The Forest of Xian (the 64th hexagram Xian)

中孚：三頭六目，道畏難宿。寒苦之國，利不可得。

A monster with three heads and six eyes, terrifying on the road and making it hard to find shelter; upon reaching a cold and barren land, no benefits can be obtained. This forest's master encounters strange creatures on the journey, finds no place to stay, and wherever he goes, the land is poor and yields nothing, which is ominous.

小過：燕雀御茅，以生孚乳。昆弟六人，歡好孝悌。各同心願，和悅相樂。

A sparrow or swallow brings straw to build a nest, incubating and raising young; the six brothers are harmonious and affectionate, filial and friendly, with unified wishes, joyful and content in their interactions. This forest's nest is completed, offspring flourish, siblings are united, the family is harmonious, and it is a great auspicious omen.

既濟：文君德義，仁聖致福。年無胎夭，國富民實。臥者在室，曾累益息。

A virtuous sovereign upholds virtue and righteousness, employing benevolence and wisdom to attract blessings. There are no cases of stillbirths or premature deaths year after year; the country is prosperous and the people are well-fed. Even those who are ill in their homes recover gradually and grow strong. This indicates that the sovereign's moral governance has attracted blessings, leading to population growth and national prosperity, which is a great auspicious omen.

未濟：秋梁未成，無以至陳。水深難涉，使我不前。

The bridge in autumn is not yet completed, making it impossible to reach the state of Chen; the water is too deep to cross, preventing further progress. This indicates that the path is blocked and the right time for action has not arrived; it is advisable to wait rather than to advance.

恆：黃帝所生，伏羲之宇。兵刃不至，利以居止。

There is the birthplace of the Yellow Emperor and the dwelling area of Fuxi; weapons cannot reach there, making it most suitable for settling and resting. This forest is characterized by its choice of a spiritually vibrant location, far from military conflicts, appropriate for building a residence and living there long-term, which is auspicious.

乾：登墀踒足，南行折角。長夜之室，不逄忠直。

He climbed the steps and sprained his foot, then walked south and broke his horn; he lived in a house where the long night was unclear and could not meet a loyal and upright person. This oracle indicates that the person is injured while moving, his sharpness is frustrated, his dwelling is dark and he has no good friends, which is凶.

坤：燕雀衰老，悲鳴入海。憂在不飾，差池其羽。頡頏上下，寡位獨處。

The swallow and sparrow have grown old, crying out as they fly toward the sea; their sorrow lies in their feathers no longer being neat, uneven in length. They flutter up and down, alone in a corner. The phrase "difference in their feathers" comes from the Book of Songs, Bei Feng, Yan Yan. This indicates that the master is old and weak, wandering without a home, alone and without a mate, which is ominous.

屯：關門除憂，伯自外來。切切之患，我心得歡。（切切疑當作忉忉）

He closed the door to dispel his worries, and Bo Shi returned from outside. The previous deep anxiety was resolved, and I felt joy in my heart. The commentary suggests that "qi qi" might actually be "daoda," meaning anxious and restless thoughts. In this case, the person remained indoors in quiet contemplation, and the worries naturally disappeared. With the return of a close relative, sorrow turned into joy, which is auspicious.

蒙：郊耕擇耜，有所疑止。空虛無子，蒙昧不知。

Going out to the fields to till the soil and selecting plows, he hesitated and stopped. The household is empty and without descendants, and the cause is unclear. This indicates the forest owner is doubtful and indecisive, with his affairs stagnant, and also suggests difficulties in having children, which is inauspicious.

需：張牙切齒，斷怒相視。禍起蕭牆，牽引吾子。患不可解，憂驚吾母。

The person is furious, showing teeth and glaring at each other; misfortune arises from within their own courtyard, involving their son. The trouble cannot be resolved and disturbs their mother. The phrase "祸起萧墙" comes from the "Analects of Confucius, the Chapter on Ji Shi." This indicates that the person is experiencing internal strife leading to disaster, with family members being implicated. They are anxious and distressed, facing a great misfortune.

訟：履不容足，南山多棘。毋出房閨，乃無病疾。

The place where one is staying is too cramped to even fit a foot, and the southern mountain is full of brambles; do not go out of the inner chamber, thus avoiding illness and harm. This forest indicates a situation of constraint and many external dangers, so it is advisable to remain quietly within the inner chamber to avoid illness.

師：牛騂亡子，鳴於大野。申後陰微，還歸其母。

A red cow lost her calf and cried out in the wilderness; the woman of Shen had weak power and low status, and was forced to return to her maternal home. King You of Zhou discarded the woman of Shen, an old story recorded in the Book of Songs and the Records of the Grand Historian. This omen indicates a master losing his son, family separation, a queen losing her favor, being abandoned and returning to her clan, which is ominous.

比：龍生於淵，因風昇天。章虎炳文，為禽敗軒。發輗溫谷，暮宿崑崙，終身無患。光精照耀，不被患難。

A dragon rises from the deep, riding the wind to ascend into the sky; a tiger with brilliant patterns hunts animals and destroys chariots. Starting the journey from a warm valley in the morning, resting at Kunlun in the evening, it has no misfortune throughout its life. Its radiance shines in all directions, free from calamity. "The great man's tiger transformation, its patterns are brilliant" comes from The Zhou Changes (I Ching). This forest symbolizes rising by opportunity, shining brightly, smooth travel, lifelong security, and great auspiciousness.

小畜：既嫁宜吉，出入無咎。三聖並居，國安無災。

A married woman is auspicious, with no mistakes in her coming and going; three sages in the same court bring peace and no calamity to the country. This indicates that the marriage is properly arranged, actions are without fault, virtuous people are in position and the realm is secure, which is very auspicious.

履：北陸陽伏，不知黑白。君子傷讒，正害善人。

The sun reaches the northern land, where yang energy retreats and people cannot distinguish between black and white; the virtuous are slandered, and the name of integrity is used to harm the good. The northern land refers to the time mentioned in the "Zuo Zhuan · Zhao Gong Four Year" when the sun is in the constellations of Xu and Wei, and during the depths of winter, ice is stored. This forest signifies confusion between right and wrong, and the harm of the wicked to the virtuous, which is ominous.

泰：一身兩頭，延適二家，亂不可治。

A person has two heads, and one person is to be married to two families; it is chaotic and untidy. This forest indicates a situation where authority comes from two sources, and the mind is divided between two things, with confused threads that are hard to manage, which is ominous.

否：牝馬牡駒，歲孳不休。君子衣服，利得有餘。

The mother horse and the stallion continuously give birth year after year; the gentleman's clothes are complete, and his gains are more than enough. This indicates that the owner of the forest has abundant livestock, sufficient food and clothing, and excess wealth, which is auspicious.

同人：南行懷憂，破其金輿。安坐故廬，乃無殃患。

Going south for a long journey, one's heart is filled with worry, and the fine carriage is damaged; sitting calmly in the old house, there is no misfortune or calamity. This oracle indicates that the person should avoid traveling and losing money, and instead remain at home in peace, for stillness is favorable and movement is not.

大有：憂人之患，履傷浮顏。為身禍殘，篤心自守。與喜相抱。

Worrying about another's misfortune, one suffers an injury beneath the feet and a worried expression appears on the face; having already brought misfortune upon oneself, if one remains sincere and steadfast, one can embrace joy. This oracle indicates that the matter begins with much trouble causing loss, but by remaining steadfast and proper, one will ultimately gain joy, starting with adversity and ending with good fortune.

謙：咸陽辰巳，長安戌亥。丘陵生心，非魚鰍市。可以避水，終無凶咎。

Xianyang is located in the position of Chen and Si, while Chang'an is situated in the direction of Xu and Hai; he has decided firmly in his heart to move to a high hill area, where there are not the marshy waters where fish and eels gather; thus he can avoid water disasters, ultimately having no misfortune or fault. This forest's owner chooses to live on high ground to avoid water calamities, following the principle of avoiding danger, thus there is no blame.

豫：不知何孫，夜來扣門。我慎外寇，兵戎且來。

It is unknown which family's children they are, coming to knock on the door at night; I carefully guard against external bandits, and warfare is about to arrive. The forest's master has an unknown visitor coming at night, external troubles are about to arise, and precautions must be strictly taken, which is ominous.

隨：昧旦不明，目暗無光。喪滅失常，使我心傷。

Heaven's General has not yet appeared but the sky is still dark, with dim light and no brightness; there is loss and destruction, and the order is lost, causing me great sorrow. "Mèi Dàn" is quoted from "The Book of Songs · Zheng Feng · Nu Yu Ji Ming." This indicates that the forest ruler is experiencing a period of obscured fortune, with family loss and inevitable sorrow, which is ominous.

蠱：江陰水側，舟楫破乏。狐不得南，豹無以北。雖欲會盟，河水梁絕。

By the riverside in the south of the Yangtze, boats and oars are broken and lacking; foxes cannot cross the southern bank, and leopards cannot reach the northern side; although one wishes to attend a meeting, the bridges over the river are broken. This indicates that the forest's owner lacks proper boats and vehicles, and there is separation between north and south, making it impossible to meet, which is ominous.

臨：神之在丑，逆破為咎。不利西南，商人休止。

The divine omens are located in the Chou position, and when they clash, contradict, break or harm, calamity results. The Southwest direction is unfavorable, so merchants have to stop and not proceed. This person's main direction has conflicting divine omens, so both traveling and business should be temporarily halted; any hasty action will be detrimental.

觀：然諾不行，欺訟誤人。使我虛宿，夜歸溫室。神怒不直，鬼擊無目。欲求福利，適反自賊。

The person who promises but does not fulfill, uses fraudulent lawsuits to mislead others; harms me, making me wait in vain all night, and return alone to a warm house. The gods are angry at his dishonesty, and ghosts strike him blindly without sight; he intended to seek blessings, yet ended up harming himself. This person is untrustworthy and deceitful, despised by both gods and ghosts, seeking blessings but inviting disaster, which is a great凶 (misfortune).

噬嗑：攘臂拯肘，怒不可止。狼戾愎很，無與為市。

Rolling up the sleeves and raising the arms, anger cannot be restrained; fierce and stubborn, nobody is willing to do business with him. This man is impetuous and self-willed, causing discord with others, with no success in transactions, which is凶.

賁：販馬買牛，會值空虛。利得尟少，留連為憂。

Selling horses and buying cattle, yet just when the market is dull; profits are minimal, and being stranded abroad brings worry. "尟" means fresh, or scarce. This indicates that the person involved in business is not at a favorable time, gains little, and being detained causes worry, which is not auspicious.

剝：高樓陸處，以避風雨。深堂邃宇，君安其所。牝雞之息，為我利福。請求弗得。

A high building on elevated ground can shelter from wind and rain; a spacious hall provides a secure dwelling for the master. A hen lays eggs, leading to offspring and benefiting me. However, when seeking help from others, nothing comes to pass. The hen is naturally associated with the duty of crowing at dawn, but here it is taken for its ability to produce offspring and bring benefit. This indicates a stable residence and abundant family life, but there is no response to requests made to others. It is a favorable omen with a slight deficiency.

復：阿衡服箱，太乙載行。迯時歷舍，所求吉昌。

The person known as Aheng, Yi Yin, is driving a carriage and carrying burdens, while the deity Taiyi travels in a chariot. Following the proper time and passing through the various stations, the matter sought will be prosperous and auspicious. The phrase "Fu Xiang" comes from the "Small Ya" section of the "Classic of Poetry." This person is aided by divine and virtuous assistants, their journey aligns with favorable days, and their endeavors will be smooth and prosperous, indicating great good fortune.

旡妄：飛來之福，入我居室，以安吾國。

A sudden blessing from heaven has entered my dwelling, causing my state to become secure. This forest's master has received blessings from heaven, which have come without seeking, bringing peace to both family and state, a great auspicious omen.

大畜：不孝之患，子孫為殘。老耄莫養，獨坐空垣。

He suffered from the misfortune of unfilial conduct, and his descendants became those who harmed their own family; when old and weak, he had no one to support him, and could only sit alone beneath an empty wall. This indicates that the family has lost moral guidance, the elderly are left without support, and there is great loneliness and sorrow, which is ominous.

頤：南過棘門，駒裂我冠。斷衣傷襦，使君恨憂。

Going south through Jimo, a horse colt tore my hat; my clothes were torn, my short jacket was damaged, causing both hatred and sorrow. The owner of this forest suffers damage on the journey, has disheveled attire, feels ashamed and resentful, which is inauspicious.

大過：重門射平，不知所定。質疑蓍龜，孰可避火。明神答報，告以犧牲。宜利止居。

Within successive gates, he shot arrows seeking fairness but could not settle his mind; thus he used yarrow stalks and turtle shells to divinate about a difficult matter, asking how to avoid a fire. The spirits gave an answer, indicating the use of sacrifices and prayers. Thus it was convenient to stop and settle down. This forest's master, when facing difficulties, should consult divination, follow the divine instructions with offerings and prayers, and then remain tranquil, thus avoiding calamity.

坎：麟麑鳳雛，安樂無憂。捕魚河海，利踰徙居。

The young of the qilin and the young of the phoenix are peaceful and free from worries; fishing in rivers and seas brings great profits sufficient to move residence. Qilin and phoenix are the most valued auspicious omens of ancient times. This omen indicates that the family has auspicious signs, the descendants are safe and prosperous, and there is great gain from hunting and fishing, which is extremely auspicious.

離：新田宜粟，上農得谷。君子懷德，以乾百祿。

A newly cultivated field is suitable for growing millet, and skilled farmers harvest good grain. A gentleman who holds virtue in his heart attains a variety of blessings. "Dry禄 and a hundred blessings" is an idiom from the "Great Odes" section of the "Book of Songs," such as "Joyful Music." This indicates that the person in question will have a bountiful harvest in agriculture, gain blessings through cultivating virtue, and achieve both wealth and happiness, which is a great auspicious omen.

咸：簪短帶長，出思苦窮。瘠蠡小瘦，以病之癃。

The hairpin is too short, the sash too long, and when going out, one's mind is only filled with one's own poverty and hardship. The body is weak and emaciated, and due to illness, one has become disabled. This indicates that the person is poorly dressed, suffering from both poverty and illness, with a weak body, which is ominous.

遯：爭訟之門，不可與鄰。出入有為，憂生我患。疑當作生我憂患）

A family that is good at litigating should not be made neighbors; any slight action on their part will bring about worries and troubles. The commentary suggests that the last sentence may originally read 'bring me worries and troubles.' This family near the litigation gate will certainly suffer involvement and trouble, and any reckless actions will invite worries; they should keep away and remain quiet.

大壯：朽根枯株，不生肌膚。病在心腸，日以燋枯。

Decayed roots and dead tree stumps cannot sprout new flesh; the disease lies deep within the heart, growing more parched and withered day by day. This forest's foundation is ruined, its vitality cut off, with worsening internal injuries, indicating a great calamity.

晉：雨師娶婦，黃岩季女。成禮就婚，相呼南上。膏我下土，年歲大茂。

The Rain God married a new bride, who was the youngest daughter of Huangyan; after the wedding ceremony, they called to each other as they traveled southward. The rain moistened the earth, resulting in a very bountiful harvest. This forest signifies harmonious marriages, timely rain and sunshine, abundant grain, and great auspiciousness.

明夷：冬采薇蘭，地凍堅難。利走失北，暮無所得。

In winter, gathering wild vegetables and orchids, the ground is frozen hard and difficult to work with; striving for gain yet losing direction, until nightfall with nothing gained. This forest indicates an improper season and lost direction, labor without result, ominous.

家人：昧之東域，誤過虎邑。失我熟（一作熊）羆飢無所食。

In a state of confusion, he walked eastward and accidentally entered a city occupied by tigers and wolves; he lost his bear hunt and became so hungry that he had nothing to eat. The character "熟" in one edition is "熊". This forest owner mistakenly entered a dangerous place, lost all his game, and suffered from both hunger and exhaustion, which is ominous.

睽：日莫閉目，隨陽休息。箕子以之，乃受其福。舉事多言，必為悔殘。

At dusk, close your eyes and rest in accordance with the waxing and waning of yang energy; Ji Zi did exactly this by concealing his wisdom to preserve his life, thus receiving blessings. Ji Zi feigned madness to avoid calamity, as recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Family of Song's Duke Weizi." This passage suggests that those who remain hidden and quiet will gain favor, while those who speak much and act rashly will surely face regret and loss.

蹇：蓼蕭瀼瀼，君子龍光。鳴鸞噰噰，福祿來同。

The dew on the reed is thick, and the gentleman shines like a dragon; the bells on the carriage jingle, and both fortune and official rank arrive together. This is derived from the "Poetry · Xiao Ya · Lao Xiao." This indicates that the master and ministers are enjoying a joyful banquet, with grace descending upon all, and both fortune and official rank gathering, which is a great auspicious omen.

解：鳥飛無翼，兔走折足。雖不同會，未能利達。

The bird wants to fly but has no wings, the rabbit wants to run but has broken legs; though they are not in the same place, both are unable to proceed smoothly. This indicates that the subject lacks support, faces obstacles in action, and whatever is sought cannot reach its goal, which is ominous.

損：五勝相賊，火得水息。精光消滅，絕不能續。

The Five Phases mutually control and harm each other. Fire is extinguished when it meets water; its essence and brightness vanish completely, leading to a complete cut-off and inability to continue. The concept of 'five victories' refers to the mutual overcoming of the Five Phases. This situation indicates that the person's destiny is affected by mutual control, with brightness extinguished, career cut off and unable to continue, which is ominous.

益：東資齊魯，得騂大馬。便辟能言，市人善賈。鄰人並戶，請火不與。人道閉塞，鬼祟其宇。

Going east to Qi and Lu to collect goods, one obtained a red big horse; eloquent and persuasive, skilled in speech, the people in the market were good at business; yet the two neighboring families were closely adjacent, but would not even give a spark for fire; human relationships were obstructed, and malevolent spirits took up residence in the house. This man's trade brings some profit, but human feelings are shallow, and the household is not at peace, with mixed fortune and misfortune.

夬：爭雞失羊，亡其金囊。利不得長，陳蔡之患。賴楚以安。

He lost a sheep while fighting over a chicken and also lost his money bag; benefits cannot last, just as Confucius was trapped between Chen and Cai and only regained peace with the help of Chu. This incident is recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Family of Confucius." The person in question suffered a minor loss leading to a greater one, temporarily faced difficulties, and was rescued by external forces, eventually escaping danger, starting with misfortune and ending with safety.

姤：九登十陟，馬跌不前。管子佐之，乃能上山。

He climbed nine or ten times in a row, but the horse fell and could not proceed further. With the assistance of a capable person like Guan Zhong, he finally reached the summit. This indicates that the person in question cannot achieve success alone and has faced repeated failures. Only with the help of a wise and capable person can they accomplish their task.

萃：東鄰愁苦，君亂天紀。日貪祿寵，必受其咎。一本有意合志同，內外相從，見吾伯公。

The neighbor to the east is deeply distressed, and the sovereign has disturbed the heavenly order. He constantly seeksofficial stipend and favor, and will surely suffer this calamity. Below this passage it says, "Intentions align and wills are the same; inside and outside act in unison, and one will see the elder uncle." This indicates that if the ruler loses the proper way and seeks wealth through greed, only those who unite in harmony may still have a chance of turning things around.

升：三狸捕鼠，遮遏我前。死於壞域，不能脫走。

Three wild cats working together caught a mouse, blocking my path completely; finally, it died in a broken fence, unable to escape. This forest's master is surrounded on all sides, with the path ahead cut off, unable to escape, which is ominous.

困：狼虎爭強，禮義不行。兼吞其國，齊魯無王。

Cheetahs, wolves, fierce tigers contend for dominance, and propriety and righteousness cannot be practiced. The strong annex and swallow the weak, and the area of Qi and Lu has no common ruler. This forest is dominated by the strong and ruthless, with the collapse of rites and music, the weak being devoured, which is ominous.

井：五嶽四瀆，合潤為德。行不失理，民賴恩福。

The five mountains and four rivers jointly nourish the world, which is their meritorious deed; acting in accordance with the established norms, the people thus receive blessings. The five mountains and four rivers are the mountains and rivers that have been regularly worshipped by successive dynasties. This forest is the one that bestows universal grace, takes appropriate measures, and ensures the people's peace and security, which is auspicious.

革：六月種黍，歲晚無雨。秋不宿酒，神失其所。先困後通，與福相從。

In June the millet seeds were sown, but by the end of the year there was no rain; during the autumn sacrifice, even the wine for the previous night's offering could not be prepared, and the spirits lost their proper sacrifices. Fortunately, after initial difficulties came success, and good fortune eventually followed. This man sowed his seeds at the wrong time and failed to prepare the proper offerings, yet his path was difficult at first but later turned favorable, beginning with misfortune and ending with good fortune.

鼎：騋牝龍身，日取三千。南上蒼梧，與福為婚。道理夷易，身安無患。

A mare seven feet high with a dragon-like body can travel three thousand li in a day; riding it southward to Congwu, it forms a union with good fortune. The path is smooth and easy, the body is healthy and free from misfortune. The phrase "Lai Pi" comes from the "Book of Songs, Yong Feng, Ding Zhi Fang Zhong." This omen indicates the person will obtain a fine horse for a long journey, form a good marriage, have a smooth path and a healthy body, which is very auspicious.

震：出入休居，安止無憂。上室之歡，虐為季殘。

Going out and coming in, resting and dwelling in peace, staying in their place without worry; however, the joy in the upper room is harmed by the cruelty of the strong towards the young. The master of this forest may have a stable life without worries, but within the family, the strong oppress the weak, and the young suffer. There is a loss within the good fortune.

艮：南山昊天，刺政閔身。疾病無辜，背憎為仇。

The Book of Poetry, Small Odes, contains poems like "Jie Nan Shan," which look up to heaven to criticize corrupt governance and express sorrow for one's own plight; innocent people suffer from illness, and secret hatred turns into enmity. This man is in a position of power but his body is in danger, secretly nurturing resentment, and illness comes without cause, which is ominous.

漸：潼頓東徙，道路跛踦。日辰不良，病為祟禍。

After stopping at Tongguan and moving eastward, the path was rugged and difficult to travel; the day branch was not chosen well, and illness became a calamity caused by malevolent spirits. This divination indicates that the person is moving and the chosen day is inauspicious, the journey is perilous, and the person suffers from illness, which is ominous.

歸妹：兄征東燕，弟伐遼西。大克勝還，封居河間。

The elder brother went to fight in the eastern Yan region, while the younger brother attacked Liaoxi; both achieved great victories and returned, receiving grants of land to reside in Hejian. This divination indicates that both brothers went to war and achieved success, were granted land, and this is a great auspicious omen.

豐：播輪折輻，馬不得行。豎牛之讒，賊其父兄。布衣不傷，終身無患。

The chariot wheels are broken and the spokes are snapped, so the horse cannot move forward; the ox used for pulling the carriage spreads false rumors, leading to the death of his father and elder brother. The ox falsely accused and killed the son-in-law and his son, as recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan" from the fourth year of Duke Zhao. Fortunately, common people are not involved and thus remain unaffected, never suffering any misfortune. This case shows that a noble family suffers from internal strife due to slander, while those who live simply and without ambition are actually protected and remain safe.

旅：駕之南海，晨夜不止。君子勞罷，僕伕憔苦。

Driving to the southern sea, not stopping from morning until night; the gentleman is exhausted and weary, and the driver is also tired and distressed. This indicates the master of the forest is overworking, both people and horses are exhausted, the journey is arduous, and it is not auspicious.