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

損　兩虎爭鬥，股創無處。不成仇讎，行解卻去。

Two tigers fight, each with wounds on their thighs. In the end, they do not become deadly enemies and each retreats from the fight. The "Records of the Grand Historian: Zhang Yi's Biography" mentions the story of Bian Zhu刺虎 (Bian Zhu killing a tiger) and the analogy of two tigers fighting. This situation indicates that the parties involved in a dispute both suffer injuries but eventually reconcile. The divination suggests that although there is conflict and some loss, it does not lead to great harm.

益　天女推床，不成文章。南箕無舌，飯多沙糠。虐眾盜名，雄雞折頸。

The weaving woman pushes the loom but fails to weave patterns; the SouthernWinnowing Basket mansion mansion resembles a winnowing basket but lacks a tongue, so it cannot winnow rice thoroughly, leaving sand and bran in the grain—The Book of Songs, Small Odes, Great East directly mocks the Star mansion for having a name but no substance. Abusing the people while seizing reputation is like a rooster with its neck broken. This person has a name but no real substance, and by stealing reputation brings misfortune. Divination on asking about fame and fortune shows both are lost.

夬　太子扶蘇，出於遠郊。佞幸成邪，改命生憂。慈母之恩，無路致之。

The crown prince of the Qin dynasty, Fu Su, was sent to a distant border commandery to oversee military affairs. The eunuchs like Zhao Gao fabricated evil deeds, falsely altering the emperor's last decree and causing calamity, as recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Life of Qin Shi Huang." The kindness of a mother could no longer be conveyed to him. This case involves the嫡long son being deposed and a false decree harming the virtuous, resulting in great misfortune for the state and family.

姤　寒暑相推，一明一微。赫赫宗周，榮光滅衰。

Cold comes and heat goes, alternating and shifting, one bright while the other dark, one flourishing while the other declines. Once how splendid and illustrious the Zhou royal house was, yet its glory eventually faded and declined. The "Book of Songs · Xiao Ya · Zhengyue" laments, "How glorious was the Zhou royal house, destroyed by Bao Si." This shows that the rise and fall of a dynasty follow a fixed pattern; when glory reaches its peak, decline is inevitable. Therefore, when consulting the oracle, one should be cautious and avoid excess.

萃　雞狗相望，仁道篤行。不吠昏明，各安其鄉。周鼎和餌，國富民有。八極蒙佑。

The sound of roosters crowing and dogs barking can be heard from each other, indicating the sincere and practical promotion of benevolence. Dogs do not bark at random, whether day or night, so people can live in peace in their native villages. The Zhou dynasty's tripod is filled with delicious food, showing the country's wealth and the people's abundance. All the distant regions are protected and blessed. This forest governs the world in peace and ensures that families are well-provided for. The divination for the state and country is most auspicious.

升　窗牖戶房，通利明光。賢智輔聖，仁施大行。家給人足，海內殷昌。

The house and windows are bright and unobstructed. The wise and virtuous ministers assist the sage ruler, and benevolent governance is widely practiced. Every household is prosperous, all people are well-fed and warm, and the whole country is flourishing and thriving. This omen indicates that the ruler has a clear and open court, capable ministers who bring good governance, and the divination for the state and official careers is favorable.

困　雨雪三月，鳥獸飢乏。旅人失宜，利不可得。機言解患，以療篤難，危身復安。

It rained and snowed for three months, causing birds and beasts to become hungry and exhausted. Travelers lost their proper timing, and there was no way to gain profit. Fortunately, a clever word dispelled the calamity, healed the severe danger, and restored the perilous situation back to safety. This situation indicates that the master of the forest faced cold weather and obstacles, but a wise remark averted misfortune, leading to a state of initial hardship followed by peace.

井　白鶴銜珠，夜食為明。膏潤優渥，國歲年豐。中子來同，見惡不凶。

A white heron carries a pearl, and even at night, its light is bright enough to illuminate. The rain and dew are abundant, and the country enjoys a bountiful harvest. The second son comes to join, and even if there is an evil matter, it will not result in disaster. This person holds the pearl, has a good harvest, and family harmony. Divination concerning the state and agriculture is all auspicious.

革　從豕牽羊，與虎相逢，雖驚不凶。

Going with pigs and leading sheep on the way, meeting a tiger halfway, although startled, does not lead to danger. This oracle indicates a false alarm without harm, danger without injury. Divination for travel ensures safety.

鼎　鳧雁啞啞，以水為宅。雌雄相和，心志娛樂。得其所欲。（大有之歸妹）

Wild geese and swans call out in a hoarse voice, taking the water surface as their dwelling. Male and female are in harmony, their hearts joyful and content, each fulfilling their desires. This forest indicates a place of security and comfort, with harmonious husband and wife. Divination on marriage and home affairs is auspicious. The same phrase also appears as 'Great Possession' following 'Return of the Maiden'.

震　逐狐平原，水遏我前。深不可涉，暮無所得。

Chasing a fox on a plain, the path is blocked by a big body of water. The water is too deep to cross, and by nightfall nothing is gained. This indicates that the forest path is obstructed midway, efforts are in vain, and divination regarding pursuit and acquisition will not succeed.

艮　窟室蓬戶，寒賤所處。千里望煙，渙散四方。形體滅亡，下入深淵，終不見君。

The dwelling is a pit and the entrance is covered with wild grass, indicating the residence of a poor and lowly person. From a distance of thousands of miles, one can see the smoke of cooking, but the people have scattered in all directions. The body perishes and sinks into the abyss, ultimately never seeing you again. This omen signifies the destruction of the family, the dispersion of its members, and a permanent separation between life and death. It is a great凶 omen for divination regarding the household and searching for lost persons.

漸　桀紂之主，悖不堪輔。貪榮為人，必定其咎。聚斂積實，野在都邑，未來我室。

The rulers like Xia Jie and Shang Zhou were so corrupt and chaotic that they could not be assisted. Seeking honor and favor to serve them would surely bring calamity. Accumulating wealth and hoarding goods, with rude and violent behavior filling the city, these things will never enter my home. This omen indicates that a foolish and tyrannical ruler is not to be served, and gathering wealth is not advisable. Divination regarding taking office or seeking fortune suggests that one should keep away from such matters.

歸妹　倉庫盈億，年歲有息。商人留連，雖久有得。陰多陽少，因地就力。

The warehouse is full to capacity with vast wealth, and there is continuous increase every year. Merchants are away for a long time, but eventually they will gain something. When there is more yin and less yang, one should follow the advantages of the situation and act according to one's strength. This forest indicates abundant accumulation and eventual gain after a long time. Divination for seeking wealth is auspicious; it is better to be patient and follow the natural course rather than strive forcefully.

豐　泰山不然，釣鯉失綸。魚不可得，利去我北。一作三人同福，以興周國，君子安息。

The fire on Mount Tai won't ignite, and the fishing line for catching a crucian carp has broken. The fish cannot be caught, and benefits have slipped away to the north. This indicates that the person in charge has failed to achieve their plans, wealth has dispersed, and seeking profit is unfavorable. The same passage is recorded as 'Three people share happiness, reviving the Zhou state, the gentleman rests in peace.'

旅　童女無媒，不利動搖。安其室廬，待母動憂。

An unmarried maiden without a matchmaker should not act hastily. She should remain calm and stay within her own home. If she acts without her mother's command, she will bring about worries. This divination indicates that one should remain still and wait for the right time, and should not act on one's own initiative. When questioning about marriage, it is better to be slow than hasty.

巽　載風雲母，遊觀東海。鼓翼千里，見吾愛子。

Riding the wind and carrying cloud mother, I travel and enjoy the East Sea. I flap my wings to fly a thousand miles, finally meeting my beloved child. This forest indicates a successful long journey and reunion with family, divination for travel and searching for relatives is auspicious.

兌　鴻盜我襦，逃于山隅。不見其跡，使伯心憂。

A wild goose carried away my short coat and ran to the corner of the mountain. There is no trace to be found, causing my elder brother great worry. The owner of this forest has lost something without a trace, and it is not advisable to search for it.

渙　夜視失明，不利遠鄉。閉門塞牖，福為我母。

If it is dark outside at night, it is not advisable to travel far away. Close the door and block the windows, remain content and stay within one's bounds, and happiness will be like a mother protecting me. This divination indicates that the person should keep hidden and guard against misfortune; any movement will bring misfortune. If one asks about traveling, it is ominous, but if asking about staying at home, it is auspicious.

節　三狗逐兔，於東門路。利以進取，商人有得。

Three dogs are chasing a wild rabbit on the eastern gate road. It is favorable to advance, and merchants will gain something from it. This omen suggests that the master of the forest should cooperate in hunting, advancing to gain profit. Divination regarding seeking wealth and planning matters is auspicious.

中孚　武王不豫，周公禱謝。載璧秉珪，安寧如故。

King Wu of Zhou was seriously ill and uneasy, so Duke Zhou prayed to the ancestors, offering his own body as a substitute. He held a jade tablet and a jade scepter in prayer, and King Wu then became calm and well again. This is recorded in the Book of Documents, the Jin Teng section. This example shows that sincere devotion can move the spirits, and illness can be cured. Divination regarding illness and rituals for expelling evil are all auspicious.

小過　同載共車，中道別去。爵級不進，君子下輿。

They originally traveled together in the same carriage, but on the way they parted. Promotion in official rank was not achieved, and the gentleman had to get off the carriage. This indicates that the owner of the divination has companions dispersing, obstacles in official career, and both partnership and seeking official positions are not successful.

既濟　六雁俱飛，遊戲稻池。大飲多食，食飽無患。一下有舉事不遂，商旅作僓。

Six large geese fly together, playing in the rice fields and pond. They drink and eat freely, and even when full, there is no misfortune. This indicates that the forest is a place where groups gather to find food and are free from worry. Divination concerning clothing, food, and traveling with others is favorable. Below this passage there is another line: "Undertakings will not succeed, merchants will have losses."

未濟　符左契右，相與合齒。乾以坤利，季生六子。長大成就，風言如母，不利為咎。

The left half of the symbol matches with the right half of the mark, fitting together perfectly. Heaven (Qian) takes Earth (Kun) as favorable, and together they give birth to six children. When these children grow up, it is said they all resemble their mother in virtue, with no misfortune or calamity. This forest represents a harmonious union and successful offspring, indicating great auspiciousness for marriage and children.

頤　家給人足，頌聲並作。四夷賓服，干戈卷閣。

Every household is prosperous and every person is well-fed, with songs of praise rising together. All the surrounding tribes come to pay homage, and weapons are gathered up and laid aside. This indicates a time of peace and prosperity, with harmony both within and outside the realm, and it is auspicious for the country and family.

乾　思初道古，哀吟無輔。陽明不制，上失其所。

Reflecting on the past and speaking of ancient ways, lamenting with sorrow and no one to support. The yang energy cannot take control, those in superior positions have lost their proper place. This indicates that the person is merely indulging in nostalgia without benefit, and those in authority are not upright. Divination for seeking help and pursuing official positions is unfavorable.

坤　江淮河海，天之奧府。眾利所聚，可以饒有。樂我君子。

The rivers Jiang, Huai, He, and Hai are the deepest reservoirs of Heaven. All kinds of benefits converge here, allowing for abundance and surplus, bringing joy to the virtuous. This forest signifies abundant water resources and a convergence of wealth, indicating great auspiciousness for seeking wealth.

屯　三雁俱飛，避暑就涼。適與矰遇，為繳所傷。

Three large geese flew together, avoiding the heat to go to a cool place. They happened to encounter a short arrow tied with silk thread, and were injured by the thread. The forest owner, who was seeking benefits and avoiding harm, instead suffered an unexpected accident. Divination about traveling indicates an unexpected injury.

蒙　秋南春北，隨時休息。處和履中，安無憂凶。

In autumn they fly south, in spring they return north, following the seasonal rhythms. They reside in peace, act with balance, and remain secure without worries or dangers. This forest symbolizes adherence to the proper time and maintaining balance, ensuring safety and no misfortune. Divination on various matters indicates good fortune.

需　履危無患，逃脫獨全。不利出門，傷我左膝。疾病不食，鬼哭其室。

Walking in danger without harm, escaping alone and remaining safe. However, it is not advisable to go out, as going out would injure the left knee. Sickness persists with no appetite, and ghost cries are heard inside the house. This indicates that staying at home avoids trouble, but going out leads to injury. Asking about guarding the home is safe, but traveling is extremely dangerous.

訟　東家兇婦，怨其公姥。毀盤破盆，棄其飯餐。使我困貧。

The neighbor's fierce woman resents her own parents-in-law. She breaks plates and shatters earthenware, throws away food, causing my family to become impoverished and distressed. This situation involves family disputes, broken utensils, and loss of wealth. Divination for the household and livelihood indicates ill fortune.

師　泥滓汙辱，棄捐溝瀆。眾所笑哭，終不顯錄。

Covered in filth and subjected to contempt, he is cast away into a ditch. All people laugh and weep at him, yet he remains unrecognized and unappointed. This indicates that the master of the forest has fallen into disgrace and is rejected, his name not recorded. Asking about advancement is greatly unfavorable.

比　旦往暮還，吝與相存，身無患凶。

Going out in the morning and returning in the evening, although there is some difficulty and reluctance accompanying it, there is no harm or danger to oneself. This divination indicates that the person is traveling back and forth, with minor delays but no harm. It is favorable for asking about a journey, suggesting safety.

小畜　六翮長翼，夜過射國，羿氏無得。

A large bird with six strong feathered wings flies through the night over the country of the skilled archer, but even the archer Houyi cannot shoot it down. This forest ruler relies on his abilities to avoid danger and escape from perilous situations. Divination regarding fleeing from trouble or traveling afar is favorable.

履　蜂蠆之國，難以止息。嘉媚之士，為王所食。從去其室。

A country infested with venomous creatures is unsuitable for staying. Those who flatter are favored by the ruler, while the upright are forced to leave their homes and flee. This forest is dangerous and unsuitable for residence; flatterers are in power. Divination regarding dwelling and career advancement suggests one should avoid such a place.

泰　被□乘龍，為王道東。過時不返，使我憂聾。

He is fully equipped and rides in a dragon chariot, leading the king eastward. He has not returned by the appointed time, causing me to worry so much that I have become deaf and blind. This oracle indicates that the person in charge of the mission has gone on a long journey and has not returned on time. The divination shows worry about both the journey and waiting.

否　雪梅零墜，心思憒憒。懷憂少愧，亂我魂氣。

Snowy plum blossoms fall in abundance, my thoughts confused and unclear. I am troubled with worry and a touch of guilt, disturbing my spirit and vital energy. The person in this forest is restless in mind, burdened with anxious thoughts, and both body and spirit are unsettled.

同人　長女三嫁，進退多態。牝狐作妖，夜行離憂。

The eldest daughter has been married three times, displaying various postures in her advances and retreats. The mother fox, when acting as a spirit, meets misfortune when traveling at night. This indicates that the mistress of the forest lacks virtue in her conduct, and her nighttime outings invite calamity. Divination regarding marriage and nighttime travel both portend ill fortune.

大有　轟轟□，驅東向西。盛盈必毀，高位崩顛。

The carriage and horses are roaring and thundering, sometimes rushing east, sometimes heading west. When full to the extreme, damage is certain; when staying in a high position for too long, collapse is inevitable. This omen indicates a situation of constant movement without stability, and fullness leading to loss. Those seeking to maintain their current state should know the importance of yielding and retreating.

謙　乘船涉濟，載水逢火。賴得無患，蒙我全生。

He rode on a boat across the Ji River, carrying water but encountering fire. Fortunately, there was no accident, and he was blessed with the preservation of his life. This situation involves water and fire confronting each other, yet ultimately safety was achieved. The divination indicates a situation with alarm but no actual danger.

豫　德至之君，政仁且溫。伊呂股肱，國富民安。

A morally excellent sovereign issues benevolent and gentle decrees. He is assisted by capable ministers such as I Yin and Lü Shang. The state is strong and the people are at peace. This omen indicates a wise ruler and virtuous ministers, with the country in prosperity and the people secure. Divination concerning the state and official advancement is highly auspicious.

隨　生不逢時，困且多憂。無有冬夏，心常悲愁。

Born in an inappropriate era, one is both troubled and full of worries. Whether in winter or summer, the heart is always sorrowful and distressed. This forest indicates a life marked by misfortune and constant unhappiness; divination about various matters will not be favorable.

蠱　南歷玉山，東入生門。登福上堂，飲萬歲漿。

Proceeding south past the Jade Mountain where the Queen Mother of the West resides, then eastward into the gate of birth. Ascend the main hall of the hall of happiness and drink the elixir of longevity and ten thousand years. This forest signifies encountering a fairyland, with both longevity and blessings arriving together. Divination for long journeys and seeking longevity is highly auspicious.

臨　大斧斫木，讒人敗國。東關二五，禍及三子。晉人亂危，懷公出走。

A great axe cuts down trees, and slanderous men ruin the state. Liang Wu and Dongguan Biwu, two佞 ministers, framed the three sons of Duke Xian of Jin, as recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan" (Zuo's Commentary) of the 28th year of Duke Zhuang. As a result, Jin was in chaos and danger, and Hui Gong eventually fled. This omen indicates that ministers of slander are causing disorder in government and the royal descendants are suffering. The divination for the state and family is a great misfortune.

觀　一室百孫，公悅嫗歡。相與笑言，家樂以安。

Within a family, there are hundreds of sons and thousands of grandsons. The old man is joyful, the old woman is delighted. They talk and laugh together, and the family is harmonious and peaceful. This indicates that the family is full of descendants, and all members are happy and united. Divination concerning family matters and offspring is highly auspicious.

噬嗑　隨陽轉行，不失其常。君安於鄉，國無咎殃。

Following the movement of yang energy, proceeding in accordance with the natural order. The sovereign resides in his native land, and there are no calamities or misfortunes within the state. This forest represents harmony with the seasons and adherence to the norm, with peace and stability above and below. Divination for the family and state is auspicious.

賁　群虎入邑，求索肉食。大人御守，君不失國。

A group of tigers rushed into the city, demanding meat everywhere. A mature person stepped forward to defend and guard, so the king did not lose his country. This situation shows that the master of the forest, facing strong invaders, obtained a virtuous person to defend, and the divination indicates a dangerous situation but without loss, which is suitable to rely on capable people.

剝　弱足刖跟，不利出門。商賈無贏，折崩為患。湯火之憂，轉解喜來。

The person's strength is weak and their heel has been cut off, making it unsuitable to go out. Engaging in business will result in no profit, leading to loss and misfortune. Fortunately, the worries like hot water and fire will be resolved, and good things will follow. This person will first face difficulties but eventually find success. The divination indicates that traveling is initially unfavorable but will eventually turn into a favorable situation.

復　夏臺幽戶，文王厄處。鬼侯飲食，岐人悅喜。

The dark prison of XiaTai was the place where the virtuous were confined, and King Wen was once imprisoned in YouLi. The Nine Marquises were minced into meat paste by King Zhou to feed his people, but the people of Qi and Zhou eventually came to rejoice. This grove's master, a virtuous person, suffered misfortune but ultimately received justice. Divination on this matter indicates that difficulties can be resolved, beginning with adversity and ending in good fortune.

旡妄　棟撓壤壞，廊屋大敗。宮闕空廓，如冬枯樹。

The beams are bent, the walls are collapsed, and the eaves are greatly ruined. The palace and towers are empty and desolate, like withered trees in winter. This omen indicates the decline of the foundation and the family's affairs, and the courtyard is cold and deserted. Divination about the household and state affairs both portend misfortune.

大畜　讒以內安，不利其國。室家大懼，幽囚重閉。疾病多求，罪亂憤憒。

Relying on slander to gain temporary safety within, it is detrimental to the country. The household is greatly frightened, and people are confined within tightly closed doors. Suffering from illness and seeking medical help everywhere, guilt and turmoil are combined, leading to anger and confusion. This divination indicates that the ruler is corrupt and misleading the country, suffering from both punishment and illness. The divination for the state and the body is extremely ominous.

大過　六龍俱怒，戰於陂下。蒼黃不勝，旅人艱苦。

Six dragons all become angry and fight together beneath the pond. The Azure Dragon and the Yellow Dragon cannot prevail, and travelers find themselves in difficult circumstances. This omen indicates that the forest is dominated by fierce competition among heroes, with no one benefiting. Divination regarding conflicts and travel is unfavorable.

坎　天下雷行，塵起不明。市空無羊，疾人憂凶。三木不喜，脫歸家邦。

Thunder roars throughout the world, dust rises and the sky becomes dark and unclear. The market is empty with no sheep for sale, and the sick person is anxious and faces danger. Being bound with three sets of shackles is not a good omen, but fortunately, he is finally able to escape and return to his homeland. This person is troubled by disturbances and legal troubles but eventually escapes them. The divination indicates initial danger followed by resolution.

離　一指食肉，口無所得。染其鼎鼐，舌饞於腹。

Using just one finger to take meat to eat, the mouth will never satisfy. The finger dips into the cauldron briefly, but the tongue, hungry, growls within; as recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan" (Zuo's Commentary) from the fourth year of Duke Xuan, Zigong's finger twitched and he dipped his finger into the cauldron. This person's desire is shallow, his greed unfulfilled, and his inquiry about obtaining something is in vain.

咸　喜笑不常，失其福慶。口辨言疥，行者畏忌。

At times happy and at times laughing, yet fickle and changeable, thus losing blessings and joy. There is verbal conflict and trivial words that harm others, causing travelers to fear and avoid. This person is emotionally unstable and their words bring trouble; divination concerning travel and social interactions is unfavorable.

恆　毛生毫背，國樂民富，侯王有德。

A person's back growing fine, dense hair signifies a prosperous omen; the country is joyful, the people are wealthy, and the princes and kings are virtuous. This forest indicates that there is virtue above and prosperity below; when questioned about the state and family, it is a great auspicious omen.

遯　豶豕童牛，害傷不來。三光同堂，生我福仁。

Castrated pigs and young cattle without horns cannot harm people, based on the Classic of Changes, Great Accumulation, "the teeth of the boar pig" and "the yoke of the young bull." The sun, moon, and stars shine together in one hall, producing my blessings and benevolence. This omen indicates the removal of calamities, bright illumination, and favorable outcomes for safety and family fortune.

大壯　江河淮濟，盈溢為害。邑被其癩，年困無歲。

The four sacred rivers, the Yangtze, the Yellow River, the Huai River, and the Ji River, all overflowed at the same time, causing great flooding and disaster. Cities were afflicted by this calamity, leading to poor harvests and no grain to be gathered. This indicates that the main house is greatly affected by flood, resulting in the ruin of the year's yield. Divination regarding agriculture and the household shows a severe misfortune.

晉　兩虎爭鬥，股瘡無處。不成仇讎，行解卻去。

Two tigers fight, each with wounds on their thighs. In the end, they do not become deadly enemies and part ways. This omen indicates that although there is conflict and mutual injury, the dispute can be resolved. The divination suggests that although there may be loss, the conflict can be settled.

明夷　五嶽四瀆，潤洽為德。行不失理，民賴恩福。

The Five Mountains and Four Rivers are revered for their virtue of nourishing all things. Their actions do not contradict the natural order, so the people rely on their grace. This forest represents widespread benevolence and the people's loyalty, indicating good fortune in governance and family matters when consulted.