Three Winters of Jia Wood

十月甲木，庚丁為要，丙火次之。忌壬水泛身，須戊土制之。若庚丁兩透，又加戊出干，名曰去濁留清，富貴之極；即乏丁火，亦稍有富貴。或甲多制戊，庚金無根，平常人也。庚戊若透，雖出比劫，必定富而壽。

In the tenth month, the month builder is Hai, and Ren water is in charge. Although Jia wood gains growth in Hai, it is disliked because the water is cold and the wood is chilly. For this month, it is essential to have Geng metal and Ding fire, with Bing fire as a secondary choice. Geng metal cuts the wood into firewood, Ding fire ignites and warms it, while Bing fire warms it from the outside. The greatest danger is the overflowing of Ren water, which must be controlled by Wu earth to build a dike. If both Geng metal and Ding fire are visible, and Wu earth also appears on the surface, removing the turbid water and keeping the clear fire, this is called "eliminating turbidity and retaining clarity," leading to extreme wealth and status. Even if Ding fire is missing, there will still be some wealth. If Jia wood is excessive, all the wood together will attack Wu earth, and if Geng metal has no root, it will not be able to cut the wood, resulting in an ordinary life. If both Geng metal and Wu earth are visible, even if there are other identical or competitive elements in the pillar, wealth and longevity are assured.

或多比劫，只一庚出干，坐祿逢生，乃為舍丁從庚，略富貴。或支見申亥，戊己得所，以救庚丁，可許科甲。若單己透，其力弱小，不過貢監而已。用庚，土妻金子；用丁，木妻火子。

If there are many rivals and wealth-depleting elements, but only one heavenly stem of Geng metal, and this Geng metal is seated on the sheng (favorable) position of Shen, and also receives assistance from earthy elements, its strength is sufficient to cut wood. In this case, one should abandon Ding fire and focus solely on Geng metal as the useful god, which may lead to some wealth and status. If the earthly branches include Shen and Hai, and Wu and Ji earth are in their proper positions—producing metal and controlling water, with water removed, fire is not harmed—this can protect both Geng metal and Ding fire as useful gods, and one may be eligible for academic success. If only one Ji earth is revealed, its strength is too weak, and one may only attain the status of a recommended scholar or a supervised scholar. For those using Geng metal as the useful god, earth is the wife star and metal is the son star; for those using Ding fire as the useful god, wood is the wife star and fire is the son star.

十一月甲木，木性生寒，丁先庚後，丙火佐之。癸水司權，為火金之病。庚丁兩透，支見巳寅，科甲有準；風水不及，選拔有之。若癸透傷丁，無戊己輔救，殘疾之人。或壬水重出，丁火全無者，庸人也，得丙方妙。

In the eleventh month, the Month Builder is Zi. Although one yang energy begins to arise, the cold energy is at its peak. The nature of wood becomes cold at this time, so the fire of Ding comes first, followed by the metal of Geng. Then the fire of Bing is used to support it. The fire of Ding warms the inside, while the fire of Bing warms the outside. In this month, the water of Gui is in command, which can freeze the metal and extinguish the fire, thus forming the root of the two useful gods, fire and metal. If both Geng metal and Ding fire are visible above the ground, and the earth branches also contain Si and Yin, which are the strong positions of fire and the place of growth, then success in the imperial examination is certain. Even if the ancestral virtue and geographical environment are not good enough, one can still achieve success through selection. If the water of Gui appears and harms the fire of Ding, and there is no Wu or Ji earth to protect it, then the person will be disabled. If the water of Ren appears repeatedly on the surface, and there is no fire of Ding at all, then the person will be mediocre. At this time, it is only appropriate for the fire of Bing to appear and thaw the cold.

或支成水局，加以壬透，名為水泛木浮，死無棺木。總之十一月甲木，為寒枝，不比春木清茂，端取庚丁。透壬無丙，不過刀筆異途，武職有驗。用庚，土妻金子；用火，木妻火子。

If the earthly branches form a water group and there is also a壬 water visible in the heavenly stems, the water becomes overwhelming, leading to the situation called "water flooding and wood floating," which is ominous, even to the point where one cannot afford a coffin after death. In general, the甲 wood in the eleventh month is merely a cold branch, which cannot be compared to the fresh and flourishing wood of spring. Therefore, it is essential to use 庚 metal and 丁 fire. If only 壬 water is visible without 丙 fire to thaw the ice, one may become a legal official from an unconventional background, and being suited for a military position would be appropriate. For those using 庚 metal as their key element, earth is the wife star and metal is the son star; for those using fire as their key element, wood is the wife star and fire is the son star.

十二月甲木，天寒氣凍，木性極寒，無生發之象。先用庚劈甲，方引丁火，始得木火有通明之象，故丁次之。庚丁兩透，科甲恩封；庚透丁藏，小貴；丁透庚藏，小富貴；無庚者，貧賤；無丁者，寒儒。

The twelfth month is Chou, which is the Month Builder. It is a time of extreme cold, and the wood is so cold that there is no sign of growth. First, we need to use Geng metal to split Jia wood, then we can ignite Ding fire, creating the situation of "wood and fire shining clearly." Therefore, Ding fire comes after Geng metal. If both Geng metal and Ding fire are visible, the person will achieve academic success and receive royal favor. If Geng metal is visible but Ding fire is hidden, the person will have some official rank. If Ding fire is visible but Geng metal is hidden, the person will be moderately wealthy. If there is no Geng metal at all, the person will be poor and lowly. If there is no Ding fire at all, the person will simply be a poor scholar suffering from cold.

或有丁透重重，亦是富貴中人，但須比肩，能發丁之焰，自有德業才能。如無比肩，尋常之士，稍有衣食而已。或支多見水，即有比肩，亦屬平常。

If there are many Ding fire elements appearing, the person may become wealthy and noble, but it is necessary to have a helper of the same kind. Jia wood is the fuel for Ding fire; having many helpers means sufficient fuel, allowing the fire to burn brightly. Such a person naturally possesses virtue and ability. If there is no helper, the fuel runs out, and the person remains an ordinary individual, barely able to make a living. If there are many water elements in the earth branches, the environment becomes too cold and damp, even with helpers, the person remains average.

總之臘月甲木，雖有庚金，丁不可少。乏庚略可，乏丁無用。經云：甲木無根，男女夭壽。

In summary, the Jia wood in the twelfth lunar month, although having Geng metal, must not lack Ding fire: lacking Geng metal is still tolerable, but lacking Ding fire makes it completely useless—during severe cold, warming is more important than cutting. The classic texts say: if Jia wood has no root, whether male or female, it indicates a short lifespan.

三春乙木，為芝蘭蒿草之物，丙癸不可離也。春乙見丙，卉木向陽，萬象回春，須癸滋養根基。丙癸齊透天干，無化合制克，自然登科及第。故書云：乙木根荄種得深，只須陽地不宜陰，漂浮只怕多逢水，剋制何須苦用金。

In the spring months, the wood of the Yi stem is like fragrant orchids and wild grasses, delicate and tender plants. It relies on the fire of Bing and the water of Gui at all times. When the wood of Yi meets the fire of Bing in spring, it is like plants turning toward the sun, showing a scene of renewal and vitality. It also needs the water of Gui to nourish its roots. If both Bing and Gui appear in the heavenly stem, and are not combined with other elements or restrained, they can certainly lead to success and high achievement. Therefore, the books on destiny say: the roots of wood of Yi must be deep, it is most suitable to grow in sunny places and not in damp and shady areas; it most fears too much water which would float it and make it rootless. As for restraint, there is no need to use metal desperately.

正月乙木，必須用丙，因天氣尤有餘寒，非丙不暖。雖有癸水，恐凝寒氣，故以丙火為先，癸水次之。丙癸兩透，科甲定然；或有丙無癸，門戶闡揚；或丙多乏癸，名曰春旱，獨陽不長，濁富之人；或丙少癸多，又為困丙，終為寒士；或癸己多見，為溼土之木，皆下格。用丙者，木妻火子；用癸水見火多者，金妻水子。

In the first lunar month, the month builder is寅, so the wood of Yi must be paired with the fire of Bing. At this time, there is still a lot of residual cold, and without Bing fire, it is not warm enough. Even if there is Gui water, it may freeze the cold, so Bing fire is the first priority, and Gui water is secondary. If both Bing and Gui are visible, success in the imperial examination is certain. If there is Bing fire but no Gui water, it can still bring honor to the family. If there is too much Bing fire but no Gui water, it is called "spring drought," which is like isolated yang that cannot grow, resulting in a wealthy but unrefined person. If there is little Bing fire but much Gui water, the fire is trapped by the water, and the person will remain a poor scholar. If both Gui water and Ji earth are present in abundance, it is like planting wood in wet mud, which is considered low quality. For those using Bing fire as the main element, wood is the wife star and fire is the son star. For those using Gui water as the main element with abundant fire in the pillar, metal is the wife star and water is the son star.

二月乙木，陽氣漸升，木不寒矣，以丙為君，癸為臣。丙癸兩透，不透庚金，大富大貴。或天干透庚，支下無辰，不能化金，得癸透養木亦為貴；若見水庫，則為假化，平常人也。

In the second lunar month, the Month Builder is Mao, and the yang energy gradually rises, with the wood of Yi no longer cold. This month takes Bing fire as the ruler and Gui water as the minister: Bing fire governs growth and Gui water provides nourishment, and the ruler and minister together create a significant influence. If both Bing and Gui appear in the heavenly stems without the presence of Geng metal to harmonize or control, it indicates great wealth and high status. If Geng metal appears in the heavenly stems and combines with Yi wood, but there is no Chen earth in the earthly branches to guide the transformation, the transformation into metal does not succeed. However, if Gui water appears to nourish the wood, it is still considered a noble destiny. If the earthly branches contain Chen, which is a reservoir for water, although it can initiate the transformation, it is only a false transformation, and the person will be ordinary.

二月乙木，端用丙癸。或支成木局，有癸透乃作貴命，更得丙洩木氣，上上之命，但須透癸。或水多困丙，多戊化癸，皆下格。用丙者，木妻、火子；用癸者，金妻、水子。亥卯未逢於甲乙，富貴無疑；木全寅卯辰方，功名有準。活木忌埋根之鐵，支下有庚辛，戕賊其根，木則朽矣。

In February, the wood of the Yi stem still relies on Bing fire and Gui water. If the earthly branches form a wood trinity (Hai-Mao-Wei), and there are many siblings (Bing and Wu), with Gui water appearing on top to nourish it, it is still considered a noble destiny. If Bing fire also comes to release the wood's energy, it becomes an excellent fate, but Gui water must be visible. If too much water drowns Bing fire, or too much Wu earth combines with Gui water, it falls into a lower rank. For those using Bing fire as their key element, wood is the wife star and fire is the son star; for those using Gui water as their key element, metal is the wife star and water is the son star. If the earthly branches form the wood trinity (Hai-Mao-Wei) and the day stem is Jia or Yi, wealth and honor are certain. If the earthly branches form the eastern wood square (Yin-Mao-Chen), official rank is assured. However, living wood most fears the iron buried beneath its roots: if the earthly branches contain hidden Geng or Xin metal, it secretly harms the wood's root, causing the wood to rot.

三月乙木，陽氣愈熾，先癸後丙。癸丙兩透，不見己庚，玉堂之客；見己庚者，平常之人。或一乙逢庚，不見己者，亦主小富貴，但不顯達。或多水見己，只恐高才不第；見戊堪發異途。或庚己混雜，丙癸全，則為下格。

In the third month, the Month Builder is Chen, and the yang energy becomes increasingly strong, with earth in command. Therefore, the method of adjusting the climate changes to first take癸water to moisten and then take丙fire to promote growth. If both癸and丙are visible without the presence of己earth to muddy the water or庚metal to control the wood, then the person is considered a noble guest in the Jade Hall. If either己earth or庚metal is present, the person becomes ordinary. If there is only乙wood meeting庚metal to form a partnership, without the presence of己earth, it indicates a minor wealth and status, but not prominent success. If there is excessive water and己earth is present to muddy it, even with high talent, it is feared that one will not pass exams. In such a case, if戊earth appears to control the water, one might still achieve success through an unconventional path. If庚metal and己earth are mixed together, even with both丙and癸present, it is considered a low rank.

或見水局，丙戊高透，亦主科甲。或柱中全無丙戊，支合水局，此離鄉之命。或見一派癸水，又有辛金，則作旺看。得一戊己制癸，亦可云小富貴。若一派壬水，不特貧賤，而且夭折；有一戊己，方雲有壽，但終為技術之人。

If the earthly branches form a water trinity, and both bing fire and wu earth appear prominently in the heavenly stems, with bing fire warming the body and wu earth controlling the water, this is favorable for academic success. If there is no bing fire or wu earth in the column, and the earthly branches still form a water trinity, leading to excessive water and floating wood, this indicates a fate of leaving home and traveling far. If there is a large amount of gui water, and there is continuous xin metal generating water, with the water source not being cut off, it should be considered as strong water; at this time, if there is one wu or ji earth to control the gui water, it can be considered as small wealth and minor prestige. If there is a large amount of ren water, with great water overwhelming the roots, not only will it result in poverty and low status, but also early death; only with wu or ji earth acting as a barrier can longevity be considered, but ultimately, one can only make a living through skills.

又或庚辰時月，名二庚爭合，乃貧賤之輩。如年干見丁破庚，可雲從化，亦不失武職之權。用癸者，金妻水子；癸多用丙者，木妻火子。

If both the month pillar and the hour pillar are Gengchen, two Geng metals will compete to combine with one Yi wood, which is called 'two Gengs competing to combine,' and such a person is likely to be poor and lowly. However, if the heavenly stem of the year pillar meets Ding fire, which overcomes one of the Geng metals, leaving only one Geng to combine, then it can be considered as 'following the transformation,' and the person may still hold a military position. Those using Gui water as their key element take metal as the wife star and water as the son star; if there is too much Gui water and instead use Bing fire, then wood becomes the wife star and fire becomes the son star.

三夏乙木，木性枯焦。四月專尚癸水，五六月先丙後癸，夏至前仍用癸水。先得丙透，支下又有丙火，名曰木秀火明。得一癸透，科甲中人。或透二丙一癸，可許采芹。

In the third month of summer, the wood of Yi is dry and withered. In the fourth month, the main concern is to use Gui water. In the fifth and sixth months, first use Bing fire, then Gui water. However, before the summer solstice, the yang energy is still strong, so it is better to use Gui water first. If Bing fire appears on the heavenly stem and is also hidden in the earthly branches, this is called "wood flourishing and fire bright." At this time, if Gui water also appears on the heavenly stem to moisten the wood, the person will be successful in the imperial examinations. If two Bing fires appear on the heavenly stem but only one Gui water, the fire is too strong and the water is too weak, but it is still possible to enter the school.

或一派癸水，有丁無丙，平常之人。或一癸透干，異途顯宦，難由科甲。癸居子辰，異路小職。或丙藏支下，癸透年干，己出月上，雖非科甲，異路功名。又或重重癸水，或支藏癸水，由行伍出身得功名。

If there are many Gui water stems and only Ding fire without Bing fire, the cold and warmth are not balanced, resulting in an ordinary person. If there is only one Gui water stem appearing on the heavenly stem, it is likely to achieve high official rank through unconventional means, making it difficult to succeed through the official examination system. If Gui water is only sitting on the Zi or Chen branches without appearing on the heavenly stem, one may only attain a minor position through unconventional paths. If Bing fire is hidden in the earthly branches, Gui water appears on the year stem, and Ji earth appears on the month stem, even though one does not pass the official examination, they may still achieve some recognition through unconventional means. If there is an abundance of Gui water or if it is only hidden in the earthly branches, one is more likely to achieve fame and success through military service.

四月乙木，自有丙火，端取癸水為尊。四月乙木專用癸水，丙火酌用，雖以庚辛佐癸，須辛透為清。

In the fourth month, the Month Builder is Si, which inherently contains Bing fire. The fire is sufficient on its own, so the top priority for the Yi wood in this month is Gui water. The fourth month's Yi wood primarily relies on Gui water to relieve its dryness, while Bing fire is only used as a secondary consideration. Although it is necessary to use Geng and Xin metal to generate Gui water, Xin metal must be visible to ensure purity. Xin is yin metal, which harmonizes with Yi wood and Gui water. Geng metal is too strong and may instead harm the wood.

癸透、庚辛又透，科甲定然。獨一點癸水、無金，是水無根，雖出天干，不過秀才小富，須要大運相扶。或土多困癸，貧賤之人。丙戊太多，支成火局，瞽目之流。用癸者，金妻水子。乙逢雙女木傷殘，若見辛金壽必難，不得丙丁來制伏，豈知安樂不久長。

The癸 water appears clearly, and if庚 gold and辛 gold also appear to provide its source, success in the imperial examination is certain. If there is only a single point of癸 water without any gold to generate it, then the water has no origin; even if it appears in the heavenly stem, it can only result in a minor scholar and little wealth, requiring good fortune in later life to support it. If there is too much earth to trap the癸 water, it indicates a poor and lowly person. If there is too much丙 fire and戊 earth, and the earth branches form a fire pattern, then the fire becomes excessive and the earth dry, with the wood scorched, leading to people who suffer from eye problems. For those using癸 water as their main element, gold is considered the wife star and water is the son star. An old rhyme says: When乙 wood meets the 'Double Female' palace, which refers to being born in the month of巳, the wood's nature is already damaged; if another辛 gold comes to harm it, the lifespan is short; if there is no丙 or丁 fire to control the辛 gold, even if there is comfort, it will not last long.

五月乙木，丁火司權，禾稼俱旱。上半月屬陽，仍用癸水；下半月屬陰，三伏生寒，丙癸齊用。柱多金水，丙火為先，餘皆用癸水為先。

In the fifth lunar month, the Month Builder is Wu, and Ding fire holds authority. This is precisely the time when crops are generally scorched and dry. In the first half of the period before the summer solstice, the yang energy prevails, and the fire is strong, so癸 water is still primarily used to relieve the drought. In the second half after the summer solstice, the yin energy prevails, and during the three heats, hidden cold begins to arise, so both Bing fire and癸 water should be used. If the column has excessive metal and water, with excess cold and dampness, then Bing fire should be prioritized first; otherwise,癸 water should still be the primary choice.

乙木重逢火位，名為氣散之文，支成火局，洩乙精神，須用癸滋。癸透有根，富貴雙全。或庚辛年上，癸透時干，定許科甲，無癸者常人。

Yi wood, when repeatedly encountering the fire position, is called "Qi scattering text" — the refined energy is completely dispersed outward and the origin god is consumed. If the earthly branches form a fire trinity, it completely drains the spirit of Yi wood, and it must be nourished with Gui water. If Gui water appears on the heavenly stem and has a root in the earthly branches, both wealth and status are achieved. If the heavenly stem has庚 or 辛 metal sitting on the year stem as the water source, and Gui water appears on the hour stem, the water has both a source and a root, and one is destined for academic success. If there is not even a trace of Gui water, one is just an ordinary person.

若見丙透，支成火局，陽焦木性，此人殘疾，無癸必夭，見壬可解。或火土太多，其人愚賤，或為僧道門下閒人。

If the Bing fire also appears in the heavenly stem, and the earthly branches form a fire configuration, the intense heat will scorch the wooden element, leading to physical disability. If there is not even a trace of Gui water, it will certainly result in an early death. If there is Ren water present, it can provide some relief. However, if both fire and earth are excessive, causing both depletion and consumption without any nourishment, the person will be dull-witted and of low status, or may become a dependent of monks or Taoists.

六月乙木，木性且寒，柱多金水，丙火為尊。支成水局，乙得無傷。癸水透干，大富大貴。無癸定作常人，運不行北，困苦一生。

In June, the month builder is Wei. In the middle of the three hot periods, extreme heat gives rise to cold, and the nature of wood turns cold. If there is a lot of metal and water in the pillar, then the most respected element is the fire of Bing. This is because fire can dispel the cold and bring warmth. If the earth branches form a water trinity, the wood of Yi is nourished by water and not harmed. If the癸 water appears in the heavenly stem, it indicates great wealth and honor. If there is no癸 water, one is certainly an ordinary person. If the fortune does not move towards the northern water land, then one will live a life of hardship.

凡五六月乙木，氣退枯焦，用癸水切忌戊己雜亂，則為下格。或甲木高透，制伏土神，名為去濁留清，可許俊秀。土多乏甲，秀氣脫空，庸人而已。或丙癸兩透，加以甲透制戊，選拔定然。若不見丙癸，只有丁火，亦屬常人，有壬可充衣食。

For the wood of Yi in May and June, the wood's energy has already declined and become dry and withered. When using Gui water, it is most undesirable to have Wu and Ji earth mixed in, as earth will muddy the water, leading to a poor fate. If there is Jia wood high and clear, it can control the earth, called 'eliminating turbidity and retaining clarity,' which may allow the person to be handsome and refined. If there is too much earth but no Jia wood to loosen it, the refined quality is lost, and the person will be ordinary. If both Bing fire and Gui water are clearly visible, along with Jia wood controlling Wu, being selected is certain. If neither Bing nor Gui is present, and only Ding fire is there, it is just an ordinary person; if there is Ren water nourishing the body, it can at least provide enough for clothing and food.

或柱中無水，又無比劫出干，乃為棄命從才，富大貴小，能招賢德之妻。從才格以火為妻，土為子。或一派戊土出干，不見比肩，名為才多身弱，終為富屋貧人。或丙辛化水，嫖賭破家，終非承受之兒。

If there is no water in the pillar and no twin or劫财 appearing on the surface to support the day master, and the day master has no root to rely on, then it is called 'abandoning the destiny to follow wealth', which brings great wealth but little nobility, and the person can marry a virtuous wife. In the 'following wealth' pattern, fire is the wife star and earth is the son star. If a large amount of戊 earth appears on the surface without the presence of twin to support, it is called 'excessive wealth and weak body', ultimately resulting in being a poor person living in a good house. If 丙 fire and 辛 gold combine to form water, the useful god changes its nature, often leading to gambling and squandering the family fortune, and the person is not able to maintain the family business.

或一派乙木，不見丙癸，名為亂臣無主，勞碌奔波，又加支多辛金，僧道之輩。或一派甲木，無癸無丙，又無庚金，此人一生虛浮，總不誠實。有庚制甲，乃有謀之人，但嗜酒貪花，多欲敗德，不修品行，男女一理。總之夏月之乙木，端用癸水，丙火酌用，庚辛次之。

If all the heavenly stems are Yi wood and there is no Bing fire or Gui water, it is called "disordered ministers without a sovereign" — a situation where many yin elements stand alone without a dominant ruler, leading to a life of constant toil and hardship; if the earthly branches also contain many Xin metal to restrain the body, the person will become a monk or a hermit. If all the heavenly stems are Jia wood, and there is no Gui water, Bing fire, or Geng metal to control it, the Yi wood only knows how to cling to Jia wood and rise upward, resulting in a life that is hollow and lacks sincerity. However, if there is Geng metal to restrain Jia wood, the person may be someone with strategy and planning, but he will be addicted to alcohol and lust, with excessive desires that ruin his virtue, and he will neglect personal cultivation, whether male or female. In summary, for summer-born Yi wood, the primary use is Gui water, with Bing fire used in moderation, and Geng and Xin metal as secondary considerations.

三秋乙木，金神司令，先丙後癸，惟九月端用癸水，恐丙暖戊土為病也。

In the third month of autumn, the wood of Yi is restrained by the metal god, so first we need to use Bing fire to warm the wood and resist the metal, then use Gui water to nourish the root. However, in the ninth month when Xu earth is dominant, we must definitely use Gui water. At this time, if we use Bing fire to warm the situation, it would only help strengthen Wu earth. If earth becomes too strong, it will cause harm instead.

七月乙木，庚金乘令，庚雖輸情於乙妹，怎奈干乙難合支金。柱見庚多，乙難受載。或丙透干，又加巳出埋金，此格可云科甲。有己透、加丙，亦是上命。

In the seventh month, the Month Builder is Shen, and the metal element, Geng, is in command. Although Yi wood and Geng metal have a natural affinity, Geng metal is willing to give way to Yi wood, the "younger sister." However, the Yi wood in the heavenly stem and the Shen metal in the earthly branch are separated by a position, making a true union difficult to achieve, so the connection is unreliable. If there is an excess of Geng metal in the pillar, the soft Yi wood cannot support it. If Bing fire appears in the heavenly stem to control the metal energy, and Si appears in the heavenly stem to bury the metal (some say this "Si" should be "Ji," meaning covering the metal with earth), then this pattern can be considered favorable for academic success. If Ji earth also appears in the heavenly stem along with Bing fire, it is an excellent destiny—earth can release fire and generate metal without making the metal too dry, and can also nourish the roots of Yi wood.

七月喜己土為用，或不見丙癸，己土必不可少，此則以火為妻，土為子。

In July, the wood of Yi prefers Ji earth as its useful god. Earth can generate metal, preventing it from being dry and brittle, and can also nourish the roots of the wood. Even if there is no Bing fire or Gui water present, Ji earth is still essential. For those who take Ji earth as their useful god, fire, which can generate earth, is considered the wife star, and earth is considered the son star.

或癸透、丙藏、庚少，此不用己，可許貢拔。無丙、有癸透者，不失刀筆門戶。有支下庚多，癸又藏者，無丙己二神，平常人物。

If the癸 water appears on the surface, the丙 fire is hidden in the branches, and the庚 metal is not excessive, and the metal does not oppress the body, then there is no need to use the己 earth. One may be eligible for a recommendation as a candidate for official appointment or a special recommendation. If there is no丙 fire but only the癸 water appears, it is still not a failure in terms of being able to make a living through writing and legal skills. If there are many庚 metals in the branches, the癸 water is only hidden, and there is neither丙 fire nor己 earth, then it is an ordinary person.

或生辰時，此為從化，反主富貴。凡化合格皆以所生之神為用。化金者，戊為用神，特忌丙丁煆煉破格。從化者以火為妻，土為子，其餘以金為妻，妻必賢美；以水為子，子必克肖，但忌刑沖。凡命皆然，不特此也。

If the wood of Yi is born in the hour of Chen, Yi and Geng are in mutual generation, and Chen serves as the root for transformation, this becomes 'from transformation', which instead indicates wealth and honor. Whenever the transformation is qualified, the five elements that generate the transformed element are considered the useful god: if the transformation is into metal, then Wu earth is the useful god, and the most harmful are Bing and Ding fire, which melt and destroy the metal, thus breaking the pattern. The transformation pattern takes fire as the wife star and earth as the son star; in other cases, metal is the wife star, and the wife is sure to be wise and beautiful, while water is the son star, and the children are sure to resemble their parents. Only the punishment and clash are to be avoided. All destinies follow this general rule, not only this particular pattern.

秋乙逢金，非貧即夭。秋生乙木忌根枯，根既枯槁，貧苦到老。

In the autumn season, if the wood of Yi is met with metal, it will either result in poverty or a short life. Autumn-born wood of Yi is most afraid of its roots drying up and withering; once the roots become dry and withered, it will lead to a life of poverty and hardship.

八月乙木，芝蘭禾稼均退，以丹桂為乙木。在白露之後，桂蕊未開，端用癸水以滋桂萼；若秋分後，桂花已開，卻喜向陽，又宜用丙，癸水次之。丙癸兩透，科甲名臣。

In the eighth lunar month, the Month Builder is You. All grasses and herbs such as chrysanthemums and orchids have withered. At this time, Bing wood is regarded as red osmanthus. After White Dew but before Autumn Equinox, the osmanthus flowers have not yet bloomed, so癸 water is used to nourish its calyx. After Autumn Equinox, the osmanthus flowers have already opened and prefer sunlight, so it is appropriate to use Bing fire instead, with癸 water taking a secondary role. If both Bing and癸 are visible, it indicates a famous official who has achieved success through the imperial examinations.

或支成金局，宜暗藏丁，無丁制金，恐木被金傷。若無水火，此人勞碌。或得癸水，為子得母，其人一生豐盈。或丙癸兩透，戊土雜出，亦主異路功名。

If the earthly branches form a metal formation, it is best if there is hidden Ding fire within the branches to control the metal; without Ding fire, fear that the wood will be harmed by the metal. If neither water nor fire is present, this person will have a life of toil. If癸 water is obtained, the metal formation generates water, and water nourishes wood, transforming the harmful metal into a beneficial supporting element. Just as a son's 乙 wood receives support from his mother, this is called "the son receives the mother," and this person will have a life of abundance. If both 丙 fire and 癸 water are visible, but there is also 戊 earth to overcome 癸 water, it will only indicate an unusual path to fame and success.

生秋分後，有丙無癸，亦略富貴；若有癸無丙，名利虛花；若四柱不見丙癸，下格。或癸在年（月）干，丙透時干，名為木火文星，定主上達，生於秋分後方佳。或生上半月無癸，姑用壬水，不然，枯木無用，必作貧人。又四柱多見戊己，下格。

Those born after the autumn equinox, if they have Bing fire but no Gui water, they may still have some wealth and status; if they have Gui water but no Bing fire, their fame and fortune will be empty. If neither Bing nor Gui is present in the four pillars, it is considered a low-ranking fate. If Gui water is in the year or month pillar and Bing fire appears in the hour pillar, it is called "wood and fire in literary stars," which indicates a prosperous and upward path, but this is only favorable if born after the autumn equinox. If born in the first half of the period from White Dew to the autumn equinox without Gui water, then壬 water may be used as a substitute; otherwise, the wood will be dry and lack nourishment, leading to no use and a life of poverty. If the four pillars also contain many Wu and Ji earth to浊 water, it is again considered a low-ranking fate.

用癸者，金妻、水子；用丙者，木妻、火子；用壬者，金妻水子。甲乙遇強金，魂歸西土；青龍逢兌旺，且貧且賤。乙木生居酉，莫逢巳酉丑，富貴坎離宮，貧窮申酉守。木逢金旺巳傷，再遇金鄉，豈不損壽。

Those who take Gui water as their main element use metal as the wife star and water as the son star; those who take Bing fire as their main element use wood as the wife star and fire as the son star; those who take Ren water as their main element also use metal as the wife star and water as the son star. An old song says: When Jia and Yi wood meet strong and prosperous metal, their souls and spirits will be sent to the west; the Azure Dragon belongs to eastern wood, but when it meets the strong and prosperous Dui metal, it will be poor and lowly. It also says: When Yi wood is born in the month of You, one should not meet the triple harmony of Si-You-Chou metal; if one's fortune moves to the northern Kan water region or the southern Li fire region, one will be wealthy and noble, but if one stays in the Sheng and You metal regions, one will be poor. When wood meets strong metal, it is already injured; if one's fortune moves again to the metal region, how can one avoid damage and shortened lifespan?

九月乙木，根枯葉落，必賴癸水滋養。如見甲申時，名為藤蘿繫甲，可秋可冬。若見癸水，又遇辛金發水之源，定主科甲。或有癸無辛，常人；有辛無癸，貧賤。或四柱壬多，水難生乙，亦是尋常之輩。

In the ninth month, the Month Builder is戌. The wood of 乙 is weak, its roots wither and its leaves fall. It must rely on癸 water for nourishment. If Jiashen appears in the time column, the 乙 wood attaches itself to 甲 wood, and 申 contains hidden 壬 water which generates more water, called "Vine and Creeper Supporting 甲". Such a person is born in autumn and can also be born in winter. If the pillar contains 癸 water and also has 辛 metal as the source of water flow, the water source continues without interruption, and the person is destined for academic success. If there is 癸 water but no 辛 metal, the person is ordinary. If there is 辛 metal but no 癸 water, the person is poor and lowly. If there is too much 壬 water in the four pillars, the large water will float the root, making it difficult to nourish 乙 wood, and the person will be ordinary.

或支多戊土，又逢天干，作從才看，無比劫方妙，一逢比劫，富屋貧人。用癸者，金妻、水子。但子女艱難，季土剋制故也。

If there are many Wu Tu in the earthly branches and Wu Tu also appears in the heavenly stems, the wealth is strong but the self is weak, so it should be viewed as 'following wealth'. It is best if there are no siblings or rivals to share the wealth; once siblings or rivals appear to compete, it becomes like a poor person living in a nice house. For those using Gui Shui as the key element, metal is the wife star and water is the child star; however, the children are inevitably difficult, because Xu is a late season earth which directly restrains Gui Shui, the child star.

十月乙木，木不受氣，而壬水司令，取丙為用，戊土次之。丙戊兩透，科甲定然。有丙無戊，雖不科甲，亦入儒林。支多丙火，運入火鄉，亦主顯達。

In the tenth month, the month builder is Hai. The wood of Yi is not able to get life qi here, while the water of Ren is in command. When water is strong, the wood floats. To harmonize the climate, we take Bing fire as the useful element, and Wu earth as the next choice. Bing fire dispels the cold and warms up the atmosphere, while Wu earth builds a dike to stop the water. If both Bing and Wu are visible in the heavens, success in the imperial examination is certain. If there is Bing fire but no Wu earth, although one cannot achieve success in the imperial examination, one can still become a scholar. If there are many hidden Bing fires in the earth branches, and the person's fortune moves towards the fire territory, it also indicates success and prominence.

或水多無戊，乙性漂浮，流蕩之徒。若不見丙巳，妻子難全。或一點壬水，即多見戊土，亦為不妙，得甲制戊，可許能幹，但為人好生禍亂，構訟生非，男女一理。

If there is an excess of water but no Wu earth to control it, the flexible nature of Yi wood will be carried away by the water, making the person unstable and fickle. If there is also no Bing fire or the yang energy in Si, the wife and children will be difficult to keep. If there is only a little Ren water but a lot of Wu earth to control it, the water being less and the earth too strong will instead bury the wood, which is not good. At this point, if Jia wood appears to疏 and control the Wu earth, he may be intelligent and capable, but he tends to cause trouble and quarrels, both for men and women.

支成木局，時值小陽，此又如春木同旺，若有癸出，須取戊為尊，加以丙透，科甲之人。若無丙戊二字，自成自敗，終非承受之輩。

If the Earthly Branches form a Wood局, and the tenth month is also called "small spring," the yang energy begins to rise, at this time the Yi Wood is as strong as spring Wood. If there is also Gui Water appearing on the surface to assist the Water, then the most important thing is to take Wu Earth to control the Water. If there is also Bing Fire appearing on the surface to warm the situation, then this person will be successful in exams. If neither Bing Fire nor Wu Earth is present, the Wood is strong but without control or release, success or failure is entirely up to himself, and he will not be able to sustain the family's legacy.