Qiong Tong Bao Jian (窮通寶鑑)

五行者，本乎天地之間而不窮者也，故謂之行。北方陰極而生寒，寒生水；南方陽極而生熱，熱生火；東方陽散以洩而生風，風生木；西方陰止以收而生燥，燥生金；中央陰陽交而生溫，溫生土。其相生也所以相維，其相剋也所以相制，此之謂有倫。

The concept of the Five Phases, or Wuxing, originates from the continuous and endless movement of five types of energy present in the universe. Because these energies are always in motion, they are called "Wuxing" meaning "moving phases." When the yin energy in the north reaches its extreme, it produces cold, and cold solidifies into water. When the yang energy in the south reaches its extreme, it produces heat, and heat becomes fire. When yang energy in the east spreads outward, it produces wind, and wind becomes wood. When yin energy in the west gathers and becomes restrained, it produces dryness, and dryness becomes metal. When the yin and yang energies in the center meet, they produce warmth, and warmth becomes earth. The Five Phases generate each other to maintain continuity, and they control each other to impose limits. Through both generation and control, there is an orderly sequence, which is called "having order" or "having a proper sequence," meaning there is a clear structure and order.

火為太陽，性炎上；水為太陰，性潤下；木為少陽，性騰上而無所止；金為少陰，性沉下而有所止；土無常性，視四時所乘，欲使相濟得所，勿令太過弗及。夫五行之性，各致其用。水者其性智，火者其性禮，木其性仁，金其性義，惟土主信，重寬厚博，無所不容。以之水，即水附之而行；以之木，則木托之而生；金不得土，則無自出；火不得土，則無自歸。必損實以為通，致虛以為明，故五行皆賴土也。

Fire belongs to the Yang energy of the Sun, and its nature is to rise upward and burn; Water belongs to the Yin energy of the Great Yin, and its nature is to descend and moisten; Wood belongs to the Lesser Yang, and its nature is to rise upward without limit; Metal belongs to the Lesser Yin, and its nature is to sink downward and be contained. Earth has no fixed bias, but changes according to the season. The five elements must support each other and be in harmony, neither excessive nor deficient. Each of the five elements has its own function: Water governs wisdom, Fire governs propriety, Wood governs benevolence, Metal governs righteousness, and only Earth governs trust, being thick and broad, capable of containing all. Water needs Earth as a bank and bed to adhere and flow; Wood needs Earth to rest upon in order to take root and grow; Metal cannot be produced without Earth; Fire cannot be concealed without Earth. Earth must be loosened to allow air to pass and remain loose to be clear. Therefore, none of the five elements can exist without Earth.

推其形色，則水黑、火赤、木青、土黃，此正色也。及其變易，則不然。常以生旺從正色，死絕從母色，成形冠帶從妻色，病敗從鬼色，旺墓從子色。其數則水一、火二、木三、金四、土五，生旺加倍，死絕減半。

In terms of form and color, water is black, fire is red, wood is green, earth is yellow (and metal is white), these are the inherent colors of the Five Phases. However, when they change according to their environment, they no longer follow their inherent colors: usually when they are in "birth" or "prosperous" positions, they follow their inherent color; when they are in "death" or "extinction" positions, they follow the color of the phase that nurtures them, the mother color; when they are in "formation" or "capping" positions, they follow the color of the phase they overcome, the wife color; when they are in "illness" or "decline" positions, they follow the color of the phase that overcomes them, the ghost color; when they are in "prosperous burial" positions, they follow the color of the phase they generate, the child color. Regarding the numbers of the Five Phases, water is one, fire is two, wood is three, metal is four, and earth is five; when they are in "birth" or "prosperous" positions, their numbers double, and when they are in "death" or "extinction" positions, their numbers are halved.

以義推之，夫萬物負陰而抱陽，沖氣以和。過與不及，皆為乖道。故高者抑之使平，下者舉之使崇，或益其不及，或損其太過。所以貴在折衷，歸於中道，使無有餘不足之累，即才官印食貴人驛馬之微意也。行運亦如之，識其微意，則於命理之說，思過半矣。

From the perspective of meaning and principle: all things carry yin and embrace yang, relying on the mutual movement and collision of these two energies to achieve harmony. Anything that is excessive or insufficient is deviating from the right path. Therefore, what is too high should be restrained to bring it to balance, and what is too low should be elevated to reach a proper level; what is lacking should be supplemented, and what is excessive should be reduced. The valuable aspect lies in moderation, returning to the middle path of neither excess nor deficiency, so that the destiny chart is free from the burdens of surplus or lack. The deeper meaning behind terms such as 'wealth' (originally written as 'talent'), 'official', 'seal', 'food god', as well as nobleman and post-horse, is precisely this. The same principle applies when examining the big years and the flow of years. Understanding this principle means grasping a large part of the study of destiny.

木性騰上而無所止，氣重則欲金任使，有金則有惟高惟斂之德。仍愛土重，則根蟠深固；土少則有枝茂根危之患。木賴水生，少則滋潤，多則漂流。甲戌、乙亥，木之源；甲寅、乙卯，木之鄉；甲辰、乙巳，木之生，皆活木也。甲申、乙酉，木受克；甲午、乙未，木自死；甲子、乙丑，金克木，皆死木也。

The nature of wood is to grow upward without limit. When the energy of wood is too strong, it requires metal to cut and control it; with metal to restrain it, wood can possess the quality of both growing tall and being inwardly restrained. Wood also prefers thick earth, as thick earth allows its roots to be deep and firmly established; if the earth is too thin, there is a risk of lush branches and leaves but shallow roots. Wood relies on water for its growth: a little water is just right for nourishment, but too much water can wash away the wood, causing it to float and lose its roots. In terms of the combination of heavenly stems and earthly branches: Jia Xu and Yi Hai are the origins of wood, Jia Yin and Yi Mao are the native lands of wood (the positions of officialdom and prosperity), Jia Chen and Yi Si are the places where wood grows. These three categories are considered "living wood." Jia Shen and Yi You wood are weakened by the metal of Shen and You, Jia Wu and Yi Wei wood are in the dead or墓 positions, and Jia Zi and Yi Chou wood are attacked by metal. These three categories are considered "dead wood."

生木得火而秀，丙丁相同；死木得金而造，庚辛必利。生木見金自傷，死木得火自焚。無風自止，其勢亂也；遇水返化其源，其勢盡也。金木相等，格謂斲輪；若向秋生，反為傷斧，是秋生忌金重也。

Living wood gains brilliance and clarity with fire, and both Bing fire and Ding fire have this effect. Dead wood requires metal to be shaped into tools, and both Geng metal and Xin metal are beneficial. Conversely, living wood encountering metal harms its vitality, and dead wood meeting fire leads to self-destruction. If there is no wind, it remains stagnant and does not grow, indicating a confused energy; encountering water instead leads to the consumption of its source, indicating exhausted energy. When metal and wood are evenly matched, this configuration is called "Zhuo Lun," which is excellent material for making wheels. However, if it is born in autumn, when metal is strong, the axe becomes an instrument that harms the wood—so wood born in autumn most fears heavy metal.

木生於春，餘寒猶存。喜火溫暖，則無盤屈之患；藉水資扶，而有舒暢之美。春初不宜水盛，陰濃則根損枝枯；春木陽氣煩燥，無水則葉槁根枯。是以水火二物，既濟方佳。土多而損力，土薄則財豐。忌逢金重傷殘克伐，一生不閒。設使木旺，得金則良，終生獲福。

When wood is growing in spring, the remaining cold of winter has not yet completely disappeared, so it prefers fire to warm it up, and with fire it will not curl up and remain bent; it also needs water to support and nourish it, and with water it can stretch and flourish. However, in early spring, water should not be too strong, for excessive water brings heavy yin energy, which may freeze the roots of the wood and wither the branches. When the wood's yang energy becomes stronger and dryness gradually appears, without water, the leaves will wither and the roots will dry up. Therefore, water and fire must be balanced to form a "both completed" situation, making the destiny excellent. Too much earth will consume the strength of the wood, while thin earth brings wealth. The most harmful is heavy metal that harms and suppresses the wood, leading to a life of constant toil and unrest; but if the wood itself is strong, receiving metal for shaping and cutting is actually beneficial, bringing a lifetime of happiness.

夏月之木，根乾葉燥，盤而且直，屈而能伸。欲得水盛而成滋潤之力，誠不可少；切忌火旺而招焚化之憂，故以為凶。土宜在薄，不可厚重，厚則反為災咎；惡金在多，不可欠缺，缺則不能琢削。重重見木，徒以成林；疊疊逢華，終無結果。

In summer, the wood is dry at its roots, trunk, and leaves, appearing twisted and bent, yet actually straight. It is capable of both bending and stretching. It most urgently needs abundant water to achieve nourishment, and cannot do without it at all. It most fears strong fire, as strong fire brings the danger of burning. Therefore, strong fire is considered凶 (unfavorable). The earth should be thin, not thick; thick earth brings misfortune. Metal is undesirable in excess, yet it cannot be entirely absent, for without it, there is no way to shape and carve the wood into useful material. If the entire situation is filled with excessive wood, it merely results in a forest without purpose. Even if the flowers are layered and dense, they will ultimately fail to bear fruit.

秋月之木，氣漸淒涼，形漸凋敗。初秋之時，火氣未除，尤喜水土以相滋；中秋之令，果以成實，欲得剛金而修削。霜降後不宜水盛，水盛則木漂；寒露節又喜火炎，火炎則木實。木多有多材之美，土厚無自任之能。

In autumn, the wood element becomes increasingly bleak and withered. At the beginning of autumn, the fire element has not yet fully receded, so it particularly favors water and earth to nourish it. By mid-autumn, the fruits have already formed, and it requires the sharpness of metal to cut and shape them. After the frost descent, excessive water is not suitable, as too much water would make the wood drift and lose its foundation. After the cold dew, it prefers fire to provide warmth, as warm fire allows the wood to bear fruit. An abundance of wood signifies many valuable materials; however, thick earth may hinder the wood's ability to stand independently and bear responsibility.

冬月之木，盤屈在地，欲土多而培養，惡水盛而忘形。金總多不能克伐，火重見溫暖有功。歸根復命之時，木病安能輔助，須忌死絕之地，只宜生旺之方。

In winter, wood is bent and hidden underground, preferring abundant earth to protect its roots and disliking excessive water that would drown its form. At this time, even if metal is abundant, it cannot cut or suppress the wood. If fire is strong, it brings warmth and is very useful. This is the season when all things return to their roots and renew themselves. The wood itself is already in a state of decline, so how can it be expected to assist other things? Therefore, one should avoid paths of death and decay, and instead choose directions of birth and strength.

春月之木，漸有生長之象。初春猶有餘寒，當以火溫暖，則有舒暢之美；水多變克，有損精神。重見生旺，必用庚金斲鑿，可成楝梁。春末陽壯水渴，藉水資扶，則花繁葉茂。初春無火，增之以水，則陰濃氣弱，根損枝枯，不能華秀；春末失水，增之以火，則陽氣太盛，燥渴相加，枝枯葉乾，亦不華秀。是以水火二物，要得時相濟為美。

In spring, the wood gradually shows signs of growth. In early spring (the month of寅), the cold has not yet completely disappeared, so fire should be used to warm it up. Only when the wood receives warm energy can it stretch and flourish. If there is too much water at this time, it will not nourish but instead harm the wood, damaging its vitality. If the wood is repeatedly supported and strengthened, it will become overly vigorous, requiring the use of metal (庚) to cut and shape it, so that it can become a fine piece of timber. By late spring (the month of辰), the yang energy is strong and the water is dry, so water is needed to support and nourish the wood, allowing it to blossom and flourish. Conversely, if there is no fire in early spring but water is added instead, the yin energy becomes excessive and the yang weakens, causing the roots to freeze and the branches to wither, preventing the growth of good flowers. If there is no water in late spring but fire is added instead, the yang energy becomes too strong, leading to dryness and thirst, causing the branches, trunks, and leaves to wither, and again preventing the growth of good flowers. Therefore, water and fire must be properly coordinated according to the time of year, balancing each other, to achieve perfection.

正月甲木，初春尚有餘寒，得丙癸逢，富貴雙全。癸藏丙透，名寒木向陽，主大富貴。倘風水不及，亦不失儒林俊秀。如無丙癸，平常人也。

In the first lunar month, the Earthly Branch is Yin, and the Heavenly Stem Jia Wood begins to grow. Early spring still carries the remaining cold from winter, so for this month's Jia Wood, the key is to use Bing Fire to dispel the cold and Gui Water to nourish its roots. If both Bing Fire and Gui Water are present in a person's destiny, it indicates a prosperous and wealthy life. If Gui Water is hidden in the Earthly Branch and Bing Fire appears in the Heavenly Stem, this is called "Cold Wood Facing the Sun"—with water nourishing its roots and the sun warming its top, it signifies great wealth and honor. If external factors such as ancestral virtue and good风水 are lacking, at least the person will still be an outstanding scholar. But if neither Bing Fire nor Gui Water is present, the cold wood receives neither warmth nor nourishment, and the person will be ordinary.

正二月甲木，素無取從才從殺從化之理。或一派庚辛，主一生勞苦，克子刑妻，再支會金局，非貧即夭。如無丙丁，一派壬癸，又無戊己制之，名水泛木浮，死無棺槨。如一派戊己，支會金局，為財多身弱，富屋貧人，終生勞苦，妻晚子遲。

In the first and second months, the Jia wood is in its own season and receives the right energy, so it has never been considered appropriate to take external patterns such as 'following wealth', 'following killing', or 'transformation'. When the body is strong, it cannot abandon its own destiny to follow others. If the entire chart is full of Geng and Xin metal, with many official and killing stars that stronglyrestrain the body, it indicates a life of hardship, harming children and suffering from marital problems. If the earthly branches form a metal group, then it is either poverty or short life. If there is no Bing or Ding fire to warm the situation and release the brilliance, but instead a lot of Ren and Gui water, and no Wu or Ji earth to control the water, this is called 'water flooding and wood floating'—the wood roots are submerged by water, floating without support, leading to great misfortune, even to the point where one cannot afford a coffin after death. If the entire chart is full of Wu and Ji earth as wealth, and the earthly branches form a metal group to generate wealth, this is called 'wealth abundant but body weak', indicating a poor person living in a good house, working hard all their life, marrying late and having children late.

或無庚金，有丁透，亦屬文星，為木火通明之象，又名傷官生財格，主聰明雅秀。一見癸水傷丁，但作厚道迂儒。或柱中多癸，滋助木神，傷滅丁火，其人奸雄梟險，曹操之徒，言清行濁，笑裡藏刀。

If there is no Geng metal, but Ding fire appears on the heavenly stem, Ding fire is the son of Jia wood, considered a literary star. This forms the image of "wood and fire shining clearly," also known as the "pattern of the son generating wealth," indicating a person who is intelligent, refined, elegant, and graceful. However, if癸 water appears and harms Ding fire, extinguishing this light, the person becomes a loyal and somewhat clumsy scholar. If there is too much癸 water in the pillar, it nourishes the wood deity, making wood even stronger, while also damaging Ding fire. The strong wood has nowhere to express itself, and the cold dampness cannot be transformed. Such a person becomes a cunning and dangerous character, like Cao Cao, who speaks clearly but acts corruptly, with a hidden dagger behind a smile.

若庚申、戊寅、甲寅、丙寅，一行金水運，發進士。或甲午日庚午時，此人必貴，但要好運相催，不宜制了庚丁。

For example, in a birth chart with the year Gengshen, the month Wuyin, the day Jiayin, and the hour Bingyin, the Jia wood is born in the Yin month and gets its strength, with the Bing fire in the Yin branch appearing to show its brilliance. The year column Gengshen, the seven killing star, sits on its own strength and has a solid foundation. Once the person enters a destiny path of metal and water, the seven killing star becomes powerful and the printing star supports the body, allowing the person to pass the imperial examination and become a scholar. Another example is when the day is Jiawu and the hour is Gengwu. The Wu branch contains Ding fire as the injurious star, and the heavenly stem Geng metal is the seven killing star, forming a situation where the injurious star controls the seven killing star. This person is destined for high status and prominence. However, they need a favorable destiny path to trigger this potential, and they must not have other heavenly stems or earthly branches that weaken the Geng metal and Ding fire, which are the useful gods.

或支成金局，多透庚辛，此又不吉，號曰木被金傷，若無丙丁破金，必主殘疾。或支成火局，洩露太過，定主愚懦，常有啾唧災病纏身，終有暗疾。支成木局，得庚為貴，無庚必凶，若非僧道，男主鰥孤，女主寡獨。支成水局，戊透為貴，如無戊制，不但貧賤，且死無棺木。故書曰：甲木若無根，全賴申子辰，干得才殺透，平步上青雲。

If the earthly branches form a metal trinity, and the heavenly stems also have many appearances of geng and xin, it is not auspicious, called "wood harmed by metal"; if there is no bing or ding fire to overcome the metal energy, it will certainly lead to disability. If the earthly branches form a fire trinity, the wood energy is excessively drained by fire, the origin god is exhausted, and it will certainly result in dullness and weakness, often suffering from minor illnesses and misfortunes, with lifelong hidden ailments. If the earthly branches form a wood trinity, there are many siblings, and it must have geng metal to control it in order to be prosperous; without geng metal, it will be inauspicious. If not becoming a monk or nun, men will be widowers and lonely, and women will be widowed and without a partner. If the earthly branches form a water trinity, there is too much water and the wood floats, so there must be wu earth appearing to build a dike in order to be prosperous; without wu earth to control the water, one will not only be poor and lowly, but even unable to afford a coffin after death. Therefore, the fortune book says: if jia wood has no root, it entirely relies on the water trinity of shen, zi, and chen to generate and support it; if the heavenly stem also has wealth star and killer star appearing as useful elements, it can achieve success smoothly.

凡三春甲木，用庚者，土為妻，金為子；用丁者，木為妻，火為子。總之正二月甲木，有庚戊者上命；如有丁透，大富大貴之命也。

In spring's first three months, for jia wood that takes geng metal as its useful god, the earth that generates geng metal is considered the wife star, and metal is the son star; for jia wood that takes ding fire as its useful god, the wood that generates ding fire is considered the wife star, and fire is the son star. Traditionally, the one that generates the useful god is considered the wife, and the one that belongs to the useful god is considered the son. If the useful god is strong, then the wife is virtuous and the son is well-mannered. In general, for jia wood in the first and second months of spring, if the destiny has geng metal to cut and wu earth to nourish the root, it is considered an excellent destiny; if there is also ding fire appearing to support geng metal, forming the pattern of a wounded official controlling the killer, it is a destiny of great wealth and honor.

二月甲木，庚金得所，名陽刃駕殺，可云小貴，異途顯達，或主武職，但要財資之。柱中逢才，英雄獨壓萬人。若見癸水，困了才殺，主為光棍，重刃必定遭凶，性情兇暴。書曰：木旺宜火之光輝，秋闈可試；木向春生，處世安然有壽；日主無依，卻喜運行才地。

In the second lunar month, the month builder is Mao, which is the Yang Blade for Jia Wood. At this time, if the庚 metal seven killer is strong and has a good position, it forms the pattern of "Yang Blade Riding the Killer," which can be considered as a minor noble status. Such people often achieve success through unconventional paths or by holding military positions. However, there must be a wealth star to nourish the seven killer, so that the killer can be effectively utilized. If the wealth star is present in the birth chart, it indicates a situation where a hero surpasses all others. If the癸 water appears on the surface, it both drains the庚 metal and moistens the Jia Wood, thus trapping both the wealth and the killer. In such a case, the person becomes a lazy and idle person. If the Yang Blade appears again, it will definitely bring misfortune, and the person's nature will be fierce. The fortune books say that when wood is strong, fire should be present to illuminate it, and thus there is a chance to succeed in the autumn examination. Wood born in spring indicates a stable and long life. When the day's main element is isolated and unsupported, the person tends to prefer a fortunate journey to the wealth position.

三月甲木，木氣相竭。先取庚金，次用壬水。庚壬兩透，一榜堪圖，但要運用相生，風水陰德，方許富貴。或見一二庚金，獨取壬水。壬透清秀之人，才學必富。

In the third month, the Earthly Branch Chen is in charge, and the earth energy is strong, causing the wood energy to be quite weakened. To adjust the climate, first take Geng metal to break through the thick earth and shape the wood, then use Ren water to nourish the roots of the wood. If both Geng and Ren appear in the heavenly stem, success in official exams is possible. However, it is also necessary to have a favorable fate that allows Geng metal to generate Ren water and Ren water to nourish Jia wood, with each element supporting the next. Combined with the merits of ancestors, true wealth and honor can be achieved. If the column already contains one or two points of Geng metal, the metal is sufficient, and then only Ren water is taken as the useful god; those with Ren water appearing in the heavenly stem are clear and refined, and their talents and learning are certainly abundant.

或天干透出二丙，庚藏支下，此鈍斧無鋼，富貴難求。若有壬癸破火，堪作秀才。或柱中全無一水，戊己透干，支成土局，又作棄命從才，因人而致富貴，妻子有能。

If two Bing fire stems appear in the heavens, but Geng metal is buried in the earthly branches, the excess fire will melt the metal. This Geng metal axe becomes a dull one without sharpness, unable to cut wood, and thus wealth and status are difficult to attain. If at this time Ren water or Gui water appears to suppress the fire and protect the Geng metal, one might still achieve the status of a scholar. However, if there is not even a single drop of water in the column, and Wu or Ji earth appears in the heavens, and the earthly branches form an earth pattern, then the wealth becomes extremely strong while the day stem has no root. In such a case, we should follow the principle of 'abandoning the destiny to follow wealth,' meaning that one's fortune comes from relying on others' strength (such as the wife's family or external support), and the wife is also quite capable.

或見戊己，及比劫多者，名為雜氣奪才，此人勞碌到老，無馭內之權。女命合此，女掌男權，賢能內助；若比劫重見，淫惡不堪。或支成金局，方可用丁，不然，三月無用丁之法，惟有先庚後壬取用。書曰：甲乙生寅卯，庚辛干上逢，離南推富貴，坎地卻為凶。

If both Wu and Ji wealth stars are present, and there are many siblings and劫财, and the branch is Chen, which is a mixed wealth repository, but it is divided and taken by the group of siblings and劫财, this is called "mixed wealth being taken away." This person will be hardworking all their life and even lack the authority to manage the household. For a woman's destiny if this pattern is formed, it may indicate that the woman takes control of her husband's authority, making her a capable and virtuous helper. However, if there are many layers of siblings and劫财, it becomes indecent and immoral. Only when the branches form a metal group and the metal energy is too strong can Ding fire be used to control the metal. Otherwise, in the third month, the wood of Jia and Yi does not benefit from Ding fire. Instead, first take Geng metal and then take Ren water as the useful elements. The classic texts say that when Jia and Yi wood are born in the month of Yin or Mao, and the heavenly stem meets Geng and Xin metal, if the fortune moves towards the southern Li position, which represents fire, the fire can control the metal, the wood can be comfortable and prosperous, leading to wealth and honor. If it moves towards the northern Kan position, which represents water, the water drains the metal and helps the wood, but the metal is not strong enough to resist the wood, which becomes a disaster.

四月甲木退氣，丙火司權，先癸後丁。庚金太多，甲反受病。若得壬水，方配得中和，此人性好清高，假裝富貴。即廕襲顯達，終日好作禍亂，善辨巧談，喜作詩文，此理最驗。

In the fourth month, the Month Builder is Si, and the Jia wood has already reached its peak and begins to decline. The Si branch is ruled by Bing fire, which is strong and scorches the wood, causing it to wither. Therefore, to harmonize the climate, we should first use Gui water to moisten the wood and reduce the fire. Only then should we use Ding fire to reveal the brilliance. If there is too much Geng metal at this time, the metal will overpower the body, causing the Jia wood to suffer. It is essential to have Ren water appearing on the surface, which can both relieve the strength of Geng metal and nourish the Jia wood. Only when these elements are balanced can the person's character be harmonious. Such a person has a refined and lofty nature, yet often displays an air of wealth and status. Even if they achieve success through ancestral blessings, they tend to be restless, talkative, skilled in debate, and fond of writing poetry and literature. This interpretation is remarkably accurate.

如一庚二丙，稍有富貴；金多火多，又為下格。或癸丁與庚齊透天干，此命可言科甲，即風水淺薄，亦有選拔之才。癸水不出，雖有庚金丁火，不過富中取貴異途官職而已。壬透可云一富。若全無點水，又無庚金丁火，一派丙戊，此無用之人也。

For example, if a person has one Geng metal paired with two Bing fire, the fire is sufficient to control the metal without excessively harming the person, and there is a slight possibility of wealth and status. However, if there is an excess of both metal and fire, they will fight against each other, resulting in a low-ranking destiny. If both Gui water, Ding fire, and Geng metal appear in the heavenly stem, Gui water nourishes the body, Ding fire controls the metal, and Geng metal acts as a killer element; such a destiny can be considered for academic success, even if the ancestral tomb's风水 is poor, the person is still capable of being selected. If Gui water does not appear, even with Geng metal and Ding fire, one can only seek a bit of status among wealth, and may attain an official position through an unconventional path. If Ren water appears, it can be considered a wealthy destiny. If there is no water at all, and no Geng metal or Ding fire, and the entire chart consists only of Bing fire and Wu earth, with fire burning and earth dry, and wood receiving no nourishment and no one to cut it, then this person is of no use.

五六月甲木，木性虛焦，一理共推。五月先癸後丁，庚金次之。六月三伏生寒，丁火退氣，先丁後庚，無癸亦可。或五月乏癸，用丁亦可，要運行北地為隹。

In the fifth and sixth months, the Jia wood is weak, dry, and scorched, and can be analyzed in the same way. In the fifth month, the month builder is Wu, which is the peak of fire, so first we need to use Gui water to relieve the dryness and heat, then use Ding fire to bring out the beauty of the wood, and finally use Geng metal. In the sixth month, the month builder is Wei, which has entered the third heat period, and extreme heat produces cold. Ding fire becomes weak, so we first use Ding fire and then Geng metal, even without Gui water it can still work. If there is no Gui water in the fifth month, we can use Ding fire instead, but it is best if the person's fortune moves towards the northern water direction.

總之五六月用丁火，雖運行北地，不致於死，卻不利運行火地，號曰木化成灰必死。行西程又不吉，號曰傷官遇殺，不測災來。惟東方則吉，北方次之。此五六月用丁之說也。凡用神太多，不宜剋制，須洩之為妙。

In general, for a destiny that uses Ding fire as its useful god during the fifth and sixth months, although traveling through northern water regions may harm Ding fire, it does not lead to death. However, it is most dangerous to travel through southern fire regions, which is called 'wood turning to ash,' inevitably leading to death. Traveling through western metal regions is also unfavorable, known as 'harmful official meets killer,' which brings unexpected disasters. Only traveling through eastern wood regions is favorable, and northern water regions are次之. This is the explanation for using Ding fire in the fifth and sixth months. For those whose useful god is already abundant, it is not advisable to suppress it by means of control; instead, it is better to use methods that release it—releasing allows the flow of energy, while control leads to conflict between the two.

五六月甲木，木盛先庚，庚盛先丁。五月癸庚兩透，為上上之格；六月庚丁兩透，亦為上上之格。用神既透，木火通明，自然大富大貴。或丁火太多，癸水亦多，反作平人。

For Jia wood in May and June, if the wood is strong, first take Geng metal to cut and shape it; if the Geng metal is strong, first take Ding fire to melt it. When both癸 water and Geng metal appear in the sky in May, it is an excellent pattern; similarly, when both Geng metal and Ding fire appear in the sky in June, it is also an excellent pattern. Once the useful god is revealed in the sky, with wood and fire clearly connected, one naturally becomes very wealthy and noble. However, if there is too much Ding fire and too much癸 water, the water and fire clash with each other, resulting in an ordinary person instead.

若柱中多金，名曰殺重身輕，先富後貧，運不相扶，非貧即夭。或庚多，有一二丙丁制伏，又有壬癸透干，洩金之氣，此又為先貧後富。

If there is an excess of metal in the pillars, with a strong seven killer and a weak day master, it is called 'killer heavy and body light', which indicates wealth first then poverty; if the fortune does not come to support the day master, then it will be either poverty or short life. If there is a lot of庚 metal, but there is a little bit of丙 or丁 fire to control it, and also壬 or癸 water appears on the surface to release the metal's energy, the metal's strength is both controlled and dispersed. In such a case, it is actually poverty first then wealth.

或滿柱丙火，又加丁火，不見官殺，謂之傷官傷盡最為奇，反成清貴，定主才學過人，科甲有望，但歲運不宜見水。若柱中有壬水，運又逢水，必貧夭死。但凡木火傷官者，聰明智巧，卻是人同心異，多見多疑，雖不生事害人，每抱忌妒之想，女命一理同推。

If all the heavenly stems in the chart are Bing fire, and Ding fire is added as well, with no presence of Geng or Xin metal officials orrestrain forces, this is called "Wang Guan Wang Jin" (injury official injury complete), which is very unusual and instead forms a clear and noble pattern. Such a person is sure to have exceptional talent and ability, and prospects for success in the imperial examinations. However, the big years and ten-thousands years should not meet water, which would extinguish the fire. If there is already Ren water in the chart and then water appears in the ten-thousands years, it will certainly lead to poverty and early death. Generally, people with wood and fire injury officials are intelligent and resourceful, but their appearance is in harmony with others while their inner thoughts are different. They see a lot and are often suspicious. Although they do not cause trouble or harm others, they often harbor jealousy. This principle also applies to women's fortunes.

或四柱多土，干上有乙木，切勿作棄命從才。時月兩透己土，名二土爭合，男主奔流，女主淫賤；見二甲則不爭矣，亦屬平庸之輩。或四柱有辰，干見二己二甲，此人名利雙全，大富大貴。

If there is an excess of earth in the four pillars, but there is also yi wood in the heavenly stems to support the day master, then it should not be considered as 'abandoning the destiny to follow wealth'—since there are siblings in the chart, the day master will not submit to others. If both the hour stem and the month stem are revealed as ji earth, and jia and ji combine, with two earths competing for one jia, this is called 'two earths competing for combination'. For a male, this indicates a life of toil and wandering; for a female, it suggests promiscuity. If there are two jia woods in the heavenly stems, each combines with one ji earth, they will not compete, but the person will still be ordinary. If there is chen earth in the four pillars, and there are two ji earths and two jia woods in the heavenly stems, the jia and ji will combine to form earth, and with the presence of chen earth, the person will achieve both fame and fortune, becoming very wealthy and prosperous.

若在六月，見辰支，名為逢時化合格。以癸水為妻，丁火為子。若二己一甲爭合，取支中比劫為用。以甲為用者，壬癸為妻，甲乙為子。其餘用庚者，土妻金子；用丁者，木妻火子。女命以妻作夫，用作子，十干皆同。

If someone is born in the sixth month, which is the month of Wei earth, and the earthly branch also appears as Chen, the earth element is both timely and well-positioned, which is called "meeting the time and transforming into a qualified pattern." In this pattern, the癸 water is considered the wife star, and the丁 fire is considered the son star. If two Ji earths compete to combine with one Jia wood, then the heavenly stem's hidden siblings and rivals in the earthly branch are taken as the useful god. For those who take Jia wood as the useful god, the Ren and Gui waters are considered the wife stars, and the Jia and Yi woods are considered the son stars. For those who take Geng metal as the useful god, the earth is considered the wife star, and the metal is considered the son star. For those who take Ding fire as the useful god, the wood is considered the wife star, and the fire is considered the son star. For female命, the above mentioned "wife" is considered the husband star, and the useful god is considered the children—this applies to all ten heavenly stems.

或是己土，不見戊土，乃為假從，其人一生縮首，反畏妻子。若無印綬，一生貧苦。六月尤可，五月決不可。

If the wealth element in the birth chart is only Ji Earth and there is no Wu Earth, the earth energy is not thick and pure, which is considered 'false following'. Such a person will be timid and fearful of their wife throughout their life. If the birth chart also lacks the official element to support the body, they will live a poor and difficult life. This false following pattern is somewhat acceptable if born in June when Wei Earth is strong; however, if born in May when fire is strong and earth is weak, it is definitely not appropriate to consider it as a following pattern.

三秋甲木，木性枯槁，金土乘旺，先丁後庚。丁庚兩全，將甲造為畫戟。七月甲堪為戟，非丁火不能造庚，非庚不能造甲，丁庚兩透，科甲定然。庚祿居申，殺印相生，運行金水，身伴明君。

In the third month of autumn, the Jia wood is already dry and withered, while metal and earth are flourishing at this time. To adjust the climate, we first take Ding fire and then Geng metal: Geng metal is the axe, and Ding fire is the furnace. With both present, this Jia wood can be shaped into a spear. Jia wood in July is particularly suitable for making a spear. The reasoning is: without Ding fire, we cannot refine Geng metal into a sharp weapon, and without Geng metal, we cannot shape the Jia wood into an object. When both Ding and Geng appear in the heavenly stems, academic success and official rank are assured. Geng metal's strength is in Shen, and those born in July have their killing star (Geng) at its peak. Shen also contains Yin water as the official star. The killing star generates the official star, which in turn supports the self, forming 'killing star and official star mutually generating'. If the fortune later moves towards metal and water, the person can serve in court and attend to a wise ruler.

或庚透無丁，一富而已，主為人操心太重，不能坐享。或丁透庚藏，亦主青衿小富。或庚多無丁，殘疾之人，若為僧道，災厄可免。或四柱庚旺，支內水多，不作棄命從殺；見土多可作從才而看。

If the庚 metal is revealed but there is no丁 fire to refine it, it is merely a wealthy destiny, but the person will be overly anxious and unable to enjoy the benefits of wealth. If the丁 fire is revealed while the庚 metal is hidden in the earth branches, it indicates a minor scholar with a modest fortune. If there is an excess of庚 metal without丁 fire to control it, the killing energy is too strong and the body is too weak, leading to disabilities. If one becomes a monk or a Taoist, this disaster can be avoided. If the庚 metal is strong in the four pillars and there is also much water in the earth branches, the killing energy is neutralized by the earthy element, so it should not be considered as 'abandoning the destiny to follow the killing energy'. If there is an abundance of earth and strong metal, it can be considered as 'following the wealth'.

庚多無癸，而壬水多，戊己亦多，此則專用一點丁火，方可制金以養群土，此命大富。丁藏富小，不顯；丁露定作富豪。得二丁，不坐死絕，必然富貴雙全，即風水不及，亦可富中取貴，納粟奏名。

When there is a lot of Geng metal but no Gui water, and also a lot of Ren water and Wu or Ji earth, then we specifically take Ding fire as the useful element. Ding fire can control Geng metal and also nourish the abundant earth in the chart. This person will be very wealthy. If Ding fire is hidden in the earth branches, the wealth will be small and not obvious. If Ding fire appears in the heavenly stems, the person will definitely become a wealthy magnate. If there are two Ding fires and they are not in the dead or extinct positions, the person will certainly achieve both wealth and status. Even if the ancestral graves are not favorable, they can still gain status through donations of grain and rice to obtain an official title and gain fame.

或癸疊疊制伏丁火，雖滿腹文章，終難顯達。得運行火土，破癸，略可假就功名；歲運皆背，刀筆之徒。支成水局，戊己透干，制去癸水，存其丁火，又可云科甲。但此等命，主為人心奸巧詐，好訟爭非，因貪致禍，奸險之徒，決非安份之人也。

If癸 water is heavily present and suppresses丁 fire, this person may have abundant knowledge but will ultimately find it difficult to achieve success. If the person's fortune moves to a fire or earth environment, earth controls癸 water and fire supports丁 fire, then they might achieve some official rank. However, if both the stream year and the big year are contrary to the useful god, they can only be a low official who earns a living by writing official documents. If the earth branches form a water trinity and the heavenly stems reveal戊 or己 earth, which control癸 water and protect丁 fire, this can also be considered as having the potential for official rank. However, such a destiny usually indicates a person who is cunning and deceitful, enjoys lawsuits and disputes, often brings misfortune due to greed, and is a dangerous and untrustworthy person, definitely not someone who is content with a simple life.

七月甲木，丁火為尊，庚金次之，庚金不可少。火隔水不能熔金，故丁火熔金，必賴甲木引助，方成洪爐。若有癸水阻隔，便滅丁火；壬水無礙，且能合丁，但須見戊土，方可制水存火。

In the seventh month, the Month Builder is Shen, and Geng metal is in charge. Jia wood values Ding fire most, followed by Geng metal, but Geng metal is also essential—without Geng metal, there is no vessel to smelt. If fire is blocked by water, it cannot melt metal; therefore, for Ding fire to melt metal, it must rely on Jia wood to ignite and support it, forming a great furnace. If Gui water is in the middle blocking the way, the Yin water will overcome Ding fire, and the fire will be extinguished immediately. Although Ren water is a great water, it does not cause a problem, because Ding and Ren harmonize without conflict. However, it is still necessary to have Wu earth to control Ren water, in order to preserve the fire.

八月甲木，木囚金旺，丁火為先，次用丙火，庚金再次。一丁一庚，科甲定顯；癸水一透，科甲不全。丙庚兩透，富大貴小；丙丁全無，僧道之命。丙透無癸，富貴雙全；有癸制丙，尋常之人。

In the eighth month, the Month Builder is You, so wood is in captivity and metal is at its peak. To adjust the climate, Ding fire comes first, then Bing fire, and Geng metal follows. Ding fire refines metal into objects, Bing fire warms wood and brings spring back, and Geng metal is the material to be refined. When there is one Ding fire and one Geng metal, success in exams and official rank is certain. If癸 water appears and harms Ding fire, then success in exams is incomplete. When both Bing and Geng are visible, wealth is great but rank is small, because Bing fire can only warm the situation but cannot refine Geng metal. If neither Bing nor Ding fire is present, the cold wood lacks yang energy, indicating a fate as a monk or hermit. If Bing fire is visible but癸 water does not come to restrain it, both wealth and rank are achieved. If癸 water restrains Bing fire, then one is only an ordinary person.

支成火局，可許假貴，戊己一透，可作富翁。或支成金局，干露庚金，為木被金傷，必主殘疾，得丙丁破金，亦主老來暗疾。或支成木局，干透比劫，反取庚金為先，次用丁火。

The Earthly Branches form a fire trinity, and with too much fire, it excessively drains the wood, resulting in only a hollow reputation and false status. If another戊 or己 earth appears in the Heavenly Stems, the fire generates earth, which becomes wealth, and one can become a wealthy person. If the Earthly Branches form a metal trinity and the Heavenly Stems reveal庚 metal, the metal energy is too strong, leading to 'wood harmed by metal,' which inevitably causes disability. Even if丙 or丁 fire comes to break the metal, it still indicates illness in old age. If the Earthly Branches form a wood trinity and the Heavenly Stems reveal a same-branch or shared-wealth character, the wood becomes even stronger. In this case, one should first use庚 metal to cut down the wood, and then use丁 fire as the secondary choice.

九月甲木，木星凋零，獨愛丁火，壬癸滋扶。丁壬癸透，戊己亦透，此命配得中和，可許一榜。庚金得所，科甲定然。

In the ninth month, the Month Builder is Xu, and Wu earth is in charge. The wood star is withered. At this time, the situation favors Ding fire to warm the environment and reveal the beauty of the wood, and also needs Ren and Gui water to moisten and support this withered wood. If both Ding fire and Ren and Gui water appear, and Wu and Ji earth also appear, then fire can warm, water can moisten, and earth can be controlled by wood without burying it. If the combination is balanced, it may be possible to pass the imperial examination. If Geng metal also has a strong position, it can both loosen the thick earth in Xu and shape the wood into a useful tool, making the imperial examination a certainty.

或見一二比肩，無庚金制之，平常人也。倘運不得用，貧無立錐。一命，甲辰、甲戌、甲辰、甲戌，身伴明君，富貴壽考，此為天元一氣，又名一才一用。遇比用才，專取季土。或見庚丙，可許入泮，白手成家。用火者，木妻火子，子肖妻賢。

If there are one or two siblings helping the body, but no geng metal to control them, then it is just an ordinary person; if during the course of life one does not meet the useful god, he will be poor and have no place to stand. There is a case: jiachen year, jiaxu month, jiachen day, jiaxu hour. This person was able to serve a wise ruler, achieving both wealth and longevity. This is called "tianyuan yiqi" — all four heavenly stems are jia wood; it is also called "yi cai yi yong" — the earthly branches chen and xu are opposite each other, and the whole chart is full of wealth earth, and wealth is the useful god. Whenever there are siblings competing for wealth, one should specifically take chen, xu, chou, and wei, the four seasonal earths, as the useful god. If there are also geng metal and bing fire in the chart, one may hope to enter school and build a family from scratch. For those using fire as the useful god, wood is the wife star and fire is the son star, indicating that the son is handsome and the wife is virtuous.

或四柱木多，用丙用丁，皆不足異，端用庚金為妙。凡四季甲木，總不外乎庚金。譬如木為犁，能疏季土，非庚金為犁嘴，安能疏土。雖用丙丁，癸庚決不可少也。九月卻不取土妻庚子，當取水妻木子。

If there is a lot of wood in the four pillars, using Bing fire or Ding fire is not unusual; the best choice is still Geng metal. For all Jia wood born in the seasons of Chen, Xu, Chou, or Wei, Geng metal is essential. To illustrate: wood is like a plow, which can loosen the thick soil of the season months; but without Geng metal as the iron tip of the plow, how can the soil be turned? Therefore, even if Bing or Ding fire is used as the main element,癸 water and Geng metal are still indispensable. However, for the case of September, there is a different approach. It does not follow the usual rule of "using Geng metal, with earth as the wife and metal as the son." Instead, water should be taken as the wife star and wood as the son star.

凡甲木，多見戊己，定作棄命從才而看。從才格，取火妻土子。或見一派丙丁傷金，不過假道斯文；有壬癸破了丙丁，技藝之流。無壬癸破火，支又成火局，乃為枯朽之木，有庚亦何能為力，定作孤貧下賤之輩，男女一理。

For a destiny based on the Jia wood stem, if there is a lot of Wu and Ji earth and the day master has no root, one must definitely look at it according to the "abandoning the destiny to follow wealth" pattern. Once entering the wealth-following pattern, fire is taken as the wife star and earth as the son star, because fire can generate the wealth earth. If there is a large amount of Bing and Ding fire that harms and overcomes Geng metal, the useful god is harmed, and this person is merely pretending to be refined. If there is also Ren and Gui water that overcomes and breaks Bing and Ding fire, there is a conflict between water and fire, and this person falls into the category of artisans. If there is no Ren and Gui water to break the fire, and the branches form a fire pattern, the wood is burned into dry and withered material, even if there is Geng metal, it has nowhere to act, and this person is certainly lonely, poor, and lowly, regardless of whether it is a male or female destiny.

或有假傷官，得地逢生，此正合甲乙秋生貴元武之說。用水制傷官者，以金為妻，水為子。或丁戊俱多，總不見水，又為傷官生財格，亦可云富貴，此格取火為妻，土為子。

If one's fate involves a "false official" (伤官), meaning that the wood is weak in autumn and fire is considered the official, but it is not the true official of the season, and this official is supported by the environment, this matches the saying "Jia and Yi wood born in autumn, with the Black Tortoise as valuable." The Black Tortoise represents northern water: in autumn, metal is too strong, so water is used to mediate. Water both reduces metal, nourishes wood, and controls the official, hence it is valuable. Whenever water is used to control the official, metal that generates water is considered the wife star, and water is considered the child star. If there is an excess of Ding fire and Wu earth, but no water is seen, this is called the "official generates wealth" pattern, which can also be considered prosperous and wealthy. In this pattern, fire is considered the wife star and earth the child star.

凡甲多庚透，大貴；庚藏，小貴。若柱中多庚，則又以丁為奇，富貴人也。如庚申年、丙戌月、甲申日、壬申時，此主功名顯達，有文學。若無庚丙年月，又無火星出干，雖曰好學，終困名場。

If there is a lot of Jia wood and the Geng metal is visible in the heavenly stem, it indicates great wealth and honor; if the Geng metal is only hidden in the earthly branches, it indicates lesser wealth. If there is too much Geng metal in the column, the killing energy is too strong and the body is too weak, then the rare and valuable element is the Ding fire—having Ding fire to control the killing energy makes one a wealthy and honored person. For example, in a birth chart with Gengshen year, Bingxu month, Jiashen day, and Renshen hour: the three Shens represent the killing energy of metal, and the Bing fire in the heavenly stem controls it, while the Renshen water can transform it, indicating success in officialdom and possessing literary talent and knowledge. If the year and month do not have the combination of Geng metal and Bing fire, and there is no fire visible in the heavenly stem, although the person may be studious, they will ultimately be stuck in the examination hall.

九月甲木，端用丁癸，見戊透必貴。如戊戌、壬戌、甲子、甲申，支成水局，干有壬水，正合貴元武之說，配得中和，一榜之命，家計豐足，但庚丁未透出干，不能館選。甲乙比肩，又逢比劫運，主兄弟劫財爭訟，刑妻損子。甲乙生正二月，無制無洩，主長髮師姑。

In September, the Jia wood is strong and requires Ding fire and Gui water. If Wu earth appears to control the water and preserve the fire, it will surely indicate great success and prestige. For example, in a birth with Wuxu year, Renxu month, Jiazi day, and Jiashen hour, the Shen and Zi trines form a water trinity, and there is also Ren water in the heavens, which exactly matches the saying "In autumn, Jia and Yi wood are valuable with the Black Tortoise." The combination is balanced and harmonious, indicating a successful examination and a prosperous family. However, since the heavenly stem does not show Geng metal or Ding fire, he cannot be selected into the Hanlin Academy. If the Jia or Yi day stem is entirely supported by similar stems and the fortune moves through paths of similar stems and劫财, it indicates disputes among brothers over money, continuous litigation, and even harm to wife and children. Jia and Yi wood born in the first and second lunar months, when the wood energy is isolated and strong, with no metal to cut and no fire to release, female natives often have a long history of being a nun or a religious practitioner.

十月甲木，庚丁為要，丙火次之。忌壬水泛身，須戊土制之。若庚丁兩透，又加戊出干，名曰去濁留清，富貴之極；即乏丁火，亦稍有富貴。或甲多制戊，庚金無根，平常人也。庚戊若透，雖出比劫，必定富而壽。

In the tenth month, the month builder is Hai, and Ren water is in charge. Although Jia wood gains growth in Hai, it is disliked because the water is cold and the wood is chilly. For this month, it is essential to have Geng metal and Ding fire, with Bing fire as a secondary choice. Geng metal cuts the wood into firewood, Ding fire ignites and warms it, while Bing fire warms it from the outside. The greatest danger is the overflowing of Ren water, which must be controlled by Wu earth to build a dike. If both Geng metal and Ding fire are visible, and Wu earth also appears on the surface, removing the turbid water and keeping the clear fire, this is called "eliminating turbidity and retaining clarity," leading to extreme wealth and status. Even if Ding fire is missing, there will still be some wealth. If Jia wood is excessive, all the wood together will attack Wu earth, and if Geng metal has no root, it will not be able to cut the wood, resulting in an ordinary life. If both Geng metal and Wu earth are visible, even if there are other identical or competitive elements in the pillar, wealth and longevity are assured.

或多比劫，只一庚出干，坐祿逢生，乃為舍丁從庚，略富貴。或支見申亥，戊己得所，以救庚丁，可許科甲。若單己透，其力弱小，不過貢監而已。用庚，土妻金子；用丁，木妻火子。

If there are many rivals and wealth-depleting elements, but only one heavenly stem of Geng metal, and this Geng metal is seated on the sheng (favorable) position of Shen, and also receives assistance from earthy elements, its strength is sufficient to cut wood. In this case, one should abandon Ding fire and focus solely on Geng metal as the useful god, which may lead to some wealth and status. If the earthly branches include Shen and Hai, and Wu and Ji earth are in their proper positions—producing metal and controlling water, with water removed, fire is not harmed—this can protect both Geng metal and Ding fire as useful gods, and one may be eligible for academic success. If only one Ji earth is revealed, its strength is too weak, and one may only attain the status of a recommended scholar or a supervised scholar. For those using Geng metal as the useful god, earth is the wife star and metal is the son star; for those using Ding fire as the useful god, wood is the wife star and fire is the son star.

十一月甲木，木性生寒，丁先庚後，丙火佐之。癸水司權，為火金之病。庚丁兩透，支見巳寅，科甲有準；風水不及，選拔有之。若癸透傷丁，無戊己輔救，殘疾之人。或壬水重出，丁火全無者，庸人也，得丙方妙。

In the eleventh month, the Month Builder is Zi. Although one yang energy begins to arise, the cold energy is at its peak. The nature of wood becomes cold at this time, so the fire of Ding comes first, followed by the metal of Geng. Then the fire of Bing is used to support it. The fire of Ding warms the inside, while the fire of Bing warms the outside. In this month, the water of Gui is in command, which can freeze the metal and extinguish the fire, thus forming the root of the two useful gods, fire and metal. If both Geng metal and Ding fire are visible above the ground, and the earth branches also contain Si and Yin, which are the strong positions of fire and the place of growth, then success in the imperial examination is certain. Even if the ancestral virtue and geographical environment are not good enough, one can still achieve success through selection. If the water of Gui appears and harms the fire of Ding, and there is no Wu or Ji earth to protect it, then the person will be disabled. If the water of Ren appears repeatedly on the surface, and there is no fire of Ding at all, then the person will be mediocre. At this time, it is only appropriate for the fire of Bing to appear and thaw the cold.

或支成水局，加以壬透，名為水泛木浮，死無棺木。總之十一月甲木，為寒枝，不比春木清茂，端取庚丁。透壬無丙，不過刀筆異途，武職有驗。用庚，土妻金子；用火，木妻火子。

If the earthly branches form a water group and there is also a壬 water visible in the heavenly stems, the water becomes overwhelming, leading to the situation called "water flooding and wood floating," which is ominous, even to the point where one cannot afford a coffin after death. In general, the甲 wood in the eleventh month is merely a cold branch, which cannot be compared to the fresh and flourishing wood of spring. Therefore, it is essential to use 庚 metal and 丁 fire. If only 壬 water is visible without 丙 fire to thaw the ice, one may become a legal official from an unconventional background, and being suited for a military position would be appropriate. For those using 庚 metal as their key element, earth is the wife star and metal is the son star; for those using fire as their key element, wood is the wife star and fire is the son star.

十二月甲木，天寒氣凍，木性極寒，無生發之象。先用庚劈甲，方引丁火，始得木火有通明之象，故丁次之。庚丁兩透，科甲恩封；庚透丁藏，小貴；丁透庚藏，小富貴；無庚者，貧賤；無丁者，寒儒。

The twelfth month is Chou, which is the Month Builder. It is a time of extreme cold, and the wood is so cold that there is no sign of growth. First, we need to use Geng metal to split Jia wood, then we can ignite Ding fire, creating the situation of "wood and fire shining clearly." Therefore, Ding fire comes after Geng metal. If both Geng metal and Ding fire are visible, the person will achieve academic success and receive royal favor. If Geng metal is visible but Ding fire is hidden, the person will have some official rank. If Ding fire is visible but Geng metal is hidden, the person will be moderately wealthy. If there is no Geng metal at all, the person will be poor and lowly. If there is no Ding fire at all, the person will simply be a poor scholar suffering from cold.

或有丁透重重，亦是富貴中人，但須比肩，能發丁之焰，自有德業才能。如無比肩，尋常之士，稍有衣食而已。或支多見水，即有比肩，亦屬平常。

If there are many Ding fire elements appearing, the person may become wealthy and noble, but it is necessary to have a helper of the same kind. Jia wood is the fuel for Ding fire; having many helpers means sufficient fuel, allowing the fire to burn brightly. Such a person naturally possesses virtue and ability. If there is no helper, the fuel runs out, and the person remains an ordinary individual, barely able to make a living. If there are many water elements in the earth branches, the environment becomes too cold and damp, even with helpers, the person remains average.

總之臘月甲木，雖有庚金，丁不可少。乏庚略可，乏丁無用。經云：甲木無根，男女夭壽。

In summary, the Jia wood in the twelfth lunar month, although having Geng metal, must not lack Ding fire: lacking Geng metal is still tolerable, but lacking Ding fire makes it completely useless—during severe cold, warming is more important than cutting. The classic texts say: if Jia wood has no root, whether male or female, it indicates a short lifespan.

三春乙木，為芝蘭蒿草之物，丙癸不可離也。春乙見丙，卉木向陽，萬象回春，須癸滋養根基。丙癸齊透天干，無化合制克，自然登科及第。故書云：乙木根荄種得深，只須陽地不宜陰，漂浮只怕多逢水，剋制何須苦用金。

In the spring months, the wood of the Yi stem is like fragrant orchids and wild grasses, delicate and tender plants. It relies on the fire of Bing and the water of Gui at all times. When the wood of Yi meets the fire of Bing in spring, it is like plants turning toward the sun, showing a scene of renewal and vitality. It also needs the water of Gui to nourish its roots. If both Bing and Gui appear in the heavenly stem, and are not combined with other elements or restrained, they can certainly lead to success and high achievement. Therefore, the books on destiny say: the roots of wood of Yi must be deep, it is most suitable to grow in sunny places and not in damp and shady areas; it most fears too much water which would float it and make it rootless. As for restraint, there is no need to use metal desperately.

正月乙木，必須用丙，因天氣尤有餘寒，非丙不暖。雖有癸水，恐凝寒氣，故以丙火為先，癸水次之。丙癸兩透，科甲定然；或有丙無癸，門戶闡揚；或丙多乏癸，名曰春旱，獨陽不長，濁富之人；或丙少癸多，又為困丙，終為寒士；或癸己多見，為溼土之木，皆下格。用丙者，木妻火子；用癸水見火多者，金妻水子。

In the first lunar month, the month builder is寅, so the wood of Yi must be paired with the fire of Bing. At this time, there is still a lot of residual cold, and without Bing fire, it is not warm enough. Even if there is Gui water, it may freeze the cold, so Bing fire is the first priority, and Gui water is secondary. If both Bing and Gui are visible, success in the imperial examination is certain. If there is Bing fire but no Gui water, it can still bring honor to the family. If there is too much Bing fire but no Gui water, it is called "spring drought," which is like isolated yang that cannot grow, resulting in a wealthy but unrefined person. If there is little Bing fire but much Gui water, the fire is trapped by the water, and the person will remain a poor scholar. If both Gui water and Ji earth are present in abundance, it is like planting wood in wet mud, which is considered low quality. For those using Bing fire as the main element, wood is the wife star and fire is the son star. For those using Gui water as the main element with abundant fire in the pillar, metal is the wife star and water is the son star.

二月乙木，陽氣漸升，木不寒矣，以丙為君，癸為臣。丙癸兩透，不透庚金，大富大貴。或天干透庚，支下無辰，不能化金，得癸透養木亦為貴；若見水庫，則為假化，平常人也。

In the second lunar month, the Month Builder is Mao, and the yang energy gradually rises, with the wood of Yi no longer cold. This month takes Bing fire as the ruler and Gui water as the minister: Bing fire governs growth and Gui water provides nourishment, and the ruler and minister together create a significant influence. If both Bing and Gui appear in the heavenly stems without the presence of Geng metal to harmonize or control, it indicates great wealth and high status. If Geng metal appears in the heavenly stems and combines with Yi wood, but there is no Chen earth in the earthly branches to guide the transformation, the transformation into metal does not succeed. However, if Gui water appears to nourish the wood, it is still considered a noble destiny. If the earthly branches contain Chen, which is a reservoir for water, although it can initiate the transformation, it is only a false transformation, and the person will be ordinary.

二月乙木，端用丙癸。或支成木局，有癸透乃作貴命，更得丙洩木氣，上上之命，但須透癸。或水多困丙，多戊化癸，皆下格。用丙者，木妻、火子；用癸者，金妻、水子。亥卯未逢於甲乙，富貴無疑；木全寅卯辰方，功名有準。活木忌埋根之鐵，支下有庚辛，戕賊其根，木則朽矣。

In February, the wood of the Yi stem still relies on Bing fire and Gui water. If the earthly branches form a wood trinity (Hai-Mao-Wei), and there are many siblings (Bing and Wu), with Gui water appearing on top to nourish it, it is still considered a noble destiny. If Bing fire also comes to release the wood's energy, it becomes an excellent fate, but Gui water must be visible. If too much water drowns Bing fire, or too much Wu earth combines with Gui water, it falls into a lower rank. For those using Bing fire as their key element, wood is the wife star and fire is the son star; for those using Gui water as their key element, metal is the wife star and water is the son star. If the earthly branches form the wood trinity (Hai-Mao-Wei) and the day stem is Jia or Yi, wealth and honor are certain. If the earthly branches form the eastern wood square (Yin-Mao-Chen), official rank is assured. However, living wood most fears the iron buried beneath its roots: if the earthly branches contain hidden Geng or Xin metal, it secretly harms the wood's root, causing the wood to rot.

三月乙木，陽氣愈熾，先癸後丙。癸丙兩透，不見己庚，玉堂之客；見己庚者，平常之人。或一乙逢庚，不見己者，亦主小富貴，但不顯達。或多水見己，只恐高才不第；見戊堪發異途。或庚己混雜，丙癸全，則為下格。

In the third month, the Month Builder is Chen, and the yang energy becomes increasingly strong, with earth in command. Therefore, the method of adjusting the climate changes to first take癸water to moisten and then take丙fire to promote growth. If both癸and丙are visible without the presence of己earth to muddy the water or庚metal to control the wood, then the person is considered a noble guest in the Jade Hall. If either己earth or庚metal is present, the person becomes ordinary. If there is only乙wood meeting庚metal to form a partnership, without the presence of己earth, it indicates a minor wealth and status, but not prominent success. If there is excessive water and己earth is present to muddy it, even with high talent, it is feared that one will not pass exams. In such a case, if戊earth appears to control the water, one might still achieve success through an unconventional path. If庚metal and己earth are mixed together, even with both丙and癸present, it is considered a low rank.

或見水局，丙戊高透，亦主科甲。或柱中全無丙戊，支合水局，此離鄉之命。或見一派癸水，又有辛金，則作旺看。得一戊己制癸，亦可云小富貴。若一派壬水，不特貧賤，而且夭折；有一戊己，方雲有壽，但終為技術之人。

If the earthly branches form a water trinity, and both bing fire and wu earth appear prominently in the heavenly stems, with bing fire warming the body and wu earth controlling the water, this is favorable for academic success. If there is no bing fire or wu earth in the column, and the earthly branches still form a water trinity, leading to excessive water and floating wood, this indicates a fate of leaving home and traveling far. If there is a large amount of gui water, and there is continuous xin metal generating water, with the water source not being cut off, it should be considered as strong water; at this time, if there is one wu or ji earth to control the gui water, it can be considered as small wealth and minor prestige. If there is a large amount of ren water, with great water overwhelming the roots, not only will it result in poverty and low status, but also early death; only with wu or ji earth acting as a barrier can longevity be considered, but ultimately, one can only make a living through skills.

又或庚辰時月，名二庚爭合，乃貧賤之輩。如年干見丁破庚，可雲從化，亦不失武職之權。用癸者，金妻水子；癸多用丙者，木妻火子。

If both the month pillar and the hour pillar are Gengchen, two Geng metals will compete to combine with one Yi wood, which is called 'two Gengs competing to combine,' and such a person is likely to be poor and lowly. However, if the heavenly stem of the year pillar meets Ding fire, which overcomes one of the Geng metals, leaving only one Geng to combine, then it can be considered as 'following the transformation,' and the person may still hold a military position. Those using Gui water as their key element take metal as the wife star and water as the son star; if there is too much Gui water and instead use Bing fire, then wood becomes the wife star and fire becomes the son star.

三夏乙木，木性枯焦。四月專尚癸水，五六月先丙後癸，夏至前仍用癸水。先得丙透，支下又有丙火，名曰木秀火明。得一癸透，科甲中人。或透二丙一癸，可許采芹。

In the third month of summer, the wood of Yi is dry and withered. In the fourth month, the main concern is to use Gui water. In the fifth and sixth months, first use Bing fire, then Gui water. However, before the summer solstice, the yang energy is still strong, so it is better to use Gui water first. If Bing fire appears on the heavenly stem and is also hidden in the earthly branches, this is called "wood flourishing and fire bright." At this time, if Gui water also appears on the heavenly stem to moisten the wood, the person will be successful in the imperial examinations. If two Bing fires appear on the heavenly stem but only one Gui water, the fire is too strong and the water is too weak, but it is still possible to enter the school.

或一派癸水，有丁無丙，平常之人。或一癸透干，異途顯宦，難由科甲。癸居子辰，異路小職。或丙藏支下，癸透年干，己出月上，雖非科甲，異路功名。又或重重癸水，或支藏癸水，由行伍出身得功名。

If there are many Gui water stems and only Ding fire without Bing fire, the cold and warmth are not balanced, resulting in an ordinary person. If there is only one Gui water stem appearing on the heavenly stem, it is likely to achieve high official rank through unconventional means, making it difficult to succeed through the official examination system. If Gui water is only sitting on the Zi or Chen branches without appearing on the heavenly stem, one may only attain a minor position through unconventional paths. If Bing fire is hidden in the earthly branches, Gui water appears on the year stem, and Ji earth appears on the month stem, even though one does not pass the official examination, they may still achieve some recognition through unconventional means. If there is an abundance of Gui water or if it is only hidden in the earthly branches, one is more likely to achieve fame and success through military service.

四月乙木，自有丙火，端取癸水為尊。四月乙木專用癸水，丙火酌用，雖以庚辛佐癸，須辛透為清。

In the fourth month, the Month Builder is Si, which inherently contains Bing fire. The fire is sufficient on its own, so the top priority for the Yi wood in this month is Gui water. The fourth month's Yi wood primarily relies on Gui water to relieve its dryness, while Bing fire is only used as a secondary consideration. Although it is necessary to use Geng and Xin metal to generate Gui water, Xin metal must be visible to ensure purity. Xin is yin metal, which harmonizes with Yi wood and Gui water. Geng metal is too strong and may instead harm the wood.

癸透、庚辛又透，科甲定然。獨一點癸水、無金，是水無根，雖出天干，不過秀才小富，須要大運相扶。或土多困癸，貧賤之人。丙戊太多，支成火局，瞽目之流。用癸者，金妻水子。乙逢雙女木傷殘，若見辛金壽必難，不得丙丁來制伏，豈知安樂不久長。

The癸 water appears clearly, and if庚 gold and辛 gold also appear to provide its source, success in the imperial examination is certain. If there is only a single point of癸 water without any gold to generate it, then the water has no origin; even if it appears in the heavenly stem, it can only result in a minor scholar and little wealth, requiring good fortune in later life to support it. If there is too much earth to trap the癸 water, it indicates a poor and lowly person. If there is too much丙 fire and戊 earth, and the earth branches form a fire pattern, then the fire becomes excessive and the earth dry, with the wood scorched, leading to people who suffer from eye problems. For those using癸 water as their main element, gold is considered the wife star and water is the son star. An old rhyme says: When乙 wood meets the 'Double Female' palace, which refers to being born in the month of巳, the wood's nature is already damaged; if another辛 gold comes to harm it, the lifespan is short; if there is no丙 or丁 fire to control the辛 gold, even if there is comfort, it will not last long.

五月乙木，丁火司權，禾稼俱旱。上半月屬陽，仍用癸水；下半月屬陰，三伏生寒，丙癸齊用。柱多金水，丙火為先，餘皆用癸水為先。

In the fifth lunar month, the Month Builder is Wu, and Ding fire holds authority. This is precisely the time when crops are generally scorched and dry. In the first half of the period before the summer solstice, the yang energy prevails, and the fire is strong, so癸 water is still primarily used to relieve the drought. In the second half after the summer solstice, the yin energy prevails, and during the three heats, hidden cold begins to arise, so both Bing fire and癸 water should be used. If the column has excessive metal and water, with excess cold and dampness, then Bing fire should be prioritized first; otherwise,癸 water should still be the primary choice.

乙木重逢火位，名為氣散之文，支成火局，洩乙精神，須用癸滋。癸透有根，富貴雙全。或庚辛年上，癸透時干，定許科甲，無癸者常人。

Yi wood, when repeatedly encountering the fire position, is called "Qi scattering text" — the refined energy is completely dispersed outward and the origin god is consumed. If the earthly branches form a fire trinity, it completely drains the spirit of Yi wood, and it must be nourished with Gui water. If Gui water appears on the heavenly stem and has a root in the earthly branches, both wealth and status are achieved. If the heavenly stem has庚 or 辛 metal sitting on the year stem as the water source, and Gui water appears on the hour stem, the water has both a source and a root, and one is destined for academic success. If there is not even a trace of Gui water, one is just an ordinary person.

若見丙透，支成火局，陽焦木性，此人殘疾，無癸必夭，見壬可解。或火土太多，其人愚賤，或為僧道門下閒人。

If the Bing fire also appears in the heavenly stem, and the earthly branches form a fire configuration, the intense heat will scorch the wooden element, leading to physical disability. If there is not even a trace of Gui water, it will certainly result in an early death. If there is Ren water present, it can provide some relief. However, if both fire and earth are excessive, causing both depletion and consumption without any nourishment, the person will be dull-witted and of low status, or may become a dependent of monks or Taoists.

六月乙木，木性且寒，柱多金水，丙火為尊。支成水局，乙得無傷。癸水透干，大富大貴。無癸定作常人，運不行北，困苦一生。

In June, the month builder is Wei. In the middle of the three hot periods, extreme heat gives rise to cold, and the nature of wood turns cold. If there is a lot of metal and water in the pillar, then the most respected element is the fire of Bing. This is because fire can dispel the cold and bring warmth. If the earth branches form a water trinity, the wood of Yi is nourished by water and not harmed. If the癸 water appears in the heavenly stem, it indicates great wealth and honor. If there is no癸 water, one is certainly an ordinary person. If the fortune does not move towards the northern water land, then one will live a life of hardship.

凡五六月乙木，氣退枯焦，用癸水切忌戊己雜亂，則為下格。或甲木高透，制伏土神，名為去濁留清，可許俊秀。土多乏甲，秀氣脫空，庸人而已。或丙癸兩透，加以甲透制戊，選拔定然。若不見丙癸，只有丁火，亦屬常人，有壬可充衣食。

For the wood of Yi in May and June, the wood's energy has already declined and become dry and withered. When using Gui water, it is most undesirable to have Wu and Ji earth mixed in, as earth will muddy the water, leading to a poor fate. If there is Jia wood high and clear, it can control the earth, called 'eliminating turbidity and retaining clarity,' which may allow the person to be handsome and refined. If there is too much earth but no Jia wood to loosen it, the refined quality is lost, and the person will be ordinary. If both Bing fire and Gui water are clearly visible, along with Jia wood controlling Wu, being selected is certain. If neither Bing nor Gui is present, and only Ding fire is there, it is just an ordinary person; if there is Ren water nourishing the body, it can at least provide enough for clothing and food.

或柱中無水，又無比劫出干，乃為棄命從才，富大貴小，能招賢德之妻。從才格以火為妻，土為子。或一派戊土出干，不見比肩，名為才多身弱，終為富屋貧人。或丙辛化水，嫖賭破家，終非承受之兒。

If there is no water in the pillar and no twin or劫财 appearing on the surface to support the day master, and the day master has no root to rely on, then it is called 'abandoning the destiny to follow wealth', which brings great wealth but little nobility, and the person can marry a virtuous wife. In the 'following wealth' pattern, fire is the wife star and earth is the son star. If a large amount of戊 earth appears on the surface without the presence of twin to support, it is called 'excessive wealth and weak body', ultimately resulting in being a poor person living in a good house. If 丙 fire and 辛 gold combine to form water, the useful god changes its nature, often leading to gambling and squandering the family fortune, and the person is not able to maintain the family business.

或一派乙木，不見丙癸，名為亂臣無主，勞碌奔波，又加支多辛金，僧道之輩。或一派甲木，無癸無丙，又無庚金，此人一生虛浮，總不誠實。有庚制甲，乃有謀之人，但嗜酒貪花，多欲敗德，不修品行，男女一理。總之夏月之乙木，端用癸水，丙火酌用，庚辛次之。

If all the heavenly stems are Yi wood and there is no Bing fire or Gui water, it is called "disordered ministers without a sovereign" — a situation where many yin elements stand alone without a dominant ruler, leading to a life of constant toil and hardship; if the earthly branches also contain many Xin metal to restrain the body, the person will become a monk or a hermit. If all the heavenly stems are Jia wood, and there is no Gui water, Bing fire, or Geng metal to control it, the Yi wood only knows how to cling to Jia wood and rise upward, resulting in a life that is hollow and lacks sincerity. However, if there is Geng metal to restrain Jia wood, the person may be someone with strategy and planning, but he will be addicted to alcohol and lust, with excessive desires that ruin his virtue, and he will neglect personal cultivation, whether male or female. In summary, for summer-born Yi wood, the primary use is Gui water, with Bing fire used in moderation, and Geng and Xin metal as secondary considerations.

三秋乙木，金神司令，先丙後癸，惟九月端用癸水，恐丙暖戊土為病也。

In the third month of autumn, the wood of Yi is restrained by the metal god, so first we need to use Bing fire to warm the wood and resist the metal, then use Gui water to nourish the root. However, in the ninth month when Xu earth is dominant, we must definitely use Gui water. At this time, if we use Bing fire to warm the situation, it would only help strengthen Wu earth. If earth becomes too strong, it will cause harm instead.

七月乙木，庚金乘令，庚雖輸情於乙妹，怎奈干乙難合支金。柱見庚多，乙難受載。或丙透干，又加巳出埋金，此格可云科甲。有己透、加丙，亦是上命。

In the seventh month, the Month Builder is Shen, and the metal element, Geng, is in command. Although Yi wood and Geng metal have a natural affinity, Geng metal is willing to give way to Yi wood, the "younger sister." However, the Yi wood in the heavenly stem and the Shen metal in the earthly branch are separated by a position, making a true union difficult to achieve, so the connection is unreliable. If there is an excess of Geng metal in the pillar, the soft Yi wood cannot support it. If Bing fire appears in the heavenly stem to control the metal energy, and Si appears in the heavenly stem to bury the metal (some say this "Si" should be "Ji," meaning covering the metal with earth), then this pattern can be considered favorable for academic success. If Ji earth also appears in the heavenly stem along with Bing fire, it is an excellent destiny—earth can release fire and generate metal without making the metal too dry, and can also nourish the roots of Yi wood.

七月喜己土為用，或不見丙癸，己土必不可少，此則以火為妻，土為子。

In July, the wood of Yi prefers Ji earth as its useful god. Earth can generate metal, preventing it from being dry and brittle, and can also nourish the roots of the wood. Even if there is no Bing fire or Gui water present, Ji earth is still essential. For those who take Ji earth as their useful god, fire, which can generate earth, is considered the wife star, and earth is considered the son star.

或癸透、丙藏、庚少，此不用己，可許貢拔。無丙、有癸透者，不失刀筆門戶。有支下庚多，癸又藏者，無丙己二神，平常人物。

If the癸 water appears on the surface, the丙 fire is hidden in the branches, and the庚 metal is not excessive, and the metal does not oppress the body, then there is no need to use the己 earth. One may be eligible for a recommendation as a candidate for official appointment or a special recommendation. If there is no丙 fire but only the癸 water appears, it is still not a failure in terms of being able to make a living through writing and legal skills. If there are many庚 metals in the branches, the癸 water is only hidden, and there is neither丙 fire nor己 earth, then it is an ordinary person.

或生辰時，此為從化，反主富貴。凡化合格皆以所生之神為用。化金者，戊為用神，特忌丙丁煆煉破格。從化者以火為妻，土為子，其餘以金為妻，妻必賢美；以水為子，子必克肖，但忌刑沖。凡命皆然，不特此也。

If the wood of Yi is born in the hour of Chen, Yi and Geng are in mutual generation, and Chen serves as the root for transformation, this becomes 'from transformation', which instead indicates wealth and honor. Whenever the transformation is qualified, the five elements that generate the transformed element are considered the useful god: if the transformation is into metal, then Wu earth is the useful god, and the most harmful are Bing and Ding fire, which melt and destroy the metal, thus breaking the pattern. The transformation pattern takes fire as the wife star and earth as the son star; in other cases, metal is the wife star, and the wife is sure to be wise and beautiful, while water is the son star, and the children are sure to resemble their parents. Only the punishment and clash are to be avoided. All destinies follow this general rule, not only this particular pattern.

秋乙逢金，非貧即夭。秋生乙木忌根枯，根既枯槁，貧苦到老。

In the autumn season, if the wood of Yi is met with metal, it will either result in poverty or a short life. Autumn-born wood of Yi is most afraid of its roots drying up and withering; once the roots become dry and withered, it will lead to a life of poverty and hardship.

八月乙木，芝蘭禾稼均退，以丹桂為乙木。在白露之後，桂蕊未開，端用癸水以滋桂萼；若秋分後，桂花已開，卻喜向陽，又宜用丙，癸水次之。丙癸兩透，科甲名臣。

In the eighth lunar month, the Month Builder is You. All grasses and herbs such as chrysanthemums and orchids have withered. At this time, Bing wood is regarded as red osmanthus. After White Dew but before Autumn Equinox, the osmanthus flowers have not yet bloomed, so癸 water is used to nourish its calyx. After Autumn Equinox, the osmanthus flowers have already opened and prefer sunlight, so it is appropriate to use Bing fire instead, with癸 water taking a secondary role. If both Bing and癸 are visible, it indicates a famous official who has achieved success through the imperial examinations.

或支成金局，宜暗藏丁，無丁制金，恐木被金傷。若無水火，此人勞碌。或得癸水，為子得母，其人一生豐盈。或丙癸兩透，戊土雜出，亦主異路功名。

If the earthly branches form a metal formation, it is best if there is hidden Ding fire within the branches to control the metal; without Ding fire, fear that the wood will be harmed by the metal. If neither water nor fire is present, this person will have a life of toil. If癸 water is obtained, the metal formation generates water, and water nourishes wood, transforming the harmful metal into a beneficial supporting element. Just as a son's 乙 wood receives support from his mother, this is called "the son receives the mother," and this person will have a life of abundance. If both 丙 fire and 癸 water are visible, but there is also 戊 earth to overcome 癸 water, it will only indicate an unusual path to fame and success.

生秋分後，有丙無癸，亦略富貴；若有癸無丙，名利虛花；若四柱不見丙癸，下格。或癸在年（月）干，丙透時干，名為木火文星，定主上達，生於秋分後方佳。或生上半月無癸，姑用壬水，不然，枯木無用，必作貧人。又四柱多見戊己，下格。

Those born after the autumn equinox, if they have Bing fire but no Gui water, they may still have some wealth and status; if they have Gui water but no Bing fire, their fame and fortune will be empty. If neither Bing nor Gui is present in the four pillars, it is considered a low-ranking fate. If Gui water is in the year or month pillar and Bing fire appears in the hour pillar, it is called "wood and fire in literary stars," which indicates a prosperous and upward path, but this is only favorable if born after the autumn equinox. If born in the first half of the period from White Dew to the autumn equinox without Gui water, then壬 water may be used as a substitute; otherwise, the wood will be dry and lack nourishment, leading to no use and a life of poverty. If the four pillars also contain many Wu and Ji earth to浊 water, it is again considered a low-ranking fate.

用癸者，金妻、水子；用丙者，木妻、火子；用壬者，金妻水子。甲乙遇強金，魂歸西土；青龍逢兌旺，且貧且賤。乙木生居酉，莫逢巳酉丑，富貴坎離宮，貧窮申酉守。木逢金旺巳傷，再遇金鄉，豈不損壽。

Those who take Gui water as their main element use metal as the wife star and water as the son star; those who take Bing fire as their main element use wood as the wife star and fire as the son star; those who take Ren water as their main element also use metal as the wife star and water as the son star. An old song says: When Jia and Yi wood meet strong and prosperous metal, their souls and spirits will be sent to the west; the Azure Dragon belongs to eastern wood, but when it meets the strong and prosperous Dui metal, it will be poor and lowly. It also says: When Yi wood is born in the month of You, one should not meet the triple harmony of Si-You-Chou metal; if one's fortune moves to the northern Kan water region or the southern Li fire region, one will be wealthy and noble, but if one stays in the Sheng and You metal regions, one will be poor. When wood meets strong metal, it is already injured; if one's fortune moves again to the metal region, how can one avoid damage and shortened lifespan?

九月乙木，根枯葉落，必賴癸水滋養。如見甲申時，名為藤蘿繫甲，可秋可冬。若見癸水，又遇辛金發水之源，定主科甲。或有癸無辛，常人；有辛無癸，貧賤。或四柱壬多，水難生乙，亦是尋常之輩。

In the ninth month, the Month Builder is戌. The wood of 乙 is weak, its roots wither and its leaves fall. It must rely on癸 water for nourishment. If Jiashen appears in the time column, the 乙 wood attaches itself to 甲 wood, and 申 contains hidden 壬 water which generates more water, called "Vine and Creeper Supporting 甲". Such a person is born in autumn and can also be born in winter. If the pillar contains 癸 water and also has 辛 metal as the source of water flow, the water source continues without interruption, and the person is destined for academic success. If there is 癸 water but no 辛 metal, the person is ordinary. If there is 辛 metal but no 癸 water, the person is poor and lowly. If there is too much 壬 water in the four pillars, the large water will float the root, making it difficult to nourish 乙 wood, and the person will be ordinary.

或支多戊土，又逢天干，作從才看，無比劫方妙，一逢比劫，富屋貧人。用癸者，金妻、水子。但子女艱難，季土剋制故也。

If there are many Wu Tu in the earthly branches and Wu Tu also appears in the heavenly stems, the wealth is strong but the self is weak, so it should be viewed as 'following wealth'. It is best if there are no siblings or rivals to share the wealth; once siblings or rivals appear to compete, it becomes like a poor person living in a nice house. For those using Gui Shui as the key element, metal is the wife star and water is the child star; however, the children are inevitably difficult, because Xu is a late season earth which directly restrains Gui Shui, the child star.

十月乙木，木不受氣，而壬水司令，取丙為用，戊土次之。丙戊兩透，科甲定然。有丙無戊，雖不科甲，亦入儒林。支多丙火，運入火鄉，亦主顯達。

In the tenth month, the month builder is Hai. The wood of Yi is not able to get life qi here, while the water of Ren is in command. When water is strong, the wood floats. To harmonize the climate, we take Bing fire as the useful element, and Wu earth as the next choice. Bing fire dispels the cold and warms up the atmosphere, while Wu earth builds a dike to stop the water. If both Bing and Wu are visible in the heavens, success in the imperial examination is certain. If there is Bing fire but no Wu earth, although one cannot achieve success in the imperial examination, one can still become a scholar. If there are many hidden Bing fires in the earth branches, and the person's fortune moves towards the fire territory, it also indicates success and prominence.

或水多無戊，乙性漂浮，流蕩之徒。若不見丙巳，妻子難全。或一點壬水，即多見戊土，亦為不妙，得甲制戊，可許能幹，但為人好生禍亂，構訟生非，男女一理。

If there is an excess of water but no Wu earth to control it, the flexible nature of Yi wood will be carried away by the water, making the person unstable and fickle. If there is also no Bing fire or the yang energy in Si, the wife and children will be difficult to keep. If there is only a little Ren water but a lot of Wu earth to control it, the water being less and the earth too strong will instead bury the wood, which is not good. At this point, if Jia wood appears to疏 and control the Wu earth, he may be intelligent and capable, but he tends to cause trouble and quarrels, both for men and women.

支成木局，時值小陽，此又如春木同旺，若有癸出，須取戊為尊，加以丙透，科甲之人。若無丙戊二字，自成自敗，終非承受之輩。

If the Earthly Branches form a Wood局, and the tenth month is also called "small spring," the yang energy begins to rise, at this time the Yi Wood is as strong as spring Wood. If there is also Gui Water appearing on the surface to assist the Water, then the most important thing is to take Wu Earth to control the Water. If there is also Bing Fire appearing on the surface to warm the situation, then this person will be successful in exams. If neither Bing Fire nor Wu Earth is present, the Wood is strong but without control or release, success or failure is entirely up to himself, and he will not be able to sustain the family's legacy.

十一月乙木，花木寒凍，一陽來復，喜用丙火解凍，則花木有向陽之意，不宜用癸以凍花木，故端用丙火。有一二點丙火出干，無癸制者，可許科甲。即丙藏支內，亦有選拔恩封，得此不貴，必因風水薄。或壬癸出干，有戊制，可作能人，即丙在支內，亦是俊秀。若壬透無戊，貧賤之人。

In the eleventh month, the Month Builder is Zi, and flowers and trees suffer from cold. However, on the day of Winter Solstice, the first yang energy returns, and it is favorable to use Bing fire to thaw the frost, allowing flowers and trees to stretch towards the sunlight. At this time, it is not suitable to use Gui water, as Gui water would only freeze the flowers and trees. Therefore, it is essential to use Bing fire. If there is a little Bing fire appearing in the heavens and no Gui water to restrain it, one may achieve success in the imperial examinations. Even if Bing fire is only hidden in the earth branches, there is still a chance of being selected and receiving imperial favor; if such a combination does not lead to wealth and status, it must be due to poor ancestral gravesite feng shui. If Ren water and Gui water appear in the heavens but are restrained by Wu earth, one can become a capable person; even if Bing fire is only hidden in the earth branches, one is still considered handsome. If Ren water appears but there is no Wu earth to restrain it, the cold water will drown the wood, resulting in a poor and lowly person.

支成水局，干透壬癸，丙丁全無，雖有戊制，貧乏到老，運至南方，稍有衣食。丁火有亦如無，丁乃燈燭之火，豈能解嚴寒之凍。

If the earthly branches form a water trinity and the heavenly stems also reveal壬and癸, but there are no丙and丁 fires, even if there is 戊earth to control the water, it will still result in poverty throughout life; only when the fortune reaches the southern fire region will there be some relief in terms of clothing and food. As for 丁fire, having it is like having none at all—丁 is merely the fire of a lamp or candle, which cannot melt the severe cold of winter.

設無丙丁，戊土多見，金水奔流，下賤。或有戊己無火，亦屬常人，但不至下賤。或一派丁火，大奸大詐之徒。如無甲引丁，孤鰥到老。丁火見甲，必主麟趾振振，芝蘭繞膝。

Suppose there are no Bing or Ding, but many Wu earth, and all is flowing metal and water without any rising yang energy, this indicates a lowly status. If there is Wu or Ji earth but no fire, it is ordinary, but not lowly. If the whole chart is full of Ding fire, which is empty fire without root, flickering and unstable, it often indicates great villains and deceitful people; if there is no Jia wood to ignite the Ding fire, then one will be alone and unmarried until old age. If Ding fire meets Jia wood to ignite it, the fire will not cease, and it will surely indicate many descendants, like orchids and cypresses surrounding the knees.

或成水局，壬癸兩透，則木浮矣，不特貧賤，而且夭折，得一戊救方可。冬月之木，雖取戊制水，不可作用，端取丙火則可。用火者，木妻、火子；用土者，火妻、土子。

If the earthly branches form a water pattern, and both壬 and癸 appear in the heavenly stems, the 乙 wood will float, leading to poverty and a short life. A 戊 earth is needed to save the situation, then there will be no problems. However, for wood in winter, although we need 戊 earth to control the water, 戊 earth is only a temporary solution and not the true useful god. The true useful god is 丙 fire. For those using fire as their useful god, wood is the wife star and fire is the son star; for those using earth as their useful god, fire is the wife star and earth is the son star.

乙木生於冬至之後，坐下木局，得丙透干者，富貴之造。即丁出干，亦有衣祿，須忌癸制丁。乙木生於冬月，己土透干，又有丙透，大富貴之造。十一月乙木，木寒宜丙，有寒谷回春之象，得一丙透，無癸出破格，不特科甲，定主名臣顯宦。丙火藏支，食餼而已；干支無丙，一介寒儒。

Yi wood born after the winter solstice, with a wooden structure in the position, and with Bing fire appearing in the sky to warm the situation, is a prosperous and noble destiny. Even if only Ding fire appears in the sky, there will be some clothing and food, but it is necessary to avoid Gui water which restrains Ding fire. Yi wood born in the month of winter, with Ji soil appearing in the sky to nourish the roots, and with Bing fire appearing to thaw the frozen state, is an even greater destiny of great wealth and honor. Yi wood in the eleventh month is very cold, and it is most suitable to have Bing fire. Once Bing fire appears in the sky, there is the atmosphere of 'warming the cold valley': if one Bing fire appears in the sky and there is no Gui water to break the pattern, not only can one pass the imperial examination, but one will certainly become a famous official and prominent statesman. If Bing fire is only hidden in the branches, one can only earn a廪生's portion of food; if neither the sky nor the branches show Bing fire, one is just a poor, cold scholar.

或四柱多己，不逢比劫，乃為從才，富比王侯；若見比劫，貧無立錐。雖或一派戊己，見甲頗有衣祿。端以丙火為用，方妙。

If there is a lot of earth in the four pillars but no competing siblings or enemies to contend with, the day master will give up its destiny and follow the wealth, becoming as rich as a king or a duke. However, if siblings or enemies appear, it will instead lead to extreme poverty, with no place to even stand. Even if the whole chart is filled with earth, as long as there is a presence of the wood element to loosen the earth, there will still be some level of sustenance. In the end, it is still essential to take the fire element as the useful god, which is truly the key.

三春丙火，秉象至威，陽回大地，侮雪欺霜，端用壬水為扶陽，名曰天和地潤，既濟功成。正月用壬，庚辛為佐；二月端用壬水；三月土重晦光，取甲佐之為妙。

In the spring months, the Bing fire is likened to the sun, possessing great power and radiance. Its yang energy returns to warm the earth, capable of overpowering frost and snow. At this time, we should use Ren water—not to overcome the fire, but to use rivers and lakes to reflect the sun, supporting the yang virtue. This is called "heavenly harmony and earthly moisture," achieving the hexagram Ji Ji (Water and Fire in Mutual Assistance). In the first lunar month, Ren water is used with Geng and Xin metal to generate the water source; in the second lunar month, Ren water is still used. In the third lunar month, heavy earth covers the brilliance of Bing fire, so we take Ji wood to loosen the earth, which is most appropriate.

癸丙春生，不晴不雨之天。丙日春生，時月出癸，雲霧迷濛，不顯不達，非若水輔丙也。

Gui water and Bing fire are born together in spring, just like a day neither sunny nor rainy. When Bing fire is the day master born in spring, if the hour stem and month stem also appear Gui water, the thin clouds and mist cover the sun, making it hazy and unclear, and the person will not be prominent or successful. This is entirely different from the case where Ren water supports Bing fire, or great water reflecting the sun's light.

正月丙火，三陽開泰，火氣漸炎，取壬為尊，庚金佐之。壬庚兩透，科甲定然；即壬透庚藏，亦有異途顯達。若一庚高透，支藏一二丙火，納粟奏名，主為人慷慨英雄，有才邁眾。

In the first lunar month, the month builder is寅, and the three yang energies begin to unfold. The fire of 丙 gradually becomes more intense, and the most esteemed element is 壬 water, with 庚 metal assisting to generate water. If both 壬 and 庚 are visible on the heavenly stem, success in the imperial examinations is certain. Even if 壬 water is visible on the heavenly stem but 庚 metal is only hidden in the earthly branches, one can achieve recognition through an alternative path. If only 庚 metal is high and visible on the heavenly stem, and there is a trace of 丙 fire hidden in the earthly branches, it indicates gaining an official title through contributions, being generous and possessing heroic spirit, with abilities surpassing others.

或一派庚辛混雜，常人；得時月兩透庚金、無辛者，定主清貴。或辛年辛時，名為貪合，酒也之徒，女命一理。或丙少壬多，而無戊制，名殺重身輕，斯人篌裡藏刀，尋非痞棍；或見一戊制壬，反成富貴，宜見一二比肩方妙。

If both Geng and Xin metal appear together, the wealth star becomes confused, and such a person is ordinary. If both the heavenly stem of the month and the hour show Geng metal but no Xin metal, the wealth is pure and the person is destined for noble status. If both the heavenly stem of the year and the hour are Xin metal, and Bing and Xin combine, it is called 'greedy combination'—the day's main element is greedy for the combination of wealth and forgets the proper use, becoming a person who indulges in alcohol and lust (the original text 'jiu ye' should be 'jiu se'). The same applies to women's fortunes. If Bing fire is weak and Ren water is strong, and there is no Wu earth to control the water, it is called 'heavy killing and light body'—such a person is sly and scheming (the original text 'hou' is a mistake for 'xiao'), always causing trouble and being a rascal. If there is a Wu earth to control the Ren water, it becomes a fortune of wealth and status. At this time, it is best to see one or two similar elements to support the body.

或一片戊土，甲不出干，終非大器，且恐孤貧。正月之丙，忌戊晦光。或支成火局，端取壬水為貴，無壬，癸亦姑用；若壬癸俱無，取戊以洩火氣，但屬平人。

If there is a full set of Wu earth in the chart and Jia wood does not appear in the heavenly stem to clear it, the food god becomes too strong, blocking the light of the day master, and ultimately one cannot achieve great success, and may fear loneliness and poverty. For丙 fire in the first lunar month, it is most undesirable to have Wu earth to obscure its brilliance. If the earthly branches form a fire trinity, the fire becomes too intense, and then壬 water is considered valuable; if there is no壬 water,癸 water can be used as a substitute. If neither壬 nor癸 is present, then Wu earth must be used to release the fire energy, but in such a case, one can only be an ordinary person.

或支成火局，吊作炎上而推，但不逢時耳，若不見東南歲運，反致孤貧。或四柱有甲木，得康金暗制，可作秀才。

If the earthly branches form a fire configuration, it can be roughly considered as the "Inflaming Ascendancy Pattern," although the birth month is not the time when fire is in command, so the pattern is not genuine. Such a destiny, if the big years and ten thousands do not go towards the southeastern wood and fire regions, may lead to isolation and poverty. If the four pillars contain excessive fire generated by jia wood, and there is geng metal secretly controlling the jia wood, then one may become a scholar.

無壬用癸者，略富貴，且官殺亦要旺有限。丙火無壬，多主貧賊，屢徵屢驗。或火多無水，一至水必死，不然，定有災咎。惟五月丙火，合炎上格，則不喜水破格；用癸無根，定主日疾。用壬者，金妻水子；用庚者，土妻金子。

If there is no Ren water but instead Gui water is used, it only brings slight wealth, and the strength of official stars and killing stars must have a limit. If there is no Ren water in the destiny of Bing fire, it often indicates poverty and low status. This rule has been verified repeatedly. If there is a lot of fire but no water at all, once the water cycle comes, the conflict between fire and water will surely lead to death; if not death, there will certainly be misfortune. However, the Bing fire in the fifth month is suitable for the "Inflaming Ascending Pattern," and thus does not desire water to break the pattern. If Gui water is used but lacks root, it may cause eye diseases. Those who use Ren water as their main element take metal as the wife star and water as the son star; those who use Geng metal as their main element take earth as the wife star and metal as the son star.

時日月年：庚丙庚丙，寅午寅午。兩間不雜，按察。時日月年：壬丙戊庚，辰寅寅寅。庚壬兩透，詞林。時日月年：丁丙庚辛，酉子寅亥。狀元。時日月年：戊丙壬丁，戌子寅酉。

The following four combinations are arranged as "hour, day, month, year" from left to right, and are rearranged into the usual order of "year, month, day, hour" as follows. First combination: Bingwu year, Gengyin month, Bingwu day, Gengyin hour. The heavenly stems only include Bing and Geng, and the earthly branches only include Yin and Wu, with each pair forming a complete set without mixing other stems and branches, which is called "two elements without mixture." This person reached the position of Inspector General. Second combination: Gengyin year, Wuyin month, Bingyin day, Renchen hour. Geng metal originates the water source, and Ren water reflects the sun's wheel. Geng and Ren both appear in the heavens, and thus he entered the literary court as an official in the Han Yuan. Third combination: Xinhai year, Gengyin month, Bingzi day, Dingyou hour. The water in Hai supports the killing star, which is nourished by Geng and Xinh metal. The day's main element sits on Zi water, achieving a balanced cold and warmth, and he became the状元. Fourth combination: Dingyou year, Rennyin month, Bingzi day, Wuxu hour. The water in Ren appears in the heavens, and Wu earth in the hour controls it, removing turbidity and retaining clarity. This is exactly the pattern of using Ren water for the propitious use of Bing fire in the first month, with Wu earth as an assistant.

二月丙火，陽氣舒升，端用壬水。壬透天干，不見丁化，加以庚辛已亦透，壬水有根，定主科甲。或無壬水，己土姑用，主有才學，雖不能成名，必衣食充足。

In the second month, the Month Builder is Mao. Yang energy is expanding and rising. Therefore, the use of Ren water is essential. If Ren water appears in the heavenly stem and is not combined and transformed by Ding fire, and if庚 metal, 辛 metal, and 己 earth (originally written as '已') also appear to generate water and dissipate fire, making Ren water have a root and source, it will certainly lead to success in the imperial examinations. If there is no Ren water, then 己 earth may be used instead to dissipate fire and dim the brightness. Such a person will have talent and learning, though they may not achieve fame, their clothing and food will certainly be sufficient.

或一派壬水，見一戊制，雖不科甲，亦有恩庇。或無戊透，則有辰戌丑未之戊，但辰宮癸水，貪合成火，不能制壬，此平常衣祿。若支下全無一戊，此係奔流之人，加以金多生水，下賤之命。

If there are many Ren water in the chart and one Wu earth appears to control it, although one may not achieve success in the imperial examinations, there will be benefits from ancestors' favor. If there is no Wu earth appearing in the heavenly stem, and only Wu earth is hidden in the earthly branches such as Chen, Xu, Chou, or Wei, then in the Chen branch there is also hidden癸 water. Wu and Gui water desire to combine and transform into fire, so this Wu earth cannot control the Ren water, and one will only have an ordinary life with average fortune. If there is not even a trace of Wu earth in the earthly branches, then one is a person who moves about everywhere. If there is also an excess of metal to generate more water, the water becomes even stronger, resulting in a lowly fate.

或一派戊土，亦用壬水，運喜行木，見土不祥，行火亦不利。或丙子日辛卯時，乃從化格，但不逢時貪才壞印，難招祖業。若得一二重丁火破辛，壬水得位，亦主富貴，雖不科甲，亦有異途，名傳郡邑，合此格，主妻妾多子。

If the entire chart is filled with Wu earth that dims the light, it is still appropriate to use Ren water as the key element. The favorable years should be those with wood, as wood can loosen the earth and protect the water. If there is more earth, it is not auspicious, and years with fire are also unfavorable, since fire further generates earth. If the day is Bingzi and the hour is Xinmao, the Jia and Xin are in harmony, which could form a pattern of transformation. However, since this occurs in the second month, the time is not suitable for the transformation, so the pattern is not timely. The卯 wood is the official, and the辛 gold is the wealth, but the desire for wealth disrupts the official, so it cannot inherit the family's fortune. If there is a small amount of Ding fire to overcome the Xin gold, breaking this desire for wealth, the Ren water will have a proper position and will lead to wealth and honor. Although not through the imperial examination, one can achieve success through other means, and fame will spread throughout the county. Those with this pattern will have many wives and many children.

或月時見二辛卯，日乃丙子，名為爭合，年不透丁制辛，此人昏酒色，年透丁火，反吉。或支成木局，反因奸得才，因酒得名。凡用壬者，金妻水子。

If both the month pillar and the hour pillar are Xinmao, and the day pillar is Bingzi, the two Xin metals will compete to combine with the Bing fire, which is called "zhenghe" (competing combination). If the heavenly stem of the year does not have Ding fire to overcome Xin and break the combination, the person will become addicted to alcohol and women, living a confused and idle life. However, if the year pillar reveals Ding fire, it will be favorable. If the earth branches form a wood局 (wood formation), with heavy印 (favorable influence) and combination with wealth, it indicates gaining wealth through private relationships between men and women, and gaining fame through banquets and social gatherings. For those who use Ren water as their useful element, metal is considered the wife star, and water is considered the son star.

時日月年：己丙己乙，亥申卯亥。時日月年：己丙丁己，亥申卯亥。

Both charts are arranged horizontally according to "hour, day, month, year." The first chart is reconstructed as Yihai year, Jimao month, Bingshen day, Jihai hour: the丙 fire in February should ideally use壬 water, but in this case, the壬 water is hidden within the two Hai branches without emerging, while the two Ji earth in the sky stem instead obscure the fire and muddy the water. This exactly matches the previous statement "without壬 water, Ji earth is used instead." The second chart is reconstructed as Jihai year, Dingmao month, Bingshen day, Jihai hour: the Ding fire in the month supports the day stem, the壬 water in Hai is the killer, and the Ji earth both drains the fire and controls the water. The configuration is similar to the previous chart, and the useful god remains the壬 water hidden within the Hai.

三月丙火，氣漸炎升，用壬水。或成土局，取甲木為輔，壬不可離。壬申兩透，科甲定宜，惟忌庚出制甲，則秀才而已。無甲用庚，助壬水洩土氣。

In the third month, the Month Builder is Chen, and the energy of Bing fire gradually rises and becomes intense. Still, Renshen water is used as the essential element. If the earthly branches form a heavy earth pattern, the earth becomes dense and obscures the brightness, so we use Jia wood to疏 the earth, but Renshen water is indispensable at every moment. If both Renshen water and Jia wood are visible (the original text "Renshen" should be "Renshen and Jia"), then success in the imperial examinations is certain. However, if Geng metal appears on the surface and restrains Jia wood, then one can only become a scholar. If there is no Jia wood, then Geng metal is used instead: Geng metal both supports the source of Renshen water and disperses the heavy earth energy.

壬透甲藏，富大貴小；有甲無壬，勞碌濁富；壬藏無甲，一介寒儒；壬甲兩無，愚賤之輩。乙丁雜亂，定必屬凡夫。用壬者，金妻水子；用甲者，水妻木子。

When there is visible壬water in the heavens and hidden甲wood in the branches, there is great wealth but little nobility; if there is甲wood but no壬water, one will work hard all one's life and the wealth will not be pure; if there is hidden壬water but no甲wood, one will be a poor scholar; if there is neither壬water nor甲wood, one is foolish and of low status. If there is乙wood and丁fire mixed in, where乙wood cannot loosen the thick earth and丁fire cannot overcome壬water, one will certainly be an ordinary person. For those using壬water as their main element, metal is the wife star and water is the son star; for those using甲wood as their main element, water is the wife star and wood is the son star.

三夏丙火，陽威性烈，專用壬水。若亥宮壬水無力，回克洩氣故也，仍用申宮長生之水，方雲富貴。四月端用壬水，金為佐；五月亦端用壬，四五月壬透者富貴，丁多兼看癸水；六月用壬，但借庚金為佐。

In the third month of summer, the fire of Bing is strong and fierce, so it is necessary to use Ren water to moderate it. However, the Ren water hidden in the亥 position is not strong at this time—summer fire is too strong, and water is actually weakened by fire. Moreover, the water must share its energy to nourish the甲 wood hidden in亥, which causes it to be exhausted. Therefore, it is still necessary to use the Ren water of the申 position, which has the growth strength, to achieve wealth and honor. In the fourth month, the use of Ren water is essential, with metal as an assistant; in the fifth month, the use of Ren water is also essential. In the fourth and fifth months, if Ren water appears on the surface, it indicates wealth and honor. If there are many Ding fires that combine with Ren water, then we should also consider the presence of Gui water. In the sixth month, the use of Ren water is needed, but only a small amount of Geng metal is required to assist in bringing out the water's strength.

陽刃合殺，威權萬里。丁火羊刃太旺，正謂羊刃倒戈，無頭之鬼。丙火用壬，生旺坐實方好，忌壬水太多，名殺重身輕。

Bing fire takes Wu as its Yang Ren and Ren water as its Seven Killers. The Yang Ren and Seven Killers restrain each other, thus achieving balance, indicating authority over a vast territory. However, if Ding fire's Yang Ren is too strong and not restrained, it becomes 'Yang Ren Reversing the Sword', where the blade turns against itself, and the fate book refers to this as 'a ghost without a head'. Bing fire uses Ren water as its essential element, which must be strong and well-supported in its position; it also dislikes too much Ren water, as too much leads to 'heavy killers and light body'.

四月丙火，建祿於巳，火勢炎炎，宜專用壬水，解炎威之力，成既濟之功。如無壬水，孤陽失輔，難透清光，得庚發水源，方為有根之水。壬庚兩透，不見戊土，號曰湖水汪洋，廣映太陽，光輝顯著，文明之象。人合此格，不但科甲崢嶸，必有恩諡封榮。若不驗，必暗損陰德。

In the fourth month, the Month Builder is Si, and the Bing fire is established in the Si position, indicating a strong fire element. The fire is very intense, so it should be balanced by using Ren water to neutralize its fierce energy, achieving the success of the Ji Ji hexagram. If there is no Ren water, it would be a single yang element without support, unable to shine clearly. It is necessary to have Geng metal to generate the source of water, so that the Ren water has a root. When both Ren and Geng are present but Wu earth does not come to control the water, it is called "a vast lake reflecting the sun"—a large body of water holding the sun, with bright radiance, representing a civilized appearance. A person with this pattern not only achieves remarkable success in the imperial examinations but will also surely receive royal honors and posthumous titles. If this does not happen, it must be due to a loss of hidden virtue.

或無壬水，癸亦姑用，見庚透癸，不富必貴，但心性乖僻，巧謀善辯。或壬癸俱無，愚頑之輩，火炎無制，僧道之流。或一派庚金，不見比劫，有富無貴。

If there is no Ren water, then Gui water may be used instead. If there is a visible Gui water on the surface and the Geng metal is able to generate water, then although wealth may not be attained, rank and prestige are certain. However, the person's nature will be perverse and inclined towards cunning, scheming, and eloquent speech. If neither Ren nor Gui water is present, and the fire is strong without control, then the person is foolish and stubborn, likely to become a monk or a Taoist. If the entire chart is filled with Geng metal as wealth, but there is no close or shared sibling to support the body and bear the wealth, then the person is weak in body and strong in wealth, resulting in wealth but not rank.

或丙什日干，四柱多壬，不見戊制，名曰陰刑殺重，光棍之流。或支成水局，加之重重壬透，一無制伏，盜賊之命，如見己土，下賤鄙夫。用壬者金妻水子。

If the day stem is Bing fire (Jia is the first heavenly stem, Yi the second, Bing the third, etc.), and there are many Ren water in the four pillars but no Wu earth to control it, this is called "heavy yin punishment." If the killing power is strong and the body is weak with no remedy, it indicates a person of no means and a scoundrel. If the branches form a water trinity and there is heavy Ren water appearing in the heavens, there is no control at all, which indicates a thief's fate. If only Ji earth is present to block it, but Ji earth is turbid and weak, it cannot stop the vast water, indicating a lowly and vulgar man. For those using Ren water as their key element, metal is the wife star and water is the son star.

時日月年：戊丙乙丁，子子巳巳。庚運奪魁。時日月年：甲丙辛乙，午午巳未。時日月年：丙丙辛庚，申寅巳子。

The following three generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First generation: Ding Si year, Yi Si month, Bing Zi day, Wu Zi hour —— two Si elements assist fire and the fire is very strong, fortunately the day branch and hour branch both have Zi water to control the fire, when the Geng year comes, the water source is activated, thus achieving the top rank. Second generation: Yi Wei year, Xin Si month, Bing Wu day, Jiawu hour —— the whole chart is full of fire and earth, Xin metal has no water to develop, Jiawu wood also comes to generate fire, it is exactly the case of the fourth month Bing fire lacking Ren water. Third generation: Geng Zi year, Xin Si month, Bing Yin day, Bing Shen hour —— the year branch Zi water and the hour branch Shen metal, Shen and Zi generate each other and Geng and Xin originate, water has both root and source, exactly matching the saying "only with Geng water source can water be rooted".

五月丙火愈炎，得壬庚高透，方為上命。或一壬無庚，亦主頁監，猶防戊己出干，丁壬化合，則為平人。即不透庚壬，或有申宮長生之水，濟之坐祿之金，至妙，必入詞林，又怕戊己雜亂，則為異路。

In the fifth month, the Month Builder is Wu, and the fire of Bing is even more intense. To have an excellent destiny, it is necessary for Ren water and Geng metal to appear clearly in the heavenly stem. If only Ren water is present without Geng metal, it may indicate a position of a candidate for a government office (the original text "页监" should be "贡监"), but one must also be cautious of Wu and Ji earth appearing in the heavenly stem to overcome water, or Ding fire coming out to combine with Ren water and transform into wood. If either of these happens, the person will become an ordinary individual. Even if neither Ren nor Geng appears in the heavenly stem, as long as there is the water of growth in the branch of Shen, and there is also a metal in the position of its own luck to support it, it is very good and will certainly achieve a position in the literary circle. However, if Wu and Ji earth are mixed in, then the person will only take an alternative path.

或成火局，不見滴水者，乃僧道鰥獨之命。即有一二癸水，多遇火土，用之無力，瞽目之人。得戊己透火氣，亦主刑剋孤寡，行北運多凶，何也，所謂燥烈水激反凶。

If the earthly branches form a fire trinity, even a single drop of water is not visible, indicating a fate of a monk, hermit, or someone unmarried and isolated. Even if there is a little癸water, it is still powerless against the excessive fire and earth, leading to blindness in the eyes. If the戊or己earth appears to release the fire's intensity, it still indicates punishment and isolation. Why is it dangerous to travel north in the water direction? The situation is already extremely dry and intense; adding more water would only provoke further disaster.

或成炎上格，柱運不見庚辛，多見甲乙者，反主大富貴，然亦不可見水運。或有庚癸透者，衣祿充足，支火輕，無目疾，支見水者，異途。或成土局，又為洩太過，得壬滋甲出干，土被制而火得生扶，此必富貴壽考之格也。

If the pattern is "Inferno Ascending" (Yan Shang Ge), the destiny chart and fortune path do not see庚 or 辛 metal to counteract it, but instead see many 甲 or 乙 wood to follow its momentum, which instead indicates great wealth and high status; however, it is still not allowed to go through water fortune to break the pattern. If 庚 metal and 癸 water appear on the heavenly stem, then clothing and food will be sufficient. If the earth branch does not have too much fire energy, then there will be no eye disease; if the earth branch has water, then one is likely to come from an unusual background. If the earth branch forms a earth group, the fire energy is excessively drained, at this time if 壬 water nourishes 甲 wood and 甲 wood appears on the heavenly stem, the earth is controlled by wood and fire is generated by wood, this pattern certainly indicates both wealth and long life.

時日月年：己丙壬庚，亥戌午寅。時日月年：己丙戊戊，丑午午戌。時日月年：甲丙戊戊，午辰午申。

The following three combinations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First combination: Gengyin year, Renwu month, Bingxu day, Jihai hour— the month dry branch Ren water is generated by the year dry branch Geng metal, and the hour branch Hai water is its root, which is exactly the superior fate of "Ren and Geng prominently appear". Second combination: Wuxu year, Wuwu month, Wuwu day, Jichou hour— the entire chart is filled with fire and earth, with no water at all. Two Wus and one Ji can only discharge fire, but cannot relieve the intense heat, which is the same type as the fire group without water mentioned earlier. Third combination: Wushen year, Wuwu month, Bingchen day, Jiawu hour— the壬water is born in Shen and Chen is a water reservoir, the hour dry branch Jia wood disperses earth to protect water, earth is restrained and fire is generated and supported, which exactly matches the saying of "Nin water nourishes Jia wood to appear on the surface".

六月丙火退氣，三代生寒，壬水為用，取庚輔佐。庚壬兩透，貼身相生，可云科甲名宦。若無庚有壬，不見戊出，小富小貴；見戊制壬，則為賢而已。或己土出干混雜，此必庸夫俗子。或壬水淺，己土出干，其人貧困；無壬下格，賤而且頑，男女一理。

In June, the Month Builder is Wei, and the fire of Bing is in retreat. During the three hot periods, hidden cold begins to arise. Still, the use of Ren water is essential, with Geng metal as an assistant. If both Geng and Ren appear clearly and support each other, this person may become a famous official with scholarly achievements. If there is no Geng metal but there is Ren water, and no Wu earth appears to suppress it, this person may achieve some wealth and status. If Wu earth controls Ren water, then the person is only known for being virtuous. If Ji earth appears to muddy Ren water, the person is mediocre. If Ren water is weak from the start and Ji earth appears to muddy it, the person is poor. If there is no Ren water at all, this is a low ranking, indicating a mean and stubborn person, whether male or female.

或天干一派丙火，陽極生陰，干支兩見庚壬。總之六月丙火用壬，不同餘月用壬、喜運行西北；六月用壬，喜運行西南。

If there is a single Bing fire in the heavenly stems, when yang reaches its peak it will generate yin energy. At this point, it is most important to have both the heavenly stems and earthly branches containing Geng metal and Ren water, in order to turn the situation around. In general, using Ren water for丙 fire in June is different from using Ren water in other months: in other months, using Ren water favors movement towards the Northwest, where metal and water are found; but in June, using Ren water favors movement towards the Southwest. In the month of Wei, earth is strong and water is weak. First, metal energy is needed to release the earth, and then water can be generated.

時日月年：壬丙丁壬，辰申未寅。時日月年：己丙己戊，亥戌未午。時日月年：戊丙丁壬，戌申未寅。

The three generations are still listed horizontally as 'hour, day, month, year'. First generation: Renyin year, Dingwei month, Bingshen day, Renchen hour—two Ren waters are flanked by a Ding fire, the day's main element sits on Shen which contains the growth of water, and Chen is also a water reservoir. Using Ren water, the water has a root, which perfectly matches the method of selecting Ren in June. Second generation: Wuwu year, Jiwei month, Bingshen day, Jihai hour—there is a heavy amount of earth, making the light obscured, with only a small amount of Ren water in Hai, and Ji earth appears on the surface, making the water turbid. This is exactly the type mentioned earlier, 'when Ji earth appears on the surface and mixes with the water, it must be a common man'. Third generation: Renyin year, Dingwei month, Bingshen day, Wuxu hour—although Ren water is visible, Wu earth on the hour is restraining it, which is the type of 'when Wu earth restrains Ren water, it is considered a virtuous person'.

七月丙火，太陽轉西，陽氣衰矣，日近西山，見土皆晦，惟日照湖海，暮夜光天，故仍用壬水輔映光輝。

In the seventh month, the Month Builder is Shen, and the sun has turned toward the west, with the yang energy waning, like the sun nearing the western mountain. At this time, all the earth elements come to cover its light, but only the setting sun reflected on lakes and seas can still bring back the light of the sky in the dusk. Therefore, it is still necessary to use the water of Ren to complement the brilliance of the fire of Bing.

如壬多，取戊制方妙。有壬透干，又見戊土出干，可云科甲；如戊藏支內，不過生員；多壬無戊，平常人也。或戊多壬少，亦屬常人。或多壬，一戊出制，所謂眾殺猖狂，一仁可化，必主顥達，有權職。

If there is too much Ren water, we need to take Wu earth to control it, which would be ideal. If Ren water appears on the heavenly stem and Wu earth also appears on the heavenly stem to control it, then one can talk about achieving official rank; if Wu earth is only hidden in the earthly branches, then one can only be a common scholar. If there is a lot of Ren water but no Wu earth at all, then one is just an ordinary person. Conversely, if there is too much Wu earth and little Ren water, the food god (representing a type of official position) is too strong and overshadows the light, and one remains an ordinary person. If there is a lot of Ren water but there is one Wu earth to control it, this is exactly what is meant by 'when many killers are rampant, one benevolent person can transform them'—when a group of villains meet a gentleman, they become obedient. Such a person will certainly achieve prominence and hold a position of authority.

一派辛金，又為棄命從才，奇特之造，亦得恩榮，但多依親戚而為進身之階。從才者以水妻木子。

If the entire chart is filled with Xin metal as wealth and the day master has no root or support, it becomes 'abandoning the destiny to follow wealth,' which is a rare and peculiar configuration. Such a person may still receive favor and honor, but mostly relies on relatives for support and opportunity to advance. Those entering the 'following wealth' pattern have water as the wife star and wood as the son star.

時日月年：壬丙戊壬，辰申申戌。時日月年：庚丙甲乙，寅申申未。

The first chart:Renxu year, Wushen month, Bingshen day, Renchen hour. Two壬 appear in the heavens, and the hidden water trine between申 and 辰 is strong, making the water very powerful. Fortunately, theWu Earth in the month heaven controls the water, which is exactly the situation described as "when there are many壬, taking戊 to control is appropriate." The second chart:Yiwei year, Jiashen month, Bingshen day, Gengyin hour. The甲 and 乙 wood in the heavens nourish the self, 庚 gold sitting on 寅 is wealth, and the hidden壬 water in 申 is the useful god. This belongs to the category where the丙 fire is weak in July and relies on the printing (wood) to use the壬 water.

八月丙火，日近黃昏，丙之餘光，存於湖海，仍用壬水輔映。四柱多丙，一壬高透為奇，定主登科及第，富貴雙全；一壬藏支，亦主秀才。或戊多困水，則假作斯文；若無壬水，癸亦可用，但功名不久。

In August, the month builder is You, and the sun is already near dusk. The Bing fire is left with only a little remaining light, which is contained within lakes and seas, so it still requires Ren water to reflect it. If there are many Bing fires in the four pillars, as long as there is one Ren water high and clearly visible, it is considered extraordinary and will surely lead to success in exams, wealth and honor. If the Ren water is only hidden in the earth branches, it will indicate a person who becomes a scholar. If Wu earth is excessive and drowns the water, the person is merely pretending to be refined. If there is no Ren water, then Gui water can be used instead, but the official rank will not last long.

或見辛透，不能從化，貧苦到老。或見一丁制辛，為人奸詐，不識高低；女命合此，長舌淫賤。

If the Xin metal appears on the heavenly stem and combines with Bing fire, and if in August the metal is strong and water is weak, the combination does not turn into water. The day's main element becomes greedy for this combination and loses its proper use, leading to poverty and hardship in old age. If another Ding fire appears to control the Xin metal, although the combination is broken, fire and metal contend with each other, resulting in a person who is deceitful and lacks principles. For a female's fortune, this indicates a woman who is talkative and immoral.

或成金局，無辛出干，此非從才，乃朱門餓莩；如辛出干，不見比劫，此從才格，反主富貴，親戚提拔，妻賢內助。用水者，金妻水子；從才者，水妻木子。

If the earthly branches form a metal formation, but there is no Xin metal appearing in the heavenly stems to lead, then although there is much wealth, it cannot be relied upon, and this is not considered true wealth following. It is like a person starving to death within a wealthy household. If Xin metal appears in the heavenly stems, and there are no rivals or competitors (such as the same or similar elements) to contend with it, this is true wealth following, which is likely to bring wealth and honor, with help from relatives and a wise wife who can support from within. For those who take water as their useful element, metal is the wife star and water is the son star; for those entering the true wealth formation, water is the wife star and wood is the son star.

時日月年：丁丙丁丙，酉午酉子。時日月年：丁丙丁丙，酉辰酉寅。時日月年：戊丙癸己，子子酉卯。

The three generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year." First generation: Bingzi year, Dingyou month, Bingwu day, Dingyou hour—there are two Bing and two Ding in the heavenly stems, so fire is not weak, relying entirely on the壬water in the Zi branch of the year for use, which exactly matches the meaning of "among four pillars with many Bing, one壬is extraordinary." Second generation: Bingyin year, Dingyou month, Bingchen day, Dingyou hour—there is too much fire and only the癸water in the Chen branch provides moisture, which is less clear than the previous generation. Third generation: Jimao year, Guiyou month, Bingzi day, Wuzi hour—癸water appears on the heavenly stem, and there are two Zi branches as roots, but the戊earth in the hour stem comes out to combine with癸water, making the water turbid. This is exactly the case where there is no壬water but uses癸water instead, leading to a short-lived official career.

九月丙火，火氣愈退，所忌土晦光，必須先用甲木，次取壬水。甲壬兩透，富貴非凡；苦無壬水，得癸透干，亦可，雖不科甲，異路功名；壬癸藏支，頁監而已；甲藏壬透，無庚破甲，可許秀才。或庚戊困了水木，定是庸才；無甲壬癸者，下格。

In the ninth month, the Month Builder is戌 (Xu). The energy of Bing fire is further declining. What is to be avoided is the Xu earth obscuring its brightness. Therefore, it is necessary first to use Jia wood to loosen the earth, and then to take Ren water to reflect the light. If both Jia wood and Ren water are visible on the heavenly stem, then one will achieve extraordinary wealth and honor. If one lacks Ren water, but has Gui water visible on the heavenly stem, it is also acceptable, though one may not pass the imperial examinations, but can still achieve an unusual official position. If only Ren and Gui water are hidden in the earthly branches, one may only be a candidate for the imperial examination or a local official. If Jia wood is hidden in the earthly branches and Ren water is visible on the heavenly stem, and there is no Geng metal to overcome Jia wood, one may be granted the title of a scholar. If Geng metal overcomes Jia wood and Wu earth overcomes Ren water, thus trapping both the water and wood useful gods, one will certainly be an ordinary person. If none of Jia wood, Ren water, and Gui water are present, one will be of the lowest rank.

或一派火土，雖不太旺，亦自燥矣，如不離過繼，亦主奔流；加以無庚辛壬癸出干，必為夭命。或支成火局，炎上失時，若運入南方，一貧徹骨。用甲者，水妻木子；用壬者，金妻水子。

If the chart is full of fire and earth, even if fire is not too strong, the whole situation has already become dry and arid; such a person will either leave home to be adopted by another branch, or suffer a life of constant movement and wandering; if there are no庚, 辛, 壬, or 癸 in the heavenly stems, there is neither water to moisten nor metal to generate, and this is a sign of a short life. If the earthly branches form a fire trinity, then fire has already lost its season in September, so although "inflaming upward" is the name, there is no actual season for it; if the person's fortune moves into southern fire territories, they will be extremely poor. Those who take 甲 wood as their useful element will have water as their wife star and wood as their son star; those who take 壬 water as their useful element will have metal as their wife star and water as their son star.

時日月年：戊丙甲己，子子戌亥。時日月年：戊丙戊丙，戌午戌申。時日月年：壬丙壬戊，辰寅戌戌。

The following three generations are still listed horizontally as 'hour, day, month, year'. First generation: Jihai year, Jiaxu month, Bingzi day, Wuzi hour. The month stem Jia wood disperses the Xu earth, and the water of Zhi and Zi serves as the root for Ren and Gui water. This perfectly matches 'first use Jia wood, then take Ren water'. Second generation: Bingshen year, Wuxu month, Bingwu day, Wuxu hour. Two Wut earths obscure the brightness, there is no Jia wood to disperse and no Ren water to moisten, which is the type mentioned earlier of a dry fire and earth situation. Third generation: Wuxu year, Renxu month, Bingyin day, Renchen hour. Two Ren stems appear on the surface, the hidden Jia wood in Yin disperses the Xu earth, and Chen also retains water, with both water and wood present, making this a clearer configuration for Jiuyue Bing fire.

十月丙火，太陽失令，得見甲戊庚出干，可云科甲，主為人性好清高，斯文領袖。如辛透見辰，名化合逢時，主大貴。或壬多無甲，乃作棄命從殺，即不科甲，亦是宦僚。或壬多有甲無戊，郤非從殺，宜用己土混壬。

In the tenth month, the Month Builder is Hai, and Ren water is in charge. The sun is out of its proper season. At this time, if Jia wood, Wu earth, and Geng metal all appear on the surface, Jia wood can transform the killer into something that supports the self, Wu earth controls the water, and Geng metal generates water to connect the elements. This can be considered for academic success, and the person's nature is clear and lofty, making them a leader in the scholarly path. If Xin metal appears on the surface along with Chen earth, and Bing and Xin combine to form water with Chen earth as a water reservoir, this is called 'harmonious combination at the right time,' indicating great fortune. If there is too much Ren water without Jia wood to connect, the day's ruler has no support, and it should be viewed as 'abandoning the destiny to follow the killer,' even if not through the academic path, the person will still be involved in officialdom. If there is a lot of Ren water but Jia wood is present without Wu earth, Jia wood leads the transformation, and the day's ruler refuses to follow the killer. In this case, it is suitable to use Ji earth to muddy the Ren water and reduce its strength.

總之十月丙火，木旺宜庚，水旺宜戊，火旺用壬，隨宜酌用可也。

In general, for the丙 fire in October, one should treat what is excessive: if wood is strong, use庚 metal to cut wood; if water is strong, use戊 soil to control water; if fire is strong, use壬 water to reduce the heat—adjust according to each person's specific situation and choose accordingly.

時日月年：庚丙乙甲，寅戌亥申。時日月年：戊丙辛壬，子戌亥辰。時日月年：壬丙己辛，辰子亥巳。

The following three combinations are still listed horizontally as 'hour, day, month, year'. First combination: Jiashen year, Yihai month, Bingxu day, Gengyin hour - Jia and Yi wood transform Hai water to nourish Bing fire, and the hour stem Geng metal can cut wood, with wood, fire, water, and metal each in their proper positions, conforming to the meaning of 'Jia, Wu, and Geng appear on the stem'. Second combination: Renchen year, Xinhai month, Bingxu day, Wuzi hour - Xinhai metal appears on the stem, and Chen is a water reservoir, exactly the situation of 'Xin appears and meets Chen, combining and harmonizing at the right time'. The hour stem Wu earth can also control the water flow. Third combination: Xinsi year, Jihai month, Bingzi day, Renchen hour - Ren water appears on the stem and the water flow is very strong, the month stem Ji earth comes out to muddy the Ren water, which is exactly the type mentioned earlier 'it is suitable to use Ji earth to muddy Ren water'.

十一月丙火，冬至一陽生，弱中復強，壬水為最，戊土佐之。壬戊兩透，科甲可許，無戊見己，異路功名。或無壬水，有癸出干，得金滋無傷，又有丙透以解凍，可許衣衿。

In the eleventh month, the Month Builder is Zi. At the winter solstice, the first yang energy begins to emerge, and the Bing fire is at its weakest point but still shows a sign of renewed vitality, which is called "weakness turning into strength." The most important Useful God is Ren water, with Wu earth assisting to control the water. If both Ren and Wu are visible, one may be granted a scholarly official title. If there is no Wu earth but only Ji earth, the earth is muddy and weak, leading to an unconventional scholarly achievement. If there is no Ren water, but there is Gui water appearing on the surface, and it is nourished by metal without being harmed by earth, and if Bing fire also appears to melt the ice, one may be granted the title of a scholar.

或一派壬，則端用戊土，此人雖不成名，文章邁眾，但名利虛浮，何也，因戊晦光，又須甲木為藥也。或無壬水，癸亦可用，但不甚顯。或四柱多壬無甲，乃作棄命從殺，亦有云路。或水多、有甲、無戊，郤非從殺，宜用己土濁壬。十一月丙火，與十月頗同。

If there is a lot of Ren water in the chart, then Wu earth is needed to control it. Such a person may not achieve fame, but their writings will surpass others. However, both reputation and wealth will be superficial and not substantial. Why is this so? Because Wu earth controls the water but also obscures the light of Bing fire. Therefore, Jia wood is needed as a remedy, to both loosen the earth and transform the water into fire. If there is no Ren water, then Gui water can be used instead, but it will not bring great success. If there is a lot of Ren water in the four pillars without Jia wood to guide and transform it, then it is considered as 'abandoning the destiny to follow the killer'. Still, there is a path to success in the clouds. If there is too much water but there is Jia wood, yet no Wu earth, then Jia wood guiding and transforming will make the day's main element refuse to follow the killer. In this case, Ji earth should be used to purify the turbid Ren water. The use of丙 fire in the eleventh month is similar to that in the tenth month.

時日月年：庚丙庚辛，寅寅子亥。時日月年：癸丙庚辛，巳子子丑。時日月年：戊丙庚辛，子戌子酉。

The three generations are still listed horizontally as 'hour, day, month, year'. First generation: Xinhai year, Gengzi month, Bingyin day, Gengyin hour — water is strong and two Yins contain Jia wood which transforms water to nourish the self, although Geng metal is abundant, it is restrained by Yin fire, which is a case of excessive water with Jia wood. Second generation: Xinchou year, Gengzi month, Bingzi day, Guisi hour — the whole chart is full of metal and water, relying only on the hour branch Si containing Bing fire which sits on its own禄 to thaw the cold, meaning 'there must be Bing fire appearing to thaw the cold'. Third generation: Xinyou year, Gengzi month, Bingxu day, Wuzi hour — metal and water are both strong, the hour dry Wutu comes out to control water, which exactly matches the method of 'Ren and Wu both appearing'.

十二月丙火，氣進二陽，每雪欺霜，喜壬為用，己土司令，土多又不可少甲。壬甲兩透，科甲堪宜，甲藏則秀才而已；或無甲得一壬透，富中取貴。

The twelfth lunar month is Chou, and yang energy advances to two yangs. The Bing fire is already strong enough to despise the snow. This month still favors the use of Ren water; however, since the Ji earth rules in Chou month, too much earth would require the presence of Jia wood to disperse it. If both Ren water and Jia wood appear on the surface, it is suitable for academic success. If Jia wood is only hidden in the earth, it can only indicate a scholar. If there is no Jia wood but Ren water appears on the surface, one can still achieve prestige within wealth.

如見一派己土，不見甲乙，名假傷官，聰明性傲，名利虛浮。或一派癸水，得己出干，必主自創基業，若制伏太過，又取辛金作用，得見癸透，此人即不成名，必清雅文墨之士。

If there is a full set of Ji earth but no Jia or Yi wood to relieve it, the fire energy is completely drained by the earth, which is called 'false official'. In winter, earth is not in its proper season and Bing fire is not strong, hence it is called false. This person is intelligent but haughty in nature, and their fame and fortune are superficial and not substantial. If there is a full set of Gui water that is cold and damp, and Ji earth appears on the surface to control it, it will certainly indicate that one must start from scratch and build a foundation by oneself. If the earth controls too much and the water is completely stopped, then we take Xin metal as the useful element, allowing metal to generate water. If at this time Gui water also appears on the surface, even if the person cannot achieve fame, they will certainly be a refined scholar.

時日月年：癸丙己乙，巳申丑巳。時日月年：庚丙己乙，寅午丑丑。

The following two charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First chart: Yisi year, Jichou month, Bingshen day, Guisi hour — the month dry branch Ji soil is in command, and the hour dry branch Gui water is visible. The year and hour both have Si, which is the禄 of Bing fire. The year dry branch Yi wood dispels the soil. The cold and warmth are well balanced. Second chart: Yichou year, Jichou month, Bingwu day, Gengyin hour — two Chou soils are heavy, relying entirely on Yi wood to disperse the soil, the day sits on Wu fire to support the self, and the hour branch Yin wood generates and supports. This is exactly the principle of "too much soil, not enough wood".

時日月年：壬丙乙癸，辰午丑卯。時日月年：庚丙丁己，寅寅丑丑。時日月年：乙丙己乙，丑寅丑酉。

The following three configurations are still listed horizontally as 'hour, day, month, year'. First configuration:Guimao year,Yichou month,Bingwu day,Renchen hour—壬 and癸 both appear, with乙 wood in the heavens. Water is transformed by wood, earth is cleared by wood. The day is seated on午 fire, which serves as its root. This is similar to the configuration of丙 fire in the twelfth month where both壬 and甲 are visible. Second configuration:Jichou year,Dingchou month,Bingyin day,Gengyin hour—two丑 earths are heavy and obscure the light. Reliance is placed on two寅 which contain甲 wood to clear the earth, and丁 fire to support the body. Regrettably, there is no壬 water to reflect. Third configuration:Yiyou year,Jichou month,Bingyin day,Yichou hour—two乙 woods clear the earth,寅 wood supports the body. The丑 contains辛 and癸 hidden, belonging to the category that lacks壬 but relies on hidden metal and water for nourishment.

正月丁火，甲木當權，乃為母旺，非庚不能劈甲，何以引丁，姑用庚金。

In the first lunar month, the Earthly Branch is Yin, and Jia Wood is in power. For Ding Fire, this is a case of the mother being too strong, which burdens the son — the damp wood blocks the fire's path. Without Geng Metal to cut through the Jia Wood, there is nothing to ignite the Ding Fire. Therefore, for this month, we temporarily take Geng Metal as the useful element.

或一派甲木，無庚制之，非貧即夭。或只一甲木、多見乙木者，必離之客，焉問妻兒。或見甲乙，生庚子時，又主妻甲子早，宜可採芹。

If there are many Jia woods but no Geng metal to cut them, the wood will be excessive and the fire will be blocked, leading to either poverty and hardship or an early death. If there is only one Jia wood but many Yi woods, Yi wood is damp wood, which only darkens the fire. Such a person will certainly be someone who leaves home and wanders, and will not have a wife or children. If Jia and Yi woods appear and the person is born in the Gengzi hour, the Geng metal can cut the Jia wood, and the Zi water can moisten the wood. This indicates that the person will marry and have children early, and may also have the opportunity to pass the examinations.

得壬化木，弱極復生，合此必主大貴，但此化合，反以不見庚破格為妙。

If壬water combines with丁fire to transform into wood, and the weak 丁fire regains strength through this transformation, it signifies a new beginning, and such a pattern is sure to bring great fortune. However, since this pattern relies on the combination, it is actually better not to see 庚metal. If 庚metal appears, it will cut the wood, harming the transformed element and breaking the pattern.

或有庚金壬癸，得己出干制之，此命不由科甲，亦有異途。或一派壬癸，不得寅時，又無庚金，必主窮困。

If there are both Geng metal and Ren or Gui water in the pillars, the cold metal and water will both harm Ding fire. If Ji earth appears on the surface to control the water's strength, such a destiny may not come through the imperial examination system, but will have an alternative path. However, if the entire chart is full of Ren and Gui water, and one is not born in the寅 hour (where the middle hidden Bing fire can help Ding), and there is no Geng metal to transform and drain the water, then the water will be too strong and the fire will be extinguished, leading to poverty and hardship.

或丁年、壬月、丁日、壬時，男主大貴，女則不宜。此格以土為妻、金為子，但子女艱難。女命合此，淫賤，刑夫克子。

If the year is Ding, the month is Ren, the day is Ding, and the hour is Ren, the two Ding and two Ren form pairs that harmonize with each other, without conflict. For a male fate, this indicates great wealth and honor, but for a female fate, it is not suitable. This pattern uses earth as the wife star and metal as the son star, but the children are likely to face difficulties. A female fate that matches this pattern indicates a tendency towards immorality, and she will also harm her husband and have trouble with her children.

或支火局，無滴水解炎，僧道之命；見甲出略可，總不可無水，水多亦不宜。

If the Earthly Branches form a fire trinity and there is no drop of water to temper its intensity, this is the fate of a monk or a hermit. Although the appearance of Jia wood in the Heavenly Stems provides some support, it is still insufficient. Water is essential, but too much water is also undesirable, as it would extinguish the lamp entirely.

時日月年：壬丁戊庚，寅未寅辰。時日月年：癸丁庚辛，卯酉寅卯。

The first chart: Gengchen year, Wuyin month, Dingwei day, Rennyin hour. The heavenly stem of the year, Geng metal, splits the two Yin branches to bring out Jia wood, which supports Ding fire. The heavenly stem of the hour, Ren water, combines with the day's main stem, Ding fire. The heavenly stem of the month, Wu earth, controls the water, and the situation is harmonious. The second chart: Xinmao year, Gengyin month, Dingyou day, Guimao hour. The Geng and Xin metals split the wood to bring out Ding fire. However, the癸 water in the hour directly harms Ding fire. This is exactly the case mentioned earlier, where there is Geng metal and Ren and Gui water, and earth is needed to control the water.

二月丁火，溼乙傷丁，先庚後甲，非不能去乙，非甲不能引丁。庚甲兩透，科甲定然；庚透甲藏，亦有生貢；甲透庚藏，異路功名。

In the second month, the Earthly Branch is Mao, and Yi wood is in command. If there is an excess of wet Yi wood, it will harm Ding fire. Therefore, we first take Geng metal and then take Jia wood: without Geng metal, we cannot remove Yi wood; without Jia wood, we cannot ignite Ding fire. If both Geng and Jia are visible, success in the imperial examinations is certain. If Geng is visible and Jia is hidden, there is a chance of becoming a scholar or a recommended candidate. If Jia is visible and Geng is hidden, there is an alternative path to official rank.

或庚乙俱透，庚必輸情於乙，未免貪合，運行金水，一貧徹骨。或庚透乙藏，則不能貪合，乙反引丁，即用乙亦無害，運入木火之鄉，自然富貴。用乙者水妻木子。

If both Geng metal and Yi wood appear in the heavenly stem, Yi and Geng will form a harmonious relationship, and Geng metal will inevitably transfer its affection to Yi wood, thus becoming overly attached and neglecting its original function of removing wood. In such a case, if the person's fortune moves towards metal and water, they will become extremely poor. However, if Geng metal is visible in the heavenly stem while Yi wood is hidden in the earthly branches, the harmonious relationship cannot be formed. In this situation, Yi wood can actually serve as a helper for Ding fire. Therefore, even if Yi wood is used, there is no harm. If the fortune moves towards wood and fire, the person will naturally achieve wealth and status. For those who use Yi wood as their key element, water is considered the wife star and wood is considered the son star.

若盡是乙木，不見一甲，此人富貴不久，因貪致禍，弄巧反拙，且不能承先人之業。或支成木局，有庚透主清貴，不見庚者常人。二月乙木司權，必須有庚，有乙無庚，主貧苦無依。用庚者，土妻金子。

If the entire chart consists solely of Yi wood and there is no Jia wood at all, it is like having only damp firewood without any dry firewood. This person may achieve wealth and status, but it will not last long. They often bring misfortune through greed, end up making things worse through their attempts to be clever, and are unable to sustain the family legacy left by their ancestors. If the earthly branches form a wood局 (wood formation), and there is a Geng metal appearing above to cut and control it, it indicates a clear and noble status. If there is no Geng metal, then it is merely an ordinary person. In the second month, Yi wood is in charge, so Geng metal must be present. If there is Yi wood but no Geng metal, it indicates poverty and lack of support. For those who use Geng metal as their key element, the earth is considered the wife star and metal is considered the son star.

得印旺殺高，大富大貴。或一派水，無一戊制，主貧苦無依。或乙少癸多，有戊去制，反吉。用土者，火妻土子。

If the wood of the official star is strong and the water of the seven deadly stars is high, the deadly stars will nourish the official star, and the official star will nourish the self, forming a harmonious relationship, which leads to great wealth and honor. If the entire chart is full of water without any Wu earth to control it, the excess water will extinguish the fire, leading to poverty and lack of support. If there is little Yi wood but much Gui water, and Wu earth is present to control the Gui water, it becomes favorable. For those using earth as their key element, fire is considered the wife star and earth is considered the child star.

時日月年：丁丁乙戊，未巳卯子。時日月年：庚丁癸丁，子卯卯卯。時日月年：甲丁己庚，辰丑卯辰。

The following three combinations are still listed horizontally as 'hour, day, month, year'. First combination: Wuzi year, Yimao month, Dingsi day, Dingwei hour—Yi wood is in command and nourishes fire, the day's main element sits on Si and gains strength, the year's dry element Wu earth can control Zi water, but it is regrettable that there is no Geng metal to split the wood. Second combination: Dingmao year, Guimao month, Dingsi day, Gengzi hour—three Maos are for the official star, two Dings support the body, the hour's dry element Geng metal splits the wood and assists Ding, but it is regrettable that the dry element Gui water harms Ding. Third combination: Gengchen year, Jimao month, Dingshi day, Jiachen hour—Geng metal and Ji wood both appear in the dry elements, which perfectly matches the meaning of 'Geng and Ji both appearing', and Ji earth can drain fire and control water.

三月丁火，戊土司令，洩弱丁氣，先用甲木引丁制土，次看庚金。庚甲兩透，定主科甲；或一藏一透，終非白丁。

In the third month, the Month Builder is Chen, and Wu earth is in command. Earth drains the energy of Ding fire, weakening it, so first we use Jia wood. Jia wood both ignites Ding fire and疏ly controls thick earth, achieving two benefits at once. Then we consider Geng metal. If both Geng and Jia are visible, it certainly indicates success in the imperial examinations. If one is hidden and the other is visible, they will still not be common people.

或支成木局，取庚為先，得庚透，丁癸不透，亦有異路功名。或支成水局，加以壬透，名殺重身輕，必夭折天年，或遭凶死。或戊己兩透，廊廟之客；若一甲破土，定是常人。用甲者，水妻木子；用金者，土妻金子。

If the earthly branches form a wood situation and the印star is too strong, then we should first take geng metal to cut the wood. If geng metal appears on the heavenly stem, and ding fire and gui water do not appear to harm it, there may still be an unusual kind of official rank. If the earthly branches form a water situation and there is also ren water appearing on the heavenly stem, the killing star is too strong and the body is too weak, which will certainly lead to an early death or a violent death. If both wu and ji earth appear on the heavenly stem, they can both drain the strong water and generate metal, making it possible for someone to become a distinguished official. However, if there is a jia wood appearing to destroy the earth, then the person will certainly be an ordinary person. For those using jia wood as their main element, water is the wife star and wood is the son star. For those using geng metal as their main element, earth is the wife star and metal is the son star.

四月丁火乘旺，雖取甲引丁，必用庚劈甲，伐甲，方雲木火通明，甲多又取庚為先。但四柱忌見癸水，癸水一見，洩庚、溼甲、傷丁，故以癸為病。

In the fourth month, the Month Builder is Si, and Ding fire is in its strong position. Although it is still necessary to use Jia wood to nourish Ding fire, it is essential to use Geng metal to split the Jia wood and cut it into firewood, in order to achieve "wood and fire shining clearly." When there is an abundance of Jia wood, Geng metal should be used first. However, the four pillars most dislike the presence of Gui water: once Gui water appears, it drains the strength of Geng metal, soaks the Jia wood, and directly harms Ding fire, causing damage in three ways, so Gui water is considered the harmful element.

或癸水藏支，壬水出干制丙，不奪丁光，自是鴈塔題名，玉堂清貴。

If the癸 water is only hidden in the earth branch and does not appear, while the壬 water comes to the surface to control the丙 fire, preventing the丙 fire from taking away the light of the丁 fire, it naturally leads to success in the imperial examination tower and attains a clear and honorable position in the Jade Hall.

或有庚無甲，戊透天干，此為傷官生才，又取戊為用，必主富貴。戊土出干，不見甲乙，又不見水，是傷官傷盡，八字清高，但不大貴，亦不大富，見水多木多，定是常人。

If there is庚 gold but no甲 wood, and戊 earth appears on the heavenly stem, with fire generating earth and earth generating gold, this is called 'hurt official producing wealth', so we should take戊 earth as the useful god, which will surely lead to wealth and honor. If戊 earth appears on the heavenly stem, and there is no甲 or乙 wood to restrain earth, nor water to restrain fire, this is called 'hurt official completely restrained', the birth chart is clear and noble, but it will not result in great wealth or great fortune; if there is too much water and too much wood, the pattern becomes mixed, and one will certainly be an ordinary person.

或四柱多丙，不見壬癸，奪了丁光，此人貧苦。或丁年、巳月、丁巳日、丙午時，一丙不奪二丁，即不顥達，亦名播四鄰。故書曰：丁火陰柔一燭燈，太陽相見奪光明，柱中若見甲木透，定許身安福自臨。

If there is a lot of Bing fire in the four pillars and no Ren or Gui water to control it, the Bing fire will take away the light of the Ding fire, leading to poverty and hardship. However, if someone is born in a Ding year, with a Si month, a Ding day, and a Bingwu hour, there are two Ding fires facing one Bing fire. The single Bing fire cannot take away the light of the two Ding fires. Even if they do not achieve great success, their reputation will spread throughout the neighborhood. Therefore, the book of destiny says: Ding fire is gentle and weak, like a single lamp; when it meets the strong and bright Bing fire, its light is taken away. If there is Ji wood appearing in the pillars to support it, then the person will certainly have a secure life and happiness will naturally come to them.

時日月年：乙丁己甲，巳丑巳午。時日月年：乙丁癸辛，巳巳巳酉。

The two charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First chart: Jiawu year, Jisi month, Dingchou day, Yisi hour. The Jia and Yi wood nourish the Ding fire, while the Ji earth drains its vital energy. The day stem sits on Chou, which contains hidden metal and water, providing moisture. This is a case where the Ding fire in the fourth month is supported by Jia wood and earth. Second chart: Xinyou year, Guisi month, Dingsi day, Yisi hour. Three Si fire trines are strong, the year branch You metal is the wealth, but the month stem Gui water is a problem, which is exactly the harmful element for this month.

五月丁火，時歸建祿，不宜亂用甲木。遇年透隔位之壬，不貪丁合者，忠而且厚。或支成火局，干見火出，得庚壬兩透者，科甲定然；土透制壬，常人。即壬藏支中，亦非白丁，但要運行西北，方可發達。得一癸透，名獨殺當權，出人頭地。

In the fifth month, the Month Builder is Wu, and Ding fire is in its proper position, thus enjoying its own strength. It is not advisable to use Jia wood again to nourish it. If the year stem reveals a distant Ren water, because it is far away and does not combine with the day stem, it appears loyal and reliable. If the branches form a fire assembly and there is also fire in the heavens, the fire becomes too strong. At this time, if both Geng metal and Ren water are revealed, Geng metal brings the source of water and Ren water relieves the intense heat, then academic success is certain. If instead, soil is revealed to control the Ren water, then one will be an ordinary person. Even if the Ren water is only hidden in the branches, one will not be a commoner, but must travel through the Northwest metal and water regions to achieve success. If a癸 water is revealed alone, it is called "sole killer in command," and one can also rise to prominence.

若見寅辰亥卯字，化木生火，平常人物，豐衣足食，中年富，但刑剋子息，勞而無功。或丙午月、丁未日、辛亥時，亥中有壬制丙，不致貧苦；若丙午時，則滴水難救炎火，必主僧道；若年支見子，雖不科甲，亦有衣衿。

If the earthly branches include寅, 辰, 亥, or 卯, the wood energy is transformed and instead supports the fire, making the fire even stronger. This indicates an ordinary person who may have sufficient food and clothing and some wealth in middle age, but will suffer from conflicts with children and efforts without results. If the month is Bingwu, the day is Dingwei, and the hour is Xinhai, the hidden壬water in 亥 can control the 丙fire, thus avoiding poverty. However, if it is Bingwu for the hour, the entire chart is filled with intense fire without any water, which will inevitably lead to becoming a monk or a Taoist. If the year branch has 子water to冲午fire, although one cannot achieve success in the imperial examinations, they can still earn a modest living.

若干支無火局，有水透干，須用甲木，又要庚劈甲方明，木火通明，主大富貴。或木少火多，焚其木性，不能光透九霄，榮華不久。或生月是祿，支皆生旺合局，右以火出，無滴水解炎，乃身旺無依，孤貧之格，女必為尼，即運北地，反主凶危。用壬者，金妻水子；用甲者，水妻木子。

If the branches do not form a fire trinity but instead have water appearing in the heavenly stems to overcome Ding fire, then it is necessary to use Jia wood to transform the water and generate fire, and also to use Geng metal to break the Jia wood so that the fire becomes bright, forming the image of "wood and fire shining clearly," which indicates great wealth and honor. If there is little wood and too much fire, the fire will burn the wood completely, and the light will not reach the heavens, resulting in temporary success and not lasting prosperity. If the month is the Ding fire's strong position, the午 month, and the branches are all supportive and form a fire trinity, and the heavenly stems also have fire, but there is no water to temper the fire, this indicates a strong body without support, leading to a lonely and poor destiny. For women, this is particularly bad, and they are likely to become nuns. Even if such a person travels through northern water regions in their destiny, the conflict between water and fire will lead to danger. Those using Ren water as their key element will have metal as their spouse and water as their children; those using Jia wood as their key element will have water as their spouse and wood as their children.

時日月年：戊丁壬庚，申亥午午。時日月年：甲丁甲辛，辰未午巳。

The two charts are still listed horizontally in the order of "hour, day, month, year." The first chart: Gengwu year, Renwu month, Dinghai day, Wushen hour—two wu (earthly branches) support fire, while the monthly stem Ren water sits on Hai and gains strength, and the yearly stem Geng metal in Shen hour also gains growth, so the source is unbroken, which exactly matches the saying "Geng and Ren both appear." It is only regrettable that the hourly stem Wu earth comes to control the water. The second chart: Xinsi year, Jiawu month, Dingwei day, Jiachen hour—two Jia stems lead Ding, and fire is naturally strong, relying entirely on a single癸 water in Chen for moisture, forming a balanced but somewhat one-sided combination.

時日月年：甲丁戊癸，辰丑午卯。時日月年：乙丁甲丙，巳丑午寅。時日月年：癸丁甲丙，卯酉午子。

The three cases are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First case:Guimao year, Wuwu month, Dingchou day, Jiachen hour.癸 water appears in the year and 戊 earth is in the month, combining with it. The hour stem 甲 wood loosens the earth and protects the water. The useful god is between water and wood. Second case:Bingyin year, Jiawu month, Dingchou day, Yisi hour. 丙 fire takes the light, and wood comes to nourish fire, making the fire too strong. Only the hidden 丑 earth癸 water and 辛 gold can moisten it. Third case:Bingzi year, Jiawu month, Dingyou day, Guimao hour. The year branch 子 water conflicts with 午 fire. 癸 water appears in the hour to control 丙 fire. The day stem sits on 酉 gold, which is the source of wealth. This is exactly the situation mentioned earlier, "when one 癸 appears, the killer is in charge".

六月丁火，陰柔退氣，但值三伏生寒，丁弱極矣，專取甲木，壬水次之。若得甲出天干，支成木局，見亥中之壬，為木神有根，接引丁火，必然科甲；即不見木局，支見壬水，雖不大貴，亦有凌雲之氣，無庚不妙。

In June, the month builder is Wei. The Ding fire is Yin and soft, and it enters a period of decline, and during the three hot periods, it secretly generates cold, making the Ding fire extremely weak. Therefore, we specifically take Jia wood to generate and support it, and Ren water comes next. If Jia wood appears in the heavenly stem, and the earthly branches form a wood局, and there is also Ren water in Hai, the wood deity will have its root—water generates wood, and wood leads fire, with a continuous supply of support—this will certainly lead to academic success. Even if a wood局 is not formed, as long as there is Ren water in the earthly branches, although not of great fortune, there will still be a lofty spirit; but without Geng metal to split Jia wood, it will still be unsatisfactory.

或支成水局，見水透干，則溼木性，不能引丁，必為平常人。有甲透，有才幹；有庚透，無刑傷；若無甲木，假名假利。或年月日時，皆一派丁未之類，此為純陰，終無大用。用甲者，水妻木子。

If the earthly branches form a water trinity, and the heavenly stems also show water, there will be too much water which douses the wood, making the damp wood unable to support the Ding fire. Such a person will be ordinary. If there is Jia wood visible, it indicates some ability; if there is Geng metal visible, it can avoid punishment and injury. If there is no Jia wood at all, then fame and fortune will be false. If the year, month, day, and hour are all Dingwei, the entire chart is entirely yin with no trace of yang, and will ultimately have no great use. Taking Jia wood as the useful element, water is considered the wife star and wood is considered the son star.

時日月年：丙丁丁丁，午未未卯。時日月年：丁丁丁壬，未巳未子。

The two charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year." The first chart: Dingmao year, Dingwei month, Dingwei day, Bingwu hour—two Dingwei appear together, with three Ding stems and one Bing stem, and the卯wood supports the fire, which is exactly the "one pure Dingwei" described, a completely yin pattern, ultimately of no great use. The second chart: Renzi year, Dingwei month, Dingsi day, Dingwei hour—the year stem Ren water sits on Zi and combines with the month stem Ding fire, allowing fire to be nourished by water, which is better than the previous chart.

七月丁火，退氣柔弱，端用甲木。金雖乘旺司權，無傷丁之理，仍取庚劈甲，為引火之物；或借丙暖金曬甲，不慮丙奪丁光。凡兩丙夾丁者，夏月忌之，餘月不忌，但此格少年困苦刑剋，中年富貴，必要地支見水制丙，方妙。

In the seventh month, the month builder is Shen. The Ding fire is weak and lacks strength, so it needs Jia wood to generate and support it. Although metal is strong and dominant at this time, it does not harm Ding fire, because metal is the wealth that Ding fire controls, not something that harms itself. Therefore, we still use Geng metal to cut through Jia wood, providing support for the fire. We can also use Bing fire to warm the metal and dry the Jia wood, without worrying that Bing fire will take away the brightness of Ding fire. Whenever two Bing fires are on either side of a Ding fire, it is only disliked in summer months, but not in other months. However, this pattern usually leads to hardship in youth and many conflicts, and only in middle age does one achieve wealth and status. It is also necessary to have water in the earth branch to control the Bing fire, which would be ideal.

三秋甲庚丙並用，仍分優劣，何也？七月甲丙，申中有庚；八月甲丙庚皆用。七八月或無甲木，乙亦可用，為枯草引燈，郤不離丙曬也。九月端用甲庚，大抵甲一庚，乙不離丙，其理極明。或見甲庚丙皆透，必主科甲；無甲用乙者，富貴皆小，且富而不貴者多。

In the third month of autumn, the fire of Ding is used together with Jia wood, Geng metal, and Bing fire, but among them there is still a distinction of superiority and inferiority. In the seventh month, only Jia wood and Bing fire are used, because Geng metal is already hidden in Shen, so there is no need to seek it separately. In the eighth month, Jia wood, Bing fire, and Geng metal are all required. If there is no Jia wood in the seventh or eighth month, Yi wood can be used instead, but this is like using dry grass to light a lamp, and it still depends on Bing fire to dry it. In the ninth month, the main use is Jia wood and Geng metal. Generally, there should be one Jia for each Geng, and if Yi wood is used, it cannot do without Bing fire. This principle is very clear. If Jia, Geng, and Bing all appear in the heavenly stem, it will certainly indicate a high official position. If there is no Jia wood but Yi wood is used, then wealth and status will be limited, and it is more likely to be rich but not prominent.

或一重壬水，又多見癸水，必以戊土為制，自然富貴光輝。或一派庚金，名才多身弱，主富屋貧人，妻多主事。或壬多洩庚，丁壬化殺，反成富貴；若庚多無壬，奔流下賤。

If there is a single壬 water and many癸 waters, the water becomes strong and overcomes fire, so it is necessary to use戊 earth to control it, thus achieving wealth and brightness. If the whole chart is filled with庚 gold as wealth, it is called 'wealth abundance but body weakness', indicating a poor person living in a good house, with the wife managing the household. If there are many壬 waters to drain the strength of庚 gold, and丁 and壬 combine to transform the seven deadly enemies into something beneficial, it can lead to achieving wealth and honor. If there is a lot of庚 gold but no壬 water to connect and balance it, the wealth becomes too strong without control, leading to a life of wandering and low status.

時日月年：戊丁丙辛，申丑申亥。時日月年：戊丁丙辛，申卯申亥。時日月年：丙丁丙辛，午酉申卯。時日月年：丙丁甲庚，午未申辰。

The following four combinations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First combination: Xinhai year, Bingshen month, Dingchou day, Wushen hour — the month dry branch Bing fire warms the metal and dries the Jia wood, while the year branch Hai water can control the Bing fire, which exactly fits the saying "it is good for the earth branch to have water to control the Bing fire". Second combination: Xinhai year, Bingshen month, Dingmao day, Wushen hour — this differs from the first combination only in the day branch, where Mao wood is the official of Ding, and it further supports the fire. Third combination: Xinhai year, Bingshen month, Dingyou day, Bingwu hour — two Bing fires surround Ding, the day master sits on You which is the wealth, and the hour branch Wu is the official, with Mao wood nourishing the self, belonging to the category of two Bing fires surrounding Ding. Fourth combination: Gengchen year, Jiashen month, Dingwei day, Bingwu hour — the dry branch has Ji wood, Geng metal sits on Shen, and Bing fire is in the hour, with Ji, Geng, and Bing all present, which is the best configuration for Ding fire in July.

或八月一派辛金，不見庚金，又無比劫，比棄命從才，富而且貴，雖不科甲，亦有異途。從才者水為妻，不克，有正偏；木為子，不刑。

If someone is born in August and has a full set of Xin metal in the chart, without any Geng metal, and no help from a fellow element or a thief element to support the day's main element, and the day's main element has no root, this is considered 'abandoning the destiny to follow wealth' (the original text's 'bi' should be 'ci'). Such a person will be both rich and noble, even if they do not pass through the imperial examination system, they can still achieve success through other means. Those with the 'following wealth' pattern take water as the wife star; if the wife star is not harmed, both the main wife and secondary wife are present. They take wood as the son star; their children will not suffer from harm or injury.

或九月一派戊土，洩丁火之氣，不見甲木，為傷官傷盡，非尋常可比。或甲木透出，為文書清貴，秋闈可奪。用甲者，庚不可少，水妻木子。

If someone born in September has a full set of Wu earth, it drains all the energy of Ding fire. If there is no Jia wood to overcome the earth, this is called 'injury to the official star' and its status is not ordinary. If Jia wood appears on the surface to control the earth and protect itself, then it becomes a clean and noble official, capable of winning the top rank in the autumn examination. For those using Jia wood as their key element, Geng metal is essential—without Geng metal, Jia wood cannot be cut into firewood. This pattern takes water as the wife star and wood as the son star.

時日月年：庚丁己壬，戌亥酉午。時日月年：辛丁己丁，亥丑酉未。時日月年：壬丁丙庚，寅未戌午。時日月年：丙丁甲己，午卯戌亥。

The first combination: Renwu year, Jiyou month, Dinghai day, Gengxu hour—Xin gold is in command in the You month and Geng gold is also visible in the hour stem, so the wealth is very strong; the year stem Ren water is the official, and Ji earth both drains fire and controls water, belonging to the type where wealth is strong but the body is weak in August. The second combination: Dingwei year, Jiyou month, Dingchou day, Xinhai hour—Xin gold is visible in the hour as wealth, Ji earth drains the refined essence, and both Ding stems have roots in Wei, so it is between following and not following. The third combination: Gengwu year, Bingxu month, Dingwei day, RENYIN hour—Wu earth is in command in September, and the Yin contains hidden Methane wood which is used to loosen the earth, Bing fire warms the body while Ren water controls Bing, and the combination is harmonious. The fourth combination: Jihai year, Jiaxu month, Dingmao day, Bingwu hour—Jia wood is visible in the stem to loosen the Xu earth, the day sits on the Mao print, and the hour sits on the Wu禄, which is exactly the pattern of 'Jia wood appearing, indicating a clear and noble official position'.

三冬丁火微寒，端用庚甲。甲乃庚之良友，凡用甲木，庚不可少，無庚無甲，何能引丁，難云木火通明。冬丁有甲，不怕水多金多，可稱上格。甲庚兩透，科甲分明；見己則否，己多合甲，則為常人。

In the winter months, the weak and cold Ding fire needs the assistance of Geng metal and Jia wood. Jia wood is a good companion for Geng metal, as Geng metal is suitable for cutting Jia wood. Therefore, whenever Jia wood is used as a key element, Geng metal is essential. If both Geng and Jia are missing, what can be used to ignite the Ding fire? Then the concept of "wood and fire shining brightly" cannot be achieved. In the winter month, as long as there is Jia wood, the Ding fire is not afraid of excessive water or metal, and this is considered an excellent pattern. If both Geng and Jia are clearly present in the heavens, success in officialdom is certain. However, if there is already Ji soil, it is not good, as Ji soil tends to bind Jia wood, thus the key element is restricted, and the person will be ordinary.

或一丙奪丁，必賴支內水救。若有支金發水之源，官拜烏臺有準；金無癸水制丙，無用之徒。或有金無水，貧寒之士；有火無金，又主清高。

If there is a Bing fire that competes with the Ding fire's brightness, it must rely on water in the earth branches to save the situation. If there is metal in the earth branches to generate water, then water has a source, and the person will certainly hold an official position as a censor at the Imperial Court. If there is only metal but no Gui water to control the Bing fire, then it is useless. If there is metal but no water, the person is poor and humble. If there is fire but no metal, then the person is characterized by being refined and lofty.

或時月二壬爭合，取戊破之，有戊稍有富貴，無戊常人；設戊藏得所，不失衣衿。或二丙奪丁，得年干有癸，支下帶合，金水得所，亦必顯達，納粟奏名，必驗。

If both the heavenly stem of the hour and the heavenly stem of the month are壬 water, competing to harmonize with丁, then take out 戊 earth to overcome one of them. Those with 戊 earth may attain some wealth and status, while those without it remain ordinary people. If 戊 earth is hidden in the earthly branches but in a proper position, it still ensures a basic livelihood. If two 丙 fire stems compete to take the light of 丁, and the heavenly stem of the year has 癸 water to control 丙, and in the earthly branches there is harmony, along with gold and water in their proper positions, one will certainly achieve success, obtaining an official title through contributions of grain. This pattern has been consistently verified.

時日月年：辛丁癸癸，亥亥亥亥。時日月年：庚丁丁乙，戌未亥卯。時日月年：丁丁癸癸，未丑亥丑。時日月年：癸丁丁庚，卯卯亥戌。

The following four combinations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First combination: Guihai year, Guihai month, Dinghai day, Xinhai hour— all four pillars are entirely Hai water, with two Gui wood appearing on the surface, the killing force is extremely heavy and the body is very weak, and there is no Jia wood to transform it, which is exactly the worst situation for Ding wood in winter. Second combination: Yimao year, Dinghai month, Dingwei day, Gengxu hour— Yimao wood is born to support the body, Geng metal in the hour can cut the wood, Geng and Jia are both present, which belongs to the upper grade of Ding wood in winter. Third combination: Guichou year, Guihai month, Dingchou day, Dingwei hour— two Gui wood kill Ding wood, and there is no Jia wood, relying entirely on Chou and Wei earth to control water and fellow pillars to support the body. Fourth combination: Gengxu year, Dinghai month, Dingmao day, Guimao hour— two Mao wood serve as the official to nourish Ding wood, Geng metal can cut the wood, although Gui water harms Ding wood, there are fellow pillars to protect it.

或仲冬水多癸旺，金無比印，此作棄命從殺，亦有異途功名。見丁比出干，難合格局，常人，且主骨肉浮雲，六親流水；戊出破癸，頗有兄弟妻兒。此格用戊，火妻土子；用甲，水妻木子。

If in the middle of winter there is an abundance of water and the癸water is very strong, and although there is metal in the pillar, there are no identical siblings or印stars to support the day stem, this is considered as 'abandoning the destiny to follow the killer', and there may still be unusual achievements in officialdom. If the丁fire identical sibling appears on the surface, and the day stem has support but refuses to follow others, the pattern cannot be formed, and it is just an ordinary person, with family members coming and going like floating clouds, and the six relations moving like flowing water. If the戊earth appears to overcome and break the癸water, it is better for brothers and children. In this pattern, those who take戊earth as the useful star use fire as the wife star and earth as the son star; those who take甲wood as the useful star use water as the wife star and wood as the son star.

或四柱多丙丁，又用癸制火。用癸者金妻水子。三冬丁火，甲木為尊，庚金佐之，戊癸權宜酌用可也。

If there are too many Bing and Ding in the four pillars, fire becomes excessive and becomes a problem, so癸 water is needed to control the fire. For those who use癸 water, metal is the wife star and water is the son star. In general, for Ding fire in winter months, the most important is Jia wood, and Geng metal serves as an assistant. As for Wu earth and Gui water, their use should be considered according to the overall situation.

時日月年：甲丁己庚，辰酉丑午。時日月年：甲丁己戊，辰未丑子。時日月年：乙丁癸壬，巳巳丑辰。時日月年：甲丁辛辛，辰卯丑卯。

The following four combinations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First combination: Gengwu year, Jichou month, Dingyou day, Jiachen hour— the hour stem Jiamu supports Ding, the year stem Gengjin cuts Jiamu, Jitu drains the fire, which perfectly matches the meaning of "Geng and Ji both appear". Second combination: Wuzi year, Jichou month, Dingwei day, Jiachen hour— two soils drain the fire, Jiamu in the hour loosens the soil and also supports the self, Zi water is the killer but is controlled by soil. Third combination: Renchen year, Guichou month, Dingsi day, Yisi hour— Ren and Gui both appear to suppress Ding, entirely relying on the two Si for the禄 and Yimu supporting Ding. Fourth combination: Xinmao year, Xinchou month, Dingmao day, Jiachen hour— two Mao and one Jiamu are all印 stars, abundant wood to support Ding, two Xin are wealth and Chou contains hidden metal, the self and印 mutually support each other. The month branches of these four combinations are all Chou, which is actually an example of the twelfth month, listed here to clearly show the method of using Ding fire in winter.

五行之土，散在四維，故金木水火依而成象，是四時皆有用有忌者。火死酉也，水旺子也，蓋土賴火運，火死則土囚；土喜水才，水旺則土虛。土得金火，方成大器。土高無貴，空惹灰塵；土聚則滯，土散則輕。

In the Five Phases, earth is distributed among the four branches of Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei. Therefore, metal, wood, water, and fire all depend on earth to take form. Because of this, earth is useful in all four seasons, yet it is also subject to忌 in every season. Fire dies in You, while water is strong in Zi. Earth relies on fire to nourish it, but when fire reaches its end in You, earth becomes confined. Earth also depends on water as its wealth, but when water is strong in Zi, it erodes earth, making it thin and weak. Earth needs both metal and fire—fire to generate it and metal to shape it into form—to become great. If earth is merely piled high without proper combination, it is not valuable and only gathers dust. If earth is concentrated in one place, it becomes stagnant; if it is scattered, it becomes light and weak.

辰戌丑未，土之正也，分陰分陽，主則不同。辰有伏水，未有匿木，滋養萬物，春夏為功；戌有藏火，丑有隱金，秋火冬金，肅殺萬物。土聚辰未為貴，聚丑戌不為貴，是土愛辰未而不愛丑戌也明矣。若更五行有氣，人命逢之，田產無比，晚年富貴悠悠。

The Earthly Branches Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei are the positions of Earth. Among them, some are yin and some are yang, and each has different governing elements. Chen contains hidden water, and Wei contains hidden wood. Water and wood nourish all things, so the Earth in Chen and Wei becomes effective in spring and summer. Xu contains hidden fire, and Chou contains hidden metal. Fire and metal are dominant in autumn and winter, which are times of clearing and killing, so the Earth in Xu and Chou becomes effective in autumn and winter. Earth is considered valuable when it gathers in Chen and Wei, but not when it gathers in Xu and Chou. This shows that Earth prefers Chen and Wei over Xu and Chou. The reasoning is clear. If other Five Phases also have strength, a person's destiny with such a configuration will have abundant land and property, and prosperity that lasts into old age.

若土太實無水，燥則不和；無木則不疏通。土見火則焦，女命多不生長。土旺四季，惟土困弱。戌多為人好鬥，多瞌睡；辰未人好食，丑人清省。丑為艮土，有癸水能潤而膏，人命遇此，主能卓立。

If the earth is too thick and lacks water, it becomes overly dry and cannot be harmonized; without wood to loosen it, it becomes stagnant and unventilated. When earth meets fire, it cracks and dries up, which is unfavorable for women's fertility. Although earth is strong in all four seasons, if it becomes too strong, it becomes self-constrained and weak. Those with many戌 in their earthly branches tend to be quarrelsome and lazy. Those with many辰 or未 tend to be fond of eating. Those with many丑 tend to be simple and efficient. The branch丑 belongs to the earth of the艮 direction, which contains癸 water, making the earth moist and fertile. If a person's destiny includes this, they are likely to establish their own household and achieve success.

春月之土：生於春月，其勢虛浮，喜火生扶，惡木太過，忌水氾濫，喜土比助，得金而制木為祥，金太多仍盜土氣。夏月之土：夏月之土，其勢燥烈，得盛水滋潤成功，忌旺火煆煉焦坼，木助火炎，水克無礙，金生水泛，妻才有益，見比肩蹇滯不通，如太過又宜木克。

In the spring month, the earth is weak because the wood is strong and it overcomes the earth, making the earth's strength floating and weak. Therefore, it is favorable to have fire to generate and support the earth, and it is disliked to have excessive wood. Water flooding is also to be avoided, as it washes away the earth. It is favorable to have similar earth to assist. If metal can control the wood, it is auspicious, but too much metal will steal the earth's strength. In the summer month, the earth is dry and fierce, so it needs abundant water to moisten it. It is most disliked to have strong fire that burns and cracks the earth. Wood at this time only helps the fire, while water, which is needed, does not harm the earth. Metal can generate water and make the water strong, which is beneficial for wife and wealth. If there is a similar earth, it causes blockage and stagnation. However, if the earth is indeed too strong, it is better to use wood to control it.

秋月之土：秋月之土，子旺母衰，金多而耗盜其氣，木盛須制伏純良，火重重而不厭，水泛泛而不祥，得比肩則能助力，至霜降不比無妨。冬月之土：冬月之土，外寒內溫，水旺才豐，金多子秀，火盛有榮，木無咎，再加比肩扶助為佳，更喜身主康強足壽。

Autumn soil: In autumn, metal is strong and soil is weak, which is like a child being strong while the mother is weak; too much metal will consume and steal the soil's strength. If wood is strong, it needs to be restrained to become pure and good. Fire, however, being abundant is not disliked. Water, on the other hand, being excessive is not auspicious. If there is a helper of the same kind, it can be beneficial, but after the frost begins, the soil naturally becomes strong again, so helpers are not necessary. Winter soil: In winter, the soil is cold on the outside but warm inside. Abundant water indicates rich resources, abundant metal suggests outstanding descendants, and strong fire signifies honor and success. Even if wood comes to restrain it, it is not a problem. Adding helpers is even better, and especially if the main element is strong, it indicates a long life.

辰戌丑未，四土之神，惟未土為極旺，何也？辰土帶木氣克之，戌土之土帶金氣洩之，此三土雖旺而不旺，故土臨此三位，金多作稼穡格，不失中和。若未月土，則帶火氣也，帶火以生之，所以為極旺也。若土臨此旺未月，見四柱土重，多作火炎土燥，不可作稼穡看。但臨此月之土，見金結局者，不貴即富也。書曰：土逢季月見金多，終為貴論，而在未月尤甚。

Among the four earthly branches representing earth deities—Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei—only Wei earth is most vigorous. Why? The earth in Chen contains wood energy which restrains earth, and the earth in Xu contains metal energy which drains earth (the same applies to Chou). Although these three earths are called vigorous, they are not truly strong. Therefore, when earth is present in these three branches, if there is an excess of metal, it can be considered as the "Cultivation and Harvest" pattern, maintaining balance. However, earth in Wei month is accompanied by fire energy, which nourishes earth, making it extremely strong. If earth is present in the most vigorous Wei month and there is a heavy concentration of earth in the four pillars, it is usually considered as "fiery and dry earth," and should not be regarded as the "Cultivation and Harvest" pattern. However, if earth is born in this month and meets metal to form a favorable configuration, the metal can release the brilliance of the strong earth, leading to wealth even if not to high status. The classic texts state that when earth is found in the four seasonal months of Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei with an excess of metal, it is ultimately considered as a noble pattern, especially in the month of Wei.

三春戊土，無丙照暖，戊土不生；無甲疏劈，戊土不靈；無癸滋潤，萬物不長。正二月先丙後，癸又次之；三月先甲後丙，癸又次之，因戊土司權故也。有甲、丙、癸三者齊透，必主一品當朝；或二透一藏，亦登金榜；二藏一透，也可異途。

In the spring months, the earth element Wu (戊土) requires warmth from Bing fire to become active; without Jia wood to break it down, Wu earth becomes rigid and unresponsive; without Gui water to nourish it, all things cannot grow. In the first and second lunar months, Bing fire should be prioritized, followed by Jia wood, and Gui water comes third. In the third lunar month, Jia wood should be prioritized first, then Bing fire, with Gui water coming third—because in the third month, Wu earth is in its own ruling position, and the earth is too thick, so loosening the earth is more urgent than warming the environment. If all three—Jia, Bing, and Gui—appear in the heavenly stems, the person will surely hold a high official position and serve in the imperial court. If two are visible and one is hidden, they can still pass the imperial examination. If two are hidden and one is visible, they may still achieve success through alternative paths.

正二月即有甲癸，若無丙除寒，如萬物生而不長，故無丙者，富貴艱辛。或有丙無甲癸者，名日春旱，如萬物生而厄，無甲癸者，一生勤苦，勞而無功。或一丙火，有甲久癸，先泰後否。或支成火局，不見壬癸，僧道孤貧；癸透者貴，壬透者富。

In the first and second months, even if there is Jia wood and Gui water, without Bing fire to dispel the cold, it is like all things being born but not growing, so those lacking Bing fire will find it very difficult to achieve wealth and status. If there is Bing fire but no Jia wood or Gui water, it is called 'spring drought,' like all things being born only to face hardship; such a destiny is one of constant toil with little reward. If there is only Bing fire, with Jia wood present but Gui water absent, it indicates a period of initial prosperity followed by blockage. If the earthly branches form a fire trinity and there is no Ren or Gui water, the fire and earth become dry and fierce, indicating a destiny of poverty and isolation as a monk or hermit. If Gui water appears, it indicates wealth; if Ren water appears, it indicates prosperity.

用水者要審水之多少。或一派甲木無丙，常人，得一庚透方妙。或支成水局，甲又出干，又有庚透，富貴雙全。或無庚金，又無比印，難作從殺，定主遭凶，不然，必為盜賊；若日下坐午，不得善終。

When using water as a key element, one must first examine the amount of water: if there is too much, it needs to be controlled; if there is too little, it needs to be supported. If there are many Jia wood elements but no Bing fire, it is merely an ordinary person; at this point, having a Geng metal element appearing above ground to control the wood is most favorable. If the earthly branches form a water trinity and Jia wood also appears above ground, along with Geng metal appearing, then water nourishes wood, metal controls wood, and wood also loosens the earth—this leads to both wealth and honor. If there is neither Geng metal nor a similar element to support the day stem, and if there are many official or killer elements while the day stem is isolated, and it is not possible to follow the killer principle, it will certainly lead to misfortune; otherwise, it will inevitably result in becoming a thief. If the day stem is seated on Wu (the horse), and the body is strong but refuses to yield, it will certainly not end well.

或一派乙木，為官殺會黨，即有庚從，郤難制乙。此人內奸外直，口是心非。加一甲在內，無庚，必懶惰自甘，好食無厭。或丙多甲多，宜以癸庚參用。

If there are many Yi wood in the chart, the official star and the seven deadly stars form a group, and even if there is Geng metal to support, the Geng metal will be eager to combine with Yi wood, thus failing to control the Yi wood. Such a person appears upright on the outside but is cunning inside, speaking one thing and thinking another. If there is also a Jia wood present without Geng metal to restrain it, this person will inevitably be lazy, greedy for food, and indulgent. If there is a lot of Bing fire and Jia wood, the fire will be dry and the wood will be abundant. In this case, we should use Gui water and Geng metal together—Gui water moistens the dryness, and Geng metal controls the wood.

三月戊土司令，不見丙甲癸者，愚而且賤。毋癸透者科甲，兩癸透者生員，甲癸俱藏者只可云富，有癸異途。

In the third month, theWu Earth is in command, indicating very thick earth. If there is no 丙 fire, 甲 wood, or 癸 water, the person will be both foolish and lowly. If only one 癸 water is visible, there is hope for academic success. If two 癸 waters are visible, one can only become a local scholar. If both 甲 wood and 癸 water are only hidden in the earth branches, one may be wealthy. If only 癸 water is present, one may rise to prominence through an unconventional path.

若丙多無癸，旱田無水，不能種苗，舊谷已沒，新穀未登，此先富後貴之造。或火多有壬透者，先貧後富，癸透先賤後榮，壬藏不過食足，癸藏不過名傳，即此亦須運美。或支成火局，得癸透者，富貴天然，壬透富貴辛苦，何也，癸乃天上甘霖，壬乃江河波浪，所以有勞逸之殊。

If there is an excess of Bing fire but no Gui water, it is like a dry field without water, unable to plant seedlings. The old grain has already been consumed, and the new grain has not yet arrived, which is called 'first wealth then honor' (according to the meaning, it should be 'first wealth then poverty'). If there is an excess of fire but Ren water is visible, it is 'first poverty then wealth'; if Gui water is visible, it is 'first lowly then honor'. If Ren water is only hidden in the branches, it can only provide enough food and clothing; if Gui water is only hidden in the branches, it can only bring a little reputation. Even so, it still requires good fortune. If the branches form a fire trinity, and Gui water is visible, then wealth and honor come naturally; if Ren water is visible, then wealth and honor must be earned through effort. Why? Gui water is heavenly rain that falls in season naturally; Ren water is the waves of rivers, which require people to draw it up — hence the difference between ease and toil.

支成木局，又甲乙出干，此名官殺會黨，官殺無去留之義。得一庚透，掃除官殺，亦主富貴；無庚乃淺薄之人，宜用火洩木氣。有一命，丁未、癸卯、戊寅、乙卯，癸丁透干，加以戊癸化火，將甲木暗，反得武科探花。

The earthly branches form a wood situation, and the heavenly stems also have wood, which is called "official and killer mixed together"—the true official and seven killers are mixed together, so it is not possible to determine which one remains. At this time, if a庚 gold appears, it can remove both official and killer, which indicates wealth and honor. If there is no庚 gold, then it is a shallow person, and one should instead use fire to release the wood energy and transform the day master. There is a case: born in the year of Dingwei, month of Guimao, day of Wuyin, and hour of Yimao. The癸 water and丁 fire both appear in the heavenly stems, and the戊 and癸 combine to form fire, secretly transforming the energy of the甲 wood in the寅, and thus he became a scholar of the military examination and ranked first in the imperial examination.

或木多無比印透，作從殺而論，亦富貴。或有比印，端看癸透，取癸而成貴格；無癸、無火、無金，名為土木自戰，主腹主疾病，憂愁艱苦。用甲者，水妻、木子；用丙者，木妻、火子。丙寅，庚寅，戊辰，庚申，丙癸。

If there are many woods but no helpful heavenly stems or earthy branches to support the day master, it is considered as 'following the killer' (from杀), and one can still achieve wealth and honor. If there are helpful heavenly stems or earthy branches present, and the day master refuses to follow others, then we look for the presence of癸 water: using癸 water to moisten the earth and nourish the wood, and to balance the elements in the middle, it becomes a noble pattern. If there is no癸 water, fire, or metal, the wood and earth will fight against each other, called 'self-conflict between earth and wood', which indicates illness in the abdomen and a life full of worries and hardships. If甲 wood is used as the main element, then water is the wife star and wood is the son star. If丙 fire is used as the main element, then wood is the wife star and fire is the son star. Another example: Bingyin year, Gengyin month, Wuchen day, Gengshen hour, with丙 fire and癸 water as the main elements.

時日月年：丙戊乙癸，辰寅卯未。時日月年：壬戊乙癸，子寅卯未。時日月年：壬戊癸辛，子寅卯卯。時日月年：甲戊戊己，寅寅辰未。

The following four combinations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First combination:Guiwei year,Yimao month,Wuyin day,Bingchen hour—wood is strong and overcomes earth, the hour stem丙 fire warms, the year stem癸 water moistens, with both丙 and癸 present, this is exactly the proper method forWu Earth in the first and second months. Second combination:Guiwei year,Yimao month,Wuyin day,Renzi hour—both壬 and癸 are visible, water is strong, wood is also in command, earth is weak and there is no丙 to warm, which is worse than the previous combination. Third combination:Xinmao year,Guimao month,Wuyin day,Renzi hour—two卯 and one寅, official and killer stars are united, the year stem辛 gold can control wood,壬 and癸 moisten earth, the use of elements is between gold and water. Fourth combination:Jiwei year,Wuchen month,Wuyin day,Jiayin hour—three earths are present, the two寅 contain甲 wood which is visible in the hour stem to loosen earth, this exactly matches the meaning of "first use甲 then use丙" forWu Earth in the third month.

四月戊土，陽氣發升，寒氣內藏，外實內虛，不畏火炎。無陽氣相催，萬物不長，故先用甲疏劈，次取丙癸為佐。丙透甲出，廊廟之材；丙癸俱透，科甲之士；即透一位，支藏得所，終非白丁。

In the fourth month, the Month Builder is Si. Yang energy rises on the surface while cold energy retreats inward. The Wu earth is solid on the outside but hollow inside, so it does not fear intense fire. However, without Yang energy to stimulate it, all things cannot grow. Therefore, we first use Jia wood to break through the thick earth, then take Bing fire and Gui water as assistants—Bing fire stimulates its growth, and Gui water moistens its dryness. If both Bing fire and Jia wood appear on the surface, it indicates a person of great ability, suitable for high office. If both Bing fire and Gui water appear, it indicates a scholar of high rank. Even if only one of them appears, but the others are well hidden in the Earthly Branches, he will still not be a common person.

若一派丙火，為火炎土燥，僧道之流；得一癸透壬藏，功名有準，或支藏癸，衣食充足，但骨肉多刑。化合成局無破，富貴非輕。或支成金局，干出癸水，此為奇格，正是土潤金生，即不為桃浪之客，定有異路恩榮。此用癸水，金妻水子。

If there is a full set of Bing fire in the chart, the fire is intense and the earth is dry, indicating a person who may become a monk or a Taoist. At this time, if there is a Gui water appearing on the surface and a Ren water hidden in the branches, success in officialdom is assured. If the Gui water is only hidden in the branches, then there will be enough food and clothing, but there may be many injuries and conflicts among family members. If the Wu and Gui combine to form a complete pattern without any damage, then wealth and honor are not light. If the branches form a metal pattern and the heavenly stem has Gui water, this is a special pattern, perfectly matching the principle of "moist earth produces metal." Even if one does not pass the imperial examination, there will certainly be special honors and recognition. This pattern uses Gui water as the key element, with metal as the wife star and water as the son star.

時日月年：丙戊癸辛，辰午巳亥。時日月年：丁戊丁癸，巳午巳丑。

The two cases are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First case: Xinhai year, Guisi month, Wuwu day, Bingchen hour. The month stem癸water has the year branch亥water as its root, and the hour stem丙fire warms it. Both 丙and 癸are visible, which is the proper combination for the Wu earth in the fourth month. Second case: Guichou year, Dingsi month, Wuwu day, Dingsi hour. There are two Dings and two Sis, resulting in intense fire and dry earth. Although there is the year stem癸water, it is isolated and rootless, which is the same as the previous mention of "a whole series of Bing fire".

五月戊土，仲夏火炎，先看壬水，次取甲木，丙火酌用，用癸力微。壬甲兩透，名君臣慶會，自然桃浪先聲，權高位顯；又得辛透年干，官居一品。一命，辛未、甲午、戊寅、壬子，壬甲兩透，印旺殺高，出將入相，名播四夷。

In the fifth lunar month, the month builder is Wu, and it is the height of summer when fire is intense and the earth is scorched. Therefore, we first look for Ren water to relieve the intense heat, then take Ji wood to loosen the earth, and Bing fire is only used as a secondary consideration. As for Gui water, its strength is too weak to accomplish great things. When both Ren water and Ji wood appear in the heavens, it is called "the sovereign and minister celebrate together"—Ji wood acts as a killer and Ren water as wealth, and the sovereign and minister are in harmony. Naturally, they will achieve success in the imperial examination first, and their authority will be high and prominent. If the heavenly stem of the year also reveals Xin metal to generate water, they can hold a top official position. There is a case: Xinwei year, Jiawu month, Wuyin day, Renzi hour. Both Ren water and Ji wood appear in the heavens. The印 (imperial seal) in Wu is strong, and the killer from寅 and Ji is high. They will become generals and ministers, and their fame will spread throughout the land.

若支成火局，即透癸水，不能大濟，是一杯水濟車薪火也。人命合此，即好學不倦，亦能成名，且主目疾。若得壬水出干，則此非比。又或土木重重，全無滴水，僧道孤貧之輩。用壬者，金妻水子。

If the earthly branches form a fire configuration, even if the癸water appears, it cannot save the situation; it is like trying to put out a cartload of burning fire with just a cup of water. For a person's destiny, even if they study diligently and tirelessly, they may achieve fame, but it indicates eye diseases. If the壬water appears on top, the river and lake waters are not comparable to a single cup of water. If there is a lot of earth and wood but no water at all, it indicates a person who is poor and isolated, like a monk or a Taoist. For those who use壬water, metal is the wife star and water is the son star.

六月戊土，遇夏乾枯，先看癸水，次用丙火甲木。癸丙兩透，科甲中人；或有癸無丙，見甲可許秀才，無甲略富；或有丙無癸，假道斯文，衣食頗足；或癸透辛出，以刀筆之才，可謀異路；無癸丙者，常人；若又無甲，下賤之輩。

In June, the Month Builder is Wei, and after going through the summer, the earth has become dry. Therefore, we should first look for Gui water to moisten it, and then use Bing fire and Jia wood. If both Gui water and Bing fire are visible, the person is of the rank of those who pass the imperial examinations. If there is Gui water but no Bing fire, and Jia wood is present to loosen the earth, he may become a scholar. If there is no Jia wood, he may have some means. If there is Bing fire but no Gui water, he may pretend to be scholarly, but his livelihood is sufficient. If Gui water is present along with Xin metal, and metal and water mutually generate, he may have the talent for legal affairs and achieve an unusual status. If neither Gui water nor Bing fire is present, he is an ordinary person. If there is also no Jia wood, he is of low status.

或土多得一甲出，不見庚辛，為人作事軒昂，性情謹慎，即不顯揚，亦文章驚世。用癸者，金妻、水子；用丙者，木妻、火子；用甲者，水妻、木子。

If there is too much earth and a Jia wood appears in the heavenly stem to疏 it, and there is no Geng or Xin metal to overcome the Jia wood, this person will have an imposing and confident demeanor, yet be cautious and meticulous in nature. Even if they do not achieve great success or fame, their writings will be remarkable. For those using癸 water as their main element, metal is the wife star and water is the child star; for those using丙 fire as their main element, wood is the wife star and fire is the child star; for those using甲 wood as their main element, water is the wife star and wood is the child star.

時日月年：癸戊己戊，丑辰未戍。時日月年：辛戊己戊，酉午未申。時日月年：丁戊癸庚，巳子未子。

The following three generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First generation: Wuxu year, Jiwei month, Wuchen day, Guichou hour—almost all four pillars are earth, with only the hour stem Gui water providing some moisture, which exactly matches the idea of "first look for Gui water" in June for Wu earth, but it is unfortunate that there is no Jia wood to loosen the earth. Second generation: Wushen year, Jiwei month, Wuwu day, Xinyou hour—earth is heavy and the beauty of the earth is released by Shen and You metal, and metal can also generate water, belonging to the path of earth being moistened and metal being generated. Third generation: Gengzi year, Guiwei month, Wuzi day, Dingsi hour—Gui water appears on the surface, two Zi waters as roots, Geng metal originates, water is abundant and Ding fire can warm the situation, the combination is most balanced.

七月戊土，陽氣漸入，寒氣漸出，先丙後癸，甲木次之。丙癸甲透者，富貴極品；癸藏丙透，不僅秀才；丙申兩透，癸水會局藏辰，亦不失富貴；無丙得癸甲透，此人清雅，家富千金；無癸甲者，常人，有丙火，妻腎子肖；若丙甲癸三者俱無，下流之命。

In the seventh month, the Month Builder is Shen. Yang energy gradually retreats inward, while cold energy gradually emerges outward. Therefore, we first take Bing fire, then Gui water, and Jia wood comes next. If Bing, Gui, and Jia all appear clearly, the person will achieve the highest level of wealth and status. If Gui water is hidden but Bing fire appears, the person will not be limited to just becoming a scholar. If Bing fire and Jia wood both appear, and Gui water forms a hidden combination within Chen, the person will not lack wealth and status. If there is no Bing fire but Gui water and Jia wood appear, the person is refined and elegant, and will have wealth equivalent to a thousand gold pieces. If neither Gui nor Jia appear but only Bing fire is present, the person is ordinary, but his wife is virtuous and his children are well-behaved. If none of Bing, Jia, and Gui appear, then it is a lowly fate.

或支成水局，休作棄命從才，宜取甲洩之，甲透者，稍有富貴。用神妻子同前。

If the earthly branches form a water trinity, although the wealth is strong, one should not hastily apply the concept of 'abandoning the destiny to follow wealth'—there is still residual earth qi from the original Wu earth in the seventh month and the day master may not be truly weak. Instead, one should take Jia wood to release the water energy and also to loosen the thick earth. If Jia wood appears above, there may be some wealth and honor. The selection of the useful god and the wife and son stars follows the same method as mentioned earlier.

時日月年：壬戊戊壬，午辰申寅。時日月年：癸戊甲庚，丑寅申寅。時日月年：丙戊丙辛，辰子申酉。

The three generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year." First generation:Renyin year, Wushen month, Wuchen day, Renwu hour — two ren waters are wealth, yin wood in寅 is a killer, shen and chen form an implicit water trinity, and the hour branch wu fire can warm the body, which is exactly the case of "branches forming a water trinity, taking jia wood to release it." Second generation:Gengyin year, Jiashen month, Wuyin day, Guichou hour — jia wood appears on the surface to loosen the earth, and the hour has gui water to moisten, geng metal is the source of water, with jia and gui both appearing but no bing fire, belonging to the category of "without bing fire but with gui and jia appearing, the person is refined and elegant." Third generation:Xinyou year, Bingshen month, Wuzi day, Bingchen hour — two bing fires illuminate and warm, shen, zi, and chen form a water trinity, and both bing fire and gui water are present, which is the top configuration for wu earth in July.

八月戊土，金洩身寒，賴丙照暖，喜水滋潤，先丙後癸，不必木疏。丙癸兩透，科甲中人；丙透癸藏，可許入泮；癸透丙藏，納資得官；若丙藏又無癸，即多不透，此皆常人；癸丙全無，奔流之客。

In the eighth month, the Month Builder is You, and Xin metal is in charge. Metal alone drains the earth's energy, making the earth colder, so it is necessary to rely on Bing fire to warm it up, and also to welcome water for nourishment. The selection of useful gods should prioritize Bing fire first, then Gui water. At this time, the earth is not thick, so there is no need to use wood to loosen it. If both Bing fire and Gui water are visible, the person is of the rank of those who pass the imperial examinations. If Bing fire is visible but Gui water is hidden, the person may be admitted to study. If Gui water is visible but Bing fire is hidden, the person may obtain an official position through donation. If Bing fire is only hidden and there is no Gui water, even if other heavenly stems and earthly branches are numerous, they do not reveal the useful gods, and the person is just an ordinary person. If both Bing fire and Gui water are absent, the person is a wanderer without a fixed place.

或四柱皆辛，無丙丁，此名傷官格為人清秀，即不能拾芥，亦可武庠，一見癸水，富而且貴。或支成水局，壬癸出干，此名才多身弱，愚懦無能，若天干有比劫分散才神，頗言衣食。用神妻子同前，秋土生金極弱，須丙火丁火出干方妙。

If all four pillars are辛 metal and there is no丙 or丁 fire, this is called the 'Wounding Official Pattern', and the person is refined and elegant; although they may not easily attain official rank, they can enter the study of martial arts. When癸 water appears to assist the wounding official, they will become both rich and noble. If the branches form a water trinity and壬 or癸 water also appears in the heavens, this is called 'excessive wealth with a weak body', and the person is foolish and timid with no ability; if there are siblings or rivals in the heavens to scatter the wealth star, they may still manage to have enough food and clothing. The selection of the useful god and the wife and son stars is the same as before. In summary, the earth in autumn only produces metal, becoming extremely weak, and it is essential to have丙 or丁 fire appearing in the heavens to generate and support it, which is most appropriate.

九月戊土當權，不可專用丙，先看甲木，次取癸水，郤忌化合。見金先用癸水，後取丙火，配合支干，方成有生之土，定發雲程。

In the ninth month, the Month Builder is戌. TheWu Earth is in its own position and is strong, so the soil is already thick and heavy. Therefore, it is not advisable to rely solely on Bing Fire to generate it. First, we should use Jia Wood to loosen the soil, and then take Gui Water to moisten it. We should be cautious of the combination of戊 and癸, which can transform into fire. Once this transformation occurs, the Useful God changes. If there is metal in the column, the metal drains the soil and further weakens it. In this case, we should first use Gui Water (as metal and water generate each other and moisten the soil), and then take Bing Fire to warm it up. Only when the heavenly stems and earthly branches are properly combined can we form a living and vital soil, ensuring a bright and upward future.

或無丙有癸，不見甲透者，衣衿小富；無癸丙，有甲者，衣食而已；若癸甲全無，雖有丙火，亦屬平常，或為僧道。或支成水局，壬癸透干，用戊止流，有比透反主富。支成火局，名土燥，不發。得金水兩透，此人清高，略可富貴；無水，一生困苦，妻子仝前。

If there is no Bing fire but there is Gui water, and no Jia wood appears, it indicates only a small amount of wealth and a modest living. If there is no Gui water and no Jia wood, but only Bing fire, it is considered ordinary, and the person may become a monk or Taoist. If the earth branch forms a water group and both Ren and Gui water appear on the heavenly stem, the wealth is excessive but the body is weak, so Wu earth is used to stop the water flow. At this time, if the person has a fellow stem appearing, it will actually indicate wealth. If the earth branch forms a fire group, it is called "dry earth," resulting in a barren land that cannot flourish. If both metal and water appear, the earth becomes moist and the metal is refined, indicating a person of high moral character who may achieve some wealth and status. If there is no water at all, the person will live a difficult and troubled life. The method of determining the spouse and child stars is the same as before.

時日月年：丙戊甲己，辰辰戌酉。時日月年：癸戊庚丁，亥戌戌亥。

The two charts are still listed horizontally in the order of "hour, day, month, year." First chart: Jiyou year, Jiaxu month, Wuchen day, Bingchen hour. The month stem Jia wood opens and thins the thick earth, the hour stem Bing fire warms and brightens, the You metal releases its brilliance, which perfectly matches the principle of September "first look at Jia wood." Second chart: Dinghai year, Gengxu month, Wuxu day, Guihai hour. Two Hai waters are the wealth, Gui water appears in the hour to moisten the dry earth, Geng metal thins the earth and generates water, Ding fire in the year warms the chart, which is a type of "when seeing metal, first use Gui water, then take Bing fire."

時日月年：壬戊戊丙，子寅戌戌。時日月年：乙戊庚丁，卯寅戌酉。時日月年：己戊戊丙，未辰戌子。

The following three generations are still listed horizontally as 'hour, day, month, year'. First generation:Bingxu year, Wuxu month, Wuyin day, Renzi hour —— earth is heavy and the hidden 甲 wood in 寅 is weak and sparse, the hour stem 壬 water is the wealth, the year stem 丙 fire warms and supports, the combination is still balanced. Second generation:Dingyou year, Gengxu month, Wuyin day, Yimao hour —— 乙 wood is in the hour, 寅 and 卯 form a square, the official and killing stars loosen the earth, 庚 metal controls the wood, 丁 fire nourishes the self, the selected elements are between wood and fire. Third generation:Bingzi year, Wuxu month, Wuchen day, Jiwei hour —— the whole chart is heavy with earth and there is no 甲, only the year branch 子 water is a bit of wealth, exactly like the previous statement 'without 癸 and 甲, although there is 丙 fire, it is still ordinary'.

十月戊土，時值小陽，陽氣略出，先用甲木，次取丙火。非甲，土不靈；非丙，土不暖，安能發生萬物。甲丙兩出，富貴中人。或甲得長生，遇支藏得地之水，一丙高透，亦主身貴揚名，支見庚金，入泮而已。

In the tenth month, the month builder is Hai, which is the time of "small yang spring," when yang energy begins to slightly emerge. In this month, we first use Jia wood, then take Bing fire: without Jia wood, the earth becomes stagnant and unresponsive; without Bing fire, the earth becomes cold and unwarmed, and how could it generate all things? If both Jia and Bing appear in the heavenly stems, it indicates a person of wealth and status. If Jia wood is precisely in the position of Hai and gains growth, and the earth branches also contain water that nourishes it, while Bing fire is clearly visible in the heavenly stems, it indicates a person in a high position and famous throughout the world; but if the earth branches contain Geng metal that harms Jia wood, then it only leads to academic success.

若不見庚金，甲木藏支，丙火高透，科甲有之。若有庚，丁出制，必異路功名，或為典吏。即庚丁不透，甲丙藏支，亦云富貴。壬透得戊救丙，主富中取貴；丙甲俱無，必為僧道。

If the metal of Geng is not present to harm the wood of Jia, although the Jia wood is only hidden in the earthly branches, if the fire of Bing is high and appears in the heavenly stem, there is hope for academic success and official rank. If the metal of Geng is present, then the fire of Ding must come out to control it, which usually leads to an unusual path to official rank or a minor official position. Even if neither the metal of Geng nor the fire of Ding appears, as long as the wood of Jia and the fire of Bing are hidden in the earthly branches, it can be considered as wealth and honor. If the water of Ren appears to overcome the fire of Bing, and the earth of Wu comes out to save the fire of Bing, it indicates gaining honor from wealth. If neither the fire of Bing nor the wood of Jia is present, the cold earth has no ability to produce or to disperse, and one will become a monk or a Taoist.

時日月年：戊戊癸癸，午辰亥卯。時日月年：庚戊辛壬，甲寅亥申。時日月年：丙戊丁乙，辰戌亥卯。

The following three generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First generation:Guimao year, Guihai month, Wuchen day, Wuwu hour —— two癸 are wealth and water is strong,卯 contains 乙 wood to loosen earth, the hour branch 午 fire warms the body, the same zodiac supports, belonging to the category of 戊 earth being weak in October and preferring fire and earth. Second generation:Renshen year, Xinhai month, Wuyin day, Gengshen hour (the original hour branch is written as "甲", which should be a mistake for "申") —— metal and water are too strong, and 甲 wood and 丙 fire in 寅 save the situation, which exactly fits the saying "without 甲 earth it is not effective, without 丙 earth it is not warm". Third generation:Yimao year, Dinghai month, Wuxu day, Bingchen hour —— 乙 wood is in the year, and 丙 and 丁 are both visible, containing the meaning of 甲 and 丙, which is a better combination for 戊 earth in October.

十一二月嚴寒冰凍，丙火為尊，甲木為佐。丙甲兩透，桃浪之人；丙出甲藏，采芹食□；丙藏甲出，佐雜前程；有丙無甲者，豪富；有甲無丙者，清貧；丙甲全無，下流之造。

In November and December, the weather is severe and freezing, and the earth element Wu (戊土) becomes frozen. Therefore, Bing fire (丙火) is the most important, and Jia wood (甲木) serves as an assistant—first to thaw the frozen earth, then to loosen the soil. If both Bing fire and Jia wood are visible in the heavens, the person will achieve success in the imperial examination. If Bing fire is visible in the heavens and Jia wood is hidden in the branches, the person can enter the government school and receive a stipend. If Bing fire is hidden in the branches and Jia wood is visible in the heavens, the person can only attain a minor official position. If there is Bing fire but no Jia wood, the person will be wealthy. If there is Jia wood but no Bing fire, the earth remains frozen, and the person will be poor. If there is neither Bing fire nor Jia wood, the person's fate is lowly.

或一派丙火，加以丙透，運值火土，弱中復強，又一壬透干，主清高榮祿，乏壬，僧道孤寒。或一派水土寒滯，不見一丙，得一癸透月時，亦不失儒雅風流。

If the chart is filled with Bing fire and there is also Bing fire appearing in the heavenly stems, and the fortune progresses through a fire and earth environment, the day master will change from weakness to strength; at this time, if there is a Ren water appearing in the heavenly stems as wealth, the person will be noble and upright, enjoying honor and official rank; if this Ren water is missing, and fire and earth accumulate without any use, it indicates a life of poverty and hardship, like a monk or a hermit. If the chart is full of water and earth, cold and stagnant, and there is no Bing fire at all, but there is a Gui water appearing in the month or hour stem (water may be cold, but it prevents the qi from being completely frozen), it is still possible for the person to be refined and graceful, a man of literary charm and elegance.

或一派壬水，不見比劫，可作從才而論；即有比劫，得甲出干，又主富貴。若寒土無丙，雖有甲木，亦是內虛外實之人。或二癸透月時，名為爭合，終屬勞碌之人；得一己出干制癸，反為忠義之士，合己從人而論。年月透辛金者，又屬土金傷官，異路功名可許，以金為妻，水為子。

If the chart is full of Ren water but there is no visible fellow element or劫财, the day master has no root, and it can be considered as 'following wealth'. Even if there are fellow elements or劫财 present, as long as Jia wood appears on the surface to loosen the earth and control the fellow elements, it indicates wealth and honor. If the cold earth lacks Bing fire, even with Jia wood loosening it, the person is only strong on the outside but hollow inside. If both the month and hour stems reveal Gui water to combine with the day master, this is called 'competing for combination', and the person will ultimately be hardworking. At this time, if Ji earth appears on the surface to control Gui water, it becomes a loyal and righteous person, and can be analyzed according to the principle of 'combining with Ji to follow others'. If the stem of the year and month reveals Xin metal, this belongs to the 'earth and metal official' pattern, which may allow for an unconventional official position. Metal is the wife star, and water is the son star.

時日月年：壬戊壬壬，子子子子。時日月年：癸戊乙癸，丑申丑卯。時日月年：戊戊甲戊，午辰子寅。

The following three combinations are still listed horizontally as ‘hour, day, month, year’. First combination: Renzi year, Renzi month, Wuzi day, Renzi hour — all four pillars are Renzi, with the day stem entirely lacking root, which is exactly the case of ‘a single stream of Ren water, no rivals or helpers, suitable for following the wealth’. Second combination: Guimao year, Yichou month, Wushen day, Guichou hour — two Guis are revealed in the month and hour, which is exactly the ‘competing for union’ mentioned in the text. The Mao and Yi wood loosens the earth while the Shen gold reveals its beauty, cold and damp with no Bing. Third combination: Wuyin year, Jiazi month, Wuchen day, Wuwu hour — the Jia wood appears on the surface to loosen the soil, the Yin and Wu form an invisible fire pattern to thaw the soil, with many rivals, which is a combination where the Wu earth in November and December receives warmth and looseness.

正月己土，田園猶凍，蓋因臘氣未除，餘寒未退，故丙為尊，得丙照暖，萬物自生。忌見壬水，反為己病，何也？壬乃江湖之水，湖水一發，則田園洗盪，變為沙土，而根苗盡沒矣。

In the first lunar month, the Month Builder is寅 (Yin). Ji (己) earth is the field soil, but at this time the fields are still frozen because the cold from the previous month has not yet disappeared and the remaining cold has not receded. Therefore, Bing (丙) fire is most esteemed: with Bing fire to illuminate and warm, all things naturally begin to sprout. This month most fears seeing Ren (壬) water, as Ren water becomes the illness of Ji earth. Why? Ren is river and lake water. Once the lake water rises, it washes away the fields, turning them into a stretch of sandy soil, and the roots of the crops are completely submerged.

須戊作堤，以保園圃。壬多要見戊制，有戊出干者，定主玉堂金馬；若乏制戊，必屬平常。

Therefore, there must be Wu earth to build a dike and protect this garden. If there is abundant Ren water, it is essential to have Wu earth to control it; if Wu earth appears in the dry branch, it indicates the person will enter the Jade Hall and be listed among the Golden Horses, symbolizing a prominent official or distinguished literary figure. If this controlling Wu earth is missing, then the person will be ordinary.

或一派甲木，有庚出干，加以癸丙齊透，配得中和，亦名利雙全。即丙生寅月，庚透天干，亦有俊秀。若甲多無庚，殘疾廢人，宜用丁洩。

If there are many Jia wood elements in the chart and they are all considered official killing elements that restrain the self, but there is Geng metal appearing on the heavenly stem to control the wood, and also Jiui water and Bing fire both appear on the heavenly stem, then Bing fire warms the situation, Jiui water moistens it, and Geng metal cuts the wood. This combination is balanced and harmonious, leading to both fame and fortune. Even if Bing fire is born in the寅 month and gains strength, and Geng metal appears on the heavenly stem, the person is considered to have refined talent. If there is an excess of Jia wood without Geng metal, and the official killing elements are not restrained, then the person is considered disabled or useless. In such a case, it is better to use Ding fire to release the wood's energy and transform the killing elements into a beneficial force for the self.

或一派火，即不見水無礙，何也？正月己土溼，必丙燥暖，反主厚祿。加一癸透，科甲自然；戊透，反作常人。或一派戊土，有甲出制，又主榮顯；如見乙出，雖多不能疏土，且乙多者奸詐小人。用丙者，木妻，火子。

If the entire chart is filled with fire, even without water there is no harm, why? In the first lunar month, the earth is damp and cold, so it needs the fire of Bing to warm and dry it up. Therefore, too much fire actually indicates a thick fortune. If at this time there is also癸 water appearing, the dryness and moisture balance each other, and success in the imperial examination is natural. But if instead, the earth of Wu appears, it will cause competition and take away wealth, and also fail to resolve the coldness, resulting in an ordinary person. If the entire chart is blocked by Wu earth, and there is 甲 wood to疏 and control it, it indicates honor and prominence. If 乙 wood appears, 乙 is soft wood, even if there is a lot of it, it cannot move the thick earth. Moreover, people with a lot of 乙 wood are often cunning and dishonest. For those who take Bing fire as their main element, wood is the wife star, and fire is the son star.

二月己土，陽氣漸升，雖禾稼未成，萬物出土，田園未展，先取甲木疏之，忌合，次取癸水潤之。甲癸出干，定主科甲；加以一丙出透，勢壓百僚；一見壬水，微末官職。

In the second month, the Month Builder is the branch of Mao, and yang energy is gradually rising. Although the grain crops have not yet matured, all things have already begun to sprout from the earth. However, the fields are still not fully developed, so first we take Jia wood to loosen the soil. But we must avoid Jia and Ji being in harmony, for if they do, the Jia wood will not loosen the soil but instead transform it into earth. Next, we take Gui water to moisten it. If both Jia and Gui appear in the heavens, it will surely indicate success in the imperial examinations. If further a Bing fire appears in the heavens, providing warmth, loosening, and moisture all together, the situation will be powerful enough to surpass all officials in the court. However, if Ren water floods and overflows the fields, it will only result in a minor official position.

或見庚制甲，壬水出干，比劫重重，此必俗子；丙透猶有小富，丙藏衣祿無虧。或支成木局，庚透富貴；若柱多乙木，乙又屈庚，庚必輸情於乙，不能掃邪於正，此必狡詐之徒，運入東南，恐有不測，當用丁洩之，有丁者，小人而已，不致無良。

If the庚 metal overcomes the甲 wood, and the壬 water appears on the surface to muddy the field, with the same destiny and劫财 appearing repeatedly, this person is certainly a commoner; however, if the丙 fire is visible, there may be some small wealth, and if the丙 fire is only hidden, he will still have enough clothing and food. If the earthly branches form a wood局, and the official star or killer star becomes strong, and the庚 metal appears to control the wood, then he will achieve wealth and honor. If there are many乙 woods in the column and the乙 wood restrains the庚 metal—since乙 and庚 are in harmony—the庚 metal will certainly give way to the乙 wood in affection and will not be willing to remove evil forces and support the righteous for the day master—such a person must be cunning and deceitful. If he meets the southeast wood and fire in his fortune, there may be unexpected dangers. At this time, it is appropriate to use the丁 fire to release the wood's energy. If there is a丁 fire, he will still be a small person, but not bad to the point of being completely wicked.

無比印，從殺者貴。若柱中無甲丙癸者，皆下格，妻子用神仝前。

If the column does not contain a fellow element or an official star to support the day master, the day master will be isolated and weak, and it is appropriate to abandon the destiny and follow the killing star, which may lead to high status and prominence. If there is neither Jia wood, Bing fire, nor Gui water in the column—earth is neither drained, nor warmed, nor moistened—this is considered a low-ranking pattern. The method for selecting the spouse star, offspring star, and useful god is the same as before.

時日月年：庚己乙癸，午巳卯卯。時日月年：乙己乙癸，丑巳卯卯。

The following two cases are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First case:Guimao year, Yimao month, Jisi day, Gengwu hour —— two moos and one yi, the official and killer form a party to restrain the earth, fortunately the hour stem geng metal controls the wood, the day branch si and hour branch wu fire warm the earth and nourish the self, exactly matching the meaning of "a whole series of jia wood, with geng appearing on the stem". Second case:Guimao year, Yimao month, Jisi day, Yichou hour —— the wood is heavier than the previous case but there is no geng metal to control it, relying only on the jing fire in si to warm the situation, the combination is weaker.

三月己土，正栽培禾稼之時，先丙後癸，土暖而潤，隨用甲疏。三者俱透天干，必官居黃閣；或三者透一，科甲定然，但要得地，郤以庚金為病。

In the third month, the Earthly Branch is Chen, which is the proper time for planting grain. Therefore, first take Bing fire and then Gui water, so that the soil is both warm and moist. Then use Jia wood to loosen the soil. If Bing, Gui, and Jia all appear in the heavenly stems, the person will certainly hold a high official position and be a prime minister. If only one of these three appears, the person will certainly achieve success in the imperial examinations, but this one must be rooted in the earth branches. This pattern, however, considers Geng metal as a problem, because once Geng metal appears, it will harm the Jia wood which loosens the soil.

或有丙甲無癸，亦可致富，但不貴顯；或有癸而無甲丙，亦有衣衿；或有丙癸無甲，亦係才人；丙癸全無，流俗之輩。或一片乙木，無金制伏，貧而且夭也。妻子仝前。

If there is Bing fire and Jia wood but no Gui water, the soil is warm enough to loosen the earth, but lacks some moisture, so one may become wealthy, but not achieve high status. If there is only Gui water but no Jia wood or Bing fire, one can earn a modest living. If there is Bing fire and Gui water but no Jia wood, there is sufficient warmth and moisture, but insufficient looseness, making one a person of talent. If there is neither Bing fire nor Gui water, one is merely an ordinary person. If the entire chart consists of Yi wood without any metal to control it, the soft wood becomes entangled and the earth's energy is blocked, resulting in poverty and a short life. The method for determining the spouse and children stars is the same as before.

時日月年：丙己甲壬，寅卯辰子。時日月年：甲己壬辛，子巳辰未。時日月年：壬己甲壬，申卯辰子。

The first combination: Renshi year, Jiachen month, Jimao day, Bingyin hour. Jia wood appears on the surface to loosen the earth, Bing fire in the hour warms the earth, and the year's branch Zi contains癸water to moisten the earth. Jia, Bing, and Kui are all present, which is the best pattern for earth in the third month. The second combination: Xinwei year, Renchen month, Jisi day, Jiazi hour. Jia wood loosens the earth, Kui water in the hour moistens the earth, and Bing fire in the branch Si warms the earth. The only drawback is that Ren water appears on the surface and Xin metal is used to generate it, making the water too strong. The third combination: Renshi year, Jiachen month, Jimao day, Renshen hour. Two Ren waters as wealth, and the water is very strong. Jia wood loosens the earth, Shen metal drains the earth and generates water. The only regret is the lack of Bing fire.

三夏己土，雜氣才官，禾稼在田，最喜甘沛，取癸為要，次用丙火。夏無太陽，禾稼不長，故無癸曰旱田，無丙曰孤陰。

In the summer months, theJi Earth (Ji Earth) in the destiny is often accompanied by miscellaneous qi (energy) of wealth and official positions. It is like crops growing in the field, which most greatly benefit from timely and abundant rain. Therefore, the癸 water (Gui Water) is most essential, and if that is not available, then the丙 fire (Bing Fire) is the next best choice. However, if there is no sun in summer, the crops will still not grow well. Without癸 water, it is called 'dry field'; without丙 fire, it is called 'solitary yin'—both are indispensable.

或丙癸兩透，又加辛金生癸，此富貴之格，名水火既濟，鼎甲之人，郤忌戊癸化合。或有丙無癸，有壬亦可，但不大發。

If both Bing and Gui are visible, and further supplemented by Xin metal to generate Gui water, the water source remains continuous, which is a prosperous and noble pattern called 'Water and Fire in Harmony', capable of achieving the highest rank. However, it is only to be avoided if Wu earth combines with Gui water to transform into fire, as once transformed, the gentle rain becomes fire, and the pattern is ruined. If there is Bing fire but no Gui water, one may fall back on Ren water instead, but the achievement will not be great.

或一丙火烈土，加以丁火制辛，癸水無根，如七八月之間旱，則苗槁矣，此命孤苦零丁。或有甲木，又見丙火重重，無濟水解炎，亦孤貧到老。

If a Bing fire scorches the earth to a fierce degree, and then a Ding fire comes to control the Xin metal, cutting off the source of water, the Gui water becomes rootless water—just like during the seventh and eighth months when there is a severe drought and all the crops wither—this kind of fate is lonely and pitiful. If there is Jia wood present to generate fire, and there is also heavy Bing fire, yet no water to temper the heat, it leads to the same fate of being poor and isolated throughout life.

如有壬水，又見庚辛，此又不作孤看，但恐目疾，心腎肝臟之災。若壬水有根，辛金得地，又非此而論。或壬癸並出，破火潤土，此人聰穎特達，富中取貴，又轉禍為福也。用癸者，金妻，水子；用丙者，木妻，火子。

If there is Ren water and also Geng or Xin metal to generate it, then it cannot be considered as being alone and suffering, but one should be cautious of possible eye diseases, as well as ailments of the heart, kidney, and liver. If the Ren water has a root and the Xin metal is well positioned, the water will be strong and stable, and even this concern does not need to be considered. If both Ren and Gui water appear in the heavens, they will break the fire and moisten the dry earth, making the person exceptionally intelligent and capable of achieving high status from wealth, thus turning misfortune into good fortune. For those using Gui water as their main element, metal is the wife star and water is the child star; for those using Bing fire as their main element, wood is the wife star and fire is the child star.

時日月年：戊己己己，辰巳巳巳。時日月年：辛己辛乙，未巳巳巳。時日月年：庚己辛乙，午巳巳丑。時日月年：乙己癸丙，亥亥巳申。

The following four combinations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First combination: Jisi year, Jisi month, Jisi day, Wuchen hour—three Jisi appear together, with fire and earth extremely dry and hot, no water at all, exactly like "no Gui water means dry land". Second combination: Yisi year, Xinsi month, Jisi day, Xinwei hour—two Xin elements drain earth and generate water, but the water does not appear on the surface, still lacking moisture. Third combination: Yichou year, Xinsi month, Jisi day, Gengwu hour—Geng and Xin both appear, and there is hidden Gui water and Xin metal in Chou, metal can generate water, which is more moist than the previous two combinations. Fourth combination: Bingshen year, Guisi month, Jihai day, Yihai hour—Gui water appears on the surface, Shen metal originates, two Hai waters serve as roots, and Bingshen fire warms the whole structure, which exactly matches the meaning of "Bing and Gui both appear, plus Xin metal generating Gui water", it is a path of Ji Ji (Hexagram 63) where water and fire are in harmony.

三秋己土，萬物收藏之際，外虛內實，寒氣漸升，須丙火溫之，癸水潤之。不特此也，且癸能洩金，丙能制金，補土精神，則秋生之物咸茂矣，癸先丙後。

In the third month of autumn, the earth element of Ji is at its peak, when all things are being gathered and stored. The earth appears hollow on the outside but is solid within. The cold energy gradually rises, so we need Bing fire to warm it and Ren water to moisten it. Moreover, in autumn the metal is strong, and it drains the earth's energy. Ren water can dissipate the metal energy, while Bing fire can restrain the metal energy. By dispersing and controlling the metal, the earth's vitality is replenished, and the crops grown in autumn flourish. The order of selection is first Ren water, then Bing fire.

丙癸兩透，雁塔題名。或無癸，有兩丙透者，異途顯達，或武職權高。或有丙火，不見壬癸，為假道斯文，終無誠實。或有壬癸無丙者，衣食充足，才能而已。

If both Bing and Gui are visible, the person can achieve success in the imperial examination and attain a high official position. If there is no Gui water but two Bing fire are visible, the person may achieve prominence through an unconventional path or through a military career with high authority. If only Bing fire is present and there is no Ren or Gui water, the fire is dry and not moist, indicating a person who pretends to be scholarly but lacks genuine integrity. If there is Ren or Gui water but no Bing fire, the water is moist but not warm, meaning the person will have sufficient food and clothing but only moderate ability.

或支成金局，癸透有根，此人家畜萬緡，富中取貴。或支四庫，甲透者富，乏甲者孤貧。或甲出無癸乏金，積德可全科甲。或會火局，無水救，乃大奸大惡之徒。

If the earthly branches form a metal formation and the癸water is visible with a root, metal generates water and water moistens earth, this person will have great wealth and can attain honor from prosperity. If the earthly branches include all four earth repositories (辰, 戌, 丑, 未), the earth is too heavy, and if 甲wood is visible to loosen the earth, it indicates wealth; if 甲wood is missing, then the person will be poor and isolated. If 甲wood appears on the surface but there is no 癸water and no metal, as long as the person accumulates virtue, they can still maintain academic success. If the earthly branches form a fire formation without water to save, the fire and earth will be dry and hot, indicating a person of great wickedness and evil.

或丙透癸藏，遇金頗有選援，加一壬輔，富貴慷慨，有賢聲；見戊透者，主遭凶厄且貧。八月支成金局，無丙丁出救，此人零丁孤苦；如得丙透丁藏，生己元神，此人名魁天下，五福完人。總之三秋己土，先癸後丙，取辛輔癸；九月土盛，宜甲木疏之，餘皆酌用。

If the Bing fire appears on the heavenly stem and the Gui water is hidden in the earthly branches, and then metal comes to generate water, there is a good chance of being recommended or promoted. Adding a Ren water to assist further, one will achieve wealth and honor, be generous, and gain a reputation for virtue. However, if the Wu earth appears on the stem to overcome water and take away wealth, it indicates misfortune and poverty. For those born in August, the earthly branches form a metal circle, which drains too much energy. If there is no Bing or Ding fire to protect, the person will be lonely and unfortunate. If Bing fire appears on the stem and Ding fire is hidden in the branches, the fire can generate the Ji earth's origin god, and the person may achieve great fame and be blessed with all five virtues. In summary, for those born in the third month of autumn, first take Gui water, then Bing fire, and finally use Xin metal to assist Gui water. For those born in September when earth is strong, it is suitable to use Bing wood to disperse it. The rest should be considered and selected accordingly.

時日月年：壬己癸甲，申未酉寅。時日月年：壬己甲己，申丑戌巳。

The following two charts are still listed horizontally in the order of "hour, day, month, year." First chart: Jia Yin year, Gui You month, Ji Wei day, Ren Shen hour—Gui water appears in the month's dry branch and Shen metal originates, Jia wood in the year's dry branch loosens the earth, which exactly matches the method of "three autumn Ji earth, first Gui then Bing, taking Xin to assist Gui." The regret is that there is no Bing fire. Second chart: Ji Si year, Jia Xu month, Ji Chou day, Ren Shen hour—In September the earth is strong, and Jia wood appears in the dry branch to loosen it, Ren water in the hour moistens, and Ji Si contains Bing fire to warm the body, which perfectly matches the method for September.

勾陳全備潤下，勞碌奔波之客；土凝水竭，離鄉背井之流。勾陳得位會才官，無沖無破必然端，甲子北方寅卯木，管教環拱戴金冠。戊己喜亥卯未為官，申子辰為才，忌刑沖殺害。

"Gou Chen" is another name for Wu Ji earth. If earth controls the entire Shen-Zi-Chen water trinity, there will be excessive wealth but a weak self, leading to a life of toil and hardship; conversely, if the earth becomes hard and dry with the water source dried up, the path to wealth will be cut off, resulting in a person who leaves home and country. The rhyme says: When "Gou Chen" earth is in its proper position, it will also gather the wealth star and official star, and if there is no conflict or damage in the birth chart, it will certainly lead to a proper and successful life; for example, Jiazi, a type of northern water, paired with Yin and Mao wood as official stars, with the four pillars properly supporting, will surely result in wearing a golden crown. This means that Wu Ji earth prefers the Hai-Mao-Wei wood trinity as official stars and the Shen-Zi-Chen water trinity as wealth stars, and only fears conflicts, clashes, killings, and harm that disrupt them.

三冬己土，溼泥寒凍，非丙暖不生，取丙為尊，甲木參酌，戊土癸水不用。惟初冬壬旺，取戊制之，餘皆用丙丁，但丁不能解凍除寒，不能大濟。

In the third month of winter, the Ji earth is like wet mud frozen solid, and without Bing fire to warm it, it cannot sprout. Therefore, Bing fire is most esteemed, and Jia wood is used as a secondary consideration. Wu earth and Gui water are not used at all—Wu earth only adds cold stagnation, and Gui water further enhances dampness and freezing. Only in the early winter month of October, when Ren water is strong, is Wu earth used to control the water. Otherwise, Bing fire is used, while Ding fire, although also fire, is not sufficient to break through the severe cold and ice, and cannot accomplish great things.

或干透一丙，支藏一丙，如以甲透，科甲有準；即藏丙無制，亦主衣衿。或多壬水，得戊透制之，此命安然富中取貴；不見戊土，富屋貧人。凡三冬己土，見壬水出干，為水浸湖田，此人孤苦，若見火不孤，見土不貧。

If the Heavenly Stem reveals one Bing fire and the Earthly Branch also contains Bing fire, the warmth is sufficient, and if Jia wood is also revealed to疏土, then the person will have a definite chance of success in exams. Even if Bing fire is only contained in the Earthly Branch, as long as it is not restrained, it still indicates a modest official position. If Ren water is abundant and Wu earth is revealed to control it, the person will have a stable life and can achieve high status amidst wealth. If Wu earth is not revealed, then the person is a poor person living in a good house. For all己 earth born in winter months, if Ren water appears in the Heavenly Stem, it is called 'water flooding the paddy fields', indicating a lonely and unfortunate life. However, if fire is present to warm it, the person will not be lonely, and if earth is present to block the water, the person will not be poor.

或一派癸，不見比劫，此為從才，反主富貴，雖不科甲，恩誥有之；若見比爭，平常人物，妻子主事。從才者，木妻，火子。或一派戊己，取甲制之，甲透者富貴。或一片辛庚，須用丙火，還須丁火為助，丙藏，富貴奇特之命。

If the chart is full of癸 water but there is no appearance of the same element or the劫财, the day master has no root, which is called 'following the wealth', and this is actually favorable, leading to wealth and honor, even without passing the imperial examination, there may be a grant of honor from the court; if there are the same elements or劫财 competing for the wealth, then it is just an ordinary person, and the wife manages the family. For those with the 'following the wealth' pattern, wood is the wife star and fire is the son star. If the chart is full of戊己 earth blocking, then take甲 wood to control it, and if甲 wood is visible, it indicates wealth and honor. If the chart is full of庚辛 metal draining the energy, then use丙 fire to control the metal and warm the earth, and also need丁 fire to assist; even if丙 fire is only hidden in the earth branch, it is still a unique and prosperous destiny.

時日月年：甲己癸壬，戌丑丑申。時日月年：己己癸壬，巳卯丑子。

The following two charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First chart: Renshen year, Guichou month, Jichou day, Jiaxu hour—Nen and Gui water are both visible, and Shen metal comes to generate water, forming the situation of "water flooding the lake fields". It entirely relies on the hour stem Jia wood to loosen the earth and the Ding fire in Xu to warm the body. Second chart: Renzi year, Guichou month, Jimao day, Jisi hour—full cold water is present, relying only on the fire in the hour branch Si to thaw the ice. The same heavenly stem supports the body, which is exactly the meaning of "in winter, Ji earth takes Ji fire as the most important".

金以至陰為體，中含至陽之精，乃能堅剛，獨異眾物。若獨陰而不堅，冰雪是也，遇火則消矣。故金無火鏈，不能成器。金重火輕，執事繁難；金輕火重，煆煉消亡；金極火盛，為格最精。

Gold takes the quality of extreme yin as its substance, but contains within it the essence of extreme yang, so it is hard and strong, different from other substances. If it were purely yin without any yang, it would not be hard, just like ice and snow, which melt at the touch of fire. Therefore, gold must be tempered by fire to become a vessel or tool. If the gold is heavy and the fire is weak, the process is difficult and laborious; if the gold is light and the fire is strong, it will be melted completely. When the gold is at its extreme and the fire is also strong, this is the most refined and perfect configuration.

金火全，名曰鑄印，犯丑字，即為損饃；金火多名為乘軒，遇死衰，反為不利。木火鍊金，成名銳而退速；純金遇水，逢富顯以贏餘。金能生水，火旺則金沉；土能生金，金多則土賤。

Gold and fire together are called "casting a seal," symbolizing the dignity of having an official seal; but if it is accompanied by the character Chou, which represents damp earth and a repository for metal, the seal pattern is damaged. When there is an excess of both gold and fire, it is called "riding in a carriage," which originally signifies a noble and prominent status, but if it encounters a dead or declining place, it becomes unfavorable. Using wood to generate fire to refine gold leads to rapid fame but also quick decline; pure gold encountering water to release its brilliance often results in wealth and prominence with excess riches. Although gold can generate water, if fire is strong, the gold is melted and sinks; although earth can generate gold, if there is too much gold, the earth is depleted.

金無水乾枯，水重則沉淪無用；金無土死絕，土重則埋沒不顯。兩金兩火最上，兩金兩木才足；一金生三，氻弱難勝；一金得三木，頑鈍自損。金成則火滅，故金未成器，欲得見火；金已成器，不欲見火。金到申酉巳丑，亦可謂之成也，運喜西北，不利南方。

Gold without water becomes dry and dull, while too much water causes it to sink and lose its usefulness; gold without earth reaches a dead end, and too much earth buries it and prevents it from showing its potential. Two parts of gold paired with two parts of fire is the best combination; two parts of gold paired with two parts of wood brings abundant wealth. One part of gold generating three parts of water has weak power and cannot bear the burden (the original character 「氻」 should be 「力」); one part of gold meeting three parts of wood results in dullness and self-harm. Once gold is shaped into an object, fire should be removed, so when gold is not yet shaped, it benefits from fire; once it is shaped, it does not want to meet fire again. When gold reaches the positions of Shen, You, Si, and Chou, it can be considered shaped. Such a destiny favors the Northwest and is unfavorable to the South.

春月之金：生於春月，餘寒未盡，貴乎火氣為榮。性柔體弱，欲得厚土輔助；水盛增寒，難施鋒銳之勢；木旺損力，有剉鈍之厄；金來比助，扶持最妙，比而無火，失類非良。夏月之金：夏月之金，尤為柔弱，形質未具，尤嫌死絕。火多而郤為不厭，水盛而滋潤呈祥，見木而助麼傷身，遇金而扶持精壯，土薄而最為有用，土厚而埋沒無光。

In spring, gold is born but the remaining cold has not yet dissipated, so it is most important to have fire to generate and support it for it to flourish. At this time, the nature of gold is soft and its form is weak, so it needs thick earth to generate and support it; if water is strong, it will only add more cold, making it difficult for the sharpness of gold to be expressed; if wood is strong, it will consume the strength of gold, leading to a risk of dullness and loss of sharpness; if there is similar gold to support it, it is the best, but even if there is only similar gold to help without fire to refine it, it is still not good. In summer, gold is even softer and its form is not yet formed, especially if it is in a dead or declining position. Although fire is abundant, it is not considered a problem, because gold ultimately needs fire to refine it; if water is strong, it can moisten and bring good fortune; if wood appears, it will help fire and harm the body; if gold appears, they support each other and become strong; if the earth is thin, it is most useful, but if the earth is thick, it will bury the gold and make it lose its luster.

秋月之金：秋月之金，當權得令，火來煆煉，遂成鐘鼎之材，土多培養，反惹頑濁之氣，見水則精神越秀，逢木則琢削施威，金助愈剛，剛過則決，氣重愈旺，旺極則衰。冬月之金：冬月之金，形寒性冷，木多則難施琢削之功，水盛而未免沉潛之患，土能制水，金體不寒，火來助土，子母成功，喜比肩聚氣相扶，欲官印溫養為利。

Autumn gold: Gold in autumn is in command and in season; when fire comes to refine it, it becomes a heavy and valuable artifact like a bell or a tripod. If too much earth comes to cultivate it, it may make the gold's energy dull and turbid. When water appears, its spirit becomes even more refined and bright; when wood appears, it can display its ability to carve and shape. If there is more gold to assist it, it becomes even harder, but if it becomes too hard, it may break. When the gold energy is strong, it becomes even more vigorous, but when it reaches its peak, it may turn into decline. Winter gold: Gold in winter is cold in form and nature. If there is too much wood, it cannot display its ability to carve and shape. If water is abundant, it may suffer from being submerged and hidden. Earth can control the cold water, so the gold's form does not become too cold. If fire helps earth, the mother and son relationship supports each other, and the function can be completed. At this time, it prefers similar elements to gather energy and support each other, and also wishes for official stars and educational stars to warm and nurture it, which would be beneficial.

正月庚金，木旺之際，有土皆死，不能生金，且金之寒氣未除，先用丙暖庚性，又慮土厚埋金，須甲疏洩。丙甲兩透，科甲顯榮；二者透一，亦有生監；丙藏甲透，異路功名。

In the first lunar month, the Earthly Branch is Yin, and wood is in its dominant position. At this time, the earth is in a state of decline and cannot generate metal; moreover, the coldness of metal has not yet been dispelled, so first we use Bing fire to warm the nature of Geng metal. However, we also fear that excessive earth may bury the metal, so we also need Xin wood to disperse the thick earth. If both Bing fire and Xin wood are visible, there will be official rank and fame. If only one of them is visible, there may still be the status of a candidate for the imperial examination. If Bing fire is hidden but Xin wood is visible, one may achieve official rank through an alternative path.

或柱中土多，甲透者貴，甲藏者富，庚出則否。或丁火出干，加以戊己而無水者，又主富貴，何也？寅中甲木，引丁有根，無水為病，名官星有氣，才旺生扶，故以富貴推之。如火多則用土，用土者火妻土子。

If there is a lot of earth in the pillar, the emergence of Jia wood to disperse the earth indicates a noble and prestigious destiny, while Jia wood hidden in the branch indicates wealth. However, if another Geng metal appears on the surface to chop the Jia wood, then neither of these conditions is fulfilled. If Ding fire appears on the surface as the official star, and along with Wu and Ji earth, there is no water in the pillar, it also indicates a noble and prosperous destiny. Why? The Jia wood in Yin can ignite the Ding fire, giving the fire a root; the absence of water in the destiny means there is no problem of the official star being harmed by the official's wife. This is called the official star having strength and being supported by a strong wealth element—wood is the wealth of Geng metal—thereby supporting the official star, which leads to the prediction of wealth and prestige. If there is too much fire, then earth is used to release the fire and generate metal; for those who take earth as their useful element, fire is considered the wife star and earth is considered the son star.

或支成炎局，壬透有根者，大富貴；無根者，小富貴；乏水者，殘疾之人。或木被金傷，無丙丁出制，支無丁火，此係平人；或丙遭癸困，無戊制者亦然。總之正月庚金，丙甲為上，丁火次之。春金多火，不夭則貧；陽金最喜火煉，煆煉太過，反主奔流。

If the Earthly Branches form a fire combination, the fire is very strong. In such a case, if the壬 water is visible and has a root, the person will be very wealthy and prosperous; if the壬 water is not rooted, the person will be moderately wealthy; if there is not even a trace of water, the person may be disabled. If the wood (the wealth of庚 metal) in the destiny is robbed by other metals and there is no丙 or丁 fire to control that stealing metal, and there is also no丁 fire in the Earthly Branches, then the person is ordinary. If the丙 fire is trapped by癸 water and there is no戊 soil to control the癸 and save the丙, the situation is the same. In summary, for庚 metal in the first lunar month, the best are丙 fire and甲 wood, and丁 fire is the next best. If the metal in spring has too much fire, the person may die young or be poor and destitute. The strong庚 metal greatly benefits from fire to be tempered, but if the tempering is excessive, it will lead to a life of constant movement and hardship.

時日月年：庚庚壬壬，辰申寅子。時日月年：丙庚庚辛，戌戌寅巳。

The two charts are still listed horizontally in the order of "hour, day, month, year." First chart: Renzi year, Renyin month, Gengshen day, Gengchen hour. The two Ren elements drain the metal and produce refined energy. The Yin month contains Bing fire which warms the Geng metal, and the Ji wood in Yin opens the soil. The day's main element sits on Shen and gains its own strength. This fully matches the principle for Geng metal in the first month, which "first uses Bing fire to warm, and needs Ji wood to drain and open." Second chart: Xinsi year, Gengyin month, Gengxu day, Bingxu hour. The Bing fire appears on the hour stem. The fire and soil are both hidden in Si and Xu. There is enough warmth but insufficient drainage. It entirely relies on the Ji wood in Yin to drain the two Xu soils.

二月庚金，柱中自然有乙，當令之乙，見庚必留情於乙，此金有暗強之勢，如秋金一理。故二月庚金，專用丁火，借甲引丁，借庚劈甲。無丁用丙者，富貴多出於勉強。

In the second lunar month, the month builder is Mao, so there is naturally a strong ethereal wood (Yi) in the pillar. When Yi wood meets Geng metal, they must combine and retain their relationship, thus making the Geng metal secretly stronger. This is similar to the strength of metal in autumn. Therefore, in the second month, Geng metal relies mainly on Ding fire for forging. It uses Jia wood to ignite the Ding fire, and then uses another Geng metal to split the Jia wood. If Ding fire is not used and instead丙 fire is used, the丙 fire can only warm but cannot forge, and the wealth and honor obtained are mostly forced.

或丁在干，甲透引丁，支下再見一庚制甲，配得中和，必然大貴；如不見庚合者，雖丁甲兩透，亦屬平人。

If the Ding fire is in the heavenly stem and the Jia wood appears to ignite it, and there is also a Geng metal in the earthly branches to split the Jia wood, with the three elements in harmony, one will certainly achieve great success. However, if the Geng metal is not present to split the wood, even if both Ding and Jia are visible, the person will only be ordinary.

春丁不旺不衰，故用甲為佐丁之物，甲若無庚劈，則不能引丁；乙木雖多，又忌溼乙傷丁，難為丁母。故有丁甲無庚者，常人；有丁庚，甲不出干者，常人；或丁透無庚甲者，可許貢監；無丁有丙者，異路功名。

In spring, the fire of Ding is neither strong nor weak, so it needs Jia wood to assist it. However, if Jia wood is not cut by Geng metal, it cannot ignite the fire of Ding. Although there is a lot of Yi wood, it is damp and may harm the fire of Ding, so it cannot act as the mother of Ding fire. Therefore, if there is Ding fire and Jia wood but no Geng metal, it is an ordinary person. If there is Ding fire and Geng metal but Jia wood is not visible on the surface, it is also an ordinary person. If Ding fire is visible but neither Geng nor Jia wood is present, it may be granted the position of a candidate for the imperial examination. If there is no Ding fire but only Bing fire, it may be considered as an unusual path to officialdom.

或一片甲乙，忌庚出幫破才，乃從才格，反主富貴；若見一比，又主孤貧。從才者，火妻土子；用丁者，取甲為妻，若有庚制，難許同偕。死金嫌蓋頂之泥，重見戊己，如人壓伏之象，須甲透為妙。

If the chart is filled with Jia and Yi wood representing wealth, but the day master has no root, it is most unfavorable for another Geng metal to appear to help the day master and destroy the wealth. When there are no siblings or helpers, it enters the 'Following Wealth Pattern,' which actually indicates wealth and honor. However, if there is a sibling or helper, it instead leads to loneliness and poverty. In the 'Following Wealth Pattern,' fire is considered the wife star and earth is the son star. If Ding fire is used, then Jia wood is the wife star. But if there is Geng metal in the chart that cuts the Jia wood, the marriage is likely to be difficult and not last. As for weak or dead metal, it most dislikes having a layer of mud on top, which means heavy presence of Wu and Ji earth. This is like being oppressed, so it is best to have Jia wood appear to loosen the earth.

時日月年：丁庚己庚，丑寅卯申。時日月年：甲庚己庚，申子卯午。時日月年：丁庚辛辛，亥寅卯酉。時日月年：丁庚辛丙，亥辰卯申。

The four generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First generation: Gengshen year, Jimao month, Gengyin day, Dingchou hour —— Ding fire appears in the hour stem, with Yin's Jia wood assisting Ding fire, and the year stem Geng metal precisely cutting Jia wood, which perfectly matches the method of "special use of Ding fire, borrowing Jia wood to assist Ding fire, and borrowing Geng metal to cut Jia wood" for Geng metal in February. Second generation: Gengwu year, Jimao month, Gengzi day, Jiashen hour —— Jia wood appears in the hour stem but Ding fire does not appear in the stem, with Ding fire only hidden in the branch of Wu, which is inferior to the previous generation. Third generation: Xinyou year, Xinmao month, Gengyin day, Dinghai hour —— Ding fire appears in the stem, with Yin's Jia wood assisting, but two Xin stems appear in the stem to strengthen the self, and the Mao wood wealth is robbed. Fourth generation: Bingshen year, Xinmao month, Gengchen day, Dinghai hour —— both Bing and Ding fire appear in the stem, with sufficient fire to refine metal, and Mao wood as wealth, which also forms a good combination.

三月庚金，戊土司令，無生金之理，有埋金之憂，故先甲後丁，不用庚劈甲。三月之庚，土旺金頑，頑金宜丁，旺土須甲，乏甲不能立業，乏丁焉能成名，二者少一，富貴不真。庚金無火，非夭則貧；身弱才多，富貴不久。

In the third lunar month, the Month Builder is Chen, and Wu earth is in command. At this time, the earth does not help the metal, but rather poses a risk of burying it. Therefore, we should first take Jia wood and then Ding fire, and there is no need to use Geng metal to cut Jia wood—since in the Chen month, the earth is thick, Jia wood should be retained to loosen the earth. In the third month, Geng metal is strong but stubborn due to the dominance of earth. Stubborn metal needs Ding fire to refine it, and strong earth needs Jia wood to loosen it. Without Jia wood, one cannot establish a career, and without Ding fire, how can one achieve fame? If either is missing, wealth and honor will not be genuine. If Geng metal lacks fire to refine it, it will either die young or remain poor. If the day's main element is weak and the wealth star is abundant, wealth and honor will not last long.

得丁甲丙透，不見比肩，科甲之命，但要好運相催。甲透丁藏，采芹拾芥；甲藏丁透，異路功名；丁甲俱藏，不受庚制，富中取富，刀筆起家；有甲無丁，平常之輩；有丁無甲，迂儒腐儒；丁甲兩無，下賤之流。

If both Ding fire, Jia wood, and Bing fire are visible, and there is no equal to share the fortune, it is a destiny for scholarly success, provided there is good luck to promote it. If Jia wood is visible and Ding fire is hidden, one can attain scholarly status and wear the green collar; if Jia wood is hidden and Ding fire is visible, it indicates an unusual path to official rank. If both Jia wood and Ding fire are hidden in the branch but not restrained by Geng metal, one can achieve wealth within wealth, starting a career through writing and legal skills. If there is Jia wood but no Ding fire, one is an ordinary person. If there is Ding fire but no Jia wood, one is a pedantic and impractical scholar (superficial and outdated scholar). If neither Jia wood nor Ding fire is present, one is of low status.

或一甲，無丁，有丙，由行伍而得官職，須不見壬，癸，為妙。或支成土局，無木，貧賤僧道；見乙，奸詐小人。或支成火局，癸水透，富貴；有丙丁出干，見壬制之，方吉；無制，殘疾之人。用甲者，水妻木子；用丁者，木妻火子。

If there is only one Jia wood and no Ding fire but there is Bing fire, one may attain an official position through military service, but it is best if there is no Ren or Gui water to overcome the Bing fire. If the earthly branches form a earthy structure without wood to loosen it, one becomes a poor and lowly monk or hermit. If only Yi wood is present, the soft wood cannot loosen the thick earth, and one becomes a deceitful and petty person. If the earthly branches form a fiery structure, the fire is overly refined, and if Gui water appears to control the fire, one attains wealth and honor. If Bing and Ding fire appear on the heavenly stem, there must be Ren water to control them for it to be auspicious. If there is no controlling element at all, one is disabled. For those using Jia wood as their main element, water is the wife star and wood is the son star. For those using Ding fire as their main element, wood is the wife star and fire is the son star.

時日月年：壬庚庚庚，午申辰子。

This chart still lists the elements in the order of "hour, day, month, year" horizontally, restoring it to Gengzi year, Gengchen month, Gengshen day, and Renwu hour. Three Geng metals are present, but the Ding fire does not appear in the heavenly stems. Only the Ding fire in the hour branch, Wu, can be used for refining the metal. The hour stem, Ren water, drains the metal's strength, while the year branch, Zi water, combines with Shen and Chen to form a water trinity, indicating a strong body with water draining its strength.

四月庚金，長生於巳，巳內有戊，丙不熔金，故不畏火炎。丙亦可作用，但先壬水，方得中和，故曰群金生夏，喜用勾陳，次取戊土，丙火佐之。三者皆全，登科及第；即透一二，亦非白丁。

In the fourth month, the Month Builder is Si. The metal庚 is in the position of Si and gains its Growth. The Si branch also contains hidden Wu earth. Wu earth can obscure fire and generate metal, so the fire丙 is unable to melt it, hence it is not afraid of fire. The fire丙 can also be used, but first we need to use Ren water to reduce its intensity, and only then can the combination be balanced. Therefore, it is said, "When many metals are born in summer, they favor Gou Chen." Gou Chen refers to Wu earth, which obscures fire and generates metal. The order of selection is first Ren water, then Wu earth, with丙 fire as an auxiliary. If all three are present, one will achieve success in the imperial examinations; if only one or two are present, one will not be a commoner.

或一派丙火，名曰假殺為權，須不見壬制者，此人假作清，高並無仁義，刑妻克子；有壬制者，又主榮華；壬藏支者，有富貴之名，而無其實。

If the chart is filled with Bing fire — Bing is the seven killer of Geng metal — and there is too much fire without control, it is called 'false killer as authority'. Such a fate, if there is no Ren water to control the fire, the person merely pretends to be refined and upright, but in reality has no benevolence or righteousness, and will suffer from marital and children's troubles. If there is Ren water to control the Bing fire, then it indicates prosperity and success. However, if the Ren water is only hidden in the earth branches, it means there is only the name of wealth and honor but not the reality.

或支成金局，變弱為強，用丙無力，用丁方妙，故丁透者吉，無丁，無用之人；或丁出三四，煆制太過，其人奔波。四月庚金，須用壬丙戊，但非拘執先後，宜分病用藥，妻子仝前。

If the earthly branches form a metal group, the strength of庚 metal will shift from weak to strong. At this time, using 丙 fire is insufficient, as it can only warm but not melt the metal. Instead, 丁 fire is more effective. Therefore, the good fortune of 丁 fire appearing in the heavens is significant, while those without 丁 fire are considered useless. However, if 丁 fire appears three or four times, it may overheat and cause the person to be restless and hardworking. For庚 metal in the fourth month, the main considerations are壬 water, 丙 fire, and 戊 earth, but there is no strict order among them. One should look at the specific weaknesses in the birth chart and use the corresponding remedy. The methods for determining the spouse and child stars remain the same as before.

偷戟成功，入火鄉而反害；金逢火已損，再見火必傷；庚辛火旺怕南方，逢辰巳之鄉，又為榮斷。

An old song says: After gold has been cast into spears and the process is successful, entering the fire region again leads to harm. Once gold has been touched by fire, it is already damaged; encountering fire again will certainly cause it to break. The metal of Geng and Xin is most afraid of traveling through the south when fire is strong. However, if they meet the water reservoirs such as Chen and Si, or the growth region, the metal's energy has a place to rest, and it can be predicted as prosperous and distinguished.

五月庚金，丁火旺烈，庚金敗地，專用壬水，癸又次之。壬透癸藏，支見庚辛，必然科甲；切忌戊己透干制水，則否，戊藏支內，不失儒林。或壬在支，有金生助，又得金神出干，明經之貴；或癸出帶辛，異路之榮。

In the fifth month, the Month Builder is Wu, and the fire of Ding is strong and fierce. The metal of Geng is in a state of decline, so we must rely mainly on Ren water to relieve the heat and save the metal, with Gui water as a secondary choice. If Ren water appears on the heavenly stem and Gui water is hidden in the earthly branches, and the earthly branches also contain Geng and Xin metal as sources of water, then the person will certainly achieve success in the imperial examinations. The greatest danger is when Wu earth appears on the heavenly stem to control the water, for once it does, the plan fails. If Wu earth is only hidden in the earthly branches, the person may still be recognized as a scholar. If Ren water is only hidden in the earthly branches but there is metal to support it, and Geng and Xin metal appear on the heavenly stem, then the person will attain high official rank. If Gui water appears on the heavenly stem and is supported by Xin metal, then the person will achieve honor through an alternative path.

或支成炎局，乏水者，奔波之客；有壬癸制者，捐納之人；又見戊己透者則否。無壬癸制火者，又宜戊己出干補金洩火，庶不夭折孤貧。總之仲夏無水，非上格。或一派木火，無傷、印、比劫，又作從殺而論。己未，庚午，庚戌。

If the earthly branches form a fire trinity, and water is missing, the person will be a restless wanderer. If there are壬癸 waters to control the fire, they may attain official rank through contribution. However, if there is also戊己 earth appearing above to overcome the water, this is not favorable. If there are no壬癸 waters to control the fire, then there should be戊己 earth appearing above, which can both reduce the fire and generate metal, thus avoiding a short and lonely life. In summary, if a person is born in mid-summer and has no water in their fate, they cannot be considered of high quality. If the entire chart consists of wood and fire, and there are no food, injury, or supportive elements to save the day master, then it should be judged according to 'following the killer'. The original text includes one case, listing only three pillars: Jiwei, Gengwu, and Gengxu.

六月庚金，三伏生寒，頑鈍極矣，先用丁火，次取甲木。丁甲兩透名顯身榮，忌癸傷丁；有甲無丁，庸俗；有丁無甲，生員；丁甲全無，下賤之人。木雖有，丁不透，支又見水，執鞭之士；丁火無傷，貿易之流。

In the sixth month, the Month Builder is Wei. During the three hot periods, cold secretly arises. The metal of Geng is extremely dull, so first use Ding fire to smelt it, then take Ji wood to lead the fire. If both Ding fire and Ji wood appear clearly, the person will achieve fame and honor. However, it is only feared that Gui water appears to harm Ding fire. If there is Ji wood but no Ding fire, the person is mediocre. If there is Ding fire but no Ji wood, the person is merely a scholar. If neither Ding fire nor Ji wood is present, the person is of low status. Although there is wood, if Ding fire does not appear clearly and water appears in the earth branches to overcome fire, the person is only a servant who drives a cart. If Ding fire is not harmed or overcome, the person can engage in some business.

支會土局，甲先丁後，甲透者，文章顯達；丁透者，刀筆揚名。或柱多金，有二丁出制，異路功名。

If the Earthly Branches form a Earthly combination, the thick Earth will bury the Metal, so it is changed to have Jia Wood first and Ding Fire later—first clear away the Earth, then use Fire to refine the Metal; if Jia Wood is revealed, it indicates success through literature; if Ding Fire is revealed, it indicates fame through writing and calligraphy. If there is an abundance of Metal in the pillar, and two Ding Fires appear to control it, it also indicates an unusual path to official rank.

時日月年：丁庚丁丙，亥申未辰。時日月年：壬庚乙丙，午寅未午。時日月年：甲庚己癸，申子未巳。時日月年：癸庚乙丙，未辰未辰。

The four generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First generation: Bingchen year, Dingwei month, Gengshen day, Dinghai hour — two Dings, one Bing, all together refining, the day's main element sits on Shen and gets its strength, Hai contains Bing wood which can lead the Ding, which exactly matches the method of "first Ding then Jia" for June's Geng metal. Second generation: Bingwu year, Yiwei month, Gengyin day, Renwu hour — fire and earth are both strong, and Yi wood generates fire, the hour's dry Ren water both drains metal and controls fire, the use lies between water and fire. Third generation: Guisi year, Jiwei month, Gengzi day, Jia shen hour — Jia wood appears at the hour's dry position to loosen Wei earth, but the year's dry Gui water harms the Ding in Si, which is exactly what is called "avoiding Gui and harming Ding". Fourth generation: Bingchen year, Yiwei month, Gengchen day, Guiwei hour — Bing fire in the year is a killer, two Wei earths are thick, Yi wood comes to loosen, Gui water at the hour also controls Bing fire, the combination is somewhat mixed.

七月庚金，剛銳極矣，專用丁火煆煉，次取木引丁，故曰：秋金銳銳最為奇，壬癸相逢總不宜，如逢木火來成局，試看福壽與天齊。如得丁甲兩透，定步青雲；若有丁無甲為俊秀，有甲無丁是平人，丁甲兩無無用物，只堪門下作閒人。

In the seventh month, the Month Builder is Shen, and the metal is at its sharpest. It relies mainly on Ding fire to refine it, and then takes wood to ignite the Ding fire. Therefore, the ancient song says: autumn metal is sharp and is a rare thing, but meeting Ren water and Gui water is not favorable—too much water only drains the sharpness and prevents it from becoming useful. If it meets wood and fire to form a situation for refining, then it will have a long and prosperous life. If both Ding fire and Jia wood are visible, one will certainly rise quickly to success. If there is only Ding fire but no Jia wood, one is a talented person. If there is only Jia wood but no Ding fire, one is an ordinary person. If neither Ding fire nor Jia wood is present, then one is of no use and can only be a servant to others.

或支成水局，乏丁用丙，柱中即有丙火，不見甲木者，必主愚懦，何也，當時金水兩旺，金生水以制火，何能發達。或見甲出引丁，可云生監，甲弱者，衣食充盈。或支成土局，先甲後丁。支成火局，富貴中人，金剛木明，行商坐賈之人。金備申酉戌之地，富貴疑，金神入火鄉，逢羊刃富貴榮華。

If the earthly branches form a water pattern, lacking ding fire, then bing fire is used instead; but even if bing fire is present in the column, without jia wood to lead it, the person will certainly be dull and weak. Why? In the month of shen, metal and water are both strong. Metal generates water, and water suppresses fire, so how can fire flourish? If jia wood appears on the surface to ignite ding fire, then he can be considered a scholar in the examination hall; if jia wood is weaker, he will still have enough food and clothing. If the earthly branches form a earth pattern, the thick earth buries metal, so first take jia wood to loosen the earth, then take ding fire to refine the metal. If the earthly branches form a fire pattern, it indicates a wealthy and noble person; if metal is strong and wood is clear, then he is a merchant or trader. If the earthly branches are complete with shen, you, and xu, the western land, wealth and honor are certain (the original text has a missing character before 'yí', which should be 'wú'). When the metal god enters the fire land, and meets yang ren, it indicates great wealth and honor.

八月庚金，剛銳支退，用丁甲，丙不可少，若丁甲透，又見一丙，功名顯赫，且見羊刃無刑沖，丙殺藏支，名為羊刃架殺，主出將入相，直介忠臣。

In the eighth month, the Month Builder is You. The sharp and strong energy of Geng Metal gradually declines. Still, Ding Fire and Jia Wood are needed, and Bing Fire cannot be omitted. Ding Fire refines the substance, Jia Wood leads the fire, and Bing Fire warms the body. If both Ding Fire and Jia Wood are visible, and another Bing Fire appears, there will be great fame and success. If the branch also contains You, which is Yangren, and there is no punishment or clash, with Bing Fire seven killer hidden in the branch, it is called 'Yangren supports the killer'. This indicates a person who becomes a general or a minister, a loyal and upright official.

或丙火重重，一丁高透，亦主科甲，丙出丁藏，異路之仕。或甲藏支，火透而水不透者，亦主清高，衣衿可望。或丁藏支內，重見丙火者，此名假殺重重，雖羊刃帖身，郤難從殺也。即一丙透，秀而不富，或支見重重甲乙，無用人也。總之旺金木衰，非火莫制，不見丙丁，藝術之輩。

If there are many Bing fire elements and one Ding fire element appears prominently, it indicates success in the imperial examination. If Bing fire appears on the heavenly stem and Ding fire is only hidden in the earthly branches, it suggests an official position through a different path. If Jia wood is hidden in the branches, fire appears on the stem but water does not, meaning there is no water to harm the fire, it indicates a noble and refined character, with the possibility of wearing official robes. If Ding fire is only hidden in the branches while Bing fire appears repeatedly, it is called "false killer appearing repeatedly"; in such a case, even if Yangren is close, the day's main element cannot abandon its own destiny to follow the killer. Even if only one Bing fire appears, it will only result in a refined but not wealthy outcome. If there are many Ji and Yi wood elements in the earthly branches but the body is weak and cannot bear them, it still indicates a useless person. In summary, if metal is strong and wood is weak, fire is the only thing that can control it; if there is no Bing or Ding fire, then the person can only live by their skills.

時日月年：丙庚丁丙，子子酉子。時日月年：丁庚乙乙，亥午酉巳。時日月年：戊庚癸己，寅申酉亥。

The three generations are still listed horizontally as 'hour, day, month, year'. First generation: Bingzi year, Dingyou month, Gengzi day, Bingzi hour — two Bings and one Ding appear on the surface, which can refine and temper, but three Zi waters in the branches drain the metal and restrain the fire, making the fire weak and the water strong. Second generation: Yisi year, Yiyou month, Gengwu day, Dinghai hour — Ding fire appears on the surface, two Yis as wealth, the day's main stem sits on Wu, fire has a root, which is exactly the pattern of using Ding fire for July庚 gold. Third generation: Jihai year, Guiyou month, Gengshen day, Wuyin hour — the whole chart is full of metal and water, but fire is only hidden in Yin, and Gui water also appears on the surface, belonging to the category of 'not seeing Bing and Ding' and supporting oneself through arts.

九月庚金，戊土司令，最怕土厚埋金，宜先用甲疏，後用壬洗，則金自出矣，忌見己土濁壬。壬甲兩透，科甲相宜；或甲透壬藏，鄉魁可望；甲藏壬透，廩貢堪謀；有甲無壬，猶有學問；有壬無甲，莫問衣衿；壬甲兩無，則為下格。

In September, the Month Builder is Xu, and Wu earth is in command. The greatest fear is that thick earth will bury the metal. Therefore, it is advisable to first use Jia wood to loosen the thick earth, then use Ren water to wash the metal clean, so the metal will naturally appear. It is only to be avoided if Ji earth comes out to muddy the Ren water. If both Ren and Jia are visible, it is favorable for academic success; if Jia wood is visible and Ren water is hidden, one may expect to win the provincial examination; if Jia wood is hidden and Ren water is visible, one may still hope for a recommendation or a nominated official position; if there is Jia wood but no Ren water, one may still have some learning; if there is Ren water but no Jia wood, one should not expect even a simple official title. If neither Ren nor Jia is present, it is considered a low ranking.

或支成水局，丙透救之，此人才高邁眾，名重鄉閭，不見癸水，一榜可許。或四柱戊多金旺，全無甲壬者，即有衣祿，亦不能久，或庚戊多無壬甲者，愚頑之輩。

If the earthly branches form a water pattern, the metal will be cold and the water will be bleak, but if a丙 fire appears to save the situation, this person will have great talent surpassing others and gain reputation in the local area; as long as there is no癸 water to overcome the丙 fire, it is possible for him to pass the imperial examination and be listed on the golden list. If the four pillars have a lot of戊 earth and the metal is strong, and there is no甲 wood and壬 water, even if there is a little clothing and food, it will not last long; if there is a lot of庚 metal and戊 earth but no壬 water and甲 wood, the earth will be excessive and the metal will be dull, making the person foolish and stubborn.

時日月年：甲庚戊辛，申申戌酉。時日月年：辛庚丙庚，巳戌戌寅。時日月年：辛庚戊辛，巳申戌酉。

The three generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First generation: Xinyou year, Wuxu month, Gengshen day, Jiashen hour— the jia wood in the hour branch disperses the shu earth, but the ren water does not appear, the metal is strong but lacks the power to wash. Second generation: Gengyin year, Bingxu month, Gengxu day, Xinsi hour— the bing fire appears on the heavenly stem to warm the metal, the jia wood in yin disperses the earth, two xu earths are thick, still lacking a little ren water. Third generation: Xinyou year, Wuxu month, Gengshen day, Xinsi hour— the whole chart is full of metal and earth, neither jia wood to disperse nor ren water to wash, exactly the situation of "without ren and jia, it is a low grade".

十月庚金，水冷性寒，非丁莫造，非丙不暖。丁甲兩透，支無水局，一榜有之；支藏丙火，桃浪之仙；支見亥子，得己出制，亦有功名。若見丙透無丁者，無顯達；丁藏甲透，武職之人；以上不合者，庸俗。如金水混雜，全無丙丁者，鄙夫；支成金局，無火者，僧道之命也。書曰：水冷金寒愛丙丁。

In the tenth month, the month builder is Hai. Water is cold and the metal is also cold. Without Ding fire, things cannot be shaped, and without Bing fire, the cold cannot be dispelled. If both Ding fire and Jia wood appear on the surface, and the branches do not form a water trinity, then one may achieve success in the imperial examination. If the branches conceal Bing fire, then one may succeed in the spring examination. If the branches contain Hai or Zi and water is abundant, but there is also Ji earth to control the water, then one may attain official rank. If only Bing fire appears on the surface without Ding fire, although it may warm things up, it will not be sufficient to shape things, and thus one will not achieve prominence. If Ding fire is hidden in the branches and Jia wood appears on the surface, then one is destined for a military position. Those who do not fit any of these configurations are considered ordinary. If both metal and water are mixed together and there is no Bing or Ding fire, then one is considered shallow and unremarkable. If the branches form a metal trinity without fire, then one is destined to be a monk or a Taoist. The classic texts say that for a destiny with cold water and cold metal, the most cherished elements are Bing and Ding fire.

時日月年：壬庚辛丁，午子亥亥。時日月年：丙庚辛壬，子辰亥辰。

The first combination: Dinghai year, Xinhai month, Gengzi day, Renwu hour — two Hais and one Zi, water is cold and metal is frozen. It entirely relies on the heavenly stem Ding fire of the year and the hour branch Wu fire to warm the situation and refine the metal. This perfectly matches the saying "Cold water and frozen metal love Bing and Ding fire." The second combination: Renchen year, Xinhai month, Gengchen day, Bingzi hour — metal and water gather in a group, while the hour heavenly stem Bing fire alone appears to relieve the cold. However, there is Bing fire but no Ding fire, so although it is warmed, it cannot become a fine tool.

十一月庚金，天氣嚴寒，仍取丁甲，次取丙火照暖。或丁甲兩透，丙在支中，必主科甲；即無丙火，亦有衣衿；有丁無甲，亦可富中取貴；有甲無丁，只作常人；或丙透丁藏，異途名望；丁藏有甲，武學可許。

In the eleventh month, the Month Builder is Zi, and the weather is severe and cold. Therefore, we still take Ding fire and Jia wood, and then Bing fire as the next choice to provide warmth. If both Ding fire and Jia wood are visible, and Bing fire is also present in the earth branches, it will certainly indicate success in the imperial examinations; even if Bing fire is absent, there will be some official rank. If there is Ding fire but no Jia wood, one can attain prestige within wealth; if there is Jia wood but no Ding fire, one will be a common person. If Bing fire is visible but Ding fire is hidden, the fame will come from an unusual path; if Ding fire is hidden but Jia wood is present in the column, one may be admitted into the military studies.

或重重丙火，可許一富，但不清高，丙戊生寅，或丙底坐寅，有一二者，富真貴假，若見癸透，一介寒儒。或支成水局，不見丙丁者，此乃傷官格，為人清雅，衣祿常盈，但子息艱難耳。

If there are many Bing fire stems, one may expect wealth, but it is not sufficient for clarity and nobility. Both Bing fire and Wu earth are born in寅, so if Bing fire is seated on寅, with one or two of them, wealth is real but nobility is false; if there is also癸 water appearing to overcome Bing fire, then it is only a poor scholar. If the branches form a water trinity and neither Bing nor Ding fire appears, this is the 'Wounding Official' pattern, which indicates a refined and elegant person, with constant food and clothing, but with difficulty in having children.

或丙丁太多，名官煞混雜最無良，又怕身輕有損傷，如遇東南二運地，焉能捱得過時光。過於清冷，似有淒涼，柱中一派金水，不入火土之鄉，主一生孤貧浪蕩，難望有成也。

If there are too many Bing and Ding fires, the official star and seven killers become mixed together, which is very bad; it also fears that the day's ruler is weak and suffers damage. The song says: if such a fate meets the southeast wood and fire phases, wood generates fire and fire overcomes the body, where can it endure that period. Conversely, if the destiny is too cold and clear, it shows a scene of loneliness: if the pillar is full of metal and water, and the journey does not enter the fire and earth regions, it indicates a life of poverty, wandering, and difficulty in achieving success.

時日月年：庚庚壬壬，辰申子子。時日月年：癸庚庚辛，未辰子亥。時日月年：戊庚戊乙，寅寅子卯。

The following three charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First chart: Renzi year, Renzi month, Gengshen day, Gengchen hour — all gold and water with no trace of fire, exactly the situation mentioned earlier, "a single group of gold and water, not entering the land of fire and earth". Second chart: Xinhai year, Gengzi month, Gengchen day, Guiwei hour — a group of gold and water, only a little Ding fire in Wei, the coldness remains strong. Third chart: Yimao year, Wuzi month, Gengyin day, Wuyin hour — two Yins contain Bing fire and Jia wood, two Wus control water, wood and fire have their proper places, this is a better combination for Geng metal in the eleventh month.

十二月庚金，寒氣太重，且多溼泥，愈寒愈凍，先取丙火解凍，次取丁火鍊金，甲亦不可少。丙丁甲透者，即不科甲，亦有恩榮；有丙無丁甲者，富中取貴；有丁甲無丙者，特達才人；有丙丁無甲者，白手成家，刀筆亨通，乏金更美；或支成金局無水，僧道之流。

The twelfth month builder is Chou, which is characterized by excessive cold. Chou is also the earthy soil of wet mud, and the colder it gets, the more it freezes. Therefore, first we take Bing fire to thaw the ice, then Ding fire to refine metal. Jia wood is also essential—without Jia, Ding fire cannot be ignited. If Bing, Ding, and Jia all appear clearly, even if one does not pass the imperial examination, there will be honor and prestige. If there is Bing fire but no Ding or Jia, one may attain dignity from wealth. If there is Ding and Jia but no Bing fire, one is a talented and outstanding person. If there is Bing and Ding but no Jia wood, one can build a fortune from nothing, succeed through writing and legal skills, and if there is less metal in the column to compete with Bing fire, it is even better. If the branches form a metal group but there is no water to release the brilliance, one will become a monk or a Taoist.

時日月年：癸庚己庚，未戌丑辰。女命：時日月年：甲庚丁己，申子丑巳。

The two charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year." The first chart: Gengchen year, Jichou month, Gengxu day, Guiwei hour—full of earth and metal, with the戌 and 未 containing hidden Ding fire, but not appearing on the surface. The cold earth and frozen metal lack the丙 fire to thaw them. The second chart is for a female: Jisi year, Dingchou month, Gengzi day, Jiashen hour—Ding fire appears on the month's dry branch, and the巳 contains hidden Bing fire. The hour's dry branch, Jia wood, can lead the Ding fire. The presence of丙,丁, and Jia is complete, which is exactly the proper combination for庚 metal in the twelfth lunar month.

正月辛金，陽氣舒而寒未除，不知正月建寅，中有長生之丙，解去寒氣。忌甲木司權，辛金失令，取己土為身之本；欲得辛金發現，全賴壬水之功。己壬兩透，支見庚制甲，科甲定然。

In the first lunar month, the month builder is寅. Although the yang energy has begun to spread, the cold energy has not yet disappeared. However, we should know that the original character寅 contains the growth of丙, which is already capable of dispelling the cold energy, so there is no need to seek another warm situation. The main concern for this month is the dominance of甲 wood. When wood is strong, the earth is harmed, and the metal 辛 loses its opportunity for nourishment. Therefore, we should take 己 earth as the foundation. To allow 辛 metal to shine, it relies on the washing power of 壬 water. If both 己 earth and 壬 water are clearly present, and the earth branch also sees 庚 metal controlling 甲 wood, then success in the imperial examination is certain.

或己土透干，支中有甲，異路恩榮；或己土不全，號曰君臣失勢，富貴難全；或有丙火出干，亦主武學；或見壬，無己庚者，貧賤之徒。

If the earthy stem Ji appears on the surface, but the hidden heavenly stem Jia wood in the earthly branches secretly restrains it, then the person will achieve honor and prestige through an unconventional path. If the earthy stem Ji is incomplete, it is called 'the ruler and minister lose power'—Ji earth is the ruler, and Ren water is the minister. When the ruler is weak, the minister has no support, so wealth and status cannot both be attained. If Bing fire appears on the surface, it indicates a path in military studies. If only Ren water is present without Ji earth and Geng metal, the metal has no source and the wood has no restraint, making the person poor and lowly.

或支成火局，即壬水出干，不克己土，亦尋常之人；或庚壬兩透，破局制火，必為顯達之人。或支成水局，不見丙火，名為金弱沉寒，平常之士。書曰：金水性寒寒到底，淒涼難免少年憂。得丙透照暖，反主富貴。

If the earthly branches form a fire trinity, even if the ren water appears in the heavenly stems, it can only control the fire but cannot overcome the ji earth. Such a person is ordinary. If both geng metal and ren water appear prominently, they will break the fire trinity and suppress the fire, making the person successful and prominent. If the earthly branches form a water trinity but there is no bing fire, it is called 'weak metal sinking into cold,' which indicates an ordinary person. The命书 says that when the nature of metal and water becomes cold, it remains cold all the way, and the person is likely to experience hardship and sorrow in their youth. If bing fire appears prominently to warm up the situation, it instead indicates wealth and honor.

故正月辛金，先己後壬，己為君，庚為佐，如用丙火須參看。用己，火妻土子；用壬，金妻水子。辛金珠玉，最怕紅爐。辛逢卯日，子時，名曰朝陽。

Therefore, for the Xin metal in the first lunar month, first take Ji earth and then Ren water. Ji earth is the ruler, and Geng metal is the assistant (Geng metal can control Jia wood to protect Ji earth). If using Bing fire, it must be determined according to the overall coldness or warmth of the chart. For those using Ji earth, fire is the wife star and earth is the child star; for those using Ren water, metal is the wife star and water is the child star. Xin metal is like pearls and jade, and it fears intense red furnace fire. When the day master is Xin metal and meets Mao day or Zi hour, it is called the "Dawn" pattern.

時日月年：己辛庚丙，丑酉寅辰。

This chart still lists the time, day, month, and year horizontally, restoring it to the year Bingchen, the month Gengyin, the day Xinyou, and the hour Jichou. The Jichou earth appears in the hour stem, serving as the foundation for the self. The Geng metal in the month stem controls the wood in the寅 (Yin) month. The day stem sits on酉 (You), which gives it strength. The year stem丙 (Bing) fire dispels the cold. This is exactly in line with the method for the first lunar month's辛 (Xin) metal, which follows the order of first Jichou, then Ren (Ren water), with Geng metal as an assistant. The regret is that the Ren water is not present.

二月辛金，陽和之際，壬水為尊，見戊己為病，得甲制伏，則辛金不致埋沒，壬水不致混濁，合此者必身入玉堂。

In the second month, the Earthly Branch is Mao, which is the time of yang warmth. The metal of Xin relies most on Ren water — it is needed to wash away the dust on the metal and reveal its luster. At this time, the presence of Wu and Ji earth is harmful: too much earth will bury the metal and muddy the water. Therefore, the wood of Jia is needed to control the earth, so that the metal of Xin is not buried and the water of Ren is not disturbed. Those who have this configuration will certainly enter the Jade Hall.

故二月庚金，有壬甲透者貴顯，不則，鄉紳，或壬坐亥支，不見土出，可能入芥，家亦小康，得申中之壬者，異途名望，無壬者常人，其生克之理，與正月辛金皆同。

Therefore, the辛 gold in the second month (the text mistakenly says '庚 gold'), if there is壬 water and甲 wood appearing, will be wealthy and prominent; otherwise, it can still become a local gentry. If壬 water is in the亥 branch and there is no earth appearing on the surface to purify it, it can still pass the examination and obtain a blue collar, with the family's fortune being relatively comfortable. If it only has the壬 water hidden in申, it will have a reputation in an unusual way; if there is no壬 water at all, it will be an ordinary person. The principles of generation and overcoming are the same as those for辛 gold in the first month.

或壬戊透，甲不出干，此為病不遇藥，平常之人；得乙破戊，頗有衣衿，但假名假利，刻薄乖張。或一派壬水汪洋，名金水淘洗太過，不得中和，略有衣食，全無作為；如壬水重重，得戊反吉。

If both Ren water and Wu earth appear on the surface, but Jia wood does not emerge, this is a case of illness without medicine, resulting in an ordinary person. If Yi wood appears to overcome Wu earth, there may be some modest means, but Yi wood is weak, so fame and fortune are not genuine. The person may be mean-spirited and unpredictable. If the entire chart is filled with abundant Ren water, it is called 'excessive washing by gold and water,' losing the balance of harmony. There may be some food and clothing, but no real achievements. However, if there is a heavy accumulation of Ren water, then having Wu earth to control the water becomes favorable.

或支成木局，洩盡壬水，有庚富貴，無庚平人。或支成火局，名官印相爭，金水兩傷，下流之格，得二壬出制，富貴反奇。辛金生於春季，一派壬水，而無丙水，即能顯達，家無宿舂；得壬丙齊透，方許大富大貴。

If the earthly branches form a wood situation, the strong wood will exhaust the qi of the rhinoceros water, at this time if there is geng metal to control the wood and generate water, it indicates great wealth and honor; if there is no geng metal, it is only an ordinary person. If the earthly branches form a fire situation, fire is the official and killing star, and earth is the seal, official and seal contend with each other, metal and water are both injured, it is a lowly pattern; if two rhinoceros waters appear on the surface to control the fire, then wealth and honor become extraordinary. If xin metal is born in spring, if there is full rhinoceros water but no bing fire, even if one can achieve success, the family will not have food for two nights; it is necessary for both rhinoceros water and bing fire to appear on the surface—bing fire to warm and rhinoceros water to clear—then one may attain great wealth and honor.

時日月年：甲辛己乙，午酉卯卯。時日月年：丙辛己乙，申卯卯酉。

The two charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First chart: Yiyou year, Jimao month, Xinyou day, Jiawu hour. The Ji soil appears on the dry branch as the foundation of the self, the Jia wood appears on the dry branch to control the Ji soil, the day's main stem sits on You and gets its strength. The regret is that the Ren water does not appear on the dry branch. Second chart: Yiyou year, Jimao month, Xinyou day, Bingshen hour. The Bing fire appears on the dry branch of the hour to warm the chart, the Ren water in Shen serves as a cleansing element, and the Ji soil can also nourish the self, making the combination more balanced.

時日月年：己辛丁己，亥巳卯未。時日月年：己辛丁甲，亥未卯午。時日月年：壬辛癸壬，辰卯卯子。

The three generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First generation: Jiwei year, Dingmao month, Xinsi day, Jihai hour—two Jis support the day stem, the壬water in Hai supports the day, the Ding fire in the month is the killer, and fire, earth, and water are all present. Second generation: Jiawu year, Dingmao month, Xinwei day, Jihai hour—the Ji wood in the year comes out to control the Xin, the壬water in Hai refines the metal, but the Ding fire is a bit too intense. Third generation: Renzi year, Guimao month, Xinmao day, Renchen hour—two Rens and one Gui, the water is vast, exactly the pattern of "excessive refinement by gold and water", with no Wu earth to stop the flow.

三月辛金，戊土司令，辛承正氣，母旺子相，先壬後甲。壬甲兩透，富貴必然；壬透甲藏，廩貢不失；甲透壬藏，富貴可云；壬甲皆無，平常之格。

In the third month, the Earthly Branch is Chen, and Wu earth is in command. Xin metal is born under the influence of the prevailing righteous energy, as the mother is strong, the son is in its prime. The day's main element is not weak, so first we take Ren water to wash it, then take Jia wood to loosen the earth. If both Ren and Jia are visible, wealth and honor are certain. If Ren water is visible but Jia wood is hidden, one will certainly become a廪生 or a贡生. If Jia wood is visible but Ren water is hidden, one may still be considered wealthy and honored. If neither Ren nor Jia is present, then it is just an ordinary pattern.

所忌者丙貪合也。如月時皆丙，名為爭合，主慷慨風流，交四海；若癸出干制丙，可許采芹。或支坐亥子之鄉，支又見申，即非玉堂，亦必高增祿位。若戊出干制水，不見甲乙，清閒之人。

This section warns against the presence of Bing fire which desires to form a harmonious combination. When Bing and Xin fire combine, the day stem becomes attached to this combination and loses its proper use. If both the month stem and the hour stem are Bing fire, it is called 'competing for combination,' indicating a person who is generous and charming, with wide social connections. If there is Gui water appearing in the stem to control the Bing fire and break this combination, he may be able to advance in his studies. If the day stem is seated in water signs like Hai or Zi, and the branch also has Shen metal to provide a water source, even if he does not enter the Jade Hall, he will certainly achieve high official rank. If Wu earth appears in the stem to control the water, but there is no Ji or Yi wood to loosen the earth, then he will be a person of leisure and inaction.

又或支見四庫，名土厚埋金，不見甲制，愚頑之輩。或四柱火多，無水制伏，名火土雜亂，主作緇衣，見癸可解。或比劫重重，壬癸淺弱，主夭，有甲出干，則貴，然無庚制方妙。

If the Earthly Branches include all four of the earthy repositories—Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei—together, it is called "thick earth burying metal," and if there is no Jia Wood to control the earth, it indicates a foolish and stubborn person. If the Four Pillars have excessive fire without water to restrain it, it is called "chaotic fire and earth," which suggests that the person will become a monk or a Buddhist monk; however, if there is癸 water, it can alleviate this situation. If there are many identical or competitive elements (like the same type of Wood) and the壬 and癸 waters are weak, unable to drain the metal, it indicates a short life; at this time, if there is Jia Wood appearing on the surface as wealth to consume the metal, the person may achieve high status, but it is preferable that there is no Geng Metal to cut the Jia Wood.

四月辛金，時道首夏，忌丙火之燥烈，喜壬水之洗淘。支成金局，水透出干，有木制戊，名一清澈底，科甲功名。癸透壬藏，富真貴假；若壬癸皆藏，戊己亦藏，略富；若壬癸俱無，反見火出，必主鰥獨。

In the fourth month, the Month Builder is Si, and the season is just entering early summer. Sulfur metal dislikes the dry and fierce heat of Bing fire, but prefers Ren water to wash and refine it. If the earthly branches form a metal group and water appears in the heavenly stems, and if wood restrains Wu earth so that the water remains pure, this is called "clear and pure from the bottom," which indicates success in the imperial examinations and official rank. If Gui water appears and Ren water is hidden, then wealth is real but rank is false. If both Ren and Gui waters are only hidden in the branches, and Wu and Ji earths are also hidden without appearing, there will be some family wealth. If there is no Ren or Gui water, but fire appears in the heavens to roast the metal, it will certainly result in being single and without family.

或支成火局，有制者吉，無制者凶，凡火旺無水，取土洩之。若壬水藏亥，戊不出干，亦主上達；有戊常人。有一甲透，衣祿可求；若有甲無壬癸者，富貴虛浮，所謂羊質虎皮是也。壬，癸，甲，三者全無，又不合格，斯為下品。

If the earthly branches form a fire combination, having water to control it is auspicious, while lacking control is inauspicious. When fire is strong and there is no water, then earth is used to release the fire's energy and generate metal. If the壬 water is hidden in the亥 but the戊 earth does not appear on the surface to control it, it indicates success and advancement. However, if the戊 earth appears on the surface, it will only result in an ordinary life. If there is a甲 wood appearing on the surface as wealth, then one can seek clothing and food. But if there is甲 wood without壬 or癸 water, then wealth and status are just empty appearances, as the saying goes, "a sheep wearing a tiger's skin"—it looks like a tiger on the outside, but is actually a sheep inside. If there is no壬,癸, or甲, and it does not form any other pattern, then it is a low-ranking destiny.

時日月年：乙辛辛乙，未亥巳未。

This configuration still lists the "hour, day, month, year" horizontally, restoring it as Yiwei year, Xinsi month, Xinhai day, Yiwei hour. The day's main stem sits on Hai, and the壬water in Hai is exactly for washing and cleansing. There are two Yi stems as wealth, and the Bing fire in Xinsi is the official star without restraint. This belongs to the category of "Rén water hidden in Hai, Wù not appearing on the surface, also indicating upward movement."

五月辛金，丁火司權，辛金失令，陰柔之極，不宜煆煉，須己壬兼用。何也？己為泥沙，壬為湖海，己無壬不溼，辛無己不生，故壬己並用。無壬，癸亦可用，但癸力小。

In the fifth month, the Month Builder is Wu, and Ding fire holds authority. Xin metal is out of its season, and Yin flexibility has reached its extreme, making it unable to withstand refinement. Therefore, Ji earth and Ren water should be used together. Why? Ji earth is like mud and sand, and Ren water is like lakes and seas. Ji earth cannot become moist without Ren water, and Xin metal cannot be produced without Ji earth. Thus, using both Ren and Ji is necessary: Ren water cleanses the metal, Ji earth produces the metal, and Ren water also moistens Ji earth. If Ren water is not available, then Gui water can be used instead, but its strength is weaker.

或支成火局，即重見癸出，亦不濟，得壬透破火方可，必主生員。若無壬，癸見戊，雖有午宮己土，燥泥成灰，金必煆熔，反遭埋沒，必為僧道，有一二重比肩，不致孤獨。

If the earthly branches form a fire trinity, even if癸 water appears repeatedly in the heavens, it will not be sufficient. It is necessary for 壬 water to appear and break the fire. In this case, it would only indicate a person with a low official rank. If there is neither 壬 nor 癸, but instead 戊 earth appears, even though 巳 earth can generate metal, the dry and muddy earth will be burned into ash, and the metal will be melted and destroyed, leading to being buried and ultimately becoming a monk or a Taoist. If there are one or two instances of similar elements to support the body, one will not be lonely.

五月辛金，壬，癸，己，三者皆用。或壬己兩透，支見癸水，不沖，定主顯達；即己藏支，亦有廩貢；或無壬有己，須得異途；或癸出有庚，必主衣錦，叨受恩榮；若水土多者，見甲方妙。庚辛生於夏月，要壬癸得地，若木多火多，不見金水，逢金水運必敗。

In the fifth lunar month, the use of Xin metal, Ren water, Gui water, and Ji earth is required. If both Ren water and Ji earth appear on the surface, and there is also Gui water in the earth branches without being in conflict, success and prominence are certain. Even if Ji earth is only hidden in the earth branches, one may attain the status of a廪生 or 贡生. If there is no Ren water but only Ji earth, one must take an alternative path. If Gui water appears on the surface and is supported by Geng metal, one will achieve great success and receive royal favor. However, if there is an excess of water and earth, it is necessary to see the presence of Jia wood to loosen the earth and protect the water, which would be ideal. Metal born in summer must have Ren and Gui water to be rooted and established. If there is an excess of wood and fire without the presence of metal and water, once the destiny reaches a period of metal and water, the conflict between water and fire will lead to decline.

時日月年：壬辛甲丙，辰亥午子。

This chart still lists the "hour, day, month, year" horizontally, restoring it to Bingzi year, Jiawu month, Xinhai day, and Renchen hour. The heavenly stem of the hour, Ren water, appears and breaks the fire, which matches the saying "only with Ren water appearing can fire be broken." The day's main stem sits on Hai water, the year's branch has Zi water, and the hour's branch has Chen water, which is a water reservoir. Water has both roots and a reservoir, which perfectly fits the statement. The heavenly stem of the month, Ji wood, loosens the earth and generates fire. The heavenly stem of the year, Bing fire, is the official. The climate is neither too cold nor too warm.

六月辛金，己土當權，輔助太多，恐掩金光，先用壬水，取庚佐之。壬庚兩透，科甲功名；即不出干，藏支得所，亦有榮華。但忌戊出，得甲制之，方吉，甲須隔位，恐貪己合，反掩金光，又寒壬水之流，下賤之格；又忌庚出制甲。

In June, the month builder is Wei, and Ji earth is in charge. There is too much generation and support for Xin metal, which may actually cover up the brightness of the metal. Therefore, first use Ren water to wash the metal, and take Geng metal as an assistant to develop the water source. If both Ren and Geng appear in the heavenly stem, it indicates success in the imperial examination and official rank. Even if they are not in the heavenly stem, as long as they are hidden in the earthly branches in a proper position, there will be honor and prosperity. However, it is undesirable for Wu earth to appear in the heavenly stem and to overcome water. At this time, Ji wood must control Wu earth to be auspicious; however, this Ji wood should be separated from Ji earth, for it is afraid of being attracted to combine with Ji earth. If Ji and Ji combine, it not only fails to remove the earth, but also covers up the brightness of metal, and blocks the path of Ren water, resulting in a lowly destiny. It is also undesirable for Geng metal to appear in the heavenly stem and to overcome Ji wood.

或只有未中一己，見子壬水，又為溼泥，不可見甲，甲出，反作平人。總以一壬一己，見庚無甲，方妙，與五月用己壬同。

If only theJi Earth hidden in 未 is present, and there is also Ren Water in 子, the earth becomes moistened by water, and the moist earth can nourish metal. In this case, it is actually not good to see Jia Wood, because Jia Wood would weaken theJi Earth, making the person ordinary. In summary, the best combination is to have one Ren Water with one Ji Earth, along with Geng Metal but without Jia Wood. This is similar to the usage in the fifth month.

或丁乙出干，又有庚壬者，顯貴，無壬者，否，或支成木局，得壬透，又有庚金發水之源，可云富貴。

If the Ding fire and Yi wood appear in the heavenly stems, with Ding fire representing the seven杀 (seven deadly enemies) and Yi wood representing the biased wealth, and there are also Geng metal and Ren water in the column, Geng metal controls Yi wood and Ren water controls Ding fire, then it indicates a high official position; without Ren water, it is not possible. If the earthly branches form a wood局 (wood trinity), the wealth is strong but the body is weak, and if Ren water appears to connect and harmonize, it both drains the wealth and nourishes the body, and with Geng metal as the source of the water, it can be said to lead to wealth and honor.

時日月年：甲辛丁壬，午丑未辰。時日月年：丁辛辛甲，酉未未寅。

The two horoscopes are still listed horizontally in the order of "hour, day, month, year." The first horoscope: Renchen year, Dingwei month, Xinchou day, Jiawu hour. The year stem Ren water appears on the heavenly stem, serving as a washing element, and the year branch Chen is a water reservoir. However, the month stem Ding fire combines with the year stem Ren water, and the hour stem Jia wood is close to the hidden earth stem Ji, leading to a somewhat mixed combination. The second horoscope: Jiayin year, Xinchou month, Xinchou day, Dingyou hour. Two Xinchou branches nourish the self, with the same stem Xinh for the month and day, indicating support from the same element. The hour stem Ding fire acts as a killer element, and the year stem Jia wood represents wealth. However, there is a lack of Ren water for washing, which falls into the category of "without Ren water, it is not good."

七月辛金，值庚司令，不旺自旺，且壬水居申。四柱不見戊土，胎元戊藏申內，為壬岸，人命得此，為官清正，但不富耳。

In the seventh month, the Month Builder is Shen, and Geng metal is in command. Xin metal does not need to seek additional generation and support, as it naturally becomes strong. Moreover, Ren water is born in Shen, so the mutual generation between metal and water is clear and pure. If the four pillars do not contain Wu earth, but the Wu earth is hidden within Shen in the胎元 (fetal origin), it secretly serves as a dam for Ren water. A person with such a configuration will be upright, honest, and clear in official duties, though not wealthy.

或有土無甲，為有病無藥，常人；有甲者，衣衿可望。或四柱金多，宜水洩之；若一金水，得一戊土，反為辛用，又宜甲制，自然富貴。或干支水多，重見戊土，逢生得位，福壽之造。

If there is earth in the pillar but no Jia wood to loosen it, then there is illness without medicine, resulting in an ordinary person; but if there is Jia wood, one may expect to have a robe and official rank. If there is excessive metal in the four pillars, it is suitable to use water to release its sharpness. However, if both metal and water are only present in one position and the water is shallow, having a Wu earth to hold back this water actually benefits the Xin metal. At this time, if there is also Jia wood to control the earth, preventing it from becoming too thick, then natural wealth and honor will result. If there is excessive water in the branches and Wu earth appears repeatedly, the earth meets its source and is in the right position, able to stop the flow of water, this is a birth with both fortune and longevity.

七月辛金，壬不在多，故書曰，水淺金多，號曰體全之象，壬水為尊，甲戊酌用可也，癸水不可為用。

In July, the辛 gold requires壬 water, but not in excess, so the命书 says: "When water is shallow and gold is abundant, it is called the complete body image." This means that as long as the water is sufficient, the gold body is complete on its own. In general,壬 water is the most important, and甲 wood and戊 soil can be used with consideration. As for癸 water, it is weak and has a dark, turbid quality, so it should not be used as the useful god.

時日月年：癸辛壬甲，巳卯申午。

This configuration still lists the time, day, month, and year horizontally, restoring it as Jiawu year, Renshen month, Xinmao day, and Guisi hour. The壬water appears in the monthly stem and sits on申with a source, the year stem甲wood疏土, and卯wood as wealth, which perfectly matches the idea of July辛gold, where壬water is primary and甲and戊are used with consideration. However, the癸water in the hour stem appears together with壬water, which is slightly mixed.

八月辛金，當權得令，旺之極矣，專用壬水淘洗，故云金見水以流通。如見戊己，則生扶太過，故以土為病，見甲制土，方妙；無戊，不宜用甲。

In the eighth month, the Month Builder is You, and Xin metal is in command and in its prime, reaching the peak of its strength. Therefore, it is necessary to use Ren water to wash and refine it. The命书 says, "When metal meets water, the energy flows smoothly." At this time, if Wu or Ji earth appears, it would be excessive in supporting, so earth is considered a problem. It is necessary to use Ji wood to control the earth, which would be ideal. However, if there is no Wu earth originally, then Ji wood should not be used again, because without earth to channel, Ji wood would only waste the strength of Ren water in vain.

或四柱一點壬水，甲多洩水，此為用神無力，奸詐之徒；得庚制者，反主仁義。或三點辛金，一重壬水，多見甲木，有庚透者，主大富貴，不見丁為美；若見一丁，此人風雅清高，衣食饒裕而已。

If the four pillars contain only one壬water and there is too much甲wood to drain the water, the useful god becomes weak, and the person is a deceitful individual. If庚metal appears to control the甲wood, it indicates a person of benevolence and righteousness. If there are three辛metal, one壬water, and many甲wood as wealth, and if庚metal is visible to control the wood and support the body, this indicates great wealth and honor, and it is best if丁fire is not present. If one丁fire appears to control the metal, the person will merely be refined, elegant, and have sufficient food and clothing.

或一二比肩，壬甲皆一，無庚出干，亦有恩榮。若二三比肩，一點壬水，戊土多見，此為土厚埋金，此人愚懦；見一甲出，必為創立之人。或一派辛金，一位壬水，無庚雜亂，又主富中取貴。

If there are only one or two rivals, with the壬water and甲wood each appearing once, and no庚metal to compete, there will still be some favor and honor. If there are two or three rivals, with only a single壬water and multiple戊earth, this is called 'thick earth burying metal,' indicating a person who is dull and timid. If there is one甲wood appearing to loosen the earth, then the person is sure to be capable of establishing their own career. If there are many辛metal but only one壬water, and no庚metal to mix in, the situation is pure and unified, which also indicates achieving high status from wealth.

或一派壬水洩金，無戊出制，為沙水同流，主奔波貧苦；若得支見一戊止流，其人頗有才略，藝術過人。或支成金局，干見比肩，無壬淘洗，此宜用丁；無丁必主兇頑無賴；若得一壬高透，以洩群金，又名一清到底，定有治國之材。

If all the Ren water in the chart drains the metal, and there is no Wu earth to stop the flow, the metal will follow the water away, called 'sand and water flowing together,' which indicates a life of constant toil and poverty. If there is one Wu earth in the earth branches to stop the water flow, the person will have considerable talent and skills beyond others. If the earth branches form a metal group and the heavenly stems have a similar metal, but there is no Ren water to wash away the metal, then we should use Ding fire to refine it instead. If there is no Ding fire, it will certainly indicate a person who is fierce and lawless. If there is one Ren water clearly visible in the heavenly stems, which can drain the metal's energy, it is called 'clear and pure from beginning to end,' and such a person will surely be a talent for governing the country.

或支成金局，戊己透干，壬透無火，名白虎格，運行西北，富貴大顯，子息艱難；或透丙火，雖有壬出，亦屬平庸。或一二辛金，一派己土，定為僧道；或干透己土，支見庚甲，一生安閒。或一派乙木，不見庚壬，為才多身弱，一見庚制，富貴可期。

If the Earthly Branches form a metal trinity, and the Heavenly Stems reveal戊 or己 earth, with壬 water also appearing but no fire, it is called the 'White Tiger Pattern'. If the person travels through the Northwest region of metal and water, they will achieve great wealth and fame, but will have difficulty in having children. If丙 fire also appears to warm the situation, even if壬 water is present, it will only result in an ordinary life. If there are one or two辛 metal and the entire chart is filled with己 earth, the earth will bury the metal, and the person will likely become a monk or a Taoist. If己 earth appears in the Heavenly Stems and庚 metal and甲 wood appear in the Earthly Branches, the庚 metal will strengthen the body and the甲 wood will loosen the earth, leading to a peaceful and comfortable life. If the chart is filled with乙 wood as wealth but there is no庚 metal or壬 water, it is called 'wealth in excess but body weak'. If庚 metal appears to control the wood and strengthen the body, wealth and honor are possible.

金生秋月土重，貧無寸鐵，六辛日透戊子時，運喜西方，陰若朝陽，切忌丙丁離位，庚辛局全巳酉丑，位重權高。

An old song says: Metal is born in autumn month when the earth is too heavy, and it ends up poor with not even an inch of iron; if six days of Xin (metal) meet the Wuzi (Wu Zi) hour, it is called "six yin facing the sun," and in fortune it prefers to go west, most fearing the fire of Bing and Ding and the southern fire trigram to break the pattern; if the heavenly stem of Geng and Xin (metal) has the earthly branches of Si, You, and Chou (metal triad) forming a complete metal trinity, then it will have high position and great power.

時日月年：己辛癸己，亥未酉酉。時日月年：丙辛己丁，申酉酉酉。時日月年：壬辛己丁，辰亥酉卯。

The three generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year." First generation: Jiyou year, Guiyou month, Xinyu day, Jihai hour—two Ji earths nourish the self, but gold is already too strong. Only the癸 water in the month and the壬 water in the亥 of the hour can relieve the situation, but with too much earth and not enough water, it is exactly the case of "earth as the illness." Second generation: Dingyou year, Jiyou month, Xinyu day, Bingshen hour—three You and one Shen, gold is extremely strong. The two fire elements Ding and丙 are refined but without the壬 water to wash them, which fits the pattern of "without壬 water to wash, it is suitable to use Ding." Third generation: Dingmao year, Jiyou month, Xinhai day, Renchen hour—the壬 water in the hour is clearly visible, the day is seated on亥 and the hour is on辰, so water has its root and reservoir, completely exhausting the metal energy, which exactly matches the saying "one壬 water clearly visible, the whole thing is clear from beginning to end."

九月辛金，成土司令，母旺子相，須甲疏土，壬洩旺金，先壬後甲。壬甲兩透，桃洞之仙；或壬透甲藏，又見者，平人；甲透，壬藏，戊在支內，異途之仕。

In the ninth month, the Month Builder is戌, and Wu Earth is in command (the original text "成土" should be "戊土"). When the mother (土) is strong, the son (金) is in a prosperous state, so Xin Metal is not weak. Therefore, Jia Wood is needed to open up the thick earth, and Ren Water is required to drain the strong 金. The order of selection is first 壬 and then 甲. If both 壬 and 甲 are visible, it is as precious as a deity in the Peach Blossom Spring. If 壬 water is visible but 甲 wood is hidden, and there is another earth element mixed in, it is for an ordinary person. If 甲 wood is visible but 壬 water is hidden, and Wu Earth is present in the branch, it indicates an official who rose to power through an unusual path.

或辛日甲月，壬水在支，有庚自能去濁留清，秋聞一榜，若戊戌月，即有甲在支亦否。總之土太多，甲不出干，莫問功名，一壬出，洗土助甲，雖不發達，富而可求。

If the day master is辛 gold and the month stem is甲 wood, with壬 water present in the earthly branches, and also庚 gold is present, then the庚 gold can control the stubborn earth and generate clear water, thus naturally removing turbidity and retaining clarity. In this case, one can pass the autumn examination and be listed on the imperial list. However, if the month pillar is Wuxu, the earth is too heavy. Even if甲 wood is hidden in the earthly branches, it still cannot be effective. In summary, if there is too much earth and甲 wood does not appear in the stem, then official rank is not worth considering. At this time, if there is one壬 water appearing in the stem, it can both wash away the earth's turbidity and assist the甲 wood. Although success may not be achieved, wealth can still be pursued.

或土多無壬甲，時月多透丙辛者，略貴，加以辰字在支，則榮顯莫及。或木多土厚，無水者常人；或干上重見癸水，雖無淘洗之功，頗有清金之用，此命主富，辛苦。或己透無壬有癸，亦能滋生金力，衣衿之貴，但恐己多，不免濁富。九月辛金，火土為病，水木為藥。

If there is a lot of earth but no Ren water or Jia wood, and only the heavenly stems of Bing fire and Xin metal are clearly visible, there is still some noble quality; if the earth branch also contains Chen, which is a water reservoir, capable of moistening earth and nurturing metal, the fortune becomes even more outstanding. If there is a lot of wood and thick earth but no water, it is just an ordinary person. If there are many癸 water in the heavenly stems, although癸 water does not have the cleansing power of Ren water, it can still clear some of the metal energy, and such a person will be wealthy but will have to work hard. If JI earth is visible but there is no Ren water, only癸 water, the damp earth can also generate metal strength, leading to a modest official position; however, if there is too much JI earth, it may result in being wealthy but not clear. In summary, for辛 gold in September, fire and earth are considered as ailments, while water and wood are considered as remedies.

時日月年：壬辛戊丙，辰未戌戌。時日月年：戊辛壬戊，子酉戌戌。時日月年：丁辛戊丙，酉未戌戌。

The three generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year." First generation: Bingxu year, Wuxu month, Xinyou day, Renchen hour—two Xu and one Wei, the earth is very heavy, relying on the壬water in the hour stem to wash the earth and the Chen reservoir to store water, but the year stem丙fire actually helps the earth, which is exactly the depiction of "fire and earth as illness, water and wood as medicine." Second generation: Wuxu year, Renxu month, Xinyou day, Wuzi hour—Rénwater is revealed in the month stem, the day sits on You禄, and the hour sits on Zi water, the flow of elegance is strong, only the two Wu earths appearing in the sky make the water turbid. Third generation: Bingxu year, Wuxu month, Xinyou day, Dingyou hour—both Bing and Ding are revealed, and the earth is also thick, there is no Rénwater to wash it and no Jia wood to loosen it, the illness is severe but there is no medicine.

十月辛金，時值小陽，陽漸升，寒氣將降，先用壬水，次取丙火。壬丙兩透，金榜題名，何也，蓋辛金有壬水丙火，名金白水清，又在亥月故發。丙透壬藏，采芹之造；丙藏壬透，富有千金；壬丙在支，聰明之士。

In the tenth month, the month builder is Hai, and the time is small spring, when yang energy is gradually rising while cold energy is about to arrive. In such a case, we first use Ren water and then Bing fire. Ren water washes to show the brightness of metal, and Bing fire dispels the cold to warm the body of metal. If both Ren water and Bing fire are visible, the person will achieve success in the imperial examination. Why? Because the metal is辛 and has Ren water and Bing fire, which is called 'white metal and clear water'. Also, since the person is born in the month of Hai, which is the land of Ren water, it can be expressed. If Bing fire is visible and Ren water is hidden, the person can enter school; if Bing fire is hidden and Ren water is visible, the person will be wealthy; if both Ren and Bing are only in the earth branches, the person is intelligent.

戊壬存柱，積蓄之人，或壬多無戊，名辛水汪洋，反成貧賤，戊多壬少，又主成名。或甲多戊少，因藝術而蓄金。若己多有戊，壬水被困，金被埋，不過誠實之人，或壬癸多無戊丙者，勞碌辛苦，十月辛金，先壬後丙，餘皆參用。

If there is both Wu earth and Ren water in the column, one being earth and the other water, it indicates a person who can accumulate family wealth. If there is a lot of Ren water but no Wu earth, it is called 'Xin water overflowing', with metal being carried away by water, leading to poverty and low status. If there is a lot of Wu earth but little Ren water, it indicates a person who will achieve fame. If there is a lot of Jia wood but little Wu earth, the earth is weakened by the wood and the water has no restraint, so the person can only earn money through one skill. If there is a lot of Ji earth along with Wu earth, the Ren water is blocked and the metal is buried, making the person just an honest person. If there is a lot of Ren and Kui water but no Wu earth or Bing fire, there is neither a dam nor warmth, leading to hard work and hardship. For the Xin metal in the tenth month, first take Ren water and then Bing fire, with other elements used in combination.

十一月辛金，癸水司令，為寒冬雨露，切忌癸出凍金，而困丙火。壬丙兩透，不見戊癸，衣錦腰金，即壬藏丙透，一榜堪圖。或壬多有戊，丙甲出干者，青雲之客；若壬多無戊丙者，洩金太過，定主寒儒；或壬多，甲乙重重，無丙火者，貧寒。

In the eleventh month, the Month Builder is Zi, and Gui water is in command. This is like the rain and dew in the depths of winter, which most fears the appearance of Gui water on the surface, as it can freeze the metal and extinguish Bing fire. If both Ren water and Bing fire are visible, but there is no Wu earth to control the water or no Gui water to suppress the fire, it indicates a person of high status and wealth. Even if Ren water is hidden in the branches and Bing fire is visible on the surface, one may still achieve success in the imperial examinations. If there is a lot of Ren water but Wu earth controls it, and both Bing fire and Jia Yi wood are visible, it suggests a person who rises to prominence. If there is a lot of Ren water without Wu earth or Bing fire, and the metal is excessively drained, it indicates a person of humble status. If there is a lot of Ren water and heavy Jia Yi wood, but no Bing fire to warm the situation, it indicates poverty and hardship.

或支成水局，癸水出干，有二戊制者，富貴恩榮，無戊者常人。或支見亥子丑，干出比劫，無丙，名潤下格，富貴雙全，運喜西北；若無庚辛，又出甲乙，無戊丙者，必主僧道。或支成木局，有丁出干，又見戊者，功名特達。冬月辛金，須丙溫暖，方妙。

If the earthly branches form a water trinity and the癸 water appears in the heavenly stems, with two戊 earths to control it, then one will achieve wealth and honor; without the戊 earth, one remains an ordinary person. If the earthly branches include亥, 子, and 丑 to form the northern water trinity, and the heavenly stems have a twin or劫财 (sharing or stealing wealth), but no丙 fire to break it, this is called the "Rùn Xià pattern," which brings both wealth and honor. The best fortune comes from traveling to the northwest, where metal and water are strong. However, if there is no庚 or 辛 metal as the source, but instead 甲 or 乙 wood to drain the water, and no戊 earth or丙 fire, one will inevitably become a monk or a Taoist. If the earthly branches form a wood trinity and the丁 fire appears in the heavenly stems, along with the戊 earth, then wood generates fire, fire generates earth, and earth generates metal, leading to remarkable success in officialdom. In summary, during the winter month, 辛 gold must have 丙 fire to warm it, which is considered excellent.

十二月辛金，寒凍之極，先丙後壬，炳不能解凍，無壬不能洗淘。丙壬兩透，金馬玉堂之客；壬丙俱藏，遊庠食□之人；有丙無壬，富真貴假；有壬乏丙，賤而且貧；或丙多，無壬，有癸，市中貿易之流。

The twelfth month is Chou, when coldness reaches its peak. In this case, we first use Bing fire and then Ren water: without Bing fire, the ice cannot be melted (the original text "Bing" is a mistake for "non-Bing"), and without Ren water, the golden brilliance cannot be washed out. If both Bing and Ren are visible, they are esteemed guests in the Golden Gate and Jade Hall. If both Bing and Ren are only hidden in the branches, they are students who start school and receive government stipends. If there is Bing fire but no Ren water, wealth is real but rank is false. If there is Ren water but no Bing fire, they are both poor and lowly. If there is an excess of Bing fire but no Ren water, only Gui water is present, they are common merchants in the marketplace.

或水多，有戊己出干，又有丙丁，必主衣食充盈，一生安樂，十二月辛金，丙先壬後，戊己次之。

If there is a lot of water but with the earthy stems Wu and Ji appearing on the surface to stop the flow of water, and also with Bing and Ding fire coming to melt the ice, it will certainly indicate abundant food and clothing and a peaceful and happy life. In summary, for the metal of the twelfth month, Bing fire comes first, then Ren water, and finally Wu and Ji earth.

時日月年：戊辛己乙，子丑丑丑。時日月年：戊辛癸丁，子卯丑丑。時日月年：丁辛己乙，酉未丑卯。時日月年：己辛丁甲，亥卯丑申。

The following four combinations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First combination: Yichou year, Jichou month, Xinchou day, Wuzi hour—three Chous and one Zi, extremely cold and damp, with too much earth burying the metal and no Bing fire at all, which is exactly the situation of "having Ren but lacking Bing, leading to poverty and low status". Second combination: Dingchou year, Guichou month, Xinmao day, Wuzi hour—Ding fire in the heavenly stem could warm the situation, but it was restrained by Gui water in the month's heavenly stem, and although Wu earth in the hour stops the water, the cold and warmth are still not balanced. Third combination: Yimao year, Jichou month, Xinwei day, Dingyou hour—Ding fire appears in the hour to thaw the cold, Mao and Wei support wood to generate fire, Ji earth supports the self, there is enough warmth but little water to wash. Fourth combination: Jiashen year, Dingchou month, Xinmao day, Jihai hour—Ding fire thaws the cold, Ji wood generates fire, Hai contains Ren water to refine metal, Shen metal is also a source of water, both Bing and Ren are present, making this the better combination among the twelve lunar months for Xin metal.

天傾西北，亥為出水之方；地陷東南，辰為納水之府。逆流到申而作聲，故水不西流。水性潤下，順則有容，順行十二神，順也，主有度量，有吉神扶助，乃貴格；逆則有聲，逆行十二神，逆也，入格者，主清貴，有聲譽。忌刑沖，則橫流；愛自死自絕，則吉。

Heaven inclines toward the northwest, so Hai is the direction where water flows out; Earth sinks toward the southeast, so Chen is the place where water converges and is stored. Water should flow east, but when it flows against the current to Shen, it makes a sound, so it is said that water does not flow west. Water has the nature of moistening and descending: when it flows in order, it can hold and contain, and when the earthly branches proceed in order through the twelve positions, it is called 'smooth,' indicating a person with good measure and capacity. If there are auspicious deities supporting this, it becomes a noble destiny. When it flows in reverse, it produces sound, and when the earthly branches proceed in reverse through the twelve positions, it is called 'reverse,' which indicates a person of clear virtue and reputation. Water most dislikes punishment and clash, as one clash causes it to flow wildly and flood. However, it loves to be in its dead and绝 positions, restraining itself and not overflowing, which is actually auspicious.

水不絕源，仗金生而流遠；水流泛濫，賴土克以堤防。水火均，則合既濟之美；水土混，則有濁源之凶。四時皆忌火多，則水受渴；忌見土重，則水不流；忌見金死，金死則水困；忌見木旺，木旺則水死。沈芝云：水命動搖，多主濁濫，女人尤忌之。口訣云：陽水身弱，窮；陰水身弱，主貴。

Water needs a continuous source and relies on metal to generate it, so that it can flow far. Once water becomes excessive, it needs earth to control it and build dikes. When water and fire are balanced, it conforms to the auspicious state of "water and fire in harmony." However, when water mixes with earth, it leads to the凶 of murky and overflowing water. Water should avoid excessive fire in the four seasons, as too much fire will dry up the water. It should also avoid heavy earth, as heavy earth will stop the flow of water. It should avoid metal in a dead position, as dead metal will trap the water and prevent it from having a source. It should also avoid strong wood, as strong wood will absorb all the water and cause it to die. Shen Zhi said: Those with water destiny are unstable and often result in murky and overflowing water, especially for women's destiny, which is particularly inauspicious. The mnemonic says: Yang water (Ren) with a weak body indicates poverty, while Yin water (Gui) with a weak body indicates prosperity.

春月之水：生於春月，性濫滔淫，再逢水助，必有崩堤之勢，若加土盛，則無泛漲之憂，喜金生扶，不宜金盛，慾火既濟，不要火多，見木而可施功，無土仍愁散漫。夏月之水：夏月之水，執性歸源，時當涸際，欲得比肩，喜金生而助體，忌火旺而福乾，木盛則盜其氣，土旺則制其流。

Spring water: born in spring, water is overflowing and unrestrained; if more water comes to assist it, there will be a risk of breaking the embankments. If strong earth comes to restrain it, there will be no worry of flooding. It prefers metal to generate and support it, but metal should not be too strong. It needs fire to match with it to form the state of mutual assistance, but fire should not be excessive. Seeing wood allows it to show its function, as water generates wood and the energy flows smoothly. Without earth, it still worries about being scattered and having no place to return. Summer water: in summer, water holds to its nature and longs to return to its source. In the time of drought, it most desires companions to help. It prefers metal to generate and support it, but fears strong fire that dries it up (the original "福乾" should be "涸乾"). Strong wood steals its energy, and strong earth controls its flow.

秋月之水：秋月之水，母旺子相，表裡晶瑩，得金助則清澄，逢土旺而混濁，火多而財盛，木重而子榮，重重見水，增其氾濫之憂，疊疊逢土，始得清平之意。冬月之水：冬月之水，司令當權，遇火，則增暖除寒，見土，則形藏歸化，金多，反曰無義，木盛，是謂有情，土太過，勢成涸轍，水氾濫，喜土堤防。

Autumn water: In autumn, metal is strong and water is in its phase, so the mother is strong and the child also thrives; the water is clear and transparent inside and out. With the assistance of metal, it becomes even clearer; however, when earth is strong, it becomes turbid. Too much fire indicates wealth, while heavy wood signifies prosperity of offspring. If there is repeated water, it only adds worry of flooding; if there are repeated earths, it brings about clarity and peace. Winter water: In winter, water is in command and dominant. When it meets fire, it becomes warmer and dispels cold; when it meets earth, it becomes hidden and is transformed into nourishment. Too much metal is actually not beneficial, as the mother is too strong and the child suffers, water is already too strong, and further increase leads to turbidity. However, too much wood is actually beneficial, as water nourishes wood and allows the vigorous energy to be released. If earth is too strong, the water's flow will dry up; if water is too abundant, earth is welcomed to build a dike for prevention.

正月壬水，汪洋之象，能並百川之流，然水性柔弱，宜用庚金之源，庶不致汪洋無度。有庚丙戊三者齊透，科甲功名；或庚戊藏支，丙坐寅支者，亦有恩誥；即一庚透，貢監有之。

In the first lunar month, the month builder is寅. The water of壬 is originally like a vast ocean, capable of gathering all rivers and streams. However, in the寅 month, the strong wood drains the water, making the water nature become weak and soft. Therefore, it is suitable to use庚 metal as its source, so that the source is not cut off and the vast ocean is not left uncontrolled. If庚 metal,丙 fire, and戊 earth all appear clearly, it indicates success in the imperial examinations and official rank. If only庚 metal and戊 earth are hidden in the earth branches, and丙 fire is in the寅 branch where it has growth, there will be honors and official titles granted by the emperor. Even if only庚 metal appears, there will be appointments as a recommended scholar or a supervisee.

凡壬日無比肩羊刃者，不必用戊，專用庚金，以丙為佐。或見比劫，又有庚辛，此弱極復旺，又宜制伏，成透，可云科甲，戊藏，則是秀才，然必丙透不合，為妙。

For a day master of Ren water, if there are no siblings or Yangren to support it, the strength of the day master is weak, so there is no need to use Wu earth to overcome it. Instead, use Geng metal to nourish the day master, with Bing fire as an auxiliary for harmonizing the climate. If there are siblings or劫财 along with Geng and Xin metals to nourish the day master, the day master becomes very strong from extreme weakness. In this case, use earth to control it: if Wu earth is revealed in the heavens, it is considered as having the potential for official rank; if Wu earth is only hidden in the branches, it is considered as having the potential for scholarly achievement. However, it is still necessary for Bing fire to be revealed in the heavens and not be combined away, which is considered ideal.

或支見多戊，又有甲出干，名一將當關，群邪自伏，主光明磊落，名重百寮。或支成火局，借不逢時，主名利皆虛，文章駭俗。用庚者，土妻金子，用丙者，木妻火子，用戊者，火妻土子。

If there are many instances of Wu Tu in the earthly branches, which surround and restrict, but there is Jia Mu appearing on the heavenly stem to remove the obstruction, this is called "one general guarding the pass, all evils naturally subside." This indicates that the person is upright and honorable, with a reputation surpassing that of a hundred officials. If the earthly branches form a fire trinity, wealth is abundant but the self is weak. It is a pity that one is born at an inauspicious time—fire is not in its season in the first lunar month. Thus, fame and fortune are hollow, and one can only achieve sudden literary success. For those using Geng Jin as their key element, the wife star is Tu and the son star is Jin. For those using Bing Huo as their key element, the wife star is Mu and the son star is Huo. For those using Wu Tu as their key element, the wife star is Huo and the son star is Tu.

時日月年：庚壬丙己，子辰寅巳。

This chart still lists the "hour, day, month, year" horizontally, restoring it to the year Jisi, month Bingyin, day Renchen, and hour Gengzi. The庚 gold is in the hour stem, originating from water, the丙 fire is revealed in the month stem to regulate the climate, the year stem 己 soil is the official star, the day ruler sits on Chen and the hour sits on Zi, thus having roots. This perfectly aligns with the intention of using "Geng, Bing, and Wu" together in the first lunar month for the壬 water.

二月壬水，寒氣初除，有並流之象，不用丙暖，專取戊土辛金。二月壬水，先戊後辛，庚金次之。戊辛兩透，雁塔題名；戊透辛藏，亦有恩誥；或戊辛不透，有庚出干者，主富。

In the second month, the Month Builder is Mao, and the cold energy is just gone, with all waters flowing together. Therefore, there is no need to use Bing fire to warm it. Instead, focus on Wu earth to control the water and Xin metal to generate water. For the second month's Ren water, the order is first Wu earth, then Xin metal, with Geng metal coming next. If both Wu and Xin are visible, it indicates success in the imperial examination. If Wu is visible and Xin is hidden, it suggests an official appointment and honor. If neither Wu nor Xin is visible, but Geng metal is present, it indicates wealth.

或支成木局，有庚透者，金榜題名，在水，者異途之任。或木出火多，名木盛火炎，須比肩羊刃，尤宜水透，富貴恩榮，乏水者則否。

If the earthly branches form a wood局, it will excessively drain the water, and if there is a revelation of庚 gold to control the wood, then one will achieve success in the imperial examination. However, if the庚 gold is only hidden in the water without appearing on the heavenly stem, then one will only hold an office of a different kind. If the wood appears on the heavenly stem and fire is also abundant, this is called 'wood is strong and fire is fierce', which means both draining the body and generating wealth. At this time, there must be a helper in the form of a same heavenly stem or yangren to support the body, especially if water is revealed on the heavenly stem, then one will achieve wealth and honor. If there is no water, it will not be successful.

或比肩重重，又須戊土，書曰，土止流水福壽全，若戊不見，名水泛木浮，一生辛苦，再行水運，落水身亡。或甲乙重重無比肩者，此依人度日，全無作為，若見庚辛，飢寒可免。

If there are many same heavenly stems, the water becomes too strong, and then we need Wu Tu to control it. The命书 says: "Earth can stop flowing water, leading to both good fortune and longevity." If Wu Tu is not present, and the month of Mao (which is the month of the Ox) is strong with abundant water, it is called "water overflowing and wood floating," leading to a life of hardship. If the water continues to flow in the destiny, there may even be a disaster of drowning and death. If there are many Jia and Yi wood stems without support from same stems, the wood will be overly drained, and the person can only rely on others for a living, achieving nothing. If there is Geng and Xin metal to control the wood and nourish the body, then the hardship of hunger and cold can be avoided.

三月壬水，戊土司權，死有推山塞海之患，先用甲疏季土，次取庚金。甲庚俱透，科甲定然，甲透庚藏，修齊品格，甲藏有根，可云俊秀，有癸滋甲，必主干城，獨甲藏支，必富，獨庚在柱，常人，無甲，剛暴之徒，乏庚，愚頑之輩。

In the third month, the Month Builder is Chen, and Wu Earth holds authority. Earth can block water, causing a serious problem as if mountains were pushed and seas blocked. Therefore, first use Jia Wood to open up the thick earth of this season, then take Geng Metal to initiate the source of water. If both Jia and Geng are visible, success in exams is certain. If Jia Wood is visible and Geng Metal is hidden, it indicates a person with good moral character and ability to manage family and self. If Jia Wood is hidden but has a root, he can be considered outstanding. If there is also Gui Water to nourish Jia Wood, he will certainly be a capable person for the country. If Jia Wood is only hidden in the earthly branches, he will certainly be wealthy. If there is only Geng Metal in the column without Jia Wood, he is an ordinary person. If there is no Jia Wood at all, he is a man with a fierce and violent nature. If Geng Metal is missing, he is a foolish and stubborn person.

或時干透丁者，此為化合，助火而不助水，見丁未一理。或支成四庫，乏甲者，名殺重身輕，終身有損。凡水旺多見庚金者，乃無用之人，須丙制之方妙。

If the heavenly stem of the hour reveals Ding fire, and Ding combines with Ren water, this is a harmonious combination, which neutralizes the original nature of the day stem, supporting fire but not water. If the column of Dingwei appears, the principle is the same. If the earthly branches of Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei all form the four earthy repositories, the heavy earth will suppress water, and if there is no Jia wood to loosen the earth, it is called 'heavy killing and light body,' leading to lifelong damage. If water is already strong and there are many Geng metals to generate it, this is like having too many mothers and the child is sick, resulting in a person of no use. It is necessary to use Bing fire to control Geng metal, which is the proper method.

時日月年：甲壬甲壬，辰辰辰申。

This configuration still lists the "hour, day, month, year" horizontally, restoring it to Renshen year, Jiachen month, Renchen day, and Jiachen hour. Three Chen earths suppress water, two Jia woods emerge to clear the earth, and the year's branch, Sheng metal, is the source of water. This perfectly matches the method for March壬water, which first uses Jia wood to clear the seasonal earth and then takes Geng metal.

四月壬水，丙火司權，水弱極矣，專取壬水比肩為助，次取辛金發源，且暗合丙火，庚金為佐。

In the fourth month, the Month Builder is Si, and Bing fire is in charge. Ren water is extremely weak, so we specifically use Ren water as a helper to support the self. Next, we use Xin metal as the water source—Xin metal can generate water and also暗暗 combines with Bing fire, restraining the dominant fire. Geng metal serves as an assistant.

壬辛兩透，金榜有名，或癸辛兩出，加以甲透，亦主異路之榮，無甲者，富貴門下之客。如無壬，木少火多者，又作棄命從才格，因妻致富，癸透者殘疾。

When both Ren water and Xin metal are visible, there will be fame and recognition on the imperial list; if instead, the visible elements are Gui water and Xin metal, and also Ji wood is visible to drain the fire and protect the self, it indicates a distinguished and unconventional success; if Ji wood is not present, one can only serve as a refined guest in a wealthy family. If the column lacks Ren water to support the day master and there is little wood while fire is strong, the day master has no support at all, and it is considered the 'abandoning the destiny to follow wealth' pattern, relying on the wife for wealth; at this time, if Gui water is visible, the weak water can counteract the strong fire, but this may lead to disability.

或四柱多金得地，則弱極復強，須用巳中戊土，亦主名利雙全，或異途之貴，若見一甲藏寅，與己相刑，主有暗疾，名利皆虛，不能創立。或多甲乙，有庚出干者，貴，無庚者否。或支成水局，大貴。

If there is an excess of metal in the four pillars and it is well positioned, the day master, originally very weak, becomes strong, and thus the use of the earthy戊 (Wu) in巳 (Si) to control water is needed, which indicates both fame and fortune, or attainment of special status. If there is one hidden 甲 (Jia) wood in寅 (Yin), and寅 (Yin) and巳 (Si) form a conflict, it indicates hidden illness and empty fame and fortune, with nothing accomplished. If there is an abundance of甲 (Jia) and乙 (Yi) wood that drains water, and there is庚 (Geng) metal appearing on the surface to control the wood, then it indicates high status; if there is no庚 (Geng) metal, it will not succeed. If the branches form a water trinity, the day master, originally weak, becomes strong again and combines with strong fire, it indicates great fortune.

時日月年：乙壬乙壬，巳午巳寅。時日月年：乙壬乙壬，巳申巳午。時日月年：壬壬癸丙，寅辰巳辰。

The first combination: Renshen year, Yisi month, Renwu day, Yisi hour—two Rens support the day stem while two Yis drain water to nourish fire, resulting in strong fire and weak water, lacking the source of Geng and Xin. The second combination: Renwu year, Yisi month, Renshen day, Yisi hour—the day stem sits on Shen, which contains Geng metal long growth capable of generating water, making it more rooted than the previous combination. The third combination: Bingchen year, Guisi month, Renchen day, Renshen hour—two Chens retain water, and Rens and Guis both appear on the surface, with the year stem丙 fire as wealth, balancing water and fire, making it a better combination for the fourth month's water.

五月壬水，丁旺壬弱，取癸為用，取庚為佐，無庚不能發水，無癸不能傷丁，五月壬水，辛癸亦可參用，其理與四月皆同。庚癸兩透，科甲必然，庚壬兩透，官居極品，有庚無壬癸者，常人。或支成火局，全無金水，名才多身弱，富屋貧人，若又甲乙多者，僧道之命。

In the fifth lunar month, the Month Builder is Wu, so Ding fire is strong and Ren water is weak. Therefore, Gui water is used as the main element and Geng metal as the auxiliary. Without Geng metal, the water source cannot be released, and without Gui water, Ding fire cannot be harmed. For Ren water in the fifth month, Xin metal and Gui water can also be used together, following the same principle as in the fourth month. If both Geng and Gui are visible in the heavens, the person will certainly achieve success in the imperial examinations. If both Geng and Ren are visible, the person can hold an official position of the highest rank. If there is Geng metal but no Ren or Gui water, the person will be ordinary. If the earth branches form a fire formation and there is no metal or water, it is called "wealth in excess but body weak," meaning a poor person living in a good house. If there is also an excess of Jia and Yi wood to generate fire and drain water, then the person is destined to be a monk or a Taoist.

時日月年：辛壬壬庚，亥寅午午。時日月年：甲壬丙丁，辰寅午酉。

The first combination: Gengwu year, Renwu month, Rennyin day, Xinhai hour. The heavenly stem of the year, Geng metal, and the heavenly stem of the hour, Xin metal, both originate from the same source. The branch of the hour, Hai water, is the禄 (favorable position) for Ren water. This is exactly the method of "Geng and Gui both appearing" in a straight line. The second combination: Dingyou year, Bingwu month, Rennyin day, Jiachen hour. Both Ding fire and Bing fire are visible, indicating strong wealth but weak self. It relies on the branch of the year, You metal, to generate water, and the branch of the hour, Chen earth, to store water. The heavenly stem of the hour, Ji wood, also drains water to generate fire, which is exactly the pattern of abundant wealth but weak self.

六月壬水，己土當權，丁火退氣，先用辛金癸水，次用甲木劈土，六月壬水，先辛後甲，次取癸水。辛甲兩透，富貴清高，甲藏辛透，貢監生員，辛藏甲透，異途武職，甲壬兩透，無傷，有治國之貴，即甲藏壬出無破，是拾芥之才，或支多土火，又只清貧。

In June, the Month Builder is Wei, and Ji earth is in charge. Ding fire turns into retreat, so first use Xin metal and Gui water, then use Jia wood to break through thick earth. The order for Ren water in June is: first Xin metal, then Jia wood, and then Gui water. If both Xin and Jia are visible, there will be wealth and nobility. If Jia wood is hidden and Xin metal is visible, one becomes a candidate for official status. If Xin metal is hidden and Jia wood is visible, one may take an alternative path as a military officer. If both Jia wood and Ren water are visible without being harmed or controlled, there is the dignity of governing the country. Even if Jia wood is hidden and Ren water appears on the surface without any damage, one is still a talented person who can easily achieve official rank. If there is too much earth and fire in the earth branches, causing both control and drainage, then one will be poor and humble.

或一派己土，此假從殺格，為人奸詐，且主孤貧，得甲乙出制可救，凡土居生旺之地，須用木制方妙。或支成木局，洩水太過，當用金水為貴，以金為妻，水為子。

If the chart is entirely filled with Ji earth, this is called the "False Following the Killer" pattern — Ji earth is muddy and impure, so the following is not genuine — this person is cunning and deceitful, and suffers from poverty and loneliness. If Jia or Yi wood appears on the surface to control the earth, it can be salvaged. Whenever earth is in a place of birth or strength, it must be controlled by wood to be effective. If the branches form a wood局, causing excessive drainage of water, then gold and water should be used for fortune, with gold as the wife star and water as the son star.

七月壬水，庚金司令，壬得申之長生，源流自遠，轉弱為強，專用戊土，次取丁火佐戊制庚，但用辰戌之戊，不用申中受病之戊。

In the seventh month, the Month Builder is Shen, and Geng Metal is in command. Ren Water gains its Growth in Shen. Since its source is far and its flow is long, it starts weak but becomes strong. Therefore, we mainly use Wu Earth to control it. Next, we take Ding Fire, which supports Wu Earth and also restrains the overly strong Geng Metal, preventing it from excessively generating Water. However, the Wu Earth used should be the thick and solid Wu from Chen or Xu, not the weakened Wu in Shen. The Wu in Shen is both weakened by Metal and displaced by Water, so its strength is insufficient.

戊丁俱透，科甲生員，戊透天干，丁藏午戌，恩封可待，特忌戊癸化合，即支見寅戌，年出丁火，可許衣衿，或丁戊兩藏，富中取貴。

If both Wu earth and Ding fire are visible in the heavens, one may expect to pass the imperial examinations or become a scholar. If Wu earth is visible in the heavenly stem and Ding fire is hidden in the branches of Wu or Xu, an official appointment is expected soon. This pattern particularly dislikes Wu earth combining with Gui water to transform into fire, as once transformed, the defense is lost. Even if only the branches show寅 or戌 and the heavenly stem shows Ding fire, one might be granted a minor official position. If both Ding and Wu are only hidden in the branches, one can achieve honor from wealth.

或四柱多壬戊又透干，名假殺化權，閬苑之仙，支中見甲，亦不忌也，但太多者，常人，有庚居申，頗有衣祿。或戊多而透，得一甲制，略貴，無甲常人，或一派甲木，又見火多，無庚出者，別祖離鄉，隨緣度日，蓋申中之庚，不能救也。七月壬水，栽用戊土，丁火為佐。

If there are many Ren water in the four pillars and Wu earth also appears on the surface, Wu earth controls the water, which is called 'false killer transforming into authority', and the person is as noble as a fairy in the阆苑. At this time, seeing Jia wood in the earth branches is not something to be avoided, because too much water can be released by wood. However, if there is too much Jia wood, the person remains an ordinary person. If there is Geng metal sitting on Shen, there is a certain amount of clothing and food. If there is too much Wu earth appearing on the surface, the earth becomes too heavy, and with a Jia wood to control it, there is a little nobility; without Jia wood, the person is still ordinary. If there are full pillars of Jia wood and fire is also abundant, the water is released and wealth is generated, but without Geng metal appearing on the surface to save the situation, it indicates leaving the ancestral home and living elsewhere, relying on fate for a living. The Geng metal hidden in Shen cannot save the situation in an emergency. In summary, for Ren water in the seventh month, Wu earth is specifically used as the main element, and Ding fire serves as an auxiliary.

時日月年：壬壬庚戊，寅辰申寅。時日月年：丙壬戊丁，午辰申亥。時日月年：辛壬庚癸，亥辰申酉。

The three generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First generation: Wuyin year, Gengshen month, Renchen day, RENYIN hour — the month dry branch Geng metal rules and generates water, the year dry branch Wu earth builds a dike, two YIN branches contain Bing fire to warm the situation, which exactly matches the meaning of July壬water "special reliance on Wu earth, secondary reliance on Ding fire". Second generation: Dinghai year, Wushen month, Renchen day, Bingwu hour — Wu earth appears in the month dry branch as a dike, year dry branch Ding fire and hour dry branch Bing fire warm the water, both Ding and Wu are available. Third generation: Guiyou year, Gengshen month, Renchen day, Xinhai hour — full of metal and water without Wu earth, water is too strong without control, which is exactly the type to be avoided in this month.

八月壬水，辛金司權，正金白水清，忌戊土為病，專用甲木，甲木一透制戊，壬水澈底澄清，名高翰苑，若甲出時干，功名顯達，設見庚破，又屬常人，即甲藏支，無庚，秀才可許。

In August, the Month Builder is You, and Xin metal holds authority. This is the season of "golden brightness and clear water," and it is most unfavorable for Wu earth to appear, which would disturb the clear water. Therefore, we must rely solely on Jia wood. If Jia wood appears in the heavenly stem, it will control Wu earth, allowing Ren water to become completely clear, leading to high reputation in the Han Academy. If Jia wood appears in the time stem, one will achieve fame and success. If, however, Geng metal comes to destroy Jia wood, then one becomes an ordinary person. Even if Jia wood is only hidden in the earthly branches, as long as there is no Geng metal to destroy it, one may become a scholar.

或天干有壬，支見申亥，此非用甲，戊土作用，亥雖有甲，又有申中之金制甲，秀才一定，且富足多才。或無戊，多金水者，主人清才濁，困苦寒儒。無甲用金，發水之源，名獨水三犯庚辛，號曰體全之象。八月壬水，栽用甲木，庚金次之，用甲者，水妻木子。

If there is also the Ren water in the heavenly stems, and the earthly branches contain Shen and Hai, the water becomes too strong, so it is not the time to use Jia wood, but instead to use Wu earth to control it. Although Hai contains hidden Jia wood, the gold in Shen is actually controlling it. In such a case, the person will certainly be talented and prosperous. If there is no Wu earth and there is too much gold and water, the person's character may be clear, but his talents are mixed, and he will be a poor, struggling scholar. If there is no Jia wood, then use gold to generate water, called "single water conflicting with Geng and Xin," which is called "complete form." For壬 water in the eighth month, the main use is Jia wood, with Geng gold as the secondary choice. Those who use Jia wood as their main element take water as their wife star and wood as their son star.

時日月年：壬壬丁辛，寅辰酉酉。時日月年：庚壬己壬，戌子酉子。時日月年：己壬丁丙，酉子酉子。時日月年：甲壬乙庚，辰子酉午。

The four generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First generation: Xinyou year, Dingyou month, Renchen day, RENYIN hour—there is hidden Jia wood in YIN to control CHEN soil, the month's dry branch Ding fire is wealth, gold is white and water is clear with wood to loosen it. Second generation: Renzi year, Jiyou month, Renzi day, Gengxu hour—Ji soil appears on the dry branch to muddy water, and there is no Jia wood to control it, which is exactly the type of "disliked Wutu soil as illness". Third generation: Bingzi year, Dingyou month, Renzi day, Jiyou hour—two YOU generate water, Bing and Ding are wealth, Ji soil again appears on the hour to cause illness. Fourth generation: Gengwu year, Yiyou month, Renzi day, Jiachen hour—Jia wood appears on the hour's dry branch to control soil, Yi wood and Geng metal are both present, which is exactly the pattern of "special reliance on Jia wood" for REN water in August.

九月壬水進氣，其性將厚，若一派壬水，見一甲，制戌中之戊，戊又出干，斯用丙火，此格清貴極矣，正合一將當關，群邪自伏，或不見丙戊，亦不為妙。

In September, the Month Builder is戌, and the壬 water begins to gather strength, with the water's nature about to become more substantial. If there are many壬 waters in the chart, and one甲 wood is present to control the戊 earth within戌, and the戊 earth also appears in the heavens to contend with the甲 wood, then one should use丙 fire to harmonize the situation. The fire both supports the earth and assists the戊, and also warms the water. This pattern is extremely refined and noble, perfectly matching the situation described as "one general at the pass, all evils subside on their own." If neither丙 fire nor戊 earth is present, it is not considered excellent.

或一派戊土，無一己庚雜亂，得一甲透時干，玉堂清貴，即甲透月上，亦主科甲，若支藏己土，一榜可圖，或庚乏丁，貧賤之人。或丁透見甲，略貴。或水多乏丙者，又用戊土，常人。九月壬水，栽用甲木，次用丙火，用土者，火妻土子。

If there are many Wu earths in the chart and no Ji earth or Geng metal to mix with them, and there is a Jia wood appearing in the hour stem to relieve the earth, it is a fate of clear dignity in the Jade Hall; even if Jia wood appears in the month stem, it still indicates success in the imperial examination. If there is Ji earth hidden in the earth branch, there is still a chance of achieving a position in the examination list. If there is Geng metal but no Ding fire to control it, it will be the fate of a poor and lowly person. If Ding fire appears and Jia wood is present to generate it, there is a slight indication of noble status. If there is too much water but no Bing fire to control it, one can only use Wu earth to control the water, resulting in an ordinary life. For the壬 water in September, the main use is Jia wood, and then Bing fire. For those using earth as their main element, fire is considered the wife star and earth is considered the son star.

時日月年：辛壬戊兩，丑戌戌寅。時日月年：甲壬戊辛，辰戌戌丑。

The two charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First chart: Bingyin year, Wuxu month, Renxu day, Xinchou hour (the original year stem "two" should be "Bing"). There are two Wuxu and one Xinchou, heavy earth suppressing water, with the hidden Jia wood in寅 quietly removing the earth, and the year stem Bing fire in the middle harmonizing, which exactly fits the saying "seeing one Jia wood to control the Wu in the Wuxu, thus using Bing fire". Second chart: Xinchou year, Wuxu month, Renxu day, Jiachen hour - the Jia wood appears in the hour stem to remove the earth, and the Xin metal can also generate water, which is a proper example of the September壬 water relying on Jia wood.

十月壬水司權，至旺之極，取戊為用，若生辰日干，又見辰時，必須戊透，又須庚制甲，不傷戊土，戊庚兩全，定主登科及第，位顯權高，或甲出制戊，不見庚救者，斷之困窮，戊藏無制，可許生員，或戊庚兩透無甲者，亦主榮顯。

In October, the Month Builder is Hai, and Ren water is in charge, reaching its peak strength. To control this strong water, Wu earth is needed to build a dike. If the Day Branch is Chen and the Hour Branch is also Chen, Chen is a water reservoir containing hidden Yi wood. In this case, Wu earth must appear on the surface, and Geng metal is required to control the Yi and Bing wood, preventing them from harming Wu earth. If both Wu and Geng are present, the person will certainly achieve success in exams, attain high status and power. If Bing wood appears on the surface and weakens Wu earth without Geng metal to save it, the person will be poor and unfortunate throughout their life. If Wu earth is only hidden and not attacked by wood, they may become a scholar. If both Wu and Geng appear without Bing wood, they will also achieve honor and prominence.

或支木局，有甲乙出干，得庚透者，富貴，無庚者，平常。或支成水局，不見戊己，名潤下格，運行西北，大富貴，行東南者，必危。或丙戊兩透，行火土運，名利雙全，或有丙無戊，可云衣祿，有戊無丙，難許推盈，十月壬水，專用戊丙，次取庚金。

If the earthly branches form a wood局 and the heavenly stems have Jia and Yi to drain the water, and if Geng metal is revealed to control the wood, it indicates wealth and honor. If there is no Geng metal, it is only ordinary. If the earthly branches form a water局 and there is no Wu or Ji earth to block it, it is called the "Run Down Pattern." If one's fortune moves towards the northwest of metal and water, great wealth and honor will be achieved; but if it moves towards the southeast of wood and fire, which goes against its nature, there will be danger. If both Bing fire and Wu earth are revealed and the fortune moves towards fire and earth, both fame and fortune will be complete. If there is Bing fire but no Wu earth, one can only expect a modest livelihood. If there is Wu earth but no Bing fire, the cold water may have a dam but lacks warmth, so it is difficult to achieve prosperity. For壬 water in the tenth month, Wu earth and Bing fire are most important, followed by Geng metal.

時日月年：庚壬丁庚，戌戌亥子。時日月年：辛壬辛壬，亥子亥申。

The two charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First chart: Gengzi year, Dinghai month, Renxu day, Gengxu hour. The Wu earth between the two Xu is exactly like a dike, the Geng in year and hour is the source of water, the Ding fire in the month warms the chart, and the combination is close to "Wu and Geng both present". Second chart: Renshen year, Xinhai month, Renzi day, Xinhai hour. The chart is full of metal and water, with no Wu or Ji to block, which is exactly the pattern of "Runxia pattern". The fortune should go towards Northwest.

十一月壬水，陽刃幫身，較前更旺，先取戊土，次用丙火，丙戊兩透，富貴榮華，有戊無丙，略可言富，有丙無戊，好謀無成。或支成水局，丙不出干，即有戊土，亦係庸人，或丙透得所，即戊藏支，亦可顯達，須運得用方妙。

In the eleventh month, the month builder is Zi, which is the Yang Blade of Ren water. The supporting force is stronger than in the tenth month, so first take Wu earth to control the water, and then use Bing fire to melt the ice. If both Bing and Wu are visible in the heavens, then there will be wealth, honor, and prosperity. If there is Wu earth but no Bing fire, then only wealth can be mentioned. If there is Bing fire but no Wu earth, although one may be good at planning, it will be difficult to achieve success. If the branches form a water trinity, and Bing fire is not visible in the heavens, even with Wu earth, one will be an ordinary person. If Bing fire is visible in the heavens, even if Wu earth is only hidden in the branches, one can achieve success, but it is still necessary to have a favorable fortune that reaches the useful god.

或支成火局，一富而已。或比見月時，年見丁火，平常之輩，支成四庫，富貴中人，或丁出時干，名為爭合，主名利難成。或壬子日，丁未時，雖不能科甲，亦有恩榮，何也，蓋用子中癸水為宮，號曰用神得地，亦主榮華。十一月壬水，丙戊並用。

If the earthly branches form a fire formation, the wealth will be strong but the body is cold, so one can only be rich but not prosperous. If both the month and hour stems are the same as the day stem, but the year stem shows Ding fire, the two Ren waters will compete for one Ding fire, making the person ordinary. If the earthly branches form the four earth repositories of Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei, the earth will control the water, making the person wealthy and noble. If Ding fire appears in the hour stem, and it combines with the day stem, and there is also a same stem in the month, it is called "competing for combination," which indicates difficulty in achieving fame and fortune. If the day is Renzi and the hour is Dingwei, even though one cannot pass the imperial examination, there will be honor and prestige. Why? Because the癸water in the Zi branch is taken as the useful god's palace, called "the useful god is in its proper place," which also indicates prosperity. For the eleventh month's Ren water, both Bing fire and Wu earth are used.

時日月年：壬壬壬壬，寅寅子寅。時日月年：甲壬壬壬，辰子子子。

The two charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year." The first chart: Renyin year, Renzi month, Renyi day, Renyin hour—four Ren stems are visible with three Yin branches in the earth, indicating strong water and abundant wood. It entirely relies on the hidden丙 fire and戊 soil in the Yin branch for support. The second chart: Renzi year, Renzi month, Renzi day, Jiachen hour—three Ren stems and three Zi branches, indicating extremely strong water. Only the hour stem Jiamu drains the water, and the Chen soil slightly retains it. There is neither丙 fire nor戊 soil, making it a case of excessive water without control.

十二月壬水，旺極復衰，何也，上半月癸辛主事，故旺，專用丙火，下半月己土主事，故衰，亦用丙火，甲木佐之。有丙解凍，名利雙全，丙透甲出，科甲之貴，然四柱無壬，方妙，無丙，單寒之士。

The twelfth lunar month is Chou, and the water of Ren becomes extremely strong and then declines. Why? In the first half of the month,癸 water and 辛 metal are in charge, so the water is still strong, and at this time, we mainly use Bing fire to melt the ice. In the second half of the month, Ji earth is in charge, so the water turns weak, and we still use Bing fire, but also use Jia wood to assist in loosening the earth. If there is Bing fire to melt the ice, then both fame and fortune are complete. If Bing fire is visible and Jia wood is also present, then it is a noble official, but it is still excellent if there are no other Ren waters in the four pillars to compete and increase the coldness. If there is not even a single Bing fire, then it is just a lonely and cold person.

或四柱多壬，戊透制之，衣衿可望。或丁出時干，化合成木，月干又見丁火，無癸破格，亦主富貴。或支成金局，不見丙丁，名金寒水冷，一世孤貧，見火略可，即丙透遇辛，亦不為妙，見丁頗吉。

If there are many Ren water in the four pillars and Wu earth appears to control it, one may expect to have a modest livelihood. If Ding fire appears in the hour pillar and combines with the day master to form wood, and Ding fire also supports in the month pillar, and there is no Gui water to break this pattern, it indicates wealth and honor. If the earth branches form a metal circle and both Bing and Ding fire are absent, it is called 'cold metal and cold water,' leading to a life of poverty. If fire is present, it is somewhat better, but if Bing fire appears and is combined with Xin metal, it is not ideal. However, the presence of Ding fire is quite favorable.

臘月壬水，先取丙火，丁甲為佐，故水冷金寒愛丙丁，用火者，木妻火子。水旺居垣須有智，水土混雜必愚頑，壬癸路經南域，主健，富貴堪圖，又云，惟有水木傷官格，才官相見始為歡。

In the twelfth lunar month, the壬 water is first taken with丙 fire, with丁 fire and甲 wood as assistants. Therefore, it is said, "Cold water and cold metal love 丙 and丁 fire most." For those using fire as their essential element, wood is considered the wife star and fire is the son star. An ancient song also says: people with strong water residing in their native place are sure to be intelligent, but those with water mixed with earth are certainly dull-witted. For those with壬 or癸 water, if their destiny and fortune pass through the southern fire region, it actually strengthens their body and brings wealth and honor. It is also said that only the pattern of "water and wood official star" requires both the wealth star and the official star to be present, which brings joy.

正月癸水，值三陽之後，雨露之精，其性至柔，先用辛金，生癸水之源，次用丙火照暖，名陰陽和合，萬物發生，辛丙兩透，金榜有名。

In the first lunar month, the Earthly Branch is Yin, and the three yang energies have already begun to emerge. The癸 water is the essence of rain and dew, and its nature is extremely soft and weak. Therefore, we first use 辛 gold to serve as its source to generate water, and then use 丙 fire to warm it up, which is called "yin and yang harmonizing." In this way, all things can flourish. If both 辛 and 丙 are visible in the heavenly stems, the person will achieve success in the imperial examination.

或支成火局，辛金受傷，有壬出救者，富貴，無壬者，貧窮，或丙出天干，辛在酉丑，亦有衣衿，若辛丙皆無，貧寒下格，或辛透丙藏，恩榮之造，丙辛在柱，以富得官。

If the earthly branches form a fire combination, the辛 gold is harmed by fire. If there is壬 water appearing in the heavenly stem to save it, it indicates wealth and honor. If there is no壬 water, it leads to poverty. If丙 fire appears in the heavenly stem and the辛 gold is seated in酉 or丑 with a root, there may be a modest official position. If neither辛 nor丙 is present, it is a lowly and poor fate. If辛 appears and丙 is hidden, it indicates receiving favor and honor. If both丙 and辛 are present in the column and they form a harmonious relationship, it is mostly through family wealth and donations to obtain an official position.

或戊透月上，坐辰時，不見比劫，丙丁出干，此為化合，定主腰金，見刑沖，則否。或支成水局，宜有丙透，無壬者，衣祿不少，若見丙火重重，又作貴推。

If the Wu earth appears in the month pillar, and the day master sits on the Chen hour, with Wu and Gui combining and Chen serving as the root for transformation, and there are no siblings or enemies to compete, with Bing and Ding fire appearing in the sky to assist the transformation, this is the 'combination' pattern, which certainly indicates a high official with a golden belt; but if there is a punishment and clash, it will no longer be valid. If the branches form a water pattern, the water is cold and the body is cold, it is suitable to have Bing fire appearing in the sky to warm it up; even without Ren water, the clothing and food will not be lacking; if there is a heavy appearance of Bing fire, it can be analyzed according to the noble pattern.

正月癸水，辛金為主，庚金次之，丙亦可少，若無庚辛，雖有丙火，無用之人，或火多土多，殘疾不免。用辛者，土妻金子。

In general, the癸 water in the first lunar month relies mainly on 辛 metal, with 庚 metal as a secondary support, and 丙 fire can be somewhat less important. If there is no 庚 or 辛 metal to provide the source of water, even if there is 丙 fire to warm it, the water source has already been cut off, making the person ineffective. If there is an excess of fire and earth, leading to both control and drainage, disability is likely to occur. For those using 辛 metal as their key element, earth is considered the wife star and metal is considered the son star.

二月葵水，不剛不柔，乙木司令，洩弱元神，專用庚金為用，辛金次之，庚辛俱透，無丁出干者，貴由科甲，無庚辛者常人。

In the second lunar month, the癸 water (the original text mistakenly writes '葵' instead of '癸') is neither strong nor weak; in the卯 month, the乙 wood is in command, draining the origin god of the癸 water, so庚 gold is used as the key element—since庚 gold can both control wood and generate water—辛 gold is secondary. If both庚 and辛 are visible but there is no丁 fire appearing on the surface to restrain gold, then one may achieve success in the imperial examinations and attain status; if neither庚 nor辛 are present, then one is merely an ordinary person.

或庚透辛藏，榮封有準，庚藏辛透，亦有衣衿，庚辛兩藏，富中取貴，或刀筆揚名，或庚辛重見，有己丁出干者亦貴。或支成木局，月時又見木者，為洩水太過，定主貧困多災，即運入西方，亦屬無用。

If the庚 metal appears on the surface while the辛 metal is hidden, there will be a definite honor and official rank; if the庚 metal is hidden while the辛 metal appears, there may still be some modest success in officialdom; if both庚 and辛 metals are only hidden in the branches, they can still achieve status through wealth, or gain fame through writing and legal skills; if both庚 and辛 metals appear repeatedly, the excess metal will make the water turbid, at this time if the己 soil and丁 fire appear on the surface, the soil can stop the water and the fire can refine the metal, which also indicates a high status. If the branches form a wood局, and both the monthly and daily dry branches show wood, the water will be excessively drained, leading to poverty and many troubles; even if the fortune progresses to the western metal direction, it will not be able to remedy the situation.

時日月年：癸癸癸丁，丑亥卯未。時日月年：癸癸癸丁，丑卯卯亥。時日月年：庚癸己庚，申酉卯子。

The following three combinations are still listed horizontally as 'hour, day, month, year'. First combination: Dingwei year, Guimao month, Guihai day, Guichou hour — three Guis are visible and Mao and Wei support wood to drain water, the heavenly stem Ding fire is wealth, but there is no Geng or Xin to provide its source, which is exactly the case of 'excessive drainage of water'. Second combination: Dinghai year, Guimao month, Guimao day, Guichou hour — two Maos drain water, although there are many same heavenly stems but no metal to generate them, it shares the same problem as the previous combination. Third combination: Gengzi year, Jimao month, Guiyou day, Gengshen hour — two Gengs are visible, Shen and You form the root, metal and water support each other, and Ji earth can control water, which exactly matches the method of 'special use of Geng metal' for癸water in February.

三月癸水，要分清明穀雨，清明後，火氣未熾，專用丙火，為陰陽合諧，穀雨後，雖用丙火，尚宜辛甲佐之。

In the third month, the Month Builder is Chen. This period should be viewed in two parts: after Qingming, the fire energy is not yet strong, so only Bing fire is used, to achieve harmony between yin and yang; after Gu Yu, although Bing fire is still used, it is also appropriate to have Xin metal and Jia wood as assistants—Xin metal generates water to replenish its source, and Jia wood disperses Chen to protect the water.

如辛卯，壬辰，癸未，丙辰，生上半月，用丙火，顯達，生下半月，必無傷辛金癸水，方妙，然丙亦不可少，用丙，木妻水子。

For example, in a birth chart with the year Xinmao, the month Renchen, the day Guiwei, and the hour Bingchen: if born in the first half of the month, using Bing fire can lead to success; if born in the second half of the month, it is necessary that Xin metal and Gui water are not harmed or restrained, which would be ideal. However, Bing fire is still indispensable. Those who take Bing fire as their key element will regard wood as their wife star and water as their son star.

三月癸水，從化者多，得化者榮祿，不化者平常。或支成水局，又見己土，無木，乃假殺格，有甲出者，常人。或支坐四庫，又得甲透，可謂顯達名揚，無甲者僧道孤苦。

In the third month, the癸 water tends to follow the path of transformation easily. In the辰 month, the戊 earth is in command, and the戊 and癸 are most likely to combine and transform. Those who successfully transform enjoy honor and official rank, while those who do not are merely ordinary. If the branches form a water trinity and there is己 earth to control the water, but no wood to疏 it, this is called the 'false killer pattern'. At this time, if there is甲 wood appearing on the surface to break this false killer, it is just an ordinary fate. If the day's main element sits on the four earth repositories of辰, 戌, 丑, or 未, the heavy earth presses down on the water, and if there is甲 wood appearing to疏 the earth, it can be said to achieve fame and success. If there is no甲 wood, it is the fate of a monk or hermit living a lonely and lonely life.

或支成木局，無金，名傷官生才格，主聰明博學，衣祿充饒。三月癸水，辛甲皆酌用，下半月，土妻金子。

If the Earthly Branches form a Wood局 and there is no metal torestrain Wood, it is called the "Wounding Official Nurturing Wealth Pattern," indicating a person who is intelligent and well-educated, with abundant clothing and provisions. For癸 water born in the third month, both 辛 metal and 甲 wood can be considered; those born in the latter half of the month take earth as the wife star and metal as the son star.

時日月年：辛癸甲丁，酉亥辰酉。時日月年：甲癸壬丙，寅巳辰寅。時日月年：辛癸丙戊，酉丑辰午。時日月年：丙癸壬丙，辰丑辰寅。

The four generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First generation: Dingyou year, Jiachen month, Guihai day, Xinyou hour—Xin metal appears on the hour stem as the source, Ji wood emerges on the stem to loosen Chen earth, the day's main stem sits on Hai with a root, which perfectly matches the saying after Gu Yu that "Xin and Ji support each other". Second generation: Bingyin year, Renchen month, Guisi day, Jiayin hour—Bing fire warms the year, Ji wood loosens earth, Ren water supports the self, which is the pattern of using Bing fire in the upper half of the month. Third generation: Wuwu year, Bingchen month, Guichou day, Xinyou hour—Bing fire appears on the month, Xin metal appears on the hour, the year's stem Wu earth comes to combine with Gui, which belongs to the path of Gui water being transformed by the earth in the third month. Fourth generation: Bingyin year, Renchen month, Guichou day, Bingchen hour—two Bing fires warm and Ren water supports the self, two Chen earths store water, achieving both warmth and moisture.

四月癸水，喜辛金為用，無辛用庚，若辛高透，不見丁火，加以壬透，主科名榮貴，聲播四夷，若有丁破格，貧無立錐，有壬可免，辛藏無丁，貢監衣衿。

In the fourth month, the Month Builder is Si, and fire is strong while water is dry.癸 water prefers 辛 metal as its source; if 辛 metal is not present, then 庚 metal is used. If 辛 metal is high and prominent, and there is no 丁 fire to overcome it, and 壬 water is also visible to support 辛 metal and resist fire, this indicates success in exams, honor and wealth, and fame spreading far and wide. If 丁 fire destroys this pattern, then poverty is unavoidable, although the presence of 壬 water can somewhat mitigate this. If 辛 metal is only hidden and not overcome by 丁 fire, then one may still attain the status of a recommended candidate or a scholar.

或一派火土乏辛，即有巳庚，亦不能生水，又無比肩羊刃，必至熬乾癸水，損日無疑。

If the chart is full of fire and earth but lacks the metal Xin, even though there is hidden Jia metal in Si, the strong fire and dry earth will prevent it from generating water. Also, without the help of a twin or Yangren to support the day stem, the癸water will certainly be scorched and dried up, inevitably harming the day master.

艾壬兩透，洩制火土，名劫印化晉，極貴之造，有丁見干者，則否，如有庚無壬，亦無丁破金者，堪入儒林，有庚無辛者，異路功名，總之四月癸水，專用辛金方妙。

If both Geng metal and Ren water are visible (the original text's "Ai" is a mistake for "Geng"), it will simultaneously weaken the strength of fire and earth and control the fierce heat, which is called "劫印化晋," a very prestigious configuration; but if there is Ding fire in the heavenly stem that comes torestrain metal, it will not be the case. If there is Geng metal but no Ren water, as long as there is no Ding fire to break the metal, it can still be considered as a scholarly background. If there is Geng metal but no Xin metal, it belongs to an unconventional path of officialdom. In summary, for癸 water in the fourth month, it is best to use Xin metal.

五月癸水，至弱無根，必須庚辛為生身之本，但丁火司權，金難敵火，安能滋養癸水，宜見比劫，方得辛金之用，五月癸水，庚辛壬參酌並用可也。

In the fifth lunar month, the Month Builder is Wu. The癸 water is extremely weak and has no root. Therefore, it is necessary to use庚 and 辛 metal to generate the癸 water. However, the丁 fire is in charge, and metal cannot withstand fire, so how can it nourish the癸 water? Therefore, it is suitable to see the help of the same element and the劫财 to support the body and reduce the fire. Only then can 辛 metal exert its effect. For癸 water in the fifth lunar month, the use of庚 metal, 辛 metal, and 壬 water should be considered together.

如庚辛透干，又見壬癸者，定主鍾鼎名家，或有金透，支見申子辰者，亦主金榜掛名，或無水出干，支只一水，雖有庚辛，一富之造，故曰，水源會，富重貴輕，又曰，金水會夏天，富貴永無邊，運行火土地，快樂似神仙。

If there are the heavenly stems Geng and Xin (metal) appearing on the surface, and also Ren and Gui (water) supporting the body, it will certainly indicate a prestigious family with wealth and honor. If there is metal on the surface and the earthly branches contain Shen, Zi, and Chen forming a water trinity, it also indicates success in the imperial examinations. However, if there is no water appearing on the surface and only a single drop of water in the earthly branches, even with Geng and Xin as the source, it can only indicate wealth. Therefore, it is said: "Although the water source is connected, wealth is great but rank is light." It is also said: "When metal and water meet in summer, wealth and honor are boundless; if one's fortune later moves to fire and earth, happiness is like that of a god."

或支成炎局，無壬出干，定主僧道，或二壬一庚同透，衣錦腰金。或一派己土，無甲出制，此作從殺而論，又主大貴，凡從殺者，切不可破格方吉。

If the Earthly Branches form a fire trinity and there is no Ren water appearing on the heavenly stem to relieve the heat, it will indicate a person who becomes a monk or a Taoist. If two Ren waters and one Geng metal all appear on the heavenly stem, then it signifies wearing fine clothes and possessing wealth. If the chart is fully filled with Ji earth and there is no Jia wood to control it, the day master has no root and cannot rely on anything, and it should be interpreted according to the 'following the killer' pattern, which actually indicates great wealth. For those with the 'following the killer' pattern, nothing should break the pattern; only if it is not broken will it be auspicious.

六月癸水，有上下月之分，下半月庚辛有氣，上半月庚辛休囚，凡六癸日，多不驗者，何也，俗士不知此理，因未中有乙巳同宮，破而不破，故癸水不能從殺，所以專用庚辛。

In June, the癸water is divided into the first half and the second half of the month: in the second half, the庚and辛metal gradually gain strength, while in the first half, the庚and辛metal are still weak and confined. For those born on the sixth day of癸, the prediction is often inaccurate. Why is this? Because ordinary teachers do not understand this principle: the未earth contains乙wood and己earth in the same palace (the original text says「乙巳」). The乙wood can overcome the己earth, so the七kill in the未earth is「broken but not actually broken」. Therefore, the癸water cannot truly follow the seven kill, and thus still relies mainly on the庚and辛metal as its source.

如上半月金神衰弱，火氣炎烈，宜比劫助身，可云富貴，與五月一理，下半月庚辛有氣，即無比劫亦可，又忌丁透，即丁在支亦不吉，其生剋制化，與五月略同。

In the first half of the month, the metal deity is weak while the fire is strong, so it is suitable to have a helper or a competitive wealth element to support the body and balance the fire, which can be considered as a sign of wealth and honor, similar to the situation in the fifth month. In the second half of the month, the庚 and 辛 metals are strong, so even without helpers or competitive wealth elements, it is acceptable. This month also dislikes the exposure of 丁 fire, which can overcome metal, even if the 丁 fire is only in the earth branch, it is not auspicious. The principles of generation, control, transformation, and mutual restraint are similar to those in the fifth month.

時日月年：庚癸癸乙，申未未酉。時日月年：丙癸辛己，辰未未未。

The two charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First chart: Yiyou year, Guiwei month, Guiwei day, Gengshen hour — Geng metal appears on the hour stem and sits on Shen, which is its禄, the year branch You metal provides the source, and the month stem is a helper for the day stem, which is exactly the pattern of using Geng and Xin metal for the癸 water in June. Second chart: Jiwei year, Xinwei month, Guiwei day, Bingchen hour — three Wei earths are heavy as a killer, Xin metal appears on the stem to generate water, the hour stem Bing fire is the wealth, and Chen warehouse stores water, although the earth is heavy, it relies on the mutual generation between metal and water.

七月癸水，正母旺子相之時，癸雖死申，殊不知申中有庚生之，名死處逢生，弱中復強，即運行西北，亦不死也，但庚司令，剛銳極矣，必取丁火為用。

In the seventh month, the Month Builder is Shen, which is the time when the mother is strong and the son is flourishing. Although癸water is said to be dead in the position of Shen, it is unknown that there is hidden庚metal in Shen to generate it. This is called "death meeting life," transforming weakness into strength. Even if one's fortune leads to the Northwest region of metal and water, it will not truly die. However, since庚metal is in command, its sharpness reaches its peak. Too much metal makes the water turbid, so one must take丁fire as the essential element to refine it.

或丁透有甲，名有焰之火，必主科甲，或丁透無甲，又無壬癸，即有一二庚金，亦有生監，有二丁更妙，或金多乏丁制者，貧困之人。

If the Ding fire appears and there is Jia wood in the pillar to support it, it is called 'fiery fire', which certainly indicates success in the imperial examinations. If Ding fire appears but there is no Jia wood, and also no Ren or Gui water to compete with it, even if there are only one or two Geng metals, there may still be a chance of becoming a scholar or a candidate for the imperial examination, and having two Ding fires would be even better. If there is an excess of metal but no Ding fire to control it, it is like a mother having too many children, leading to poverty.

或一丁坐午，名獨才格，主金玉滿堂，富中取貴，若在未戌，則是常人，或柱見二戌二未，又得丙丁藏支，干見甲出，無水，亦作富貴而推。

If a Ding fire is seated on Wu, the fire has its root and source, and is used alone, which is called the 'Solo Wealth Pattern'. This signifies a full house of gold and jade, and the ability to attain high status amidst wealth. If the Ding fire is only seated on Wei or Xu, its root is weak, and the person will be an ordinary individual. If the pillar contains two Xu or two Wei, and there is hidden Bing or Ding fire in the branches, with a Jia wood appearing in the heavens to loosen the earth, and no water to mix in, it is also considered as a prosperous and noble destiny.

時日月年：甲癸戊丁，寅卯申酉。時日月年：乙癸庚戊，卯未申午。時日月年：辛癸丙辛，酉酉申酉。

The first combination: Dingyou year, Wushen month, Guimao day, Jiayin hour. The heavenly stem of the year, Ding fire, is wealth. The heavenly stem of the hour, Jia wood, supports Ding fire. The wood of Yin and Mao provides fuel for this fire, which aligns with the saying "Ding appears with Jia." The second combination: Wuwu year, Gengshen month, Guiwei day, Yimao hour. The fire within Wu is the useful element. Geng metal rules the month and generates water. Yimao wood supports fire. The heavenly stem of the year, Wu earth, is a harmful element. The third combination: Xinyou year, Bingshen month, Guiyou day, Xinyou hour. Three You and one Shen, indicating an excess of metal and turbid water. However, Bingshen fire appears in the heavenly stem, which is a path of controlling metal with fire.

八月癸水，辛金虛靈，非頑金可比，正金白水清，故取辛金為用，丙火佐之，名水暖金溫，如丙與辛隔位同透，主科甲功名，或丙透辛藏，一榜之士，或土多克水，生意中心，八月癸水，丙辛怕用。

In the eighth lunar month, the Month Builder is You, and the refined and luminous qi of Xin metal is present, which is not comparable to dull metal. This is exactly the time of "clear water and bright metal," so Xin metal is used as the main element, with Bing fire assisting. This is called "warm water and warm metal." If Bing fire and Xin metal both appear at the same time but are separated by a position, they do not harmonize, but each can fulfill its function, indicating a person who will achieve academic success and official rank. If Bing fire appears while Xin metal is hidden, the person will be a candidate who passes the examination. If there is excessive earth that controls water, the person will only engage in business. In summary, in the eighth lunar month, the癸 water is used together with Bing fire and Xin metal (the original text says "fear using" but should be "use together").

時日月年：丙癸乙庚，辰亥酉寅。時日月年：癸癸丁辛，亥巳酉酉。

The first combination: Gengyin year, Yiyou month, Guihai day, Bingchen hour. The hour stem丙fire warms and supports, the year stem庚metal generates water, and the day stem sits on Hai, gaining strength. This is exactly the "water warmed and metal tempered" configuration. The second combination: Xinyou year, Dingyou month, Guisi day, Guihai hour. Two You branches generate water, but the month stem Dingfire overcomes Xinyou, and the same stem supports the day stem. The combination is not as clear as the first.

九月癸水，失令無根，戊土司權，剋制太過，專用辛金發水之源，要比肩滋甲制戊方妙。或辛甲兩透，支見子癸，定主平步青雲，或癸甲兩透，富貴成名，或有甲辛無癸者，亦有恩封，或有甲癸無辛者，富大貴小，有甲無癸辛者，常人，二者俱無，貧賤之格。

In September, the Month Builder is Wu, so癸 water is out of its season and lacks a root. 戊 earth is in charge and over-controls, so we must rely on 辛 metal to generate water. We also need similar elements to nourish 甲 wood, and then let 甲 wood control 戊 earth, which is ideal. If both 辛 and 甲 are visible in the heavens and the earth contains 子 water, and 癸 water is also present in the heavens, one will certainly rise to prominence. If both 癸 and 甲 are visible, one will achieve wealth, fame, and success. If there is 甲 and 辛 but no 癸, one will receive official favor. If there is 甲 and 癸 but no 辛, one will be wealthy but of lesser rank. If there is only 甲 and neither 癸 nor 辛, one will be an ordinary person. If neither 甲 nor 辛 is present, one will be of low status and poverty.

或有甲見壬者，頗許衣衿。九月癸水，辛甲並用。

If there is Jia wood that loosens the earth, and also sees Ren water supporting the body, he may be granted a robe. In summary, for the癸 water in September, it is advisable to use both Xin metal and Jia wood: Xin metal replenishes its source, and Jia wood removes its illness.

時日月年：甲癸丙癸，寅卯戌亥。時日月年：癸癸庚壬，亥丑戌辰。

The two charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First chart: Guihai year, Bingxu month, Guimao day, Jiayin hour — Jia wood appears in the hour stem to loosen the Xu earth, the year stem Gui water supports with a fellow element, and the month stem Bing fire warms the chart, which perfectly matches the meaning of "fellow element supports Jia and controls Wu". Second chart: Renchen year, Gengxu month, Guichou day, Guihai hour — Geng metal appears in the stem to originate the water, Ren and Gui water support the self, but it is regrettable that there is no Jia wood to loosen the two heavy earths.

十月癸水，旺中有弱，何也，因亥搖木，洩散元神，宜用庚辛為妙，得庚辛兩透，不見丁傷者，功名有準。

In the tenth month, the month builder is Hai. Although癸 water is strong, it is strong but weak. Why? Because Hai contains hidden Jia wood, which shakes and disperses the origin god of癸 water. Therefore, it is best to use Geng and Xin metal. Metal can control the wood and also generate water. If both Geng and Xin are clearly present and there is no Ding fire to harm them, then success and fame will be certain.

或支成木局，有丁出干，為木旺火相，制住庚辛不生水，必主清寒，或成木局，干見丙丁，異路之榮。或一派壬水，不見戊制，名冬水汪洋，奔波到老，若得戊透，清貴堪誇。或一派庚辛，得丁出制，主名利雙全，若不見丁，又主貧薄。或四柱火多，名才多身弱，富屋貧人。

If the Earthly Branches form a Wood situation, and there is also Ding fire appearing in the Heavenly Stems, the Wood becomes strong and the fire is in its season, the fire then controls Geng and Xin metal, so water cannot be generated, and it will certainly indicate a cold and bleak fate; if the same Wood situation is formed, but the Heavenly Stems show Bing and Ding wealth stars that are well positioned, it will indicate success and fame through an unusual path. If there is full壬 water but no Wu earth to control it, it is called 'winter water flooding', and the person will be constantly moving all their life; if Wu earth appears to build a dike, then the person will be noble and respected. If there is full Geng and Xin metal, the metal is excessive and water becomes turbid, and if Ding fire appears in the Heavenly Stems to control the metal, it will indicate both fame and fortune; if Ding fire is not present, it will indicate poverty. If there is excessive fire in the four pillars, it is called 'wealth abundant but body weak', meaning a poor person living in a good house.

時日月年：癸癸癸癸，亥丑亥卯。時日月年：壬癸辛壬，子亥亥申。

The two charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". The first chart:Guimao year, Guihai month, Guichou day, Guihai hour — four癸 appear and two亥 are in the position of the禄, which is exactly the situation of "winter water overflowing". It only relies on theJi Earth in 丑 to slightly prevent the water. The second chart:Renshen year, Xinhai month, Guihai day, Renzi hour — the whole chart is full of metal and water. The 辛 gold appears on the surface to generate water, but there is no 戊 soil to control it, so the water becomes even stronger, which is also a type of "winter water overflowing".

十一月癸水，值冰凍之時，金水無交歡之象，專用丙火解凍，庶不致成冰，又要辛金滋扶，無丙有辛，不妙，凡冬季癸水，有丙透解凍，則金溫水暖，兩兩相生，要不見壬透，自然登科及第，紫誥金章。

In the eleventh month, the Month Builder is Zi, which is the time of severe frost and freezing. Both metal and water are frozen and cannot generate or interact with each other, so only Bing fire is used to thaw the ice, preventing it from forming hard ice. At the same time, Xin metal is needed to nourish and support. If only Xin metal is present without Bing fire, it is not good. For all winter癸 water, as long as Bing fire is visible to thaw the ice, the metal will become warm and the water will become warm, and they will generate each other. Furthermore, if Ren water does not appear to steal the light and add cold, one will naturally achieve success, attain honor and prestige, and receive purple seals and golden decrees.

或一派壬水，無丙出干，寒困之士，一派癸水，孤賤之流，或支成水局，得丙火重出干者，又主蟒袍玉帶之榮。或支成金局，丙火無蹤者，芒鞋革履之流。如辛年，丙月，癸日，有火者，主恩榮寵錫，繞膝芝蘭，無火者，損資得貴，位重當朝。

If a chart has abundant壬water but no丙fire emerging, it indicates a person who suffers from cold hardship and hardship. If the chart has abundant癸water, it suggests a person who is lonely, poor, and of low status. If the branches form a water trinity and there is abundant丙fire emerging to thaw the water, it indicates a person who will achieve great honor and wear a dragon robe and jade belt. If the branches form a metal trinity and there is no丙fire at all, with cold metal and cold water, it indicates a person who merely walks barefoot and wears simple shoes. For example, in a configuration such as辛year,丙month,癸day, if there is fire in the chart, it indicates receiving royal favor and rewards, with sons and daughters like orchids and cinnamon surrounding the parents. If there is no fire, one must contribute money and grain to gain status, but still can attain a high position in the court.

或一派戊己，名殺重身輕，非貧即夭。用火者，木妻火子，用辛者，土妻金子。

If the chart is full of Wu and Ji earth, it is called 'heavy killing stars and light body', which indicates cold earth and frozen water with no vitality, leading to either poverty or early death. If fire is used as the remedy, then wood is the wife star and fire is the son star; if Xin metal is used as the remedy, then earth is the wife star and metal is the son star.

十二月癸水，寒極成冰，萬物不能舒泰，宜丙火解凍，或丙透年時，加以壬透，支中多戊，名水輔陽光，主顯達名臣，無戊者，異途之職，若有丙無壬，黌門之客，有壬無丙，戊又出干者，皂隸之流。

The twelfth month builder is Chou, when cold reaches its extreme and water turns to ice, making all things unable to stretch or grow. Therefore, it is suitable to use Bing fire to melt the ice. If Bing fire appears in the year stem or the hour stem, and Ren water also appears, and there is also Wu earth in the earth branches to control the water, this is called "water assisting sunlight"—a situation where water reflects the sun and has embankments to rely on—indicating a prominent official. If there is no Wu earth, one can only hold an unconventional position. If there is Bing fire but no Ren water, one is a scholar in the academy. If there is Ren water but no Bing fire or Wu earth appearing in the stem, one is a low-ranking official or a servant in the government office.

或支見子丑，比肩出干，即有丙透，不能解凍，此屬平常，或無癸水，有辛與合，亦不為美，有丁出，頗吉。或一片癸己會黨，年透丁火，名雪後燈光，夜生者貴，日生者否，若無丁火，又主孤貧。

If the Earthly Branches include Zi and Chou, the coldness is strongest. If the Heavenly Stems also have a helper for water, even if Bing fire appears, it cannot break through this coldness, and it is only ordinary. If the column does not have another Gui water, but instead has Xin metal combining with Bing fire to bind the Bing fire, it is not good. At this time, if Ding fire appears on the Heavenly Stem, it is quite favorable. If the column has full Gui water and Ji earth forming a group, and the year stem reveals Ding fire, it is called "Snow After Lantern Light"—a single lamp in the snow. Those born at night are prosperous, but those born in the day are not. If even Ding fire is absent, it indicates loneliness and poverty.

或支成水局，無丙者，四海為家，一生勞苦。或支成火局，有庚辛透者，衣食充足，無金出，孤苦零丁。

If the earthly branches form a water trinity without the presence of Bing fire to melt the ice, the person will be rootless and have a hard life. If the earthly branches form a fire trinity, wealth will be abundant but the body weak. If there is a revelation of Geng or Xin metal to harmonize and drain the wealth to strengthen the body, then food and clothing will be sufficient. If there is no metal appearing in the heavens, the person will be lonely and destitute.

或支成金局，丙透得地，名金溫水暖，彼此相生，定許光大門閭，聲馳翰苑，乏丙者，即文章駭世，總為孫山。或支成木局，洩水太過，主殘病呻吟，得金出干輔救，技藝之流。凡冬月用丙，須丙火得地方妙，不然，即重重丙火出干，安能輕許富貴哉。

If the earthly branches form a metal group and the propitious fire (bing) appears above and has a root in the earth, it is called "gold warms water and water becomes warm." Metal and water support each other, and the person will surely have a prosperous family and a reputation spreading throughout the literary circles. Those lacking the propitious fire, even if their writings astonish the world, will ultimately fail in the imperial examinations. If the earthly branches form a wood group and the water is excessively drained, the person will suffer from chronic illness and constant suffering. If gold appears above to restrain wood and save water, they can only rely on one skill for a living. In summary, in the month of winter, using the propitious fire must have the fire rooted in the earth; otherwise, even if many propitious fires appear in the heavens, being superficial and rootless, how can they be easily granted wealth and honor?