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

大過：府藏之富，王以賑貸。捕魚河海，佈網多得。

The government granaries are very full, and the king uses them to relief and lend to the people; also going to rivers and seas to fish, casting nets and catching a lot. This indicates that the owner of the forest has abundant wealth and surplus, and both fishing, hunting, and business ventures will be profitable, which is auspicious.

離：陰生麓鹿，鼠舞鬼哭。靈龜陸處，釜甑塵生。仁智盤桓，國亂無歡。

Yin energy proliferates among the deer in the mountain foot, mice dance, and ghosts weep at night; a spiritual turtle is left on land, and pots and steamers remain unlit for a long time, accumulating dust. The virtuous and wise hesitate to move forward, and the country is in great chaos, with no joy. Mouse dancing and ghost weeping are all omens of calamity recorded by Han people. This forest is dominated by sinister forces, the virtuous are trapped, and households have no food to cook, which is a great misfortune.

咸：風塵坎坷，不見南北。行迷失利，復反其室。

Wind and sand strike the face, the road is rugged and difficult, and even the directions of north and south cannot be distinguished. While traveling, one gets lost and loses benefits, and can only return home. This indicates that the situation is chaotic and the direction is unclear. Going out brings nothing, so it is better to remain still and not act recklessly.

恆：金革白黃，宜利戎市。嫁娶有息，商人悅喜。

Metal and leather, silver and gold are most suitable to be traded at the border weapons market for profit; when a family gets married and has a son, merchants also rejoice. This man deals in metal and leather, gaining great profit, and both marriage and offspring are smooth, it is auspicious.

遯：匏瓜之德，宜繫不食。君子失輿，官正懷憂。

The nature of the gourd is suitable only for hanging, not for eating. In the "Yanghuo" chapter of the "Analects," Confucius laments, "Am I not a gourd? How can I hang without being used?" expressing his dissatisfaction with being unused and unappreciated. Now, the gentleman has lost his carriage and chariot, and officials are troubled. This indicates that the owner of this forest is talented but not recognized, being discarded and neglected, and also signifies loss of position and power, which is inauspicious.

大壯：乘船渡濟，載水逢火。賴得免患，我有所持。

Taking a boat to cross the Ji River, the boat was carrying water but encountered fire instead; fortunately, the water carried was just enough to put out the fire, thus avoiding disaster. This is because the person had something to rely on in their possession. Although the master of the forest encountered danger, he was able to resolve it through his usual reserves and reliance, resulting in a situation that was alarming but without actual danger, which is auspicious.

晉：道險多石，傷車折軸。與市為仇，不利客宿。

The road is dangerous with many rocks, causing the vehicle to break down and the axle to snap. Also, there is a grudge formed with people in the market, making it unstable to stay away from home. This omen indicates that the person going on a journey will face obstacles, damage to the vehicle and its parts, and attract enmity, leading to an unfavorable stay away from home, which is ominous.

明夷：托寄之徒，不利請求。結衿無言，乃有悔患。

For those who rely on others for shelter, it is not advisable to make requests or seek favors. However, tightening one's belt and keeping silent may lead to regret and misfortune. This oracle indicates that seeking help from others will not be beneficial, and remaining entirely silent without clarifying one's intentions will also cause problems. Both advancing and retreating involve minor misfortunes.

家人：三年爭妻，相逐奔馳。終日不食，精氣竭罷。

For three years, they have been quarreling over the wife, chasing each other without rest; they have been too preoccupied to eat, exhausting their energy and blood, leading to exhaustion. This forest chief is due to a long-standing dispute over marriage matters, causing mental strain and physical harm, yet ultimately achieving nothing, which is ominous.

睽：退惡防患，日之中息，解釋倒懸。

Retreating from evil people and taking preemptive measures, one rests at noon, and the distress of being upside down is relieved. The phrase "upside down" comes from the Mencius, describing a situation of extreme hardship. This person is good at avoiding and preventing trouble, thus being able to resolve dangers and transform misfortune into good fortune.

蹇：兩足四翼，飛入家國。寧我伯姊，與母相得。

A strange bird with two legs and four wings flew into the country; it comforted my elder sister and brought harmony between mother and daughter. This forest master has an unusual event suddenly arriving at the door, yet in the end, family members reunite and the household remains peaceful, which is auspicious.

解：寒露所凌，漸至堅冰。草木瘡瘍，花落葉亡。

At first, it was oppressed by the cold dew, gradually forming solid ice. The "Six at the Beginning" in The Zhou Changes (I Ching) says, "Treading on frost, solid ice arrives," clearly indicating that calamities arise gradually. Thus, plants and trees suffer from sores and decay, flowers wither and leaves fall. This forest signifies that the cold air grows stronger day by day, accumulating gradually into disaster, small troubles eventually leading to great calamity, which is ominous.

損：后稷農功，富利我國。南畝治理，一室百子。

After Ji taught the people to farm and established agricultural achievements, my country became wealthy and prosperous. The fields in the southern area were properly cultivated, and one family gained hundreds of children. Ji was the first ancestor of the Zhou people, as mentioned in the "Shijing · Daying · Shengmin." This tree indicates abundant harvests, a flourishing family, and a large population, which is very auspicious.

益：設網張羅，捕魚園池。網罟自決，雖得復失。危許之患，受其忻歡。

He set a net to catch fish in the garden pond, but the net holes broke open on their own. Although he caught some, they escaped again. After experiencing a dangerous situation, he eventually felt joyful. This omen indicates that the tools are not secure, and there will be a loss followed by recovery. Although there was a false alarm, in the end there will be good news, symbolizing regaining what was lost.

夬：路與縣休，侯伯恣驕。上失其威，周室相微。

The roads and counties are both abandoned and neglected, while the feudal lords and regional governors act arrogantly and tyrannically; the Son of Heaven has lost his authority, and the Zhou royal house consequently declines. This describes the situation of the Eastern Zhou dynasty where the system of governance breaks down and the feudal lords dominate. This indicates a disorder in the hierarchy, with the superior losing power and the subordinates becoming rebellious, which is ominous.

姤：逐走追亡，相及扶桑。復見其鄉，使我悔喪。

Chasing after someone who has fled, one continues until reaching the eastern land where the sun rises, Fu Sang; upon returning to one's homeland, only regret and disappointment remain. This oracle indicates the master has been奔波 in pursuit, traveling far and tiring himself. Although he may catch up, in the end he still loses, and the master is left with only labor and regret.

萃：履祿綏厚，載受福祉。衰微復起，繼世長久。疾病無危，晉人起告。

The禄位 enjoyed is stable and deep, receiving blessings; after decline, it revives again, with the family lineage enduring for generations. There is no danger from illness, and people from Jin come to report good news. This forest indicates a transformation from decline to prosperity, a long-lasting family line, recovery from illness, and good fortune.

升：鰥寡孤獨，祿命苦薄。入宮無妻，武子哀悲。

A widower or an orphan, with no support, has a poor destiny; upon entering the family, there is no wife to care for him, and Wu Zi can only grieve alone. This indicates a person who is lonely and without support, with difficulties in forming relationships and a shallow fortune, which is ominous.

困：山沒丘浮，陸為水魚。燕雀無巢，民無室廬。

A great mountain is submerged, and hills float up, turning land into places where fish swim. Swallows lose their nests, and people have no houses. This omen indicates a great flood, destroying homes and leaving people homeless, a most ominous sign.

井：冠帶南遊，與福喜期。遨遊嘉國，拜位逢時。

Wearing a hat and tying a sash, he travels southward and meets with auspicious fortune; in a prosperous state he roams and is timely honored with an official appointment. This forest lord's departure to seek favor coincides with favorable opportunity, and he may expect advancement and a salary, which is auspicious.

革：東行亡羊，失其羝牂。少女無夫，獨坐空廬。

Going east, a sheep was lost, both male and female sheep gone; a young woman without a husband sits alone in an empty house. The owner of this forest suffers loss of wealth and livestock through travel, marriage fails, is lonely and desolate, which is凶.

鼎：探巢捕魚，耕田捕鰍。費日無功，右手虛空。

Going to the bird's nest to catch fish and trying to scoop mud eels from dry fields are entirely wrong approaches, wasting time and effort with no results. The right hand ends up empty in the end. The person seeking something is looking in the wrong place, like climbing a tree to catch fish, which is laborious and unproductive, leading to misfortune.

震：東行飲酒，與喜相抱。福為我家，利來從母。水澤之徒，望邑而處。

Going east to attend a banquet and drink wine, accompanied by joy; good fortune comes into my house, and wealth comes from the maternal side. People by the water and marshes see the city and settle down. This forest indicates going east with good news, receiving help from close relatives and gaining wealth, and having a stable residence, which is auspicious.

艮：妄怒失精，自令畏悔。怡怡之歡，君子無咎。

Raging without cause will consume vital energy, bringing about fear and regret; if one can maintain a pleasant expression and harmonious interaction, the gentleman will have no faults. "Yi yi" comes from the "Analects of Confucius · Zilu," describing the harmonious relationship between siblings. This forest warns against impatience and anger, and if one can be amiable towards others, there will be no calamity.

漸：白雲如帶，往往來處。飛風送迎，大雹將下。擊我禾稼，僵死不起。

White clouds gather like a ribbon, coming and going continuously; strong winds arrive to meet them, and large hailstones are about to fall, damaging my crops and causing the seedlings to wither and not recover. This indicates that the weather is unfavorable, with winds and hail causing disaster, resulting in damage to the fields and crops, which is ominous.

歸妹：南至之日，陽消不息。北風烈寒，萬物藏伏。

On the day of the southern solstice, yang energy begins to emerge while yin cold still persists strongly; the northern wind is severe and cold, and all things retreat and hide. The southern solstice is also known as the winter solstice, when the sun reaches its southernmost point. At this time, the season is strictly closed off, and yang energy has not yet revived. Therefore, all affairs should be concealed and wait for the right moment; hasty actions are not beneficial.

豐：火中仲夏，鴻雁解舍。體重難移，未能高舉。君子顯名，不失其譽。

The bright red star appears in the southern sky at its zenith during the middle of summer, when geese have dispersed from their resting places; the body feels heavy and difficult to move, unable to reach high places. At this time, the gentleman promotes his reputation without losing his good name. The red star is the celestial phenomenon used in the Book of Documents, the Yao Classic, to determine the seasons. This situation indicates a temporary obstruction in action, yet the reputation remains unimpaired, symbolizing a state of maintaining balance and gaining honor.

旅：北行出門，履蹈躓顛。踒足據塗，汙我襦褲。

Going north to travel far, the journey is full of obstacles and falls; the foot is twisted and injured, sitting down in the mud, soiling my short clothes and pants. This forest master's travel is not smooth, falling and getting hurt, appearing in a disheveled and dirty state, which is ominous.

巽：輕車醊祖，疾風暴起。促亂祭器，飛揚鼓舞。明神降佑，道無害寇。

He rode in a light carriage for the ancestral rites of the road. Before he had finished pouring wine as an offering, a sudden gust of wind arose, blowing the ritual vessels over and causing dust to rise as if in celebration. Fortunately, the deities eventually descended to offer protection, and there were no bandits along the way. "Zu" refers to the ritual of offering sacrifices before a journey to appease the road spirits. This master of the forest experienced a disturbance before his departure, but was ultimately protected by the divine and reached safety, indicating a situation that began with alarm but ended in good fortune.

兌：酒為歡伯，除憂來樂。福喜入門，與君相索。使我有得。

Wine is called "Huan Bo," which can dispel worries and bring joy; good fortune and happy events enter the house, actively seeking to marry the host and thus bringing actual gain. Huan Bo is a refined name given by Han people to wine. This situation indicates a feast for joy, the arrival of good fortune, and actual benefit, which is auspicious.

渙：三足孤烏，虛鳴督郵。司過罰惡，自賊其家。毀敗為憂。

A solitary three-legged crow cries out white-faced to the governor's officer, accusing him. Originally a duty to correct faults and punish evil, it has instead caused harm to his own family, leading to disaster. The three-legged crow, usually a divine bird of the sun, is here alone and unheeded. This master is inclined to accuse and report, yet ends up harming his own household, which is ominous.

節：三河俱合，水怒踴躍。壞我王屋，民飢於食。

Three great rivers converged, their waters raging and surging, destroying houses in the Wangwu area. The people therefore suffered from hunger. This indicates that the forest owner experienced flooding, collapsed houses, and a cut-off food supply, which is a major calamity.

中孚：南行棗園，惡虎畏斑。執火銷鋒，使我無患。

Go south into the date grove, and even fierce tigers fear the brilliant patterns; holding a torch and wielding a weapon to melt steel, there is no misfortune for me. The owner of this forest uses authority and preparation to intimidate danger, preventing trouble in advance, ensuring safety, which is auspicious.

小過：求鹿過山，與利為怨。闇襲不言，誰知其歡。

To pursue a deer one crosses mountains, to compete for profit one incurs enmity; secretly seizing something and keeping silent, who can know the satisfaction within. This person is greedy for profit and acts in secret, though gaining a little, they accumulate resentment. It is not sustainable.

既濟：行旅困蹴，失明守宿。囹圄之憂，啟蟄出遊。

The journey was difficult and the traveler was in a plight, lost in the dark and forced to stay overnight at the roadside. Originally there was a worry of imprisonment, but only after the beginning of spring, when the yang energy rises, was it possible to travel again. The beginning of spring, or惊蛰, is when the hibernating creatures start to move. This forest indicates that one first suffers from being confined and hardship, but after the change of seasons and the arrival of favorable conditions, one is finally released. It starts with misfortune and ends with good fortune.

未濟：據棘履杞，跌刺為憂。夫婦不和，亂我良家。

The person's situation is difficult, with thorns causing injuries and causing worry. The couple is not harmonious, disrupting the originally peaceful family. This person is in a difficult situation, facing obstacles and troubles, and also experiencing family discord, leading to internal and external difficulties, which is ominous.

離：時乘六龍，為帝使東。達命宣旨，無所不通。

At the proper time, he drives six dragons, acting on behalf of the heavenly emperor to travel eastward, conveying orders and announcing the imperial will, with no place inaccessible. The phrase "riding six dragons" comes from the "Zhou Changes" (I Ching) hexagram Qian's interpretation. This person is entrusted with official duties, proceeding smoothly without obstruction, and is fortunate in all matters of mission and petition, indicating great auspiciousness.

乾：執轡四驪，王以為師。陰陽之明，載受東齊。

He holds the reins and drives four black horses, the king appoints him as his teacher; he understands the principles of yin and yang, thus receives the fiefdom in the eastern state of Qi. This refers to Lü Shang assisting the Zhou dynasty and being granted the fiefdom of Qi. This forest indicates that the person is highly valued by superiors and receives rewards, which is very auspicious.

坤：春秋禱祀，解禍除憂，君子無咎。

In spring and autumn, timely prayers and worship can resolve calamities and remove worries, and the gentleman will not commit mistakes. This person respects the deities and follows rituals to appease them, thus calamities and misfortunes naturally disappear, and peace is maintained.

屯：坐朝乘軒，據國子民。虞叔受命，和合六親。

When in office, he governs the state with high carriage, holds the country and loves the people as his own children; Yu Shu accepts the imperial command, making the Six Relations harmonious and united. This indicates that Lin is in a powerful position, governing effectively, and both the state, family, and relatives are in harmony, which is auspicious.

蒙：門戶下堂，與福相迎。祿於公室，曾孫以昌。

Leaving the gate and stepping down the hall, he just meets good fortune; receiving salary from the government, his descendants thus flourish. This indicates that the master of the house goes out and meets good fortune, enters and receives salary, benefiting his descendants, which is a great auspicious omen.

需：高木腐巢，漏溼難居。不去甘棠，使我無憂。

The bird's nest high up in the tree has rotted and is leaking rain, making it damp and unfit for living; as long as that sweet osier tree is not cut down, I can remain free of worries. The sweet osier tree was where the Duke Zhao held court and judged cases. The poem from the Book of Songs, 'Zhaonan · Gantang,' sings of his remaining virtue and love, so people do not cut it down. This grove's old dwelling is no longer fit for use, yet by preserving the remnants of its former virtue, there is still no cause for worry. It is advisable to maintain the old ways and not make reckless changes.

訟：三女為奸，俱行高園。倍室夜行，與伯笑言。不認主母，為設歡酒，冤尤誰禱。

Three women conspired to commit wrongdoing and went together to a high garden. They traveled at night, leaving behind their families, and laughed with the master of that house. They refused to acknowledge their own mistress and instead set a banquet for outsiders. Where can this grievance and resentment be directed? "Bei" means to abandon or forsake. The mistress within the house is immoral, and the hierarchy is disrupted. There is no place to appeal for justice, which is a great misfortune.

師：漏卮盛酒，無以養老。春貸黍稷，年歲實有。履道坦坦，平安無咎。

Using a leaking vessel to hold wine, one cannot retain things, and thus cannot support the elderly; but if in spring one borrows millet and millet and plants them, by harvest time there is indeed a good yield. Walking on a smooth and level path, one is safe and without fault. "Walking on a level path" comes from The Zhou Changes (I Ching), section Nine in the Second. This fortune indicates that the person first suffers a loss due to leakage, but through diligent farming, there will be a harvest later, and ultimately everything will be smooth.

比：松柏枝葉，常茂不落。君子歡寧，日富求樂。

The branches and leaves of pine and cypress remain evergreen throughout the four seasons, never falling off; the gentleman is joyful and at peace, growing increasingly affluent and enjoying his prosperity. The metaphor of pine and cypress falling last, mentioned in the Analects of Confucius, is an old reference to steadfast virtue. This forest signifies steadfastness and enduring perseverance, with the family business thriving daily, enjoying peace and wealth, which is a great auspicious omen.

小畜：夫婦不諧，為燕攻齊。良弓不張，騎劫憂亡。

The couple is not harmonious, like Yan sending an army to attack Qi; a good bow remains unstrung, and the general Qi Jie worries and eventually perishes. During the Warring States period, Yan general Qi Jie replaced Yue Yi in attacking Qi, but was defeated and killed by Tian Dan's fire ox formation. This divination indicates internal disharmony and improper appointments of people externally, inevitably leading to defeat and misfortune.

履：出令不勝，反為大災。強不克弱，君受其憂。

The policies issued fail to be implemented, instead causing great calamity; the strong cannot subdue the weak, and the sovereign must endure this hardship. This oracle indicates that the commander's orders are not followed, with upper and lower forces in stalemate, the person in charge suffers, and it is ominous.

泰：奔走相錯，敗亂諸緒，民不得作。

People are running about in confusion, mixing up all the matters, causing disorder and chaos, making it impossible for the people to settle down and work. This indicates that the ruler is causing disorder without order, with conflicting orders and decrees, leading to the suspension of affairs, which is not auspicious.

否：載璧秉珪，請命於河。周公克敏，沖人瘳愈。

A person carried a jade璧 and held a jade圭, going to the river to consult the spirits. The Duke of Zhou was sincere, diligent, and quick to act, praying on behalf of the king, and the young heir's illness was thus cured. The Book of Documents, the Jin Teng section, records the Duke of Zhou's use of a璧 and a圭 to seek the king's fate. This situation shows that sincere prayer to the spirits can move heaven and earth, leading to the recovery of the sick and the turning of danger into safety, which is auspicious.

同人：素車為馬，不任重負。王侯出征，憂危為咎。

Using an unadorned cart and a slow horse, one cannot bear heavy burdens; thus, the prince launches military campaigns, and worry and danger become calamities. This forest's master lacks both tools and manpower to bear the burden; forcing an expedition will surely bring disaster, which is凶.

大有：大樹之子，百條共母。比之火中，枝葉盛茂。

The branches of a large tree, numbering hundreds, all spring from the same trunk. By the time of the midsummer when the red star becomes visible, the branches and leaves are exceptionally flourishing. This signifies a strong root and numerous children, indicating a period of prosperity and great auspiciousness.

謙：壅遏堤防，水不得行。火盛陽光，陰蜺伏藏。走歸其鄉。

The embankment blocks the water flow, preventing it from passing through; the fire is intense and the sunlight is strong, forcing the dark rainbow to hide. Travelers then return to their hometowns. This indicates that the owner of the forest has excessive yang energy and diminished yin, causing evil spirits to retreat. Although there are obstructions, people can return home, showing that after blocking, there comes peace.

豫：五嶽四瀆，合潤為德。行不失理，民賴恩福。

The five sacred mountains and four great rivers converge to nourish all things, which is their virtue; if actions do not violate the norm, the people will receive blessings and benefits. The five sacred mountains and four great rivers are the great mountain and river deities that the ancient state regularly worshipped. This forest represents widespread virtue, reasonable governance, and benefits to all, which is a great auspicious omen.

隨：駕駿南遊，虎驚我牛。陰不奉陽，其光滅蹴。訾之謙謙，奉義解患。

Riding a swift horse to travel south, a fierce tiger startled my ox; the yin energy refuses to yield to the yang energy, causing the brightness of the sun and moon to be obscured; if one can be as humble as the Zi family, upholding righteousness can resolve calamities. The phrase "a humble gentleman" comes from the first line of the section on "Modesty" in The Zhou Changes. This person initially shows signs of disturbance and disorder, but only by retreating humbly and upholding righteousness can calamities be dispelled.

蠱：早霜晚雪，傷害禾麥。損功棄力，飢無所食。

The early autumn frost and the late spring snow have damaged the millet and wheat; the whole year's effort is wasted, labor is in vain, and a famine ensues with nothing to eat. This indicates that the heavens have lost their regularity, crops have been harmed, labor has been expended without reward, and it is a凶 omen.

臨：岐周海隅，獨樂無憂。可以避難，全身保財。

From the Qishan Zhouyuan to the corner of the seaside, alone and at ease without worries; such a place can avoid calamities and protect one's body and property. Qishan Zhou is the birthplace of the Zhou people, and ancient people believed it was where the imperial aura resided. This forest indicates that choosing a remote place to retreat can avoid misfortune, ensuring safety for both people and wealth, which is auspicious.

觀：陰蔽其陽，目暗不明。君憂其國，求騂得黃。駒犢從行。

The Yin energy obscured the Yang energy, causing the eyes to become dim and vision unclear; the ruler was troubled by state affairs and originally intended to offer a red sacrificial animal, but what was obtained was yellow instead. Fortunately, the young horses and cattle came along. Xing refers to the red sacrificial animal used in worship. This situation indicates that the senses and perception are obstructed, and there is a discrepancy between what was sought and what was obtained. However, in the end, nothing was lost, indicating a minor deviation without major loss.

噬嗑：金城鐵廓，上下仝力。政平民歡，寇不敢賊。

A city made of gold and an outer wall built of iron, with all people united and working together; government affairs are just and the people are happy, so bandits dare not come to invade. "仝" means "together." This forest signifies a strong defense and unity between the ruler and the people, making external threats unable to penetrate, which is a great auspicious omen.

賁：平公有疾，迎醫秦國。和不能治，晉人疑惑。

King Jin Pinggong fell ill and summoned a renowned physician from the State of Qin. After examining the case, the physician said the illness could not be cured. The people of Jin were greatly puzzled. This incident is recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan," volume 1, year 1 of Duke Zhao, where the physician discusses the Duke's illness. This indicates a severe condition, even a skilled physician is at a loss, seeking medical treatment proves ineffective, and the outcome is ominous.

剝：載堯扶禹，從喬彭祖。西遇王母，道路夷易。無敢難者。

A carriage carries Yao and supports Yu, accompanied by Prince Qiao and Peng Zu; heading west, they meet the Queen Mother of the West, the road is smooth and easy, with no one daring to interfere. Prince Qiao and Peng Zu are both legendary immortal beings known for longevity. This person is accompanied by sages, virtuous immortals, the journey is unobstructed, longevity is unimpeded, which is a great auspicious omen.