The Twenty-Ninth Section: Cold and Warm

天道有寒暖，發育萬物，人道行之，不可過也。 原注：陰支為寒，陽支為暖；西北為寒，東南為暖；金水為寒，木火為暖，得氣之寒，遇暖而發；得氣之暖，逢寒而成。寒之甚，瞹之至，內有一二成象，必無好處，若五陽逢子月，則一陽這候，萬物懷胎，陽乘陽位，可東可西；五陰逢午月，則一陰之候，萬物收藏，陰乘陰位，可南可北。

Heavenly Dao has both cold and warmth, which allows the development of all things. Human affairs follow this principle, and the most important thing is not to go to extremes. The original commentary says: Yin branches belong to cold, Yang branches belong to warmth; the Northwest belongs to cold, the Southeast belongs to warmth; metal and water belong to cold, wood and fire belong to warmth. Those who have cold must meet warmth to flourish; those who have warmth must meet cold to achieve success. If cold reaches its extreme and warmth also reaches its extreme, but the destiny chart only has a few scattered elements, there will certainly be little benefit. For example, if the five Yang heavenly stems (Jia, Bing, Wu, Geng, Ren) are born in the month of Zi (the rat), this is the time of "one Yang returning," when all things are gestating underground. The Yang heavenly stems take advantage of the Yang position, and their fortune can move east or west. If the five Yin heavenly stems (Yi, Ding, Ji, Xin, Gui) are born in the month of Wu (the horse), this is the time of "one Yin beginning," when all things start to gather and conceal. The Yin heavenly stems take advantage of the Yin position, and their fortune can move south or north.

任氏曰：寒暖者，生成萬物之理也，不可專執西北金水為守則，東南木火為瞹。考機之所，由變上升，必變下降，收合必變開闢，然質之成，由於形之機；陽之生，必有陰之位，陽主生物，非陰無以成，形不成，亦虛生；陰主成物，非陽無以生，質不生，何由成？惟陰陽中和變化，乃能發育萬物，若有一陽而無陰以成之，有一陰而無陽以生之，是謂鰥寡，無生成這意也。

Ren Shi said: What is meant by cold and warmth is the principle of generating all things, and one must not rigidly adhere to the idea that "northwest metal and water are always cold, and southeast wood and fire are always warm." One should examine where the vital energy is moving. When something rises to its peak, it must turn to descend; when it becomes closed and condensed to its extreme, it must turn to open and expand. However, the formation of "quality" comes from the signs of "form"; the emergence of yang must necessarily have a place for yin to complement it. Yang governs the generation of life, and without yin, it cannot be realized; if the form is not established, then life is in vain. Yin governs the completion of things, and without yang, it cannot be initiated; if the essence is not generated, then how can completion occur? Only when yin and yang are in harmony and constantly transform into each other can all things develop and flourish. If there is only yang without yin to realize it, or only yin without yang to initiate it, this is called "gوان guǎ" — isolated yang cannot grow, and isolated yin cannot thrive, and thus there can be no talk of generation and completion.

如此推祥，不但陰陽配合，而寒暖亦不過矣。竟四時之序，相生而成，豈可執定子月陽生，午月陰生而論哉？本文末句「不可過也」，適中而已矣。寒雖甚，要暖有氣，暖雖至，要寒有根，則能生成萬物。若寒甚而瞹無氣；過於暖者，反以無寒為宜也。蓋寒極暖之機，暖極寒之兆也，所謂陰極則陽生，陽極則陰生，此天地自然之理也。

By following this approach, not only can yin and yang be harmonized, but cold and warmth will not become excessive. After all, the order of the four seasons is formed through mutual generation. How can we rigidly rely on the statement "In the first lunar month, one yang is born; in the sixth lunar month, one yin is born" to establish our theory? The last sentence of the text, "Do not go beyond," refers to the principle of moderation. Although cold may be intense, as long as warmth still retains some life qi; although warmth may reach its peak, as long as cold still retains a little root, it can generate all things. If cold is too extreme and warmth has no qi at all, it would be better to simply have no warmth and follow cold all the way. If warmth is excessive and cold has no root, it would be more appropriate to simply have no cold. Because when cold reaches its extreme, it is the sign of warmth; when warmth reaches its extreme, it is the prelude to cold. This is what is meant by "when yin reaches its extreme, yang is born; when yang reaches its extreme, yin is born." This is the natural principle of the universe.

甲申　丙子　庚辰　戊寅 丁丑　戊寅　己卯　庚辰　辛巳　壬午 此寒金冷水，木凋土寒，若非寅時，則年月木火無根，不能作用矣，所謂寒雖甚，要暖有氣也。由引論之，年得者寅也，地氣上稓，木火絕處逢生，一陽解凍。然不動丙火高亦不發，妙在寅中遙中，謂之動，動則生火矣。凡四柱緊沖為克，遙沖為動，更喜運走東南，科甲出身，仕至黃堂，所謂「得氣之寒，遇暖而發」，此之謂也。

Four Pillars: Jiashen, Bingzi, Gengchen, Wuyin; Great Destiny Years: Dingchou, Wuyin, Jimao, Gengchen, Xinsi, Renwu. This is a destiny of cold metal and cold water, with wood withered and earth frozen. If not born at the寅 hour, the Jia wood in the year pillar and the Bing fire in the month pillar have no roots and cannot be activated. This is exactly what is meant by "although the cold is extreme, there must be a bit of warmth to generate life qi." Therefore, the key to the entire chart lies in the character寅: the earth qi rises from below and ascends, allowing wood and fire to revive from the point of death, with the return of one yang energy melting the hard ice. However, the Bing fire is high in the sky pillar and cannot be activated without being touched. The subtle point lies in the distant mutual conflict between寅 and申, which when they clash is called "movement," and this movement brings forth the Bing fire hidden within寅. Generally, in the Four Pillars, close mutual conflicts are considered "overcoming," while distant mutual conflicts are considered "movement." Furthermore, the person's destiny journey also moves through the southeastern regions of wood and fire, so this person rises through the imperial examination system and holds the official position of governor (the term "Huangtang" is a synonym for governor). This is exactly what the original commentary refers to as "cold that has the potential to be warmed and thus activated."

己酉　丙子　庚辰　甲申 乙亥　甲戌　癸酉　壬申　辛未　庚午 此亦寒金冷水，土凍木凋，與前大同小異，前則有寅木，火有根，此則無寅木，火臨絕，所謂寒甚而瞹無氣，反以瞹為美，所以初運乙亥，北主水地，有喜無憂；甲戌暗藏丁火，為丙火之根，刑喪破耗；壬運克去丙火，入申運食廩，癸酉財業日增，辛未運轉南方，丙火得地生根，破耗多端；庚午運逢寅年，木火齊來，不祿。

Four Pillars: Jiyou, Bingzi, Gengchen, Jiashen; Great Destiny Years: Yihai, Jiaxu, Guiyou, Renshen, Xinwei, Gengwu. This is also a destiny of cold metal and cold water, frozen earth and withered wood, similar to the previous case. In the previous case, there was a yin wood, and the bing fire still had some root; in this case, there is no yin wood, and the bing fire is in the place of extinction. This is what is called "coldness is too extreme and warmth has no vitality," so it is better to follow the coldness entirely. Therefore, the first great destiny year Yihai, which is the northern water land, brings joy and no worries; during the Jiaxu great destiny year, the hidden ding fire in xu becomes the root of bing fire, leading to injuries, losses, and misfortunes; during the ren great destiny year, the ren water overcomes the bing fire, and during the shen great destiny year, the name of a government-sponsored scholar is obtained; during the guiyou great destiny year, property and career increase day by day; during the xinwei great destiny year, the destiny turns to the southern direction, the bing fire gets its root and grows, leading to many losses and expenses; and during the gengwu great destiny year, encountering the year of yin, yin and wu wood and fire all surge together, resulting in death.

丁丑　丙午　丙午　壬辰 己巳　甲辰　癸卯　壬寅　辛丑　庚子 此火焰南離，重逢劊刃，暖之至矣。一點壬水，本不足以制猛烈之火，喜其坐辰，通根身庫；更可愛者，年支丑土，丑乃北方溼土，能生金晦火而蓄水，所謂暖雖至而寒有根也。科甲出身，仕至封疆，微嫌運途欠暢，多於起伏也。

Four pillars: Dingchou, Bingwu, Bingwu, Renchen; great years: Jisi, Jiachen, Guimao, Rennyin, Xinchou, Gengzi. This destiny has a blazing fire, with the southern fire element in command, and two instances of the fire sharpener (Yangren) at the position of Wu fire. The fire is extremely warm. The heavenly stem at the hour position has only a single Ren water, which is insufficient to control such intense fire; however, it is seated on Chen, which is a water reservoir, allowing the Ren water to have a root in the body's repository. Even more admirable is the year's branch, Chou, which is a northern damp earth. It can generate metal, obscure fire, and store water. This is exactly what is meant by "although the warmth has reached its peak, the cold still has a root." Therefore, this person is of scholarly origin, and holds a high official position. The slight disadvantage is that the fortune path is not smooth, and the person experiences many ups and downs throughout life.

癸未　丁巳　丙午　癸巳 丙辰　乙卯　甲寅　癸丑　壬子　辛亥 此支類南方，又生巳時，暖之至矣。天干丙癸，地支全無根氣，所謂暖之至，寒無根，反以無寒為美。所以初運丙辰，叨廕庇之福；乙卯甲寅，洩水生火，家業增新；癸丑寒氣通根，嘆椿萱之並逝，嗟壯桂之摧殘；壬子運，祝融之變，家破而亡。

Four pillars: Guiwei, Dingsi, Bingwu, Guisi; major years: Bingchen, Yimao, Jiayin, Guichou, Renzi, Xinhai. The earthly branches of Si, Wu, and Wei are all in the southern direction, and the person was born in the hour of Si, which is extremely warm. The heavenly stems have Bing fire and two Gui waters, but the Gui water has no root in the earthly branches. This is called "warm to the extreme, but no cold root." Therefore, it is better to have no cold at all. In the first major year, Bingchen, the person still benefits from the blessings of ancestors. In the Yimao and Jiayin major years, the wood drains the Gui water and generates Bing fire, which supports the fire, leading to a renewal of family fortune. In the Guichou major year, the earth of Guichou allows the cold to take root, causing both parents to pass away (the term "chunxuan" refers to parents). The children also suffer setbacks. In the Renzi major year, a fire disaster occurs (the term "zhurong" refers to the god of fire), leading to the complete destruction of the family.

地道有燥溼，生成品泯，人道得之，不可偏也。 原注：過於溼者，滯而無成；過於燥者，烈而有禍。水有金生，遇寒土而愈溼；火有木生，遇暖土而愈燥，皆偏枯也。如水火而成其燥者吉，木火傷官要溼也；土水而成其溼者吉，金水傷官要燥也。間有土溼而宜燥者，用土而後用火；金燥而宜溼者，用金而後用水。

The earth has both dry and damp qualities, which enable the generation of myriad things; in human affairs, one should follow this principle and must not be biased toward one extreme. The original commentary says: if the earth is too damp, the vital energy becomes stagnant and nothing is accomplished; if it is too dry, the nature becomes fierce and calamities are invited. Water is naturally generated by metal; if it meets the cold and damp earth of Chou and Chen, it becomes even more damp. Fire is naturally generated by wood; if it meets the warm and dry earth of Wei and Xu, it becomes even more dry—these are both cases of extreme bias. Therefore, when there is both water and fire and it results in dryness, it is actually favorable; the pattern of "wood and fire as official stars" requires a bit of dampness to balance it. When there is both earth and water and it results in dampness, it is actually favorable; the pattern of "metal and water as official stars" requires a bit of dryness to balance it. Sometimes, when the earth is already damp and dryness is needed, one should first use earth and then fire; when the metal is already dry and dampness is needed, one should first use metal and then water.

任氏曰：燥溼者，水火相成之謂也，故主有主氣，內不秘乎五行；局有局氣，外必貫乎四柱。溼為陰氣，當逢燥而成；燥為陽氣，當遇溼而生。是以木生夏令，精華發洩，外有餘而內實虛脫，必藉壬癸以生之，丑辰溼土以培之，則火不烈，木不枯，土不燥，水不涸，而有生成之義矣，若見未戌燥土，反助火而不能晦火，縱有水，亦不能為力也。慛金百鍊，不易其色，故金生冬令，雖然洩氣休囚，竟可用丙丁，若見丑辰溼土，反助水而不能制水，縱有火，亦不能為力也。此地道生成之妙理也。

Ren Shi said: The concept of dryness and dampness refers to the mutual relationship between water and fire. The day ruler has its own energy, which internally follows the generation and overcoming of the Five Phases; the destiny pattern has its own energy, which externally must be coordinated through the four pillars. Dampness belongs to yin energy, which requires dryness to be formed; dryness belongs to yang energy, which requires dampness to be generated. Therefore, when wood is born in summer, its essence is outwardly expressed, appearing abundant on the surface but actually depleted inside. It must be nourished by壬癸 water and cultivated by丑, 辰 such damp earth, so that fire does not become too intense, wood does not become dry, earth does not become too dry, and water does not dry up, thus achieving the principle of generation. If instead, 未, 戌 such dry earth appears, it would instead enhance the fire and fail to suppress it; even with water, it would be ineffective. True metal, though refined a hundred times, does not change its color. Therefore, when metal is born in winter, although it is said to be in a state of decline and confinement, it can still be warmed by丙丁 fire. If instead, 丑, 辰 such damp earth appears, it would instead enhance the water and fail to control it; even with fire, it would be ineffective. This is the profound principle of the Dao generating all things.

丙辰　辛丑　庚辰　丙子 壬寅　癸卯　甲辰　乙巳　丙午　丁未 此造以俗論之，以為寒金喜火，干透兩丙，獨殺留清，推其木火運中，名利雙全，少右支中重重溼土，年干丙火，合辛化水，時干丙火無根，只有寒溼之氣，並無生發之意，中得用水，不能用火矣。所以初運壬寅癸卯，制土衛水，衣食頗豐；天地丙午丁未二十年，妻子皆傷，家業破盡。削髮為僧。

Four pillars: Bingchen, Xinchou, Gengchen, Bingzi; major years: Renyin, Guimao, Jiachen, Yisi, Bingwu, Dingwei. According to common views, this birth chart is considered cold metal that favors fire, with two Bing fire stems appearing in the heavens, leaving a single pure killer. It is predicted that during the wood and fire major years, the person will achieve both fame and fortune. However, the earth branches are all heavy with Chen and Chou, which are damp earth. The stem of Bing fire in the year also combines with Xin metal to form water, and the stem of Bing fire in the hour has no root. The whole chart is filled with cold and damp energy, with no sign of growth or development. Therefore, water must be used instead of fire. In the early major years of Renyin and Guimao, wood comes to control the earth and protect the water element, leading to a fairly abundant life. However, during the twenty years of Bingwu and Dingwei, the wife suffers damage, the family business is completely ruined, and in the end, the person becomes a monk.

丁未　壬子　庚戌　丙戌 辛亥　庚戌　己酉　戊申　丁未　丙午 此造如以水勢論之，此則仲冬水旺，所喜者支中重重燥土，足以去其溼氣。只為相剋，使子不能助壬；丁壬一合，使壬不能克丙。中運土金，入部辦事，運籌挫折，境遇違心；丁未南方火旺，議敘出仕，至丙午二十年，得奇遇，仕至州牧。

Four pillars: Dingwei, Renzi, Gengxu, Bingxu; great years: Xinhai, Gengxu, Jiyou, Wushen, Dingwei, Bingwu. If considered solely in terms of water strength, this birth chart shows strong water in the middle of winter in the month of Zi. Fortunately, the earth branches are filled with repeated dry earths, Wei and Xu, which can remove the dampness. Earth and Zi water are mutually controlling, preventing Zi water from helping Ren water. The heavenly stem Ding fire also combines with the monthly stem Ren water, preventing Ren water from controlling the daily stem Bing fire. During the middle years, when the great years are of earth and metal, the person works in government offices, has plans but often meets setbacks, and is not satisfied with his circumstances. When the great year is Dingwei, the southern fire is strong, and through recommendation and promotion, he officially enters government service. Then, during the twenty years of Bingwu, he experiences an unusual event and rises to the position of governor.

癸未　丁巳　甲午　庚午 丙辰　乙卯　甲寅　癸丑　壬子　辛亥 甲午日元，支全巳午未，燥烈極矣。天干金水無根，反激火之烈，只可順火之氣也。初運木火，順其氣勢，財喜頻增，至癸丑，嘆刑喪，遭挫折，破耗多端；壬子沖激更甚，犯人命，遭回祿，破家而亡。

Four Pillars: Guiwei, Dingsi, Jiawu, Gengwu; Great Destiny: Bingchen, Yimao, Jiayin, Guichou, Renzi, Xinhai. The day stem is Jiawu, with the earth branches Si, Wu, and Wei all present, reaching an extremely dry and fierce state. The heavenly stems Geng metal and Gui water have no roots, not only failing to control the fire, but instead intensifying its fierce nature. Therefore, one must follow the momentum of the fire to determine the useful elements. In the early destiny period, moving through wood and fire territories, following the momentum, wealth and joy increase frequently. When reaching the Guichou destiny period, there is lamentation over punishments, losses, and repeated setbacks, with many losses of wealth and expenses. In the Xinhai destiny period, water comes to clash more intensely, leading to serious legal disputes and fires, ultimately resulting in family destruction and death.

癸丑　丁巳　甲辰　庚午 丙辰　乙卯　甲寅　癸丑　壬子　辛亥 此與前造只換辰丑二字，丑乃北方溼土，晦火蓄水，癸水通根而載丑；辰亦溼土，又是木之餘氣，日元足盤根；庚金雖不能生水輔用，而癸水坐下餘氣，竟可作用。初運木旺，幫身護用，和平迪吉；至癸丑北方水地及壬子辛亥三十年，經營得意，事業稱心。

Four pillars: Guichou, Dingsi, Jiachen, Gengwu; great years: Bingchen, Yimao, Jiayin, Guichou, Renzi, Xinhai. This configuration differs from the previous one only by the exchange of the characters Chen and Chou, yet the circumstances are vastly different. Chou is a northern damp earth, capable of obscuring fire and storing water, allowing the heavenly stem癸water to take root and rest upon Chou; Chen is also damp earth, and is the leftover breath of wood, enabling the day stem甲wood to take root firmly within it. Although Geng metal cannot generate water to assist the useful god, the癸water sitting upon the leftover breath of Chou is able to be used effectively. The early great year, which is wood, supports the day stem and protects the useful god, resulting in a smooth and fortunate period. When reaching the Guichou great year, which is a northern water land, as well as the thirty years of Renzi and Xinhai, business is prosperous and career is satisfactory.

吉神太露，起爭奪之風；凶物深藏，成養虎之患。 原注：局中所喜這神，透於天干，歲運不能不遇忌神，必至爭奪，所以有暗用吉神為妙。局所忌之神，伏藏於地支者，歲運扶之沖之，則其為患不小，所以忌神明透，制化得宜者吉。

When a beneficial god is overly apparent, it may lead to disputes and conflicts; when a harmful element is deeply hidden, it may result in leaving a tiger unchained, causing future troubles. The original commentary says: if the beneficial gods in the birth chart are revealed in the heavenly stems, they will inevitably meet with the hostile gods in the years or branches, leading to conflicts, so it is better to use the beneficial gods secretly. If the harmful gods in the birth chart are hidden in the earthly branches, when they are assisted or disturbed by the years or branches, the harm will be great, so it is actually favorable for the harmful gods to be clearly revealed in the heavenly stems and properly controlled or transformed.

任氏曰：吉神太露，起爭奪之風者，天干氣專，易於劫奪故也，如財物無關鎖，人人得而用。假如天為財，歲運遇庚辛，則起爭奪之風，必須天干先有丙丁官星迴克，方無害；如無丙丁之官，或得壬癸之食傷合化亦可，故吉神宜深藏地支者吉。凶物深藏，成養虎之患者，地支氣雜，難於制化故也，如家賊之難防，養成禍患。假如地支以寅中丙火為劫財，歲運逢申，沖申中庚金，雖能克木，終不能去其丙火，歲運遇亥子，仍生合寅木，反滋火之根苗，故凶物明透天干，易於制化。

Ren Shi said, "Good spirits exposed too much will cause contention." This is because the heavenly stems' energies are singular and exposed, making them easy to be seized by others, like wealth left outside without a lock, allowing everyone to reach for it. If the heavenly stem's Jia and Yi wood are my wealth stars, and the year or destiny encounters Geng and Xin metal, which are rivals, contention will arise. It must be that there is originally Bing and Ding official stars in the heavenly stem to restrain the Geng and Xin metal, thus avoiding harm; if there are no Bing and Ding official stars, it is possible to use Ren and Gui food and injury stars to harmonize and transform them. Therefore, good spirits are considered auspicious when they are deeply hidden in the earthly branches. "Evil things deeply hidden, become a danger like nurturing a tiger" because the energies in the earthly branches are mixed and difficult to control, like household thieves hardest to guard against, which can develop into disasters over time. If the hidden Bing fire in the寅 branch is considered a rival (evil thing), and the year or destiny encounters the申 branch to clash, what is disturbed is the Geng metal in the申 branch. Although Geng metal can overcome the Jia wood in the寅 branch, it cannot remove the Bing fire. If the year or destiny encounters Hai or Zi, Hai nourishes the寅, and Zi combines with the寅, thus nurturing the root of the Bing fire. Therefore, evil things are easier to control and transform when they are clearly revealed in the heavenly stem.

所以吉神深藏，終身之福；凶物深藏，始終為禍。總之吉神顯露，通根當令者，露亦無害；凶物深藏，失時休囚者，藏亦無妨。鬼谷子曰：「陰陽之道，與日月合其明，與天地合其德，與四時合其序。」三命之理，誠本於此，若不慎思明辨，孰能得其要領乎？

Therefore, auspicious deities hidden away bring lifelong blessings; malevolent forces concealed remain a constant misfortune. In summary, auspicious deities may be revealed, but if they have roots and vitality, and are in their season and powerful, their appearance causes no harm. Malevolent forces may be hidden, but if they are out of season, weak and confined, and powerless to cause trouble, their concealment is harmless. The "Guiguzi" says: "The principles of yin and yang combine with the sun and moon to share their brightness, with heaven and earth to share their virtue, and with the four seasons to share their order." The principles of calculating three destinies are indeed based on these words. If one does not think carefully and discern clearly, who can grasp its essence?

己卯　辛未　丙子　辛卯 庚午　己巳　戊圾　丁卯　丙寅　乙丑 丙火生於未月，火氣正盛，坐下官星，被未土傷盡，只得用天干辛金。所嫌者，未為燥土，不能生金，又暗藏劫刃；年干己土，本可生金，又坐下印地，所謂「吉神顯露，凶物深藏」者也。初運己巳戊辰土旺之地，財喜輻輳，事事稱心；交丁卯，土金兩傷，連遭回祿三次，又傷丁七人，丙寅妻子皆克，出外不知所終。

Four Pillars: Ji Mao, Xin Wei, Bing Zi, Xin Mao; Grand Years: Geng Wu, Ji Si, Wu Chen, Ding Mao, Bing Yin, Yi Chou. The fire of Bing is born in the month of Wei, when the fire is strong. The day's main element is sitting on Zi water, which is the official star, but it is almost completely harmed by Wei earth. Therefore, we must take the two Xin metal wealth stars in the heavenly stem as the useful elements. However, the Wei earth is a dry earth, which cannot generate metal, and it also contains hidden Ding fire, which is a劫财, and Yang Ren. The Ji earth in the year stem could have generated metal, but it is sitting on the Miao wood, which is the printing element, and the Miao wood is attacking the Ji earth. This is exactly what is called "good spirits are revealed on the outside, while evil things are hidden within." In the early years, when the Grand Years are Ji Si and Wu Chen, the earth is strong, and wealth gathers, so everything goes smoothly. When the Ding Mao Grand Year comes, the Ding fire harms the Xin metal, and the Miao wood harms the Ji earth, leading to the failure of both earth and metal. This results in three fires, and seven family members are injured. In the Bing Yin Grand Year, the wife and son are both harmed, and the person leaves home, and his whereabouts are unknown.

壬午　乙巳　丁丑　丙午 丙午　丁未　戊申　己酉　庚戌　辛亥 丁火生於孟夏，柱中劫旺逢梟，天干壬無根，置之不用。最喜丑中一點財星，深藏歸庫，丑為溼土，能洩火氣，不但不爭無爭奪之風，反有生生之誼。因初交丙午丁未，所以身出寒門，書香不繼；喜中運三十載西土金地，化劫生財，財發十餘萬。所謂「吉神深藏，終身之福」也。

Four pillars: Renwu, Yisi, Dingchou, Bingwu; big years: Bingwu, Dingwei, Wushen, Jiyou, Gengxu, Xinhai. The Ding fire is born in the early summer month of Si, where the pillars have very strong rivals and helpers. There is also a biased yin wood (a枭神) to nourish it. The heavenly stem Ren water has no root, so it is not used. What is most fortunate is that the day branch Chou contains a little Xin metal wealth star, deeply hidden in the warehouse. Chou is also a damp earth, which can release the fire energy. This does not cause competition but instead creates a nurturing relationship with the day's main element. Because the early years are Bingwu and Dingwei, the rivals and helpers are too strong, so the person comes from a poor family and his education does not continue smoothly. However, in the middle years, he travels west for thirty years, transforming the rivals and helpers into wealth stars, thus becoming wealthy with over ten thousand. This is exactly what is said: "A good god hidden deep is a lifetime of fortune."

強眾而敵寡者，勢在去其寡；強寡而敵眾者，勢在成乎眾。 原注：強寡而敵眾者，喜強而助強者吉；強眾而敵寡者，惡敵而敵眾者滯。

Our side is strong and numerous, while the opposing side is weak and isolated; in such a situation, it is appropriate to eliminate the weak side. On the other hand, if our side is strong but isolated, facing an enemy that is numerous and powerful, the situation calls for yielding to the stronger side. The original commentary says: when a strong but isolated side faces a powerful enemy, it is favorable if there is a divine force assisting this strength, leading to a good outcome. However, when a strong and numerous side faces a single weak enemy, the worst thing is to leave the enemy unchecked. If the enemy continues to resist with the majority, the momentum becomes blocked and stagnant.

任氏曰：眾寡之說，強弱之意也，須分日主四柱兩端而論也。如以日主分眾寡，如日主是火，生於寅、卯、巳、午月，官星是水，四柱無財，反有土之食傷，即使有財，財無根氣，不能生官，此日主之黨眾，敵官星之寡，勢在盡去其官，歲運宜扶眾抑寡則吉。

Ren Shi said: The term "zhong gua" refers to the concept of strength and weakness. It must be analyzed from two aspects: the day stem and the four pillars. When considering the day stem alone, for example, if the day stem is fire and it is born in the months of寅, 卯, 巳, or 午, it is in its season and has strong support. If the official star is water, but there is no wealth star in the four pillars to nourish it, instead there is earth as the food star or official star that restrains it; even if there is a wealth star, it is rootless and lacks strength, unable to support the official star. In this case, the day stem's group is strong and numerous, while the official star is weak and isolated. The situation calls for completely removing the official star. In terms of the year and the branch, one should support the strong group and suppress the weak and isolated one, which brings good fortune.

如以四柱分眾寡，則分四柱之強弱，然又要與日主符合，弗反背為妙。假如水星是官星，休囚無氣，土是傷官，當令得時，其勢以去其官星，歲運亦宜制官為美；日主是火，亦要通根得氣，則能生土，或有木而克土，則日主自能化木，轉轉相生，所謂日主符合者也。官星是水，雖不及時，卻有財生助，或財星當令，或成財局，此官星雖寡，得財星扶則強，歲運宜扶寡而抑眾者吉。雖舉財官而論，其餘皆同此論。

If we divide the number of elements in the four pillars according to their heads, we must also consider the strength and weakness of each element in the four pillars, and whether they align with the day stem. Only when they do not contradict each other is it considered excellent. For instance, if water is the official star and is weak and confined, while earth is the injurious star, which is strong and timely, then the official star should be removed. In the year and the destiny, it is favorable to control the official star. At this time, if the day stem is fire, it must have a root and be in the right condition to be able to break ground. If there is wood that harms the earth, the day stem fire can transform the wood, turning it into a mutual generation (wood produces fire, fire produces earth), and this is called 'aligning with the day stem'. Conversely, if the official star is water, although it is not timely, but there is a wealth star that supports it, or the wealth star is timely, or the branches form a wealth pattern, then even though the official star is weak and isolated, it can become strong with the support of the wealth star. In this case, the year and destiny should support the weak and isolated official star and suppress the strong elements, which is considered auspicious. Although this example discusses wealth and official stars, the principles apply similarly to other elements.

戊辰　乙丑　戊戌　辛酉 丙寅　丁卯　戊辰　己巳　庚午　辛未 此造重重厚土，乙木無根，傷官又旺，其勢足以敵官星之寡。故初交丙寅丁卯，官星得地，刑耗多端；戊辰得際遇，捐納出仕，及已巳二十年，土生金旺，從佐二而履琴堂。至未運破金，不祿。

Four pillars: Wuchen, Yichou, Wuxu, Xinyou; major years: Bingyin, Dingmao, Wuchen, Jisi, Gengwu, Xinwei. This destiny is heavily loaded with thick earth. The ethereal stem of the month, Yi wood, is the official star but has no root, and the heavenly stem at the hour, Xin metal, is a damaging official that is strong. The day's main stem, Wu earth, has enough strength to counter the isolated official star. This is exactly in line with the saying, "When the strong outnumber the weak, the trend is to eliminate the weak." Therefore, during the early major years of Bingyin and Dingmao, the land of Yin and Mao is exactly where the Yi wood official star can take root and gain strength, and it competes with the whole chart, causing many conflicts, losses, and damages. During the Wuchen major year, the person gains opportunities and enters officialdom through donations. Then during the Jisi major year, the earth is strong and generates metal, the damaging official becomes even more powerful, and the person rises from a minor official to take charge of a county ("qintang" refers to the magistrate's hall). By the time the Xinwei major year comes, the Wei earth conflicts with the Chou and injures the Xu, breaking the metal formation, and the person eventually dies.

戊午　壬戌　丁卯　癸卯 癸亥　甲子　乙丑　丙寅　丁卯　戊辰　己巳 此傷官當令，印星並見，官煞雖透無根，勢在去官。初年運走北方，官星得勢，一事無成；丙寅丁卯，生助火土，經營發財鉅萬；戊辰己巳，去盡官煞，一子登科，晚景崢嶸。此造戌午拱火，日時逢印，日主旺極，莫作用印而推，亦不可作去官留殺論也。

Four pillars: Wu Wu, Ren Xu, Ding Mao, Gui Mao; major years: Gui Hai, Jia Zi, Yi Chou, Bing Yin, Ding Mao, Wu Chen, Ji Si. In this birth chart, the Wu earth official is in command, and two Mao wood minister stars appear together. Although the heavenly stems Ren and Gui are revealed as officials and killers, they have no roots. The situation is to remove the officials and killers. In early years, the fortune moves through the northern water territory, giving power to the official star, which opposes the whole chart, so nothing is achieved. When moving through Bing Yin and Ding Mao, wood and fire support fire and earth, leading to great wealth in business. When moving through Wu Chen and Ji Si, the earth becomes strong and completely removes the officials and killers, resulting in one son passing the imperial examination and a very prosperous later life. In this birth chart, the year branch Wu and the month branch Xu form a fire trinity, and the day and hour branches are both Mao wood minister stars, making the day master extremely strong. Do not treat it as using the minister, nor should it be considered as removing the official and keeping the killer.

癸丑　壬戌　丙午　庚寅 辛酉　庚申　己未　戊午　丁巳　丙辰 丙火生於九月，日主本不及時，第坐陽刃會火局，謂之強寡。年干癸進氣，癸水通根餘氣丑土，洩其火局，庚金生助壬癸為眾也。勢在成乎眾，故交辛酉庚申，金生水旺，遺業豐盈，其樂自如；一交己未，火土並旺，父母雙亡；及戊午二十年，破敗家業，妻子皆傷，至丙辰流落外方而亡。

Four Pillars: Guichou, Renxu, Bingwu, Gengyin; Great Years: Xinyou, Gengshen, Jiwei, Wuwu, Dingsi, Bingchen. The丙 fire is born in September, the戌 month, so the day's main element is not in its season. However, it sits on the午 fire, which is the Yang Blade, and also combines with寅 and戌 to form a fire trinity, so it is called "strong but isolated and lonely." The癸 water in the year's stem is at the time of rising, and it roots in the residual earth of丑, thus draining the fire trinity. The庚 metal in the hour's stem also supports the壬 and癸, which is "numerous." The situation is to follow the trend and support the side with more strength. Therefore, when the Xinyou and Gengshen Great Years arrive, metal generates water and water becomes strong, following the trend of the numerous, leading to abundant inheritance from ancestors and ease in life. When the Jiwei Great Year arrives, fire and earth both become strong, and both parents pass away. Then, during the Wuwu Great Year, the family's fortune declines, and the wife suffers damage. Finally, during the Bingchen Great Year, he is forced to wander and dies in exile.

震兌主仁義之真機，勢不兩立，而有相成者存。 原注：震在內，兌在外，月卯日亥或未，年丑或巳時酉是也。主之所喜者在震，以兌為敵國，必用火攻；主之所喜者在兌，以震為奸宄，備禦之而已，不必盡去，不必興兵也。兌在內，震在外，月酉日丑或巳，年未或亥時卯者是也。主之所喜者在兌，以震為遊兵，易於滅而不可黨震也；主之所喜者在震，以兌為內寇，難於滅而不可助兌也。

The trigram "Zhen" belongs to wood, and "Dui" belongs to metal, governing the true essence of benevolence and righteousness. Although wood and metal are opposing in form, there is an inherent mutual support between them. The original commentary says: a pattern where "Zhen" wood is inside and "Dui" metal is outside is when the month branch is "Mao" wood, the day branch is "Hai" or "Wei" (which combine with "Mao" to form wood inside), and the year branch is "Chou" or "Si", the hour branch is "You" (metal energy outside). If the day's main strength lies in the "Zhen" wood side, then "Dui" metal is regarded as an enemy country, and fire must be used to attack it. If the day's main strength lies in the "Dui" metal side, then "Zhen" wood is considered an internal traitor, and one needs only to be cautious about it, without needing to eliminate it completely or engage in major conflict. Conversely, if "Dui" metal is inside and "Zhen" wood is outside, it is when the month branch is "You" metal, the day branch is "Chou" or "Si" (which combine with "You" to form metal inside), and the year branch is "Wei" or "Hai", the hour branch is "Mao" (wood energy outside). If the day's main strength lies in the "Dui" metal side, then "Zhen" wood is considered a scattered force that is easy to eliminate, but one must not support it. If the day's main strength lies in the "Zhen" wood side, then "Dui" metal is considered a hidden enemy within, difficult to eliminate, and one must not assist it.

以水為就客，相間於一下，或年酉月卯日丑時亥，年甲月庚、日甲時辛之例，亦論主之所喜所忌者何如，而論攻備之法。然金忌木，木不帶火，木不傷土者，不必去木也。若木忌金，而金強者不可戰，惟囚金而木茂，木終不能為金之害，反以成金之義；春木而金盛，金實足以制木之性，反以全木之仁。其月是木，年日時皆金者，不必問主之所喜所忌，而亦宜成金之性。

There are also cases where water is used as an intermediary to mediate between metal and wood, such as when the earthly branches are arranged as year You, month Mao, day Chou, and hour Hai, or when the heavenly stems are arranged as year Jia, month Geng, day Jia, and hour Xin. In such cases, one should first determine whether the day stem favors or dislikes a particular direction, and then decide whether to attack or prepare accordingly. However, although metal dislikes wood, if the wood does not bring fire to support it or harm earth, it is unnecessary to remove it. If wood dislikes metal, and metal is strong, it is not advisable to confront it directly; only when metal is restrained and weak, and wood is flourishing, can wood not harm metal, but instead fulfill metal's righteousness. As for spring wood encountering strong metal, metal is indeed capable of restraining wood, thereby preserving wood's benevolence. If the month is wood and the year, day, and hour are all metal, there is no need to consider whether the day stem favors or dislikes anything; instead, one should follow the natural disposition of metal.

任氏曰：震陽也，先天之位在八白，陰固陰而陽亦陰矣；兌陰也，先天之位在四綠，陽固陽而陰亦陽矣。震為長男，雷從地起，一陽生於坤之初；兌為少女，山澤通氣，故三陰生於乾之終。長男配少女，天地生成之妙用；若長女配少男，陽雖生而陰不能成矣。是故兌為萬物之所悅，至哉言乎！是以震兌雖不兩立，亦有相成之義也。

Ren Shi said: Zhen originally belongs to Yang, but in the Earlier Heaven Trigrams it occupies the position of the eighth white trigram, which is a Yin position. Therefore, although Yin is Yin, even Yang here becomes Yin. Dui originally belongs to Yin, but in the Earlier Heaven Trigrams it occupies the position of the fourth green trigram, which is a Yang position. Therefore, although Yang is Yang, even Yin here becomes Yang. Zhen represents the Elder Son, and thunder arises from beneath the earth, with one Yang line arising at the lowest line of the Kun trigram. Dui represents the Younger Daughter, and the energies of mountain and marsh connect with each other, so three Yins arise at the top line of the Qian trigram. The Elder Son paired with the Younger Daughter is precisely the wonderful function of heaven and earth generating all things. If instead the Younger Daughter were paired with the Elder Son, Yang might be generated, but Yin would not be completed. Therefore, the "Zhou Yi · Shuo Gua" says, "Dui is the trigram of all things rejoicing," which truly captures the essence of the matter. From this we can see that although Zhen and Dui are opposing, there is also a mutual completion within them.

余細究之，震兌之理有五，攻、成、潤、從、暖也。春初之木，木嫩金堅，火以攻之；仲春之木，木旺金衰，土以成之；夏令之木，木洩金燥，水以潤之；秋令之木，木凋金銳，土以從之；冬令之木，木衰金寒，火以暖之。則無兩立之勢，而有相成仁義之勢矣。若內外之說，不過衰旺相敵之意也。當洩則洩，當制則制，須觀其金木之竟向，不必拘執而分內外也。

I have carefully examined the principles between Zhen and Dui, which are five in total: attack, completion, nourishment, following, and warmth. In early spring, the wood is still young and the metal is still hard, so fire is used to attack the metal; in mid-spring, the wood is vigorous and the metal is already declining, so earth is used to complete the metal (earth produces metal); in summer, the wood is leaking its energy and the metal is dried up, so water is used to nourish it; in autumn, the wood is withered and the metal is sharp, so earth is used to follow the metal's strength; in winter, the wood is weak and the metal is cold, so fire is used to warm it. In this way, there is no situation of mutual conflict, but rather one of mutual support and harmony. As for the original commentary's distinction between internal and external, it merely refers to the opposing strengths of the two sides. When something should be released, it should be released; when something should be restrained, it should be restrained. One only needs to observe the direction of the intentions of wood and metal, without being rigidly bound by the division of internal and external.

丙寅　庚寅　甲申　乙丑 辛卯　壬辰　癸巳　甲午　乙未　丙申 甲木生於立春後四日，春初木嫩，天氣寒凝，日主坐申，月透庚金，丑土貼生申金，木嫩金堅，用火以攻之。喜得年於透丙，三陽開泰，萬象回春，何其妙也！初運辛卯壬辰，有傷丙火，蹭蹬芸窗；癸巳運轉南方，丙火祿旺，納粟入監，運捷南宮；甲午乙未，宦海無波，申運不祿。

Four pillars: Bingyin, Gengyin, Jiashen, Yiwei; great years: Xinmao, Renchen, Guisi, Jiawu, Yiwei, Bingshen. The Jia wood was born after the third day of the beginning of spring, when the wood was still young and the cold had not yet dissipated. The day's main element was sitting on Shen metal, and the monthly dry branch also revealed Geng metal. The hour's branch, Wei earth, was close by to support Shen metal. This was exactly "young wood and strong metal," so fire was needed to attack the metal. Fortunately, the year's dry branch revealed Bing fire, like the three yangs opening and all things returning to spring, how clever! In the early years Xinmao and Renchen, Xin combined with Bing and Ren restrained Bing, both harming the Bing fire. The person was only confined to the window, repeatedly failing the exams. In the Guisi great year, the path turned south, for Si is the land of prosperity for Bing fire. Then he entered the national academy to study, and subsequently passed the imperial examination (the "Southern Palace" refers to the Ministry of Rites examination). In the Jiawu and Yiwei great years, his official career was smooth. When he reached the Shen great year, Shen clashed with Yin wood and harmed Jia wood, leading to his death.

庚戌　己卯　甲寅　丁卯 庚辰　辛巳　壬午　癸未　甲申　乙酉 甲木生於仲春，坐祿逢刃，木旺金衰，用土以成之，方能化土生金，斬削以成真。初遊幕，獲利納捐，至癸未運出仕；甲申乙酉，木無根，金得地，從佐二升知縣而遷州牧。

Four Pillars: Geng Xu, Ji Mao, Jia Yin, Ding Mao; Great Destiny: Geng Chen, Xin Si, Ren Wu, Gui Wei, Jia Shen, Yi You. Jia wood is born in the middle spring month of Mao, with the day branch sitting on Yin which is its禄, and the month and hour branches both meeting Mao which is its 刃. Wood is strong and metal is weak, so earth is needed to assist metal—earth can transform and nourish Geng metal. Only when metal is strong can it cut and shape this strong wood into a useful object. At first, this person worked in a military office, gained some wealth, and then paid to obtain an official position. In the Gui Wei Great Destiny, he officially entered government service. In the Jia Shen and Yi You Great Destinies, the Jia and Yi woods have no roots in the earth branches, while Geng and Xin metals occupy Shen and You, so he rose from a minor official to county magistrate and then to prefect.

庚辰　壬午　甲辰　丁卯 癸未　甲申　乙酉　丙戌　丁亥　戊子 甲木生於仲夏，時干丁火透出，用水以潤之，然水亦賴金生，金亦賴水養；更妙支逢兩辰，洩火生金蓄水，一氣相生，五行俱足。是以早游泮水，科甲聯登，仕至觀察，一生惟丙戌運金水兩傷不利，其餘皆順境。

Four Pillars: Gengchen, Renwu, Jiachen, Dingmao; Grand Destiny: Guiwei, Jiashen, Yiyou, Bingxu, Dinghai, Wuzi. The Jia wood is born in the middle summer month of Wu, and the heavenly stem at the hour position reveals Ding fire, causing the wood's energy to leak out and the metal to become scorched. Therefore, water is needed to moisten. However, water also relies on metal to be generated, and metal also depends on water to be nourished. More importantly, the earthly branches meet two Chi soils, which can dissipate the Wu fire, generate Geng metal, and store Ren water. All these elements flow smoothly and interconnect, making the Five Phases complete and without deficiency. Therefore, this person was admitted to the county school at an early age, and consecutively succeeded in the local examination and the metropolitan examination. He held the position of Dao Yuan (the term "observer" is an alternative name for Dao Yuan). Throughout his life, only the Bingxu Grand Destiny caused damage to both metal and water, leading to unfavorable conditions, while the rest of his life was smooth.

庚戌　甲申　甲戌　乙丑 乙酉　丙戌　丁亥　戊子　己丑　庚寅 甲木生於孟秋，財生殺旺，雖天干三透甲乙，而地支不載，木凋金銳，用土以從之也。格成從殺。戌運武甲出身；丁亥運生木克金，刑耗多端；戊子己丑，財生殺旺，仕至副將。

Four Pillars: Gengxu, Jiashen, Jiaxu, Yichou; Great Destiny: Yiyou, Bingxu, Dinghai, Wuzi, Jichou, Gengyin. The wood of Jia is born in the early autumn month of Shen, with Xu and Chou earth generating wealth, which in turn generates seven killers. The killer is strong but not restrained. Although the heavenly stem has three instances of Jia and Yi wood, the earth branches cannot support them, which is called 'wood withered and metal sharp'. Therefore, earth is needed to follow the trend of metal, forming the pattern of 'following the killer'. During the Xu destiny period, he rose from a military examination. During the Dinghai destiny period, the water of Hai nourishes wood, and the fire of Ding overcomes metal, which is contrary to the trend of following the killer, leading to many injuries and losses. During the Wuzi and Jichou destiny periods, earth generates metal, and wealth generates the killer, which aligns with the trend, allowing him to reach the position of deputy general.

辛酉　庚子　甲子　丙寅 己亥　戊戌　丁酉　丙申　乙未　甲午 甲木生於仲冬，木衰金寒，用火以暖之，金亦得其制矣；況平時逢祿旺，一陽解凍，所謂「得氣之寒，遇暖而發」。故寒木必得火以生之也。所以科甲聯登，仕至侍郎。

Four Pillars: Xinyou, Gengzi, Jiazi, Bingyin; Great Destiny: Jihai, Wuxu, Dingyou, Bingshen, Yiwei, Jiawu. Jia wood is born in the middle of winter in the Zi month, when wood is weak and metal is cold, so fire is needed to warm it up. Once fire warms up, Geng and Xin metal are subdued. Moreover, the hour branch Yin wood is the strong and prosperous land for Jia wood. When one yang returns, the ice begins to melt, which is exactly what the previous chapter "Cold and Warm" said: "Cold that has the potential to develop will sprout when it meets warmth." Therefore, cold wood in winter must have fire to develop. Hence, this person succeeded consecutively in the local examination and the imperial examination, and eventually held the position of Vice Minister.

上五造舉甲木為例，乙木亦同此論。

The above five birth charts all use Jia wood as an example; the method for Yi wood is the same.

坎離宰天地之中氣，成不獨成，而有相持者在。 原注：天干透壬癸，地支屬離者，乃為既濟，要天氣下降；天干透丙丁，地支屬坎者，乃為未濟，要地氣上升。天干皆水，地支皆火，為交媾，交媾身強則富貴；天干皆火，地支皆水，為交戰，交戰身弱，豈能富貴？

The water of Kan and the fire of Li govern the harmonious energy between heaven and earth; each alone cannot achieve completeness, and there must be a mutual support and connection between them. The original commentary says: when the heavenly stems reveal壬 and癸 water and the earthly branches belong to Li fire, this is called 'Already Completed' (Ji Ji), and the key is that the heavenly energy can descend to meet the earthly energy. When the heavenly stems reveal丙 and丁 fire and the earthly branches belong to Kan water, this is called 'Not Yet Completed' (Wei Ji), and the key is that the earthly energy can ascend to meet the heavenly energy. When the heavenly stems are all water and the earthly branches are all fire, it is called 'Union' (Jiao Gou); if the day's ruler is strong through this union, it indicates wealth and honor. When the heavenly stems are all fire and the earthly branches are all water, it is called 'Conflict' (Jiao Zhan); if the day's ruler is weak in this conflict, how can wealth and honor be attained?

坎外離內，謂之未濟，主之所喜在離，要水竭，主之所喜在坎，則不詳；離外坎內，謂之既濟，主之所喜在坎，要離降，主之所喜在離，要木和。水火相見於天干，以火為主，而水盛者存；坎離相見於地支，喜坎而坎旺者昌。夫子、午、卯、酉專氣也，其相制相持之勢，宜悉辨之；若四生四庫之神，皆所以黨助子午卯酉者，其理亦可推詳。

Heavenly Stems: Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui Earthly Branches: Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai Trigrams: Qian (Heaven), Dui (Lake), Li (Fire), Zhen (Thunder), Xun (Wind), Kan (Water), Gen (Mountain), Kun (Earth) Water from the Kan trigram is outside and fire from the Li trigram is inside, which is called 'Not Yet Completed': if the day ruler favors the Li fire, then the water should dry up; if the day ruler favors the Kan water, it is not auspicious. If fire from the Li trigram is outside and water from the Kan trigram is inside, which is called 'Already Completed': if the day ruler favors the Kan water, then the Li fire should descend to meet the water; if the day ruler favors the Li fire, then wood should be used to harmonize the fire and water. When water and fire both appear in the Heavenly Stems, fire is the main element, and the side with stronger water can sustain itself. When Kan and Li both appear in the Earthly Branches, if the day ruler favors Kan water and Kan water is strong, then prosperity follows. The branches Zi, Wu, Mao, and You each represent a single energy, known as 'special energy' places. Their interdependent and supportive relationships should be clearly identified. As for the four generative branches, Yin, Shen, Si, and Hai, and the four storage branches, Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei, they all support and assist the Zi, Wu, Mao, and You branches. The principles governing them can be understood in the same way.

任氏曰：坎陽也，先天位右七之數，故為陽也；離陰也，先天位左三之數，故為陰也。坎為中男，天道下濟，故一陽生於北；離為中女，地道上行，故二陰生於南。離為日體，坎為月體，一潤一暄，水火相濟，男女媾精，萬物化生矣。夫坎離為日月之正體，無消無滅，而宰天地之中氣，是以不可獨成，必要相持為妙也。

Ren Shi said: Kan belongs to Yang, for it occupies the seventh position on the right in the Earlier Heaven arrangement, hence it is Yang; Li belongs to Yin, for it occupies the third position on the left in the Earlier Heaven arrangement, hence it is Yin. Kan represents the Middle Male, and the heavenly way flows downward to nourish things, so one Yang arises in the north; Li represents the Middle Female, and the earthly way ascends, so two Yins arise in the south. Li is the essence of the sun, and Kan is the essence of the moon. One is responsible for moistening, the other for warming, and water and fire mutually regulate each other, just as the Great Treatise of the Zhou Changes says that the union of male and female essence gives rise to all things. Since Kan and Li are the true forms of the sun and moon, which neither diminish nor cease, and they govern the harmonious qi of heaven and earth, they cannot achieve perfection alone; they must support each other to reach the perfect state.

相持之理有五，升、降、和、解、制也。升者，天干離衰，地支坎旺，必得地支有木，則地氣上升；降者，天地干坎衰，地支離旺，必得天干有金，則天氣下降；和者，天干皆火，地支皆水，必須有木運以和之；解者，天干皆水，地支皆火，必須有金運以解之；制者，水火交戰於干支，必須歲運視其強者而制之。此五者，坎離之作用如此，則無獨成之勢，而有相持禮智之性矣。

The principles of mutual support are five: ascending, descending, harmony, resolution, and control.the so-called「ascending」means that when the heavenly stems' fire is weak and the earthly branches' water is strong, there must be wood in the earthly branches, for water generates wood and wood generates fire, allowing the earth's energy to ascend.the so-called「descending」means that when the heavenly stems' water is weak and the earthly branches' fire is strong, there must be metal in the heavenly stems, for metal generates water, allowing the heavenly energy to descend.the so-called「harmony」means that when the heavenly stems are all fire and the earthly branches are all water, there must be a period of wood to mediate and harmonize.the so-called「resolution」means that when the heavenly stems are all water and the earthly branches are all fire, there must be a period of metal to resolve the conflict.the so-called「control」means that when fire and water are in direct conflict in the stems and branches, one must examine which side is stronger through the year and the cycle, and then control the stronger one. These five principles are the function of the interaction between water and fire. By following these, there will be no isolated or isolated elements, but rather mutual support and the qualities of propriety and wisdom.

丙子　己亥　丙寅　戊子 庚子　辛丑　壬寅　癸卯　甲辰　乙巳 丙火生於孟冬，又逢兩子，天干離衰，地支坎旺，用寅木以升之也。至壬寅，東方木地，采芹折桂；卯運出仕，一路運走東南，仕至觀察。

Four Pillars: Bingzi, Jihai, Bingyin, Wuzi; Great Destiny: Gengzi, Xinchou, Rennyin, Guimao, Jiachen, Yisi. The Bing fire was born in the early winter month of Hai, and the earthly branches also encountered two Zi water. This is when the heavenly stem fire was weak and the earthly branch water was strong, so the day branch Yin wood was needed to lift the earth's energy. When the destiny reached Rennyin, which is the eastern wood land, he entered the academy and passed the examination (the term 'caiqin' refers to entering the academy, and 'zhéguì' refers to passing the imperial examination). When the destiny reached Guimao, he began to hold an official position. After that, all the subsequent destiny paths were in the southeast wood and fire lands, and he was promoted to the position of Dao Yuan.

壬午　壬寅　壬戌　庚戌 癸卯　甲辰　乙巳　丙午　丁未　戊申 壬水生於孟春，支全火局，雖年月兩透比肩，皆屬無根。天干坎衰，地支離旺，用庚金以降之也。惜乎運途東南，在外奔馳四十年，一無成就；至五旬外，交戊申，娶妻三，年已六旬矣。連生三子，至戌運而終。

Four pillars: Renwu, Rennyin, Renxu, Gengxu; big years: Guimao, Jiachen, Yisi, Bingwu, Dingwei, Wushen. The壬water is born in the early spring month of寅, and the earth branches寅, 午, and 戌 form a fire trinity. Although both the year and month pillars have the壬water as a helper, they have no root. This is because the heavenly stem water is weak and the earth branch fire is strong, so the庚gold in the hour pillar is needed to reduce the heat. Unfortunately, the person's fortune has been through the southeast wood and fire regions all along, and he has been traveling outside for forty years without achieving anything. At fifty, when he entered the Wushen big year, the metal and water found their proper place, and he married his third wife, but by then he was already sixty. He had three sons one after another. He died in the Xu big year.

丙子　丙申　丙子　丙申 丁酉　戊戌　己亥　庚子　辛丑　壬寅　癸卯　甲辰 此造地支，兩申兩子，水逢生旺，金作水論；天干四丙，地支無根，離衰坎旺，須以木運和之也。惜乎五行不順，五十年西北金水之地，故艱難險阻，刑傷顛沛；五旬外運走壬寅，東方木地，財進業興，及癸卯甲寅，發財數萬。

Four pillars: Bingzi, Bingshen, Bingzi, Bingshen; major years: Dingyou, Wuxu, Jihai, Gengzi, Xinchou, Renyin, Guimao, Jiachen. In this birth chart, the earth branches have two Shens and two Zis. Shen can generate Zi, and Zi is supported by Shen, so the water is strong and flourishing. Even the two Shens are considered as water. The heavenly stems have four Bing fires, but they have no roots in the earth branches. This indicates that the fire is weak and the water is strong. A wood element is needed to harmonize the middle. Unfortunately, the five phases do not flow smoothly. The first fifty years are all in the northwest of metal and water, leading to difficulties, injuries, and wandering. After fifty years, when the major year is Renyin, which is the eastern wood, the source of wealth increases and the family business thrives. Then, in the Guimao and Jiachen major years, wealth is accumulated in the tens of thousands.

癸巳　壬戌　壬午　壬寅 辛酉　庚申　己未　戊午　丁巳　丙辰 壬午日元，生於戌月，支會火局，年支坐巳，天干皆飲，地支皆離，必須金運以解之也。初交辛酉庚申，正得成其既濟，解其財殺之勢，叨化日之光，豐衣足食；一交己未，刑耗異常，戊午財殺並旺，出外遇盜喪身。

Four pillars: Guisi, Renxu, Renwu, Renyin; Great Destiny: Xinyou, Gengshen, Jiwei, Wuwu, Dingsi, Bingchen. The day stem Renwu is born in the month of Xu, the earth branches include寅, 午, 戌 which form a fire trinity, and the year branch is also巳 fire. The heavenly stems are all Kan water, while the earth branches are all Li fire. This requires the metal destiny to be in the middle to resolve the conflict. At the beginning of the Xinyou and Gengshen destinies, metal generates water and water controls fire, which perfectly achieves the "Ji Ji" (water and fire in harmony), resolving the conflict between the wealth star and the seven killers. The person benefits from peace and prosperity, with sufficient food and clothing. When entering the Jiwei destiny, there is unusual damage and loss. In the Wuwu destiny, both wealth and the seven killers become strong, and the person meets bandits while traveling and dies.

壬子　丙午　壬子　丙午 丁未　戊申　己酉　庚戌　辛亥　壬子 此造水火交戰於干支，火當令，水休囚，喜其無土，日和不克。初交丁未，年逢戊午，天剋地沖，財殺兩旺，父母雙亡，流為乞丐；交申運逢際遇，己酉運發財數萬，娶妻生子成家。

Four pillars: Renzi, Bingwu, Renzi, Bingwu; big years: Dingwei, Wushen, Jiyou, Gengxu, Xinhai, Renzi. In this birth chart, water and fire are in direct conflict in both heavenly stems and earthly branches. Bingwu fire is in its season, but Renzi water is weak and confined. Fortunately, there is no earth in the four pillars, so although water and fire are in conflict, the day ruler remains unharmed and is not injured. At the beginning of the Dingwei big year, the flow year also meets Wuwu, which causes a conflict between the heavenly stems and a clash between the earthly branches. Wealth and killing power are both strong, and both parents die, leaving the person to become a beggar. When entering the Shen big year, there is a fortunate encounter. During the Jiyou big year, he becomes wealthy with tens of thousands of taels, marries a wife, has children, and establishes a family.