Volume One

《玉宵寶鑑》云：“庚申，自絕木，為魂游神變，遇此日生者，類非凡器，常格主賦性穎異，家族不羈，入貴格則是英傑之才，立不世之功；辛酉，失位之木，木困金鄉，乘之者涉世多艱，惟對癸卯金則剛柔相濟，挺拔出群，決取巍科。”壬戌，偏庫之水，癸亥，臨官之水，名曰大海水。蓋支干、納音皆水，忌見群水，雖壬辰水庫亦不能當。不忌他土，死絕則吉，生旺則氾濫無所歸也。

The *Yu Xiao Bao Jian* says: "Gengshen is a wood that is self-cut off, representing the image of wandering souls and changing spiritual mechanisms; those born on this day are mostly not ordinary people. Even in an ordinary pattern, they are naturally intelligent and exceptional, with families not restricted by convention. If they form a noble destiny, they become outstanding talents capable of establishing rare achievements. Xinyou is wood that has lost its position, with wood trapped on the ground of metal. Those who take this destiny face many difficulties in the world; only when paired with Gui Mao metal can they achieve a balance of firmness and flexibility, standing out remarkably, and certainly attain high ranks in exams." Renxu is called "biased reservoir water," and Guihai is called "officialdom water," together known as "great sea water." Since their heavenly stems and earthly branches and nayin sound elements all belong to water, they should avoid seeing more groups of water, even Renchen reservoir cannot bear it. They are not afraid of other earths, but walking on dead or exhausted paths is auspicious, while walking on thriving or vigorous paths leads to overflowing without a place to return.

《玉宵寶鑑》云：“亥子，水之正位，壬戌氣伏而不順，唯此水、土損益之，乃成大器。癸亥具純陽之數，內體至仁，稟之者天資夷曠，志氣浩然，發為功案，利澤日時，帶煞則兇狡之流。”又曰：丙戌之土為福隆厚，火鍾於此故也。己未、庚辰、戊辰、丁丑與此同義。己未，火也，未中有墓木；庚辰，金也，辰中有墓土；戊辰，木也，辰中有墓水；丁丑，水也，丑中有墓金，皆父母之氣，各有所養。此五者福壯厚以上，有鬼所傷，不為害，氣成故也。

The Yuzhao Baojian says: "The hours of Hai and Zi are the true positions of water. The qi of Renxu is hidden and not smooth, so only by using water and earth to adjust and regulate can great achievements be made. Guihai possesses the pure yang number, and its inner nature is extremely benevolent and kind; those who inherit it have a peaceful and open mind, a noble and full spirit, and can achieve great accomplishments, benefiting the world at that time; if they are accompanied by evil stars, they become cunning and deceitful people." The book also says that the earth of Bingxu is blessed because the fire qi gathers in the Xu storage. Jiwei, Gengchen, Wuchen, and Dingchou are the same: Jiwei's nayin belongs to fire, but Wei contains the wood storage; Gengchen's nayin belongs to metal, but Chen contains the earth storage; Wuchen's nayin belongs to wood, but Chen contains the water storage; Dingchou's nayin belongs to water, but Chou contains the metal storage. These are all the qi that nourishes me, each of them being nurtured. Therefore, these five have strong and thick blessings, even if ghosts and evils harm them, they do not become disasters, because their qi has already matured.

乙巳、戊午，乃盛炎之火。秋冬作德吉，春夏作刑凶。若仲夏暴炎一發，旋即歸燥竟焚，和而為咎。乙巳，臨官之火，上有一木生之，其氣盛矣；戊午，自旺之火，若生秋冬，為溫燠之氣，為濟物之德。若生春夏，旺火復得陽位則作凶，生仲夏，為暴戾、刻忍、凶夭之流也。乙卯、癸巳、丁酉、乙亥，水火雖死絕，卻清明而妙佳。火死絕而內明外晦，返照回光，水死絕而湛然清澈，可燭鬚眉，故卻清明而妙佳。

Yi and Si are fiery flames that are strong and fierce. If they are born in autumn or winter, they become benevolent and auspicious. If they are born in spring or summer, they become harmful and ominous. If they appear in midsummer, they suddenly burst out and quickly become dry and hot, burning everything around them. The original harmonious energy turns into misfortune and calamity. Yi and Si is the officialdom fire, with Yi wood above it to nourish it, so the fire is naturally strong. Wu and Wu is self-robust fire. If it is born in autumn or winter, it becomes warm and gentle, with the virtue of helping all things. If it is born in spring or summer, the strong fire gets the yang position and becomes harmful. If it is born in midsummer, it becomes a person with a fierce and cruel nature, being harsh, cruel, dangerous, and short-lived. Yi and Mao, Gui and Si, Ding and You, and Yi and Hai are the four positions where water and fire are in the dead or extinct state, yet they are clear and bright. Because when fire reaches the dead or extinct state, it is bright inside but dark outside, and the light returns. When water reaches the dead or extinct state, it is clear and pure, able to reflect people's eyebrows and mustaches. Therefore, they become clear and bright and excellent.

壬寅之金，事君不逆，庚申之木，為臣不強。五行屬五音，宮土者，君也，商金者，臣也，角木者，民也。商太過則臣強，角太過則君弱。故五音之中，常用四清以殺商角。庚申者，角木自絕也，壬寅者，商金自絕也，性情得忠順之道，故事君不逆，為臣不強。所以自紫微、鸞臺、鳳閣以上官，切忌金木生旺之命，如是必不為之，為之亦不能久，獨臺諫則可。若金木生旺而克破則不然。

People born under the Renyin combination have a nature that serves the sovereign without rebellion, while those born under Gengshen have a nature that, as ministers, do not act arrogantly. The Five Phases each correspond to the five tones: the Palace tone belongs to earth and represents the sovereign; the Shang tone belongs to metal and represents the minister; the Jue tone belongs to wood and represents the people. If the Shang tone is excessive, it indicates the minister is too strong; if the Jue tone is excessive, it indicates the sovereign is too weak. Therefore, among the five tones, the "Four Clear" laws are commonly used to reduce the Shang and Jue tones. Gengshen is a case of wood in its terminal state, while Renyin is a case of metal in its terminal state. Their nature thus aligns with the path of loyalty and obedience, so they do not rebel against the sovereign or act arrogantly as ministers. For this reason, officials at the level of the Zhongshu Province's Ziwu, Menxia Province's Luantai, and Zhongshu Province's Fengge, and above, are most disliked if their birth dates correspond to strong and flourishing metal and wood destinies. Such destinies usually cannot attain such high positions, and even if they do, they cannot last long. Only those who serve in the Yushi Tai's advisory roles can be exceptions. If, however, the metal and wood are strong but also suffer from being overcome or damaged, then this is a different matter.

庚申木、乙巳火，土金生而還不生；丙午水、癸卯金，木水死而還不死。土生申而不生於庚申，水生申而不生於戊申，火生寅而不生於甲寅，金生巳而不生於乙巳，木生亥而不生辛亥，蓋生處而反受制也，得之者夭壽；木死卯而不死於癸卯，土死卯而不死於丁卯，木死午而不死於丙午，金死子而不於庚子，火死酉而不死於辛酉，蓋死處得生也，若得之者長壽。

The wood of Gengshen and the fire of Yisi should be born in the places where earth and metal grow, but they fail to thrive; the water of Bingwu and the metal of Guimao should die in the places where wood and water are weak, but they do not die. Earth is born in Shen, but it fails to thrive in Gengshen; water is born in Shen, but it fails to thrive in Wushen; fire is born in Yin, but it fails to thrive in Jiayin; metal is born in Si, but it fails to thrive in Yisi; wood is born in Hai, but it fails to thrive in Xinhai. This is because even though they are in their places of birth, their nayin elements are restricted by the heavenly stems and earthly branches, and those who have these in their fate tend to have short lifespans. Conversely, wood dies in Mao, but it does not die in Kuimao; earth dies in Mao, but it does not die in Dingmao; wood dies in Wu, but it does not die in Bingwu; metal dies in Zi, but it does not die in Gengzi; fire dies in You, but it does not die in Xinyou. This is because even though they are in their places of death, they are actually born, and those who have these in their fate tend to live long lives.

戊子，支干旺於北方，乃水之位，納音屬火，乃水中之火，非神龍不能有之；丙午，支干旺於南方，乃火之位，納音屬水，乃火中之水，非天河不能有之。戊子人得丙午，或丙午人得戊子，無不貴。蓋火中生水，水中藏火，水火既濟，精神運動，必靈異於人矣。辛丑之土不嫌於木，戊戌之木不怕於金。何以辯之？丑中金庫，木不為鬼；戌中有火，金反受其殃。若戊戌之木，二土在上，一木在下，埋在二土之內，尚未萌芽，不見其形，是土盛木弱。餘皆仿此。

The heavenly stem and earthly branch of Wuzi are both strong in the north, which is the position of water, but its nayin sound element belongs to fire. This is fire in water, which only the dragon god can possess. The heavenly stem and earthly branch of Bingwu are both strong in the south, which is the position of fire, but its nayin sound element belongs to water. This is water in fire, which can only be found in the Milky Way. Therefore, those born in Wuzi who have Bingwu, or those born in Bingwu who have Wuzi, will certainly achieve great success. Because fire can produce water and water contains fire, water and fire support each other, and the spirit and essence are both activated. Such a person is certainly more intelligent than an ordinary person. The earth of Xinchou does not fear wood, and the wood of Wuxu does not fear metal. How can we distinguish this? The earth of Xinchou contains the repository of metal, hiding metal, so wood cannot be considered as a ghost or evil that harms earth. The earth of Wuxu contains fire, so when metal comes, it will be harmed by fire. As for the wood of Wuxu, there are two layers of earth above and one layer of wood below. The wood is buried within two layers of earth and has not yet sprouted, so it cannot be seen. This is because the earth is strong and the wood is weak. The rest can be understood in the same way.

庚寅木、丁巳土不嫌金木之鬼。金至寅宮，雖為鬼而金絕在寅，故不為鬼；木至巳宮，而巳有生金克木，故不為鬼。若庚寅木逢壬申金，相沖受克。餘皆仿此。庚午之土，乘南方旺火以養其形，戊申之土自生，庚子之土自盈，不忌木鬼。蓋木至午死，申絕子敗，又自強之土何傷？餘皆仿此。

The wood of Gengyin does not fear the metal and wood ghosts of Dingsi's earth. Although metal normally controls wood, metal in the position of Yiny is in its dead place, so it cannot act as a ghost. The wood of Gengyin reaches the position of Si, where hidden gold is in its growth phase and can control the wood instead, so the wood cannot act as a ghost. However, if the wood of Gengyin meets the metal of Renshen, it causes a conflict between Yiny and Shen, and also a mutual control between their nayin elements, resulting in actual harm. The rest can be inferred similarly. The earth of Gengwu benefits from the strong fire of the south to nourish itself. The earth of Wushen is in its self-growth position, and the earth of Gengzi is in a position of self-filling, so they do not fear the wood ghost. Because wood dies in Wu, is dead in Shen, and fails in Zi, and these positions are themselves strong earths, how can wood harm them? The rest can be inferred similarly.

壬申，癸酉、庚戌、辛亥四金氣壯，不嫌於鬼。戊子之火不畏其鬼，水中霹靂之火，神龍有之，蓋有水則雷方鳴，若逢丙午、於未天上水、則有所忌；有相戰之功。大凡本命支干受傷，則主六根不足，有始無終，如丁巳見癸亥、壬子見戊午。餘皆仿此。

Renshen, Guiyou, Gengxu, and Xinhai are all strong in the metal element and are not afraid of the ghosts and evils thatrestrain them. The fire of Wuzi is also not afraid of its ghosts and evils, because it is lightning fire in water, which only the dragon possesses; thunder can only sound when there is water. However, if it meets Bingwu and Dingwei, which are the waters of the celestial river in the sky, there will be some taboos, as they are fighting against each other rather than supporting each other. Generally, if the heavenly stem and earthly branch of one's birth are injured, it indicates that the person has defects in his six roots and is unable to finish his tasks. For example, if someone is born with Dingsi and meets Guihai, or if someone is born with Renzi and meets Wuwu, this is the case. The rest can be inferred in the same way.

戊午、庚申，彼我得之，超異。庚申，石榴木，夏旺，故喜戊午。蓋火官旺，而石榴木性得時，戊午乃旺極之火，喜於申，見天馬相資也。其神頭祿者，即十干專位祿，乃陰陽專位，天地神會也。列八卦之真源，演五行之成敗，剛柔相推，有無合化。故壬子之水應北方之坎，丙午之火實南宮之離，所以丙午得壬子不為破，丁巳得癸亥不為沖，是水火相濟之源，有夫婦配合之理，坎離為男女精神之用也；壬子得丙午，癸亥得丁巳，則先後火水，有未濟之象，不如丁巳見壬子，丙午得癸亥也。

Wu Wu and Geng Shen, regardless of which one obtains the other, both indicate extraordinary talent. Geng Shen is the mulberry wood, which is strongest in summer, so it prefers Wu Wu: because in summer the official energy of fire is flourishing, and the nature of mulberry wood coincides with the season. Wu Wu is fire at its peak, and it prefers the position of Shen, which is assisted by the Heavenly Horse. The term "shen tou lu" refers to the禄 (favorable position) of each of the ten heavenly stems at their own positions. It is where yin and yang each hold their own place, and where the energies of heaven and earth meet. It arranges the true origin of the Eight Trigrams and predicts the success or failure of the Five Phases. It shows the mutual transformation of strength and softness, and the mutual combination of presence and absence. Therefore, the water of Ren Zi corresponds to the north and the trigram Kan (Water), and the fire of Bing Wu is actually the trigram Li (Fire) in the south. Thus, Bing Wu receiving Ren Zi is not considered a destruction, and Ding Si receiving Gui Hai is not considered a conflict. This is the fundamental principle of water and fire supporting each other, containing the meaning of harmonious union between husband and wife. The trigrams Kan and Li represent the mutual interaction of male and female energies. Conversely, if Ren Zi receives Bing Wu or Gui Hai receives Ding Si, then fire comes after water, which forms the image of the hexagram "Wei Ji" (Non-End), which is not as good as when Ding Si meets Ren Zi or Bing Wu meets Gui Hai.

庚申、辛酉之金應西方之兌，甲寅、乙卯之木象東方之震，所以甲寅得庚申不為刑，乙卯得辛酉不為鬼，是木女金夫之正體，明左右之神化也。木主魂，金主魄，二者左右，相間不合，若能金合，則神之化生以無間也。若庚申得乙卯、辛酉得甲寅不為元辰，變通之用也。戊辰、戊戌之土為魁罡相會，乾坤厚得，覆載含生，不得以為反吟。戊辰、戊戌不為沖，土得正位，干守元會也。

Gengshen and Xinyou, the metal elements, correspond to the West and the Dui trigram (Lake). Jiayin and Yimao, the wood elements, correspond to the East and the Zhen trigram (Thunder). Therefore, Jiayin receiving Gengshen is not considered a mutual injury, and Yimao receiving Xinyou is not considered a ghostly evil. This is because wood represents the female and metal represents the male, forming a proper match, indicating the harmonious combination of the two opposing forces. Wood governs the soul, and metal governs the body; originally, they are separated and do not combine. However, when they combine, the process of spiritual generation becomes unimpeded. As for Gengshen receiving Yimao and Xinyou receiving Jiayin, they are not considered the Yuanchen evil omen. This is a flexible application. Wuchen and Wuxu, the two earth elements, are the Kui Gang (Quintessence and Stern) meeting together, receiving the thick virtue of the Qian and Kun trigrams (Heaven and Earth). They cover the heavens and carry the earth, nurturing life, so they should not be regarded as Reverse Chant. Wuchen and Wuxu are not considered as mutual conflict, because the earth elements are each in their proper position, and the heavenly stems are both in the place of original qi meeting.

己丑、己未是貴神守忠貞，此四真土有萬物始終之道，非大人君子，熟能備此德？況神頭祿各有神主之，左右運動於六合之中，盈縮于吉凶之變也。己丑土為天乙貴人，己未土為太常福神，解百煞之凶，若得之，當用為橫財之喜。

Jichou and Jiwei are both guarded by the Tianyi Nobleman, embodying loyalty and integrity. The four earthly branches Wuchen, Wuxu, Jichou, and Jiwei represent true earth, embodying the principle of the beginning and end of all things. Unless one is a virtuous gentleman of great virtue, who could possess such qualities? Moreover, each "Shen Tou Lu" (spirit head and fortune) is overseen by a specific deity, moving left and right within the four directions and the six harmonies, expanding or contracting according to fortune and misfortune. The earth of Jichou is the Tianyi Nobleman, and the earth of Jiwei is the Taichang Fushen (God of Auspiciousness), capable of dispelling variousInauspicious Sha (malevolent influences). If one's destiny includes these, it should be interpreted as a joyful omen of unexpected wealth.

戊辰為勾陳，戊戌為天空，土之神多遷改，居帥外藩，出鎮邊防，有不常矣；丁巳為蛇之神，凶以凶用，吉以吉承，多熒惑之憂，有滑稽之性；丙午為朱雀之神，應陽明之體，文詞藻麗；甲寅為青龍之神，博施濟眾，得四方之利；乙卯為六合之神，主發生榮華，和弱順黨；壬子為天后之神，主陰騭天德，容美多權；癸亥為玄武之神，乃陰陽終極，有潛伏之氣，從下如流，雖有大智，非軒昂超遠之士，順則安平，逆則奸宄；庚申為白虎之神，利於武而不利於文，有抱道孤騫之性，善中嚴外，色厲內荏，有仁義，好幽僻；辛酉為太陰之神，懷肅殺之氣，有清白之風，為文章利口，不世之才，然更各以親疏休旺定遇者之情性禍福。

The god of Wuchen is Gou Chen, and the god of Wuxu is Tiankong. Gods of earth often relate to movement and change, usually serving as commanders stationed abroad or defending the borders, with unpredictable movements. The god of Dingsi is Tengshe, which when encountering misfortune amplifies it and when encountering good fortune accepts it, often causing confusion and uncertainty, with a humorous and whimsical nature. The god of Bingwu is Zhuque, responding to the essence of yang, with eloquent and refined expressions. The god of Jiayin is Qinglong, capable of widely bestowing favors and aiding many, gaining benefits from all directions. The god of Yimao is Liuxi, governing growth and prosperity, with a gentle and weak nature that is good at getting along with others. The god of Renzi is Tianhou, governing secret virtue and harmonizing with Heavenly Virtue, with a beautiful appearance and great authority. The god of Guihai is Xuanwu, located at the extreme of yin and yang, carrying hidden energy that flows downward, though possessing great wisdom, it is not a person of lofty ambition or grand aspirations, being peaceful when in harmony and treacherous when opposing. The god of Gengshen is Baihu, favorable for military positions but not for civil ones, with a nature of upholding principles, being aloof and independent, having a kind heart but a stern exterior, appearing strong but actually timid inside, valuing righteousness and preferring quiet and secluded places. The god of Xinyou is Taiyin, carrying a spirit of severity, with a style of integrity and purity, outstanding literary talent and sharp speech, being a rare talent in the world. However, these twelve gods must be judged according to their closeness or distance from the day ruler, as well as their state of prosperity, strength, weakness, or confinement, to determine the nature and fortune of those who encounter them.

海中金者，寶藏龍宮，珠孕蛟寶，出現雖假於空沖，成器無借乎火力，故東方朔以蛤蚌名之，良有理也。妙選有珠藏淵海格，以甲子見癸亥，是不用火；逢空有蚌珠照月格，以甲子見己未，是欲合化互貴。蓋以海金無形，非空沖則不能出現，而乙丑金庫，非旺火則不能陶鑄故也。如甲子見戊寅、庚午，是土生金，乙丑見丙寅、丁卯，是火制金。又天干逢三奇，此等格局，無有不貴。

The term "sea gold" refers to treasures stored in the dragon palace and pearls formed in the chamber of a dragon person. It requires the assistance of Kongwang and a sudden impact to be revealed, but to become an object it does not necessarily depend on fire. Therefore, Dongfang Shuo of the Han dynasty named it with the shell and clam, which is indeed very appropriate. The "Zhu Cang Yuanhai" pattern in "Choice Selections from the Orchid Terrace" refers to Jiazi meeting Guihai, and this pattern does not require fire. There is also the "Bang Zhu Zhao Yue" pattern, which refers to Jiazi encountering Kongwang and Jiwei, which depends on the combination and transformation of the heavenly stems and earthly branches to achieve mutual respect and value. The reason is that sea gold has no form and cannot be revealed without Kongwang and impact; while Yichou is the gold storehouse, and without strong fire it cannot be cast into shape. For example, Jiazi meeting Wuyin or Gengwu indicates earth generating metal; Yichou meeting Bingyin or Dingmao indicates fire refining metal. If the heavenly stems also meet the "Three Marvels" of Yi, Bing, and Ding, such a pattern will surely result in great honor.

金泊金者，潤色杯盤，增光宮室，打薄須借乎別金，描彩必假乎水力。此金甚微，非木則無所依。以平地為上，有此不宜見火，有火主夭。遇太陽為日間之顯，二火相反，不宜同見。山下、山頭，有清水助之，亦吉。惟忌爐火，就位相剋。此金體薄，不能反源定夭，限運同論。井泉、澗下、天河水清，日時喜見，須月令有木，方吉；溪流、大海水濁，見溪流主漂盪，見大海無木為基，主凶殘。

The so-called "golden foil" is used to add luster to cups and plates and brilliance to palaces and halls. To make it into thin sheets, it relies on other gold objects, and to use it for painting and decoration, it needs the power of water. This kind of gold is extremely thin and cannot adhere without the support of wood, so it is best to pair it with level wood. Once golden foil is present, it is not advisable to encounter fire, as fire leads to a short life. Encountering Wuwu and Jiwei solar fire, which are the bright flames of day, is not good, as solar fire and furnace fire have opposite natures and should not appear together. If paired with mountain fire and mountain top fire and with clear water assistance, it is considered auspicious. However, it is especially forbidden to encounter Bingyin and Dingmao furnace fire, because Yin and Mao are its dead places and directly control it. This kind of gold is too weak to return to its source, so it is judged as夭折 (short life), and the interpretation of its fate follows the same principle. Well water, mountain stream water, and heavenly river water are all clear, and they are preferred in the day pillar and hour pillar, but they must be accompanied by wood in the month pillar for good fortune. Large stream water and great sea water are turbid; encountering large stream water indicates a life of drifting, and encountering great sea water without wood as a foundation indicates a fierce and cruel nature.

金遇劍鋒、釵釧，可以裝飾，有輔成造化之理，故喜見；砂海、白蠟無益，有火濟之，亦吉，無則終凶。城頭、壁上二土有靠安身，城頭多主寄人，壁上加木則貴，再遇燈火輝光照耀，主權貴。丙戊土中藏火，干支卻不宜太炎，亦為貴格，考妙選。金命而遇戊寅，崑山片玉格也；癸卯而遇己卯，玉兔東昇格也，與前海金同。

Golden metal in the form of gold foil meets sword-edged gold and hairpin gold, which can be used for decoration, and this has the principle of assisting in achieving destiny, so it is favorable to see. As for sand-in-gold, sea-in-gold, and white wax gold, they are not beneficial. If there is fire to balance them, it is auspicious, but without fire, it is ultimately inauspicious. City-head soil and wall soil can provide support and stability. However, pairing with city-head soil often indicates living under someone else's roof. Pairing with wall soil and adding wood leads to wealth. If it also meets Jiachen or Yisi (covering lamp fire) to illuminate and shine, it indicates holding power and prestige. Bingxu soil contains a fire warehouse, but the dry branches should not be too hot, which is also considered a noble pattern, and can be checked in "Choice Selections from the Orchid Terrace." For a golden destiny meeting Wuyin, it is called "Piece of Jade from Kunshan Pattern." For Guimao meeting Jimao, it is called "Rabbit Rising in the East Pattern," which follows the same pattern as the previous two patterns of sea-in-gold.

白蠟金者，崑山片玉，洛浦遺金，交棲日月之光，凝聚陰陽之氣，形明體潔，乃金之正色也。此金惟喜火煉，須爐中炎火。然庚辰見之，若無水濟，主貧夭，辛巳卻以貴論，緣巳是金生之地，見丙寅化水逢貴故也；山下火生早，主榮貴，亦須水助方得。井泉、大溪俱為貴格。庚官在丁，辛官在丙，故庚見丁丑，官貴俱全；辛見丙子，不如癸巳更清，不貴即富。

The so-called "white wax gold" is like the beautiful jade of Kunlun Mountain or the fallen gold by the banks of Luo River. It absorbs the light of the sun and moon, gathers the essence of yin and yang, and has a bright and clean form, which is the true color of gold. This kind of gold prefers fire for tempering, especially the fire from the furnace on the day of Bingyin or Dingmao. However, if Gengchen meets the furnace fire without water to balance it, it indicates poverty and early death. If Xinsi meets the furnace fire, it is considered auspicious because Si is the place of growth for metal, and it can combine with Bingyin to form water and meet the nobleman. The fire of mountain below on the days of Bingshen and Dingyou appears early and also indicates honor and wealth, but it also needs water to assist. Pairing with well water or great stream water forms a noble pattern. The proper official for Geng metal is Ding, and for Xin metal it is Bing, so when Gengchen meets Dingchou, both the official star and the nobleman are present. When Xinsi meets Bingzi, it is not as pure as meeting Guisi, which does not lead to nobility but brings wealth.

論中見木，逢多無益，以此金不能相剋。若柱遇無氣之火，卻要木生，有祿馬貴人方吉。見土只宜磨砌，方成器物，則吉，別土無用。金忌海砂，為汨沒，日時逢火則榮。若見清金，加水相助，火亦不愛，只怕沖刑。妙選有哨風猛虎格，以此金日時遇辛巳或乙巳是也。

When wood appears, too much wood is not beneficial, because this metal cannot overcome it. If the four pillars encounter weak fire without vitality, it depends on wood to generate fire, and it is auspicious if accompanied by the Lu Spirit, the Post-horse, and the Nobleman. Earth is suitable only for grinding and shaping, thus making objects, which is auspicious; other types of earth are useless. This metal is unfavorable with sea metal and sand metal, as they will bury it. If fire appears in the day pillar or hour pillar, it brings honor and distinction. If pure metal appears, with water assisting, it dislikes fire, fearing conflict and punishment. The "Whistling Wind and Ferocious Tiger Pattern" in "Choice Selections from the Orchid Terrace" refers to this metal with the day pillar or hour pillar encountering Xinsi or Yisi.

砂中金者，剛形布地，寶質藏砂，直教陶洗為珍，必須因人始貴。此金非爐火則不能制，但甲午見丙寅，寅中火生，寅午合局，柱無長生之土則燥，更值木助。主疾夭；丙午納音雖水，而支干純火，加逢尤凶。山頭、山下、覆燈三火既有木生，剋制此金，又須清水濟之，決主少年榮貴。戊子、己丑龍火相逢，子午有交媾之妙，甲己有合化之理，主貴，雜以凡火則不為奇。

The so-called "Sand-in-the-Desert Gold" refers to a hard form spread on the ground, with its precious quality hidden in the sand. It must be refined through firing and washing by humans to become valuable. This kind of gold cannot be forged without the use of a furnace. However, if Jia Wu (甲午) meets Bing Yin (丙寅), the Bing fire is in its growth phase within Yin, and Yin and Wu form a fire trinity. If the column lacks earth to nourish the growth, it becomes too dry. If wood is added to assist the fire, it indicates many illnesses and early death. Although the Nayin sound element of Bing Wu is water, the dryness of the heavenly stem and earthly branch is entirely fire, and it is especially凶 (dangerous). The three types of fire—Shantou Fire (山头火) from Jia Xu and Yi Hai, Shanxia Fire (山下火) from Bing Shen and Ding You, and Fuying Fire (覆灯火) from Jia Chen and Yi Si—each have wood to nourish and control the fire, so water is needed to balance them, which indicates early success and honor. If Wuzi (戊子) and Jichou (己丑), the divine dragon fire, meet, there is a harmonious relationship between Zi and Wu, and between Jia and Ji, indicating great wealth and status. However, if ordinary fire is mixed in, it is not considered special.

水惟宜井泉、澗下、天河，清靜則吉；長流、大海，動而不靜，並見則金泛不安；海水尤忌，見木有何關係？火衰卻喜生扶，更有祿馬貴人互換朝拱為上，如柱無火，逢一二木則危。若甲午見己巳，是謂採精金於黃磧，乃貴格也；金生於砂，得造化則吉，若更逢砂土，反有埋沒之憂；路旁、大驛亦有所忌，有火庶幾；城頭戊寅，乙未喜見，謂之採精金於青沙，乃貴格也。唯丙戌之土中藏火庫，乃喜見之金，為同類最喜，清氣為上。海中，白蠟有火制亦得。

Water is most suitable when it is well water, mountain stream water, or heavenly river water, as these are clear and still, which are auspicious. Long flowing water and great sea water are dynamic and not still. If they appear together, they cause the metal to float and become unstable. Among these, great sea water is especially to be avoided. Wood is not inherently problematic, but when fire is weak, it is actually beneficial for wood to generate and support fire. If there are also the Lu Spirit, the Post-horse, and the Nobleman interacting and supporting each other, this is the best. However, if there is no fire in the pillar and only one or two woods appear, this is actually dangerous. If Jia Wu meets Ji Si, this is called "extracting refined metal from yellow sand dunes," which is a noble pattern. Metal is originally born in sand, and if it receives good transformation, it is auspicious. However, if it meets sand-born earth again, there is a risk of being buried. Roadside earth and great驿站 earth also have their drawbacks, and they can only bewith difficulty acceptable if there is fire to balance them. The city head earth of Wu Yin is very favorable to Yi Wei, which is called "extracting refined metal from green sand dunes," also a noble pattern. Only the earth of Bing Xu contains a fire warehouse, which is most favored by this kind of metal. The most harmonious metal is the sand-born metal, with clear energy being the best. Sea-born metal and white wax metal can also be acceptable if they are tempered by fire.

劍鋒金者，白帝司權，剛由百鍊，紅光射於斗牛，白刃凝於霜雪。此金造化，非水不能生，大溪、海水，日時相逢為上格；井泉、澗下，有霹靂助或得乙卯之雷方好，若無雷靂，亦金白水清格也。秋生更吉，日時遇長流在壬辰，為寶劍化為青龍，癸巳亦得。此劍不能通變。然癸丑為劍氣沖頭，最吉。松柏、楊柳亦吉，但多聚散；大林、平地嫌有土制，主勞苦。火見神龍，陰陽交遇，如壬申逢己丑、癸酉逢戊子，方為上格。

The so-called "sword-edged gold" is the gold ruled by the White Emperor of the West, its strength coming from being forged through countless hammerings. Its red glow reaches the Dipper mansion and the Ox mansion, and its white blade edge is frozen with the cold of frost and snow. The creation of this kind of gold cannot occur without water; if it meets the great stream water or the great sea water in the day pillar or the hour pillar, it forms an excellent pattern. If it meets well water or mountain stream water, then it needs thunder fire or the thunder of Yimao to assist. If there is no thunder or lightning to match, it is still considered a good pattern of "white gold and clear water." Being born in autumn is even more favorable. If the day and hour pillars meet Renshen's long flowing water, it is called "the sword transforms into the Azure Dragon," and Guisi can also be considered. The sword itself is not flexible, but when it meets Guichou, it is called "sword qi striking the head," which is most auspicious. It is favorable to pair with cypress and pine wood or willow wood, though there will be much gathering and parting. However, pairing with great forest wood or flat land wood is not good, as they are restricted by earth, leading to a life of hardship. Fire needs to meet the dragon fire to form a meeting of yin and yang. For example, if Renshen meets Jichou or Guiyou meets Wuzi, that is considered an excellent pattern.

遇天上、爐中二火，無水救則夭。諸土見皆不吉，以其埋沒，只壁上、城頭有磨鋒淬礪之用，此二土則可。金喜同類，如壬申見壬申，癸酉見癸酉，有木制之，是謂盤根錯節，所以別利器也。無木主帶疾。大抵劍鋒乃金之最利者，只宜水，不宜火刑，如見寅己三刑，全者大凶。

If encountering the fire of heavenly fire or the fire of the furnace, without water to rescue, it indicates a short life. All kinds of earth are not auspicious, because earth will bury the sword; only wall earth and city head earth can be used to grind and temper the blade, and these two kinds of earth are still acceptable. Metal prefers its own kind, for example, Renshen meets Renshen, Guiyou meets Guiyou, and if there is wood to cut and carve, it is called "entangled roots and twisted branches," which is exactly suitable for distinguishing who is a sharp weapon. If there is no wood to cut, it instead indicates illness in the body. In general, sword sharp metal is the sharpest among metals, and it is suitable only to be paired with water, not to be subjected to fire punishment; if encountering the three punishments of寅, 巳, and 申, with all three present, it is extremely inauspicious.

釵釧金者，美容首飾，增光膩肌，偎紅倚翠之珍，枕玉眠香之寶，此金藏之閨閣，唯宜靜水，井澗、溪流，見之皆吉，多見則泛，海水貧夭；天河辛亥見之無妨，丙午真火，庚戌所忌，以午戌湊成火局，有傷此金故也。太陽火日生顯耀，覆燈火夜間顯耀，故皆宜見，但甲辰乙巳與庚戌辛亥相沖，陰陽交見為妙，戊子己丑與丙午丁未相持，二火忌迭，見之非貧即夭。爐中火庚戌最忌，辛亥見之，丙辛化水，稍吉。山下、山頭俱不宜見。若有水濟，亦可。柱中有水，此金入於匣中，有福貴方吉。土見砂中，相生相養，更有澗下水助，榮華富貴。

The term "Chai Chuan Jin" refers to jewelry worn by women for adornment, used to complement delicate skin and symbolize beauty and charm. This kind of gold is kept within the private chambers and is most suitable when paired with quiet water such as well water, mountain stream water, or large stream water, which are beneficial. However, if there is too much water, it may cause the gold to float away. Pairing it with sea water is considered unfavorable, as it may lead to poverty and early death. Heavenly River water is acceptable when paired with Xinhai, but Bingwu, which is true fire, is disliked by Gengxu, because the combination of Wu and Xu forms a fire trinity, which can harm this gold. The sun's fire is bright during the day, and the covered lamp's fire is bright at night, so both are favorable. However, Jiachen and Yisi, along with Gengxu and Xinhai, are in direct opposition, so they should be seen in a balanced yin and yang manner for the best result. The lightning fire of Wuzi and Jichou and the heavenly river water of Bingwu and Dingwei are in conflict, and the overlapping of these two types of fire can lead to either poverty or early death. The fire in the furnace is most disliked by Gengxu; however, Xinhai is somewhat favorable because the combination of Bing and Xin can transform water into something beneficial. The fire beneath the mountain and the fire on the mountain head are not suitable, but if water is present to balance them, it can still be acceptable. If there is water in the column, this gold is like being stored in a box, and it will be favorable if there is also the presence of auspicious deities and noble energy. When earth is present, the sand earth can generate and nourish this gold. If there is also mountain stream water to assist, it indicates prosperity and wealth.

霹靂火者，一縷毫光，九天號令，電掣金蛇之勢，雲驅鐵馬之奔。此火須資風水雷方為變化，若五行得值一件，皆主亨通。如日時見大海，癸亥為引凡入聖，己丑為上，戊子次之；見大溪，乙卯為雷火變化，己丑為吉，戊子忌之；辰巳為風運中，遇之尤佳；天上水名為既濟，主吉，遇之者稟性含靈，聰明特異，長流無用，澗下雖就位相剋，此神火也，不忌，有風亦顯。

The so-called "Thunder and Lightning Fire" is a single thread of light capable of conveying commands from the nine heavens, with lightning like a golden snake moving swiftly and dark clouds resembling iron horses galloping. This kind of fire must rely on wind, water, and thunder to change and transform. If one of these elements is present in the Five Phases, it indicates smooth success. For example, if the day pillar and hour pillar encounter the Great Ocean Water, Guihai signifies "leading the ordinary to the sacred," and Jichou is the best, while Wuzi is slightly inferior. If encountering the Great Stream Water, Yimao represents the mutual transformation between thunder and fire, and Jichou is auspicious, while Wuzi is inauspicious. The directions of Chen and Si are associated with wind, and encountering them in one's destiny is especially favorable. Heavenly River Water is called "Water and Fire in Harmony" (Hexagram 63), which is auspicious, and those who encounter it possess a hidden and intelligent nature, being exceptionally clever. Long Flowing Water is of no use; although Stream Water is in the original position and mutually controlling, the Thunder and Lightning Fire is a divine fire and does not avoid it; if there is also wind, it becomes even more prominent.

五行見木，辛卯有雷，大林有風，平地有天門，與此火相資，餘木無用。土見路旁，加巽則吉，砂中，丁巳有風，己卯有雷，得泉助之，亦主貴顯。劍金加水，海金遇風，蠟金逢澗，皆吉，餘金無用。見爐中丁卯為吉，戊子逢丙寅，太燥性凶，主夭。己丑見丙申卻得，戊子忌之；燈火，東南巽地，有風最宜；戊午己未天上火，日時遇之，防刑剋。再考妙選，有烈風雷雨格，即霹靂見天河是也，有天地中分格，即戊子見戊午是也，有雷霆得門格，即戊子己丑日時遇卯是也。

In the Five Phases, when wood is present: the wood of Xinmao carries thunder, the large forest wood carries wind, and the flat land wood occupies the戌亥 heavenly gate, all of which can support fire, and other woods are not useful. When earth is present: road side earth with Xun wind is auspicious; sandy earth with Dingmao carrying wind and Jimao carrying thunder, if further aided by spring water, will lead to prestige. When metal is present: sword edge metal with water, sea metal with wind, and white wax metal meeting stream water are all auspicious, other metals are not useful. When fire is present: meeting Dingmao furnace fire is auspicious, but Wu zi meeting Bingyin becomes too dry and fierce, leading to early death; Jiwei meeting Bingshen is acceptable, but Wu zi is to be avoided. Covered lamp fire in the southeast Xun region, with wind is most suitable; Wuwu and Jiwei heavenly fire, when appearing in the day or hour, should be cautious of conflict. Refer to "Choice Selections from the Orchid Terrace" for "Loud Thunder and Rain Pattern," which is lightning fire meeting heavenly river water; "Heaven and Earth Divided Pattern," which is Wu zi meeting Wuwu; and "Thunder and Lightning Gate," which is Wu zi and Jiwei days or hours meeting Mao.

爐中火者，天地為爐，陰陽為炭，騰光輝於宇宙，成陶冶於乾坤。此火炎上，喜得木生，惟平地之木為上，以丙寅見已亥，謂之天乙貴，見戊戌，謂之歸庫，故吉，丁卯次之。然丙寅火自生，無木庶幾，丁卯火自敗，若無木則凶，且此火以金為用，更得金來，方應化機，但丁卯無木而更遇金，主勞苦之命。夫寅見木多火，炎而無水制，主夭，卯見三、四木不妨，如庚寅辛卯就位相生，壬午癸未化為真火，寅見之多主兇暴或疾夭。若天地原有水制，亦主中壽，丁卯無妨。此火雖喜得金為財，內劍金寅見之稍可，丁卯火既自敗，又到申酉而死絕，如何能克！非貧即夭。

The so-called "Fire in the Furnace" is said to use the heavens and earth as the furnace, and yin and yang as the fuel, to spread its brilliance throughout the universe and to perfect its shaping power in the heavens and earth. This fire has an upward and rising nature, and it prefers to be nourished by wood. Among the woods, the best is level ground wood. When Bingyin (丙寅) meets Jihai (己亥), it is called "Tianyi Nobleman," and when it meets Wuxu (戊戌), it is called "Returning to the Repository," thus being auspicious. Dingmao (丁卯) is of a lower grade. However, Bingyin fire is self-generating and can still manage without wood; Dingmao fire is self-destructive, and without wood it becomes inauspicious. Moreover, this fire takes metal as its wealth and uses it, and with more metal, it corresponds to the mechanism of heaven and earth. But if Dingmao fire lacks wood and encounters metal, it indicates a life of hardship. If there is a lot of wood in the寅 position, the fire becomes even more intense; if it becomes too intense without water to control it, it leads to early death. However, if there are three or four woods in the卯 position, it is not a problem. For example, Gengyin (庚寅) and Xinmao (辛卯) are in their original positions and generate each other, while Renwu (壬午) and Guiwei (癸未) cannot truly transform into fire. Those with a寅 destiny who have too much wood tend to have fierce temperaments or suffer from many illnesses and early death; if there is originally water to restrain it, they can live to middle age. Dingmao is not a problem. Although this fire prefers to have metal as wealth, the sword-like metal seen in the寅 position is somewhat acceptable. However, Dingmao fire is already self-destructive, and if metal appears in the申 or酉 positions, it causes the fire to die out completely, so how can it overcome metal? Therefore, it is either poor or short-lived.

海中、砂蠟諸金，須資木生，方喜見之，釵泊無用。見土須先有金與木，卻喜土以宿之，不至太燥。如城頭、屋壁皆成器之土，方好見水，命中先愛木，不然火多喜逢之。天上清水，寅命遇之為吉，卯中無木則嫌；大海，丙寅見壬戌為福庫，見癸亥為官星，帶合半凶半吉；井澗、溪流皆凶，有木不在此論。火見同類，若日月上衰敗則吉；霹靂火本自無益，若得木生，更日時有海水則宜，無木遇水，凶；天上火須有屋土遮之，燈火巽風，又為鼓舞，亡神須兼造化，斷如丙寅、丁酉、已酉、丙寅火為無氣，不失大貴，如丙寅、甲午、己已、丙寅則漂泛不安。

The types of gold such as sea gold, sandy gold, and white wax gold require the presence of wood to generate fire, and they prefer to see fire. However, jewelry gold and gold foil gold are not useful. When encountering earth, there must be gold and wood present first, so that earth can provide a dwelling place for fire, avoiding excessive dryness. For instance, city head earth, roof top earth, and wall earth are all formed earths. Regarding water, the person's destiny must first love wood; otherwise, if there is too much fire, encountering water is favorable. Heavenly river clear water is auspicious for those with a寅 (Bingyin) destiny, but it is unfavorable for those with卯 (Yin) if there is no wood. As for sea water, Bingyin meeting Renxu forms a treasure warehouse, and Bingyin meeting Guihai forms an official star, which is partly good and partly bad. Well water, mountain stream water, and large stream water are all harmful, unless there is wood in the pillar. For fire, seeing the same type is favorable if it is in the day or month pillar in a declining position. Thunder fire is inherently unhelpful, but if wood is present to generate fire, and there is also sea water in the time pillar, it becomes suitable. If there is no wood but water is present, it becomes harmful. Heavenly fire requires roof top earth to block it; covered lamp fire benefits from wind from Xun, which can actually encourage the fire. When judging 'Wangshen', one must also consider the overall situation: for example, although fire in Bingyin, Dingyou, Jiyou, and Bingyin is without strength, it can still be considered great fortune; whereas fire in Bingyin, Jiawu, Jisi, and Bingyin is unstable and wandering.

覆燈火者，金盞光，玉臺吐豔，照日月不照之處，明天地未明之時。此火乃人間夜明之火，以木為心，以水為油，遇陰則吉，遇陽則不利。凡日時最忌再見辰已，地支有沖，恐風吹燈滅，主夭。或以戌亥，子丑為陰，或以自未至亥為陰。五行見木為根本，凡木皆好，更得官星、祿貴相扶，干頭化水，尤吉；限運遇相助，主大貴。水以井泉、澗下為真油，長流假油，妙選有暗燈添油格，即此理也；大海、河水則不可以為油，遇者主尋常。

The term "Fù Huǒ Pǐng" refers to the light from a golden lamp and the brilliant colors rising from a jade platform, capable of illuminating places that the sun and moon cannot reach, and providing light when the heavens are still dark. This fire is the light used by people at night to illuminate their surroundings. It uses wood as the wick and water as the oil. When this fire appears in a yin hour, it is auspicious, but when it appears in a yang hour, it is inauspicious. The day pillar and hour pillar should most avoid appearing again with the branches of Chen or Si, and if the earth branches are in conflict, it is feared that the wind will extinguish the lamp, indicating a short life. As for what constitutes yin: some consider Wu, Hai, Zi, and Chou as yin, while others consider the period from Meng to Hai as yin. The Five Phases should see wood as its fundamental element, and all types of wood are favorable. If there are also official stars, the Lu Spirit, and noblemen to support it, and if the heavenly stems transform into water, it is especially auspicious. If during the course of life and the flow of fortune, there is further support, it indicates great wealth. Water should be well water or mountain spring water as the real lamp oil, while long flowing water is only considered false oil. The "Choice Selections from the Orchid Terrace" has a pattern called "Dark Lamp with Added Oil," which explains this principle. Sea water and heavenly river water cannot be used as oil, and those who encounter these are ordinary in their lives.

大凡此火，見水須資木，不喜長生旺氣，水太泛，反凶。命值泊金照耀，最為清貴，亦須水木相資，方能顯達；砂中、釵釧二金皆吉；劍鋒一金，謂之燈花拂劍，尤吉；蠟金不宜。五行見土，須防克破。若壁土可以安身，屋土可以覆庇，日時並見，主福貴，砂土有木，亦主衣食，餘土無用。火愛同類，卻怕風吹。霹靂為龍神變化之火，必帶風來，此火難存；天上、爐中二火相見，最凶。再考妙選，有魁星格、指南格，以甲辰生人，日時遇午未為是；有火土入堂格，以此火怕風，日時遇丙戌丁亥屋上土，則燈在屋中，更得添油，尤貴。

In general, this type of fire still needs wood to assist when it meets water, and it does not like water to be in a place of growth and strength, as too much water can be harmful. If there is gold in the form of golden foil in the destiny, it is most clear and noble, but it also needs water and wood to support it in order to achieve success. Sand gold and jewelry gold are both auspicious. Sword edge gold, which is called 'lamp flower brushing sword', is especially favorable. Wax gold is not suitable. When the five elements meet earth, one should be cautious as earth may damage the fire. Wall earth can support the lamp, roof earth can cover the lamp, and if both day and hour are present, it indicates wealth and nobility. If sand earth is present with wood, it also indicates no lack of food and clothing, but other types of earth are not useful. Fire prefers similar elements to assist it, but it fears wind that may extinguish it. Thunder fire is a fire transformed by dragon spirits, which necessarily comes with wind, making it difficult for the lamp to remain. Sky fire and furnace fire are the most dangerous when they meet thunder fire. Also refer to 'Choice Selections from the Orchid Terrace', which mentions 'Quiescent Star Pattern' and 'South Pointing Pattern', referring to those born in the year of Jiachen with the day and hour encountering Wu and Wei. There is also the 'Fire and Earth in the Hall Pattern', as this fire fears wind, and if the day and hour meet Bingxu or Dinghai roof earth, the lamp is inside the house, and if more oil is added, it becomes especially valuable.

天上火者，溫暖山海，輝光宇宙，陽德麗天之照，陰精離海之明，戊午為太陽則剛，己未為太陰則柔，或以為夏日則剛，冬日則溫，誣也。俱要戌亥為天門，卯酉為出入之門，東南為行陸之地則吉。此火見木謂之震折，要日時有風與水方得。大林木有辰已，松柏、石榴有卯酉，故惟此三木主貴。午見木多猶可，未三、四木，勞苦之命也。見金且能照耀，不能克濟。釵金有戌亥，泊金有寅卯，主吉；劍金為耀日月之光，必主少年登第；餘金則殃。

The so-called "Heavenly Fire" can warm mountains and seas, and shine throughout the universe. It is the illumination of Yang Virtue attached to Heaven, and the brightness of Yin Essence emerging from the vast ocean. Wuwu is the Sun, with a strong nature; Jiwei is the Moon, with a gentle nature. Some people say that the sun in summer is strong and the sun in winter is warm, but this is not accurate. Both Wuwu and Jiwei must be seen with戌亥 as the heavenly gate,卯酉 as the entrance and exit of the sun and moon, and southeast as the path of movement, to be considered auspicious. When fire meets wood, it is called "Zhen Zhe" (Thunder breaking), which requires wind and water in the day and hour. The large forest wood is associated with辰 and巳, which have wind; the cypress and pine wood, and the pomegranate wood are associated with卯 and酉, so only these three types of wood are considered noble. Wuwu can tolerate more wood, but Jiwei is considered to have a difficult fate if there are three or four woods. When fire meets metal, it can only illuminate it, but cannot overcome or assist it. The jewelry gold is associated with戌亥, and the gold foil gold is associated with寅卯, both of which are auspicious; the sword-edged gold can reflect the light of the sun and moon, and is destined for success at a young age; other types of metal bring calamity.

水宜澗下，須戊午見丁丑，已未見丙子，陰陽交互，方為福貴，柱中更有木滋生，富貴雙金；大溪有乙卯，井泉有已酉，出入得門，皆吉；天河雨露相濟，不以就位克論，戌午見丁未，亦吉，丙午則不明。火愛燈頭，再有別火則燥；霹靂帶雲雨則日月無光，故主昏蒙；爐中午忌丙寅，以午為剛火，才見丙寅，便為火生之地，若無清水解救，主犯刑凶死，丁卯稍可；土見砂中，有巽風相假；路旁、城屋皆吉，柱中更有金木相助，尤吉。

Water is most compatible with stream water; it is favorable if Wuwu is paired with Dingchou, Jiwei with Bingzi, and yin and yang intermingle and match, thus forming wealth and honor. If there is also wood to nourish it, then both wealth and honor are complete. In the big stream water, there is Yimao; in the well water, there is Jiyou, which corresponds to the meaning of the sun and moon rising and setting through the gate, both being favorable. Heavenly river water is nourished by rain and dew together with the sun and moon, so it cannot be judged by mutual control. It is favorable if Wuwu is paired with Dingwei, but unfavorable if paired with Bingwu. Fire prefers covered lamp fire; if there is another fire, it becomes too dry. Thunder fire comes with clouds and rain, which makes the sun and moon lose their brightness, so it indicates confusion and darkness. Regarding fire in the furnace, Wuwu most dislikes Bingyin, because Wu is originally strong fire, and when Bingyin appears, it reaches the growth place of fire. If there is no clear water to save it, it leads to offending the law and a cruel death. Dingmao is somewhat better. Earth prefers sandy earth, which can borrow the wind from Chen and Si. Roadside earth, city head earth, and roof earth are all favorable. If there is also metal and wood in the pillar, it is even more favorable.

考妙選，戊午遇卯，已未遇酉，為日月分秀格，而卯以乙卯、辛卯為正，已卯、丁卯次之，酉以乙酉、癸酉為正，已酉、丁酉次之；有日出扶桑格，即日分秀，再見已午日時；有日輪當表格，以戊午生於午，日逢已午日，又以戊午見戊子為坎離正位；有月生滄海格，即月分秀，而酉得乙癸是也；有月照寒潭格，是取壬癸亥子，納音屬水為潭，然必秋生為貴；有月桂芬芳格，是已未生人，柱有三、四木拱集，與桂林一枝，同桂林以少為貴，芬芳以多為貴，義各有所取也。再考凶格中，太陽損明，戊午不禁於水溢，是嫌水盛；太陰薄食，已未豈堪於土多？是嫌土重也。須如是並參，方盡其理。

In the Choice Selections from the Orchid Terrace, when Wuwu meets Mao or Jiwei meets You, it is called the "Day and Moon Distinguish Splendor Pattern." Among these, Mao is considered most favorable when paired with Yimao or Xinmao, while Jimao and Dingmao are secondary. For You, Yiyou and Guiyou are most favorable, while Jiyou and Dingyou are secondary. There is also the "Sun Rises from Fusu Pattern," which refers to when the day or hour is accompanied by Si or Wu in addition to the day's splendor. The "Moon Over the Table Pattern" occurs when Wuwu is born in the month of Wu, and the day pillar also has Si or Wu, or when Wuwu meets Wuzi, which is considered as Kan and Li occupying their proper positions. The "Moon Born in the Sea Pattern" refers to when the month's splendor is present and You is accompanied by Yi or Gui. The "Moon Illuminates the Cold Pond Pattern" refers to taking Ren and Gui in Hai and Zi, or those with a Nayin sound element belonging to water, as the cold pond, but it is only considered valuable if born in autumn. The "Moon Osmanthus Fragrant Pattern" refers to when Jiwei is born and the pillar contains three or four wooden elements, which contrasts with the "Single Branch of the Imperial Grove Pattern," where the former values many woods and the latter values few woods, each with different meanings. As for the bad patterns: "Sun Damages the Light" refers to Wuwu being unable to withstand excessive water, which is considered unfavorable due to too much water. "Moon Thins the Food" refers to Jiwei being unable to endure excessive earth, which is considered unfavorable due to too much earth. One must examine both the favorable and unfavorable patterns to fully understand the principles.

山下火者，草間熠耀，花理熒煌，寒林綴葉之光，隔幔點衣之彩，方朔以熒火名之，故妙選有熒火照水格，遇秋生則貴，為卿監，是以此火喜水，地支逢亥子，或納音水更逢申酉月是也。或以山下之火最喜木與山，更得風來增輝為貴，又不以熒火論矣。大林木有辰已為風，桑柘木有癸丑為山，松柏平地最吉，更得風助，主貴，若風多吹散，主夭。

The term "mountain below fire" refers to the flickering light in grassy areas, the faint glow on patterns, like scattered points of light on cold forest branches, or the colorful reflections seen through curtains onto clothing. Dongfang Shuo named it "fireflies," so the "Choice Selections from the Orchid Terrace" includes the "firefly lighting water pattern," which is auspicious in autumn, indicating high official rank such as a minister or inspector. This fire prefers water, meaning the earthly branch should be亥 or 子, or the nayin sound element should be water and the birth month should be 申 or 酉. Some people, however, argue that mountain below fire prefers wood and mountains, and further prosperity comes from wind enhancing its brilliance. This interpretation does not follow the firefly pattern. The large forest wood is favorable when the earthly branch is 辰 or 巳 with wind. The mulberry and persimmon wood can be considered as mountains when the birth date is Guichou. The cypress and pine wood, as well as flat land wood, are most auspicious. If wind is present, it indicates high status. However, too much wind disperses the fire, leading to an early death.

水愛井泉、澗下，有木相資，主爵位崇顯，大海水不宜，然有山亦應貴格。寅卯為東方木旺火生之地，只甲寅水吉，乙卯為震，有風，見之不佳。若無火無山，更加霹火，主夭。天上水為驟雨，此火不宜相見，若先得山水滋助，亦無大害。命裡有金，以清秀為吉，無木多逢，以竊氣論之。乙丑為山，主貴；餘金若無克破，遇貴人祿馬，只以財論。土見砂中，辰已有風，若有木有山加助，主大貴，無則虛名。火忌太陽，霹靂、燈頭，是巽主光顯大都。五行有火，須資木則吉，限數喜忌，俱依此斷。

Water prefers well water and mountain stream water; if there is also wood to assist, it indicates a high and prominent official position. Sea water is not suitable, but if there is a mountain in the pillar, it can still form a noble destiny.寅 and 卯 are the flourishing land of eastern wood and the birthplace of fire. Among them, only Jiayin water is auspicious. Yimao belongs to Zhen and carries wind, which is not good. If there is neither fire nor mountain, and thunder fire is added, it indicates early death. Heavenly river water is sudden rain, which is not suitable for this fire; if it is first nourished by mountain and water, it does not cause great harm. If there is metal in the destiny, it is auspicious if it is clear and refined; if there is no wood and metal is excessive, it should be considered as stealing fire. The metal of Yichou can be regarded as a mountain, indicating nobility; other metals, if not overcome or destroyed, and if they meet nobleman, Lu spirit, and post-horse, are only considered as wealth. If earth is present, sand earth is suitable, and if there is wind in Chen and Si; if there is also wood and mountain to assist, it indicates great nobility; if not, it is only empty fame. Fire should avoid the sun fire. As for thunder fire and covered lamp fire, since they are in the position of Xun with wind, they mostly indicate brilliance and success. In summary, if there is fire in the five elements, it is auspicious only if there is wood to assist; the preferences and taboos in the destiny limits are also judged according to this principle.

山頭火者，野焚燎原，延燒極目，依稀天際斜暉，彷彿山頭落日，此乃九月燒荒，衰草盡燼之火也。大概宜山木與風木，喜大林、松柏，以辰已有風，寅卯歸祿，更得癸丑為山上木，主貴。無山則木無所依，火無所見，縱有風亦不光顯，餘木無用，只以祿馬看。水宜澗下，多為交泰，主吉，井泉清水，有木助之，亦吉；大溪，甲戌見甲寅，乙亥見乙卯，卻真祿俱吉；天上須有雨露，而火到午未得地，再得清水濟之，不至於燥，主福，不然則夭；大海就位相剋，最凶，有山逢之，稍得。

The so-called "Mountain Top Fire" refers to wild fires burning across the plains, continuing until they reach the limit of one's sight, appearing dimly like the setting sun on the horizon, as if the sun were setting on a mountain peak. This is precisely the kind of fire seen in September when fields are burned to clear them, turning dry grass into ashes. Generally, this fire is favorable for wood on mountains and wood that is accompanied by wind, especially large forests and cypress trees. This is because the branches of Chen and Si have wind, and the branches of Yin and Mao are their native lands. If further supported by Guichou wood, which is mountain wood, it indicates a noble destiny. Without mountains, wood has no place to rely on, and fire cannot be manifested, even with wind it cannot shine. Other types of wood are not useful, and can only be considered as horses and steeds. Water is most suitable when it is涧下水 (stream water), often forming the image of "Heaven and Earth Interacting in Harmony," which is auspicious. If well-water (井泉水) is assisted by wood, it is also favorable. For large river water (大溪水), when Jiaxu meets Jiayin or Yihai meets Yimao, it is a true native land, which is favorable. Heavenly River water (天河水) must be transformed into dew and rain, while fire reaches its peak at the branches of Wu and Wei. If it is further tempered by clear water without becoming dry and hot, it brings blessings; otherwise, it leads to an early death. Great Sea water (大海水) directly controls fire, which is the most dangerous. If there is a mountain in the pillar, it can slightly reduce the severity.

日時見金為財，須有山木助之則吉，無則凶。見土惟砂中有巽，能揚此火，別土無益。大凡此火無木見害，多是下賤之命。見火爐中太炎，霹火凶害，太陽昏蒙，山下戰刑，皆所不宜，命帶二、三火，如限數逢木，主禍生不測，或夭，大都此火大怕刑沖。

When gold appears in the day pillar or hour pillar, it represents wealth. However, it needs the support of mountains and wood to be auspicious; if not present, it brings misfortune. Regarding earth, only sandy earth occupying the position of Xun (wind) can lift up this fire, while other types of earth are of no benefit. Generally, if this fire lacks wood and is harmed, it often indicates a lowly fate. Concerning fire: furnace fire is too intense, lightning fire is harmful, solar fire causes confusion, and fire from beneath the mountain clashes with it, all of which are unfavorable. If a person's destiny includes two or three fires, and during their life period they encounter wood, sudden misfortune or even early death may occur. In summary, this fire is most afraid of punishment and clash.

桑柘木者，繒彩基，綺羅根本，士民飄飄之袂，聖賢楚楚之衣，此木供蠶為弧，其用甚大。最愛砂土，以為根基，又以辰已為蠶食之地，不宜刑沖互破，路旁、大驛二土次吉，餘土無益。水喜天河，為雨露之滋，長流、溪澗、井泉諸水皆可相依，亦須先得土為基，更加祿貴為妙，滄海水漂泛無定，無土主夭。見火燈頭最吉，亦以辰已之中為蠶位故也；爐中位居寅卯，木之旺地；天上、霹靂二火與此木干支有合化之情，有坎離交媾之妙，俱吉，但諸火不宜迭見。以金言之，砂中第一，劍鋒能修整此木，為次，釵泊二金須得土為基，如逢沖破，又凶。木喜庚寅辛卯，為以弱就強，以小變大，作貴格論，縱無砂土，亦吉；平地、石榴，無土則凶；大林乃東南蠶食之位，有土資生，主大貴；遇楊柳為桑柳成林，亦是貴格，須生春夏方吉。

The so-called "Sangzhe wood" is the foundation for silk and colored silk, the basis for brocade, silk, and satin. The flowing sleeves of scholars and the neat robes of sages all depend on it, because this kind of wood is used to feed silkworms, and its use is very significant. It prefers sand earth as its foundation, and the years of Chen and Si are the places where silkworms eat mulberry leaves. It is not suitable to have punishment and clash. Roadside earth and great驿站 earth are next best, while other types of earth have no benefit. Water prefers the heavenly river water, which is the nourishment of rain and dew; long flowing water, great stream water, mountain stream water, and well spring water can all be relied upon, but again, there must first be earth as a foundation, and then the presence of the Lu Spirit and the Nobleman is most auspicious. Great sea water is unstable and if there is no earth, it indicates early death. As for fire, the covered lamp fire is most auspicious, because the years of Chen and Si are the positions for raising silkworms; furnace fire is located in the years of Yin and Mao, which is the flourishing land of wood; heavenly fire and thunder fire are of the same type as the heavenly stem and earthly branch of this wood, and they have the harmonious relationship of the union of Kan and Li, so they are also auspicious, but all kinds of fire should not appear repeatedly. As for metal, sand metal is the best; sword edge metal can trim and shape this wood, which is next best; hairpin and gold foil metal must first have earth as a foundation, and if there is a clash, it becomes inauspicious. Wood prefers Gengyin and Xinmao, which is a case of using the weak to overcome the strong and transforming from small to great, and thus can be considered a noble pattern. Even if there is no sand earth, it is still auspicious; flat land wood and pomegranate wood are inauspicious if there is no earth; great forest wood is exactly in the southeast area where silkworms are raised, and if there is earth to nourish it, it will lead to great wealth; encountering willow wood is called "Sangliu chenglin" which is also a noble pattern, but it must be born in spring or summer to be auspicious.

松柏木者，潑雪湊霜，參天覆地，風撼笙篁之奏，雨餘旌旆之張。此木藏居金下，位列正東，乃為極旺，最喜山為根基，水為滋潤。天河雨露之水可以滋潤，澗下丁丑屬山，可為根基，丙子不如大溪有乙卯為雷，可以發榮，卻嫌風霹，有損折之凶；大海水有山則吉，癸亥清靜無山，亦吉。若柱有平地，得屋土，則為已成棟樑，無用山水。無此二件，乃山間之茂木也，須要山水。命中有火，最忌爐中，就位相生，再加風木，灰飛煙滅，五行無水，主夭折；山頭、山下、太陽、覆燈皆不可犯；寅人尤忌戊午、丙寅，以木不南奔，寅午三合火局故也，辛卯無害；霹火雖可滋生，運加凡火，主凶。

The so-called "pine and cypress wood" can clear accumulated snow, resist frost, stand tall and reach the sky while its branches and leaves cover the ground. When the wind blows, it sounds like a reed pipe, and after the rain, it looks like banners waving. This kind of wood is hidden beneath metal, located in the east, and is at its peak of strength. It prefers to have mountains as its foundation and water for nourishment. The rain and dew from the Milky Way can nourish it; the water in the涧下 (stream under a mountain) with the earthly branch of Dingchou (a mountain) can serve as its foundation. Bingzi (a water branch) is not as good as the water in the大溪 (great stream) with Yimao (a branch with thunder), which can promote its growth. However, it dislikes wind and lightning, which may cause it to break and suffer misfortune. If there is a mountain in the column (of the birth chart), then the large sea water is auspicious. Even if there is no mountain, Guihai (a water branch) is peaceful and auspicious. If there is flat land wood in the column and it is combined with the earth of the roof, then it has already become a beam, and no mountain or water is needed. If there is no such combination, then it is just a flourishing tree in the mountains, and it must have both mountain and water. If there is fire in the destiny, it is most dangerous to have the fire of the furnace, because the position of寅 and卯 is the birth position of fire, and it is in mutual generation. If it is combined with wind wood, it will be destroyed completely. If there is no water in the Five Elements, it will result in an early death. The fire of the mountain peak, the fire under the mountain, the sun fire, and the fire of the covered lamp are all to be avoided. Those born in the year of寅 especially dislike Wuwu (a fire branch) and Bingyin (a wood branch), because "wood does not run south," and寅 and午 form a fire trinity. Xinmao (a branch) is without harm. Although lightning fire can promote its growth, if it is combined with ordinary fire in the fortune, it will lead to misfortune.

土見路旁，似無足貴，若無死木，其福還真；驛土無山貧夭，更加海水，尤凶。金逢乙丑，為印為山；泊金就位自旺，主吉；劍鋒能削能斫，更得壁土相成，松柏相資，主貴。大林有風，楊柳會火，二木最忌；桑柘癸丑為山，可以相助；石榴是辛酉金反化死木，有造化，卻吉。妙選有蒼松冬秀格，是以此木生人月日時屬三冬為貴；有日合辛卯、日值庚寅二格，雖取戊午已未，生居夏秋，然專論此木為貴。

The earth of roadside soil appears to be of little value, but if there is no dead wood in the pillar, its fortune is genuine. The earth of great驿站 (great post station) is dangerous if there is no mountain, leading to poverty and early death; if combined with great water, it becomes even more harmful. Metal encountering Yichou is both an official and a mountain; Metal Foil is strong in the positions of寅 and卯, indicating good fortune. Sword-edged Metal can cut and strike; if it is supported by Wall Earth and assisted by the spirit of cypress and pine, it indicates high status. The great forest wood carries wind, and the willow wood combines with fire; these two types of wood are most unfavorable. The mulberry and persimmon wood with Guichou can act as a mountain and provide assistance. The pomegranate wood is originally dead wood formed from Xinyou Metal, but it has a special transformation and is actually auspicious. The "Cedar in Winter" pattern from Choice Selections from the Orchid Terrace refers to people born with this type of wood, whose month, day, and hour belong to the three winter months, indicating high status. There are also the "Day Combines with Xinmao" and "Day Meets Gengyin" patterns, although they take Wuwu and Jiwei born in summer and autumn, they still specifically discuss the value of this type of wood.

大林木者，枝幹撼風，柯條撐月，聳壑昂霄之德，凌雲蔽日之功。此木生居東南，春夏之交，長養成林，金假艮土為源，癸丑為山，三命無破陷，最為福厚權貴，戊辰為上，己巳次之。土遇路旁，為負載，戊辰見辛未為貴，己巳見庚午為祿，主富；壁、屋二土，再得劍金，則大林之木取為棟樑，成格最吉，無此乃山間茂林之木也。此木無論死活，皆欲見土，如己人見甲，雖云化土，然不如辰戌丑未，土局純金為妙。

The so-called "Great Forest Wood" has branches swaying with the wind and branches supporting the moon. It possesses the virtue of rising above mountains and valleys and looking up to the clouds, and it has the function of surpassing the blue sky and overshadowing the sun. This kind of wood grows in the southeast direction, flourishing into a forest during the transition between spring and summer. Metal needs the earth of the艮 position as its source. IfGuichou is used as a mountain, then as long as the year, month, and day of birth do not suffer damage or loss, the fortune will be very deep and powerful, with great wealth and nobility. Among these,Wuchen is the best, andJisi is the next. When earth meets the earth of the roadside, it can support it. WhenWuchen meetsXinwei, it is the Nobleman; whenJisi meetsGengwu, it is the Lu Spirit, indicating wealth. If the earth of the wall and the earth of the roof are present, and if they are further combined with the sharp-edged metal, then the Great Forest Wood can be used as a beam, forming the best pattern; if not, it is just a forest of trees in the mountains. This kind of wood, whether dead or alive, desires to meet earth; for example, someone born on己 day who meets甲, although甲 and己 can combine to form earth, is not as good as meeting辰,戌,丑, or未 to form an earth pattern, and further combined with pure metal.

若此木已死在山之下；見甲戌乙亥燒之，主凶夭；燈火就位相生，乙巳不如甲辰更吉；霹靂、太陽二火皆能長育運中，遇之亦吉，然二火嫌並見，持勝須有土為根基方可。水見天河，戊辰見丁未帶貴，雖無土與山，亦主有衣食，即靈槎入天河格也，生秋冬死絕方是；溪、海二水重見，主貧夭，有山稍得。妙選有蒼龍駕海格，是戊辰見癸亥為貴，澗下丁丑最吉，丙子不如。諸金俱不宜見，海中有乙丑為山，劍鋒得屋壁為本，餘金無用，逢之主夭賤。木喜桑柘，唯癸丑最妙；平地還須得路旁土，謂之平林在野；松柏，東方生旺之地，柱有癸丑而得松柏為密蔭，最佳。

If the wood is already dead in the mountain, and then the fire of Jia Xu and Yi Hai, which is mountain fire, comes to burn it, it indicates danger and a short life. The lamp fire is generated in the position of Chen and Si, among which Yi Si is not as good as Jia Chen. The thunder fire and the sun fire can both nourish the wood in the destiny, and their appearance is auspicious; however, if these two fires appear together, neither yielding to the other, then earth is needed as a foundation. When water meets the river water, if Wuchen meets Dingwei and there is also a nobleman, even without earth and mountain, it indicates no lack of food and clothing. This is called the "Ling Cha Entering the Milky Way Pattern," but it is only valid when it occurs in autumn or winter when the water is in a dead state. If the stream water and the great sea water appear repeatedly, it indicates poverty and a short life, but having a mountain is somewhat better. The "Cang Long Jia Hai Pattern" mentioned in "Choice Selections from the Orchid Terrace" refers to Wuchen meeting Gui Hai as a nobleman. The water of the gully is most auspicious when meeting Ding Chou, while Bing Zi is not as good. All kinds of metal are not suitable; among the sea metal, Yi Chou can act as a mountain, and the sword sharp metal needs the roof soil and the wall soil as its foundation, while other metals are useless and their appearance indicates a short life and low status. Wood prefers mulberry and catalpa wood, among which only Gui Chou is most auspicious; flat land wood also needs the path soil, called "Ping Lin Zai Ye"; pine and cypress wood in the east, when the pillar has Gui Chou and also has pine and cypress to provide dense shade, is the best.