The Forest of Xian (the 64th hexagram Xian)

咸：雌單獨居，歸其本巢。毛羽憔悴，志如死灰。

A female bird is alone and stays by itself, returning to its original nest; its feathers are withered and dispirited, and its spirit is as cold and lifeless as dead ashes. This omen indicates a master of the forest who is lonely and has lost his mate, with a spirit that has lost its vitality. Though there is a place to return to, there is no life force, which is an inauspicious sign.

乾：小窗多明，道里利通。仁賢君子，國安不僵。

A small window allows in much light, and the roads and alleys are clear and beneficial. There are virtuous and capable gentlemen in position, and the country is at peace without being stagnant. This fortune indicates that although the person is in a narrow place, their future is bright, they receive help from wise men, and both family and country are safe, which is auspicious.

坤：心惡來恠，沖沖何懼。顏淵子騫，尼父聖誨。

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)

屯：鳥鳴呼子，哺以酒脯。高棲水起，來歸其母。

Birds call out to their young, feeding them with wine and meat; perching high while the water rises, the young birds return to their mother. This signifies a kind parent nurturing their children, who come back to them. Even if there is flooding, they will reunite, which is auspicious.

蒙：國馬生角，陰孽萌作。變易常服，君失於宅。

In the country, a horse grew a horn, indicating the beginning of sinister malevolent forces. People changed their usual clothing, and the ruler lost his residence. A horse growing a horn is a calamitous omen recorded in Han dynasty texts such as the Five Phases Annals. This omen signifies strange occurrences and disorder in rituals, with those in authority losing their positions, leading to misfortune.

需：入年多悔，耕石不富。衡門屢空，使士失意。

As soon as this year begins, there will be many regrets, and farming on rocky land will not bring prosperity; a poor family with a simple wooden gate will often face food shortages, leading to disappointment for scholars. "Balanced gate" comes from the "Book of Songs · Chen Wind · Balanced Gate," referring to the humble dwelling of a reclusive person. This person's annual fortune is unfavorable, with hard work yielding no results, and the poor scholar is inpredicament, indicating a凶 omen.

訟：諸孺行賈，遠涉山阻。與旅為市，不危不殆。利得十倍。

A group of young people went out to do business, traveling through mountainous and dangerous terrain. Those who traveled together for trade did not encounter danger or risk and made ten times the profit. This person, the forest owner, although faced with difficulties in his long journey, will ultimately gain substantial profit, which is auspicious.

師：梁破橋壞，水深多畏。陳鄭之間，絕不得前。

The bridge is broken and collapsed, with deep water that is frightening; blocked between the states of Chen and Zheng, isolated and unable to proceed. Confucius was in distress in Chen and Cai, which was an old story of this area. This forest indicates that the road is cut off, with difficulties in both advancing and retreating, travelers are trapped, and it is ominous.

比：雙鳧俱飛，以歸稻池。經涉萑澤，為矢所傷。損我胸臆。

A pair of wild geese took flight together, intending to return to the rice field pond. On the way, they passed through a reed marsh and were shot by an arrow, wounding my chest. This indicates that the forest owner's journey is fraught with hidden dangers, and joy turns to disaster. Injury with bloodshed signifies a凶 (adverse outcome).

小畜：謾誕不成，佶梁滅文。許人買牛，三夫爭之。失利後時，公孫懷憂。

A person who speaks many lies will ultimately fail to accomplish anything, like a beam of timber that is strong but has lost its beauty; when people come to buy cattle, three individuals all compete for it; missing the opportunity and losing the timing, Gongsun is filled with worry. This indicates that the master of the forest is speaking falsely without trust, with many competing, resulting in loss and missed timing, which is ominous.

履：南國飢凶，民食糟糠。少子困捕，利無所得。

In the southern states, there is a famine, and the people can only eat moldy rice and bran. The youngest son is trapped in hunting and gains nothing. This forest's master suffers from a poor harvest, lacks food, and has no success in fishing or hunting, which is ominous.

泰：狗吠非主，狼虎夜擾。驚我東西，不為家咎。

The dog barked wildly at a guest who was not the owner, and wild beasts came to disturb during the night; both east and west sides were disturbed, but fortunately no actual harm came to the household. The owner of the forest experienced disturbances at night and external intrusions, but it was just a false alarm without real damage.

否：望龍無目，不見手足。入水求玉，失其所欲。

The dragon seen is without eyes and cannot be seen with hands and feet; going down to the water to seek a beautiful jade, one loses what was desired. The master of this forest sees things falsely and seeks falsely, resulting in empty effort and misfortune.

同人：以鹿為馬，欺誤其主。聞言不信，三口為咎。黃龍三子，中樂不殆。

Pointing a deer as a horse, deceiving and misleading the sovereign; hearing the truth but not believing it, three mouths together bring calamity. Pointing a deer as a horse was an old incident of Zhao Gao deceiving Qin Ershi. The Yellow Dragon had three sons, the middle one being peaceful and secure without danger. This forest's master is a cunning minister who blinds the ruler and has slanderous mouths attacking each other, yet those who remain centered and self-contained can remain untroubled.

大有：養幼新婚，未能出門。登宋望齊，不見太師。

Nurturing young children and recently married, one is unable to travel far at the moment. Climbing to a high place in the State of Song to look towards the State of Qi, one still cannot see the Grand Tutor. The affairs of this forest's household are entangled, movement is restricted, and those one wishes to see cannot be met. This is not auspicious.

謙：王孫貴子，相與為友。明允篤誠，升擢薦舉。

Prince Wangsun and the noble公子 became friends with each other; they were clear-minded, trustworthy, sincere and loyal, thus gaining promotion and recommendation. "Clearly sincere and steadfast" was the description used in the "Zuo Zhuan · Wen Gong Eighteenth Year" to praise the eight Yuan and eight Kai. This person associates with noblemen, establishes himself with sincerity, and will achieve great success in his official career.

豫：山水暴怒，壞梁折柱。稽旅難行，留連愁苦。

A mountain flood erupts with fury, breaking bridges and snapping house pillars; travelers are blocked and unable to proceed, remaining stranded outside in sorrow and distress. This indicates that the forest owner faces water disaster, journey is obstructed, and the traveler is in anxious hardship, which is ominous.

隨：鸇鳩徙巢，西至平州。遭逢雷電，碎我苕蘆。室家飢寒，思吾故初。

A hawk and a sparrow move their nests westward to Pingzhou; on the way they encounter thunder and lightning, which destroy my reed and rush nest completely. The whole family suffers from hunger and cold, and can only miss their former home. The owner of this forest is displaced, suffers from natural disasters, and loses his home, experiencing hunger and cold while longing for the past. This is a凶 omen.

蠱：登高傷軸，土阪棄粟。販鹽不利，市賈折角。

When ascending a high slope, the cart axle was crushed, and grain was lost on the hillside; trading salt yielded no profit, and business in the market resulted in loss. This indicates that the person in question suffers damage to their transportation, suffers losses in business, and all endeavors fail to bring profit, which is ominous.

臨：祝鮀王孫，能事鬼神。節用綏民，衛國以存。眉壽多年。

The ministers Zhushuo and Wangsun Jia of the state of Wei were skilled in serving ghosts and spirits, saving expenses, and安抚 the people, so the state of Wei was preserved, and the king and ministers lived long lives. The Analects of Confucius, in the chapter Xianwen, records that Confucius discussed the ruler of Wei, Linggong, who though unjust did not perish, because Zhushuo managed the ancestral temple rituals and Wangsun Jia handled military affairs. This shows that the state is governed by virtuous ministers who each take their proper roles, respect ghosts and spirits, love the people, and thus the state remains secure and people live long lives, which is a great auspicious omen.

觀：九里十山，道卻峻難。牛馬不前，復反來還。（還又作道）

Traveling nine li requires crossing ten mountains, the path is steep and difficult to traverse; oxen and horses are unwilling to move forward, so they can only turn back. The last sentence's character 「还」 is sometimes written as 「道」. This oracle indicates that the journey is perilous and difficult to proceed, with no success in travel, advising retreat rather than advancement.

噬嗑：枯樹不花，空淵無魚。舊鳥飛翔，利棄我去。

A dead tree no longer blooms, and an empty deep pool holds no fish; even the old birds have flown away, and benefits have abandoned me. This indicates that the forest has lost its vitality, old friendships have dispersed, and wealth has been entirely lost, which is ominous.

賁：雄狐綏遺，登山崔嵬。昭告顯功，大福允興。

A strong fox moves with a long tail, calmly proceeding to the high mountain peak; it ascends to proclaim and display its achievements, thus great blessings indeed arise. "Corrupt and rugged" comes from the "Book of Songs · Zhou Nan · Juan Er." This indicates that the forest master ascends high, attains great distance, his achievements are clearly evident, receives blessings and prosperity, and is extremely auspicious.

剝：啞啞笑言，與歡飲酒。長樂行觴，千秋起舞。拜受大福。

Laughter and cheerful talk continue without end, gathering with people to drink and enjoy; in the midst of long-lasting joy, they pass cups and play drinking games, dancing to wish for a thousand autumns. Kneeling and bowing to accept great blessings. This indicates that the forest owner has a banquet filled with joy and harmony, with good fortune and blessings arriving, a great auspicious omen.

復：大推破轂，長舌亂國。床笫之言，三世不安。

With great force, he pushed and broke the wheel spokes, while the woman with a long tongue stirred up chaos in the state; private conversations from the bedchamber spread outside, causing turmoil for three generations. The metaphor of the long tongue comes from the "Book of Songs · Da Ya · Zhan Ying" which says, "A woman with a long tongue is the step to calamity." This indicates that the master within has spoken secrets outside, and the domestic affairs have interfered with state governance, bringing disaster across generations, which is extremely ominous.

旡妄：男女合室，三姓同食。婚姻孔云，宜我孝孫。（三疑作二）

A man and a woman get married and live together, with three families eating together; the marriage is very harmonious, and it is especially suitable for our family's filial descendants. The commentary suggests that the character '三' (three) might actually be '二' (two). This indicates that the marriage is harmonious, the family is united, the descendants are prosperous, and it is very auspicious.

大畜：千仞之牆，不得入門。金籠鐵疏，利以避兵。欲上南阪，軸方不轉，還車復反。

A high wall of thousands of feet blocks the way, preventing entry; a place as strong as a golden cage with iron bars is most suitable for avoiding military calamities. Trying to go up the southern hill, the vehicle axle gets stuck and cannot move, so one can only turn back. This indicates that the person in charge has no way to enter from outside, and it is advisable to fortify and hold firm to avoid military disaster. Any reckless advance will meet resistance and result in returning.

頤：華言風語，自相詿誤。終無凶事，安寧如故。

Exaggerated words and baseless rumors cause mutual entanglements and lead to mistakes. In the end, there is no real misfortune, and everything remains peaceful as before. This situation involves idle gossip without actual events, leading to a false alarm that eventually resolves into peace.

大過：泛泛柏舟，流行不休。耽耽寐寐，公懷大憂。仁不遇時，退隱窮居。

A small pine boat floats on the water, drifting continuously with the current; turning restlessly, unable to sleep through the night, the person feels deep sorrow. The poem "Bai Zhou" from the "Book of Songs" describes the quiet sorrow of a virtuous person who is not recognized. This person is drifting without support, unable to resolve their worries. The virtuous are born at an inauspicious time, and can only retreat into seclusion and poverty, which is not auspicious.

坎：大尾小頭，重不可搖。上弱下強，陰制其雄。

The tail is large while the head is small, heavy and unable to move; those in superior positions are weak, while those below are strong and domineering, with the yin side overpowering the strong. The phrase "tail large and not easily moved" comes from the Zuo Zhuan, Zhaogong 11th year. This indicates a situation where the branches are strong but the trunk is weak, with the lower part overpowering the upper, leading to the principal person being controlled, which is ominous.

離：一身三口，語無所主。東西南北，迷惑失道。

A single body with three mouths, speaking without fixed resolve; moving hither and thither in all directions, confused and losing the right path. This indicates a situation where authority is divided, decisions are inconsistent, direction is lost, and it is ominous.

恆：南行求福，與喜相得。封受上賞，鼎足輔國。（晉之謙同）

Go south to seek blessings and meet with good fortune; receive a high honor and reward, like the three legs of a tripod supporting the state. The commentary notes that this entry is the same as the one under 'Modesty of Jin'. This entry indicates success from traveling south, receiving joy, advancing in rank and receiving rewards, being placed in a position of support, which is very auspicious.

遯：過時不歸，雌雄苦悲。徘徊外國，與母分離。

After the agreed time, he does not return, with the male and female birds crying bitterly together; wandering in a foreign land, separated from the mother. This oracle indicates that the master of the forest is delayed in returning, detained in a foreign place, family members separated, which is ominous.

大壯：堯舜在國，陰陽和德。涿聚衣裳，晉人無殃。

When a sage ruler like Yao or Shun is in power, yin and yang are in harmony, and virtue benefits all. Scholars gather together, and the people of Jin suffer no calamity. This forest indicates a virtuous ruler above and a gathering of capable ministers, with no disasters within the realm, which is a great blessing.

晉：周公之隆，越裳夷通。疾病多祟，鬼哭其公。狼子野心，客宿不同。

The Duke of Zhou governed with virtue and prosperity, so even distant tribes like the Yue Changshi came to pay homage. However, there were many diseases caused by malevolent spirits, and ghosts wept sorrowfully in his court. There were also people with wolf-like ambitions mixed among them, and it was not safe to share a dwelling with them. The offering of pheasants by Yue Changshi is a recorded event from the "Great Transmission of the Book of Documents" about the Duke of Zhou's great virtue. Although this person has many foreign tribes submitting to him, there are internal malevolent spirits and people with ulterior motives, so good fortune conceals danger.

明夷：申酉脫服，牛馬休息。君子以安，勞者得歡。

By the time the hours of Shen and You arrive, people take off their work clothes and oxen and horses also rest; thus, the gentleman finds peace and the laborer finds joy. The master of this forest observes a regular schedule and knows when to rest, ensuring the well-being of both people and animals. This is auspicious.

家人：凱風無母，何恃何怙。幼孤弱子，為人所苦。

The poem "Kai Feng" from the Book of Songs, "Bei Feng" expresses the thoughts of a filial son missing his mother. Now that his mother is gone, who can he rely on or depend upon? A young and weak child is bullied and suffers hardship. Without a father is called "wu hu," without a mother is called "wu shi," originating from "Lao E" in the Book of Songs, "Xiao Ya." This person has lost his mother, is lonely and helpless, has no support, and is bullied by others, which is ominous.

睽：出門上堂，從容牖房。不失其常，天牢地戶。勞者憂苦。

After leaving the door, he ascends to the hall and calmly stays in the room by the window; he maintains his usual composure, like the Heavenly Prison and Earthly Gate firmly holding their positions. However, those who are laboring still cannot avoid worry and hardship. This person can maintain stability and self-preservation without loss, but those who are subjected to labor continue to suffer, with a calmness tinged with sorrow.

蹇：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. There, rituals are used to pacify the people, and weapons and armor are stored away and ceased. This forest signifies the end of an old era and the beginning of a new ruler who governs with propriety and stops warfare, bringing peace after chaos, which is auspicious.

解：堂桑折衡，佐斗者傷。暴臣反國，良臣被殃。

The mulberry tree in front of the hall broke the cart's crossbar, helping someone else in a fight resulted in self-injury; a tyrannical minister rebels and causes chaos, while the virtuous minister suffers misfortune. This omen indicates that the person involved will be dragged into others' conflicts and suffer consequences, the loyal and virtuous will be harmed, which is ominous.

損：合歡之國，嘉喜我福。東嶽西山，朝齊成思。

In a harmonious and joyful state, the good fortune and auspicious achievements have brought me blessings; the eastern mountains and western hills together face the state of Qi with united hearts. This forest is the center where above and below are in harmony, and all directions are united, bringing together blessings and auspiciousness, which is favorable.

益：耕石不生，棄禮無名。縫衣失針，襦褲不成。

If you cultivate on a stone ground, you will not grow crops; abandoning propriety and rites will not leave a good reputation. If you lose a needle while sewing clothes, you cannot make either short or long garments. This indicates that the master of the forest is fundamentally unsuitable, the tools are not prepared, and all affairs start but do not finish, which is ominous.

夬：聾瞢闇盲，跛倚不行。坐戶孚骸，身被大災。困其多憂。

He is both deaf and confused, blind and helpless, limping and unable to walk even with support; he can only sit at the door, helpless, guarding an empty body. He suffers from great misfortune, burdened with difficulties and heavy worries. This indicates that the person has a physical disability, is unable to move, is plagued by calamities, and it is a major凶 (evil omen).

姤：生長太平，仁政流行。四方歸德，社稷康榮。

Growth occurs in a time of peace and prosperity, with benevolent governance practiced throughout the land; all directions submit to its virtue, and the state and people enjoy peace and flourishing. This forest owner is experiencing a time of good governance, with virtue widely spread, leading to national peace and well-being, which is a great auspicious omen.

萃：桀蹠並處，民人愁苦。捕兵荷糧，戰於齊魯。合巹得牢，姬姜並居。

In this era, there are cruel people like Xia Jie and Dao Zhi living at the same time, causing the common people great suffering. The state conscripts soldiers, imposes heavy labor, and sends people to carry grain and supplies to fight in the areas of Qi and Lu. Fortunately, marriages can still be celebrated with proper sacrifices, and women from the Ji and Jiang families can enter the same household. This period is marked by a turbulent time, heavy military service, but only marriage can be successfully arranged, indicating a mix of misfortune and some good fortune.

升：南與凶俱，破車失襦。西行無褲，亡其寶賂。

Going south brings danger along with it, the vehicle gets damaged and the short clothes are lost; going west results in having no pants at all, and all treasures and wealth are lost. This indicates that the forest owner's direction for travel is unfavorable, leading to loss of property and belongings, in a very miserable situation, which is凶 (auspicious).

困：空曹注器，豚彘不至。張弓祝雞，雄父飛去。

Pouring into an empty trough, neither young pig nor old pig comes; drawing a bow while praying to the chicken, the rooster has already flown away. The owner of this forest calls but no response, his actions are contradictory, breeding fails, it is ominous.

井：望尚阿衡，太宰周公。藩屏湯武，立為王侯。

Looking up to Lü Shang and the renowned official A Heng Yi Yin, as well as Zhou Gong who served as Tai Zai; they acted as barriers and assistants to Shang Tang and Zhou Wu, and themselves became kings and dukes. A Heng was the official title of Yi Yin. This forest indicates one who attains the position of minister and assistant, supports the sovereign to achieve great deeds, is granted a high title and honor, which is a great auspicious omen.

革：朝鮮之地，姬伯所保。宜家宜人，業處子孫。

The land in the Korean region was protected by a son of the Zhou royal family, Ji surname. It is suitable for family residence and for a large population, allowing descendants to live securely for generations. This forest owner has chosen a suitable location, ensuring the continuity of the family business, benefiting future generations, which is auspicious.

鼎：息憂解笑，故貧今富。載樂履善，與福俱憂。（下憂字疑當作優）

Worry has ceased, sorrow has turned into a smile, from poverty to wealth; the heart is filled with joy, walking on the righteous path, enjoying happiness along with good fortune. The commentary suggests that the character '忧' below may actually be '优'. This person has transformed from poverty to wealth, worry has gone, joy has come, doing good deeds brings good fortune, a great auspicious omen.

震：叔迎伯兄，遇巷在陽。君子季姬，並坐鼓簧。

The younger brother went to greet the elder brother, meeting him in a sunny alley; the gentleman sat beside the youngest lady, playing the sheng and flutes. This forest signifies siblings welcoming each other, men and women harmonious and joyful, with feasting and merriment, which is auspicious.

艮：順風縱火，艾芝俱亡。三官集房，一子中傷。（剝之坤，作三害集房，十子中傷）

Blowing fire with the wind, wormwood and lingzhi are both burned; three kinds of evil spirits gather in the house, causing injury to one son. "Bao Zhong Kun" is interpreted as "three evils gather in the house, injuring ten sons." This divination indicates that both good and bad are destroyed together, family members are harmed, and it is an ominous omen.

漸：駕車八里，求鮮魴鯉。非吾肆居，自令失布。君子所在，安無危殆。

He drove eight li to get fresh鲂 fish and鲤 fish; this was not my usual place to set up my stall, and I lost some money in vain. But as long as there is a gentleman nearby, it will be safe and free from danger. The owner of this forest, having left his familiar place to engage in business, will surely suffer a loss. By relying on a gentleman, he will gain safety, first losing then finding peace.

歸妹：拔劍傷手，見敵不起。良臣無佐，困辱為苦。

Drawing the sword injured his own hand, and when encountering the enemy, he could not muster courage; the virtuous minister does not receive support, and is trapped in hardship and humiliation. This is the omen of self-inflicted harm, facing difficulties without assistance, suffering confinement and disgrace, which is ominous.

豐：亂君之門，佐鬥傷跟。營私貪祿，身為悔殘。東下泰山，見我所歡。

Entering the court of a confused and erratic ruler, involved in disputes and injuring one's foot; engaging in private schemes and seeking salary, leading to regret and injury; later going eastward to Mount Tai, one would finally meet the person one likes. This fortune indicates that one must rely on a disorderly leader and get involved in conflicts, inevitably causing harm, but going eastward may lead to meeting someone beloved, indicating danger with a possible turn for the better.

旅：慈母望子，遙思不已。久客外野，使我心苦。

The kind mother longs for her son's return and pines away from a distance; the traveler has been staying in the remote wilderness for a long time, causing me deep sorrow. This forest indicates a mother and son separated, with the traveler remaining away for a long time, leading to sorrow and bitterness, which is not auspicious.

巽：魴生淮郄，一轉為百。周流四海，無有患惡。淮郄又作江雒）

The fish called鲂 live in the bend of the Huai River, and in a short time one fish becomes hundreds. They travel throughout the four seas without encountering misfortune or calamity. The commentary says "Huai Xie," another version reads "Jiang Luo." This indicates that the main subject experiences flourishing life, increased wealth, safety wherever they go, and great auspiciousness.

兌：甘露醴泉，太平機關。仁德感應，歲樂民安。

Heaven sends sweet dew and the earth produces sweet spring water, which are the key signs of a peaceful and prosperous era; the benevolence of the ruler resonates with the will of Heaven, resulting in a bountiful harvest and peace for the people. Sweet dew and sweet spring water were common omens in the Han dynasty. This forest's owner has virtue above and responds below, with harmonious times and abundant years, which is very auspicious.

渙：采薇出車，魚麗思初。上下役急，君子免憂。

The Book of Poetry, Small Odes, contains poems such as "Collecting Vetch," "Departing in a Chariot," and "Fish and Lily," which depict soldiers going to war and defending the borders, returning to drink the ceremonial wine and recall the past. Both the high and low are pressed by conscription and forced labor, yet the gentleman is exempt from worries. At this time, the state is facing heavy conscription, and only those who adhere to the right path can escape blame and harm.

節：豕生魚魴，鼠舞庭堂。雄佞施毒，上下昏荒。君失其邦。

A pig gave birth to a fish, and a rat danced in the hall; powerful villains spread poison, causing confusion and disorder above and below, and the ruler lost his state. These are all considered portents of calamity and strange occurrences by the Han people. This omen indicates strange phenomena abound, wicked ministers hold power, and the family and state face collapse, which is a great misfortune.