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

巽　懷璧越鄉，不可遠行。蔡侯兩裘，久苦流離。

Carrying a precious jade away from home is not advisable for a long journey. Lord Cai was detained and suffered prolonged hardship and wandering because he offended the Chu people with two fur coats, as recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan." This person has brought misfortune through wealth, and is unable to return home, so divination for a distant journey indicates a凶 (auspicious).

兌　伯氏歸國，多所恨惑。車頓蓋傾，身常驚惶。乃得其願，雌雄相從。

Master Bo returned to his homeland, harboring much resentment and confusion. His carriage overturned and his canopy collapsed, causing great alarm along the way. In the end, his wishes were fulfilled, with a pair of lovers coming together. This forest lord first faced danger but eventually succeeded, ultimately achieving harmony. The divination concerns returning home and marriage, initially ominous but ultimately auspicious.

渙　火石相得，乾無潤澤，利少囊縮。

Fire and stone collide to produce heat, extremely dry with no moisture, yielding little profit, the money pouch gradually becomes empty. This indicates the person is dry and destitute, with little gain, and seeking wealth is unfavorable.

節　君明聖哲，鳴呼其友。顯德之徒，可以禮仕。

The sovereign is wise and virtuous, like a melodious bird calling its companions, summoning virtuous friends. The poem "Famously Good" from the "Book of Songs" takes the meaning of birdsong to seek companions. Those with outstanding virtue may serve in office according to propriety. This omen indicates a wise ruler seeking talented people, and the times are favorable for scholars. Divination regarding seeking official positions and recommendations is auspicious.

中孚　騎豚逐羊，不見所望。徑涉虎廬，亡豚失羊。乾之蹇）

Riding a small pig to chase after a flock of sheep, expecting to gain nothing. Then directly rushing into the tiger's den, resulting in the loss of both the pig and the sheep. This indicates that the person in question relies on improper means and has lost both pursuits; divination for seeking wealth or recovering debts is unfavorable. The same phrase also appears as 'Qian (Heaven) transforming into Jian (Obstruction).'

小過　元黃虺隤，行者勞罷。役夫憔悴，處子猥衰。

The horse is sick, with dull coat and weak legs, just as the verse from the Book of Songs, Zhou Nan, Juan Er, says, "My horse is weary." Travelers are also exhausted. Those who serve are pale and weary, and the women in the household become thin and frail. This indicates that the person in question is suffering from arduous labor, both internally and externally exhausted. Divination regarding travel and physical condition is unfavorable.

既濟　右手掩目，不見長叔。失其所得，悔吝相仍。

Using the right hand to cover the eyes, even close family elders and uncles cannot be seen. Something already obtained is lost again, with regret and stinginess following continuously. This oracle indicates that the person is self-occluding their wisdom, gaining then losing, and is unfavorable for maintaining success and managing finances.

未濟　免冠進賢，步出朝門。儀體不正，賊孽為患。否之兌）

Remove the official hat, recommend capable people, and slowly step out of the palace gate. However, if one's appearance and behavior are not in accordance with propriety, wicked people will take advantage and cause harm. This ruler, although good in yielding the position, failed in maintaining proper conduct, thus ultimately opening the door to calamity. The divination concerning official affairs advises caution in observing etiquette and laws. The same divination also shows 'Obstruction with Lake'.

剝　行觸大諱，與司命忤。執囚束縛，拘制於吏。憂人有喜。中孚之震）

The person involved has violated a major taboo, conflicting with the deity in charge of life and death, leading to being arrested and bound, and being detained by officials. Fortunately, those who are worried will eventually experience good news. This forest owner has committed a taboo, resulting in punishment, being imprisoned first and then released. When consulting about legal disputes, it starts off凶 and ends with吉. The same phrase also appears as 'Zhongfou Zhen'.

乾　穿胸狗邦，僵離旁舂。天地易紀，日月更始。師之謙）

The countries of Chuanxiong and Gou, these distant foreign lands, are recorded in the Shanhai Jing as the people with pierced chests and the country of Kuanfeng; the people there are stiff and wandering, only able to work at the side pounding rice and serving as laborers. The heavens change their laws and the sun and moon begin anew. This forest signifies great change in the world order and the collapse of the old system, indicating a sign of changing dynasties and new rulers, suggesting one should remain calm and wait for the right time. The same oracle also shows "the humility of the army."

坤　從風縱火，荻芝俱死。三害集房，十子中傷。

Setting fire to the wind, reed grass and lingzhi are all burned to death, both good and bad destroyed. Three kinds of calamities gather in the house, ten children are injured. This forest's master suffers total destruction, calamity reaches the children, divination for the family dwelling is extremely凶.

屯　北山有棗，橘柚所聚。荷囊載擔，香盈筐筥。

There is a mulberry tree on the northern mountain, also a place where trifoliate oranges and citrons gather. One carries a bag and a pole to gather them, the fragrance filling round baskets and square trays. This forest produces abundant goods, and when one returns with the harvest, divination for seeking wealth and profit from distant travel is favorable.

蒙　□金贖狸，不聽我辭。繫於虎鬚，牽不得來。否之革，需之睽，震之咸，巽之需）

Take money to redeem the cat, but the other party does not listen to my arguments. The cat is tied to the tiger's whisker and cannot be led no matter how hard I try. The forest owner's request is controlled by the strong, and the attempt to redeem is in vain. The divination concerns lost property and human relations, both difficult to achieve. The same trigrams also show 'Obstruction and Change,' 'Need and Estrangement,' 'Thunder and Sincerity,' 'Wind and Need.'

需　上下惟邪，寡婦無夫。歡心隔塞，君子離居。

All above and below are going astray, widows have no husbands to rely on. The desire for affection is blocked and obstructed, and the gentleman can only leave home and live apart. This omen indicates that the customs are corrupt and feelings are not communicated, and it is ominous for marriage and family matters.

訟　二人輦車，徙去其家。並沸釜鳴，不可安居。復之旅）

Two people pushed a cart, moving their family away. The water in the pot boiled together, and the cauldron made a loud sound, which is an ominous sign, indicating they can no longer stay. This forest indicates migration and turmoil, the dwelling is not secure. Divination for a place to live is凶. The same phrase also appears with 「Reversal of the Journey」.

師　蹇驢不才，駿驥失時。筋力勞盡，罷於沙丘。履之巽）

A lame donkey has no strength, and a fine horse is born at an inauspicious time. Its strength is exhausted, and it dies in exhaustion on a sand dune. This indicates that the forest owner has lost valuable resources due to inopportune timing, and has exhausted his strength without achieving success. Seeking advice on employing people or traveling far is unfavorable. The same phrase also appears in 'Crossing the Threshold' with 'Wind.'

比　明傷之初，為穆出郊。以讒復歸，名曰豎牛。剝亂叔孫，飫於空丘。

When the light first suffered damage, due to the reason of Mu Zi, he went out to the outskirts. This person, named Shu Niu, returned by means of slander. The Zuo Zhuan records that Shu Niu caused chaos in the household of Shu Sun氏, eventually leading to the death of Shu Sun Mu Zi from starvation, while Shu Niu himself feasted on an empty hill. This grove's owner is characterized by slander and deceit, causing disorder within the family and disrupting the proper order between the legitimate heir and the younger son. Divination concerning family matters indicates great misfortune.

小畜　天火大起，飛鳥驚駭。作事不時，為多咎。

Heaven sends a great fire that burns fiercely, causing birds to fly in alarm and scatter. Actions are not timely, thus leading to many calamities. This omen indicates sudden natural disasters, improper actions, and unfavorable outcomes for all matters when questioned.

履　土與山連，共保歲寒。終無災患，萬世長安。

The plain connects with the high mountain, together guarding against the severe cold of the end of the year. There is no calamity, and peace lasts for generations. This forest signifies a solid foundation and long-term stability, with great auspiciousness for both family and state.

泰　日出阜東，山蔽其明。章甫薦履，箕子佯狂。賁之屯）

The sun rises from the eastern earth mountain but is obscured by high mountains. Using a ceremonial cap as a shoe, the hierarchy is reversed; Ji Zi faced the chaos of Zhou Wang's reign and pretended madness to avoid disaster. This indicates that virtuous talents are suppressed and the times are confused, suggesting the need for concealment and self-preservation. The same phrase also appears in 'Bian' of 'Zun'.

否　龍馬上山，絕無水泉。喉焦唇乾，口不能言。乾之訟）

A dragon horse gallops up a high mountain, but there is not a single drop of spring water on the mountain. Its throat is parched and dry, its lips are cracked, and it cannot even speak. This indicates that the person in question is in a high position but has lost their means of support, is highly capable but not properly nurtured. When seeking wealth or assistance, there is no hope of success, which is ominous. The same phrase also appears in 'Qian' hexagram 6, which relates to disputes.

同人　雄處弱水，雌在海濱。將別持食，悲哀於心。

A male bird perches on the weak water in the west, while the female bird is far away by the eastern sea. The weak water is mentioned in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, a body of water that is too distant to cross. At parting, each bird carries food in its beak, their hearts filled with sorrow. This grove signifies separation between two places, making reunion difficult. When divining about marriage or long journeys, it indicates parting.

大有　庭燎夜明，追嗣日光。陽軟不至，陰雄生戾。

A torch is lit in the courtyard to illuminate the long night, barely continuing the brightness of daylight. The poem "Ting Liao" from the Book of Songs describes the practice of holding candles during court assemblies. The yang energy is weak and fails to arrive on time, while the yin energy dominates in a strong position, giving rise to disorder. This indicates that the ruler is weak and the ministers are strong, with yin and yang out of balance. Divination concerning the family and the state suggests worries about internal disturbances.

謙　三婦同夫，忽不相思。志恆不愁，顏色不怡。

Three women share one husband, yet they are indifferent to each other and do not think of one another. Though their hearts are not troubled, their expressions are always unjoyful. This indicates that the household is divided in spirit, appearing united but separated in mind. Divination concerning family matters and partnerships suggests difficulties in achieving harmony.

豫　鶴盜我珠，逃於東都。鵠怒追求，郭氏之墟。不見蹤跡，反為患災。豫之明夷）

A crane took my pearl and fled eastward to the capital; a goose flew in anger to pursue it, following it all the way to the ruins of the Guo family. There was no trace left, yet it brought about calamity. The owner of this forest loses what is lost and investigates further, which brings misfortune. Divination concerning loss and disputes is unfavorable. The same wording also appears in 'Yù' hexagram transformed into 'Míng Yí'.

隨　沐猴冠帶，盜在非位。眾犬共吠，倉狂蹶足。

A monkey wearing a cap to pretend to be human, usurping a position it is not entitled to, is mocked in the Records of the Grand Historian, Shiji, as "a monkey wearing a cap" (mu hou er guan). The dogs all bark together, and it stumbles in panic. This indicates that the master of this forest is a petty person who has usurped a position, facing great public anger. Asking about seeking an official post or employing people will result in bad outcomes.

蠱　黍稷禾稻，垂畝方好。中旱不雨，傷風病稿。

Barley, millet, millet, and rice are full in the fields, growing well. However, in the middle of the season, a severe drought occurs without rain, and the crops are damaged by wind, causing the stalks to wither and become sickly. This omen indicates that the forest ruler will first flourish and then decline, with efforts failing at the last moment. Those who inquire about farming or planning affairs may face obstacles and setbacks.

臨　雄聖伏名，人匿麟遠。走鳳飛北，亂禍未息。中孚之損）

A heroic and outstanding sage hides his reputation, while virtuous men retreat and the qilin (mythical creature) flees away. The phoenix flies north, and chaos continues without end. This indicates that the forest is ruled by a virtuous person who retreats from the world, and disorder has not yet ceased. When questioning about the current situation, it is advisable to retreat and remain hidden rather than take action. The same meaning is also seen in the divination of 'Zhongfou' and 'Sun'.

觀　三母多福，天祿所伏。居之寵光，君子有福。

The three virtuous mothers, Tai Jiang, Tai Ren, and Tai Si, had profound blessings, and the heavenly bestowed rank was hidden within them; the virtue of the three mothers of the Zhou dynasty is recorded in the "Lie Nü Zhuan." Occupying such a high position and enjoying honor and prestige, the gentleman thus attains happiness. This grove signifies a family accumulating goodness, with blessings remaining. Divination concerning the family and descendants is favorable.

噬嗑　被服文德，升入大麓。四門雍肅，登受大福。

Wearing the teachings of cultural virtue, one enters the deep forest of the mountain foot for testing; The Book of Documents, Shun's Mandate, records Shun's "entering the great foot of the mountain," and also "attending at the four gates, the four gates being solemn and orderly." The four gates are solemn and orderly, thus enabling him to ascend the throne and receive great blessings. This forest signifies a person of virtue who is greatly destined, with prospects of promotion. Divination for advancement is highly auspicious.

賁　褰裳涉河，水流漬衣。幸賴舟子，濟脫無他。觀之渙，賁之大過，坤之萃）

He raised his lower garment and walked across the river, but the water soaked his clothes. Fortunately, a boatman helped him across, and he escaped safely without any further misfortune. This indicates that the person involved faced danger but was rescued, with no actual harm. If one asks about a dangerous situation and receives help from others, it is auspicious. The same phrase also appears in 'Observing the涣' 'Brightening the大过' and 'Earth's Accumulation'.

復　班馬還師，以息勞疲。役夫嘉喜，入戶見妻。觀之既濟，賁之蠱）

The military retires back to the capital, allowing the weary soldiers to rest. Those who have been serving are very happy, and upon returning home they see their wives. This indicates that the campaign has ended, and husband and wife are reunited. If one asks about returning home or matters that have been delayed being completed, both are auspicious. The same divination also shows "Observing the Completion" and "Transformation of the Subtle."

旡妄　東鄰嫁女，為王妃后。莊公築館，以尊王母。歸於京師，季姜悅喜。

To the east, a neighboring country sent their daughter to become a concubine of the Son of Heaven. Duke Zhuang of Lu built a pavilion for her in honor of the royal lady; The Spring and Autumn Annals record that Duke Zhuang constructed a pavilion for the royal lady outside the capital. The woman returned to the capital, and Ji Jiang was delighted in her heart. This forest indicates a woman of high status entering the palace, marrying into a high-ranking family, and the divination for marriage is very auspicious.

大畜　百足俱行，相輔為強。三聖翼事，王室寵光。屯之履，晉之坤，遯之復）

A centipede's many legs move together, supporting each other and thus becoming strong. Three virtuous ministers assist the state, bringing glory to the royal house. This forest indicates collective effort and the presence of capable ministers. Divination regarding cooperation and advancement is favorable. The same wording also appears in 'Zun' hexagram 1 and 'Jin' hexagram 3, as well as 'Dun' hexagram 41.

頤　危坐至暮，請求不得。膏澤不降，政戾民忒。泰之離，需之頤，漸之坎）

Sitting upright waiting until dusk, the requested matter still has no resolution. Grace and favor are like nourishing rain that fail to descend. The government is erratic and the people are restless. This indicates that the superior intentions are not communicated and the lower sentiments are not conveyed. Divination concerning petitions and official affairs will not succeed. The same wording also appears in 'Gai' hexagram 'Li' (Fire), 'Xu' hexagram 'Yi' (Abundance), and 'Jian' hexagram 'Kan' (Water).

大過　百川朝海，泛流不止。路雖遼遠，無不到者。

A hundred rivers rush to the sea, flowing ceaselessly without pause. Though the path may be distant, there is no road that cannot be reached. This forest's master is the object of widespread support and has the determination to succeed. Divination regarding long journeys and endeavors will surely result in success, which is auspicious.

坎　乘騮駕驪，東至於濟。遭遇仁友，送我以資。厚得利歸。

Riding a red horse and driving a black horse, heading east to the banks of the Ji River. On the way, I met a kind and generous friend who gave me money for travel, and I returned home with great profit. This indicates that the person in question will meet a nobleman on their journey and gain substantial profits. Divination for travel and seeking wealth is highly auspicious.

離　禮壞樂崩，陰請不當。成子傲慢，為簡生殃。欲求致理，力疲心爛。

The rites have decayed, the music has fallen into disarray, and secret requests are entirely against the law. Chen Chengzi was arrogant and tyrannical, bringing about the death of Duke Jian of Qi, as recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan" for the 14th year of Duke Ai. If one seeks to achieve governance, they only end up exhausted and distressed. This forest indicates that the prime minister dominates the sovereign, the government is in chaos and difficult to restore, and divination concerning state affairs and official matters is ominous.

咸　一人輦車，乘入虎家。王母貪饕，盜我犁牛。

A person was pushing a cart and rushed directly into the den of tigers and wolves. The Queen Mother was greedy and took away the ox I used for plowing. This person has entered a dangerous place of their own accord and lost their property; divination shows that seeking wealth and relying on others will both be unfavorable.

恆　羊頭兔足，少肉不飽。漏囊敗粟，利無所得。渙之艮）

There is only one sheep's head and a few rabbit's legs, the meat is too little to fill the stomach. The bag is torn and the millet has spoiled, with no profit to be gained. The owner of this forest gains very little and loses it as soon as he gains it. It is very unfavorable to seek wealth. The same phrase also appears as 'Huan' followed by 'Gen'.

遯　新田宜粟，上農得谷。君子懷德，以千百福。恆之離）

The newly cultivated fields are suitable for growing millet, and diligent upper-class farmers harvest full granaries. The gentleman possesses virtue, thus attracting numerous blessings. This forest indicates diligent farming with good harvests and abundant blessings following from virtue. Divination regarding agriculture and family fortune is favorable. The same phrase also appears as 'Constantness of the Lake.'

大壯　夷羿所射，發輒有獲。雙鳧俱得，利伐王國。

The eastern夷's archer, Houyi, drew his bow and hunted, ensuring every arrow he shot brought a kill, and each arrow could bring down two wild geese. Using this method to go to war against enemy states would be advantageous. This forest's ruler has arrows that never miss their mark, and any undertaking will surely succeed. Divination regarding military campaigns and schemes is favorable.

晉　鳧舞鼓翼，嘉樂堯德。虞夏美功，要荒賓服。

Wild geese flap their wings and gracefully dance, rejoicing in the virtue of Emperor Yao. Yu the Great and King Yu of Xia achieved great accomplishments, and even the most remote regions and barbarian lands came to submit. This forest signifies the spread of virtue and the submission of all directions; divination concerning state affairs and distant alliances is favorable.

明夷　登丘上山，對酒遇歡。終年卒歲，優福無患。

Climbing a hill, ascending a high mountain, facing fine wine and encountering joy. Throughout the year, blessings are abundant and there are no misfortunes. This omen indicates that the person in question will ascend high and achieve success, enjoy peace and happiness all year round, and all matters questioned will be favorable.

家人　歲暮花落，陽入陰室。萬物伏匿，藏不可得。

As the year comes to an end, flowers wither and the yang energy retreats into the dark. All things hide and conceal themselves, and once hidden, they can no longer be found. This forest signifies the passage of time and the loss of what was sought. Divination for searching people or objects will yield no results.

睽　螟蟲為賊，害我禾穀。簞瓶空虛，飢無所食。

Locusts devastated the crops, destroying my fields. The food basket and water vessel are both empty, leaving me hungry with no food to eat. This indicates that the landowner suffers from a plague and a poor harvest, with no surplus stored at home. Divination concerning agriculture and sustenance shows an ominous outcome.

蹇　陽虎脅主，使德不通。炎離為殃，年穀患傷。

Yang Hu seized control of Ji's family and forced the king, causing virtue and governance to fail to be implemented. The Zuo Zhuan records his rebellion in Lu during the eighth year of Duke Ding. A fire disaster became a calamity, severely damaging the crops of that year. This indicates that the ruler's principal minister was acting beyond his authority and that the heavenly signs were not favorable. Divination concerning state affairs and agricultural matters both indicate misfortune.

解　四馬共轅，東上泰山。騂驪同力，無有重難。與君笑言。渙之豐）

Four horses pull the same yurtan, heading east up Mount Tai. The red horse and the black horse work together with united hearts; even the heaviest path does not feel difficult, and they can walk and talk with you. This forest indicates unity and concerted effort, capable of overcoming difficulties. The divination for traveling and working together is auspicious. Again, it sees 'Huan' turning into 'Feng'.

損　牧羊稻園，聞虎喧讙。畏懼悚息，終無禍患。隨之漸，井之否，中孚之小過）

Keeping sheep by the rice field, one suddenly heard the loud roar of a tiger. Though frightened, holding one's breath and trembling, in the end there was no harm. The forest owner experienced a false alarm, no danger, no injury. The divination indicates that although there is alarm, there is no actual misfortune. The same hexagram also appears with 'Following and Gradual,' 'Well and Obstruction,' and 'Middle Trust and Minor Overstep.'

益　陽花不時，冬實生危。憂多橫賊，生不能服。崑崙之玉，取求必得。

The flowers born from yang energy do not bloom according to the seasons; bearing fruit in winter is a sign of danger. There are many worries and sudden misfortunes, making it hard to live in peace. Fortunately, the beautiful jade of Kunlun Mountain can certainly be obtained if one seeks it. This forest indicates a disorder in the sequence of time, yet there is gain amidst worry. The divination suggests a situation where danger comes first, followed by success.

夬　高阜所在，陰氣不淋。洪水不處，為家利寶。

Living on a high hill, dampness cannot reach here. Floodwaters cannot reach this high ground, so this elevated land becomes the benefit and treasure of a family. This forest indicates choosing high ground to avoid danger and preserving family assets. Divination regarding residence and buying property is favorable.

姤　釋然遠咎，避患革害。田獲三狐，以貝為寶。君子所在，安寧不殆。

The mind is at ease and free from calamity, avoiding misfortune and eliminating harm. Three foxes were caught in a hunt, and also some shell money, as stated in the Line Statement of the Second Line of the Hexagram 41 (Jie) in the I Ching. This indicates that the person is able to remove harmful influences and gain benefits, ensuring personal safety and no danger. Divination regarding travel and seeking wealth is favorable.

萃　兩目失明，日奪無光。脛足跛曳，不可以行。頓於丘旁，亡妾莫逐。嵬然獨宿。

Both eyes are blind, and the sun has been stripped of its light. The lower legs are lame, and one cannot walk properly. One is trapped by the hillside, unable to chase after the wife who has fled, and must remain alone. This omen indicates a person with physical disabilities lacking support, family members scattered, and great misfortune in matters of illness and domestic affairs.

升　鴻飛循陸，公出不復，伯氏客宿。中孚之同人）

Wild geese fly along the high ground, indicating that the master will leave home and not return. The master's relative, Bo Shi, can only stay as a guest elsewhere. The Classic of Poetry, Wind of Bin, 'Nine Net,' says, 'Wild geese fly along the land, the lord returns but does not come back.' This indicates that the master is traveling far and will not return, and the guest is staying away. The question about the return time is uncertain. The same divination appears in 'Zhongfu' and 'Tongren.'

困　佩玉累蕊，無以繫之。孤怨獨處，愁哀相憂。一作桑方云云）

A string of jade hangs in a row like flower petals, yet there is no ribbon to tie it. Alone and resentful, it dwells in solitude, with sorrow and grief following one after another. This forest symbolizes a person of fine virtue without support, lonely and without reliance. Divination regarding marriage and seeking support will not be fulfilled. The same passage in another version says, "The mulberry tree is about to fall."

井　載船渡海，雖深何咎。孫子俱在，不失其所。

Traveling by boat across the sea, although the water is deep, there will be no calamity. The children are all nearby, each finding their own secure place. This indicates that the household has reliable boats and can rely on them, ensuring the safety of the whole family. Divination regarding travel and the family dwelling is favorable.

革　鵠求魚食，道遇射弋。繒加我頸，繳縛兩翼。欲飛不能，為羿所得。

A hawk bird searches for fish to eat but meets hunters on the way. A rope catches its neck, and a line binds its wings. It cannot fly, and is finally captured by a skilled archer like Hou Yi. This omen indicates that the person is greedy for food, trapped in a net, and seeking profit leads to being confined, which is凶 (a凶 omen).

鼎　泥面亂頭，忍恥少羞，日以削消。

The person has a face covered in dirt, disheveled hair, endures disgrace without feeling ashamed, and their family fortune is gradually being reduced and destroyed. This indicates that the owner of the forest is self-abandoning and declining day by day, and the divination shows misfortune in both family fortune and reputation.

震　桑方將落，隕其黃葉。失勢傾倒，如無所立。一作佩玉云云）

The mulberry tree is about to wither, and its withered yellow leaves are falling in abundance. The "Book of Songs · Wei Wind · Meng" uses the falling of mulberry leaves to symbolize the loss of beauty. When a person loses their support, they become unstable, as if they can no longer stand firm. This indicates that the person is experiencing the decline of prosperity and the loss of power and support. Divination regarding family fortune and favor suggests a period of decline. The same passage in the original text is described as "Pei Yu Liu Rui," and so on.

艮　巨蛇大□，戰於國邦。上下隔塞，主君走逃。巽之臨）

A great snake and a great beast fight within the country, with communication blocked above and below, forcing the king to flee. This forest, with strange creatures fighting within the country, symbolizes great internal turmoil. Divination concerning state affairs and family matters is ominous; one should take refuge elsewhere. The same wording also appears in "Xun following Lin."