Zhen's Forest (the 64th hexagram Zhen)

中孚　神鳥五彩，鳳凰為主。集於山谷，使年歲育。

The five-colored divine bird, led by the phoenix, gathers in groups in the valley; when the auspicious bird arrives, the harvest is prosperous and abundant. This forest signifies the arrival of auspiciousness and a bountiful year, which is favorable.

小過　石門晨門，荷蕢食貧。遁世隱居，竟不逢時。（革之旅）

The *Analects of Confucius*, *Xian Wen*, records that the gatekeeper of Shimen and the hermit carrying a basket of grass both had lofty insight and were content with poverty and low status; they withdrew from the world and ultimately did not encounter an era in which they could serve. This forest owner is similarly talented but not recognized, retreating to live in poverty, content with his condition and without blame, but not advantageous for advancement. The final note indicates that this forest is the same as the *Geh* and *Lv* texts.

既濟　□齧齧，貧鬼相責。無有歡怡，一日九結。（□音澗）

The teeth grind against each other, making a clattering sound; debt collectors come one after another to demand payment and question him. There is no joy in the house, and within a single day, his heart is tied up in nine knots. This man is in dire poverty, with creditors knocking on his door, feeling distressed and confused, which is ominous. The original text has missing characters, which are represented by □, with their pronunciation noted at the end.

未濟　白日揚光，雷車避藏。雲雨不行，為止其鄉。

On a day when the sunlight is very strong, the chariot of the Thunder God withdraws and hides; clouds and rain refuse to move, staying elsewhere and not coming. This forest is dominated by excessive yang energy, lacking moisture, and has experienced a prolonged drought without rain. The desired things remain stagnant and do not arrive, which is unfavorable for agricultural activities.

艮　君孤獨處，單弱無輔。名曰困苦，輔心湧泉。碌碌如山。

The ruler is alone and isolated, weak and without support, a situation called hardship. Although inner worries flow like spring water, the heavy burdens still pile up like mountains. This ruler is isolated and unsupported, bearing great responsibilities, working hard but achieving little, which is ominous.

乾　憂驚已深，禍不為災，安全以來。

His worries and fear have been deep, yet misfortune has not turned into actual calamity, and peace has arrived. This indicates that the person involved experienced a false alarm, with no real danger or harm, transforming anxiety into safety, which is auspicious.

坤　穿匏浥水，構鐵熒火。勞疲力竭，飢渴為禍。

Using a gourd with a hole to scoop water, and using cold iron to capture that faint glow like fireflies; exhausting oneself until strength is used up, yet being troubled by hunger and thirst. The master of this forest uses tools improperly, works hard without success, suffers from lack of food and clothing, and it is ominous.

屯　蹇牛折角，不能載粟。災害不避，年歲無谷。

A lame ox has broken its horn and cannot pull a cart of millet. Disasters cannot be avoided, and there is no harvest throughout the year. This omen indicates that the owner of the forest suffers from loss of livestock strength, transportation is blocked, there is a poor harvest, and it is ominous.

蒙　邑將為墟，居之憂危。

This city is about to become a ruin, and those living inside will face only worry and danger. The forest here is the dwelling place of the master, which is about to collapse and lose its foundation. It is advisable to leave early and avoid the area, as it is ominous.

需　根刖樹殘，花葉落去。卒逢火焱，隨風僵仆。

The tree roots are cut, the trunk is broken, the flowers and leaves have withered; finally, a fierce fire comes, and the tree falls down with the wind. This indicates the main root is injured, then suffers external calamity, ultimately leading to collapse, which is a great misfortune.

訟　元后貪慾，窮極民力。執政乖劣，為夷所覆。

The ruler is greedy and insatiable, exhausting the people's resources; the governing officials are capricious and incapable, eventually leading to the country's downfall by foreign tribes. This indicates that the sovereign is greedy while the people are in hardship, the government has lost its proper way, and the state is in danger, which is a great misfortune.

師　北山有黍，使叔壽考。東嶺多粟，宜行賈市。陸梁雄雉，所至利喜。

The poem "Bei Shan" from the Book of Songs, part of Xiao Ya, describes the northern mountain growing millet and millet, which can be used to support elders and ensure their long life; the eastern mountain range is abundant in millet, making it suitable for trade. A male pheasant leaps and calls from a high place, indicating good fortune and joy wherever it appears. This indicates that the person in question has ample land resources, profits from business, and the elders are healthy and peaceful, which is auspicious.

比　高原峻山，陸土少泉。草木林麓，嘉禾所災。

Highlands and rugged mountains with dry soil and little spring water; only suitable for growing forests and grasses, while good crops would suffer if planted there. This indicates that the land is unsuitable for farming, and the location is improper. Attempting to cultivate it forcefully will inevitably lead to losses.

小畜　（小畜）辰次降婁，王駕巡狩。廣施德惠，國安無憂。

The planet Jupiter has reached the section of Xianglou, which is a favorable time. The king travels abroad in his carriage, spreading benevolence and grace along the way. The country is stable and free from worries. This indicates that the ruler is acting in accordance with the proper season, implementing virtuous governance, and his travels bring merit, which is auspicious. The original text includes a note referring to the hexagram, which is retained as it was.

履　□轠轠，歲暮偏弊。寵名復棄，君衰於位。

The chariots' wheels rumble continuously as they pass, with the year nearing its end and everywhere in disarray; former favor and status are once again discarded, and the sovereign grows increasingly weak on the throne. This indicates that the master of the forest has reached the peak of prosperity, now turning to decline, with favor not enduring, and the occupant of the position losing power, which is ominous. The original text has missing characters, which are represented by □.

泰　放銜委轡，奔亂不制。法度無常，君失其位。

Loosen the horse's bit and cast away the reins, causing the carriage and horses to run wildly out of control; laws and regulations fluctuate without consistency, leading the ruler to lose his position. This indicates that the master of the forest has neglected discipline and lacks proper control, resulting in the loss of authority at the top, which is ominous.

否　獨登西垣，莫與笑言。秋風多哀，使我心悲。

Alone I climbed the western city wall, looking around but finding no one to talk or laugh with; the autumn wind carried a mournful sound, making my heart ache. This forest lord is lonely without a companion, the season is bleak and desolate, and his worries are hard to dispel.

同人　脛急股攣，不可出門。暮速群旅，必為身患。

The legs are cramped and the thighs are spastic, making it impossible to leave the door; at this time, if one still gathers a group of people to travel together in the evening, it will certainly bring misfortune. This oracle indicates that the person's body is unwell and their actions are untimely. Forcing oneself to travel will invite calamity, which is凶 (a凶 omen).

大有　情偽難知，使我偏頗。小人在位，雖聖何咎。

Human nature's authenticity is hard to discern, leading me to make biased judgments; petty people occupy high positions, and even a sage in such a position would inevitably face criticism. This master's situation is one of confusion between genuine and false, with virtuous people blocked from the path. Dealing with matters easily invites criticism, so caution is advisable.

謙　黍稷醇醲，敬奉山宗。神嗜飲食，甘雨嘉祥。庶物蕃茂，時無災咎，獨蒙福祉。

Using thick and fragrant millet and millet wine to respectfully offer sacrifices to the mountain and hill spirits; The Book of Songs, Xiao Ya, Chu Ci says, "The deities delight in food and drink." After the deities have enjoyed the offerings, they descend rain and auspicious signs, causing all things to flourish and the four seasons to be free from calamities. Only this family receives the blessings. This forest's master receives divine protection, has favorable weather and abundant rain, enjoys exclusive blessings, which is a great auspicious omen.

豫　公子王孫，把彈攝丸。發輒有獲，室家饒足。

The young master and noble son hold a slingshot and a stone, and with one shot they catch something; thus their household becomes affluent. The forest owner gains by mere movement, their wishes come true, the family becomes prosperous, it is auspicious.

隨　陰昇陽伏，舜失其室。元元赤子，相餒不食。

Yin energy rises while Yang energy retreats, even a sage like Yu Shun cannot protect his family; common people and newborn infants all suffer from hunger with nothing to eat. This indicates the ruler has excessive Yin and deficient Yang, his family is lost, the people are hungry and distressed, which is ominous.

蠱　七竅龍身，造易八元。法天則地，順時施恩。引和貴長，以富永存。

It is said that Fuxi had seven open orifices and a dragon body with a human head, and he created the Eight Trigrams as the beginning of the Book of Changes. He followed the principles of heaven and earth, acted in accordance with the seasons, practiced benevolence, guided harmonious energy, and revered the way of nurturing and cultivating life, thus achieving enduring prosperity. This family upholds the natural law, acts in harmony with the seasons, and thus has a long-lasting business and great fortune.

臨　逐狐東山，水遏我前。深不可涉，失利後便。（姤之巽，漸之夬，蒙之蠱）

Going east to chase a fox, one is blocked by a big body of water ahead; the water is too deep to cross on foot, so one has to miss the good opportunity and return to seek another way. This forest indicates that there is an obstruction ahead and the pursuit is unsuccessful; it is advisable to retreat rather than attempt to cross forcefully. The note at the end shows that this passage is the same as the ones in the sections of "Gou" with "Xun," "Jian" with "Gua," and "Meng" with "Gu."

觀　銜命辱使，不堪其事。中墜落去，更為負載。

He was sent on a mission but disgraced himself, unable to fulfill his duty; he fell halfway, becoming a burden to others. This indicates that the person is not competent, failed to receive the mandate, and fell midway, which is ominous.

噬嗑　溫仁君子，忠孝所在。八閏為儀，禍災不起。

A benevolent and kind gentleman, possessing both loyalty and filial piety, follows the numbers of the eight solar terms and the excess year as a standard, carefully observing the seasons in his actions. Thus, calamities will not arise. This person embodies virtue and righteousness, acts with propriety and moderation, ensuring no disaster for his family or country, which is auspicious.

賁　春多膏澤，夏潤優渥。稼穡熟成，數獲百斛。師行以律，霸功不遠。

In spring the rain is abundant, in summer the moisture is generous, crops mature, and a single harvest yields hundreds of hu. The Zhou Changes (I Ching) says, "When an army marches, it follows the law," meaning that when military actions are disciplined, the achievement of hegemony is not far off. This person is favorable for agricultural abundance and orderly military campaigns, with prospects of fame and success, which is a great auspicious omen.

剝　二女同室，心不聊食。首髮如蓬，憂常在中。

Two women living together in the same room, the Zhou Changes (I Ching) says, "Two women living together, their aspirations differ, their actions diverge," causing mutual discomfort to the point where they cannot even eat together. Their hair is disheveled like wild hemp, and sorrow constantly resides in their hearts. This indicates that the household is in discord, the family is not harmonious, and there is a deep sense of melancholy that cannot be resolved, which is ominous.

復　築闕石顛，立本泉源。病疾不安，老孤為鄰。

He built his palace on the peak of rugged rocks and established his foundation at the source of a spring, but the foundation was damp and unstable. Therefore, he suffered from constant illness and restlessness, with only old and lonely people as neighbors. This forest indicates an unsuitable dwelling place and an unstable foundation, leading to frequent illness, solitude, and misfortune.

旡妄　欲避凶門，反與禍鄰。顛覆不制，痛熏我心。

Wishing to avoid the gate of danger, one ends up becoming a neighbor to misfortune; the situation overturns and becomes uncontrollable, causing pain that burns the heart. This indicates that seeking to avoid danger actually invites it, and the situation becomes out of control, resulting in heartache and calamity.

大畜　踧行竊視，有所畏避。狸首伏藏，以夜為利。

Walking with a hunched posture, secretly looking around, with fear and avoidance in the heart; like a cat crouching low, using the darkness as an opportunity. This person in the forest situation must endure and hide, for movement during the day is not favorable, but secret actions can ensure safety.

頤　人面鬼口，長舌為斧。斲破瑚璉，殷商絕後。

A person's face bears the mouth of a ghost, and the long tongue is like an axe. The Book of Poetry, Great Odes, Looking Up, says, "A woman with a long tongue brings calamity." Slander is sufficient to destroy a sacred vessel like the hu lian, and thus the Shang dynasty came to an end. This man's slanderous mouth harms others and destroys the ancestral sacrifices, which is a great misfortune.

大過　和氣相薄，膏澤津液，生我嘉穀。

The harmonious interaction of yin and yang generates nourishing rain and dew, cultivating excellent crops in my fields. This indicates that the forest owner has a harmonious climate, successful breeding, and a bountiful harvest, which is auspicious.

坎　銷金鑄兵，雷車不行，民安其鄉。

Although metal was melted to cast weapons, the war chariots remained motionless, and the people were able to live in peace in their native land. The forest lord prepared for war but did not use it; weapons lay unused, and peace prevailed within the territory, which is auspicious.

離　秦儀機言，解其國患。一說燕下，齊相以權。

Su Qin and Zhang Yi used their skillful rhetoric to resolve the troubles of their own countries. Su Qin's persuasion made Yan State submit, and he eventually held the position of prime minister in Qi. This situation shows that the speaker can achieve success through eloquence and gaining power through persuasion. Matters can be accomplished through words, which is auspicious.

咸　旦奭輔王，周德孔明。越裳獻雉，萬國咸寧。

The Duke of Zhou and the Marquess of Shao assisted King Cheng, and the virtue of the Zhou dynasty was very clear; the distant Yue Shang tribe came from afar to present white pheasants, and all the states were at peace. This indicates that virtuous ministers hold power, distant people come to pay homage, and the world is in peace, which is a great auspicious omen.

恆　弱足刖跟，不利出門。賈市無過，折亡為患。

The person's physical strength is weak and their heel is injured, making travel very unfavorable. Although there is no mistake in business dealings, losses lead to worries. This person's movements are restricted and their business suffers losses; they should stay grounded and avoid ambitious ventures.

遯　堅冰黃鳥，常哀悲愁。不見甘粒，但睹藜蒿。數驚鷙鳥，為我心憂。（乾之噬嗑之大過）

The poem "Huangniao" from the Book of Songs, Qin Wind, laments the mournful cries of the yellow bird. Here, it refers to the time of firm ice when the yellow bird cries long and bitterly: there is no grain to be seen, only wild gourds scattered on the ground; it is repeatedly startled by fierce hawks, causing people to feel anxious and fearful. This forest is in a time of severe hunger and constant disturbance by the strong, filled with sorrow and unease, which is ominous. The concluding note indicates that this situation is similar to the text of "Shihuo" and "Daguo" in the hexagram "Qian."

大壯　魂微惙惙，屬纊聽絕。豁然大通，復更生活。

The spirit was weak and the breath faint, with family members following ancient rites by placing fresh cotton over the mouth and nose to check for breath, almost unable to detect any breathing. Suddenly, there was a clear and smooth flow, and the person revived. This indicates that the master of the forest, who was critically ill, has been saved from certain death, turning a dire situation into a fortunate one, starting with misfortune and ending with good fortune.

晉　陰生□鹿，鼠舞鬼谷。靈龜陸處（一雲靈鼠陸處，鬼哭鼠舞）釜甑草土。人知敗國，桀亂無緒。

A strange deer born from yin energy appears, mice dance in the ghost valley, the spiritual turtle leaves the water to dwell on land, and grass and soil grow in the cooking pot: these are all ominous signs of a nation's downfall. Everyone knows the state is about to collapse, as chaotic and confused as the time of King Jie of Xia. This forest is the source of evil spirits and political disorder, a great calamity. The original text has missing characters and notes on variant readings, which are also included.

明夷　鑿諸攻玉，無不穿鑿。龍體吾舉，魯班為輔。舞鳳成形，德象君子。

The Book of Songs, Xiao Ya, "He Long" says, "The stone from another mountain can be used to polish jade." With a sharp tool, no jade is too hard to carve; I raise the form of a dragon to shape it, with the skill of Lu Ban, the master craftsman, assisting me. The phoenix takes shape gracefully, its virtue resembling that of a gentleman. This person has a good craftsman to assist, the tool is complete and virtue is attained, thus achieving success in his endeavors, which is auspicious.

家人　山作天時，陸為海口，民不安處。

The mountains and rivers have changed, responding to a calamity from heaven. The land has sunk to become a harbor, leaving the people with nowhere to take shelter. This forest is the main area where the earth's energy has greatly changed, causing the dwellings to collapse and the people to be displaced, which is ominous.

睽　東風啟戶，隱伏歡喜。萌庶蒙恩，復得我子。

East wind opens the door and gate, awakening creatures that had been hidden; all things sprout and receive grace, and my scattered children are once again found. This forest signifies the arrival of yang energy, the emergence of recluses, recovery of what was lost, and it is auspicious.

蹇　華燈百枝，植暗衰微。精光欲盡，命如灰麋。

A beautiful lamp tree with a hundred candles is placed in darkness and gradually fades; the flame is about to be exhausted, and life is like burnt ashes. This indicates that the essence is depleted while the exterior appears flourishing, and the vital energy is nearing its end. Asking about illness or longevity would both be ominous.

解　三十無室，寄伯桑中。上宮長女，不得樂同。

At thirty, he has not yet married and is living among his elder brother's mulberry fields. The "Song of Songs" from the "Yong Feng" section says, "I await you at the mulberry grove, and I await you at the upper palace," but the maiden from the upper palace will never be able to share his joy. This person's marriage is delayed, their good time has passed, and they remain single without a partner.

損　卵與石斗，糜碎無處。動而有悔，出不得時。

Taking an egg to fight against a stone, it breaks to pieces without any remnants; once you move, you will regret it, and going out is not auspicious. This oracle indicates that the ruler of the forest is using weakness against strength, leading to self-destruction, and reckless action brings great misfortune.

益　尋兵爭強，失其貞良，敗我殽鄉。

When there is constant resort to military force in competition and striving for superiority, it leads to the loss of loyal and virtuous ministers, eventually resulting in a great defeat at the Xiaoshan area. The Qin and Jin campaign at Xiaoshan resulted in the complete annihilation of their armies, which is precisely this omen. This forest indicates a tendency towards aggressive warfare and contempt for enemies, the loss of capable men leading to defeat, and an ominous omen for military campaigns.

夬　虐除善疑，難為攻醫。驥窮鹽車，困於御御。

The patient is irritable and suspicious, making it difficult for the doctor to treat him; this is like the story in the "Strategies of the Warring States" where a thousand-mile horse is harnessed to a salt cart, exhausting itself on the slope and controlled by the driver. This man is a talented person who is in a low position, suffering from an illness that is hard to cure, unable to display his abilities, which is ominous.

姤　操笱搏狸，荷弓射魚。非其器用，自令心勞。

Carrying a bamboo net for catching fish to hunt cats, and using a bow and arrow to shoot fish in the water; using tools inappropriately leads to wasted effort. This indicates that the person in charge is using the wrong materials and their methods are incorrect, resulting in futile labor.

萃　葵丘之盟，獻晉會庭。見太宰辭，後秦還興。

Qi桓公 held a great assembly of feudal lords at Kuigu, and the Son of Heaven sent a minister named Zai Kong to bestow a piece of meat as a gift. Jin Xian Gong hurried to the assembly, but on the way he met Zai Kong, who advised him not to attend and to return. Afterwards, Qin gradually rose to power from this incident. This forest indicates that the host of the alliance has changes, those who arrive late suffer losses, and the situation shifts to others.

升　臏詐龐子，夷□書木。伏兵卒發，矢至如雨。魏師驚亂，將獲為虜。

Sun Bin set a trap to lure Pang Juan into the Malingshan Pass. He stripped the bark from the trees and wrote on the wood as a sign. Hidden troops suddenly attacked, arrows rained down, and the Wei army became confused and disordered. The commander was captured. This forest master used strategy to defeat the enemy, acted after setting a trap, and achieved a victorious campaign. If one were in Pang Juan's position, it would be extremely dangerous. The original text has missing characters, which are represented by boxes.

困　南行出城，世得大福。王姬歸齊，賴其所欲。以安邦國。

Going south out of the city, one will gain great blessings in this lifetime; the princess of the royal family marries into the state of Qi, and through this marriage, both parties achieve their wishes, leading to the stability of the states. This forest indicates a happy journey to the south, a beneficial marriage, and peace for both family and country, which is auspicious.

井　冬采薇蘭，地凍堅難。雖利奔走，暮無所得。（堅難一作冰堅）

In winter, gathering wild vegetables and orchids, the ground is frozen hard and difficult to dig; even though one works diligently, by nightfall there is nothing to show for it. This forest indicates an inopportune time and labor without reward, with no success in seeking wealth. The final note states 'difficult and hard' which is alternatively written as 'ice and hard' in some editions.

革　王喬無病，狗頭不痛。亡破失履，乏我欲速。

The immortal Prince Boyao had no illness and the dog's head did not feel pain; yet his shoes were broken and lost, and he could not hurry to replace them. The master of this forest himself was unharmed, but his tools were lacking, so hastening only delayed things, causing minor obstacles.

鼎　宛馬疾步，盲師坐御。自不見路，中止弗到。

A fine horse from Dayuan runs swiftly, but the driver is blind; unable to see the path, he stops halfway and fails to reach the destination. This is like a master who possesses good timber but lacks a skilled craftsman, entrusting the work to an unsuitable person, leading to failure midway, which is ominous.

震　求我難國，亡去我北。憂歸其城，反為我賊。

Going to a dangerous country to obtain what is needed, the person went away from my north; returning worriedly to his city, he became my enemy. The master of the forest sought the wrong person, turning favor into resentment, and association led to harm, which is凶.

漸　比目四翼，安我邦國。上下無思，為我嘉福。

The pair of fish swim side by side, and the pair of birds fly with their wings united; this is the image of harmony between superior and inferior, sufficient to stabilize my state. There is no suspicion between ruler and minister, which is my great blessing. This forest symbolizes harmony within and outside, working together in unity, which is auspicious.

歸妹　八材既登，以成嘉功。龍降庭堅，國無災凶。

The eight materials mentioned in the Zhou Li—jade, ivory, pearls, stones, wood, metal, leather, and feathers—are all available and can be used, thus achieving a prosperous accomplishment. There is also the birth of a virtuous person like Tingjian to assist in governance, ensuring the country is free from calamities. Tingjian is the given name of Gaoyao. This forest signifies that materials are complete, people are virtuous, achievements are realized, and the state is secure, which is a great auspicious omen.

豐　消弊穿空，家莫為宗。奴婢□走，子西父東。為身作凶。

The family's affairs have been consumed and ruined to the point of being completely depleted, with no one in the household capable of taking charge. The servants have scattered and fled, the sons heading west and the father heading east. This indicates that the family's fortune has declined, with family members dispersing and separating. This is self-invoked misfortune, a great凶 (great calamity). The original text has missing characters, which are represented by □.

旅　鳥舞國城，邑懼卒驚。仁德不修，為下所傾。

A strange bird circled and danced over the capital city, causing the entire city to panic and suddenly become alarmed. This is because the ruler above does not cultivate benevolence and virtue, eventually being overthrown by the people below. This omen indicates a portent of strange occurrences, loss of virtue and people, inability to maintain position, and misfortune.