Five, the True Warrior, Gou Chen, the Golden Carriage, and the Fire and Earth Four Categories.

真武當權。壬癸乃北方合煞之神，壬癸人但得子巳丑者，乃合此格。蓋子正北方。巳中有蛇。丑中有龜。真武當權。知是人才而分端。

The deity Zhenwu holds authority. Zhenwu is the god of the north, depicted as a combination of a tortoise and a snake. Ren and Gui are the gods associated with the north and are linked to malevolent energies. Those born on days with Ren or Gui as the day stem are considered to have this pattern if their birth chart contains Zi, Si, or Chou. Zi represents the north, Si contains the snake, and Chou contains the tortoise, thus fulfilling the presence of both the tortoise and the snake. Since Zhenwu is in command, it indicates that the person is upright in character and possesses authority.

勾陳得位。戊己為勾陳，正帶夾拱，皆貴格。得位不虧，小信以成仁。

Gou Chen's deity is in its proper position. Wu and Ji belong to the central earth, which is Gou Chen; whether it is a direct combination or an indirect support, it is considered a noble pattern. When Gou Chen is in its proper position without any loss, the person can achieve benevolence through subtle sincerity.

金轝引從。從，去聲。甲人祿在寅，辰為金轝，命前三辰為引，命後三辰為從，更兼拱夾，祿在驛馬，共帶三奇者，此為極品之貴格也。

A golden carriage leads the way in front and follows behind as attendants, with an imposing entourage. The character 「从」 is read in the falling tone and refers to attendants. Those born on a Jia day have their fortune in the寅 (Chen) position. The辰 (Chen) following寅 is the golden carriage. The three positions before the birth star are considered as leading, and the three positions after are considered as attendants. Adding the influence of mutual support, when the fortune and the post-horse share the same position, and also include the three marvels, this constitutes an extraordinary noble destiny.

火土入堂。甲辰乙巳為覆燈火，丙戌丁亥為屋上土，甲辰乙巳生人見丙戌丁亥全，合此格。夜生者貴。日生者則非。入此四格，持旌節之權，秉兵符之任，已上四格，人命帶之，兼得貴神祿馬扶助，必為出將入相。

The elements of fire lamp and house soil are in the same hall. Those born in Jiachen or Yisi have the sound element of covered fire lamp, while those born in Bingxu or Dinghai have the sound element of roof soil. If someone born in Jiachen or Yisi has both Bingxu and Dinghai in their pillar, they conform to this pattern. Those born at night are considered noble, while those born in the day are not. If a person's destiny includes any of the four patterns: true water authority, Gou Chen in position, golden carriage following, and fire and soil entering the hall, they will hold the authority of a banner and take charge of military symbols. If a person's destiny includes any of these four patterns and also receives assistance from noble spirits and禄马 (favorable horses), they will certainly become a general when going out and a prime minister when staying in.

水居湖海之中，稟汪洋之碩量。子為湖，壬戌癸亥為水，海者，若水命人得子，又得壬戌癸亥，則志量汪洋，施設宏大，前程久遠。

Water resides in lakes and seas, possessing a vast and expansive capacity. Zi represents a lake, and Renxu and Guihai with the Nayin sound element of great seas represent the sea. A person with a water destiny who has both Zi and Renxu or Guihai in their pillar will have ambitions and capacity like the vast ocean, acting on a grand scale and having a long and enduring future.

火震雷霆之地，著烜赫之威尊。卯為雷霆之地，凡火命人，若生巳午而得卯時，乃合此格。若休囚死絕，或遇水深，雖卯時不能濟。當以生旺取之，主威勢之權衡。

Fire is vigorous and displays great majesty and dignity when it is active in the place of thunder. The hour of卯 is where thunder resides. Those born with a fire destiny who are born in the months of巳 or午 and have the hour of卯 will conform to this pattern. If fire is weak and confined or meets excessive water, even with the hour of卯, it cannot be rescued. One should always use the place where fire is strong and flourishing, which will bring about authority and power.

武跨將壇，雖繁劇而其神不亂。凡命中帶凶神惡煞，得為有用者，皆可言武。非特以武以生，為言也。子午卯酉是也，若子午卯酉生人，時宮帶煞有用，乃武跨將壇，最主為人能剖繁治劇之政事。

A general mounts the platform for receiving a military commission, and even if affairs are extremely complex and urgent, his mind remains calm. Anyone whose fate includes malevolent stars and evil influences that can be transformed into beneficial ones can be considered for military roles, not only those who are born with martial skills. The chosen earthly branches are Zi, Wu, Mao, and You. Those born in the years of Zi, Wu, Mao, or You, with a time pillar that has a malevolent influence but one that can be utilized for their benefit, are considered to have the quality of a general mounting the platform. Such people are most capable of resolving complex matters and managing difficult administrative affairs.

貴臨印綬，縱富貴而其志不驕。天干為陰，陰生陽，陽生陰為印綬。如甲見癸，乙見壬，丙見乙，丁見甲之類。是以甲為陽木，癸為陰水，陰水生為陽木是也。貴即天乙貴人，命中若得印綬，下帶貴人者，雖貴極品，亦不易其所守。

The Nobleman is present above the official seal, even if one is rich and noble, he will not be arrogant. The heavenly stems are divided into yin and yang. When yin generates yang or yang generates yin, it is called the official seal. For example, Jia sees Gui, Yi sees Ren, Bing sees Yi, Ding sees Jia, and so on: Jia is yang wood, Gui is yin water, yin water generates yang wood, so Gui is the official seal of Jia. "Nobleman" refers to the Tianyi Nobleman. If one's fate has the official seal, and below it there is also the Nobleman, then even if one reaches the highest rank, he will not change his moral conduct.

德合雙鴛，坐槐庭而佈政。天干地支神，遇合為鴛，若雙合者，則謂之雙鴛合。命中干支帶雙合，而上有天德月德，或加臨官，乃為此格。一位見合而見德者，格局不正也。

Heavenly Virtue and Monthly Virtue combine with the Double鸳 (Double Union) to appear, indicating that the person in charge can govern the槐庭 (Hall of the Three Excellencies) and issue decrees. The槐庭 refers to the official residence of the Three Excellencies, meaning the person holds a position among the Three Excellencies and manages state affairs. When a Heavenly Stem and an Earthly Branch meet in a harmonious relationship, it is called 鸳 (Union). If both the Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch form harmonious relationships, it is called Double鸳合 (Double Union). A birth chart with both the Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch forming Double Union, along with Heavenly Virtue and Monthly Virtue, or further combined with the position of Officialdom (Officialdom), constitutes this particular pattern. If only one union exists along with a Virtue deity, the pattern is not pure.

官星四干，居棘寺以輸忠。四干者，乃年月日時四位之天干也。生者，乃官星遇長生有氣之謂。如甲用辛為官，而得辛巳；辛用丙為官，而得丙寅之類。凡官星休囚歇滅者，非也。

If all four heavenly stems in the four pillars carry official stars, the person's fate will involve serving in the judicial office and showing utmost loyalty. "Ji Si" is another name for the大理寺, an ancient court responsible for criminal justice. In ancient times, the outer court planted nine jis to mark the positions of nine ministers, and later the大理寺, which handled criminal cases, came to be called Ji Si. The term "si gan" refers to the heavenly stems of the year, month, day, and hour. "Sheng" means that the official star meets the growth stage, indicating vitality. For example, Jia uses Xin as its official star and has Xinsi, while Xin uses Bing as its official star and has Bingyin. Any official star that falls in a weak and confined position does not conform to this pattern.

天關地軸，建元萬卷詩書。乾為天關，坤為地軸，干中有亥，坤中有申，若辛亥見戊申，正合此格，春夏大貴。

Heaven has a gate, Earth has an axis, and the person's destiny is rich in knowledge, capable of establishing a new era and founding a base. Qian represents the heavenly gate, and Kun represents the earthly axis; within the position of Qian lies Hai, and within the position of Kun lies Shen. If in the pillar there is Xinhai and Wushen, it exactly matches this pattern, and if born in spring or summer, the person will be especially prosperous.

日精月華，動地三臺宰輔。卯酉為日月之精華，日月交陰之地，卯酉生人在於秋月，必主大貴，宰輔之職也。

The essence of the sun and the brilliance of the moon converge, creating a powerful presence that reaches the three thrones and the ministers. The hours of卯 and酉 are where the essence of the sun and moon gather, and they are also the places where the sun and moon alternate and yin and yang change. Those born in the years of卯 or酉 and born in autumn month are destined for great honor and can hold the position of ministers.

位極功高，列四方之正位。子午卯酉，為極四方之正位；寅申巳亥，為東南西北之四維。若命中帶四方正位，或帶四維造化者，無不貴顯。若缺一借一，與夫缺一符用，皆可合此格。雖辰戌丑未，亦可借用仿此。

One attains the highest position among ministers and achieves great accomplishments because they occupy the correct positions of the four directions. Zi, Wu, Mao, and You are the central positions of the four directions; Yin, Shen, Si, and Hai are the four cardinal directions of the east, south, west, and north. If a person's fate includes all four central positions or all four cardinal positions, they will certainly achieve high status and prominence. Even if one position is missing but is compensated by another, or if one is missing but another divine element is used in its place, it can still conform to this pattern. The four repositories, Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei, can also be used in the same way.

名昭位著，轉一氣之洪鈞。年月日皆屬冬令，而時上忽然得寅，乃合此格。木人與水人為最，火人次之。蓋木逢春則生旺，水逢東則順流，火寅則名健，至於金則絕休，土則死病。

His reputation is well known and his status is prominent, due to the turning of the great bell called "Hongjun." "Hongjun" originally refers to the great bell that shapes all things, and it is used metaphorically to denote ministers who hold great power. The year, month, and day pillars all belong to the winter season, but the hour pillar suddenly has a Yin, which fits this pattern. People with a wood destiny are most compatible with those of a water destiny, and those with a fire destiny are next: wood thrives in spring, water flows smoothly to the east, and fire becomes strong at Yin; however, metal reaches its decline at Yin and earth is in a state of death and illness at Yin, so they are not suitable.

雙門夾祿，得之者鳳閣鸞臺。如癸生人，祿在子，而亥丑謂之夾祿。且如癸酉生人見丙子，又辛亥乙丑是也。祿居子，馬居亥，庫居丑，正謂雙門夾祿也。

Two doors enclose the position of official rank, and those who possess this pattern are eligible to enter the Phoenix Pavilion and the Luan Terrace. The Phoenix Pavilion refers to the Zhongshu Province, and the Luan Terrace refers to the Menxia Province, both of which are places where ministers deliberate on state affairs. For example, if someone is born on a Gui day, their official rank is in the Zi position. If the Hai and Chou positions are before and after Zi respectively, enclosing it, this is called enclosing the official rank. Another example is someone born on a Guiyou day who sees a Bingzi position, and if there is also a Xinhai and Yichou, the official rank is in Zi, the post-horse is in Hai, and the storage is in Chou. This is exactly what is called double doors enclosing the official rank.

三秀盈門，遇之者玉堂金闕。年月日時，多帶天月二德三奇者是也。

Three marvels fill the family, allowing those who meet them to enter the Jade Hall and Golden Palace. This refers to having the Heavenly Virtue, Monthly Virtue, and Three Marvels present in the year, month, day, or hour.

活祿兼於活馬，入格則麟閣標名。祿之旺，馬之生，更得天德相助者，乃合此格者也。

Living wealth and the living horse are combined, and if the pattern is formed, one can be recorded in the Qilin Pavilion. Emperor Xuandi of the Han dynasty once painted the portraits of meritorious ministers in the Qilin Pavilion, and later it came to be used to refer to the highest honor for meritorious officials. The so-called living wealth and living horse means that wealth is in a strong position and the horse is in the growth position; if further assisted by Heavenly Virtue, then this pattern is formed.

大煞並於喜神，入局則鳳池顯貴。正月大煞居戌，同位合此格者，更得貴神之助，主功名顯達。

The Great Sha and the Favorable Deity are in the same position; if they enter the pattern, they can bring prestige in the Phoenix Pool. The Phoenix Pool refers to the Zhongshu Province, symbolizing a key position. In the first lunar month, the Great Sha is located in the Xu position. When the Great Sha and the Favorable Deity share the same position and form this pattern, and if further assisted by the Noble Deity, it indicates success in official rank and fame.

蒼龍駕海，而金印懸腰。甲辰戊辰為蒼龍，壬戌癸亥為海，甲辰戊辰生人，而得壬戌癸亥；壬戌癸亥生人，而得甲辰戊辰，皆合此格也。

The celestial dragon is mounted over the sea, and the person's waist is adorned with a golden seal. The combinations of Jiachen and Wuchen represent the celestial dragon, while Renxu and Guihai with the Nayin sound element represent the sea. When Jiachen or Wuchen are the birth years and the person's column contains Renxu or Guihai, or when Renxu or Guihai are the birth years and the person's column contains Jiachen or Wuchen, this pattern is considered favorable.

朱雀騰空，而旌旗翳目。空，虛空也。非空亡也。丙丁火，乃南方朱雀之神也。若丙丁得巳午未之地，乃謂之朱雀騰空。丙丁生人得巳午，臨於日時，方合此格。可以言貴。

The Vermilion Bird soars in the vast sky, with banners and flags covering the sun and blocking the view, depicting the grandeur of ceremonial attendants. The character "空" here refers to the empty expanse of the sky, not the Kongwang term. Bing and Ding belong to the fire element, which corresponds to the Vermilion Bird deity in the south. When Bing and Ding are in the positions of Si, Wu, or Wei, the Vermilion Bird is said to soar into the sky. For those born under Bing or Ding, if they have Si or Wu in their day or hour pillars, this pattern is considered favorable and can be used to discuss their high status.

三元集旺，產超卓之英才。三元，即天干，地支，納音。此為天元，地元，人元也。命中帶五行自旺之氣，若四孟四季，則無自旺也。

The combined strength of the three elements converges in one place, capable of producing outstanding talents. The term "three elements" refers to the heavenly stems, earthly branches, and nayin sound elements, also known as heavenly origin, earthly origin, and human origin. This pattern requires the person's destiny to possess the inherent strength of the five phases; if it falls in the first months of the four branches (寅, 申, 巳, 亥) or the fourth months (辰, 戌, 丑, 未), there is no inherent strength to speak of.

四字俱生抱出群之大器。四字，乃年月日時納音四位，乃命中帶自生，居於四位，乃合此格者。如水生亥，火生寅主貴。惟寅申巳亥有此格局。四仲四季則無自生之理。

The four pillars' nayin sounds all sit on the position of growth, indicating the destiny holder possesses an outstanding and exceptional destiny. The term 'four characters' refers to the nayin sounds of the year, month, day, and hour; when all four pillars carry the self-growth energy, this pattern is considered auspicious. For example, water's growth is in Hai, and fire's growth is in Yin, both indicating high status. Only the four beginning positions, Yin, Shen, Si, and Hai, can have such a pattern. The four middle positions, Zi, Wu, Mao, and You, and the four seasonal positions, Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei, do not have the logic of self-growth.

桂林鳳隱，佩印乘軒。己未生人而見兩木，是為桂林。酉為鳳，其中帶酉，方為鳳隱。若有二木，非己未不可，謂之桂林。要見己未生酉時，方合此格。

The phoenix hides in the Guilin area; the person born with the destiny of the ruler should carry an official seal and ride a high carriage. A person born in Jiwei has two woods in their pillar, which forms Guilin. You, representing the phoenix, must be present in the pillar to signify the hidden phoenix. If there are only two woods but no Jiwei, it cannot be called Guilin. Only when someone born in Jiwei has the hour of You does it match this pattern.

海藏龍潛，膏車秣馬。藏去聲。海藏者，壬戌癸亥是也。辰為龍，壬戌癸亥生人得辰時，乃為此格。蓋海藏非龍則人得以玩，龍非海則無以藏形，可以相有而不可以相無也。

The sea is deep and hidden, with dragons lying in wait; the person's destiny is like a well-prepared chariot and horses, ready to depart. The character "藏" is read in the falling tone and means to conceal or hide. "Sea containing" refers to the Nayin sound element of Great Water, which corresponds to Renxu and Guihai. The term "Chen" represents the dragon. Those born in Renxu or Guihai and who are born at the hour of Chen possess this pattern. If there is no dragon in the sea, it is merely for people to admire and not to be feared; if there is no sea for the dragon, it has nowhere to hide. The two can rely on each other, yet neither can be missing.

入格者佩印乘軒，及時者名登顯位。此言前二格，各得其時入格乃貴。桂林鳳隱宜於秋，海藏龍潛宜於冬，方言福。

One who enters the proper pattern and carries the official seal, rides a high carriage, and is born at the right time to attain a prominent position. This refers to the two patterns of Guilin Feng Yin and Hai Cang Long Qian: only those who are born at the right time and enter the proper pattern can be considered wealthy. Guilin Feng Yin is suitable for birth in autumn, while Hai Cang Long Qian is suitable for birth in winter, only then can one speak of fortune.

雷霆得門，遇之則名利超升。戊子己丑靂霹火，為雷霆之象。卯為雷門，生於春夏月也。如戊子己丑生人見卯，卯生人見戊子己丑，及生於春夏，正合此格。不宜水多，生於秋冬，則不及時矣。

Lightning has found the entrance and exit, and those who meet this condition will experience sudden advancement in fame and fortune. The Naiyin sound element of Wuzi and Jichou is霹雳 fire, which symbolizes lightning. The卯 represents the door of thunder, and this configuration is most favorable when occurring in spring or summer. For example, if someone born on Wuzi or Jichou has the卯 in their birth chart, or if someone born in the year of卯 has Wuzi or Jichou in their chart, and this occurs in spring or summer, it perfectly matches this pattern. This pattern is not suitable for excessive water; if it occurs in autumn or winter, it is not considered a favorable time.

福生有基，逢之則貲金滿屋。四位集福於帝座，主發於四方是也。不逢凶神惡煞，此乃大富之格也。

The generation of good fortune has established a solid foundation, and those who encounter it will have wealth in abundance. The four pillars gather all good fortune to the imperial throne, indicating that the source of wealth comes from all directions. As long as there are no malevolent stars or evil influences, this is a great fortune pattern.

三奇會於龍虎，葉贊扶持。三奇者，乙丙丁，甲戊庚，壬癸辛是也。命中帶三奇，而支神有寅有辰者不同，順與亂皆可。況三奇入廟在辰，故合此格。

The Three Marvels combine with the Dragon and Tiger, indicating assistance and support from many people. The Three Marvels refer to the groups of Yi, Bing, and Ding; Jia, Wu, and Geng; and Ren, Gui, and Xin. If someone's fate includes the Three Marvels and their earthly branches include Yin and Chen, they belong to this pattern. The arrangement of the Three Marvels, whether in order or disorder, can be considered. Moreover, the place where the Three Marvels are in their prime is at Chen, so this pattern is formed.

四德見於旌旗藩宣屏翰。以亡神劫煞為旌旗。天月二德凡兩見為四德，旌旗為亡神劫煞是也。如亥卯未亡神在寅，劫煞在申，則是寅為旌，申為旗。如巳酉丑亡神在申，劫煞在寅，則是申為旌，寅為旗。餘皆仿此。如四季帶亡劫，見兩天月二德，則合此格也。

When the four virtues and the banners and flags are both present, the person's destiny allows them to serve as a vassal governor or an envoy to the court, acting as a shield and strong support for the state. This pattern uses the Wangshen and Jiesha as the banners and flags; having two instances each of Tian De and Yue De is called the four virtues. For example, in the years of Hai, Mao, and Wei, if Wangshen is in Yin and Jiesha is in Shen, then Yin is the banner and Shen is the flag; in the years of Si, You, and Chou, if Wangshen is in Shen and Jiesha is in Yin, then Shen is the banner and Yin is the flag, and so on. If someone born in the seasons of Chen, Xu, Chou, or Wei has both Wangshen and Jiesha, and also has two instances each of Tian De and Yue De, then they match this pattern.

胸中豪邁，貴人居詞館之中。天乙居詞館，乃五行臨官是也。如木臨官在寅，庚辛人得之；水土臨官在亥，丙丁人得之，其它仿此。若不見天乙貴人，又得福星貴人，天官貴人，太極貴人，皆可引用。

A person's broad and open-minded nature is due to the nobleman residing in the Ciguan. The phrase "Tianyi resides in Ciguan" refers to the nobleman being in the position of Officialdom within the Five Phases. For example, the Officialdom of wood is in寅, and寅 is the Tianyi nobleman for庚 and辛 day stems; thus, people with庚 or辛 day stems who have this are considered fortunate. The Officialdom of water and earth is in亥, and亥 is the nobleman for丙 and丁 day stems; thus, people with丙 or丁 day stems who have this are considered fortunate. The same applies to the other elements. If the Tianyi nobleman is not present in the pillar, but one has the Fuxing nobleman, Tian官 nobleman, or Taiji nobleman, these can also be used.

筆底縱橫，魁星入垣局之內。魁星，得甲辰一旬於位，皆垣局，即五行之正庫是也。甲辰乙巳得甲戌，丙午丁未得壬辰，戊申己酉得丙辰，庚戌辛亥得乙丑，壬子癸丑得癸未，皆為魁星入垣，合此格也。此外並無。

The flow of thoughts in writing is vigorous and unrestrained because the魁星 has entered the垣局. The魁星 refers to the ten heavenly stems in the Jiachen decade; the term "垣局" means the proper repository of the Five Phases. Jiachen and Yisi are associated with Jiaxu, Bingwu and Dingwei are associated with Renchen, Wushen and Jiyou are associated with Bingchen, Gengxu and Xinhai are associated with Yichou, Renzi and Guichou are associated with Guiwei. These are all cases of魁星 entering the垣局, conforming to this pattern. There are no other examples.

貴人在玉堂之上，咫尺龍顏。壬癸生人見卯為貴人，須得癸卯，乃為玉堂。壬癸生人見癸卯，正合此格。

The Nobleman stands in the Jade Hall, close to the Son of Heaven. Those born on a壬 or 癸 day stem see the卯 as the Tianyi Nobleman. However, it must beGuimao to be considered Jade Hall. For those born on a壬 or 癸 day stem, if the pillar containsGuimao, it perfectly matches this pattern.

文星入詞館之中，從容鳳闕。乙亥丁巳為文星。如乙亥生人見丁巳，丁巳生人見乙亥，最為妙也。

The literary star enters the Ciguan, allowing the person's fate to move freely through the Phoenix Gate. Yihai and Dingsi are the literary star. For someone born in Yihai, seeing Dingsi in their pillar is most auspicious, or for someone born in Dingsi, seeing Yihai in their pillar is most auspicious.

一旬內，三位四位，為公為卿。年月日時在旬內是也。又兼逢官星，又見貴人，納音相生，正合此格。

If three or four positions are obtained within the same shen (decade), one may reach the rank of a high official. This refers to the year, month, day, and hour all falling within the same shen. If further accompanied by the official star, the presence of a nobleman, and the mutual generation among the nayin sound elements, it precisely matches this pattern.

五行中，自生自旺，不富即貴。金辛巳自生，癸酉自旺，木己亥自生，辛卯自旺，水甲申自生，丙子自旺，火丙寅自生，戊午自旺，土戊申自生，庚子自旺。若命帶自生自旺，便見亨通。若休囚死絕者，必不發福。

Among the Five Phases, those that can generate and thrive on their own will either be rich or noble. For metal, it is Xinsi for self-generation and Guiyou for self-thriving. For wood, it is Jihai for self-generation and Xinmao for self-thriving. For water, it is Jiashen for self-generation and Bingzi for self-thriving. For fire, it is Bingyin for self-generation and Wuwu for self-thriving. For earth, it is Wushen for self-generation and Gengzi for self-thriving. If a person's destiny includes self-generation and self-thriving, they can expect prosperity. But if it falls into weak and confined or dead and extinct positions, they will certainly not achieve fortune.

得天地之和氣者，早充觀國之光。寅卯辰為天地中和之氣。命中年月日時帶卯辰寅，三位俱全者，正合此格。四位而間一位者，則非。更若木人與火人得此，絕妙。如水命人，福輕。會金人得之，未必為福。三春水盛金衰火旺土贏。

A person endowed with the harmonious qi of heaven and earth can, in their early years, visit the capital and enter officialdom. "Observing the country's radiance" comes from the "Zhou Changes (I Ching)" Guan卦, referring to paying homage to the king and serving in the court. Yin, Mao, and Chen represent the harmonious qi of heaven and earth. Those whose birth year, month, day, and hour all include Yin, Mao, and Chen are in perfect harmony with this pattern; if there is a gap between them, it does not count. Those with the wood destiny and fire destiny who possess this pattern are most auspicious; those with the water destiny have lighter blessings; and those with the metal destiny may not necessarily have good fortune. This is because during the spring months, water is abundant while metal is weak, and fire is strong while earth is weak.

居坎離之正位者，高預南宮之選。子宮為坎之正位，午宮為離之正位，以甲子生人，而得甲午丙午戊午時。或庚子生人，而得甲午庚午時。壬子生人，而得丙午時。是子喜見午，格局尤正。甲午生人，而得丙子戊子時。丙午生人，而得壬子戊子時。戊午生人，而得戊子庚子時。庚午生人得甲子丙子庚子時，是午見子，格局亦正。其餘摘出者，未必合格。況子為水之所鍾，午為火之所鍾，子午中水火坎離相會者，極妙也。

A person born in the year Jiazi (甲子) who is born at the time of Jiawu (甲午), Bingwu (丙午), or Wuwu (戊午), and a person born in the year Gengzi (庚子) who is born at the time of Jiawu (甲午) or Gengwu (庚午), and a person born in the year Renzi (壬子) who is born at the time of Bingwu (丙午), is considered to have a pure and proper configuration. This is because the hour of Zi (子) is the main position of Kan (坎), and the hour of Wu (午) is the main position of Li (离). The combination of Zi and Wu represents the meeting of water and fire, which is very harmonious. A person born in the year Jiawu (甲午) who is born at the time of Bingzi (丙子) or Wuzi (戊子), a person born in the year Bingwu (丙午) who is born at the time of Renzi (壬子) or Wuzi (戊子), and a person born in the year Wuwu (戊午) who is born at the time of Wuzi (戊子) or Gengzi (庚子), also have a proper configuration. A person born in the year Gengwu (庚午) who is born at the time of Jiazi (甲子), Bingzi (丙子), or Gengzi (庚子) also has a proper configuration. Other combinations are not as reliable. Moreover, Zi is the gathering place of water, and Wu is the gathering place of fire. The meeting of Zi and Wu represents the meeting of water and fire from Kan and Li, which is very beautiful.

一旬包裹，獨操千里之權。如甲寅見癸亥，甲子見癸酉之類。

The beginning and end of a ten-day period enclose the middle days, granting the person in charge authority over a thousand miles. For example, Jiayin meeting Guihai or Jiazi meeting Guiyou, these are cases where the first day of the ten-day period meets the last day, enclosing all the days in between.

一路連珠，早擅四方之譽。天干地支相連，故云天干十脈之調勻，地支相連如珠璣。

The sequence proceeds continuously like a string of pearls, and in early years he already enjoys a reputation throughout the four directions. This refers to the connection between the heavenly stems and earthly branches: the ten heavenly stems are evenly connected, and the earthly branches follow one after another, like a string of pearls.

虛一時用者，文主臺諫，武居將壇。如甲子見壬申，數內，八十內缺一位，九位與癸合是也。

When a position is missing but can be appropriately used according to the time, in terms of literature it indicates a role in the court's advisory and supervisory functions, while in terms of military it indicates a position on the general's platform. For example, in the case of Jiazi encountering Renshen: counting from Jiazi in sequence to Renshen is exactly the ninth position, with one position missing in between. This missing position is precisely compatible with Gui, which is known as the use of the missing one.

得一分三者，生當封侯，死宜廟食。如甲寅祿，五行中，寅午戌馬居申，申子辰馬居寅，凡祿神數，三合是也。

One who possesses a single element but manifests its influence in three places will, while alive, be granted a title of nobility, and after death, will be honored with ancestral sacrifices. For example, the official post (Lushen) of Jia (Jia) is in寅 (Yin). Among the Five Phases, the post-horse (Yimǎ) of the Fire triad (Yin-Wu-Xu) is in申 (Shen), and the post-horse of the Water triad (Shen-Zi-Chen) is in寅 (Yin). Whenever the number where the Lu Spirit resides coincides with the Triple Harmony, it is called 'one element giving rise to three.'

五星七星拱揖，輕清者學士翰林，重濁者胄子武弁。如甲子見戊辰，為五星拱揖，見庚午為七星拱揖，餘皆仿此。

Five stars and seven stars form a harmonious alignment in front and behind, indicating a scholarly and refined person who may become a scholar or a high-ranking official in the Hanlin Academy. If the atmosphere is heavy and turbid, it suggests a military officer or a warrior. For example, if Jiazi is seen with Wuchen, counting from Jiazi, it is the fifth position, called Five Stars in Harmony. If Jiazi is seen with Gengwu, it is the seventh position, called Seven Stars in Harmony, and the rest follow the same pattern.

四位八位包藏，有用者名士大夫，無用者富家巨室。丙寅至己巳，為四位包藏，癸酉為八位包藏，餘皆仿此。

The four positions and the eight positions contain each other, those who are used by the world become famous officials and scholars, while those not used by the world become wealthy families. Counting from Bingyin to Jisi is exactly four positions, called four positions containing each other; counting to Guiyou is exactly eight positions, called eight positions containing each other, and the rest follow the same pattern.

蚌珠吸月華兮見水，位極公卿。甲戌為蚌珠，己未為月華，癸亥或下逢一位水，合此格。

A pearl inside a clam absorbs the moon's radiance, and upon encountering water again, its position can reach the rank of a high official. Jiaxu represents the pearl in the clam, and Jiwei represents the moon's radiance; if the pillar also contains Guihai, or if water appears below, this pattern is complete.

螢火照水濱兮遇秋，貴為卿監。丙申丁酉為螢火，下逢一水是也，生於秋夜，正合此格。多則氾濫，若非及時，則為賤格。詩曰：螢因腐草出，難近太陽飛，若見三秋月，冬生囊聚奇。此至微至妙。

Fireflies illuminate the water's edge, and with the arrival of autumn, one may attain a high official position. The combination of Bingshen and Dingyou belongs to the Nayin sound element of fire beneath the mountain, symbolizing fireflies. If water appears below this, it becomes appropriate, and this pattern matches perfectly with the autumn night. However, if there is too much water, it becomes overwhelming, and if born at an inappropriate time, it results in a lowly status. A poem says: Fireflies are born from decaying grass and cannot fly close to the sun; if they meet the moonlight of late autumn or gather to illuminate books on a winter night, then their uniqueness is revealed. This pattern is the most subtle and profound.

三十六大貴，值之者，黃甲標名。自本生年至時，順數三十六位是也。蓋三十六者，乃陰陽至貴之數，人命獲之，豈不貴哉。

Thirty-six is a number of great fortune, and those who encounter it will achieve success in the imperial examinations. During the Song dynasty, the list of successful candidates was written on yellow paper, hence it was called "Yellow Jia." If, starting from one's birth year and counting forward to the time pillar, there are exactly thirty-six positions, this is considered a favorable pattern. Thirty-six is the most precious number in the yin and yang system. If a person's destiny includes this number, how could they not be prosperous?

二十四統全，得之者，青雲穩步。一歲有二十四氣，自立春以始，積五日則為一候，積三候則為一氣，二氣則為一月，所以一年統為七十二候二十四氣。命中一年數至時，得二十四位是也。蓋自始而終，包含生施大德，合此格大貴。

The number twenty-four encompasses everything comprehensively. Those who possess this pattern advance steadily on the path to success. A year has twenty-four solar terms, starting from the Beginning of Spring. Five days make a "候" (period), three periods make a "气" (climate), and two climates make a month. Thus, a year has seventy-two periods and twenty-four climates. If the number of years from the year pillar to the hour pillar exactly totals twenty-four, then this pattern is present. This pattern runs through the entire process, encompassing the great virtue of nurturing and transforming life. Those who possess this pattern are destined for great fortune and high status.

七日來復，喜氣候之循環。自本命順數至第七位是也。如甲子見庚午，乙丑見辛未，丙寅見壬申之類。蓋七日之氣，若離一陰必就一陽，若離二陰必就二陽，若離三陰必就三陽，以其相對而分合，此者，皆是有貴也。

Seven days later the yang energy returns, which is pleasing because the climate cycles repeatedly without ceasing. "Seven days later the yang returns" comes from the "Zhou Changes" (I Ching) "Fu Hexagram." This pattern is determined by counting forward from one's birth stem and branch to the seventh position, such as Jiazi seeing Gengwu, Yichou seeing Xinwei, Bingyin seeing Renshen, and so on. The energy of seven days, when it separates from one part of yin, necessarily increases by one part of yang; when it separates from two parts of yin, it necessarily increases by two parts of yang; when it separates from three parts of yin, it necessarily increases by three parts of yang. It is precisely because they are opposite and their separation and combination are orderly that those who match this pattern are destined for wealth and honor.

六位後先，喜陰陽之對偶。六位者，即本命數至第六位是也。如甲子得己巳，乙丑得庚午，為先六位。己巳得甲子，庚午得乙丑，為後六位。蓋一為陽，二為陰，數至於六，乃三陰三陽，不偏多。主榮貴。

Six positions are arranged in order, and it is favorable for yin and yang to form a harmonious pair. The term "six positions" refers to counting from the original number to the sixth position. For example, Jiazi is paired with Jisi, and Yichou is paired with Gengwu; this is called the earlier six positions. Conversely, Jisi is paired with Jiazi, and Gengwu is paired with Yichou; this is called the later six positions. The first is yang, the second is yin, and by the sixth position, there are three yin and three yang, balanced on both sides, thus indicating honor and prosperity.

大衍虛一，常人必無。大衍之數五十，其用四十九之數，得之者，合於大衍。自本命數至四十九位是也。

The great derivation number is reduced by one, a pattern rarely found in ordinary people. The Zhou Changes (I Ching) Great Treatise states that the great derivation number is fifty, but only forty-nine is actually used. Those who can attain this number fully conform to the meaning of great derivation. From the fundamental number to the forty-ninth position, this pattern is achieved.

天地中分，奇才以產。五行以乾為天，以支為地。所謂中分者，支干各分一半是也。如甲子生甲午是，甲子至癸巳，三十之數已足。甲午再起一半。天於是中分。地於是中分。乙丑見乙未，丙寅見丙申，皆是天地中分之格也。

Heaven and Earth each divide into two halves in the middle, giving rise to extraordinary talents. The Five Phases use the Heavenly Stems as Heaven and the Earthly Branches as Earth; the concept of middle division means that the stems and branches each occupy half. For example, a person born in Jiazi is born again in Jiawu: counting from Jiazi to Guisi covers thirty numbers, and Jiawu exactly begins the second half. Here Heaven is divided, and Earth is also divided. Similarly, YiChou meets YiWei, and BingYin meets BingShen, all belonging to the pattern of middle division between Heaven and Earth.

體一用一猶一元默運之初。體者，本命也。月則自年而遁，日則自月而生，時則自日而起，是年為體，月為用。月為體，日為用。日為體，時為用也。統而言之，其端皆起於本命。月日時同出一辰，是體一而用亦一也。

The body has only one, and the use also has only one, just like the original qi quietly operating in the beginning of chaos. "Body" refers to the original destiny. The month arises from the year, the day arises from the month, and the hour arises from the day: the year is the body, the month is the use; the month is the body, the day is the use; the day is the body, the hour is the use. In summary, all beginnings originate from the original destiny. The month, day, and hour all come from the same stem, which is why the body is one and the use is also one.

居三隔三，象三才既分之後。一生二，二生三，三生萬物，故數至於三者，無窮之生施也。所謂居三陽者，自本命順數至第三位者是也。如丙寅得戊辰，戊辰見庚午，庚午見壬申之類。蓋一而二，二而三，是天地人三才之既分也。三才既居，造化以成，萬物之原，人茲以立，人命合此三數，安得不為奇哉。

Residing in the third position and being separated by another three, this takes its image after the three principles have been divided. The "Dao De Jing" says that one gives rise to two, two gives rise to three, and three gives rise to all things. Therefore, when the number reaches three, it contains infinite capacity for generation and transformation.the so-calledresiding in the three yangs means counting from one's own destiny in order to the third position, for example, Bingyin meets Wuchen, Wuchen meets Gengwu, and Gengwu meets Renshen. From one to two, and from two to three, this is when heaven, earth, and humanity have already been established. Once the three principles are in place, the workings of nature are complete, and all things have their origin. Humans, by aligning with this number three, how could they not be considered extraordinary.

一旬中睦集和氣，麟閣標名。年月日時，共出一旬者是也。又為一旬包裹喚天格。探真歌云：四位循環共一旬，還同兄弟一家人，玉堂厚祿數千戶，金榜題名顯二親。合得者宜此斷。

In the same sheng period, harmony and auspicious energy gather together, allowing one to be recorded in the Qilin Pavilion. This refers to the year, month, day, and hour all originating from the same sheng period, which is also called the heavenly character. The "Tanzhen Ge" says: The four pillars cycle within the same sheng period, like brothers living in the same household; in the Jade Hall, one receives a thick fortune of thousands of households, and achieving success on the golden list brings glory to one's parents. Those who meet this pattern should be interpreted accordingly.

十三位炳現魁星，鳳池顯職。自本命數至第十三位是。如甲子生人得丙子，乙丑生人得丁丑之類，皆是十三位。但見魁星，惟甲辰一旬十位是也。餘則無之。十三位，恰如甲辰旬中十三位尤妙。

Counting to the thirteenth position, the魁星 becomes clearly visible, allowing one to hold a prominent position at the Phoenix Pool. From one's own birth number, reaching the thirteenth position is sufficient, for example, those born in Jiazi are considered to reach the thirteenth position in Bingzi, and those born in Yichou reach it in Dingchou, and so on. However, to actually see the魁星, only the ten positions in the Jiachen decade are counted, the others are not. Therefore, those who reach the thirteenth position and also fall within the Jiachen decade are especially auspicious.

二儀貴顯，學問淵源。本命相連一位，日辰相連一位，皆為二儀。如甲子見乙丑，庚午見辛未，乙亥見丙子，辛巳見壬午，丙戌見丁亥，戊子見己丑，是兩位連珠，而遇天乙貴人，乃二儀貴偶。若二偶連珠，丙前見亥，見鬼煞，乃貼身鬼位，反主生禍。須是貴偶，方為吉也。

Heavenly stems and earthly branches form pairs and thus become prominent, and knowledge naturally has its origin. The original stem and the adjacent branch are connected, as are the day branch and the adjacent branch; these are called "two principles" or "two forms." For example, Jiazi connects with Yichou, Gengwu connects with Xinwei, Yihai connects with Bingzi, Xinsi connects with Renwu, Bingxu connects with Dinghai, and Wuzi connects with Jichou; these are pairs of connected stems and branches. If such a pair also meets Tianyi Nobleman, it forms a noble pair of two principles. However, even though two are connected, if the stem before Bing meets Hai, it collides with a ghost evil, forming a position of close proximity to a ghost, which instead brings misfortune. Only when they form a noble pair can it be considered auspicious.

八位官星，文章俊邁。本命順數入八宮，得官星是。如甲子生得辛未，甲寅生得辛酉，庚申生得丁卯，庚寅生得丁酉，是為八位官星。此格得之者，多居侍從之列，非尋常之可比也。

The eighth position is occupied by the official star, indicating outstanding literary talent and surpassing others. One attains the official star by counting forward from their birth stem in sequence until reaching the eighth palace. For example, someone born in Jiazi (甲子) attains the official star in Xinwei (辛未), someone born in Jiayin (甲寅) attains it in Xinyou (辛酉), someone born in Gengshen (庚申) attains it in Dingmao (丁卯), and someone born in Gengyin (庚寅) attains it in Dingyou (丁酉). These are all referred to as the official star in the eighth position. People with this pattern are mostly in positions of attendance and service, not ordinary individuals.

火明木秀，逢春月以為榮。一氣所至，則金鼠登魁；斗柄所指，則火生逢寅。三陽交泰，萬物生輝，火至此光輝發越，木至此敷榮茂盛。夫東方木色青，南方火色赤，青赤相間，則文華。如戊午則見辛卯，己未則見庚寅，命中有木與火，生居三春，乃火明木秀。生居夏，則火太炎，木巳死。秋則並歸死絕，冬則無氣。

Fire has brightness, and wood has vitality. When they meet in the spring month, they will flourish. The flow of energy spreads wherever it goes, and at Jiazi (the first day of the sexagenary cycle), the metal rat takes the lead. The handle of the Big Dipper points to the position of the tiger, where fire is born. At the time of the convergence of the three yang energies, all things shine with brilliance. Fire shines brightly here, and wood flourishes and grows vigorously. The east belongs to wood, which is green, and the south belongs to fire, which is red. When green and red intermingle, they form beautiful patterns. For example, Wuwu (Wu Wu) with Xinmao (Xin Mao) or Jiwei (Ji Wei) with Gengyin (Geng Yin), if a person's destiny includes both wood and fire and is born in the third month of spring, then fire is bright and wood is flourishing. If born in summer, fire becomes too intense, and wood is already in decline. If born in autumn, both wood and fire reach their end. If born in winter, there is no life energy at all.

金白水清，遇秋天則為貴。三秋令，西方白帝司令。當此時，以金則白，以水則清。本命中有二金在下，二水在上。或一金三水，一水三金，相間生於秋月，則貴。春夏冬間，金未必白，水未必清，不合此格。

The color is golden and white, and the water is clear. When this occurs in autumn, it indicates a noble destiny. In the third month of autumn, the White Emperor from the west is in charge, and at this time, metal appears white and water appears clear. If in one's birth chart, two metals are below and two waters above, or one metal with three waters, or one water with three metals, and they are intermingled and occur in the autumn month, it signifies a noble destiny. However, if born in spring, summer, or winter, the metal may not appear white and the water may not appear clear, thus not conforming to this pattern.

虎臥鳳闕，附鳳非難。寅為虎，酉為鳳，寅生人見酉，酉生人見寅時，乃合此格。況寅宮有箕星，酉宮有畢星，箕星好風，畢星好雨，生逢其時，有風雨作霖之象。若虎憎雞觜短，以其元辰日論之，則差之毫釐，謬以千里。

The tiger lies before the Phoenix Gate, and it is not difficult for the tiger to attach itself to the Phoenix.寅 represents the tiger, and 酉 represents the Phoenix; if someone born in the year of 寅 has 酉 in their pillar, or someone born in the year of 酉 has 寅 in the hour, they conform to this pattern. Moreover, the 寅 palace contains the mansion of Winnowing Basket mansion, and the 酉 palace contains the mansion of Net mansion. The star of Winnowing Basket mansion favors wind, and the star of Net mansion favors rain. If they are also born at the appropriate time, there will be a scene of continuous rain. As for the common saying that tigers dislike chickens with short beaks, this refers specifically to the day of Yuanchen, and the two should not be confused. Confusing them will lead to slight errors and great mistakes.