The Second Chapter of the Comprehensive Guide to Divination

The weather changes with the rain, inquiring about the clarity; the hexagrams of Gen and Li respond.

Two benefits promote prosperity, while decline is not advisable; within the odd and even, observe the distinctions between male and female

The hexagram Kan is characterized by the color black, and it can take on both round and square forms. It embodies softness and decay, yet possesses rigidity within. It is found in low and moist places, often associated with various entities. When it encounters Qian, it appears round; when it meets Dui, it is destroyed. Furthermore, it is associated with filth and moisture, and can be consumed when combined with Zhen and Xun; Li and the conjunction of water and fire allow it to emerge through water and be formed through fire. It also represents stagnation in matter, with Dui symbolizing an opening. Zhen and Xun represent branches and leaves, as well as flowers.

Song of the Profound Mysteries of Observing Objects

In terms of diet, one must observe both movement and stillness. Therefore, movement signifies existence, while stillness signifies absence. The lower trigram represents the self, while the upper trigram represents others. The lower trigram transforms into the guest, with the upper representing wine and the lower representing food. To interpret the lower trigram as food, one must consider what it is; the transformation into the guest signifies that the food is not lasting, leading to a favorable outcome for the self. The interaction of the trigrams indicates that one cannot obtain food if hindered by others. When others give life, and others request, the self is born and the request is made. The interaction of life does not account for cups and ladles. The upper self receiving life from the guest does not count numerically. The transformation gives rise to interactions, where guests may arrive later; interactions may also lead to departures. The influence of others makes it difficult to obtain food. When others give life, and others request, the self is born and the request is made. The interaction of life does not account for cups and ladles. The upper self receiving life from the guest does not count numerically. The transformation gives rise to interactions, where guests may arrive later; interactions may also lead to departures. Consider the timing of the day, and thus the use of the interacting trigrams.

Marriage is inherently difficult to achieve, while compatibility and mutual support bring great fortune

The Gen corresponds to earth, and is cooked together; the Li corresponds to fire, and is pan-fried. In autumn, it is crabs; in spring, it is horses. Generally, there must be plenty of meat inside, and its flavor must be pungent, served in ceramic vessels, accompanied by golden goblets. As for vegetables, it is celery; as for items, they are feathered. The cycle of life and death must include geese and ducks. What is born must also be consumed, while wild vegetables remain nameless.

The auspicious burial site is situated near the mountain, close to human habitation, where prosperity and decline coexist.

The Qian Lord is an elder, and when Kun encounters a Yin person, it is said to correspond to the earth

In the clarity of the heavens and the obscurity of the earth, the winds are abundant; the thunder of the earth is decisive, do not doubt.

If one asks where the tomb lies, it is in the flat and peaceful forest of Kun.

The hexagram Li represents a color that is yellow and blue, with a dry body, characterized by a hardness above and softness below. It pertains to objects like mountains and stones, as well as earthen tiles, small stones in large mountains, and pathways. In terms of its properties, it appears firm when associated with Qian, is broken when associated with Dui, forms earth blocks when associated with Kun, and is related to grasses when associated with Xun, while it pertains to wooden objects when associated with Zhen. Kan corresponds to riverbanks, while Li corresponds to pottery, and Zhen and Xun are associated with fences.

One must also divide the hexagrams, as they cannot be treated uniformly. If the hexagram is auspicious and the lines are also favorable, then calamities will ultimately be absent; if the hexagram is inauspicious and the signs are also unfavorable, then disasters are inevitable. Wearing mourning garments signifies that filial piety will inevitably come; holding a staff while lamenting and reading books will certainly lead to weeping filling the room. The worries of a person are indeed worries, and the joys of a person must also be joys. Therefore, one should observe colors and shapes to make decisions and resolve intentions. If there is the sound of drums and music, and one sees wine cups and vessels, if it is not for welcoming marriage, it must certainly be for a banquet with guests. To know on which day it will happen, one must observe the line symbols and their values. Xun corresponds to five days and Kun to eight days, Li corresponds to three mornings and Kan to six mornings. Again, observe the distance and the responses to determine the timing of the purchase. If the response is distant, then the entire hexagram is the same; if the response is near, then each time is judged similarly. For instance, if the hexagram of Heaven and Earth is in a state of negation, then Heaven is one and Earth is eight; if the hexagram of Lake and Fire is in a state of transformation, then Dui is two and Li is three. Following this reasoning, there will be no mistakes.

The hexagram Xun signifies communication through written documents and correspondence, particularly in discussions regarding external guests, marriages, and old friendships. It may indicate distant messages arriving soon, characterized by a white and blue hue, with a nature that is both curved and straight, and a sour taste, symbolizing length. Peach, plum, and papaya, along with vegetarian dishes, can be served with fish or chicken, and beans and flour must be obtained through diligent effort rather than mere convenience. There are influences from Qian and Dui, which may lead to illness if consumed, while Kun suggests that obtaining food is not difficult. Cooking involves stir-frying vegetables, while Li pertains to frying tea, with Kan in the middle, accompanied by wine and soup. The same applies to peach, plum, and papaya, vegetarian dishes, fish, and chicken, with beans and flour requiring effort to procure. The influences of Qian and Dui may lead to illness, while Kun indicates ease of acquisition. Cooking involves stir-frying vegetables, while Li pertains to frying tea, with Kan in the middle, accompanied by wine and soup. In the context of Gen, there is a gathering with neighbors and the presence of noble individuals. The food is not abundant, but merely sufficient. The oil, vegetables, and fruits are harvested from the mountains, along with game such as tigers, dogs, rabbits, and deer, as well as fish caught in nets, rice, hemp, flour, and wheat. One must gather food carefully, and when it comes to lamb, it should be approached with caution. The taste is sweet, and the color is dark yellow. Kan represents the water element, with water bringing messages from afar, possessing a fragrant aroma and fine scales, or perhaps four legs. All that is aquatic is suitable for consumption. One may hear the sounds of flutes and drums, or be in places of ritual and music, characterized by a black color and a salty taste. When drinking, one should return to eating fish. This includes pigs, eyes, ears, and blood. The flavors of soups and sauces, along with wine and water, are significant. When encountering Li, one speaks of documents, and when meeting Qian, one enjoys the flavors of the sea.

The hexagram of Zhen represents wood. The wine companions are unrestrained, light, and peculiar. The fruits of the great tree and the vegetables of the garden are green in color and sour in taste, abundant in quantity, yet few in visitors. Some may have a gamey odor, while others may have exotic fragrant dishes. The presence of Li suggests an abundance of salt and tea; encountering Kan may indicate salt and vinegar.

The阴多生女,阳生男 principle clearly embodies the logic of易理.

The hexagram Kun is characterized by a straight and square shape, with colors of black and yellow. It represents textiles and fabrics, as well as vehicles and metal. Its symbolic representation is that of an ox, which is inherently restless. Only when it receives the influence of Qian can it achieve both roundness and squareness, and can be valued or devalued. Zhen and Xun represent long instruments, Li symbolizes literature, Dui signifies gold emerging from the earth, and Gen represents the solid earth and stones.

It also interprets the omens of spirits and deities, with Zhen representing beauty and peculiarity in appearance

When encountering the charcoal merchant, one feels worry; when meeting the wheat merchant, one feels sorrow. Rice must be extraordinary, beans must be hurtful. The end and the shoes signify harmony in all matters; chess and medicine signify agreements with others. Axes and saws must be used for repairs, and grain storage must be prepared for long journeys. Hearing the call of birds suggests that plans are mere talk. Listening to the sound of drums indicates that transactions are empty. Wiping the eyes and moistening the lashes reveals matters of weeping within; holding a blade that draws blood speaks of the poison of insects outside. When the response is clear, food and drink are equally decided. Water is seen as food, wine, and soup; fire is encountered for frying, boiling, and roasting. Seeing rice signifies the gain of a meal, and lifting a pot signifies the courtesy of pouring a cup. Wiping the eyes and moistening the lashes reveals matters of weeping within; holding a blade that draws blood speaks of the poison of insects outside. When the response is clear, food and drink are equally decided. Water is seen as food, wine, and soup; fire is encountered for frying, boiling, and roasting. Seeing rice signifies the gain of a meal, and lifting a pot signifies the courtesy of pouring a cup. Water is the flavor of fish in the water, and earth is the vegetables of cattle and sheep in the soil. Ginger flour is for spicy and hot soup, and the knife and cutting board are for delicious and fragrant dishes. These are the responses of the three heavens, the mechanisms of all things. Those who can achieve this should keep it a secret.

The observer of objects, although it is said to be of no benefit to the world, scholars use this to verify numbers and thus understand the essence of the sages who created the Book of Changes. In the world, there must be numbers associated with objects. Therefore, the heavens are round and the earth is square, which represents the shape of objects; the heavens are dark and the earth is yellow, which represents the color of objects; the heavens are in motion and the earth is still, which represents the nature of objects; the heavens above and the earth below, which represents the position of objects; Qian is firm and Kun is yielding, which represents the substance of objects. Thus, the hexagram of Qian is firm and round, precious and strong, representing gold and jade, red and round, great and foremost, the fruits of the highest. Seeing Dui signifies destruction and disassembly, encountering Kan leads to sinking, seeing Li represents the refining of gold, Zhen signifies moving objects, and Xun represents wood, which is round. Kun and Gen are stones within the earth, which become vessels when they receive fire. Therefore, the hexagram of Qian is firm and round, precious and strong, representing gold and jade, red and round, great and foremost, the fruits of the highest. Seeing Dui signifies destruction and disassembly, encountering Kan leads to sinking, seeing Li represents the refining of gold, Zhen signifies moving objects, and Xun represents wood, which is round. Dui represents the sharpness of a sword's edge; in autumn, it gains value, while in summer, it declines.

The body serves as the decisive factor in actions, and production takes the body as its foundation

Engaging in transactions with vitality and balance will surely lead to beneficial outcomes without any lingering concerns

The sages left behind the knowledge of the future, "Huangji" and "Guanmei" emerged from the "Zhouyi"

Traveling with the body is often met with great success in the places one visits

Human beings possess both yin and yang, and the hexagrams are divided into prior and subsequent. Those who understand the times take from their own bodies for the near, and from external objects for the far. Observers of natural principles, when still, align with the heavens. Indeed, all things have their numbers, and the numbers of the I Ching are infinite. The states of motion and stillness can be known, and they do not exist outside of the mysterious heavens. Auspicious and inauspicious signs must be evident, and one cannot escape the symbols of the hexagrams. Before the hexagram is formed, one must seek with an open heart; after the hexagram is formed, one should observe the signs for judgment. Sounds and words, the omens of others, should be encountered through the shapes and shadows that come and go. My heart points to the truth, and when the six lines are determined, with the three days having been born, one begins to seek the beginnings of the hexagram's symbols and ultimately measures the principles of the signs. Therefore, when encountering auspicious omens, one knows there will be joy, and when seeing inauspicious signs, one cannot avoid misfortune. Thus, to know the affairs of others, one must rely on what one hears and sees. Observations made before the hexagram is formed pertain to matters that have already occurred. Observations made after the hexagram is established pertain to future opportunities. If one hears noise from a certain place, it indicates conflict; if one hears laughter from nearby, it signifies a celebration; if one sees a woman weeping, it suggests that her family will not suffer disaster; if troops arrive from the east, there will be legal disputes; if one encounters shackles, they may soon face imprisonment; if one meets with whips, punishment will surely follow. Therefore, to know the affairs of others, one must rely on what one hears and sees. Observations made before the hexagram is formed pertain to matters that have already occurred. Observations made after the hexagram is established pertain to future opportunities. If one hears noise from a certain place, it indicates conflict; if one hears laughter from nearby, it signifies a celebration; if one sees a woman weeping, it suggests that her family will not suffer disaster; if troops arrive from the east, there will be legal disputes; if one encounters shackles, they may soon face imprisonment; if one meets with whips, punishment will surely follow

It is difficult to adhere to a raw food diet, but one must strive for harmony and beauty in moderation.

It is particularly auspicious to choose a burial site that is harmonious with the living environment, as this brings great fortune.

If there is a comparison and misfortune, there will be a savior; when the body hexagram is subjected to restraint, it is an ominous sign

If one slaughters and carries meat, this signifies calamity for the flesh and bones; should one encounter bloodshed, there is fear of disaster for livestock. When the shaman plays music and offers food, illness approaches the household. Seeing skin indicates a prior offense against the family, while encountering wine suggests a lack of divine favor. If a spirit of the deceased appears, it brings misfortune to women; if a spirit of the living appears, it brings disaster to men.

In the realm of Kun, when distant guests arrive and old friends come, the utensils used must be earthenware, and the flavors of rice and fruits are essential. In stillness, there are pears, jujubes, eggplants, and taros; in motion, there are fresh fish, shrimp, and lamb. There are no bones in the meat jerky; whether killed or preserved, it serves to fill the stomach. When receiving guests, it is essential to have women present, for they are the masters of conversation. The taste of the meat is derived from the sacrifices; the preparation of living creatures is for the gathering of food. When encountering Qian and Dui, finely slice and thinly spread; when encountering Zhen and Xun, both new and old ingredients are cooked, resulting in a black and yellow color, with a sweet flavor. Water and fire are combined, and steaming and cooking are sufficient. Throughout the four seasons, the flavors of rice and wheat prevail, and it is essential to include hemp and ginger. A careful examination will surely yield evidence. When encountering Qian and Dui, finely slice and thinly spread; when encountering Zhen and Xun, both new and old ingredients are cooked, resulting in a black and yellow color, with a sweet flavor. Water and fire are combined, and steaming and cooking are sufficient. Throughout the four seasons, the flavors of rice and wheat prevail, and it is essential to include hemp and ginger. A careful examination will surely yield evidence.

The hexagram Xun is associated with the color white and has a fragrant quality. It represents both the rigidity and flexibility of plants. When it appears with Li, it signifies documents; when it appears with Dui or Qian, it indicates that it is not in use, akin to encountering a metal blade. Kun and Gen represent types of plants, while Kan and Dui signify edible items. It embodies length and straightness, and together with Zhen, it symbolizes the growth of spring and the flourishing of summer, including the fruits and vegetables of plants.

The essence of Qian is represented as round and firm with a spicy flavor, symbolizing the beginning of the day, serving as the head of livestock, specifically horses and pigs. In autumn, it brings abundant blessings, while in summer, it leads to diminished fortunes. Spring is the season for fresh produce, including fruits and vegetables; winter is associated with cold items and preserved foods. There are also the flavors of rivers, lakes, and seas, enriched with water and the delicacies of fruits and vegetables.

Inquire about the rain on a clear day without obstacles, for in the end, it is the drought that speaks.

The hexagram is represented by the color white, characterized by a predominance of rigidity over softness. It signifies destruction and decline, being complete yet circular in form. When observed with Qian, it appears full before becoming deficient; with Gen, it indicates the abandonment of metal and stone vessels; with Zhen and Xun, it represents objects of exploitation; and with Kan, it pertains to water-related matters. When associated with Qian, it exhibits a strong nature, while with Kun, it displays a gentle disposition, thriving within the western marshes. In relation to water, it embodies softness that leads to the formation of vessels.

The body and the external world are interconnected, and all matters should be recorded accordingly

Pedestrians must inevitably arrive late, while the living body will arrive immediately.

When it is warm, wear light clothing; when it is cold, wear heavy clothing. The hexagram indicates that the earth is warm, providing nourishment and smooth progress

Comparison and harmony signify auspiciousness, while conflict and discord indicate misfortune; thus, even in life, it is a harbinger of ill omens

The words depart from the literary furnace of metallurgy, and likewise, the colors of the southern region are also present

Dietary Section

Zhen represents the East or mountains and forests, while Xun also pertains to the mountains and the produce of fruits and vegetables

Kan represents the north, and the surname Shui; the selection of wine, goods, fish, and salt is thus determined

The relationship of mutual generation is sought in the end, while the exchange encounters incompleteness by the well's edge

The day of seeking wealth is auspicious for financial gain, and the essence of life is harmoniously aligned with intention.

The most remarkable aspect of comparison and assistance lies not merely in relying on the strength of others

The vastness of the mysterious universe knows no bounds, yet the elaborate words spoken by individuals are often forgotten

Living in extravagance leads to financial depletion, while a modest family background ensures a stable residence

Song of Response to All Matters

In the absence of written transactions, one should respect the scholars and sit among polite individuals, with talented people gathered at the banquet. The food consists of grilled and roasted items, occasionally accompanied by tea and salt. In the evening of a bright day, even with candles, during the spring and summer seasons. All floral items should not be consumed by the elderly. Those with unsettled minds should be cautious. It is advisable to engage in discussions, as this is beneficial. Whether it is chicken or pheasant, crab or snake, they are red in color, bitter in taste, hot in nature, and fragrant in aroma. When encountering the Kan hexagram, one should invite others to drink, while in the presence of the Xun hexagram, one should simply stir-fry vegetables. Whether it is chicken or pheasant, crab or snake, they are red in color, bitter in taste, hot in nature, and fragrant in aroma. When encountering the Kan hexagram, one should invite others to drink, while in the presence of the Xun hexagram, one should simply stir-fry vegetables

Kan Dui represents wine, and Zhen represents fish; the Eight Trigrams seek to determine decline and prosperity.

If one inquires about diet and the body, one must know that rich and sumptuous dishes are favored

When the situation is difficult, one should take a boat to leave the dry land; when the heavens are in motion, the earth and mountain should remain still

Comparison and harmony are auspicious, while conflict and discord are ominous, as evidenced by the hexagrams within.

Xun represents the self-hanging well lock and shackles, while Kun and Gen signify falling into water and blood blades

One can seek a name for its utility, and both the living body and the essence can be obtained.

The divination yields a hexagram, associated with white metal, characterized by a pungent taste and a white color. There may be sudden arrivals of distant guests or disputes among close acquaintances. All animals are subject to the knife and anvil, and all flavors must possess a spicy quality, while all preserved items are likely to be pickled. In terms of sudden occurrences, they may be represented by the fern or the diamond; in terms of vegetables, they may be represented by scallions or leeks. When abundant, there is a fishy odor mixed with the stench of books, and when prosperous, there are sheep and geese. Among the gathering, there may be individuals who are stealthy or there may be singing courtesans. In isolation, there will inevitably be disputes; in abundance, there will surely be joy. This leads to an increase in consumption and the emergence of favorable circumstances. Among the gathering, there may be individuals who are stealthy or there may be singing courtesans. In isolation, there will inevitably be disputes; in abundance, there will surely be joy. This leads to an increase in consumption and the emergence of favorable circumstances.

Inquiring about marriage, the principles are similar. When things come together, they will soon be completed; when things are broken, they will encounter obstacles and setbacks. This is yet another family, where profound understanding is evident, and all matters are clear.

It is most suitable for the body to be in a state of vigor when dealing with diseases, and the effective use of easy-to-handle medications is recommended

If one seeks wealth and profit, one must rely on the ability to respond. It is said that a cabinet or box serves as a means to store wealth, while a rope is used for handling money. When encountering gold, silk, treasures, and similar items, success is assured. However, when faced with knives, swords, and similar tools, there will be loss without gain. Furthermore, one must consider the original hexagram; one should not be fixated on a single aspect. When wealth is present, there is wealth; when there is no wealth, there is no benefit. All things must be complete to be effective; if they are lacking, damaged, or broken, they will be insufficient.

The Qian hexagram represents Yang, while the Kun hexagram represents Yin, and there are also incoming lines taken from within.

In the midst of chaos, the establishment of humanity is extreme, and the responses of fortune and misfortune are particularly difficult to evade

If one seeks to consult the human body for practical use, one can quickly pursue the divination based on the hexagrams

The signs of this person can be inferred through observation. The responses of birds and beasts can also be verified with accuracy. When the magpie caws, joy is already stirred; when the crow caws, misfortune is imminent. If cattle, sheep, pigs, and dogs are not seen in the morning, and if they encounter the sun of gold, there will be losses among the livestock. If on a wood day one sees pigs being raised, it will surely succeed. On a geng day, if one hears the crowing of a rooster, and on a ding day, if one sees sheep passing by, this indicates a fatal calamity. On a yi day, if a horse arrives, and on a ren day, if pigs pass by, these are all signs of food and wealth. When auspicious signs are seen, everything goes smoothly; when ominous signs are encountered, all matters are hindered. On a geng day, if one hears the crowing of a rooster, and on a ding day, if one sees sheep passing by, this indicates a fatal calamity. On a yi day, if a horse arrives, and on a ren day, if pigs pass by, these are all signs of food and wealth. When auspicious signs are seen, everything goes smoothly; when ominous signs are encountered, all matters are hindered.

To seek counsel is to seek harmony; one can afford to be slow in using strategy.

In public litigation, one should strive for victory; the hexagram's vitality and strength ultimately lead to reason

Generally, it is advisable to use the hexagram for growth, as prosperous and favorable strategies will ultimately be beneficial

Departing from the place of metallurgy towards the south, the ruler of the earth relies on the instruments to observe and assess.

Gen represents the northeastern mountain forest materials, while Dui signifies joy from the west

The journey is long and the ascent is slow, yet one must remember the obstacles and dangers ahead.

The hexagram of Zhen is characterized by a dark yellow color with a predominance of green. It represents wood and sound, as well as bamboo and bulrushes, symbolizing abundance and vitality. With the soft element above and the hard element below, its nature is one of vibration, capable of causing surprise. When associated with Qian, it signifies valuable sound-producing objects; when linked to Dui, it represents useless wood. Observing stones among the mountains of Gen, and the presence of air in the waters of Kan, Xun signifies branches and leaves, while Li is associated with flowers.

Inquiries regarding the household should be prioritized, and one must understand the importance of entering the fields for prosperity.

If one is asked and listens to the words nearby, laughter and the crowing of roosters are also auspicious and beautiful

In all matters concerning human affairs, one must rely on fortune for success in various endeavors

Beautiful things are the auspicious signs that promote harmony, and a few words can convey the essence of myriad categories

The endowment of all things