The chapter on strength and weakness.

論命以日干為主，稱之曰身，身之強弱，關係最為緊要，故首論之。

Astrological analysis is based on the heavenly stem of the day pillar, which is referred to as the 'body' in命学, also known as the day master. The other seven characters in the four pillars, as well as the big years and stream years, are all determined in relation to this 'body' in terms of closeness, favor, and忌. Whether this 'body' is strong or weak is of utmost importance - if the body is strong, it should be restrained; if weak, it should be supported. The first step in selecting the useful god is to distinguish between these two situations. Once the strength or weakness is misjudged, all subsequent favorable and unfavorable factors will be reversed. Therefore, this book places the section on strength and weakness before the six spirits and patterns, and discusses it first.

身強之構成：（一）月令旺相：如甲木日干，生於春冬。（二）多幫扶：如甲木日干，四柱多水多木（四柱，即年月日是四個干支也）。（三）支得氣：如甲木日干，生於亥年寅日卯時（甲生於亥，臨官於寅，帝旺於卯，氣盛為得氣）。

The strength of the day stem comes from three paths. The first is "month ruler is prosperous and strong," meaning the birth month is when the day stem is at its peak or next peak. For example, if the day stem is Jia Wood, being born in spring is considered strong, and being born in winter is considered prosperous and strong, both count as support from the month ruler. The month ruler represents the energy of the whole year, so this path is the most important. The second is "many supports," meaning there are many characters in the four pillars that generate or are the same as the day stem. For example, if the day stem is Jia Wood, and there are many water and wood characters in the four pillars, water generates wood and wood supports wood, which is considered support (note: the four pillars refer to the four groups of heavenly stems and earthly branches: year, month, day, and hour). The third is "branch has strong energy," meaning the earthly branches fall in the strong positions of the twelve cycles of the day stem. For example, if the day stem is Jia Wood, being born in the year of Hai, day of Yin, or hour of Mao (note: Jia Wood is born in Hai, reaches officialdom in Yin, and reaches prosperity in Mao; strong energy is called having the right energy). Among these three, getting one makes the day stem somewhat strong, and getting more than one makes it even stronger. In the original text, the word "is" in "year, month, day are four pillars" should be "hour."

身強之區別：（一）最強：既當令，又多幫扶（當令即月令旺相）。例如：甲寅、丁卯、甲子、甲子。甲木旺於春月，又卯為帝旺故當令四柱，又有四木兩水幫扶之，故成最強。（二）中強：僅多幫扶而失令（失令即月令衰弱）。例如：甲寅、癸酉、乙亥、丙子。乙木死於秋酉月。又為絕地，故失令。然四柱有三水座。木幫扶，故成中強。僅得令而少幫扶。例如：甲寅、丙子、壬寅、丙午。壬水旺於冬，子月又為帝旺，故得令，然四柱全無別位金水幫扶，故亦成中強。

The strength of the day stem is further divided into three levels. The first level is the strongest: it receives the support of the month's stem and is also well assisted. For example, if the day stem is Jia Wood and the four pillars are Jia Yin, Ding Mao, Jia Zi, and Jia Zi, Jia Wood is strong in spring, and the month's branch Mao is the position of prosperity for Jia Wood, which means it is in its season. Additionally, there are four more Wood characters and two Water characters to support it, making it the strongest. The second level is medium strength, which is divided into two situations. The first is when there is support but the month's stem is lost (the month's stem is weak). For example, if the day stem is Yi Wood and the four pillars are Jia Yin, Gui You, Yi Hai, and Bing Zi, Yi Wood dies in the autumn month You, which is also the place where Yi Wood is at its end, so it is considered to have lost its season. However, there are three more Water and Wood characters to support it, so it is considered medium strength. The second situation is when the month's stem is present but there is little support. For example, if the day stem is Ren Water and the four pillars are Jia Yin, Bing Zi, Ren Yin, and Bing Wu, Ren Water is strong in winter, and the month's branch Zi is the position of prosperity for Ren Water, which means it is in its season. However, there are no other Metal or Water characters to support it, so it is also considered medium strength. It is clear that if either the season or the support is missing, the strongest level is reduced to medium strength.

（三）次強：既不當令，又少幫扶，但年日時支得氣。例如：辛亥、丁酉、甲寅、丁卯。甲木死於秋，故失令天干又全無水木幫扶，僅亥年長生寅日臨官，卯時帝旺，酉月受胎，皆得氣，故成為次強耳。

Third class strength: The stem is not in its season, and the four pillars lack support, relying entirely on the year, day, and hour branches falling in positions where the day stem is strong. For example: Xinhai, Dingyou, Jiayin, Dingmao, with the day stem being Jia Wood. Jia Wood dies in autumn, indicating it is out of its season; the heavenly stems are all metal and fire (Xin, Ding, Ding), with no water or wood to support it. It depends solely on the four earthly branches: the亥 year is the long birth of Jia Wood, the寅 day is the official position of Jia Wood, the卯 hour is the prosperity of Jia Wood, and even the酉 month is the fetal position of Jia Wood. All four branches are in the positions of the twelve cycles where there is active energy. Relying on this root energy, it can only be considered as secondary strength. This example best illustrates: even if the heavenly stems do not support, and the earthly branches have roots, it cannot be considered weak; conversely, even if there are many heavenly stems but no roots in the earthly branches, it is not strong either. This is what is called in fortune telling "通根" — when the heavenly stem has a similar energy in the earthly branches, it is considered valid.

身強之喜忌：身強喜抑，抑之構成原因有四：（一）受克：即克我，如甲木見金克。（二）被洩：即我生，如甲木見火洩。（三）被分：即我克，如甲木見土分。（四）氣衰：如甲木見辰巳午未申酉戌（見甲木篇論氣條）。身強忌扶，扶之構成原因有三：（一）受生：即生我，如甲木見水。（二）得授：即同我，如甲木見木。（三）氣盛：如甲木見亥子丑寅卯（見甲木篇論氣條）。

For a strong destiny, the favorable and unfavorable elements can be summarized in one sentence: it favors suppression and dislikes support. The term "suppression" refers to four methods. The first is being overcome, meaning the element that overcomes me comes: for example, Jia wood meets Jin metal, and Jin metal overcomes Jia wood, thus restraining the wood. The second is being drained, meaning the element I generate comes: for example, Jia wood meets Huo fire, and Jia wood generates fire, thus dispersing its energy. The third is being divided, meaning the element I overcome comes: for example, Jia wood meets Tu soil, and Jia wood overcomes Tu soil, thus using up its strength. The fourth is decline, meaning sitting on a declining position in the twelve earthly branches: for example, Jia wood meets Chi, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, or Hai branches (the author notes: see the section on the energy of Jia in the Heavenly Stems section). The term "support" refers to three methods. The first is being nourished, meaning the element that nourishes me comes: for example, Jia wood meets Shui water. The second is receiving assistance, meaning the same element comes: for example, Jia wood meets wood. The third is strength, meaning sitting on a flourishing position in the twelve earthly branches: for example, Jia wood meets Hai, Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao branches (the author notes: also see the section on the energy of Jia wood in the Jia wood section). Since the destiny is already strong, adding these three elements would be excessive, thus they are considered unfavorable.

身弱之構成：（一）月令衰弱：如甲木日干，生於夏秋。（二）多克洩：如甲水日干四柱多金多火。（三）支失氣：如甲木日干，逢巳年午日申時（甲木病巳死午絕申，氣衰，為失氣）。

The composition of a weak day stem is exactly opposite to the three conditions of a strong day stem. The first is "month stem weakness," meaning the day stem is born in a month where it is weak, dying, or extinct. For example, a Jia wood day stem born in summer is considered weak, and born in autumn is considered extinct, thus losing the support of the month stem. The second is "many controls and drains," meaning there are many characters in the four pillars that control or drain the day stem. For example, a Jia wood day stem with many metals and fires in the four pillars, where metal controls wood and fire drains wood, making the day stem naturally weak (the original text mentions "Jia water day stem," which should be "wood"). The third is "branch losing its energy," meaning the branches fall in the weak positions of the twelve cycles of the day stem. For example, a Jia wood day stem encountering the year of Si, the day of Wu, or the hour of Shen (the author notes: Jia wood is sick in Si, dead in Wu, and extinct in Shen; losing energy is called losing its energy). These three conditions correspond to the three conditions of a strong day stem, showing that the judgment of strength and weakness depends on the month stem, support, and root energy, only differing in direction.

身弱之區別：（一）最弱：既失令，又多克洩，例如：戊申、庚申、甲午、庚午。甲木死於秋（最衰）。故失令，四柱又有丙火之洩，四金之克。故成為最弱。（二）中弱：僅多克洩，而當令。例如：丙辰、庚寅、甲午、庚午。甲木日干，四柱雖有三火之洩，兩金一克，然甲木旺於春（最旺），頗當令，故即成為中弱。僅失令而少克洩。例如：甲寅、丙子、丁卯、己巳。丁火雖死於冬（最弱）。而失令，然四柱並不復見水克與土洩，且有四木兩火之幫扶，故亦成為中弱。

The degree of weakness of the day stem is divided into three levels. The first level is the weakest: it is both out of the month's strength and subjected to many controls and drains. For example, in the case of the day stem being Jia Wood with the pillars Wushen, Gengshen, Jiawu, and Gengwu, Jia Wood dies in the autumn season, which is the weakest and out of its season. In the four pillars, there is also Wu Fire to drain it, and four metal characters such as Shen and Geng to control it. The combined effect of control and drainage makes it the weakest (the original text mentions 'Jing Fire' but should be 'Ding Fire', as Wu Fire contains Ding and Ji). The second level is moderate weakness, which is divided into two situations. The first is when there are many controls and drains but the day stem still holds the month's strength. For example, in the case of the day stem being Jia Wood with the pillars Bingchen, Gengyin, Jiawu, and Gengwu, although there are three instances of Fire to drain and two instances of Metal to control, Jia Wood is strong in spring, and Yin Month is its strongest time, so it can still hold the month's strength, making it only moderately weak. The second situation is when the day stem is out of the month's strength but not subjected to many controls and drains. For example, in the case of the day stem being Ding Fire with the pillars Jiayin, Bingzi, Dingmao, and Jisi, Ding Fire dies in the winter season, and Zi Month is out of its season. However, in the four pillars, there is no further Water to control it or Earth to drain it, but instead there are four Wood characters and two Fire characters to support it, so it is also only moderately weak. Therefore, if only one of the two factors, being out of the month's strength or being subjected to controls and drains, is present, the weakest becomes moderate weakness.

（三）次弱：既不失令，又少克洩，但年日時支無氣。例如：辛巳、辛丑、壬寅、癸卯。壬水旺於冬，當令，天干又有兩金一水之幫扶，僅巳年壬絕。寅日壬病，卯時壬死，丑月壬衰。四支失氣，故即成為次弱。身弱之喜忌：身弱喜扶，扶之構成，見前論身強之喜忌。身弱忌抑，抑之構成，見前論身強之喜忌。

Third class weakness: Although the day stem is not lost to the month's influence and is not heavily controlled or drained, it is because the year, day, and hour branches all fall in places where there is no vitality. For example, with day stem Ren water, the branches are Xinsi, Xinchou, Renyin, and Guimao. Ren water is strong in winter and is born in the Chou month, so it can still be considered in season. The heavenly stem has two Xin metal and one Gui water to support it. The deficiency lies in the four branches: the year branch Si is the绝 (绝) place for Ren water, the day branch Yin is the病 (病) place, the hour branch Mao is the死 (死) place, and even the month branch Chou is the衰 (衰) place. All four branches lack vitality, and the day stem has no root to rely on, so it is only considered as secondary weakness. This example contrasts with the previous case of "secondary strength": that one had no support for the stem but had roots in the branches, so it was weak but showed strength; this one has support for the stem but no roots in the branches, so it is strong but shows weakness. For a weak body, the likes and dislikes can be summarized in one sentence: it favors support and dislikes suppression. The components of support are the three categories mentioned in the previous discussion on the likes and dislikes of a strong body: being born from, receiving assistance, and having abundant energy. The components of suppression are also mentioned in the same previous discussion: being controlled, drained, divided, and having weak energy. However, for a strong body, suppression is favorable, while for a weak body, support is favorable, so they are exactly reversed.

五行之理只是生我克我，我生我克。但不設名目，不便推詳，五行陰陽生克之代名詞也。自有此代名詞立，執五行生剋以衡量人命。彌覺如應斯響。蓋比喻適當。莫此六神若也。但五行生剋比和，有傷官、七殺、正官、食神、偏財、正財、梟神、正印、比肩、劫財等名目，共有十類。而神止取六者，何也。蓋比肩劫財，不能成格，而偏正財、偏正印，又稱曰財印，既舍比劫而再合併財印，是以神共有六耳。

The principles of the Five Phases are simply the relationships of generating me, overcoming me, being generated by me, and overcoming me. However, without giving them specific names, it would be inconvenient to discuss them, so the Six Spirits were created—they are merely alternative terms for the Five Phases and yin and yang relationships of generation and overcoming. Since this system of alternative terms was established, using the Five Phases and their relationships to assess a person's destiny has become more accurate and effective, because there is no more fitting metaphor than the Six Spirits. However, according to the order of generation, overcoming, and harmony among the Five Phases, there are ten terms: wounded official, seven killers, official, food god, biased wealth, official wealth, hawk spirit, official seal, like and harmonious, and robbery wealth. These are collectively known as the Ten Spirits. But here only six are selected. There are two reasons for this: first, like and harmonious and robbery wealth cannot form independent patterns, and no pattern is named after like and harmonious or robbery wealth, so they are excluded; second, biased wealth and official wealth are combined as 'wealth', and biased seal and official seal are combined as 'seal', each forming a single category. By excluding like and harmonious and robbery wealth, and combining wealth and seal into single categories, the ten categories are reduced to six, hence the term 'Six Spirits'. This passage serves as an introduction to the entire text, explaining why the following discussion is divided into six sections: wounded official, seven killers, official, food god, seal, and wealth.

傷官之構成：我所生，而與我異性者，是也。例如：甲木日干，見丁火，木能生火，丁火為甲木所生。而甲為陽性，丁為陰性，陰陽相異，故丁即甲之傷官。按甲見丁見午，乙見丙見巳，丙見己見丑未，丁見戊，見辰戊，戊見辛見酉，已見庚見申，庚見癸見子，辛見壬見亥，壬見乙見卯，癸見甲見寅，皆為傷官。

How is a "Wanguan" (伤官) formed? Any element that is born from me but has opposite yin and yang is considered my Wanguan. For example, if the day stem is Jia Wood, and I see Ding Fire, Wood can generate Fire, so Ding Fire is born from Jia Wood; Jia is yang and Ding is yin, so their yin and yang are opposite, making Ding the Wanguan of Jia. The author lists the corresponding elements for each of the ten heavenly stems: Jia day stem sees Ding and Wu; Yi day stem sees Bing and Si; Bing day stem sees Ji and Chou or Wei; Ding day stem sees Wu and Chen or Xu; Wu day stem sees Xin and You; Ji day stem sees Geng and Shen; Geng day stem sees Gui and Zi; Xin day stem sees Ren and Hai; Ren day stem sees Yi and Mao; and Gui day stem sees Jia and Yin. The heavenly stems and earthly branches are mentioned together because the earthly branches also contain their own inherent elements of the Five Phases, and their yin and yang pairing is the same as the heavenly stems. The original text says "Ding sees Wu, sees Chen Wu," where the second "Wu" should be "Xu," and "Yi sees Geng" where "Yi" should be "Ji."

傷官淺解：甲木見丁火傷官。丁火者，甲木所生，乃父子一家之人。丁仗甲勢，以發越甲木之秀氣，故人多聰明幹練。然而獨以傷官名者，何也？蓋甲木以辛金為正官。正官者，如一縣之有邑宰。人民居其治下，方喜得有規範，不敢肆意妄為，為非作惡。而丁火見辛金正官，乃仗勢以克傷之，故曰傷官。如人不服官管，必欲盡解除其一身之束縛，見官星而必欲克傷這。故傷官格大都好傲好潛，然亦必其人本能自治而大有才者。力克勝任，否則人無拘否，盡蔑法越規，諮意妄為，無惡不作矣。信如是，使一理復居治下，則嚴刑峻法。亦安得不身先受之耶。故傷官者，必有大過人之才遇，而亦復有大慘酷之奇禍也。

Taking the example of Jia wood meeting Ding fire, let's briefly explain the nature of the official who causes harm. Ding fire is born from Jia wood, and the two are like father and son in the same family. Ding relies on the strength of Jia to bring out its refined qualities, so people with the official who causes harm in their fate are usually intelligent and capable. Since they are family, why is this official called 'official who causes harm' which sounds so negative? Because Jia wood's proper official is Xin metal. The proper official is like a county magistrate in a county: the people like to have rules to follow, so they don't act recklessly or commit crimes. But when Ding fire meets Xin metal, the proper official, it uses the strength of Jia wood to attack and harm it, hence the term 'official who causes harm'. This is like a person who refuses to be controlled by the government, and wants to remove all restraints. As soon as he sees the official star, he must attack and harm it. Therefore, people with the 'official who causes harm' pattern are usually proud and like to be different. However, only those who can restrain themselves and truly have great talent can bear such a nature. Otherwise, if a person has no restraints, despises laws and regulations, and acts recklessly, he can do any evil. When he finally falls under the government's control, severe punishment is sure to be applied to him first. Therefore, the official who causes harm must bring great talent and good fortune, but also hides extremely cruel misfortunes. The original text has some possible errors in printing: '克伤这' should be '克伤之', '好傲好潜' should be '好傲好诞', '人无拘否' should be '人无拘束', '使一理复居治下' should be '使一旦复居治下', and '才遇' should be '才调'. These errors are noted but not corrected here.

傷官之能力：洩身，生財，敵殺，損官。天下事，有利必有弊。利弊之區別，即在當與不當耳。六神既有能力，匹配上既有當與不當，則必有利弊。既有利弊，又有喜忌，緣各述利弊喜忌如後。

The spirit of Wuxian has four functions: first, to release the energy of the day stem, meaning to reduce the strength of the day stem; second, to generate wealth, because what Wuxian produces is precisely wealth; third, to oppose the seven deadly stars, as it can resist the seven deadly stars; fourth, to weaken the official star, as it can overcome the official star. The following discussions all revolve around these four aspects. The author then establishes a general principle for the entire text: in the world, there is always benefit and harm, and the difference between benefit and harm lies only in whether it is appropriate or not. Using it appropriately is beneficial, while using it inappropriately is harmful. Since the six spirits each have their own functions, and when they are matched to specific birth years and months, they may be appropriate or inappropriate, there must be both benefits and drawbacks. Once there are benefits and drawbacks, there will also be what is favored and what is to be avoided. Therefore, the following discussion of each spirit is divided into four aspects: benefit, drawback, what is favored, and what is to be avoided. This structure runs throughout the entire section on the six spirits. If readers understand this structure, they will be able to follow the subsequent sections in an orderly manner.

傷官之利：洩身：日干強，財官無氣，即以強為患，遂愛傷官。傷官能發越日干之強氣，使盡行外露也。例如：癸丑、乙卯、乙亥、丙子。乙木春生，又多水木之生扶，自喜時上內火傷官之洩身，吐秀，否則直一頑木耳。生財：身強財弱，尤愛傷官。傷官能流通日干之氣。生起財來。俾為己用，例如：戊寅、甲寅、乙亥、丙子。旺木成林，戊土之財，受克太深，幸喜丙火傷官洩木生土，流通日干之旺氣而又救護財星之不足，厥功偉矣。

First, the four benefits of having a strong official (shānguān). The first two are to relieve the day stem and to generate wealth. First, relieving the day stem: if the day stem is strong, and both wealth and official are weak, then the excessive strength is considered a problem, and at this time, the presence of shānguān is most favorable. Shānguān can release the excessive energy of the day stem, allowing it to fully express itself externally. For example: in the case of Guichou, Yimao, Yihai, and Bingzi, with the day stem being Yimao. Yimao is born in the卯month of spring, and is supported by癸water,亥water, 子water, and卯wood, making it excessively strong. Fortunately, there is a丙fire shānguān on the hour stem to relieve the day stem and bring out its brilliance. Otherwise, it would just be a dull piece of wood. The original text mistakenly refers to 'inner fire' as 丙fire. Second, generating wealth: when the day stem is strong and wealth is weak, especially when shānguān is preferred. Shānguān can circulate the energy of the day stem, transforming it into wealth, which can be used. For example: in the case of Wuyin, Jiayin, Yihai, and Bingzi, with the day stem being Yimao. Strong wood forms a forest, and the year stem Wutǔ (earth) as wealth is heavily suppressed. Fortunately, there is a丙fire shānguān on the hour stem, which both relieves the wood and generates earth. It not only circulates the excessive energy of the day stem but also protects the weak wealth star, which is of great benefit. Both examples illustrate that the benefit of shānguān comes from the day stem being too strong and needing an outlet.

敵殺：殺重身輕，舉動盡為牽制，亦愛傷官。傷官能敵殺存身，使一身得以自由。例如：戊子、辛西、乙酉、丙子。秋本凋零，最畏辛金七殺之克伐。幸有丙火傷官制敵殺，稍解日元之危。損官：官重身輕，舉動盡為束縛。亦愛傷官，傷官能損官存身，使一身得以舒適。例如：庚申、甲申、乙卯、丙戌。初秋乙木，疊見陽金之克，最即官重身輕。丙火傷官，可以制金抑官。雖無扶弱之能，卻有鋤強之功，亦足取焉。

Now let us discuss the benefits of the last two factors, which are enemy killing and damage to official. Third, enemy killing: when the seven killer is too strong and the day stem is too weak, every action is restricted by it. In such a case, the person also favors the official injury. The official injury can oppose the seven killer to protect the day stem, allowing the self to gain freedom. For example: Wuzi, Xinyou, Yimao, Bingzi, with the day stem being Yi wood. In autumn, wood is already withered, and it is most afraid of the seven killer, which is Xin metal. Fortunately, there is Bing fire official injury in the hour position, which can resist the seven killer and slightly relieve the danger to the day stem (the original text 'Xin Xi' should be Xinyou, and the 'ben' in 'ben tao ling' should be wood). Fourth, damage to official: when the official is too strong and the day stem is too weak, every action is restricted by it. In such a case, the person also favors the official injury. The official injury can weaken the official to protect the day stem, allowing the self to gain freedom. For example: Gengshen, Jiashen, Yimao, Bingxu, with the day stem being Yi wood. In early autumn, the Yi wood is continuously confronted by Yang metal such as Geng and Shen, which is a case of heavy official and weak body. The Bing fire official injury in the hour position can control metal and weaken the official. Although it does not have the ability to support the weak day stem, it has the ability to eliminate the strong enemy, so it is also sufficient to be used. Here we should pay attention: both enemy killing and damage to official are helping the day stem to escape danger, and they take the approach of 'eliminating the strong' rather than 'supporting the weak', and their purposes are different.

傷官之弊：洩身：日干弱，遂怕傷官。一身自顧不暇，何堪再見傷官耗盜。例如：辛丑、丁酉、乙卯、丙戊。乙木日元，見金之克伐，火之耗盜，土之磨折，又當仲秋死令，衰弱可知，然則丙火傷官之洩身，自亦忌神耳。生財：財太旺，尤怕傷官。身且不能任財，何堪再見傷官生財。例如：丙申、戊戌、乙旺、乙卯。土重木折，財旺身輕。丙火傷官之生才正如虎添翼，助桀為虐，可畏哉，可畏哉。

The opposite of benefit is harm. Similarly, we first discuss the concepts of泄身 (dispersing the self) and生财 (generating wealth). First,泄身: if the day stem is weak, it fears the official star (伤官). The self is already struggling to sustain itself, how can it withstand the further drain of the official star? For example, in the combination ofXinchou, Dingyou, Yimao, Bingxu, the day stem is Yi Wood. The Yi Wood is already being attacked by 辛 and 酉 gold, and also drained by 丁 and 丙 fire. Moreover, the 丑 and 戌 earth further weaken it. The birth month is the middle autumn (酉月), which is the dead position for Yi Wood, making its weakness evident. Therefore, the Bing Fire official star, which disperses the self, naturally becomes aHostile God (hostile god) (the original text mistakenly writes 「丙戊」 instead of 丙戌). Second,生财: if wealth is already too strong, it especially fears the official star. The day stem cannot even support the existing wealth, how can it bear the additional generation of wealth by the official star? For example, in the combination ofBingshen, Wuxu, 乙某, Yimao, the day stem is Yi Wood. The earth is heavy and the wood is broken, indicating strong wealth and weak self. The Bing Fire official star further generates wealth, like helping a tiger to add wings or aiding the wicked, which is truly alarming (the original text mistakenly writes 「乙旺」 instead of a specific heavenly stem and earthly branch, suggesting an error; the term 「才」 in 「生才」 should be 「财」 for wealth). The same Bing Fire official star is a life-saving remedy in the previous example, but a death-dealing poison in this one, differing only in the strength of the day stem.

敵殺：身強殺淺，即怕傷官。身方假殺為權，何堪再見傷官敵去。例如：丙寅、辛卯、乙亥、癸未。春木方旺，地支成木局。月上辛金七殺，斧斤以時入山林。材木不可勝用。乃又為丙火傷官所敵，減色非輕。損官：身重官輕，亦怕傷官。身方以官為尊，何堪再見傷官損害。例如：甲寅、丙寅、乙卯、庚辰。八字中木居其五。林林總總，全恃時上庚金正官，伐木成材，不幸火傷官克庚，與上例同一貽憾。

Now let us discuss the drawbacks of the enemy killing and damaging official positions. Third, enemy killing: when the day stem is strong and the seven killing is weak, it is dangerous for the official to be harmed. The day stem relies on this seven killing to establish authority, and it cannot withstand the harm caused by the official. For example: Bingyin, Xinmao, Yihai, Guiwei, with the day stem being Yimao. In spring, wood is vigorous, and the triple earth branches Hai-Mao-Wei form a wood trinity, making the wood extremely strong. The monthly stem Xin metal is the seven killing, just as the Book of Mencius says, 'Cutting trees at the right time, the timber will be inexhaustible,' which is a good tool for shaping the wood into useful material. However, the yearly stem Bing fire official interferes, thus greatly reducing the overall quality. Fourth, damaging the official: when the day stem is strong and the official is weak, it is also dangerous for the official to be harmed. The day stem relies on this official as a precious thing, and it cannot withstand the harm caused by the official. For example: Jiayin, Bingyin, Yimao, Gengchen, with the day stem being Yimao. In the八字, there are five instances of wood, densely packed, and the whole chart relies on the official Geng metal at the hour to cut the wood into useful material. Unfortunately, the monthly stem Bing fire official harms the Geng metal, which is similarly regrettable. When these two cases are considered together, it is clear that the seven killing and the official, although they are things that control the body, become valuable tools when the body is strong. At this time, the official harming them is a bad thing.

傷官所喜：生身：日干強，受傷官，既見傷。喜見財以流通之。日干弱。怕傷官。既見傷，喜印綬以制伏之。生財：身強則弱，愛傷官，既見傷，喜財多以生發之。身弱財多，所傷官，既見傷，喜印綬以制之。敵殺：殺重身輕，愛傷官，既見傷，喜比劫食傷以生助之。身強殺淺，怕傷官，即見傷，喜見財以和解之。損官：官重身輕，愛傷官，既見傷，喜比劫食神。以生助之。身強官弱，怕傷官，既見傷，喜見財以和解之。

In the context of an八字 with the presence of a wounded official (shāng guān), the next question is: what else is desirable to complement it? This is explained in four categories. Considering the aspect of relieving the day stem: if the day stem is strong and prefers the wounded official, having already seen the wounded official, it is favorable to see the wealth star, allowing the energy of the wounded official to flow smoothly; if the day stem is weak and fears the wounded official, having already seen the wounded official, it is favorable to see the official star (yìn shòu) to control it—since the official star can suppress the wounded official and also nourish the day stem, achieving two benefits at once (the original text's heading 'shēng shēn' should be 'xiè shēn'). Considering the aspect of generating wealth: if the day stem is strong and the wealth is weak while preferring the wounded official, it is favorable to have more wealth to support and develop the wounded official; if the day stem is weak and the wealth is abundant while fearing the wounded official, it is favorable to see the official star to control the wounded official (the original text's 'shēn qiáng zé ruò' should be 'shēn qiáng cái ruò', and 'suǒ shāng guān' should be 'pà shāng guān'). Considering the aspect of enemy and killing: if the killing force is strong and the day stem is weak while preferring the wounded official, it is favorable to see the same kind (bi jie) and wealth to support the wounded official, making it capable of resisting the killing force; if the day stem is strong and the killing force is weak while fearing the wounded official, it is favorable to see the wealth star to mediate—since the wealth star can relieve the energy of the wounded official and also nourish the killing force, taking care of both sides. Considering the aspect of damaging the official: if the official is strong and the day stem is weak while preferring the wounded official, it is favorable to see the same kind (bi jie) and the wounded official to support it; if the day stem is strong and the official is weak while fearing the wounded official, it is also favorable to see the wealth star to mediate, since the wealth star can relieve the energy of the wounded official and also nourish the official, achieving both benefits. It is evident that 'wealth' is the most effective in the wounded official pattern, which is the key point of the entire passage.

傷官所忌：洩身：日干強，愛傷官。既見傷，忌見印以克去之。日干弱，怕傷官，既見傷習再生財，轉輾洩弱。生財：身強財弱克傷官，既見傷，忌見印以克去之。身弱財多，怕傷官。既見傷，忌再生財。轉輾洩弱。敵殺：殺重身輕，愛傷官，既見傷，忌財旺生殺。身強殺淺，怕傷官，既見傷，忌比劫食傷以生助之。損官：官多身弱，愛傷官，既見傷，忌財旺生官。身重官輕，怕傷官，既見傷，忌比劫食傷以生助之。

In reverse, the things to avoid are also based on these four factors. Considering the concept of泄身 (relieving the day stem): if the day stem is strong and prefers the official (伤官), and the official is already present, then the presence of the minister (印绶) should be avoided, as it would block the only way out for the day stem. If the day stem is weak and fears the official, then the presence of wealth (财) should be avoided, as the official drains the day stem and wealth drains the official, leading to further weakening of the day stem. Considering the concept of生财 (generating wealth): if the day stem is strong and the wealth is weak, and the official is preferred, then the presence of the minister should be avoided, as it would suppress the official. If the day stem is weak and wealth is abundant, and the official is feared, then the presence of wealth should be avoided, as it would further drain the official. Considering the concept of敌杀 (opposing the seven killer): if the seven killer is strong and the day stem is weak, and the official is preferred, then the presence of wealth should be avoided, as it would strengthen the seven killer. If the day stem is strong and the seven killer is weak, and the official is feared, then the presence of similar elements (比劫食伤) should be avoided, as they would strengthen the official, allowing it to completely eliminate the seven killer. Considering the concept of损官 (weakening the official): if there is an abundance of official and the day stem is weak, and the official is preferred, then the presence of wealth should be avoided, as it would strengthen the official. If the day stem is strong and the official is weak, and the official is feared, then the presence of similar elements should be avoided, as they would further strengthen the official. In summary, the principle of the official is neither inherently good nor bad; it all depends on the strength of the day stem and the weight of the official and wealth. When properly matched, it becomes a divine force for success; when improperly matched, it becomes a thief that harms the body and breaks the pattern.

七殺之構成：克我而與我同性者是也。例如：甲木日干，見庚金。金能克木，甲木為庚金所克。而甲為陽性，庚亦為陽性。陰陽同類，故庚即甲之七殺。按甲見庚見申，乙見辛見酉，丙見壬見亥，丁見癸見子，戊見甲見寅，己見乙見卯，庚見丙見巳，辛見壬見午，壬見戊見辰戌，癸見己見丑未，皆為七殺。

How is seven killing (seven杀) formed? Any element that controls me and shares the same yin and yang is considered seven killing. For example, when Jia wood is seen on the day stem, Geng metal appears, which controls wood; Jia wood is yang, and Geng metal is also yang, so they share the same yin and yang, making Geng the seven killing of Jia wood. The author lists the corresponding elements for each of the ten stems: Jia day stem sees Geng and Shen; Yi day stem sees Xin and You; Bing day stem sees Ren and Hai; Ding day stem sees Gui and Zi; Wu day stem sees Jia and Yin; Ji day stem sees Yi and Mao; Geng day stem sees Bing and Si; Xin day stem sees Ding and Wu; Ren day stem sees Wu and Chen, Xu; Gui day stem sees Ji and Chou, Wei. These are all seven killing. The key point is the phrase "same yin and yang controlling" (同性相克). Same yin and yang controlling is无情, so its controlling effect is the strongest, which is different from the opposite yin and yang controlling of the official (正官) (the original text mistakenly writes "Ren" instead of "Ding" for Xin day stem; the seven killing for Xin day stem is Ding fire).

七殺淺解：七殺者，又名偏官。二陽相剋，二陰相剋，猶二男不同處，二女不同居，不成配偶故謂之偏官。又以其隔七位，而相戰克，故曰七殺。七殺者慘覆無恩，專以攻身為尚。譬小人多兇暴，無忌憚。若無禮法制裁之，不懲不戒，必傷其主。故有制，謂之偏官。無制，謂之七殺。必須制合生化，無太過不及，是借小人勢力，衛護君了，以成威權，造就大富大貴之命者。設使生化不及，日主衰弱，七殺重逢，其禍不勝俱述。若七殺祇一，制伏重重，倘運再行制伏，則盡法無民。雖猛如虎，亦無所施其技矣。

Seven Killers, also called a biased official, is called 'biased' because when two yang stems clash or two yin stems clash, it is like two men unable to coexist in the same room or two women unable to form a marriage, thus failing to form a harmonious pair. Therefore, it is called 'biased official'. Also, since it is the seventh stem counted from the day stem, and it is in conflict with the day stem, it is called 'Seven Killers' (for example, when counting from Jia, the seventh is Geng). The Seven Killer is a cruel and merciless force, always attacking the person, like a petty person who is fierce and unrestrained. If there is no ritual or law to restrain it, and it is not punished, it will certainly harm the owner. Therefore, if the Seven Killer is restrained, it is called a biased official; if it is not restrained, it is called the Seven Killer. Although the names are different, they are actually the same thing, differing only in whether they are restrained. It is necessary to use the four methods of restraint, harmony, generation, and transformation appropriately, neither excessive nor insufficient. This is like using the power of the petty person to protect the gentleman, which can actually achieve great authority and create great wealth and honor. If the transformation and generation are insufficient, and the day stem is weak, with many Seven Killers, the harm is endless. Conversely, if there is only one Seven Killer but many restraining factors, and the fortune again encounters restraining factors, it is like the law being applied too much, leading to no people left to govern. Even though the Seven Killer is as fierce as a tiger, it cannot show its power. Therefore, the Seven Killer is most disliked in extremes: without restraint, it harms the person; if restrained too much, it becomes useless (the original text has '了' in '卫护君了' as '子', and '俱' in '不胜俱述' as '具', and '祇一' means 'only one').

七殺之能力：耗財，生印，攻身，制劫。七殺之利：耗財：身弱印輕財重，遂愛七殺，以殺能耗財，並能助印也。例如：丁卯、甲辰、辛卯、戊子。辛金囚於春，群木旺於春，一望而知其為財重身輕。戊雖生辛乃被克於甲，則唯丁火七殺，耗甲木之旺財，生戊土之衰印獨建其功矣。生印：身印並衰，最愛七殺，殺能生印，使印再生身也。例如：戊寅、甲寅、辛卯、丁酉。春日之金無力。雖有酉金戊土幫扶，乃戊為甲克，卯為酉沖而又旺木成林，以財多身弱為患，所幸丁火七殺洩甲木之旺財，生戊土之衰印，使印再生身。極盡補偏救弊之妙矣。

The seven killing stars have four functions: to consume wealth, to generate wisdom, to attack the self, and to control competition. First, let's talk about the benefits, the first two being the consumption of wealth and the generation of wisdom. First, consumption of wealth: when the day stem is weak and the wisdom star is light, but the wealth star is strong, the person tends to favor the seven killing stars, because the seven killing stars can consume the strength of the wealth star and also help generate the wisdom star. For example: in the case of Dingmao, Jiachen, Xinmao, and Wuzi, with the day stem being Xin metal. Xin metal is in a state of being restrained in spring, while the entire chart is full of strong wood, which is clearly a case of heavy wealth and weak self. The heavenly stem at the hour position, Wu earth, could normally generate Xin metal, but is unable to do so because it is restrained by the heavenly stem at the month position, Ji wood. At this point, the heavenly stem at the year position, Ding fire, which is the seven killing star, can both consume the strong wealth represented by Ji wood and also generate the weak wisdom represented by Wu earth, achieving remarkable results. Second, generation of wisdom: when both the day stem and the wisdom star are weak, the person tends to favor the seven killing stars, because the seven killing stars can generate the wisdom star, which in turn can generate the self. For example: in the case of Wuyin, Jiayin, Xinmao, and Dingyou, with the day stem being Xin metal. Metal is naturally weak in spring, although there is some support from the hour branch You metal and the year stem Wu earth, but Wu earth is restrained by Ji wood, and You metal is in conflict with the month branch Yin, while the strong wood forms a dense forest, making the entire chart suffer from excessive wealth and weak self. Fortunately, the heavenly stem at the hour position, Ding fire, which is the seven killing star, can both dissipate the strong wealth represented by Ji wood and also generate the weak wisdom represented by Wu earth, allowing the wisdom star to then generate the self. This is a perfect example of the subtle and effective use of the seven killing star to correct the imbalance. The key point in these two examples is the concept of 'indirect assistance': the seven killing star does not directly help the self, but instead goes through the process of consuming wealth and generating wisdom, indirectly benefiting the self.

攻身：目干旺甚，過旺則身無所依，即愛七殺。七殺雖攻身，身力能任，可以假作權威也。例如：辛酉、丁酉、辛酉、甲午。秋月辛金，再見三酉一辛，強旺達於極點，妙有丁火七殺。鍊金而成器，攻身以作威，從此為有價值之命局矣。制劫：身強財弱，復見劫財，克財之極，亦愛七殺。七殺能制伏劫財，使不敗也。例如：丁酉、庚戌、辛酉、甲午。一重甲木正財，為當令之庚金劫財，掠奪殆盡，幸有丁火七殺制劫財，論其功用，制劫為第一，救財為第二，換之制劫即所以救財也。

Now let us discuss the benefits of the last two points, which are attacking the self and controlling the劫财. Third, attacking the self: when the day stem is too strong, it becomes excessive and has no support, and at this time, it actually prefers the seven killer. Although the seven killer is an element that attacks the self, if the day stem is strong enough to bear it, it can be used to establish authority. For example, in the case of Xinyou, Dingyou, Xinyou, Jiawu, the day stem is Xinhé. In autumn, Xinhé is strong, and with three You and one Xinhé, it is extremely strong. Fortunately, the month stem has Ding fire as the seven killer, which refines the metal into a useful object. This element both attacks the self and establishes authority, making the person's destiny valuable. Fourth, controlling the劫财: when the day stem is strong and the wealth star is weak, and there is also劫财, the wealth is almost completely taken away. At this time, it also prefers the seven killer. The seven killer can control the劫财, preventing the wealth from being taken away. For example, in the case of Dingyou, Gengxu, Xinyou, Jiawu, the day stem is Xinhé. The hour stem has only one Methane wood as the official wealth, but it is completely taken by the Geng metal劫财 which is in command. Fortunately, the year stem has Ding fire as the seven killer, which controls the劫财. In terms of its function, controlling the劫财 is the first level, and saving the wealth is the second level; in other words, controlling the劫财 is the means of saving the wealth. Here, the term '劫财' refers to elements of the same type as the day stem but of opposite polarity, which are most capable of taking away wealth, and cannot be controlled without the seven killer.

七殺之弊：耗財：日強印重財輕，即怕七殺，殺既耗財，又助印也。例如：丁丑、庚戌、辛丑、乙未。辛見重土，幸有月上庚金這協助，未遭埋沒，而稱身印兩強。乙木偏財，以丁火七殺之耗。致未遂疏土之功，八字仍屬偏枯。則七殺耗財之咎，在所難辭焉。生印：日弱印強，尤怕七殺，印多則身寡，而成母多子病。堪再見七殺，生印克身。例如：戊戌、己未、辛未、丁酉。土旺而多，有如山崩。日元之辛，母旺子虛，為埋金無疑矣。丁火七殺，生土印以助虐，克弱日而欺主，其滋蔓禍患，為何如哉。

The same four abilities, when placed incorrectly, become faults. First, the consumption of wealth: when the day stem is strong and the nourishing element is heavy, but the wealth star is weak, then the seven killers are feared, because the seven killers not only consume the little wealth, but also strengthen the already excessive nourishing element. For example: Dingchou, Gengxu, Xinchou, Yiwei, with the day stem being Xinhé. Xinhé is surrounded by thick earth, but is saved from being buried by the monthly stem Genghé. It can be said that both the body and the nourishing element are strong. The daily stem is weak, and the nourishing element is strong, especially fearing the seven killers. When the nourishing element is excessive, the day stem becomes even weaker, forming the situation of "too many mothers, the child is sick." How can it withstand the seven killers coming again to nourish the nourishing element and weaken the body? For example: Wuxu, Jiwei, Xinwei, Dingyou, with the day stem being Xinhé. The earth is strong and excessive, like a mountain collapsing on top; the day stem Xinhé is weak, and the nourishing element is strong, already showing the sign of buried gold. The daily stem Ding fire seven killer, on one hand generates earth nourishing element to strengthen its oppression, on one hand weakens the day stem to oppress the owner, the disasters it causes are unimaginable.

攻身：日干衰弱，即怕七殺，日弱既主萎靡，何堪再見七殺之攻。例如：丁卯、乙巳、辛卯、乙未。辛生已月，已患失令。群木旺火，爭相摧殘。又少幫扶之字，其弱可知，或以丁火七殺攻身之弊，與眾財挫主之患，較量輕重，則正如五十步與百步耳。制劫：日弱賴劫，亦怕七殺。身方恃劫維持，何堪再見七殺制去。例如：甲辰、丁卯、辛未、庚庚。以失令之辛金敵得時之眾木，豈其可乎，庚金劫財，能幫辛金，亦能克木。正喜不乏撥助，距料丁火七殺，制住庚金。總臂扼喉，抱憾甚矣。

Third, attacking the self: if the day stem is already weak, it is afraid of the seven deadly enemies. Once the day stem is weak, it becomes listless and unable to withstand the attack of the seven deadly enemies. For example: in the case of Dingmao, Yisi, Xinmao, Yiwei, with the day stem being Xin metal. Xin metal is born in the巳 month and has already lost its strength; the full set of wood and strong fire are competing to weaken it, and there are very few supporting characters in the four pillars, so its weakness is evident. If we compare the harm caused by the seven deadly enemies attacking the day stem and the harm caused by many wealth stars weakening the day stem, it is merely a difference between fifty paces and a hundred paces, both being harmful (the original text has '已月' and '已患' where '已' is actually '巳'). Fourth, controlling the combatants: when the day stem is weak and relies on combatants for support, it also fears the seven deadly enemies. If the day stem depends on combatants to sustain itself, how can it withstand the seven deadly enemies controlling the combatants? For example: Jiachen, Dingmao, Xinwei, Geng (some), with the day stem being Xin metal. Using a Xin metal that has lost its strength to resist the strong wood in the full set, how can it hold on? The hour stem Geng metal combatant can both help the Xin metal and control the wood, which is exactly what is desired; unfortunately, the month stem Ding fire seven deadly enemy controls the Geng metal, which is like choking the throat and pressing the arm, truly regrettable (the original text mentions the hour pillar as '庚庚', not one of the sixty jiazi, suggesting an error; '距料' should be '讵料'). These two examples contrast with the previous section 'Controlling the combatants as a benefit' examples: both are cases of the seven deadly enemies controlling the combatants, but when the body is strong, it benefits the wealth; when the body is weak, it removes the support, so the benefit and harm are completely reversed.

七殺所喜：耗財：身弱印輕財重，愛七殺，既見殺，喜印比之幫身。身強印重財輕，怕七殺，既見殺，喜傷食以制煞生財。生印：身印並衰，愛七殺，既見殺，喜殺重生印。日弱印強性七殺，既見殺，喜食財以兩制之。攻身：日干強，愛七殺，既見殺，喜財旺以生之。日干弱，怕七殺，既見殺，喜印旺以解之。制劫：身強有劫，愛七殺，既見殺，喜財旺以生之。身弱賴劫，怕七殺，既見殺，喜食傷以制之。

In the four pillars, if seven杀 is already present, what is further desired? Still following the four categories. Considering the consumption of wealth: if the day stem is weak, the印 is light, and the wealth is heavy, and one loves seven杀, then it is desirable to have印 and similar elements to support the day stem, so that the day stem can bear the burden. If the day stem is strong, the印 is heavy, and the wealth is light, and one fears seven杀, then it is desirable to have food and official stars to control seven杀, while also generating wealth, achieving two purposes at once. Considering the generation of印: if both the day stem and印 are weak and one loves seven杀, then it is desirable to have more seven杀 to generate印. If the day stem is weak and印 is strong, and one fears seven杀, then it is desirable to have food and official stars and wealth to control seven杀 together—food and official stars control seven杀, while wealth destroys印, controlling both ends (the original text's "日弱印强性七杀" should be interpreted as fearing seven杀). Considering the attack on the day stem: if the day stem is strong and one loves seven杀, then it is desirable to have wealth strong to generate seven杀, making this authority even stronger. If the day stem is weak and one fears seven杀, then it is desirable to have印 strong to neutralize it—印 can release the energy of seven杀 and generate the day stem, which is a method of turning an enemy into a friend. Considering the control of劫: if the day stem is strong and there are劫, and one loves seven杀, then it is desirable to have wealth strong to generate seven杀. If the day stem is weak and relies on劫, and one fears seven杀, then it is desirable to have food and official stars to control seven杀, preserving that劫 wealth. It can be seen that dealing with seven杀 is essentially about two approaches: controlling it with food and official stars, or neutralizing it with印. Which approach to use depends on the strength of the day stem.

七殺所忌：耗財：身弱印輕財重，愛七殺，既見殺，忌傷食生財制殺。強印重財輕，怕七殺，既見殺，忌殺再加強。生印：身印並衰愛七殺，既見殺，忌食傷制去。日弱印強怕七殺，既見殺忌殺再加強。攻身：日干強，愛七殺，既見殺，忌食傷再制去。日干弱，怕七殺，既見殺忌財復生之。制劫：日強有劫，愛七殺，既見殺，忌食傷再制去。日弱賴劫怕七殺，既見殺，忌財旺再生之。

In reverse, the things to avoid are as follows. Regarding the consumption of wealth: if the day stem is weak, the nourishing power is light, and the wealth is heavy, and one favors the seven杀, then the food god and the injurious star should be avoided, as they generate wealth and control the seven杀—this is like increasing the weight of wealth while removing the only defender. If the day stem is strong, the nourishing power is heavy, and the wealth is light, and one fears the seven杀, then the seven杀 should be avoided as it is strengthened. Regarding the generation of nourishing power: if both the day stem and the nourishing power are weak and one favors the seven杀, then the food god and injurious star should be avoided, as the seven杀 is the source of generating the nourishing power; if the day stem is weak and the nourishing power is strong, and one fears the seven杀, then the seven杀 should be avoided as it is strengthened. Regarding attacking the day stem: if the day stem is strong and one favors the seven杀, then the food god and injurious star should be avoided, as the authority is lost, and the fate has no support; if the day stem is weak and one fears the seven杀, then the wealth star should be avoided as it generates the seven杀, which is like providing resources to the enemy. Regarding controlling the rival: if the day stem is strong and there is a rival, and one favors the seven杀, then the food god and injurious star should be avoided as they control the seven杀; if the day stem is weak and one relies on the rival and fears the seven杀, then the wealth star should be avoided as it strengthens the seven杀. In summary, the seven杀 is the most凶 and most valuable among all six spirits. If used properly, it becomes authority; if misused, it becomes a curse. The key lies in whether the day stem can bear it and whether it can be controlled and transformed.

正官之構成：克我而與我異性者，是也。例如：甲木日干，見辛金，金能克木，甲木為辛金所克，而甲為陽性，辛為陰性，陰陽相異故辛即甲之正官。按甲見辛見酉，乙見庚見申，丙見癸見子，丁見壬見亥，戊見乙見印，已見甲見寅，庚見丁見午，辛見丙見己，壬見己見丑未，癸見戊見辰戌。皆為正官。

How is the official (正官) formed? Any element that controls me and has opposite yin and yang is considered the official. For example, if the day stem is Jia Wood (甲木), then Xin Metal (辛金) is the official. Metal controls Wood, and Jia is yang while Xin is yin, so their yin and yang are opposite, making Xin the official of Jia. The author lists the corresponding elements for each of the ten stems: Jia day stem sees Xin and You; Yi day stem sees Geng and Shen; Bing day stem sees Gui and Zi; Ding day stem sees Ren and Hai; Wu day stem sees Yi and Mao; Ji day stem sees Jia and Yin; Geng day stem sees Ding and Wu; Xin day stem sees Bing and Si; Ren day stem sees Ji and Chou or Wei; Gui day stem sees Wu and Chen or Xu. These are all the officials. Comparing this with the seven deadly (七杀), both are elements that control me. However, same yin and yang elements controlling me are called seven deadly, while opposite yin and yang elements controlling me are called official. Opposite yin and yang elements are like a husband and wife, so the control is harmonious and restrained, not harmful. This is why the official is considered valuable. (In the original text, '印' in '戊见乙见印' should be '卯', '已见甲' should be '己', and '辛见丙见己' should be '巳'.)

正官雜談：正官者，六格之正氣，忠信之尊名，治國齊家之有道。蓋陽見陰克，陰見陽克，如人之有一夫一婦。陰陽調和，剛柔配合，以成道也，父官者管也。一縣有官人居治下，均須受其管束，雖有狡者，亦必循規蹈矩。居仁由義，不敢放逸為非。苟無官管，則將放於禮法之外，故以制我身者為正官，萬不可遭損破也。月令提綱之官，如本府太守，本縣令尹，管制最重。年上之官，其上最尊。第亦須視其強弱如何，而斟衡也。

The official star is the most pure and righteous force among the six elements, representing the name of loyalty and trust, and the correct way to govern the state and manage the family. How do we know this? Because a yang stem is controlled by a yin stem, and a yin stem is controlled by a yang stem, just as a man and a woman form a harmonious relationship: yin and yang balance each other, and softness and firmness complement each other, thus forming the way of harmony. The character "official" originally means "to manage" (as in the original text "father official" meaning "to manage," where "father" should be understood as "husband"). In a county, once there is an official, all the people under his jurisdiction must be subject to his control. Even if there are cunning individuals, they must follow rules and regulations, live with benevolence and righteousness, and dare not act recklessly. If there is no official to manage, people would become lawless and go beyond the bounds of etiquette and law. Therefore, in the study of fate, the star that controls me is called the official star, and it is absolutely essential that this star is not damaged. Moreover, the position where the official star resides also has its significance: the official star in the month's branch is like the governor of the prefecture or the county magistrate, exerting the strongest control; the official star in the year column holds the highest position. However, it is still necessary to consider its strength and weakness before making a judgment, and not to judge solely based on its position. The term "ti gan" mentioned here refers to the month's branch, which is the main framework of the entire chart, and both determining the pattern and selecting the key elements start with it.

正官之能力：引財，生印，拘身，制劫。正官之利：重財：身強財弱，遂喜正官。正官能引財拘身，以存財也。例如：乙巳、辛巳、丙子、癸巳。初夏丙火，三見巳祿可謂旺矣。辛金之財，不免火多焦熔，還賴金水正官克火救金，是即所謂引財也。生印：身強印弱。尤愛正官。正官能拘束日干、滋生印綬也。例如：辛巳、癸巳、丙子、乙未。退氣之乙木，遠不如當旺之丙火。何況丙得兩祿，豈不患子多母弱哉。月頭癸水正官，斂火之威，助木之勢，生印之功，厥亦偉矣。

The official star has four functions: attracting wealth, generating wisdom, restraining the self, and controlling competition. First, we discuss its benefits. The first two functions are attracting wealth and generating wisdom. First, attracting wealth: when the day stem is strong and the wealth star is weak, the official star is preferred. The official star can bring out the wealth star and restrain the day stem, thus preserving the wealth star (the original title of this section was "reinforcing wealth," which does not match the previous "attracting wealth," so "attracting wealth" is correct). For example, in the combination of Yi Si, Xin Si, Bing Zi, and Gui Si, with the day stem being Bing fire. In early summer, the Bing fire is very strong, with three instances of Si in the four pillars, indicating extreme strength. The wealth star, Xin metal, is easily melted by the fire. At this time, the official star, Gui water in the hour stem, is needed to restrain the fire and save the metal, which is called "attracting wealth." Second, generating wisdom: when the day stem is strong and the wisdom star is weak, the official star is especially valued. The official star can restrain the day stem and generate the wisdom star. For example, in the combination of Xin Si, Gui Si, Bing Zi, and Yi Wei, with the day stem being Bing fire. The Yi wood in the hour stem is weak, far less powerful than the strong Bing fire. Moreover, the Bing fire is strong in the two Si positions, and the main concern is the strong Zi (water) and weak mother (wood). The official star, Gui water in the month stem, restrains the fire's strength and enhances the wood's strength, thus contributing greatly to generating wisdom. It is evident that the benefits of the official star are mostly not in directly supporting the day stem, but in balancing the overall imbalance of the chart.

拘身：日干旺甚，過旺則身無所依，即愛正官。正官能拘束日干，不敢為非作惡也。例如：辛卯、癸巳、丙午、丙申。丙日旺甚。幸喜癸水正官之克火稍殺其炎，拘身有功，或憾乎杯水車薪。然有辛申兩金之生，癸水強弱，尚有源源，仍可取焉。制劫：日干既旺，復壘見劫財，劫盛即助身為虐，亦愛正官。正官能制去劫財，使日干潔身自好也。例如：癸巳、丁已、丙子、丁酉。日主既旺，益以兩比兩劫，酉金之財星危矣。癸水正官，剋制已火比肩，固較欠強。然得祿於子，受生於酉，亦足以去兩丁之劫財，不可與揚湯止沸同論也。

Now let us discuss the benefits of the last two aspects, which are restraining the self and controlling the劫财. Third, restraining the self: when the day stem is too strong, it becomes overly vigorous and has no support, so it tends to favor the 正官. The 正官 can restrain the day stem, preventing it from causing trouble. For example, in the combination of Xinmao, Guisi, Bingwu, Bingshen, the day stem is Bing Fire. The Bing Fire is very strong, but fortunately the month stem Gui Water is the 正官, which controls the fire, slightly reducing its intensity. This 正官 has the effect of restraining the self. Some people might think that this is like putting out a fire with a cup of water, which is not enough; however, the year stem Xin Metal and the time branch 申金 support the Gui Water, ensuring a continuous source of water, so it is still effective. Fourth, controlling the劫财: when the day stem is strong and there are many劫财, the劫财 will assist the day stem in causing trouble, so it also favors the 正官. The 正官 can control the劫财, allowing the day stem to remain pure and virtuous. For example, in the combination of Guisi, Dingsi, Bingzi, Dingyou, the day stem is Bing Fire. The day stem is already strong, and with two more 巳 as 比肩 and two 丁 as 劫财, the 财 in the hour branch 酉 is in danger. Although the year stem Gui Water 正官 controls the 巳火 比肩, its strength is somewhat insufficient, but since it gets its strength from the day branch 子 and is supported by the hour branch 酉金, it is sufficient to eliminate the two Ding Fire 劫财. It cannot be compared with the method of 'stopping boiling water by pouring more water' which is only a temporary solution (the original text's '丁已' and '已火' both refer to '巳').

正官之弊：引財：身弱財強，遂怕正官，財強已恐身不能任，何堪再見正官，引財拘身。例如：癸丑、辛酉、丙子、丙申。金多火少，時在深秋，日元為丙，自屬財強身弱，再見癸水正官，引旺財。克衰主，是更危如壘卵，固以財為病之原，亦以官為病之表耳。生印：身弱印強，尤怕正官。印多則身寡，母多子病，何堪再見正官拘身生印。例如：癸卯、乙卯、丙子、乙未。丙火生於春令，又見四木，印多而旺，即不免母多子病。癸水正官克身固非喜，然其生印不啻助桀為虐，尤可憎也。

Now let us discuss the drawbacks of the official star (正官). First, we will explain the concepts of attracting wealth (引财) and generating wisdom (生印). First, attracting wealth: when the day stem is weak and the wealth star is strong, the official star becomes a concern. Wealth has already become so strong that the day stem cannot bear it; how can it withstand the official star coming to attract wealth and restrain the day stem? For example: in the combination of Guichou, Xinyou, Bingzi, and Bingshen, the day stem is Bing fire. There is an excess of metal and a scarcity of fire, and the season is late autumn. The day stem is Bing, so naturally the wealth is strong and the day stem is weak. If the heavenly stem of the year is癸 water, the official star, which attracts the strong wealth to restrain the weak day stem, it becomes even more precarious. In essence, wealth is the root of the illness, and the official star is the manifestation of the illness—the source of the illness lies in wealth, but the illness is shown by the official star. Second, generating wisdom: when the day stem is weak and the wisdom star is strong, especially the official star is particularly dangerous. Too much wisdom leads to the day stem being even more weak, forming a situation where there are too many mothers and too few children. How can it withstand the official star coming to restrain the day stem to generate wisdom? For example: in the combination of Guimao, Yimao, Bingzi, and Yiwei, the day stem is Bing fire. Bing fire is born in spring, and the four pillars contain four wood characters, so the wisdom is abundant and strong, inevitably leading to a situation of too many mothers and too few children. The official star of the year,癸 water, which restrains the day stem, is not good, and if it also generates wisdom, it is like helping the wicked, which is especially detestable.

拘身：日干衰弱，即怕正官。身弱既主萎靡，何堪再見正官拘身。例如：庚辰、庚辰、丙子、丙申。丙火生於春令，又見四木，印多而旺，即不免母子多病。水正官克身固非喜，然其生印不啻助桀為虐，尤可憎也。拘身：日干衰弱，即怕正官。身弱既主萎靡，何堪再見正官拘身。例如：庚辰、庚辰、丙子、丙申。丙火日元，除時上一重比肩，為幫身外，餘皆洩克之神，弱而不堪任財任子辰會局，官星結黨，其拘身之禍最為猖獗，啻洪水猛獸耶。

Third, being restrained by the official star: if the day stem is already weak, it is afraid of the official star. When the body is already weak and listless, how can it withstand the restraint of the official star again? This passage is repeated twice in the original text. The explanation given the first time is almost identical to the explanation for the previous section 'Generating the印 (nourishing element)', clearly a mistake in typesetting where the previous text was copied again. The example given, however, is Geng Chen, Geng Chen, Bing Zi, Bing Shen, which does not match the statement that 'there are four woods and the印 is abundant and strong'. The word '癸' (Kui) is missing before 'water official star', indicating a missing character in the original text. I have recorded it as it is without adding or altering it, as I do not dare to make assumptions. The explanation given the second time should be taken as correct: Geng Chen, Geng Chen, Bing Zi, Bing Shen, with the day stem being Bing fire. The Bing fire day stem is only supported by one Bing fire same stem in the hour stem, while all other characters are either draining the energy or restraining the day stem. The fire is so weak that it cannot even support wealth. Moreover, the combination of Shen, Zi, and Chen forms a water trinity, and the official star forms a group, making the restraint of the day stem extremely severe, like a flood and a beast. This example is exactly the opposite of the previous section 'When the day stem is very strong and loves being restrained by the official star': the same restraint, but when the body is strong, it is a form of control, while when the body is weak, it is a form of oppression.

制卻：身弱用動。亦怕正官。身方賴動維持。何堪再見正官制去。例如：丁酉、癸丑、丙子、丁西。丙雖失令於冬，幸有丁火劫財，兩透干頭，而可倚以為幫身，距料癸水正官，制去劫財，精華盡失，正如病犯絕症，其勢殆矣。

Fourth, controlling the劫财: When the day stem is weak and the official star is assisted by劫财, it also fears the official star. The day stem relies on劫财 for support, how can it withstand the official star removing it? For example: Dingyou, Guichou, Bingzi, Dingyou, with the day stem being Bing fire. Although Bing fire is out of season in winter, there are two Ding fire劫财 appearing in the heavenly stems, which can support the day stem. Unfortunately, the癸 water official star in the month stem removes the劫财, thus the entire structure loses its essence, just like a patient suffering from a terminal illness, the situation is critical. This section forms a contrast with the previous one, 'When the day stem is strong and it loves the official star controlling the劫财': when劫财 is a thief of wealth, it is beneficial to remove it when the day stem is strong, but when the day stem is weak, it becomes a helper, and removing it then brings disaster. The original text has many errors, the title '制却' should be '制劫', the '动' in '身弱用动' and '身方赖动维持' should both be '劫', the '距料' should be '讵料', and the time stem '丁西' should be '丁酉'.

正官所喜：引財：身強財弱愛正官，既見官，喜財旺以生之。財多身弱怕正官，既見官，喜印旺以洩之。生印：身強印弱愛正官，既見官，喜官旺生印。身弱印強怕正官，既見官，喜食財以兩制之。拘身：日干強，愛正官，既見官，喜財旺以生之。日干弱，怕正官，既見官，喜印旺以解之。制劫：身強有劫，愛正官，即見官，喜財旺以生之。身弱賴劫，怕正官，既見官，喜印以生身。

In the context of an八字 already containing the official star (正官), what is further desired? Still following the four categories. Considering wealth (财): if the day stem is strong and the wealth is weak, and one loves the official star, then wealth that is strong is desired to generate the official star, and when the official star is strong, the wealth's ability to support the official star becomes even more effective; if there is an excess of wealth and the day stem is weak, and one fears the official star, then a strong minister (印) is desired to reduce the official star's power — the minister can transform the official star's ability to suppress into a force that supports the day stem, which is the most skillful move. Considering the generation of the minister (印): if the day stem is strong and the minister is weak, and one loves the official star, then a strong official star is desired to generate the minister; if the day stem is weak and the minister is strong, and one fears the official star, then both the food (食) and wealth (财) stars are desired to work together, with the food and damage (伤) stars controlling the official star and the wealth star weakening the minister, thus balancing both sides. Considering the restraint of the rival (劫): if the day stem is strong and there is a rival, and one loves the official star, then strong wealth is desired to generate the official star; if the day stem is weak and one relies on the rival, and one fears the official star, then the minister is desired to support the day stem, and once the day stem is strong, it will no longer fear the official star's restraint. In summary: when the official star is strong and the day stem is weak, the minister is used to transform the official star; when the day stem is strong and the official star is weak, wealth is used to generate the official star. These are the two main paths for using the official star in a pattern.

正官所忌：引財：身強財弱愛正官，既見官，忌偏印以洩弱之。身弱財強怕正官，既見官，忌財官再加重。生印：身強印弱愛正官，既見官，忌食傷以合制之。身印強，怕正官，既見官，忌官印再加重。拘身：日干強，愛正官，既見官，忌食傷以合制之。目干弱，怕正官，既見官，忌財旺發生之。制劫：身強有劫，愛正官，既見官，忌食傷以合制之。身弱賴劫，怕正官，既見官，忌財官再加重。

In reverse, the things to avoid are as follows. Taking wealth as an example: if the day stem is strong and the wealth is weak, and one loves the official star, then the biased official star should be avoided because it drains the weak official star, making the official star powerless to bring in wealth; if the day stem is weak and the wealth is strong, and one fears the official star, then wealth and official star should be avoided as it would be like adding insult to injury. Taking the birth of the official star as an example: if the day stem is strong and the official star is weak, and one loves the official star, then the food and official stars should be avoided as they combine to control the official star; if the day stem is weak and the official star is strong, and one fears the official star, then the official star and the official star should be avoided again (the original text has a missing 'weak' in 'strong official star'). Taking the restraint of the day stem as an example: if the day stem is strong and one loves the official star, then the food and official stars should be avoided as they combine to control the official star, and once the official star is controlled, the day stem loses its restraint; if the day stem is weak and one fears the official star, then wealth that strengthens the official star should be avoided (the original text has 'day stem' instead of 'day stem' and 'generate' instead of 'reproduce'). Taking the control of the rival as an example: if the day stem is strong and there are rivals, and one loves the official star, then the food and official stars should be avoided as they control the official star; if the day stem is weak and one relies on rivals to fear the official star, then wealth and official star should be avoided again. In summary, the main point regarding the official star is that the official star is the purest among the six spirits, and it is suitable to generate and protect rather than to control or destroy. However, when the day stem is weak and the official star is too strong, it is necessary to use the official star to transform or use the food and official stars to control, which is the opposite of the seven killers, which usually require control.

食神之構成：我所生，而與我同性者是也。例如：甲木日干，見丙火，木能生火。丙火為甲木所生，而為陽性，丙亦為陰性，兩性相同，故丙即甲之食神。按甲見丙見巳，乙見丁見午，丙見辰見戌，丁見己見丑未，戊見庚見申，己見辛見酉，庚見壬見亥，辛見癸見子，壬見甲見寅，癸見乙見卯，皆為食神。

How is the food god (食神) formed? It is composed of whatever is born from me, and whose yin and yang are the same as mine. For example, if the day stem is Jia wood (甲木), then seeing Bing fire (丙火) is considered the food god. Wood can generate fire, and Bing fire is generated by Jia wood. Jia is yang, and Bing is also yang, so they share the same nature, making Bing the food god of Jia (the original text says "and is yang, Bing is also yang," but the first part is missing the word "Jia," and the second part mistakenly says "yin" instead of "yang," so both are yang). Below is the author's list of corresponding food gods according to the ten stems: Jia day sees Bing and Si; Yi day sees Ding and Wu; Bing day sees Wu and Chen, Xu; Ding day sees Ji and Chou, Wei; Wu day sees Geng and Shen; Ji day sees Xin and You; Geng day sees Ren and Hai; Xin day sees Gui and Zi; Ren day sees Jia and Yin; Gui day sees Yi and Mao. These are all food gods (the original text mistakenly says "Bing sees Chen and Xu," missing the word "Wu," so the food god for Bing day is Wu earth). Both the food god and the injurious official (伤官) are things I generate, but they differ only in the same or different yin and yang. When the same nature generates, the energy is gentle, hence called the food god; when different natures generate, the energy is sharp and urgent, hence called the injurious official.

食神雜談：食神者，一名爵星，又名壽星。蓋陽生陽，陰生陰，雖為洩氣，而食神之所生者則為財。乃養命之源，身與食神，有如父子，子旺則生起財來，以奉父母，豈不即是爵星乎。又身之最畏者，當為七殺來克。壽即不永，食神乃能制伏七殺，使不敢來克。俾一身得以優遊裕餘者，食神之力也，豈不即是壽星乎。財被食生，寬裕不竭，然後人之爵祿豐，殺被食制，不敢為禍。然後人之壽元長，此食神之所以大有造於人命也。

The food god is also called "Jue Star" and "Shou Star," and these two names each have their origins. First, the Jue Star: Yang generates Yang, Yin generates Yin. Although the food god is said to release my energy, what the food god generates is wealth, and wealth is the source that sustains life. The day ruler and the food god are like father and son. If the son is strong and vigorous, he can earn wealth to support his parents. This is not precisely the star that governs rank and salary? Now, the Shou Star: The day ruler most fears the seven killers that attack it. If attacked by the seven killers, one's lifespan is short. However, the food god can control the seven killers, preventing them from attacking, allowing one to live in ease and comfort. This is all due to the power of the food god. This is not precisely the star that governs longevity? Wealth is generated by the food god, thus ensuring abundance and not depletion; one's rank and salary therefore become rich. The seven killers are controlled by the food god, thus they cannot cause harm; one's lifespan therefore becomes long. This is the reason why the food god greatly benefits a person's destiny. In summary, the food god oversees both wealth and the seven killers. It can generate wealth when advancing and control the seven killers when retreating. Therefore, among the six spirits, it is the most peaceful and precious.

食神之能力：洩身，生財，制殺，損害。食神之利：洩身：日干強，財官無氣，即以強頑為患，遂愛食神。食神能吐日干秀氣也。例如：癸丑、乙卯、甲子、丙寅。甲乙寅卯東方全，況在鶯啼蝶舞之候。春木正旺，身強可知，益以癸子兩水之生木更嫌太過，全局了無精彩，唯喜丙火食神，發洩秀氣，尚不致為頑木耳。生財：強財弱，尤愛食神，食神能吐秀氣生財也。例如：己卯、丙寅、甲子、乙亥。干甲乙，支寅卯。劫比如林，己土正財，剝奪殆盡。若無丙火食神之生財，勢將身旺無所寄為下命決矣。

The food god has four functions: to relieve the body, to generate wealth, to control the killer, and to reduce the official (the original text says 'damage' but it should be 'reduce the official', as will be clear from the context below). First, let's talk about its benefits. The first two are relieving the body and generating wealth. First, relieving the body: if the day stem is strong, and both wealth and official stars are weak, then the strong and stubborn nature becomes a problem. In such a case, the person prefers the food god, because the food god can release the refined quality of the day stem. For example: Guichou, Yimao, Jiazi, Bingyin, with the day stem being Jia Wood. Jia, Yi, Yin, and Mao all gather the eastern wood, and since it is in the spring season when swallows are chirping and butterflies are dancing, the spring wood is very strong, so the body is certainly strong. Moreover, the癸water and Zi water are coming to nourish the wood, which is even more excessive. The whole chart has no brilliance at all. Only the丙fire food god in the hour stem can release the refined quality, thus avoiding the situation of being just a stubborn piece of wood. Second, generating wealth: when the day stem is strong and the wealth star is weak, especially, the person prefers the food god, because the food god can both release the refined quality and transform it into the wealth star. For example: Jimao, Bingyin, Jiazi, Yihai, with the day stem being Jia Wood. The heavenly stem has Jia and Yi, and the earthly branch has Yin and Mao, which means the same and competing wealth are numerous like a forest. The己earth in the year stem is the only true wealth, which is almost completely taken away. If there is no 丙fire food god in the month stem to generate wealth, this fate will certainly be strong but without a place to rely on, and it will be judged as a poor fate. These two examples show that for a strong day stem, the food god is the only way to release the excess energy.

制殺：殺重身輕，舉動盡為牽制。即愛食神，食神能制伏七殺。一將當關群邪自服。而身得以自由矣。例如：庚申、甲申、甲戌、丙寅。三木三金，以質量論，無分軒輊。然而秋金當旺，秋木凋零，以勢力論。木自不敵於金，殺乃強過於身。而需乎丙火食之制殺矣。損官：官強身弱，舉動盡為束縛，亦愛食神。食神能合官存身，使身漸得舒適，例如：辛酉、丙申、甲戌、丙寅。秋月甲木，見申酉戌辛，官旺可畏。丙火食神，克合辛金，使金勢稍抑，日主稍揚，則損官即所以救主也。

Now let us discuss the benefits of the last two aspects, which are controlling the seven killers and reducing the official stars. Thirdly, controlling the seven killers: when the seven killer is strong and the day stem is weak, every action is restrained by the seven killer. In such a case, the person prefers the food god, because the food god can control the seven killer. It is like a general guarding a pass, so all evils are subdued, and the day stem is then free. For example: Gengshen, Jiashen, Jiaxu, Bingyin, with the day stem being Jia wood. Three wood characters against three metal characters, in terms of quantity they are equal; however, in the autumn season, metal is strong and wood is declining, so in terms of power, wood is naturally unable to overcome metal. The seven killer is therefore stronger than the day stem, so it is essential to have the food god, which is the third heavenly stem, Bing fire, to control the seven killer. Fourthly, reducing the official star: when the official star is strong and the day stem is weak, every action is restrained by the official star. In such a case, the person also prefers the food god, because the food god can combine with the official star to protect the day stem, allowing the day stem to gradually expand. For example: Xinyou, Bingshen, Jiaxu, Bingyin, with the day stem being Jia wood. In the autumn month, the Jia wood is weak, and it meets the Shen, You, Xu, and the year stem Xinhui metal, which makes the official star very strong and dangerous. The food god, which is the third heavenly stem, Bing fire, in the month and hour stems combines with the Xinhui metal, thus slightly restraining the metal's power, allowing the day stem to gain some freedom. Therefore, reducing the official star is the way to save the day stem. Here, the term 'combining' refers to the combination between Bing fire and Xinhui metal. When they combine, the official star is hindered and cannot focus on attacking the day stem, which is different from a hard attack.

食神之弊：洩身：日干弱，遂怕食神。已身尚不健全，何堪再見食神洩氣。例如：乙酉、丙戌、甲戌、乙丑。天干甲乙丙，地支丑戌酉，時在九秋。土金佔優勢，甲日仍患財官之旺，則丙火食神，既生財，又洩身，洵非弱主所喜也。生財：財官身弱，尤怕食神。身既不能旺財，何堪再見食神洩身生財。

Now let's discuss the disadvantages of the food god (food god is a term in Chinese divination referring to a specific type of heavenly stem in the ten heavenly stems). First, the food god drains the strength of the day stem: if the day stem is weak, it is afraid of the food god. If the self is not yet strong, how can it bear the further draining of energy by the food god? For example, in the case of Yiyou, Bingxu, Jiaxu, and Yichou, the day stem is Jia Wood. The heavenly stems are Jia, Yi, and Bing, and the earthly branches are Chou, Xu, and You. The season is the ninth lunar month, deep autumn, with earth and metal in dominance. The Jia day stem is suffering from strong wealth and strong officials. The monthly heavenly stem Bing fire, as the food god, both generates earth wealth and drains wood strength. This is certainly not suitable for a weak day stem. The second point is the generation of wealth: when both wealth and officials are strong and the day stem is weak, it is especially dangerous for the food god. If the day stem cannot even bear the existing wealth, how can it bear the further draining of energy and generation of wealth by the food god? This case does not have an example in the original text, but the reasoning is similar to the previous one: for a weak day stem, every step taken by the food god—whether draining the strength or generating wealth—is like drawing on the already insufficient vital energy.

制殺：身強殺淺，即怕食神。身方假殺為權，何堪再見食神制去。例如：庚寅、丙戌、甲寅、乙亥。甲雖失時於秋，乃兩見寅祿，時得長生。形與氣既不為弱，且嫌繁蕪，正庚金七之克伐，何期丙火食神，制住庚金。未竟斧鑿之功，豈成棟樑之材。損官：身旺官弱，亦怕食神。身方以官為尊，何堪再見食神合去。例如：丙戌、辛卯、甲子、乙亥。春木而又多邦扶，既旺且強，去撫存菁，端賴辛金正官，然有丙火食神之克合，辛乃用武無地，一官受損，以致八字平凡，減色為何如哉。

Third, controlling the seven killing stars: when the day stem is strong and the seven killing stars are weak, the food god is feared. The day stem relies on these seven killing stars to establish authority, how can it withstand the food god which restrains them? For example: Gengyin, Bingxu, Jiayin, Yihai, with the day stem being Jia Wood. Although Jia Wood is out of season in autumn, it sees two instances of寅 (Yin) which is its禄 (LU) position, and the hour branch Hai is its Growth (CHANGSHENG), so its form and energy are not weak, but rather excessive. It actually needs the year stem Geng Metal seven killing star to restrain and prune it. Unfortunately, the month stem Bing Fire food god restrains the Geng Metal, so the pruning is incomplete, how can it become a great栋梁 (DONGLIANG) material? (The original text is missing a character for 'seven killing star' and there is a suspected missing character 'favor' after '正'.) Fourth, damaging the official star: when the day stem is strong and the official star is weak, the food god is also feared. The day stem relies on the official star as its noble and respected element, how can it withstand the food god which combines with it? For example: Bingxu, Xinmao, Jiazi, Yihai, with the day stem being Jia Wood. Spring Wood with much support, it is both strong and vigorous, to remove the redundant and retain the essential, entirely depends on the month stem Xin Metal official star. However, the year stem Bing Fire food god combines with the Xin Metal, so the Xin Metal has no place to act, the official star is damaged, leading to the whole八字 (BAZI) becoming ordinary and losing much of its color. (The original text has '邦扶' which should be '帮扶', and '去抚存菁' which should be '去芜存菁'.)

食神所喜：洩身：日干強，愛食神，既見食，喜財以流通之。日干弱，怕食神，既見食，喜印以合制之。生財：身強財弱，愛食神，既見食，喜財多生發。身弱財強，怕食神，既見食，喜印助身旺。制殺：殺重身輕，愛食神，既見食，喜比劫食傷生助。身強殺淺，怕食神，既見食，喜見財以和解之。損官：官多身弱，愛食神，既見食，喜比劫食傷生助。身重官輕，怕食神，既見食，喜見財以和解之。

In the Eight Characters, if the food god is already present, what else is desired? Still following the four categories. Considering the aspect of dispersing the self: if the day stem is strong and loves the food god, it prefers the wealth star to circulate the energy of the food god, allowing the refined energy to have an outlet and thus not become stagnant; if the day stem is weak and fears the food god, it prefers the official star to control and restrain the food god—the official can control the food god and also support the day stem. Considering the aspect of generating wealth: if the body is strong and the wealth is weak while loving the food god, it prefers more wealth to carry forward and develop the food god; if the body is weak and the wealth is strong while fearing the food god, it prefers the official star to support the day stem, making the body strong enough to bear the wealth. Considering the aspect of controlling the killer: if the killer is heavy and the body is weak while loving the food god, it prefers the same kind of stars and the food god to support the food god, making the force to control the killer stronger; if the body is strong and the killer is weak while fearing the food god, it prefers the wealth star to moderate the situation—the wealth star disperses the energy of the food god and also supports the killer, thus not harming either side. Considering the aspect of reducing the official: if there are many officials and the body is weak while loving the food god, it prefers the same kind of stars and the food god to support; if the body is strong and the official is weak while fearing the food god, it also prefers the wealth star to moderate. It is evident that in the food god pattern, the wealth star is the most important medium for connection, just like in the official star pattern.

食神所忌：洩身：日干強，愛食神，既見食，忌梟印奪去了。日干弱，怕食神，既見食，怕再生財。轉輾洩弱。生財：身強財弱，愛食神，既見食，忌梟印奪去之。身弱財強，怕食神，既見食，忌財多轉輾洩弱。制殺：殺重身輕，愛食神，既見食，忌財星黨殺。身強殺淺，怕食神，既見食，忌比劫食傷再助食。損官：官多身弱，愛食神，既見食，忌財重洩食生官。身重官輕，怕食神，既見食，忌比劫食傷再助食。

In reverse, the things to avoid are as follows. Considering the aspect of泄身 (relieving the self): if the day stem is strong and loves the food god (food god is the productive element), then the枭印 (ghost mother) should be avoided, as it takes away the food god. The枭印 is also known as the偏印 (biased mother), and it is the most severe in its ability to overcome the food god. In命学 (astrological divination), this is called「枭神夺食」(the ghost mother takes the food god). Once the food god is taken away, the refined and refined qualities cannot be expressed. If the day stem is weak and fears the food god, then it should be avoided as it further weakens the self by producing wealth, leading to a continuous decline. Considering the aspect of生财 (producing wealth): if the self is strong and the wealth is weak, and one loves the food god, then the枭印 should be avoided as it takes the food god away. If the self is weak and the wealth is strong, and one fears the food god, then one should avoid excessive wealth, as it further weakens the self. Considering the aspect of制杀 (controlling the killer): if the killer is strong and the self is weak, and one loves the food god, then the wealth star should be avoided as it supports the seven killers. Wealth produces the killer, which is like adding more soldiers to the enemy. If the self is strong and the killer is weak, and one fears the food god, then one should avoid the same or similar elements (like the same or similar elements) coming to support the food god, which would completely eliminate the killer. Considering the aspect of损官 (weakening the official): if there are many officials and the self is weak, and one loves the food god, then heavy wealth should be avoided, as wealth both weakens the food god and produces the official star, helping the enemy in both ways. If the self is strong and the official is weak, and one fears the food god, then one should avoid the same or similar elements coming to support the food god. In summary, the food god is harmonious and indicates blessings, longevity, titles, and wealth. However, it is most feared when the枭印 takes it away. The second most feared situation is when the self is weak and cannot bear the release. Readers should refer to the section on伤官 (harmful official) for comparison, as their usage is largely similar but their overall atmosphere differs slightly.