The Forest of Xian (the 64th hexagram Xian)

大過：伯虎仲熊，德義淵弘。使布五教，陰陽順序。

Bohu and Zhongxiong, these eight virtuous talents, possess profound and extensive moral character and righteousness; they are sent to promote the five teachings of fatherly righteousness, maternal kindness, fraternal friendship, younger brotherly respect, and filial piety. As a result, the yin and yang of heaven and earth each follow their proper order. The eight virtuous talents and eight noble ministers are mentioned in the Zuo Zhuan, Volume Wen Gong 18, and "respectfully spreading the five teachings" is found in the Shang Shu, Shun Dian. This represents an omen of virtuous talents being employed and widespread moral education, which is highly auspicious.

坎：跛踦相隨，日暮牛罷。陵遲後旅，失利亡雌。

A lame person supports another as they walk, but the sky is already dark and the ox is exhausted; the group gradually falls behind, losing both strength and the mother beast. This indicates a loss of strength and disorder, as well as loss of wealth and disputes. It is ominous: one should not force themselves to continue walking, but instead rest nearby.

離：嬴氏違良，使孟尋兵。老師不已，敗於齊卿。

The Qin ruler of the Ying clan violated the wise advice of a virtuous minister like Jian Shu, sending Meng Mingshi to lead an army on a distant campaign. The troops, exhausted from prolonged labor, still refused to stop, and ultimately suffered defeat at the hands of the enemy's ministers. The events of the Qin army's attack on Zheng and their defeat at Xiao are recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan" under the years of Duke Xi's thirty-second and thirty-third reigns. This situation represents an omen of not heeding loyal counsel and suffering defeat through overexertion of forces, which is a great misfortune. It is not advisable to undertake distant military campaigns.

咸：日月並居，常暗且微。高山崩顛，丘陵為溪。

The sun and moon are together in one place, with light often dim and weak; high mountains collapse and overturn, while hills sink and become ravines. This indicates a sign of great heavenly and earthly changes, with the fundamental stability shaken, which is extremely ominous. It signifies the blindness of the ruler, and calamity for the state and family.

恆：烏鵲食穀，張口受哺。蒙恩被德，長大成就。柔順利貞，君臣相好。

A crow pecks at grain, while young birds open their mouths to be fed; having received the nourishment of kindness, they finally grow strong. By being gentle and upright, one gains advantage, and thus the ruler and subject become close and harmonious. This signifies receiving favor and being nurtured, with harmony between superiors and inferiors, which is a great blessing. Success comes through relying on others, and gentleness brings good fortune.

遯：雖躓復起，不毀牙齒。克免平復，憂除無疾。

Although he fell down but was able to get up again, his teeth were not injured; finally he was free from calamity and restored to normal, with worries dispelled and no illness. This signifies the image of falling and rising again, indicating good fortune: minor setbacks without major harm, and recovery from a long illness.

大壯：草木黃落，歲暮無室。虐政為賊，大人失福。

Grasses and trees wither and fall, the year's end approaches yet there is no home to return to; harsh government orders have become harmful thieves, even the great officials have lost their blessings. This indicates a sign of declining times and oppressive governance, a great misfortune: one should retreat and hibernate through the winter, and must not involve oneself in political affairs.

晉：避凶東走，反以禍口。制於牙爪，骨為灰土。

Trying to escape danger by heading east only leads into the mouth of misfortune; being tightly held by others' claws, bones turn to dust. This indicates a situation where avoiding trouble brings more trouble, a great misfortune: evasion is useless, and traveling east is especially dangerous.

明夷：欲飛不能，志苦心勞，福不我來。

One wishes to spread wings and soar high but cannot take flight; the heart is troubled and the spirit is exhausted. Blessings will not come to me. This signifies the image of having great aspirations but being unable to realize them, which is ominous: the right time has not yet arrived, and striving forcefully is only in vain.

家人：羔裘豹褎，東與福遇。駕迎吾兄，送我驪黃。

Wearing a fur coat with leopard trim on the sleeves, traveling eastward meets fortune directly; driving to meet my elder brother, he gives me a pair of black and yellow horses. "Gao Qiu Bao Qu" comes from the Book of Songs, Tang Feng, Gao Qiu, which is the attire of a high-ranking official. It signifies proper attire and auspicious encounters during travel, indicating great good fortune.

睽：東耕破犁，西失良妻。災害不避，家貧無資。

Going east to plow the fields damaged the plow, going west resulted in losing a virtuous wife; calamities cannot be avoided, and the family is poor with no resources. This indicates damage to all four directions and difficulties both inside and outside, a great misfortune: agriculture and marriage are both unfavorable, and one should remain quiet and wait for good fortune.

解：魚陸失所，鳥蠅困苦。澤無萑蒲，晉國以墟。

Fish are thrown onto land and lose their support, while flying birds and mosquitoes also suffer hardship; in the marshes, even reeds and rush grasses do not grow, and Jin is thus reduced to ruins. "The reeds and rush grasses of the marsh" represent the country's resources, as mentioned in The Zuo Zhuan, Volume 20 of Duke Zhao. This signifies the complete loss of means of sustenance and the image of national and family destruction, which is extremely ominous.

損：脫兔無蹄，三步五罷。南行不進，後市勞苦。

A rabbit that has escaped loses its feet, needing to rest after every three steps; it cannot move southward, and when it finally reaches the market, it has already dispersed, resulting in a fruitless effort. This indicates a situation where one's strength is insufficient and an opportunity is missed, which is ominous. Going south and rushing to the market are both unfavorable; it is advisable to change the time and direction.

益：行役未已，新事復起。姬姜勞苦，不得休止。

The current task of serving and traveling has not yet been completed, and new troubles have arisen; even noble ladies of the Ji and Jiang families are forced to labor and travel without a moment's rest. This indicates a situation of being entangled in affairs and constantly busy, which is ominous: various matters will follow one after another, and one should deal with them according to one's capacity, and should not take on new tasks.

夬：向日揚光，火為正王。消金厭兵，雷車避藏。陰雨不行，民定其鄉。

Facing the sun with brilliant radiance, the fire virtue is in command and serves as the legitimate ruler; it melts metal and iron, suppresses weapons, and even causes thunder chariots to retreat and hide. Rain and storms no longer run rampant, allowing the people to live in peace in their villages. This signifies the dominance of Yang virtue and the cessation of warfare, which is highly auspicious: it indicates the pacification of chaos and peace throughout the land.

姤：放銜垂轡，奔馬不制。棄法作奸，君失其位。

Loosen the bit and release the reins, and the horse will run wild beyond control; abandon laws and act in self-interest, and the ruler will finally lose his position. This indicates a situation where the principles are neglected and the superior position is lost, which is extremely ominous. It is advisable to restore discipline and gather the people's hearts.

萃：司命不遊，喜解我憂。皇母緩帶，嬰兒笑喜。

The deity in charge of human lifespan, the Director of Destiny, no longer roams about causing calamities; instead, good fortune has dispelled my worries. My elderly mother has loosened her sash and is at ease, while the infant in her arms is smiling happily. The Director of Destiny is the chief deity of longevity, mentioned in the "Nine Songs" from the "Chu Ci." This signifies the retreat of calamitous stars and a peaceful family life, which is a great auspicious omen: illness can be cured, worries can be resolved, and seeking offspring can succeed.

升：黃帝出遊，駕龍乘馬。東上泰山，南過齊魯。郡國咸喜。

The Yellow Emperor traveled far and wide, riding a divine dragon and mounting a swift horse; he went east to Mount Tai and south through the regions of Qi and Lu, and wherever he went, the states and counties were all joyful. The Yellow Emperor's gathering of spirits and deities on Mount Tai is mentioned in the "Ten Errors" section of the "Han Feizi." This represents the image of a superior ruler touring the land, bringing blessings to all directions, which is a great omen of good fortune: it is favorable for travel and advancement.

困：既往不說，憂來禍結。比戶為患，無所申冤。

Past events are beyond dispute, with troubles following one after another and difficulties that are hard to resolve; every household is affected but there is no place to appeal for justice. This indicates a situation where many are suffering and have no place to complain, which is a great凶 (misfortune): lawsuits will not succeed, and it is advisable to endure and wait for change.

井：荷蕢隱居，以避亂傾。終身不仕，遂其潔清。

The hermit carrying a basket of grass chose to live in seclusion to avoid the chaos of the world; he never came out to serve as an official, thus preserving his integrity and purity. The story of the man carrying a basket (He Ke) passing by Confucius' door is recorded in the "Analects of Confucius," the "Xian Wen" chapter. This represents the image of retreating into seclusion and preserving one's virtue: it is not suitable to seek fame by entering officialdom; instead, by maintaining simplicity and humility, one attains peace and auspiciousness.

革：折梃舂稷，君不得食。頭癢搔跟，無益於疾。

Breaking a stick to pound grain will not result in the master eating; itching on the head but scratching the heel does no good for the illness. This indicates improper effort and going in the wrong direction, which is凶 (unfavorable): the method applied is not appropriate, and another proper approach should be sought.

鼎：植根不固，華葉落去，便為枯樹。

The roots are not firmly established, and the flowers and leaves fall off one after another, turning the tree into a withered one in a short time. This indicates a situation where the foundation is not solid and ultimately leads to decay, which is ominous. It is advisable to first strengthen the foundation and not merely focus on the superficial beauty of the branches and leaves.

震：凶門生意，牢戶多冤。沙陁禿齒，使我困窮。

In a dangerous place one starts business, and in prison there is much injustice; desolate sands and barren shores, teeth falling out, leading to poverty and hardship. This indicates a situation of risky ventures and imprisonment due to wrongful accusations. It is a great凶 (misfortune): one should avoid legal troubles and switch to proper occupations.

艮：登山履谷，與虎相觸。蝟為功曹，班奴奔北。脫之喜國。

In the mountains and valleys, one encounters a fierce tiger face to face; fortunately, a hedgehog covered with sharp spines acts as a helper, and the tiger's servant flees northward in panic. Eventually, one escapes danger and returns to a pleasant country. This signifies a situation where one encounters danger but is rescued by an unusual helper, indicating that even a small force can overcome a great difficulty; within the凶 (dangerous) there is a hidden吉 (auspicious).

漸：麟鳳所翔，國無咎殃。賈市十倍，復歸惠裡。

Where qilin and phoenix soar, the country will not have misfortunes or calamities; business ventures will yield tenfold profits, and one will return home with a full load to a benevolent hometown. This indicates a sign of great auspiciousness and great success in business, which is very favorable.

歸妹：路險道難，水過我前。進往不利，回車復還。

The path is steep and difficult, with a great body of water blocking the way ahead; proceeding further brings no benefit, so one must turn back. This indicates an obstruction in the future, which is ominous: retreating when faced with difficulty is the wise course, but forcing ahead will lead to disaster.

豐：延頸望邑，思歸我室。臺榭不成，未得安息。

He stretches his neck to look far away towards his old town, longing to return home. However, the pavilions and towers have not yet been completed, so he can't find a place to rest for now. This indicates a situation where one strongly desires to return, but the time has not yet come. The desired outcome will eventually be achieved, but one must wait a little longer at present.

旅：蒙生株瞿，棘掛我須。小人嫉妒，使恩不遂。

Wild grass grows abundantly, with withered stalks standing in clusters; brambles have caught my beard. Small people are envious and obstruct, preventing the implementation of kindness. This indicates an omen of obstruction by small people, which is凶 (unfavorable). Good intentions cannot be carried out; it is advisable to avoid those involved in disputes.

巽：南至隱域，深潛處匿。聰明閉塞，與死為伍。

Going south to a secluded place, deeply hiding and taking refuge; closing the ears and eyes, ceasing to use wisdom, almost accompanying the dead. This indicates a situation of excessive retreat and near self-abandonment, which is凶 (auspicious). Although concealing oneself may avoid misfortune, prolonged concealment will exhaust one's aspirations and spirit.

兌：機餌設張，計暴子良。範叔不廉，凶害及身。

The trap and bait were all set, but the scheme was exposed before the virtuous person; Fan Shu had unclean conduct, and misfortune finally fell upon himself. Fan Shu was Fan Ju, who was nearly killed by Xu Jia's false accusations, as recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of Fan Ju and Cai Ze." This indicates an omen of setting up mechanisms to harm others but suffering retaliation himself, which is a great misfortune. One should act with clarity and integrity, and must avoid secret schemes.

渙：從騎出谷，遊戲苦域。坡高不進，利無所得。

Traveling with attendants on horseback, entering a valley and wandering around in a difficult place; the hillside is too steep to climb, and no benefits are gained. This indicates an omen of aimless wandering without achievement, which is ominous: traveling for amusement merely wastes resources, better to remain at rest.

節：西國強梁，為虎作狼。東吞齊楚，並有其王。

To the west, the country is fierce and tyrannical, more ruthless than tigers and wolves; it advances eastward, annexing the states of Qi and Chu, and subdues their kings. This refers to the power of Qin unifying the six states. It signifies the image of a strong power conquering others: it is auspicious for the strong, but disastrous for the weak. Those in a weak position should plan ahead diligently.

中孚：登山伐輻，虎在我側。王孫無懼，仁不見賊。

He who ascends the mountain to cut wood for making carriage spokes finds a fierce tiger nearby; yet the noble gentleman remains unafraid, for a person of benevolence will not be harmed. This signifies a situation where virtue is sufficient to govern things, and it is auspicious: if one's heart is filled with kindness and generosity, even dangerous situations can remain unharmed.

小過：六目睽睽，各欲有至。後來未壯，候待明旦。

Six eyes are wide open, staring at each other, each wanting to arrive first; the one that comes later is not yet strong enough and can only wait until the next day's light. This indicates a situation where there is a struggle for the first move that has not yet been decided: at present, it is advisable to hold back and wait for the right opportunity to act.

既濟：道涉多阪，牛馬蛇蟺。車不利載，請求不得。

The path to be taken involves crossing many hills and slopes, with oxen and horses winding around like snakes, finding it difficult to proceed. The vehicle cannot carry enough goods, and the requested matters cannot be accomplished. This indicates an obstruction and stagnation, which is ominous: transportation and requests for help are not favorable, and it is advisable to delay the journey.

未濟：一口三舌，相妨無益。群羊百牂，不為威強。亡馬失駒，家耗於時。

A person has three tongues in one mouth, each getting in the way of the others and offering no benefit; although there are many male and female sheep, they do not signify great strength. The horse is lost and the young colt has also run away, and at this time the family's resources are being depleted. This indicates a situation where words are numerous but conflicting, and there is a false appearance of strength. It is ominous: verbal disputes bring loss, and livestock and property should be carefully guarded.

解：駕言出遊，鳥斗車前。更相捽滅，兵馬且來。回車亟還，可以無憂。

Driving out in a carriage for a tour, flying birds fight each other in front of the carriage, pulling and struggling with one another, this is an ominous sign indicating the approach of soldiers and troops. "Jia yan chu you" comes from the "Book of Songs · Bei Feng · Quan Shui." At this moment, one should quickly turn back home to avoid calamity. This omen signifies that if one sees an omen early and avoids it, it will be auspicious: when going out and encountering strange signs, one should make a quick decision to return.

乾：大都之居，無物不具。抱布貿絲，所求必得。

Living in a bustling metropolis where all things are available, one carries cloth to exchange for silk, and whatever is desired can certainly be obtained. "Carrying cloth to trade for silk" comes from the Book of Songs, Wei Wind, Meng. This signifies an image of abundant resources and successful transactions, which is highly auspicious: all matters of trade and seeking goods will be fulfilled.

坤：膠著木連，不出牢關，家室相安。

Using glue to firmly bind the wood together, making it solid and not loose, there is no need for a tight closing door. The family thus lives in peace and security. This signifies a situation where remaining stationary brings peace, which is auspicious. It is suitable to reside and maintain existing conditions, but not suitable for distant travel.

屯：孟伯食長，懼其畏王。賴四蒙五，抱福歸房。

Meng Bo occupied a high position and received his salary, yet his heart was filled with fear of the king's authority; fortunately, he was protected by the blessings of all directions, and in the end he returned to his room with blessings. This represents the image of someone in a high position who knows to be cautious and respectful, resulting in good fortune: being cautious and respectful brings blessings naturally.

蒙：朽輿瘦駟，不任銜轡。君子服之，談何容易。

A broken cart paired with weak four horses cannot even bear the bit and reins; for a gentleman to drive such a cart on the road would be extremely difficult. This signifies an image of an instrument that is not fit for use and a burden that is hard to bear, which is ominous: the foundation is too weak, and it is advisable to first replace the fundamental resources.

需：許嫁既婚，利福在身。適惠生桓，為我魯君。

The marriage contract has been fulfilled and the wedding has taken place, with benefits and blessings returning to oneself; just as Duke Hui of Lu gave birth to Duke Huan, who became the king of our state of Lu. The story of Duke Hui and Duke Huan is recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan · Year One of the Hidden King." This indicates a favorable omen of marriage being completed and the offspring attaining honor, which is a great auspicious sign. It is suitable for marriage and seeking offspring.

訟：入門大喜，上堂見母。妻子俱在，兄弟饒有。

As soon as entering the family gate, there is a great joy, ascending to greet the mother; wife and children are present, siblings are also prosperous. This indicates the image of returning home to reunite and the family thriving, which is very auspicious: those away can return, and there is joy at home.

師：推車上山，力不能任。顛蹶蹉跌，傷我中心。

He was pushing a cart up the mountain, but the effort was too great for him to bear; he kept falling and stumbling, which hurt my heart. This indicates a situation where the strength is insufficient for the burden, a凶 omen: one should not force oneself to undertake tasks beyond one's capacity.

比：鷹飛退去，不食其雛。禽尚如此，何況人乎。

The hawk flies back and then withdraws, ultimately refusing to eat its own young. Even birds take care of their offspring, how much more so should humans. This indicates a sign of not abandoning family ties, which is auspicious. Among family members, one should treat each other with kindness and compassion, for human hearts are reliable.

小畜：福棄我走，利不可得。幽人利貞，終無怨慝。

Fortune has left me behind, and benefits remain out of reach; yet those who live in seclusion and maintain inner stillness, holding to righteousness without wavering, will ultimately not be plagued by resentment or evil. "The reclusive person maintains uprightness and achieves good fortune" comes from the Second Line of the Nine in the Second of the Book of Changes. It signifies the image of holding to principles without seeking gain: although wealth and official rank may be meager, upholding righteousness ensures mental peace and no misfortune.

履：夫妻反目，不能正室。公雲子南，姬言還北。並後匹嫡，二政亂國。

Spouses turn against each other, leading to domestic disorder; the husband says he wishes to go south, while the wife insists on returning north, each insisting on their own view. A concubine shares the position of the principal wife, and a庶son is matched with a嫡son, with two sets of policies being implemented simultaneously, causing great chaos in the country. The phrase "并后匹嫡，两政耦国" comes from the "Zuo Zhuan · Huangong Eighteenth Year." This indicates a situation where proper distinctions are not maintained, and internal turmoil is about to arise, which is extremely ominous.

泰：陽衰伏匿，陰淫為賊。幸賴王孫，遂至家國。

Yang energy declines and becomes concealed, while Yin energy proliferates and causes harm; fortunately, there are virtuous individuals like the Master of the Brine who support and protect, ultimately ensuring safe return to the homeland. This signifies a time when excessive Yin prevails, yet virtue ensures preservation: although the situation is adverse, with the help of capable people, there is no cause for worry.

否：入水求玉，不見和璞。終日至暮，勞無所得。

Going down to the water to search for a beautiful jade, yet not even the shadow of the Hu Shi璞 is seen; from morning till night, all the hard work ends in nothing. The story of the Hu Shi璧 is found in "Han Feizi · He Shi." This represents the image of seeking in the wrong way, which is ominous: what is sought is not here, and one should change the approach.

同人：鳴鸞四牡，駕出行狩。合格有獲，獻公飲酒。

The carriage bells jingled as four strong horses pulled the vehicle out of the city for a hunting expedition. Following proper etiquette, they made a substantial catch and presented the game to the king, celebrating with wine. Both "Four Strong Horses" and "Bell Sounds" are found in the "Field Hunting" section of the Book of Songs. This indicates a favorable omen for a successful journey and receiving rewards for offerings, which is a great auspicious sign.

大有：覆手齊犢，易為功力。正月元日，承平致福。

Within the span of a palm flip, the calf is properly handled, indicating that things are done with ease and results are quickly seen; on the first day of the first lunar month, one inherits peace and brings in blessings. This signifies an image of achieving success with a mere gesture, which is highly auspicious: the beginning of the new year, with all matters proceeding smoothly.

謙：三火起明，雨滅其光。高位疾顛，驕恣誅傷。

Three piles of fire ignited bright light, but a single rainstorm extinguished it. A person in high position quickly fell, due to arrogance and indulgence, suffering punishment and injury. This indicates a sudden decline from great prosperity, a calamity for those who are arrogant, a great凶 (misfortune): one should restrain oneself, be humble and retreat, and must not rely on power to act recklessly.

豫：裹糗荷糧，與利相逢。高飛有得，君子獲福。

Pack dry food, carry provisions and set out on the journey, encountering benefits along the way; flying high and moving far brings gain. This signifies a favorable omen for well-prepared long journeys and gaining benefits through advancement. It is a great auspicious sign: suitable for travel and promotion.

隨：水土相得，萬物蕃殖。膏澤優渥，君子有得。

Water and earth complement and harmonize with each other, enabling all things to flourish and grow. Abundant and nourishing rain and dew are plentiful, allowing the gentleman to gain much. This signifies a situation of harmonious conditions and thriving proliferation, which is highly auspicious. It is favorable for agriculture, property acquisition, and childbirth.

蠱：道理和得，人不相賊。君子往之，樂有利福。

The principles are clear and reasonable, leading to harmony among people, so that they no longer harm each other. When a gentleman goes there, he will enjoy benefits and blessings happily. This indicates a favorable situation of refined customs and harmonious society, which is a great blessing. It is suitable for moving house, taking up official positions, and forming friendships.

臨：天孫帝子，與日月處。光榮於世，福祿繁祉。

The celestial weaver, Tian Sun, and the son of the heavenly emperor dwell together with the sun and moon in the heavens; their glory illuminates the mortal world, and their blessings and auspiciousness are abundant and prosperous. This signifies an image of high status and honor bestowed upon one, indicating great auspiciousness: seeking fame and high rank will be successful.

觀：布衣在位，乘非其器。折足覆餗，毀傷我玉。

Common people occupy high positions, using things that are not appropriate for their rank. The result is like a tripod breaking its legs, spilling its delicious food, and damaging my fine jade. "The tripod breaks its leg, spilling the public food" comes from the fourth line of the ninth line of the "Zhou Yi" (I Ching) hexagram DING. This indicates a situation where virtue does not match the position, inevitably leading to failure, which is a great misfortune. It is advisable to assign positions according to ability and avoid overstepping one's role.

噬嗑：鷁飛中退，舉事不遂。且守仁德，猶恐失墜。

A group of herons flew halfway into the air but were forced backward by the wind, indicating that things will not go smoothly. At this time, one should temporarily hold fast to benevolence and virtue, for there is a fear of loss or failure. The phenomenon of six herons flying backward is recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals, the 16th year of Duke Xi. This portends an omen of resistance against progress, which is ominous: one should retreat to one's proper position and be extremely cautious.

賁：經棗整冠，意盈不厭。桀紂迷惑，讒佞傷賢。使國亂傾。

After passing by a mulberry tree, he still reached up to adjust his hat, causing suspicion that he was stealing mulberries. He was proud and unrestrained in his heart, unaware of moderation. King Jie of Xia and King Zhou of Shang were deceived, and evil advisors harmed the virtuous, eventually leading to the chaos and downfall of their states. "In a melon field, do not put on shoes; under a plum tree, do not adjust your hat" is an ancient teaching to avoid suspicion. This represents the image of not avoiding suspicion and allowing evil to harm righteousness, which is extremely凶 (dangerous). One should be cautious in matters that may cause suspicion and keep away from small people.

剝：申酉退跌，陰雨前作。柯條花枝，復泥不白。

By the time the hour of Shen and You arrives, things gradually decline and fall; rain comes ahead. Branches and flowers are splashed with mud and water, becoming dirty and no longer clean. This indicates a sign of declining fortune and corruption of purity, which is ominous: reputation is easily damaged, and one should maintain personal purity and remain cautious.