The Forest of Zhongfu (the 64th hexagram Zhongfu)

節　出門蹉跌，看道後旅。買羊逸亡，所謂□走。空手握拳，坐狼為咎。

The divination indicates that the person leaving home will encounter an obstacle, stumble, and look back to see that their companions have fallen behind. The purchased sheep also run away, disappearing without a trace. In the end, they are left empty-handed, clutching their fists, waiting for wolves to come and cause trouble. This suggests that the person in charge of the forest is not fortunate in going out, and there is a loss of property. The one who is divining should avoid traveling or engaging in trade in the near future. It is better to stay at home to minimize losses.

小過　牧羊稻田，聞虎喧讙。畏懼惕息，終無禍患。（隨之漸，井之否，剝之損）

The divination indicates a transition from Zhong Fu to Xiao Guo. A person was grazing sheep by a rice field and heard the loud roar of a tiger. Although they were terrified, holding their breath and full of anxiety, they ultimately did not suffer any actual harm. This suggests that the person involved experienced a false alarm, with no real danger. The current fear is without actual harm, and one should remain cautious. After the storm passes, peace will naturally return.

既濟　龍潛鳳池，箕子變服，陰孽萌作。

The hexagram Zhong Fu (Middle Trust) follows the hexagram Ji Ji (Already Completed). A dragon is hidden in the pool of the phoenix, unwilling to show its head; Ji Zi changed his clothing and pretended to be mad and a servant to avoid the harm of King Zhou. This is recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Family of Song Weizi"; this is precisely when the beginning of evil influences and malevolent forces emerge. This indicates that the person in question is a virtuous person who remains hidden to protect himself, and chaos is just beginning. The one interpreting the oracle should observe the subtle signs and promptly temper his sharpness to avoid future calamities.

未濟　國無比鄰，相與爭強。紛紛凶凶，天下擾攘。

The hexagram Zhong Fu (Faithful Center) in the context of Wei Ji (Not Yet Reached) indicates that between nations there are no harmonious neighbors, and they compete fiercely with each other. There is constant turmoil and danger, and the world is in unrest. This suggests that the subject is surrounded by hostile neighbors and rival powers, and that the situation is one of continuous conflict. It is advisable to first cultivate good relationships and avoid creating strong enemies. Direct confrontation will only lead to endless disputes.

福祉日增。

The luck and auspiciousness are increasing day by day. These four characters are mistakenly placed here in the transmitted text; originally they were the concluding sentence of the section on 《Qian》 in 《Xiao Guo》, following the two lines 《Accumulating virtue and practicing benevolence, the spiritual protection responds to sincerity and trust》. They should be read together with those two lines to form the complete passage. Now they are still recorded in the original order to show the appearance of the old version.

小過　初雖驚惶，後乃無傷。受其福慶，永永其祥。

The hexagram Xiao Guo (Little Overstep) indicates that although there was initial alarm and confusion, in the end there was no harm. Instead, one received blessings and rewards, and the auspiciousness lasted long. This hexagram suggests that the person in question first experienced fear and anxiety but later found peace and turned worry into joy. The matter that caused concern was merely a false alarm; after the event, there was no harm, but rather unexpected good fortune. One should remain calm and not panic, avoiding confusion and disorder.

乾　積德累仁，靈佑順信

The hexagram Xiao Guo (Small Overstep) relates to Qian (Heaven). Accumulating virtue and gathering benevolence gradually leads to the protection and blessings of the deities, who favor those who are sincere and trustworthy. The last sentence of this section, "Blessings increase daily," was mistakenly placed in the transmission after the hexagram Zhong Fu (Sincere Trust) in the section Wei Ji (Not Yet Completed). When read together with the preceding two sentences, it clearly indicates that blessings grow day by day through the accumulation of virtue. This section emphasizes that great virtue brings about abundant blessings. Those who divinate should persist in doing good deeds, and the rewards will naturally be substantial.

坤　謹慎重言，不幸遭患。周召述職，脫免牢門。

Small Overcoming comes into the Earth Trigram. Being cautious and careful, speaking with restraint, yet still suffering misfortune; fortunately, the Duke of Zhou and Grand Duke Zhao explained their duties and mediated in between, finally escaping from prison. This indicates that the person involved is innocent but suffers due to others, and is rescued by a nobleman. If the person divining encounters legal troubles or imprisonment, as long as they have been careful in speech and behavior, someone will come forward to help.

屯　鳥飛鼓翼，喜樂堯德。虞夏著功，要荒賓服。

Small Overcoming leads to屯 (Obstruction). Flying birds shake their wings and spread their feathers, rejoicing in the virtue of Emperor Yao; Yu the Great and Shun follow in succession to establish achievements, and even the distant regions of Yao and Huafu come to pay homage. Yao and Huafu are mentioned in the Book of Documents, Yu Gong. This is a great auspicious sign, indicating widespread benevolence and the hearts of all directions turning towards it. Those who make predictions will have their actions supported by people, and their reputation will reach far and wide.

蒙　牙□生齒，室堂啟戶。幽人利貞，鼓翼起舞。

Minor Excess entering the Situation of Ignorance. New teeth grow in the jaw, the hall and rooms open their doors; the person living in seclusion benefits from holding to the right path. In The Zhou Changes, the line 'Nine in the Second' of the hexagram 'Steps' says 'the secluded person maintains uprightness and achieves good fortune,' thus he spreads his wings and dances. This indicates the master of the forest has new vitality beginning, the doors are reopened, and the person who has been in a closed situation for a long time will soon gain a turning point. As long as he maintains uprightness and self-restraint, the day of joy is not far.

需　使伯東求，拒不肯行。與叔爭訟，更相□傷。

Small Overcoming requires sending the elder brother to the east to obtain something, but he refuses to go. He also quarrels with the younger brother, leading to a lawsuit, with both sides harming each other. This indicates that the household is in disorder, the brothers are at odds, and the person entrusted by the seeker does not obey orders. The family also incurs disputes. It is advisable to first reconcile within the family and avoid bringing family matters to court.

訟　手足易處，頭尾顛倒。公為雌嫗，亂其蠶織。

The hexagram Xiao Guo indicates a conflict. The hands and feet have switched places, and the head and tail are reversed; the male master is now doing the tasks of a woman, thereby disrupting the silk-rearing and weaving activities. This shows that the master is meddling in matters beyond his role, causing disorder. The interpreter should advise each person to stay within their proper role and maintain their own responsibilities. Interfering in matters that do not belong to one's own domain will only lead to confusion and chaos.

師　匠卿操斧，豫章危殆。袍衣既剝，祿命訖已。

Small Overcoming comes into the army. A master craftsman holding an axe puts a towering yuzhang tree in danger; when his robe is stripped away, his salary and life are also lost. The owner of this forest loses his great timber, and both his position and salary are lost. If the diviner is talented and shows off his abilities, he will invite cutting, so he should keep his talents hidden and avoid displaying his skills in front of others.

比　天女踞床，不成文章。南箕無舌，飯多砂糠。虐眾盜名，雌雄折頸。（大畜之益）

Small Overcoming the Ratio. The weaving goddess sits before the loom but fails to weave patterns. The "Book of Songs · Xiao Ya · Da Dong" says that the star Nán Jī, though named Ji (a winnowing basket), cannot winnow chaff, so the rice contains much sand and husk. Those who abuse the people and steal fame will ultimately meet a fate of both male and female dying by breaking their necks. This forest's master, who is famous but not real, deceiving the world and stealing reputation, will surely fail. The one interpreting the oracle should be practical and hold themselves with integrity.

小畜　大椎破轂，長舌亂國。床笫之言，三世不安。

Small Overcoming leads to Small Domestic Livelihood. A big hammer breaks the wheel hub, and a woman with a long tongue disrupts the state affairs. The Book of Poetry, Great Yà, Zhan'ang says, "A woman with a long tongue is the cause of calamity." Private conversations in the bedroom spread outside, as recorded in the Zuo Zhuan, "Words spoken in the bedroom do not cross the threshold." Thus, the three dynasties were all troubled. This indicates that the master's bedchamber is filled with slanderous words, leading to the ruin of family and state. The diviner should be cautious about internal words and prevent private talk from leaking out.

履　銜命辱使，不堪厥事。中墜落去，更為負載。

The hexagram Xiao Guo (Small Excess) corresponds to the hexagram Lu (The Shoe). Being entrusted with a mission yet failing to fulfill it, unable to bear the responsibility assigned; collapsing halfway, one is forced to take on the burden of heavy labor. This indicates that the person in question is not competent, moving from a position of honor to one of disgrace. If the person taking the divination accepts a task beyond their capacity, they will not succeed and may even suffer a loss of status. It is advisable to accept only what one can handle and not to force oneself into undertaking tasks beyond one's ability.

泰　三蛇共室，同類相得。甘露時降，生我百穀。

Small Excess leads to Great Peace. Three snakes dwell together in one room, of the same kind, harmonious and at ease with each other; sweet dew falls at the proper time, nurturing a variety of grains. This forest is highly auspicious, indicating the gathering of like-minded people in harmony, and timely weather providing nourishment. Those who share the same path and live together will each gain benefit, and endeavors will encounter opportunities for growth, with a promising harvest.

否　衣繡夜遊，與君相逢。除患解惑，使君不憂。

Small Overcoming leads to Obstruction. Wearing fine silk yet going out at night, it is a regret that no one can see, as mentioned in the "Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Xiang Yu" with the phrase "wearing embroidered robes at night." Unexpectedly, one meets a gentleman, who helps remove his troubles and resolve his doubts, thus relieving his worries. This indicates that the person in question meets someone unexpectedly and receives help from an unknown source. Although the fortune-teller is in an obscure time, there is still someone who appreciates him, and his worries and doubts can be resolved.

同人　被髮獸心，難與為鄰。來如風雨，去如絕弦，為狼所殘。

The hexagram Xiao Guo is followed by Tong Ren. A person with disheveled hair and a heart like that of an animal is difficult to live with as a neighbor; when he comes, it is like a storm of wind and rain, but when he leaves, it is like a broken string of a zither. In the end, he is harmed by jackals. This indicates that the person in charge is not of good character and is violent and dangerous. Those who cast the divination should choose their neighbors and friends carefully, avoiding wild and fierce people. Otherwise, sudden calamity cannot be avoided.

大有　剛柔相呼，二姓為家。霜降既同，惠我以仁。（家人之損，中孚之坎，漸之離）

Small Overcoming leads to Great Attainment. The strong and the gentle respond to each other, and two surnames unite as one family; at the time of Frost Descent, they gather together with united hearts, treating each other with kindness and benevolence. In ancient customs, Frost Descent was the time for marriage. This forest signifies the harmonious union of yin and yang, and a perfect marriage. Those who consult about relationships and contracts are all favorable, and any union between two parties will bring mutual benefit.

謙　牛耳聾瞶，不曉聲味。委以鼎俎，治亂潰潰。

Small Overcoming leads to Humility. The ox has deaf ears and blurred vision, unable to distinguish sounds or flavors. Yet they entrust it with the cooking utensils, resulting in greater confusion and chaos. This illustrates the mistake of appointing the wrong person to a task. The interpreter should assign responsibilities according to one's abilities. Entrusting important matters to someone unskilled will only lead to further disorder.

豫　低頭竊視，有所畏避。行旅不利，酒酸魚餒，眾莫貪嗜。（鼎之解）

Small Overcoming leads to Joy. One lowers his head and secretly looks around, with fear and hesitation in his heart; going out on a journey is not smooth, the prepared wine has turned sour and the fish has rotted, yet no one is willing to take a bite. This indicates that the person in charge is timid and lacks confidence, and the preparations have been made at the wrong time. The diviner's actions lack confidence and quality, so it is advisable to first prepare thoroughly; otherwise, one will be neglected everywhere.

隨　雨師娶婦，黃岩季子。成禮既婚，相呼南上。膏我下土，年歲大有。（否之坤，恆之晉，豐之比，豐之大過）

Small Overcoming followed by Following. The rain god welcomed the newlywed wife, who was the daughter of the Huangyan Ji family; after the wedding ceremony was completed, they called out to each other and traveled south together; the rain thus moistened my fields, resulting in a bountiful harvest. This forest is auspicious, indicating timely marriage, rain nourishing the fields, and the fortune teller's marriage proceeding smoothly, along with the joy of abundant crops and increased family wealth.

蠱　戴盆望天，不見星辰。顧小失大，遁□牆外。（賁之蒙，巽之漸，益之中孚）

Small excess leading to a蛊. One who holds a basin on his head to look up at the sky naturally cannot see the stars; Sima Qian used this image in his letter to Ren An to illustrate the difficulty of handling two matters at once. Focusing on minor things leads to losing the bigger picture, and good fortune slips away from outside the wall. This person has set up his own barriers, losing the bigger picture due to small concerns. The diviner should first remove the immediate obstacles, broaden his perspective, so as not to lose the big gains for the sake of small ones.

臨　二人輦車，徙去其家。井沸釜鳴，不可以居。

Small Overcoming comes to Approaching. Two people are pushing a cart, moving the whole family away; because the well water is boiling and the pots and cauldrons are making noises by themselves, ancient people regarded this as a great凶 omen, and this place can no longer be inhabited. This forest's dwelling has strange omens and is forced to migrate. The person consulting the divination is already in an unstable situation. Upon seeing such strange signs, one should move quickly; if one clings to the place and does not leave, great calamity will be brought.

觀　攘臂反肘，怒不可止。狼戾腹心，無與為市。

Small Overcoming Observes. He rolls up his sleeves, turns his elbow, and his anger cannot be restrained; his heart is as fierce and cruel as a wolf, and no one is willing to trade with him. This man is violent and harmful, disrupting harmony, and is not supported by others. If the fortune-teller persists in anger and displays his temper, he will certainly become isolated and unsupported. Any transactions or cooperative matters must be approached with a calm and peaceful mind.

噬嗑　湯火之憂，轉解喜來。

The hexagram Xiao Guo transforms into Shi He. Originally there was a worry like boiling soup and burning fire, but it resolves quickly, bringing joy. This indicates that the person in question is experiencing great distress, but it will soon turn from misfortune to good fortune. The one seeking divination is currently in a state of anxiety and suffering, but there is no need to despair, for a turning point is near. Endure this difficulty, and joy will follow.

賁　忠信輔成，王政不傾。公劉肇基，文武綏之。

The hexagram Xiao Guo transforms into Bo. Relying on loyalty and trust to assist in achieving the king's great cause, the royal decrees thus do not collapse. Gong Liu established the foundation in Bin, and King Wen and King Wu expanded and perfected it. This is recorded in the "Shi Jing · Da Ya · Gong Liu" and the "Shi Ji · Zhou Ben Ji." This forest named Dají signifies upholding loyalty and trust, continuing the legacy of the past and initiating the future. Those who consult the oracle should support others with sincerity, and their family lineage may be expected to continue through generations.

剝　登高折木，頓躓蹈險。車傾馬疲，叔伯嗟噓。

Small Overcoming leads to Reduction. Climbing to a high place to cut branches, tripping on the way, stepping into danger; the cart overturns, the horses become exhausted, and the uncles can only sigh repeatedly. This indicates that the person in charge is greedy for high positions, leading to perilous situations and setbacks in travel. The diviner should not climb too high or pursue too far, but instead act within their capacity to avoid the danger of falling.

復　桑方隕落，黃葉敗散。失勢傾側，如無所立。

Small Overcoming leads to Restoration. The mulberry tree is now shedding its leaves; the Book of Songs, Wei Wind, Meng says, "The mulberry has fallen, its leaves yellow and falling." The yellow leaves are decaying and scattering; losing support, it becomes crooked and tilted, with nowhere to stand. This indicates that the main force is declining while people are weakening, and the foundation is unstable. The situation upon which the fortune-teller relies is now fading. It is advisable to seek another place to stand as soon as possible, and not to remain in a place that is about to collapse.

旡妄　鸞鳳翱翔，集於家國。念我伯姊，與母相得。

The hexagram Xiao Guo indicates no false movement. The luan bird and the phoenix soar in the sky and finally rest in my country and family. I miss my elder sister, who gets along well with my mother. This forest is very auspicious, signifying the arrival of good omens, harmony among relatives, and a joyful omen in the family. The diviner's household will experience happiness, with family members reuniting and mother and daughter living in peace.

大畜　陰淫所居，盈溢過度，傷害禾稼。

The hexagram Xiao Guo (Minor Excess) transforms into Da Xu (Great Accumulation). Excessive dampness has accumulated here, causing floods beyond their limits, which have drowned the crops. This indicates that the owner of the forest has accumulated too much, which has turned into a disaster. The things the diviner has gathered and the situation they have stored have exceeded their capacity to bear. It is advisable to release and reduce them in time. Otherwise, accumulation will lead to problems, ultimately harming their original business.

頤　霄冥高山，道險峻難。王孫罷極，困於阪間。

Small Excess comes to Abundance. A high mountain rises into the clouds, with darkness and obscurity, and the path is perilous and difficult. The nobleman walks until he is exhausted, and is trapped between the halfway slope of the mountain. This indicates that the path is obstructed, and the effort is exhausted halfway. The person seeking fortune finds that the difficulty of the matter exceeds expectations. It is advisable to assess one's strength and divide the journey into stages, and not to attempt to climb forcefully all at once, lest one exhausts himself halfway.

大過　和璧隋珠，為火所燒。冥昧失明，奪精無光，棄於道傍。

Small Overcoming Great Overcoming. The jade of Ho Shi and the pearl of Sui Hou were subjected to fierce fire; in darkness they lost their luster, their essence was taken away, and they lost all their brilliance, finally being discarded by the roadside. These two treasures are mentioned in "Han Feizi: He Shi" and "Huainanzi: Lan Ming Xun." This is a minor calamity, indicating that precious treasures are destroyed by sudden misfortunes and talented individuals fall into obscurity and are abandoned. Those who take the divination should cherish their treasures, especially being cautious of fire and theft.

坎　虞君好田，惠我老親。恭承宗廟，長慍不去，復我內事。

The divination indicates a minor excess leading to a situation akin to the marsh. The ruler of Yu State enjoyed hunting, yet also showed kindness to my elderly parents. He respectfully upheld the ancestral temple worship, although he harbored long-standing resentment and did not leave, eventually restoring the household affairs. This forest master endured grievances and remained loyal to his post, ultimately regaining his position. The diviner may currently feel unjustly treated, but by remaining steadfast in his duty, he can restore his former status.

離　爪牙之士，怨毒祈父。轉憂與己，傷不及母。（謙之歸妹）

The hexagram is Small Overstep, changing to Fire. The warrior serving as a subordinate is resentful towards the military commander, as expressed in the "Book of Songs, Xiao Ya, Qi Fu" which says, "O commander, you are my king's subordinate." The resentment is directed upwards, and the burden of misfortune falls upon oneself, fortunately without harming the mother. This situation indicates that the person is resentful towards superiors and bears the blame alone. Although the diviner may be involved, the family remains safe. It is advisable to endure hardship to protect one's parents.

咸　倉盈庾億，宜稼黍稷，年歲有息。

Small Overcoming comes to Salty Harmony. The granary is full, and the open grain piles are numerous, amounting to billions. The Book of Songs, Xiao Ya, Chu Ci says, "My granary is full, my storehouses hold a hundred million." It is suitable to plant millet and millet, and the harvest increases year by year. This forest is highly auspicious for agriculture and wealth, indicating abundant storage and continuous growth. Those who consult this omen will find their undertakings steadily accumulating. They should work diligently in farming and saving.

恆　窗牖戶傍，通利明光。賢智輔聖，仁德大行。家給人足，海內殷昌。（大畜之升）

Small excess leading to constancy. The windows and doors are open and bright, with ample light; capable and wise men assist the sage ruler, and benevolence and virtue prevail throughout the world. Every household is prosperous, everyone is warm and well-fed, and the entire realm is flourishing and abundant. This is a great auspicious sign, indicating smooth governance and harmony between the state and the people, with both family and country thriving. Those who consult this omen find their situation clear and open, and should seek the assistance of the virtuous to carry out long-term planning, leading to enduring wealth and prosperity.

遯　忉忉之患，凶重與薦，為虎所吞。

Small Overcoming leads to Retreat. Worry and anxiety are continuous, with misfortunes coming one after another, and dangers pile up heavily, eventually leading to being devoured by a tiger. "Diao Diao" comes from the Book of Songs, Qi Wind, Fu Tian. This is a great凶 (misfortune), indicating that calamities will not come singly but will ultimately result in being devoured. Those who divinate should retreat early to avoid danger and must not hesitate or delay, waiting for the凶 (danger) to come upon them.

大壯　水無魚滋，陸為海涯。君子失居，小人相攜。

The hexagram Xiao Guo transforms into Da Zhuang. Fish and shrimp no longer multiply in the water, and the land has become like the seaside; the gentleman has lost his dwelling, while the petty person gathers in groups. This omen indicates a drastic change in the environment and a reversal of good and evil. The situation in which the diviner finds himself has turned upside down, with the upright person temporarily without a place to stay. It is advisable to temporarily avoid conflict and not to contend with the petty people.

晉　九疑鬱林，沮溼不中。鸞鳳所惡，君子攸去。（無妄之巽）

The hexagram Xiao Guo (Minor Excess) relates to Jin (Progress). In the area around the Xiaoyu Mountain and Yulin Prefecture, the land is low-lying and damp, unsuitable for habitation; even the phoenixes and larks avoid it. Therefore, the gentleman departs. This forest indicates that the land and water are not suitable, and the virtuous retreat. If the person consulting the oracle is considering going there, it is not suitable for them. They should leave early; staying forcibly will harm their family and themselves.

明夷　六翮泛飛，走歸不及。脫歸王室，上其騂特。

The hexagram Small Overcoming corresponds to the hexagram Bright Darkness. The six wings spread wide and rise high, suggesting that trying to walk back is no longer feasible. Eventually, one escapes danger and returns to the royal court, offering a red ox as a sacrificial animal. "Xing te" (red ox) was the preferred offering in the rituals of the Zhou people. This forest symbolizes escaping danger, returning to the right path, and making offerings to gain favor. Although the fortune-teller is in a difficult situation, as long as they return to the correct path and make offerings, they can still secure their position and stability.

家人　不直莊公，與我爭訟。媒伯無禮，自令壅塞。

The hexagram Xiao Guo (Minor Excess) relates to Jia Ren (Family). Duke Zhuang was wrong in his reasoning and did not follow the proper path, yet he argued and took legal action against me. The matchmaker Bo Shi also failed to observe proper etiquette, thus causing the matter to become a deadlock. The master of the forest failed to discern right from wrong and neglected proper conduct in mediation, leading to obstruction. The matter in question is blocked due to an inappropriate intermediary. It is advisable to replace the current mediator with a suitable person to facilitate communication, and avoid further disputes with those who act unjustly.

睽　倉庚多億，宋公危殆。吳子巢門，殞命失所。（「庚」一作「庾」）

The hexagram Xiao Guo (Minor Excess) transforms into Kui (Strife). The granaries and open storage areas contain a vast amount of grain, indicating a time of abundance. However, in the case of Song Xianggong's injury at Hong Water, he faced great danger, and Wu Zi Zhu Fan was shot and killed beneath the city gate of Chao, dying without a proper burial. These two events are recorded in the Zuo Zhuan. This indicates that the person in question has external wealth but is in danger. Even if the fortune teller has substantial resources, they cannot ensure safety. It is advisable to avoid weapons and be cautious in preserving one's life.

蹇　失羊捕牛，無損無憂。

The divination indicates a minor setback followed by a greater gain. Although a sheep was lost, a cow was captured, resulting in no net loss and no cause for worry. The owner of the forest experiences a small loss but a greater gain, with the loss being compensated by the gain. Although there is some loss in the present, there will be a greater gain later. There is no need to be troubled by a temporary loss, as the overall situation remains favorable.

解　夏麥麩□，霜擊其芒。疾君敗國，使我誅傷。（泰之賁）

The hexagram of Small Excess is interpreted as follows. In summer, the wheat is left only with its bran, and the frost has broken the wheat spikes. The ruler is ill, and state affairs are in disarray, causing me to suffer punishment and injury. This situation indicates that the master of the forest has suffered a loss in harvest and has lost his governance, bringing disaster upon the people below. The person seeking divination is in a situation where the fundamental basis has already been ruined. They should seek to escape early and avoid bearing criminal responsibility within a failing situation.

損　昧昧暗暗，不知白黑。風雨亂擾，光明伏匿，幽王失國。

Small Overcoming leads to Loss. The world is confused and dark, unable to distinguish right from wrong; storms and winds combine, causing chaos and unrest, with light hidden away. King You of the Zhou dynasty thus lost his kingdom. This event is recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Annals of the Zhou Dynasty." This is a great凶 (misfortune), indicating the reversal of right and wrong, confusion and national destruction. Those who divinate should strive for clear discernment and must not follow the crowd in darkness, to avoid sharing in the downfall.

益　執斧破薪，使媒求婦。和合二姓，親御飲酒。色比毛嬙，姑公悅喜。

Small Excess leads to Benefit. One holds an axe and cuts firewood, sends a matchmaker to seek a wife. The "Book of Songs · Qi Wind · Nan Shan" says, "How to cut firewood? Without an axe, it cannot be done; how to take a wife? Without a matchmaker, it cannot be done." Two families unite, the husband personally drives the carriage to welcome the bride, they share a joyful banquet. The bride is beautiful, like Mao Qiang. The grandparents are pleased. This omen is favorable for marriage, indicating a good match and the grandparents' satisfaction.

夬　六疾生狂，痴走妄行。北入患門，與禍為鄰。

Small Overcoming leads to Great Exultation. Six kinds of harmful energies converge, causing madness and foolish running about, acting recklessly. One heads north into the door of calamity, becoming a neighbor to misfortune. This is a great凶 (evil omen), indicating loss of mental control and self-inflicted danger. Those who cast the divination should beware of rash actions, especially traveling north. It is advisable to first calm the mind and remain still to avoid misfortune.

姤　驅羊就群，狼不肯前。慶季愎諫，子之被患。

Small Overcoming comes to Meeting. Driving sheep to gather together, the wolf does not come forward. The Qing family and the Ji family are stubborn and self-willed, not listening to advice, like Zi Zhi's tyranny in Yan, which eventually led to disaster. The incident of Zi Zhi's rebellion in Yan is recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Annals of Yan's Duke Zhao." This indicates that the master is dealing with different kinds of people who are difficult to unite and who reject advice, leading to disaster. The one making the divination should be humble and willing to listen, for forcing together people of different hearts will result in great trouble.

萃　二人異路，東趍西步。十里之外，不知相處。

Small Overcoming leads to Accumulation. Two people are taking different paths; one rushes eastward, the other takes slow steps westward. They are ten li apart, unaware of each other's whereabouts. This forest signifies traveling together but with differing intentions, eventually leading to separation. If a person shares a task with another but their directions are not aligned, they will eventually part ways. It is advisable to clarify their destinations early, to avoid mutual delays.

升　義不勝情，以欲自營。睹利為躬，折角摧頸。

Small Overcoming leads to Ascending. Moral principles cannot overcome personal feelings; relying only on desires to manage one's affairs. As soon as there is profit, one eagerly takes it, resulting in the breaking of the horn and the injury of the neck. This indicates that the ruler of the forest is pursuing private interests and seeking profit, ultimately causing self-injury. The one casting the divination should control desires with righteousness, consider the harm before seeking profit, and excessive greed will surely lead to severe damage.

困　騷騷擾擾，不安其類。疾在頸項，凶危為憂。

Small Overcoming leads to困 (Trouble). There is restlessness and turmoil, with no peace among similar things; illness occurs in the neck and critical areas, bringing danger and anxiety. This indicates instability both inside and outside, with illness in vital places. The person seeking divination should pay attention to diseases of the neck and shoulders, and seek medical help early; in dealing with affairs, one should beware of being controlled at critical points, and should first strengthen the key areas.

井　三河俱合，水怒湧躍。壞我王室，民困於食。

Small Overcoming the Well. Three great rivers converge together, the water force is furious, surging and leaping; it destroyed my royal palace and city, causing the people to suffer from food shortages. This forest is extremely凶 for water, indicating floods and disasters, destruction of the foundation. The one who divines should beware of water hazards and the impact caused by the gathering of many forces. It is advisable to build dikes early and store grain to prepare for famine.

革　陽曜旱疾，傷病稼穡，農人無食。

The divination indicates a situation of great drought and severe heat, with the sun scorching the land. Crops are damaged and diseased, leading to a lack of food for the farmers. This suggests that the person in question is facing a period of extreme drought and agricultural failure. The person seeking the divination is encountering a time of scarcity and difficulty, and should seek new sources of water and livelihood. They must not wait passively for favorable conditions but should actively seek alternative means of survival to endure the difficult year.

鼎　流浮出食，載豢入屋。釋轡繫馬，西南廡下。

The hexagram Xiao Guo transforms into Ding. Food floats upon the water and can be taken, and there is also a load of domesticated animals entering the house. The reins are taken off and the horse is tethered under the corridor in the southwest direction. The forest owner obtains food and livestock, and has a place to settle. The diviner has provisions for clothing and food, travelers can expect a place to rest, and all matters concerning preparation and accommodation are favorable, especially advantageous in the southwest direction.

震　門戶之居，可以止舍。進士不殆，安樂相保。

Small Overcoming indicates the Zhen trigram. This represents a dwelling with a door and a window, a place where one can stop and rest; employing virtuous men will not bring danger, and people will be at ease, protecting each other. This forest indicates gaining a secure place to reside, employing people without fault, and the person seeking a divination may rest assured in settling down. All matters concerning recruiting talent and associating with companions are stable and reliable.

艮　過時不歸，雌雄苦悲。徘徊外國，與母分離。（咸之遯，豫之大壯）

Small Overcoming comes from Gen. If someone is past the agreed time and has not returned, a pair of birds mourn bitterly; a person wanders in a foreign land, separated from their mother. This oracle indicates that the person expected by the diviner is temporarily unable to return, and the seeker themselves may be detained abroad. It is advisable to first communicate with family to comfort the mother's heart.

漸　中田有廬，疆埸有瓜。獻進皇祖，曾孫壽考。

The hexagram of Xiao Guo turning into Jie. There are already built houses in the field, and watermelons are planted along the field boundary. The Book of Songs, Xiao Ya, Xin南山 says, "In the middle of the field there are houses, along the borders there are watermelons... offering them to the ancestors, the descendant will enjoy a long life." This refers to Lin Dají, indicating success in agriculture and blessings from ancestral worship. Those who diligently engage in their primary occupations and honor their ancestors will receive the joy of a long life.

歸妹　失時無友，覆家出走，何如喪狗。

Small Overcoming comes into the卦 of Returning Wife. Missing the opportunity and lacking friends, the family business is ruined and one has to flee, appearing in a pitiful state like a stray dog without a home. Confucius once compared himself to "a dog in distress without a home," as recorded in the "Records of the Grand Historian: The Family of Confucius." This indicates that the person is losing both fortune and support, with nowhere to turn. The one seeking divination should act quickly to make allies and seize opportunities, otherwise, once everything falls apart, there will be nowhere to go.