Water Spilled Before the Horse馬前覆水
A fish swimming in a clear blue pond
suddenly finds nets on every side.
It can think of no way to turn and escape;
in the end it brings trouble upon itself.
English rendering: our editorial version.
A feeling of being trapped. Be watchful and avoid creating further trouble.
詩意：此卦魚遭羅網之象。凡事亦宜提防也。
解曰：屋下安身。禍從天降。早覺先防。免遭災殃。
另本 Variant：譬若金鱗放碧漪，暗遭羅網四邊圍，思量無計翻身出，命到泉關苦獨悲。
Water Spilled Before the Horse
Zhu Maichen sold firewood to live and studied as he walked. His wife left him in disgust. When he was made governor at fifty she begged to return. He poured a bucket of water on the ground and said they could remarry if she could gather it back. Spilled water cannot be returned.
Entangled, like a fish in a net. Forcing a union breeds resentment.
Obstacles on all sides. Watch for contract traps and quiet rivals.
This lot invites care with money: a tempting gain that turns out costly. Treat money moves as personal judgement, not a prediction.
An old complaint may flare up. Get checked early rather than waiting. For anything lasting, see a qualified practitioner — this is reflection, not a diagnosis.
An unsettled time. Avoid quarrels and take extra care at home.
Those away find it hard to return. Avoid risky trips.
Unlikely to be found. Take precautions so it does not happen again.
The other side is well prepared. A settlement may limit what you stand to lose. A qualified adviser beats any oracle for binding matters.