The hexagram of Loss (Hexagram 64) is called "Forest of Loss."

巽：天地鈐塞，仁智隱伏。商旅不行，利潤難得。

Heaven and earth are closed off and communication is blocked, with the benevolent and the wise all withdrawing and not appearing; merchants cannot travel and profits are difficult to obtain. "Heaven and earth are closed, the virtuous retreat" is from the Wenyan section of the Zhou Changes. This indicates a situation of blocked circumstances, which is ominous: business and long journeys are unfavorable, and it is advisable to remain hidden and wait for the time to open up.

兌：福德之士，歡悅日喜。夷吾相桓，三歸為臣。賞流子孫。

Those who possess virtue and blessings experience daily joy and contentment. Just as Guan Zhong, whose given name was Yiwu, assisted Duke Huan of Qi, enjoying the wealth of three returns and holding the highest position among ministers, his rewards extended even to his descendants. The account of Guan Zhong having three returns and his position above that of a companion minister is recorded in the "Analects of Confucius · Chapter 8 Yiyi" and the "Records of the Grand Historian · Biographies of Guan and Yan." This represents an omen of encountering a ruler and achieving success, with benefits extending to future generations, indicating great auspiciousness.

渙：上無飛鳥，下無走獸。擾亂未治，勞民於事。

Heaven has no flying birds, and the earth has no wandering beasts, presenting a scene of utter desolation; disorder has not yet been quelled, yet the people are still being forced into various labors. This indicates a situation of barren land and disrupted governance, with exhausted people, which is extremely ominous: it is advisable to allow the people to rest, and not to initiate further tasks or levies.

節：月削日衰，工夫下機。宇宙滅明，不見三光。（謙之觀）

The moon gradually wanes and the sunlight gradually fades, the weaver puts down the loom and stops working. The light in the universe is extinguished, and the three luminaries, sun, moon, and stars, are no longer visible. This signifies an omen of complete darkness and cessation of livelihood, a great misfortune. One should remain still and wait for clarity, and must not act rashly. The note indicates that this oracle is repeated from the "Observation" section of the "Modesty" hexagram.

中孚：戴盆望天，不見星辰。顧小失大，福迯牆外。

He who wears a basin on his head and looks up at the sky cannot see any stars; focusing only on small gains leads to losing greater benefits, and good fortune slips away from outside the wall. "Wearing a basin to look at the sky" comes from Sima Qian's "Letter to Ren An." It signifies self-obscured insight and losing the bigger picture due to small considerations, which is ominous. One should remove the obstruction and look ahead with a broader perspective.

小過：握斗運樞，順天無憂。所行造德，與樂並居。

Holding the Big Dipper and turning the Heavenly Pivot, following the heavenly way without worries; every word and action accumulates virtue, accompanied by joy. "The Dipper is the Emperor's chariot, moving in the center" is seen in the Records of the Grand Historian: Celestial Offices. It signifies the image of following heaven's way and cultivating virtue, which is very auspicious: actions in harmony with the Dao bring blessings and happiness naturally.

既濟：操戟刺魚，披髮立憂。虎脫我輿，狼取我袍。亡馬失財。

Holding a long spear to spear fish, standing with disheveled hair and worrying; a tiger tore apart my chariot, and jackals carried off my robe; the horse was also lost, and money was gone. This indicates a situation where one is using the wrong tool, and both internal and external losses occur, which is extremely凶 (fateful). The method used is inappropriate, leading to robbery and loss of wealth.

未濟：兩人俱醉，相與悖戾。心乖不同，爭訟匈匈。

Two people both get drunk and quarrel with each other; their thoughts are opposite and they cannot agree, arguing loudly and eventually resorting to legal disputes. This indicates a situation of discord after drinking, with disputes arising. It is ominous; one should refrain from drinking and avoid conflicts, and stepping back would prevent calamity.

夬：戴堯扶禹，松喬彭祖。西遇王母，道路夷易。無敢難者。

Heavenly Stems: Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui Earthly Branches: Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai Trigrams: Qian (Heaven), Dui (Lake), Li (Fire), Zhen (Thunder), Xun (Wind), Kan (Water), Gen (Mountain), Kun (Earth) Glossary: Xingchu = Travel One who possesses the virtue of Tang Yao at the top of their head and the achievements of Xia Yu by their side, and also enjoys the longevity of figures like Chishenzi, Wang Zi Qiao, and Peng Zu; during the journey westward, they meet the Queen Mother of the West, with the path smooth and unimpeded, no one dares to obstruct or hinder. This indicates the favor of a wise ruler and the protection of a divine connection, making all endeavors and travels prosperous and successful, signifying long-lasting blessings and longevity.

乾：狼戾美謀，無言不殊。允厭帝心，悅以獲佑。

His mind is resolute and his strategies are refined; every word he speaks is outstanding. Indeed, it fully satisfies the Emperor's heart (the term "厌" is equivalent to "餍," meaning satisfaction). The sovereign is pleased and bestows his protection. This is an omen of successful submission of strategies, indicating that those who seek advancement through eloquent counsel will surely be recognized and rewarded with blessings.

坤：歲暮花落，陽入陰室。萬物伏匿，絕不可得。

As the year nears its end, flowers wither and the yang energy retreats into the yin aspect. All things become concealed and hidden, and efforts to seek anything result in nothing. This is a sign of seasonal blockage and inward retreat of vitality. Matters concerning planning and seeking wealth are difficult to achieve. It is advisable to remain quiet and wait, and to take action again when yang energy returns and spring arrives.

屯：雞鳴失時，君騷於憂。犬吠不休，行者稽留。

A rooster crows too early, missing the proper time, causing the master to feel anxious and troubled; the watchdog barks continuously, forcing travelers to delay their journey. This indicates a disorder in the seasonal timing and obstruction in movement, leading to delays in long trips and difficulties in completing planned matters on schedule.

蒙：鳧鷖游涇，君子以寧。履任不愆，福祿來成。

Wild geese and sea eagles move freely upon the Ji Spring River, depicting the scene of worship for peace and prosperity as described in the "Book of Songs · Da Ya · Fu Yi." Thus, the gentleman attains peace and security. Serving in office without making mistakes brings blessings and official rank naturally. This is an omen of maintaining righteousness and attaining safety, benefiting those in positions of responsibility and those who receive commands.

需：薄為蕃皮，勁風吹卻。欲上不得，復歸其宅。

A thin structure is merely the outer covering of a fence, easily blown away by a strong wind. It cannot ascend but must return to its original place. This signifies a shallow foundation that cannot withstand pressure. Advancement is unattainable; one should retreat to their original position to avoid damage.

訟：東行破車，步入危家。衡門垂倒，無以為主。賣袍續食，糟糠不飽。

Traveling east, the vehicle breaks down, and one has to walk into a family in decline; the house has a horizontal beam as a door, the building is about to collapse, and there is no one to take charge. One can only sell clothes for food, but even coarse food is not enough to fill the stomach. This signifies a family in disarray and travelers without a place to stay, indicating great misfortune for both travel and seeking wealth.

師：青牛白咽，呼我俱田。歷山之下，可以多耕。歲精之節，民人安寧。

A blue ox with a white throat calls me to go plow the fields together; at the foot of Lishan Mountain, there is much land to cultivate—this is precisely where Yu Shun once tilled the soil. When the year brings good harvests, the people naturally live in peace and stability. This is a sign of proper farming leading to sustenance, and harmony between superiors and inferiors. All agricultural endeavors are auspicious.

比：異國殊俗，情不相得。金木為仇，百賊擅谷。

In foreign lands customs differ, and mutual feelings are hard to align; metal and wood are in mutual control, leading to enmity. Many bandits occupy mountain valleys. This indicates a situation of mutual incompatibility and external troubles, making partnerships, marriages, and long journeys unsuitable. Special care should be taken to guard against robbery and theft.

小畜：陰陽精液，高熟脫折。治卵成鬼，肇生頭目。日有大吉。

Yin and yang energies凝聚 into essence, growing to a high point and then naturally falling off; like the hatching of bird eggs to produce strange creatures, which from the beginning have heads and eyes. This represents the beginning of creation and the initial emergence of vitality, where things start from nothing and gradually take shape, with great good fortune every day.

履：飢蟲作害，多亂纏綿，不可得秋。

A hungry insect eats and causes harm, entangled and persistent, crops cannot survive until autumn harvest. This indicates hidden depletion and failure at the last moment. Affairs are often obstructed by petty people, ultimately leading to no result.

泰：清冷如云，為兵導先。民人寬急，不知東西。

Cold air is clear and bleak, like gathering dark clouds, which is a sign that military disaster is about to arrive; the common people are at times relaxed and at times in distress, confused and unable to tell east from west. This is the appearance of impending military calamity and people's confusion, so one should avoid danger and remain calm, and must not act rashly.

否：班馬旅師，以息勞疲。役夫嘉喜，入戶見妻。

Halt the troops and return from a distant campaign, allowing the weary soldiers to rest; those who have been serving are happy and rejoice, entering their homes to see their wives. This is an omen of long service coming to an end and labor being ceased, with messengers arriving and long-separated people eventually reuniting.

同人：坐爭立訟，紛紛哅哅。卒成禍亂，災及家公。

Whether sitting or standing, there is contention and litigation; clamor and turmoil never cease. In the end, calamity arises, affecting the head of the family. This is an omen of strife and discord. Any lawsuit or dispute will inevitably involve the family, so it is advisable to resolve conflicts and reconcile grievances at an early stage.

大有：鹿食美草，逍遙求飽。趍走山間，過期乃還。肥澤且厭。

A deer eats abundant green grass, freely roaming in search of enough to eat. It runs through the mountains, returning after some time, yet has grown fat and well-fed. This symbolizes the image of being nourished wherever one goes. A traveler may return late but will be unharmed, and those seeking food or profit will ultimately achieve abundance.

謙：田鼠野雉，意尚欲去。拘制籠檻，不得搖動。

The field mouse and the wild pheasant were determined to escape, but they were caught and confined in a cage, unable to move at all. This symbolizes a situation where one is forced to remain where they are, controlled by others. Those seeking to escape, move, or travel will encounter obstacles. It is advisable to remain content and patient, waiting for the right opportunity.

豫：日趍月步，周遍次舍。歷險致遠，無有難處。

Like the sun moving swiftly and the moon advancing slowly, it proceeds in order through the twenty-eight mansions of the sky; even though it faces difficulties and travels far away, there is no difficult path. This signifies orderly movement and the ability to overcome obstacles, indicating smoothness in long journeys and changes of position.

隨：天孫帝子，與日月處。光榮於世，福祿祺祉。

The celestial maiden Tian Sun and the son of the emperor dwell in the heavens along with the sun and moon; their brilliance shines brightly upon the mortal world, gathering fortune, official rank, and auspiciousness all in one body. This is an omen of supreme honor and grandeur. Those seeking fame and position will have great good fortune, and their careers are expected to flourish and expand.

蠱：晨風文翰，大舉就溫。時過我邑，羿無所得。

The poem "Chen Feng" from the "Book of Songs," the Qin Wind, describes the鹯 bird and the splendid peacock, both soaring high to warm places. They pass over my city, and even the skilled archer Hou Yi cannot catch them. This is an omen of rising high and moving away to avoid harm and achieve safety. It is auspicious for those who wish to avoid misfortune and travel far, but if one desires to capture something, it will ultimately come to nothing.

臨：旦生夕死，名曰嬰鬼，不可潛視。

A child born in the morning and dying by evening is called "infant ghost," and one must not secretly look at it. This signifies a short and sudden death, a凶秽 (evil and unclean) omen to be avoided. Matters planned will not endure long. When asking about illness or pregnancy, particular caution should be taken.

觀：疾貧望幸，使伯南販。開牢擇羊，多得大牂。

Suffering from poverty and illness, hoping for a change of fortune, he sent his elder brother south to trade goods. When opening the sheep pen to select, he found many fat ewes called 'zang'. This is an omen of hardship ending and profit being gained. Going out to trade and selecting goods will surely bring substantial gains.

噬嗑：長城驪山，生民大殘。涉井發難，唐叔為患。

The Qin dynasty built the Great Wall and constructed the Ling Mountain mausoleum, causing great suffering to the people; a minor incident by a well led to calamity, and even the descendants of Tang Shu became involved in disaster. This is an omen of exhausting the people and causing resentment, with internal strife arising from trivial matters. Those who undertake great projects and major endeavors will inevitably suffer harm.

賁：娶於姜呂，駕迎新婦。少齊在門，夫子歡喜。

A young woman from the state of Qi has arrived at the groom's door, and he drives to迎娶 her. The marriage is auspicious, indicating a harmonious union. Marriage, alliance, and covenant are all prosperous and smooth.

剝：隨時草木，灌時葉起。扶疏條桃，長大盛美。華沷鑠疏。

Grasses and trees grow in accordance with the seasons, and when watered timely, their leaves sprout and spread. The peach branches spread out and intermingle, gradually growing tall and lush, with flowers blooming brightly and vividly. This is the image of things growing prosperously in their proper time. If one nurtures matters in accordance with the right timing, they will naturally flourish and become increasingly prosperous.

復：姬姜悅歡，二姓為婚。霜降合好，西施在前。

The Ji and Jiang families are happy and harmonious, having formed a marriage. Following ancient customs, they solemnize their union after the Cold Dew festival, with a beautiful woman, as lovely as West Lake's Xi Shi, present before them. This is an omen of a favorable relationship forming at the right time, indicating that both marriage and cooperation will result in good matches and pleasant outcomes.

旡妄：戴笠獨宿，晝不見日。勤勞無妄，長勞悲思。

He who wears a straw hat and lives alone in the open, unable to see the sun even in daylight, toils diligently all day without a single thought of improper desires, and after long labor ends up with only sorrow in his heart. This is the image of hard work with little reward and solitary endurance. Though he adheres to the right path without losing his integrity, he ultimately labors in vain with little success.

大畜：始加元服，二十繫室。新婚既樂，伯季有德。

At the first ceremony of the cap, which marks the beginning of adulthood as recorded in the "Rites of the Gentleman: The Ceremony of the Cap," a man is twenty years old and marries to start a family. Newlywed couples are happy and harmonious, with siblings of different ages each possessing virtue. This signifies the establishment of a household and the prosperity of the family door. Marriage, establishing a career, and advancing in society all occur at the right time.

頤：二至靈臺，文所止遊。雲物備具，長樂無憂。

At the two solar terms of Winter Solstice and Summer Solstice, one ascends the Lingtai to observe clouds and natural phenomena, for that place is precisely where King Wen of the Zhou dynasty once rested and enjoyed himself as described in the "Great Odes" section of the Book of Songs. With complete cloud formations and accurate seasonal signs, one can enjoy long-lasting happiness without worry. This represents a sign of harmonizing with heaven and following the proper seasons, enjoying peace and prosperity. All matters, when properly prepared, ensure long-term security and no worries.

大過：久陰霖雨，塗行泥潦。商人休止，市空無有。

Continuous rainy weather with overcast skies has made the roads muddy and waterlogged; merchants have therefore stopped trading and the market is empty with no goods. This indicates obstruction and disruption, with unfavorable conditions for travel and commerce. It is advisable to temporarily suspend activities and wait for clear weather.

坎：城壞厭境，數為齊病。侵伐不休，君臣擾憂。上下屈竭，士民乏財。

The city walls have collapsed and collapsed upon the border, repeatedly becoming a source of trouble for the state as Qi advances; continuous warfare has caused the king and his ministers to be anxious and fearful, the state's strength has been exhausted and depleted, and both the officials and common people have run out of money. This indicates an unceasing border threat and a scarcity of state resources. When asking about state affairs or financial matters, it portends misfortune.

離：南國盛茂，黍稷醴酒。可以饗養，樂我嘉佑。

In the southern country, the five grains are flourishing and abundant, with millet and millet grains matured and fermented into sweet liquor. This is sufficient for feasting and entertaining guests, joyfully receiving this fine blessing. This is the image of a bountiful year providing sustenance. It is auspicious for worship, feasting guests, and seeking blessings.

咸：憂在心腹，內崩為疾。禍起蕭牆，意如制國。

Anxiety and troubles arise within the heart and abdomen, causing internal collapse and leading to illness. This is like the saying in the Analects of the Duke Ji Shi, "Disaster arises within the walls," while still thinking of controlling the state. This indicates a sign of internal change impending and a strong exterior but weak interior. It is advisable to first stabilize the internal affairs and be cautious of disturbances from close associates.

恆：朽根刖樹，花葉落去。卒逢大焱，隨風僵仆。

The tree's roots are rotten, its trunk is wounded, flowers and leaves fall off in disorder; finally it meets a fierce fire, blown by the wind, causing it to fall down and die. This is an omen of fundamental injury followed by sudden calamity. Those with unstable foundations will surely collapse, and special caution should be taken against unexpected disasters.

遯：樹表為壇，相與笑言。午中不會，寵榮棄袚。

They erected a pole and built an altar, with people gathering together to talk and laugh; but by the appointed time at noon, they did not all arrive, and the favor and glory were also discarded along with the purification ritual. This indicates a failure to meet the appointed time and a disruption of favor and glory, meaning that what was hoped for is likely to be mostly unfulfilled.

大壯：四足俱走，駑疲任後。兩戰不勝，敗於東楚。

Four legs run together, and the weak and tired horse can only fall behind; two battles were both lost, finally defeated by the eastern state of Chu. This is the image of being unable to meet the demands, suffering repeated defeats in battle. Those engaged in competition or contest are not favorable, and should avoid confronting the opponent's strength.

晉：執轡在朝，回還故處。麥秀傷心，叔父無憂。

Holding the reins of a horse while serving in court, then returning to one's original position; seeing the sprouting wheat of the old country, feeling sorrowful as Ji Zi did when he composed the "Song of Wheat," while the elder uncles remain carefree and untroubled. This signifies returning to one's former position and reflecting on past times, though there may be sorrow, personal safety is not compromised.

明夷：夜長日短，陰為陽賊。萬物空枯，藏於北陸。

The night is long and the day short, with yin energy overpowering yang energy; all things are empty and withered, retreating to the northern cold region. This is an omen of excessive yin and declining yang, with vitality concealed. Small people gain power while the virtuous should remain hidden, and endeavors will not be easily realized.

家人：鳴鳩七子，均而不殆。長大成就，棄合於好。

The *Book of Songs*, *Cao Feng · Shi Jiu* describes the sparrow nurturing seven young birds, with equal care and without slackness. When the young birds grow up and become capable, they may temporarily scatter but eventually reunite. This symbolizes maintaining a balanced and fair heart, leading to family prosperity. It is auspicious for educating children, managing the household, and harmonizing with relatives.

睽：三羊上山，馳至大原。黃龍負舟，逐到夷陽。宛其玉囊。

Three sheep ascend the hilltop, galloping across the vast plateau; a yellow dragon carries boats, following to a level and sunny place, resembling a warm and smooth jade pouch. This signifies riding the momentum upward with divine assistance, indicating that long journeys and migrations may bring gain and treasures.

蹇：首足易處，頭尾顛倒。公為雌嫗，亂其蠶織。

The head and feet have exchanged positions, and the whole body is completely inverted; the head of the household is engaged in the tasks of a woman, and the process of raising silkworms and weaving is disrupted. This signifies a disorder in hierarchy and a confusion of roles, with each losing their proper position, leading to failure in all affairs. It is advisable to correct the proper roles and positions.

解：登高望家，役事未休。王事靡盬，不得逍遙。

Climbing to a high place to look afar at one's hometown, yet the service to the authorities is not yet finished; just as the poem "Bao Yu" from the "Shi Jing · Tang Feng" laments, "The king's affairs never cease," the official duties have no end, and one cannot enjoy ease and leisure. This signifies a situation where the person is away from home, with an uncertain return date. The traveler longs to return but is unable to do so.

損：畏昏不行，候旦待明。燎獵受福，老賴其慶。

Because of fear of darkness, one remains still and waits until dawn to move; at that time, lighting fires to hunt brings good fortune, and the elderly also rely on this joy. This represents the image of being cautious and waiting for the right time, with movement later leading to good results. In all matters, not being impetuous leads to gain, especially benefiting those who are mature and experienced.

益：孤獨特處，莫依無輔，心勞志苦。

Alone and isolated, with no support or assistance, the mind is exhausted and the spirit is distressed. This is an omen of being cut off from help, where one's endeavors lack support. One must first seek to connect with like-minded people; otherwise, efforts will be in vain.

姤：山石朽破，消崩墜墮。上下離心，君受其祟。

The rocks on the mountain are rotten and broken, eroded and collapsing, falling down. Above and below are divided in purpose and morality, and the ruler thus suffers calamity. This is an omen of the foundation breaking apart and people's hearts scattering. Those in positions of authority should beware of ministers turning away and bringing disaster.

萃：文母聖子，無疆壽考，為天下主。

There is a "Wen Mu" possessing the virtue of Tai Si from the "Book of Songs · Zhou Songs," who gives birth to a wise son and enjoys boundless longevity, becoming the ruler of the world. This signifies a mother of virtue and a son of wisdom, with enduring blessings. It is highly auspicious for inquiries about descendants and high status.

升：倔傀如儀，前後相違。言如鱉咳，語不可知。

His expression is stubborn and strange, yet he puts on a polite appearance. His words and actions contradict each other. He speaks like a turtle coughing, his speech muddled and unclear. This indicates inconsistency between his appearance and inner self, and unclear speech. When dealing with such a person, one cannot obtain genuine information and should not easily trust him.

困：五龍俱起，強者敗走。露我苗稼，年歲大有。

Five dragons rise together to bring rain, but the strong ones retreat; the rain and dew nourish my millet and crops, resulting in a bountiful harvest this year. This is an omen of many virtuous people rising together, with evil unable to overcome righteousness. Both agricultural affairs and seeking wealth can turn potential dangers into abundance.

井：雷除善猛，雖為功醫。驥疲鹽車，出於御棰。

Thunder and lightning sweep away filth with great speed, though this is also considered a way to build merit and cure illness; yet the thousand-mile horse, as recorded in the "Strategies of the Warring States," is exhausted from pulling a salt cart and even whipped by the driver. This symbolizes the situation of a great talent being used in a minor role, where one's efforts are rewarded with hardship. A person of great ability is not in the right position and must wait for a true connoisseur to recognize their worth and rescue them frompredicament.

革：江南多蝮，螫我手足。冤煩詰屈，痛徹心腹。

In the southern regions, there are many蝮 snakes, and I was bitten on my hands and feet. There is a sense of injustice and confusion, with difficulties that are hard to resolve, and the pain reaches my chest and abdomen. This indicates being harmed secretly and being entangled in grievances. Traveling south requires particular caution against poisonous creatures and verbal disputes.

鼎：心無可據，射鹿不得。多言少實，語無成事。

One has no firm intention in mind, and thus even shooting a deer will miss; one speaks much but accomplishes little in reality, and empty words cannot achieve results. This indicates an unstable mind and exaggerated words, leading to difficulties in achieving one's plans. It is advisable to speak less and act with sincerity and determination.

震：君明臣賢，鳴求其友。顯德之政，可以履土。

The sovereign is wise and virtuous, and the ministers are capable and virtuous, like the birds singing to seek companions as described in the Book of Songs, Xiao Ya, "Famoussawing." By implementing clear moral and righteous policies, the ruler can securely hold his territory. This is the image of harmonious relationship between sovereign and ministers. Seeking virtuous talents, entrusting them with tasks, and defending the territory are all auspicious.

艮：安土宜官，一日九遷。踰越群等，牧養常山。

Residing in one's native land and being suitable for official positions, rising nine ranks within a single day; surpassing peers to take charge of the governorship of Changshan. This is an omen of rapid promotion. Those seeking official positions are highly auspicious and may expect promotion beyond their peers.