The hexagram of Loss (Hexagram 64) is called "Forest of Loss."
Charting guides: Da Yan Yarrow Stalk Divination, Liu Yao Divination Chart
大過:彭生為妖,暴龍作災。盜堯衣裳,聚蹠荷兵。青禽照夜,三旦夷亡。
The Left Transmission records that Peng Sheng, who was killed, became a malevolent spirit and turned into a demon; a fierce dragon arose causing calamity. Someone stole and wore the clothes of the sage Yao, pretending to be a virtuous person, and gathered followers of Dou Zhi with weapons. A strange green bird shone at night, but was destroyed within three mornings. This is the appearance of demons usurping power, and those who pretend to act under false names rise and fall quickly.
坎:華言風語,亂相誑誤。終無凶事,安寧如故。(咸之頤)
Superficial words and groundless rumors circulate, confusing and misleading each other, but ultimately there is no misfortune, and everything remains peaceful as usual. This indicates a situation of false alarm without real danger; although rumors may cause disturbance, they are not harmful. One may rest in peace. This passage is the same as the one in "Xian Zhī Yí."
離:延頸見足,身困名辱。欲隱避仇,為害所滅。
He who stretches his neck ends up exposing his feet, suffering personal hardship and disgrace; he intended to hide from his enemies but is destroyed by calamity. This is the image of wanting to hide but becoming visible. Those who do not conceal themselves properly will eventually face misfortune. It is advisable to plan thoroughly and act promptly.
咸:無足斷跟,居處不安。凶惡為殘,君臣相得。(一作君臣得安,和合於天。保下奠上,大相蒙湛。)
Without feet, the foot is broken, and residence is not secure; evil people act with cruelty, but fortunately the ruler and ministers still get along. This is an omen of personal danger yet harmony between superiors and inferiors, so although facing adversity, the ruler and ministers can still support each other. Another version states 'the ruler and ministers find peace, harmonizing with heaven, protecting the people and stabilizing the ruler, great harmony and clarity,' which conveys a more auspicious meaning.
恆:三人俱行,北求大牂。孟長病足,借季負糧。柳下之貞,不失驪黃。
Three people set out together heading north to seek a fat ewe. The eldest has a foot ailment, so he relies on the youngest to carry the grain. With the integrity of Liu Xiaohui and the discernment of Jiufanggao in appraising horses without being confined by their color, this is a sign of mutual assistance among companions. Those who recognize people not by their appearance will surely achieve their goals.
遯:退飛見祥,傷敗毀墜。守小失大,功名不遂。
Flying backwards shows an ominous sign, leading to injury, ruin, breaking, and falling; clinging to small matters while losing the bigger picture, one cannot achieve success in fame and status. This is the image of losing the greater for the lesser, and those who retreat and focus on minor details will not accomplish great things.
大壯:持心懼怒,善搖數動。不安其處,散渙府藏。利得無有。
His mind is both fearful and angry, easily swaying and acting recklessly; he cannot remain steady in his position, and the wealth stored in the treasury is completely lost. He gains nothing at all. This is the image of a restless heart leading to the loss of wealth, where those who are restless and unstable exhaust their resources and ultimately gain nothing.
晉:牽尾不前,逆理失臣,怒翔以奔。
He pulls his tail but does not move forward, defying the way and losing his followers; he angrily flaps his wings and flees away. This is the image of forcefully dragging and losing harmony, and those who act against the principles will have their subjects and relatives turn against them.
明夷:祿如周公,建國洛東,父子俱封。
His salary is as generous as Duke Zhou's, establishing a feudal state east of the Luo River, with both father and son receiving titles. This is a sign of hereditary fiefdoms, where those of great merit and virtue are honored in their entire family, which is highly auspicious.
家人:君有八人,信允篤敏,為堯所舉。
The king has eight virtuous ministers under his command, sincere and steadfast, yet quick to act. They were all appointed and employed by Emperor Yao. This is the image of a group of virtuous men being recommended and appointed. Those who are both virtuous and capable will certainly be recommended and promoted; it is auspicious for those seeking advancement.
睽:久陰霖雨,泥塗行潦。商人休止,市空無有。
A long period of gloomy weather with continuous heavy rain, the road muddy and water accumulating; merchants stop their trades, and the market is empty with no goods. This is an omen of rain causing obstruction to business, both travel and commerce are hindered, it is advisable to delay and wait for clear weather.
蹇:無足斷跟,居處不安。凶惡為殘。(夬之大過)
There is no foot, and the heel is broken, leading to an unstable dwelling; evil people continue to cause harm. This signifies a situation of physical disability and perilous circumstances, with no reliable basis for movement or rest and external threats pressing in. It is advisable to remain still and preserve oneself. This passage is the same as the one in "Guai Zhī Da Guo."
解:馬蹄躓車,婦惡破家。青蠅汙白,恭子離居。
A horse's hooves are caught and the cart overturns, a wicked woman causes the family's ruin; the slanderer compared in the "Book of Songs · Xiao Ya · Qingying" defiles purity, and Gongzi Shen Sheng therefore left his dwelling. This is an omen of a wicked wife ruining the family, with an evil woman inside and slanderous words outside, making the household unstable.
損:噂噂所言,莫如我垣。歡喜堅固,可以長安。(乾之困,大有之屯。噂噂一作鳴鳴)
The words spoken openly by many people are not as reliable as my own wall; it is joyful and strong, ensuring long-term peace. This signifies the image of guarding oneself and finding security, indicating safety and longevity for those who do not listen to empty talk and remain steadfast in their proper roles. This passage is the same as the entries "Qian's困" and "Da You's屯," and the old text "噂噂" may also be written as "鸣鸣."
益:懿公淺愚,不受深謀。無援失國,為狄所滅。
Wei Yi Gong had shallow insight and was foolish, refusing to adopt far-sighted strategies. With no one coming to his aid, he lost his country and was finally destroyed by the Di people. This is the image of a nation's downfall due to rejecting advice, where those who do not listen to good counsel face widespread rebellion and personal death.
夬:騏驥綠耳,章明造父。風伯所獻,襄續厥緒。佐文成伯,為晉元輔。
Fine horses like Qi Ji and Lu Er demonstrated the skill of Zhaofu in horsemanship; the swift steeds presented by Fengbo were continued by Zhao Xiang. Assisting Jin Wen Gong in achieving hegemony, he became the chief minister of the Jin state. This exemplifies the image of attaining prestige through skill, showing that a single specialized skill can sustain a family and promote its lineage.
姤:駕車十里,來鮮魴鯉。非其肆居,自今後市。
He drove ten li, bringing fresh鲂 fish and carp; but this is not his usual place to set up his stall. From now on, he must move to another place to sell. This is the omen of goods not meeting the market. Although the goods are good, the location is not suitable. It is advisable to choose another place.
萃:求麞嘉鄉,惡地不行。道止中返,復還其床。
Going to a pleasant village to seek deer and elk, one does not venture into dangerous places. On the way, one stops and returns, going back to one's own bed. This is the image of knowing danger and returning. Those who choose goodness and avoid evil may gain nothing but will remain safe.
升:使鳩負裝,醉臥道傍。不知何功,竊我衣囊。(功一作公)
I sent a sparrow to carry my belongings, but it fell drunk by the roadside; I do not know which one stole my clothes and luggage. This is an omen of entrusting the wrong person. If the entrusted person is incompetent, then property will be stolen. Therefore, all affairs should be handled personally. The old text may have the character 'gong' instead of 'gong'.
困:登崑崙,入天門。過糟丘,宿玉泉。問惠觀,見仁君。
Climbing Mount Kunlun, entering the Heavenly Gate; passing through Zaoqiu, staying overnight at Yuquan; inquiring about the location of Hui Guan, finally meeting the benevolent and virtuous ruler. This is an omen of ascending high and encountering a noble person. Those who travel far and rise high may meet a wise sovereign and gain great blessings.
井:木為大床,患厭不起。季伯夜行,與善相逢。
Making a big bed from wood, the sick person is pressed down and unable to get up; Ji Shi and Bo Shi are traveling at night but meet a good connection. This is an omen of encountering help while sick, though confined by illness, there is secretly a nobleman supporting them.
鼎:烏孫氏女,深目黑丑。嗜慾不同,過時無耦。
The women of the Wusun people have deep-set eyes and dark skin, but are not handsome. They have differing desires and preferences, and after reaching marriageable age, they remain unmarried. This is an indication of incompatible customs. Since their aspirations differ, it is difficult for them to form a pair, and marital affairs are delayed and difficult to reconcile.
震:子鉏執麟,春秋作經。元聖將終,尼父悲心。(豫之大有)
When Zi Che captured a qilin during a western hunt, Confucius composed the Book of Spring and Autumn. The great sage's life was about to end, and Confucius was deeply sorrowful. This is an omen of concluding a great work, with achievements completed and the time of fate approaching its end; it is appropriate to settle major affairs promptly. This entry is the same as the passage 'Yu to Dàyǒu'.
艮:灼火泉源,釣魴山巔。魚不可得,火不肯燃。(鼎之旅)
At the source of a spring, set fire to it, and go up to the mountain top to fish for a type of fish called鲂; the fish will not be caught, and the fire will not be lit. This is an omen of losing what is sought, with methods and places entirely contradictory, leading to nothing accomplished. This entry is the same as the one in the section on 'Traveling in the Cauldron'.
漸:天馬五道,炎火久處。往來上下,作文約己。衣枲絲麻,相隨笑歌,凶惡如何。
The Heavenly Horse gallops through the five directions and roads, with fierce fire lingering for a long time. In the movement up and down, going and coming, one composes words and restrains oneself. Wearing clothes made of hemp and silk, one follows along singing and laughing; how can evil forces harm me? This is the image of cultivating literature and self-preservation. Those who are careful in their conduct and restrain themselves, even when facing intense heat, have no fear.
歸妹:鴟鴞破斧,沖人危殆。賴旦忠德,轉禍為福。危傾覆立。
The Book of Poetry, Wind of Bin, contains the poems "Chi Xiao" and "Po Fu," which describe the perilous situation of the young King Cheng. Thanks to the loyal virtue of Duke Zhou, the crisis was turned into good fortune, and the unstable situation was restored. This represents the image of a virtuous minister supporting the country in danger. When in difficulty, the presence of loyal and virtuous ministers can restore peace and stability.
豐:牡飛關啟,憂患大解,不為身禍。
The door latch flies off and the gate opens, removing worries and calamities, so that they do not become one's own misfortune. This is a sign of the removal of restraints, as someone long confined suddenly gains release, and calamities are thus dispelled.
旅:石門晨門,荷蕢食貧。遁世隱居,竟不逢時。
In the "Analects of Confucius," the gatekeeper at the stone gate who guarded the morning gate and the man carrying a basket of grass who lived in seclusion, both content with poverty and coarse food, withdrew from the world and ultimately did not encounter an era suitable for putting their principles into practice. This represents the image of a talented person retreating into seclusion, where the virtuous are not met with opportunity, and thus should remain content with poverty and hold fast to their aspirations.
巽:兔聚東郭,眾犬俱獵。圍缺不成,無所能獲。
Rabbits gathered in the eastern outskirts of the city, and many hunting dogs pursued them together. However, the encircling formation left an opening and did not close completely, resulting in nothing being caught. This is an omen of almost achieving success but failing at the last moment. If the arrangement is not thorough, all previous efforts will be wasted.
兌:三羊群走,雉兔驚駭。非所畏懼,自令勞苦。
Three sheep run in a group, while wild pheasants and rabbits are startled and confused. In reality, there is nothing to fear, yet one wastes energy and effort unnecessarily. This is an omen of self-disturbance, where the mediocre person worries unnecessarily and exhausts their mind; one should remain calm and discern between reality and illusion.
渙:羽翮病傷,無以為強。宋公德薄,敗於水泓。
The wings' feathers are injured and can no longer be strong; Song Xianggong has shallow virtue and weak power, and was defeated at the Battle of Hong Water. This is an omen of failure due to weakness in strength. Those with insufficient strength who insist on striving for victory will surely suffer defeat.
節:姬姜稚叔,三人偶食。論仁議福,以安王室。
The Ji clan, the Jiang clan, and the young Shu clan sat facing each other while dining; they discussed benevolence and deliberated on blessings, using these means to stabilize the royal house. This is an omen of united planning, where those with the same aspirations gather to discuss and thus secure the family and state.
中孚:精誠所在,神人為輔。德教亡患,彌世長久。三聖仍事,多受福祉。
When sincere intent is present, deities and all people come to assist; teaching through virtue brings no calamity, ensuring long-lasting prosperity through generations. Three sages successively take up this responsibility, receiving abundant blessings. This is the image of utmost sincerity moving the deities, and those who treat things with sincerity receive assistance and blessings.
小過:岐周海隅,獨樂不憂。可以避難,全身保財。
Mountains of Qishan and the original land of Zhou, along with a remote corner by the sea, offer solitude and peace without worry; one can take refuge there to avoid calamity, protect one's family and preserve wealth. This is an omen of choosing a place to escape turmoil, ensuring both safety and security for oneself and one's possessions.
既濟:孤獨特處,莫為依輔,心勞志苦。
Alone and isolated, with no one to rely on or assist, the mind is exhausted and the will is distressed. This is an omen of being isolated without support; in all affairs, there is a lack of helpers. It is advisable to first make connections with like-minded people before striving forward.
未濟:顧望登臺,意常欲逃。買辛丑惡,妻不安夫。
Looking back and hesitating as he ascends the high platform, his mind is always thinking of fleeing; the things he buys are both pungent and ugly, and his wife cannot be content with her husband. This indicates a dispersal of the heart, harboring thoughts of departure, domestic discord, and difficulties in achieving stability.
The Forest of the Cauldron (the 64th hexagram, the Cauldron Hexagram)
鼎 積德之君,仁政且溫。伊呂股肱,國富民安。
The ruler has accumulated virtue across generations, implemented benevolent governance, and treated his subordinates with kindness and sincerity. He also has virtuous ministers like Yi Yin and Lü Shang serving as his capable advisors. Yi Yin assisted King Tang of Shang, and Lü Shang supported King Wu of Zhou to establish their respective dynasties, serving as exemplary models of harmonious ruler-minister relationships. With a wise sovereign above and capable advisors below, the state enjoys abundant resources and the people live in peace and security. This family benefits from the support of capable individuals, leading to prosperity in both home and country, and achieving success in endeavors, which is a great auspicious omen.
乾 頃筐卷耳,憂不能傷。心思古人,悲慕失母。
In a shallow basket, only a few sprigs of卷耳 were gathered, as mentioned in the "Book of Songs · Zhou Nan · Juan Er" with the line "采采卷耳,不盈顷筐," which describes a heart full of牵挂 yet unable to focus on gathering. Though there is worry, it does not affect the root; it is merely remembering ancestors, and the grief over losing one's mother is profound and hard to overcome. The divination indicates that the main concern is in the heart, not the body, with missing family ties and lingering thoughts about the past, but there is no great harm in the matter.
坤 郄叔賈貸,行祿多悔,利無所得。
Xi Shu went out to do business and lend money, seeking wealth and official favor along the way, but everywhere he encountered regret and sorrow, and both principal and interest were lost. This is an omen of abandoning the fundamental and chasing the superficial, and excessive greed. The person in the forest is not favorable for business and lending, and traveling to seek profit leads to fruitless toil and repeated journeys. It is better to maintain what has been achieved and not to act recklessly.
屯 蹙足跛袵,闢坐不行。棄捐平人,名字無中。
He has injured his foot and walks with a limp. His robe's hem catches on his foot, preventing him from moving and forcing him to sit aside. Since he is disabled, he is abandoned by others and not even listed in the roster of those to be employed. This man has an illness and is obstructed in his movements. His efforts to gain recognition or advancement will not succeed, which is ominous.
蒙 文王四乳,仁愛篤厚。子畜十男,夭折無有。
It is said that King Wen of the Zhou dynasty had four breasts, and ancient people regarded this as a sign of his benevolence and kindness. The Huainanzi used this to illustrate his boundless love for others. He was deeply compassionate and sincere in his care, raising all ten of his sons to adulthood without any of them dying young. This indicates that the family here will have many descendants, a flourishing lineage, and children will grow up without calamity, which is highly auspicious.
需 容民畜眾,不離其居。
The phrase originates from the "Great Image" of the "Military Campaign" hexagram in The Zhou Changes: "The superior man acts with tolerance towards the people and maintains a large population." A ruler who is tolerant of his subjects and cares for the people will have the people attached to him, leading to stability and no need for migration, which is auspicious. This man is broad-minded and kind to his subordinates, so the people are loyal and remain in their homes, resulting in good fortune.
訟 三雛相逐,蠅墜釜中。灌沸潦殪,與母長決。
Three young birds chase and play with each other, like flies falling into a pot. When the boiling water pours over them, they are all scalded to death, thus forever parting from their mother bird. This is an omen of childish ignorance and self-inflicted danger. The forest owner's child is in danger of scalding by hot water and separation from family, which is a great calamity.
師 所望在外,鼎令方來。拭爵滌罍,炊食待之。不為季憂。
The person being awaited is still outside; the food in the tripod is just cooked, and good news is on the way. So they clean the wine vessel, wash the wine jar, light a fire to prepare a meal, and wait for him to return. This indicates that the householder's distant person is about to return, and guests will arrive. There is no need to worry about the young son at home; it is auspicious.
比 陸居少泉,高山無雲。車行千里,塗汙爾輪。亦為我患。
The person resides in a high and arid land where there is little water, and on the high mountains, clouds and rain do not arise. A carriage travels a thousand miles, its wheels muddied, and the entire journey becomes a burden. This indicates that the person's situation is dry and lacks nourishment, and their travel is obstructed. Although they strive to move forward, worries arise, making long journeys unfavorable.
小畜 東家殺牛,汙臰腥臊。神背西顧,命絕衰周。亳社災燒,宋人夷誅。(睽之明夷)
The eastern neighbor slaughtered an ox and performed a grand worship, but the sacrificial blood turned into foul and dirty filth. This is based on the Zhou Changes (I Ching), the section "East Neighbor Slaughters an Ox," which says, "The east neighbor slaughters an ox, but it is not as good as the west neighbor's simple worship." It explains that a thick offering is not as good as sincere heart. The spirits turned their backs and only looked toward the west, and the eastern family's fortune was cut off, just like the decline of the Zhou dynasty. The Spring and Autumn Annals, Year Four of Duke Ai, records that the temple of the state of Bo was destroyed by fire, and later the state of Song was also destroyed. This forest's worship is not sincere, its national fortune is declining, and it has also suffered from fire and military calamities, which is a great misfortune. The final note indicates that this forest is the same as the text of the hexagram Kui and Mingyi.
履 長子入獄,婦饋母哭。霜降旬日,嚮晦伏法。
The eldest son is imprisoned, his wife brings food to him in prison, and his mother cries at home. About ten days after the frost descends, when the sky is getting dark, he is executed. This indicates that the family's eldest son will face legal troubles, and the danger is especially great during autumn and winter, which is a major calamity.
泰 溫山松柏,常茂不落。鳳凰以庇,得其歡樂。
On a sunny and warm mountain, the pine and cypress trees remain evergreen throughout the four seasons, never withering or falling. The phoenix finds shelter beneath the shade of the trees, resting contentedly. This grove signifies a solid foundation and reliable support. The virtuous find a secure place to reside, their careers enduring and their hearts joyful, which is auspicious.
否 大屋之下,朝多君子。德施溥育,宋受其福。
Under a tall hall, the court is filled with virtuous gentlemen. Beneath the widespread benevolence and care for all people, the State of Song thus receives blessings. The forest's master has a virtuous person in power, with lenient governance and moral teachings. Both the state and family share in these blessings, which is auspicious.
同人 羅張目列,圍合有缺。採捕無功,魚鳥得脫。
The net is spread out, with its mesh arranged neatly, but there is an opening where the net is closed. After much effort, the fish and birds escape through the opening, resulting in nothing gained. This indicates that the person involved in an endeavor has a flaw, and the task is left incomplete, leading to empty efforts in hunting or seeking. If this is about someone trapped, it actually suggests that there is a way out.
大有 羔裘豹衣,高易我宇。君子惟好,至老無憂。
Wearing a ceremonial robe of sheepskin and leopard sleeves, as described in the Book of Songs, Zheng Wind, Xiao裘, which was the attire of the high-ranking officials; by this he gains a spacious residence. The gentleman maintains good relations with others and has no worries in old age. This indicates that the owner of this forest will advance in rank, move to a better residence, associate with capable people, and enjoy lifelong comfort and happiness, which is auspicious.
謙 大頭明目,載受福喜。三雀飛來,與祿相得。
A person with a tall forehead and bright eyes has the appearance of receiving blessings and happiness; three birds coming to rest signify the arrival of official rank and fortune. This person is blessed with noble qualities and frequent good news, and both seeking official positions and wealth will meet with good fortune. It is auspicious.
豫 銷鋒鑄耜,縱牛放馬。甲兵解散,夫婦相保。
Melting the edges of swords and spears to recast them into farming tools, releasing oxen and horses back to the fields, and disarming all weapons so that couples may remain together in peace. This is an omen of ceasing warfare and cultivating culture, a time when the world rests in peace. This is favorable for the forest, indicating the resolution of military conflicts and domestic tranquility. It is a good omen.
隨 吉月車攻,田弋雙禽。宣王飲酒,以告嘉功。
The chosen auspicious month was selected for the expedition to hunt in the fields. The "Book of Songs · Xiao Ya · Che Gong" records that King Xuan of Zhou gathered the feudal lords in the eastern capital for a hunting expedition, shooting pairs of game birds. Upon returning, they held a banquet to celebrate and reported this glorious achievement to the ancestral temple. This indicates that the owner of this forest has undertaken the right action at the right time, achieving a successful harvest in pairs. The ruler and ministers celebrated together, which is auspicious.
蠱 商人行旅,資無所有。貪貝逐利,留連王市。轘轅內安,君子何咎。
A merchant is traveling outside, having not much capital to begin with, yet he is greedy for wealth and seeks substantial profits, staying long in the market of the royal city. Fortunately, the area inside the Huan Yuan Pass is peaceful, so the gentleman, though busy and weary, will not commit any mistakes. This person has been away for a long time, with small profits and no calamity, and can ensure safety.
臨 火入井口,陽芒生角。犯歷天門,窺見太微。登上玉床,家易其公。
A flame of fire falls into the well mouth, and a horn-like halo appears around the sun. This light invades the heavenly gate, directly penetrating the constellation Taimei, and ascends to the jade bed of the imperial throne. Such an astronomical phenomenon indicates a sign of a minister encroaching upon the sovereign's position. This portends that the master of this forest will experience a reversal of hierarchy, a change of master within the household, which is an extraordinary and ominous change. It is凶 (auspicious).
觀 秋隼冬翔,數被嚴霜。甲兵充庭,萬物不生。雄父夜鳴,民擾大驚。
In autumn the hawk and falcon still circle in winter, repeatedly suffering from severe frost; the weapons of Jia soldiers fill the courtyard, and thus all things cannot grow. The rooster crows wildly at night, causing the people to be restless and frightened. This indicates that the ruler is involved in military turmoil, the seasons are out of order, people's hearts are unsettled, and it is ominous.
噬嗑 東行西步,失其次舍。乾侯野井,昭君喪居。
He wishes to go east, yet steps westward, confused and uncertain, unable to find even a place to stay. The Spring and Autumn Annals record that Duke Zhuang of Lu was expelled by the Three Families and fled to Ganhou, eventually dying in exile. This person's movements are erratic, losing their proper place, fleeing without return, which is ominous.
賁 腫脛病腹,陷廁汙辱。命短時極,孤子哀哭。
The person has swollen legs and illness in the abdomen, and has fallen into the toilet suffering great disgrace; their life is short, their fate has run out, and only an orphan is by their side weeping. This indicates that the person is seriously ill, nearing death, with a family funeral, which is a major凶 omen.
剝 切膚近災,虎絕我須。小人橫暴,君子何災。
Disaster is close at hand, a fierce tiger is right before me, almost tearing my beard. Petty villains may act tyrannically for a time, but the virtuous person remains upright and self-controlled, suffering no calamity. The master of this forest is in danger, yet remains safe. Though the wicked are fierce, they cannot harm the upright.
