Qian's Forest (the 64th forest of the Qian hexagram)
Charting guides: Da Yan Yarrow Stalk Divination, Liu Yao Divination Chart
乾之中孚:舜升大禹,石夷之野。徵詣王庭,拜治水土。
The trigram Qian changes to Zhongfu. Yu the Great was appointed by Shun to manage water and soil affairs. The Book of Documents, Shun Dian, records that Shun appointed Yu as the Minister of Works to govern the land and water. Zhongfu means sincerity and trust. When sincerity and trust exist between superiors and inferiors, virtuous people can be promoted. This divination indicates that the subject is recognized by those above and entrusted with important duties, which is auspicious.
乾之小過:從風放火,荻芝俱死。三害集房,叔子中傷。
The trigram Qian changes into the trigram Xiao Guo. Following the wind to set fire, wild reeds and lingzhi mushrooms are burned to ashes together; three kinds of calamities gather in one house, causing the younger son to be slandered. Xiao Guo is suitable for small matters but not for great undertakings. Setting fire with the wind leads to mutual destruction. This omen indicates that innocent people will be affected and one will be falsely accused, which is凶 (auspicious).
乾之既濟:梗生荊山,命制輸班。袍衣剝脫,夏熱冬寒。飢餓枯槁,眾人莫憐。
The trigram Qian changes to the trigram Ji Ji. A fine piece of timber grows on the mountain of Jing, but is specifically assigned to be cut and shaped by Gongshu Ban. His robe is stripped away, and he suffers from heat in summer and cold in winter, starving and appearing emaciated, yet no one shows compassion. The trigram Ji Ji signifies that after a matter is completed, a new danger arises. The more beautiful the material, the more it is harmed. This divination indicates being subjected to others' service, enduring hardship without support, and is ominous.
乾之未濟:長面大鼻,來解己憂。遺吾福子,與我惠妻,惠吾嘉喜。
The trigram Qian changes to the trigram Wei Ji. A nobleman with a long face and a high nose comes to relieve my worries. He leaves me a son who will bring me happiness, grants me a virtuous wife, and bestows upon me good fortune. The trigram Wei Ji indicates that the matter is not yet completed but still has a chance to be resolved. With the help of others, my worries can be dispelled. This divination suggests that a nobleman will relieve my misfortune, and I will have both a son and a virtuous wife, which is auspicious.
Kun's Forest (the 64th Forest of the Kun hexagram)
坤之坤:不風不雨,白日皎皎。宜出驅馳,通利大道。
The坤卦 remains the坤卦 when it changes. There is no wind or rain, and the day is bright and clear. It is most suitable to drive and travel, moving smoothly along the main road. The virtue of坤 is deep and capable of bearing things; it is gentle and quiet yet can follow and support. Therefore, there are no obstacles in the path. Asking about travel, moving, or planning matters, everything goes smoothly and is auspicious.
坤之乾:谷風步氣,萬物出生。萌庶長養,華葉茂盛。
The trigram Kun transforms into Qian. The east wind brings warm air, and all things begin to sprout. Many young plants grow vigorously, and flowers and leaves become lush. The Classic of Ornithology refers to the east wind as Gu Feng, which governs growth and nourishment. When Kun receives the yang energy of Qian, yin and yang interact, leading to vigorous vitality. This omen indicates the initial movement of vitality and the gradual rise of affairs, which is auspicious.
坤之屯:蒼龍單獨,與石相觸。催折兩角,室家不足。
The hexagram of Earth transforms into the hexagram of Sprouting. A blue dragon walks alone and collides with a stone, breaking both its horns, causing the family to be incomplete. Sprouting is the time when all things begin to grow but are difficult to move. A lone army advancing without support will surely suffer defeat. This omen indicates isolation and lack of assistance, with shortcomings in marriage and family matters, which is ominous.
坤之蒙:城上有鳥,自名破家。招呼鳩毒,為國患災。
The hexagram K'un transforms into Meng. On the city wall, a strange bird is perched, calling itself "Break the Family." It brings in the poison of the鸩 bird, becoming a calamity for the country. Ancients regarded a strange bird calling itself by name as a great omen of misfortune. Meng signifies confusion and lack of clarity; when the mind is unclear, misfortune enters the door. This omen indicates domestic unrest and attracting calamities, which is extremely凶.
坤之需:霜降閉戶,蜇蟲隱處。不見日月,與死為伍。
The hexagram K'un transforms into the hexagram Xu. After the frost descent, people close their doors and windows, and the insects that were hiding become concealed; unable to see the light of the sun and moon, they are as if accompanying the dead. Xu means waiting; when the right time has not arrived, one should remain hidden and guard oneself. This divination indicates blockage and obstruction, suggesting that one should remain quiet and wait for the right moment. Any reckless action will bring misfortune.
坤之訟:天之德室,溫仁手福。衣裳所在,凶惡不起。
The hexagram K'un transforms into the hexagram Song. The dwelling of Heaven bestowing virtue is warm, kind, and benevolent, with blessings held in hand. Where there is propriety and ceremonial conduct, violence and wickedness cannot arise. The hexagram Song primarily signifies contention, but if guided by virtue, disputes will naturally cease. This divination indicates that one is protected by virtue, and contention is resolved, which is auspicious.
坤之師:皇陛九重,絕不可登。未見王公,謂天蓋高。
The hexagram of坤 transforms into the hexagram of师. The palace steps are nine levels high, making it impossible to climb; never having seen the face of a noble, one can only lament as in the poem "Zhengyue" from the Book of Songs, "Wei Tian Gai Gao," expressing the sentiment that heaven is high and hard to reach. The hexagram of师 signifies gathering people who require a leader, but without a way to advance, the collective strength cannot be utilized. This divination indicates that one has no opportunity to seek favor, and efforts to advance are unfulfilled.
坤之比:孔德如玉,出於幽谷。升高鼓翼,輝光照國。
The坤卦 changes to the比卦. Extremely beautiful virtue is as smooth and jade-like, emerging from a deep valley; wings are spread to fly high, shining throughout the entire state. The "Small Ya" section of the "Book of Songs" says, "Emerging from a deep valley, moving to a tall tree," which illustrates the emergence of the virtuous from obscurity to prominence. The比卦 signifies affinity; when virtue is evident, people's hearts are drawn to it. The subject is one who rises from obscurity to prominence, with widespread fame, which is very auspicious.
坤之小畜:五軛四軌,復得饒有。陳力就列,騶虞悅喜。
The hexagram of Earth changes to the hexagram of Small Accumulation. Five chariots with yokes, four tracks of wheels, coming and going without end, yet again becoming rich and abundant. The Analects of Confucius, in the section on the Ji Shi, says, "Exert one's ability in the proper position," meaning each person should fulfill their role according to their capacity. Even the benevolent animal, the Zouyu, would be pleased. Small Accumulation refers to accumulating small things to reach a greater goal. When each person fulfills their proper role, small contributions can accumulate into much. The subject of the divination is indicated as being in the right position and fulfilling their role, with the family's fortune gradually improving. This is a favorable omen.
坤之履:四足無角,君子所服。南征述職,以惠我國。
The hexagram Kūn transforms into the hexagram Lǚ. A fine horse with four feet but no horns, is driven by the gentleman; driving it south to pay homage and perform duties, bringing benefits back to my country. The hexagram Lǚ signifies following propriety and acting in accordance with ritual. If one fulfills duties according to propriety, then affairs will surely succeed. This divination indicates being entrusted with a mission, and achieving success, which is auspicious.
坤之泰:雷行相逐,無有攸息。戰於平陸,為夷所覆。
The hexagram of Kūn changes to the hexagram of Tài. Thunder keeps rolling continuously, chasing itself without ceasing; two armies fight on a level plain and are defeated by the barbarians. Although Tái signifies smoothness and success, if action continues without rest, it ultimately leads to downfall. If asked about military affairs, it indicates a great defeat; if asked about oneself, it suggests unrest and turmoil, which is ominous.
坤之否:六龍爭極,服在下飾。謹慎管鑰,結禁毋出。
The坤 hexagram transforms into the否 hexagram. Six dragons compete for the highest position; those in lower positions can only conceal their attire to remain hidden. One must be cautious in guarding the key to the gate, tightly closing it and avoiding going out. The否 hexagram signifies the situation where heaven and earth do not communicate; when those in superior positions contend, those in inferior positions should retreat. This omen indicates a time of turmoil, advising one to remain indoors and avoid involvement, as any rash action may bring calamity.
坤之同人:長男少女,相向共語,福祿歡喜。
The Kūn hexagram transforms into the Tóngrén hexagram. The Zhèn trigram represents the elder son, and the Duì trigram represents the young daughter; they face each other and express their affection, bringing blessings and happiness. The Tóngrén hexagram signifies harmony with others. When the feelings between husband and wife are mutual, the family prospers. If this is questioned about marriage, it indicates a successful union. If questioned about endeavors, it suggests assistance from others, which is auspicious.
坤之大有:奸延惡人,使德不通。炎火為殃,禾穀大傷。
The坤 hexagram transforms into the大有 hexagram. Wicked people introduce evil persons, preventing the implementation of virtuous governance; fierce fire leads to calamity, causing great damage to crops and grain. Although大有 signifies prosperity and abundance, the appointment of petty men results in the destruction of all possessions. This omen indicates that petty men are in power, family affairs are harmed, and it is an ominous sign.
坤之謙:修其翰翼,隨風向北,至虞夏國,與舜相得。年歲大樂,邑無盜賊。
The trigram Kūn transforms into the trigram Qian. After repairing the feathers on its wings, it flies north with the wind, arriving at the country of Yu and Xia. It finds harmony with Yu Shun. Humility involves cultivating oneself in a lowly manner, thus being able to align with the heart of a sage ruler. Therefore, the harvest is abundant, the whole country rejoices, and there are no thieves in the towns. This divination indicates encountering a wise ruler and being highly valued, with a good harvest and people in peace, which is a great auspicious omen.
坤之豫:鉛刀攻玉,堅不可得。盡我筋力,胝繭為疾。
The hexagram Kun transforms into Yu. Using a dull knife made of lead to carve jade, the jade is too hard to work with; I exhaust my bones and muscles, my hands develop calluses, and I end up with illness. The "Later Han Book" mentions the metaphor of "a lead knife cutting once," which precisely describes its dullness. Yu signifies acting in accordance with the right time, but if the tool is not suitable for the task, then the effort is in vain. This divination indicates a situation where strength is insufficient for a heavy responsibility, leading to futile labor and illness.
坤之隨:舉被覆目,不見日月。衣裳簠簋,就長夜室。
The坤 hexagram transforms into the随 hexagram. Pulling the quilt over one's eyes to block out sight, unable to see the sun and moon; preparing clothes and ritual vessels, and placing them in the dark, long night of the tomb. To follow means to act in accordance with the time, but here the following is of a place of death. If one asks about illness, it indicates danger; if one asks about the family home, it suggests mourning. This is a great凶.
坤之蠱:賊仁傷德,天怒不福。斬刈宗社,失其邦域。
The hexagram of K'un transforms into the hexagram of Gu. It signifies the destruction of benevolence and righteousness, the damage to virtue, and heaven's anger without granting blessings. The ancestral temples and state altars are destroyed and levelled, and the country's territory is lost. The hexagram of Gu indicates a situation where accumulated evils lead to calamity; if these evils reach their peak without being addressed, the state will perish. This omen foretells the collapse of virtue, the ruin of the family, the loss of position and territory, and is of great凶.
坤之臨:白龍赤虎,戰鬥俱怒。蚩尤敗走,死與魚口。
The坤卦 changes to the临卦. A white dragon and a red tiger fight, both filled with anger; in the end, Chiyou flees and dies in the place of the fish mouth. The Records of the Grand Historian: Five Emperors' Chronicle states that the Yellow Emperor fought Chiyou at the Zhuolu plain, and eventually captured and killed Chiyou. The临卦 signifies a great one overpowering a small one, and when righteousness defeats wickedness, chaos is calmed. This divination indicates that conflicts will eventually result in a clear victory or defeat, and those who remain upright and steadfast will receive good fortune.
坤之觀:北辰紫宮,衣冠立中。含和建德,常受天福。
The坤 hexagram transforms into the观 hexagram. The North Star resides in the Purple Micro Palace, standing upright in its proper position with proper attire; it holds a harmonious spirit and establishes virtue, thus enduringly receiving the blessings of Heaven. The Analects of Confucius, in the chapter "Government," says, "Like the North Star, it remains in its place while all the other stars revolve around it." The hexagram of 观 governs being centered and upright to show the world, maintaining the middle and upholding virtue brings blessings naturally. The divination indicates the subject holds a high position and enjoys security, with long-lasting blessings, which is very auspicious.
坤之噬嗑:稷為堯使,西見王母。拜請百福,賜我善子。
The hexagram Kūn transforms into the hexagram Shìkè. Houji, carrying the mission of Emperor Yao, traveled westward to pay homage to the Western Queen Mother. He knelt and prayed for various blessings, seeking to be granted virtuous offspring. Houji was Yao's agricultural instructor, as recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Annals of the Zhou Dynasty." The hexagram Shìkè signifies the act of gnawing through obstructions, and sincere intent leads to clarity and fulfillment. This divination indicates that the wish for offspring will be fulfilled and that what is sought will come to pass, which is auspicious.
坤之賁:三人異趣,反覆迷惑。一身五心,亂無所得。
The hexagram K'un transforms into the hexagram Bi. Three people have different aspirations and are repeatedly doubtful and confused; one body holds five different thoughts, resulting in disorder and nothing achieved. Bi governs ornamentation, but external decoration cannot conceal inner uncertainty. This indicates disagreement in opinions, indecision in decision-making, and ultimately, failure in endeavors.
坤之剝:南山大玃,盜我媚妾。怯不敢逐,退而獨宿。
The hexagram K'un changes to the hexagram Bao. A large monkey on the southern mountain has taken away my beloved concubine; I am too timid to go after her and can only return to sleep alone. The hexagram Bao signifies a situation where Yin is overpowering Yang, and the weak are invaded but unable to defend themselves. This omen indicates being oppressed by others, losing one's wife and wealth, and being unable to fight back, which is ominous.
坤之復:眾鬼所趨,反作大怪。九身無頭,魂驚魄去,不可以居。
The hexagram of Kun transforms into the hexagram of Fu. A multitude of ghosts gather together, causing a great strange occurrence; nine bodies without heads, frightening people so much that their souls fly away, and the place can no longer be inhabited. Fu originally signifies the return of the single yang, but if the multitude of yin forces have not yet receded, strange phenomena arise. If one asks about the household, there is an invasion of evil spirits, and it is advisable to move away and avoid, which is ominous.
坤之無妄:延頭遠望,眯為目疾。不見叔姬,使伯心憂。
The hexagram of坤 transforms into the hexagram of无妄. Stretching the neck to look far away, the dust and sand cloud the eyes causing an eye disease; the figure of Shu Ji cannot be seen, causing Bo Shi to feel sorrowful. The hexagram of无妄 warns against reckless desires, for the more one longs, the deeper the harm. If one asks about a traveler, it indicates no news; if one asks about the body, it suggests an eye ailment, which is ominous.
坤之大畜:典冊法書,藏在蘭臺。雖遭亂潰,獨不遇災。
The hexagram of Kun changes to Da Xu. Classic texts, official documents, and legal records are stored in the Lan Tai; even if there is military chaos and collapse, they alone are not afflicted. The Lan Tai was the repository for books in the Han dynasty, where Ban Gu once served as a clerk. Da Xu signifies accumulation and firm preservation; when stored properly, they can be protected from harm. The divination indicates being prepared in advance, preserving integrity in times of disorder, and thus is auspicious.
坤之頤:自衛反魯,時不我與。冰炭異室,仁道隔塞。
The坤 hexagram transforms into the颐 hexagram. Confucius returned from the State of Wei to Lu, and then corrected the poetry and music, yet the times did not support him. Ice and charcoal are placed in separate rooms, unable to coexist, thus the way of benevolence is blocked. The Analects, Book of Zhishan, states, "After I returned from Wei to Lu, I then corrected the music." The颐 hexagram signifies nurturing the correct path; when the way is not followed, one can only retreat and cultivate oneself. This divination indicates a situation of unfulfilled talent and aspirations conflicting with the times.
坤之大過:瘤癭禿疥,為身瘡害。疾病癃殘,常不遠逮。
The K'un hexagram transforms into the Da Guo hexagram. It indicates the emergence of tumors, goiters, bald patches, scabies, and other skin ailments, causing suffering on the body. Illness leads to weakness and disability, often preventing one from even moving short distances. Da Guo signifies a hexagram of excessive burden causing the main beam to bend, implying that a weak body bearing heavy responsibilities leads to illness. When questioning about illness, it suggests a prolonged and difficult recovery, advising quiet rest and careful regulation, which is ominous.
坤之坎:東齊郭盧,嫁於洛都。俊良美好,媒利過倍。
The hexagram Kun transforms into Kan. A daughter from the Guo and Lu families in the eastern state of Qi, who married far away to Luoyang, the capital, found a husband who was both talented and handsome. The matchmaker also gained double the profit. Although Kan represents danger, there is trust within the danger, leading to a happy marriage. If one asks about marriage, it indicates a successful distant marriage with a good partner. If one asks about wealth, it suggests profit through intermediation. It is favorable.
坤之離:齊魯爭言,戰於龍門。構怨連禍,三世不安。
The hexagram of坤 changes to the hexagram of离. Qi and Lu states fought a battle at the龙门 place due to verbal disputes, resulting in enmity that continued as a curse for three generations. The hexagram of离 represents attachment; if the attachment is to conflict, then calamity will persist without end. This divination indicates disputes leading to quarrels, family feuds continuing across generations, and great misfortune.
坤之咸:膏澤肥壤,農人豐敞。利居長安,歷世無患。
The坤卦 transforms into the咸卦. Rain and dew nourish the land, making it fertile, so farmers achieve a bountiful harvest and enjoy financial stability. It is favorable to reside in a place of long-term peace and security, where there has been no calamity through the ages. The咸卦 signifies mutualsympathetic response, and when the energies of heaven and earth interact, there is abundance in goods and prosperity among the people. When asking about land or residence, it indicates stability and wealth, which is highly auspicious.
坤之恆:倉盈庾億,宜種黍稷。年歲豐熟,民得安息。
The坤卦 changes to the恒卦. The granary is full, and the open-air grain stores are piled high like mountains, which is most suitable for planting millet and millet. The harvest is abundant and the grain is ripe, allowing the people to live in peace and rest. The恒 means constancy, and if farming and cultivation follow their regular course, then year after year there will be enough food. If one asks about farming or household affairs, it indicates increasing accumulation and long-term stability, which is auspicious.
坤之遁:鴟鴞破斧,邦人危殆。賴其忠德,轉禍為福,傾危復立。
The hexagram of Earth transforms into the hexagram of Withdrawal. Crows destroy their nests, axes and adzes ruin things, and the people are in a dangerous situation. The two poems "Chi Xiao" and "Po Fu" from the Book of Songs, Odes of Bin, describe the difficulties faced by the Duke of Zhou during his eastern campaign to quell the rebellion. Thanks to the Duke of Zhou's loyalty and virtue, misfortune was turned into good fortune, and the situation of collapse was restored. Those who withdraw to preserve themselves can regain stability if they remain steadfast in retreat. The divination indicates a situation of alarm without actual danger, and safety is achieved through the virtue of a wise person.
坤之大壯:歲疾無年,虐政害民。乾溪驪山,秦楚結冤。
The hexagram of Kun transforms into the hexagram of Da Zhuang. The harvest was ruined by an epidemic, and the people suffered greatly. Oppressive government policies harmed the common people. King Ling of Chu died in the battle at Qianxi, and Qin Shi Huang was buried in Li Mountain, causing great resentment among the people of both Qin and Chu. When Da Zhuang becomes overly strong, it will inevitably break. Those who rely on power to oppress the people will surely bring about their own downfall. This omen indicates that the ruler is harsh and the people are resentful, leading to instability in the state and family, which is a great misfortune.
坤之晉:捯潔累累,締結難解。嫫母衒嫁,媒不得坐,自為身禍。
The坤卦 changes to the晋卦. Knots are tied one after another, making it difficult to untangle; a woman known for her ugly appearance boasts widely seeking marriage, and the matchmaker is troubled and unable to sit in peace, eventually inviting misfortune. Momo is said to have been the wife of the Yellow Emperor and was famous for her ugly appearance. The ruler of晋 is ambitious and advances without measuring himself, leading to disgrace. The divination indicates entanglement and difficulty in escape, inviting misfortune, which is凶.
坤之明夷:訾陬開門,鶴鳴彈冠,章甫進用,舞韶和鸞。三人翼事,國無災患。
The hexagram of Earth transforms into the hexagram of Brightness Dimmed. In a remote place, the gate is open, and cranes call out in the fields while those of the same path clean the dust from their hats and wait for official appointment. The Confucian scholar wearing a cap of propriety is appointed, and the music of Shao is played with the sound of jade pendants harmonizing. The allusion "to clean one's hat" comes from the "Biographies of Wáng Jí" in the "Han Shu," where it says, "Wáng Yáng held office, and Gòng Gōng cleaned his hat." The cap of propriety is mentioned in the "Analects of Confucius," in the chapter "Advanced." With three virtuous ministers assisting the state, there will be no calamity within the country. Although Brightness Dimmed is a time when virtue is wounded, the virtuous person below will eventually rise. This divination indicates that the path of the virtuous is gradually opening, which is auspicious.
坤之家人:弟妹和居,與類相扶。願慕群丑,不離其處。
The hexagram of Earth transforms into the hexagram of Family. Brothers and sisters live in harmony, supporting each other within the same household; they enjoy being close to their companions and none wishes to leave. In ancient usage, "Chou" is interpreted as "class" or "group," referring to peers and companions. The hexagram of Family represents the way of the family; when the family is harmonious, both inside and outside the household are well governed. This omen indicates harmony among relatives, unity without dispersion, and is auspicious.
坤之睽:邯鄲反言,兄弟生患。涉叔憂恨,卒死不還。
The坤 hexagram transforms into the睽 hexagram. Words from Handan come in reverse order, causing strife among siblings; thus, calamity arises between brothers. Sheshu is filled with worry and resentment, eventually dying in exile without returning. When睽 occurs, there is separation and discord, with words contradicting each other leading to enmity even among close relatives. If this is questioned about siblings, it indicates a loss of harmony; if questioned about a traveler, it signifies bad news. This is a major calamity.
坤之蹇:三人逐兔,各爭有得,愛亡善走,多獲鹿子。
The hexagram of Kun changes to the hexagram of Jian. Three people run after a rabbit, each competing and each gaining something; unfortunately, the swift runner is no longer there, but they unexpectedly catch several young deer. The hexagram of Jian signifies difficulty in movement. Although there is a loss, there is also a gain. This divination indicates that in competition there is gain, loss here and gain there, first a loss then a benefit.
坤之解:北辰紫宮,衣冠立中。含和建德,常受天福。
The K'un hexagram transforms into the Jie hexagram. The North Star resides stably in the Ziwei Palace, standing upright and properly dressed in the central position. It contains hidden harmony and establishes virtue, thus often receiving the blessings of Heaven. The Jie hexagram signifies the dispersion of dangers; by maintaining virtue in the center, difficulties are not fully resolved but blessings come. This divination indicates the removal of worries and stability in position, which is auspicious.
坤之損:拜跪請免,不得其哺。俯首銜枚,低頭北走。
The hexagram K'un changes to the hexagram Sun. Kneeling and bowing humbly to beg for forgiveness, yet not even a single meal is obtained; one can only lower one's head, bite a piece of wood to keep silent, and flee hastily to the north. Biting wood was an ancient military practice to prevent making noise. Sun signifies reducing oneself to serve above, but if the reduction is excessive, there will be nothing left for oneself. This divination indicates that one's request to others is unheeded, one is disgraced and forced to flee, which is ominous.
坤之益:鶴盜我珠,逃於東隅。求之郭噓,不見所居。
The坤 hexagram transforms into the益 hexagram. A mythical crane stole my precious jewel and fled to the eastern corner; searching in the ruins of the city, I could not find where it had taken refuge. The益 hexagram is usually associated with increase, but here it forms an image of loss. Asking about lost property suggests difficulty in recovering it, and asking about seeking wealth indicates hidden loss. This is an ominous omen.
坤之夬:一簧兩舌,妄言謬語。三奸成虎,曾母投杼。
The hexagram Kun transforms into the hexagram Guai. A person opens his mouth and contains two tongues, speaking nonsense and reversing truth and falsehood. Three wicked people repeatedly tell a lie, and a tiger can be created out of nowhere. Even the mother of Zeng Shen finally threw down her loom, climbed over the wall, and ran away. "Three people saying a tiger is there" is found in "The Warring States Strategies: Wei Strategies," and "Zeng's mother throwing away the loom" is found in "The Warring States Strategies: Qin Strategies." The hexagram Guai governs decisively removing small people. If slander is not decisively dealt with, it will harm close relatives. This divination indicates being falsely accused and trusted people doubting you, which is ominous.
坤之姤:孤獨特處,莫與為旅。身日勞苦,使布五穀,陰陽順序。
The hexagram K'un transforms into the hexagram Gou. One is alone, without companions to travel with; though laboring day by day, the task is to sow the five grains, making yin and yang proceed in order. Gou signifies an unexpected meeting. Although traveling alone, it is in harmony with the heavenly timing. This omen indicates being alone and laboring, yet the matter will ultimately succeed, with hardship first and sweetness afterwards.
坤之萃:褰衣涉河,澗流浚多。賴遇舟子,濟脫無他。
The hexagram of Earth transforms into the hexagram of Accumulation. One lifts up one's clothes and wades through the water to cross the river, but the stream in the ravine is deep and swift. Fortunately, a boatman is encountered, allowing safe passage without further mishap. The hexagram of Accumulation signifies gathering together; when collective strength is united, dangers can be overcome. This omen indicates turning misfortune into good fortune and receiving help from others, which is favorable.
坤之升:憑河登山,道路阻難,求事少便。
The hexagram Kun transforms into the hexagram Sheng. Walking barefoot across water to cross a river, or climbing a high mountain, the path is difficult and hard to travel, and affairs are rarely smooth. The Analects of Confucius warns with the phrase "to fight a tiger with bare hands and cross a river on foot," advising against relying solely on courage and strength. Sheng signifies progress, yet with many obstacles on the way, it is difficult to reach the goal quickly. This omen suggests that plans will be delayed and require much effort.
坤之困:兔罝之榮,不失其恭,和謙致樂,君子攸同。
The hexagram of Kūn transforms into the hexagram of Kùn. Like the warriors in the "Book of Songs, Zhou Nan, Tu Ji" who set nets to catch rabbits, one can attain honor as a minister or a loyal retainer, always maintaining respect and humility. Being gentle and modest brings joy, which is the shared virtue of the gentleman. When inpredicament but able to hold fast to one's principles, one is not trapped by difficulties. This omen indicates that one should remain steadfast in adversity and eventually gain the praise of many, which is auspicious.
坤之井:三女求夫,伺候山隅,不見覆關,泣涕漣如。
The hexagram of Earth transforms into the hexagram of Well. Three women are waiting to find a husband, standing by the mountain corner, unable to see their beloved coming from Fuguan, and their tears flow continuously. The Classic of Poetry, Wei Wind, Meng, says, "Not seeing Fuguan, tears flow endlessly." The Well hexagram signifies nourishing people but remains in a fixed position; it represents waiting without meeting, leading to empty sorrow. When asking about marriage, it indicates waiting for a long time without success, only increasing sorrow, which is ominous.
坤之革:螟蟲為賊,害我五穀。中溜空虛,家無所食。
The坤 hexagram transforms into the革 hexagram. Locusts have become pests, destroying my grain; the central part of the house is empty, and the whole family has nothing to eat. "Middle passage" refers to the center of the room, here used to denote the house. The革 hexagram signifies change and the removal of evils. If the pests are not eliminated, there will be no surplus grain. If this is asked about farming, it indicates a poor harvest; if asked about household affairs, it indicates scarcity. This is an ominous omen.
坤之鼎:望尚阿衡,太宰國公。藩屏輔弼,福祿來同。
The hexagram K'un transforms into the hexagram Ding. It resembles the great ministers like Lü Shang, the Tai Shi, and Yi Yin, the A Heng, who held high offices such as Tai Zai and were honored as state princes. They acted as protective barriers for the royal house and assisted the sovereign, bringing both fortune and official rank. The Book of Documents, Shang Jia, refers to Yi Yin as the A Heng. The hexagram Ding symbolizes cooking and nurturing virtuous ministers; when a virtuous minister is obtained, the state becomes secure. This divination indicates receiving the support of a great minister and the simultaneous arrival of rank and honor, which is highly auspicious.
坤之震:三年生狗,以戌為母。荊夷上侵,姬伯出走。
The trigram Kun transforms into Zhen. A dog that had been raised for three years took the Xu land as its mother; the Jingchu barbarians launched an attack upward, and the Duke of the Ji clan was forced to flee. Zhen represents movement and fear; sudden external threats caused the ruler's position to become unstable. The divination indicates foreign aggression entering the country, the head of the household fleeing to avoid disaster, which is ominous.
坤之艮:途遏道塞,求事不得。
The hexagram K'un changes to Gen. There is obstruction along the way, and the path is blocked, so the desired matter cannot be accomplished. Gen signifies stopping, and when action is hindered, nothing is achieved. This divination indicates that all matters are obstructed, with difficulty in moving forward or backward. It is advisable to delay the matter, and the outcome is unfavorable.
坤之漸:探懷得蚤,無有凶憂,所願失道,善居漸好。
The K'un hexagram transforms into the Qian hexagram. Reaching into one's bosom, only a flea is found, though not satisfying, there is no danger or worry; the desired thing has strayed from the right path, but by keeping within one's bounds, the situation will gradually improve. The hexagram of Qian indicates gradual progress, and by not being impetuous, one can naturally turn things around. This divination suggests minor failure but ultimately no major harm, it is advisable to hold back rather than to seek actively.
坤之歸妹:飛樓屬道,趾多攪垣,居之不安,覆厭為患。
The坤卦 changes to the归妹卦. An empty pavilion connected to a sky bridge has its base disturbing the walls, making the dwelling unstable and prone to collapse, which could lead to disaster. The归妹卦 indicates marriage with improper positions, and if the foundation is not solid, the higher one rises, the more dangerous it becomes. This divination suggests danger in residence, reliance on the wrong person, and advises early preparation for relocation, which is ominous.
坤之豐:義不勝情,以欲自傾,幾危利寵,折角催頸。
The hexagram of坤 transforms into the hexagram of丰. Moral principles cannot overcome personal desires, leading to self-destruction due to greed. Seeking immediate benefits and favor brings danger, ultimately resulting in the breaking of the head and the breaking of the neck.丰 signifies grandeur, but when grandeur is not restrained, it leads to failure. This omen indicates indulgence in desires and moral decline, resulting in personal ruin and loss of reputation, which is extremely凶.
坤之旅:潼翁蔚薈,扶首來會,津液來降,流淹滂霈。
The hexagram of Earth transforms into the hexagram of Travel. The clouds gather densely and continuously, forming a formation, followed by rain that pours down in torrents, moistening the land everywhere. The poem "Hou Ren" from the Book of Songs, "Gao Feng" describes "Hui xi wei xi, Nan Shan chao xi," which depicts the rising of clouds and the coming of rain. Traveling abroad and encountering timely rain, after a long drought, indicates a resolution of difficulties and the arrival of blessings, which is auspicious.
