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

漸　已動死，連商子。揚砂石，胡貉擾。軍鼓振，吏士恐。

Changes bring disorder and casualties, involving merchants as well. A fierce wind raises sand and stones, with northern nomadic tribes coming to harass. The war drums sound, and officials and soldiers are all frightened. This forest indicates sudden border alarms, merchants suffering losses, and both travel and commerce being ominous.

歸妹　張羅搏鳩，鳥麗其災。雌雄俱得，為網所滅。賁之歸妹，一作二人俱行，別離持食。一身五心，亂無所得）

He set a net to catch the sparrow, and the bird just collided with this calamity. Both male and female were caught together and perished in the net. This forest indicates both partners falling into the net, husband and wife both injured. Divination on travel and undertakings is ominous. Also, it shows 'Accumulation' turning into 'Marriage'. Another version of this passage states 'both people go together, separate to carry food. One body with five hearts, confused and unable to obtain anything'.

豐　三聖相輔，鳥獸喜舞。安樂富有，二人諧偶。

Three sages support each other, and even birds and beasts rejoice and dance. The world is peaceful and prosperous, with harmony between men and women who form happy couples. This omen indicates that virtuous ministers are in office, people are united, and the year is bountiful. Divination on marriage and family affairs is favorable.

旅　三奇六耦，相隨俱市。王孫善賈，先得利寶。居止不移，大盜為咎。

Three odd numbers and six even numbers follow each other in a group, heading towards the market. The nobleman is skilled in trade and will gain substantial profit and valuable goods by moving ahead. However, if he remains in place and refuses to move, there will be a great thief who becomes a calamity. The owner of this forest first gains profit but then suffers loss. Divination indicates that it is advisable to seize profit promptly when trading.

巽　三人俱行，一人言北。伯叔欲南，少叔不得。中路分道，爭鬥相賊。歸妹之中孚）

Three people set out together, but one insists on going north. The elder brother and the younger brother wish to go south, but the younger younger brother refuses to agree. Halfway through the journey, they part ways and fight, harming each other. This indicates that the group has differing intentions while traveling together, leading to internal conflict and self-inflicted harm. Divination for partnership and travel is unfavorable. The hexagram also shows 'Return of the Maiden' and 'Trust within,' suggesting further discord and lack of harmony.

兌　播天舞地，擾亂神所。居樂無咎，言不信誤。

The upper shakes the blue sky and the lower dances upon the earth, disturbing the dwelling places of the spirits. To live in comfort and enjoy peace is not inherently wrong, but due to untruthful speech, misfortune is brought about. The master of this forest acts beyond his proper bounds and incurs blame through dishonesty. When consulting the oracle, one should be cautious in speech and careful in action.

渙　坐爭立訟，紛紛洶洶。幸成禍亂，災及我公。大過之離）

Sitting in argument and standing in litigation, causing much disturbance and clamor. Eventually leading to chaos and calamity, the misfortune involves our lord. This indicates that the master of the forest is involved in disputes and turmoil, affecting the respected elders. The divination shows a great凶 (danger) in legal matters. The same wording also appears as 'Great Excess' with the trigram 'Fire'.

節　蛇行蜿蜒，不能上阪。履節安居，可以無憂。

The snake moves coiling and winding, yet it cannot climb a steep slope. By maintaining restraint and contentment with one's place, there will be no worries. This forest's strength cannot be forced; contentment brings good fortune, while seeking advancement is unfavorable, and maintaining what is already achieved brings peace.

中孚　隙大牆壞，蠹眾木折。狼虎為政，天降罪伐。高殺望夷，胡亥以斃。

A crack in a wall will cause the whole wall to collapse, and when there are many worms, the wood will break. People like wolves and tigers hold power in the state, and heaven sends down punishment. Zhao Gao murdered the king in Wangyi Palace, and Qin Second Emperor Hu Hai died as a result. This is recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Annals of Qin Shi Huang." This divination indicates the accumulation of evils leading to collapse, and corrupt ministers murdering the sovereign, which is a great misfortune for the state and family.

小過　陽不違德，高山多澤。顏子逐兔，未有所得。

Yang energy does not contradict virtue; there are many moist swamps on high mountains. Yan Hui chased a wild rabbit but ultimately gained nothing. This forest's master, although the heavenly timing is favorable, has no success in human affairs, and seeking gains is in vain.

既濟　心多畏惡，時愁日懼。雖有小咎，終無大悔。

The person is often fearful and resentful, constantly worried and daily afraid. Although there are some minor faults, there will ultimately be no great regret. This divination indicates that one should be cautious to avoid misfortune, and minor flaws will not cause harm. The divination suggests that safety can be maintained.

未濟　眾神集聚，相與議語。南國虐亂，百姓愁苦。舉師征討，別立賢主。無妄之家人）

The gods gathered together to deliberate. The southern state was tyrannical and caused disorder, with the people suffering greatly. Therefore, they raised an army to attack, and appointed a virtuous ruler. This forest signifies the overthrow of the wicked and the establishment of a new ruler, and the divination concerning change is auspicious. The same wording also appears as 'The Family of Without Delusion'.

復　周師伐紂，克於牧野。甲子平旦，天下悅喜。

King Wu of the Zhou led his army to attack King Zhou of the Shang, and they won the battle at Muyu. The decisive victory was achieved on the morning of the Jiazi day, when the sky was just beginning to brighten, and all under heaven rejoiced. Both the Book of Documents, the "Musi" and the Book of Songs, the "Daming" record this battle. This forest indicates that the time for a righteous campaign is favorable, and a renewal of the old to create the new is auspicious, and divination regarding the initiation of great undertakings is most favorable.

乾　任武負力，東征不伏。陷履泥塗，雄師敗覆。

A single-minded reliance on military force and reliance on brute strength, marching eastward only to find the enemy not submitting. The large army becomes stuck in mud, unable to advance, and the powerful army ultimately suffers defeat and collapse. This indicates that the ruler of the forest is arrogant and overconfident, advancing recklessly, with an omen of total military destruction. Divination regarding warfare and disputes is ominous.

坤　義不勝情，以欲自營。覬利危躬，折角摧頸。

The principles of righteousness cannot restrain personal desires, and one acts solely based on lust. Coveting wealth leads to perilous situations, ultimately resulting in the breaking of the horn and the injury of the neck. This forest lord indulges in excess and greed, bringing self-inflicted harm. Divination concerning seeking wealth and pursuing private interests is ominous.

屯　懸貆素餐，食非其任。失輿剝廬，休坐徙居，室家何憂。

A wild貉 is hanging in the house, eating the salary without contributing, enjoying benefits not rightfully due. The "Book of Songs · Wei Wind · Cutting檀" criticizes this as "not eating without merit." Thus, losing the carriage and house, being deprived of possessions, one can only stop and move elsewhere, causing worry for the family. This master of the forest gains honor without merit, leading to loss of dwelling. Divination on official position and family residence both indicate misfortune.

蒙　鶹鴟娶婦，深目窈身。折腰不媚，與伯相背。

An owl married a woman who had deep eyes and a slender waist, with an appearance that was dark and mysterious. Although she bowed low in ceremony, she did not win people's favor, and eventually she turned against her husband's brother. This indicates that the master of the forest has an unhappy marriage and discord among relatives. Divination on marriage is unfavorable.

需　東風解凍，河川流通。西門子產，升擢有功。

A gentle east wind blows, causing snow and ice to melt and rivers and canals to flow freely. Officials like Ximen Bao and Zi Chan are promoted and achieve great accomplishments, each governing Yè and Xiang Zheng respectively, as recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian" and the "Zuo Zhuan." This forest owner is experiencing a thaw in fortune, with capable people being utilized. Asking about official positions and endeavors is favorable.

訟　三足俱行，傾危善僵。六指不便，累慁弟兄。樹柱閡車，失其正當。賁之咸）

Three legs walking together cause the center of gravity to be unbalanced, making it easy to fall; an extra finger is burdensome and even burdens the siblings. Erecting a pillar to block the road is an improper action. This indicates that the ruler is not upright and that actions are obstructed. Divination regarding travel and collaboration is obstructed. The same wording also appears in 'Bian' of 'Xian'.

師　京庾積倉，黍稷以興。亟行疾至，以厭飽食。

High granaries and open-air grain heaps are full, leading to prosperity of millet and millet. Rushing forward and arriving quickly allows for a hearty meal. This indicates that the forest owner has ample storage and no lack of clothing or food. Divination regarding seeking food and seeking wealth is favorable.

比　南山之蹊，真人所在。德配唐虞，天命為子。保佑歆享，身受大慶。賁之解）

The path in the southern mountain is where the immortal sage dwells. His virtue is comparable to that of Emperor Yao and King Shun, and he receives the mandate of heaven to become emperor. The spirits protect him and accept his worship, and he himself receives great blessings. This grove signifies a person of great virtue, high rank, and long-lasting prosperity. Divination for seeking blessings and success is very auspicious. The same wording also appears in "The Discourse on the Parting of the Way."

小畜　車馳人趨，卷甲相仇。齊魯寇戰，敗於犬丘。坤之兌）

A chariot and horses gallop swiftly, people rush about, stirring up armor and turning against each other. Qi and Lu states engage in battle, one side suffers defeat at Qianqiu. This forest indicates continuous military conflict and calamity resulting from strife, and divination regarding disputes and warfare is ominous. The same phrase also appears as 'Kun turning into Dui'.

履　十五許室，柔順有德。霜降歸嫁，夫以為合。先王日至，不利出域。

A girl of fifteen is betrothed, her nature gentle and virtuous. After the frost descent, she marries, and her husband considers the match very suitable. According to ancient rites, on the day of the winter solstice, the wise kings close the borders and merchants do not travel, as mentioned in the Great Image of the Book of Changes, the Fu hexagram. At this time, it is not appropriate to travel far. This divination indicates that marriage is auspicious, while traveling is unfavorable.

泰　任力劣薄，遠托邦國。輔車不僵，為癰所傷。

The person's own abilities are weak, yet they have distantly attached themselves to another state. The cheekbone and the jawbone are naturally dependent on each other, but now they are injured by a poisonous ulcer. The phrase "auxiliary and vehicle rely on each other" comes from the "Zuo Zhuan" (Commentary of Zuo) from the fifth year of Duke Xi. This person is relying on something that has lost its place, and what is close becomes harmful; divination for traveling to seek refuge is unfavorable.

否　千載舊室，將有困急。荷糧負囊，出門直北。

A long-standing ancestral house, passed down for thousands of years, is now facing hardship and danger. One can only carry grain and pack belongings, and flee northward continuously. The owner of this forest is unable to maintain his old business and is forced to migrate far away. Divination on the house and on preserving the existing state both indicate ominous outcomes.

同人　惡災殆盈，日益章明。禍不可救，三郄夷傷。

Evil deeds and calamities are now nearly fulfilled, becoming more evident day by day. There is no way to avert disaster; the three ministers of the state of Jin, the Xie clan, were all executed, as recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan" of Chenggong 17th year. This indicates that the subject of the divination has accumulated great evil, showing a sign of complete destruction of the clan. The divination for the family and state is extremely ominous.

大有　冠危載患，身驚不安。與禍馳逐，凶來入門。

The hat is tilted, with calamity on top of the head; the person is startled and unable to find peace. All day long, they chase after misfortune, and disaster enters directly. This indicates danger in movement, attracting calamity, disturbance and unrest. Divination on all matters is ominous.

謙　虎狼並處，不可以事。忠謀轉改，禍必及己。退隱深山，身乃不殆。

Being in the same place as tigers and wolves, one cannot share affairs with them. Loyal plans are reversed, and calamity will surely affect oneself. Retreat to the deep mountains, then personal safety is not in danger. This forest indicates danger in a country, so one should not stay; wisdom in preserving oneself is advised. Asking about taking office is unfavorable, but retreating brings safety.

豫　卵與石斗，糜碎無處。挈瓶之使，不為憂懼。

Using an egg to clash with a stone, it breaks into pieces with no place to clean up. Yet the petty official carrying a small water jar lacks insight and does not know fear. This master of the forest is weak facing the strong, acting beyond his capacity, which is a great凶 in divination for a conflict.

隨　五心六意，岐道多怪。非君本志，生我恨悔。

Your mind is restless and your intentions are uncertain, with strange occurrences at every crossroad. This is not your original aspiration, thus giving rise to my resentment and regret. This person lacks focus and is lost in confusion, seeking guidance on matters that bring about change and regret.

蠱　雨雪載塗，東行破車，旅人無家。

Rain and snow cover the road, and while heading east the vehicle breaks down, leaving travelers with nowhere to take shelter. This indicates that the forest owner is experiencing adverse weather conditions and encountering setbacks on the journey, making travel very unfavorable.

臨　尚利壞義，月出平地。國亂天常，咎徵滅亡。

Valuing private gain and undermining righteousness; the moon rises from level ground, not from its proper place. The state has disrupted the heavenly principles, and signs of calamity are already evident, leading to ultimate ruin. This indicates that the ruler prioritizes profit over righteousness and has inverted the fundamental moral codes. Divination concerning state and family affairs will result in misfortune.

觀　東行破車，步入范家。衡門穿射，無以為主。賣袍續食，糟糠不飽。

He went eastward but his carriage broke down, forcing him to walk into Fan's house. The door was made of a horizontal beam, and the four walls were drafty. There was no one in the house to take charge. He sold his robe to buy food, but even the coarsest food was not enough. This man is a traveler who has lost his carriage and is poor, living by borrowing. Divination on clothing, food, and travel all indicate bad fortune.

噬嗑　逐金出門，並失玉丸。往來井上，甑破缺盆。丸一作幾）

He went out chasing after gold, even losing the jade sphere along the way. He went back and forth by the well, breaking the cooking pot and damaging the basin. This indicates that the household owner is greedy and thus loses what he seeks, with household utensils broken. Divination for seeking wealth and the household are both ominous. "丸" is sometimes written as "几".

賁　春孟醴酒，使君壽考。南山多福，宜行賈市。秋梁雌雉，所至利喜。

The sweet wine made in the first month of spring brings longevity and health to the host. The southern mountain has abundant blessings and is suitable for traveling to trade. In autumn, the female pheasants on the beams are plump, and wherever they go, there is benefit and joy. This forest indicates long life, many blessings, and profit from trade. Divination for seeking wealth and health is favorable.

剝　持刃操肉，對酒不食。夫亡從軍，長子入獄，抱膝獨宿。

Holding a knife to cut meat, yet unable to eat the wine and dishes before him. His husband has been conscripted into the army and has not returned, and his eldest son is imprisoned. He can only sit alone, hugging his knees through the night. This forest lord's family is scattered, filled with sorrow and unable to eat. Divining about family matters indicates a great misfortune.

旡妄　踦牛傷暑，不能成畝。草萊不墾，年歲無有。

A lone ox suffering from heat illness cannot plow even one mu of land. The uncultivated fields are overgrown with weeds and no one is tilling them. This year there will be no harvest. The owner of this forest has insufficient strength for farming and his annual plans will fail. Divination regarding agriculture and livelihood is ominous.

大畜　南邦大域，鬼魅滿室。讙聲相逐，為我行賊。

In the vast territory of the southern great state, the house is filled with ghosts. The clamor rises and falls, all working in the shadows to harm me. This forest is dominated by malevolent spirits and petty conspiracies. Divination concerning the household and travel both indicate misfortune.

頤　噂噂所言，莫如我垣。歡樂堅固，可以長安。

People gathered together to talk and discuss, but none is as reliable as my own walls; the "Poetry · Xiao Ya · Shiyue Zhi Jiao" says "rumors multiply and lead to mutual dislike." Joy that is firm and enduring can bring long-term peace and security. This person maintains self-restraint and is solid in their own position; external criticism is not to be feared. The divination concerning the household is favorable and auspicious.

大過　堯舜禹湯，四聖敦仁。允施德音，民安無窮。旅人相望，未同朝卿。

Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang, the four sage kings, earnestly practiced benevolence and sincerely implemented good governance, bringing peace and prosperity to the people without end. However, wandering individuals look to each other from afar and still cannot attain positions in the royal court. This person lives in a clear and upright era but has not yet achieved success; divination on state affairs indicates good fortune, and advancement in officialdom still requires waiting for the right time.

坎　桎梏拘獲，身入牢獄。髡刑受法，終不得釋。耳閉道塞，求事不得。

Handcuffs and leg irons are placed upon him, and he is arrested and imprisoned. He suffers the髡刑 of shaving his head and remains without release. His ears and eyes are closed, his channels are blocked, and all his endeavors come to nothing. This indicates that the person is entangled in legal troubles, with no means of appeal. Divination regarding legal disputes shows great misfortune.

離　蹠並桀處，民困愁苦。行旅遲遲，留連齊魯。

Diao Zhi and Xia Jie lived in the same era, both committing brutal acts and causing chaos, leading the people to be in hardship and distress. Travelers could not proceed forward and were detained between the states of Qi and Lu. This indicates that the master is in a time of disorder, with difficult travel and being detained without return. The divination for travel is unfavorable.

咸　求雞獲雉，買鱉失魚。出入均貨，利得無餘。齊姜宋子，婚姻孔喜。

He who sought a chicken got a wild pheasant instead, and buying a鳖 resulted in losing a fish. Buying and selling yielded equal value, with no profit made. Fortunately, the Ji family of Qi and the Zi family of Song married, making the wedding a great joy. This person's business dealings bring no profit, but marriage is favorable. Divination on seeking wealth shows average results, while divination on marriage indicates great auspiciousness.

恆　雨師駕駟，風伯吹雲。秦楚爭強，施不得行。

The rain god rides in a chariot drawn by four horses, and the wind god disperses the thick clouds. Qin and Chu compete fiercely, causing benevolent policies to be unable to be implemented. This forest is characterized by storms and strong neighbors vying for dominance. Divination regarding government orders and planning affairs faces obstacles.

遯　仲冬兼秋，鳥散飲憂。困於米食，數驚鸇鵰。

In the middle of winter, it is also cold from autumn, with birds scattering and full of sorrow and resentment. They are troubled by a single mouthful of food and repeatedly frightened by the hawk, eagle, and other birds of prey. This indicates that the conditions for the forest are severe and difficult for finding food, and divination regarding clothing, food, and safety is unfavorable.

大壯　三羝上山，俱至陰安。遂到南陽，完其芝香。兩崖相望，未有枕狀。

Three male sheep climb a mountain and arrive together at a shady and secure place. Then they go to the southern hill, preserving the fragrant quality of the zhi grass. They can only look at each other from across the two mountain cliffs, unable to lie together. This omen indicates that the subject has found security but has not yet found a partner. It suggests stability in personal circumstances but a lack in marriage.

晉　飛之日南，還歸遼東。雌雄相從，和鳴雍雍。解我胸舂。

A bird flies south to Rinnan Prefecture and then returns to Liao Dong. Male and female birds accompany each other, harmoniously calling out, their voices blending in harmony. The chest's oppressive feeling, like pounding grain, is thus dispelled. This forest indicates long journeys and returns, harmonious couples. Divination concerning travel and marriage is favorable.

明夷　堯飲舜舞，禹拜上酒。禮樂所豐，可以安處。保我淑女。

Emperor Yao raised his cup, Emperor Shun danced, and Emperor Yu performed a bow and offered wine. The rites and music were so abundant that people could live in peace and security, and also preserve my virtuous daughter. This forest signifies flourishing rites and music, family peace and stability. Divination concerning family matters and marriage is favorable.

家人　太乙置酒，樂正起舞。萬神攸同，可以安處。綏我齒兒。

The Supreme God Taiyi set a banquet, and Yuezhang danced in harmony with the seasons. Ten thousand deities gathered together, allowing people to live in peace and comfort. The children in the household were also reassured. This forest's guardian deity bestows blessings, ensuring the safety of both the elderly and the young. Divination concerning the family dwelling and the children indicates good fortune.

睽　白馬騂騮，生乳不休。富我商人，得利饒優。

White horses and red骏 horses keep giving birth to foals. This leads merchants to become wealthy with abundant profits. The owner of this forest has flourishing livestock and continuous sources of wealth. Divination for seeking wealth and raising animals is very auspicious.

蹇　宛馬疾步，盲師坐御。目不見路，中止不到。

A fine horse from Dayuan gallops swiftly, but the driver is a blind musician. Unable to see the path, he stops halfway and ultimately fails to reach the destination. This illustrates that the owner of fine timber entrusts it to an incompetent person, and the failure comes from improper selection of people. The divination indicates that both traveling and entrusting matters will not succeed.

解　春桃萌生，萬物華榮。邦君所居，國樂無憂。

In spring, peach trees sprout and grow, and all things bloom and flourish. The king's residence is a place of joy throughout the country, with no worries. This forest signifies the movement of spring energy, with harmony between above and below. Divination concerning the state and undertakings is favorable.

損　把珠入口，蓄為玉寶。得吾所有，欣然嘉喜。

Put the beads in the mouth and keep them as a precious jewel. Having obtained something that rightfully belongs to me, I am delighted. This indicates that the forest owner has lost and then regained something, possessing treasure, and divination regarding seeking wealth and searching for lost items is favorable.

益　襦燒褲燔，羸剝飢寒，病證凍攣。

The clothes were burned, the pants destroyed, leaving the person unable to cover their body. Weak and emaciated, they suffered from hunger and cold, eventually falling ill with stiff hands and feet. This indicates that the person's clothing and food have been cut off, and illness follows. The divination shows misfortune in both clothing and food, as well as the body.

夬　水沬沉浮，沮溼不居，為心疾憂。

Water foam rises and sinks on the surface of the water; it is not suitable to dwell in low and damp places, leading to heart disease and worries. This omen indicates instability and unrest in residence, and is unfavorable for inquiries about the household and heart ailments.

姤　行如桀紂，雖禱不佑。命衰絕周，文君乏祀。

Acting like King Jie of Xia and King Zhou of Shang, who were tyrannical, even though they prayed to the gods, they did not receive protection. Heaven's mandate has exhausted and the Zhou dynasty has come to an end, with no one to continue the worship of King Wen's lineage. This indicates that the ruler has lost virtue and caused the country's downfall, with the ancestral worship cut off. Divination for the state and family indicates great misfortune.

萃　蜉蝣戴盆，不能上山。腳摧跛蹶，損傷其頭。

A mayfly is trying to climb a mountain but cannot get up, its legs are crushed and it walks with a limp, falling down and even injuring its head. This indicates that the force is weak but the burden is heavy, leading to self-inflicted harm. Divination regarding forced endeavors will surely result in failure.

升　長子入獄，婦饋母哭。霜降旬甚，嚮晦伏法。

The eldest son was imprisoned, his wife brought food and his mother wept bitterly. Ten days after the Frost Descent, the situation became even harsher, and by near dusk he was executed. This indicates that the family is suffering from severe punishment, with great sorrow in the household. Divination regarding legal disputes and people's affairs shows a very ominous outcome.

困　求犬得兔，請新遇故。雖不當路，踰吾舊舍。

He wishes to find a dog but gets a rabbit, wishes to invite a new person but meets an old friend. Though not on the right path, he passes by his original dwelling. This forest's owner encounters something different from what he sought, gaining something else instead. When divining about matters, there are changes and transformations, but it is not harmful.

井　鳥鳴葭端，一呼三顛。動搖東西，危而不安。靈符禱祉，疾病無患。

A bird perched on the tip of reeds called out, shaking three times with each call. It swayed east and west, indicating danger and instability. Fortunately, by using a spirit talisman to pray for fortune, illness can be avoided. This omen suggests a precarious situation but with effective prayers, the person's danger can be overcome and illness cured.