Qin Defeated, Three Generals Captured
Inauspicious
The poem
Original: 似鹄飞来自入笼 / 欲得番身却不通 / 南北东西都难出 / 此卦诚恐恨无穹
The story
Duke Mu of Qin ignored his old counsellor Jian Shu and sent an army to attack Zheng. Worn out and empty-handed, the force was lured by Jin troops into a narrow valley; the road ahead was blocked, firebrands and sulphur came down from both sides, and the men trampled each other. The army was destroyed and all three commanders taken alive.
What it means
This is the sign of a swan flying into a cage: much appearance and little substance. Nobody shut you in, since you walked in yourself, drawn by something that looked open. Now you can neither advance nor step back, and the only course is to lower your head, go straight, and make as few moves as possible while you limit the loss. Any opportunity that looks alluring and is closed on all four sides should not be approached at all.
By area of life
Wealth
Watch for someone setting a trap. Money put here is quickly locked in and stays locked in for a long time.
Love
This pursuit walks you into a net of your own making. Better not to press it, and better to avoid the confinement.
Work
A new venture carries very high risk and heavy losses. Job seekers should be wary of traps in the market.
Health
Every course of treatment seems to make matters worse. Repentance and a quieted mind will at least reduce the suffering.
Travel
The trip is the trap itself, and cancelling it is the whole of the prevention. Stay where you are for now.
Advice
That open door is a cage, so do not fly into it.