Zhen's Forest (the 64th hexagram Zhen)

震　枯瓠不朽，利以濟舟。渡踰江海，無有溺憂。

A dried gourd does not rot or decay; when tied to one's waist, it can help one cross water. The "Poetry Classic · Bei Wind · Pao You Ku Ye" refers to such a means of crossing water. By relying on it to cross rivers and seas, one does not need to fear drowning. This person has a reliable tool to rely on, can overcome dangers and reach safety, and will have a safe journey when traveling across water. It is auspicious.

乾　陷塗溺水，火燒我履，憂患重累。

He is trapped in mud and then falls into water, manages to get ashore, but his shoes are burned by fire; worries come one after another. This oracle indicates water and fire both causing harm, continuous misfortunes, loss whether advancing or retreating, ominous.

坤　旦生夕死，名曰嬰鬼，不可得祀。

A child born in the morning and dying in the evening is called an infant ghost, and according to ancient rites, such a child is not even entitled to worship. This man of the forest has failed to have offspring, suffers from the sorrow of early death, his establishment cannot last long, it is凶.

屯　揚水潛鑿，使石潔白。衣素表朱，遊戲皋澤。得君所願，心志娛樂。

The *Book of Songs*, *Tang Wind*, *Yang Zhi Shui* says that turbulent water washes stones, making the white stones clearly visible; a person wearing a plain robe with a red collar enjoys himself on high ground by the water. All his requests to the sovereign have been fulfilled, and his heart is pleased. This indicates that the master of the forest has cleared the turbid and brought forth the clear, thus achieving his aspirations, which is auspicious.

蒙　眾鳥所翔，呼有大怪。九身無頭，魂驚魄去。不可以居。

A group of birds circled around, then suddenly a loud cry was heard, and a huge monster appeared with nine bodies but no head. Those who saw it were terrified and lost their minds. This place is absolutely unsuitable for living. This forest indicates the presence of supernatural beings and omens of fear and confusion; one should leave quickly to avoid misfortune.

需　刖根枯株，不生肌膚。病在於心，身以燋枯。

The tree roots have been cut off, leaving only withered branches that can no longer grow new skin or flesh; the disease in a person originates in the heart, so the whole body becomes withered. This forest symbolizes illness rooted in the fundamental essence, external treatments are ineffective, vital energy is exhausted, which is ominous.

訟　府藏之富，王以振貧。捕魚河海，罟網多得。

The government treasury is abundant, and the ruler uses it to relief the poor. Also, going to rivers and seas to fish, casting nets yields much. This forest owner has benevolent policies above and profits from fishing below. Seeking wealth will gain wealth, it is auspicious.

師　一莖九躔，更用牽攣。安明俯仰，不得東西。贊讞當決，日午被刑。

A single stem is wrapped with nine coils, intertwining and binding, so the person is tied up and can only move forward or backward, not left or right. The case has already been decided, and the execution is scheduled for noon. The master of this forest is trapped in a web, controlled by others, with legal troubles and punishment approaching, indicating a great凶.

比　耋老鮐背，齒牙動搖。近地遠天，下入黃泉。

The person has grown old, with spots resembling the patterns on a crabapple fish on their back, and their teeth are loose and about to fall out. They are close to the earth and far from heaven, and it seems they are about to descend into the underworld. This person's lifespan is nearing its end, their strength is exhausted, and asking about illness or longevity is not favorable.

小畜　季蛇叔虎，野心善怒。黷貨無厭，以滅其身。

The family of Ji Shi has a snake, and the family of Shu Shi has a tiger, both are people with wild hearts who are easily angered; they are greedy for wealth with no satisfaction, and ultimately meet their demise because of it. The kind of people like Yang She Hu of the Jin state were destroyed due to their greed and brutality. This person is also greedy and brutal without restraint, bringing about his own destruction, which is a great misfortune.

履　籲疑八子，更相欺紿。管叔善政，不見邪期。

Eight people were suspicious and sighed, deceiving and misleading each other; while Guan叔 was earnestly implementing good governance, he failed to perceive the secret plots devised by others. This indicates that the leader is surrounded by petty people who deceive one another, and the upright person is blinded. Although their intentions are good, they still suffer false accusations, which is ominous.

泰　絆逃不遠，心與言反。尼丘顧家，茅簟朱華。

He is hindered in his steps and cannot go far, his thoughts and words are at odds; like Confucius born on Niqiu yet ultimately thinking of his family, with only a single mat in the house and a single branch of red flowers. This forest indicates that a long journey will not succeed, words and actions are contradictory, and staying in a simple home brings peace and harmony.

否　蜉蝣戴盆，不能上山。搖推□跛，頓傷其顏。

A mayfly that lives only during the day and dies at night tries to climb a mountain but cannot get up, holding a basin on its head. It stumbles, pushes forward with difficulty, walks with a limp, and falls down, hurting its face. The poem "Fuyou" from the Book of Songs compares the mayfly to those who do not plan for the distant future. This line suggests that the person in question has limited strength but bears a heavy burden, actingwith difficultyly and inevitably suffering harm, which is ominous. The original text here has a missing character, which is represented by a square.

同人　朝露不久，為恩惠少。膏澤欲盡，咎在枯槁。

Morning dew does not last long, so its grace is shallow; the nourishing rain is about to run out, and the fault lies in the withering of grass and trees. This forest's grace is short-lived and lacks continuity, what it nurtures will eventually dry up, which is not auspicious.

大有　河伯之功，九州島攸同。載祀六百，光烈無窮。

The river god managed water control and achieved great success; this is what the Book of Documents, the Yu Gong, refers to as the nine provinces being unified under one system. He enjoyed a reign of six hundred years of worship and sacrifice, his achievements shining eternally. This is similar to the master of the forest who successfully controlled water, established a lasting foundation, and his blessings extended to future generations, which is a great auspicious omen.

謙　三人北行，大見光明。道逢淑女，與我驥子。

Three people walked north together, and ahead the path suddenly became bright. On the way, they met a virtuous woman who gave them a fine steed as good as a thousand miles. This indicates that the forest owner receives assistance from companions, the path is clear, and they meet a good match who gives a valuable gift, which is auspicious.

豫　金精耀怒，帶劍過午。徘徊高庫，宿於木下。兩虎相距，弓弩滿野。

The planet Tai Bai shines with fierce light, accompanied by a sword-like aura passing through the position of Wu; it wanders around a high storehouse and stays overnight beneath a tree. Two fierce tigers are locked in a struggle, with bows and arrows spread across the plains. This is a military omen. This forest indicates the outbreak of warfare, a struggle between two powerful forces, and danger for travel, which is ominous.

隨　江河淮海，天之奧府。眾利所聚，可以富有。安樂無憂。

The Yangtze River, the Yellow River, the Huai River, and the sea are the deep repositories set by Heaven; all kinds of resources converge there, sufficient for wealth. This person is destined to benefit from water, engage in profitable trade, achieve success, enjoy peace and comfort, and it is a great auspicious omen.

蠱　不虞之患，禍至此門。奄忽暴卒，病傷我心。

Unexpected misfortune and calamity unexpectedly befall this family; a close relative dies suddenly, and the illness deeply wounds my heart. This oracle indicates sudden disaster and sudden death, a great凶.

臨　畫龍頭角，文章未成。甘言美語，說譯無名。

The dragon is drawn only with its head and horns, and the patterns are not yet completed; words of flattery are exhausted, but the effort to gain recognition remains unfulfilled. This indicates that the person in question has half-finished achievements, empty words without substance, and affairs that will not succeed.

觀　缺破不成，胎卵不生，不見兆刑。（晉之益）

The object is broken and incomplete, unable to take shape; the embryo and the egg cannot develop, and no signs or traces are visible. This indicates that the matter under consideration has no form, the development is unsuccessful, and endeavors will come to nothing, which is ominous. The note at the end indicates that this section is similar to the section on 'Jin' in 'Yi' and 'Yi' in 'Jin'.

噬嗑　旁行不遠，三里反覆。心多畏惡，日中止舍。

He moves sideways and cannot go far, only three li before turning back; his heart is full of fear and aversion, and he stops to rest when the sun is at its zenith. This forest indicates that movement is limited, there is doubt and hesitation, and affairs are delayed and difficult to accomplish.

賁　四瀆不安，兵革為患。探我妻子，家復飢寒。

The areas along the rivers Jiang, He, Huai, and Ji are all in turmoil, with weapons and armor causing great harm.乱 soldiers have raided my wife and children, and the whole family has once again fallen into hunger and cold. This indicates that the person in question is suffering from military chaos and family distress, with the wife and children frightened and food and clothing cut off, which is a major凶 omen.

剝　喜來如云，舉家蒙歡。眾財君子，喜福盈門。（睽之豐）

Joyful events come like clouds, bringing happiness to the whole family; wealth gathers at the gate of the virtuous, and joy and blessings fill the house. This forest indicates frequent good news and abundant wealth and honor, bringing great blessings to the whole family. The final note indicates that this forest is the same as the text of the hexagram "Kui" and "Feng."

復　載金販狗，利棄我走。藏匿淵底，拆晦為咎。（艮之革）

Using a cart to carry gold to trade dogs, yet profit flees from me; hiding wealth deep in the abyss, only to invite misfortune. This indicates the owner values profit over caution, and the trade is reversed. The deeper the concealment, the greater the loss, which is ominous. The final note shows this case is similar to the text of the "Change" (Geb) in the "Mountain" (Gen) hexagram.

旡妄　日中為市，各抱所有。交易貲賄，函珠為寶。心悅歡喜。

The Zhou Changes (I Ching), in its Great Treatise, says that Shen Nong Shi set up markets at noon, attracting people from all over to bring their possessions; they exchanged goods with each other, using boxes to carry pearls and jade as treasures, and everyone's hearts were joyful. This forest's master benefits from trade, with convenient buying and selling, causing joy and gain, which is auspicious.

大畜　日趨月步，周遍次舍。經歷致遠，無有難處。

Like the movement of the sun and moon, advancing day by day and progressing month by month, traversing one place after another; traveling far without encountering difficult paths. This indicates a journey proceeding smoothly, proceeding step by step to reach distant places, safe entry and exit, auspicious.

頤　陽明失時，陰凝為憂。主君哀泣，喪其元侯。

Yang energy should be strong but has lost its proper season, and Yin cold gathers to become a calamity; the king mourns because he has lost his chief minister. This forest indicates excessive Yin and declining Yang, with the loss of a key figure, causing sorrow above, which is ominous.

大過　年衰歲暮，精魂游去。形容消枯，哀子相呼。

The year has grown old, and another year has reached its end; the spirit and soul gradually drift away. The body becomes thin and withered, and the mourning son sits by, crying sorrowfully. This indicates that the master of the forest is nearing the end of his life, and there is a funeral in the family. Asking about illness is extremely凶 (dangerous).

坎　少無功績，老困失福。跌行跛踦，不知所立。

In his youth, he achieved nothing and in old age found himself inpredicament and without blessings; he walks with a limp, unsure where to stand. This man has wasted his early years, lacks support in his later years, is at a loss for direction, and it is凶.

離　持心耀目，善數搖動。自東徂西，不安其處。渙散府藏，無有利得。

One who constantly shows off to others and is accustomed to wavering and changing his mind, moving from east to west without settling down, will exhaust his resources and gain nothing. This indicates that the person in charge is fickle-minded and changeable, leading to the loss of family wealth, which is ominous.

咸　□貝贖狸，不聽我辭。繫於虎鬚，牽不得來。（需睽否革同人否隨師）

Taking wealth to redeem the fox, but the other party would not listen to my words; the fox was tied to the tiger's whiskers, and no matter how I tried to lead it, it would not move. This forest owner's request is occupied by the strong, with no way to redeem or save, using wealth without effect, which is ominous. The original text has the first character missing, indicated by □; the note lists this forest along with the hexagrams of Need, Guī, Pǐ, Gé, Tóngrén, Suí, Shī, as having similar passages.

恆　老狼白□，長尾大胡。前顛後躓，岐人悅喜。

The poem "Lang Ba" from the "Book of Songs," "Bing Feng" describes an old wolf with a large beard hanging below its chin and a long tail dragging behind. When it moves forward, it steps on its beard; when it retreats, it trips over its tail, appearing awkward and helpless. Onlookers from Qi Zhou laugh and rejoice at the sight. This indicates that the subject is constrained in action, facing difficulties in both advancing and retreating, and thus becomes a laughingstock to others, making it unfavorable for further endeavors. The original text has missing characters, which are represented by squares.

遯　背地相憎，心志不同。如火與金，君猛臣懾。虎行兔伏。

Behind the scenes, they hate each other deeply, their intentions completely incompatible; like fire and metal mutually controlling each other, the ruler is fierce while the minister is afraid; when the tiger moves, the rabbit crouches in fear. This indicates that the superior and inferior in the forest are suspicious of each other, with a great disparity in strength. The weaker party should retreat and preserve itself.

大壯　夏臺羑里，湯文厄處。鬼侯歠醢，岐人悅喜。

Shang Tang was once imprisoned at Xia Tai, and King Wen of Zhou was imprisoned at You Li, both places where sages suffered hardship; King Zhou had the ghost lord Guo slaughtered and his flesh made into paste, which he presented to King Wen, but King Wen endured it silently. Eventually, the people of Qi and Zhou saw his joy. This forest's owner experienced hardship and endured humiliation, but eventually there was a turning point, starting with difficulty and ending with success.

晉　牙□生齒，螳蜋啟戶。幽人利貞，鼓翼起舞。

A new set of teeth growing in the jawbone, and a mantis emerging from its shell, are signs that the prevailing qi is returning; the Book of Changes, the Zhou Yi, says 'the secluded person remains steadfast and is auspicious,' meaning that those who live in seclusion and uphold righteousness can now take action and move forward. This indicates the revival of vitality and the timely opportunity for hermits, with steadfastness bringing good fortune. The original text has missing characters, which are represented by squares.

明夷　烈女無夫，閔思苦憂。齊子無良，使我心愁。

A virtuous and loyal woman is unmarried, troubled and distressed; the "Book of Songs · Qi Wind" criticizes the bad behavior of the prince of Qi, causing people to feel anxious. This indicates that the person in question has not found a suitable marriage partner, has encountered unsuitable people, is troubled and unable to resolve their worries, which is ominous.

家人　踐履危難，脫厄去患。入福喜門，見我大君。（我一作海）

He passed through danger and hardship, finally escaping misfortune and removing calamities; he entered the gate of blessings and happiness, and saw his great lord. This forest's master escaped danger, turned peril into safety, and was able to meet the nobleman, beginning with misfortune and ending with good fortune. The final note states that the character 'I' in one edition is written as 'Sea'.

睽　拆臂接手，不能進酒。析杞閒曠，神怒弗喜。

If one breaks an arm and then reattaches it, the arm will never be strong enough to lift a cup for offering; if one cuts down the杞 tree, the temple becomes empty and desolate, and the spirits become angry and do not accept the offerings. The owner of this forest has neglected rituals and committed sacrilege, thus offending the spirits, which brings misfortune.

蹇　蟻封戶穴，大雨將集。鵲數起鳴，牝雞嘆室。相薨雄文，來到在道。

Ants blocking their entrance and piling up earth are omens of heavy rain approaching; magpies fly repeatedly and call out, while the hen sighs long within the house. After various strange phenomena, the news of the chancellor's death is spreading along the road. This indicates that the forest's master foresees heavenly changes and the arrival of ominous news about a great person, which portends misfortune.

解　胡俗戎狄，太陰所積。涸洌冱寒，君子不存。

The land of the Hu people and the Rong and Di tribes is a place where extreme yin energy accumulates; water dries up, ice forms, and cold energy is sealed off, making it impossible for a gentleman to reside there. This forest indicates a situation of extreme cold and unsuitability for prolonged stay. Traveling far to the north is highly unfavorable.

損　翕翕□，稍頹崩顛。滅其令名，身不得全。

The *Book of Songs*, *Xiao Ya* *Xiao Min* criticizes small people who gather together to echo and slander others. Such behavior gradually undermines the foundation, leading to the destruction of a good reputation and the loss of one's position and security. This is a case of a leader forming alliances with villains, resulting in ruin and great misfortune. The original text has missing characters, indicated by the square brackets.

益　螟蟲為賊，害我稼穡。盡禾殫麥，秋無所得。

Locusts swarm and cause harm, eating my crops; the rice and wheat are completely devoured, resulting in no harvest in autumn. This indicates that the forest owner suffers from pest damage, loses money without benefit, fails to make profits, and is ominous.

夬　三鳥飛來，自我逢時。俱行先至，多得大利。

Three birds flew in together, just as my good fortune arrived; they arrived together and got there first, thus gaining much profit. This omen indicates that the person in question is experiencing a favorable time and good fortune, achieving success through prompt action. Seeking wealth will bring great gain, which is auspicious.

姤　龍馬上山，絕無水泉。喉唇燋乾，渴不可言。

A dragon horse gallops up a high mountain, yet there is not a single drop of spring water on the mountain. The throat and lips are dry and cracked, thirst so severe that one cannot speak. This indicates that the person in question has no resources to rely on, is highly talented but has lost his proper position, is in a desperate situation of thirst and exhaustion, and the outcome is ominous.

萃　春生子乳，萬物蕃熾。君子所集，禍災不至。

In spring, all things flourish and nurture, with grass, trees, birds, and beasts thriving vigorously; the gentleman gathers in such a place, and misfortune does not befall him. This forest signifies vigorous vitality and gathering of like kinds, with the family dwelling secure and auspicious.

升　王孫季子，相與為友。明允篤誠，升擢薦舉。（大有之小過）

King Sun and Ji Zi became friends; both were discerning and trustworthy, sincere and loyal, thus being promoted and recommended. This person has made good friends and is recognized for virtue, with prospects of promotion, which is auspicious. The note at the end indicates that this case is similar to the text of the hexagram "Great Possession" and "Small Excess."

困　六明並照，政入有統。秦楚戰國，民受其咎。

Six paths of light shine simultaneously, and the government is unified; yet during the Warring States period when states like Qin and Chu fought each other, the people ultimately suffered from warfare. This forest's ruler may have unified above but the people below endured hardship, public affairs were orderly but the people's strength was exhausted.

井　蝃蝀充側，□人所惑。女謁橫行，正道壅塞。

The *Book of Songs*, *Yong Feng*, *Diding* uses a rainbow spanning the sky to symbolize illicit love affairs. The rainbow spreads across one side, causing confusion. Palace women influence affairs, blocking the path of righteousness. This indicates that the ruler is dominated by wicked ministers, women interfere in politics, and the virtuous are declining, resulting in misfortune. The original text has missing characters, indicated by squares.

革　登崑崙，入天門。過糟丘，宿玉泉。問惠觀，見仁君。（比之姤，革之困）

He ascended the peak of Kunlun, entered the heavenly gate; passed through Zaoqiu, and spent the night by the side of Yuquan spring; he inquired his way along the path and finally met the benevolent ruler. This forest master ascended high and traveled far, successfully seeking out a wise sovereign, which is a great auspicious omen. The concluding note indicates that this forest is similar in meaning to the text of the "Comparison" hexagram's "Gou" and the "Revolution" hexagram's "Kun".

鼎　體重飛難，未能越關，不離空垣。

The body is too heavy to fly, unable to pass through the pass, can only circle around the empty courtyard. This forest's strength is not in line with its will, limited by its current situation, unable to act, and efforts to achieve things find it difficult to make progress.

艮　元黃虺隤，行者勞罷。役夫憔悴，踰時得歸。（乾之革，師之臨得作不）

The *Book of Songs*, *Zhou Nan*, *Cuan Er* says, "My horse is weary and weak." The horses are sick and unable to move, and the traveler is also exhausted. The conscripted laborers look pale and tired, and they have not returned home on time. This tree indicates that the person has been serving in military service, enduring hardship and delay in returning home. Although delayed, they will eventually return to their hometown. The note at the end shows that this tree is the same as the *Gai* in *Qian* and the *Lin* in *Shi*, but with different variations.

漸　孔德如玉，出於幽谷。飛上高木，鼓其羽翼。輝光照國。（同人之坎）

A person of virtue, gentle and refined like jade, comes forth from a deep valley; as the "Book of Songs · Xiao Ya · Fa Mu" says, "Emerging from the deep valley, moving to the tall tree," flying up to the high branches, spreading its wings, shining brightly across the entire country. This forest indicates a virtuous person rising from obscurity to a prominent position, with widespread fame, which is very auspicious. The final note shows that this forest shares the same meaning as the "Tong Ren" hexagram's "Kan" line.

歸妹　火雖熾，在吾後。寇雖眾，在吾右。身安吉，不危殆。

The fire is fierce, but it burns behind me; the bandits are numerous, but they pass by my right side. The calamity passes by me, so my body is safe and auspicious. This forest indicates a dangerous situation close at hand but not affecting myself. There is alarm but no real danger, which is auspicious.

豐　旃裘羶國，文禮不飾。跨馬控弦，伐我都邑。（豫之需）

A foreign country ruled by a people who wear felt cloaks and eat膻腥 food does not value literature and ritual; they mount their horses, draw their bows, and attack my capital. This forest symbolizes external invaders, the decline of rites and music, and military presence at the borders, which is ominous. The note indicates that this forest is similar to the "Yù" hexagram's "Xū" text.

旅　被髮八十，暮德獻服。邊鄙不聳，以安王國。

The distant people with untied hair, from eighty tribes, were moved by the virtue of late success and came to present tributes and submit to the kingdom. The border regions no longer caused disturbances, and the state thus became peaceful. This forest chief has brought distant people to submit, border troubles have been eliminated, and the country is at peace, which is auspicious.

巽　心得所好，口常欲笑。公孫蛾眉，雞鳴樂夜。

The person in question has obtained what they desire in their heart, and their mouth often carries a smile. The woman from the Gongsun family is beautiful with eyebrows like willow leaves. The joy of a husband and wife conversing in the middle of the night, as described in the "Book of Songs · Qi Wind · Chicken Call," is exactly this situation. This person is contented and happy in their marriage, which is auspicious.

兌　馬西負乘，見邑之野。並獲粱稻，喜悅無咎。

A horse is moving westward, carrying a load, and sees the outskirts beyond the city. It gathers both millet and rice, and the situation is joyful without any fault. This indicates that the owner of the forest is carrying something and gains something upon arrival, experiencing joy and no misfortune. It is auspicious.

渙　高飛視下，貪饕所在。腐臭為患，害於躬身。

A bird flying high looks down to find places where it can eat; it ends up eating rotten and foul food, causing its own misfortune. This signifies a person who is greedy without measure and chooses food carelessly, thus bringing about their own harm, which is ominous.

節　東行西步，失其次舍。乾侯野井，昭公喪居。（鼎之噬嗑）

He who wishes to go east yet moves westward, is confused in his actions, and loses even the place to rest. The Spring and Autumn Annals record that Duke Zhao of Lu fled, took refuge in Ganhou, and died in a foreign land. This indicates a person who acts improperly, loses his proper dwelling, and dies in a foreign place, which is ominous. The final note shows that this situation is the same as the text of the Hexagram of the Cauldron and the Hexagram of the Crackling Flame.