Tui Bei Tu Prophecies All Prophecies 60 Q&A entries in total
Hexagram 1 · Jiazi · Qian
Prophetic verse: Boundless heaven and earth, none knows where they end. Sun and moon revolve, cycling without cease.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: From Pangu's time to the age of Xiyi, tigers fight and dragons contend in wondrous affairs. Once you grasp the true principle of cycles, try to discern the workings of fate after the Tang.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: This hexagram represents the cyclical nature of order and chaos through the ages, like the coming and going of sun and moon, the alternation of yin and yang.
Vernacular translation: From the creation by Pangu to the sage Chen Tuan, the struggles between tigers and dragons across dynasties have been truly extraordinary. If one can grasp the true principle of cyclical fate, one may try to deduce the workings of destiny from the period after the Tang.
Hexagram 2 · Yichou · Gou
Prophetic verse: Clusters of ripe fruit, none can count them all. Each fruit holds a seed — what is new is also old.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: All things are born from the earth; twice nine first bears fruit. One unity settles the Central Plain; when yin prevails, yang is first exhausted.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: From Tang Gaozu to Emperor Zhaoxuan, there were twenty-one rulers in total, and the Tang dynasty lasted 289 years.
Vernacular translation: All things grow from the earth; the number of twice-nine first bears fruit. The Central Plain is unified under one ruler; when yin reaches its peak, yang is the first to wane.
Hexagram 3 · Bingyin · Dun
Prophetic verse: Sun and moon hang in the sky, shining upon the earth below. Confusing and elusive — neither civil nor martial, yet both.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Having visited every Buddhist temple and seen emptiness of form, one day she re-enters the imperial palace. Though the branches are stripped, the root remains; the rooster crows at dawn — but who is the male?
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Wu Zetian seized power, deposed Emperor Zhongzong, and nearly exterminated the Tang royal house.
Vernacular translation: Having visited every Buddhist temple and seen that all forms are emptiness, one day she re-enters the imperial palace. Though the branches are pruned bare, the root endures; when the rooster crows at dawn, who is truly the master?
Hexagram 4 · Dingmao · Pi
Prophetic verse: What flies does not fly; what runs does not run. Spreading wings on the high ridge, thus there shall be heirs.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Her authority is exercised through the Frost Maiden — truly a marvel of power. As far as the eye can see, eighteen branches stand desolate. Fortunately, the monkey lends its strength; the toppling great tree is propped up and sustained.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Di Renjie recommended Zhang Jianzhi and four others who overthrew the Zhou and restored the Tang.
Vernacular translation: Her authority through the Frost Maiden is truly a marvel of power; as far as the eye can see, eighteen branches stand desolate. Fortunately the monkey lends its strength; the toppling great tree is propped up and sustained.
Hexagram 5 · Wuchen · Guan
Prophetic verse: Willow catkins fly, the road to Shu is hard. Cut the bamboo flute and you shall see the sun; when no more 'Shi' remains, there is peace.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: War drums from Yuyang roll past Tongguan; on this day the emperor flees to Sword Mountain. When 'wood-change' meets the ghost beneath the mountain, it is here that the golden ring is buried.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The rebellion of An Lushan and Shi Siming; Lady Yang Guifei died at Mawei slope.
Vernacular translation: War drums from Yuyang roll past Tongguan; on this day the emperor flees toward Sword Mountain. When 'wood-change' meets the 'ghost beneath the mountain,' it is fated that the golden ring shall be buried at this very place.
Hexagram 6 · Jisi · Bo
Prophetic verse: What is not the capital becomes the capital; who is not the emperor becomes the emperor. Once the dark clouds lift, sun and moon shine again.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Grand banners tower over the two capitals; today the imperial carriage heads east again. Heaven and earth are remade — the people rejoice; in a year or two, peace is restored.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Emperor Minghuang returned to the western capital; the An-Shi Rebellion was fully quelled.
Vernacular translation: Grand banners tower over the two capitals; today the imperial carriage heads eastward once more. Heaven and earth are remade and the people rejoice; in just a year or two, peace shall be restored.
Hexagram 7 · Gengwu · Wuwang
Prophetic verse: Banners and insignia fill my eyes; mountains and rivers confine my steps. Invaders suddenly breach the passes, bringing cries across the Central Plain.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Ants have always been enough to burst a levee; the six palaces are locked — all dreams shattered. Behind layered gates, war drums carry the air of battle; small weeds grow as cries rise from the earth.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The regional warlords grew insolent and the Tibetan Empire invaded the Central Plain.
Vernacular translation: Even ants can burst a mighty levee; deep within the locked six palaces, all dreams are shattered. Behind layered gates, war drums carry the air of battle; amid the weeds, cries of sorrow rise from the earth.
Hexagram 8 · Xinwei · Jin
Prophetic verse: Spears drip blood upon the land; those who defeat bandits become bandits themselves. Petals of plum blossom fly; the emperor says relocation brings fortune.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The Son of Heaven flees eastward on horseback amid dust; three heroes boldly occupy the passes. A lone army stands firm to secure the nation; achievements both within and without are won by able hands.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Jianzhong Rebellion — the three men were Li Xilie, Zhu Ci, and Li Huaiguang.
Vernacular translation: The Son of Heaven flees eastward on horseback through the dust; amazingly, three heroes boldly occupy the passes. A lone army stands firm to secure the dynasty; achievements both within and beyond are won by capable hands.
Hexagram 9 · Renshen · Dayou
Prophetic verse: Neither white nor black — a man from the grass emerges. Borrowing a single branch, blood flies across the sky.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Above ten thousand heads rises a hero; blood stains the rivers and mountains, the sun turns red. The whole plum tree turns pale; pity that when the nest falls, all is emptied.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Huang Chao's rebellion; Zhu Wen murdered Emperor Zhaoxuan and seized the throne.
Vernacular translation: Above ten thousand heads a hero rises; blood stains the rivers and mountains, turning the sunlight red. The entire plum tree turns pale and withered; pitifully, when the nest is overturned, all is emptied.
Hexagram 10 · Guiyou · Kan
Prophetic verse: The vast Central Plain cannot restrain the 'eight-ox.' Muddied waters are never cleansed; there is blood but no head.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: One empress and two rulers all pass away; across the four seas, all becomes one house. Not only does he give life, he also takes it; but looking back, there is still the plum blossom of the Li.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Zhu Wen murdered Empress He, Emperor Zhaoxuan, and Emperor Zhaozong, then established his own dynasty.
Vernacular translation: One empress and two rulers all pass away; across the vast four seas, all becomes one house. He not only gives life but also takes it; yet looking back, the plum blossom of the Li clan still blooms.
Hexagram 11 · Jiaxu · Jie
Prophetic verse: Five men divine together — neither fortune nor blessing. Taking all together: joy, anger, sorrow, and delight.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Dragon and snake contend for thirty years; one day 'Tongguang' rises straight to heaven. Having reached heaven, he indulges in play; a million eastern soldiers pour into the Qin plains.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The actor Guo Congqian staged a rebellion, and the Tang ruler was struck by a stray arrow.
Vernacular translation: Dragon and snake contend for thirty years; one day the 'Tongguang' era soars straight to heaven. Having reached the heavenly realm, he indulges in idle play; meanwhile a million eastern soldiers pour into the Qin plains.
Hexagram 12 · Yihai · Zhun
Prophetic verse: A single block of stone calls another man 'father.' Ruling sixteen provinces, this is no longer Tang soil.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The omen of rebellion first shows many mouths; comings and goings have no master. He who ties the bell must untie it; when the father dies, the son also perishes.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Shi Jingtang sought aid from the Khitan and served them with the courtesy due a father.
Vernacular translation: The omen of rebellion first appears through many mouths; comings and goings have no guiding master. He who ties the bell must be the one to untie it; when the father perishes, the son also dies.
Hexagram 13 · Bingzi · Jiji
Prophetic verse: The Han waters dry up; the sparrow flies high. Flying here and there with nowhere to rest — the high mountain is lower than the city wall.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A hundred sparrows fly over water; ninety-nine cross west of the mountains. Only one breaks its foot, perching alone to preen its feathers.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Zhou ruler Guo Wei seized power from the Han and established his own rule.
Vernacular translation: A hundred sparrows fly over the water; ninety-nine cross westward beyond the mountains. Only one breaks its foot, perching alone on high to preen its feathers in solitude.
Hexagram 14 · Dingchou · Ge
Prophetic verse: The plum tree gets root and sprout; pomegranate blossoms bloom wild. Dead wood meets spring for but a moment — let all the world compete in glory.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Metal, wood, water, fire, earth — all have ended. Thirteen youths and five princes. A wise ruler again sees days of peace; fifty-three — the fate does not hold.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Zhou Shizong succeeded Guo Wei, marking the end of the Five Dynasties.
Vernacular translation: Metal, wood, water, fire, earth — all five have ended; thirteen young rulers and five princes. A brilliant sovereign once again brings days of peace; at fifty-three, fate runs out.
Hexagram 15 · Wuyin · Feng
Prophetic verse: Heaven has sun and moon; earth has mountains and rivers. Chaos reigns across the land — the father behind, the son ahead.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Wars in the Central Plain have never ceased; how many can rest easy with weapons at hand? Within this realm, there is a true Son of Heaven who sweeps away all demons to reveal the sun.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: At the end of the Five Dynasties, Taizu rose up to save the people from fire and flood.
Vernacular translation: Wars in the Central Plain have never ceased; how many can sleep soundly amid weapons of war? Within this realm there is a true Son of Heaven, who sweeps away all demons to reveal the sun.
Hexagram 16 · Jimao · Mingyi
Prophetic verse: Heaven first creates water — endowed with sacred martial prowess. Obeying heaven, responding to the people — unprecedented through the ages.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Those surnamed Qian and Li offer their lands; the rest in turn pay homage to the Son of Heaven. Heaven entrusts unification to the true one, who neither kills the people nor ends their lines.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Song Taizu received the abdication at Bian capital and brought peace to all under heaven.
Vernacular translation: Those surnamed Qian and Li offer their lands in submission; the rest in turn come to pay homage to the Son of Heaven. Heaven entrusts the unification to the destined one, who neither kills the people nor ends their family lines.
Hexagram 17 · Gengchen · Shi
Prophetic verse: Resounding fame — weapons are laid to rest. Border threats are swept away; the nation is secured.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The emperor personally campaigns, crossing the river; cheers arise for a hundred miles. Fortunately, a resourceful woman devises the strategy; the great achievement lies in negotiating peace.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Battle of Chanyuan under Emperor Zhenzong of Song.
Vernacular translation: The emperor personally campaigns, just crossing the river; cheers and songs arise for a hundred miles around. Fortunately, a resourceful woman devises the strategy; the remarkable achievement lies entirely in negotiating peace.
Hexagram 18 · Xinsi · Gen
Prophetic verse: Mother of the realm, golden blade hides the rabbit. In the year of three-eights, peace and order are secured.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Floods and droughts come often but are not disasters; she supports the young ruler upon the spirit platform. In court again shines the light of a hairpin; within the realm, an era of peace dawns.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Emperor Renzong succeeded to the throne; Empress Dowager Liu held court from behind the curtain.
Vernacular translation: Though floods and droughts come frequently, they are not true calamities; she supports the young ruler upon the throne. In court once more shines the radiance of a woman; an era of peace and auspicious signs dawns across the realm.
Hexagram 19 · Renwu · Bi
Prophetic verse: The masses clamor noisily, all entering his chambers. A million mighty soldiers — a stone upon their heads.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Stratagems devised at dawn lead to armies lost by dusk; the people of the northwest are scattered in exile. Though youth is fair, spring ages; he regrets not staying deep within the palace halls.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Emperor Shenzong mistakenly employed Wang Anshi, provoking border conflicts.
Vernacular translation: Stratagems devised at dawn lead to armies lost by dusk; the people of the northwest are all scattered in exile. Though youth is fair, spring has aged; he regrets not staying secluded deep within the palace halls.
Hexagram 20 · Guiwei · Tongren
Prophetic verse: The court has no light; sun and moon are blind. None can match 'Jing' — in the end, all wander aimlessly.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Father and son share one heart and one purpose; the sun and moon of mid-heaven are playthings in their hands. Strange clouds roll over the northern sea; the phoenix gate and dragon court are filled with grief.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Cai Jing and his sons abused power; the virtuous were imprisoned.
Vernacular translation: Father and son share one mind and one path in controlling the court; the sun and moon of mid-heaven become playthings in their hands. Strange clouds roll over the northern sea; the phoenix gate and dragon court are filled with sorrow and grief.
Hexagram 21 · Jiashen · Sun
Prophetic verse: The palace stands empty; snow lies three feet deep. Alas, the sovereign — heading south while aiming north.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Evil miasma unsettled, there is no peace; sweeping northward through smoke, they gaze at the imperial capital. A different surname takes the throne to end the dynasty's mandate; after eighteen reigns, they head south again.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Jin armies marched south; Emperor Huizong abdicated; in the first year of Jingkang, the capital fell.
Vernacular translation: With evil forces unsettled, there can be no peace; sweeping northward through the smoke, they gaze toward the imperial capital. A different clan takes the throne and ends the dynasty's mandate; after eighteen reigns, the journey heads south once more.
Hexagram 22 · Yiyou · Kui
Prophetic verse: The heavenly horse stands in the sky — from the worst, the best emerges. Phoenix upon phoenix, waters vast; wood-framed, greatly sustained.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Imperial spirit fills the southeast divine capital; floodwaters vast wash away all strategy. One wood supports the sixteenth month; as the journey begins, the horse's color is half at peace.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Emperor Gaozong crossed south, establishing a partial regime in the southeast.
Vernacular translation: Imperial spirit fills the southeastern divine capital; vast floodwaters wash away all strategy. A single timber supports the realm through the sixteenth month; as the journey begins, the horse's color portends a measure of peace.
Hexagram 23 · Bingxu · Lü
Prophetic verse: Seems like the Way but is not; heaven sinks and earth darkens. Auspicious light within the realm — yet a river of broken oars.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The northern barbarians unleash their might in great campaigns; two pillars holding up the sky cannot bear the weight. How is it that on nights of endless fire, they still hang lanterns for water games?
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Jia Sidao held power; the Song dynasty perished.
Vernacular translation: The northern barbarians unleash their might in massive campaigns; the two pillars holding up the sky can no longer bear the weight. How is it that on nights of relentless fire, they still hang lanterns and play water games in the palace?
Hexagram 24 · Dinghai · Zhongfu
Prophetic verse: By mountain cliff and seashore — not emperor, yet immortal. Two-nine-four-eight, for ten thousand years.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The eleventh diviner — the small moon ends. With no power to reverse heaven, all paths are exhausted. Weapons rise on all sides, seemingly with no way out; pointing the way amidst the great surging waves.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Emperor Bing moved to the mountains; Lu Xiufu carried the young emperor into the sea.
Vernacular translation: At the time of the eleventh diviner, the waning moon reaches its end; there is no power to reverse heaven, and all paths are exhausted. Weapons rise on every side, seemingly with no way out; the only course is pointed amid the surging waves.
Hexagram 25 · Wuzi · Jian
Prophetic verse: The northern emperor, the southern vassal — 'one-wu' stands alone. At the Orkhon River waters, swallows nest and sparrows harvest.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A three-legged contest for supremacy — the tale is wondrous. One wolf and two rats are judged in an instant. Though the northern pass lock is strong, generation after generation — five times five is fitting.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Yuan founder declared himself emperor at the Orkhon River; there were ten rulers in all.
Vernacular translation: A three-way contest for supremacy — the tale is truly wondrous. One wolf and two rats are decided in an instant. Though the northern pass is locked tight, generation after generation carries on — five times five in all.
Hexagram 26 · Jichou · Zhen
Prophetic verse: Time has no night; the year has no rice. Flowers are not flowers — bandits rise on all sides.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The Central Plain boils as 'wood-wood' arrives; alarm reports rise from all four borders. In the chambers there are arts of immortality; no wonder the capital stays open through the night.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Emperor Shun indulged in pleasure while heroes from all regions seized their chance to rise.
Vernacular translation: The Central Plain boils with upheaval as 'wood-wood' arrives; alarm reports rise from all four borders. Within the palace chambers there are arts of indulgent pleasure; no wonder the capital stays open and lit through the night.
Hexagram 27 · Gengyin · Yu
Prophetic verse: Only the sun and moon — the ultimate for the people below. Rising in accordance with destiny, its color is called red.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Every branch and leaf gleams with golden light, brilliant and radiant, shining in all directions. On the eastern bank of the river, brightness arises; one who speaks of emptiness and chants gathas is the true king.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Ming Taizu ascended the throne; he had been a monk at Huangjue Temple.
Vernacular translation: Every branch and leaf gleams with golden light, brilliant and radiant, illuminating all directions. On the eastern bank of the river, brightness arises; the one who speaks of Buddhist emptiness and chants gathas is the true king.
Hexagram 28 · Xinmao · Xie
Prophetic verse: Grass on top, fire below — palace halls turn to ash. A bird in the house, a nun in the outskirts.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: When feathers are full, the day of high flight comes; plum blossoms compete for beauty. The true dragon roams the four seas; beyond the world is my home.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Prince of Yan raised an army; the Jianwen Emperor shaved his head and fled.
Vernacular translation: When feathers are full, the day of soaring flight arrives; amid the competition for beauty, a plum blossom blooms. The true dragon roams across the four seas; the world beyond is where his home lies.
Hexagram 29 · Renchen · Heng
Prophetic verse: Branches flourish in glory, pillars of the nation. Bright and harmonious — prosperity and joy for all.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: One branch faces north, one faces east; there is also a southern branch of the same stock. The whole realm sings of the virtuous mother's grace — truly the spirit of the Three Dynasties lives on.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: During Emperor Xuanzong's reign, Empress Dowager Zhang employed Yang Shiqi and two other advisors.
Vernacular translation: One branch faces north, one faces east; there is also a southern branch from the same root. All the realm sings of the virtuous mother's grace — truly the spirit of the ancient Three Dynasties endures.
Hexagram 30 · Guisi · Sheng
Prophetic verse: Half 'gui,' half 'lin' — when combined, change is born. Even stone has spirit — honored in life, despised in death.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Missing one, it is incomplete yet still leads; six dragons personally ride to the barbarian border. Heaven's will is seen again as the people's hearts obey; mutual conquest and mutual creation — the horse goes no further.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: After Empress Dowager Zhang died, power fell to the eunuch Wang Zhen, leading to the disaster at Tumu Fortress.
Vernacular translation: Missing one, it is incomplete yet still takes the lead; six dragons — the emperor personally rides to the barbarian frontier. Heaven's will appears again as the people's hearts submit; in the cycle of mutual conquest and creation, the horse advances no further.
Hexagram 31 · Jiawu · Jiaren
Prophetic verse: Remnant evil at the road's edge, defiling the palace halls. One man and one woman — they deliver the nation to ruin.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Loyal ministers and worthy scholars all sink into obscurity; heaven opens its heart but chaos only deepens. Though some have honest and frank character, heaven and earth no longer belong to the old Ming ruler.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: During the Tianqi reign, the eunuch Wei Zhongxian and his associate Madame Ke.
Vernacular translation: Loyal ministers and worthy scholars all sink into obscurity; in the Tianqi era, chaos only deepens. Though some may possess honest and upright character, heaven and earth no longer belong to the former Ming rulers.
Hexagram 32 · Yiwei · Jing
Prophetic verse: The horse leaps at the northern gate; the dog howls in the west. When eight and nine are exhausted, sun and moon lose their light.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Willow catkins all fallen, plum blossoms withered; five-colored banners come from the north. Alas, the royal spirit of Jinling is spent; one branch of spring occupies Chang'an.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Li Chuang and Zhang Xianzhong caused upheaval; Emperor Chongzhen hanged himself; the Ming fell.
Vernacular translation: Willow catkins have all fallen, plum blossoms are withered; five-colored banners advance from the north. Alas, the royal spirit of Jinling is spent; one branch of spring occupies Chang'an.
Hexagram 33 · Bingshen · Daguo
Prophetic verse: The Yellow River runs clear; when qi is smooth, there is order. Host and guest are indistinguishable; the earthly branches lack 'zi.'
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: From the long white mountains, the waterfall comes; the barbarians' spirit does not wane. Fences and hedges are mostly removed; the young ones are half to be pitied.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: An omen of the Manchu Qing entering the passes.
Vernacular translation: From the long white mountains, waterfalls come surging; the spirit of the northern peoples does not wane. Fences and barriers are mostly torn away; the young ones are half to be pitied.
Hexagram 34 · Dingyou · Xun
Prophetic verse: Heads have hair; garments fear white. In times of 'Taiping,' king slays king.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: In the Taiping era, blood blossoms fly again; five-colored insignia adorn inner and outer garments. Floodwaters overwhelm the sky — the seedling does not flourish; the Central Plain witnesses dreams turned entirely to naught.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Taiping Rebellion.
Vernacular translation: In the Taiping era, blood blossoms fly once again; five-colored insignia become inner and outer garments. Floodwaters overwhelm the sky and seedlings cannot flourish; the Central Plain witnesses its dreams turned entirely to nothing.
Hexagram 35 · Wuxu · Sui
Prophetic verse: Westerners come, treading upon the sacred capital. The emperor departs and does not return; three pillars prop the tilting realm.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Dark clouds gather ominously from the west; the imperial prince by the river builds a golden terrace. In the south there are soldiers, in the north there is fire; a rare talent is seen amid the restoration.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Eight-Nation Alliance entered Beijing; Emperor Guangxu fled.
Vernacular translation: Dark clouds gather ominously from the west; the imperial prince builds a golden terrace by the river. In the south there are armies, in the north there is fire; amid the restoration, a rare talent is seen.
Hexagram 36 · Jihai · Xiaoxu
Prophetic verse: A delicate woman, bare-handed against the enemy. Not distinguishing fortune from disaster, lamplight obscures the sun.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Two fists spin heaven and earth; the realm is inexplicably unsettled. Mother and son — no distinction of before or after; gazing westward toward Chang'an, they enter for an audience.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Boxer Movement and Empress Dowager Cixi.
Vernacular translation: Two fists spin and churn heaven and earth; the realm is inexplicably unsettled. Mother and son depart with no distinction of before or after; gazing westward toward Chang'an, they enter for an audience.
Hexagram 37 · Gengzi · Yi
Prophetic verse: The Han River stretches vast — those who did not rule now continue the rule. North and south are no longer divided; in harmony, they work together.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The clear water eventually runs dry; arms are reversed in the eighth month. Within the four seas, there is suddenly no king; half ill fortune, half good.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Xinhai Revolution; the Republic of China was established.
Vernacular translation: The clear water eventually runs dry; arms are turned in the eighth month. Within the four seas, there is suddenly no king; half is misfortune, half is fortune.
Hexagram 38 · Xinchou · Shihe
Prophetic verse: A deer outside the gate — heroes contend to catch it. Calamity reaches kites and fish; the people are in deep water and hot fire.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: When the fire cycle begins, disaster spreads; ten thousand die, ten thousand are born. Ocean waves muddy the rivers; what is beyond the border is no different from what is before our eyes.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Second Sino-Japanese War.
Vernacular translation: When the fire cycle begins, disaster spreads without end; ten thousand die and ten thousand are born. Ocean waves can muddy the rivers; what lies beyond the border is no different from what is before our eyes.
Hexagram 39 · Renyin · Yi
Prophetic verse: A bird without feet; a mountain with a moon. The dawn sun rises — all the people weep.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: In the twelfth month the vital energy is discordant; on the southern mountain sparrows, on the northern mountain nets. One morning the golden rooster crows — across the great sea, the sinking sun has passed.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Japan's surrender ('bird without feet, mountain with moon' = the character 'island/岛'; 'golden rooster crows' = the year of the Rooster, 1945).
Vernacular translation: Through the twelve months, the vital energy is discordant; on the southern mountain, sparrows — on the northern mountain, nets. One morning the golden rooster crows; across the vast ocean, the sinking sun has finally set.
Hexagram 40 · Guimao · Gu
Prophetic verse: One, two, three, four — no land but there is a master. A small Tiangang star rules with folded hands.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A breath comes proudly from the east; no shoes on the feet, no hair on the head. If one meets 'wood-son' and frost melts, born by the monkey, slain by the eagle.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Chinese Civil War; one surnamed Li can subdue the eastern barbarians.
Vernacular translation: A breath comes proudly from the east; bare feet and hairless head. If one meets 'wood-son' and frost melts away, the one who gives life is the monkey, the one who brings death is the eagle.
Hexagram 41 · Jiachen · Li
Prophetic verse: Heaven and earth are dark and blind; grass and trees grow wild. Yin and yang are reversed — earth above, sun below.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Caps must be worn, blood without a head; hands toying with heaven and earth — when will it end? Ninety-nine years make a great mistake; only fitting to reign in Qinzhou.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Cultural Revolution (disputed interpretation).
Vernacular translation: Caps must be worn, yet there is blood without a head; hands toying with heaven and earth — when will it ever cease? Ninety-nine years produce a great mistake; to claim kingship is only fitting in the land of Qinzhou.
Hexagram 42 · Yisi · Lü
Prophetic verse: A beauty comes from the west; the Celestial Kingdom gradually finds peace. The long bow lies on the ground — dangerous yet not dangerous.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A Western maiden, a pipa-playing immortal, in brilliant garments of vivid colors. At this time she mingles among the courts and markets, causing a hundred thousand kinds of turmoil between ruler and minister.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Reform and Opening Up (disputed interpretation).
Vernacular translation: A maiden from the West, a pipa-playing immortal, in brilliant garments of vivid colors. At this time she mingles among the courts and markets, stirring a hundred thousand kinds of turmoil between ruler and minister.
Hexagram 43 · Bingwu · Ding
Prophetic verse: The ruler is not a ruler; the minister is not a minister. Beginning in peril and hardship, in the end order prevails.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The black rabbit runs into the blue dragon's den; what seems about to end does not end — unspeakable. Only on the roots and branches outside, in thirty years descendants bear fruit.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Disputed — one interpretation concerns cross-strait relations.
Vernacular translation: The black rabbit runs into the blue dragon's den; what seems about to end does not end — the mystery is unspeakable. Only on the roots and branches outside, over thirty years, descendants bear fruit.
Hexagram 44 · Dingwei · Weiji
Prophetic verse: Sun and moon grace the heavens; all dark forces submit. A hundred spirits pay homage — double-winged and four-footed.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: China now has a sage — though not a hero, he accomplishes all like the Duke of Zhou. The four barbarian peoples, through translators, address him as Son of Heaven; from the depths of adversity, spring arrives for nine nations.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: A sage emerges; the four barbarian peoples come to pay tribute.
Vernacular translation: China now has a sage — though not a hero in the conventional sense, he accomplishes great things like the Duke of Zhou. The four barbarian peoples, through translators, address him as Son of Heaven; from the depths of adversity, spring arrives for all nations.
Hexagram 45 · Wushen · Meng
Prophetic verse: A guest comes from the west, stopping at the east. Wood, fire, metal, water — this great shame is washed away.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The fire destiny opens grandly, the world unified; the golden crow hides within the white ocean. From now on, none dare claim supremacy; the spirit of war is entirely dispelled, its cycle ended.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Territories are recovered; a great national shame is avenged.
Vernacular translation: The fire destiny opens grandly, the world is unified; the golden crow hides within the white ocean. From now on, none dare claim supremacy; the spirit of war is entirely dispelled, its cycle ended.
Hexagram 46 · Jiyou · Huan
Prophetic verse: Dark, dark are the clouded skies; killing without a blade. Ten thousand people do not die, but one person cannot escape.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: There is a military man who carries a bow, calling himself merely a white-haired elder. Behind the eastern gate a golden sword lies hidden; a warrior enters the imperial palace through the back door.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: A military figure takes power.
Vernacular translation: There is a military man who carries a bow, claiming to be merely a white-haired elder. Behind the eastern gate, a golden sword lies hidden; a warrior enters the imperial palace through the back door.
Hexagram 47 · Gengxu · Song
Prophetic verse: Weapons laid down, culture cultivated — the Ziwei star shines bright. Every man bears responsibility; a single word makes one a leader.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: With no king, no emperor, heaven and earth are set right; the first to come is from the fields. He reads deeply from the old books; when righteous words emerge, brilliance is revealed.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The beginning of a Great Harmony world.
Vernacular translation: With no king and no emperor, heaven and earth are set right; the first to emerge comes from the fields. He reads deeply from the ancient books; when righteous words are spoken, brilliance is revealed.
Hexagram 48 · Xinhai · Tongren
Prophetic verse: The opening of Mao and Wu — its image is Li. Eight oxen set things in motion — harmonious and joyful.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Water and fire in balance, the people prosper; he holds a golden spear but does not slay the foe. In fifty years, one general-minister; green grass grows from the fields.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: A person surnamed Zhu subdues others through virtue.
Vernacular translation: Water and fire in balance bring prosperity to the people; he holds a golden spear but does not use it to slay the foe. In fifty years, one general-minister emerges; green grass grows naturally from the fields.
Hexagram 49 · Renzi · Kun
Prophetic verse: In the mountain valley, few people remain; seeking to destroy, one finds the nest already gone. Emperors call each other brothers; heroes abound on every side.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A person cries within the mouth of 'or'; divided south, north, east, and west. When all six lines are divined, civilization appears; spread like chess pieces and stars, sun and moon bring harmony.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: An omen that long division must lead to reunion.
Vernacular translation: A person cries within the character 'or'; divided into south, north, east, and west. When all six lines of the hexagram are divined, civilization is revealed; spread like chess pieces and stars, sun and moon bring harmony to the world.
Hexagram 50 · Guichou · Fu
Prophetic verse: Water and fire wage war; when times are exhausted, change comes. From the bottom of constancy, a new cycle begins; beasts are valued, humans cheapened.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A tiger-headed person meets the tiger-headed year; white rice fills the granaries but has no value. Wolves and jackals roam the streets in packs; only after all storms are cleared does the sky appear.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: In the Year of the Tiger, great turmoil occurs.
Vernacular translation: A tiger-headed person meets the year of the tiger; white rice fills the granaries but is worthless. Wolves and jackals roam the streets in packs; only after all the storms are cleared does the sky finally appear.
Hexagram 51 · Jiayin · Lin
Prophetic verse: Yin and yang in harmony, transformation through righteousness. Kun is receptive and inspiring — hereafter, Yao and Shun appear again.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Who says a woman cannot be strong? The virtue of Kun moves the four directions. A new atmosphere appears again in mid-heaven; divined to last sixteen — long-lived and well.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: A wise ruler is aided by a virtuous consort.
Vernacular translation: Who says a woman cannot be strong and capable? The virtue of Kun indeed moves and inspires the four directions. A new atmosphere appears once more in mid-heaven; divined to last sixteen years — long-lived and in good health.
Hexagram 52 · Yimao · Tai
Prophetic verse: A comet suddenly appears — ill-omened for the northeast. Walking alone, where does one go? Gazing upon that land of joy.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A spear-star point appears in the east; in Wu and Chu, there are still kings. The guest at the gate will not stay long; heaven and earth are remade at the Jiao and Kang stars.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The northeast is disturbed by foreign peoples.
Vernacular translation: A comet-like star appears in the eastern sky; in the lands of Wu and Chu, there are still kings. The guest at the gate will not stay long; heaven and earth are remade when the Jiao and Kang stars align.
Hexagram 53 · Bingchen · Dazhuang
Prophetic verse: The Son of Heaven in the palace treats the worthy with courtesy. Following heaven's command to rest — in later years, a son is born.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A filial son comes from the west, his hands restoring the moral order — the world is at peace. Twice in the realm, beautiful banners are seen; the predecessors cannot match the successors' talent.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: One surnamed Qin ascends the throne.
Vernacular translation: A filial son comes from the west; with his own hands he restores moral order and brings peace to the world. Twice in the realm, beautiful banners are seen; the predecessors cannot match the talent of those who follow.
Hexagram 54 · Dingsi · Guai
Prophetic verse: Grand and open, a chess game nearing its end. Pecking for rest, settling for temporary peace — though laughing, also crying.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: No distinction between ox-rat and ox-sheep; stripped of fur, the hide still claims to be strong. Within the realm a true dragon naturally emerges; the nine bends of the Yellow River run clear, not yellow.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Commands go unheeded; long unity must lead to division.
Vernacular translation: No distinction between ox-rat and ox-sheep; stripped of fur with only hide remaining, yet still claiming strength. Within the realm, a true dragon naturally emerges; the nine bends of the Yellow River will finally run clear.
Hexagram 55 · Wuwu · Xu
Prophetic verse: Fear gives birth to vigilance; nowhere is beyond reach. A woman by the water bows to the sun.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Coveting the sacred vessel is ultimately futile; cautious and careful, there are many loyal ministers. Turning danger to safety reveals integrity; it is not certain that the rivers and mountains are given away by oneself.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Central Plain is unified; there are those who plot usurpation.
Vernacular translation: Coveting the sacred throne is ultimately futile; with great caution, many loyal ministers stand in support. In turning danger to safety, integrity and loyalty are revealed; it is not necessarily true that the realm is willingly given away.
Hexagram 56 · Jiwei · Bi
Prophetic verse: What flies is not a bird; what lurks beneath is not a fish. The battle is not fought with soldiers — it is nature's game.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Ten thousand miles of ocean frontier all turn to smoke and cloud; from the heights of the sky to the depths of the springs. The Golden Mother and Wood Duke craft illusions; before weapons even clash, disaster reaches heaven.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: High-technology warfare.
Vernacular translation: Ten thousand miles of ocean frontier are shrouded in smoke and cloud; from the heights of the sky down to the deepest springs. The Golden Mother and Wood Duke craft illusions; before weapons even clash, disaster already reaches the heavens.
Hexagram 57 · Gengshen · Dui
Prophetic verse: Things taken to the extreme must reverse; fight poison with poison. A three-foot child — the four barbarian peoples tremble in submission.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Kan and Li in mutual opposition reveal heaven's sign; heaven sends this person to halt the killing. Believe it or not, a prodigy is born in Wu and Yue; across the oceans, from now on, armies are put to rest.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: A prodigy from Wu-Yue extinguishes the fires of war.
Vernacular translation: In the opposition of Kan and Li, heaven's sign is revealed; heaven sends this person to halt the killing. Believe it or not, a prodigy is born in the land of Wu and Yue; across the oceans, from this day forward, armies are put to rest.
Hexagram 58 · Xinyou · Kun
Prophetic verse: The great turmoil is quelled; the four barbarian peoples submit. They call each other brothers — six or seven nations.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Beacon fires are extinguished, the sea has no waves; those who call themselves emperor and king are unified in harmony. Yet there remains a baleful star hidden in the northwest; the song of peace cannot yet be sung everywhere.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The world is largely at peace.
Vernacular translation: Beacon fires are all extinguished and the sea has no waves; those who called themselves emperor and king are unified in harmony. Yet a baleful star still lurks in the northwest; the song of peace cannot yet be sung everywhere.
Hexagram 59 · Renxu · Xian
Prophetic verse: No cities, no prefectures; no 'you,' no 'I.' All under heaven is one family — governance reaches the Great Transformation.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: One person brings great fortune to the world, holding a divination tube and pulling out the bamboo sticks. Red, yellow, black, white — no longer distinct; east, south, west, north — all in harmony.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Great Harmony of the world.
Vernacular translation: One great person brings fortune to the whole world; holding a divination tube, pulling out the bamboo sticks to determine fate. Red, yellow, black, white — no longer distinguished; east, south, west, north — all live in harmony.
Hexagram 60 · Guihai · Cui
Prophetic verse: One yin, one yang — no end, no beginning. What ends shall end in its day; what begins shall begin of itself.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The vast heavenly numbers are sought within this work; the rise and fall of the world's ways are not freely chosen. Millions upon millions of things cannot be told; better to push the back and go home to rest.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Tui Bei Tu concludes — ten thousand things cannot be fully told.
Vernacular translation: The mysteries of vast heavenly numbers are all sought within this work; the rise and fall of the world's ways are not for mortals to decide. Millions upon millions of things can never be fully told; better to push each other's back and go home to rest.
Prophecy Verification Evaluating predictions against reality for expired time points
Hexagram 2 · Yichou · Gou
Prophetic verse: Clusters of ripe fruit, none can count them all. Each fruit holds a seed — what is new is also old.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: All things are born from the earth; twice nine first bears fruit. One unity settles the Central Plain; when yin prevails, yang is first exhausted.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: From Tang Gaozu to Emperor Zhaoxuan, there were twenty-one rulers in total, and the Tang dynasty lasted 289 years.
Vernacular translation: All things grow from the earth; the number of twice-nine first bears fruit. The Central Plain is unified under one ruler; when yin reaches its peak, yang is the first to wane.
Accurately prophesied the Tang dynasty's reign. 'Twice nine first bears fruit' alludes to 289 years. The Tang lasted from 618 to 907 with twenty-one emperors. 'When yin prevails, yang is exhausted' foreshadows Empress Wu Zetian's rule.
Hexagram 3 · Bingyin · Dun
Prophetic verse: Sun and moon hang in the sky, shining upon the earth below. Confusing and elusive — neither civil nor martial, yet both.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Having visited every Buddhist temple and seen emptiness of form, one day she re-enters the imperial palace. Though the branches are stripped, the root remains; the rooster crows at dawn — but who is the male?
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Wu Zetian seized power, deposed Emperor Zhongzong, and nearly exterminated the Tang royal house.
Vernacular translation: Having visited every Buddhist temple and seen that all forms are emptiness, one day she re-enters the imperial palace. Though the branches are pruned bare, the root endures; when the rooster crows at dawn, who is truly the master?
The characters for 'sun' and 'moon' above 'sky' combine to form the character 'Zhao' (曌), the name Wu Zetian created for herself. She declared herself emperor, changed the dynasty name to Zhou, deposed Emperor Zhongzong, and massacred the Tang royal family — matching the prophecy exactly.
Hexagram 4 · Dingmao · Pi
Prophetic verse: What flies does not fly; what runs does not run. Spreading wings on the high ridge, thus there shall be heirs.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Her authority is exercised through the Frost Maiden — truly a marvel of power. As far as the eye can see, eighteen branches stand desolate. Fortunately, the monkey lends its strength; the toppling great tree is propped up and sustained.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Di Renjie recommended Zhang Jianzhi and four others who overthrew the Zhou and restored the Tang.
Vernacular translation: Her authority through the Frost Maiden is truly a marvel of power; as far as the eye can see, eighteen branches stand desolate. Fortunately the monkey lends its strength; the toppling great tree is propped up and sustained.
The 'eighteen branches' allude to the decimated Tang royal house under Wu Zetian. 'Monkey' refers to Di Renjie (born in the year of the Monkey), who recommended Zhang Jianzhi and four others to launch the Shenlong coup and restore the Tang dynasty.
Hexagram 5 · Wuchen · Guan
Prophetic verse: Willow catkins fly, the road to Shu is hard. Cut the bamboo flute and you shall see the sun; when no more 'Shi' remains, there is peace.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: War drums from Yuyang roll past Tongguan; on this day the emperor flees to Sword Mountain. When 'wood-change' meets the ghost beneath the mountain, it is here that the golden ring is buried.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The rebellion of An Lushan and Shi Siming; Lady Yang Guifei died at Mawei slope.
Vernacular translation: War drums from Yuyang roll past Tongguan; on this day the emperor flees toward Sword Mountain. When 'wood-change' meets the 'ghost beneath the mountain,' it is fated that the golden ring shall be buried at this very place.
'Willow catkins fly' refers to Yang Guifei's death. 'Cut the bamboo flute' yields the character 'Su' (肃), referring to Emperor Suzong who quelled the rebellion. 'No more Shi' means peace after Shi Siming's defeat. 'Wood-change' forms 'Yang' (杨), 'ghost beneath mountain' forms 'Wei' (嵬) — Mawei slope. The An Lushan Rebellion (755-763) matches perfectly.
Hexagram 6 · Jisi · Bo
Prophetic verse: What is not the capital becomes the capital; who is not the emperor becomes the emperor. Once the dark clouds lift, sun and moon shine again.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Grand banners tower over the two capitals; today the imperial carriage heads east again. Heaven and earth are remade — the people rejoice; in a year or two, peace is restored.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Emperor Minghuang returned to the western capital; the An-Shi Rebellion was fully quelled.
Vernacular translation: Grand banners tower over the two capitals; today the imperial carriage heads eastward once more. Heaven and earth are remade and the people rejoice; in just a year or two, peace shall be restored.
After the An-Shi Rebellion was quelled, Emperor Xuanzong returned to Chang'an and Emperor Suzong restored the two capitals. 'What is not the capital becomes the capital' refers to An Lushan making Fanyang his capital; 'who is not the emperor becomes the emperor' refers to An Lushan declaring himself Emperor of Yan.
Hexagram 7 · Gengwu · Wuwang
Prophetic verse: Banners and insignia fill my eyes; mountains and rivers confine my steps. Invaders suddenly breach the passes, bringing cries across the Central Plain.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Ants have always been enough to burst a levee; the six palaces are locked — all dreams shattered. Behind layered gates, war drums carry the air of battle; small weeds grow as cries rise from the earth.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The regional warlords grew insolent and the Tibetan Empire invaded the Central Plain.
Vernacular translation: Even ants can burst a mighty levee; deep within the locked six palaces, all dreams are shattered. Behind layered gates, war drums carry the air of battle; amid the weeds, cries of sorrow rise from the earth.
After the An-Shi Rebellion, regional warlords (jiedushi) grew increasingly powerful and the Tibetan Empire took advantage, even briefly occupying Chang'an. 'Banners fill my eyes' refers to ubiquitous warlord fiefdoms; 'invaders breach the passes' refers to the Tibetan invasion.
Hexagram 8 · Xinwei · Jin
Prophetic verse: Spears drip blood upon the land; those who defeat bandits become bandits themselves. Petals of plum blossom fly; the emperor says relocation brings fortune.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The Son of Heaven flees eastward on horseback amid dust; three heroes boldly occupy the passes. A lone army stands firm to secure the nation; achievements both within and without are won by able hands.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Jianzhong Rebellion — the three men were Li Xilie, Zhu Ci, and Li Huaiguang.
Vernacular translation: The Son of Heaven flees eastward on horseback through the dust; amazingly, three heroes boldly occupy the passes. A lone army stands firm to secure the dynasty; achievements both within and beyond are won by capable hands.
During the Jianzhong Rebellion (783-784), three generals — Li Xilie, Zhu Ci, and Li Huaiguang — revolted, forcing Emperor Dezong to flee. 'Those who defeat bandits become bandits' refers to generals who turned traitor. Li Sheng led a lone army to quell the rebellion and retake Chang'an.
Hexagram 9 · Renshen · Dayou
Prophetic verse: Neither white nor black — a man from the grass emerges. Borrowing a single branch, blood flies across the sky.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Above ten thousand heads rises a hero; blood stains the rivers and mountains, the sun turns red. The whole plum tree turns pale; pity that when the nest falls, all is emptied.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Huang Chao's rebellion; Zhu Wen murdered Emperor Zhaoxuan and seized the throne.
Vernacular translation: Above ten thousand heads a hero rises; blood stains the rivers and mountains, turning the sunlight red. The entire plum tree turns pale and withered; pitifully, when the nest is overturned, all is emptied.
'Man from the grass' encodes the character 'Huang' (黄, with grass radical on top), meaning Huang Chao. His rebellion (875-884) swept the nation and captured Chang'an. 'When the nest falls, all is emptied' is a pun on Huang Chao's name ('Chao' means nest). Zhu Wen later usurped the Tang and founded the Later Liang dynasty.
Hexagram 10 · Guiyou · Kan
Prophetic verse: The vast Central Plain cannot restrain the 'eight-ox.' Muddied waters are never cleansed; there is blood but no head.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: One empress and two rulers all pass away; across the four seas, all becomes one house. Not only does he give life, he also takes it; but looking back, there is still the plum blossom of the Li.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Zhu Wen murdered Empress He, Emperor Zhaoxuan, and Emperor Zhaozong, then established his own dynasty.
Vernacular translation: One empress and two rulers all pass away; across the vast four seas, all becomes one house. He not only gives life but also takes it; yet looking back, the plum blossom of the Li clan still blooms.
'Eight-ox' combines to form the character 'Zhu' (朱), referring to Zhu Wen. He successively murdered Emperor Zhaozong, Empress He, and Emperor Ai (Zhaoxuan), then usurped the throne in 907 to found the Later Liang. 'Blood but no head' alludes to the murdered monarchs. The Tang dynasty ended here.
Hexagram 11 · Jiaxu · Jie
Prophetic verse: Five men divine together — neither fortune nor blessing. Taking all together: joy, anger, sorrow, and delight.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Dragon and snake contend for thirty years; one day 'Tongguang' rises straight to heaven. Having reached heaven, he indulges in play; a million eastern soldiers pour into the Qin plains.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The actor Guo Congqian staged a rebellion, and the Tang ruler was struck by a stray arrow.
Vernacular translation: Dragon and snake contend for thirty years; one day the 'Tongguang' era soars straight to heaven. Having reached the heavenly realm, he indulges in idle play; meanwhile a million eastern soldiers pour into the Qin plains.
The 'five men divining together' alludes to the Five Dynasties succession. Later Tang Emperor Zhuangzong Li Cunxu had the reign title 'Tongguang' ('Tongguang rises to heaven'). He favored actors, and was ultimately killed by a stray arrow during the actor Guo Congqian's revolt. The Five Dynasties period (907-960) was indeed filled with turmoil.
Hexagram 12 · Yihai · Zhun
Prophetic verse: A single block of stone calls another man 'father.' Ruling sixteen provinces, this is no longer Tang soil.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The omen of rebellion first shows many mouths; comings and goings have no master. He who ties the bell must untie it; when the father dies, the son also perishes.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Shi Jingtang sought aid from the Khitan and served them with the courtesy due a father.
Vernacular translation: The omen of rebellion first appears through many mouths; comings and goings have no guiding master. He who ties the bell must be the one to untie it; when the father perishes, the son also dies.
The 'single stone' refers to Shi Jingtang; 'calls another man father' refers to his adoption of Khitan ruler Yelü Deguang as his father. Shi Jingtang ceded the Sixteen Prefectures of Yan and Yun ('sixteen provinces') to the Khitan in exchange for support, establishing the Later Jin. This created a lasting border crisis.
Hexagram 13 · Bingzi · Jiji
Prophetic verse: The Han waters dry up; the sparrow flies high. Flying here and there with nowhere to rest — the high mountain is lower than the city wall.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A hundred sparrows fly over water; ninety-nine cross west of the mountains. Only one breaks its foot, perching alone to preen its feathers.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Zhou ruler Guo Wei seized power from the Han and established his own rule.
Vernacular translation: A hundred sparrows fly over the water; ninety-nine cross westward beyond the mountains. Only one breaks its foot, perching alone on high to preen its feathers in solitude.
'Han waters dry up' refers to the fall of the Later Han. Guo Wei overthrew the Later Han and established the Later Zhou. The Later Han lasted only four years before being replaced.
Hexagram 14 · Dingchou · Ge
Prophetic verse: The plum tree gets root and sprout; pomegranate blossoms bloom wild. Dead wood meets spring for but a moment — let all the world compete in glory.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Metal, wood, water, fire, earth — all have ended. Thirteen youths and five princes. A wise ruler again sees days of peace; fifty-three — the fate does not hold.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Zhou Shizong succeeded Guo Wei, marking the end of the Five Dynasties.
Vernacular translation: Metal, wood, water, fire, earth — all five have ended; thirteen young rulers and five princes. A brilliant sovereign once again brings days of peace; at fifty-three, fate runs out.
The 'five elements all ended' alludes to the end of the Five Dynasties (Later Liang, Tang, Jin, Han, Zhou corresponding to the five elements). Zhou Shizong Chai Rong was a brilliant ruler but reigned only six years before dying. 'Fifty-three — fate does not hold' hints at his short life. This hexagram marks the end of the Five Dynasties, with the Song dynasty about to rise.
Hexagram 15 · Wuyin · Feng
Prophetic verse: Heaven has sun and moon; earth has mountains and rivers. Chaos reigns across the land — the father behind, the son ahead.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Wars in the Central Plain have never ceased; how many can rest easy with weapons at hand? Within this realm, there is a true Son of Heaven who sweeps away all demons to reveal the sun.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: At the end of the Five Dynasties, Taizu rose up to save the people from fire and flood.
Vernacular translation: Wars in the Central Plain have never ceased; how many can sleep soundly amid weapons of war? Within this realm there is a true Son of Heaven, who sweeps away all demons to reveal the sun.
Zhao Kuangyin established the Song dynasty in 960 through the Chenqiao Mutiny, ending the fragmentation of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. 'True Son of Heaven' refers to Song Taizu; 'sweeps away all demons' refers to his unification of China.
Hexagram 16 · Jimao · Mingyi
Prophetic verse: Heaven first creates water — endowed with sacred martial prowess. Obeying heaven, responding to the people — unprecedented through the ages.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Those surnamed Qian and Li offer their lands; the rest in turn pay homage to the Son of Heaven. Heaven entrusts unification to the true one, who neither kills the people nor ends their lines.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Song Taizu received the abdication at Bian capital and brought peace to all under heaven.
Vernacular translation: Those surnamed Qian and Li offer their lands in submission; the rest in turn come to pay homage to the Son of Heaven. Heaven entrusts the unification to the destined one, who neither kills the people nor ends their family lines.
Song Taizu unified China largely through peaceful means. King Qian Chu of Wuyue and Li Yu, last ruler of Southern Tang, both surrendered their territories ('those surnamed Qian and Li offer their lands'). Taizu treated surrendered rulers mercifully, 'neither killing the people nor ending their lines.'
Hexagram 17 · Gengchen · Shi
Prophetic verse: Resounding fame — weapons are laid to rest. Border threats are swept away; the nation is secured.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The emperor personally campaigns, crossing the river; cheers arise for a hundred miles. Fortunately, a resourceful woman devises the strategy; the great achievement lies in negotiating peace.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Battle of Chanyuan under Emperor Zhenzong of Song.
Vernacular translation: The emperor personally campaigns, just crossing the river; cheers and songs arise for a hundred miles around. Fortunately, a resourceful woman devises the strategy; the remarkable achievement lies entirely in negotiating peace.
In 1004, the Liao army invaded southward. Emperor Zhenzong of Song, urged by Kou Zhun, personally led the campaign to Chanzhou. The 'resourceful woman' may refer to Kou Zhun or Empress Dowager Liu. The result was the Treaty of Chanyuan, exchanging annual tribute for peace.
Hexagram 18 · Xinsi · Gen
Prophetic verse: Mother of the realm, golden blade hides the rabbit. In the year of three-eights, peace and order are secured.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Floods and droughts come often but are not disasters; she supports the young ruler upon the spirit platform. In court again shines the light of a hairpin; within the realm, an era of peace dawns.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Emperor Renzong succeeded to the throne; Empress Dowager Liu held court from behind the curtain.
Vernacular translation: Though floods and droughts come frequently, they are not true calamities; she supports the young ruler upon the throne. In court once more shines the radiance of a woman; an era of peace and auspicious signs dawns across the realm.
'Mother of the realm' refers to Empress Dowager Liu, who served as regent during Emperor Renzong's minority. 'Golden blade' deconstructs to the character 'Liu' (刘). The 'year of three-eights' refers to the prosperous era of Renzong's reign. 'Hairpin light shines in court' again alludes to a woman ruling from behind the curtain.
Hexagram 19 · Renwu · Bi
Prophetic verse: The masses clamor noisily, all entering his chambers. A million mighty soldiers — a stone upon their heads.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Stratagems devised at dawn lead to armies lost by dusk; the people of the northwest are scattered in exile. Though youth is fair, spring ages; he regrets not staying deep within the palace halls.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Emperor Shenzong mistakenly employed Wang Anshi, provoking border conflicts.
Vernacular translation: Stratagems devised at dawn lead to armies lost by dusk; the people of the northwest are all scattered in exile. Though youth is fair, spring has aged; he regrets not staying secluded deep within the palace halls.
'A stone upon their heads' alludes to Wang Anshi ('Anshi' meaning 'peaceful stone'). Emperor Shenzong of Song employed Wang Anshi's reforms, which aimed to strengthen the state but caused social upheaval due to poor implementation. Military campaigns in the northwest failed, displacing the populace.
Hexagram 20 · Guiwei · Tongren
Prophetic verse: The court has no light; sun and moon are blind. None can match 'Jing' — in the end, all wander aimlessly.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Father and son share one heart and one purpose; the sun and moon of mid-heaven are playthings in their hands. Strange clouds roll over the northern sea; the phoenix gate and dragon court are filled with grief.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Cai Jing and his sons abused power; the virtuous were imprisoned.
Vernacular translation: Father and son share one mind and one path in controlling the court; the sun and moon of mid-heaven become playthings in their hands. Strange clouds roll over the northern sea; the phoenix gate and dragon court are filled with sorrow and grief.
'None can match Jing' phonetically alludes to Cai Jing. 'Father and son share one heart' refers to the Cai clan's grip on power. Cai Jing was the chief of the 'Six Traitors' of the Northern Song, whose corruption laid the groundwork for the Jingkang Incident disaster.
Hexagram 21 · Jiashen · Sun
Prophetic verse: The palace stands empty; snow lies three feet deep. Alas, the sovereign — heading south while aiming north.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Evil miasma unsettled, there is no peace; sweeping northward through smoke, they gaze at the imperial capital. A different surname takes the throne to end the dynasty's mandate; after eighteen reigns, they head south again.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Jin armies marched south; Emperor Huizong abdicated; in the first year of Jingkang, the capital fell.
Vernacular translation: With evil forces unsettled, there can be no peace; sweeping northward through the smoke, they gaze toward the imperial capital. A different clan takes the throne and ends the dynasty's mandate; after eighteen reigns, the journey heads south once more.
The Jingkang Incident of 1127: Jin armies breached Bianjing and captured Emperors Huizong and Qinzong, ending the Northern Song. 'The empty palace with snow three feet deep' depicts the desolation after the capital fell. 'Eighteen reigns, then heading south' refers to the transition to the Southern Song.
Hexagram 22 · Yiyou · Kui
Prophetic verse: The heavenly horse stands in the sky — from the worst, the best emerges. Phoenix upon phoenix, waters vast; wood-framed, greatly sustained.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Imperial spirit fills the southeast divine capital; floodwaters vast wash away all strategy. One wood supports the sixteenth month; as the journey begins, the horse's color is half at peace.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Emperor Gaozong crossed south, establishing a partial regime in the southeast.
Vernacular translation: Imperial spirit fills the southeastern divine capital; vast floodwaters wash away all strategy. A single timber supports the realm through the sixteenth month; as the journey begins, the horse's color portends a measure of peace.
After the Jingkang Incident, Emperor Gaozong Zhao Gou fled south and established the Southern Song, with its capital at Lin'an (modern Hangzhou). 'Imperial spirit fills the southeast' refers to the Southern Song's partial regime. 'Half at peace' encodes 'Lin'an.' The Southern Song held half the realm but remained only a partial dynasty.
Hexagram 25 · Wuzi · Jian
Prophetic verse: The northern emperor, the southern vassal — 'one-wu' stands alone. At the Orkhon River waters, swallows nest and sparrows harvest.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A three-legged contest for supremacy — the tale is wondrous. One wolf and two rats are judged in an instant. Though the northern pass lock is strong, generation after generation — five times five is fitting.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Yuan founder declared himself emperor at the Orkhon River; there were ten rulers in all.
Vernacular translation: A three-way contest for supremacy — the tale is truly wondrous. One wolf and two rats are decided in an instant. Though the northern pass is locked tight, generation after generation carries on — five times five in all.
'One-wu stands alone' combines to form the character 'Yuan' (元), referring to the Yuan dynasty. 'Northern emperor, southern vassal' describes the Mongol conquest from north to south. Genghis Khan rose at the Onon River (Orkhon). The Yuan had ten emperors — 'five times five' alludes to this succession.
Hexagram 23 · Bingxu · Lü
Prophetic verse: Seems like the Way but is not; heaven sinks and earth darkens. Auspicious light within the realm — yet a river of broken oars.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The northern barbarians unleash their might in great campaigns; two pillars holding up the sky cannot bear the weight. How is it that on nights of endless fire, they still hang lanterns for water games?
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Jia Sidao held power; the Song dynasty perished.
Vernacular translation: The northern barbarians unleash their might in massive campaigns; the two pillars holding up the sky can no longer bear the weight. How is it that on nights of relentless fire, they still hang lanterns and play water games in the palace?
'Seems like the Way but is not' directly encodes the name Jia Sidao. He monopolized power and ruined the state — when Mongol armies invaded, he concealed military intelligence and indulged in pleasure. 'Still hanging lanterns for water games' depicts his debauchery while the nation crumbled, hastening the Southern Song's fall.
Hexagram 24 · Dinghai · Zhongfu
Prophetic verse: By mountain cliff and seashore — not emperor, yet immortal. Two-nine-four-eight, for ten thousand years.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The eleventh diviner — the small moon ends. With no power to reverse heaven, all paths are exhausted. Weapons rise on all sides, seemingly with no way out; pointing the way amidst the great surging waves.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Emperor Bing moved to the mountains; Lu Xiufu carried the young emperor into the sea.
Vernacular translation: At the time of the eleventh diviner, the waning moon reaches its end; there is no power to reverse heaven, and all paths are exhausted. Weapons rise on every side, seemingly with no way out; the only course is pointed amid the surging waves.
In 1279, the last Southern Song emperor Zhao Bing was carried into the sea by Chancellor Lu Xiufu at the Battle of Yamen (Cliff Mountain). 'Mountain cliff and seashore' describes the battle's location. 'No power to reverse heaven' depicts the Song's final desperation. 'Two-nine-four-eight' encodes the Song dynasty's 319-year span.
Hexagram 26 · Jichou · Zhen
Prophetic verse: Time has no night; the year has no rice. Flowers are not flowers — bandits rise on all sides.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The Central Plain boils as 'wood-wood' arrives; alarm reports rise from all four borders. In the chambers there are arts of immortality; no wonder the capital stays open through the night.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Emperor Shun indulged in pleasure while heroes from all regions seized their chance to rise.
Vernacular translation: The Central Plain boils with upheaval as 'wood-wood' arrives; alarm reports rise from all four borders. Within the palace chambers there are arts of indulgent pleasure; no wonder the capital stays open and lit through the night.
At the end of the Yuan, Emperor Shun indulged in pleasure and neglected governance. 'Time has no night' alludes to endless revelry; 'year has no rice' alludes to widespread famine. Peasant uprisings like the Red Turban Rebellion erupted everywhere ('bandits rise on all sides'). Yuan rule quickly collapsed.
Hexagram 27 · Gengyin · Yu
Prophetic verse: Only the sun and moon — the ultimate for the people below. Rising in accordance with destiny, its color is called red.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Every branch and leaf gleams with golden light, brilliant and radiant, shining in all directions. On the eastern bank of the river, brightness arises; one who speaks of emptiness and chants gathas is the true king.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Ming Taizu ascended the throne; he had been a monk at Huangjue Temple.
Vernacular translation: Every branch and leaf gleams with golden light, brilliant and radiant, illuminating all directions. On the eastern bank of the river, brightness arises; the one who speaks of Buddhist emptiness and chants gathas is the true king.
'Sun and moon' combine to form 'Ming' (明), the dynasty name. 'Its color is red' refers to Zhu Yuanzhang ('Zhu' means vermillion/red). 'One who speaks of emptiness is the true king' refers to his origins as a Buddhist monk at Huangjue Temple. 'Brightness arises on the eastern bank' refers to his establishing the dynasty from Nanjing.
Hexagram 28 · Xinmao · Xie
Prophetic verse: Grass on top, fire below — palace halls turn to ash. A bird in the house, a nun in the outskirts.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: When feathers are full, the day of high flight comes; plum blossoms compete for beauty. The true dragon roams the four seas; beyond the world is my home.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Prince of Yan raised an army; the Jianwen Emperor shaved his head and fled.
Vernacular translation: When feathers are full, the day of soaring flight arrives; amid the competition for beauty, a plum blossom blooms. The true dragon roams across the four seas; the world beyond is where his home lies.
'Grass on top, fire below' combines to form 'Yan' (燕), referring to the Prince of Yan, Zhu Di. He launched the Jingnan Campaign and captured Nanjing — 'palace halls turn to ash' describes the burning palace. The Jianwen Emperor's fate remains unknown; legend says he shaved his head and fled as a monk ('a nun in the outskirts' alludes to monastic exile).
Hexagram 29 · Renchen · Heng
Prophetic verse: Branches flourish in glory, pillars of the nation. Bright and harmonious — prosperity and joy for all.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: One branch faces north, one faces east; there is also a southern branch of the same stock. The whole realm sings of the virtuous mother's grace — truly the spirit of the Three Dynasties lives on.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: During Emperor Xuanzong's reign, Empress Dowager Zhang employed Yang Shiqi and two other advisors.
Vernacular translation: One branch faces north, one faces east; there is also a southern branch from the same root. All the realm sings of the virtuous mother's grace — truly the spirit of the ancient Three Dynasties endures.
During Emperor Xuanzong's reign, Empress Dowager Zhang served as regent and employed the 'Three Yangs' (Yang Shiqi, Yang Rong, Yang Pu) as pillars of state, creating the prosperous 'Renxuan Era.' This was the most politically enlightened period of the Ming dynasty.
Hexagram 30 · Guisi · Sheng
Prophetic verse: Half 'gui,' half 'lin' — when combined, change is born. Even stone has spirit — honored in life, despised in death.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Missing one, it is incomplete yet still leads; six dragons personally ride to the barbarian border. Heaven's will is seen again as the people's hearts obey; mutual conquest and mutual creation — the horse goes no further.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: After Empress Dowager Zhang died, power fell to the eunuch Wang Zhen, leading to the disaster at Tumu Fortress.
Vernacular translation: Missing one, it is incomplete yet still takes the lead; six dragons — the emperor personally rides to the barbarian frontier. Heaven's will appears again as the people's hearts submit; in the cycle of mutual conquest and creation, the horse advances no further.
After Empress Dowager Zhang's death, the eunuch Wang Zhen seized power and persuaded Emperor Yingzong to personally lead a campaign against the Oirats. In 1449, the Tumu Crisis saw the emperor captured. 'Six dragons ride to the barbarian border' refers to the imperial expedition to the Mongol frontier.
Hexagram 31 · Jiawu · Jiaren
Prophetic verse: Remnant evil at the road's edge, defiling the palace halls. One man and one woman — they deliver the nation to ruin.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Loyal ministers and worthy scholars all sink into obscurity; heaven opens its heart but chaos only deepens. Though some have honest and frank character, heaven and earth no longer belong to the old Ming ruler.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: During the Tianqi reign, the eunuch Wei Zhongxian and his associate Madame Ke.
Vernacular translation: Loyal ministers and worthy scholars all sink into obscurity; in the Tianqi era, chaos only deepens. Though some may possess honest and upright character, heaven and earth no longer belong to the former Ming rulers.
'One man and one woman' refers to the eunuch Wei Zhongxian and Madame Ke. During the Tianqi reign (1620-1627), they colluded to monopolize power, persecuting the Donglin Party scholars. 'Loyal ministers all sink into obscurity' describes the massive persecution of upright officials.
Hexagram 32 · Yiwei · Jing
Prophetic verse: The horse leaps at the northern gate; the dog howls in the west. When eight and nine are exhausted, sun and moon lose their light.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Willow catkins all fallen, plum blossoms withered; five-colored banners come from the north. Alas, the royal spirit of Jinling is spent; one branch of spring occupies Chang'an.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Li Chuang and Zhang Xianzhong caused upheaval; Emperor Chongzhen hanged himself; the Ming fell.
Vernacular translation: Willow catkins have all fallen, plum blossoms are withered; five-colored banners advance from the north. Alas, the royal spirit of Jinling is spent; one branch of spring occupies Chang'an.
'Plum blossoms withered' refers to Li Zicheng; 'dog howls in the west' refers to Zhang Xianzhong's rebellion in Sichuan. In 1644, Li Zicheng took Beijing and Emperor Chongzhen hanged himself at Coal Hill. 'Eight and nine exhausted' alludes to the Ming's seventeen emperors. 'Sun and moon lose their light' — sun and moon form 'Ming,' signifying the dynasty's end.
Hexagram 33 · Bingshen · Daguo
Prophetic verse: The Yellow River runs clear; when qi is smooth, there is order. Host and guest are indistinguishable; the earthly branches lack 'zi.'
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: From the long white mountains, the waterfall comes; the barbarians' spirit does not wane. Fences and hedges are mostly removed; the young ones are half to be pitied.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: An omen of the Manchu Qing entering the passes.
Vernacular translation: From the long white mountains, waterfalls come surging; the spirit of the northern peoples does not wane. Fences and barriers are mostly torn away; the young ones are half to be pitied.
'From the long white mountains' refers to the Manchu homeland at Changbai Mountain. In 1644, Wu Sangui invited Qing forces through the passes, and the Manchu Qing replaced the Ming. 'Host and guest indistinguishable' alludes to Manchu-Han integration. 'Fences removed' refers to Shanhai Pass being opened. 'Young ones half to be pitied' alludes to the slaughter of Ming royals.
Hexagram 34 · Dingyou · Xun
Prophetic verse: Heads have hair; garments fear white. In times of 'Taiping,' king slays king.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: In the Taiping era, blood blossoms fly again; five-colored insignia adorn inner and outer garments. Floodwaters overwhelm the sky — the seedling does not flourish; the Central Plain witnesses dreams turned entirely to naught.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Taiping Rebellion.
Vernacular translation: In the Taiping era, blood blossoms fly once again; five-colored insignia become inner and outer garments. Floodwaters overwhelm the sky and seedlings cannot flourish; the Central Plain witnesses its dreams turned entirely to nothing.
'In Taiping times, king slays king' directly predicts the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom's internal strife — Wei Changhui killed Yang Xiuqing, and Shi Dakai departed. 'Heads have hair' refers to Taiping soldiers growing their hair (defying the Qing queue order). 'Floodwaters' alludes to Hong Xiuquan. The Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864) claimed tens of millions of lives.
Hexagram 35 · Wuxu · Sui
Prophetic verse: Westerners come, treading upon the sacred capital. The emperor departs and does not return; three pillars prop the tilting realm.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Dark clouds gather ominously from the west; the imperial prince by the river builds a golden terrace. In the south there are soldiers, in the north there is fire; a rare talent is seen amid the restoration.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Eight-Nation Alliance entered Beijing; Emperor Guangxu fled.
Vernacular translation: Dark clouds gather ominously from the west; the imperial prince builds a golden terrace by the river. In the south there are armies, in the north there is fire; amid the restoration, a rare talent is seen.
In 1900, the Eight-Nation Alliance invaded China and captured Beijing ('Westerners tread upon the sacred capital'). Empress Dowager Cixi fled westward with Emperor Guangxu ('the emperor departs and does not return'). 'Three pillars prop the tilting realm' refers to senior statesmen like Li Hongzhang who maintained order through the Southeastern Mutual Protection pact.
Hexagram 36 · Jihai · Xiaoxu
Prophetic verse: A delicate woman, bare-handed against the enemy. Not distinguishing fortune from disaster, lamplight obscures the sun.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Two fists spin heaven and earth; the realm is inexplicably unsettled. Mother and son — no distinction of before or after; gazing westward toward Chang'an, they enter for an audience.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Boxer Movement and Empress Dowager Cixi.
Vernacular translation: Two fists spin and churn heaven and earth; the realm is inexplicably unsettled. Mother and son depart with no distinction of before or after; gazing westward toward Chang'an, they enter for an audience.
'Delicate woman' refers to Empress Dowager Cixi. 'Two fists spin heaven and earth' alludes to the Boxer Movement (义和拳, literally 'Righteous Fists'). Cixi exploited the Boxers against Western powers but 'could not distinguish fortune from disaster,' provoking the Allied intervention. 'Mother and son, no distinction of before or after' refers to Cixi and Guangxu dying just one day apart in 1908.
Hexagram 37 · Gengzi · Yi
Prophetic verse: The Han River stretches vast — those who did not rule now continue the rule. North and south are no longer divided; in harmony, they work together.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The clear water eventually runs dry; arms are reversed in the eighth month. Within the four seas, there is suddenly no king; half ill fortune, half good.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Xinhai Revolution; the Republic of China was established.
Vernacular translation: The clear water eventually runs dry; arms are turned in the eighth month. Within the four seas, there is suddenly no king; half is misfortune, half is fortune.
'Vast Han River' refers to the Wuchang Uprising on the banks of the Han. The 1911 Xinhai Revolution overthrew the Qing and established the Republic of China. 'No king within the seas' refers to the end of imperial rule. 'Those who did not rule now continue the rule' refers to the transition from monarchy to republic. 'Arms reversed in the eighth month' marks the uprising in lunar August (October 10 by the solar calendar).
Hexagram 38 · Xinchou · Shihe
Prophetic verse: A deer outside the gate — heroes contend to catch it. Calamity reaches kites and fish; the people are in deep water and hot fire.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: When the fire cycle begins, disaster spreads; ten thousand die, ten thousand are born. Ocean waves muddy the rivers; what is beyond the border is no different from what is before our eyes.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Second Sino-Japanese War.
Vernacular translation: When the fire cycle begins, disaster spreads without end; ten thousand die and ten thousand are born. Ocean waves can muddy the rivers; what lies beyond the border is no different from what is before our eyes.
'A deer outside the gate, heroes contend' refers to Japan's invasion of China. 'Deep water and hot fire' describes the people's suffering. During the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-1945), over thirty million Chinese were killed or wounded. 'Ocean waves muddy the rivers' alludes to Japan's naval invasion.
Hexagram 39 · Renyin · Yi
Prophetic verse: A bird without feet; a mountain with a moon. The dawn sun rises — all the people weep.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: In the twelfth month the vital energy is discordant; on the southern mountain sparrows, on the northern mountain nets. One morning the golden rooster crows — across the great sea, the sinking sun has passed.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Japan's surrender ('bird without feet, mountain with moon' = the character 'island/岛'; 'golden rooster crows' = the year of the Rooster, 1945).
Vernacular translation: Through the twelve months, the vital energy is discordant; on the southern mountain, sparrows — on the northern mountain, nets. One morning the golden rooster crows; across the vast ocean, the sinking sun has finally set.
'Bird without feet, mountain with moon' combines to form the character 'island' (岛), referring to the island nation Japan. 'Dawn sun rises' refers to Japan's Rising Sun flag; 'all the people weep' describes wartime suffering. 'Golden rooster crows' refers to the Year of the Rooster — 1945 was Yiyou year, when Japan surrendered unconditionally on August 15. 'The sinking sun has passed over the great sea' symbolizes Japan's defeat.
Hexagram 40 · Guimao · Gu
Prophetic verse: One, two, three, four — no land but there is a master. A small Tiangang star rules with folded hands.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A breath comes proudly from the east; no shoes on the feet, no hair on the head. If one meets 'wood-son' and frost melts, born by the monkey, slain by the eagle.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Chinese Civil War; one surnamed Li can subdue the eastern barbarians.
Vernacular translation: A breath comes proudly from the east; bare feet and hairless head. If one meets 'wood-son' and frost melts away, the one who gives life is the monkey, the one who brings death is the eagle.
'No land but there is a master' alludes to Mao Zedong. The Chinese Civil War (1945-1949) ended with Communist victory and the founding of the People's Republic of China. 'Wood-son' forms the character 'Li' (李), alluding to a relevant historical figure.
Hexagram 41 · Jiachen · Li
Prophetic verse: Heaven and earth are dark and blind; grass and trees grow wild. Yin and yang are reversed — earth above, sun below.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Caps must be worn, blood without a head; hands toying with heaven and earth — when will it end? Ninety-nine years make a great mistake; only fitting to reign in Qinzhou.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Cultural Revolution (disputed interpretation).
Vernacular translation: Caps must be worn, yet there is blood without a head; hands toying with heaven and earth — when will it ever cease? Ninety-nine years produce a great mistake; to claim kingship is only fitting in the land of Qinzhou.
'Heaven and earth dark and blind' and 'yin and yang reversed' are interpreted as the social upheaval and inverted order during the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976). 'Caps must be worn, blood without a head' alludes to the dunce caps worn during struggle sessions. However, this hexagram's interpretation remains highly disputed among scholars.
Hexagram 42 · Yisi · Lü
Prophetic verse: A beauty comes from the west; the Celestial Kingdom gradually finds peace. The long bow lies on the ground — dangerous yet not dangerous.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A Western maiden, a pipa-playing immortal, in brilliant garments of vivid colors. At this time she mingles among the courts and markets, causing a hundred thousand kinds of turmoil between ruler and minister.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Reform and Opening Up (disputed interpretation).
Vernacular translation: A maiden from the West, a pipa-playing immortal, in brilliant garments of vivid colors. At this time she mingles among the courts and markets, stirring a hundred thousand kinds of turmoil between ruler and minister.
'A beauty comes from the west' is interpreted as Western culture and capital entering China, corresponding to the Reform and Opening Up policy beginning in 1978. 'The Celestial Kingdom gradually finds peace' refers to China's economic recovery and growth. 'Dangerous yet not dangerous' suggests risks but overall stability. This interpretation is disputed.
Hexagram 43 · Bingwu · Ding
Prophetic verse: The ruler is not a ruler; the minister is not a minister. Beginning in peril and hardship, in the end order prevails.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The black rabbit runs into the blue dragon's den; what seems about to end does not end — unspeakable. Only on the roots and branches outside, in thirty years descendants bear fruit.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Disputed — one interpretation concerns cross-strait relations.
Vernacular translation: The black rabbit runs into the blue dragon's den; what seems about to end does not end — the mystery is unspeakable. Only on the roots and branches outside, over thirty years, descendants bear fruit.
'The black rabbit enters the blue dragon's den' is interpreted by some scholars as events between the Guimao year (black rabbit) and Jiachen year (blue dragon). 'The ruler is not a ruler; the minister is not a minister' suggests a reordering. 'In thirty years descendants bear fruit' refers to long-term outcomes. This hexagram has many competing interpretations.
Hexagram 1 · Jiazi · Qian
Prophetic verse: Boundless heaven and earth, none knows where they end. Sun and moon revolve, cycling without cease.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: From Pangu's time to the age of Xiyi, tigers fight and dragons contend in wondrous affairs. Once you grasp the true principle of cycles, try to discern the workings of fate after the Tang.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: This hexagram represents the cyclical nature of order and chaos through the ages, like the coming and going of sun and moon, the alternation of yin and yang.
Vernacular translation: From the creation by Pangu to the sage Chen Tuan, the struggles between tigers and dragons across dynasties have been truly extraordinary. If one can grasp the true principle of cyclical fate, one may try to deduce the workings of destiny from the period after the Tang.
This is the opening overview of the Tui Bei Tu, using the Qian hexagram to symbolize the cyclical way of heaven, revealing the book's central theme: history alternates between order and chaos like the sun and moon.
Hexagram 44 · Dingwei · Weiji
Prophetic verse: Sun and moon grace the heavens; all dark forces submit. A hundred spirits pay homage — double-winged and four-footed.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: China now has a sage — though not a hero, he accomplishes all like the Duke of Zhou. The four barbarian peoples, through translators, address him as Son of Heaven; from the depths of adversity, spring arrives for nine nations.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: A sage emerges; the four barbarian peoples come to pay tribute.
Vernacular translation: China now has a sage — though not a hero in the conventional sense, he accomplishes great things like the Duke of Zhou. The four barbarian peoples, through translators, address him as Son of Heaven; from the depths of adversity, spring arrives for all nations.
Hexagram 45 · Wushen · Meng
Prophetic verse: A guest comes from the west, stopping at the east. Wood, fire, metal, water — this great shame is washed away.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The fire destiny opens grandly, the world unified; the golden crow hides within the white ocean. From now on, none dare claim supremacy; the spirit of war is entirely dispelled, its cycle ended.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Territories are recovered; a great national shame is avenged.
Vernacular translation: The fire destiny opens grandly, the world is unified; the golden crow hides within the white ocean. From now on, none dare claim supremacy; the spirit of war is entirely dispelled, its cycle ended.
Hexagram 46 · Jiyou · Huan
Prophetic verse: Dark, dark are the clouded skies; killing without a blade. Ten thousand people do not die, but one person cannot escape.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: There is a military man who carries a bow, calling himself merely a white-haired elder. Behind the eastern gate a golden sword lies hidden; a warrior enters the imperial palace through the back door.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: A military figure takes power.
Vernacular translation: There is a military man who carries a bow, claiming to be merely a white-haired elder. Behind the eastern gate, a golden sword lies hidden; a warrior enters the imperial palace through the back door.
Hexagram 47 · Gengxu · Song
Prophetic verse: Weapons laid down, culture cultivated — the Ziwei star shines bright. Every man bears responsibility; a single word makes one a leader.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: With no king, no emperor, heaven and earth are set right; the first to come is from the fields. He reads deeply from the old books; when righteous words emerge, brilliance is revealed.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The beginning of a Great Harmony world.
Vernacular translation: With no king and no emperor, heaven and earth are set right; the first to emerge comes from the fields. He reads deeply from the ancient books; when righteous words are spoken, brilliance is revealed.
Hexagram 48 · Xinhai · Tongren
Prophetic verse: The opening of Mao and Wu — its image is Li. Eight oxen set things in motion — harmonious and joyful.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Water and fire in balance, the people prosper; he holds a golden spear but does not slay the foe. In fifty years, one general-minister; green grass grows from the fields.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: A person surnamed Zhu subdues others through virtue.
Vernacular translation: Water and fire in balance bring prosperity to the people; he holds a golden spear but does not use it to slay the foe. In fifty years, one general-minister emerges; green grass grows naturally from the fields.
Hexagram 49 · Renzi · Kun
Prophetic verse: In the mountain valley, few people remain; seeking to destroy, one finds the nest already gone. Emperors call each other brothers; heroes abound on every side.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A person cries within the mouth of 'or'; divided south, north, east, and west. When all six lines are divined, civilization appears; spread like chess pieces and stars, sun and moon bring harmony.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: An omen that long division must lead to reunion.
Vernacular translation: A person cries within the character 'or'; divided into south, north, east, and west. When all six lines of the hexagram are divined, civilization is revealed; spread like chess pieces and stars, sun and moon bring harmony to the world.
Hexagram 50 · Guichou · Fu
Prophetic verse: Water and fire wage war; when times are exhausted, change comes. From the bottom of constancy, a new cycle begins; beasts are valued, humans cheapened.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A tiger-headed person meets the tiger-headed year; white rice fills the granaries but has no value. Wolves and jackals roam the streets in packs; only after all storms are cleared does the sky appear.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: In the Year of the Tiger, great turmoil occurs.
Vernacular translation: A tiger-headed person meets the year of the tiger; white rice fills the granaries but is worthless. Wolves and jackals roam the streets in packs; only after all the storms are cleared does the sky finally appear.
Hexagram 51 · Jiayin · Lin
Prophetic verse: Yin and yang in harmony, transformation through righteousness. Kun is receptive and inspiring — hereafter, Yao and Shun appear again.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Who says a woman cannot be strong? The virtue of Kun moves the four directions. A new atmosphere appears again in mid-heaven; divined to last sixteen — long-lived and well.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: A wise ruler is aided by a virtuous consort.
Vernacular translation: Who says a woman cannot be strong and capable? The virtue of Kun indeed moves and inspires the four directions. A new atmosphere appears once more in mid-heaven; divined to last sixteen years — long-lived and in good health.
Hexagram 52 · Yimao · Tai
Prophetic verse: A comet suddenly appears — ill-omened for the northeast. Walking alone, where does one go? Gazing upon that land of joy.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A spear-star point appears in the east; in Wu and Chu, there are still kings. The guest at the gate will not stay long; heaven and earth are remade at the Jiao and Kang stars.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The northeast is disturbed by foreign peoples.
Vernacular translation: A comet-like star appears in the eastern sky; in the lands of Wu and Chu, there are still kings. The guest at the gate will not stay long; heaven and earth are remade when the Jiao and Kang stars align.
Hexagram 53 · Bingchen · Dazhuang
Prophetic verse: The Son of Heaven in the palace treats the worthy with courtesy. Following heaven's command to rest — in later years, a son is born.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: A filial son comes from the west, his hands restoring the moral order — the world is at peace. Twice in the realm, beautiful banners are seen; the predecessors cannot match the successors' talent.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: One surnamed Qin ascends the throne.
Vernacular translation: A filial son comes from the west; with his own hands he restores moral order and brings peace to the world. Twice in the realm, beautiful banners are seen; the predecessors cannot match the talent of those who follow.
Hexagram 54 · Dingsi · Guai
Prophetic verse: Grand and open, a chess game nearing its end. Pecking for rest, settling for temporary peace — though laughing, also crying.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: No distinction between ox-rat and ox-sheep; stripped of fur, the hide still claims to be strong. Within the realm a true dragon naturally emerges; the nine bends of the Yellow River run clear, not yellow.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: Commands go unheeded; long unity must lead to division.
Vernacular translation: No distinction between ox-rat and ox-sheep; stripped of fur with only hide remaining, yet still claiming strength. Within the realm, a true dragon naturally emerges; the nine bends of the Yellow River will finally run clear.
Hexagram 55 · Wuwu · Xu
Prophetic verse: Fear gives birth to vigilance; nowhere is beyond reach. A woman by the water bows to the sun.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Coveting the sacred vessel is ultimately futile; cautious and careful, there are many loyal ministers. Turning danger to safety reveals integrity; it is not certain that the rivers and mountains are given away by oneself.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Central Plain is unified; there are those who plot usurpation.
Vernacular translation: Coveting the sacred throne is ultimately futile; with great caution, many loyal ministers stand in support. In turning danger to safety, integrity and loyalty are revealed; it is not necessarily true that the realm is willingly given away.
Hexagram 56 · Jiwei · Bi
Prophetic verse: What flies is not a bird; what lurks beneath is not a fish. The battle is not fought with soldiers — it is nature's game.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Ten thousand miles of ocean frontier all turn to smoke and cloud; from the heights of the sky to the depths of the springs. The Golden Mother and Wood Duke craft illusions; before weapons even clash, disaster reaches heaven.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: High-technology warfare.
Vernacular translation: Ten thousand miles of ocean frontier are shrouded in smoke and cloud; from the heights of the sky down to the deepest springs. The Golden Mother and Wood Duke craft illusions; before weapons even clash, disaster already reaches the heavens.
Hexagram 57 · Gengshen · Dui
Prophetic verse: Things taken to the extreme must reverse; fight poison with poison. A three-foot child — the four barbarian peoples tremble in submission.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Kan and Li in mutual opposition reveal heaven's sign; heaven sends this person to halt the killing. Believe it or not, a prodigy is born in Wu and Yue; across the oceans, from now on, armies are put to rest.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: A prodigy from Wu-Yue extinguishes the fires of war.
Vernacular translation: In the opposition of Kan and Li, heaven's sign is revealed; heaven sends this person to halt the killing. Believe it or not, a prodigy is born in the land of Wu and Yue; across the oceans, from this day forward, armies are put to rest.
Hexagram 58 · Xinyou · Kun
Prophetic verse: The great turmoil is quelled; the four barbarian peoples submit. They call each other brothers — six or seven nations.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: Beacon fires are extinguished, the sea has no waves; those who call themselves emperor and king are unified in harmony. Yet there remains a baleful star hidden in the northwest; the song of peace cannot yet be sung everywhere.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The world is largely at peace.
Vernacular translation: Beacon fires are all extinguished and the sea has no waves; those who called themselves emperor and king are unified in harmony. Yet a baleful star still lurks in the northwest; the song of peace cannot yet be sung everywhere.
Hexagram 59 · Renxu · Xian
Prophetic verse: No cities, no prefectures; no 'you,' no 'I.' All under heaven is one family — governance reaches the Great Transformation.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: One person brings great fortune to the world, holding a divination tube and pulling out the bamboo sticks. Red, yellow, black, white — no longer distinct; east, south, west, north — all in harmony.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Great Harmony of the world.
Vernacular translation: One great person brings fortune to the whole world; holding a divination tube, pulling out the bamboo sticks to determine fate. Red, yellow, black, white — no longer distinguished; east, south, west, north — all live in harmony.
Hexagram 60 · Guihai · Cui
Prophetic verse: One yin, one yang — no end, no beginning. What ends shall end in its day; what begins shall begin of itself.
李淳风 & 袁天罡: Ode: The vast heavenly numbers are sought within this work; the rise and fall of the world's ways are not freely chosen. Millions upon millions of things cannot be told; better to push the back and go home to rest.
Jin Shengtan's commentary: The Tui Bei Tu concludes — ten thousand things cannot be fully told.
Vernacular translation: The mysteries of vast heavenly numbers are all sought within this work; the rise and fall of the world's ways are not for mortals to decide. Millions upon millions of things can never be fully told; better to push each other's back and go home to rest.