The Forest of Xian (the 64th hexagram Xian)

革：舉袂覆目，不見日月。衣衾杖幾，就其夜室。

He raised his sleeve to cover his eyes, unable to see the sun or moon; he prepared clothes, a shroud, and a staff, and entered the long night chamber. The night chamber is the dark dwelling. This forest signifies the cutting off of light and the readiness of mourning equipment, indicating the image of burial, which is a great凶 (misfortune).

鼎：長尾踒跎，畫地為河。深不可涉，絕世之比。憫然憤息。

Dragging a long tail, moving clumsily forward, drawing a line on the ground and pretending it is a river; too deep to cross, like being cut off from the world; only able to sigh with pity and resentment. This metaphor of drawing a line around oneself refers to self-imposed obstacles. This person binds their own hands and feet, unable to move forward, isolated and full of resentment, which is ominous.

震：晨風文翰，火舉就溫。昧過我邑，羿無所得。

In the morning breeze, birds and brilliantly colored pheasants approach the fire to warm themselves when it is lit. As they pass through my town in the dim light, even Houyi fails to catch any. The poem "Chen Feng" from the "Book of Songs," "Qin Feng" describes this bird flying swiftly. This forest is ruled by birds that seek warmth and fly towards the fire, yet the hunters return empty-handed, resulting in an unexpected outcome of gain and loss.

艮：出入節時，南北無憂。亟行所逐，在外來歸。（亟行所逐又作行者亟至）

All movements are in harmony with the proper time; traveling south or north brings no worries. Matters pursued urgently have a resolution, and those away have returned. The commentary says "those who urgently pursue will find their way" is also interpreted as "those who travel will arrive quickly." This indicates that the person's movements are orderly, with access to all directions, and distant people return swiftly, which is auspicious.

漸：陽氏狂惑，季孫亂潰。陪臣執政，平子俱折。季心不快。

Yang Hu was arrogant and caused confusion, leading to the disintegration and disorder of the Ji Sun family; the family ministers took control of state affairs, even causing the Ji Pingzi lineage to suffer. The Ji family was very displeased. "The ministers hold the state's authority" is from the "Analects of Confucius, the Ji Family." This situation indicates that the master's ministers overstep their authority and disrupt governance, causing damage to the main family, with both superior and inferior ranks unable to find peace, which is ominous.

歸妹：五鳥六鴟，相對蹲跂。禮讓不興，虞芮爭訟。

Five birds, six crows, facing each other with their feet raised; the spirit of courtesy and humility is absent, just like the states of Yu and Rui who fought over a boundary dispute. Yu and Rui became sincere through King Wen's court, as mentioned in the "Great Yamen" section of the "Book of Songs." This omen indicates that minor factions are in confrontation, courtesy is neglected, disputes arise, and it is ominous.

豐：願念所生，隔在東平。遭離滿沸，河川決潰。幸得無恙，復生歸室。

Longing for one's parents who raised and nurtured them, the person is separated from them in Dongping; encountering turmoil and chaos, rivers break their banks and flood; fortunately, they remain unharmed and regain their way back home. This divination indicates that relatives are blocking the way, and water-related chaos is pressing in, but ultimately they escape danger and return home, turning a凶 (dangerous) situation into a吉 (favorable) one.

旅：追獵東走，兔迯我後。吾銳不利，獨空無有。

Going east to chase game, the rabbit slipped away from behind me; my blade was not sharp enough, resulting in being alone with nothing gained. "迯" means to escape. The forest's master chased in vain, with dull weapons and weak strength, resulting in a fruitless effort, which is ominous.

巽：犬吠非主，上下渾擾。敵人襲戰，閔王迯走。

A dog barks fiercely at someone who is not its master, causing chaos all around; enemies launch a surprise attack and start a war, forcing the king to flee. When General乐毅 of Yan defeated Qi and King Min of Qi fled, as recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Biographical Records of Tian Dan." This situation indicates internal and external turmoil, sudden enemy attack, and the ruler's flight, which is a great misfortune.

兌：嵩高岱宗，峻直且神。觸石膚寸，千里蒙恩。

Mountains such as Songshan and Taishan are lofty and upright, possessing divine spirits; clouds touch the rocks and rise, initially only an inch thick, but in a moment they moisten thousands of miles, benefiting all people. This phrase "touching the stone and rising, starting from a thin layer and spreading widely" comes from the "Gongyang Zhuan · Xi Gong San Shiyi Year." This indicates that this person possesses virtue like a great mountain, and their benevolence extends widely, growing from small to great, which is a great auspicious omen.

渙：陳魚觀社，狼虎踰距。為民開緒，亡其祖考。

Displaying fish and observing the ancestral sacrifice, wolves and tigers crossed the boundary; intending to benefit the people, they lost the ancestral foundation. Duke Yin of Lu shot fish at Tang, and Duke Zhuang of Lu went to Qi to observe the sacrifice, both were criticized in the Spring and Autumn Annals for their improper conduct. This lord indulged in pleasures and transgressed the rites, though he had the name of benefiting the people, he lost the ancestral foundation, which is ominous.

節：四壁無戶，三步一止。東西南北，利不可得。

All four sides are walls with no entrance; after walking three steps, one must stop. No matter which direction east, west, south, or north, no benefit can be obtained. This omen indicates that the forest is surrounded on all sides, blocked and difficult to move, there is no way to seek profit, and it is凶 (auspiciously凶, meaning ominous or凶 portent).

中孚：求君衣裳，情不可當。觸諱西行，為伯生殃。君之上安，得生安存。

He asked the lord for clothes, but could not bear the face of such a request; by violating taboos and going westward, he caused trouble for his elder brother. Fortunately, the lord above remained secure, allowing him to preserve his own survival. This man's main request was against the taboo, causing trouble for others, but he was spared due to the protection of the superior authority.

小過：春鴻飛東，以馬貨金，利可得深。

In spring, geese fly east; exchanging horses for gold can yield substantial profit. This indicates that the person in question acts in accordance with the right time, exchanges goods for wealth, and gains rich rewards, which is auspicious.

既濟：禾生蟲蠹，還自克賊，使我無得。

The crops have been infested by pests, which in turn harm the plants themselves, resulting in nothing being gained. This indicates that the forest owner has internal corruption, harming its fundamental resources, leading to a failed harvest, which is ominous.

未濟：桀亂無道，民散不聚。背室之家，遁迯出走。

In the time of Xia Jie, who was corrupt and tyrannical, the people were scattered and could not gather together. Families abandoned their homes, and people fled in all directions. This indicates a ruler who is unjust and has lost the support of his people, leading to widespread flight and great misfortune.

晉：銷鋒鑄耜，休牛放馬。甲兵解散，夫婦相保。

Melting weapons' edges to recast them into plows and hoes, letting oxen rest and horses roam free; soldiers and common soldiers are dismissed to return home, allowing couples to stay together and preserve their families. Returning horses and oxen are mentioned in the Book of Documents, Wu Cheng. This indicates a ruler ceasing warfare and promoting culture, transforming soldiers into farmers, families being united, and great auspiciousness.

乾：一衣三冠，冠無所絆。衣服不成，為身災患。

There is only one garment but three hats, and the hats have no straps to tie. The garment cannot be made properly, and instead becomes a source of misfortune. This indicates that the master of the forest has a name that does not match his reality, and his tools are not properly arranged. He tries to be clever but ends up making things worse, which is ominous.

坤：百足俱行，相輔為強。三聖翼事，王室寵光。

A centipede's many legs move in unison, supporting each other and appearing strong; three sages jointly assist in state affairs, bringing glory to the royal house. This indicates that the ruler has loyal ministers working together in harmony, virtuous advisors in court, and the family's prestige is enhanced, which is a great auspicious omen.

屯：魚蛇之恠，大人憂懼。梁君好城，失其安居。

Strange creatures like fish and snakes appear, causing the great person to worry and fear. The ruler of Liang, obsessed with grandeur and ambitious projects, built walls and fortifications, only to lose his secure dwelling. This omen warns of calamity, indicating that the people are overworked and the construction efforts are burdensome, leading to instability in residence and misfortune.

蒙：少無強輔，長不見母。勞心遠思，自傷憂苦。

In youth there was no strong support, and in maturity the mother could not be seen; laboring anxiously in distant places, one felt alone and sorrowful. This omen indicates isolation without support, separation between mother and child, self-inflicted sorrow and worry, which is ominous.

需：前不溽暑，解不可取。離門二里，敗我利市。老牛病馬，去之何悔。

The weather is not yet hot and damp, so there's no way to remove the troubles; only two miles away from the gate, my business has already suffered; old oxen and sick horses are burdens, and selling them would bring no regret. This person's opportunity has not arrived, and there is a loss near at hand; it is advisable to decisively discard useless things.

訟：君明有德，登天大祿。佈政施惠，以成恩福。中子南遊，翱翔未復。

The ruler is wise and virtuous, holding a high position; he issues decrees and extends great kindness, achieving widespread blessings and good fortune. However, the second son has gone south to travel, lingering and flying about without returning. This indicates that the household has a wise superior who bestows broad favors, but the family's younger son is away on a distant journey, so although it is auspicious, there is also a sense of longing.

師：嘵然唯諾，敬上尊客。執恭除患，禦侮致福。

Respectfully and earnestly responding, showing reverence to superiors and courtesy to guests; maintaining humility and caution can remove calamities, and defending against external threats can bring about blessings. This person is modest and respectful, with thoroughness in both inner and outer conduct, thus avoiding misfortune and gaining blessings, which is auspicious.

比：黍稷禾稻，垂秀方造。中旱不雨，傷風病槁。

Millet, millet, wheat, and rice are currently in the stage of developing their heads and showing their growth; however, in the middle of this process, they encounter drought with no rain, and are further damaged by strong winds, leading to withering and sickness. This indicates that the forest's crops are about to be ripe but are struck by drought and wind, resulting in failure just before success, which is ominous.

小畜：三羸六罷，不能越跪。東賈失馬，往反勞苦。

He is so weak and exhausted that he can't even take a step without kneeling; going east for business resulted in losing his horse, and his toil in coming and going has been in vain. This indicates that the person is physically weak and lacking strength, suffering losses in business, with no success in his efforts, which is ominous.

履：倚立相望，引衣欲裝。陰雲蔽日，暴雨降集。使道不通，阻我歡會。

Leaning against the gate looking around, they pull up their clothes to prepare for departure; dark clouds cover the sun, and heavy rain pours down; the road becomes impassable, blocking my appointment. This indicates that the person in charge of the forest meets with rain on the way, misses the good meeting, which is not auspicious.

泰：高腳疾步，受肩喜趨。日走千里，賈市有得。

The person represented by this divination has long legs and quick steps, willing to carry goods and travel diligently. They can cover a thousand miles in a day and gain much profit from business. This indicates a person who is agile in movement, industrious in travel, and successful in commerce, which is auspicious.

否：北風寒涼，雨雪盈冰。憂思不樂，哀悲傷心。

A cold and bleak north wind, with rain and snow falling and accumulating into hard ice; heavy worries and sorrows without joy, sorrow and grief breaking the heart. The lines "The north wind is cold, the rain and snow are thick" come from the "Book of Songs · Bei Wind · North Wind." This describes a situation of intense cold, heavy worries and distress, a bleak mood, indicating misfortune.

同人：貞鳥雎鳩，執一無尤。寢門治理，君子悅喜。

The virtuous magpie is faithful and without fault, and the inner gate is well managed, causing the gentleman to rejoice. The "Guanshu" poem praises the virtue of the queen, as found in the "Book of Songs, Zhou Nan, Guanshu." This indicates that the master and his wife are faithful to each other, their household is orderly and harmonious, leading to great auspiciousness.

大有：蓼蕭露瀼，君子寵光。鳴鸞噰噰，福祿來同。

The heavy dew on the reed is bright with the radiance of favor; the jade bells ring in harmony, and blessings and official rank arrive together. This is derived from the "Small Odes · Reed" in the Book of Songs. The master here receives imperial favor and both blessings and official position, which is a great auspicious omen.

謙：南行求福，與喜相得。受封上賞，鼎足輔國。咸之恆同。

Going south to seek blessings, one meets joyous events; receiving a seal and obtaining top rewards, like the three legs of a tripod supporting the state. The commentary says this line is the same as the "Xian Zhongheng" line. This line indicates encountering joy while traveling south, receiving honors and rewards, holding a position of support, which is very auspicious.

豫：桑華腐蠹，衣敝如絡。女功不成，絲布為玉。

Mulberry leaves and flowers are damaged by insects, and clothes are torn and look like a net; embroidery cannot be completed, and silk and cloth become as expensive as jade. This omen indicates that the mulberry silkworms are harmed, textile production fails, and fabric becomes very costly, which is ominous.

隨：左服易右，王良心歡，喜利從己。

Move the horse on the left to the right side; Wang Liang drove the carriage with joy, and prosperity and gain followed him. Wang Liang was a skilled ancient driver. This forest's master is well-organized and skillfully manages, so prosperity and gain naturally follow, which is auspicious.

蠱：壽考不忘，駕駟東行。三適陳宋，南賈楚荊。得利息長，旅身多罷。畏晝喜夜。

The person named Lin is engaged in long-distance trade, often traveling east with a four-horse carriage. He has made three trips to Chen and Song, then moved south to Chu and Jing for business. His profits keep increasing, but during his travels he becomes very tired, preferring to travel at night rather than during the day. Although he gains substantial profits from his long-distance trade, he is constantly奔波 and weary, so there is hardship hidden within the auspiciousness.

臨：羔羊皮弁，君子朝服。輔政扶德，以合萬國。

A fur cap made from young sheepskin is the ceremonial hat for a gentleman to wear when attending court; wearing it assists in governing the state and upholding virtue, bringing all the states into harmony. The fur cap is the ancient ceremonial attire for court assemblies. This person holds an official position, upholds propriety, uses virtue to aid governance, and harmonizes the four directions, which is highly auspicious.

觀：鸇鳩徙巢，西至平州。遭逢雷電，破全葦蘆。室家飢寒，思吾故初。全一作我。（咸之隨同）

The鹯 bird and the sparrow migrate their nests westward to Pingzhou; on the way they encounter thunder and lightning, which completely destroy the reed nests. The whole family suffers from hunger and cold, and can only miss their former home. The commentary says that the character '全' is sometimes written as '我'. This entry is similar to 'Xian Zhī Suí' in the same forest. This forest indicates migration accompanied by disaster, the home destroyed by a heavenly change, hunger and cold leading to longing for the past, which is凶 (a凶 omen).

噬嗑：大尾小頭，重不可搖。上弱下強，陰制其雄。（咸之坎同）

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 and soft side overpowering the strong and vigorous. The commentary says this section is similar to "Xian Zhong Kan." The phrase "tail large and unmovable" comes from the "Zuo Zhuan · Zhao Gong Eleventh Year." This section indicates an inverted order, with the lower part strong and the upper part weak, leading to the principal person being controlled, which is ominous.

賁：疏足息肩，有所忌難。金城銅郭，以鐵為關。藩屏自衛，安心無患。

He spread his legs apart and removed the burden from his shoulders because he was hesitant and troubled; he built a city of gold, a wall of copper, and made the gate of iron. He constructed barriers to defend himself and found peace, thus having no calamities. The master of this forest temporarily stops his actions, relies on his strength for defense, and finds peace without worries. By holding fast, he attains good fortune.

剝：天命元鳥，下生大商。造定四表，享國久長。

Heaven ordered the玄bird to descend and give birth to the great Shang dynasty; it established peace and stability throughout the four directions, enjoying a long-lasting reign. The phrase "Heaven ordered the玄bird to descend and give birth to Shang" is from the "Xiaoyan" section of the "Shijing" (Book of Songs). This forest's master received the mandate of Heaven, founded the dynasty, established a lasting reign, and it is a great auspicious omen.

復：賦斂重數，政為民賊。杼軸空虛，我去其室。

Taxes and levies are both heavy and frequent, and government orders have become a calamity to the people; the spindles and loom shafts on the weaving machine are empty, and I can only leave my house. The phrase "zhù yòu qí kōng" comes from the "Small Odes · Great East" of the Classic of Poetry. This describes a situation where the local ruler imposes harsh governance, stripping the people of their resources, leading to the depletion of family wealth and forced migration, which is ominous.

旡妄：陰陽隔塞，許嫁不答。宛丘新臺，悔往嘆息。

Yin and yang are cut off and blocked, and though a marriage contract is made, there is no response. It is like the mockery in "Chen Wind: Wanqu" of idleness and the criticism in "Bei Wind: Xintai" of disgraceful behavior, where one goes but is left with regret and sighs. This indicates that the master of the forest has obstacles between male and female, and the marriage will not succeed, leading to regret, which is凶.

大畜：願望登虛，意常欲迯。賈辛丑惡，妻不安夫。

The wish has fallen empty, the mind always wanting to escape; Jia Xin is ugly, and his wife cannot live in peace with her husband. Jia Xin's appearance is evil, as seen in the "Zuo Zhuan · Zhao Gong Twenty-Eighth Year." This forest indicates that one's wishes become empty, husband and wife do not get along, the household is divided, and it is ominous.

頤：踄行竊視，有所畏避。蔽目伏藏，以夜為利。

Move quietly and watch secretly, with fear and avoidance in the heart; cover the eyes and crouch to hide, using the darkness as a favorable time. This forest ruler acts in secrecy, suitable only for concealment and secret movement, with disadvantage in the open.

大過：信敏恭謙，敬鬼尊神。五嶽四瀆，克厭帝心。受福宜年。

Being sincere, diligent, alert, respectful, and humble, one reveres ghosts and spirits; performing sacrifices to the Five Mountains and Four Rivers, thus aligning with the will of the Supreme Deity. Therefore, one receives blessings and enjoys good harvests. "Yàn" is interpreted as "yàn," meaning to be content and satisfied. This forest is characterized by reverence and careful cultivation of virtue, with no omissions in the sacrificial rites. Heaven bestows blessings and a good harvest, which is a great auspicious omen.

坎：懸懸南海，去家萬里。飛兔腰褭。一日見母，除我憂悔。

His heart hung over the southern sea, far away from home by ten thousand miles; fortunately, there were fine horses like Fei Tu and Yao Niao, allowing him to see his mother within a single day and remove his worries and regrets. Fei Tu and Yao Niao are both famous fine horses mentioned in ancient texts. This person, though far away, was able to return quickly and see his family, dispelling his worries and achieving smooth matters, which is auspicious.

離：雖汙不辱，因何跣足。童子褰衣，五步平復。

Although it is stained with mud, it does not count as a disgrace, so why walk barefoot? A child lifts his robe and takes five steps before returning to normal. This forest has minor damage but no serious harm; with slight restoration, it can return to its original state, with no fault.

咸：宮城立見，衣就袂裾。恭謙自衛，終無禍尤。

The palace city appeared before his eyes; he adjusted his clothes, straightened his sleeves and collar. By maintaining respect and humility, he safeguarded himself and never incurred misfortune. This ruler of the forest approaches with proper etiquette and remains respectful and self-controlled, thus ensuring no faults or calamities. It is auspicious.

恆：敝笱在梁，不能得魚。望食千里，所至空虛。

A broken fish basket is placed on the fish weir, yet not a single fish is caught; looking far away to seek food, everywhere is empty. "The broken basket on the weir" comes from the "Poetry · Qi Wind · Broken Basket." This indicates that the owner's tools are broken, their efforts are in vain, and seeking far away brings no results, which is ominous.

遯：千里騂駒，為王服車。嘉其驪榮，君子有成。

A red horse capable of traveling a thousand miles daily draws the chariot for the king; its dark and bright mane and luster are praised, leading the gentleman to achieve success. This indicates that the forest's excellent talent is recognized and appreciated by the superior, achieving success in career, which is a great auspicious omen.

大壯：鼎足承德，嘉謀生福。為王開庭，得心所欲。

Three high officials bear the weight of virtue like the legs of a tripod, and good strategies bring forth blessings; they open up the court for the sovereign, and all their aspirations are fulfilled. This indicates that the ministers are capable and their counsel is sound, leading to success in all matters, which is a great auspicious omen.

明夷：右手無合，獨折左指。禹湯失位，事功弗立。

The right hand is clenched but cannot be closed, while the left finger is broken; even sages like Yu and Tang lost their positions and could not achieve their great deeds. This omen indicates injury to the body, lack of ability, and even with virtue, success is difficult, which is ominous.

家人：憂凶增累，患近不解。心西意東，事無成功。

Worry and danger accumulate layer by layer, calamity is close at hand yet cannot be resolved; thoughts turn westward, intentions eastward, nothing can be accomplished. This indicates internal and external troubles pressing together, divided mind, nothing achieved, ominous.

睽：東行食榆，困於枯株。夫妻無家，志窮為憂。

Going east can only mean eating elm bark to survive, being trapped by a dry tree stump; the couple has no place to settle, their aspirations exhausted and causing worry. This forest indicates hunger and hardship, no fixed dwelling, the couple sharing the same worry, which is ominous.

蹇：五經六紀，仁道所在。正月繁霜，獨不離咎。

The teachings recorded in the Five Classics and Six Ancestral Records illustrate the essence of benevolence; yet frost falls heavily in the first lunar month, and one cannot escape misfortune. The phrase "frost in the first month" comes from the "Small Odes" of the "Book of Songs," expressing sorrow over the times and criticism of the world. Though this person adheres to the path of benevolence, the occurrence of natural calamities still brings blame upon the virtuous, with good fortune intertwined with misfortune.

解：懈緩不前，怠墮失便。二至之戒，家無禍凶。刻木象形，聞言不信。

Laxity and slowness without progress, laziness and decline causing the loss of opportunities; if one can maintain the discipline of closing off and resting during the winter solstice and summer solstice, there will be no misfortune in the family. As for carving wooden figures to ask questions, that is not reliable. The concept of closing off during the two solstices is derived from the Great Image of the hexagram Fu in the Zhou Changes. This forest represents laziness and causing trouble, so one should follow the seasons and be content with one's role, and not believe in false teachings.

損：仁愛篤厚，不以所忿，害其所子。徙我舊都，日益富有。

Benevolence, sincerity, and integrity are displayed, without allowing temporary anger to harm one's beloved children. Moving away from the old capital to choose a new residence brings increasing wealth to the family. This forest ruler controls anger, treats relatives kindly, gains benefits from relocation, and becomes increasingly prosperous, which is a great auspicious omen.

益：缺破不成，胎卵未生，弗見兆形。

When something is broken or damaged, it cannot become a complete object. A fetus cannot develop, an egg cannot hatch, and there is not even the slightest sign or trace. This indicates that the forest's foundation is incomplete and unable to nurture, leading to no beginning or clue in any endeavor, which is ominous.

夬：摧角不傷，雖折復長。秉德無愆，老賴榮光。

Though the horn is broken, it does not harm the body itself; if it is broken, it will regrow. Upholding virtue without fault, one still enjoys honor in old age. This forest indicates minor setbacks without harming the root, loss followed by recovery. Those who uphold virtue will shine in their old age, which is auspicious.

姤：乘桴浮海，免脫厄中，雖困無凶。

Traveling by raft across the sea, escaping frompredicament, though the situation is difficult there is no great danger. The phrase "乘桴浮于海" comes from the "Analects of Confucius," where Confucius expresses his lament. This line indicates that the person seeks to retreat from the world and travel far away to escapepredicament, though their circumstances are difficult, there is no major harm.