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

坎　人面九口，長舌為斧。斲破瑚璉，殷商絕後。

A person with a face and nine mouths, a long tongue like a sharp axe; it cuts through the瑚琏, a ceremonial vessel in the ancestral temple, causing the Shang dynasty to lose its descendants. This forest signifies slander and destruction of ritual objects leading to national ruin. When divining about disputes or family sacrifices, it indicates a severe calamity from verbal strife.

離　臨溪橋疚，雖恐不危，樂以笑歌。

By the stream, the bridge is somewhat damaged, though though the heart is afraid, there is no real danger, and instead laughter and songs can be taken. The forest owner experiences a false alarm without harm. Divining about travel and encountering danger, there is alarm but no real danger.

咸　泱泱沸溢，水泉為害，使我無賴。

Water is vast and boiling, overflowing, and the spring water has become a calamity, leaving me without support. This divination indicates that the forest is dominated by water, which brings disaster. When questioning about residence and property, it foretells suffering and loss of support.

恆　蝗螟為賊，害我稼穡。秋飢於年，農夫鮮食。

Locusts and cutworms have caused a disaster, destroying my crops; in autumn there is a year of famine, and farmers have little food. This indicates that the forest owner is suffering from pestilence and poor harvests. Divining about agricultural affairs and livelihood, the outcome is one of scarcity.

遯　八百諸侯，不期同時。慕西文德，興我宗族。家門雍睦。

Eight hundred feudal lords gathered together at Mengjin without prior agreement; they revered the literary virtue of the Western Lord, thus flourishing my clan and bringing harmony and prosperity to my family. This forest's master possesses virtue that attracts many followers. Divination regarding public reputation and family fortune indicates widespread support and the flourishing of the family line.

大壯　長男少女，相向笑語。來歡致福，和悅樂喜。

An elder man and a young woman converse and laugh together; joy arrives and blessings follow, harmonious and joyful. This oracle indicates that the man and woman are well matched, and when divined for marriage or social interactions, it foretells auspiciousness and celebration.

晉　平國不君，夏氏作亂。烏號竊發，靈公殞命。

The state of Chen had no order in its government, and the king was unjust, so the Xia family rebelled. A good bow of the Wu Hao secretly shot an arrow, causing the death of Chen Linggong. This passage refers to the assassination of Chen Linggong, used to divinate about the inner court of the ruler and minister, indicating calamity from internal corruption and lust leading to murder.

明夷　春多膏澤，夏潤優渥。稼穡成熟，畝獲百斛。

In spring, the rain is abundant and nourishing, and in summer the moisture is also generous; crops mature and yield over a hundred bushels per mu. This indicates that the forest has timely rain and sunshine, and when divining about agricultural affairs and harvests, it foretells a great abundance.

家人　客宿臥寒，席蓐不安。行為危害，留不得歡。

A guest staying away, sleeping and getting cold, with no comfort from the mat or cushion; traveling will meet with danger, and staying behind will not bring joy. This oracle indicates that the subject is in a dilemma, whether to go or stay. It suggests discomfort in all directions.

睽　乘槎浮海，雖懼不殆。母載其子，終焉何咎。

Traveling by raft on the sea, though fearful, there is no danger; the mother carries the child, ultimately where could there be a fault? This forest indicates danger with protection. Divining about a long journey with family, it shows a startle but no misfortune.

蹇　手拙不便，不能伐檀。車無軸轅，行者苦難。

The hands are clumsy and not flexible, unable to cut down sandalwood; the cart has no axle or yoke, making the travelers suffer greatly. This indicates that the forest owner lacks proper tools and insufficient strength. When divining about starting a venture or traveling, it foretells many difficulties.

解　唐虞相輔，鳥獸率無。民安無事，國家富有。

Tang Yao and Yu Shun assisted each other, and even birds and beasts followed order without causing harm; the people lived in peace and security, and the country was prosperous and abundant. This divination indicates a time of sage governance and peace, and when consulted about state affairs or family matters, it signifies safety and abundance.

損　秋蛇向穴，不失其節。夫人姜氏，自齊復入。

As autumn deepens, the snake returns to its cave, keeping to its proper season; Lady Jiang of Lu also returns from the State of Qi once more. This master of the forest returns in accordance with the time, and inquiring about the return of a traveler, the traveler comes back as expected.

益　病篤難醫，和不能治。命終永訖，下即蒿蘆。

The illness is severe and beyond cure, even the renowned physician Heshi is powerless. Life is destined to end, forever concluded, the body returning to the grass and reeds. This indicates the master of the forest has a disease in the marrow, and when divining about illness, it signifies a great misfortune.

夬　青蛉如云，城邑閉門。國君御守，民困於患。

Dragonflies like insects are numerous as clouds, and the city has to close its gates tightly; the king personally guards and defends, while the people suffer from calamities. This oracle indicates strange disasters surrounding the city, and when questioning about the city's defense and livelihood, it signifies hardship.

姤　牙孽生齒，室堂啟戶。出入利貞，鼓翼起舞。

A new tooth is emerging in the jaw, and the hall and rooms are open with accessible doors. Entering and exiting while holding firm and upright brings benefit, like a bird spreading its wings and dancing. This indicates the owner of the forest has new vitality and the doors are open. If one asks about progress or travel, it foretells smoothness and success.

萃　鳧游江湖，役行千里。以為死亡，復見空桑，長生樂鄉。

A wild duck travels between rivers and lakes, running and moving thousands of miles. The family thought it had died, but unexpectedly they saw it again in the empty mulberry grove, growing strong in a place of comfort. This indicates that the owner has lost something but will regain it. When asking about the life or death of a person, it signifies a turn from despair to survival.

升　黃帝出遊，駕龍乘鳳。東上泰山，南遊齊魯。邦國咸喜。

The Yellow Emperor went out to tour the land, riding a dragon and mounting a phoenix; he went east to Mount Tai and south to the regions of Qilu; wherever he went, all the states were joyful. This indicates that the ruler is traveling with the support of the people. When consulting about travel and endeavors, it shows success in all directions.

困　履危不止，與鬼相視。驚恐失氣，如騎虎尾。

Standing on a dangerous position yet unwilling to stop, it is as if facing ghosts directly; frightened to the point of being unable to catch breath, like being on a tiger's tail with no way to advance or retreat. The forest owner has taken many risks, asking about advancing recklessly, which indicates a great misfortune. It is advisable to retreat quickly.

井　秋南春北，不失消息。涉和履中，時無陰匿。

In autumn, things move south; in spring, they move north, keeping in line with the changes of yin and yang. Actions are balanced and moderate, following the middle path, so there is no hidden darkness in the timing. This forest represents harmony with the seasons and adherence to the middle way. When consulted about matters of conduct, it indicates brightness and no faults.

革　龍門砥柱，通利水道。百川順流，民安其居。

Da Yu opened the龙门 and cleared the砥柱, making the water channels smooth; numerous rivers flowed naturally downward, allowing the people to live in peace. This situation is similar to a forest where blockages are removed, indicating that when there are difficulties, obstacles are cleared and all benefit.

鼎　千歲廟堂，棟橈傾僵。天厭周德，失其寵光。

A thousand years of ancestral temples and halls have seen their beams bend and collapse; Heaven has abandoned the virtue of the Zhou dynasty, losing its former glory and favor. This forest's destiny is nearing its end. When divining about the foundation of the state and family, it indicates a decline and inability to sustain.

震　折箬蔽目，不見稚叔。五足孤鳥，遠離室家。

Cutting down the bamboo leaves to cover the eyes, unable to see the young younger brother; a solitary bird with five feet, far away from its nest. This indicates the master of the forest self-occludes and loses kin, with strange changes and dispersion. Divination about family reunion indicates separation.

艮　望叔山北，陵隔我目。不見所得，使我心惑。

Facing north towards the mountain, I look for my uncle, but a high hill blocks my view; I cannot see the person I am seeking, which causes me confusion. The forest owner blocks the way, leading to disappointment. Divination for searching indicates that communication will be cut off.

漸　匏瓠之息，一畝十室。萬國都邑，北門有福。

The gourd plant grows abundantly, with a harvest from one mu of land sufficient to support ten households. Among the capitals of myriad states, the northern gate area is particularly auspicious. This grove signifies the use of small things for great purposes and the gathering of benefits through settlement. When divining the direction for property acquisition, it indicates that choosing the right location will be favorable.

歸妹　域域牧牧，憂和相伴。隔我巖山，室家分散。

The territory is vast and the plains of Muye are boundless, with sorrow and joy accompanying each other. High mountains separate me, causing my family to be scattered. This forest signifies obstruction with a mixture of worry and happiness. Divination regarding the gathering or dispersal of family members indicates separation and difficulty in reunion.

豐　麒麟騄耳，遊食萍草。逍遙石門，循山上下。不失其子。一本無末句）

The divine beasts Qilin and Lü'er, along with fine horses, calmly forage among floating algae and water plants; they wander leisurely beneath the stone gate, ascending and descending along the mountain slopes without losing their young. This forest is inhabited by auspicious creatures, with mother and child safe and secure. Divination concerning the household and descendants indicates safety and auspiciousness. Some older versions may lack the final sentence.

旅　天所祚昌，文以為良。篤生武王，姬受其福。

The heavenly mandate bestowed blessings leading to prosperity, with literary virtue as its excellence; thus, King Wu of Zhou was born, the Ji clan inheriting this favor. This forest signifies heavenly protection and the birth of a virtuous person. When inquiring about descendants and family fortune, it indicates that future generations will achieve prominence.

巽　羊腸九縈，相推稍前。止須王孫，乃能上天。蠱之剝）

The path is narrow and winding, twisting nine times, and people have to push forward step by step to move forward slightly; one must stop and wait for the leader to guide before reaching the high place. This forest's main path is dangerous and requires help; when asking about advancement, it indicates that one must rely on others to succeed. This line is similar in meaning to the line from the hexagram Gu (Guilt) and Bo (Breaking).

兌　貧鬼守門，日破我盆。孤牝不駒，雞不成雛。

The ghost of poverty is guarding the gate, breaking my bowls and jars every day; a single old mare cannot give birth, and the hen cannot hatch chicks. This indicates the owner of the forest is poor and lacks success. When divining about household affairs and childbearing, it signifies scarcity and infertility.

渙　飽食從容，入門上堂。不失其常，家無咎殃。

He eats to satisfaction, moves with composure, enters the hall; he does not deviate from the constant path, and there is no misfortune or calamity in the family. This indicates that the person is content with their circumstances, and when divining about the household, it signifies peace and safety.

節　陰淫不止，白馬為海。澤皋之子，就高而處。

Heavy rain continues without ceasing, white waves like horses, and flat land becomes like the sea. People living by the water and marshy areas can only move to higher places to reside. This indicates that the forest owner is facing a flood that forces relocation. When questioning about residence, it is advisable to avoid low areas and choose higher ground.

中孚　執戈俱立，以備暴急。千人舉龍，困危得海。終安何畏。

People all hold spears and stand together to prevent sudden disturbances; a thousand people work together to lift a dragon-like object, and finally reach the sea in times of danger. Eventually, things become stable, so what is there to fear? This indicates that the leader of the forest has united the people to overcome difficulties. The divination concerns an urgent situation, and the main point is that united effort can ensure safety.

小過　夾河為婚，水漲無船。追心失望，不見歡君。

Across a wide river, families have married off their children, but when the water rises there are no boats; the wish to follow is unfulfilled, and the beloved is not seen. This oracle indicates obstacles and difficulties in union, and when divined about marriage, it suggests that the desired union is not achieved.

既濟　陰陽變化，各得其宜。上下順通，奏為膚功。

Yin and yang change into each other, each finding its proper place; above and below flow smoothly and connect, thus achieving great success. This indicates harmony between time and position. When consulted about planning affairs or seeking official advancement, it presages great accomplishment.

未濟　狂劣德薄，失其臣妾。田不見禽，犬無所得。

He who is arrogant and incompetent, with shallow virtue, cannot even retain his servants and concubines. When hunting, he sees no game and his hunting dogs return empty-pawed. This indicates that the lord of the forest has shallow virtue and has lost the support of the people. When consulting about seeking, acquiring, or employing people, it foretells empty hands and no results.

觀　歷山之下，虞唐所處。躬耕致孝，名聞四海。為堯所薦，禪位天子。唐當作舜）

At the foot of Lishan Mountain lies the place where Yu Shun lived and worked; he personally tilled the fields and practiced filial piety to the utmost, his reputation spreading throughout the four seas. He was recommended by the Tang Yao and eventually succeeded him as emperor. This forest's owner practiced filial virtue and attained a high position; when inquiring about his origin and advancement, it indicates rising from humble beginnings to great prominence. The original text's "Tang" should be "Shun."

乾　蜎飛蠕動，各有所配。歡悅相迎，咸得其處。

Flying insects and crawling insects each have their own mates; they greet each other joyfully and all find their proper places. This forest symbolizes all things being in pairs and each in its proper place. When divining about marriage or dealing with the world, it indicates harmony and smoothness.

坤　繼祀宗邑，追明成康。光照萬國，享世久長。病疾不醫，下即蒿蘆。此二句疑衍）

In the ancestral temple and city, continuous worship is carried out, recounting and highlighting the great virtue of King Cheng and King Kang. Their radiance illuminates all the states, ensuring long-lasting rule. This oracle concerns the main lineage continuing the succession and inheriting the mandate, questioning the family state and ancestral worship, indicating enduring prosperity. The last two lines, 'If illness is not treated, the lower part becomes a thorny bush,' do not connect with the preceding text, and old scholars suspect they are extraneous words.

屯　秋冬探巢，不得鵲雛。銜指北去，媿我少姬。

In the autumn and winter seasons, going to take the nest of a magpie but failing to find its young birds; one can only bite one's fingers and walk away to the north, feeling ashamed towards one's young concubine. This indicates that the person in charge has failed to obtain what they sought, thus breaking their word to others. Asking about obtaining a promise, the outcome is difficult to explain.

蒙　僮妾獨宿，長女未室，利無所得。

A young servant girl is left alone at night, while the eldest 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 begun. If one divines about marriage or seeking wealth, it suggests being left waiting with no success.

需　洪魚逆流，至人潛去。蒿蓬代柱，大屋顛仆。

A large fish swims upstream, and the virtuous person quietly withdraws; using reed stalks and brambles as pillars, the big house naturally collapses. This indicates that the master of the forest is the virtuous person who has retreated, allowing the mediocre to take position. When divining for a household's affairs, it suggests the foundation is insufficient and will be overturned.

訟　日闇不明，讒夫在堂。右臂疾痺，君失其光。

The sun is dim and unclear, while those who spread slander sit in the hall. The right arm is numb and unable to exert force, causing the ruler to lose his radiance. This divination indicates that the slanderer is in power, and the ministers are unable to function. When questioning about official matters, it suggests harm from petty people.

師　王孫季子，相與孝友。明允篤誠，升擢薦舉。為國乾柱。

The master of this forest is filial and fraternal, and is sincere and trustworthy, thus being promoted and recommended, becoming a pillar of the state. Those who inquire about official advancement and recommendations will be favored and appointed to important positions.

比　麟趾龍身，日馭三千。南上蒼梧，與福為婚。道里夷易，安全無患。

The qilin's foot, the divine dragon's body, can travel three thousand li in a day; going to the southern Cangwu wilderness, uniting with good fortune as a marital connection; the path is smooth and easy, safe all the way without misfortune. This indicates that the person named Lin will have a prosperous omen for a long journey and gain blessings. Divination for a distant journey or marriage inquiry shows smoothness and great auspiciousness.

小畜　三子成駒，折損轅軸。輪載空輿，後時失期。

Three young horses have just grown up, but the carriage pole and axle broke; the carriage wheels carried an empty cart and fell behind, missing the deadline. This indicates that the person in charge lacks complete tools and causes problems. Divination for traveling to meet someone shows delay and loss of opportunity.

履　逐福除患，道德神仙。避惡萬里，常歡以安。

Seeking blessings and removing calamities, one cultivates virtue and conducts oneself like a deity; keeping away evil for ten thousand miles, enjoying long-term joy and peace. This person mainly cultivates virtue and avoids harm; when divining about their life and destiny, it indicates good fortune, safety, and no disasters.

泰　黃池之盟，吳楚爭強。勾踐為患，夷門不安。探 得螽，所願不喜。

King Wu of Wu convened a meeting at Huangchi to compete with Chu for supremacy, while King Goujia of Yue took advantage of the situation to become a threat, causing unrest in the capital. When reaching out to seize something, one only caught locusts, indicating that desires were not fulfilled. This divination suggests that the subject is outwardly ambitious but internally weak. When questioning about competing for victory and acquisition, it indicates that the outcome will be a loss outweighing the gain.

否　青牛白咽，呼我俱田。歷山之下，可以多耕。歲藏時節，人保安寧。

A blue ox with a white throat calls me to go down the field together; at the foot of Lishan mountain, one can cultivate extensively. Collecting crops according to the seasons ensures that all people enjoy security and peace. This forest's owner is diligent in farming, leading to stability and prosperity. When inquiring about agricultural affairs and household matters, it indicates abundance and smoothness.

同人　有頭無目，赫赫粟粟。一作不見菽粟）消耗為疾，三年不復。

There is a head but no eyes, only trembling and fear; the body is worn out and ill, taking three years to recover. This indicates the ruler of the forest losing sight and neglecting care, suffering from a long illness that prevents rising. When questioning about diseases and family affairs, it signifies prolonged hardship. The original text of this sentence was once written as 'not seeing grain and millet'.

大有　山沒丘浮，陸為水魚。燕雀無巢，民無室廬。

Great mountains are submerged, hills float, and land becomes a place where fish swim; swallows and sparrows lose their nests, and people have no houses. This omen indicates a great flood destroying the land. When questioning about the dwelling place of a household, it suggests people are displaced and wandering.

謙　高岡鳳凰，朝陽梧桐。雝雝喈喈，奉奉萋萋。陳辭不多，以告孔嘉。

The phoenix perches on a high hill, with the rising sun shining on the paulownia tree; its call is harmonious and resonant, and the branches and leaves are lush and flourishing. Though the words spoken are not many, the matters conveyed are exceedingly auspicious. This grove takes its meaning from the "Poetry · Quan'bo" which speaks of the phoenix calling from a high hill. When divining for seeking virtuous counsel, it indicates a favorable response and success.

豫　鰥寡獨宿，憂動胸臆，莫與笑食。

A widower or widow sleeps alone, with sorrow stirring in his or her chest, and no one to share laughter or meals. This tree spirit is solitary and has no companion. When divining about marriage or family, it indicates loneliness and difficulty in finding a partner.

隨　躓馬破車，惡婦破家。青蠅汙白，暴子離居。

A poor horse tripping up will damage the cart, and a wicked woman will ruin the family; a green fly will soil something pure, and a fierce son will leave home. This omen indicates internal damage to the family. When divining about the household, marriage, it indicates the family's decline.

蠱　長女二嫁，進退無羞。逐狐作妖，行者離憂。

The eldest daughter marries twice, yet in her coming and going she does not know shame; like a fox spirit causing mischief and creating demons, the person going out will meet with worries and troubles. This oracle indicates that the forest is dominated by evil spirits causing harm. When divining about marriage or travel, it suggests attracting trouble and disputes.

臨　人無足法，緩行長奸。地雄走歸，陽不制陰。男失其家。

A person lacks a proper standard to follow, and acting slowly breeds wickedness; in a place where it should be passive, it instead becomes dominant, and the people follow it, yet yang cannot control yin. The man thus loses his family. This oracle indicates disorder in the principles of hierarchy, with excessive yin and declining yang. When consulted about the household, it suggests that the authority has shifted to others.

噬嗑　茹芝餌黃，飲食玉英。與神流通，長無憂凶。

Taking spiritual herbs, swallowing the essence of yellow ginseng, and drinking the essence of jade; thus connecting with the breath of the divine, free from long-term worries and dangers. This forest is the master of cultivating longevity and communicating with spirits. When consulted about one's body, life, and illnesses, it presages extended years and security.

賁　東行無門，西出華山。道塞於難，遊子為患。

Going east there is no way, going west is blocked by Mount Hua; the path is obstructed by difficulties, and the traveler away from home thus suffers misfortune. This oracle indicates that all four directions are blocked. When divining about travel or endeavors, it signifies being hindered in advance and retreat.

剝　壽如松喬，與日月俱。常安康樂，不罹禍憂。

One's lifespan is as long as Chishengzi and Wangziqiao, enduring as the sun and moon; always secure and joyful, free from misfortune and sorrow. This forest signifies longevity and well-being. When divining one's life, it indicates a great auspicious omen.

復　探 得螽，所願不喜。黃池之盟，吳楚爭強。勾踐為患，夷門不安。

He who reaches out to obtain something ends up grasping a locust, his desires not fulfilled; King Wu of Wu held a conference at Huangchi and competed with Chu for supremacy; King Goujian of Yue took advantage of the situation to become a troublemaker, causing unrest in the capital's gates. This indicates that the ruler in question gains nothing he desires, appearing strong but actually weak within. Those who inquire about seeking or competing will find themselves laboring in vain, leading to change.