Three, the Heavenly Gate and the Emperor's Palace, along with the patterns of official stars, nobleman, and others.

馬驟天廷，而官封萬鍾。馬即驛馬，乾為天廷，即亥宮也。如巳酉丑生人馬在亥，而得辛亥，正合此格也。餘亥主福則輕，辛亥得金氣故也。

The Post-horse gallops to the Heavenly Court, indicating high official rank and a salary of myriad measures of grain. "Horse" refers to the Post-horse, and "Heavenly Court" refers to the Qian trigram, which is theHai Palace. For example, those born in the years of巳, 酉, or 丑 have their Post-horse in亥. If their chart also contains Xinhai, it perfectly matches this pattern. Other instances of亥 may have less fortune, because only Xinhai combines the metal energy, making the pattern more substantial and refined.

風雨作霖，有尊主庇民之德。巳為巽，巽是風，丙午丁未是雨，或有龍有水有云是也，亦可言雨。此格生秋間，萬物有賴，大造化之格局。春雨如常，三冬雨反主單寒貧賤之徒。

When the wind is in harmony and the rain comes in abundance, it transforms into sweet rain. The person with this destiny possesses virtue of respecting superiors and protecting the people. The earthly branch巳 belongs to Xun, which represents wind; the nayin sound element of Bingwu and Dingwei are associated with heavenly water, which represents rain; if the pillar contains dragons, water, and clouds, they can also be considered as rain. This pattern is especially auspicious when born in autumn, as all things rely on rain and dew for nourishment, making it a great transformation of fate. However, if born in spring, the rain is ordinary, and if born in winter, the rain may indicate loneliness, poverty, and low status.

地天交泰，負經邦論道之才。申為坤，坤為地，亥為天門，是干，乾為天，天位於上，地位於下，上下之勢然也，而在易則為否，非交泰之象。必地在上，天在下，陰陽之氣方為通接交泰，乃合此格者也。

The earth's energy and the sky's energy interact to form the Hexagram of Prosperity. The person's destiny indicates they possess the talent to manage the state and discuss matters from a high level. The branch Shen belongs to Kun, which represents the earth; the branch Hai is the heavenly gate, belonging to Qian, which represents the sky. Naturally, the sky is above and the earth is below, but in the Zhou Yi, this is the Hexagram of Obstruction, not the image of mutual communication. Only when the earth is above and the sky is below can the energies of yin and yang connect up and down to form the Hexagram of Prosperity, which matches this pattern.

龍虎拱門，名登天府。五行中以對［為］沖為天門。如酉人對沖是卯，則卯為之門，不見卯而得寅辰，一則為龍，一則為虎，是合此格也。

Dragon and Tiger guard the door from both sides, indicating a person will attain official rank in the court. Among the Five Phases, the heavenly gate is determined by the opposing position of one's birth year. For example, someone born in the Year of You (酉) has its opposing position at Mao (卯), so Mao is considered the gate. If the chart does not contain Mao, but instead has Yin (寅) and Chen (辰), which are Dragon and Tiger respectively, they virtually guard the middle Mao gate, thus matching this pattern.

貴人捧印，文占甲科。印即墓庫也。火以戌為印，木以未為印，金以丑為印，水土以辰為印。丙申丁酉生人以豬雞為貴，得酉與亥，拱一戊戌，為火之正印；壬辰癸巳生人以兔蛇為貴，得巳與卯，拱一庚辰，為水之正印，乃合此格。其它仿此而推。

The Nobleman holds an official seal in his hand, and in the literary field, he will certainly achieve a first-class rank. "Seal" refers to the storage of the Five Phases: fire's storage is in戌, wood's storage is in未, metal's storage is in丑, and water and earth's storage is in辰. Those born onBingshen andDingyou have亥 (pig) and酉 (chicken) as their Tianyi Nobleman. If the chart contains酉 and亥, a virtual arch between them formsWuxu, which is the official seal of fire. Those born onRenchen andGuisi have卯 (rabbit) and巳 (snake) as their Nobleman. If the chart contains巳 and卯, a virtual arch between them formsGengchen, which is the official seal of water. This matches this pattern. The rest can be inferred in the same way.

更逢官星入局，重紫重金。若值貴煞相扶，三公三少。少者，少傅，少保，少師也。既合前印之格，更帶官星入局，貴人與刑煞相扶，則貴不可言。入局乃得地，如賈侍郎，辛酉生命，既合龍虎拱門，而寅為貴，丙屬火，火生人為得地。又如姚尚書，丙申庚寅乙酉丁亥，既合貴人捧印格，丙丁豬貴為吉神，二位夾扶，丙用癸為官，癸屬水，水臨官在亥，為得地，故為美備。

On top of the previous structure, if an official star enters the chart, it becomes a situation of multiple purple robes and numerous golden seals; if it also meets a nobleman and a malevolent spirit supporting together, the position can reach the level of the Three Grand Ministers and the Three Young Ministers. The Three Young Ministers refer to the Vice Minister, the Minister of State, and the Grand Tutor. Once the pattern of a nobleman supporting the seal is formed, and an official star enters the chart, the nobleman and the malevolent spirit support each other, the noble atmosphere is beyond description.the so-called 'entering the chart' means getting the right position. For example, Jia Sir, born in the year of Xinyou, fits the pattern of the dragon and tiger supporting the gate. The寅 is his nobleman, and the丙 belongs to fire, which is exactly the right position for someone with a fire destiny. Another example is Yao Shushang, whose birth chart is Bingshen, Gengyin, Yiyou, and Dinghai. It fits the pattern of a nobleman supporting the seal. The丙 and丁 use the亥 pig as a noble position to form a good spirit, with two spirits supporting on both sides. The丙 also uses the癸 as an official star, and the癸 belongs to water, with the official position of water exactly on the亥, which is also the right position. Thus, the structure is complete and perfect.

官居五府，蓋為五行入垣。五行金木水火土，垣即墓庫也。金人乙丑，水人壬辰，木人癸未，火人甲戌，土人丙辰，皆為入垣。或年月日時胎各帶庫，或本命一路皆逢印庫，不為鬼庫者，乃合此格也。

An official holds a position among the five palaces because the five phases each enter their respective storage places. The five phases refer to metal, wood, water, fire, and earth; "yuan" means storage. A person with a metal destiny receives Yichou, a person with a water destiny receives Renchen, a person with a wood destiny receives Guiwei, a person with a fire destiny receives Jiaxu, and a person with an earth destiny receives Bingchen, all of which are called entering the storage. Alternatively, if the year, month, day, hour, or birth brings one of these storage places, or if the person's destiny consistently encounters the storage, and these storages are not the ghostly storages that harm the person, then this pattern is considered harmonious.

位入三槐，必是三奇逢德。天上三奇甲戊庚，地下三奇乙丙丁，人中三奇壬癸辛。命帶三奇，逢天月二德者，其富貴位入槐庭。如乙丙丁生於正月，甲戊庚生於十二月，壬癸辛生於六月者是也。

He who is listed among the three locust trees is certainly encountering the Three Marvels along with the Deity of Virtue. In the Zhou dynasty, three locust trees were planted outside the palace, and the Three Grand Ministers stood facing the locust trees during court sessions. Therefore, "three locust trees" and "locust court" are used to refer to the position of prime ministers. The Three Marvels in heaven are Jia, Wu, and Geng; in the earth they are Yi, Bing, and Ding; and among people they are Ren, Gui, and Xin. If one's destiny includes the Three Marvels and also meets the Heavenly Virtue and Monthly Virtue, then wealth and honor will lead to a position in the locust court. For example, those born in the first month with Yi, Bing, and Ding; those born in the twelfth month with Jia, Wu, and Geng; and those born in the sixth month with Ren, Gui, and Xin all possess the Three Marvels meeting the Deity of Virtue.

三臺驛馬遇祿，而榮拜玉堂。本命連珠，得三位者，為臺星。四位而虛一度位者，亦是。有三臺而無祿馬，猶可言貴。若更帶祿馬，尤為妙也。

Three stars of the SanTai (Three Platforms) and the Post-horse (Yi Ma) meeting again with the Lu Spirit (Lu Shen) indicate the person will be honored to enter the Jade Hall (Yu Tang) as a scholar. Starting from the person's own destiny, if the earthly branches form a continuous sequence of three connected ones, that is considered SanTai; if there is a missing one among four, it is still counted as SanTai. If a person's destiny includes SanTai but lacks the Post-horse and Lu Spirit, it can still be considered noble; if it also includes the Post-horse and Lu Spirit, it is even more favorable.

十干官星見貴，而上超金闕。十干，乃甲乙丙丁戊己庚辛壬癸是也。如年月日時胎帶甲乙丙丁癸之類。是甲官辛，丙官癸，丁官壬，癸官戊。則十干皆帶官星也。更見天乙貴人，豈不謂之美哉。

Each of the ten heavenly stems has its official star, and if it also meets the nobleman, it can ascend to the golden palace and approach the emperor. The ten heavenly stems are Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, and Gui. For example, if a person's year, month, day, hour, or destiny is accompanied by Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, or Gui among the heavenly stems, Jia takes Xin as its official star, Bing takes Gui as its official star, Ding takes Ren as its official star, and Gui takes Wu as its official star. In this way, all ten heavenly stems have their official stars. If they also meet the nobleman Tianyi, it would be even more favorable.

龍居滄海，早得路於青雲。辰為龍，壬戌癸亥為滄海，辰生人得壬戌癸亥，乃合此格。但春夏秋間得此格，為伏藏無用。惟冬生妙，乃當藏即藏也。

The dragon is hidden in the vast ocean, and in its early years it achieves success on the path of ascending to the clouds. The earthly branch Chen represents the dragon, and the nayin sound elements Renxu and Guihai symbolize the great ocean water, which is the vast ocean. Those born in the year of Chen whose heavenly stem combinations include Renxu or Guihai fit this pattern. However, if this pattern occurs in spring, summer, or autumn, it is only a matter of being hidden and inactive, with no opportunity to display its abilities. Only those born in winter are most favorable, because winter is the season for concealment, and it is precisely the time to hide.

虎臥荒丘，少脫身於白屋。寅為虎，辰戌丑未為土家三位，故借為荒丘。若寅生人，有辰戌丑未者，皆合於此格。若二位一位者，主福亦輕，不得大福。

A tiger lying on a desolate hilltop, a young person can escape from a humble thatched cottage. "White house" refers to the thatched cottages where common people live. Yin is the tiger; Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei all belong to earth, being the native positions of earth, so they are borrowed to represent a desolate hill. Those born in the year of Yin with Chen, Xu, Chou, or Wei in their pillars are considered to match this pattern. If only two or only one of these positions are present, the fortune will be lighter and the person will not attain great blessings.

月桂芬芳，而蜚聲寰宇。己未得四木為吉。己未為月，三四木為桂，若己未生人，下得四木拱集，如月中仙桂芬芳，乃合此格。更要秋生方為貴也。

The moon's osmanthus emits a fragrant scent, spreading its fame throughout the universe. For someone born in Jiwei, having four woods in the fourth and third positions is considered auspicious. Jiwei is taken as representing the moon, with the third and fourth woods symbolizing the osmanthus tree. Those born in Jiwei have four woods surrounding them in the pillar, like the fragrant osmanthus in the moon palace, matching this pattern. It is also necessary that they are born in autumn to truly achieve prominence.

官貴引從，而簉羽鴛行。簉，音鎦，沖也。鴛行，如鴛鳥分序而立，如臣立於君側。如壬寅見己丑己卯，壬寅見己卯為貴人，壬用己為官星，以卯為前引，以丑為後從，乃合此格也。正合壬貴兔卯藏。

The official star and the nobleman come one before the other to lead the attendants, allowing the person's destiny to be included in the orderly procession of officials. The character 「簉」 is pronounced the same as 「镏」, and in old annotations it is interpreted as a clash. 「鸳行」 refers to officials standing in order like a flock of mandarin ducks, attending to the king's side. For example, in the case of Renyin seeing Jichou and Jimao: Ren sees Mao as Tianyi Nobleman, and Ren takes Ji as the official star. Mao is in front leading the way, while Chou follows behind, which perfectly fits this pattern, and also matches the mnemonic 「Rengui in Mao, the rabbit」.

三奇暗合，而仗憲漕臺。庚辛壬暗合乙丙丁，己癸乙暗合甲戊庚，丁戊丙暗合壬癸辛，皆為三奇暗合，造化得之最清，惟支辰重濁沖擊者則破。

The Three Marvels meet secretly and in the dark, allowing the person's destiny to take on the responsibility of overseeing and managing important governmental offices such as the Inspection Bureau and the Transportation Bureau. The combination of Geng, Xin, and Ren secretly aligns with Yi, Bing, and Ding; the combination of Ji, Gui, and Yi secretly aligns with Jia, Wu, and Geng; and the combination of Ding, Wu, and Bing secretly aligns with Ren, Gui, and Xin. These are all considered secret alignments of the Three Marvels. When a person's chart contains these, it is most noble and esteemed. However, one should be cautious of heavy and turbid earthly branches that clash with each other, as this would ruin the overall structure.

一氣為根，則刺史吏部。年月日時，皆水皆土皆木皆火皆金，但木須向榮，遇清中和氣；火須自焰，不致火炎；土須厚重，始能持載；金須不剛不柔，無太過不及之患；水須有歸，不至於氾濫無統，方合此格。

When the four pillars of a birth chart all share the same nayin sound element and support each other, the person is capable of holding positions such as governor or official in the personnel department. If all four pillars—year, month, day, and hour—have the same nayin element, such as all water, all earth, all wood, all fire, or all metal, it is called one qi with a root. However, wood must be in a place where it can flourish, encountering clear and moderate qi; fire must be able to shine without being overly intense; earth must be thick and solid to support all things; metal must be neither too hard nor too soft, avoiding excess or deficiency; and water must have a destination, avoiding being overflowing and uncontrolled. Only then does this pattern become appropriate.

拔茅連茹兮，愈堅愈固。天干地支，虛一夾一者是也。如甲年丙月戊日庚時，中連乙丁己；如子年寅月辰日午時，中自連卯丑巳。是謂既拔茅而茹自連。若年生月，月生日，日生時，自上接下者，亦是也。

"The phrase '拔茅连茹' comes from 'Ba Mao Lun Ru' in the 'Tai卦' of the Zhou Changes (I Ching). 'Ba Mao Lun Ru' means pulling up one reed, with its roots and tendrils pulled out together, metaphorically representing similar things attracting each other and the deeper the roots, the more firmly they are pulled. This pattern refers to the heavenly stems and earthly branches being connected with one position missing between them, such as Jia year, Bing month, Wu day, Geng hour, with the hidden connection of Yi, Ding, Ji in between; or Zi year, Yin month, Chen day, Wu hour, with the natural connection of Chou, Mao, Si in between. This is called having pulled up the reed, and the roots naturally connect with each other. If the birth year connects with the month, the month with the day, and the day with the hour, connecting from top to bottom in sequence, it also belongs to this pattern."

暗燈添油兮，彌久彌明。甲辰乙巳覆燈之火，可借為油，甲辰乙巳生人入夜而遇水，合此格。日生者非。

A dim lamp is refilled with oil, the longer it is lit, the brighter it becomes, symbolizing that the person will have continuous good fortune in later life. Those born on Jiachen or Yisi have the Nayin sound element of covered fire lamp. Water can be used as the oil for the lamp; if someone born on Jiachen or Yisi is born at night and has water in their birth chart, they match this pattern. Those born during the day do not count.

金櫃藏珠，早繁華於黃屋。金命之祿馬，中央一辰是也。如辛巳生人得戌，是辛祿在酉，馬在亥，不見酉亥，只在日時有戌，乃為合格。蓋戌後有亥馬，戌前有酉祿，雖不見祿馬，而祿馬藏於其中是也。

A pearl is kept in a golden cabinet, enjoying prosperity under the yellow pavilion early on. "Yellow pavilion" refers to the yellow silk canopy on the emperor's carriage, symbolizing the court. This pattern takes the golden destiny of the person born under the metal element, with the禄 (destiny) andThe Post-horse (post-horse) positioned on both sides of the same character. For example, someone born in Xinsi (辛巳) who has a戌 (Xu) in their birth chart: the禄 of 辛 is in 酉 (You), and theThe Post-horse is in 亥 (Hai). If neither 酉 nor 亥 appears in the chart, but there is a戌 in the day or hour position, this pattern is considered correct. This is because the position after戌 is亥 (the驿马), and the position before戌 is酉 (the禄). Although the禄 andThe Post-horse are not explicitly visible, they are both hidden within this character.

燈花拂劍，植勳業於楓宸。壬申癸酉為寶劍，甲辰乙巳為燈，壬申癸酉生人得甲辰乙巳，或甲辰乙巳生人得壬申癸酉，皆合於此格也。

The light from the lamp flame gently touches the sword edge, indicating that the person's destiny can establish meritorious deeds under the court. "Feng Chen" originally refers to the imperial court in the Han dynasty where many maple trees were planted in front of the palace, here it stands for the court. Those born under Renshen and Guiyou with the Nayin sound element of sword-edge gold are like precious swords; those born under Jiachen and Yisi with the Nayin sound element of covered lamp fire are like lamps. If someone born under Renshen or Guiyou has Jiachen or Yisi in their chart, or if someone born under Jiachen or Yisi has Renshen or Guiyou in their chart, they match this pattern.

月白風清。四時皆有月，而不如秋月之明。四時皆有風，而不如秋風之清。人命生居秋，而見己未與巳巽，或巳生人於秋而得己未，或己未生人於秋而見巳，皆合此格。

The moonlight is bright and clear, and the air is fresh and pleasant, describing a clear and favorable destiny. Although there is a moon in each season, it is not as bright as the autumn moon; although there is wind in each season, it is not as clear as the autumn wind. If a person is born in autumn and has the Jiwei (己未) moon and the Si (巳) position Xun wind in the birth chart, or if someone born in the Si year is born in autumn and has Jiwei, or if someone born in Jiwei is born in autumn and has the Si position, they all fit this pattern.

花紅柳綠。四時皆有花柳，皆不及於春也。人命生於春三月見木，若得壬午癸未為妙。壬午癸未楊柳也。或壬午癸未生於春是也。

Red flowers and green willows complement each other beautifully, indicating a person of graceful appearance and charm. There are flowers and willows in each season, but none surpass those of spring. If a person is born in the spring months and has wood in their birth chart, the best combination is to have the Renwu or Guiwei heavenly stems. This is because the nayin sound element of Renwu and Guiwei is precisely the willow wood. Alternatively, if someone is born on Renwu or Guiwei days and also in spring, they also possess this pattern.

得及時者，官爵至於卿監。遇貴神者，名位顯於華途。以二格喜其及時，不喜其失時；喜其遇貴，不喜其背貴。既得及時，而復遇貴，貴全顯矣。

Those born at an auspicious time may attain the rank of qingjian; if they also meet the nobleman, their fame and status will be prominent in the prestigious officialdom. The two patterns of "white wind and clear sky" and "flowers red and willows green" favor being born at an auspicious time and disfavor being out of season; they favor meeting the nobleman and disfavor straying from the nobleman. If one is born at an auspicious time and also meets the nobleman, the noble aura will fully manifest.

魁星指南，有攬轡登車之能。甲辰乙巳丙午丁未戊申己酉庚戌辛亥壬子癸丑，此十位皆位魁星。此一旬生人，而得南方巳午未之日時，正合此格。亦須參酌生旺貴人神殺之輕重，稍為有用，皆可言貴。使於四方，必不辱君命矣。

The Qiu Star points to the south, indicating that the person has great ability to take charge and govern the country. "Lanpei Dengche" comes from the story of Fan Pang in the "Later Han Book," which describes his determination to reform the bureaucracy as soon as he took office. Those born on the following ten days: Jiachen, Yisi, Bingwu, Dingwei, Wushen, Jiyou, Gengxu, Xinhai, Renzi, and Guichou, are all considered to be under the Qiu Star. If someone is born on one of these days and also has the hour or day of Si, Wu, or Wei, which are in the southern direction, it matches this pattern. It is also necessary to consider the balance between prosperity and decline, as well as the influence of noblemen and auspicious stars. As long as there is some useful element, one can be considered noble. Such people, when sent on missions abroad, will certainly not disgrace the royal command.

玉兔東生，負升堂入室之學。卯為兔，辛卯癸卯為玉兔。辛卯癸卯生人居東方者，乃為此格。若己未生人，而得辛卯癸卯，格局尤正。

The jade rabbit rises from the east, indicating a person with profound scholarly attainment reaching the highest level. "Rising to the hall and entering the room" comes from the "Analects of Confucius," where Confucius says Zilu has entered the hall but not yet the room. Later, this phrase is used to describe the gradual deepening of expertise, ultimately reaching the subtle and profound.卯 represents the rabbit, and Xinmao and Guimao are both jade rabbits. Those born in Xinmao or Guimao and located in the eastern position have this pattern. If someone born in Jiwei has Xinmao or Guimao in their chart, the pattern is especially pure.

水火既濟，何憂雁塔功名。火之性炎上，水之性潤下。若火在上而水在下，則上下相違，而在卦以為既濟。蓋上者年月，下者日時。以其天干為上，地支為下者，則謬矣。

Water and fire interacting to form the hexagram "Already Completed" (既济), why worry about the honor of naming one's achievement on the Wild Goose Pagoda? In the Tang dynasty, after passing the imperial examination, scholars would carve their names on the Wild Goose Pagoda in the Cien Temple, so "Wild Goose Pagoda honor" (雁塔功名) refers to success in the imperial examination. Fire rises upward, and water flows downward; fire is above and water is below, with the two interacting, which in the hexagram is called "Already Completed." Here, the "above" refers to the year and month pillars, and the "below" refers to the day and hour pillars. If one takes the heavenly stems as the upper part and the earthly branches as the lower part, that would be incorrect.

棣萼芬芳，定有蟬聯富貴。年為本，日為主，此言其本與主。年為兄，月為弟，日為兄，時為弟，此言其年主月日生時。人命中年月一體，日時一體，合而言之，止出二位。

The flowers and calyxes of the棠棣 plant support and complement each other, emitting a fragrant aroma, indicating that one's destiny will surely bring continuous wealth and honor. "棣萼" comes from the "Small Odes · Constant棣" in the Book of Songs, used to symbolize brothers who support and help each other. The year pillar represents the root, and the day pillar represents the main body; this refers to the relationship between the root and the main body. The year represents the elder brother, the month the younger brother, the day the elder brother, and the hour the younger brother; this refers to the order of year, month, day, and hour. In a person's destiny, the year and month form one unit, and the day and hour form another unit. When combined, they are simply divided into two groups.

透頂連榮，而挺生賢輔。本命以一辰為頂，一位透出，一位相連，互換不絕者，乃合此格。以年遁月，以月遁日，以日遁時，上不至於干，下不至於枯，連榮之謂也。

From the top, it emerges and continues to flourish in a connected manner, capable of producing virtuous talents who assist and support. The original destiny takes one of them as the top, another emerging from the heavenly stems, and another connected in sequence, alternating and continuing without interruption, which matches this pattern. By deducing the month from the year, the day from the month, and the hour from the day, the upper part does not dry up, and the lower part does not wither, which is called continuous flourishing.

異香滿路，而間產英豪。年月日時之天干，間年月日時之地支，為天干貴人者，為此格。所謂袞衣補闕，滿路異香。若年干之貴，列於月日時中，不相凌犯者，亦合此格。

A strange fragrance spreads along the way, indicating the emergence of a heroic figure. The heavenly stems of the year, month, day, and hour are alternately arranged with the earthly branches of the year, month, day, and hour, and the earthly branches happen to be the noblemen of the heavenly stems, forming this pattern. Ancient people described such a destiny as wearing the ceremonial robe and correcting the shortcomings of the government, with a fragrance filling the path wherever he goes. If the noblemen of the heavenly stem of the year are distributed among the months, days, and hours, and they do not conflict with each other, it also fits this pattern.

楊柳拖金。壬午癸未為楊柳木，生於三春而得一金，乃合此格。失時而帶重者，非也，不為拖金。

The branches of willow trees hang with a thread of golden color, symbolizing both wealth and delicate beauty. Those born with the Nayin sound element of willow wood, specifically Renwu and Guiwei, are considered to have this pattern if they are born in the third month of spring and their birth chart contains a single instance of metal. If the timing is wrong or the metal is too strong, it does not count, and the image of dragging gold is not formed.

石榴噴火。庚申辛酉為石榴木，生於九夏，三個月共有九十日，而得其一火，乃合此格。失時而得火多者，非也。謂榴噴火，正在五月。

The blooming of pomegranate flowers resembles a burst of fire, describing a destiny that is brilliant and eye-catching. Those with Gengshen or Xinyou in their nayin sound element are considered pomegranate wood. If they are born in the height of summer, during the three summer months which total ninety days, and if there is one fire element in the pillar, then this pattern is complete. If the timing is wrong or there is too much fire, it does not count. The phrase "pomegranate flowers bursting with fire" specifically refers to the time when pomegranate flowers are in full bloom in May.

蒼松冬秀。歲寒松柏之後凋也。庚寅辛卯之木，非其它比也，蓋其它之木，春而榮，夏而茂，秋而死，冬而迫於隆冬之氣。獨松柏之木，四時不改其色，枝幹長青，須在三冬之景，愈見蒼翠。故庚寅辛卯生人，一路皆屬於冬令，尤為勁節之操。

The evergreen pine tree appears more vibrant in winter, symbolizing a person's steadfast integrity through hardship. The Analects of Confucius says that only after the harsh winter can one know that pine and cypress are the last to wither, which conveys the same meaning. The nayin sound element of Gengyin and Xinmao is pine and cypress wood, different from other woods: other woods flourish in spring, thrive in summer, wither in autumn, and are further oppressed by the severe cold of winter. Only pine and cypress remain unchanged throughout the four seasons, their branches and trunks evergreen, becoming even more emerald in the depths of winter. Therefore, those born under Gengyin and Xinmao move through life as if always in the season of winter, especially displaying a strong sense of moral integrity.

丹桂秋香。己未生人得木，是丹桂生於秋月，乃為此格。蟾宮有桂，非木則無以借用，生於他時，則不芬芳。所謂秋風生桂枝，得之者科名有分，生不遇時，不在此例。

Cinnabar osmanthus emits its fragrance in autumn, indicating potential for academic success. Those born in Jiwei have wood in their destiny, which is like cinnabar osmanthus growing in autumn, matching this pattern. The moon palace originally contains a osmanthus tree; without wood, there is no way to symbolize it. If born in other seasons, osmanthus cannot bloom with fragrance. It is said that autumn wind gives rise to osmanthus branches; those who possess this pattern are destined for academic achievement. However, if born at the wrong time, they do not fall into this category.

聚精會神，而玉帶金魚。水為精，火為神，水火得地，乃精神俱足，亦為合格。然所謂神者，乃五行英靈之氣，自生自旺者是也。故精神聚會者，無不顯達也。如火居巳午未，水居亥子丑之地，而無克害者，亦可以語此例也。

The essence and spirit converge in one place, and the person's destiny may be marked by a jade belt and a golden fish pendant. During the Tang and Song dynasties, officials of rank three or higher wore jade belts and carried golden fish pendants, so "jade belt and golden fish" is used to symbolize high official rank. Water represents essence, and fire represents spirit. When water and fire each have their proper positions, both essence and spirit are abundant, which is considered acceptable. However, the so-called "spirit" refers to the vital energy of the Five Phases, meaning the path that naturally thrives and is strong. Therefore, those whose essence and spirit converge are sure to achieve success. For example, if fire is in the positions of巳, 午, or 未, and water is in the positions of亥, 子, or 丑, and they do not harm each other, this example can also be applied.

寒谷回春，而錦鞍繡勒。木生居三冬，受嚴凝之氣所撓，極無生意。當困阻之時，而忽得寅卯辰三春之令，乃為寒谷回春之象，發達最易者也。

The cold valley returns to spring, and the person's destiny is able to display splendid adornments and shine before many people. Wood is born in the third winter, and is troubled by the severe cold and freezing air, almost with no vitality. When in the midst of difficulties and stagnation, suddenly receiving the three spring months of寅, 卯, and 辰, this is the image of a cold valley returning to spring. Such a person is most likely to prosper.

極妙者，雲騰雨施。子為坎，坎為雲，丙子壬子為雲，丙午丁未為雨，而丙午丁未生人，得丙子壬子，丙子壬子生人，得丙午丁未，皆合此格。但春月不宜休囚，夏月不宜太旺，三秋最喜有氣，冬則為憂死敗。春而休囚，則必妨於農事；夏而太旺，則未必不失於淫；秋而有氣，則能救蘇萬物；冬而死敗，則必至於作寒。要之此格，惟秋月得之者為最奇。

The most excellent pattern is called "Clouds Rising and Rain Falling." This phrase originates from the "Qian Hexagram" of the Zhou Changes, which says, "Clouds move and rain spreads, thus the myriad things take form." The earthly branch Zi belongs to Kan, which represents clouds. Therefore, the combinations of Bingzi and Renzi take the image of clouds. The combinations of Bingwu and Dingwei have the Nayin sound element of Heavenly River Water, which takes the image of rain. Whether someone born in Bingwu or Dingwei receives Bingzi or Renzi, or someone born in Bingzi or Renzi receives Bingwu or Dingwei, they all fit this pattern. However, in spring, the elements should not be weak and confined; in summer, they should not be too strong; in the three autumn months, they should have vitality; and in winter, they should not be dead or ruined. In spring, if the elements are weak and confined, it will certainly hinder agricultural activities; in summer, if they are too strong, it may lead to excessive flooding; in autumn, if they have vitality, they can save all living things; in winter, if they are dead or ruined, it will certainly cause severe cold. In conclusion, this pattern is most remarkable when it occurs in the month of autumn.

最奇者，綠繞紅圍。綠謂柳，紅謂木也，柳乃壬午癸未楊柳也，紅謂庚申辛酉石榴木，凡木皆可。人命得壬午癸未，在年與時，其它木在月日，是為綠繞在外，紅圍在內，合此格者可取。

The most extraordinary pattern is called "green surrounding red." Green refers to willow trees, and red refers to flowering plants; willow trees specifically refer to Renwu and Guiwei, which are the Dangli wood, while red refers to Gengshen and Xinyou, which are the Shizhuo wood. Other types of wood can also be used. If a person's birth chart has Renwu or Guiwei in the year pillar and time pillar, and other types of wood in the month and day pillars, it forms the pattern of green surrounding and red embracing, which conforms to this pattern and can be used.

貴人登於月臺，筆下文章燦星斗。貴人者，天乙貴人。月臺者，即己未是也。甲戊庚生人得己未時，合此格。更若貴人互換，尤妙。

The Nobleman ascends the moon platform, his writings beneath the pen shining bright like stars and constellations. "Nobleman" refers to Tianyi Nobleman, and "moon platform" refers to Jiwei. Those born on days with the stem Jia, Wu, or Geng and born at the hour of Jiwei conform to this pattern. If the Nobleman can also mutually meet and exchange, it becomes even more favorable.

黑煞朝於北斗，胸中志氣蓋乾坤。壬癸乃元武，為黑煞，北斗乃是丑，壬癸生人得丑時，乃合此格。癸人得兩丑，更佳其它。刑煞則未必為福者也。

Black煞 faces the Northern Dipper, indicating that the person's ambition is sufficient to encompass the heavens and earth.壬 and癸 belong to the Black Tortoise in the north, which is referred to as Black煞. The earthly branch associated with the Northern Dipper is Chou. If someone born under壬 or癸 is born at the hour of Chou, they possess this favorable configuration. For those born on a癸 day with two Chous, it is even more favorable. However, if the person also carries a刑煞, it may not bring good fortune.

拱揖端門，早遇九重之詔。五行以午為端門，子為帝座。子午生人，若日時虛拱，午前有巳，午後有未，則為一拱一揖，而端門清肅，子人得之榮達。

On both sides, they bow and offer a respectful salute, standing in attendance before the end gate. Those who are born in the early years can receive the imperial decree from the nine layers of heaven. Among the Five Phases, the end gate is associated with the horse (Wu), and the imperial throne is associated with the rat (Zi). Those born in the year of the horse or the rat, if their day and hour pillars virtually enclose their position, with the snake (Si) before the horse and the goat (Wei) after the horse, then it is like one side bowing and the other saluting, making the end gate neat and orderly. For those born in the year of the rat, this pattern indicates honor, prominence, and smooth success.

會同帝闕，進端一品之榮。亥位乃為帝宮也，後乎亥，則有戌酉申；前乎亥，則有子丑寅。若亥生人，而左右前後，會同貴氣於本命，乃為此格。本命非亥，而年月日時，虛夾一亥，亦可借用。

A group of noble influences gather before the imperial palace, allowing for promotion to a first rank. The亥 position is the imperial palace: after亥 comes戌, 酉, and 申, and before亥 comes 子, 丑, and 寅. Those born in the year of亥, if noble influences from all around converge on their destiny, form this pattern. Even if the destiny is not亥, but the year, month, day, or hour contains a hidden亥, it can be used as well.

墨池泉湧，而器識淵源。墨池，癸巳是也。泉湧，水長生是也。如金命人得癸已，乃合此格。更得吉神扶助者，必然貴矣。

The water in the ink pool flows like a spring, indicating that the person has deep and substantial intelligence and insight. "Ink pool" refers to Guisi, and "spring flowing" refers to the growth position of water. For example, if someone with a metal destiny has Guisi in their chart, they fit this pattern; if further assisted by auspicious deities, they will certainly achieve high status.

學海波深，而才華超卓。學海者，水命人見申子辰全是也。無土有金即貴。

Learning is like the sea, vast and deep, with brilliant talents surpassing others. The term "study sea" refers to someone with a water destiny whose heavenly stem is in the column and has the triple harmony of Shen, Zi, and Chen complete. If there is no earth to muddy it and there is metal to generate it, then such a person is destined for high status and prominence.

明有龍虎，暗有風雷。辰龍，寅虎，巳風，卯雷。凡命中帶寅午辰者是。明有龍虎，寅與辰拱得卯，辰與午拱得巳，暗拱風雷，得之者無有不貴。若明帶風雷，暗藏龍虎亦貴。

In the open there are dragons and tigers, and in the hidden there are wind and thunder. The hour of the dragon is Chen, the hour of the tiger is Yin, the hour of wind is Si, and the hour of thunder is Mao. If a person's destiny includes Yin, Wu, and Chen, then Yin and Chen are in the open as tiger and dragon, with Mao in between, forming a hidden support. Chen and Wu also form a hidden support with Si in between, which represents hidden wind and thunder. Those who have this pattern are sure to be prosperous and esteemed. Conversely, if wind and thunder are in the open and dragon and tiger are hidden, it also indicates prosperity and status.

顯帶官星，隱藏祿馬。官星宜顯不宜隱，祿馬隱者反妙。如癸丑生得戊戌，是癸用戊為官，戊與癸合，拱得亥子，是癸祿在子，丑馬在亥，合此格。

Official star should be clearly visible, while the禄 and 马 should be concealed. The official star is better when it is apparent rather than hidden, whereas the禄 and 马 are more favorable when hidden. For example, a person born in the year of Guichou (癸丑) who has the Wuxu (戊戌) combination:癸 takes 戊 as its official star, and 戊 and 癸 are in harmony. The戌 and 丑 form an invisible support for 亥 and 子, and 癸's禄 is at 子, while theThe Post-horse is at 亥. This matches this pattern.

職位何愁不顯，進修豈患無成。以上之格，取青紫如拾芥，又奚患棲遲而無成就者哉。

What position could be so difficult to attain that one cannot rise to prominence? How could cultivating virtue and advancing one's career lack success? With these kinds of patterns, obtaining the official titles of public and noble rank is as easy as picking up a blade of grass. Why then should one worry about being overlooked or remaining unappreciated throughout life without any achievement?

干清坤夷，設施不苟。戌亥為干，申為坤。干必清，坤必夷。干而遇雲霄風雨，則不清矣；坤而遇刑煞沖戰，則不夷矣。惟干無撓於上，坤無撓於下，上下帖然而安，方合於此格。

The position of Qian (Heaven) is clear and bright, and the position of Kun (Earth) is level and peaceful, so actions and arrangements are not hasty or careless. Xu and Hai belong to Qian, and Shen belongs to Kun. Qian must definitely be clear, and Kun must definitely be level. If the position of Qian encounters the image of clouds, storms, and rain, it will no longer be clear; if the position of Kun encounters punishments, evils, conflicts, and battles, it will no longer be level. Only when Qian is above without disturbance and Kun is below without interference, with harmony above and below, does it conform to this pattern.

天清地實，抱負非凡。天輕清於上，地重濁於下。天而不虛，何以著日月星之取照？地而不實，何以載不齊之萬物？如何謂之虛？有空是也。何謂之實？無空是也。如壬申生人見辛亥，是壬申乃甲子旬無亥，所以為天虛；辛亥乃甲辰旬有申，所以為地實。若天地並歸，生換空亡者則非也。

Heaven must be clear and empty, and Earth must be solid and full, so that one's aspirations are naturally extraordinary. Heaven is light and clear, residing above; Earth is heavy and turbid, residing below. If Heaven were not empty, by what means would it contain the sun, moon, and stars to illuminate it? If Earth were not solid, by what means would it support the varied and uneven myriad things? How is emptiness defined? When there is Kongwang, it is empty. How is fullness defined? When there is no Kongwang, it is full. For example, a person born in Renshen sees Xinhai in their chart: Renshen belongs to the Jiazi decade, and this decade has Kongwang on Xu and Hai, so the Hai in the column is considered heavenly emptiness; Xinhai belongs to the Jiachen decade, and this decade does not have Kongwang on Shen, so the Shen in the column is considered earthly fullness. If both Heaven and Earth fall into Kongwang, or if the birth position also changes into Kongwang, then this pattern is not suitable.

雷雨迎春逢辰卯，而沾濡萬物。震為雷，畢為雨，丙午丁未亦為雨，有雷雨生居十二月之間，此乃有迎春之意。若寅卯辰在日時，乃合此格，謂將進之氣。

Thunder sounds meet with spring rain, and if the birth time also includes the hours of Chen and Mao, the grace of heaven moistens all things. The Zhen hexagram represents thunder, and Bi mansion represents rain. The nayin sound element Bingwu and Dingwei, which are associated with the heavenly water, are also considered as rain. If a person's destiny includes both thunder and rain and is born during the twelfth lunar month, it signifies the welcoming of the new spring. If the hours of Yin, Mao, and Chen also appear in the day and hour pillars, this forms a harmonious pattern, indicating a sign of about to receive vital energy.

扶桑出日見巳午，而光照四方。戊午日，卯為扶桑之地，以午生人於卯月，日時或得巳午，正合此格。蓋造物本由其漸，卯則方明，至巳午則普照天下，有駸駸嚮明之意。人命得此格，前程豈不光遠哉。

The sun rises from the tree of Fusu, then meets Si and Wu, and its radiance spreads throughout the four directions. Wuwu is taken as the sun, and Mao is the place where Fusu is located. A person born in the year of Wu and born in the month of Mao, with Si or Wu in their day or hour, exactly matches this pattern. Nature follows a gradual progression: when reaching the position of Mao, the sky begins to brighten, and when reaching Si and Wu, the light shines over the entire world, symbolizing a continuous increase in brightness and prosperity. If a person's destiny matches this pattern, their future is surely bright and promising.

畢烏登於日宮，貴鄰五府。癸酉辛酉為畢烏，戊午為太陽之宮，癸酉辛酉生人而得戊午，或戊午生人而得辛酉癸酉，皆合此格。若乙酉丁酉則非謂之畢烏也。

The bird of the Net mansion flies to the palace of the Sun. The noble position can be close to the five ministers. Those born in Guiyou or Xinyou are considered as the bird of the Net mansion, while Wuwu represents the palace of the Sun. If someone born in Guiyou or Xinyou has Wuwu in their chart, or someone born in Wuwu has Xinyou or Guiyou in their chart, it matches this pattern. However, if it is Yiyou or Dingyou, it is no longer considered the bird of the Net mansion.

箕豹隱於山谷，名冠百僚。寅為豹，又為山，若寅生人，而又得寅時，乃合此格。但庚寅喜甲寅丙寅，壬寅喜戊寅，格局為妙。寅為艮，艮為山，乃取之。

A leopard hidden in the mountain valley has a reputation surpassing that of all officials. The leopard hides in the mist and then displays its beauty, symbolizing a person who first remains hidden and then emerges. Yin represents the leopard and also the mountain; those born in the year of Yin who are also born at the hour of Yin conform to this pattern. Among these, Gengyin is favorable when paired with Jiayin or Bingyin, and Renyin is favorable when paired with Wuyin, forming a superb pattern. Yin belongs to Gen, which represents the mountain, and this symbolic meaning comes from there.