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

家人　載車乘馬，南逄君子。與我嘉福，離憂無咎。

Riding in a carriage or on horseback, heading south, I met a gentleman. He gave me good fortune, and my worries dispersed while no misfortune came. This omen indicates encountering a nobleman, worries dissipating, and good fortune arriving; asking about travel is highly auspicious.

睽　缺囊破筐，空無黍粱。不媚始公，棄於糞場。

The bag is torn and the basket is broken, with no millet or sorghum inside. Because he refuses to flatter the powerful officials, he is cast out onto the dung heap. This person is poor and has nothing, has offended the superiors and is abandoned. Divination for seeking wealth or seeking favor is unfavorable.

蹇　殺行桃園，見虎東還。螳螂之敵，使我無患。

The killing energy is rising as it passes through the peach garden, and upon seeing a tiger, it turns eastward and returns. To use the strength of a mantis to resist a powerful enemy is an overestimation of one's own abilities, but fortunately, it ultimately prevents me from suffering misfortune. This forest's owner recognizes danger and knows when to retreat, being weak yet avoiding calamity. The divination suggests encountering danger is suitable for retreat, which can ensure no blame.

解　箕仁入室，政衰弊極。抱其彝器，奔於他國。因禍受福。

A virtuous person like Ji Zi retreated into seclusion, as the political situation had deteriorated to its worst. The Grand Historian carried the ritual vessels of the ancestral temple and fled to another country, yet he gained benefit from this calamity. This oracle indicates that in times of chaos, those who possess valuable skills should leave the country and avoid danger, and may gain fortune through misfortune. Divination on moving to another place shows auspiciousness.

損　庭燎夜明，追古傷今。陽弱不制，陰雄坐戾。

In the courtyard, torches illuminate the long night, evoking memories of the past and sorrow for the present. The yang energy is weak and unable to take control, while the yin energy occupies a strong position, giving rise to discord. This indicates that the ruler is weak and the ministers are powerful, and the present is worse than the past. Divination concerning the state suggests internal troubles and anxieties.

益　懸貆素餐，食非其任。失輿剝廬，休坐徙居。

A hunting fox was hanging in the house, eatingofficial stipend without merit, enjoying benefits not rightfully due. Thus losing the carriage and house, stripped of possessions, forced to stop and move elsewhere. This forest master received benefits without merit, eventually losing his dwelling. Divination on official position and family residence both indicate misfortune.

夬　嘉聞福喜，繒帛盛織，日就為得。

Upon hearing good news, there is fortune and joy, with rich silk woven abundantly, and daily gains. This forest owner receives frequent good news, accumulating little by little into much. Divination for seeking wealth and auspicious events is favorable.

姤　執綏登車，驂乘東遊。說齊解燕，霸國以安。

Holding the reins he mounts the carriage, serving as the骖乘 and travels eastward. He endeavors to persuade the state of Qi and resolve matters in Yan, enabling the hegemonic state to attain stability. This person is a master of纵横 strategies, achieving success and securing the state. Divination concerning his journey and planning affairs both indicate favorable outcomes.

萃　水深無桴，蹇難何遊。商伯失利，庶人愁憂。

The water is deep with no raft, making every step difficult, and it is unclear how to cross. Merchants lose profits, and common people also worry and grieve. This indicates that the forest lord has no boat to cross dangerous waters, and both those above and below are inpredicament. Divination regarding travel and seeking wealth is unfavorable.

升　三鳥鴛鴦，相隨俱行。南到饒澤，食魚與粱。君子長樂，見惡不傷。

Three birds follow a mandarin duck and travel south to a fertile marsh, eating fish and millet. The gentleman enjoys long-lasting happiness and remains unharmed even when encountering misfortune. This omen indicates that the place chosen is appropriate, bringing joy without harm. Divination for travel and seeking food both result in auspicious outcomes.

困　遠視目盻，臨深苦眩。不離越都，旅人留難。

Looking far ahead causes eye strain, and approaching a deep abyss leads to dizziness. One remains constantly attached to the capital of Yue, and travelers are detained and obstructed. This forest indicates that looking far strains the mind, and travelers face obstacles. The divination for travel is unfavorable.

井　終風東西，渙散四方。終日至暮，不見子歡。

A great wind blows all day, changing direction from east to west, scattering everything to the four directions. The poem "Zongfeng" from the Book of Songs, "Bei Feng" uses "zongfeng" to symbolize disorderly behavior. From morning till night, I cannot see your joyful expression. This omen indicates separation and dispersion, with absent thoughts and no reunion or news. The divination suggests that efforts to reunite or receive messages will not succeed.

革　言無要約，不成券契。殷叔季姬，公孫爭之。強入委命，不悅我心。

Words without clear agreement cannot form a binding contract. Yin Shu and Ji Ji's marriage was contested by Gong Sun. Interfering forcefully yet only submitting to fate is truly against my will. This forest's master spoke without proof, and the marriage was taken away; divination on oaths and marriage both show ill omens.

鼎　牛馬聾聵，不知聲味。遠賢賤仁，自令亂憒。疾病無患，生福在門。

The cattle and horses are both deaf and blind, unable to distinguish sound from taste. They have distanced themselves from the virtuous and despised the benevolent, thus bringing about confusion and foolishness. Fortunately, the illness is not serious, and good fortune is still at the door. This person is foolish and has lost the wise, yet remains physically safe. The divination indicates that employing people is not favorable, but the body is unharmed.

震　從商近遊，食飽無憂。囹圄之困，中子見囚。

Following the caravan for nearby trade, he had enough to eat and no worries. Unexpectantly, he faced imprisonment, and the second son was detained. This owner of the forest gained a little but suffered great worry. He consulted the divination regarding small profit from business and worries about legal troubles for the family.

艮　據斗運樞，順天無憂，與樂並居。

By guarding the Big Dipper and rotating the Heavenly Pivot, following the heavenly way without worries, and sharing in joy. This forest's master holds the essentials and adheres to the root, aligns with heaven and attains peace, and all inquiries concerning various matters are auspicious.

漸　姬奭姜望，為武守邦。藩屏燕齊，周室以強。子孫億昌。

Zhuo Gong Ji Shi and Tai Gong Jiang Shang guarded the state for King Wu of Zhou, and they were granted the fiefs of Yan and Qi to serve as the Zhou dynasty's vassals and protectors. Thus, the Zhou dynasty became strong and prosperous, with countless descendants flourishing. This forest signifies virtuous ministers supporting the ruler and the state enjoying long-term peace and stability. Divination regarding achievements and descendants is highly auspicious.

歸妹　亡羊東澤，循堤直北。子思其母，隨返其所。

A sheep was lost in a marsh to the east and walked along the embankment heading north in search. The young sheep missed its mother and followed back to the original place. This forest symbolizes losing and regaining, and the reunion of mother and child. Divination regarding the search for the lost and the reunion is favorable.

豐　張鳥開口，舌直距齒。然諾不行，政亂無緒。

A bird opens its mouth, its tongue stiffly pressing against its teeth, unable to make a sound. Promises made are not fulfilled, and affairs are in disorder with no clear direction. This indicates that the ruler is untrustworthy and neglects governance, with no established rules or order. Divination concerning promises and governance is unfavorable.

旅　載船逢火，憂不為禍。家在山東，入門見公。

A fully loaded boat encountered fire, causing worry but no actual disaster. The house is in Shandong, and upon entering, the owner was seen. The forest owner is in a dangerous situation but unharmed, returning home with joy. The divination for travel indicates a surprising situation without danger.

巽　絕國異路，心不相慕。蛇子兩角，使我相惡。

Separated states, different paths, their hearts do not love each other. A small snake growing two horns, such an odd occurrence, causes mutual hatred. This forest's master has different hearts and strange origins, leading to suspicion and dislike. Divination regarding alliances and cooperation shows no harmony.

兌　鼻項移徙，居不安坐。枯竹後生，失其寵榮。

The nose and neck have shifted positions, making sitting uncomfortable and unstable. The withered bamboo only sprouts new branches later, having long lost its former glory. This forest indicates a disruption in form and position, a decline in prosperity and youth, and is unfavorable for dwelling and receiving favor.

渙　火息無光，千歲不長，殷湯遠明。

Fire dying out brings no light, and even after a thousand years it will not increase again; the virtue of King Tang has already become distant. This forest's bright virtue has faded far away, and its destiny is hard to continue. Divination for seeking help or revival is unfavorable.

節　文王四乳，仁孝篤厚。子蓄十男，無有折夭。

King Wen of the Zhou dynasty was born with the unusual mark of four breasts, showing his benevolence, filial piety, and sincerity. He raised ten sons, none of whom died young. This omen indicates a saintly virtue, many offspring, and healthy descendants. Divination regarding descendants and family fortune shows great auspiciousness.

中孚　熊羆豺狼，在山陰陽。伺鹿取麞，道伏畏難。

Bears and jackals are stationed on both sides of the mountain, watching the deer herd and hunting the civet. There are fierce beasts hidden on the path, causing fear and difficulty. The main trail of this forest has tigers and wolves; one must be cautious when traveling, indicating an ominous omen for travel.

小過　雕葉被霜，獨蔽不傷。駕入喜門，與福為婚。

Withered leaves are covered in frost, but only it remains sheltered and unharmed. A carriage enters the gate of joy, uniting with good fortune in marriage. This grove signifies avoiding frost and remaining whole, with joy arising from within. Divination regarding marriage and family matters is favorable.

既濟　黃離白日，照我四國。元首昭明，民賴為福。一下有漢有遊女，人不可得。

Yellow sunlight shines brightly in the middle sky, illuminating all the surrounding countries. The phrase "Yellow Fire brings original auspiciousness" comes from the second line of the Hexagram Li (Fire) in the Book of Changes. The sovereign is wise and illustrious, and the people rely on him to gain blessings. This omen indicates that the lord of the forest governs a well-ordered state and the people receive their due benefits, thus predicting great auspiciousness for the state and family. There is a version that adds below this line the two lines "There is a wandering maiden in Han, who cannot be obtained."

未濟　順風直北，與歡相得。歲熟年豐，邑無寇賊。一下有長女行嫁，子孫不昌，棄疾為殃。

Going with the wind direction straight north, meeting joy and harmony. Crops mature, the harvest is abundant, and there are no thieves in the city. This forest indicates gaining benefits by following the right course, a bountiful year and people's peace. Divination on travel and farming affairs is favorable. Below this there is another line: "The eldest daughter marries, but children do not flourish, abandoning illness brings calamity."

大過　典冊法書，藏在蘭臺。雖遭亂潰，獨不遇災。

Classical texts and legal documents are stored in the LanTai. Although they have encountered chaos and collapse, they have not suffered disaster. This forest is the master of preserving documents and remaining intact amidst turmoil. Divination for guarding the collection and avoiding disaster is favorable.

乾　日在北陸，陰蔽陽目。萬物空虛，不見長育。

The sun reaches the winter solstice position in the northern land, and the yin energy obscures the sunlight. All things appear empty and bleak, with no signs of growth or nurturing. This forest signifies a decline of yang energy and a cut-off of vitality. Divination regarding childbirth, rearing, and endeavors is unfavorable.

坤　鬼泣哭社，悲商無後。甲子昧爽，殷人絕祀。

The spirits and deities in the ancestral temple weep, grieving for the lack of descendants of the Shang dynasty. On the Jiazi day, at the moment just before dawn, the battle of Muyu took place, and the ancestral rites of the Yin dynasty were thus cut off. This forest's master has lost his ancestral temple and the line of worship has been broken, indicating a great misfortune for the state and family.

屯　涉塗履危，不利有為。安坐垂堂，乃無災殃。門戶自開，君憂不昌。

Walking on muddy paths and stepping on dangerous ground is not suitable for any action. Sitting calmly in the hall and avoiding the dangerous area under the eaves ensures no calamity; "A son worth a thousand gold pieces would not sit under the eaves" is recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Biographies of Yuan Ang and Chao Cuo." If the door opens without cause, the master worries about the family's decline. This situation indicates that danger arises frequently when active, while remaining still ensures safety. Therefore, it is advisable to hold back and not advance.

蒙　陽失其紀，枯木復起。秋華冬實，君不得失。

The yang energy has lost its regular course, and withered trees have once again begun to sprout. Flowers bloom in autumn and fruits ripen in winter, with the seasons entirely reversed. The ruler is unable to discern whether this is gain or loss. This forest indicates abnormality in the sequence of time, with fortune and misfortune unclear. When consulting about matters, one should be cautious and watchful.

需　大樹之子，百條共母。當夏六月，枝葉盛茂。鸞鳳以庇，召伯避暑。翩翩偃仰，各得其所。

The branches of a great tree all spring from the same trunk. By June, the branches and leaves are extremely flourishing. The phoenix and the lark find shelter among them, and the Duke Zhao Bo rests beneath the tree to escape the heat. The poem from the Book of Songs, "Zhaonan · Gantang," speaks of the Duke Zhao Bo resting under the mulberry tree. All the birds fly gracefully, each finding its proper place. This grove signifies widespread shelter and proper placement for all beneath it. Divination regarding the state, the family, or those who depend on others indicates good fortune.

訟　秉鉞執殳，挑戰先驅。不役元帥，敗破為憂。

Holding an axe and a spear, he rushed out to challenge the enemy first. He did not obey the general's orders and thus suffered defeat, leading to disaster. This indicates that the commander acted against orders and advanced recklessly, causing concern of losing his troops. Divination for warfare and cooperation with others is unfavorable.

師　啟室開門，巡狩釋冤。夏臺羑里，湯文悅喜。

Opening the prison doors and unfastening the jail gates, the Son of Heaven tours the four directions to clear wrongful cases. King Tang was confined at Xutai and King Wen was imprisoned at Youli, thus they were delighted to be released. This forest indicates a great amnesty and release of prisoners, with wrongs rectified. Divination concerning lawsuits and difficulties will be resolved, which is auspicious.

比　衰滅無幾，淵溺在項。吠狗夜驚，家乃不寧。

Decline and destruction are imminent, with the water of the abyss already reaching the neck. Dogs howl at night, disturbing the neighbors, and the household will not find peace. This forest indicates imminent danger and disturbances both inside and outside, and the divination for the family is extremely ominous.

小畜　西鄰小女，未有所許。志如委衣，不出房戶。心無所處，傅母何咎。

The young daughter of the western neighbor has not yet been married. Her mind is quiet, like a hanging robe, and she does not leave her chamber. Her heart has nowhere to rest, yet there is no fault in the woman who raises her. This young lady remains unmarried, with her feelings unexpressed. Divination shows that marriage is still distant, with no harm but not yet accomplished.

履　狗吠夜驚，履鬼頭頸。危者弗傾，患者不成。

A dog barked at night, disturbing the peace, and people felt as if they were stepping on the neck of a ghost, causing great alarm. Fortunately, the dangerous situation did not result in disaster, and the calamity did not come to pass. This indicates that the situation is merely a false alarm with no real danger, and although it was alarming, it turned out to be safe. The divination suggests there was alarm but no actual danger.

泰　當年少寡，獨與孤處。雞鳴犬吠，無敢難者。我生不辰，獨嬰寒苦。

In youth, he lost his wife and lived alone with an orphan child. Amid the sounds of chickens and dogs, no one dared to harass him. Yet he was born at an inauspicious time, suffering alone from cold and hardship. The "Book of Songs, Great Odes,桑柔" laments "I was born at an ill time." This person is solitary and self-reliant, with a peaceful life but a bitter fate. When consulting about family matters, there is hardship but no great calamity.

否　無道之君，鬼哭其門。命與下國，絕不得食。

An unjust ruler, even the ghosts weep at his gate. Heaven's mandate has passed to the subordinate states, and he himself has cut off his sustenance. This omen indicates the loss of virtue and destiny, with the disruption of his official position. Divination regarding state affairs and career prospects is extremely ominous.

同人　乘龍南遊，夜過糟丘，脫厄增憂。一下有繒絕魯傷，羿不得美。

Riding a dragon to travel south, passing through a hill made of fermented wine residue; "zao qiu" refers to the extravagance of King Zhou's wine pool and meat forest. Although having escaped from misfortune, worry is further increased. This forest indicates leaving danger but not yet attaining safety, with worry arising from within. The divination concerns traveling, first escaping trouble and then facing worry. Another version adds below this line the phrases "zeng jie lu shang, Yi bu de mei."

大有　馬躓車傷，長舌破家。東關二五，晉君出走。

A horse loses its front hoof, the carriage is damaged, and a long tongue spreads slander, leading to the ruin of the family. Liang Wu and Dongguan Biwu conspired within, and the king of Jin finally fled. This is a case where the family ruler is ruined by slander and the national ruler loses his position, indicating a great misfortune for the family and the state.

謙　瓜花瓠實，百女同室。酰苦不熟，未有配合。

Gourd has bloomed with flowers and melon has borne fruit, with hundreds of women in one room. The sour taste of vinegar is bitter and not yet matured, and the pairing is not yet good. The owner of this forest is not yet at the right time, and the relationship is not yet determined. Asking about marriage still needs to wait.

豫　晨風文翰，火舉就溫。時過我邑，羿無所得。

In the morning breeze, birds and the colorful-feathered pheasants approach the fire for warmth. They fly over my city at regular times, and even the skilled archer Hou Yi cannot catch them. This forest is full of clever creatures that know how to avoid danger. Divination for fleeing or traveling far shows favorable results.

隨　浼浼促促，塗泥至轂。雨濘不進，虎囓不得。

The water is flowing strongly and the path is narrow, with mud up to the wheel hubs. Progress is blocked by the muddy conditions in the rain, but fortunately the tiger cannot bite. The forest owner faces difficult travel but is free from harm. The divination for traveling indicates stagnation but not danger.

蠱　膠車駕東，與雨相逢。放革懈惰，頓禹（一作輸）獨坐。憂不為禍。（一作福）

A vehicle glued together was heading east, but on the way it encountered heavy rain. The glue softened in the water, the leather loosened and became slack, and the vehicle broke down on the road. The person had to sit alone and wait. There was worry, but no actual disaster occurred. This omen indicates that the object is not durable, the journey meets obstacles from heaven, yet there is no great harm. It is an omen of being delayed in travel. "Yush" is sometimes written as "shu", and "huo" is sometimes written as "fu".

臨　六家作權，公室剖分。陰制其陽，唐叔失明。

Six families of powerful ministers held power, the royal house was divided and split up, and the six great ministers of the state of Jin seized power, eventually leading to the division of Jin into three states. Yin's softness suppressed Yang's strength, causing the descendants of Tang叔虞 to lose their brightness. This forest indicates a situation where the strong ministers divide the country and the royal house falls, resulting in great misfortune for the state and family.

觀　去室離家，來奔大都。火息復明，姬伯以昌。商人失功。

Leaving the house, parting from the homeland, and going to a great city. The extinguished fire is relit, and the姬 clan's feudal lords thus flourish, but the Shang people lose their advantage. This forest owner experiences migration and success, with old occupations interrupted. Divination for moving residence is auspicious, but commerce is unfavorable.

噬嗑　牧羊稻園，聞虎喧讙。危懼喘息，終無禍患。

Shearing sheep by the rice field, she heard a tiger's fierce roar. She was frightened, trembling and holding her breath, but in the end, nothing happened. The forest owner experienced a false alarm, no danger or injury occurred, and the divination indicates that although there was alarm, there is no actual harm.

賁　嬰兒求乳，母歸其子。黃麑悅喜，乃得甘飽。

The infant needs to nurse, so the mother returns to the child. The young deer also becomes happy, finally eating sweet and full. This forest owner shows kindness and mutual affection, with needs fulfilled promptly. Divination on nurturing and seeking help is favorable.

剝　廓落失業，跨禍變福，利無所得。

He has lost his livelihood completely, crossed over misfortune to attain good fortune, but gains nothing in benefit. This oracle indicates that the subject will turn danger into safety but gain nothing. It is favorable for the body but unfavorable for wealth.

復　出入無時，憂患為災。行人失牛，利去不來。若馬遺駒，勿與久居。

Travel has no fixed time, and worries become calamities. A traveler loses his ox, and benefits are lost forever. It is like a mother horse losing her foal; such a place should not be stayed in for long. This forest indicates improper movement and rest, loss of both wealth and livestock. Divination concerning travel and residence is unfavorable.

旡妄　風怒漂木，女感生疾。陽失其時，陰孽為賊。

A great wind arose and carried away the timber. A woman caught a cold from the outside and became ill. The yang energy lost its proper season, allowing yin evil energy to spread unchecked. This indicates that the forest master experiences abnormal weather and yin evil invades people. Divination regarding illness and family matters is unfavorable.

大畜　車馬疾傷，不利越鄉。幽人無貪，去晦就明。

The divination indicates that there are problems with vehicles and horses, and it is not advisable to travel across borders. For those who live in seclusion and maintain inner tranquility, there is no desire for worldly gains. They should leave behind darkness and move towards brightness. This forest symbolizes that movement leads to loss, while stillness brings clarity. The divination suggests that traveling is unfavorable, but retreating into seclusion is auspicious.

頤　三奇六耦，各有所主。周南召南，聖人所在。德義流行，民悅以喜。

Three odd numbers and six even numbers, each with their own master. The two southern poems of the Book of Songs, Zhou Nan and Zhao Nan, are precisely where the sages teach and cultivate virtue. Virtue and righteousness are widely promoted, and the people are happy and joyful. This forest signifies the spread of education and harmony between superiors and inferiors. Divination concerning the state, family, and moral customs all indicate good fortune.

坎　坐爭立訟，紛紛哅哅。卒成禍亂，災及家公。

Sitting in argument and standing in litigation, causing much disturbance and a loud uproar. Eventually leading to chaos and calamity, involving the family's elders. This indicates that the owner is involved in disputes and turmoil, which will affect the respected elders, and the litigation is extremely ominous.

離　凶憂為殘，使我不安。從之南國，以除心疾。

Danger and suffering cause harm, making my heart uneasy. Following him to the southern country, to eliminate the pain in my heart. This forest signifies traveling far to avoid worries and changing places to heal the heart. Divination on moving to another place can relieve worries.

咸　愛我嬰女，牽引不得。冀幸高貴，反曰下賤。

Heavenly Stems: Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui Earthly Branches: Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai Trigrams: Qian (Heaven), Dui (Lake), Li (Fire), Zhen (Thunder), Xun (Wind), Kan (Water), Gen (Mountain), Kun (Earth) The person loves their young daughter deeply, wishing to guide and support her, but is unable to do so. They hope she will achieve high status and success, yet she ends up in a lowly and humble position. This oracle indicates that the person's expectations are unfulfilled, things do not go as wished, and both marriage and guidance are unsuccessful.

恆　宜行賈市，所取必倍。載喜抱子，與利為友。

It is favorable to go out and engage in business and trade, with profits certainly doubling. Laden with joy and carrying a child, one forms friendship with profit. The owner of the forest will gain profits and receive wealth, with great fortune in seeking wealth.