hard to distinguish, and upright persons suffer damage.

隨之姤：衣鋸甲鎧，敝筐為具。大人不顧，少婦不取。棄捐於道。

Wearing torn armor and using broken baskets as utensils; the master of the forest looks upon them not at all, the young wife refuses them, and finally they are discarded by the roadside. This indicates that the object is of poor quality and is abandoned by people. Divination for offering or selling suggests that it will not be accepted by others.

隨之萃：燕雀銜泥，以生孚乳。兄弟六人，叫好孝悌。得心歡欣，和悅相樂。

Swallows carry mud to build their nests, hatching young birds; siblings six in number praise each other, earnestly practicing filial piety and fraternal duty; everyone is content and joyful, harmonious and happy. This omen indicates that the family is harmonious and prosperous in offspring. When divining about the household and descendants, it portends great auspiciousness.

隨之升：登几上輿，駕駟南遊。合從散衡，燕秦以強。

Mounting the carriage with the aid of the凭几, he drives four horses southward for a tour; the alliance of union is formed while the strategy of division is broken, resulting in the strength of Yan and Qin. This person is the master of纵横 strategies, inquiring about strategies and alliances, indicating that he is in a position to plan and gain advantage.

隨之困：黯黯許許，仇偶相得。冰入炭室，消亡不息。

In the darkness, many voices are clamorous, and enemies are gathered together; it is like putting ice into a charcoal room, causing it to melt completely and unable to stop. This indicates that the parties involved are incompatible and will exhaust each other. When consulting about cooperation or marriage, it signifies mutual control, leading to harm to both.

隨之井：鴟鴞破斧，邦人危殆。賴其忠德，轉禍為福。傾亡復立。

The Book of Poetry contains two chapters, "Chi Xiao" and "Po Fu," which describe the perilous situation of the common people during the eastern campaign of the Zhou dynasty. Fortunately, due to the loyal virtue of Duke Zhou, misfortune was transformed into good fortune, and the collapsing situation was restored. This oracle indicates that a virtuous minister saves the country, and when one seeks divination regarding difficulties, one will receive assistance from a capable person and regain stability.

隨之革：載金販狗，利棄我走。藏匿淵渠，悔折為咎。

Carrying gold to trade for dogs, profit instead departs from me; hiding wealth in deep ditches and secret channels, eventually leads to regret and misfortune. This person's business practices are improper, and concealment brings calamity. When seeking fortune, it indicates gaining less than what is lost.

隨之鼎：淵坑復平，宇穴安寧。憂患解除，賴福長生。

A deep pit has been refilled, and the houses and caves are now at peace; worries are removed, and one gains longevity through blessings. This forest signifies the removal of dangers and the resolution of troubles. When consulted about illness or misfortune, it indicates a turn from danger to safety.

隨之震：驪姬饞嬉，與二孽謀。譖我恭子，賊害忠孝。駕出喜門，商伯有害。

The favored concubine Li Ji of Duke Jin Xiangong spread false accusations and seduced the king, conspiring with her two illegitimate sons. She falsely accused the crown prince Shen Sheng, a filial and respectful son, of wrongdoing, causing harm to loyal and virtuous individuals. Although the royal carriage departed from the gate of joy, officials like Shang Bo still suffered. This situation indicates a case of a concubine inciting chaos and disrupting the legitimate line. When divining about the succession of the state and family, it foretells calamity from accusations and plots.

隨之艮：刺羊不當，血少無羹。女執空筐，不得采桑。

The person in charge of the forest is not using the right method. When slaughtering a sheep, if the knife is not used properly, not much blood will come out, and the soup cannot be made. A woman carrying an empty basket cannot gather mulberry leaves. This indicates that the person is not applying effort correctly. If one asks about labor and seeking gain, it will result in returning empty-handed.

隨之漸：牧羊稻園，聞虎喧嚷。畏懼悚息，終無禍患。

By the rice field, shepherding sheep, one hears a tiger's roar and commotion; although frightened and holding one's breath, no actual harm occurs. This indicates a false alarm with no real danger. When questioning about danger or uncertainty, there is alarm but no actual peril.

隨之歸妹：明德隱伏，麟鳳遠匿。周室傾側，不知所息。

The bright virtue is concealed and not evident, the qilin and fenghuang are far away and hidden; the Zhou royal house is in peril and instability, not knowing where to rest. This omen indicates that the virtuous retreat, the principles of governance are disordered, and when inquiring about the current situation, it is favorable to keep hidden and remain cautious.

隨之豐：鄰不我顧，而求玉女。身多禿癩，誰肯媚者。

Neighbors are unwilling to take care of me, yet I foolishly desire to marry a woman as beautiful as jade; my body is full of sores and skin diseases, who would be willing to come near and love me? This person does not measure themselves and foolishly seeks what they cannot have. Divination concerning marriage and seeking favor will show rejection and no success.

隨之旅：處雖無輿，後得戰車。賴幸逢福，不罹兵革。

At first there was no vehicle, but later he obtained a war chariot; relying on good fortune and encountering blessings, he did not suffer from military calamity. This forest owner had nothing at first but gained later, preserving himself through danger. Divination concerning travel and military affairs indicates a change leading to support and security.

隨之巽：水壞我裡，東流為海。龜鳧歡囂，不睹王母。

A great flood destroyed my hometown, flowing eastward to join the sea; turtles and wild geese are noisy and lively on the water, yet no longer able to see the protection of the Queen Mother of the West. This forest indicates water disasters causing loss of home, and lack of divine protection. When divining about the household, it suggests drifting without a place to return.

隨之兌：兩心不同，或欲西東。明論終始，莫適所從。

Two people have conflicting intentions; one wishes to go west, the other east. They have debated the matter from beginning to end, yet still do not know whom to follow. This indicates a disagreement between the two parties, with no clear resolution. Divination for joint planning suggests difficulty in reaching a decision.

隨之渙：天地懸車，廢禮不朝。禳服不制，失寵其家。

Between heaven and earth, the chariot is high and suspended, not used; the rites and ceremonies are abandoned, and the court is not visited. Even the ceremonial garments for expelling calamities are not prepared, causing the family to lose its honor. This indicates that the master of the forest is neglectful and violates the rites and laws. When divining about official position and family fortune, it signifies a loss of duty and favor.

隨之節：交川合浦，遠溼難處。水土不同，思吾皇祖。

The river and stream converge, extending far to the area around HePu, where the land is distant and damp, making it difficult to live. The water and soil differ from one's homeland, thus causing longing for ancestors and the old land. This forest is not suitable for distant migration. Divination regarding relocation or distant service indicates discomfort due to the water and soil, leading to a desire to return.

隨之中孚：勾踐之危，棲於會稽。太宰機言，越國復存。

The ruler of Yue, Goujia, was in a desperate situation and retreated to take refuge on Mount Huizhi. By relying on the advice of Wu's Grand Minister Pishi, the state of Yue was able to survive. This situation represents a ruler in dire straits who encounters a turning point. When consulting about difficulties, the main factor is relying on the strength of others to avoid calamity.

隨之小過：慈鳥鳴鳩，執一無尤。寢門內治，軍自悅喜。

Kind and filial crows and calling pheasants are devoted and without error; within the household, affairs are well ordered, and all the army naturally rejoices. This forest signifies a ruler who holds to one principle and upholds righteousness, with internal order and external peace. When consulted about the governance of family, state, or army, it indicates harmony between superiors and inferiors.

隨之既濟：富年早寡，孤與獨居。雞鳴犬吠，無敢問者。我生不遇，獨罹寒苦。

At the height of his prime, he lost his wife early, leaving him and his child to live alone; though there are sounds of chickens and dogs, no one dares to visit. Born at an inauspicious time, he suffers alone from cold and hardship. This person is lonely and without support. When divining about his family and life, it indicates a bleak and difficult situation.

隨之未濟：江海變服，淫湎無測。高位顛崩，寵祿反覆。

The river and sea have changed their usual state, indulging in excess and becoming deep and unpredictable. Those in high positions fall, and favor and salary fluctuate without stability. This indicates that the ruler has lost the proper way, and his position and salary are not secure. When divining about official career, it suggests uncertain rise and fall.

蠱之蠱：魴生江淮，一轉為百。周流天下，無有難惡。

The fish called鲂 live between the Yangtze and Huai rivers, and one fish can quickly multiply into hundreds. They travel throughout the world without encountering any dangers or dislikes. This omen indicates that the forest is flourishing and thriving, with smooth passage. When divining about seeking wealth or traveling afar, it foretells smoothness and gain.

蠱之乾：首釋與目，載受福慶。我有好爵，與善相迎。

The mind and eyes are relieved, thus receiving blessings; I possess good rank, wine, and official salary, sharing them with good people. This phrase takes the meaning from The Book of Changes, Zhongfou (Middle Trust), "I have good wine, I share it with you," referring to seeking official positions and making friends, indicating sharing in the blessings.

蠱之坤：＃＃＃＃，歲暮偏蔽。寵名捐棄，君衰去位。

When the time comes to the end of the year, the scenery becomes withered and obscured; favor and status are both discarded, and the sovereign declines and leaves his position. This indicates a time of extreme hardship and decline. When divining about official fortune or family fortune, it suggests a transition from prosperity to decline, and it is advisable to withdraw early.

蠱之屯：折箬蔽日，屏遮王目。司馬無良，平子沒傷。

Cutting off the bamboo leaves to block the sun, obscuring the king's view; the military commander is not skilled, and figures like Ji Pingzi eventually suffer harm. This forest chief blinds the sovereign and brings about his own downfall. Divination regarding the right to authority and disputes indicates obstruction leading to misfortune.

蠱之蒙：家在海隅，繞旋深流。王孫單行，無妄以趨。固陰互寒，長冰不溫。後入墜胎，大雹為害。

A house located at the sea corner, surrounded by deep flowing water; the nobleman goes out alone, which should not be done carelessly; the cold air condenses and the cold is severe, with thick ice lasting for years without warming; later, a woman enters the house and suffers a miscarriage, and heavy hail becomes a disaster. This forest is dominated by cold and阴寒, and when divining about travel or childbirth, it indicates danger and advises caution.

蠱之需：執義秉德，不危不殆。延頸盤恆，安其室垣。屯耗未得，終無大恤。

By upholding righteousness and following virtue, one will not fall into danger; by waiting patiently and staying within one's own domain, one remains secure. Although there may be temporary losses without immediate gains, there will ultimately be no great calamity. This divination indicates that the subject should remain steadfast and wait for the right time. When facing difficulties, the outcome will be minor losses without major harm.

蠱之訟：長舌亂國，大斧破車。陰陽不順，姬姜衰憂。

A person who spreads slander disrupts state affairs, like a great axe splitting a cart; yin and yang do not harmonize, leading to the decline and sorrow of the Ji and Jiang noble families. This forest ruler signifies slander that ruins the family, and when divined for the state or family, it indicates internal strife and the decline of the lineage.

蠱之師：二人共路，東趨西步。千里之外，不相知處。

Two people travel along the same path, one moving east quickly, the other walking west slowly; they are separated by thousands of miles, each unaware of the other's location. This indicates that although they are companions, their intentions differ, eventually leading to separation. When consulting about cooperation with a companion, it foretells a parting of ways.

蠱之比：視暗不明，雲蔽日光。不見子都，鄭人心傷。

The view is dim and unclear, with clouds blocking the sunlight; one cannot see a person as beautiful as Zi Du, causing sorrow among the people of Zheng. This forest uses the verse from "Poetry · The Mountain Has Fu Su" to inquire about meeting a virtuous person, indicating that the wise are obscured and the desired person is not encountered.

蠱之小畜：初憂後喜，與福為市。八佾列陳，飲御嘉友。

At first there was worry, but later there was joy, as if one had gained good fortune by exchanging goods in the market; the eight-row dance was arranged, and guests were entertained with feasting. This oracle indicates that the person will first encounter difficulties but eventually gain success. When consulting about planning matters or hosting gatherings, it suggests a transition from worry to joy.

蠱之履：童妾獨宿，長女未室，利無所得。

A young servant girl is left alone at night, while the older daughter has not yet married; yin and yang are not connected, and there is no benefit to be gained. This indicates that the marriage is not yet formed and the vital energy has not begun. When divining about marriage or wealth, it suggests being unable to obtain anything.

蠱之泰：玄黃四塞，陰雌伏謀。呼為牆屋，為巫所識。

The qi of Heaven is dark and the qi of Earth is yellow, with the four directions blocked and sealed. In the direction of Yin and softness, there is a hidden plot. They communicate secretly behind walls and houses, but are discovered by the shaman. The master of the forest has his secret schemes exposed. Divination concerning hidden matters and secret agreements indicates that the main matter was not kept confidential and has been leaked out.

蠱之否：中歲摧隕，常恐衰微。老復賴慶，五羖為相。

In middle age, one encounters setbacks and falls, often worrying about permanent decline; but in old age, fortunate events occur, such as Bai Li Xi who, with only five sheepskins, rose to become the prime minister of Qin. This reading indicates that the person will experience a reversal of fortune in old age, and when questioning about their life, status, and achievements, it suggests that they will achieve success in their later years.

蠱之同人：伯氏殺牛，行悖天時。亳社夷燒，朝歌丘墟。

Master Bo killed a cow for worship without authorization, acting against the natural order; the temple of Bo was levelled and burned, and Chenggong became a ruin. This indicates that the person in question is acting against the proper time and in a reckless manner, leading to inevitable downfall. When divining about rituals and undertakings, this portends a great misfortune.

蠱之大有：日短夜長，祿命不光。早離父兄，免見憂傷。

Daytime is short and nighttime is long, with the fortune not shining brightly; leaving early from father and elder brothers, yet avoiding witnessing sorrowful events. This indicates that the person's fate is dark, with family separation early on. When divining family fortune, it suggests isolation but little disaster.

蠱之謙：采唐深鄉，徼期桑中。失心不會，憂思忡忡。

Going to a distant village to gather female moss, agreeing to meet at桑中; the other party lost their mind and did not keep the appointment, leaving only sorrow and worry. This divination uses the典 from《Poetry·Sanzhong》, asking about a romantic meeting, indicating a missed appointment and feelings of melancholy.

蠱之豫：昧視無光，夜不見明。冥抵空床，季葉逃亡。

The eyes are dim and lack brightness, and at night it is completely dark. Moving about in the dark, one collides with an empty bed; in the end, the descendants of this family scatter and flee. This indicates that the household is in darkness and decline. When divining about the family, it suggests dispersion and lack of support.

蠱之隨：舉趾振翼，南至嘉國，見我伯姑，與惠相得。

Lift your foot and spread your wings to fly south, arriving at a prosperous country, meeting my elder aunt, and receiving her kindness and favor. This forest ruler indicates a distant journey meeting relatives, obtaining assistance and achieving success. Divination for travel to visit someone shows that the outcome will be as desired and auspicious.

蠱之臨：則天順時，周流其墟。與樂並居，無有咎憂。

Modeling heaven, following the sequence of time, wandering through the old land; dwelling with joy, without fault or worry. This forest is in harmony with heaven's movement. When divining about travel and conduct, it indicates peace and comfort.

蠱之觀：蠆室蜂戶，螯我手足。不可進取，為我害咎。

Scorpions' nests and wasps' hives have stung my hands and feet; such places are not suitable for advancement and will only bring me harm. The forest owner is prone to taking risks and getting injured. When consulting about advancing or investing, it indicates that one should not proceed further.

蠱之噬嗑：公孫駕驪，載遊東齊。延陵悅產，遺季紵衣。

Gongsun rode a black steed, carrying people eastward to the state of Qi; Yanling Jizi and Zheng's Zichan admired each other, exchanging hemp robes and white sashes. This passage uses the example of Jizha's mission to Zheng, where he presented a white sash and hemp robe as a gift, to divinate about traveling and making friends, indicating the meeting of a nobleman and mutual harmony.

蠱之賁：轉作驪山，大失人心。劉季發怒，命滅子嬰。

He then turned his attention to extensively rebuilding the Lingma tomb, greatly losing the hearts of the people. Liu Ji rose up in rebellion, and the fate of the Qin prince Yingshu was thus cut off. This forest indicates laboring the people leading to downfall; when divining about initiating construction and employing people, it indicates the loss of many and the invitation of calamity.

蠱之剝：羊腸九縈，相推稍前。止須王孫，乃得上天。

The path is narrow and winding, twisting nine times, with people pushing and shoving to make slight progress. One must wait for the noble master to lead the way before reaching higher ground. This forest signifies a dangerous path requiring assistance from others. When divined for advancement, it indicates a slow progress followed by eventual success.

蠱之復：螮蝀充測，佞人傾惑。女遏橫行，正壅道塞。

A rainbow spans the sky, unpredictable and changeable, with佞 people causing trouble and misleading; the side of softness and weakness acts obstructively, blocking the path of righteousness. This divination takes the meaning from the poem "Elongated Rainbow" in the Book of Songs, which criticizes licentiousness. When consulted about matters of right and wrong or career paths, it indicates that evil will hinder the righteous and the path will be blocked.

蠱之無妄：福祿不遂，家多怪祟。麋鹿悲啼，思其大雄。

The family's fortune and happiness cannot be fulfilled as desired, with strange disturbances constantly occurring at home. A deer mourns and cries, missing its male companion. This indicates that the household is restless and unsettled, with unfulfilled loneliness and sorrow. When divining about family affairs and marriage, it suggests worries and difficulties.

蠱之大畜：雲雷因積，大雨重疊。久不見日，使我心悒。

Clouds and thunder accumulate layer by layer, with heavy rain continuing to fall; the sun has not been seen for a long time, causing me to feel depressed. This indicates that the forest is dominated by gloomy and stagnant energy. When questioning about fortune and travel, it suggests a feeling of depression and obstruction, and it is advisable to wait until the weather clears.

蠱之頤：三河俱合，水怒湧跌。壞我王室，民因無食。

Three great rivers converge, their waters raging and turbulent; they have destroyed my royal palace and the people have lost their food supply. This omen indicates a great flood causing disaster. Divining about the state's livelihood, it foretells collapse and famine.

蠱之大過：旦雨夜行，早遍都城。更相覆傾，終無所成。三頭兩眠，不見其真。

It rained in the early morning and there was a rush to travel at night, running through the capital city before dawn. There is mutual conflict and struggle, ultimately achieving nothing. Sleeping in three places and two spots, the true form cannot be discerned. This indicates that the person is in a state of confusion and disorder, with falsehoods and uncertainties. When consulting about endeavors, it suggests hard work with no success.

蠱之坎：褒後生蛇，經老育微。側跌哀公，酒減黃離。

The birth of Bao Si is said to have originated from the old story of a dragon's saliva transforming into a snake, and over time, this has developed into a hidden calamity. Duke Ai of Lu leaned to one side and fell, the wine at his banquet was reduced, and the light thus dimmed. This forest's root of misfortune lay dormant for a long time before it erupted. When consulted about the state and family, it indicates that hidden dangers will eventually lead to disaster.

蠱之離：鴻雁南飛，隨時休息。轉送天和，千歲不衰。

Wild geese fly south and rest according to the seasons; they convey the harmonious energy between heaven and earth, never declining for thousands of years. This forest signifies movement in harmony with the seasons and continuity without end. When divining about migration and life, it indicates long-term safety and auspiciousness.

蠱之咸：後時失利，不得所欲。莫享偕結，自逐自逐。

Missing the opportunity leads to loss of benefit and failure to obtain what is desired; unable to share in mutual harmony, one can only drive oneself to run about. This is the situation of the Wood official who acts alone due to missed timing; when divining for seeking cooperation or gain, it indicates emptiness and self-disturbance.

蠱之恆：心多恨悔，出言為怪。梟鳴室北，丑聲可惡。請謁不得。

His heart is full of resentment and regret, and his words are perverse and abnormal; a malevolent crow cries out in the north of the house, its voice ugly and repulsive; he goes to seek an audience but cannot meet anyone. This indicates that the person in question has both heart and mind in disorder, and attempts to seek favor or assistance will result in failure. Divination for seeking help or assistance suggests attracting resentment and achieving nothing.