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

蠱之遁：四馬過隙，時難再得。尼父孔聖，繫而不食。

A chariot drawn by four horses rushes through a narrow gap, fleeting and momentary, indicating an opportunity that cannot be regained. Even a sage like Confucius is like a gourd attached to a branch but not edible. This oracle suggests that the subject is not in a favorable time, their talents are not being recognized, and seeking advancement will result in feeling unrecognized and unappreciated.

蠱之大壯：陰變為陽，女化為男。治道得通，君臣相承。

Yin transforms into Yang, female changes into male; the way of governing the state is put into practice, with the sovereign and ministers supporting each other. This indicates a reversal of destiny, harmony between superiors and inferiors, and when questioned about the current situation and advancement in officialdom, it signifies a shift from weakness to strength.

蠱之晉：崑崙源口，流行不止。龍門砥柱，民不安處。母歸扶子，黃麋悅喜。

The river flows continuously from the source of Kunlun Mountain; between the龙门 and砥柱, the water is treacherous, making it impossible for people to live in peace. Later, the mother returns to help her child, and the yellow deer also become happy. This indicates that the person in question will receive assistance in times of danger, and when asking about the reunion of family members, it suggests a situation that begins with danger but ends in safety.

蠱之明夷：葛藟蒙棘，華不得實。饞佞亂政，使恩壅塞。

The vine is entangled with brambles, it blooms but does not bear fruit; flatterers disrupt the government, blocking the sovereign's grace from reaching below. This omen indicates obstruction and entanglement, with the sovereign's favor not flowing smoothly. If one seeks favor or advancement through divination, the outcome will be a beginning without an end.

蠱之家人：公無長驅，天王駿馬。非其當所，傷折為患。

The lord should not ride his horse forcefully, for it is the king's swift steed. Using it where it should not be used will surely lead to injury and misfortune. This forest lord is overstepping his bounds by misusing things and people, which will result in loss due to exceeding his proper limits.

蠱之睽：大倉充盈，萬物蕃盛，年歲熟榮。

The granary is full, with all things flourishing and abundant. The harvest is mature and prosperous. This forest signifies accumulated wealth and sufficiency. When divining about agriculture or household affairs, it indicates a bountiful harvest and no worries about clothing and food.

蠱之蹇：執簧照犧，為風所吹，火滅無光，不見玄黃。

Holding a lamp to illuminate the sacrificial animal, a gust of wind came and extinguished the flame, leaving no light. Even the distinction between heaven's darkness and earth's yellow could not be discerned. The forest's master lost his sight midway, and the ritual failed. When divining for clarity and inquiry, it indicates that the endeavor will be incomplete and fall short of success.

蠱之解：鳥反故巢，歸其室家，心平意正，與叔相鳴。登高隕墜，失其寵貴。

A bird returns to its old nest, back to its family, with a peaceful mind and upright thoughts, harmonizing with its uncle. However, rising too high leads to a fall, losing its former honor. This omen begins auspicious but ends in misfortune. If one asks about returning home and taking a position, it indicates gaining and then losing again. One should know when to stop.

蠱之損：弩馳弓藏，良犬不烹。內無怨女，征夫在堂。

The bowstring is slack, the good bow is stored away, and the hunting dogs need not be cooked; there is no resentful woman in the household, and the husband who went to war has returned home. This omen signifies the cessation of military action and the return of people. If one asks about a traveler or military service, it indicates peace and reunion.

蠱之益：牡犧孔博，日新其德。文君出獵，姜氏受福。

A fat and strong bull is used as a sacrificial animal, its virtue renewed daily; a virtuous king goes hunting in the fields, and the Lady of the Jiang clan shares in the blessings. This forest signifies reverence for sacrifices and cultivation of virtue. When divining about a family that practices worship, it indicates harmony and auspiciousness for both superiors and inferiors.

蠱之夬：秋季孟冬，寒露霜降。大陰在庭，庶物不生。雞鳴犬吠，家憂數驚。

In late autumn as winter approaches, dew freezes and frost descends; extreme yin energy dominates the courtyard, and all things cease to grow. The sounds of roosters crowing and dogs barking continue, yet the household faces worries and frequent disturbances. This omen indicates a master of cold and severe yin, and when divined regarding the family's livelihood, it suggests decline and frequent alarm.

蠱之姤：心多恨悔，出門見怪。歹蛇三足，丑聲可惡。嫫母為媒，請求不得。

The person's heart is full of resentment and regret; as soon as they step out, they encounter strange and eerie things. A venomous snake with three legs appears, making a foul and repulsive sound. They seek the help of a woman as ugly as Mumo to act as a matchmaker, but the marriage will not succeed. This forest is a sign of continuous bad omens and entrusting the wrong person. Divination regarding marriage and seeking help will indicate an unsuccessful outcome.

蠱之萃：虎豹爭強，道閉不通。小人歡訟，貪天之功。

Tigers and leopards contend for dominance, causing the roads to become blocked; petty people rejoice in lawsuits and claim the merits of heaven as their own. This indicates that the master of the forest is engaged in fierce competition, with petty people stealing the credit. When divining about travel and disputes, it foretells obstruction and many disputes.

蠱之升：雞方啄粟，為狐所逐。走不得食，惶怖惕息。

A chicken is pecking at millet when a fox chases it; after escaping, it cannot eat, and is frightened into holding its breath. This omen indicates that the owner of the forest is being wronged and is frightened and displaced. When divining about food and livelihood, it suggests disturbance and lack of peace.

蠱之困：陳媯敬仲，兆興齊姜。乃適營丘，八世大昌。

The nobleman Jingzhong of the state of Chen, of the Gui surname, divined a sign indicating that he would rise to prominence in the land of the Jiang clan in Qi. He went to Yingqiu, and after eight generations, his lineage became greatly prosperous. This reference uses the historical example of Chen Wan fleeing to Qi and the Ti clan taking over Qi to inquire about migration and establishing a career, indicating that success comes after a distant relocation.

蠱之井：昊天白日，照臨我國。萬民康寧，咸賴喜福。

The vast heavens and bright sun illuminate my country; all the people are healthy and peaceful, each enjoying joy and blessings. This forest is bright and widespread. When divined for state affairs or family fortune, it indicates great good fortune and general peace.

蠱之革：雲夢大藪，嘉有所在。虞人共職，驪駒樂喜。

Cloud Meng is a vast lake and marshland, containing abundant resources. The officials in charge of mountains and lakes each perform their duties diligently. The song of the Li Ju horse is joyful. This forest is the master of abundant resources and well-maintained duties. Divination regarding hunting and fishing industries indicates prosperity and harmony.

蠱之鼎：獐鹿雉兔，群聚東國。蘆黃白春，俱往逐追，九齚十得。主君有喜。

Deer, wild boars, pheasants, and rabbits gather in the eastern land; when reed grass turns yellow and spring turns white, people all go out to hunt, catching nine and capturing ten; the master is therefore delighted. This forest yields abundant game. When divination is made for seeking, the result will exceed expectation.

蠱之震：得惠孔明，主君復章，保其室堂。

The benefits received are very clear and evident, the sovereign is once again recognized and promoted, preserving his family's residence and hall. This oracle indicates that the master of the forest is favored and restored to his position, and when divined about family affairs and official positions, it signifies losing and then regaining them.

蠱之艮：天之所壞，不可強支。眾口嘈嘈，雖貴必危。

Heaven's will to destroy something cannot be upheld by human effort; when there is widespread criticism, even holding a high position brings danger. This indicates that the main force has already declined and cannot withstand public opposition. If one asks about official position, it suggests that one should not forcefully compete.

蠱之漸：天之奧隅，堯舜所居。可以全身，保我邦家。

In a secluded corner hidden by heaven, there is a place where sages like Yao and Shun reside; here one can preserve oneself and safeguard one's state and family. This forest selects a place to defend itself, and when divining about dwelling in a place to avoid danger, it indicates stability and no worries.

蠱之歸妹：下泉苞稂，十年九主。旬伯遇時，憂念周京。

The poem "Xiaquan" from the Book of Songs describes how cold spring water has submerged the growing weeds, with nine different rulers in ten years. Xun Bo happened to be in this situation, feeling anxious about the state of the Zhou royal capital. This forest represents a government with frequent changes in power, where loyal ministers worry about the country. When divining the current situation and the responsibilities of the times, it suggests that active action is appropriate and one should uphold integrity.

蠱之豐：江河海隅，眾利聚居。可以遨遊，卒歲無憂。

By the rivers and seas and the corners of the sea, various benefits gather there; one can leisurely travel and have no worries throughout the year. This forest indicates the gathering of wealth, peace of mind and body. If one asks about business or long journeys, it signifies profit and happiness.

蠱之旅：南山黃竹，三身六目。出入制命，東皇宣政。主尊君安，鄭國無患。

In the southern mountain grows yellow bamboo, and there is a legend of an extraordinary person with three bodies and six eyes. He oversees the administration of destiny, and the Eastern Emperor issues decrees. The sovereign is revered, the king is secure, and the state of Zheng has no calamity. This grove signifies the enforcement of authority, and when divining about state affairs and official positions, it indicates that orders will be carried out and the realm will be peaceful.

蠱之巽：重譯置之，來除我憂。與喜俱居，同其福休。

After passing through several layers of interpreters, the message was finally conveyed, coming to remove my worries; joy and blessings accompany me, sharing in the good fortune. This oracle indicates that someone from afar will come to help; when seeking assistance, it signifies the removal of worries and the attainment of good fortune.

蠱之兌：南山高崗，麟鳳室堂。含和履中，國無災殃。

On the high mountain ridge of Nan Mountain, the Qilin and Fenghuang dwell. Their nature is harmonious and balanced, their steps steady and upright, so there is no calamity in the country. This forest symbolizes auspiciousness and correctness. When divining about state affairs or family dwellings, it indicates peace and safety without disaster.

蠱之渙：紫芝朱草，生長和氣。公尸侑食，福祿來下。

Purple ginseng and red grass, such auspicious creatures, grow in harmonious atmosphere; the public corpse, who represents the deity, encourages the offering of food and drink during worship, and blessings and good fortune follow. This forest takes the meaning from the poem "Fu Yi" in the Book of Songs, where the public corpse enjoys the sacrificial feast. When consulting about worship and prayer for blessings, it indicates that the deity is pleased and blessings arrive.

蠱之節：宮城室就，進樂相舞。英俊在堂，福祿光明。

The palace, city walls, and buildings have all been completed, and music is played while people dance together; talented and outstanding individuals are gathered in the hall, and blessings and honors shine brightly. This indicates that the forest owner has achieved success and gathered virtuous talents. When divining about initiating projects or seeking official positions, it signifies a complete and prosperous outcome.

蠱之中孚：商之子孫，資無所有。貪貝逐狐，留連都市。還轅內鄉，嘉喜何咎。

The descendants of the Yin-Shang dynasty have no wealth; they greedily seek money and pursue profits from fox skins, lingering in the city. Later they turn back to their homeland, and instead find good fortune. How could there be a mistake? This indicates that those who seek outside fail to gain, but returning to their roots brings good fortune. When divining about business ventures or long journeys, it is advisable to return home.

蠱之小過：執贄入朝，獻其狐裘。元戎燮安，妙漠以歡。

Holding a gift for meeting, he entered the court and presented a fox fur coat; the commander's large army thus became harmonious and stable, and the remote regions also became joyful. This indicates that the master of the forest presented the gift appropriately, transforming disputes into harmony. When consulting about presenting a gift to establish friendly relations, it suggests that the recipient will accept it and maintain harmony.

蠱之既濟：湧泉汩汩，南流不絕。洿為淮海，壞敗邑里。

A spring flows steadily, rushing southward without ceasing; it accumulates into a water expanse like the Huai River and the sea, overflowing and destroying cities and villages. This omen indicates that the water power is out of control and causing disaster. When divining about the family residence and property, it foretells suffering from flooding and loss.

蠱之未濟：固陰冱寒，常冰不溫。凌人惰殆，大雹為災。

The cold air is stagnant, the sky is freezing, and the thick ice remains unmelting for years; the officials in charge of ice are lazy and neglect their duties, leading to disastrous hailstorms. This indicates that the ruler is neglecting the duties of coldness and thus causing calamity. When divining about the proper conduct of the seasons, it suggests that negligence brings misfortune.

臨　弱水之西，有西王母。生不知老，與天相保。行者危殆，利居善喜。

To the west of the Weak Water flows the Western Queen Mother, who enjoys longevity and does not know the concept of aging, sharing the same duration as Heaven. However, the Weak Water is difficult to cross, and those who travel face danger, while those who remain quiet and still may receive good fortune. This forest favors stillness and is auspicious for quietness and inauspicious for movement. When divining about travel or residence, it is advisable to remain and not to move.

乾　黃獹生子，白戌為母。晉師在郊，虞公出走。

A yellow hunting dog gives birth, with a white dog as its mother; the army of Jin has already approached the outskirts, and Yu Gong is forced to abandon his country and flee. This refers to the historical event where Jin used the pretext of passing through Guo to attack Guo, ultimately destroying Yu. The divination concerns the defense of the country, indicating that external enemies take advantage of weaknesses, leading to loss of territory and the ruler's flight.

坤　倉皇奉使，中山以孝。文侯悅喜，繫子徵召。

In a hurry, he was sent on a mission, and in Zhongshan he gained a reputation for filial piety. Wei Wenhou was delighted and called his son back. This person gained the trust of the superior through filial virtue. Divination on the matter of being recommended for a post indicates that he was recognized and summoned.

屯　機關不便，不能出言。精誠不通，為人所冤。

The situation indicates that the person's ability to communicate is hindered, making it difficult to express themselves. Their sincere intentions cannot reach others, and they are instead misunderstood or wronged. This suggests that the person involved in communication is facing obstacles, unable to defend themselves effectively. When consulting about legal matters or seeking justice, it indicates a case of wrongful accusation where the truth cannot be made known.

蒙　白茅醴酒，靈巫拜禱。神嗜飲食，使君壽考。

Spread white reeds and offer sweet wine, and the efficacious shaman prostrates himself in prayer; the deities take pleasure in these offerings, ensuring the longevity of the sovereign. This grove is the main site for sacrifices and prayers, and when consulted regarding prayers for good fortune and illness, it indicates prolonged life and divine protection.

需　重瞳四乳，目聰耳明。普仁表聖，為作元輔。

It is said that Yu Shun had double eyes and King Wen of Zhou had four breasts, both being extraordinary physical features of sages; this person is intelligent and wise, widely benevolent, and demonstrates great virtue, making him suitable for a high-ranking position. This person is a talented leader who should govern the country. When consulting about appointing officials and advancement, it indicates a great appointment.

訟　水漲無船，破城壞堤，大夫從役。一朝亡殞，不見少妻。

A flood rises without boats, breaking through city walls and destroying dikes; the official is ordered to serve in the rescue effort. In one day he dies, never to see his young wife again. This divination indicates a danger from water and hardship from labor. When questioning about travel or service, it foretells danger and loss of life.

師　六人俱行，各遺其囊。鴻鵠失珠，無以為明。

Six people set out together, each losing their belongings; the crane lost its pearl and had no means of illumination. In this forest, all travelers suffer loss and lose their reliance. Divining about traveling companions indicates shared financial loss.

比　隨時轉行，不失其常。各樂厥類，身無咎殃。

As time flows continuously without ceasing, it maintains its constant path; each thing finds joy with its own kind, and there is no calamity or misfortune upon itself. This forest ruler follows the proper time and maintains the constant way; when consulted about various matters, it indicates peace and no wrongdoing.

小畜　蔡女盪舟，為國患憂。褒後在側，屏蔽王目。早衰六畜。

Cai Ji rowed a boat and played with Duke Huan of Qi, thus becoming a source of national calamity; Bao Si stood by King You of Zhou, obscuring the king's vision; even the six domestic animals declined early. This indicates that the female ruler causes chaos in the state. When divining about domestic affairs within the household, the cause is due to excessive favor towards a concubine leading to downfall.

履　駕龍騎虎，周遍天下。為神人使，西見王母。不憂危殆。

Riding a dragon and mounting a tiger, traveling to all corners of the world; receiving missions from deities and spirits, going west to pay homage to the Queen Mother of the West; there is no need to worry about dangers along the way. This person is aided by divine forces and can travel far without obstruction. When asking about travel, it indicates smooth passage and no obstacles.

泰　胥恐之吳，畫策闔閭。鞭平服荊，除大咎殃。威震敵國，還受上卿。

Wu Zisuxu ran with fear to the state of Wu, planning strategies for Helu; later he whipped the corpse of King Pingwang of Chu and conquered Jingchu, removing a great calamity; his power shook the enemy state, and upon returning he was granted the title of Upper Minister. This person is one who first fled in desperation and then avenged, and when divined about hardship and striving for strength, the outcome is that he will ultimately avenge himself and achieve fame.

否　唐邑之廬，晉人以居。虞叔受福，實貺是國。世載其樂。

The cities and houses of the Tang territory became the dwelling places of the Jin people; Yu Shu was granted a fief and received blessings, genuinely rewarding the state. Generation after generation enjoyed happiness. This forest uses the example of Tang Shu Yu being granted the fief of Jin to divinate about receiving a grant of land and establishing a family, indicating that the divination is about obtaining land and passing it down through generations.

同人　管鮑相知，至德不離。三言於桓，齊國以安。

Guan Zhong and Bao Shuyá understood each other deeply, their sincere virtue preventing them from parting ways. Bao Shuyá repeatedly recommended Guan Zhong to Duke Huan of Qi, leading to the stability of the state. This divination indicates that the ruler recognizes and recommends virtuous people, and the question relates to friendship and recommendation. The outcome is favorable due to the trust and understanding between friends.

大有　三十無室，長女獨宿。心勞未得，憂在胸臆。

After thirty years of age, still unmarried, the eldest daughter sleeps alone; exhausted in mind and body, yet achieving nothing, worries accumulate in the chest. This oracle indicates that the marriage is delayed, and when divining about marriage and seeking a partner, it shows a prolonged and difficult situation.

謙　散渙水長，風吹我鄉。火滅無光，隳敗桓功。

Water flows dispersed and lengthy, with fierce winds sweeping through my hometown; fire has gone out without brightness, and the achievements like those of Duke Huan of Qi have also been destroyed. This forest's foundation is scattered, and when questioning about family and state affairs, it indicates a decline from prosperity.

豫　蜎飛蠕動，各有配偶。大小相保，咸得其所。

Flying insects and crawling insects each have their own mates; all living beings of different sizes mutually protect each other and each find their proper place. This forest symbolizes that all things are in their proper roles. When divining about marriage or dealing with the world, it indicates harmony and peace.

隨　安樂几筵，未出王門。

An is sitting comfortably and happily at the table, having not yet left the gates of the royal family. This indicates that the master of the forest resides within, enjoying peace and security. When divining about departure, it is advisable to remain within and not to travel far.

蠱　大生災禍，下土恩塞，抵亂我國。

A great disaster and calamity follow one another, with the people below suffering from blocked blessings. Turmoil is shaking my country. This forest's master has not bestowed grace, hence disorder arises. When divining state affairs and the situation, it indicates danger and turmoil, advising avoidance.

觀　長生無極，子孫千億。柏柱載梁，堅固不傾。

The family's foundation is solid and unshakable, with a long life and abundant blessings. The descendants multiply in thousands, and the strong pillars of cypress trees support the beams, firm and unyielding. This omen indicates longevity and prosperity for the household, and for inquiries about one's own life and descendants, it foretells a long and prosperous existence.

噬嗑　欽敬昊天，曆象星辰。宜受民時，陰陽和調。

With reverence toward Heaven, observing and calculating the sun, moon, and stars, and using this to determine the proper times for the people's agricultural activities, yin and yang thus harmonize. This passage cites the Classic of Documents, Yao's Mandate, which describes the method of observing the sun, moon, and stars to teach the people the proper seasons. When used to inquire about state affairs and agriculture, it indicates that governance in accordance with the proper time is auspicious.

賁　三河俱合，水怒踴躍。壞我王室，民困於食。

Three great rivers converge, their waters furious and surging; they destroy the royal palaces and the people suffer from lack of food. This forest indicates water disasters harming the country. When divining about the household and livelihood, it indicates suffering from scarcity and lack of food.

剝　壽如松喬，與日月俱。常安康樂，不離禍憂。

One's lifespan is as long as Chi Songzi and Wang Zi Qiao, enduring as the sun and moon; always healthy and joyful, free from calamities and worries. This forest signifies longevity without misfortune. When divining about one's life, it indicates security and peace.

復　天之所予，福祿常在，不憂危殆。

The blessings bestowed by Heaven are with you, wealth and honor are always present, and there is no need to worry about dangers. This forest signifies heavenly blessings. When divining about one's life and family fortune, it indicates natural safety and auspiciousness.

旡妄　受讖六符，招搖室虛。雖跌無憂，保我命則。

Receiving the six auspicious signs of the Heavenly Talisman, the Big Dipper's摇星 is shining brightly over the rooms and the void stars; even though there may be some setbacks, there is no need to worry, as I can preserve my life and the established order. This forest is protected by the Heavenly Talisman. When questioned about dangerous or doubtful matters, the situation may be perilous but will result in no blame.

大畜　 金買車，失道後時，勞罷為憂。

Taking gold to buy a car, yet getting lost and missing the appointed time, resulting in toil and fatigue that turn into worry. This indicates that the person in question acted at an inauspicious time. When divining about transactions or travel, it suggests labor without gain.

頤　華首山頭，仙道所遊。利於居止，長無咎憂。

The peak of Huashou Mountain is a place where immortals pass through and wander; it is suitable to stay here and rest, with no faults or worries in the long term. This forest is suitable for dwelling in high and quiet places. When questioning about residence, it indicates that maintaining stillness brings peace.

大過　采唐沫鄉，徼期桑中。失信不會，憂思約帶。

Going to Mo Village to gather female moss, with an agreement to meet in桑中; the other party failed to keep the appointment, causing worry and sorrow so much that the belt became loose. This divination refers to the典 from《Poetry·Sanzhong》, asking about the time of meeting, indicating a broken promise and sorrow.