Qian's Forest (the 64th forest of the Qian hexagram)

比之遁：早霜晚遁，傷害禾麥。損功棄力，飢無所食。

If the frost comes too early and lingers too late, the crops and grains will all be damaged. The whole year's effort is wasted, strength is used in vain, and eventually there will be no food to eat. This indicates that the owner of the forest has disrupted the proper timing of the seasons, worked hard but failed to harvest. If they cannot retreat in time, they will suffer the consequences.

比之大壯：適戌失期，患生無聊。懼以發憂，發藏閉塞，邦國騷愁。

He went to take up his post but missed the deadline, thus causing calamity. He became listless and bored. In his fear and anxiety, worries arose. The granaries and treasuries were all sealed off, and the whole country was in turmoil and sorrow. This lord acted recklessly, causing disaster to the state. Therefore, all matters should be observed with due time and proper measure.

比之晉：昊天白日，照臨我國。萬民康樂，咸賴嘉福。

Heaven is bright and the sun shines high, its radiance covering my country. All the people are healthy and joyful, each enjoying the blessings of goodness. This forest is very auspicious, matching the image of the Progress卦 "Light emerging from the earth," indicating bright prospects and joy shared by all. It is suitable for striving for fame.

比之明夷：元吉無咎，安寧不殆。時行則行，勿之有悔。

It is extremely auspicious and free from error, peaceful and without danger. When action is needed, take it, without leaving regret. Though this forest resides in a time of darkness and obscurity, because it can discern the right moment to act, it transforms danger into safety. This is a favorable omen for seizing the opportunity and taking the initiative.

比之家人：懿公淺愚，不深受謀。無援失國，為狄所賊。

Wei Yi Gong was shallow and foolish, loving cranes but unwilling to accept good advice. He lost the support of both his people and his relatives, and with no one to save him, his country was conquered and he died at the hands of the Di people, as recorded in the Zuo Zhuan, Min Gong Second Year. This case shows that a ruler who does not listen to loyal counsel and neglects internal governance brings both his family and his country to peril.

比之睽：城上有烏，自號破家。呼喚鳩毒，為國患災。

A crow is perched on the city wall, its cry signaling the sound of a ruined family. Another omen comes in the form of a鸩 bird with poisonous feathers, becoming a calamity for the state. This omen indicates frequent ominous signs, inviting wolves into the fold, leading to discord and betrayal. Those close are not trustworthy; one must keep away from petty people.

比之蹇：長股善走，趨步千里。王良嘉言，伯來在道。申見王母。

A person with long legs is good at running, able to travel thousands of miles with each step. The skilled driver Wang Liang left a good saying, and the elder brother has already arrived on the way, finally allowing another meeting with the Queen Mother of the West. Though this forest is in a difficult situation, due to the presence of a good driver and strong legs, it can travel far and see the Queen Mother, indicating that there is assistance even amidst difficulties.

比之解：耕石山顛，費種家貧。無聊處作，苗發不生。

On the mountain top, cultivating on a stone, the seeds are wasted in vain, and the family becomes poorer. Working aimlessly without support, the seedlings will not sprout. This person tills the land without proper location, though there is an opportunity to resolve thepredicament, there will be no harvest. One should choose the right place before taking action.

比之損：二人異步，東趨西步。千里之行，不相知處。

The two are out of step, one going east and the other west. Each travels a thousand miles, and they will no longer know where the other is. This forest indicates that those who walk together will eventually have different intentions and part ways. Both partnerships and marriages will result in more loss than gain.

比之益：純服黃裳，栽土以興。德義茂生，天下歸仁。

Dressed in pure yellow lower garments, the hexagram "Kun" at line six in the fifth position, "Yellow undergarments bring great good fortune," represents the proper and upright attire; cultivating the earth to establish a foundation and rise up. Virtue and benevolence flourish abundantly, and the world unites in benevolence. This is a great auspiciousness, indicating the ability to remain centered and upright, with moral and scholarly achievements growing daily, benefiting others and oneself alike.

比之夬：五銑鐵頤，倉庫空虛。賈市無盈，與利為仇。

The utensils are left with only rough iron edges and corners, and the warehouse is empty. There is no profit in trade, but instead a quarrel with wealth. This indicates that the owner will suffer losses and failures in business, and will incur losses. When making decisive actions, one must beware of the loss of money.

比之姤：登崑崙，入天門，過糟丘，宿玉泉，問惠觀，見仁君。

Ascend the Kunlun mountain of immortals, enter the heavenly gate, pass through Zaoqiu, stay overnight at Yuquan, and travel along the path seeking benevolent sights, finally meeting a virtuous ruler. This forest is the site of a rare and fortunate encounter. The hexagram Guo signifies meeting, indicating a journey to pay homage to a superior, with all encounters being favorable.

比之萃：團團白日，為月所食。損上毀下，鄭昭出走。

A full white sun is obscured by the moon, causing an eclipse. Above, its brightness is diminished; below, its foundation is destroyed. Zheng Zhuang Gong eventually fled, as recorded in the "Zuo Zhuan." This indicates that the ruler's virtue is concealed, gathered and then dispersed. Those in high positions should beware of calamities caused by hidden forces.

比之升：倉盈庾億，宜稼黍稷。年歲有息，國家富有。

The granaries are full, with heaps of grain piled up in the open, measured in billions. It is most suitable to widely plant millet and millet. The harvest is abundant every year, leading to the country's prosperity. This is a great auspicious omen, corresponding to the meaning of the Ascending Hexagram, which signifies the gradual accumulation of small gains leading to great abundance. It indicates increasing accumulation and prosperity for both the family and the state.

比之困：虎狼結謀，相聚為保。伺齧牛羊，道絕不通，傷我商人。

Tigers and wolves conspire, gathering together to protect each other, waiting for an opportunity to attack cattle and sheep. As a result, the roads are blocked, and traveling merchants suffer. This indicates that the local authorities are corrupt, the path is blocked, and long-distance merchants should be particularly cautious. It is advisable to temporarily stop and not travel.

比之井：木年催折，常恐不活。老賴福慶，光榮輔相。

The trees have been old and have suffered damage, often fearing they will not survive. However, the elderly person relies on good fortune and is preserved, enjoying the honor of being a minister. This indicates that the forest first faces danger but then attains safety, like a well that has long been abandoned but is once again used for water, signifying that the old person will gain blessings in old age and the old business will revive.

比之革：同載共車，中道分去。喪我元夫，獨為孤苦。

Originally we shared the same carriage, but on the way we parted. I lost my good husband, who is the virtuous man and my husband, leaving me alone and helpless. This omen signifies a change of fortune, with separation from a companion in the middle of the journey, symbolizing solitude.

比之鼎：飲酒醉酗，跳躍爭鬥，伯傷叔疆，東家治喪。

Drinking excessively and getting into a drunken brawl, they leap about fighting. The elder brother is injured, the younger brother shows off his strength. Because of this, the family next door holds a funeral. This is a dangerous omen, indicating calamity from alcohol, disputes, and brothers harming each other. Though there is food in the tripod, it is consumed without restraint. One should avoid drinking and be cautious about disputes.

比之震：出值凶災，逢五赤頭，跳言死格，扶杖伏聽，不敢動搖。

As soon as one steps out, they encounter a calamity, meeting five fierce red-headed malevolent spirits who leap and shout, intending to kill. One can only support the staff and kneel on the ground, obeying their command, not daring to move. This is a great凶 (fearful and dangerous) situation, indicating fear and being controlled, and in the face of shock, one should bend down and protect oneself.

比之艮：狼虎爭強，利義不行。兼吞其國，齊晉無主。

Cheetahs, wolves, fierce tigers contend for dominance; the principles of benefit and righteousness cannot prevail. The strong annex and destroy other states, and both Qi and Jin lose their rulers. In this forest, the strong act tyrannically, and the rules and regulations are abandoned. The meaning of stillness and restraint expressed by Gen does not apply here, and it is advisable to avoid confrontation.

比之漸：南國少子，方略美好。求我長女，薄賤不與。反得醜惡，後乃大悔。

In the south there is a young man of remarkable talent. He came to marry my eldest daughter, but the family considered him too lowly and refused the match. As a result, the daughter married a man of bad character, and later regretted her decision. This person chose a spouse improperly, judging by poverty and low status. Matters that develop gradually should be carefully considered at their beginning.

比之歸妹：一身兩頭，莫適其軀。亂不可治，孰為湯漢。

A body with two heads, limbs at a loss for direction. Chaos beyond control, who could be like King Tang of Shang or Emperor Gaozu of Han to restore order? This is a great凶 (auspicious) sign, indicating multiple authorities and improper distinctions. No greater failure than this in the hexagram归妹.

比之豐：李耳匯鵲，更相恐怯，偃而以腹，不能距格。

Li Er is another name for the tiger. When a tiger meets a group of magpies, both are startled and uneasy, and can only lie on their backs, exposing their bellies, unable to resist or fight. This situation symbolizes a person who appears strong on the outside but is weak inside, showing cowardice when faced with matters. Even in times of abundance, they cannot hold onto their position.

比之旅：松柏棟樑，相輔為強。八哲五教，王室康寧。

Pine and cypress trees can be used as beams and pillars, supporting each other and becoming even more sturdy. Eight virtuous scholars promote the five virtues, leading the royal family to peace and tranquility. This grove signifies the gathering of capable talents, providing support for those on the road, indicating success in external endeavors and the accomplishment of great affairs together.

比之巽：雀行求食，暮歸孚乳。反其屋室，安寧如故。

A sparrow goes out during the day to search for food and returns in the evening to its nest to incubate its young. It returns to its own dwelling, peace remains as usual. This forest sign indicates labor with a return, smooth entry and exit. Xun represents entry, indicating that affairs can be handled calmly and the household is safe.

比之兌：四尾六頭，為凶作妖。陰不奉陽，上失其明。

Four tails and six heads, this is the form of a malevolent spirit causing trouble. Yin does not obey Yang, and those in superior positions lose their clarity. This forest is characterized by strange occurrences and disorder, with hidden wickedness beneath the surface. It is advisable to first establish proper roles and distinctions.

比之渙：一衣三闋，結緝不便。岐道異路，日暮不到。

A garment has torn in three places, and mending it is very awkward. There are many diverging paths, each leading to different destinations. The sky is already dark, yet the destination has not been reached. The master of this forest is scattered and broken, lost on the way, and during times of dispersion, nothing can be accomplished.

比之節：牙櫱生齒，室堂啟戶。幽人利貞，鼓翼起舞。

Grasses and trees sprout new shoots, and the hall opens its doors. The person living in seclusion holds to the right path and gains benefit, rejoicing as they spread their wings and dance. This indicates that the forest ruler has reached a point of closure and now flows smoothly, maintaining integrity and gaining good fortune. It is an omen of a recluse emerging and being put to use.

比之中孚：春鴻飛東，以馬至金。利得十倍，重載歸鄉。

In spring, geese fly eastward. People exchange horses for gold, making a profit tenfold and returning home loaded with wealth. This forest is highly auspicious. The hexagram Zhong Fu signifies sincerity and trustworthiness, indicating that transactions will be trustworthy and that there will be great gains in exchanges.

比之小過：歡悅以喜，子孫俱在。守發能忍，不見殃咎。

Joyful and content, the children are all safe and present. By keeping to one's proper role and being able to endure, one will not meet with calamity or mistakes. This forest's master has minor transgressions but no great harm; he can preserve his position by being tolerant.

比之既濟：精神消落，形骸醜惡。齬齚頓挫，枯槁腐蠹。

The spirit is weak and scattered, the body is withered and unattractive. The teeth are uneven and the bite is uneven, the body is dry and withered like a rotten tree hollowed out by insects. This indicates that the ruler of the forest has achieved success but has a declining energy. After completion, it is followed by decline, and this is most ominous when asking about illness.

比之未濟：登高上山，見王自言。申理我冤，得職夢恩。

Climbing a high mountain, facing the king and personally presenting one's case. The injustice is cleared, and one is appointed to an official position and receives grace. This line indicates a lawsuit for injustice being resolved, and a petition being accepted. Although the matter in the hexagram "Not Yet Completed" is not yet finished, the future is already opening up.

小畜之小畜：白鳥銜餌，鳴呼其子。斡枝張翅，來從其母。伯仲叔季，尤賀舉手。

A white bird carries food and calls out to its young. The young birds climb the branches and spread their wings, flying to follow their mother. The elder brothers and younger brothers raise their hands in celebration. This scene signifies that the family has successfully raised their children, with siblings united. The meaning of gradual accumulation is about nurturing, indicating the household is joyful about adding a new member.

小畜之乾：東遇虎地，牛馬奔驚。道絕不通，南困無功。

He went eastward into a place where tigers are said to dwell, causing cattle and horses to be startled and scatter. The road was cut off and passage was impossible. Going south also led to being trapped with nothing achieved. This forest is the master of movement and stillness, with both east and west blocked, making travel and seeking wealth unsuitable.

小畜之坤：子鉏執麟，春秋作元。陰將以終，尼父悲心。

In the fourteenth year of Duke Lu Ai's reign, the carriage driver Zichushang of the Shusun family hunted a qilin. Confucius therefore ceased writing the Spring and Autumn Annals. With the waning of yin energy and the failure of the sage path, Confucius felt sorrow, which is known as the "Western Hunt for the Qilin" event. This signifies a rare auspicious omen that does not meet its time, with interrupted career, indicating a person of talent encountering an end times era.

小畜之屯：取火泉源，釣魚山顛。魚不可得，火不肯燃。

Go to the spring's source to get fire and climb to the mountain peak to fish, completely reversing the directions. Neither fish nor fire can be obtained. This indicates that the person seeking is not in the right place, and efforts will be in vain. In the midst of difficulties, one must be especially careful in choosing the path.

小畜之蒙：機關不便，不能出言。精誠不通，為人所冤。

The mechanism is not flexible, and words fail to come out when they should. A sincere heart cannot reach above, yet one is falsely accused. This indicates that the person in question is in a state of confusion and blockage, with no way to clear their name. It is advisable to remain silent for now and wait patiently until dawn.

小畜之需：故室舊廬，稍弊且徐。不如新巢，可治樂居。

The old house is gradually becoming dilapidated and slow to mend; it is better to build a new dwelling and tidy it up for a peaceful and comfortable living. This indicates that the owner should consider renovating and moving to a new place. Those who need it should wait, as the main focus is on renovation and then achieving stability and comfort.

小畜之訟：蛇循流，東求大魚。預且舉網，庖人歌謳。

A snake moves along the water, heading east to search for a big fish. A fisherman is about to cast a large net to catch it. The Records of the Grand Historian, in the section on divination with tortoises, mentions that a divine turtle was caught by Yu Ju, which is exactly this meaning. A cook sings happily as he goes to the kitchen. This forest's owner intends to do great things, but it is taken by others. In disputes, one should be cautious of becoming someone else's substitute.

小畜之師：鑿山通道，南至嘉國。周公祝祖，襄適荊楚。

Opening mountains and carving paths, heading south to reach a prosperous land. The Duke of Zhou prayed to his ancestors, and envoys traveled far to the Jiangchu region. This forest owner is one who opens up paths and is sent on a distant mission. With a just cause, traveling south brings good fortune.

小畜之比：鵲近卻縮，不見頭目。日以困急，不能自復。

A magpie approaches but then retreats, its head and face not visible. The situation becomes increasingly difficult, with no ability to recover on one's own. This omen indicates that the person in question desires closeness but cannot achieve it, and is confused about whether to advance or retreat, making it hard to realize their aspirations.

小畜之履：五舌啄難，各自有言。異國殊俗，使心迷惑，所求不得。

Five mouths争着 to argue, each insisting on their own view. Customs differ in foreign lands, causing confusion and preventing the attainment of what is sought. This forest's master has many voices speaking in discord, unable to reach a consensus. When the path is unclear, progress is difficult.

小畜之泰：天門開闢，牢戶寥闊。桎梏解脫，拘囚縱釋。

Heaven's gate is open, the prison gate is wide open. Handcuffs and leg irons are all removed, and the imprisoned person is released. This is Lin Da Ji, indicating sudden removal of difficulties and communication between heaven and earth. It is most auspicious when asking about legal cases or illness.

小畜之否：堅冰黃鳥，常哀悲愁。數驚鷙鳥，雛為我憂。

In the harsh winter with frozen ice, the yellow bird cries and mourns all day. It is repeatedly disturbed by fierce birds of prey, and the young birds in its nest cause worry. This forest symbolizes weakness unable to endure the cold, often bullied and oppressed. In times of blockage, it is advisable to remain hidden and not reveal itself.

小畜之同人：日走月步，娶不同舍。夫妻反目，主君失居。

The sun and moon each follow their own paths, though they may be paired in marriage, they do not live in the same room. Spouses turn against each other, and the ruler loses his place of rest. This forest indicates that the couple lies in separate dreams, both inside and outside are lost, and marriage is most to be avoided.

小畜之大有：金牙鐵齒，西王母子。無有患殃。扶舍徙道，到來不久。

Those with golden teeth and iron jaws are the sons of the Queen Mother of the West. With their protection, there will be no calamities. They assist in shelter and guide the path of relocation, allowing one to reach their destination soon. The master of this forest receives divine protection and has smooth relocation. Great gain comes from having a reliable support.

小畜之謙：式微式微，憂禍相半。隔以巖山，室家分散。

"Shi wei shi wei, hu bu gui," from the "Book of Songs · Bei Feng · Shi Wei," expresses a lament about decline, with equal parts sorrow and misfortune. In between lie steep mountains and scattered families. This indicates that the subject's family is gradually declining, with relatives living apart, and retreat and humility are inevitably accompanied by worries.

小畜之豫：眾神集聚，相與議語。南國虛亂，百姓勞苦。興師征伐，更立賢主。

The gods gathered together to discuss. The southern country was empty and in turmoil, with the people suffering greatly. Therefore, they raised an army to attack and established a virtuous ruler. This forest master brings order out of chaos. The hexagram of Preparation signifies readiness. It is about taking initiative and planning before acting, ultimately achieving renewal.

小畜之隨：狼虎爭食，禮義不行。兼吞其國，齊魯無主。

Cheetahs, wolves, and tigers fight over food, and the way of propriety cannot be practiced. The strong swallow the weak, and the states of Qi and Lu lose their rulers. In this forest, the strong dominate the weak, and power follows strength, while righteousness does not exist. It is advisable to avoid the strong and hold to one's own position.

小畜之蠱：寄生無根，如過浮雲。本立不固，斯須落去，更為枯樹。

A parasitic object has no roots, like drifting clouds. Its foundation is not firmly established, and it falls away in an instant, turning into a withered tree. This forest depends on something without roots, flourishing but not enduring. It is a sign of a corrupt situation that should be addressed at its root.

小畜之臨：子啼索哺，母行求食。反見空巢，長息訾弋。

A young bird calls for food, but the mother bird is away searching for food. When she returns, she finds an empty nest and sighs, blaming the hunters. The forest's caretaker has been interrupted in nurturing, and the flesh and blood are harmed. In the final stages, one should beware of external threats that may harm the loved ones.

小畜之觀：駕駟逐狐，輪掛荊棘。車不結轍，公子無得。

Riding a four-horse chariot to chase a fox, the wheels got stuck in brambles. Even the tracks could not be pressed down, and the nobleman gained nothing. The master of this forest, eager for quick results, only ended up being hindered. Observing carefully and assessing the situation properly can prevent mistakes.

小畜之噬嗑：方喙廣口，仁智聖厚。釋解倒懸，唐國太安。

A face with a square mouth and wide lips indicates a person who is benevolent, virtuous, wise, saintly, enlightened, and generous. Such a person rescues the people from hardship, bringing great stability to the country of Emperor Yao of the Tang dynasty. This signifies that a virtuous person is in power, dangers are resolved, and obstacles are removed through the process of resolving conflicts, leading to smoothness and clarity.

小畜之賁：駕福乘西，來至家國。戴慶南行，離我安居。

A carriage carrying good fortune is heading westward back to one's homeland. Above, there is joy, and it is heading southward, leaving behind the stable dwelling. In this forest, there is auspiciousness amidst movement. Beneath the embellishment of贲, one first gains fortune and then moves, which is suitable for maintaining what has been established rather than embarking on further distant journeys.

小畜之剝：孔鯉伯魚，北至高奴，木馬金車，駕遊大都，王母送我，來牝字駒。

Confucius's son, Kong Li, who was named Boyu, traveled north to Gao Nu, and rode in a wooden chariot adorned with gold while touring the great capital. The Western Queen Mother saw him off and presented him with a mare that gave birth to a fine horse. Though this forest is in a time of decline, he gained the assistance of a nobleman and thus traveled far and obtained benefits. This indicates that travelers will receive help and that descendants will continue the lineage.

小畜之復：三足無頭，不知所之。心狂精傷，莫使為明，不見日光。

Three legs but no head, not knowing where to go. The mind is chaotic, the vital energy is damaged, no one can make him understand, and he remains unseen all day. This forest indicates a lost owner, confusion and disorientation, and the path back is difficult to find.

小畜之無妄：來牝龍身，日馭三千，南止蒼梧，與福為婚。道里夷易，安全無忌。

A dragon-bodied mare came, capable of traveling three thousand li in a day, heading south and stopping at Cangwu. It formed a marriage with good fortune. The path was smooth and safe with no taboos. This forest is very auspicious, with gain without effort. It indicates a smooth journey and a marriage destined by heaven.

小畜之大畜：辰次降婁，王駕巡時。廣佑施惠，安國無憂。

The planet Jupiter reaches the section of Jianguo, one of the twelve sections. The king follows the seasons to tour the land, widely bestowing blessings and kindness, ensuring the country's peace and security. This forest represents one who accumulates virtue and extends its influence, acting in accordance with the proper time. Great wealth in nurturing comes from the ability to give.

小畜之頤：望幸不到，文章來就。王子逐走，馬騎銜傷。昳跡不得，曷其有常。

The king is expected to come but does not arrive; instead, official documents and literary works are presented before one's eyes. The prince gallops forward, and both man and horse suffer injuries from the bit and rein. The trail is scattered and hard to find, where can there be any regular pattern? This indicates that the master of the forest has missed his expectations, and there is injury from movement, which is an omen of improper conduct in self-cultivation.

小畜之大過：中原有菽，以待饔食。飲御諸友，所求大得。

In the open fields, beans grow abundantly, suitable for preparing meals in the morning and evening. This phrase originates from the "Small Ya" section of the "Book of Songs," specifically "Xiaowan," which says, "In the central plains there are beans, the common people gather them." Setting a banquet to invite friends, one can expect great success. This forest of auspicious signs indicates simplicity and contentment, with host and guest both enjoying themselves. Even in a time of excess, one does not lose proper sustenance.