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

旡妄　蝠螺生子，深目黑丑。雖飾相就，眾人莫取。

Bat and snail-like creatures give birth to offspring with deep-set eyes and dark, ugly faces; even if they are decorated to look better, people still refuse to take them. This indicates that the person's inherent qualities are poor and cannot be concealed. When divining about marriage or selling, it shows that the person will ultimately not be accepted.

大畜　喜怒不時，霜雪為災。稼穡無功，后稷飢寒。

The weather is unpredictable and unsuitable for the season, leading to disaster from frost and snow; farming yields nothing, and even the agricultural god Houji would suffer from hunger and cold. This indicates that the ruler's policies and climate are out of harmony, and when divination is made concerning agriculture, it foretells a poor harvest and hardship.

頤　烏升鵲舉，照臨東海。尨降庭堅，為陶叔後。封為蓼丘，履祿綏厚。

Crows flying high and magpies soaring in the sky, bright light shining over the East Sea; auspicious signs descend upon Tingjian, who is a descendant of Gaoyao's clan, granted fiefdom at Laoqiu, enjoying a secure and prosperous position. This forest's master has ancestral virtue benefiting future generations, receiving a fief and honor. When consulting about fame and status and descendants, it indicates inheriting the blessings and attaining nobility.

大過　黃離白日，照我四國。元首昭明，民賴其福。

A yellow light shines upon the bright day, illuminating all directions of the realm; the sovereign is illustrious and virtuous, and the people rely upon his blessings. This grove takes its meaning from the Yellow (Fire) trigram in the Book of Changes, symbolizing the beginning of good fortune. When consulted regarding the governance of the ruler and the welfare of the people, it indicates that the sovereign is enlightened and the subjects are at peace.

坎　黍稷醇醲，敬奉山宗。神嗜飲食，甘雨嘉降。獨蒙福力，時災不至。

The wine made from millet and sorghum is rich and fragrant, offered with reverence to the mountain and river deities and ancestral spirits. The deities delight in receiving it, and timely rain follows. Alone, this forest is protected by divine power, and calamities of the seasons do not come. The chief priest's prayers are answered; when divination is made for seeking blessings and agricultural matters, it indicates being protected and free from disaster.

離　禍不更生，福過我裡。入門笑喜，與吾利市。

Misfortune will not recur, and good fortune will pass through my village; upon entering, there will be joy and celebration, bringing profit and prosperity. This forest indicates the departure of misfortune and the arrival of good fortune. When divining about the household or business, it signifies a change to good fortune and profit.

咸　晝臥牢門，怵惕不安。目不得闔，鬼搔我足。

During the day, lying at the gate of the prison, he feels startled and uneasy; his eyes won't close, as if a ghost is scratching his feet. This indicates that the person is imprisoned, experiencing anxiety and restlessness. Divining about legal troubles or illness, it suggests ominous disturbances and lack of peace.

恆　春草榮華，長女宜夫。受福多年，世有封祿。

In spring, grass and trees flourish and bloom, which is most suitable for the eldest daughter to marry. Afterward, for many years, blessings are received, and generations enjoy titles and salaries. This omen indicates that the marriage is timely, and when divining about marriage and family fortune, it foretells continuous good fortune.

遯　雍門內崩，賊賢傷仁。暴亂狂悖，簡公失位。

Within the gates of Yongmen, the structure first collapsed, causing harm to the virtuous and injuring the benevolent; chaotic and rebellious actions occurred, leading the Duke Jian of Qi to lose his throne. This refers to the case where the Tian clan killed Duke Jian of Qi. It is used to divinate internal affairs between sovereign and ministers, indicating that the ruler will lose his position due to internal collapse.

大壯　心壯無良，猖獗妄行。觸抵牆壁，不見戶房。

The person's heart is strong but lacks virtuous character, acting wildly and recklessly. They rush headlong into a wall, unable to find even the entrance or dwelling. This indicates a leader who is stubborn and impetuous. When divined about their actions, it foretells encountering obstacles and setbacks.

晉　膠車木馬，不利遠賈。出門為患，安止不危。

A cart made of glue and a horse carved from wood are not suitable for long journeys; going out brings calamity, while staying put is safe. This oracle indicates that the objects represented are not fit for use. If one asks about traveling for business, it is advisable to stop rather than proceed.

明夷　家在海隅，橈短流深。企立望宋，無木以趨。

He lives at the end of the sea, but his boat oar is too short and the current is too strong; he stands on tiptoe to look at the State of Song, yet there is no raft to cross. This indicates that his strength is insufficient for his desire. Divination on traveling far and returning home shows that his wish remains unfulfilled.

家人　冬桑枯槁，當風失道。蒙被塵埃，左右勞苦。

In winter, the mulberry tree withers, standing exposed to the wind and losing its way; covered with a layer of dust, those on either side labor for it. This grove signifies the withering of vitality; when divined regarding family affairs, it indicates hardship and toil with little achievement.

睽　過時不行，妄逐王公。老女無夫，不安其居。

Missing the proper time yet still not taking action, yet pretending to follow the nobles; an old woman without a husband, living in an unstable place. This oracle indicates losing the right time and making false aspirations. When divining about marriage or advancement, it signifies wasting time and achieving nothing.

蹇　履泥汙足，名困身辱。兩仇相當，自為痛疾。

He stepped in mud and dirtied his feet, causing his reputation to be harmed and himself to be disgraced; two enemies of equal strength become each other's affliction. This oracle indicates entanglement in disgrace and resentment, and when consulted about disputes, it suggests mutual harm to both parties.

解　精華墮落，形客醜惡。齟齬挫頓，枯槁腐蠹。

The essence and brilliance disperse, and the appearance becomes ugly; the teeth are uneven, movement is awkward, and the body appears withered like rotten wood infested by insects. This indicates that the person's form and spirit are both declining. When divining about health or career, it foretells decline and difficulty in recovery.

損　長生無極，子孫千億。松柏為梁，堅固不傾。

The family's prosperity continues without end, with countless descendants. Using pine and cypress as beams, they are strong and will not collapse. This forest signifies a long-lasting and flourishing family. When divining about one's life and descendants, it indicates both longevity and good fortune.

益　去辛就蓼，毒愈酷甚。避井入坎，憂患日生。

Leaving spicy things yet encountering wolf's bane, the toxicity becomes even more severe; avoiding a well yet falling into a pit, calamity grows day by day. This omen indicates that the person in charge avoids harm but ends up suffering from it. When questioning about avoidance, it suggests that the more one avoids, the worse the outcome will be.

夬　行堯欽德，養賢致禮。眾英積聚，國無寇賊。

Promote the respectful virtue of Emperor Yao, support and honor the virtuous talents, and treat them with propriety. Many outstanding talents gather, and there are no thieves or bandits in the country. This forest owner nurtures talents and achieves good governance. When consulting about state affairs and appointing people, it indicates that talents will come to submit and the country will be peaceful.

姤　狗逐兔走，俱入谷口。與虎逢之，迫不得去。

A dog chases a rabbit and both run into a mountain pass; they unexpectedly meet a tiger and are forced into a desperate situation. This indicates that the person in charge is pursuing profit and entering a dangerous situation. The divination concerning pursuit and competition suggests that the person is voluntarily entering a perilous situation.

萃　望尚阿衡，太宰周公。藩屏湯武，立為侯王。

Looking up to Jiang Taigong Lv Shang and I Yin, who was called Aheng, as well as Zhou Gong, who was the Tai Zai, they protected King Tang of Shang and King Wu of Zhou, and themselves were made marquises. This forest indicates ministers who assist in establishing meritorious deeds; when questioned about seeking official positions and assisting rulers, it signifies success in achieving accomplishments and being granted a fief.

升　清人高子，久屯外野。逍遙不歸，思我慈母。

A person from Qingyi and a man named Gao have been stationed for a long time in the open fields outside the city; they wander freely outside and refuse to return. I miss my kind mother. This reference to the forest comes from the poem "Qing Ren" in the Book of Songs, used to divinate about soldiers on garrison duty or travelers, indicating prolonged service without return and longing for family.

困　三蟲作蠱，削跡無與。勝母盜泉，居不安處。

Three worms in a vessel devouring each other form a蛊; their traces are erased and no one associates with them. It is like Zengzi not entering the place of the superior mother's residence, or Confucius refusing to drink from the盗泉 spring. This place is not suitable for dwelling. This forest indicates an improper environment. When divining about residence and companionship, it suggests avoidance rather than staying.

井　 作龍身，進無所前。三日五夜，得其所欽。

It transforms into a dragon's body and moves forward, yet there is no path ahead. After three days and five nights of waiting, it finally meets the person it admires. This forest ruler is obstructed but eventually succeeds. For those asking about plans and aspirations, it indicates delays but ultimately success.

革　黃裡綠衣，君服不宜。淫湎毀常，失其寵光。

A garment with yellow inside and green outside is not in accordance with propriety for a gentleman to wear; indulgence and excess lead to the corruption of the established way, thus causing the loss of honor and prestige. This divination takes the meaning from the poem "Green Robe" in the Book of Songs, referring to green outer garment and yellow inner lining. When used to inquire about the status within the inner court, it indicates disorder between the嫡 and庶, leading to failure.

鼎　天所顧佑，禍災不到，安吉無懼。

The heavens favor and protect, so calamity and misfortune will not come, peace and auspiciousness prevail without any cause for fear. This forest signifies heavenly favor and auspiciousness; when divining about various matters, it indicates safety and no blame.

震　盤紆九回，行道留難。止須千丘，乃睹所歡。

The path is winding and turns nine times, with frequent obstacles encountered on the way; after stopping and waiting on a thousand hills, one finally meets the person one likes. This forest indicates a meeting after much toil and circuitous journey. Divination concerning meeting or seeking a partner suggests that after a long wait, success will be achieved.

艮　暴虐失國，為下所逐。北奔陰胡，主君旄頭。

A ruler who is tyrannical and unjust loses his country and is driven out by his ministers. He flees northward to the Yin Mountains and the land of the Hu people, reducing his lord to the position of a flag bearer in front. This indicates that the ruler has lost the Way, has been expelled, and is now in exile, losing his power and authority.

漸　御騂從龍，至霍華東。與禹相逢，送至子邦。

Riding a red horse along with a dragon, you arrive east of Huo Mountain and Hua Mountain; meeting Yu the Great, you are escorted to your fiefdom. This forest's master receives a nobleman as a companion and guide, and when divining about a long journey to seek refuge, it indicates that someone will lead you safely to your destination.

歸妹　銅人鐵距，雨露勞苦。終日卒歲，無有休息。

A copper-cast person with iron claws toils hard in wind, rain, frost and dew; from morning till night, year after year, without a moment of rest. This indicates a master of endless labor. If one seeks divination regarding taking on tasks or labor, it suggests hardship and no leisure.

豐　大人失宜，盈滿復虧。成長之木，盛者滅衰。

When those in authority act improperly, after reaching fullness they turn to loss; a great tree, at its peak of prosperity, begins to wither. This indicates that things reach their extreme and then reverse, and when divining about prosperity, one should beware of a transition from prosperity to decline.

旅　梅李冬實，國多盜賊。亂擾並作，王不能制。

Plum and peach trees bear fruit abnormally in winter, indicating that bandits are increasing in the country. Disorders and disturbances occur simultaneously, and the king is unable to control them. This phenomenon of abnormal natural signs corresponds to social chaos. When divining about the current situation, it indicates that the fundamental principles of governance are not upheld, leading to unrest.

巽　澤枯無魚，山童難株。長女嫉妒，使身虛空。

Water and marshes dry up with no fish, mountains become barren and cannot sustain trees; the eldest daughter harbors jealousy, causing her own emptiness. This omen indicates depletion of resources and self-harm due to jealousy. When divining about family affairs and marriage, it suggests both are lacking and insufficient.

兌　天門冬虛，晉季為災。膉暌默蒼，秦伯受殃。

The heavenly gate is empty in winter, leading to calamity for the end of the Jin state; with a separation between superiors and inferiors and a silent, vast emptiness, the Qin prince also suffers misfortune. This indicates that the forest's ruler is experiencing both heavenly and human affairs going awry. When divining the state's fortune, it foretells a disastrous situation where both countries are in distress.

渙　褰衣涉河，水深漬衣。賴幸舟子，濟脫無他。

He took off his clothes and waded across the river, but the water was deep and soaked his clothes. Fortunately, he met a boatman who helped him cross safely without any other mishaps. This oracle indicates that the person in question will receive assistance in a dangerous situation. If one asks about crossing a dangerous river, it signifies encountering a nobleman and escaping disaster.

節　推車上山，高仰重難。終日至暮，不見阜顛。

He pushed the cart up the mountain, but the slope was steep and the cart heavy, making each step difficult. From morning until night, he could not see the mountain top. This indicates that the person exerting effort faces great difficulty and does not achieve success. For those seeking to undertake affairs or strive forward, it suggests hard work without success.

中孚　鼎易其耳，熱不可舉。大路壅塞，旅人辛苦。

The ears of the tripod have been deformed, and the body of the tripod is too hot to carry; the main road is blocked, and travelers suffer hardship. This interpretation takes the meaning from the Book of Changes, the section on the Tripod, which refers to the deformation of the tripod's ears and the obstruction of movement. When consulting about actions or travel, it indicates encountering obstacles and difficulties.

小過　四亂不安，東西為患。退身止足，無出邦域。乃得完全，賴其生福。

The situation is chaotic and unstable in all directions, with calamity on both the east and west. Retreating, being content, and not leaving the country can preserve one's safety, and relying on this brings about good fortune. This divination indicates that one should avoid turmoil and remain calm. If one seeks to travel and escape hardship, it suggests that staying put is safe, while moving leads to misfortune.

既濟　班馬還師，以息勞疲。役夫嘉喜，入戶見妻。

The war horses are lined up, and the large army returns, allowing the weary soldiers to rest; those serving are joyful, and upon entering they see their wives. This divination indicates that the master of the forest will return people home, and when inquiring about a traveler or someone on military service, it foretells peace and reunion.

未濟　積德不怠，遇生逢時。載善（一作喜）渭陽，身受榮光。

Accumulating virtue without slackness, thus encountering opportunities and favorable times; fully bearing good fortune, moving along the north bank of the Wei River, oneself receiving honor and brilliance. This refers to the place of farewell between an uncle and nephew mentioned in the "Poetry · Wei Yang," when divining about official rank and prestige, it indicates that virtue has accumulated and blessings have arrived. The character "善" is sometimes written as "喜" in other versions.