The Five Phases Fundamental Principles and Their Transmission and Transformation Treatise

詳其往聖，鑑以前賢，論生死全憑鬼谷，推消息端的徐公。陽生陰死，陽死陰生，循環逆順，變化見矣。蓋陽木生亥死午，存亡易見。陰水跨馬防豬，吉凶可知，丙生艮而遇雞死，丁生兌而逢虎傷，戊藏寅而酉地沒，己生酉而寅宮亡。庚逢蛇而崢嶸，遇子鼠則難當。辛生子死於巽地，壬生申滅於震方，癸得兔而衣祿足，運行猴地見災殃。十干生死同斷，造化依理推詳，又憑權刃雙顯，均停位至侯王。

Careful examination of the methods left by ancient sages and the established teachings of past virtuous scholars shows that the discussion of life and death relies on the teachings of Guiguzi, while the prediction of events is most accurate according to Xu Ziping's method. The place where a yang stem is born is the place where a yin stem dies; the place where a yang stem dies is the place where a yin stem is born. Alternating between forward and reverse movement, the cycle continues, and all changes become apparent. For example, the yang wood stem Jia is born in亥 and dies in午, so its vitality and demise are clearly known. The yin water stem Gui has午 as its terminal point and亥 as its flourishing place, which is referred to as "crossing the horse and avoiding the pig," thus making the fortune and misfortune clear. The yang fire stem Bing is born in寅 of the艮 direction and dies in酉 of the鸡; the yin fire stem Ding is born in酉 of the兑 direction and is harmed by寅 of the虎. The yang earth stem Wu is born in寅 along with Bing and dies in酉; the yin earth stem Ji is born in酉 along with Ding and dies in寅. The yang metal stem Geng becomes prominent when it meets巳 of the蛇 and is unable to bear when it meets子 of the鼠. The yin metal stem Xin is born in子 and dies in巳 of the巽; the yang water stem Ren is born in申 and dies in卯 of the震. The yin water stem Gui gains prosperity when it meets卯 of the兔 and suffers misfortune when it reaches申 of the猴. The birth and death of the ten heavenly stems can all be judged by this principle. The workings of fate can be understood by following this reasoning. Furthermore, if the "authority star" seven杀 and "Yangren" are both clearly present and balanced in strength, one can attain the position of a marquis or king.

註釋：如甲生人卯月，得庚為權星，須得刃來合七煞，方為貴，如有刃無殺，刃必劫。有煞無刃，煞必傷身。己亥，癸酉 庚午 戊寅 此造庚日以丙為煞，辛為刃，地支寅午會火局，則丙殺旺也。酉金羊刃得時，又轉生歲食神，乃食前殺後，而刃煞雙顯，主大貴也。戊寅運壬辰年，拜右丞相傳國將軍。

For example, if a person born in the month of卯 (Mao) has a Jia wood heavenly stem, the Geng metal is considered the "power star" or seven killing stars. In such a case, there must be a Yangren to harmonize with the seven killing stars, which would constitute a noble destiny. If there is only Yangren but no seven killing stars, the Yangren will necessarily compete with the wealth. If there is only seven killing stars but no Yangren, the seven killing stars will certainly harm the body. Take the example of a birth chart: Jihai year, Guiyou month, Gengwu day, Wuyin hour. In this case, the Geng metal day stem is governed by Bing fire as the seven killing stars, and the Xin metal in the酉 (You) month is the Yangren. The branches寅 (Yin) and午 (Wu) form a fire trine, making the hidden Bing fire seven killing stars stronger. The You metal Yangren is in its season and is timely, and it goes back to nourish the food god壬 water in the year's branch亥 (Hai), forming a pattern where the food god comes first and the seven killing stars follow. Both the Yangren and the seven killing stars are clearly visible, indicating great fortune. In the Wuyin big destiny period and during the Renchen year, he was appointed as the Right Chancellor and General of the State.

中途或喪或危，運扶官旺。平生為貴為富，身殺兩停。註釋：凡命身煞兩停者，富貴雙全，若偏則賤，乙酉 乙酉 乙酉 甲申 此造乙木生於八月，酉金七煞，與申酉類成金局，乙與時支庚合，從煞為貴也。金乃主義，故為人稟性剛毅，為國良臣，乃尚書命也。

In middle age, one may encounter loss or danger, because the big destiny supports the official star, making it too strong. However, throughout life, one may become noble and wealthy, because the day master and the seven killers are evenly matched. The commentary says: whenever the day master and the seven killer are balanced in the birth chart, one will achieve both wealth and status. If one side is heavier, then one will be of low status. Take an example: born in the year Yiyou, month Yiyou, day Yiyou, and hour Jiashen. The Yi wood is born in the eighth month, and the Xin metal in the酉 is the seven killer. The申 and酉 are of the same type, forming a metal trinity. The Yi wood combines with the hidden Geng metal in the hour branch 申. The day master has no root and must follow the killer, thus becoming noble. Metal in the Five Phases represents 'righteousness', so this person has a strong and resolute character, becoming a loyal minister to the country. This is the destiny of someone who reaches the position of Minister of State.

大貴者，用財而不用官。註釋：凡用官者，多受人之制。用財者，蓋我克他人。所以用財命有貴。辛亥 庚寅 丙子 丁酉 此造六丙生人，自坐官星，喜庚辛酉金為財，乃財旺，則自坐生官，行丁亥運，丙戌年中狀元。

A truly great and prosperous person uses wealth (财) rather than authority (官). The commentary explains: those who use authority as their key element are usually subject to others' control; those who use wealth as their key element are the ones who control others, so those whose fortune relies on wealth are destined for great prosperity. Here is an example: born in the year of Xinhai, month of Gengyin, day of Bingzi, and hour of Dingyou. The day's ruler is Bing fire, sitting on the癸 water official star in the Zi position. What is favorable is the presence of Geng and Xin gold, along with the metal in You, which serves as wealth. The wealth is strong and can generate the official star, thus supporting the official star that the day's ruler is already sitting on. When he entered the Dinhai big destiny cycle and encountered the Bingxu flow year, he passed the imperial examination and became the top scholar.

當權者，用殺而不用印。註釋：凡印綬多生滋官，如月支偏官，時上一位貴格，從煞格，多大貴。己巳 癸酉 乙丑 甲申 此建寧府彭僉事命，柱中巳酉丑會局，以從煞論也。印賴煞生。註釋：凡印綬格，如印多見官者，合殺生印者，主大貴也 辛亥 庚子 甲辰 乙亥 此造甲木冬生，地支亥辰，水局生身，行申酉運，庚金七煞臨祿乃全盛，而印綬得局，官至御史。

The person in power uses seven killing stars instead of the official seal. The commentary says: too many official seals will only nourish the official stars. Cases such as a biased official star in the month branch and a single seven killing star in the hour position are considered noble patterns, as well as the pattern of following the killing star. An example of such a birth is: Jisi year, Guiyou month, Yichou day, Jiashen hour. This is the birth of Peng Qianshi from Jianning Prefecture. In the pillar, the Si-You-Chou triple metal harmony is formed, and it is considered according to the pattern of following the killing star. The official seal relies on the seven killing stars for generation. The commentary says: in the pattern of the official seal, if there are too many official seals and the official star appears, if the official star can combine with the seven killing star and transform it into the official seal, it indicates great wealth and honor. An example of such a birth is: Xinhai year, Gengzi month, Jiachen day, Yihai hour. In this case, the Jia wood is born in winter, and the water triple harmony is formed by the Hai and Chen branches, which nourish the body. When he goes through the Shen and You years, the Geng metal seven killing star is in its own position and is very strong. The official seal also forms a water triple harmony, and he reaches the position of Imperial Censor.

官因財旺。註釋：“凡官星得令則吉，最喜財旺生之。甲寅 己巳 癸巳 癸丑 此造癸日坐巳，為財官，逢寅財旺，官星得生，甲木合己，行西北方運，位至封相封王。食居先，殺居後，功名兩全。註釋：凡月令有食神，時上有七煞者，主大貴。戊午 戊午 乙丑 辛巳 此造乙以丁己為財及食神，丁己祿於午，以辛金為七煞，庫於丑，身殺兩停，財權兼備，官拜都尉。

The official star needs to be supported by strong wealth. The commentary says: whenever the official star is in its season, it brings good fortune, and it is most favorable to have strong wealth to generate it. For example, a birth chart with the year Jiayin, the month Jisi, the day Guisi, and the hour Guichou. In this case, the癸 water day master sits on Si, which contains Bing fire as wealth and Wu earth as official star; also, the寅 wood supports the wealth energy, making the wealth strong and thus the official star is generated. The甲 wood combines with the己 earth, and when traveling in the northwest direction, he reaches the position of prime minister and king. When the food god is in front and the seven killers are behind, both fame and real power are complete. The commentary says: whenever the month has the food god and the time column has the seven killer, it indicates great wealth. For example, a birth chart with the year Wuwu, the month Wuwu, the day Yichou, and the hour Xinsi. In this case, the乙 wood uses Ding fire as the food god and Ji earth as wealth, with Ding and Ji both in their strength in Wu; the辛 metal is the seven killer, and theStorage of辛 is in Chou. The day master and the seven killer are evenly matched, with both wealth and power, and he holds the position of general.

酉破卯，卯破午，財名雙美。註釋：夫酉破卯者，用支元多見酉字，以酉暗沖卯中乙木為財，運行金鄉，如見卯木，則主不吉。卯破午者，用支元多見午字，以卯破午中己土為財，運會木神為妙，如逢午未己土，則不吉。丁酉 已酉 辛酉 丙申 此酉破卯也。又生秋令，官至令尹，衣錦還鄉。癸亥 乙卯 乙卯 戊寅 此卯破午也，巳合真格，八十而卒。

Using酉 to break卯 and using卯 to break午 can lead to both wealth and fame being fulfilled. The commentary says:the so-called酉破卯 refers to seeing many酉 in the earthly branches, relying on酉 to secretly冲卯中的Yi Wood, bringing it out as a wealth element; this kind of fate is most suitable for a big fortune in the golden region. If the original birth chart or the current fortune clearly shows卯 wood, it would be inauspicious.the so-called卯破午 refers to seeing many午 in the earthly branches, relying on卯 to break午中的Ji Earth as a wealth element; the best fortune is when the big fortune meets the wood element. If there is also午 or未 and clearly visibleJi Earth, it would be inauspicious. Here are two examples: one is born in the year ofDingyou, month ofJiyou, day ofXinyou, and hour ofBingshen, which is an example of酉破卯. Being born in autumn when the metal is in command, he became a high official and returned home in glory. The other is born in the year ofGuihai, month ofYimao, day ofYimao, and hour ofWuyin, which is an example of卯破午. The formation is true and solid, and he lived to be eighty years old before passing away.

福享五行歸祿。註釋：凡五行陰陽相均，八字或四柱各歸祿，或歸祿臨生旺之地，或身殺相等，均主人多增福壽溫厚造也。丙寅 甲午 己巳 丙寅 此造已木生於午月，甲祿寅，丙祿巳，己祿午，乙祿卯，雖不富貴，卻一生溫飽享福，年八十餘歲，康健精神。

Those who can enjoy happiness and blessings are those whose Five Phases each have their own禄 (favorable position). The commentary says: Whenever the Five Phases and yin and yang are balanced, and the八字 or four pillars each have their own禄, or when the禄 is in a favorable or thriving position, or when the day stem and seven杀 (killers) are balanced, such a person will have more blessings and longevity, and a kind and generous destiny. Take an example: Born in the year of Bingyin, month of Jiawu, day of Jisi, and hour of Bingyin. This person was born in the month of Wu. The stem Ji (甲) has its禄 in寅, stem Bing (丙) has its禄 in巳, stem Ji (己) has its禄 in午, and stem Bo (乙) has its禄 in卯. Each stem has its own禄. Although this person may not be wealthy or noble, he will have a comfortable life, enjoy blessings, and live to be over eighty years old, with good health and strong vitality.

癸丑 癸亥 丁卯 丁未 此乃福建建寧府建安縣林壽官八字，諱釗號石庵，其人積德行善，秉忠盡孝，克勤克儉，已成鉅萬之家。敦仁敦義，允叨無疆之壽。生子七人，長子官拜令尹，四子職至省察，其他登庠序者，藹藹吉土，間有侍庭闈者，造造良民。生女五人，各配宦門，階前孫枝二十四條，條條挺秀。堂下曾蘭一十九葉，葉葉爭芳。更有五代之孩提，又遂兩眼之快睹。

Another example: born in the year of Gui Chou, in the month of Gui Hai, on the day of Ding Mao, and at the hour of Ding Wei. This is the birth chart of Lin Shouguan from Jianning Prefecture, Jianan County in Fujian Province, whose name is Zhao and whose courtesy name is Shitan. This man accumulated virtue and practiced goodness, was loyal and filial, diligent and frugal, and had amassed a vast fortune. He was kind and righteous, thus enjoying an endless long life. He had seven sons: the eldest was appointed as a county magistrate, the fourth held a position of provincial inspection, and the rest passed the examinations to enter the county and prefecture schools, all of whom were harmonious and virtuous men. There were also those who remained by his side to serve their parents, all of whom were law-abiding citizens. He had five daughters, each married into an official family. Before the steps, there were twenty-four branches of his grandchildren, each flourishing; below the hall, nineteen leaves of his great-grandchildren, each striving to be fragrant. Moreover, there were young children in the fifth generation, which gave him great joy to see with his own eyes.

即今萬曆十七年算起，壽數九十七，耳目尚精神，齒髮更伶俐，飲食如常，動履健順，言語無顛倒，施為未改體。躬逢朝廷恩例，欽賜冠帶榮身，續承都府，贈以金，贈以衣，繼蒙按院賁以布並銀。昔年楊郡守，請與鄉飲，客歲張府尊重禮高年。長子七十已上，見居林下，鶴髮童顏對椿樹，餘子七九將近，各在庭前，戲彩斑衣娛華陽。藍袍孫子，泮苑有聲。佇看對對登廊廟。白衣曾玄，書香可賴，行將個個拜丹墀，盛矣。目前之美景如斯，彰彰莫掩，必也後代之繁祉定見，生生無窮。

Starting from this year's Wanli seventeen, he has already reached ninety-seven years old: his ears and eyes are still sharp, his teeth and hair are still neat, his diet is normal, his movements are steady, and his speech is clear and coherent, his behavior just as it was in his youth. He personally experienced the grace of the court, and was honored with the imperial grant of a cap and sash; subsequently, the prefecture officials also presented him with gold, silk, and clothing, and later the inspectorate office sent him cloth and silver. A few years ago, the governor of Yang invited him to participate in the local banquet ceremony, and last year the prefect of Zhang showed great respect to this elderly man with generous gifts. His eldest son is already in his seventies, now living idly in the village, with white hair and a youthful face, facing the mulberry tree in the courtyard; the other sons are also nearly sixty or seventy, each wearing colorful clothes and playing in the courtyard, amusing their old father. His grandchildren in blue robes have already gained a reputation in the county school, and are soon to appear in pairs on the imperial court; his great-grandsons and great-great-grandsons, still in plain clothes, have a solid foundation in literature, and in the future will each enter the court to pay homage to the vermilion steps. The present scene is already so clear, and the future prosperity and blessings of his descendants will certainly continue endlessly.

壽稱八字相停。註釋：凡五行得中和者必壽，經云五行不可偏枯，要稟中和之氣。 丁巳 壬寅 戊辰 丙辰 此命火土相停，癸巳運丁亥年，不祿。晦火無光於稼穡。註釋：丙丁火非特畏水為凶，若遇土重，以晦其光，俱主不吉之兆。戊戌 戊午 丙午 己丑 此女命丙日生，逢午戌火局，四柱土神太重，以掩其光，乃愚蠢人，終為灶下之婢妾。

A person who is destined for a long life has a balance of forces in their birth chart. The commentary explains that anyone who receives a harmonious balance of the Five Phases will surely live long. The classic texts state that the Five Phases should not be excessive or deficient, but should receive a moderate and harmonious energy. Here is an example of a birth chart: born in the year of Dinghai, month of Renyin, day of Wuchen, and hour of Bingchen. In this case, the fire and earth elements are in balance. However, when the person reached the big destiny year of Guisi and encountered the year of Dinghai, they passed away. The fire was obscured by excessive earth, and its brightness was completely lost. The commentary explains that fire, represented by Bing and Ding, is not only dangerous when met with water, but also when earth is too heavy and obscures its light, which is also an ill omen. Here is another example: born in the year of Wuxu, month of Wuwu, day of Bingwu, and hour of Jichou. This is a female birth chart. The day's ruler, fire, is supported by the presence of Wu and Xu, forming a fire trinity. However, the four pillars are dominated by excessive earth, which obscures the fire's brightness. The person was dull-witted and eventually became a servant in the kitchen.

盜木絕氣於丙丁。註釋：凡火盛成局，則木臨火地，煙滅灰飛,若陽宮食神多者是。然陽木則成,陰木次之。丙戌 丙申 甲午 丙寅 此甲午生於申月，乃偏官格也。年時寅午戌會火局，制伏七煞太過，又會失垣，乃一俗人，行寅運丙戌年不祿。

The wood is drained by the fire of Bing and Ding, causing its energy to be cut off. The commentary says: whenever the fire is strong and forms a fire trinity, if wood falls into the fire territory, it will be completely consumed and reduced to ashes. This is exactly the situation when there are too many yang dry gods in the four pillars. Yang wood may still achieve some success, but yin wood is even worse. Here is an example of a birth chart: Bingxu year, Bingshen month, Jiawu day, Bingyin hour. The yang wood is born in the Shen month, which originally forms a pattern of a strong official. However, the years and hours of Bingyin, Bingshen, and Jiawu form a fire trinity, which overly restrains the seven evils. The Shen metal seven evils lose their original position, so the person is just an ordinary individual. When he encounters the寅 (Yin) destiny and meets the Bingxu year, he dies.

火虛有焰。註釋：凡丙丁日，遇甲乙寅卯木生之，或類火局。皆為火虛有焰而吉也。若被土重掩光，則火實無為。戊戌 乙卯 丙午 己亥 此李狀元命，木火通明，殺生印，火明木秀。

Fire seems to be in the void, yet it can rise and produce flames. The commentary says: whenever the day master is丙 or丁 and is supported by甲 or乙 wood, or by寅 or卯 wood, or when the earthly branches form a fire trinity, it is called "fire in the void with flame," which is a favorable omen; if it is covered by thick earth, the fire may be substantial but it will have no effect. Here is an example of a birth chart: Wuxu year, Yimao month, Bingwu day, Jihai hour, which is the birth chart of Li the状元. Wood and fire are in harmony, the hidden壬water in亥 acts as a seven killer to nourish the卯wood as a minister, and the minister nourishes fire, so the fire is bright and the wood is refined.

金實無聲。註釋：陽金出土，須有火鍛，方能成器。若無火鍛鍊，則金成塊物，而內實無聲也。人命亦然。戊申 庚申 庚申 甲申 此造金生七月，地支純金，類成頑金，而無水火鍛鍊，又行西方金鄉，乃金實無聲也。

Metal that is too solid cannot produce sound. The commentary explains: Yang metal comes out of the earth and must be tempered by fire to become a useful object; if there is no fire to temper it, the metal remains just a solid block, with a solid core that cannot be struck to make a sound. Human destiny is the same. Take the case of a person born in the year of Wushen, month of Gengshen, day of Gengshen, and hour of Jiashen. In this case, metal is born in the seventh month, and the earthly branches are all metal, forming a solid mass of metal without any water or fire to refine and temper it. The large destiny period also goes towards the western metal land, which is exactly what is called "metal that is too solid produces no sound."

水泛木浮者活木。註釋：水泛木浮，不分陰陽，用之不驗。蓋甲木生亥無咎，乙木死於亥，水泛則浮也。辛亥 庚子 乙未 甲申 此女命以庚金為夫，喜透歸祿，夫星得地，年殺又生於予而得垣。以格論之，為官殺混雜，以理推之，則又不然，取甲木配辛，日主乙與庚合。甲乙互相配合也。行卯運合局。身旺為福。一交甲辰運，申子辰三合水局，又遇丁亥年，壬水太旺，八字運歲，全是水象，庚金沉水，乙木死絕，乃水泛木浮也。如活木無土以培其根，被壬水浸淹搖盪其根矣，果患面腫浮面之病，而不祿矣。

The phrase "water flooding and wood floating" refers to living wood that has roots. The commentary explains: discussing "water flooding and wood floating" without distinguishing yin and yang is inaccurate. Because Jia wood is born in Hai, an excess of water will not cause disaster; but Yi wood dies in Hai, and when water floods, it will float. Take an example of a birth chart: Xinhai year, Gengzi month, Yiwei day, Jiashen hour. This is a female's chart, with Geng metal as the husband. What is favorable is that Geng metal is revealed in the heavenly stem and the hour branch Shen is its禄 (favorable position), so the husband's star is strong and effective. The year stem Xinhai, which is the seven killer, is born in Zi month and is in its proper position. If we rigidly apply the pattern, this would be considered a mix of official and killer stars; but when carefully analyzed, it is not so. We take the hour stem Jiama to match the year stem Xinhai, and the day stem Yimao combines with the month stem Geng. Jiama and Yimao wood each combine with two metals, and each has a proper place. When traveling through the Mao branch, the wood triple harmony is formed, and the body is strong, which brings good fortune. When entering the Jiachen big year, the Shen-Zi-Chen triple water harmony is formed, and when encountering the Dinghai year, the water is too strong. The birth chart, big year, and year all become water-like, the Geng metal sinks to the bottom of the water, the Yi wood dies and has no support, which is exactly the case of water flooding and wood floating. If the living wood does not have soil to support its roots, it will be submerged by the壬 water, and the roots will be scattered. The person indeed suffered from facial swelling and eventually died.

土重金埋者陽金。註釋：凡金宜乎水土滋生，而被土重埋者，乃陽金也。蓋陽金為成器之物，土重不能滋，而反滋生。戊辰 戊午 庚辰 丁丑 此造庚金生逢五月，乃正官格也。惜乎無一點財星，官無生意地支純土，又透出梟神掩火，而金遭埋沒，行西北方財官運，皆名利俱無也。

The phrase "土重金埋" refers to yang metal. The commentary explains that metal relies on water and soil to generate and support it, but when thick soil covers it, it is yang metal that is affected. Yang metal is already formed into an object; when soil becomes too heavy, it cannot nourish it, but instead covers it. Here is an example of a birth chart: born in the year of Wuchen, month of Wuwu, day of Gengchen, and hour of Dingchou. In this case, yang metal is born in May, which originally forms a pattern of official star; however, there is no trace of wealth star in the chart, and the official star does not receive generation and support. The branches are all soil, and the heavenly stems also reveal the Wutu star, which suppresses the Ding fire. Thus, the metal is buried. Even when the big fortune moves to the northwest, which is the land of wealth and official star, it still results in no fame or fortune.

水盛則危。註釋：凡水盛滔滔，貴乎土止，雖曰土克水，然水局者，必要土培為福。四柱全水象而無土止者，則有洩流之患。壬子 癸卯 壬子 庚子 此女命氾濫而無土止，更兼羊刃傷官，又行西北運，而流走無定，淫亂太盛，乃下賤也。

When water is too strong, it becomes dangerous. The commentary says: whenever water flows strongly, it is valuable to have earth to control it; although earth is said to overcome water, in a destiny where water dominates, earth must be present to build embankments and thus bring fortune. If all four pillars are of water and there is no earth to restrain it, there will be the disaster of flooding and uncontrolled flow. Take an example of a birth: Renzi year, Guimao month, Renzi day, Gengzi hour. This is a female destiny, with the entire chart overflowing with water and no earth to restrain it. It is also accompanied by the Yangren (a sharp force) in the Zi (water) and the Wood Official (Mao wood) which harms water. When the big luck cycle moves to the Northwest of metal and water, the person becomes unstable, indulges in immorality, and eventually ends up in a lowly position.

火明則滅。註釋：凡火無不明之理，無不滅之象，若非聖人洩機，孰得而知之。是以命貴在得中和，方為上格，太過不及者下格矣。陽金得煉太過，變革奔波。註釋：凡五行歸祿者，不喜見官星。且如陽金歸祿，兼坐火庫，則金已成器，不必再要見火陶熔，恐變革也。

When fire is at its brightest, it will soon fade. The commentary says: fire has no reason not to shine brightly, and no end without extinguishing; if it were not for the sages revealing the heavenly secrets, who could understand this meaning? Therefore, a person's destiny is considered superior only when it attains the middle and harmonious energy. Excess and deficiency are both considered inferior. If yang metal is over-refined, he will have to move and struggle all his life. The commentary says: whenever the five phases have already reached their official position, they do not like to meet the official star again. For example, if yang metal has already reached its official position and is seated on the earth of fire's storage, it indicates that the metal has already been refined into an object, and there is no need for fire to melt and cast it again, otherwise there is a fear that it would be reshaped again.

癸卯 庚申 庚戌 甲申 此造庚金，日坐火庫，得煅成器，再行丁巳運火鄉再段，反為太過之患矣。蓋以物理推之，庚申歸祿，乃從革而成氣之象也。復行火鄉，又見損而不成物也。果在此運，事物變革，受其勞祿，再行卯運，及歲支財神會局，受職州判，大發財利。

A certain birth chart is:Guimao year, Gengshen month, Gengxu day, Jiashen hour. In this chart, the day's stem 庚 gold is seated on 戌, which is the fire's storage, having already been tempered and shaped. If it then enters the Dingsi great destiny period, which is the fire land, it would be subjected to further tempering, which would instead become an excess. According to the principles of things: 庚 gold sitting on 申 is called 'following the metal' and forms a grand appearance. If it then enters the fire land again, it is like damaging an already shaped object, making it impossible to create anything. This person indeed experienced many changes and was busy and weary during this period. Later, when he entered the卯 destiny period, and the branch of the current year's heavenly stem formed a wealth pattern with the earth branch, he was appointed as a state judge and gained great wealth and fortune.

陰木歸垣失令，終為身弱。註釋：凡五行失令者，縱然歸祿得垣，被比局持勢於月令，不作身旺格矣。癸丑 甲寅 乙卯 己卯 此造乙日坐卯，雖祿得坦，奈生於寅月，陽木得令，陰木反弱，累年未遇。古云木向春生，作生旺論。卻乙在二月得令，甲在正月。若失其時，反為身弱。直運至辛亥，亥卯合局印授扶身，戊子年中舉，會試下第，授長山縣知縣。

Heavenly Stems: Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui Earthly Branches: Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai Trigrams: Qian (Heaven), Dui (Lake), Li (Fire), Zhen (Thunder), Xun (Wind), Kan (Water), Gen (Mountain), Kun (Earth) Five Phases: Five Elements Jimao: Ji and Mao Wuzi: Wu and Zi Xinhai: Xin and Hai Guichou: Gui and Chou Jiayin: Jia and Yin Yimao: Yi and Mao The wood of the Yin type, although in its proper position, has missed its season, and thus remains weak. The commentary states: whenever the Five Phases are out of season, even if they are in their own position, they will be overwhelmed by the same type of heavenly stem supported by the month's strength, and cannot be considered as a strong constitution. Take the example of a birth chart: Guichou year, Jiayin month, Yimao day, Jimao hour. The Yimao day stem is seated on the Mao position, which is its own position, but since it is born in the Yin month, which is the season of Yang wood Jia, the Yin wood Yi becomes weak, hence the person has not had good fortune for many years. Ancients said that wood born in spring is considered strong and prosperous, but in reality, Yi wood only becomes dominant in the second month of Mao, while Jia wood is dominant in the first month of Yin. Missing one's own season leads to weakness. It was only when he entered the Xinhai big destiny that the Hai and Mao formed a wood trinity, and the壬 water in Hai supported the day stem. In the Wuzi year, he passed the imperial examination and became a county magistrate, but failed in the palace examination.

土重而掩火無光，逢木反為有用。註釋：此與晦火無光同論。癸未 己未 丙戌 己丑 此八字丙日主，干支俱繫土象，無木成其火，故掩火無光。水盛則漂木無定，若行土運方榮。註釋：此言陽木也。如甲木居於子，乃木敗之鄉，而水太盛，無土以制之，主風流無度，好酒色之徒。甲寅 乙亥 甲子 甲子 此造甲日，身坐敗地，生亥水失土所止，此人雖智巧，能說能為，特虛名一生，功名無成。

Thick earth covers the fire so that it cannot shine, but when it meets wood, it becomes useful. The commentary says: this principle is the same as the previous one, "fire obscured and without light." Take an example of a birth chart:Guiwei year, Jiwei month, Bingxu day, Jichou hour. In this chart, the day master is 丙 fire, and all the heavenly stems and earthly branches are earth elements, with no wood to support the fire, so the fire is covered and cannot shine. If water is too strong, it drowns the wood, making it unable to take root. Therefore, the person needs to go through a period of earth to prosper. The commentary says: here it refers to yang wood. For example, if 甲 wood is seated on 子, which is the place where wood is weakened, and water is too strong without earth to restrain it, the person tends to be unrestrained, indulging in wine and women. Take an example of a birth chart:Jiayin year, Yihai month, Jiazi day, Jiazi hour. In this chart, the day master is 甲 wood, seated on a weak position, born in the亥 month with excessive water and no earth to control it. Although the person is intelligent and eloquent, he only gains a reputation for being clever but achieves nothing in terms of official success.

五行不可太盛，八字須要中和。註釋：凡太過不及皆不吉也，貴乎稟中和之氣。人能持此語以為論，則修齊治平之道，不出乎此，人命亦然。辛亥 戊戌 壬辰 甲子 此造壬祿於亥，子辰全是水象，喜得月令干支純土止水，一生富貴，壽年九十九而終，得中和之命。

The Five Phases should not be too strong; the Eight Characters should always return to a state of harmony. The commentary says: excess and deficiency are both inauspicious, and the key is to receive the harmonious energy. If a person can use this principle to measure things and matters, then the principles of self-cultivation, managing the family, governing the state, and pacifying the world are also derived from this. Human destiny is the same. Here is an example of a birth chart: born in the year of Xinhai, month of Wuxu, day of Renchen, and hour of Jiazi. In this chart, the壬 water is in its禄 position in亥, and both子 and辰 are also water elements. However, the heavenly stem and earthly branch of the month column are entirely Wuxu earth, which controls the water. Therefore, this person lived a life of wealth and honor, lived to be ninety-nine years old, and died peacefully, which is a destiny that received the harmonious energy.

土止水流全福壽，土虛木盛必傷殘。運會元辰，須當夭折。註釋：凡水滔滔無土止者，必主飄蕩，壽亦不永矣。丁丑 壬子 壬申 辛丑 此造壬生子月，水局太旺，丑申金壬俱金水象，而無土止，行亥運，十六歲而死。

There is a situation where earth stops the flow of water, and both fortune and longevity are preserved. However, if the earth is weak and the wood is strong, there will certainly be injury. If the big destiny meets the凶 star of Yuanchen, it will result in an early death. The explanation says: whenever the flow of water is overwhelming and not restrained by earth, it will certainly lead to a life of wandering and a short lifespan. Here is an example of a birth chart: born in the year of Dingchou, month of Renzi, day of Renshen, and hour of Xinchou. In this case, the water of Ren is born in the month of Zi, making the water very strong; the years of Chou and Shen, along with the heavenly stems of Ren and Xin, all belong to metal and water, with no earth to restrain it. When he reached the year of Hai in his destiny, he died at the age of sixteen.

木盛多仁。註釋：凡造化逢木命而通月令，或從化類成局者，主性敦厚，仁慈富貴，又化象得寅卯辰全尤妙。甲戌 丁卯 壬寅 甲辰 此造寅卯辰全，化像得令，作傷官用財格，乃王僉事命。

People with strong wood energy tend to have benevolent hearts. The commentary says: if a person's destiny is of the wood type and also harmonizes with the month's energy, or if it is transformed into a different element or forms a wood pattern with similar elements, they are usually kind-hearted, virtuous, and prosperous. If the transformed elements include the branches of寅, 卯, and 辰 all together, it is especially excellent. Here is an example: born in the year of Jiaxu, month of Dingmao, day of Renyin, and hour of Jiachen. In this case, the branches of寅, 卯, and 辰 are all present, and the transformed elements also align with the month's energy. This forms a pattern of the official being nourished by the minister, which is the destiny of Wang Qianshi.

土薄寡信。註釋：凡土得正令，而無刑害者，其言誠實，若土薄而刑壞者，主人寡信不實。甲寅 甲戌 己酉 己巳 此造是趙子昂命，即趙孟兆。己巳 壬申 己酉 甲戌 此造是劉宦官命，即劉瑾。

People with weak earth energy are not trustworthy. The explanation says: if the earth is in its proper season and is not harmed by punishment or clash, then their words are sincere. But if the earth itself is weak and is further damaged by punishment or clash, then the person is known for being untrustworthy and unreliable. Here are two examples of birth charts: one is from the year Jiayin, month Jiaxu, day Jiyou, and hour Jisi, which is the birth chart of Zhao Ziyang, also known as Zhao Mengfu of the Yuan Dynasty. The other is from the year Jisi, month Renshen, day Jiyou, and hour Jiaxu, which is the birth chart of Liu the eunuch, also known as Liu Jin of the Ming Dynasty.

水旺居垣須有智。註釋：凡水旺居垣，或化象，或從類得局者，主人有智謀才藝，為人面圓美須。若不成局者，主性奸猾，不實之人也。金堅主義卻能為。註釋：夫庚辛金者，在五行主義。若以為用神，或屬化從類，得局歸垣者，主人必有義，而剛毅豪傑，或刑戰失令者，無義兇頑也。若陽金運行寅午戌方，則煉成器，若陰金運行子丑亥方，則為佳也。

When water is strong and each element is in its proper position, the person is certainly wise. The commentary says: if water is strong and in its original position, or has become a transformed form, or is combined with similar elements to form a complete pattern, the person will have intelligence and talent, a round face, and a handsome beard. If such a pattern is not formed, the person will be cunning and unreliable. Those with strong metal qualities are characterized by 'righteousness' and are capable of action. The commentary says:庚 and 辛 metal represent 'righteousness' in the Five Phases. If they are used as the useful god, or belong to transformed forms or follow a pattern and finally settle in their proper position, the person will certainly value righteousness, be resolute and vigorous, and have the style of a hero. If they are punished and clashed, and lose their season, they will become wicked and untrustworthy people. For yang metal, when it goes through the fire directions of寅, 午, 戌, it can be refined into a useful tool. For yin metal, when it goes through the water directions of子, 丑, 亥, it is considered good.

金水聰明而好色。註釋：夫水主智，金主義，金白水清，聰明好色，如水太旺，必是酒色無安之人。水土混雜必多愚 註釋：夫水主智，被土而混雜者，令人多愚魯矣。遐齡得於中和，夭折喪於偏枯。註釋：凡造化得中和者必壽，偏枯者必夭，又如煞強身弱，而失中和者，其人亦夭。

People with the metal and water elements in mutual generation are intelligent but also prone to indulgence in women and sex. The commentary explains: in the Five Phases, water represents 'wisdom' and metal represents 'righteousness'. When metal is white and water is clear, it signifies intelligence, but it also tends to lead to a liking for women. If water is too strong, the person is likely to be addicted to alcohol and women, and not content with their place. When water and earth are mixed together, the person is often dull. The commentary explains: since water represents wisdom, if it is disturbed by earth and becomes turbid, the person tends to be dull and slow. Longevity comes from harmony in the Five Phases, while premature death arises from imbalance. The commentary explains: those whose destiny has a balanced and harmonious energy tend to live long, while those with an imbalance are likely to die young. For example, if the seven killer star is strong and the day master is weak, and the balance is lost, such people also tend to have short lifespans.

辰戌剋制並沖，犯刑名。註釋：凡魁罡全更帶刑沖者，必主犯刑，女命亦然，若身坐辰戌以有貴者，如貴亦主破敗不成，若女人則傷夫克子。以日時為重，年月次之。子卯相刑門戶，全無禮德。註釋：夫子卯為禮義，日月為門戶，郭璞玉照雲子卯相刑門戶，全無禮德。予取用甚驗。月令日支見者為奇，值時次之。無禮德者，主帷薄不修，丑聲外聞。壬子 癸卯 丙子 丁酉 此丙子用金為財祿，不合丁火坐酉中長生之地，財神又被劫，更子卯相刑，故妻不賢，惟薄不修，家道不肅。

The trigrams Chen and Xu mutually control each other and clash with each other, mainly involving legal punishment. The commentary says: whenever both "Kui Gang" are present and there are punishments and clashes, it is certain that the person will commit crimes, and women are no exception; if the day stem is on Chen or Xu and there is noble fortune in the destiny, even though one may attain high status, it will lead to failure and inability to achieve success in the middle of the way; for women, it will cause harm to their husbands and children. This rule is most important for the day pillar and hour pillar, and less so for the year and month pillars. The trigrams Zi and Mao clash at the gate positions, resulting in complete lack of propriety, morality, and virtue. The commentary says: Zi and Mao originally represent propriety and righteousness, and the day and month pillars are the gateways for entering and exiting; Guo Pu's "Yu Zhao Ding Zhen Jing" states that when Zi and Mao clash at the gate positions, there is complete lack of propriety and virtue, and I have used this to verify, and it is very effective. These two situations are most critical when they appear in the month ruler and day stem, and less so when they appear in the hour pillar. The term "lack of propriety and virtue" refers to the lack of discipline within the family, leading to scandals spreading outside. Here is an example of a birth chart: Ren Zi year, Gui Mao month, Bing Zi day, Ding You hour. In this case, the Bing fire is supported by the You metal as wealth and fortune, but the Ding fire in the hour pillar is sitting directly on You, which is the place of growth for the self, thus the wealth star is robbed. Moreover, the Zi and Mao clash, leading to an unvirtuous wife, disorder within the household, and lack of family discipline.

棄印就財審偏正。註釋：凡印格忌財，此理明矣。若正印居月令者，不可見財。偏印居月令者，卻喜年時見財，不妨棄印就財，舍輕就重。丁亥 戊申 壬申 丙丁 此造壬生七月，坐長生祿於亥，印身旺也。喜丙丁財透，而祿於午，又行運南方之地。所以棄印就財而貴。

Should one give up the official seal to seek wealth, it is first necessary to distinguish between the official seal and the auxiliary official seal. The commentary says: generally, the official seal is disliked when wealth stars appear, and this principle is clear. However, if the official seal is the main one in the month, then wealth stars should not be seen; but if the official seal is the auxiliary one, it is actually favorable to see wealth stars in the year pillar or the hour pillar. Therefore, one may give up the official seal for wealth, abandoning the lighter for the heavier. Take an example of a birth chart: born in the year of Ding Hai, month of Wu Shen, day of Ren Shen, and the hour pillar is Bing Wu. In this case, the water day master is born in the seventh month, with the long life in Shen and the official seal in Hai, both the official seal and the body are strong. It is fortunate that the fire stars Bing and Ding are revealed, with the wealth in Wu, and the big luck also goes to the southern fire direction. Therefore, by giving up the official seal for wealth, he attains high status.

棄財就殺論剛柔。註釋：凡陰干從地支純殺者，多貴。蓋陰柔能從物，若陽干則次之。蓋陽干不受制也。己巳 癸酉 乙丑 甲申 此陰木從金也。見前。傷官無財難恃，雖巧必貧。註釋：夫傷官格者，須要身旺敵財。財要生氣，不要盜財之氣，便是發福。若無官又無財官，雖巧必貧。

Whether one should give up wealth to follow the seven killing stars depends on the strength and flexibility of the day stem. The commentary says: whenever a yin stem meets the pure seven killing stars in the earthly branches and submits to them, it is often a sign of wealth and honor. This is because yin stems are flexible and can be controlled; yang stems are less so, as they are strong and unwilling to be restrained. For example, the birth chart of someone born in Jisi year, Guiyou month, Yichou day, and Jiashen hour is an example of yin wood following metal, which has already been mentioned. In the pattern of a person with a wounded official star, without wealth to rely on, even if they are clever, they will certainly be poor. The commentary says: the wounded official pattern requires the body to be strong enough to bear wealth; wealth must have life qi, and should not be stolen or drained by other elements, in order to bring good fortune. If there is neither an official star nor wealth to rely on, even if a person is clever, they will certainly be poor and destitute.

丙子，壬，辰辛，丁酉，此造六辛生人，以壬水為傷官，歸予子辰水局，乃柱中無一點甲乙寅卯之財，此人至巧一生貧，己酉，庚午，己卯，乙丑，此造己用庚傷官，歸於酉丑金局，柱中又無一點財神，須巧多能，平生不遂。

Take one birth chart: Bingzi year, Renchen month, Xin day, Dingyou hour (the original text has a mistake in the arrangement of the heavenly stems and earthly branches). In this chart, the Xin metal day master uses Ren water as the official, and the Ren water is included in the Zi and Chen water trinity; there is not even a trace of the heavenly stems Jia or Yi or the earthly branches Yin or Mao, which represent wood wealth. Therefore, this person is extremely skillful, but poor all his life. Take another birth chart: Jiyou year, Gengwu month, Jimao day, Yichou hour. In this chart, the Ji earth day master uses Geng metal as the official, and the Geng metal is included in the You and Chou metal trinity; there is also no trace of wealth in the chart. This person is intelligent and versatile, but throughout his life, nothing goes smoothly.

食神制煞逢梟，不貧則夭。註釋：凡用食神為福，被梟神克之，不貧則夭。若梟神無食神者，卻作偏印而論。戊寅 丙辰 戊申 丙申 此造以庚金為食神，不合二丙透出，而生於寅，五歲行乙巳運，巳午會火局，因火驚死。

Using the food god to control the seven killers, yet encountering the hawk god, results in either poverty or early death. The explanation states: whenever the food god is taken as a blessing, if it is overcome by the hawk god, one will either be poor or die young; if the destiny only contains the hawk god without the food god to overcome it, then it should still be judged according to the biased printing and is not considered凶. Take an example: born in the year of Wuyin, month of Bingchen, day of Wushen, and hour of Bingshen. In this case, the庚 metal in the申 is the food god. However, two丙 fires are revealed in the heavenly stem, and since the birth month is寅, fire has the growth strength. At the age of five, entering the Yisi big destiny, the巳 and午 form a fire circle, and fire overcomes the food god. This person died from a fire accident.

男多羊刃必重婚。註釋：夫羊刃在命，若無煞，則刃必劫財，而主克妻。或刃旺財弱,而行刃運,決主克妻。女犯傷官須再嫁。註釋：凡命陽見陽，陰見陰，多無情。若陰見陽，則夫婦和鳴也。如甲見庚為殺，辛為官，見丙為食，丁為傷，犯此主剋夫。

For a man's destiny with many Yangren, it is certain that he will remarry. The explanation states: If Yangren is present in the destiny without the presence of Seven Killers to balance it, Yangren will inevitably compete with the wealth star, thus causing harm to the wife. Or if Yangren is strong and the wealth star is weak, and during a major period of Yangren, it is certain that the wife will be harmed. For a woman's destiny with a wound star, she is likely to remarry. The explanation states: If a Yang dry branch meets another Yang dry branch, or a Yin dry branch meets another Yin dry branch, there is little affection between them. Only when a Yin dry branch meets a Yang dry branch does it indicate harmony between husband and wife. For example, Jia wood meets Geng metal as Seven Killer, meets Xin metal as Correct Official, meets Bing fire as Food God, and meets Ding fire as Wound Star. If a woman's destiny includes the Wound Star harming the Official, it indicates harm to her husband.

貧敗者，皆因旺處遭刑。註釋：凡命身旺，再遇歸祿生地富貴者，則退身避位。常人則貧賤夭折也。孤寡者，只為財神被劫。註釋：凡月令財神，被比肩羊刃分劫，以奪其福，其人不特貧賤，亦孤寡也。

Those who end up in poverty and decline are all because their strongest area is subjected to punishment. The commentary says: whenever the day master is already strong, if he encounters the returning hour or growth, which are places that further strengthen him, the originally wealthy and noble should step back and know when to stop. For ordinary people, encountering such situations leads to poverty and low status, even possibly early death. Those who become lonely and isolated are only because the wealth god is robbed. The commentary says: whenever the wealth god in the month is divided and taken away by the same zodiac sign or yang ren, it steals away his fortune. Such people not only become poor and lowly, but also become lonely and without support.

去殺留官方論福，去官留殺有威權。註釋：賦雲甲以乙妹妻庚，凶為吉兆。凡論官者，以要去煞為福,用殺者,必要去官為貴。逢傷官反得夫星，乃為財命有氣。註釋：此論夫婦陰陽之正理也。如女命戊日生，以乙木為夫。則戊為燥土，乙為活木克燥土，則無情也，安能成生育之功。蓋戊生於寅，須得陽火化煉，方能成器，故以甲木為夫也。又不專以夫星定之，如無夫星原有傷官，而財神有氣，皆作有夫論也。如傷官為用神者，亦不可損傷也。

To achieve fortune, one must remove the seven killers and retain the proper official; to attain authority, one must remove the proper official and retain the seven killers. The commentary explains: old writings say "Jia marries her younger sister Yi to Geng," and what was originally凶 becomes吉. For those who use the proper official, they must remove the seven killers to gain fortune; for those who use the seven killers, they must remove the proper official to achieve status. A woman's chart encountering a harmful official (shang gan) may still receive the husband's star, because both wealth and destiny have life qi. The commentary explains: this refers to the proper principle of yin and yang harmony between husband and wife. For example, a woman with Wu earth as the day master should normally take Yi wood as her husband; but Wu earth is dry, and Yi wood is living, living wood attacking dry earth results in no mutual affection, how can they achieve the function of producing offspring? Wu earth's growth is in寅, which requires yang fire to refine it into a useful object, so it is better to take Jia wood as the husband. Moreover, one should not rely solely on the husband's star: if the chart lacks the husband's star but has a harmful official, and the wealth star has life qi, it is also considered as having a husband. If the harmful official is the useful god, it should not be harmed.

遇梟神而喪子息，定因福薄無嗣。註釋：夫女造。日主是陰干，則以傷官為子，食神為女。陽干則以食神為子，傷官為女。若男命，則陽干以七殺為子，官星為女。陰干則以官為子，比如歲運逢偏正印太過，皆主子女見刑，更看向背輕重而言，不可執一論之。

When encountering theOwl Spirit (weaving star), it indicates the loss of children, which is due to a lack of fortune leading to no descendants. The commentary explains that for a woman's destiny, if the day master is a yin stem, the wounded official (伤官) represents a son and the nourishing official (食神) represents a daughter; if the day master is a yang stem, the nourishing official represents a son and the wounded official represents a daughter. For a man's destiny, if the day master is a yang stem, the seven killing stars (七杀) represent a son and the proper official (正官) represents a daughter; if the day master is a yin stem, the proper official represents a son. For example, if there are too many偏印 (biased nurturing stars) and正印 (proper nurturing stars) in the flow year or large cycle, it indicates that children may suffer injuries or harm. One must also consider whether these stars are in harmony or conflict with the day master, and whether their strength is light or heavy, and not rigidly follow a single rule for interpretation.

二戌沖辰禍不淺。註釋：如八字原有辰戌相沖，又運逢戌再沖，主禍不淺。兩干不雜名利齊。註釋：凡兩干不雜，更入格，方作貴論。如或刑沖剋戰，不為善也，宜細詳之。丙子辛卯相逢，荒淫滾浪。註釋：凡八字天干相合，地支相刑，如丙合辛，子刑卯之類，乃滾浪桃花，男犯之好酒色荒淫，因而喪身，病在膀胱腎經，若子卯歲亦然。如甲寅己巳，一同論之。壬辰 壬子 丙子 辛卯 此造天干丙辛相合，不合地支子卯刑之，行乙卯運，因貪色病膀胱而亡。

Two Wu elements clash with one Chen, indicating serious misfortune. The commentary explains: For example, if the original八字 already has a conflict between Chen and Wu, and then in the big destiny period another Wu comes to clash again, it indicates serious troubles. When the heavenly stems are only two characters and not mixed, both fame and fortune can be complete. The commentary explains: Any pattern where two heavenly stems are not mixed must also be in a proper pattern to be considered as a noble destiny; if there are punishments, conflicts,restrain, or battles involved, it is not good, and should be carefully distinguished. When the pillars of Bingzi and Xinmao meet, it indicates licentiousness and indulgence. The commentary explains: Whenever the heavenly stems of a八字 combine while the earthly branches are in conflict, such as when Bing combines with Xin and Zi conflicts with Mao, it is called "rolling wave peach blossom"; for men, this leads to indulgence in wine and women, licentiousness, and ultimately death, with illness affecting the bladder and kidney meridians; if the flow year meets Zi or Mao, the situation is the same. Similarly, the combination of Jiayin and Jisi follows the same principle. Here is an example of a birth chart: Renchen year, Renzi month, Bingzi day, Xinmao hour. In this case, the heavenly stems Bing and Xin combine, but the earthly branches Zi and Mao conflict. During the big destiny period of Yimao, he died from a bladder illness caused by excessive indulgence in women.

子午卯酉全備，酒色荒迷。註釋：凡子午卯酉全者，謂之遍野桃花。若入格不失局者，須貴而有財，皆主荒淫酒色薄德之人。天干煞顯，無制者賤。註釋：凡天干透殺，身有所歸；遇食神則貴。如煞顯而無食神制之，更沖戰者，賤也。

When the four earthly branches Zi, Wu, Mao, and You are all present, the person tends to indulge in alcohol and lust. The commentary says: whenever the four branches Zi, Wu, Mao, and You are all present, it is called "Taohua all over the field." Such a destiny can bring wealth and prosperity if it is in a proper pattern and not disrupted, but it generally indicates a person who is licentious and lustful, with shallow morality. If the heavenly stem reveals a seven killer without being restrained, the destiny is certainly lowly. The commentary says: whenever the seven killer appears in the heavenly stem, the daily ruler has some support; if it is further restrained by the food god, it becomes noble. But if the seven killer appears without the food god to restrain it, and instead constantly conflicts and struggles with the daily ruler, then the destiny is certainly lowly.

癸丑 辛酉 乙卯 癸未 此造生於秋令，而煞旺，坐卯而身強敵殺，柱中無食神以制殺，更透梟神，卯酉丑未相沖，為性不仁，兇惡好殺，貧乏終身。地支財伏，暗生者奇。註釋：郭璞云：壬癸生於寅月，暗藏三陽之火為財。而暗生官，斯為貴命，若透出丙丁則不妙。順行喜午未運，逆行喜戌亥運。若申酉運則散，見刑行夾煞主死。

Take the example of a birth chart: born in the year of Guichou, month of Xinyou, day of Yimao, and hour of Guiwei. This person is born in autumn when the metal is strong and the seven deadly enemies (seven杀) are powerful. The day's ruler is Yimao wood, sitting on the卯, which makes the person's strength sufficient to oppose the seven deadly enemies. However, there is no food god (食神) in the chart to control the seven deadly enemies, but instead the癸 waterOwl Spirit is revealed. The卯 and酉, as well as the丑 and未, are in mutual conflict. This person has an unkind nature, is cruel and fond of killing, and will live a life of poverty. The wealth star is hidden in the earth branch and secretly generates the official star, making the pattern very unusual. The commentary says: Guo Pu explained that the壬 and癸 water, born in the寅 month, have the hidden丙 fire in the寅 as their wealth; this wealth secretly generates the戊 earth official star, which is a sign of a noble destiny; if the丙 and丁 fire are clearly revealed in the heavenly stem, it would be bad. The favorable big years are the午 and未 when moving forward, and the戌 and亥 when moving backward; if the person goes through the申 and酉 years, the hidden wealth will be scattered; if there is also punishment and clash or the person enters a place of deadly enemies, it will lead to death.

因財致禍，羊刃與歲運並臨。註釋：凡月支羊刃，喜見官殺，不要見財，如歲運又見刃，必因財致禍，輕則災咎，重則喪身。貪食乖疑，命帶梟神應有禍。註釋：凡支干梟食重者，遇七煞的歲運，則貪食生病，更帶刑沖，則主禍不淺矣。

This misfortune is caused by the Yangren and the current year's big fortune both affecting the person. The commentary says: Those whose month's branch is occupied by Yangren prefer to see official stars or killing stars to control it, and should not see wealth. If the current year's big fortune also meets Yangren, it will certainly bring misfortune due to wealth, minor cases may lead to calamity or mistakes, serious cases may result in death. Greed for food leading to disorder and suspicion is the misfortune of having theOwl Spirit in the destiny. The commentary says: Those who have bothOwl Spirit and food stars in their heavenly stems and earthly branches, if they meet the year of seven killing stars, will get sick due to greed for food; if they also have punishment and clash, the misfortune will be more serious.

癸未 丁巳 丁卯 癸卯 此造自坐梟神奪食，有貪食之病。行戊午運，戊子年，丁食午中己土，發殺祿於子，與日時卯宮無禮相刑，故初年食耗而退。日時相逢卯酉，始生必主遷移。註釋：夫卯酉，乃日月出入之門戶。如卯日生，逢亥月令，又逢酉時，必主有生之日，家居不定，有遷移修造之事。

A certain birth chart is: born in the year Guiwei, in the month Dingsi, on the day Dingmao, and at the hour Guimao. The day's ruler sits on the卯 wood, which is theOwl Spirit, taking away the food, indicating a problem of greed for food. When entering the Wuwu big destiny year and encountering the Wuzi flowing year, the Ding fire uses the己 earth in the午 to become the food god, while the癸 water seven killer is in the子 and gets its strength, the子 and the two卯 in the day and hour columns form the punishment of impropriety, so early years are affected by food consumption and decline. When the day pillar and hour pillar both meet卯 and酉, there must be a move in the family at birth. The explanation says:卯 and酉 are the gates of the sun and moon rising and setting. For example, someone born on a卯 day, if the month is亥 and the hour is酉, it indicates that during the time of birth, the family residence is unstable, with possible relocation or construction of housing.

癸丑 辛酉 乙卯 壬午 此造乙與辛戰鬥，而卯日酉月相沖，始生之日，主遷移不定。又主所生之處，左有樹木，右有金鋪，前有道路。造化因逢戌亥，平生敬信神祗。註釋：夫戌亥為天門，玉照雲時逢戌亥。道士僧人。身坐天門者，若不是僧道，亦主敬信神佛。己酉 丙子 戊戌 癸亥 此命身坐戊戌，一生敬信神祗。

An example of a birth chart:Guichou year, Xinyou month, Yimao day, Renwu hour. In this chart, the 乙 wood and 辛 metal clash, and the卯 day and 酉 month also conflict, indicating that the person was born during times of frequent family moves. It also suggests that the place of birth had trees on the left and a metal shop on the right, with a road in front. If this chart encounters 戌 or 亥, the person will devote their whole life to believing in deities. The explanation says: 戌 and 亥 are called 'Heaven's Gate'. The book 《Yuzhao Dingzhen Jing》 states that when the hour pillar meets 戌 or 亥, the person is likely to become a monk or a Taoist. If the day ruler sits on Heaven's Gate, even if they do not leave home, they will show respect and devotion to deities. Another example of a birth chart:Jiyou year, Bingzi month, Wuxu day, Guihai hour. In this chart, the day ruler sits on 戌 and the hour pillar is 亥, so the person will devote their whole life to believing in deities.

陰克陰，陽克陽，財神有用。官化殺，官太旺，太過傾危。註釋：夫官星多者，則化官為殺，人命遇之返凶矣。戊子 丙辰 癸巳 丙辰 此造癸用戊土為官，柱中太多，反為不吉。行壬戌運，官多化煞而逝。

Heavenly Stems that are yinrestrain yin Heavenly Stems, and yangrestrain yang Heavenly Stems, only then is the wealth god effective. Once the official star turns into seven killers, if the official star is too strong, it will lead to overturning and danger. The commentary says: if there are too many official stars, they will turn into killers, and when a person's fate meets this, it will turn into misfortune. For example, a birth chart with Wuzi year, Bingchen month, Guisi day, and Bingchen hour. In this case, the癸 water uses the戊 earth as the official star, but there is too much earth in the column, which is not auspicious. When he entered the Renxu big destiny year, the official stars became killers and he died.

煞多無殺，反不為害。註釋：此即從殺格，若煞旺運，多富貴。甲寅 癸酉 乙酉 乙酉 此造乙木身弱，喜得四柱無一倚靠之神，地支三重酉，只作得從煞看，故富貴也，位至三公太保。

When the seven杀 (seven deadly stars) are extremely numerous, they are actually equivalent to none, and do not become harmful. The commentary explains: this is called the 'from杀' pattern. If one's fortune flows towards a strong seven杀, they are likely to achieve wealth and honor. For example, a birth chart with the year Jiayin, month Guiyou, day Yiyou, and hour Yiyou. In this case, the wood of Yi is weak, and it is fortunate that there is no god in the four pillars to support the body. The triple酉 gold in the earth branches can only be viewed as following the seven杀, so it leads to wealth and honor, and the person may reach the position of the Three Grand Ministers and the Grand Guardian.

財多逢財，運逢化殺生災。註釋：凡局財多，歲運見財者，謂之財化煞凶也。印多無印，運忌比劫旺地。註釋：凡印綬多得地者，最不宜比肩劫財身旺地。詩云：印綬不以無根，論比劫相逢總不宜。運行財地並比劫，命行值此主傷悲。又云：印綬不喜行臨官，帝旺逢之亦不歡。運行身旺地，未可許榮昌，最喜官煞也。

Wealth has already been abundant and now meets wealth again, causing wealth to transform into seven killers and bringing disaster. The commentary says: whenever the birth chart already has a lot of wealth, and the stream year and big year meet wealth again, it is called "wealth transforming into a killer," which is an ominous sign. Too much印 is actually like having no印, and it is not advisable for the big year to go to the prosperous land of the same or similar elements. The commentary says: for those who have a lot of印 and each has its proper position, it is most unsuitable to go to the prosperous land of same or similar elements. There is a poem that says:印 does not fear having no root, but meeting same or similar elements is always not advisable; when the big year goes to the wealth land and meets same or similar elements, it is a sad step in the destiny. Another poem says:印 does not like to go to the officialdom year, and meeting the prosperity year is also not liked; when the big year goes to the prosperous land of the self, it cannot be expected for prosperity and glory, the most preferred is the year of official or killer.

八字得局失垣，平生不遇。註釋：凡木逢亥卯未，金逢巳酉丑之類，乃得局。若木局秋生，金局夏生，豈不失垣乎，主平生不遇。壬申，癸丑，壬子，甲辰 此八字申子辰會水局，而生於丑月，失垣也。其人心胸茅塞，名利無成，行午運沖日干不祿。

The eight characters may form a complete pattern, but if they lose their original position and season, the person will never achieve success. The commentary says: whenever wood meets Hai-Mao-Wei or metal meets Si-You-Chou, it is considered a complete pattern; but if the wood pattern is born in autumn or the metal pattern is born in summer, it has lost its original position, which means the person will never meet favorable conditions. Take an example: Renshen year, Guichou month, Renzi day, Jiachen hour. This八字 forms a water pattern with Shen, Zi, and Chen, but it is born in the Chou month, which is the loss of its original position. This person has a closed mind, and achieves nothing in fame and fortune. When he enters the Wu season, it clashes and controls the day stem, leading to his death.

四柱歸垣得局，早歲軒昂。註釋：凡木局春生，火局夏生，金局秋生，水局冬生，土生四季月，皆為歸垣得局，富貴無疑矣。癸亥木 乙卯木 乙未木 壬午木 曲直格。癸酉金 乙丑金 庚辰金 辛巳金 從革格。壬寅火 丙午火 丙戌火 甲午火 炎上格。庚午水 甲申水 壬子水 甲辰水 潤下格。

When the four pillars are in their proper positions and form a harmonious combination, the person is young but has an impressive and noble bearing. The commentary says: if a wood element is born in spring, a fire element in summer, a metal element in autumn, a water element in winter, and earth in the months of辰, 戌, 丑, or 未, it is considered to be in its proper place and forming a favorable combination, which certainly leads to wealth and honor. Below are four examples, with the Nayin sound element noted under each pillar: Guihai, Yimao, Yiwei, Renwu, all with the Nayin sound element of wood, forming the "Curved and Straight Pattern"; Guiyou, Yichou, Gengchen, Xinsi, all with the Nayin sound element of metal, forming the "From and Reform Pattern"; Renyin, Bingwu, Bingxu, Jiawu, all with the Nayin sound element of fire, forming the "Inflaming Pattern"; Gengwu, Jiashen, Renzi, Jiachen, all with the Nayin sound element of water, forming the "Moistening and Descending Pattern".

木逢類象，榮貴高遷。註釋：如甲乙天干，生於春月，地支值寅卯辰全，而無間斷破害，必主榮貴。惟怕引至時上，為死絕之鄉則不吉。癸卯 甲寅 甲辰 乙亥 此造木生春月，四柱純全旺，又非死絕鄉，故官至御史。

When wood meets the same kind of elements, it can flourish and continuously rise. The commentary says: For example, if the heavenly stems are Jia or Yi wood, and they are born in the month of spring, with the earthly branches of Yin, Mao, and Chen all present without any interruption or damage, it will surely lead to honor and prestige. However, the fear is that this energy leads to the hour pillar but falls into the place of death or decline, which is not auspicious. Take an example of a birth: Guimao year, Jiayin month, Jiachen day, Yihai hour. In this case, wood is born in spring, the four pillars are all wood, the energy is pure and strong, and the hour pillar Hai is the long life of wood, not a place of death or decline, so he became a censor.

命用梟神，富家營造。註釋：如甲用丙為食神，而丙來生戊土，則戊乃甲之財也。夫丙既為甲之食神，則為丙之梟神，而丙受甲之役使也。庚子 戊寅 壬子 壬寅 此造壬生庚為偏印，寅為財食，故壬子生寅木，而為庚之財也，卻賴庚金生身，故為富家掌財也。

Those who use theOwl Spirit in their destiny often manage businesses in wealthy families. The commentary says: For example, if the Jia wood takes the Bing fire as its food god, the Bing fire then generates the Wu earth, making the Wu earth the wealth of the Jia wood. Since the Bing fire is the food god of the Jia wood, the Jia wood becomes theOwl Spirit of the Bing fire, so the Bing fire must obey the Jia wood. Take the case of a birth chart with Gengzi year, Wuyin month, Renzi day, and Renyin hour. In this case, the Ren water takes the Geng metal as its biased scholar, the寅 contains the丙 fire as wealth and the甲 wood as food; the Ren water nourishes the寅 wood, which in turn becomes the wealth of the Geng metal, and the day's main element, the Ren water, also relies on the Geng metal for support. Therefore, this person is in a wealthy family managing finances.

財官俱敗者死。註釋：凡命以官與財為用者，俱要行財官旺鄉為福。如行敗地，謂之祿馬衰，主死。戊子 丙辰 癸巳 庚申 此造癸用戊官丙財，得祿於己，運行方受赦令，行酉運不祿。

A person whose wealth and official stars are in a declining place will die. The commentary says: For a destiny where official star and wealth star are considered useful gods, they must go to a place where wealth and official stars are strong to be fortunate; if they go to a declining place, it is called "decline of official and horse," which indicates death. An example of a birth chart is: born in the year of Wuzi, month of Bingchen, day of Guisi, and hour of Gengshen. In this case, the癸water takes戊earth as official star and丙fire as wealth star. Both official and wealth stars are in the巳earth where they have their strength. When traveling through good fortune, they could still receive royal pardon. But when they reach the酉year, the巳and酉 combine, causing both wealth and official stars to decline, and the person dies.

食神逢梟者凶。註釋：凡食神為福者，柱中不要梟神。如歲運又見梟神，輕而災咎，重則損神。甲辰 丙寅 壬子 辛亥 此造甲木食神得祿，造化可取，不合身坐刃地，會水局。奪了丙火財星，行庚午運，食神被傷，而一貧徹骨。

The food god meets the hawk god and it becomes dangerous. The commentary says: For a destiny where the food god brings fortune, the pillar should not contain the hawk god; if in the stream year or big year the hawk god appears again, the light case brings calamity and mistakes, the heavy case causes injury to life. Take an example of a birth chart: Jiachen year, Bingyin month, Renzi day, Xinhai hour. In this case, the wood food god is in寅 and gets its strength, originally capable of good fortune; unfortunately, the day's ruler sits on Zi and has the Yangren, and also combines with Chen and Hai to form a water trinity, taking away the fire wealth star. When he enters the Gengwu big year, the metal hawk god comes to harm the food god, and this person becomes extremely poor.

歸祿有財而獲福。註釋：凡歸祿格無官星者，號曰青雲得路，本用財也，固喜傷官食神生財為貴。壬寅，辛亥，壬寅，辛亥，此造以寅中丙火為福，而身旺敵財，喜行東方之地，極貴。無財歸祿必須貧 註釋：凡歸祿格無官煞，又無財星，不入他格，貧命也。辛丑 庚子 壬申 辛亥 此命無財可倚，而金水太旺，運行西方，賣盡田園而貧。

In the "Returning Wealth" pattern, one must have wealth to attain happiness. The commentary says: if someone has the "Returning Wealth" pattern but does not see the official star, it is called "Qing Yun De Lu" (ascending smoothly on the path). In such a case, wealth should naturally be the main focus, so the best is to have the official star or the food god star to generate wealth, which leads to high status. For example, a birth chart with the year RENYIN, month XINHAI, day RENYIN, and hour XINHAI. In this case, the fire in the寅 (Yin) is the source of fortune. The day's main element is strong enough to bear wealth, and it is favorable to travel to the eastern wood land to generate fire, which brings great status. If the "Returning Wealth" pattern lacks wealth, then one will certainly be poor. The commentary says: if someone has the "Returning Wealth" pattern but neither the official star nor the wealth star is present, and it cannot be included in any other pattern, then it is a poor destiny. For example, a birth chart with the year XINCHOU, month GENGZI, day RENSHEN, and hour XINHAI. This person has no wealth to rely on, and the metal and water are too strong. If the big luck goes to the western metal land, the fields and land will be sold out, leading to poverty.

太歲忌逢戰鬥。註釋：此日犯歲君也，若為用神者無咎，如壬日以丙火為財，柱中原有財，雖犯太歲，反為吉也。羊刃不喜刑沖。註釋：凡羊刃而無殺制者，逢羊刃歲君而多凶。若無財者輕，有財者重，更帶傷官沖刑戰鬥，主禍不淺。

The Tai Sui is most忌 to clash with the day stem. The commentary says: this is called "the day stem offending the Tai Sui"; however, if this Tai Sui is the useful god, there will be no fault. For example, if the day stem is Ren water and the wealth is Bing fire, and there is already wealth in the column, although the day stem clashes with the Tai Sui, it is actually auspicious. The Yangren does not like to be harmed by刑 or 冲. The commentary says: if there is Yangren but no seven killer to control it, encountering the Tai Sui of Yangren is usually ominous. Those without wealth suffer minor misfortunes, while those with wealth suffer greater misfortunes; if combined with injury official and 冲, 刑, or conflict, the misfortunes will be serious.

豈知遇正官，卻無俸祿。註釋：如甲用辛為官，以物元推之，甲乃陽木，辛乃陰金，不能克之，以成其器也。戊辰 戊午 庚辰 丁丑 此造用丁為官，祿於午，惜乎無財，官無生意，行西北方運，財官皆背，名利俱無。

Where could one expect to meet a proper official position yet still lack salary? The commentary explains: For example, if Jia wood uses Xin metal as the official star, examining the nature of things: Jia is yang wood, and Xin is yin metal. Yin metal cannot overcome yang wood, thus unable to shape or refine it into an object. Take a birth chart as an example: Wuchen year, Wuwu month, Gengchen day, Dingchou hour. This chart uses Ding fire as the official star, with Ding's strength in Wu; unfortunately, there is no wealth in the chart, so the official star does not receive support. Moreover, the big luck period goes to the Northwest of metal and water, which further separates wealth and official star, resulting in both fame and fortune being empty.

蓋緣逢七煞，乃有聲名。註釋：夫七煞乃權也。以五行之理推之，煞即正官之用，如庚金制甲，甲制戊土之類。如時上貴格，而無損壞，乃一品宰相。甲申 丙寅 乙卯 辛巳 此造源遠命，拜將封王，一位貴格也。

The reason one gains fame is because their destiny meets the Seven Killers. The commentary explains that the Seven Killer represents authority. According to the principles of the Five Phases, the Seven Killer can also be used as a proper official. For example, if the庚 metal controls the甲 wood, or the甲 wood controls the戊 soil, this is considered a proper official relationship. If the Seven Killer appears alone in the hour pillar and is not damaged, it is considered a high-ranking official's destiny. Let's take an example birth chart: Jiashen year, Bingyin month, Yimao day, Xinsi hour. This chart has deep roots and the person reaches the position of a general and is granted a marquis title, which is exactly the case of a single Seven Killer in the hour pillar.

不從不化，淹留仕路之人。得從得化，顯達功名之士。註釋：夫不從不化者，最怕傷了貴氣。若得化得從者，其功必顯達也。甲午 丁卯 壬申 乙巳 此造丁化壬木，二月得令，惜乎壬水自坐長生持勢，巳申類金局以克木，化木不成，又支元刑沖，乃下造也。辛亥 辛丑 丙子 己亥 此造地支亥子丑，類成水局而化，有所貴，故貴。此翰林方狀元命。

If a person cannot follow or transform, they will be stuck in their career without advancement; if they can both follow and transform, they will achieve fame and success. The commentary says: a fate that cannot follow or transform is most afraid of losing its noble qualities; if one can truly follow and transform, their achievements will certainly be prominent. Here are two examples of fate: someone born in the year of Jiawu, month of Dingmao, day of Renshen, and hour of Yisi. In this case, Ding and Ren are meant to combine to transform into wood, and since Ding is in the month of February when wood is in command, it should be possible to transform. Unfortunately, the Ren water is sitting on the long life of Shen, relying on its strength and refusing to follow or transform. The Si and Shen also form a metal group to overcome wood, so the transformation into wood fails. The branches also have punishments and clashes, so this is a lower fate. Another example is someone born in the year of Xinhai, month of Xinchou, day of Bingzi, and hour of Jihai. In this case, the branches Hai, Zi, and Chou form a water group and smoothly transform, thus acquiring noble qualities. This is the fate of a Hanlin scholar who became the top状元.

化成祿旺者生。註釋：凡化成造物者，要行本祿旺運，如戊癸化火局，要行南方運。化成祿絕者死。註釋：凡化成局者，最怕行祿絕馬衰之運。如戊癸化火行水鄉，丁壬化木行金鄉，輕則殘廢，重則傷生。

When the transformed spirit is already formed and the fortune moves into the旺 (prosperous) phase of the禄 (favorable position) of the transformed spirit, it can generate positive effects. Explanation: For a destiny where the transformed energy has already been formed, it is best to move into the prosperous phase of the禄 of the transformed spirit itself. For example, if the destiny is formed by the combination of Wu and Gui transforming into fire, it is favorable to move into the southern fire fortune. When the transformed spirit is already formed but the fortune moves into the绝 (declining) phase of the禄 of the transformed spirit, it indicates death. Explanation: For a destiny where the transformed energy has already formed a complete pattern, it is most dangerous to move into the declining phase of the禄 of the transformed spirit or into a phase where theThe Post-horse (post-horse) is weak. For example, if the destiny is formed by Wu and Gui transforming into fire but moves into a water region, or if the destiny is formed by Ding and Ren transforming into wood but moves into a metal region, the consequences can be minor disabilities or even death.

處僧道之首，用煞反輕。註釋：夫煞，乃權星也。若身旺殺輕者，必為僧道之首。或入格清則貴而富，必是天師。受憲臺之職，偏官得地。註釋：凡煞有制伏，刑沖有用，財食兼備，必受憲臺之職。

Those who can become leaders of Buddhist or Taoist monasteries are those whose seven killing stars (seven杀) are used but are weak. The commentary says: the seven killing star is a star of authority. If the day ruler is strong and the seven killing star is weak, one will certainly become the leader of Buddhist or Taoist monks; if the pattern is formed and the structure is pure, then one will be both noble and wealthy, even becoming the heavenly master of Taoism. Those who can hold positions in the Imperial Inspection Office are those whose biased killing star is strong and effective. The commentary says: whenever the seven killing star is controlled and restrained, and the punishments and clashes are used appropriately, and wealth and food stars are also present, one will certainly be appointed to a position in the Imperial Inspection Office, which is a law enforcement position.

生地相逢，壯年不祿。註釋：如八字已旺，再行歸祿生地。經云金剛太強，自刑其身。木落歸根，水流趨東，則為自刑。如庚辛用丙丁為官，甲木為財，火木至申酉死絕，財官俱敗，用神被傷，故壯年不祿也。

If the Useful God meets the Growth place again, the person will die in middle age. The commentary says: For example, if the original八字 is already very strong, and the big destiny cycle goes to the returning禄 or Growth places which support the strength. The classic says: If gold is too strong, it will injure itself; if wood withers and returns to its root, or water flows east and does not return, these are all considered self-punishment. For example, for庚 and 辛 metal, the丙 and 丁 fire are the officials, and the 甲 wood is the wealth. When fire and wood arrive at the申 and 酉 places, they are in death and extinction. The wealth and officials return to the place of failure, the Useful God is injured, so the person dies in middle age.

時歸敗絕，老後無終。註釋：凡命以年為祖宗，月為父母，日為己身，日支為妻妾，時為子息。又月為初主，日為中主，時為未主，時歸敗地，主晚損子息。己酉 丙子 丙寅 辛卯 此造先貴後賤，蓋丙前逢官，後歸敗地，又子卯相刑，失其官顯，故先貴後賤，而子癸生乙木，盜官之氣也。

The time pillar falls in a place of decline and destruction, leading to an unsatisfactory end in old age. The commentary explains: when analyzing a person's destiny, the year pillar represents ancestors, the month pillar represents parents, the day stem represents oneself, the day branch represents wife or concubine, and the time pillar represents children. Moreover, the month pillar governs the first half of life, the day pillar governs the middle part, and the time pillar governs the latter part. If the time pillar falls into a place of decline, it indicates damage to children in old age. For example, a birth chart with Jiyou year, Bingzi month, Bingyin day, and Xinmao hour. This person first enjoys high status but later becomes humble: the fire of Bing is first confronted by the癸water official in the Zi branch, but later falls into the Mao branch, which is a place of decline. Additionally, the Zi and Mao branches are in mutual conflict, causing the official and noble status to be lost, hence the decline from prosperity to hardship. Moreover, the癸water in the Zi branch nourishes the乙wood in the Mao branch, thus draining the official star's energy.