The Doctrine of Communication with the Divine · Eighteen, Middle Harmony

既識中和之正理，而於五行之妙，有全能焉。原注：中崦且和，子平之要法也：「有病方為貴，無傷不是奇」，舉偏而言之也。至於格中如去病，財祿丙相宜，則又中和矣，到底中和，乃為至貴。若當令之氣數，或身弱而財官旺地，取富貴不必於忠也；用神強，取富貴而不必於和也；偏其古怪，取富貴而不必於忠其和也。何也？以天下之財官，止有此數，而天下之人材，惟此時最多，皆尚於奇巧也。

Now that one has understood the principle of "zhonghe" (balance and harmony), one can fully grasp the subtle transformations of the Five Phases. The original commentary says: being able to maintain balance and adjust harmony is the essential method of Zi Ping命学 (a system of Chinese destiny calculation). The命书 (books on destiny) say "having a deficiency is considered precious, and having no harm is not extraordinary," but this is only referring to one-sided extremes. As for a birth chart where the harmful element is removed, and wealth and official positions are in harmony, then one returns to the state of balance and harmony. In the end, achieving balance and harmony is the most valuable. If one says that the current strength of the heavens has a fixed number, then there are cases where a person with weak strength achieves wealth and official positions in a prosperous environment for wealth and official positions, and this does not require strict adherence to "balance." There are also cases where a person with a strong useful god achieves wealth and official positions, and this does not require strict adherence to "harmony." There are also cases where a birth chart is one-sided and unusual yet achieves wealth and official positions, and in such cases, one does not even need to adhere to "balance" or "harmony." Why is this so? Because the total amount of wealth and official positions in the world is limited, while the number of talented people in the world at this time is particularly large, so everyone tends to pursue the path of achieving success through unique and ingenious methods.

任氏曰：中和者，命中之正理也。即得中和之正氣，又何患名利之不遂耶？夫一世優遊，無抑鬱而暢遂者，少險阻而迪吉者，為人孝友而無驕諂者，居心耿介而不苟且者，得中和之正氣也。

Ren Tieqiao said: "Zhonghe" is the correct principle in destiny calculation. If one has received the pure and harmonious qi, then why worry about the smoothness of fame and fortune? Those who live a life of ease and comfort, with no inner distress and everything going smoothly, who rarely encounter difficulties and always tend towards auspiciousness, who are filial to their parents and fraternal to their brothers without arrogance, flattery, or humility, and who have upright and sincere intentions without being willing to compromise or seek shortcuts, are all those who have received the pure and harmonious qi.

至若身弱而旺地取富貴，身旺而弱地取富貴者，必四柱有所缺陷，或財輕劫重，或官衰傷旺，或殺強制弱，或制強殺弱，此等雖不得中和之理，其氣卻亦純正，為人恩怨分明，惟柱中所有缺陷，或運又違，因而妻子財祿，各有不足，如財輕劫重妻不足，制強殺弱子不足，官衰傷旺名不足，殺強制弱財不足，其人或志高傲物，雖貧無諂，後至歲運，補其不足，卻其有餘，乃得中和之理，定然起發於後。

As for those who achieve wealth and honor despite being weak in their constitution and being in a strong position, or those who achieve wealth and honor despite being strong in their constitution and being in a weak position, their four pillars must have some deficiency: either the wealth star is light while the劫财 is strong, or the official star is weak while the伤官 is strong, or the seven杀 is strong while the controlling god is weak, or the controlling god is strong while the seven杀 is weak. Although these命 do not conform to the principle of harmony and balance, their qi is still relatively pure, so they are clear in distinguishing between kindness and cruelty. However, since there are deficiencies in their命, and their fortune does not align with their destiny, they have shortcomings in marriage, children, wealth, and official position: those with light wealth and strong劫财 have insufficient marital prospects; those with strong controlling god and weak seven杀 have insufficient children; those with weak official star and strong伤官 have insufficient fame and achievement; those with strong seven杀 and weak controlling god have insufficient wealth. These people often have high aspirations and look down upon the common people, and even when poor, they will not flatter others. When later years and fortune complement what they lack and remove what they have in excess, they will conform to the principle of harmony and balance, and certainly achieve success in their later years.

有第見富貴而生諂容，遇貧窮面作驕態者，必四柱偏氣古怪五行不得其正故心事奸貪，作事僥倖也。若所謂「有病有藥，吉凶易驗，無病地藥，禍福難推」，此論仍乃失之偏。大凡有病者顯而易取，無病者隱而難推。然總以中和為主，猶如人之無病，由四肢健量，營衛調和，行止自如，諸多安適：設使有病，則憂多樂少，舉動艱難，如遇良藥則可豈不為終身之患乎？

There are others who, upon seeing a wealthy person, immediately show flattery and servility, but when encountering a poor person, display arrogance and disdain. Such people's four pillars of destiny must certainly be abnormal and unbalanced, with the Five Phases not in proper order, leading to cunning, greedy minds and actions driven solely by侥幸 (chance). As for what the命书 (destiny books) say, that "if there is a sickness, there is also a remedy, and good or bad fortune is easy to realize; if there is no sickness, there is also no remedy, and good or bad fortune is hard to predict," this statement is still somewhat biased. In general, those with a sickness in their destiny have clear symptoms that are easy to address; those without sickness have subtle energies that are difficult to discern. However, difficulty in discerning does not mean it is bad. Ultimately, the principle should be to seek harmony and balance. For example, if a person has no illness, their limbs are strong, and their营气 (nutritive qi) and卫气 (defensive qi) are in harmony, allowing them to move freely and feel comfortable everywhere. But if they have an illness, they will have more worries and less joy, and their actions will be difficult. Even if they encounter good medicine, they can onlywith difficulty (struggle) to endure. How can this illness not become a lifelong misfortune?

辛巳　甲午　癸卯　癸亥【癸巳　壬辰　辛卯　庚寅　己丑　戊子】癸卯日元，生於亥時，日主之氣已貫，喜其無土，才旺自能生官。更妙巳亥遙沖，去火存金，伅星得用，木火受制，體用不傷，中和純粹。為人智識深沉，器重荊山荊山璞玉，才華卓越，光浮覽水珠璣。庚運助辛制甲，自應台曜高躔，朗映紫薇，徽嫌亥卯拱木，木旺金衰，未免嗣息艱難也。此莫寶齋先生造。

Four pillars: Xinsi, Jiawu, Guimao, Guihai; Great Destiny: Guisi, Renchen, Xinmao, Gengyin, Jichou, Wuzi. The day stem Guimao is born at the hour of Hai, and the day ruler's energy is already fully expressed. Fortunately, there is no earth in the four pillars to block, so the wealth star is strong and naturally able to generate the official star. Moreover, the remote conflict between Si and Hai removes fire and retains metal, allowing the "tutor star" to be useful. Wood and fire are both restrained, so the "body" and "use" are not harmed, and the destiny is harmonious and pure. Therefore, this person has deep insight and a broad mind, like the unpolished jade from Jing Mountain; his talent is outstanding, and his brilliance is like the pearls from Lan Water. When he enters the Geng Destiny, Geng metal supports Xin metal and controls Ji wood, naturally bringing high official stars and shining light upon the Purple Micro, leading to a prominent career. Slightly, the conflict between Hai and Mao forms wood, making wood strong and metal weak, which may make having children difficult. This is the destiny of Mo Baozhai.

己酉　丙子　癸未　戊午【乙亥　甲戌　癸酉　壬申　辛未　庚午】此王觀察造，癸日子月，似乎旺相，不知財殺太重，旺中變弱，局中無木，混濁不清，陰內陽外之象。月透財星，其心意必欲愛之；時逢官殺，其心志必欲合之。所以權謀異眾，才幹過人，出生末微，心術不端。癸酉得逢際遇，由佐二至觀察，奢華逢迎，無出其右；至未運不能免禍。所謂欲不除，似蛾撲燈，焚身乃止，如猩嗜灑，鞭血方休。

Four Pillars: Ji You, Bing Zi, Gui Wei, Wu Wu; Grand Destiny: Yi Hai, Jia Xu, Gui You, Ren Shen, Xin Wei, Geng Wu. This is Wang's birth chart. The癸 water day master is born in the month of Zi, which seems prosperous and strong, but in reality, the wealth star and seven killers are too heavy, so the strength turns into weakness in the midst of prosperity. The chart also lacks wood to mediate, making the Five Phases confused and unclear, showing the appearance of "yin within and yang without." The wealth star is revealed in the month pillar, so his mind is definitely inclined to seek greed; the official star and killer star appear in the hour pillar, so his will is definitely inclined to seek attachment. Therefore, this person has extraordinary scheming skills and surpasses his peers in ability, but his origin is low and his character is not upright. When he entered the Gui You Grand Destiny, he encountered an opportunity and rose from a minor official to the position of Inspector. He was extravagant and indulgent, and was adept at flattery and seeking favors, surpassing others. When he reached the Wei Grand Destiny, he could not avoid misfortune. As the old saying goes: if desires are not removed, it is like a moth flying toward a lamp, not willing to stop until it is burned to death; it is like a monkey's craving for alcohol, not willing to stop until it is whipped to bleed.

何處起根源？流到何方住？機括此中求，知來亦知去。原注：不必論當令不發令，只論取最多最旺，而可以為滿局之祖宗者，為源頭也。看此源頭，流到何方，流去之處，是所喜之神，即在此住了，乃為好歸路，如辛酉、癸巳、戊申、丁巳，以火為源頭，流至金水方即住了，所以富貴為最，若再流至木地，則氣洩為亂。如未曾流到吉方，中間即遇阻節，看其阻住之神何神，以斷其休咎；流住之地何地，以知其地位。如癸丑、壬戌、癸丑、壬子，以土為源頭，止水方，只生得一個身子，而戌中火土之氣，得從引助，所以為憎也。

Where does one's destiny originate and where does it finally stop? The key lies in seeking the turning point here. Knowing the origin means knowing the destination. The original commentary says: one need not consider whether the element is in its season or not; instead, take the element that is most numerous and strongest in the four pillars, which can serve as the root of the entire chart, as the "source." Observe where this source flows. If it flows to the place that is favorable, it stops there, which is a good ending. For example, in a chart with辛酉 (Xinyou), 癸巳 (Guisi), 戊申 (Wushen), and 丁巳 (Dingsi), fire is the source, and it flows to the direction of metal and water, where it stops, thus achieving the greatest wealth and honor. If it flows further to the wood direction, the energy is dispersed and chaotic. If it has not yet reached the favorable direction but encounters an obstruction on the way, then look at what element is blocking it to determine fortune or misfortune; observe where it stops to determine one's status. For example, in a chart with Guichou (Guichou), Renxu (Renxu), Guichou (Guichou), and Renzi (Renzi), the source is earth, which stops at the water direction, only producing one's own body, while the hidden fire and earth in戌 (Xu) are also pulled and supported, thus causing dislike.

任氏曰：源頭者，即四柱中之旺神也，不論財、官印綬、食傷比劫之類，皆可為源頭也。總要流通生化，收局得美為佳。或起於比劫，止於財官為喜；或起於財官，止於比劫為憶忌。如山川之發脈來龍，認氣於大父母，看尊星；認氣於真子息，看主星；認氣於方交媾，看胎伏星；認氣於成胎育，看胎息星；認氣於化煞為權，看解星；認氣於絕處逢生，看恩星。認源之氣以勢，認流之氣以情。故源頭流住之地，即山川結穴之所也，不可以不究；源頭阻節之處，即來龍破損隔絕之意也，不可以不察。

Ren Tieqiao said: The so-called "source" refers to the strong element in the four pillars. Whether it is a wealth star, official star, or educational star, or even food star, injurious star, or same zodiac star, any of these can serve as the source. It is essential that it can circulate and generate, and fully collect and complete the structure, which is considered the best. Some start from same zodiac stars and end with wealth and official stars, which is favorable; others start from wealth and official stars and end with same zodiac stars, which is unfavorable. This is similar to the way geomancers examine the origin and flow of mountain and river ridges: when identifying the energy from the main ridge, one should look at the dominant star; when identifying the energy from true offspring, one should look at the main star; when identifying the energy at the meeting of yin and yang, one should look at the fetal and hidden star; when identifying the energy at the place of fetal formation and nurturing, one should look at the fetal and breathing star; when identifying the energy at the place where evil is transformed into power, one should look at the resolving star; when identifying the energy at the place of revival from extinction, one should look at the benevolent star. Recognizing the "source" energy should focus on its momentum, while recognizing the "flow" energy should focus on its situation. Therefore, the place where the source and flow remain stable is equivalent to the place where mountains and rivers form a resting point, which must be thoroughly studied; the place where the source is blocked is equivalent to the place where the ridge is broken and interrupted, which must be carefully examined.

看其源頭流止之地何地，以知其誰興誰替；看其阻節之神何神，以論其何吉何也凶，如源頭起於年月是食印，住於日時是財官，則上叨祖父之蔭，下享兒孫之福；或起於年月官，住於日時是傷劫，則破敗祖業，刑妻克子，如起於日進對是財官，住於年月是食印，則上於祖父爭光，下與兒孫立業；或起於日時是財官，住於年月是傷劫，則祖業難享，自創維新，流住年是官印者，知其祖上清高；是傷劫者，知其祖上寒微。流住月是財官者，知其父母創業；是傷動者，知其父母破敗。流住日時是財官食印者，必白手成家，或妻賢子貴。流住日時是傷劫梟刃者，必妻陋子劣，或因妻招禍，破家受辱。然又要看日主之喜忌斷之，無不驗也。

By observing where the source and flow of the water stops, one can determine which branch of the family is flourishing and which is declining. By examining what divine forces block the flow, one can determine where good fortune lies and where misfortune occurs. If the source begins with the food god and official star in the year and month pillars and stops at the wealth and official star in the day and hour pillars, then it indicates that he benefits from his ancestors' blessings and enjoys the blessings of his descendants. If the source begins with the official star in the year and month pillars and stops at the injurious star and劫财 in the day and hour pillars, then it indicates the destruction of ancestral property, marital troubles, and the loss of children. If the source begins with the wealth and official star in the day and hour pillars and stops at the food god and official star in the year and month pillars, then it indicates that he brings glory to his ancestors and establishes a foundation for his descendants. If the source begins with the wealth and official star in the day and hour pillars and stops at the injurious star and劫财 in the year and month pillars, then it indicates that he cannot inherit ancestral property and must start from scratch. If the source flows into the year pillar and is the official star or official star, it indicates that his ancestors were noble. If it is the injurious star or劫财, it indicates that his ancestors were humble. If the source flows into the month pillar and is the wealth and official star, it indicates that his parents established a family. If it is the injurious star or劫财, it indicates that his parents failed. If the source flows into the day and hour pillars and is the wealth, official, food, or official star, then the person is sure to build a family from scratch or have a virtuous wife and capable children. If the source flows into the day and hour pillars and is the injurious star or劫财, or the枭神 or羊刃, then the person is sure to have a lowly wife and unruly children, or suffer misfortune due to his wife, leading to the destruction of his family and disgrace. However, one must also consider the preferences and aversions of the day's ruler to make a judgment, and there is nothing that does not come true.

如源頭流止未住之地，有阻節隔絕之神，是偏正印綬，必為長輩之禍；柱中有財星相制，必得妻賢之助。如有比劫之化，或得兄弟相扶；如阻節是比劫，必遭兄弟之累，或不和。柱中有官星相制，必得賢貴之解；如有食傷之化，或得子侄之助。如陰節是財星，必遭妻妾之禍；柱中有比劫相制，必得兄弟之助，或兄弟愛敬。如有官星之化，或得賢貴提攜；如阻節是食傷，必受子孫之累，柱有印綬相制，必叼長輩之福，或親長提拔；有財星之化，必得美妻，或中饋多能。如阻節是官煞，必遭官刑之禍；柱中有食傷相制，必昨子侄之力。有印綬之化，必仗長輩之助，然又要看用神之宜忌論之，無不應也。

If the source flows away but has not yet stopped, and there is a blocking deity, if this blocking deity is a biased official or a proper official, it will certainly bring misfortune due to the elders; if there is a wealth star in the column to restrain it, then one can receive help from a virtuous wife; if there is a rival or a companion to resolve it, one may receive support from brothers. If the blocking deity is a rival or a companion, one will certainly be burdened by brothers or have conflicts with brothers; if there is an official star in the column to restrain it, one will certainly receive help from a noble and respected person; if there is a food or injury star to resolve it, one may receive help from descendants. If the blocking deity is a wealth star, one will certainly suffer misfortune from wife and concubine; if there is a rival or a companion to restrain it, one will certainly receive help from brothers or be loved by brothers; if there is an official star to resolve it, one may receive guidance from a noble person. If the blocking deity is a food or injury star, one will certainly be burdened by descendants; if there is an official star to restrain it, one will certainly receive blessings from elders or be supported by close relatives; if there is a wealth star to resolve it, one will certainly receive help from a virtuous and beautiful wife, or the wife will manage the household skillfully. If the blocking deity is an official or a killer star, one will certainly suffer from legal troubles and punishment; if there is a food or injury star to restrain it, one will certainly receive help from descendants; if there is an official star to resolve it, one will certainly receive help from elders. However, one must also consider the suitability and inauspiciousness of the useful deity, for nothing will fail to come true.

如源頭流住是官星，又是日主之用神，就名貴顯者，十居八九；如是財星，又是日主之用神，就利發財者，十居八九；如是印星，又是日主之用神，有文望而清高者，十居八九；如是食傷，又是日主之用神，財子美者，十居八九。如日主以官星為忌神，為官遭禍傾家者有之；如日主以財星為忌神，為財喪身敗名節者有之；如日主以印星為忌神，淡文收傷時兒子上而受殃者有之；如日主以食傷為忌神，為子孫受累而絕嗣者有之。此窮極源之正理不同谷書之廖論也。

If the source and its flow are official stars, and these official stars are also the useful gods of the day master, then there is a high chance of achieving fame and honor through official positions. If the source and its flow are wealth stars, and these wealth stars are also the useful gods of the day master, then there is a high chance of accumulating wealth through business endeavors. If the source and its flow are seal stars, and these seal stars are also the useful gods of the day master, then there is a high chance of gaining literary reputation and maintaining a noble character. If the source and its flow are food and injury stars, and these food and injury stars are also the useful gods of the day master, then there is a high chance of enjoying prosperity and having a harmonious family. Conversely, if the day master considers official stars as hostile gods, then there is a high chance of suffering misfortune and losing everything due to official positions. If the day master considers wealth stars as hostile gods, then there is a high chance of losing one's life and reputation due to financial matters. If the day master considers seal stars as hostile gods, then there is a high chance of suffering setbacks in literary pursuits or facing misfortunes related to children. If the day master considers food and injury stars as hostile gods, then there is a high chance of being burdened by descendants and eventually facing extinction of the lineage. This is the correct way to trace the source and flow, differing greatly from the absurd theories found in vulgar texts.

辛酉　庚子　丙寅　癸巳【乙亥　戊戌　丁酉　丙申　乙未　甲午】此以金為源頭，流至寅木，印綬生身更妙。巳時得祿，財又逢生，官星透露，清有精神，中和純粹，起處亦佳，歸局尤美，詞林出身，仕至通政，一生無險，名利雙輝。

The four pillars are: Xinyou, Gengzi, Bingyin, and Guisi; the big years are: Yihai, Wuxu, Dingyou, Bingshen, Yiwei, and Jiawu. This chart originates with metal, flowing to the wood of Yin. The印绶 (imperial seal) generates and supports the day master, making it even more beautiful. At the hour of Si, the day master receives its禄 (favorable hour), the wealth star meets its birth and strength, and the official star is revealed in the heavenly stem. The qi is clear and the spirit is bright, with harmony and purity. The beginning is excellent, and the conclusion is even more beautiful. This person rose from the Hanlin Academy, reached the position of Tongzhengshi, had no obstacles in life, and achieved both fame and fortune.

辛丑　癸巳　戊申　丙辰【壬辰　辛卯　庚寅　己丑　戊子　丁亥】此以火為源頭，流至水方，更妙月時，兩火之源，皆得流通，至金水歸局，所以富有百萬，貴至一品，一生履險如夷，所謂景星慶雲，仰眾吉之拱向；花攢錦簇，盼五福之絣致。

Four pillars: Xinchou, Guisi, Wushen, Bingchen; great years: Renchen, Xinmao, Gengyin, Jichou, Wuzi, Dinghai. This chart has fire as its origin, flowing towards the water direction; it is even more favorable that the fire sources in the month pillar and the hour pillar can flow smoothly throughout, finally converging into the metal and water. Therefore, the person becomes wealthy with millions, reaches a high official rank, and experiences a lifetime of hardships as if walking on flat ground. As the saying goes: like a bright star and auspicious clouds, it receives the protection of many auspicious deities; like a profusion of flowers and splendid clusters, it waits patiently for the arrival of the five blessings.

辛卯　辛卯　丙子　甲午【庚寅　己丑　戊子　丁亥　丙戌　乙酉】此以木為源頭，五行無土，不能流至金；財官又隔絕，沖而逢洩，無生化之情。初運庚寅，叼上人之福；己丑運合子，洩火生金財福駢臻；戊子土虛水旺，暗助木神，刑耗端；丁亥克金會木，家破人亡。

Four Pillars: Xin Mao, Xin Mao, Bing Zi, Jiawu; Great Years: Geng Yin, Ji Chou, Wu Zi, Ding Hai, Bing Xu, Yi You. This chart takes wood as its origin, but among the Five Phases there is no earth. Thus, the wood energy cannot flow to metal; the wealth star and the official star are blocked off and isolated, and in addition to mutual conflict, they are further drained, with no signs of generation or transformation. In the early years of Geng Yin, it could still benefit from the blessings of elders; in the Ji Chou year, the Chou earth combines with the Zi water, drains fire and generates metal, bringing both wealth and fortune; in the Wu Zi year, the earth is weak and the water is strong, secretly supporting the wood energy, leading to continuous injuries, damages, and losses; by the Ding Hai year, the Ding fire overcomes the Xin metal, and the Hai water forms a wood pattern, ultimately leading to the destruction of the family and the loss of people.

庚寅　壬午　戊午　丁巳【癸未　甲申　乙酉　丙戌　丁亥　戊子】此以火為源頭，年支寅木主節，月干壬水隔之，不能流至金。初運土金之地，沖化阻節之神，業同秋水春花盛，人被堯天舜日恩；一交水春花盛，人被堯天舜日恩；一交丙戌，支會火局，梟神奪食，破耗異常，又克一妻二妾四子；至丁亥運，干支皆合化木，煢煢隻影，孤苦不堪，削髮為僧。

Four pillars: Gengyin, Renwu, Wuwu, Dingsi; major years: Guiwei, Jiashen, Yiyou, Bingxu, Dinghai, Wuzi. This chart takes fire as its origin, but the year's branch Yin wood blocks the flow, and the month's dry壬 water separates it, so the fire cannot reach the metal. At the beginning of the journey through earth and metal years, the blockage is broken and the obstruction is transformed, leading to flourishing success in career, and the person enjoys the grace of Yao and Shun's heavenly rule (these two sentences are repeated). When entering the Bingxu year, the earth branches form a fire trinity, the 'soul-stealing spirit' takes away the food, causing great financial loss and damage, and also killing one wife, two concubines, and four sons. In the Dinghai year, both heavenly and earthly branches combine and transform into wood, leaving the person alone, with no one to rely on, suffering extreme loneliness and hardship, eventually cutting off his hair and becoming a monk.

凡富貴者，未有不從源頭也。分其貴賤，全在收局一字定之。去我濁氣，作我喜神，不貴亦富；去我清氣，作我忌神，不貧亦賤。學者當審察之。

All wealthy and prosperous people derive their fortune from the source. The distinction between their high and low status depends entirely on the "receiving formation" (收局). If the receiving formation can eliminate the turbid qi from my destiny and become my favorable god (喜神), then even if I am not high in status, I will certainly be rich. If the receiving formation removes the clear qi from my destiny and instead becomes my hostile god (忌神), then even if I am not poor, I will certainly be of low status. Those who study destiny should carefully examine this point.

關內有織女，關外有牛郎，此關若通也，相邀入洞戶。原注：天氣欲不降，地氣欲上升，欲相俁相和相生也。木土而要火，火金而要土，土水而要金，金林而要水，皆是牛郎織女之有情也。中間上下遠隔，為物所間；前後遠絕，或被刑沖，或被劫占，或隔一物，皆謂之關也。必得引用無合之神及刑沖所間之物，前後下下，授引得來，能勝劫占之神，能補所缺之物，明見暗會贈運相逢，乃為通關也。必得引用無合之神，及刑沖所間之物，前後上下，援引得來，能勝劫占之神，能補所缺之物，明見暗會，歲運相逢，乃為通關也。關愛而其願遂矣，不猶牛郎織女之入洞房也哉？

On this side of the pass is the Weaver Girl, and on the other side is the Cowherd; if this pass can be opened, the two can meet and enter the bridal chamber together. Original note: The heavenly qi needs to descend, and the earthly qi needs to ascend; both are valuable when they meet, harmonize, and generate each other. When wood and earth clash, fire is needed to connect them; when fire and metal clash, earth is needed to connect them; when earth and water clash, metal is needed to connect them; and when metal and wood clash, water is needed to connect them—this is like the affection between the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. If two deities are far apart vertically or horizontally, blocked by something else; or if they are separated front and back, or if they are affected bypunishment and clash (punishment and clash), or if they are occupied by others, or if there is an object in between, these are all called "pass." One must use the deity that is not restrained by a combination and the deity that canpunishment and clash (punish and clash) the blocking object, bringing it from above, below, front, or back, so that it can overcome the deity that occupies the position, make up for the missing element, or appear clearly in the destiny chart or secretly meet, and then meet again with the year and month, this is called "passing through the pass." One must use the deity that is not restrained by a combination and the deity that canpunishment and clash (punish and clash) the blocking object, bringing it from above, below, front, or back, so that it can overcome the deity that occupies the position, make up for the missing element, appear clearly or meet secretly, and then meet again with the year and month, this is called "passing through the pass." Once the pass is opened, the wish will be fulfilled, just like the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl finally entering the bridal chamber.

任氏曰：通關者，引通剋制之神也。所謂陰陽二用，妙在氣交，天降而下，地升而上。天干之氣動而專，地支之氣靜而雜，是故地運有推移，而天氣從之；天氣有轉徒，而地運應之；天氣動於上，而人元應之；人元動於下，而天氣從之，所以陰勝逢陽則止，陽勝逢陰則往，是謂天地交泰，干支有情，左右不背，陰陽生育而相通也。

Ren Tieqiao said: The concept of "going through the gate" refers to the intermediary deity that connects the two conflicting deities. The function and subtlety of yin and yang lie entirely in their interaction: the heavenly energy descends, and the earthly energy ascends. The heavenly stems' energy is active and singular, while the earthly branches' energy is passive and varied. Therefore, when the earthly movement shifts, the heavenly energy changes accordingly; when the heavenly energy shifts, the earthly movement responds. The heavenly energy initiates above, and the "person origin" (hidden heavenly stems in the branches) responds below; the person origin initiates below, and the heavenly energy follows above. Thus, when yin energy is strong and meets yang, it stops; when yang energy is strong and meets yin, it proceeds. This is called the harmonious interaction between heaven and earth, the harmonious relationship between heavenly stems and earthly branches, the left and right not conflicting, and yin and yang being able to produce and communicate with each other.

若殺重喜印，殺露印亦露，煞藏印亦，此顯然通達，不必節外生枝。倘原局無印，必須歲運逢印，向而通之，或暗會明合而通之，局內有印，被財星損壞，或官星化之，或比劫解之，或被合住，則沖開之，或被沖壞，則合化之，或隔一物，則克去之，前後上下，不能授引，得歲運相逢尤佳。如年印時殺，干殺支印，前後遠立，上下懸隔，或為間神忌物所間，此原局無可通之理，必須歲運暗沖暗會，剋制間神忌物，該沖則沖，該合則合，引通相剋之勢，此關一通，所謂琴遇子期，馬逢伯樂，求名者青錢萬選，問利者意則屢中，如牛郎織女之入洞房，無不其所願。殺印之論如此，食傷財官之論亦如此。

For example, if there is a strong seven杀 (seven killer) and one desires the印 (minister) star to transform it: if the seven杀 appears in the heavenly stem, the印 also appears in the heavenly stem; if the seven杀 is hidden in the earthly branch, the印 is also hidden in the earthly branch—this is clear and straightforward, without needing to complicate matters. If the original chart does not have the印, then one must encounter the印 star in the year or in the big cycle, directly transforming it, or it must be connected through hidden harmony or direct combination. If the印 exists in the chart but is damaged by the财 (wealth) star, then one relies on the官 (official) star to transform the财 and generate the印, or on the比劫 (similar fate) to control the财 and save the印. If the印 is combined, it should be broken open; if the印 is damaged by冲 (collision), it should be combined and transformed. If there is something in between, that should be controlled. If there is no way to connect it in the chart, then it is better to meet it through the year or big cycle. Another example is when the year pillar is印 and the hour pillar is七杀, or the heavenly stem is七杀 and the earthly branch is印, and they are far apart, or separated by a distance, or blocked by an intervening element, then there is no way to connect them in the original chart, and one must rely on the year or big cycle to secretly collide or connect, controlling the intervening element: if it should be collided, then collide; if it should be combined, then combine, thus transforming the mutual control. Once this barrier is passed, it is like a zither meeting Zhongziqi or a horse meeting Bole: those seeking fame will write with ease, as if selecting thousands of coins; those asking about wealth will have their plans frequently come true, just like Niulang and Zhinu finally entering the same room, achieving everything they desire. The principle for discussing seven杀 and印 is the same as for discussing food god and official stars, wealth stars, and official stars.

癸酉　甲子　丁卯　丙午【癸亥　壬戌　辛酉　庚申　乙未　戊午】此造天干地支皆殺生印，印生身，時歸祿旺，尤妙四沖反為四助，金見水克木而生水，水見木不克火而生木，此自然不隔不占，無阻節之物。日主弱中變旺，運遇水，仍能生木；逢金仍能生水，印綬不傷，所以秋闈早捷，仕至觀察。

Four pillars: Guiyou, Jiazi, Dingmao, Bingwu; great years: Guihai, Renxu, Xinyou, Gengshen, Yiwei, Wuwu. In this case, the heavenly stems and earthly branches all involve seven killing stars generating the seal, and the seal generating the self. The time pillar is in a place of strength and prosperity. Especially remarkable is that the four pairs of opposing elements instead become fourfold assistance: when metal meets water, it generates water rather than harming wood; when water meets wood, it generates wood rather than harming fire. Thus, there is no obstruction or competition, and nothing blocks the flow. The day stem, originally weak, turns strong. When encountering water in the great years, water still generates wood; when encountering metal, metal still generates water, and the seal remains unharmed. Therefore, this person passed the autumn examination early and held an official position as a commissioner.

戊寅　癸亥　丁未　辛亥【甲子　乙丑　丙寅　丁卯　戊辰　己巳】此癸水臨旺，貼峰相剋，被戊土合去，反作幫身。月支亥水本助殺，得年支寅亥合來生身，寅本遙隔，反為親近。時支之亥，又逢未會，以雜為恩，一來一去，何等情協，一往一會，通關無阻。所以科甲聯登，仕至黃堂。

The four pillars are Wu Yin, Gui Hai, Ding Wei, and Xin Hai; the big years are Jia Zi, Yi Chou, Bing Yin, Ding Mao, Wu Chen, and Ji Si. In this case, the癸 water is in a strong position, closely connected to the day stem and mutually controlling it, but fortunately it is combined with Wu earth, turning into something that supports the day stem. The month branch Hai water, which originally helps the killer, is combined with the year branch Yin wood and Hai, turning to support the day stem. Yin wood, which was originally far away from the day stem, becomes close. The hour branch Hai water combines with Wei earth, which was originally a mixed element, but becomes a beneficial force. Going and coming, how harmonious they are; moving and meeting, the passage is unobstructed. Therefore, this person achieved success in the imperial examinations and held a high official position, becoming the governor of a prefecture.

戊辰　乙卯　辛丑　丁酉【丙辰　丁巳　戊午　己未　庚申　辛酉】此春金氣弱，時殺緊克，年逢印綬，遠隔不通。又被旺木克土壞印，不但戊土不能生化，即日支之丑土，亦被卯木所壞。此局內無可通之理。中運南方殺地，碌碌風霜，奔馳未遇；交庚申克去木神，得奇遇，分發陝西，屢得軍功；及辛酉二十年，官至副尹，蓋金能克木幫身，印可化殺而通也。

The four pillars are Wuchen, Yimao, Xinchou, and Dingyou; the big years are Bingchen, Dingsi, Wuwu, Jiwei, Gengshen, and Xinyou. In spring, the metal is weak, and the fire in the hour pillar, Ding, which is the seven killer, is closely attacking and controlling. Although the year pillar has the nourishing star, it is far away and cannot support. The strong卯wood also harms the earth and destroys the nourishing star. Not only can the戊earth in the year pillar not nourish the day pillar, but even the earth in the day branch, the Xinchou, is damaged by the卯wood. There is no way to connect within this destiny. In the middle years, the person travels through the southern direction, which is the seven killer's land, and is busy and tired, suffering hardships without any opportunity. When the Gengshen big year comes, the wood god, which is the illness, is controlled, and a rare opportunity is obtained, being assigned to Shaanxi and achieving many military achievements. In the Xinyou big year for twenty years, he reaches the position of deputy magistrate. This is because the metal can control the wood and support the body, the nourishing star can transform the killer, and the key point is finally opened.

己巳　丁卯　辛卯　乙未【丙寅　乙丑　甲子　癸亥　壬戌　辛酉】此春金虛弱，木火當權，年印，月殺，未得相通，時支未土，又會卯化木，只有生殺之情，而無輔主之意，兼之一路運途無金，一派水木，仍滋殺之根源，以致破敗祖業。一事無成，至亥運會木生殺而亡。

Four pillars: Jisi, Dingmao, Xinmao, Yiwei; Great Destiny: Bingyin, Yichou, Jiazi, Guihai, Renxu, Xinyou. In this case, spring metal is weak, while wood and fire are dominant. The year pillar is the mother, the month pillar is the killer, and they cannot connect. The hour branch, Weiterra, which could generate metal and support the main element, instead combines with Maotree to form wood, leaving only the nurturing of the killer, with no support for the main element. Moreover, the entire journey of destiny lacks metal and consists only of water and wood, continuing to nourish the root of the seven killers, leading to the depletion of ancestral wealth and achieving nothing. When reaching the Hai destiny, Hai and Maotree form a wood structure to nourish the seven killers, resulting in death.

官殺混雜來問我，有可有不可。原注：殺即官也，同流共派者可混也；官非殺也，各立門牆者，不可混也。殺重矣，官從之，非混也；官輕矣，殺助之，非混也。敗財與比肩雙至者，殺可使官混也；比肩與劫財兩遇者，官可使殺混也。一官而不有生印者，殺助之，非混也；一殺而遇食傷者，官助之，非混也。勢在於官，官有根，殺之情依乎官；依官之殺，歲助之而混官，不可也。勢在於殺，殺有權，官之勢依乎殺；依殺之官，歲扶之而混殺，不可也。藏官露殺，干神助殺，合官留殺，皆成殺氣，勿使官混也；藏殺露官，干神助官，合殺留官，皆從官象，不可命殺混也。

Someone asked me about "official and killing mixed together." I said: there are cases where they can be mixed and cases where they cannot. The original note says: seven killing is actually the same as official, if they come from the same source and belong to the same school, they can be mixed; but official is not seven killing, if they are separate, they cannot be mixed. If seven killing is already strong, and official follows it, this does not count as mixing; if official is weak, and seven killing helps it, this also does not count as mixing. If both bad fortune and same kind come together, seven killing can mix with official; if both same kind and robbed fortune come together, official can mix with seven killing. If there is only one official and no birth star to nourish it, using seven killing to help it does not count as mixing; if there is only one seven killing and it is controlled by food or injury star, using official to help it does not count as mixing. If the power is on the official side, official has root, seven killing will depend on official; if in the later years or in the big years, seven killing comes to help and mixes with official, it is not allowed. If the power is on the seven killing side, seven killing is dominant, official will depend on seven killing; if in the later years or in the big years, official comes to help and mixes with seven killing, it is not allowed. If official is hidden and seven killing is revealed, heaven dry helps seven killing, and combines with official to leave seven killing, these all form the image of seven killing, so official should not mix with it; if seven killing is hidden and official is revealed, heaven dry helps official, and combines with seven killing to leave official, these all form the image of official, so seven killing should not mix with it.

任氏曰：殺即官也，身旺者以殺為官；官即殺也，身弱者以官為殺，日主甚強，雖無制不為殺困；正官相雜，但無根亦隨殺行。去官不過兩端，用食用傷皆可；合殺總為美事，合來合去宜清。獨殺乘權，無制伏，職居清要；眾殺有制，主通根，身掌權衡。殺生印生身，龍墀高步；身任財而財滋殺，雁塔題名。若殺重而身輕，非貧即夭；苟殺微而制過，雖學無成，在四柱總宜降伏，休云年逢勿制；以一位取為權貴，何必時上尊稱。制殺為吉，全憑調劑之工；借殺為權，妙有中和之理，但見殺凌衰主，究必傾家，弗謂局得殺神，遂許顯豁。書支：「格格推詳，以殺為重」，是以究之宜切，用之宜精。

Ren Tieqiao said: Seven Killers are the same as the official position. For a strong day stem, the Seven Killer can be treated as the official position; for a weak day stem, the official position is like the Seven Killer. If the day stem is extremely strong, even without anything to control the Seven Killer, it will not be troubled by the Seven Killer. If the official position comes into the chart and is not rooted, it will act along with the Seven Killer. The methods to remove the official position are only two: using the food god or the wounded official. Combining to remove the Seven Killer is always good, but the combination should be clear and straightforward. If a single Seven Killer is in command without control, it often indicates a position of clear importance. If there are many Seven Killers but they are controlled, and the day stem is rooted and strong, it often indicates holding power. If the Seven Killer generates the seal and the seal generates the day stem, one can reach the dragon platform (the golden hall). If the day stem can bear the wealth and the wealth nourishes the Seven Killer, one can achieve success by passing the雁塔 (a tower where successful candidates are inscribed). If the Seven Killer is heavy and the day stem is weak, it will result in poverty or early death; if the Seven Killer is weak but over-controlled, even with knowledge, it is difficult to achieve success. In the four pillars, the Seven Killer should always be subdued. Do not think that if the Seven Killer appears in the year pillar, it does not need to be controlled. Having only one Seven Killer can achieve power and prestige, so why be bound by the idea that only the hour pillar can have a noble position. Achieving good results by subduing the Seven Killer depends on the skill of balancing and coordination. Using the Seven Killer for power is wonderful when it is in harmony. But whenever the Seven Killer oppresses a weak day stem, it will eventually lead to the destruction of the family. Do not think that having the Seven Killer in the chart means the person will certainly achieve success. The classic says: "All kinds of patterns should be examined one by one, but the Seven Killer is most important." Therefore, the study of the Seven Killer should be especially thorough, and the selection of the Seven Killer should be especially careful.

殺有可混不可混之理，如天干甲、丙、戊、庚、壬為殺，地支卯、午、丑、未、酉、子，乃殺之旺地，非混也；天干乙、丁、己、辛、癸為官，地支寅、巳、辰、戌、申、亥，乃官之旺地，非混也。如干甲乙支寅，干丙丁支巳，干戊己支辰戌，干庚辛支申，干壬癸支亥，以官混殺，宜乎去官；如干甲乙支卯，干丙丁支午，干戊己支丑未，干庚辛支酉，干壬癸支子，以殺混官，宜乎去殺。

There are cases where the seven killing stars (seven杀) can be mixed (混) and cases where they cannot. For example, if the heavenly stems are Jia, Bing, Wu, Geng, Ren (which are considered killing stars), and the earthly branches are卯 (Mao), 午 (Wu), 丑 (Chou), 未 (Wei), 酉 (You), 子 (Zi), which are the strong positions for these killing stars, then it is not considered mixed. If the heavenly stems are Yi, Ding, Ji, Xin, Gui (which are considered officials), and the earthly branches are寅 (Yin), 巳 (Si), 辰 (Chen), 戌 (Xu), 申 (Shen), 亥 (Hai), which are the strong positions for these officials, then it is also not considered mixed. Another example is when the heavenly stem is Jia or Yi and the earthly branch is寅 (Yin), or when the heavenly stem is Bing or Ding and the earthly branch is巳 (Si), or when the heavenly stem is Wu or Ji and the earthly branch is辰 (Chen) or 戌 (Xu), or when the heavenly stem is Geng or Xin and the earthly branch is申 (Shen), or when the heavenly stem is Ren or Gui and the earthly branch is亥 (Hai). In these cases, the official stars are mixed with the killing stars, and the official stars should be removed. If the heavenly stem is Jia or Yi and the earthly branch is卯 (Mao), or if the heavenly stem is Bing or Ding and the earthly branch is午 (Wu), or if the heavenly stem is Wu or Ji and the earthly branch is丑 (Chou) or 未 (Wei), or if the heavenly stem is Geng or Xin and the earthly branch is酉 (You), or if the heavenly stem is Ren or Gui and the earthly branch is子 (Zi), then the killing stars are mixed with the official stars, and the seven killing stars should be removed.

年月兩干透一殺，年月支中有財，時遇官星無根，此官從殺勢，非混也；年月兩干透一官，年月支中有財，時遇殺星無根，此殺從官勢，非混也。勢在於官，官得祿，依官之殺，年干助殺，為混也；勢在於殺，殺得祿，依殺之官，年干助官為混也。敗財合殺，比肩敵殺，官可混也；比肩合官，劫財擋官，殺可混也。一官而印綬重逢，官星洩氣，殺助之，非混也；一殺而食傷並見，制殺太過，官助之，非混也。若官殺並透無根，四柱劫印重逢，不但喜混，尚宜財星助殺官也。總之日主旺相可混也，日主休囚不可混也。今將殺分六等，此余所試驗者，分列詳細於後，以備參考。

When both the year and month heavenly stems reveal one seven杀, and the year and month earthly branches contain wealth, but the official star at the hour has no root, this is when the official star is subdued by the seven杀, and it is not considered mixed. When both the year and month heavenly stems reveal one official star, and the year and month earthly branches contain wealth, but the seven杀 at the hour has no root, this is when the seven杀 is subdued by the official star, and it is not considered mixed. If the power lies with the official star and the official star is in its own luck, then the seven杀 that depends on the official star, once the year stem supports it, is considered mixed. If the power lies with the seven杀 and the seven杀 is in its own luck, then the official star that depends on the seven杀, once the year stem supports it, is also considered mixed. If there is a failed wealth star that combines with the seven杀 and a same zodiac that resists the seven杀, the official star can be mixed. If there is a same zodiac that combines with the official star and a robbed wealth that resists the official star, the seven杀 can be mixed. If there is only one official star but many印绶, and the official star's power is completely drained by the印绶, using the seven杀 to support it is not considered mixed. If there is only one seven杀 but both food and official stars appear together, and the seven杀 is overly controlled, using the official star to support it is also not considered mixed. If both the official and seven杀 appear in the heavenly stems but have no roots, and there are many劫财 and印绶 in the four pillars, then not only is it favorable for them to mix, but also wealth should be used to support the official and seven杀. In summary: if the day master is prosperous and strong, mixing is acceptable; if the day master is weak and confined, mixing is not acceptable. Now I divide the seven杀 into six categories, which are all based on my personal experience, and I list them below for reference.

己酉　丙寅　庚申　庚辰【乙丑　甲子　癸亥　壬戌　辛酉　庚申】此造以俗論之，春金失令，旺財生殺，殺坐長生，必要扶身抑殺，不知春金雖不當令，地支兩逢祿旺，又得辰時印比幫身，弱中變旺，所謂木嫩金堅。若無丙火，則寅木難存；若無寅木，則丙火無根，必要用財滋殺，木火兩字，缺一不可也。甲運入泮；子運會水生木，補廩；癸運有己土當頭，無咎；亥運合寅，丙火絕處逢生，棘闈奏捷；壬戌支類西方，木火併傷，一阻雲程，刑耗並見；辛酉劫刃肆逞，不祿。此造惜運走西北金水，若行東南木火，自然科甲聯登，仕路顯赫矣。

Four Pillars: Jiyou, Bingyin, Gengshen, Gengchen; Great Years: Yichou, Jiazi, Guihai, Renxu, Xinyou, Gengshen. If this chart is analyzed according to common views, spring gold is out of its season, the strong wealth element is used to nourish the killer, and the seven killers are sitting on the position of growth. Therefore, it is necessary to support the body and restrain the killer. However, it is not known that although spring gold is not in its season, there are two instances of its strong position in the earth branches, and it also receives the support of the printing star and the same zodiac in the hour branch. Thus, it turns from weakness to strength. It is exactly like the wood still being tender while the gold has already become strong. Without the fire, the wood cannot stand; without the wood, the fire has no root. Therefore, the wealth element must be used to nourish the seven killers, and both wood and fire are indispensable. In the year of Jia, he passed the examination for the county school; in the year of Zi, the water forms a trinity to nourish the wood, making him eligible for the廪生; in the year of Gui, the earth element controls the water, ensuring peace and safety; in the year of Hai, it combines with Yin, allowing the fire to revive from its decline, and he successfully passed the local examination; in the year of Renxu, the earth branches form a western metal trinity, causing both wood and fire to be injured, thus hindering his official career and bringing about injuries, losses, and misfortunes; in the year of Xinyou, the劫财 and Yangren become rampant, leading to his death. This chart is unfortunate in that its great years are in the northwest of metal and water. If it had instead traveled through the southeast of wood and fire, it would naturally have achieved success in the imperial examinations and a prominent career.

丙申　庚寅　庚申　辛巳【辛卯　壬辰　癸巳　甲午　乙未　丙申】此造天干三透庚辛，地支兩坐祿旺，丙火雖掛角得祿，無如庚辛元神透露，非火之祿支，是金之長生，用財滋殺明矣。辰運木之餘氣，采芹生色；巳運火之祿旺，科甲聯登；甲午乙未，木火併旺，仕至藩臬。若以八字觀之，此造不及前造，只因前造運行西北，此造運走東南。富貴雖定於格局，窮通全在運限，所謂「命好不如運好」，信然也。

Four pillars: Bing Shen, Geng Yin, Geng Shen, Xin Si; major years: Xin Mao, Ren Chen, Gui Si, Jiawu, Yi Wei, Bing Shen. In this chart, the heavenly stems reveal three instances of Geng and Xin metal, and the earthly branches have two positions where metal is strong and flourishing. Although Bing fire is in the hour branch Si, which is a place where fire is strong, it is unable to resist the revelation of Geng and Xin metal above. For Bing fire, Si is no longer considered a place where fire is strong, but rather a place where metal is born. Therefore, using the wealth star to nourish the seven killers is clear. The Chen year is the residual energy of wood, leading to academic success and enhanced brilliance; the Si year is the strong and flourishing place of fire, resulting in success in the imperial examinations. The Jiawu and Yiwei years bring both wood and fire to flourish, leading to high official positions such as the governor and the inspector. If we look only at the original八字, this chart is not as good as the previous one, because the previous one had a flow of fortune towards the northwest of metal and water, while this one flows towards the southeast of wood and fire, hence the different experiences. Wealth and honor are determined by the structure, but success and failure depend on the flow of fortune, as the saying goes, "a good fate is not as good as a good fortune," which is indeed true.

戊子　甲寅　戊午　甲寅【乙卯　丙辰　丁巳　戊午　己未　庚申】戊土生寅月寅時，土衰木盛，最喜坐下午火，生拱有情，正謂眾殺橫行，一仁可化。子水之財，生寅木不沖午火，其情協，其關通。尤羨運走南方火土，所以早登黃甲，出仕馳名。

Four pillars: Wuzi, Jiayin, Wuwu, Jiayin; Grand Journey: Yimao, Bingchen, Dingsi, Wuwu, Jiwei, Gengshen. The Wutu is born in the寅month and寅hour, so the earth is weak and the wood is strong. What is most desirable is that the day's ruler sits on the午fire, which generates and supports it and forms a harmonious relationship. As the saying goes, when many harmful influences are present, a single benevolent and thick-minded official star can resolve them. The Zi water wealth is able to generate the寅wood without conflicting with the午fire, thus forming a harmonious relationship and a connected situation. Especially admirable is the fact that the journey goes through the southern fire and earth regions, so this person achieved the imperial examination success at an early age and gained widespread fame after entering officialdom.

己亥　丙寅　戊子　甲寅【乙丑　甲子　癸亥　壬戌　辛酉　庚申】此造觀格局似勝前造，此財印坐長生，前則印逢財沖。不知前則坐下印綬，七殺皆來生拱，而日主堅固，此則財坐日下，反去生殺，助紂為虐。兼之運走西北，戊午年中鄉榜，己丑中進士，此兩年比劫幫身，沖去財星之妙也。壬運劫丙壞印；丁運外艱，遭回祿；戌過拱印雖稍有生色，亦是春月秋花。將來辛酉運中，木多金缺，洩土生水，合去丙火，災禍豈能免耶？

Four pillars: Jihai, Bingyin, Wuzi, Jiayin; big years: Yichou, Jiazi, Guihai, Renxu, Xinyou, Gengshen. Looking at the pattern alone, this configuration seems to surpass the previous one: in this case, wealth and official star are sitting on the position of growth, whereas in the previous case, the official star was attacked by wealth. However, the previous configuration had the day master sitting on the official star, with seven killers coming to generate and support it, thus making the day master strong. In this case, the wealth star is sitting below the day master, instead going to generate and support the seven killers, which is like helping the wicked. Moreover, the big years are heading towards northwest metal and water. In the year of Wuwu, he passed the local examination, and in the year of Jichou, he became a jinshi, precisely because these two years had siblings helping the day master and removing the wealth star. In the year of Ren, the water of Ren defeated the fire of Bing, damaging the official star; in the year of Ding, he suffered the loss of his father and encountered a fire disaster; in the year of Xu, the Xu supported the official star, although there was some improvement, it was only like flowers blooming in spring but fading in autumn, unable to last long. When he reaches the year of Xinyou, there will be too much wood and lack of metal, draining the earth and generating water, and also combining with the fire of Bing, how can disasters be avoided?

戊辰　庚申　甲子　甲子【辛酉　壬戌　癸亥　甲子　乙丑　丙寅】此造木凋金銳，厚土生金，原可畏也，然喜支全水局，化其肅殺之氣，生化有情。至癸亥運，科甲連登，早蒙仕路之光；丙寅丁卯，制化皆宜。仕路封疆，官途平坦，生平履險如夷。

Four pillars: Wuchen, Gengshen, Jiazi, Jiazi; big years: Xinyou, Renxu, Guihai, Jiazi, Yichou, Bingyin. In this case, the wood has withered and the metal energy is sharp and strong, with heavy earth supporting the metal, which is originally very formidable. However, it is fortunate that the hidden heavenly stems form a water trinity, which dissipates the harshness of the metal. Between generation and transformation, there is genuine affection. In the Xinyou big year, he achieved success in the imperial examinations and early on enjoyed the glory of officialdom. In the Renxu and Guihai big years, controlling and transforming the metal are both appropriate. This person reached the rank of a high-ranking official, had a smooth official career, and experienced many dangers in life but as if walking on flat ground.

戊午　丙辰　庚寅　丙戌【丁巳　戊午　己未　庚申　辛酉　壬戌】此造干透兩殺，支全殺局，所喜戊土原神透出，是以化殺；寅木本要破甲印，尤喜會火，反培土之根源，巧借栽培。至己未運中，科甲連登；庚申辛酉，幫身有情，馳名宦海，裕後光前後。

Four pillars: Wuwu, Bingchen, Gengyin, Bingxu; major years: Dingsi, Wuwu, Jiwei, Gengshen, Xinyou, Renxu. In this case, two seven killers are revealed in the heavenly stems, and the earthly branches form a fire pattern, which strengthens the killer. Therefore, the origin god of Wu earth, the printing star, is revealed in the heavenly stem, thus transforming the killer into a beneficial force. The寅wood would normally destroy the printing star, but it is fortunate that it joins the fire pattern, which actually strengthens the earth's foundation. This is like skillfully using external forces to cultivate oneself. During the Jiwei major year, he achieved success in the imperial examinations consecutively. In the Gengshen and Xinyou major years, the heavenly stem supports the day master and forms a harmonious relationship, making him famous in the officialdom. He brings glory to his ancestors and blessings to his descendants.

癸亥　癸亥　丁卯　癸卯【壬戌　辛酉　庚申　己未　戊午　丁巳　丙辰】此造干透三癸，支逢兩亥，乘權秉令。喜其無金，兩印拱局，生化不悖情而純粹，辛酉庚申運中，蹭蹬功名，刑耗並見，已未交運，干制殺，支會印，功名層疊而上；接行戊午、丁巳、丙運，仕至觀察，名利雙輝。

Four pillars: Gui Hai, Gui Hai, Ding Mao, Gui Mao; major years: Ren Xu, Xin You, Geng Shen, Ji Wei, Wu Wu, Ding Si, Bing Chen. In this case, three Gui water seven killers appear in the heavenly stems, and two Hai water appear in the earthly branches, so the killer god is in power and in command. Fortunately, there is no metal in the chart to generate water, but two Mao wood official stars form a harmonious structure, supporting each other without contradiction, and the situation is pure. During the Xin You and Geng Shen major years, metal generates water to assist the killer, leading to delays in achieving fame and fortune, along with injuries, conflicts, and losses. When entering the Ji Wei major year, the heavenly stem Ji earth restrains the Gui water seven killer, and the earthly branch Wei combines with Mao to form an official structure, allowing fame to progress step by step. Then, during the Wu Wu, Ding Si, and Bing Chen major years, he reaches the position of Inspector General, achieving both fame and profit.

戊辰　戊午　壬辰　甲辰【己未　庚申　辛酉　壬戌　癸亥　甲子】此造四柱皆殺，喜支坐三辰，通根身庫，妙在無金，時透食神制殺。辰乃木之餘氣，正謂一將當關，群凶自敗。至癸亥運，食神逢生，日主得祿，科甲連登；甲運仕縣令；子運衰神沖旺，不祿。

Four pillars: Wuchen, Wuwu, Renchen, Jiachen; big years: Jiwei, Gengshen, Xinyou, Renxu, Guihai, Jiazi. In this case, the four pillars are full of seven killers, but it is fortunate that the earth branches contain three Chens, allowing the day stem to have its root in the water reservoir. It is also remarkable that there is no metal in the chart to release the earth and generate water (which would actually help the killers), but the time stem reveals the wood food god, which controls the killer. Chen is also the residual breath of wood, giving the wood stem something to rely on. This is just like a general guarding the pass, and all the villains will naturally be defeated. When the big year reaches Guihai, the food god is supported and the day stem gets its luck, leading to success in the imperial examination; when the big year reaches Jiazi, he is appointed as a county magistrate. However, when the big year reaches Jiazi, the declining god conflicts with the strong god, leading to his death.

庚申　庚辰　甲戌　丙寅【辛巳　壬午　癸未　甲申　乙酉　丙戌】此造甲木生辰，雖有餘氣，但庚金並透，通根斫伐，最喜寅時祿旺，更妙丙火獨透，制殺扶身。午運暗會火局，中鄉榜；甲申乙酉殺逢祿旺，刑耗多端；直至丙戌運，選知縣。

Four pillars: Gengshen, Gengchen, Jiaxu, Bingyin; big years: Xinsi, Renwu, Guiwei, Jiashen, Yiyou, Bingxu. The Jia wood was born in the month of Chen, though it had some residual wood energy to rely on, but two Geng golds appeared clearly and had roots in Shen, like an axe cutting down. What is most fortunate is that the day's main element was strong at the寅 hour, and even more so because Bing fire appeared clearly in the sky, which both controlled the seven killers and supported the day's main element. The Wu year formed a fire circle secretly, leading to passing the local examination. During the Jiashen and Yiyou big years, the seven killers met their strong positions, resulting in constant injuries, losses, and damages. It was not until the Bingxu big year that he was appointed as a county magistrate.

壬子　壬子　丙戌　戊戌【癸丑　甲寅　乙卯　丙辰　丁巳　戊午】此造年月兩逢壬子，殺勢猖狂。喜而日時坐戌，通根身庫，更妙戊土透出，足以砥定汪洋，尤羨運走東南，扶身抑殺。至乙卯運中，水臨絕，火逢生，鹿鳴宴罷瓊林宴，桂花香過杏花香，仕至郡守。

Four pillars: Renzi, Renzi, Bingxu, Wuxu; Great Destiny: Guichou, Jiayin, Yimao, Bingchen, Dingsi, Wuwu. The year and month pillars are both Renzi, indicating a very strong seven killer force. Fortunately, the day pillar and hour pillar are both seated on Xu, allowing the day master to root in the fire warehouse. Even more remarkable is that the Wu earth food god appears in the heavenly stem, sufficient to support the central stream and stabilize this vast body of water. Especially commendable is the flow of destiny in the southeast wood and fire, which both supports the day master and restrains the seven killer. In the Yimao destiny period, water reaches its decline while fire attains its growth, first attending the Xiangshi examination and the Lüming banquet, then attending the Dianshi examination and the Qionglin banquet, the fragrance of osmanthus having just passed when the fragrance of apricot blossoms is heard again (consecutive success in the local and metropolitan examinations). He eventually attained the position of prefect.

壬申　丙午　庚午　丙戌【丁未　戊申　己酉　庚戌　辛亥　壬子】此造兩殺當權臨旺，原可畏也。喜賴年干壬水臨申，足以制殺；更妙無木，則水不洩，火無助。申運金水得助，發軔宮牆；酉運支類西方，早充觀國之光，高豫南宮之選；後運金水，體用皆宜，由署郎出為郡守。

Four pillars: Renshen, Bingwu, Gengwu, Bingxu; Great Destiny: Dingwei, Wushen, Jiyou, Gengxu, Xinhai, Renzi. In this case, two Bing fire seven killers are in power and in a strong position, which is originally fearsome. Fortunately, the heavenly stem壬 water food god is seated on the earth branch申 metal, which is sufficient to control the seven killers. Even more remarkable is that there is no wood in the chart, so the water is not drained by wood, and the fire is not assisted by wood. The Shen year brings support to metal and water, and the person starts school and passes the examination to become a scholar. The You year brings the earth branch to form the western metal group, allowing the person to achieve success in the imperial examination. After that, all the years of destiny proceed through metal and water, which is suitable both in terms of the structure and the use, leading the person to serve as a deputy official and later to be appointed as a prefect.

癸丑　戊午　丙午　壬辰【丁巳　丙辰　乙卯　甲寅　癸丑　壬子】此造火長夏天，旺之極矣。戊癸合而化為忌，還喜壬水通根身庫；更妙年支坐丑，足以晦火養金而蓄水，則癸水仍得根，雖合而不化也。不化反喜其合，則不抗呼壬水矣。是以乙卯甲寅運，克土衛水，雲程直上；至癸丑運，由琴堂而遷州牧；及壬子運，由治中而履黃堂，名利裕如也。

Four pillars: Guichou, Wuwu, Bingwu, Renchen; major years: Dingsi, Bingchen, Yimao, Jiayin, Guichou, Renzi. The propitious fire (Binghuo) is born in the late summer, reaching its peak. The combination of Guishui and Wutu forms fire, which is usually unfavorable, but it is fortunate that Renshui has its root in the Chen (water reservoir). Moreover, the year's branch is Chou (earth), which can obscure the fire, nourish metal, and store water, so Renshui still has its root. Although it combines with Wutu, it does not transform into fire. Therefore, the combination is actually beneficial, as it prevents Wutu from resisting Renshui. Thus, during the Yimao and Jiayin major years, wood comes to weaken earth and protect Renshui, leading to rapid success in official career. During the Guichou major year, he rises from county magistrate to prefect. During the Renzi major year, he further advances to governor, achieving both fame and wealth.

癸巳　戊午　丙午　壬辰【丁巳　丙辰　乙卯　甲寅　癸丑　壬子　辛亥　庚戌】此鐵樵自造（乾隆三十八年四月十八日辰時），亦長夏天，與前造只換一丑字，天淵之隔矣。夫丑乃北方之溼土，能晦丙火之烈，能收午火之焰，又能蓄水藏金。巳乃南方之火火，癸臨絕地，杯水輿薪，喜其混也。不喜其清也。彼則戊癸合而不化，此則戊癸合而必化，不但不能助殺，抑且化火為劫，反助陽刃猖狂。巳中庚金，無從引助，壬水雖通根身庫，總之無金滋助，清枯之象，兼之運走四十載木火，生助劫刃之地，所以上不能繼父志以成名，下不能守田園而創業，骨肉六親，直同畫餅，半生事業，亦似浮雲。至卯運，壬水絕地，陽刃逢生，遭骨肉之變，以致傾家蕩產。

Four Pillars: Guisi, Wuwu, Bingwu, Renchen; Grand Destiny: Dingsi, Bingchen, Yimao, Jiayin, Guichou, Renzi, Xinhai, Gengxu. This is the birth chart of Ren Tieqiao himself (April 18th, 38th year of Qianlong,辰 hour), also a case of Bing fire born in the late summer. Compared to the previous case, only the character 'Chou' has been changed, yet the fortune is as different as heaven and earth. 'Chou' is damp earth of the north, which can obscure the fierce nature of Bing fire, restrain the intensity of Wu fire, and also store water and conceal metal. However, 'Si' is a fire land of the south, with癸 water in a state of decline, like trying to put out a cartload of fire with a single cup of water. Therefore, the previous case preferred the mixture of Wu and Gui, but not the pure state. In the previous case, Wu and Gui combined but did not transform, while in this case, Wu and Gui combine and definitely transform into fire. Not only does it not help the seven killing stars, but it transforms into劫财, which instead promotes the rampant nature of the Yang Blade. The hidden庚 metal in 'Si' cannot receive any assistance; although the壬 water roots in the辰 warehouse, there is no metal to nourish it, resulting in a scene of dryness and withering. Moreover, the forty years of destiny have all been in the realm of wood and fire, which only promote and assist the劫财 and Yang Blade. Therefore, he was unable to inherit his father's aspirations to achieve fame, nor could he maintain his family's land to start a business; his relatives and six relations were like a painted cake to satisfy hunger; his half-life career was like floating clouds in the sky. When entering the Yimao destiny, the壬 water reaches its decline, while the Yang Blade receives reinforcement, leading to family upheaval and ultimately the collapse of the family fortune.

猶憶未學命時，請人推算，一味虛褒，以為名利自如，後竟一毫不驗。豈不痛哉！且予賦性偏拙，喜誠實不喜虛浮，無諂態，多傲慢，交遊往來，每落落難合，所凜凜者，吾祖吾父，忠厚之訓，不敢失墜耳。先嚴逝後，家業凋零，潛心學命，為餬口之計。夫六尺之軀，非無遠圖之志，徒以末技見哂，自思命運不濟，無益於事，所以涸轍之鮒，僅邀升斗之水。限於地，困於時，嗟乎！莫非命也！順受其正云爾！

I still remember when I had not yet studied divination, and had someone calculate my fate for me. That person spoke only in flattery, saying my fame and fortune would naturally go smoothly. But later none of it came true, which was truly heartbreaking. Moreover, by nature I am straightforward and honest, disliking empty talk and flattery. I am not good at being obsequious, and often come across as arrogant, thus often finding myself isolated in social interactions. What I truly respect and never forget is the loyal and upright teachings left by my grandfather and father, and I fear that they might be lost. After my father's death, the family fortune declined, and only then did I begin to study divination as a means of making a living. With my mere seven feet of height, I am not without grand aspirations, but I am laughed at for using such a minor skill. I consider my fate to be unfortunate, and my aspirations to be of no use, like a dried-up fish in a cart track, only seeking a little water to survive. Restricted by the earth and bound by time—ah, is this not fate? There is nothing but to accept it as it is.

戊申　癸亥　丙午　壬辰【甲子　乙丑　丙寅　丁卯　戊辰　己巳】此造日主雖坐旺刃，生於亥月，究竟休囚；五行無木，壬癸並透，支逢生旺，各立門戶。喜其合去癸水，不致混也；更妙運走東南木火，鄉榜出身，寵賜傳來紫闥，承宣協佐黃堂。

Four pillars: Wu Shen, Gui Hai, Bing Wu, Ren Chen; Great Destiny: Jia Zi, Yi Chou, Bing Yin, Ding Mao, Wu Chen, Ji Si. The day master, although sitting on a strong Yang Ren, is born in the Hai month, which ultimately makes it weak and confined. Among the Five Phases, there is no wood to generate and transform, and the Yin water Gui and the Yang water Ren both appear on the heavenly stem. The earth branches also meet the birth and strength of water, with officials and evils each having their own domain. Fortunately, the Wu earth combines with the Gui water, avoiding the confusion of officials and evils. More importantly, the great destiny moves towards the southeast, where wood and fire flourish. This person rose from the local examination, and an imperial decree from the palace (Zi Tai) arrived, ordering him to be summoned to spread the imperial edicts and assist in the administration of the prefecture.

戊午　癸亥　丙戌　壬辰【甲子　乙丑　丙寅　丁卯　戊辰　己巳】丙戌日元，生於辰時，沖去庫根，壬癸並透。喜其戊合，去官留殺；更喜年逢刃助，火虛有焰；更妙無金，稍勝前造。科甲出身，宿映台垣，重藉旬宣之職，猷分禹服，特隆鎖鑰之權。

Four pillars: Wuwu, Guihai, Bingxu, Renchen; great years: Jiazi, Yichou, Bingyin, Dingmao, Wuchen, Jisi. The day stem Bingxu was born at the hour of Chen. The hour Chen and the year stem Wu are in conflict, which removes the fire warehouse's root. The壬 and癸 water elements appear together on the heavenly stem. It is fortunate that the Wu earth combines with the Gui water, thus removing the official star and leaving the seven killers. It is even more fortunate that the year stem's Wu fire, which is the Yangren, supports the fire. Although the fire is weak, it still has a strong flame. It is especially good that there is no metal in the chart to generate water, so this chart is slightly better than the previous one. This person rose through the imperial examination system, with star mansions shining brightly on the platform (holding a prominent position). He bears the responsibility of announcing and enforcing policies. The governance of the territory is divided like the great Yu's nine regions, and he is especially relied upon to control the key passes and gateways.

壬申　丁未　丁未　癸卯【戊申　己酉　庚戌　辛亥　壬子　癸丑】此造日月皆丁未，時殺無根，喜其壬水官星助殺，不宜合也。幸而壬水坐申，合而不化，申金為用，更妙運走西北金水，助起官殺，鄉榜出身，仕榜連登，由縣令而遷司馬，位躋黃堂。

Four pillars: Renshen, Dingwei, Dingwei, Guimao; Grand Journey: Wushen, Jiyou, Gengxu, Xinhai, Renzi, Guichou. The day pillar and month pillar are both Dingwei, so the day master has strength. However, the癸water seven killer in the hour pillar has no root, so it is preferable to have the Renshen water official star to assist the seven killer, and it is not advisable to have it combined away. Fortunately, the Renshen water is sitting on the Sheng metal, although it combines with Ding, it does not transform. The Sheng metal can be used effectively. It is even more favorable that the Grand Journey moves through the Northwest metal and water regions, which support the official and killer. This person passed the local examination and rose through the ranks, from county magistrate to military commander, and eventually reached the position of prefect.

甲辰　己巳　戊辰　乙卯【庚午　辛未　壬申　癸酉　甲戌　乙亥】戊土生於巳月，日主未嘗不旺，然地支兩辰，木之餘氣亦足。喜其合殺留官，官星坐祿，更妙運途生化不悖。所以早登雲路，掌典籍而知制誥，陪待從而應傳宣也。

Four Pillars: Jiachen, Jisi, Wuchen, Yimao; Great Destiny Years: Gengwu, Xinwei, Renshen, Guiyou, Jiaxu, Yihai. The Wuchen earth is born in the Si month, and the day's ruler is not weak; however, there are two Chens in the earth branches, and the wood's residual energy is also abundant. Fortunately, the Ji earth combines with the Jia wood seven killer, leaving the Yi wood official star, and the official star is seated in the Mao, which is its禄 position. Even more remarkable is that the destiny years proceed smoothly, generating and transforming without contradiction. Therefore, this person rises to officialdom early, manages official documents, and holds the position of drafting imperial edicts, serving close to the emperor and responding to imperial commands.

丙辰　辛卯　庚申　丁丑【壬辰　癸巳　甲午　乙未　丙申　丁酉】此造春金雖不當令，喜其坐祿逢印，弱中變旺；丙辛一合，丁火獨清，不但去殺，而且去劫，財無劫奪，官有生扶。尤妙運走東南木火，所以早遂表錢之選，兆人鏡之芙蓉，作春官之桃李也。

Four pillars: Bingchen, Xinmao, Gengshen, Dingchou; major years: Renchen, Guisi, Jiawu, Yiwei, Bingshen, Dingyou. Although the metal of spring is not in its season, it is fortunate that the day's ruler sits on its own fortune and meets the earthy branch of Chou and Chen, thus transforming from weakness to strength. The fire of Bing and the metal of Xin combine, allowing the fire official star of Ding to remain pure and clear. This combination not only removes the seven deadly enemies of Bing fire but also removes the metal wealth thief of Xin, so the wealth star is no longer robbed and the official star has support. Especially remarkable is the journey through the southeast land of wood and fire, which allows one to achieve success early on. His character is as clear as lotus emerging from water, becoming a talented scholar in the spring official's (Ministry of Rites) academy.

丙辰　辛卯　乙亥　庚辰【壬辰　癸巳　甲午　乙未　丙申　丁酉】乙亥日元，坐下逢生，又月令建祿歸垣，足以用財。喜丙辛金弱，而去乙庚，木旺不從。鄉榜出身，至丙申丁酉，火蓋天干，未能顯秩；究竟方金地，亦足以琴堂解慍，花院徵歌也。

Four Pillars: Bingchen, Xinmao, Yihai, Gengchen; Great Destiny: Renchen, Guisi, Jiawu, Yiwei, Bingshen, Dingyou. The day stem Yihai is seated on the亥 water, which supports it, and the month stem is卯 wood, which is in its native place, so the day stem is strong enough to use the wealth star. It is fortunate that Jia and Xin combine, and the metal is originally weak, so the combination of Yi and Geng is also dissolved. The wood is strong and does not follow the metal. This person rose through the local examination; during the Bingshen and Dingyou periods, fire covers the heavenly stem, and he was unable to achieve high status; but since the earth branch is the western metal land, he was able to play the zither and relieve his worries in the county office, and enjoy singing and music in the flower garden.

癸亥　戊午　壬午　己酉【丁巳　丙辰　乙卯　甲寅　癸丑　壬子】此造旺殺逢財，喜其合也。妙在癸水臨旺，合而不化，則有情戊土，不抗壬水也。合而化，則無情化火，仍生土也。由此以推，運走東方木地，早遂青雲之志；運走北方水地，去財護印，翔步天衢，置身日舍也。

Four pillars: Guihai, Wuwu, Renwu, Jiyou; major years: Dingsi, Bingchen, Yimao, Jiayin, Guichou, Renzi. In this case, the strong seven killing stars are accompanied by the wealth star to nourish them. What is favorable is the combination between Gui water and Wu earth. The beauty of this situation is that the Gui water is in the strong position of Hai, so although it combines with Wu earth, it does not transform. Thus, the Wu earth becomes harmonious and no longer resists the Ren water; if it did transform, it would become无情 (inharmonious), producing fire, which would then go on to generate earth and assist the killing stars. From this reasoning: when the person's fortune moves towards the eastern wood element, it can release the earth and control the killing stars, so the person can achieve their ambitions early; when the fortune moves towards the northern water element, it can remove the wealth star and protect the official star, allowing the person to walk high on the celestial path, enter the imperial garden, and serve close to the court.