The Forest of Xian (the 64th hexagram Xian)

復：平正賤使，至服苦事。

A person who is upright and honest is treated as a lowly servant, eventually forced to bear burdensome tasks. This indicates a situation where a virtuous person suffers injustice and hardship, which is ominous: although possessing virtue, one is in a low position and bears heavy responsibilities. One should remain calm, abide by one's proper role, and wait for the right time.

旡妄：釣魴河湄，水泛無涯。振衣徒歸，上下昏迷。厲公經齊。

By the river fishing for the crucian carp, the water spreads widely without bounds; shaking off the clothes and returning empty-handed, confusion and bewilderment arise above and below. The case of Chen Li Gong is also like this, with confusion and lack of direction. This indicates an omen of fruitless effort and loss of order, which is ominous: seeking profit by the water fails, and it is advisable to remain calm and observe the situation.

大畜：胎養萌生，始見兆形。遭逢雷電，摧角折頸。採□山頭，終安不傾。

The embryo develops within the mother's body, just beginning to show its form and signs. Suddenly it encounters thunder and lightning, breaking its horn and twisting its neck. Fortunately, it gathers resources from the mountain top, ultimately remaining stable and not overturned. The original text here has missing characters, indicated by 「□」 for doubt without conjecture. This represents an image of something newly born encountering misfortune but ultimately being preserved: the beginning is difficult, but with perseverance, stability is achieved.

頤：陽春枯槁，夏多水潦。雷雹俱擊，傷我禾黍。年歲困苦。

The season meant for growth, yang spring, saw the grass and trees withered instead; by summer there was continuous flooding. Thunder, lightning, and hail all came down together, destroying my millet and rice. The whole year was filled with hardship. This indicates a reversal of the natural order in the heavens, a great defeat for agriculture, which is extremely ominous. One should prepare for famine in advance and not rely on a good harvest.

大過：三耳六齒，痛疾不已。齲病蠹缺，墮落其宅。（缺一作鐵）

It has three ears and six teeth, with an abnormal appearance and continuous illness; the teeth are decayed and hollow, falling out one by one from the gum. This indicates a sign of long-term physical disability and illness, which is ominous: it presages oral and dental diseases and bodily deterioration, and treatment should be sought early. A marginal note refers to 'deficiency,' while another version reads 'iron.'

坎：失時無友，嘉偶出走，傫如喪狗。

Missing the right opportunity and having no friends nearby, even a good spouse has left home; a person is dispirited and exhausted, like a stray dog without a home. "Liu liu ru sang jia zhi gou" is a description of Confucius by the people of Zheng, as recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Family of Confucius." This phrase indicates a situation of losing timing and being isolated, which is extremely ominous: friends and relatives disperse, and one should reflect on oneself and maintain self-control in order to wait for a turning point.

離：宜重微民，歲樂年豐。百國無咎，君子安喜。

One should value the humble common people, thus bringing joy to the year and abundant harvests; no country will suffer misfortune or error, and the virtuous will be at ease and happy. This indicates a favorable omen of the people's security and stability, which is a great blessing: governance and family management should both be based on caring for the people below.

咸：登几上車，駕駟南遊。合散從橫，燕秦以強。

Supporting the armrest, he mounted the carriage and drove four horses southward for a tour; the strategies of forming alliances and balancing power came and went, leading Yan and Qin to become strong. The events of the纵横 (hegemonic strategies) are recorded in the "Strategies of the Warring States." This refers to the image of employing flexible strategies to gain strength, which is auspicious: those who skillfully use external support can achieve great success.

恆：鳥集茂木，心樂願得。烏鵲食穀，張口受哺。柔順利貞，感戴慈母。

Flying birds gather on a lush, tall tree, content and fulfilled; magpies peck at grains, while young birds open their mouths to be fed. Gaining benefit by being gentle and upright, one feels gratitude towards a kind mother. This signifies receiving support and being nurtured, indicating great auspiciousness: achieving success by relying on others, and filial piety brings blessings.

遯：啟蟄始生，萬物美榮。福祉未成，市買無贏。

At the time of Jingzhe, insects begin to awaken and all things flourish; however, blessings have not yet reached the stage of success, and business does not bring profit. This indicates a situation where vitality is just beginning to stir but the timing is not ripe: it is suitable to accumulate strength and wait for the right moment, as engaging in commerce now brings no profit.

大壯：驕滷火形，造惡作凶。無所能成，還自滅身。（一作：草木黃落，歲云暮矣。唐攻高城，大人失福。）

A person who is arrogant, rude, and full of anger, persistently committing evil deeds and acting violently, will ultimately achieve nothing and destroy himself. This indicates a sign of self-destruction through aggression, which is extremely凶. It is advisable to calm down the arrogance and change to a righteous path. The annotation notes that another version reads "grass and trees turn yellow and fall, the year is nearing its end. Tang attacked the high city, the superior person loses his blessings," which refers to the time approaching its end, military campaigns failing, and those in high positions losing their blessings. The meaning is consistent.

晉：異國他土，出良駿馬。去如奔□，害不能傷。（一作：避亡東走，反入禍口。制於爪牙，骨為灰土。）

In a foreign land, fine horses are produced, running as swift as a storm, immune to any harm. The original text here has a missing character, indicated by 「□」, and is not conjectured. This passage signifies the image of acquiring good resources and being able to avoid harm, which is auspicious: the support one relies upon is sufficient for self-preservation. A marginal note states that another version reads 「avoiding death by fleeing east, yet falling into the mouth of calamity. Controlled by claws and teeth, bones turn to dust」, which represents a disastrous meaning of evading disaster but ultimately suffering it, contrary to the auspicious meaning. Both versions are preserved for reference.

明夷：恪敬競職，心不作慝。君明臣忠，民賴其福。

With respect, caution, sincerity, and dedication, one's heart does not harbor any evil thoughts. The sovereign is wise and virtuous, and the ministers are loyal and devoted; the people rely on them to gain blessings. This indicates a situation where the ruler and ministers share the same virtue, and superiors and inferiors are in harmony, which is a great auspicious omen. For those in official positions or engaged in affairs, sincerity and respect will surely bring rewards.

家人：三女求夫，伺候山隅。不見覆關，長思憂嘆。

Three women wish to marry, waiting by the foot of a mountain, hoping to see their beloveds. Yet they can never see the figure of their lovers across the hill, and thus remain in constant longing and sorrow. "Not seeing the return path, tears flow endlessly" comes from the Book of Songs, Wei Wind, Meng. This line signifies the situation where one's desired person does not arrive, and the marriage does not take place, indicating a bad omen. Waiting is futile; it is better to make other plans.

睽：駕福乘喜，東至嘉國。戴慶南行，離家室居。

Riding on good fortune and accompanied by joy, one travels eastward to a beautiful land; bearing the name of celebration, one proceeds southward, thus leaving behind the old home. This indicates the image of gaining blessings through relocation. It is a favorable omen with a parting aspect: going out can bring good fortune, but one must reside far from home.

蹇：四奸為殘，齊魯道難。前驅執役，戒守無患。

The wicked and lawless people in all directions are causing disturbances and making the roads to Qi and Lu difficult to travel. Those leading the way and accompanying the journey should remain vigilant and cautious, thus avoiding calamity. This indicates a situation where there are dangers on the road, but careful guarding can prevent them. Long journeys should be undertaken in groups with precautions, and caution will lead to no blame.

損：下憂上煩，蠹政為患，歲飢無年。

The common people are distressed, while the officials above are troubled. Corrupt practices, like pests, have become a calamity, with poor harvests and no grain. This indicates a situation where governance is corrupting the people and causing hardship, which is a great misfortune. It is advisable to eliminate accumulated evils; otherwise, famine is inevitable.

益：雞雉失雛，常畏狐狸。黃池要盟，越國以昌。

A hen and a wild jungle fowl lose their young, constantly on guard against foxes stealing them; this is like King Fuchai of Wu advancing north to Huangchi to compete with the feudal lords for alliance, leaving his rear vulnerable, allowing Yue to rise and flourish. The event of Huangchi is recorded in "Zuo Zhuan · Ai Gong Thirteenth Year." This signifies a situation where one is preoccupied with external matters and neglects internal affairs, which is ominous: one should not display external strength at the expense of neglecting the foundation.

夬：堅冰黃鳥，常哀悲愁。不見米粒，但觀蓬蒿。數驚鷙鳥，為我心憂。

In the season when the ice is thick and frozen, the yellow bird cries in sorrow, filled with grief all day long; there is no grain to be found, only clusters of wormwood and thistles before the eyes; and it is repeatedly disturbed by fierce birds, adding more worry. "Jiao Jiao Huang Niao" comes from the "Book of Songs · Qin Feng · Huang Niao," originally expressing a tone of sorrow. It signifies the situation of extreme hunger and cold, with constant disturbances, which is a great misfortune: one should prepare food supplies in advance and avoid conflicts with the powerful.

姤：玉銳鐵頤，倉庫空虛。市賈為盈，與我為仇。（元本有：時不我與，亡利為作。）

A jade-edged blade paired with an iron jaw appears sharp but is actually in mutual control; the warehouse is empty while merchants on the market make a fortune, turning into my adversaries. This indicates a situation of business failure and loss to others, which is ominous: trade and competition are not advisable, and it is better to remain content with what one has. The marginal note mentions another line from the original text: "The time does not wait for me, loss has already been incurred," meaning that the opportunity has passed and loss is inevitable.

萃：竊名盜位，居非其家。霜隕不實，為陰所賊。三年失室。

Secretly seizing reputation and usurping high position, residing in a house not meant for oneself; early autumn frost descends and fruits do not form, harmed by yin energy, losing family and home within three years. This indicates a situation where reputation does not match reality, ultimately leading to downfall. A great凶 (misfortune): one should abide by one's proper role and must avoid overstepping.

升：賊仁傷德，天怒不福。斬刈家社，失其本域。

Causing harm to benevolence and righteousness, damaging virtue, heaven is enraged and no longer bestows blessings; the family's earth god is cut down and removed, even the ancestral territory is lost. This indicates a sign of moral corruption and loss of divine favor, a great misfortune: one should quickly correct past wrongs and cultivate virtue to seek a change in fortune.

困：萬物和生，蟄蠱振起。益爵增福，日受其喜。

All things grow smoothly, and even insects that were dormant awaken and fly; official rank increases daily, and blessings grow thicker, with joy coming every day. This indicates a sign of renewed vitality and advancing official position, which is very auspicious. After a long period of difficulty, success is certain, and it is most appropriate to take initiative and strive forward.

井：和氣所生，物皆不朽。聖賢居位，國無凶咎。

Things generated by harmonious and gentle energies can endure and not decay; when virtuous men and sages hold positions, the state will have no dangers or mistakes. This indicates a favorable omen of obtaining virtuous people and achieving good governance, which is very auspicious. If the foundation is established with proper people, all matters can be preserved for a long time.

革：龍游鳳舞，歲樂民喜。

The divine dragon soars freely, the colorful phoenix dances, and auspicious signs appear together; the harvest is bountiful, and the people are joyful. This signifies a clear manifestation of auspicious omens and a year of abundant harvests and harmonious people. It is a great blessing: all affairs are suitable, and there is no disadvantage in anything.

鼎：鼎行窘步，次伯方舍。居安不懼，姬妾何憂。

Carrying a tripod while walking, the steps are awkward and difficult; the assistant and the superior are setting up their residence. Since they have found a secure place without incident, there is no need to fear, and the concubines have nothing to worry about. This indicates a situation where although the burden is heavy and difficult, the circumstances are secure: although the task is arduous, the household is free from worry.

震：水深難遊，霜寒難涉。商伯失利，旅人稽留。

Water is too deep to swim across, and heavy frost with cold weather makes travel difficult; the leader of a merchant caravan has suffered a loss, and travelers are stuck on the road and unable to proceed. This indicates an omen of blocked travel and business failure. It is凶 (unfavorable): one should not go out to seek profit, but instead wait for the weather to warm up.

艮：跛踦相隨，日暮牛罷。陵原徙傷，失利亡雌。

The lame ones support each other in walking, but as the sky grows dark and the oxen are exhausted. On the mountains and plains, they migrate and get injured, losing both their advantage and their livestock. This indicates a situation of exhausted strength and reaching an impasse, which is ominous. Migration and travel are unfavorable, and it is better to stay nearby and rest.

漸：一牛九鎖，更相牽攣。案明如市，不得東西。請讞得報，日中被刑。

A cow is tied with nine chains, all pulling and entangling each other, making it unable to move. The case is examined clearly, with many spectators like a market, yet the person cannot go east or west. The request for review is approved, and the execution takes place at noon. This indicates someone involved in legal disputes who ultimately suffers punishment, a great凶 omen: one must avoid lawsuits at all costs.

歸妹：春桃生花，季女宜家。受福孔多，男為邦君。

In spring, peach trees bloom with abundant flowers; a young woman is most suitable for marriage and establishing a family. She receives great blessings, and the sons she bears may later become a king of a country. "Tao Zhi Tao Tiao" and "Zhi Zi Yu Gui, Yi Qi Shi Jia" come from the "Book of Songs · Zhou Nan · Tao Tao." This signifies a favorable omen for marriage and the prosperity of the family through a distinguished son.

豐：雷鼓東行，稼穡凋傷。大夫執政，君贊其明。

Thunder sounds like war drums rolling eastward, destroying and damaging the crops; the minister holds power, while the king praises him as wise. This indicates a situation where authority shifts downward and the superiors lose their oversight, which is ominous: agricultural affairs are harmed, authority is lost, and it is advisable to take control early and manage affairs oneself.

旅：季世君憂，亂國淫遊。殃禍立至，民無以休。

In a declining era, the ruler is full of anxiety and fear, yet still indulges in pleasures amidst the chaos of the country. Calamities and misfortunes descend suddenly, and the people can no longer find respite. This indicates a sign of the end of an era marked by confusion and disorder, which is extremely ominous. One should restrain indulgence and strive to reverse the decline; otherwise, disaster will come without delay.

巽：發輗溫陽，過雨宿房。宜時布和，無所不通。

Load the crossbar of the carriage and set out, with warm weather; if rain occurs on the way, take shelter in a house, proceeding calmly. Following the proper season with harmonious giving leads to smooth progress everywhere. This indicates a favorable omen of adaptability and success in all endeavors, great auspiciousness: travel and negotiations will be favorable.

兌：水中大賈，求利十千。商人不至，市空無有。

A wealthy merchant on the waterway hopes to make a fortune; unexpectedly, no fellow merchants come, and the market is empty with no goods available. This indicates a situation where expectations are unmet and trade fails, which is ominous: trade should be slow, and large investments should not be made.

渙：春草萌生，萬物敷榮。陰陽和暢，國樂無憂。

In spring, grass breaks through the soil and sprouts, with all things flourishing and expanding; the energies of yin and yang are harmonious and unimpeded, bringing peace and joy throughout the country without worry. This signifies a flourishing vitality and harmony between above and below, which is highly auspicious. All matters begin here, and it is most appropriate to take action.

節：左眇右盲，目視不明。下民多孽，君失其常。

The left eye is blind and the right eye is sightless, unable to see anything clearly; the people below suffer frequent calamities, and the ruler has lost the proper way. This indicates a situation where the superior is confused and the inferior is chaotic, which is a great凶 (misfortune). When the ears and eyes are not clear, the decrees and orders will surely be lost. It is advisable to listen widely and observe carefully.

中孚：悅以內安，不利出門。憂禍消除，公孫何尤。

The mind is joyful and the inner chamber is peaceful, at this time it is not advisable to go out on a long journey; worries and misfortunes will naturally disappear, so what fault could there be with the branch of the public master? This indicates that staying within is auspicious, while going out leads to loss: one should remain at home in peace, waiting for good fortune to arrive.

小過：冊書之信，言不負語。易我驎驥，君子有德。

A written contract, with words that are never broken; using it to exchange for my fine horse, the gentleman thus shows virtue. It signifies the image of keeping promises and successful trade, a great auspice: agreements and transactions can be entrusted.

既濟：上政搖擾，蟲螟並起。害我嘉穀，年歲無稷。

The government's policies are unstable and chaotic, and the locusts and other pests all emerge together; they destroy my good crops, and in the end, not even millet can be harvested. "Eliminate the locusts and pests" is found in the Book of Songs, Xiao Ya, Da Tian. This signifies a situation where political disorder brings disaster and crops are ruined, indicating a great misfortune: it is advisable to stabilize internal governance to avoid famine caused by pests.

未濟：干旄旌旗，執在載郊。雖有寶玉，無路致之。

A banner decorated with an ox's tail is held high, and the ceremonial procession stops in the outskirts. Though one holds precious treasures and jade, there is no way to deliver them to the right person. "Jie jie gan mao, zai jun zhi jiao" comes from the Book of Songs, Volume Yong Feng, "Gan Mao." This refers to a situation where there are goods but no proper channel, and contributions cannot reach their destination, indicating a凶 (unfavorable) omen: possessing resources but lacking a path, one should first establish connections.