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

革　天厭禹德，命興湯國。祓社釁鼓，以除民疾。

Heaven was displeased with the virtue of the Xia dynasty and instead commanded Tang to rise and establish a new state. Sacrificing at the earth god temple to remove impurities and using animal blood to paint the drums was done to eliminate the people's suffering. This omen indicates a change in Heaven's mandate, replacing the old to bring peace to the people. Divination regarding matters of transformation is highly auspicious.

鼎　陰霧作匿，不見白日。邪徑迷通，使君亂惑。

Dark clouds and thick mist obscure everything, preventing the sight of daylight. Devious paths cause confusion about direction, leading to mental confusion and doubt. This forest signifies being misled, losing the right path, and a confused mind. When questioning about affairs, the outcome is unclear. It is advisable to maintain righteousness and refrain from action.

震　猿墮喬木，不跛手足。握珠懷玉，還歸我室。屯之豫，蒙之隨）

A monkey fell from a tall tree but neither its hands nor feet were injured. It held a pearl in its hand and a jade in its bosom, returning safely to my home. This indicates that the forest's master has escaped danger unscathed and returned with treasures. Divination for travel and seeking wealth is highly auspicious. The same phrase also appears in 'Zun' hexagram number 11 and 'Meng' hexagram number 49.

艮　三驪負衡，南取芝香。秋蘭芬馥，盈滿篋筐，利我少姜。

Three black horses pull the carriage and head south to gather the fragrance of the zhi grass. In the autumn, the orchid is fragrant and fills the boxes and bamboo baskets, benefiting my young woman of the Jiang surname. The forest owner goes on a distant journey and gains a harvest, the female relative benefits, and the divination for travel and marriage is favorable.

漸　春生孚乳，羽毛成就。舉不失宜，君臣相好。盜走奔北，終無所悔。

In spring, birds hatch their eggs and raise their young, with their feathers gradually growing complete. Their actions are all appropriate, and the relationship between sovereign and ministers is harmonious. Robbers flee northward, and there is ultimately nothing to regret. This omen indicates that the forest is flourishing with growth and harmony between superiors and inferiors. Divination concerning the state, the country, and official careers is favorable.

歸妹　東行破車，還反室家。天命訖終，無所禱凶。

Traveling eastward, the carriage was destroyed, and one had to return home. Heaven's mandate has reached its end; no amount of prayer can avoid misfortune. The Analects of Confucius, in the chapter Shu Er, records Confucius saying, "I have prayed for a long time," which indicates that prayer is of no avail. This suggests that the person's fate is nearing its end and cannot be reversed, indicating great misfortune in matters of illness and long journeys.

豐　九雁列陣，雌獨不群。為罾所牽，死於庖人。

Nine large geese flew in a line, but the female goose flew alone. It was caught in a fishing net and died in the cook's hands. This omen indicates that the person in question is isolated and without companions, and traveling alone brings misfortune. Divination for travel and acting alone are both ominous.

旅　二人輦車，從去其家。井沸釜鳴，不可以居。從疑作徙）

Two people pushed a cart and left the house. The well water was boiling and the cauldrons were making noises by themselves, which is a great omen of misfortune. This place is no longer suitable for living. This forest indicates a凶兆 appearing in the house, forcing a move. The question about the dwelling is凶. The character 「从」 is likely a mistake for 「徙」.

巽　閉塞復通，與喪相逢。甘棠之人，解我憂凶。

The path was previously blocked but has now become clear, yet a funeral has occurred. Fortunately, a virtuous person like Zhaobo, who is beloved by the people, has come forward to resolve my troubles and dangers. The poem from the Book of Songs, "Zhaonan · Gantang," speaks of Zhaobo holding court under the mulberry tree. This forest indicates a situation where initial obstacles are followed by smoothness, and a nobleman comes to relieve difficulties. Divination on matters of worry and doubt will see them dissipate.

兌　賦斂重數，政為民賊。杼軸空虛，家去其室。

Taxes and levies are both heavy and frequent, making government orders into instruments of harm to the people. The warp and weft of looms are all empty, and people are forced to abandon their homes and flee; the "Great Eastern" poem in the "Book of Songs" laments "the loom and shuttle are empty." This situation reflects oppressive governance that harms the people and leads to the decline of households. The divination for livelihood is extremely ominous.

渙　怒非其怨，貪妒腐鼠。而呼鵲鴟，自令失餌，倒被災患。

The object of anger is not the real enemy, but merely a rotten dead mouse, leading to jealousy and quarrels. The Zhuangzi's "Autumn Waters" uses the metaphor of a hawk scaring a swan with a rotten mouse. Instead, it attracts crows and hawks, causing the loss of food and inviting misfortune. This forest owner vents his anger over trivial gains, thereby inviting his own calamity. The divination indicates great misfortune in disputes.

節　簪短帶長，幽思最苦。瘠貌少疲，以疾病降。

The hairpin is too short, the sash too long, and the attire altogether unsuitable. Deeply hidden thoughts bring the greatest sorrow. Describing a thin and frail appearance, with depleted energy, leading to illness. This indicates the person is suffering from illness due to excessive worry, with both body and mind suffering. The divination concerning the body is unfavorable.

中孚　三人俱行，各別采桑。蘊其筐筥，留我嘉侶。得歸無咎，四月來處。

Three people went out together, each going their own way to gather mulberry leaves. The mulberry leaves filled the round baskets and square trays, and my good companion was still with me. It is possible to return safely without any misfortune, and by the fourth month I will return to my dwelling. This forest indicates that tasks will be completed and there will be a definite time for return. Divination regarding travel and reunion is favorable.

小過　逐鳩南飛，與喜相隨。井獲鹿子，多得利歸，雖憂無危。

Following the pheasant flying south, continuous good fortune follows. Capturing a young deer by the well, returning home with great profit. Though there is worry, there is no danger. The forest owner gains unexpected profit, worries but is not harmed. Divination for seeking wealth is auspicious.

既濟　驅羊南行，與福相逢。狼驚吾馬，虎盜我子。悲恨自咎。

He was leading his flock southward, originally encountering good fortune. Unluckily, a wolf startled his horse and a tiger carried off his child, leaving him in sorrow, resentment, and deep self-reproach. This omen indicates that the forest lord experienced misfortune amidst blessings and sorrow following extreme joy. The divination for travel is ominous.

未濟　東鄰西國，福喜同樂。出得隋珠，留獲和玉。俱利有息。

The eastern neighboring state and the western country both enjoy prosperity, joy, and happiness. Going out brings the pearl of the Suili King, while staying behind brings the jade of Ho She. Both directions are advantageous and continuously beneficial. This omen indicates inner and outer beauty, wealth growing and multiplying, and great auspiciousness for both traveling and maintaining one's affairs.

旡妄　夏臺羑里，湯文厄處。皋陶聽斷，岐人悅喜。西望華首，東歸無咎。

Xiatai and Youli were the places where Cheng Tang and King Wen were once imprisoned. Fortunately, there were just people like Gao Yao to hear cases and render fair judgments, so the people of Qi and Zhou were happy. Looking westward toward the peak of Hua Mountain, and returning eastward without disaster. This grove signifies that sages and virtuous men are confined but eventually prosper, and lawsuits are resolved justly. Divination concerning difficulties and obstacles indicates that they will eventually be resolved, which is auspicious.

乾　儋耳穿胸，纏離勞舂。天地易紀，日月更始。蝮螫我手，痛為吾毒。

The distant lands of Dan'er and Chuanxiong have their people bound and suffering from hard labor of pounding rice. The heavens change their order and the sun and moon begin anew. A venomous snake has bitten my hand, causing pain that is deeply felt. The master of this forest is in peril, calamity is close at hand, and divination for all matters indicates misfortune.

坤　慈母之恩，長大無孫。消息褓襁，害不入門。

The kindness of a mother nurtures her child until adulthood, even without grandchildren. She carefully cares for the infant in swaddling clothes, preventing calamities from entering the family. This oracle indicates that the mother's care is proper and the family is free from disaster. Divination regarding child-rearing and the household is favorable.

屯　□言妄語，轉相詿誤。道左失跡，不知郎處。

Speaking nonsense and spreading false information, one person passes it on to another, misleading each other. The trail was lost on the left side of the road, and it is unknown where the person actually is. The forest owner is spreading false words, causing confusion in the search. Asking about finding someone or receiving news yields no results.

蒙　鬱映不明，陰積無光。日在北陸，萬物雕藏。

Clouds and mist gather, light is dim and unclear, and the gathering of yin energy brings no brightness. The sun reaches the winter solstice position in the northern land, and all things wither and retreat. This forest indicates excessive yin and weak yang, with blocked vitality. Divination for seeking to accomplish matters shows no success, and it is advisable to remain quiet and wait for the right time.

需　主母多福，天祿所伏。居之寵昌，君子有光。

The main mother has deep blessings, and the heavenly official position is hidden here. Residing in this position brings abundant favor and prosperity, allowing the gentleman to shine. This forest indicates strong support from within the household and honor for the family. Divination regarding family matters and career advancement is favorable.

訟　不耕而獲，家食不給。中女無良，長子跛足。疏齒善市，商人有喜。

If one does not cultivate yet expects a harvest, the household will lack sufficient food. The second daughter has poor character, and the eldest son is lame. Fortunately, those with sparse teeth are good at trade, so merchants will have good fortune. This family has many shortcomings but merchants will benefit. Divination about family matters is unfavorable, but business ventures are favorable.

師　火起上門，不為我殘。跳脫東西，獨得生完。不利山鄰，病疾憂患。

A great fire reached the door but did not harm me. I dodged left and right and escaped safely, preserving my life alone. However, the neighbors on the mountain side will suffer, facing illness and worries. The person who owns this forest is himself free from disaster while others around him suffer. The divination concerns one's own safety, but relatives and neighbors are cause for concern.

比　持刃操肉，對酒不食。夫亡從軍，少子入獄。抱膝獨宿。復之剝）

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 young son has been imprisoned. He can only sit alone, holding his knees. This person's family is scattered, filled with sorrow and unable to eat. Divining about family matters indicates a great misfortune. The same hexagram also shows 'Returning' and 'Breaking'.

小畜　□蝦去海，遊於枯裡。街巷迫狹，不得自在。南北四極，渴餒成疾。

Crabs and shrimp leave the sea and move into dry alleys. The streets and lanes are narrow and cramped, making them very uncomfortable. They run north and south, reaching the farthest corners, yet they become thirsty and hungry, eventually falling ill. This indicates that the main subject has lost its original place and is often trapped. Divination regarding migration and long journeys is unfavorable.

履　啞啞笑語，與歡飲酒。長樂行觴，千秋起舞。拜受大福。

Laughing and chatting joyfully, they share a cup of fine wine with happy companions. They continue to enjoy themselves for a long time, passing cups and toasting, dancing to celebrate a thousand autumns, and bowing to receive great blessings. This forest is the master of feasting and joy, with happiness and good fortune naturally arriving. Divination on joyful matters indicates great auspiciousness.

泰　登高上山，賓於四門。士伍得歡，福為我根。

Climbing a high mountain and welcoming talented people from all directions with the ceremony of guest-honour, as mentioned in the "Book of Documents: Shun's Classic" with the phrase "guests at the four gates." Soldiers and common people are happy, and good fortune becomes my foundation. This master of the forest attracts virtuous talents and gains the support of many, thus having a solid foundation. Divination on matters of fame and state affairs shows good fortune.

否　天厭周德，命與南國。以禮靜民，兵革休息。

Heaven has abandoned the virtue of the Zhou dynasty and transferred the mandate of heaven to the southern state. The new ruler governs the people with propriety, and the weapons and armor come to rest. This forest signifies the transfer of heavenly mandate and the trend toward political stability. Divination concerning peace after a change indicates the attainment of peace.

同人　壅遏堤防，水不得行。火光盛陽，陰魄伏匿。走歸其鄉。

The embankment blocks the water channel, preventing the water from flowing. The fire is strong and the yang energy is abundant, forcing the yin spirits to hide and retreat to their original place. This forest is dominated by yang, which suppresses yin, so evil spirits dare not intrude. When divining for driving away evil spirits, it is auspicious. However, the blockage of the water channel also indicates that the flow of wealth is obstructed.

大有　河海都市，國之奧府。商人受福，少子玉石。一作食）

By the rivers and seas, there are great cities and thoroughfares, which are the most prosperous granaries of the country. Merchants gain blessings here, and even young sons attain wealth as abundant as jade. This forest is owned by someone who resides at a strategic water and land crossroads and becomes wealthy. Divination concerning business and family affairs is favorable. The character "stone" in the original text is sometimes interpreted as "food."

謙　東行避兵，南去不祥。西逐凶惡，北□福生。與喜相逢。

Going east can avoid military calamity, while going south is inauspicious. Going west can dispel evil, and going north brings good fortune, with all directions favorable for joy. This divination indicates that one should choose directions to avoid harm and seek good fortune, and the divination advises traveling towards the northeast and avoiding the south.

豫　東家中女，嫫母最丑。三十無室，媒伯勞苦。

The second daughter of the family living to the east is so ugly that she resembles the wife of the Yellow Emperor, Momo. She is thirty years old and still unmarried, and the matchmakers have worked hard for her. This forest indicates difficulties in marriage, prolonged discussions without results, and an unfavorable omen for marriage.

隨　破亡之國，天所不福，難以止息。

A country that has already fallen into ruin and perished is one that heaven does not bestow its blessings upon, and chaos cannot be stopped. This forest signifies that the destiny has come to an end, calamities continue without ceasing, and divination concerning the state and affairs is ominous.

蠱　驂駕蹇驢，日暮失時。居者無憂，保我樂娛。

Using a lame donkey as the骖 horse, the time has already passed and the hour is missed. Fortunately, those who remain at home have no worries and can still preserve my joy. This forest owner's going out is untimely, but staying at home brings safety. Divination shows that long journeys are unfavorable, but remaining at home is auspicious.

臨　蝃蝀之側，佞幸傾惑。女謁橫行，王道充塞。

On the side where the rainbow rises, flatterers cause people to be misled and confused; the poem "Dong Feng · Jidong" from the Book of Songs directly criticizes reckless and unregulated romantic escapades. The风气 of women interfering in matters and making requests is prevalent, blocking the way of the Way of the King. This indicates that the court is dominated by the favor of the concubine, leading to political chaos and the obstruction of the righteous path. Divination regarding the court affairs and family matters is ominous.

觀　三羖五羊，相隨並行。迷入空澤，有谷直北。徑涉六駁，為所傷賊。

Three black male sheep and five sheep went together but got lost and entered a vast marshy area. Originally, there was a valley to the north that could lead them out, but they went straight through the territory of the beast called Bo, which was said in the Classic of Mountains and Seas to resemble a horse but feed on tigers and leopards. The master of this forest got lost and encountered danger, and the group suffered harm. Divination for travel indicates a great misfortune.

噬嗑　戴喜抱子，與利為友。天之所命，不憂危殆。荀伯勞苦，西來王母。

The head is marked by good fortune, the arms hold a child, and benefits are formed as friends. This is destined by heaven, there is no need to worry about danger. Although Xun Bo has been laborious and toil, the Queen Mother from the west will eventually bestow blessings. This forest is protected by heavenly favor, and hard work will be rewarded. Divination for family matters and seeking wealth are both auspicious.

賁　織縷未就，針折不復。女工多態，亂我政事。

The thread has not yet been woven, and the needle has broken, making it unusable. The woman's needlework involves too many patterns, disturbing my main affairs. This indicates that the master of this forest has abandoned his endeavors, internal matters hinder external ones, and the matter in question will not succeed.

剝　行露之訟，貞女不行。君子無食，使道壅塞。

The poem "Xing Lu" from the Book of Songs, Zhao Nan, laments a woman who is forced into litigation, yet she remains steadfast in her virtue and refuses to yield. A gentleman who has no means to provide sustenance may cause blockages in the roads. This hexagram represents a person who upholds righteousness but encounters disputes and difficulties, making it unfavorable to inquire about marriage, litigation, or travel. Only by maintaining virtue can one ensure personal safety.

復　羿張烏號，彀射天狼。鐘鼓不鳴，將軍振攘。趙國雄勇，鬥死滎陽。

After Yi shot his bow called Wuhao at the star Tianlang, the drums had not yet sounded when the general rose to fight. The warriors of Zhao were mighty and valiant, yet they perished at Xingyang. This forest's master is brave and fierce in warfare but ultimately meets his demise. The divination indicates that military campaigns will be ominous and favorable outcomes few.

大畜　延頸望酒，不入我口。商人勞苦，利得無有。夏臺羑里，難為復喜。

He stretches his neck longing for wine, but the wine cannot enter his mouth. The merchant toils hard but gains no profit. Like Tang being imprisoned at Xutai and King Wen confined in Youli, it is hard to find joy. This forest indicates a situation where desires are unfulfilled and difficulties remain unsolved. Divination regarding seeking wealth and escapingpredicament is unfavorable.

頤　冠帶南遊，與喜相期。邀於嘉國，拜位逢時。坎之井）

Put on a proper hat and tie the sash, heading south for a distant journey, with good fortune coming to meet you. In a prosperous country you are invited, and you receive an official position at an appropriate time. This divination indicates that the person is destined for a distant journey and will meet favorable circumstances, receiving a title at the right time. It is very auspicious for seeking an official post and traveling. The same phrase also appears as 'Well in the Water' (Kan hexagram within the Well hexagram).

大過　東西觸垣，不利出門。魚藏深水，無以樂賓。爵級摧頹，光威咸衰。

Going east meets walls, going west also hits walls, not suitable to go out. Fish hide in deep water and cannot be caught, unable to offer good dishes to entertain guests. Official rank declines, glory and prestige diminish together. This fortune indicates that the person is blocked everywhere, losing status and reputation; divination on travel and career advancement both indicate bad omens.

坎　兩母千子，轉息無已。五乳百雛，騂駁驤駒。

Two mother animals give birth to thousands of offspring, multiplying endlessly. After five feedings, there are hundreds of young ones, red and speckled foals galloping about. The master of this forest has abundant descendants and increasing livestock and wealth. Divination concerning offspring and livestock is highly auspicious.

離　重□祖後，司馬太史。陽氏之災，雕宮悲苦。

The family inherits the blessings of their ancestors, passing down through generations as officials such as the Grand Historian or the Imperial Astrologer. However, the Yang clan has suffered misfortune, and within their splendid palace there is great sorrow. This forest's noble family faces calamity, their prosperity turning to sorrow. The divination indicates concerns for the family and official positions.

咸　內執柔德，止訟以默。宗邑賴福，禍災不作。

The inner self upholds a gentle and compliant virtue, using silence to cease disputes. Therefore, the clan and city receive blessings, and calamities and misfortunes do not arise again. This omen indicates that the forest ruler uses gentleness to stop conflicts, and the clan attains peace. Divination regarding disputes suggests reconciliation is favorable, and it is auspicious.

恆　采唐沬鄉，邀期桑中。失信不會，憂思約帶。巽之乾，師之噬嗑。一作牛驥同堂，郭氏以亡。國破為墟，君奔走逃。

In Mei Village, one gathered female moss and agreed to meet in桑中. The poem "Song of the鄘风·桑中" describes exactly this event. The other party failed to keep the promise and did not come, causing the person great worry and exhaustion, so much so that their waistband had tightened. This situation reflects the frustration of a failed meeting and unfulfilled longing in matters of love and marriage. The divination shows the same hexagram, with "Xun changing to Qian" and "Shi changing to Shihe". Another version of this entry states, "A cow and a noble horse share a hall, the Guo family has perished. The country has become a ruin, and the ruler flees in panic."

遯　官成立政，衣就缺袂。恭謙為衛，終無禍尤。

When official positions are established and affairs are set in order, the clothes are made but lack one sleeve, indicating some deficiency. By maintaining respect, humility, and retreating from excess, one can guard against misfortune. Although the position is not fully complete, humility and retreat ensure safety. This indicates that holding an office and maintaining stability will bring peace.

大壯　麒麟鳳凰，子孫盛昌。少齊在門，利以合婚。貴人大歡。

Qilin and Fenghuang, such auspicious creatures, appear, indicating prosperity and flourishing of descendants. A young Qi girl is already at the gate, suitable for marriage, bringing great joy to the nobleman. This forest signifies auspiciousness entering the door, marriage benefiting from the nobleman, and divination regarding marriage and descendants is highly favorable.

晉　亂危之國，不可涉域。機機發發，身頓僵覆。

A country in turmoil and danger should not be entered. The crossbow is ready to fire, and a slight mistake may result in falling down and dying. This forest indicates danger in the state, and one should not enter it. If one ventures far, it is extremely ominous.

明夷　千雀萬鳩，與鷂為仇。威勢不敵，雖眾無益。為鷹所擊，萬事皆失。

A thousand and ten thousand sparrows and jujube pigeons have formed enmity with the hawk. Their strength is insufficient against the opponent, even though they are numerous. In the end, they are attacked by the hawk, and all things are lost. This forest symbolizes many weak beings unable to resist a single strong one. When divining disputes and conspiracies, the omen is ominous.

家人　眾神集聚，相與議語。南國虐亂，百姓愁苦。興師征討，更立賢主。剝之末濟，屯之節，小畜之豫）

The gods gathered together to deliberate. The southern country was tyrannical and caused chaos, with the people suffering greatly. Therefore, they raised an army to attack, and appointed a virtuous ruler. This forest chief eliminated the tyrant and brought peace to the people, establishing a new ruler. He consulted the oracle about the change, and it showed favorable signs. The same oracle also revealed the hexagrams 「Bao at the end of Ji」, 「Zun at Jie」, and 「Xiu at Yu」.

睽　顏淵閔騫，以禮自閒。君子所居，禍災不存。

Yan Yuan and Min Ziqian, two virtuous men, both used propriety to restrain themselves. Where a gentleman resides, calamities and misfortunes naturally do not arise. This forest is guarded by observing propriety and maintaining self-discipline, with calamities not penetrating. Divination for personal safety and family well-being is favorable.

蹇　三桓子孫，世秉國權。爵勢上卿，富於周公。

The descendants of the three families of Mengsun, Shusun, and Jisun, known as the Sanhuan, have held power generation after generation. Their titles and authority rival those of the senior ministers, and their wealth surpasses that of the descendants of the Duke of Zhou. This indicates a situation where the ministers hold power and the wealthy exceed the ruler. The divination asks about the power and authority, indicating a danger of overstepping one's rank.

解　鶴鳴九皋，處子失時。載土販鹽，難為功力。

A crane calls from a distant marsh, and its voice reaches the heavens; the poem "Heavenly Rooster" from the "Book of Songs" expresses this meaning. However, the maiden in the inner chamber has missed her wedding date. Using a cart to carry soil for salt trading is laborious and yields little success. This master of the forest is virtuous and has a good reputation, yet the timing is not favorable. Divination regarding marriage and business indicates great effort with little reward.

損　方軸圓輪，車行不前。組囊以錐，失其事便。還師振旅，兵革休止。二句疑衍文）

A square axle fitted with a circular wheel makes the chariot unable to move. Using a cone to sew a silk pouch is not a suitable tool. Fortunately, the great army returns in full force, and the weapons can be laid down. This indicates that the master of the house has inappropriate tools, many things are obstructed, but warfare will cease. The last two lines are likely later additions.

益　魚擾水濁，桀亂我國。駕龍出遊，東之樂邑。天賜我祿，與生為福。

A fish stirs up the water and makes it turbid, just as the tyrant Xia Jie disturbed my country. So I drove the dragon chariot to tour eastward to the pleasant city. Heaven bestowed upon me blessings and fortune from birth. This forest's master, fleeing from chaos, found a fortunate place, and the divination for moving residence is auspicious.

夬　白虎黑狼，伏伺山陽。遮遏牛羊，病我商人。

The White Tiger and Black Wolf are ambushing south of the mountain, watching and intercepting cattle and sheep, causing hardship for my caravan. The forest lord's road is plagued by bandits, and goods and livestock are blocked. Divination indicates that both travel and commerce are unfavorable.

姤　履危不安，疏顛我顏，傷腫為瘢。

Standing on a dangerous place with unease, one missteps and injures the face, causing swelling and a scar. This oracle indicates danger and injury, affecting the face. It is unfavorable for travel and undertaking affairs.