Oblique Positive Seal (also known as the枭神)

偏正印之構成：生我而與我同性者，為偏印。生我而與我異性者，為正印。例如：甲木日主見壬癸水，水能生木，甲木為壬癸水所生。甲為陽性，壬亦為陽性，兩性相同故壬是甲之偏印。甲為陽性，癸為陰性，陰陽相異，故癸是甲之正印。按甲見壬見亥，乙見癸見子，丙見甲是寅，丁見乙見卯，戊見丙見已，己見丁見午，庚見戊見辰戌，辛見己見丑未，壬見庚見申，癸見辛見酉，皆為偏印。甲見癸見子，乙見壬見亥，丙見乙見卯，丁見甲見寅，戊見丁見午，己見丙見己，庚見己見丑未，辛見戊見辰戌，壬見辛見酉，癸見庚見申，皆為正印。

The formation of偏印 and正印 depends on the relationship between the day stem and the heavenly stem. If the heavenly stem is able to generate the day stem and shares the same yin or yang, it is called偏印. If the heavenly stem is able to generate the day stem but has opposite yin or yang, it is called正印. For example, if the day stem is 甲 wood, and it meets 壬 or 癸 water, water generates wood, so 壬 and 癸 are the stems that generate 甲. Since 甲 is yang and 壬 is also yang, they share the same yin-yang, so 壬 is the偏印 of 甲. Since 甲 is yang and 癸 is yin, they have opposite yin-yang, so 癸 is the正印 of 甲. The author then lists a table for each of the ten heavenly stems. The偏印 are: 甲 day sees 壬 and 亥; 乙 day sees 癸 and 子; 丙 day sees 甲 and 寅; 丁 day sees 乙 and 卯; 戊 day sees 丙 and 巳; 己 day sees 丁 and 午; 庚 day sees 戊 and 辰戌; 辛 day sees 己 and 丑未; 壬 day sees 庚 and 申; 癸 day sees 辛 and 酉. The正印 are: 甲 day sees 癸 and 子; 乙 day sees 壬 and 亥; 丙 day sees 乙 and 卯; 丁 day sees 甲 and 寅; 戊 day sees 丁 and 午; 己 day sees 丙 and 巳; 庚 day sees 己 and 丑未; 辛 day sees 戊 and 辰戌; 壬 day sees 辛 and 酉; 癸 day sees 庚 and 申. By comparing the two tables, it is clear that for the same day stem, the偏印 and正印 refer to the same element but with opposite yin-yang, just like偏财 and正财. The original text has '丙见甲是寅' where '是' should be '见'; in '戊见丙见已' and '己见丙见己', the last character should be '巳'.

偏正印雜談：印綬者，乃五行生我之名。乃我氣之源，為生氣，為父母，又能護我官星，使無傷克，具此格者，主聰明，多智慧。性慈惠，語善良，平生少病，亦且少逢凶橫。若為官則必清廉，不拘文武，皆掌印信。偏正印之能力：生身，洩官殺，御傷，挫食。

"Imperial Seal" is a general term for the element that generates me in the Five Phases. It is the source of my vital energy, hence called "Life Qi," and is also compared to parents. It can also protect my official star, preventing it from being harmed or restrained—because the official star is usually harmed by the official star itself, but the Imperial Seal can restrain the official star, thus preserving the official star. People with this configuration in their Four Pillars of Destiny are usually intelligent, wise, kind-hearted, and speak kindly. They tend to have few illnesses and rarely encounter harsh or violent situations. If they hold an official position, they will certainly be upright and incorruptible, and whether they are in a literary or military role, they can manage official seals. As for the functions of the Imperial Seal, there are four: first, to generate the self; second, to relieve official stars and harmful stars; third, to resist the official star (defend against the official star); and fourth, to suppress the food star (restrain the food star). Among these four, the first two are the main uses of the Imperial Seal, while the last two are secondary uses. However, when the "suppression of the food star" is applied to the food star configuration, it becomes the "scavenger star stealing the food," which is either beneficial or harmful depending on the strength of the day's stem. When discussing its advantages and disadvantages later, we must pay particular attention to this point.

偏正印之利：生身：日干弱，當賴印綬滋扶身旺。例如：丁卯、辛亥、戊子、丙辰。亥卯半木局，子辰半水局，時在初冬水令，則偏重於水木才官，而戊土輕矣。妙有丁火正印，丙火偏印，協力生身，使日主可以任財任官。其功益豈淺鮮哉。洩官殺：日干弱，官殺力強，身不能任，當賴印綬洩官殺而助身。例如：癸卯、乙卯、戊子、丁巳。官重身輕，以乙木正官之得令，戊土日元之時，設非丁火正印，盜洩旺官，生助弱主，幾成危局。此所以印綬之大有造於斯命民。

First, we discuss the benefits of the印 (nourishing element). The first two are supporting the self and relieving official and killing energies. First, supporting the self: when the day stem is weak, it relies on the印 to nourish and support it, transforming the self into a strong state. For example, in the combination of Dingmao, Xinhai, Wuzi, and Bingchen, the day stem is Wu earth. The Hai and Mao form a half wooden trine, and the Zi and Chen form a half water trine. The season is early winter, when water is strong, so the entire chart is heavy with water and wood, which is heavy with wealth and official energies. The Wu earth day stem thus appears weak. Fortunately, the heavenly stem at the beginning is Ding fire, the 正印 (direct nourishing element), and the heavenly stem at the end is Bing fire, the 偏印 (biased nourishing element). The two印 work together to support the self, giving the day stem the strength to bear wealth and official energies. Their contributions are indeed significant. Second, relieving official and killing energies: when the day stem is weak but the official and killing energies are strong, the day stem cannot bear them, so the印 is needed to relieve the strength of the official and killing energies and assist the self. For example, in the combination of Guimao, Yimao, Wuzi, and Dingsi, the day stem is Wu earth. This is a case of heavy official energy and weak self: the monthly stem is Yimao, the 正官 (direct official), which is in command and strong, while the Wu earth day stem is weak and lacks strength. If there were no Dingsi, the 正印 (direct nourishing element) at the end to relieve the strong official energy and transform it into a nourishing force for the weak self, the situation would almost be dangerous. This is precisely why the印 is so beneficial for this destiny. Here, the phrase "relieving official and killing energies" requires particular understanding: the印 does not compete with the official and killing energies, but instead takes their strength and transforms it into a nourishing force for the self. It is a process of resolution rather than confrontation. (The original text has a missing character "失" before "戊土日元之时," and "民" in "斯命民" is taken as "也.")

御傷：日干弱，傷官力重，全賴印綬駕御傷官。例如：戊戌、辛酉、戊申、丁巳。金多而又在金令，其耗盜戊土，猛烈非常，雖有年頭兩比，可以幫身。然而丁巳兩印之御制傷官，其功尤偉。諺謂揚湯止沸，不如斧底抽薪，即此意也。挫食：日干弱，食神太重，當賴印之挫食滋身。例如：丙申、丙申、戊戌、庚申。戊見一庚三申，洩氣可憎，自喜丙火偏印之滋身挫食，而以情勢權衡，挫食之事，更殺滋身為重要，若拘於食神不宜梟奪之說，則忌矣。

Now let us discuss the benefits of the last two aspects, which are controlling injuries and restraining food. Third, controlling injuries: when the day stem is weak and the injurious star is strong, it relies entirely on the nourishing star to control and subdue the injurious star. For example, in the case of Wuxu, Xinyou, Wushen, and Dingsi, the day stem is Wutu. There is an abundance of metal, and the birth month is the strong metal month of You, which drains the vital energy of Wutu very strongly. Although there are two Wutu stems in the year and day columns to support the day stem, the two fire stars in the hour column, Dinghuo and Sihuo, which are the nourishing stars, are especially effective in controlling the injurious star. As the saying goes, 'pouring water to stop boiling is not as good as removing the fire from under the pot,' which means exactly this—supporting the day stem with a stem is like adding water to cool down, while controlling the injurious star with the nourishing star is like removing the firewood. Fourth, restraining food: when the day stem is weak and the food star is too strong, the nourishing star is needed to restrain the food star and at the same time nourish the day stem. For example, in the case of Bingshen, Bingshen, Wuxu, and Gengshen, the day stem is Wutu. Wutu is greatly drained by one Geng and three Shen. Naturally, it prefers the biased nourishing star, Jihuo, which both nourishes the day stem and restrains the food star. However, when weighing the importance of the situation, restraining the food is not as important as nourishing the day stem. If one rigidly adheres to the saying that 'the food star should not be taken by the枭神,' one would be wrong. In this passage, Wei's theory of flexibility is presented: established views should only be referred to, not rigidly followed. Ultimately, judging a person's fate should be based on the current situation and circumstances.

偏正印之弊：生身：日干強，財官力薄，更怕印綬助身。例如：丙辰、戊戌、戊午、壬戌。重土重火，日干強極，而官藏無力。財露被劫，自屬下命。然則何需乎丙午兩印之生身耶，印之為害既甚，當先謀去之之道，為上策矣。洩官殺：日干強，官殺力薄，更怕印綬洩之。例如：乙未、丙戌、戊午、己未。八字中土土其五，比劫既多，日主自強，幸有乙木正官之疏土拘身。乃又有丙火午火，印綬洩官，致官不能直接剋日，豈非全功盡棄乎。

Now let us discuss the drawbacks of the印 (helper). We will first talk about the cases where it generates the day stem and weakens the official and killing stars. First, generating the day stem: if the day stem is already strong, and the wealth and official stars are weak, then it is even more dangerous for the helper to come and strengthen the day stem. For example: Bingchen, Wuxu, Wuwu, Renxu, with the day stem being Wu earth. Earth and fire are both heavy, making the day stem extremely strong; the official star is only hidden in the branch and lacks strength, while the wealth star, although appearing on the hour stem, is taken by the same or rival elements. This is already a poor fate. If this is the case, why would we need the heavenly stem Jia fire and the day branch Wu fire, the two helpers, to generate the day stem? The helper is causing great harm here, so it is best to remove it as the top strategy. Second, weakening the official and killing stars: if the day stem is already strong, and the official and killing stars are weak, then it is even more dangerous for the helper to weaken the official and killing stars. For example: Yiwei, Bingxu, Wuwu, Jiwei, with the day stem being Wu earth. In this八字, earth occupies five positions, with many same or rival elements, so the day stem is naturally strong. Fortunately, the heavenly stem Yi wood is the official star, which can loosen the thick earth and restrain the day stem. But then the monthly stem Bing fire and the day branch Wu fire, the two helpers, weaken the official star, causing the official star to be unable to directly restrain the day stem. Is this not a complete waste of effort? It is clear that the helper can transform the official and killing stars, which is a savior when the day stem is weak, but becomes a disaster when the day stem is strong.

御傷：日干強，傷官力薄，更怕印綬御去傷官。例如：丙戌、辛旺、戊戌、戊午。土旺身強，所賴辛金傷官，發洩秀氣，然丙火梟印，御去辛金，致日主旺無所依。命局之不可收拾，即為此一印耳。挫食：日干強，食神力薄，更怕印之挫食。例如：庚子、丙戌、戊戌、戊午。此命與上例相仿，旺土賴庚金食神以吐秀，所憾丙火梟印，挫制食神，亦病重藥輕之造。土重為病，丙火為病中之病也。

Third, overcoming the injury: when the day stem is strong but the official is weak, it becomes even more dangerous if the official is restrained by the minister. For example: in the case of Bingxu, Xin, Wuxu, and Wuwu, the day stem is Wu earth. Earth is strong and the body is strong, relying only on Xin metal official to release the refined energy. However, the year stem Jia fire is a hawk official, which restrains the Xin metal official, causing the day stem to be strong but without support. The entire fate becomes uncontrollable due to this official. (The month pillar is noted as 'Xin is strong,' not one of the sixty jiazi, suggesting a possible error in the text.) Fourth, crushing the food: when the day stem is strong but the food is weak, it becomes even more dangerous if the minister restrains the food. For example: in the case of Gengzi, Chou, Wuxu, and Wuwu, the day stem is Wu earth. This fate is similar to the previous example: strong earth relies entirely on the year stem Geng metal food to release the refined energy. Unfortunately, the month stem Chou fire hawk official restrains the food, resulting in a pattern of 'heavy illness and light medicine'—heavy earth is the original illness, while fire is the illness within the illness, destroying the only medicine available. Comparing these two examples, it is exactly the opposite of the previous example 'crushing the food is beneficial': when the body is weak, the hawk official restraining the food is not harmful, but when the body is strong, the hawk official restraining the food is a major harm. The key lies entirely in the strength or weakness of the day stem.

偏正印之喜：生身：日干弱，有印綬生身，最喜官星生印。日干強，又有印綬生身，即喜財以制之。洩官殺：日干弱，官殺強，有印綬洩官殺，喜印身兩旺。日干強，官殺弱，又有印綬洩官殺，喜堸扶官殺。御傷：日干弱，傷官強，有印綬駕御傷官，喜印旺御傷助身。日干強，傷官弱，又有印綬駕御傷官，喜財旺克印以制之。挫食：日干弱，食神強，有印綬合食，喜印旺助身去食。日干強，食神弱，又有印之挫食，喜財旺克印以制之。

In the context of the four pillars (八字), if the印绶 (nurturing star) is already present, what else is desirable? Still following the four categories. Considering the support of the day stem: if the day stem is weak and the印绶 is supporting it, the most favorable is the official star (官星) to generate the印绶, as the official star generates the印绶, which in turn supports the day stem, forming a continuous chain; if the day stem is strong and the印绶 is also supporting it, then the wealth star (财星) is preferred to restrain the印绶 — in divination, the wealth star is said to 'damage' the印绶, and here we specifically take advantage of this damage. Considering the dispersion of official stars and evils: if the day stem is weak, the official stars and evils are strong, and the印绶 is dispersing them, then it is favorable for both the印绶 and the day stem to be strong; if the day stem is strong, the official stars and evils are weak, and the印绶 is dispersing them, then it is favorable to support the official stars and evils so that they are not completely dispersed by the印绶 (the original text '堸扶' should be 'support'). Considering the control of evils: if the day stem is weak, the evil star (伤官) is strong, and the印绶 is controlling the evil star, then it is favorable for the印绶 to be strong, as it both controls the evil star and supports the day stem; if the day stem is strong, the evil star is weak, and the印绶 is controlling the evil star, then it is favorable for the wealth star to be strong and to restrain the印绶, thus preserving the evil star. Considering the suppression of food stars (食神): if the day stem is weak and the food star is strong, and the印绶 is harmonizing with the food star, then it is favorable for the印绶 to be strong, as it both supports the day stem and suppresses the food star; if the day stem is strong and the food star is weak, and the印绶 is suppressing the food star, then similarly it is favorable for the wealth star to be strong and to restrain the印绶. In summary: if the day stem is weak, it is favorable for the印绶 to be strong; if the day stem is strong, it is favorable for the wealth star to damage the印绶. This is the key principle in using the印格 (nurturing star pattern).

偏正印之忌：生身：日干弱，喜有印綬助身，忌貪財壞印。目干強，又有印綬助身，忌再印扶身旺。洩官殺：日干弱，官殺強，幸有印綬洩官殺，忌貪財壞印。日干強，官殺弱，又有印綬洩官殺，再忌印扶身旺。御傷：日干弱，傷官強，幸有印綬御傷，忌貪財壞印。日干強，傷官弱，又有印綬御傷，忌印扶身旺。挫食：日干弱，食神強，幸有印之挫食，忌貪財壞印。日干強食神弱，又有偏印奪食，忌印扶身旺。

In reverse, the things to avoid are considered. Considering the strength of the day stem: if the day stem is weak and benefits from the help of the official (印), then the thing to avoid is "greedy for wealth and damaging the official" — if the wealth star becomes strong in the birth chart or in the fortune flow, it will damage the official, causing the day stem to lose its only support; these four characters are the greatest忌 of the official pattern. If the day stem is strong and also benefits from the official, then the thing to avoid is adding more officials to make the day stem even stronger (the original text mistakenly says "目干" which should be "日干"). Considering the release of officials and evils: if the day stem is weak and the officials and evils are strong, but there is an official to release them, then the thing to avoid is "greedy for wealth and damaging the official"; if the day stem is strong, the officials and evils are weak, and there is an official to release them, then the thing to avoid is adding more officials to support the day stem. Considering the defense against evils: if the day stem is weak and the evils are strong, but there is an official to defend against them, then the thing to avoid is "greedy for wealth and damaging the official"; if the day stem is strong and the evils are weak, but there is an official to defend against them, then the thing to avoid is adding more officials to support the day stem. Considering the suppression of food stars: if the day stem is weak and the food stars are strong, but there is an official to suppress them, then the thing to avoid is "greedy for wealth and damaging the official"; if the day stem is strong and the food stars are weak, but there is a biased official taking away the food, then the thing to avoid is adding more officials to support the day stem. Summing up these four aspects, there are only two sentences: if the day stem is weak and uses the official, then everything that harms the official is to be avoided; if the day stem is strong and there are many officials, then everything that supports the official is to be avoided. Although the items listed in this section are detailed, the main idea is as such.

偏正財之構成：我所克，而與我異性者，為正財。我所克，而與我同性者，為偏財。例如：甲木日主，見戊已土，木能克土，戊已土為甲木所克。甲為陽性，戊亦為陽性，兩性相同，故戊是由之偏財，甲為陽性，已為陰性，陰陽相異故已是甲之正財。按甲見戊辰戊，已見已見丑未，丙見庚見申，丁見幸見酉，戊見壬見亥，已見見子，庚見甲見寅，幸見已見兒卯，壬見丙見巳，癸見丁見午，皆為偏財。甲見已見丑未，已見戊見辰戊，丙見幸見酉，丁見庚見申，戊見見子，已見壬見亥，庚見乙見卯，幸見甲見寅，壬見丁見午，癸見丙見巳，皆為正財。

How are official wealth (正财) and偏财 formed? Any element that I can overcome, and which has a different yin and yang nature from me, is official wealth; any element that I can overcome, and which has the same yin and yang nature as me, is偏财. For example, the day stem Jia Wood sees Wu Earth and Ji Earth, and Wood can overcome Earth, so Wu Earth and Ji Earth are both overcome by Jia Wood. Jia is yang, and Wu is also yang, so Wu is Jia's偏财. Jia is yang, and Ji is yin, so they have different yin and yang natures, so Ji is Jia's official wealth. The author then lists a table for each of the ten heavenly stems. The偏财 are: Jia day sees Wu and Chen Xiu; Yi day sees Ji and Chou Wei; Bing day sees Geng and Shen; Ding day sees Xin and You; Wu day sees Ren and Hai; Ji day sees Gui and Zi; Geng day sees Jia and Yin; Xin day sees Yi and Mao; Ren day sees Bing and Si; Gui day sees Ding and Wu. The official wealth are: Jia day sees Ji and Chou Wei; Yi day sees Wu and Chen Xiu; Bing day sees Xin and You; Ding day sees Geng and Shen; Wu day sees Gui and Zi; Ji day sees Ren and Hai; Geng day sees Yi and Mao; Xin day sees Jia and Yin; Ren day sees Ding and Wu; Gui day sees Bing and Si. This passage has many errors in the original text: the character '已' is sometimes taken as Ji and sometimes as Si; the character '幸' is always taken as Xin; in the phrase '戊是由之偏财', the character '由' is taken as Jia; in '甲见戊辰戊', it is taken as 'Jia sees Wu and Chen Xiu'; in '幸见已见儿卯', the character '儿' is an added character. In the table of偏财, '已见见子' is missing a 'Gui'; in the table of official wealth, '戊见见子' is also missing a 'Gui'. The original text has omissions, and these are recorded without correction.

偏正財雜談：人何由而覓利，非用精神心力，不可得也，我所克者，何以名之曰財，蓋即分勞我力，而後得者也。有精力然後可以圖財，可以享用，八字亦然。首須身強，方堪任財，身弱財旺，則如人之衰微不振。雖有偶得之財，不堪享用。且或因財滋禍，故衡命論財，亦須先顧身主，並非財多定為美也，俗以正財為妻財，偏財為眾人之財，亦有以正財為汗血應得之財，偏財為意外幸得之財，皆非通理，不可拘泥。

What enables a person to gain wealth? It cannot be obtained without the use of mental and physical energy. So why is the term 'wealth' used for the element I overcome? Because wealth is something that comes only after I have expended my strength and labor. A person must first have energy and vitality before they can pursue wealth or enjoy it. The principle of the eight characters is the same: first, the day master must be strong enough to bear the influence of wealth. If the day master is weak and the wealth element is strong, it is like a person in a state of decline who, although possibly acquiring wealth by chance, cannot properly use it, and may even bring misfortune through it. Therefore, when analyzing a birth chart concerning wealth, one must first consider the strength of the day master; it is not necessarily good to have too much wealth. As for the common belief that the 'official wealth' refers to the wife's wealth and the 'biased wealth' refers to the wealth of others, or that the 'official wealth' is the wealth earned through hard work and the 'biased wealth' is the wealth obtained by chance, these interpretations are not comprehensive and should not be rigidly followed. This passage from Wei's discussion aims to refute such common misconceptions: the distinction between official and biased wealth is merely a difference in yin and yang, and has nothing to do with the legitimacy of the source. Readers should not take these terms literally.

偏正財之能力：生官殺，洩傷食，制梟，壞印。偏正財之利：生官殺：日干強，官殺力輕，尚不全美，當賴正偏財生起官殺方能成為大用。例如：乙亥、甲申、庚甲、丁丑。丁火如豆不能制大塊之金，身太重而官太輕。甲乙雙財並透，生助正官，足補此憾矣。故八字堪成大用，及賴於財之生官非僅官之克身也。

Wealth has four functions: to generate officials and enemies, to release injuries and foods, to control the枭, and to destroy the印. First, let us discuss its benefits. The first function is to generate officials and enemies: if the day stem is strong and the officials and enemies are weak, the structure is not yet perfect. Therefore, it is necessary to use the正财 and偏财 to generate officials and enemies so that they can be fully effective. For example: in the case of Yihai, Jiashen, Geng, and Dingchou, the day stem is Geng metal. The hour stem Ding fire is very small, unable to control the large amount of metal. This is a case of the body being too heavy and the official too weak; fortunately, the month stem甲 wood and the year stem乙 wood, two wealth stars, are both revealed, assisting the Ding fire official. This is sufficient to make up for the deficiency. Therefore, this destiny can achieve great success, entirely relying on wealth to generate officials, rather than just relying on officials to control the body. This distinction is very important: when the official star is weak, its ability to control the body is limited, and it is essential to rely on wealth to support it. (The original day column is written as 'Geng Jia', not one of the sixty jiazi, indicating a possible error; the word '及' in '及赖于财' should be '皆'.)

洩傷食：日干強，傷食力亦強，雖日干之透氣已洩於傷食，而傷食則遏抑未舒，當賴正偏財洩之，藉以疏通。例如：癸卯、庚申、庚子、庚辰。初秋三庚，支全申子辰，年上透癸，金水並行，母強子健，庚因生水，而秀氣發越，癸水傷官，以卯木正財之洩，而亦有所寄託，生生不息矣。制梟：日干強，偏印力亦強，身旺何勞印綬。當賴偏財制去梟神，使不橫來生身。例如：甲辰、戊辰、庚申、甲申。庚金兩得申祿，不愁孱弱，一戊二辰之梟印生身，反為駢枝，不如借甲木偏財以去之清淨也。

The second benefit is the release of the official and food spirits: when the day stem is strong and the official and food spirits are also strong, although the refined quality of the day stem has already been released to the official and food spirits, the official and food spirits themselves are blocked and unable to expand. This requires the use of the official and miscellaneous wealth to release the official and food spirits, thus allowing the energy to flow smoothly. For example: Guimao, Gengshen, Gengzi, Gengchen, with the day stem being Geng metal. In early autumn, there are three Geng metals, and the branches Shen, Zi, and Chen form a water trinity, with the year stem also revealing Gui water. Metal and water are both strong, the mother is strong and the child is healthy; the Geng metal produces water, allowing its refined quality to be expressed, and the Gui water official is released through the卯 wood official in the month branch, thus having a place to rely on. This leads to continuous generation and development. This is exactly what is called "circulation" in命学: from the body producing the official and food spirits, and the official and food spirits producing the wealth, forming a continuous line, making the entire chart alive. The third benefit is the control of the枭: when the day stem is strong and the偏印 is also strong, the body is already strong, so why would the印 be needed? This requires the偏财 to control the枭, so that it no longer creates unnecessary branches to nourish the body. For example: Jiachen, Wuchen, Gengshen, Jiashen, with the day stem being Geng metal. The Geng metal receives the Sheng branch twice, so it is not weak, and the Wu soil and two Chen soils of the偏印 come to nourish the body, which instead becomes an unnecessary burden ("骈枝" refers to extra limbs, symbolizing unnecessary things). It is better to remove it with the Ji wood偏财 in the year and hour stems, making the situation clearer.

壞印：日干強，正印力亦強，身旺不須正印。當賴正財破壞之，使身不過旺。例如：乙亥、已丑、庚申、乙酉。庚日得祿於申，乘旺於酉，投庫於丑，根基極深，固不喜再見幫扶。然則，乙木正財，破壞己土正印，正所以去繁就簡也，何憾之有耶。

The fourth advantage is to destroy the official star: if the day stem is strong and the official star is also strong, the body is already vigorous and does not need the official star any longer. Therefore, it is necessary to use the official star to destroy the official star, so that the day master does not become too strong. For example: Yihai, Jichou, Gengshen, Yiyou, with the day stem being Geng metal. Geng metal is in the day branch Shen where it gets its strength, in the hour branch You where it is vigorous, and in the month branch Chou where it is stored, so its foundation is very deep. It naturally does not like to see more support (this is what was mentioned earlier as 'rooting', meaning that one stem has roots in the branches, and its strength is evident). Since this is the case, the ethereal wood of the year and hour branches destroying the earth official star of the month stem is a way of simplifying things. What is there to regret? When viewed together with the previous point: controlling the枭 (a type of official star) uses the biased wealth, destroying the official star uses the proper wealth, same sex and opposite sex control have their respective correspondences, and are not arbitrarily paired (the original text had 'yi chou' where 'yi' should be 'ji').

偏正財之弊：生官殺：日干弱，最怕財旺生官殺，來剋日干。例如：甲寅、丁卯、庚午、乙酉。木旺金衰，財多身弱，最憾財再生官，使官來克身，形勢尤危，乃木火財官，狼狽為奸，欲遞禍患，更不易矣。洩傷食：日千弱，最怕傷食洩財，以分日千之力。例如：癸未、乙卯、庚子、庚辰。庚金失令，援助又少，固畏群水之洩氣。然若單見水星，耗盜尚有限制，豈可又見木來洩水，轉輾分力。則財之洩傷食而挫日，與夫生官殺而克身，其為害乃異途而同歸也。

Now let us discuss the drawbacks of wealth (财). This is still divided into four categories. The first is when wealth generates officials and enemies (官杀). If the day stem is weak, it is most dangerous when wealth is strong and generates officials and enemies, which in turn harm the day stem. For example: Jiayin, Dingmao, Gengwu, Yiyou, with the day stem being Geng metal. Wood is strong and metal is weak, which is exactly the case of excessive wealth and a weak body. What is most regrettable is that wealth also generates officials, allowing officials to harm the body. The situation becomes even more dangerous. Wood and fire, wealth and officials, collude together, making it even harder to prevent this disaster (the original text's '欲递祸患' should be '遏祸患'). The second is when wealth drains the strength of the injured or consumed elements (伤食). If the day stem is weak, it is most dangerous when wealth drains the injured or consumed elements, thus reducing the strength of the day stem. For example: Guiwei, Yimao, Gengzi, Gengchen, with the day stem being Geng metal. Geng metal is out of its season and has little support, and it is already afraid of the full presence of water draining its strength. However, if only water is present, the draining and stealing have some limits. How can it withstand the additional presence of wood draining water, layer by layer reducing the strength of the day stem? It is evident that wealth draining the injured or consumed elements and weakening the day stem is as harmful as wealth generating officials and enemies to harm the day stem. Although the two paths are different, the harm they cause is the same (the original text's two instances of '日千' should both be '日干').

制梟：日干弱，最怕財星制去梟神，以絕日干之生。例如：戊辰、甲子、庚寅、甲申。水木成群，庚金走洩無止。戊土梟印雖生庚，奈生受制於甲財。財神非僅患身，且能害母，產除根本，為禍更甚於洩傷食，生官殺也。壞印：日干弱，最怕財星，破壞正印，絕其滋助。例如：乙未、己卯、庚子、甲申。庚金閒於水木之包圍，已土正印，因乙財之破壞，似有若無。勢大適為我敵，勢小難為我助，與上述之命，同一抱撼耳。

Third, controlling the枭 (weishen): when the day stem is weak, it is most afraid that the wealth star (cai xing) controls the枭, thus cutting off the day stem's source of nourishment. For example: Wuchen, Jiazi, Gengyin, Jiashen, with the day stem being Geng metal. Water and wood are in abundance, and Geng metal is continuously drained without any end. The year stem Wut (Wu tu) as the枭 (weishen) could have nourished Geng metal, but it was unable to do so because it was controlled by the month and hour stems' Jia wood (cai xing). This wealth star not only harms the day stem itself, but also harms the mother who nourishes me, which is equivalent to uprooting the root, causing greater harm than the previous mentioned leakage of food and drink, or the generation of official and killer stars (the original text's "nai sheng shou zhi" may be "jingsheng," and "chan chu geng ben" may be "chan chu geng ben"). Fourth, ruining the official (zhen yin): when the day stem is weak, it is most afraid that the wealth star destroys the positive official (zheng yin), cutting off its nourishment to the day stem. For example: Yiwei, Jimao, Gengzi, Jiashen, with the day stem being Geng metal. Geng metal is surrounded by water and wood, and the month stem Ji (Ji tu) as the positive official is nearly nonexistent due to the destruction by the year stem Yi wood (cai xing). This is called: when the wealth star is strong, it becomes my enemy; when it is weak, it cannot help me at all. This is the same as the previous example, causing great regret (the original text's "xian yu" may be "kun yu," "yi tu" may be "ji tu," and "bao han" may be "bao han"). These two points are exactly what the "Tian Gan" (heavenly stem) pattern should avoid, which is "tan cai huai yin" (greed for wealth and ruin of the official). Readers may refer to the section on "biased and correct official" for comparison.

偏正財之喜：生官殺：日干強，有財生官殺，喜官殺旺則成功。日干弱，有財生官殺，喜印生比劫以制之。洩傷食：日干強，傷食重，有財洩傷食，喜財旺生發。日干弱，傷食輕，有財洩傷食，喜比劫以制財。制梟：日干強，不須梟神生身，喜財來制梟。日干弱，有財星制梟，喜比劫以解之。壞印：日干強，不勞印綬再助身，喜傷食生財，助財破印。日干弱，有財壞印，喜比劫克去財星以存印。

In the context of the four pillars, once the wealth star is already present, what else is desired? Still following the four aspects. Considering the generation of officials and evils: if the day stem is strong and has wealth to generate officials and evils, it is favorable for officials and evils to become strong, making the pattern successful; if the day stem is weak and has wealth to generate officials and evils, it is favorable for the seal and similar stars to control this aspect—seals can transform officials and evils, and similar stars can share the wealth, both aspects need to be considered. Considering the release and damage of food: if the day stem is strong and the damage and food are heavy, and there is wealth to release the damage and food, it is favorable for wealth to be strong to fully utilize its generating function; if the day stem is weak and the damage and food are light, and there is wealth to release the damage and food, it is favorable for similar stars to control the wealth star, preventing it from dispersing its strength. Considering the control of the hawk: if the day stem is strong and does not need the hawk to generate the body, it is favorable for wealth to control the hawk; if the day stem is weak and there is wealth controlling the hawk, it is favorable for similar stars to rescue—similar stars taking wealth, the hawk and seal will be protected. Considering the destruction of the seal: if the day stem is strong and does not need the seal to assist the body, it is favorable for damage and food to generate wealth and assist wealth to break the seal; if the day stem is weak and there is wealth destroying the seal, it is favorable for similar stars to control the wealth star to preserve the seal. In summary: if the body is strong, the more wealth the better, it can generate officials and break the seal; if the body is weak, it is necessary to use similar stars to resist the wealth star, this is the main point of using wealth in the wealth pattern.

偏天財之忌：生官殺：日干強，幸有財來生官殺，忌傷食克官殺。日干弱，又有財去生官殺，忌官殺再旺而克身。洩傷食：日干強，幸有財來洩傷食，忌比劫奪財。日干弱，又有財去洩傷食，忌財旺分力。制梟：日干強，幸有偏財制梟，忌比劫再奪財。日干弱，又有偏財制梟，忌傷食生財。壞印：日干強，幸有正財壞印，忌比劫再奪財。日干弱，又有正財壞印，忌傷食生財。

In reverse, regarding what is to be avoided (the original title "偏天财" should be "正" for "heavenly"). Considering the generation of officials and evils: if the day stem is strong and there is wealth to generate officials and evils, then the avoidance is the destruction of officials and evils by the official and food gods, which is like knocking down the officials that have just been supported; if the day stem is weak and there is wealth to generate officials and evils, then the avoidance is the strengthening of officials and evils, which come to attack the body. Considering the leakage of official and food gods: if the day stem is strong and there is wealth to relieve the official and food gods, then the avoidance is the competition of similar elements to take away the wealth, for once the wealth is taken away, the flow is cut off; if the day stem is weak and there is wealth to relieve the official and food gods, then the avoidance is the wealth becoming stronger and further dividing the strength of the day stem. Considering the control of the枭 (a type of god): if the day stem is strong and there is partial wealth to control the枭, then the avoidance is similar elements coming to take away the wealth; if the day stem is weak and there is partial wealth to control the枭, then the avoidance is the official and food gods generating wealth, making the wealth stronger and the枭 and its imprint more dangerous. Considering the destruction of the imprint: if the day stem is strong and there is proper wealth to destroy the imprint, then the avoidance is similar elements taking away the wealth; if the day stem is weak and there is proper wealth to destroy the imprint, then the avoidance is the official and food gods generating wealth. The six spirits are now fully explained. Looking at the entire text, we can see that Wei's discussion of the six spirits always follows seven levels: "composition, simple explanation, ability, benefit, disadvantage, what is preferred, and what is avoided." Throughout, there is only one standard: the strength of the day stem. The same spirit can be a remedy when the day stem is strong, but a disease when the day stem is weak. Therefore, in the following section on the structure of the pattern, we must first determine the pattern, and then determine the useful god, and the order cannot be reversed.

五行分克我、我克、生我、我生、比和五項，又有陰陽同性及互異之分，乃其代名詞，即所謂七殺、正官、傷官、食神、偏正印、偏正財，及比肩、劫財者出焉。七殺、食神、正官、傷官，已為各立一格於六神篇中，偏正財、偏正印，亦不分偏正，並而曰印曰財，詳論於六神篇內。茲再述比肩劫財之損益如後，祿與刃乃助身之物，其效用利弊，與比肩劫財，頗有相似處，故附論之。

The relationships among the Five Phases are divided into five categories: overcoming me, being overcome by me, nurturing me, being nurtured by me, and being like and harmonious. Each of these categories is further distinguished by whether the yin and yang are the same or different. Combined with appropriate terms, names such as seven杀 (seven killing), 正官 (proper official), 伤官 (injurious official), 食神 (nourishing deity), 偏印 (biased seal), 正印 (proper seal), 偏财 (biased wealth), 正财 (proper wealth), 比肩 (companion), and 劫财 (plundering wealth) all emerge. Among these, seven杀, 食神, 正官, and 伤官 have each been discussed in detail in the previous section on the Six Spirits. As for 偏财 and 正财, 偏印 and 正印, they are no longer divided into biased and proper, and are instead collectively referred to as 财 (wealth) and 印 (seal), which have also been discussed in the section on the Six Spirits. Therefore, this section will now elaborate on the advantages and disadvantages of 比肩 and 劫财. As for 禄 (favorable position) and 刃 (blade), they are also supportive elements for the self, and their effects and merits are quite similar to those of 比肩 and 劫财, so they are included in this section for discussion. This section serves as the reason for its establishment: the section on the Six Spirits omitted 比劫 (companion and plundering), because 比劫 cannot form a pattern; however, not forming a pattern does not mean they have no effect, so this section is established to complement them.

比肩之構成：與我同類，而又同性者是也。如甲見甲見寅，既同屬木類，又同為陽性耳。按甲見甲寅，乙見乙見卯，丙見丙見已，丁見丁見午，戊見戊見辰戌，己見己見丑未，庚見庚見申，辛見辛見酉，壬見壬見亥，癸見癸見子，皆為比肩。劫財之構成：與我同類而異性者是也。如甲日遇乙，甲為木，乙亦為木，是同類了。甲為陽性，乙為陰性，是同類而異性也。故乙為甲之劫財。按甲見乙見卯，乙見甲見寅，丙見丁見午，丁見丙見己，戊見己見丑未，己見戊見辰戌，庚見辛見酉，辛見庚見申，壬見癸見子，癸見壬見亥，皆為劫財。

First, we discuss the concept of "Bijian" (like stars). Any star that is of the same type and same polarity as the day stem is considered Bijian. For example, if the day stem is Jia (甲), then seeing another Jia (甲) or Yin (寅) is considered Bijian. Both Jia and Yin belong to the wood element and are yang in nature. The author lists them as follows: on a Jia day, Jia and Yin are Bijian; on a Yi day, Yi and Mao are Bijian; on a Bing day, Bing and Si are Bijian; on a Ding day, Ding and Wu are Bijian; on a Wu day, Wu and Chen or Xu are Bijian; on a Ji day, Ji and Chou or Wei are Bijian; on a Geng day, Geng and Shen are Bijian; on a Xin day, Xin and You are Bijian; on a Ren day, Ren and Hai are Bijian; on a Gui day, Gui and Zi are Bijian. These are all examples of Bijian. Next, we discuss "Jiecai" (robber stars). Any star that is of the same type but opposite polarity is considered Jiecai. For example, if the day stem is Jia (甲), then encountering Yi (乙) is considered Jiecai. Both Jia and Yi are wood, but Jia is yang and Yi is yin, so Yi is considered the Jiecai of Jia. The author lists them as follows: on a Jia day, Yi and Mao are Jiecai; on a Yi day, Jia and Yin are Jiecai; on a Bing day, Ding and Wu are Jiecai; on a Ding day, Bing and Si are Jiecai; on a Wu day, Ji and Chou or Wei are Jiecai; on a Ji day, Wu and Chen or Xu are Jiecai; on a Geng day, Xin and You are Jiecai; on a Xin day, Geng and Shen are Jiecai; on a Ren day, Gui and Zi are Jiecai; on a Gui day, Ren and Hai are Jiecai. These are all examples of Jiecai. Both Bijian and Jiecai are stars of the same type, but Bijian has pure energy and harmonious strength, while Jiecai has mixed energy and competitive nature. Their applications differ significantly. (The original text has "丙见丙见已" and "丁见丙见己" where the last characters should be "巳", and "是同类了" should be "是同类矣".)

祿之構成：我之本氣也。如甲木本氣在寅，寅即甲之祿也。按甲見寅，乙見卯，丙戊見巳，丁己見午，庚見申，辛見酉，壬見亥，癸見子，皆為祿。刃之構成：祿前一位為刃。如甲之祿在寅，卯乃寅前一位，故為甲之刃。惟陽順陰逆，陰干以後作前，故祿前一全為刃，即祿後一位為刃，如乙之祿在兒子，寅乃卯後一位，故為乙之刃。按甲見卯，乙見寅，丙戊見午，丁已見已，庚見酉，辛見申，壬見子，癸見亥，皆為刃。

Now let us discuss the concept of "Lü" (Rice Field). Lü refers to the branch where the qi of the day stem resides. For example, the inherent qi of Jia wood is in寅 (Yin), and since the inherent qi of Jia wood is exactly in Yin, Yin is the Lü of Jia. The author lists: Jia day sees寅, Yi day sees卯, Bing and Wu days see巳, Ding and Ji days see午, Geng day sees申, Xin day sees酉, Ren day sees亥, and Gui day sees子 — these are all Lü. Lü corresponds to the position of "Lin Guan" (Officialdom) in the twelve earthly branches. It is a position where the qi is strong but has not yet reached its peak. Now let us discuss "Ren" (Blade). The position immediately before Lü is Ren. For example, Jia's Lü is in寅, and卯 is the position immediately before寅, so卯 is the Ren of Jia. However, for yang stems, the order is forward, while for yin stems, the order is backward. For yin stems, "before" is considered "after," so for yin stems, the position immediately before Lü is actually the position immediately after Lü. For example, the Lü of Yi is in卯, and寅 is the position immediately after卯, so寅 is the Ren of Yi. The author lists: Jia day sees卯, Yi day sees寅, Bing and Wu days see午, Ding and Ji days see巳, Geng day sees酉, Xin day sees申, Ren day sees子, and Gui day sees亥 — these are all Ren (the original text says "Lü before one full" where "full" should be "position," and "Yi's Lü is in son" should be "Yi's Lü is in卯," and "Ding Ji see Ji" should be "Ding Ji see巳").

比劫祿刃淺解：有謂在干為比，在支為祿，在干為劫，在支為刃。此理甚通，蓋甲祿在寅，中有甲木比肩，乙祿在卯，卯中有乙木比肩，丙戊祿在已巳，巳中有丙戊比肩，丁已祿在午，午中有丁已比肩，庚祿在申，申中有庚金比肩，幸祿在酉，酉中有金比肩，壬祿在亥，亥中有水比肩，祿在子，子中有癸水比肩。甲刃在卯，卯中乙木，為甲之劫財。乙刃在寅，寅中甲木，主乙之劫財。丙戊刃在午，午中丁己，為丙戊之劫財。丁己刃在巳，巳中丙戊，為丁己之劫財。庚刃在酉，酉中辛金，為庚之庚財。辛刃在申，申丙庚金，為幸之劫財。壬刃在子，子中癸水，為壬之劫財，癸刃在亥，亥中壬水，為合適之劫財。由此，蓋見陽干之刃，在寅申已亥，為可信矣。

There is a saying that in the Heavenly Stems, it is called "Bijian" (a fellow), but when it falls into the Earthly Branches, it is called "Lu" (a post). In the Heavenly Stems, it is called "Jiecai" (a thief), but when it falls into the Earthly Branches, it is called "Ren" (a blade). This reasoning makes sense because the Heavenly Stem's "Bijian" is actually contained within the Earthly Branch's "Lu", and the Heavenly Stem's "Jiecai" is actually contained within the Earthly Branch's "Ren". Let us check each case: Jia's Lu is in Yin, and Yin contains Jia wood as a fellow; Yi's Lu is in Mao, and Mao contains Yi wood as a fellow; Bing and Wu's Lu is in Si, and Si contains Bing fire and Wu earth as fellows; Ding and Ji's Lu is in Wu, and Wu contains Ding fire and Ji earth as fellows; Geng's Lu is in Shen, and Shen contains Geng metal as a fellow; Xin's Lu is in You, and You contains Xin metal as a fellow; Ren's Lu is in Hai, and Hai contains Ren water as a fellow; Gui's Lu is in Zi, and Zi contains Gui water as a fellow. Now looking at the "Ren" (blade): Jia's Ren is in Mao, and Mao contains Yi wood, which is Jia's thief; Yi's Ren is in Yin, and Yin contains Jia wood, which is Yi's thief; Bing and Wu's Ren is in Wu, and Wu contains Ding fire and Ji earth, which are Bing and Wu's thieves; Ding and Ji's Ren is in Si, and Si contains Bing fire and Wu earth, which are Ding and Ji's thieves; Geng's Ren is in You, and You contains Xin metal, which is Geng's thief; Xin's Ren is in Shen, and Shen contains Geng metal, which is Xin's thief; Ren's Ren is in Zi, and Zi contains Gui water, which is Ren's thief; Gui's Ren is in Hai, and Hai contains Ren water, which is Gui's thief. Therefore, the statement that the "Ren" (blade) of Yin Stems falls in Yin, Si, Shen, and Hai branches is credible. However, the original text has many errors: "Jingwu's Lu is in Yi Si" has an extra "Yi"; "Ding Yi" should be "Ding Ji"; "Xing" should be "Xin"; "You has metal as a fellow" is missing "Xin"; "Hai has water as a fellow" is missing "Ren"; "Lu in Zi" is missing "Gui"; "mainly Yi's thief" should be "is"; "for Geng's Geng treasure" the second "Geng" should be "Jie"; "Shen Bing Geng metal" the "Bing" should be "Zhong"; "as suitable thief" should be "Gui's thief"; and the last sentence "Yang Stems' Ren" the "Yang" should be "Yin".

刃者，旺而越過其分也。故祿前一位為刃，蓋祿前一位，即帝旺耳。陰陽萬物之理，皆事業惡極盛，所謂滿易招損。刃因太旺，故其性剛烈，其氣暴戾。祿則刃後一位，乃既盛而未極，故溫柔和暢。甲刃在卯，丙戊刃在午，庚刃在酉，壬刃在子，無一非帝旺也。陽順陰逆，陽以前為前，則陰以後為前，而祿前即祿後，故乙祿在卯，而刃在寅，丁己祿在午，而刃在己，辛祿在酉，而刃在申，癸祿在子，而刃在亥，亦無一非帝量耳。欲以陰干之刃，辰戌丑未，夫辰戌丑未為墓地，非旺地，豈塨作刃，其不可信也，明矣。

The term "blade" refers to when something is overly prosperous. Why is the position before the禄 (favorable position) called the blade? Because the禄 is the officialdom position of the twelve earthly branches, and the position before officialdom is precisely the position of prosperity. The principle of yin and yang teaches that excess is harmful; when something is full, it invites loss. The blade, being overly prosperous, has a fierce and violent nature; the禄, being one position after the blade, has already reached a high level but not yet the extreme, so it is gentle and harmonious. This is the reason why the禄 is auspicious and the blade is inauspicious. Testing this with yang heavenly stems: the blade of Jia is in卯, the blade of Bing and Wu is in午, the blade of Geng is in酉, and the blade of Ren is in子, none of which are not the position of prosperity. As for the yin heavenly stems, because yang moves forward and yin moves backward, for yang stems the previous position is before, but for yin stems the previous position is after. Therefore, the "L禄 before" for yin stems is equivalent to "L禄 after": the blade of Yi is in寅, the blade of Ding and Ji is in巳, the blade of Xin is in申, and the blade of Gui is in亥, none of which are not the position of prosperity (since the yin heavenly stems move backward through the twelve earthly branches, their position of prosperity falls exactly on these branches). Some people claim that the blade for yin stems is in辰, 戌, 丑, 未, but these are storage positions, not positions of prosperity, so how can they be called blades? This is clearly unreliable. The original text has some errors: "皆事业恶极盛" should be "皆恶极盛", "满易招损" should be "满招损", "而刃在己" should be "而刃在巳", "帝量" should be "帝旺", "欲以阴干之刃" should be "或以阴干之刃" and there is a missing "在" after "或", "岂塨作刃" should be "岂堪作刃".

比劫祿刃之能力：幫身，任官殺，代洩，奪財。比劫祿之利：幫身：日干弱，無論財官食傷均足以耗吾之身，而不為我福。得有比劫祿刃幫身，則耗我身者，可為吾用矣。例如：己巳、丙寅、壬子、壬寅。財官食神雖美，乃日主虛弱，如人之富貴而病，豈能享受榮華。還以攝身進補為是。於為壬水雙肩，子水劫刃，能幫吾央，為可貴矣。

Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches such as Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui, Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai have four functions: supporting the day stem, taking on official positions, relieving pressure, and seizing wealth. First, let's talk about the benefits of these. The first is supporting the day stem. When the day stem is weak, whether it is wealth, official position, food, or injury, all of them consume the day stem and cannot bring fortune. At this time, if there are Jia, Yi,禄, or 刃 to support the day stem, those things that originally consumed the day stem can instead be used for the day stem's benefit. For example, in the case of Jisi, Bingyin, Renzi, Renyin, the day stem is Ren water. The year stem Jia soil is official, the month stem Bing fire is wealth, and the寅 branch contains Jia wood which is food and injury. Wealth, official position, food, and injury are all present, which seems very good. But the day stem is weak, like a person living in wealth and honor but lying sick in bed, how can he enjoy the glory? It is more important to first strengthen and nourish the day stem. Therefore, the壬 water Jia and the子 water which is the劫刃 in the day branch can support the day stem, which is very precious. (The original text says '于为' which should be '于是', '壬水双肩' which should be '壬水比肩', and '能帮吾央' where '央' should be '身'.)

任官殺：日干弱，見官則受拘束，見殺則為壓制。望官即畏憚之甚，安足云任，苟得比劫祿刃敵官殺，而不畏憚，反足任之以有為矣。例如：戊子、戊午、壬戌、壬寅。壬水憚於重土之壓，是即殺重身輕。既有壬水比肩，子水劫刃協力抵敵，日主可能任殺矣。或畏火土遠過於水星，仍患身弱，此乃另一問題，非在本條討論範圍之內也。

The second advantage is being able to take on official positions and killing stars. A weak day stem is constrained by the official star and suppressed by the killing star; it fears encountering official and killing stars and cannot even talk about being able to take them on. However, if there are siblings,禄, or 刃 to resist the official and killing stars, the day stem no longer fears them and can instead control the official and killing stars and achieve something. For example, in the combination of Wuzi, Wuwu, Renxu, and RENYIN, the day stem is Ren water. The Ren water is oppressed by the heavy earth in the year and month dry branches, which is a case of heavy killing stars and weak day stem. Fortunately, there is a Ren water sibling in the hour dry branch and a Zi water 刃 in the year branch, which together resist the killing stars, allowing the day stem to be able to take on the killing stars. The author then adds a note: perhaps someone might say that the fire and earth forces in this combination are much stronger than the water, so the day stem is still weak — but that is a different issue and not within the scope of this discussion. This self-commentary shows good judgment: the example is given merely to illustrate a principle, and it is not necessary for it to be comprehensive in every aspect.

代洩：日干弱，見傷信不為我福，而反足以盜洩，比劫祿就，可以代我受洩，則傷食反為福神矣。例如：乙卯、癸未、壬子、乙已。眾木盜水，幸癸子兩劫，代日主受洩，則乙食神，始為忌神而終為福星。為忌神者，憚其走洩也，為福星者，既有劫財代洩，不為我害。可以安然任之，且或有生財制殺之利耳。

The third advantage is substitution. For a weak day stem, encountering a food god or official star is not beneficial, but rather drains the energy. At this time, the brother or sister,禄 or 刃 can take the place of the day stem to bear the drain, so the food god or official star becomes a beneficial god. For example: Yimao, Guiwei, Renzi, Yisi, with the day stem being Ren water. All the wood in the chart drains the water energy. Fortunately, the癸 water in the month and the子 water in the day branch, the two劫财, take the place of the day stem to bear the drain. Thus, the乙 wood in the year and hour, which was originally a hostile god, becomes a beneficial star. Saying it is a hostile god is because it fears to drain the day stem's energy; saying it is a beneficial star is because with the劫财 taking the place of the day stem, it can no longer harm the day stem, and the day stem can safely use it, and it also has the benefits of generating wealth and controlling the killer. This point best shows the wonderful use of brothers and sisters: brothers and sisters not only strongly support the day stem, but also help the day stem bear the drain, turning an originally hostile god into a useful god. (The original text says 「见伤信」 instead of 「见伤食」, and 「比劫禄就」 instead of 「比劫禄刃」.)

制財：日干弱，見財則身益弱，得比劫祿刃之制財。則不為財役矣。例如：壬申、丙午、壬寅、丙午。火炎水灼，財重身輕，不奇印比之生扶，卻喜壬水比肩之制財。制財而有力，是為我除害也。勝於同氣相助多矣。

The fourth benefit is controlling wealth. For someone with a weak day stem, encountering the wealth star weakens the body even more, because controlling wealth requires effort; if the same element or its helper comes out to control the wealth star, the day stem will not be controlled by wealth. For example, in the birth chart Renshen, Bingwu, Renyin, Bingwu, the day stem is Ren water. The fire is very strong and the water is almost dried up, which is a case of heavy wealth but weak self. This fate not only hopes for the birth star and same element to generate and support, but also prefers the heavenly stem Ren water of the year to control the wealth. Controlling wealth with strength is like removing a disaster, which is much better than mere same element assistance. Here we should note that "controlling wealth" and "stealing wealth" are two aspects of the same thing: when the body is weak, it is called controlling wealth, which is good; when the body is strong, it is called stealing wealth, which becomes bad. The following discussion on the drawbacks will explain this principle (the original text's "water burning" should be "water drying up," and "not strange" is likely "not less than").

比劫祿刃之弊：幫身：日干強，怕比劫祿刃幫扶，蓋至強則無依矣。例如：癸巳、癸亥、壬申、壬寅。壬水生於亥月，坐於甲金巳臨旺鄉，何需干頭比劫之幫身，則比劫非惟為駢拇枝指。且足以促成身旺，無依之危險，可畏也巳。任官殺：日干強，喜官殺為我用，怕比劫祿刃敵官殺，而分官殺之力。例如：己亥、壬申、壬子、丙午。壬生申月，源遠流長。正喜已土正官之拘身築堤。乃月上壬比，年支亥祿。以及日下子刃，推波助瀾，沖擊堤岸。其分任正官，使日主漫無節制，為害豈淺鮮哉。

Now let us discuss their drawbacks. First, the help from the same element: if the day stem is already strong, it is dangerous for the same element or its helper to come again to support it, because when it is too strong, it has no support. For example, in the case ofGuisi, Guihai, Renshen, Renyin, with the day stem being 壬 water. The 壬 water is born in the month of 亥, which is its season, and the day branch is sitting on 申 metal, which is also a strong position. The foundation is very solid, so why would it need the same element in the sky stem to help? At this time, the same element is not only redundant but can also lead to the danger of being too strong with no support, which is really dangerous (the original text says '坐于甲金巳临旺乡' which should be '坐于申金、巳临旺乡', and '可畏也巳' should be '可畏也已'). Second, the official and killer elements: if the day stem is already strong, it is actually good to have the official and killer elements to be used by it. However, it is dangerous if the same element or its helper comes to resist the official and killer elements, thus weakening their power. For example, in the case of Jihai, Renshen, Renzi, Bingwu, with the day stem being 壬 water. The 壬 water is born in the month of 申, which has a long and abundant water source. It is actually good that the year stem 己 earth is the official element to restrain the day stem and build a dike to prevent flooding. But unexpectedly, the month stem 壬 water is the same element, the year branch 亥 water is the禄 position, and the day branch 子 water is the Yangren, all contributing to the flow of water, thus undermining the dike and dispersing the power of the official element, causing the day stem to be out of control. How serious is this harm? (the original text says '已土' which should be '己土').

代洩：日干強，見傷食則秀氣可吐，怕比劫祿刃競代受洩。分我秀氣。例如：癸亥、癸亥、壬申、乙已。乙木傷官，洩旺壬而吐秀，只以水多木漂，功效盡棄。故身強之造不喜重重劫，比之代洩，其唯一理由，蓋即母多子虛。亦如人之寵了太過，反多流弊耳。制財：日干強，最喜財，怕比劫祿刃制財。例如：壬午、壬子、壬子、丙午。冬日可愛，壬水自喜丙火午火，況又倚以為養命之財耶。不幸劫比林立，劫奪一空，如資財拮据之人。而又符遍地。其不歌行路之難，得乎！

Third, substitution of the burden: when the day stem is strong, the presence of a food god or official star is good because it allows the refined essence to be released. However, it is feared that the same or similar elements, such as the same or similar stems, will compete to take on this burden, thus diluting the refined essence. For example, in the case of Guihai, Guihai, Renshen, Yisi, with the day stem being Renshen, the time stem is Yisi, which is the official star, and should be able to release the strong Renshen and bring out its refined essence. However, because there is too much water, the wood is carried away by the water, and the effect is completely lost. Therefore, in a strong day stem situation, the presence of many same or similar elements is not desirable. The only reason is 'too many mothers, too few children'—if there are too many elements that generate the day stem, they will suppress the refined essence that the day stem is able to produce. It is like when a parent spoils a child too much, leading to many problems. Fourth, controlling wealth: when the day stem is strong, the presence of wealth stars is most desirable, but it is feared that same or similar elements will control the wealth. For example, in the case of Renwu, Renzi, Renzi, Bingwu, with the day stem being Renwu, the winter sun is most desirable, and the Ren water naturally likes the Bing and Wu fire, especially since they are also the wealth stars needed for sustenance. Unfortunately, there are many same or similar elements, which take away the wealth completely. It is like a person who is already in financial difficulty, and now has creditors coming from all sides. He cannot help but lament the difficulty of traveling on the road, can he? (The original text has 'Yi Yi' as 'Yi Si', 'the child was spoiled too much' has 'le' as 'zi', and 'and there are creditors everywhere' has some errors, but the meaning is that creditors are everywhere.)

比劫祿刃之喜：幫身：日干弱，有比劫祿刃幫身，喜身旺生發。日干弱，有比劫祿刃幫身，喜官殺以制之。任官殺：日干弱，有比劫祿刃敵官殺，喜身殺兩相停。（停者，平均也）日干強，又有比劫祿刃敵官殺，喜財量生官殺。代洩：日干弱，作品食多，有比劫祿刃代為受洩，喜印制傷食而生身。日干強，又有比劫祿刃代受傷食之洩，喜財官兩旺。制財：日干弱，有比劫祿刃制財，喜印生身。日干強，又有比劫祿刃制財，喜官殺制之。

In the four pillars, if the day stem has already seen brothers and sisters, strength, and sharpness, what else is desired? Still follow the four categories. Considering the support of the day stem: if the day stem is weak and has brothers and sisters, strength, and sharpness to support it, it is favorable for the day stem to become stronger and then to flourish; if the day stem is strong and also has brothers and sisters, strength, and sharpness to support it, it is favorable for officials and enemies to come in to restrain it. Considering the officials and enemies: if the day stem is weak and has brothers and sisters, strength, and sharpness to resist officials and enemies, it is favorable for the body and the enemy to be evenly matched; the author's note says: 'Stop' means balance. If the day stem is strong and also has brothers and sisters, strength, and sharpness to resist officials and enemies, it is favorable for wealth to be strong to generate officials and enemies, so that officials and enemies are not completely divided. Considering the release: if the day stem is weak, there are many injuries and foods, and brothers and sisters, strength, and sharpness to take the place of releasing, it is favorable for the seal to control the injuries and foods and to support the day stem; if the day stem is strong and also has brothers and sisters, strength, and sharpness to take the place of releasing injuries and foods, it is favorable for wealth and officials to both be strong, so that the refined energy has a place to return to. Considering the control of wealth: if the day stem is weak and has brothers and sisters, strength, and sharpness to control wealth, it is favorable for the seal to support the day stem; if the day stem is strong and also has brothers and sisters, strength, and sharpness to control wealth, it is favorable for officials and enemies to control brothers and sisters.

比劫祿刃之忌：幫身：日干弱，幸有比劫祿刃幫身，忌官殺來制。日干強，又有比劫祿刃幫身，忌再印生身旺。任官殺：日干弱，幸有比劫祿刃任官殺，忌財旺助官殺。日干強，又有比劫祿刃任官殺，忌再印旺生身而洩官殺。代洩：日干弱，幸有比劫祿刃，代受傷食之洩，忌官殺將比劫祿刃克去。日干強，又有比劫祿刃，代受傷食之洩，忌印來破食生身。制財：日干弱，財多則愈弱，幸有比劫祿刃制財，忌傷食生財。日干強，見財而又被比劫祿刃制去，忌再印旺生身。

In reverse, the things to be avoided are as follows. Considering the strength of the day stem: if the day stem is weak but has siblings,禄, 刃 to support it, then the official and killer elements should be avoided as they will suppress these supporters, leading to the day stem being isolated again; if the day stem is strong and has siblings,禄, 刃 to support it, then the seal and nourishing elements should be avoided as they will further strengthen the day stem. Considering the official and killer elements: if the day stem is weak but has siblings,禄, 刃 to resist the official and killer elements, then wealth should be avoided as it will strengthen the official and killer elements; if the day stem is strong and has siblings,禄, 刃 to resist the official and killer elements, then the seal and nourishing elements should be avoided as they will nourish the day stem while also weakening the official and killer elements, which is counterproductive on both sides. Considering the release: if the day stem is weak but has siblings,禄, 刃 to take the place of the injured food element and release it, then the official and killer elements should be avoided as they will suppress the siblings,禄, 刃; if the day stem is strong and has siblings,禄, 刃 to take the place of the release, then the seal and nourishing elements should be avoided as they will destroy the food element and nourish the day stem. Considering the control of wealth: if the day stem is weak and wealth is abundant, making it even weaker, but has siblings,禄, 刃 to control the wealth, then the injurious and food elements should be avoided as they will generate wealth; if the day stem is strong and the wealth has already been controlled by the siblings,禄, 刃, then the seal and nourishing elements should be avoided as they will further strengthen the day stem. In summary, siblings,禄, 刃 are like a double-edged sword. When the day stem is weak, they are the most direct support; when the day stem is strong, they are the most direct trouble. They cannot form a pattern, and can only be viewed as external support or destruction. This is the intention of placing this section after the Six Spirits section.

凡人秉命，必有一格。八字之有格局，如人之有姓名。上自達官貴人，下至販夫走卒，無人無之也。惟格有成敗，太過、不及之互異，故人有貧賤富之不等。格局名目眾多，大別之，八格與外格兩種。緣作八格外格篇如下。

Every person receives one destiny, and there must be a "pattern" or "structure" for it. The presence of a pattern in the four pillars of destiny is like having a name for a person: from high-ranking officials and noblemen down to common laborers and street vendors, no one's four pillars are without a pattern. The difference lies in whether the pattern is formed or ruined, whether it is excessive or deficient, and how they differ from each other, thus making people vary in their wealth, poverty, nobility, and commonness.所谓 "formed pattern" refers to the god that supports the pattern having strength and being in a favorable position; "ruined pattern" means it is being overcome, combined with, or taken away from, or there is an imbalance in its strength. The names of patterns are numerous, and they can be broadly divided into two categories: "Eight Patterns" and "External Patterns." Therefore, the following text will be divided into two parts: Eight Patterns and External Patterns. Determining the pattern is the first step in divining destiny. Once the pattern is determined, one can then discuss the "useful god" (the god that maintains balance throughout the entire chart) and the favorable and unfavorable elements. Hence, this section comes after the Six Spirits and before the discussion of fortune trends.

八格者，正財格、偏財格、正官格、七殺格、正印格、偏印格、食神格、傷官格是也。八格之取法：（一）月支本氣透於天干（如寅月透甲，卯月透乙，辰月透戌，已月透丙，午月透丁，未月透巳，申月透庚，酉月透辛，戌月秀戌，亥月透壬）。應先取以為格。（二）干上未透月支本氣，而透月支所藏之神，即以該神取為格（如寅月未透甲木於干上，而透丙或透戊，則可取丙或戊為格），若支藏兩神，並透干上，則斟擇其一為格（以有力而無克合者為上）。（三）月支本氣未透，月內所藏之神，亦不透，以月內人元，輕重較量，擇一有力而無克合者為格。（四）比劫不能取格，祿刃非在八格之內。

The eight categories, or eight forms, refer to the following eight types: the proper wealth category, the biased wealth category, the proper official category, the seven deadly enemies category, the proper nourishing category, the biased nourishing category, the food god category, and the injurious official category. There are four methods to determine these eight categories, in order. The first method is when the essential qi of the month's branch appears in the heavenly stems, that is, when the heavenly stem corresponding to the essential qi of the month's branch is present among the heavenly stems of the four pillars. In that case, we take that heavenly stem to establish the category. The author provides an example: if the month is寅 (Bing) and the heavenly stem 甲 (Jia) appears, or if the month is卯 (Mao) and the heavenly stem 乙 (Yi) appears, or if the month is辰 (Chen) and the heavenly stem 戊 (Wu) appears, and so on. The second method is when the essential qi of the month's branch does not appear in the heavenly stems, but one of the other heavenly stems hidden within the branch does appear. In that case, we take that heavenly stem to establish the category. If two of the hidden heavenly stems appear in the heavenly stems, we choose one based on its strength, and the one that is not weakened by being attacked or combined is preferred. The third method is when neither the essential qi nor the other hidden heavenly stems of the month's branch appear in the heavenly stems. In this case, we compare the strength of the heavenly stems hidden within the month's branch and choose the one that is strong, not weakened by being attacked or combined. The fourth method is that the same heavenly stem or the same heavenly stem's helper cannot be used to establish a category, and the禄 (favorable position) and 刃 (sharp edge) are not included in the eight categories, but are instead classified under other categories. The order of these four methods must not be reversed: first, the essential qi, then the other qi, then the comparison of strength when none are visible. This corresponds to the three levels of strength mentioned in the section on heavenly stems (the original text notes that '辰月透戌' should be '辰月透戊', '已月' should be '巳月', '未月透巳' should be '未月透己', and '戌月秀戌' should be '戌月透戊').

生於十二月取格詳例：上述八格取法，計有四項。普通八字不脫此四項範圍。惟取格為推命第一部手續格定，然後可以論用神，及喜休咎。其關係最為重要，特再舉詳例以明之。甲生寅月，寅為甲祿，非在八格之內，詳於外格篇中。甲生卯月，卯為劫刃，非在八格之內，詳於外格篇中。甲生辰月，干透戊土，為偏財格。透癸水，為正印格。若戊癸皆不透，亦可酌取其一。甲生巳月，干透丙火，為食神格，透庚金為七殺格，透戊土為偏財格。若丙庚戊皆不透，亦可酌取其一。甲生午月，干透丁火為傷官格，透已土為正財格。若丁已皆不透，亦酌取其一。

The following examples are given according to the month of birth of the day stem. The above method of determining the pattern has four rules, and ordinary birth charts do not go beyond these four. Determining the pattern is the first step in divining a person's fate: once the pattern is determined, then we can discuss the useful god and the fortune, which is most important. Therefore, more detailed examples are given to illustrate this. First, let's look at the case of Jia wood as the day stem. Jia born in the month of Yin, Yin is the Jia's禄, which is not included in the eight patterns, details can be found in the section on special patterns. Jia born in the month of Mao, Mao is the Jia's劫刃, also not included in the eight patterns, details can be found in the section on special patterns — this is an example of the fourth rule mentioned above, "competing gods cannot form a pattern." Jia born in the month of Chen, Chen contains Wu, Yi, and Gui: if Wu is revealed in the heavenly stem, it is the pattern of偏财; if Gui is revealed, it is the pattern of正印; if neither Wu nor Gui is revealed, one can choose between the two. Jia born in the month of Si, Si contains Bing, Wu, and Geng: if Bing is revealed, it is the pattern of食神; if Geng is revealed, it is the pattern of七杀; if Wu is revealed, it is the pattern of偏财; if none of the three are revealed, one can choose one of them. Jia born in the month of Wu, Wu contains Ding and Ji: if Ding is revealed, it is the pattern of伤官; if Ji is revealed, it is the pattern of正财; if neither is revealed, one can choose one of them. (The original text has two instances of "已土" and "丁已" where "已" should be read as "己".)

甲生未月，干透已土，為正財格。透丁火，為傷官格。若丁己皆不透，亦可酌取其一。甲生申月，干透庚金，為七殺格。透戊土，為偏財格。透壬水，為偏印格。若庚壬戊皆不透，亦可酌取其一。甲生酉月，干透辛金為正官格。不透亦可取。甲生戌月，干透戌土，為偏財格。透辛金，為正官格。透丁火，為傷官格，若辛丁戌皆不透，亦可酌取其一。甲生亥月，干透壬水，為偏印格。不透亦可取。甲生子月，干透癸水，為正印格。不透亦可取。甲生丑月，干透已壬，為正財格。透癸水，為正印格。透辛金，為正官格。若己癸辛皆不透，亦可酌取其一。

Now consider the latter six months for Jia day. Jia born in the month of Wei contains hidden Ji, Ding, and Yi. If Ji earth appears, it forms the pattern of the official wealth; if Ding fire appears, it forms the pattern of the injurer. If neither appears, one of them may be chosen at discretion. Jia born in the month of Shen contains hidden Geng, Ren, and Wu. If Geng metal appears, it forms the pattern of the seven killers; if Wu earth appears, it forms the pattern of the biased wealth; if Ren water appears, it forms the pattern of the biased wisdom. If none appear, one of them may be chosen at discretion. Jia born in the month of You contains only hidden Xin metal. If Xin metal appears, it forms the pattern of the official. Even if it does not appear, it may still be used as the pattern. This is because branches like Zi, Mao, and You, which contain only one heavenly stem, have their main qi without dispute, so whether they appear or not, they may be used. Jia born in the month of Xu contains hidden Wu earth, Xin metal, and Ding fire. If Wu earth appears, it forms the pattern of the biased wealth; if Xin metal appears, it forms the pattern of the official; if Ding fire appears, it forms the pattern of the injurer. If none appear, one of them may be chosen at discretion. Jia born in the month of Hai contains the main qi of Ren water. If Ren water appears, it forms the pattern of the biased wisdom; even if it does not appear, it may still be used. Jia born in the month of Zi contains only hidden Gui water. If Gui water appears, it forms the pattern of the official wisdom; even if it does not appear, it may still be used. Jia born in the month of Chou contains hidden Ji earth, Gui water, and Xin metal. If Ji earth appears, it forms the pattern of the official wealth; if Gui water appears, it forms the pattern of the official wisdom; if Xin metal appears, it forms the pattern of the official. If none appear, one of them may be chosen at discretion (the original text says 'dry branch reveals Xu earth' should be 'reveals Wu earth', 'if Xin and Ding in Xu are not revealed' the 'Xu' should be 'Wu', 'dry branch reveals Ji and Ren' should be 'dry branch reveals Ji earth', and Chou does not contain Ren).

乙生寅月，干透戊土，為正財格。透丙火，為傷官格。若丙戊皆不透，亦可酌取其一。乙生卯月，卯為乙祿，非在八格之內，詳於外格篇中。乙生辰月，干透戊土，為正財格。透癸水，為偏印格。若戊癸皆不透，亦可酌取其一。乙生已月，干透丙火，為傷官格。透庚金，為正官格。透戊土，為正財格。若丙庚戊皆不透，亦可酌取其一。乙生午月，干透丁火為食神格。透已土，為偏財格。若丁己皆不透，亦可酌取其一。乙生未月，干透已土，為偏財格。透丁火，為食神格。若丁已皆不透，亦可酌取其一。

Now consider the first six months for the day stem Yi (wood). When Yi is born in the month of Yin (rat), Yin contains Jia (wood), Bing (fire), and Wu (earth). If Wu earth appears, it forms the pattern of official wealth; if Bing fire appears, it forms the pattern of injurious wisdom. If neither appears, one may choose either. Here, we do not take Jia wood to form a pattern, because Jia is the rival wealth of Yi, and rivals cannot form a pattern. When Yi is born in the month of Mao (ox), Mao is the禄 (favorable place) of Yi, and it does not fall under the eight standard patterns, as detailed in the section on special patterns. When Yi is born in the month of Chen (dragon), if Wu earth appears, it forms the pattern of official wealth; if Gui water appears, it forms the pattern of biased wisdom; if neither appears, one may choose either. When Yi is born in the month of Si (snake), if Bing fire appears, it forms the pattern of injurious wisdom; if Geng metal appears, it forms the pattern of official wealth; if Wu earth appears, it forms the pattern of official wealth; if none appear, one may choose either. When Yi is born in the month of Wu (horse), if Ding fire appears, it forms the pattern of nourishing wisdom; if Ji earth appears, it forms the pattern of biased wealth; if neither appears, one may choose either. When Yi is born in the month of Wei (sheep), if Ji earth appears, it forms the pattern of biased wealth; if Ding fire appears, it forms the pattern of nourishing wisdom; if neither appears, one may choose either. Comparing Yi day with the previous day stem Jia day month by month, the differences become clear: for the same month and same revealed heavenly stem, since the day stem changes from yang to yin, the pattern names also change from positive to negative, and from injurious wisdom to nourishing wisdom. For example, if Bing fire appears, Jia day forms the pattern of nourishing wisdom while Yi day forms the pattern of injurious wisdom; if Wu earth appears, Jia day forms the pattern of biased wealth while Yi day forms the pattern of official wealth. This shows that the names of the patterns are determined entirely by the yin-yang relationship between the day stem and the heavenly stem. (In the original text, some instances of '已' are interpreted as '巳' and others as '己'.)

乙生申月，干透庚金，為正官格。透戊土，為正財格。透壬水為正印格。若庚壬戊緣不透，亦可酌取其一。乙生酉月，干透辛金，為七殺格。不透亦可取。乙生戊月，干透戊壬，為正財格。透辛金，為七殺格。透丁火，為食神格。若辛丁戊皆不透，亦可酌取其一。乙生亥月，干透壬水，為正印格，不透亦可取。乙生子月，干透癸水，為偏印格。不透亦可取。乙生丑月，干透己壬，為偏財格，透辛金，為七殺格。透癸水，為偏印格。若已癸辛皆不透，亦可酌取其一。

Now consider the latter six months of the day of Yi. Yi is born in the month of Shen, which contains hidden Geng, Ren, and Wu. If Geng is revealed, it forms the pattern of the official; if Wu is revealed, it forms the pattern of the wealth; if Ren is revealed, it forms the pattern of the scholar. If none of these are revealed, one may choose one of them (the original text says 'Geng, Ren, and Wu are not revealed,' but '缘' should be read as 'all'). Yi is born in the month of You, which contains only hidden Xin. If Xin is revealed, it forms the pattern of the seven deadly enemies; if not revealed, it may still be used. The same Xin is used for the day of Jia as the official, but for the day of Yi as the seven deadly enemies, this is due to the difference between yin and yang. Yi is born in the month of Xu, which contains hidden Wu, Xin, and Ding. If Wu is revealed, it forms the pattern of the wealth; if Xin is revealed, it forms the pattern of the seven deadly enemies; if Ding is revealed, it forms the pattern of the food and spirit. If none of these are revealed, one may choose one of them (the original text says 'Yi is born in the month of Wu' but should be 'Xu,' and 'the sky reveals Wu and Ren' should be 'the sky reveals Wu,' and Xu does not contain Ren). Yi is born in the month of Hai, and if Ren is revealed, it forms the pattern of the scholar; if not revealed, it may still be used. Yi is born in the month of Zi, and if Gui is revealed, it forms the pattern of the biased scholar; if not revealed, it may still be used. Yi is born in the month of Chou, which contains hidden Ji, Gui, and Xin. If Ji is revealed, it forms the pattern of the biased wealth; if Xin is revealed, it forms the pattern of the seven deadly enemies; if Gui is revealed, it forms the pattern of the biased scholar. If none of these are revealed, one may choose one of them (the original text says 'the sky reveals Ji and Ren' but should be 'the sky reveals Ji').

丙生寅月，干透甲木，為偏印格。透戊土，為食神格。若甲戊皆不透，亦可酌取其一。丙生卯月，干透乙木，為正印格。不透亦可取。丙生辰月，干透戊土，為食神格。透乙木，為正印格。透癸水，為正官格。若戊乙癸皆不透，亦可酌取其一。丙生巳月。已為丙祿，非在八格之內，詳於外格篇中。丙生午月，干透己土，為傷官格。不透亦可取。丙生未月，干透己土，為傷官格。透乙木為正印格。若乙己皆不透，亦可酌取其一。

Now consider the first six months for a day stem of Bing fire. Bing is born in the month of Yin (February). Yin contains hidden Jia wood, Bing fire, and Wu earth. If Jia wood appears, it forms a biased scholar (biased official) pattern; if Wu earth appears, it forms a food and spirit (food and official) pattern. If neither appears, one of them may be chosen. Here, we do not take the Bing fire in Yin as the pattern, because Bing is the same as Bing, which is a fellow stem. Bing is born in the month of Mao (March). Mao contains hidden Yi wood. If Yi wood appears, it forms a proper official pattern; if not, it may still be chosen. Bing is born in the month of Chen (April). Chen contains hidden Wu earth, Yi wood, and Gui water. If Wu earth appears, it forms a food and spirit pattern; if Yi wood appears, it forms a proper official pattern; if Gui water appears, it forms a proper official pattern. If none appear, one of them may be chosen. Bing is born in the month of Si (May). Si is the land of Bing, and it is not included in the eight patterns, see the section on external patterns (the original text says 'yi' for 'si'). Bing is born in the month of Wu (June). Wu is the cutting edge of Bing, and the hidden Ji earth within it may be used. If Ji earth appears, it forms a damaging official pattern; if not, it may still be chosen. Bing is born in the month of Wei (July). Wei contains hidden Ji earth, Ding fire, and Yi wood. If Ji earth appears, it forms a damaging official pattern; if Yi wood appears, it forms a proper official pattern. If neither appears, one of them may be chosen. Here, the Ding fire in Wei is Bing's劫财 (robber), so it is not chosen.

丙生申月，干透庚金，為偏財格。透戊土，為食神格。透壬水，為七殺格。若庚壬戊皆不透，亦可酌取其一。丙生酉月，干透辛金，為正財格。不透亦可取。丙生戌月，干透戊土，為食神格。透辛金，為正財格。若戊辛皆不透，亦可酌取其一。丙生亥月，干透壬水，為七殺格。透甲水，為偏印格。若壬甲皆不透，亦可酌取其一。丙生子月，干透癸水，為正官格。不透亦可取。丙生丑月，干透己土，為傷官格。透辛金，為正財格。透癸水，為正官格。若己癸辛皆不透，亦可酌取其一。

Now consider the latter six months for the day stem Bing. When Bing is born in the month of Shen, Shen contains hidden Geng, Ren, and Wu: if Geng appears, it is the pattern of biased wealth; if Wu appears, it is the pattern of food god; if Ren appears, it is the pattern of seven killers. If none of these appear, one may choose one of them. When Bing is born in the month of You, You contains only hidden Xin: if Xin appears, it is the pattern of proper wealth; if not, it may still be chosen. When Bing is born in the month of Xu, Xu contains hidden Wu, Xin, and Ding: if Wu appears, it is the pattern of food god; if Xin appears, it is the pattern of proper wealth. If neither appears, one may choose one of them—Ding fire in Xu is Bing's rival wealth, so it is not considered. When Bing is born in the month of Hai, Hai contains hidden Ren and Jia: if Ren appears, it is the pattern of seven killers; if Jia appears, it is the pattern of biased wisdom. If neither appears, one may choose one of them (the original text mistakenly says 'Jia water' instead of 'Jia wood'). When Bing is born in the month of Zi, Zi contains only hidden Gui water: if Gui appears, it is the pattern of proper official. If not, it may still be chosen. When Bing is born in the month of Chou, Chou contains hidden Ji, Gui, and Xin: if Ji appears, it is the pattern of injurer; if Xin appears, it is the pattern of proper wealth; if Gui appears, it is the pattern of proper official. If none of these appear, one may choose one of them. The examples of the patterns for the day stems Jia, Yi, and Bing for the twelve months are now complete. The methods for the remaining seven day stems are the same. Readers may follow the three steps: first look at the hidden elements in the month branch, then check which of them appear in the sky stem, and finally determine the name based on the relationship between the day stem and the heavenly element, whether it is generating, overcoming, yin or yang.

丁生寅月，干透甲木為正印格。透戊土，為傷官格。若甲戊皆不透，亦可酌取其一。丁生卯月，干透乙木，為傷印格。乙壬亦可取。丁生辰月，干透戊土，為傷官格。透乙木，為偏印格。透癸水，為七殺格。若乙戊癸皆不透，亦可酌取其一。丁生已月，干透庚金，為正財格。透戊土，為傷官格，若戊庚皆不透，亦可酌取其一。丁生午月。午為丁祿，非在八格之內。詳於外格篇中。丁生未月，干透己土，為人良神格。透乙木，為偏印格。若乙己皆不透，亦可酌取其一。

The "day stem" refers to the heavenly stem of the day pillar, representing the individual's self; the "month ruler" is the earthly branch of the birth month, and the heavenly stems hidden within the month's earthly branch are called "month ruler heavenly stems" (also known as hidden stems). When these hidden stems appear in the heavenly stems of the four pillars, it is called "exposing the stem." Determining the pattern or structure of a birth chart involves examining which heavenly stem from the month ruler is exposed, and based on this, the pattern of the birth chart is established. Ding is a yin and weak fire, like the light of a lamp or candle, which is not strong on its own, so when determining the pattern, the month ruler is especially important. In the first month, the month ruler is Yin, which contains Jia wood, Bing fire, and Wu earth. Jia is yang wood, which nourishes me and forms a yin-yang pairing with me, thus it is called "positive nourishing god" — a god that nourishes and protects me, representing protection, knowledge, and status. If Jia appears in the heavenly stem, the pattern is established as "positive nourishing god," and the useful god is taken as the nourishing god supporting the self. If the self is strong, then it is favorable to have food and injury (products) to express and refine. The most忌 is the wealth star that harms the nourishing god. If Wu earth appears, Wu is yang earth, which is what I generate and differs in yin and yang, thus it is called "injurious god," which drains my refined essence, showing intelligence externally and easily harming the injurious god star, forming the "injurious god pattern." After forming the injurious god pattern, it is favorable to have wealth to circulate and favorable to have nourishing god to restrain. If neither Jia nor Wu appears, one can still choose a pattern based on what is hidden in Yin. In the second month, the month ruler is Mao, which contains only Yi wood. Yi and Ding are both yin and nourish me, thus it is called "biased nourishing god." The original text mistakenly refers to it as "injurious nourishing god pattern," which is a confusion with the "biased nourishing god pattern." The next sentence, "Yi and Ren can also be used," should be "even if Yi is not exposed, it can still be used," meaning that even if Yi wood is not exposed in the heavenly stem, it can still be used to establish the biased nourishing god pattern. In the third month, the month ruler is Chen, which contains Wu earth, Yi wood, and Gui water. If Wu is exposed, it is the injurious god pattern; if Yi is exposed, it is the biased nourishing god pattern; if Gui is exposed, Gui is yin water, which harms me and shares the same yin, thus it is called "seven killers," which are attacking gods that must be restrained by food gods or guided by nourishing gods to be auspicious, and thus the seven killer pattern is established. If none of these are exposed, one can still choose one based on what is hidden. In the fourth month, the month ruler is Si, which contains Bing fire, Geng metal, and Wu earth. Geng is yang metal, which is what I overcome and differs in yin and yang, thus it is called "positive wealth," representing wife and wealth. If Geng is exposed, the pattern is established as "positive wealth," and it is favorable for the self to be strong enough to bear wealth. If Wu is exposed, it is still the injurious god pattern. If neither Geng nor Wu is exposed, one can still choose one. In the fifth month, the month ruler is Wu, which is the "lu" (a term for the native place) of Ding fire — the native place where the day stem is in its official position and has strength. This situation does not fall within the eight patterns of positive official, seven killers, positive nourishing god, biased nourishing god, positive wealth, biased wealth, food, or injurious god. It should be discussed in the "External Patterns" section. In the sixth month, the month ruler is Wei, which contains Ji earth, Ding fire, and Yi wood. Ji is yin earth, which is what I generate and shares the same yin, thus it is called "food god," which refines and expresses my essence in a harmonious way. The original text's "people good god pattern" is a mistaken disassembly of the "food god pattern." If Ji is exposed, the pattern is established as "food god," and it is most favorable for the self to be strong. If Yi is exposed, it is the biased nourishing god pattern. If neither Yi nor Ji is exposed, one can still choose one.

丁生申月，干透庚金，為正財格。透壬水，為正官格。透戊土，為傷官格。若庚壬戊皆不透，亦可酌取其一。丁生酉月，干透辛金，為偏財格。不透亦可取。丁生戌月，干透戊土，為傷官格，透辛金為偏財格。若戊辛皆不透，亦可酌取其一。丁生亥月，干透壬水，為正官格。透甲木，為正印格。若壬甲皆不透，亦可酌取其一。丁生子月，干透癸水，為七殺格。不透亦可取。丁生丑月，干透己土為食神格，透辛金為偏財格，透癸水，為七殺格。若己癸辛皆不透，亦可酌取其一。

In the seventh month, the month builder is Shen. Shen contains hidden Geng metal, Ren water, and Wu earth. If Geng is revealed, it forms the pattern of official wealth, as Ding fire controls Geng metal and they are yin and yang, thus it is official wealth. Wealth requires a strong body to bear it, so it is favorable to have food and injury to generate wealth, and unfavorable to have similar elements to compete with wealth. If Ren is revealed, Ren is yang water, which controls me and is yin and yang with me, thus it is called official. Official is the god that restrains and completes me, representing official position and character. If official is established, it is favorable to have wealth to nourish official and seal to protect the body, and most unfavorable to have injury and official together. If Wu is revealed, it is still the pattern of injury. If none of the three are revealed, one can choose from the hidden elements in Shen. In the eighth month, the month builder is You. You contains hidden Xin metal, which is yin metal. Xin is what I control and is also yin, thus it is called biased wealth, representing floating wealth and unexpected gains. If Xin is revealed, it forms the pattern of biased wealth. Even if not revealed, one can directly take Xin metal in You as the pattern of biased wealth. In the ninth month, the month builder is Xu. Xu contains hidden Wu earth, Xin metal, and Ding fire. If Wu is revealed, it is the pattern of injury. If Xin is revealed, it is the pattern of biased wealth. Injury generating wealth is the natural path for Ding fire in Xu month. If neither is revealed, choose one. In the tenth month, the month builder is Hai. Hai contains hidden Ren water and Ji wood. If Ren is revealed, it is the pattern of official. If Ji is revealed, it is the pattern of official seal. In Hai month, water is strong and fire is weak. Ding fire most needs Ji wood to generate and support it, so it is favorable to have official and seal generating each other. If neither is revealed, choose one. In the eleventh month, the month builder is Zi. Zi contains hidden Gui water. Gui controls Ding and is also yin, thus it is called seven killers. If Gui is revealed, it forms the pattern of seven killers. If killer is strong and body is weak, it is necessary to use seal to transform killer and generate body. If not revealed, one can still take Gui water in Zi as the pattern of killer. In the twelfth month, the month builder is Chou. Chou contains hidden Ji earth, Gui water, and Xin metal. If Ji is revealed, it is the pattern of food and injury. If Xin is revealed, it is the pattern of biased wealth. If Gui is revealed, it is the pattern of seven killers. Ji earth food and injury can effectively control Gui water killer, which is the most important consideration when choosing the pattern in this month. If none of the three are revealed, one can still choose one.