Libo

The Forest of Xian (the 64th hexagram Xian)

Han (漢) · Jiao Yanshou (焦延壽) · Volume 39 / 71

Charting guides: Da Yan Yarrow Stalk Divination, Liu Yao Divination Chart

萃:孔鸞鴛雛,鴞鸃鵜鴣,翱翔紫淵。嘉禾之國,君子以說。

The peacock, the lark, the swan, and the owl, along with the heron, all soar together over a purple abyss; in the land where superior grain grows, the gentleman is therefore joyful. Superior grain is one of the most valued auspicious omens of the ancients. This forest signifies the gathering of virtuous men, the simultaneous appearance of auspicious signs, the gentleman's joy, and great good fortune.

升:甘露溫潤,眾來得願。樂易君子,不逢禍亂。

Sweet dew is mild and moist, benefiting all who come to it, and the harmonious and easy-going gentleman does not encounter calamity. The phrase "乐只君子" comes from the Book of Songs, the Xiao Ya section "Nanshan Yutai." This indicates that the forest owner's grace is widespread, everyone's wishes are fulfilled, the peaceful person avoids misfortune, and it is a great auspicious omen.

困:東騎墮落,千里獨宿。高岸為谷,陽失其室。

He rode east on a horse but fell off the horse, traveling a thousand miles yet having to stay alone; a high embankment collapsed into a deep valley, and the yang energy lost its dwelling. The phrase "high岸为谷" comes from the Book of Songs, Xiao Ya, "October of the Year." This indicates the ruler's journey is fraught with falling, drastic changes in terrain, declining yang energy and loss of position, which is ominous.

井:入村既登,以成嘉功。尨降庭堅,國無災凶。

He entered the village and ascended to a high place, achieving great success; there are virtuous ministers like Hongjiang and Tingjian in the court, and the country is free from calamities and dangers. Tingjian was one of the Eight Wise Men, as mentioned in the "Zuo Zhuan · Wen Gong Eighteenth Year." This forest indicates success in advancement, assistance from virtuous ministers, no disasters within the country, and great auspiciousness.

革:邯鄲反言,父兄生患。竟涉憂恨,卒死不還。

In Handan, he spoke words that were changeable and inconsistent, causing his father and elder brother to suffer misfortune. He traveled a long and arduous journey filled with sorrow and resentment, ultimately dying away from home and unable to return. This person's words are changeable and bring calamity, involving his superiors and relatives, and he dies in a foreign land, which is a great misfortune.

鼎:玉銳鐵頤,倉庫空虛。賈市無盈,興利為仇。

A jade blade and an iron jaw are things that look good but are of no real use; the warehouse is empty, and there is no profit in trade. One intended to gain benefits but ended up creating enmity. This indicates that the person in question appears strong on the outside but is weak inside, has insufficient resources, and seeks profit but incurs hatred, which is ominous.

震:白鳥御餌,鳴呼其子。施枝張翅,來從其母。

A white bird carries food, calling out to its young chicks. The young birds leave the branch, spread their wings, and fly to follow their mother. This omen signifies a kind parent nurturing their children, the children returning home, family gathering together, which is auspicious.

艮:學靈三年,聖且神明。先見善祥,吉盛福慶。神馬來見,告我無憂。

Having studied the supernatural arts for three years, he has reached a level of sage-like wisdom and spiritual connection; he can foresee auspicious signs, with prosperity and abundance, and blessings that last long. A divine horse comes to meet him, telling him not to worry. This person has mastered his practice, possesses foresight, and auspicious omens have appeared, indicating great good fortune.

漸:雲孽蒸起,失其道理。傷害年穀,神君之精。

Strange clouds rise up, losing their proper order; they damage the crops of the year. This is caused by the spirit of the deity. This forest indicates abnormal heavenly phenomena and crop damage, with spirits issuing a warning, which is ominous.

歸妹:春耕有息,利入利福。獻 大豵,以樂成功。(大疑當作私)

In spring, after sowing and reaping a harvest, benefits come in and good fortune arrives. Sacrifices of pigs, both large and small, are offered to celebrate the success. The commentary suggests that the character 「大」 might actually be 「私」. The Book of Songs, the seventh month of the Bin风 section, has the line 「言私其豵,献豣于公」. This indicates that the landowner has successfully carried out agricultural activities, performed sacrificial rites, celebrated achievements, and gained blessings, which is a great auspicious omen.

豐:羸豕躑躅,虎來都邑。遮遏左右,國門敕急。

A weak pig hesitates and cannot move forward, while a tiger enters the city; both sides are blocked, and the city gates issue an urgent order for strict defense. The phrase 'a weak pig shows hesitation' comes from the first line of the 'Gou' hexagram in The Zhou Changes. This line indicates that the weak are not secure in their position, and fierce forces have entered, with urgent situations on all sides, resulting in misfortune.

旅:東行西維,南北善迷。逐旅失群,亡我襦衣。

Going east and then west to moor the boat, it is easiest to get lost in the north-south direction; following the traveling companions but falling behind, and also losing my short robe. This indicates that the forest master has an uncertain direction, is separated from the group, and there is loss in travel, which is凶 (a凶 omen).

巽:居室之倫,夫婦和親。小人乘車,車在夫家。碩果失豢,不知孰是。

The family's ethical order depends on the harmony and mutual affection between husband and wife. A person of low status rides in a carriage that belongs to the husband's family. A large fruit is left unattended, and it is unclear who is right or wrong. The phrase "a large fruit is not eaten" comes from The Zhou Changes (I Ching), section Upper Nine. This person's household should ideally be harmonious, but there is confusion in roles and disputes that are hard to resolve, leading to suspicion within what seems auspicious.

兌:東方孟春,乘冰載盆。懼危不安,終身所歡。

In the early spring of the eastern direction, one walks on thin ice while carrying a basin; the heart is filled with fear and danger, unable to find peace. This vigilance becomes the source of lifelong joy. The master of the forest is in a perilous situation; only by constantly maintaining caution can safety be preserved, and only through fear can peace be attained.

渙:風吹塵起,十地無所。南國年傷,不可安處。

A great wind rises, stirring up dust, leaving no place to take shelter on all four sides; the southern states suffer from poor harvests, unable to settle down. This forest signifies obscured skies, poor harvests, people fleeing, and unsettled dwellings, which is ominous.

節:重載傷車,婦女無夫。三十不室,獨坐空廬。

The load was too heavy and broke the vehicle, the woman had no husband; by thirty she had not married and sat alone in an empty house. This oracle indicates that the load was too great and the vessel was destroyed, marriage is delayed, and one is alone without companions, which is ominous.

中孚:敗牛羸馬,與利為市,不我嘉喜。

Using sick cattle and thin horses for trade to seek profit brings no joy as desired. This indicates the owner's goods are of poor quality, the trade is unsuccessful, and the desired outcome is not achieved, which is inauspicious.

小過:月出阜東,山蔽其明。章父憂僂,箕子徉狂。

The moon rises from the eastern earth mountain, but the hills block its light; Zhang Fu worries about his hunchback, while Ji Zi has to pretend to be mad. Ji Zi pretended madness to avoid calamity, as recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Family of Song's Weizi." This forest symbolizes virtuous people being obscured, their wisdom not recognized, so they must conceal their intelligence and preserve themselves by appearing foolish.

既濟:出入門所,欲道開通。杞梁之信,不失日中。少季渡江,來歸其邦。疾病危亡。

Going in and out of one's own home, one only hopes for smooth roads; a person like Qilang, who is known for keeping his word, would never miss the appointed time at noon. Shaoji crossed the great river and returned to his own country; however, he is ill and his life is in danger. Qilang's keeping of his promise is an old saying about ancient people's emphasis on fulfilling their vows. This person keeps their word and meets the appointed time, allowing distant people to return home, yet they are afflicted by illness, which hides a great danger within what seems auspicious.

未濟:邑居衛師,如轉蓬時,居之凶危。

Living in the city of the Wei military garrison, like a floating tumbleweed drifting aimlessly, one remains in a precarious and dangerous situation. Tumbleweed is an ancient metaphor for wandering without a fixed root. This line indicates staying in a place of warfare and military activity, with no fixed abode, leading to inevitable danger and misfortune.

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

明夷:他山之錯,與璆為仇。來攻吾城,傷我肌膚。邦家騷憂。

A rough grinding stone taken from a mountain in another land was originally meant to polish fine jade, but now it has become an enemy of the jade, attacking my city, cutting my skin, causing turmoil and fear throughout the country. The "Book of Songs · Xiao Ya · He Ming" says, "A stone from another mountain can be used to polish jade," which originally means using external forces to improve oneself. Here, the meaning is reversed, indicating that a once-reliable external support has become a source of disaster. This represents the image of external aggression and internal disturbance. One should fortify and remain cautious, avoiding any rash actions.

乾:踐履寒冰,十步九尋。惟有苦痛,不為病憂。

He walks on thin, cold ice, taking ten steps and probing the depth nine times. He is cautious with every step. Although this method is arduous, it only causes fatigue in the limbs and does not lead to illness. This signifies a situation where one is in danger but manages to protect oneself: the process is difficult, but the outcome is unharmed.

坤:太公避紂,七十隱處。卒逢聖文,為王室輔。

Crane Master Lü Shang concealed himself by fishing by the Wei River to escape the tyranny of the Shang King Zhou, refusing to take office even though he was over seventy years old. Later, he finally met the wise King Wen of Zhou and was honored as the Teacher and Father, becoming a key minister of the Zhou royal family. This refers to the story recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Grand History of the State of Qi" about King Wen meeting Lü Shang by the Wei River. It symbolizes the omen of long hardship eventually meeting a wise ruler: at present, one should endure and wait for the right time, and eventually achieve great use in the future.

屯:日月之塗,所行必到,無有患悔。

The path followed is like the steady and measured course of the sun and moon; as long as one proceeds along this path, the destination will surely be reached, without encountering troubles along the way or regret afterwards. This indicates a favorable omen of proceeding along the correct path and achieving success with certainty. It is auspicious.

蒙:諷德誦功,美風盛隆。旦輔成周,光濟沖人。

Everyone praises the virtue and achievements of those in authority, leading to a flourishing and prosperous era. Duke Zhou assisted the young King Cheng, built the capital of Luoyi, and expanded the Zhou dynasty while supporting the young ruler. "Chong Ren" refers to the young king, King Cheng's self-designation, as mentioned in the "Shangshu · JinTeng" chapters. This represents the image of a virtuous minister assisting a young ruler and achieving political harmony and social well-being, which is highly auspicious.

需:童子無室,未有配合,空坐獨宿。

A young man has not yet married and has not found a suitable partner, so he can only remain alone in his room and spend the night by himself. This indicates a situation where the right opportunity has not arrived and one is left alone waiting for a partner. Matters sought at present are not being responded to by anyone, so it is advisable to remain content and wait patiently, without forcing things.

訟:穿鼻繫株,為虎所拘。王母祝祠,禍不成災。遂然脫來。(祠一作詞)

A cow was tied to a tree stump with a rope through its nose, unable to move, and was surrounded by a fierce tiger. Fortunately, the Queen Mother of the West prayed and offered sacrifices for it, and the impending disaster did not materialize. In the end, the cow safely returned. This image represents being trapped and restrained but ultimately protected by divine beings: initially facing danger and being constrained, but eventually turning danger into safety. The marginal note states that '祠' in some editions is '词', meaning words of prayer.

師:黃帝神明,八子聖聰。佚受大福,天下平康。

The Yellow Emperor was wise and valiant, his many sons all sage-like and intelligent. Thus, the world enjoyed great blessings and the four seas were peaceful and prosperous. It is said that the Yellow Emperor had twenty-five sons, of whom fourteen obtained surnames, as recorded in the "Discourses of the States: Jin Annals." This signifies a situation where there is a wise ruler above and virtuous descendants below, leading to national stability and prosperity, which is highly auspicious.

比:深谷為陵,衰者復興。亂傾之國,民德安息。中婦病困,遂入冥室。

Deep valleys rise to become hills, and what was already declining is revived; nations that were once in chaos and upheaval find their people at rest due to virtuous governance. The saying "High banks become valleys, deep valleys become hills" comes from the Book of Songs, Xiao Ya, "October's Meeting," illustrating the reversal of worldly affairs. However, the household's main wife is seriously ill and in distress, and ultimately could not recover, entering the dark chamber of the tomb. This portends a favorable turn for the state but a loss within the family: public affairs may succeed, but one must beware of illness at home.

小畜:道遠遼絕,路宿多悔。頑嚚相聚,生我畏忌。

The journey ahead is long and obstructed, with lodging places along the way causing regret; the people encountered along the way are all stubborn and foolish, gathering together, causing fear and hesitation. "Wanyin" comes from the "Book of Documents · Yao's Classic" where it says "father is stubborn, mother is deceitful," referring to people who lack understanding and do not uphold integrity. This indicates an omen of unfavorable long journeys and associating with unsuitable people; it is not advisable to travel far.

履:旦樹菽豆,暮成藿羹。心之所樂,志快心歡。

He sowed beans in the morning and harvested bean leaves in the evening to cook into a soup, achieving a quick and substantial harvest. This is something he genuinely enjoys, leading to a smooth and joyful spirit. This indicates a favorable omen for swift success and fulfilling desires.

泰:切切之患,凶憂不成。虎不敢囓,利當我身。

Those imminent and personal worries ultimately did not result in real danger; even a fierce tiger dared not bite. The benefit actually fell to me. This indicates a situation of alarm without actual peril, transforming worry into advantage: a false alarm, eventually leading to tangible benefits.

否:王伯遠宿,長婦在室。異庖待食,所求不得。

A nobleman or prince traveling far away for an extended period stays at an inn, while his wife remains alone in the empty house. In two separate places, they each light a stove and wait separately for the meal. Their desire for reunion remains unfulfilled. This indicates a situation where human affairs are divided and what is sought after fails to materialize. It is an ominous omen: plans should be delayed, and efforts to reconcile will not succeed.

同人:寒燠失時,陽旱為災,雖耗無憂。

Cold and warmth are reversed and out of order, the seasons are not properly aligned, and prolonged drought and scorching heat lead to calamity. Although there is some loss and expenditure, it does not lead to major troubles. This indicates a minor loss without major harm: losing money to dispel disasters, ensuring safety.

大有:雖窮復通,履危不凶,得其明功。

Although things are currently difficult and obstructed, they will soon become smooth again; even if one is on dangerous ground, no misfortune will result, but rather great achievements will be accomplished. This indicates a situation of initial difficulty followed by success, and traversing danger as if it were easy. It is auspicious.

謙:狼虎所宅,不可以居,為我患憂。

That is the lair of jackals and tigers, a place where no person can safely reside; staying there would only bring misfortune. This indicates an improper location and unsuitable choice of residence, which is ominous: one should leave quickly and not stay long.

豫:喋囁處耀,明昧相傳。多言少實,語無成事。

People whispering and talking behind others' backs spread rumors everywhere, true and false words pass from mouth to mouth, and clear and hidden things mix together. Words are spoken in great quantity but actual facts are few, and in the end nothing can be accomplished. This indicates a situation of much verbal confusion and misleading talk: one should be cautious in speech and keep quiet, and must not easily believe in rumors.

隨:履冰蹈凌,雖困不窮。播鼓登巖,卒無憂凶。

Walking on thin ice, moving across hard ice, although in a difficult situation, one does not reach a dead end; beating a drum to clear the way and climbing a high rock, ultimately without encountering misfortune or danger. This represents an omen of being able to preserve oneself while facing danger: there is protection amidst hardship, eventually leading to safety.

蠱:文墨且墨,禍福相雜。南北失志,東西不得。(一云:文墨且黑,禍福相雜。)

The text is unclear and indistinct, with good and bad fortune mixed together, making it hard to discern; going south or north does not fulfill desires, and going east or west yields nothing. This indicates a situation of being stuck between two choices, with fortune yet to be determined: matters requiring deliberation and patience, not hasty action. A note in another version reads 'the writing is dark and unclear,' with different characters but the same meaning.

臨:爭訟不已,更相談詢。張季弱口,被髮北走。

There is a dispute that continues without resolution, with both parties repeatedly confronting and questioning each other. Zhang Ji is speechless and runs out of arguments, unable to defend himself, and finally leaves in disarray heading north. This indicates an unfavorable omen for lawsuits: competing with others will surely lead to losing the case and humiliation. It is advisable to resolve disputes early and seek reconciliation.

觀:德積逢時,宜其美才。相明輔聖,拜受福休。長女不嫁,後為大悔。

His virtue is deeply cultivated and timely, perfectly matching his excellent talents. He is destined to assist a wise ruler and contribute to the state, receiving official titles and great blessings. However, his eldest daughter has delayed her marriage, which will surely become a great regret. This indicates great success in official career but suggests that marriage should be arranged early: achievements in fame and status can be attained, but delaying the marriage of children is not advisable.

噬嗑:江水沱汜,思附君子。仲氏愛歸,不我肯顧。侄娣恨悔。

The great river branches off into two tributaries,沱 and汜, but eventually they must return to the main stream, just as a woman's thoughts remain attached to the gentleman. The phrase "The river has a tributary" comes from the Book of Songs, Zhao Nan, Jiang You Si, originally describing the resentment of a concubine who has been abandoned. Although the lady of the middle house was favored and returned, she refused to look back and care for me, leaving her accompanying younger sisters and nieces full of resentment and regret. This signifies a thin emotional bond and being abandoned by others, which is ominous.

賁:光禮春成,陳室雞鳴。師明失道,不能自守。消亡為咎。

The spring ceremony was conducted with brilliant splendor, and in the court of Chen, the roosters crowing to announce the morning were incessant. "Chicken Crowing" refers to the meaning in the "Book of Songs, Qi Wind, Chicken Crowing," symbolizing a virtuous queen alerting her husband to diligence in governance. Unfortunately, although the military forces appeared capable, they strayed from the right path, failed to uphold their proper roles, and ultimately led to their downfall and great misfortune. This represents an omen of initial prosperity followed by ultimate failure: outwardly splendid yet internally losing its defense, which is ominous.

剝:驚虎無患,虞為我言,賴得以安。

On the way, I was startled by a fierce tiger, but no actual harm came about. The official in charge of mountains and marshes informed and guided me, and with his help I was able to remain safe. "Yu" refers to an official recorded in the "Rites of Zhou" who was responsible for guarding mountains, forests, and marshes. This indicates a situation where one encounters danger but is rescued by a nobleman, resulting in no real peril and ultimately attaining peace.

復:偽言妄語,轉為詿誤,不知狼虎。

False words and absurd rumors spread from one person to another, eventually leading to mistaken consequences and causing people to unknowingly encounter tigers and wolves. This indicates the danger of believing in rumors and entering dangerous situations. It is凶 (a凶 sign): all matters should be personally verified, and one should not be manipulated by others.

旡妄:履□自敵,凶憂來到,痛不死哭。

The actions and steps one takes lead to conflict with oneself, bringing about danger and worries. Pain reaches its peak yet one cannot even cry. The original text here has a missing character, indicated by 「□」 and left uncertain without conjecture. This signifies an omen of self-invoked misfortune, a great calamity: misfortune arises from one's own actions. One should reflect inwardly, examine one's own conduct, and restrain one's actions.

大畜:牽尾不前,逆理失臣,惠朔以奔。

Pulling forward by the cow's tail but failing to move at all, everything goes against the usual order, thus losing the support of the people; King Shuo of Wei was finally forced to flee to another country. This refers to the event recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan" where Prince Shuo, the son of King Xuan of Wei (King Hui of Wei), was driven out by the people and fled to Qi. It signifies an omen of acting against reason and losing the people's support, leading to forced exile, which is ominous.

頤:三狸捕鼠,遮遏我後。死於還城,不得脫走。(還一作環)

Three wild cats surround and catch a mouse, blocking its retreat from behind; the mouse is caught and bitten to death at the place surrounding the city, ultimately unable to escape. This indicates a situation of being surrounded on all sides and having no way to advance or retreat, which is extremely ominous. It is advisable to avoid confrontation early and not engage in prolonged fighting. The marginal note states that 'return' is alternatively written as 'surround,' meaning the area around the city.

大過:言笑未畢,憂來暴卒。身墨丹索,檻內裝米。

Before laughter and conversation had ended, calamity suddenly arrived; he was branded with ink, bound with red ropes, and loaded into a cage like grain, then taken away. "Ink" refers to the punishment of facial branding, one of the five punishments, mentioned in the Book of Documents, the Book of Yu's Punishments. It signifies the omen of joy turning to sorrow and misfortune descending from heaven, a great misfortune: amidst current joy, prison disaster is already hidden, and one should be cautious and self-restrained.

坎:陰積不已,雲作淫雨。傷害平陸,民無室屋。

The accumulation of yin energy continues, thick clouds turn into continuous heavy rain, washing away the flat land and leaving it in ruins. The people have no place to live. This indicates an excess of yin and disaster, with water calamities harming the people. It is ominous: one should prepare early and avoid living in low-lying areas.

離:山林麓藪,非人所處。鳥獸無禮,使我心苦。

Deep mountains and remote forests, as well as the grassy areas at the foot of mountains, are not places where people can live comfortably; there birds and beasts run wild without manners, causing me great worry and sorrow. This indicates a situation where one is in a secluded and humble position, sharing affairs with those who lack understanding and reason, which is ominous: being in an inappropriate place, it is advisable to plan a change.

咸:新作初陵,踰陷難登。三駒推車,跌損傷頤。(陷一作險)

A newly built high mound has steep slopes and deep ditches, making it difficult to climb; three young horses working together to push a cart still lose their footing, falling and injuring their chins. This indicates a situation where strength is insufficient but the burden is heavy, which is ominous: new undertakings have unstable foundations, and forcing effort leads to harm. The marginal note refers to 'falling into a pit,' with another version reading 'danger.'

恆:魂微惙惙,屬纊聽絕。擴然大通,復更生活。

The spirit is weak and the breath is faint, with family members already placing new cotton at the mouth and nose to test for breath, almost unable to detect any breathing. "Shu Kuang" was an ancient ritual to check for the cessation of breath, as mentioned in the "Rites of the丧大记" (Book of Rites: Rituals of Funerals). Suddenly, the chest felt suddenly clear and open, and he was revived once more. This signifies a sign of regaining life from a desperate situation: when danger and hardship reach their peak, a turning point is achieved, and prolonged illness can be cured.

遯:欒子作殃,伯氏誅傷。州籲奔楚,去其邑鄉。

The son of the Luan clan caused disturbances and brought about calamity, leading to the punishment and injury of Bo's family. The prince Zhou Xu of the State of Wei fled to the state of Chu, abandoning his city and hometown. Zhou Xu murdered his elder brother to seize the throne but eventually met his demise, as recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan · Year Four of Yin Gong." This situation indicates a portent of internal strife and exile, a major misfortune: one should distance oneself from conflicts and avoid involvement in power struggles.

大壯:驕滷奇形,造惡作凶。無所能成,還自滅身。

A person who is arrogant, rude, and pretentious, constantly committing evil deeds and acting violently, will ultimately achieve nothing and end up destroying themselves. This indicates a sign of causing trouble through arrogance and self-destruction, which is extremely ominous. It is advisable to restrain one's arrogance and change to a more righteous path.

晉:陳辭達情,使安不傾。增榮益譽,以成功名。

Expressing words with clarity can reveal the truth, leading to stability and preventing collapse. Thus, reputation grows and honor increases, ultimately achieving success. This indicates a favorable omen of effective speech being used. Auspicious: it is suitable to offer advice and strategies, and the superior will certainly accept them.

家人:三杞無棗,家無積莠。使鳩求婦,頑不我許。

Three杞 trees bear no jujubes, and the family cannot even gather a pile of weeds; they are extremely poor. Sending a clumsy jiu bird to ask for a marriage, but the other party is stubborn and refuses. This indicates a situation of poverty at home and failure in seeking a spouse, which is ominous: entrusting the matter to an inappropriate person, the marriage will not be harmonious.

睽:慎禍重患,顏子為尤,乃能安存。牢戶繫羊,乃能受福。

Being cautious to prevent misfortune and giving importance to future consequences, one should follow Yan Hui's example of restraining oneself and restoring propriety as the most important matter, thereby ensuring safety and longevity. Just as a sheep must be tethered in the pen to prevent it from escaping, one must be able to receive blessings. The story of Yan Hui is recorded in the "Analects of Confucius · Yan Yuan," where Confucius affirmed that Yan Hui had not deviated from the Way for three months. This represents the image of being cautious and self-controlled, which brings good fortune: caution leads to safety, while negligence leads to loss.

蹇:鹿得美草,鳴喚其友。九族和睦,不憂飢乏。

A deer found lush green grass and called out to its companions to come and eat together. "呦呦鹿鸣,食野之苹" is from the Book of Songs, Xiao Ya, Lu Ming, describing the joy of a banquet for distinguished guests. Thus, the nine clans became harmonious and close, no longer worrying about hunger or scarcity. This signifies a situation where one gains benefits and shares them with others, and the family is in harmony, which is highly auspicious.

解:亡玉失鹿,不知所伏。利以避危,全我生福。甘雨時降,年穀有得。

Lost a jade ornament and a deer escaped, not knowing where they are hidden; at this time, it is most suitable to avoid danger in order to preserve life and fortune. Later, sweet rain falls on time, and the harvest of grain is finally obtained. This indicates a situation of losing first and gaining later: minor losses, avoiding danger and maintaining stillness, ultimately leading to abundance.

The original text is in the public domain. The English is a machine-assisted translation of this library’s own Chinese paraphrase, checked against a fixed glossary so that technical terms match the definitions used elsewhere on this site. It is a reading aid and does not replace the original.