The Forest of the噬嗑 (Sixty-fourth Hexagram of噬嗑)

噬嗑　麒麟鳳凰，善政得祥。陰陽和調，國無災殃。

Qilin and Fenghuang appear, indicating auspicious signs caused by good governance; yin and yang are in harmony, and there are no calamities in the country. This forest signifies virtuous governance leading to auspiciousness. When consulting about state affairs and family fortune, it indicates peace and prosperity.

乾　北風相牽，提笑語言。伯歌叔舞，燕樂以喜。

A north wind blows, with people supporting each other, holding hands and laughing; the elder brother sings, the younger brothers dance, and the banquet is filled with joy and happiness. This indicates that the host's family is harmonious and joyful. Divination about a family gathering suggests harmony and delight.

坤　甲戊己庚，隨時運行。不失常節，咸逢出生。各樂其類，達性任情。

The day branches Jia, Wu, Ji, Geng, etc., move with the time, without violating the regular order. All things meet the opportunity for growth, each enjoying its own kind, expressing their true nature freely. This forest signifies a natural and auspicious situation, indicating that one should follow the natural course and act according to one's true nature. When consulted about dealing with the world or maintaining health, it suggests a favorable and natural outcome.

屯　破亡之虛，神所憂衰。進德無光，留止有慶。

The ruined and broken remains are precisely where the deities worry about decline and decay; at this time, striving for advancement and cultivating virtue does not bring honor, while remaining still and guarding one's position brings joy. This forest ruler is suitable for stillness rather than progress. When questioning about advancement or retreat, the outcome favors staying put and being cautious.

蒙　注斯膏澤，祈衛百毒。防以江南，虺不能螫。

This forest owner has taken proper preventive measures, so when consulting about diseases and disasters, it indicates that there is no cause for worry. The area is protected against various poisons, and even venomous snakes cannot bite people. This is due to the thorough application of protective measures, ensuring safety and preventing harm.

需　日月相望，光輝盛昌。三聖成功，仁德大降。

The sun and moon are far apart yet gaze at each other, their light bright and flourishing; three sages each achieve their accomplishments, their benevolence widely bestowed. This forest's master shines with virtue and brilliance. When inquiring about state affairs and advancement in officialdom, it indicates great auspiciousness.

訟　大蛇巨魚，戰於國郊。上下濟塞，衛侯廬漕。

A great snake and a huge fish are fighting outside the capital city; when communication is established between above and below, it is sometimes unobstructed and sometimes blocked. The ruler of Wei had to build a temporary dwelling in the town of Cao and reside there. This forest uses the example of the eastern migration of the state of Wei to Cao, and when divining about disputes between states, it indicates a situation of losing the capital and being forced to reside in exile.

師　龍入天關，經歷九山。登高上下，道里險難。日晏不食，絕無甘酸。

The dragon enters the heavenly gate pass, crossing nine mountain ranges; ascending and descending, the path is perilous and difficult; by the time the sun is westward, there has been no meal, and not even a taste of sour or sweet. This indicates the hardship of a distant campaign, and when divining about a military expedition, it suggests danger and lack of food.

比　沙漠北塞，純無水泉。君子征凶，役伕力殫。

The desert and northern frontier have no springs or water sources; the gentleman going to war faces danger, and those serving are exhausted. This forest indicates a desperate military campaign. Divination for distant campaigns or long journeys indicates great misfortune and advises stopping.

小畜　關柝門啟，衿帶解墮。福與善生，憂不為禍。

The wooden clappers of the gate have stopped, the doors are open, and the sash is loosened; blessings arise from good deeds, and worries will not turn into calamities. This omen indicates the lifting of martial law, relaxation of body and mind, and the resolution of troubles, leading to a turn for the better.

履　狼虎所嗥，患害必遭。不利有為，宜以遁逃。

The place where jackals, wolves, tigers, and leopards howl is a place of calamity and harm; at this time, it is not favorable to take action, one should retreat and withdraw. This forest indicates a dangerous place, one should avoid it. If one seeks to advance, it is advisable to retreat rather than proceed.

泰　金精耀怒，帶劍過午。兩虎相距，弓弩滿野，雖憂無咎。

The bright white star Tai Bai shines brightly and appears wrathful, and the man with the sword travels after noon. Two tigers face each other in confrontation, with bows and arrows spread throughout the fields. Although there is worry and fear, there will be no mistake. This forest's ruler has strong military energy but remains unharmed. When questioning about conflicts, it indicates alarm but no blame.

否　朽根枯樹，華葉落去。卒逢火焱，相隨偃仆。

The tree roots are rotten, the trunk is dry and withered, and all the flowers and leaves have fallen off; suddenly encountering fierce fire, it continues to fall over. This forest indicates that the foundation has already been ruined and will collapse upon encountering a change. When divining about family affairs or the body, it signifies danger and difficulty in sustaining.

同人　入和出暗，動作有光。轉運休息，常樂允康。

When at home, he is harmonious and gentle; when going out, he remains concealed and reserved. Every action and movement brings brilliance. The movement and stillness occur at appropriate times, leading to long-term happiness and genuine health. This person's active and passive nature is well balanced. When consulted about dealing with the world, it indicates peace and smoothness.

大有　國多忌諱，大人恆畏。結口無患，可以長存。

There are many taboos within the country, and those in high positions often feel fear; keeping silent brings no calamity and allows for long-term safety. This divination indicates that the person should avoid speaking, as words may bring misfortune. When questioning about right and wrong or career prospects, it suggests that being cautious with speech will ensure peace.

謙　天地淳亨，六合光明。陰序陽順，厥功以成。

Heaven and Earth are solid and generous, communicating smoothly, with all directions and above and below shining with light. Yin has order, Yang follows suit, and thus achievements are realized. This indicates harmony in time and position. When consulted about planning matters, it suggests that all things will proceed smoothly.

豫　裸裎逐狐，為人觀笑。牝雞鳴晨，主作亂妖。

A person goes naked after a fox, being laughed at by onlookers; a hen crows at dawn, indicating disorder and strange occurrences. This oracle uses the典 from "Book of Documents·Mu Shi" about a hen crowing at dawn, to divinate domestic affairs, indicating disorder and chaos.

隨　陰失陽復，桀失其室，相餧不食。

The Yin energy wanes and the Yang energy returns, yet King Jie of Xia loses his palace. Even when fed, they cannot eat. This indicates that although the overall fortune is turning, the individual has lost their place. When divining about the family residence, it suggests a loss of stability and insecurity.

蠱　蜎飛蠢動，各有配偶。大小相保，咸得其所。臨之豫）

Flying insects and crawling creatures each have their mates; they preserve each other in size and are all in their proper places. This forest signifies that each is in its proper position. When divining about marriage or dealing with the world, it indicates harmony. This passage is the same as the one in the hexagram 临 (Approaching) and 豫 (Joy).

臨　鬼守我廬，欲呼伯去。曾孫壽考，司命不許。與生相保。

Ghostly spirits guard beside my dwelling, intending to take away Bo Shi; however, the descendant has a destiny of longevity, and the Director of Destiny does not permit it. Thus, life is preserved. This forest's master is righteous, and evil forces cannot prevail. When divining about illness and lifespan, there is cause for alarm but no real danger.

觀　禍走患伏，喜為我福。凶惡消亡，災害不作。

Misfortune runs away, worries lie hidden, and joy becomes my blessing; evil spirits vanish, calamities no longer occur. This divination indicates a transformation from misfortune to blessing. When questioning about calamities, it signifies that all misfortunes are completely dispelled and good fortune prevails.

賁　智不別揚，張誑妄行。陷淵僕顛，傷殺伯身。

Wisdom and discernment are unable to distinguish right from wrong, and one merely acts with empty pretense, deceit, and reckless behavior. In the end, one falls into the abyss and stumbles, harming oneself. This oracle indicates that the person is foolish and self-destructive; when consulting about actions, it shows that the person brings about their own misfortune.

剝　凶憂災殃，日益明章。禍不可救，三都夷傷。

Misfortune, danger, and calamity become increasingly evident day by day; calamities are beyond remedy, and three cities have been devastated. This omen indicates accumulated misdeeds leading to sudden disaster. When divining about the state and family affairs, it portends a great calamity that is difficult to avert.

復　長尾蜲蛇，畫地為河。深不可涉，絕無以北。悵然憤息。

The long-tailed creature Wei Sha is drawing a river on the ground; the water is too deep to cross, and the path to the north is completely blocked; one can only sigh in frustration. This forest symbolizes an imaginary obstacle, and when divined for travel or endeavors, it indicates encountering difficulties and being unable to proceed.

旡妄　愛我嬰女，牽引不與。冀幸高貴，反曰下賤。

He loves his little daughter dearly, holding her hand and unwilling to marry her off to someone else. He originally hoped to marry into a noble family, but instead was criticized as being of lowly status. This indicates that the person is eager to marry upwards but ends up marrying downwards. The divination suggests that the person's wish for a high status marriage is not fulfilled.

大畜　鳧游江湖，甘樂其餌。既不近人，雖驚不駭。

Wild ducks swim on the rivers and lakes, contentedly eating their food; since they do not approach people, even if startled, they are not frightened. This indicates that the forest is far from harm and secure. When divining about dealing with the world and avoiding danger, it suggests that maintaining distance will ensure safety.

頤　明滅光息，不能復食。精魄既喪，以夜為室。

Light has been extinguished, radiance has ceased, and one can no longer eat; vital energy, spirit, and soul have been lost, and one can only dwell in darkness. This forest signifies the cessation of vitality; when divined concerning illness, it indicates a great misfortune.

大過　奇適無偶，習靜獨處。所願不從，心思勞苦。

Alone and without a spouse, accustomed to quiet solitude; desires cannot be fulfilled, and the mind is weary. This indicates loneliness and unfulfilled aspirations. When divining about marriage or endeavors, it suggests being alone and achieving nothing.

坎　葛藟蒙棘，花不得實。讒 亂政，使忠壅塞。

The vine climbs entangled among thorns, blooming but bearing no fruit; those who spread slander disrupt the government, blocking the way of sincere advice. This omen indicates obstruction and entanglement, with loyal and virtuous people suppressed. If one seeks to advance in officialdom and present their case, it suggests an undertaking that begins but does not end.

離　鵲笑鳩舞，來遺我酒。大喜在後，授我龜紐。龍喜張口，超拜福祉。

The magpie is joyful and laughing, the sparrow is dancing, coming to present me with fine wine; greater good news is yet to come, granting me a seal with a tortoise-shaped handle and official rank. The dragon is also happy to open its mouth, receiving homage beyond its rank and gaining blessings. This forest's master will receive continuous good news and be promoted to a high rank, asking about fame and achievement, it indicates great auspiciousness.

咸　搖尾逐災，雲孽闢除。洿泥生粱，下為田主。

Shaking its tail to drive away calamity, the demon's energy is dispelled; good grain grows from the muddy lowlands, and humans become masters of the fields. This forest lord removes evils and brings abundance. When divining about land and property, it indicates a transition from poverty to wealth.

恆　白鶴銜珠，夜食為明。膏潤優渥，國歲年豐。

A white heron holds a pearl in its beak, and even when eating at night, there is brightness. The rain and dew are abundant and generous, and the country has a bountiful harvest. This forest signifies obtaining light in darkness and timely rain nourishing the land. When divining about agriculture or family fortune, it indicates abundance and auspiciousness.

遯　內執柔德，止訟以默。宗邑賴德，禍災不作。

With a heart that upholds the virtue of gentleness and compliance, using silence to quell disputes; the ancestral temples and cities rely on this virtue, and calamities no longer occur. This forest ruler softens conflicts through gentleness. When divining disputes, it indicates a resolution with peace and auspiciousness.

大壯　犬吠驚駭，公拔戈起。元冥厭火，消散瓦解。

The barking of a dog startled people, and the lord raised his spear. The water god Xuanming subdued the fire, and the disaster dispersed and dissolved. This indicates that the master was startled but eventually controlled the situation. Divination regarding a fire disturbance shows that there will be alarm but ultimately it will be resolved.

晉　公悅嫗喜，子孫俱在。榮譽日登，福祿來處。

The male head of the household is joyful, the old woman is happy, and the children are all around; honor rises day by day, and blessings and wealth come in abundance. This indicates that the family is flourishing. When divining about family fortune and descendants, it is a great auspicious omen.

明夷　鳥鳴捕 ，長欲飛去。循枝上下，適與風遇。顛損樹根，命不可救。

A bird cries out as it is captured, desperately trying to fly away; it jumps up and down along the branches, just as a strong wind comes; the tree roots collapse and break, making it impossible to save its life. This omen indicates that the person in charge is in a critical situation, struggling desperately but ultimately unable to escape. When divining about danger, the outcome is ominous.

家人　析薪熾酒，使媒求婦。和合齊宋，姜子悅喜。

Splitting firewood, lighting a fire, and warming wine, sending a媒人 to seek a wife; facilitating the marriage between Qi and Song, the daughter of the Jiang family and her son both rejoice. This indicates that the媒人 will succeed, and when divining about marriage, it shows harmony between the two families and a favorable outcome.

睽　鄰不我顧，而望玉女。身多疣癩，誰當媚者。

The neighbor does not wish to take care of me, yet I expect to marry a woman as beautiful as jade; my body is covered with warts and sores, who would come close to me? This person is ambitious beyond their means, asking about marriage, and the divination indicates rejection.

蹇　遠視無光，不知青黃。黈纊塞耳，使君闇聾。

Looking far away without any light, even the colors green and yellow cannot be distinguished; yellow silk earplugs block the ears, causing the ruler to be both confused and deaf. This indicates that the ruler's eyes and ears are obstructed. When consulting about making decisions and appointing people, it suggests that the ruler is being misled and will make mistakes.

解　克身整己，逢禹巡狩。賜我元圭，蒙受福佑。

Self-restraint and self-discipline, encountering a great ruler like Yu the Great on his tour; he bestowed upon me a jade scepter, thus I received blessings and protection. This person cultivates themselves and meets a wise sovereign, inquiring about advancement and reward, the main aspect is receiving a grant and being auspicious.

損　遠望千里，不見黑子。離婁之明，無益於光。

Looking far away for a thousand miles, not even a single black mole can be seen; even with the sharp eyes of Li Lu, it would not add any brightness. This indicates that the person's talent is high but their circumstances are unclear. When consulting about discernment and decision-making, the main force is insufficient.

益　斧斤所斫，瘡疣不息。針口不施，下即空室。

The place injured by an axe will not heal; even medicine cannot help, and in the end, it is just an empty house. This indicates that the person in charge of the forest suffers from a wound that will not heal, and their family affairs are in decline. When questioning about illness or household matters, it foretells misfortune.

夬　齊侯少子，才略美好。求我長女，賤薄不與。反得醜陋，後乃大悔。

The younger son of the Duke of Qi is talented and handsome, and he came to marry my eldest daughter. I thought him too lowly and shallow, so I refused him. In the end, my daughter married a man who was ugly, and afterwards she regretted it deeply. This person chose a spouse based on appearance and thus missed a good match. Divination on marriage indicates a mistake that should have been decided upon earlier.

姤　失儷後旅，天門地戶。不知所在，安止無咎。

Losing one's spouse and falling behind the group, the heavenly gate and earthly gate are unclear and difficult to discern; not knowing where one is, stopping safely is actually without fault. This oracle indicates that the master of the forest is lost and should stop. When divining about travel or endeavors, it suggests that remaining still and guarding one's position will result in no blame.

萃　烏孫氏女，深目黑丑。嗜慾不同，過時無咎。

The women of the Wusun country have deep-set eyes and dark complexions; they have different desires and preferences, and after some time, there is no fault. This forest's master is of a different customs and difficult to harmonize. When divining about marriage or partnership, it indicates inharmony and suggests a delay in proceeding.

升　伯駕純騮，南至東華。求索車馬，道闕中止。

Master Bo drove a single yellow horse southward to the East Hua region; along the way he sought for vehicles and horses, but halted halfway due to the broken roads. The owner of this forest encountered obstacles in his journey, and when divining about travel and endeavors, the omen indicated that the journey would be abandoned midway.

困　二女寶珠，誤鄭大夫。君父無禮，自為作笑。

Two women and the pearl matter have caused trouble for the minister of Zheng; the ruler's actions are disrespectful, bringing ridicule upon himself. This divination indicates that the master has lost control due to lust and greed, and when consulting about human affairs and reputation, it shows self-inflicted disgrace.

井　陽城太室，神明所息。仁者之君，獨無兵革。

Yangcheng and Taishi Mountain are places where deities dwell; a ruler who practices benevolent governance will be free from military calamities. This forest signifies that the benevolent are invincible. When divining about the safety of the state, if one adheres to benevolence, military disaster can be averted.

革　反（一作大）蛇為殃，使道不通。歲收甚少，年穀敗傷。

An abnormal snake became a calamity, causing obstruction on the roads; the harvest was small, and the grain was poor and spoiled. This omen indicates unusual disasters, blocked paths, and a poor harvest. If one consults about farming or travel, both are unfavorable. The character '反' is sometimes written as '大' in other versions.

鼎　三足孤鳥，靈明為御。司過罰惡，自殘其家。毀敗為憂。坎之渙）

A solitary bird with three feet was driven by the deities; it was entrusted with the duty of inspecting and punishing wrongdoing, yet it harmed its own family. Destruction thus becomes a source of worry. This omen indicates a ruler who is overly meticulous and self-harming. When divining about law enforcement or family management, it suggests excessive severity leading to failure. This passage is similar in wording to the combination of Kan and Huan.

震　車駕兩靷，絕馬欲步。雙輪脫行，至道遇害。一本作膠車乃駕，兩引如繩。馬絕靷走，雙輸脫去）

The carriage is drawn by two ropes, which break, causing the horse to move slowly; both wheels fall off, and on reaching the main road, disaster occurs. This oracle indicates that the vehicle is in disrepair and there will be changes on the way. Divination for travel or transportation suggests damage along the journey. The older text reads: "The carriage is stuck, with two ropes like ropes. The horse breaks free and moves slowly, both wheels fall off."

艮　鬱映不明，為陰所傷。眾霧麗集，共奪日光。

The light and shadow are entangled and unclear, harmed by the Yin energy; thick fog gathers and adheres, together obscuring the sunlight. This forest is dominated by a gathering of Yin forces that block the brightness. When divining matters of affairs and situations, it indicates obscurity and difficulty in discernment.

漸　鸇 梟，治城御災。周公勤勞，綏得安家。

The鹯 bird drives away the evil jackal, repairing the city walls to guard against calamity; the Duke of Zhou worked diligently and finally brought peace and stability to the country. This oracle indicates that the ruler eliminates evil and guards firmly, and when questioned about preventing disasters and governing the household, it shows that labor leads to peace.

歸妹　名成德就，項領不試。景公耄老，尼父逝去。

His reputation is already established, his virtue fully realized, yet he is like a strong horse whose neck is not used for harnessing; King Jing of Qi, old and foolish, forced Confucius to leave. This passage uses the story of Confucius leaving Qi as a reference for divination regarding seeking official positions, indicating that although one's talent is mature, it remains unrecognized and unused.

豐　一夫兩心，岐刺不深。所為無功，求事不成。

A person harbors two different intentions, and the thorn splits but does not pierce deeply; the actions taken yield no results, and matters sought to be accomplished fail. This omen indicates that the person's heart is not focused, and when divining about endeavors, it suggests that the undertaking will be abandoned halfway.

旅　羿張烏號，彀射天狼。趙國雄勇，敗於滎陽。

After Yi shot his bow named Wuhao at the star Tianlang, the State of Zhao, though strong and brave, suffered defeat in Xingyang. This omen indicates that the person in question, despite possessing a strong bow, cannot ensure victory. When questioning about conflicts and competition, it suggests that the party relying on bravery will ultimately fail.

巽　東家殺牛，汙臭腥臊。神皆西顧，命衰絕周。

The eastern neighbor slaughtered an ox and performed a grand worship, but the sacrificial meat was filthy and smelly; the deities turned their heads westward, indicating a decline in vitality and the end of the Zhou dynasty. This passage refers to the meaning in the Book of Changes, the section on 'Already Achieved' (Ji Ji), which states that the eastern neighbor's sacrifice of an ox is not as good as the western neighbor's simple worship (Yue Ji). When divining about worship and national fortune, this indicates excessive and wasteful sacrifices that bring no real benefit.

兌　火起我後，喜炙吾廬。蒼龍銜水，泉噀屋柱，雖難無咎。

Fire is burning behind me, about to burn my house; the Azure Dragon holds water in its mouth and sprays the well water onto the pillars of the house; although there is danger, there will be no mistake. This divination indicates that the forest owner is saved from a fire disaster, and when questioning about calamities, it shows a dangerous situation that is resolved.

渙　桃雀竊脂，巢於小枝。搖動不安，為風所吹。寒心飄搖，常憂殆危。

The magpie steals fat and grease, building its nest on thin branches; the nest is unstable and shaken by the wind; the bird is frightened and anxious, constantly worrying about falling. This omen indicates that the person in the forest is not secure in their position. When questioning about relying on or residing in a place, it foretells fear and unease.

節　徒足去域，飛入東國。有所畏避，深藏遠匿。

Traveling away from one's native land, proceeding towards the eastern country; due to fear and avoidance, one can only hide and remain concealed. The forest owner is avoiding misfortune and fleeing far away. Divination concerning travel and seeking refuge indicates that concealment is preferable to exposure.