Three autumns of Ding fire

七月丁火，退氣柔弱，端用甲木。金雖乘旺司權，無傷丁之理，仍取庚劈甲，為引火之物；或借丙暖金曬甲，不慮丙奪丁光。凡兩丙夾丁者，夏月忌之，餘月不忌，但此格少年困苦刑剋，中年富貴，必要地支見水制丙，方妙。

In the seventh month, the month builder is Shen. The Ding fire is weak and lacks strength, so it needs Jia wood to generate and support it. Although metal is strong and dominant at this time, it does not harm Ding fire, because metal is the wealth that Ding fire controls, not something that harms itself. Therefore, we still use Geng metal to cut through Jia wood, providing support for the fire. We can also use Bing fire to warm the metal and dry the Jia wood, without worrying that Bing fire will take away the brightness of Ding fire. Whenever two Bing fires are on either side of a Ding fire, it is only disliked in summer months, but not in other months. However, this pattern usually leads to hardship in youth and many conflicts, and only in middle age does one achieve wealth and status. It is also necessary to have water in the earth branch to control the Bing fire, which would be ideal.

三秋甲庚丙並用，仍分優劣，何也？七月甲丙，申中有庚；八月甲丙庚皆用。七八月或無甲木，乙亦可用，為枯草引燈，郤不離丙曬也。九月端用甲庚，大抵甲一庚，乙不離丙，其理極明。或見甲庚丙皆透，必主科甲；無甲用乙者，富貴皆小，且富而不貴者多。

In the third month of autumn, the fire of Ding is used together with Jia wood, Geng metal, and Bing fire, but among them there is still a distinction of superiority and inferiority. In the seventh month, only Jia wood and Bing fire are used, because Geng metal is already hidden in Shen, so there is no need to seek it separately. In the eighth month, Jia wood, Bing fire, and Geng metal are all required. If there is no Jia wood in the seventh or eighth month, Yi wood can be used instead, but this is like using dry grass to light a lamp, and it still depends on Bing fire to dry it. In the ninth month, the main use is Jia wood and Geng metal. Generally, there should be one Jia for each Geng, and if Yi wood is used, it cannot do without Bing fire. This principle is very clear. If Jia, Geng, and Bing all appear in the heavenly stem, it will certainly indicate a high official position. If there is no Jia wood but Yi wood is used, then wealth and status will be limited, and it is more likely to be rich but not prominent.

或一重壬水，又多見癸水，必以戊土為制，自然富貴光輝。或一派庚金，名才多身弱，主富屋貧人，妻多主事。或壬多洩庚，丁壬化殺，反成富貴；若庚多無壬，奔流下賤。

If there is a single壬 water and many癸 waters, the water becomes strong and overcomes fire, so it is necessary to use戊 earth to control it, thus achieving wealth and brightness. If the whole chart is filled with庚 gold as wealth, it is called 'wealth abundance but body weakness', indicating a poor person living in a good house, with the wife managing the household. If there are many壬 waters to drain the strength of庚 gold, and丁 and壬 combine to transform the seven deadly enemies into something beneficial, it can lead to achieving wealth and honor. If there is a lot of庚 gold but no壬 water to connect and balance it, the wealth becomes too strong without control, leading to a life of wandering and low status.

時日月年：戊丁丙辛，申丑申亥。時日月年：戊丁丙辛，申卯申亥。時日月年：丙丁丙辛，午酉申卯。時日月年：丙丁甲庚，午未申辰。

The following four combinations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First combination: Xinhai year, Bingshen month, Dingchou day, Wushen hour — the month dry branch Bing fire warms the metal and dries the Jia wood, while the year branch Hai water can control the Bing fire, which exactly fits the saying "it is good for the earth branch to have water to control the Bing fire". Second combination: Xinhai year, Bingshen month, Dingmao day, Wushen hour — this differs from the first combination only in the day branch, where Mao wood is the official of Ding, and it further supports the fire. Third combination: Xinhai year, Bingshen month, Dingyou day, Bingwu hour — two Bing fires surround Ding, the day master sits on You which is the wealth, and the hour branch Wu is the official, with Mao wood nourishing the self, belonging to the category of two Bing fires surrounding Ding. Fourth combination: Gengchen year, Jiashen month, Dingwei day, Bingwu hour — the dry branch has Ji wood, Geng metal sits on Shen, and Bing fire is in the hour, with Ji, Geng, and Bing all present, which is the best configuration for Ding fire in July.

或八月一派辛金，不見庚金，又無比劫，比棄命從才，富而且貴，雖不科甲，亦有異途。從才者水為妻，不克，有正偏；木為子，不刑。

If someone is born in August and has a full set of Xin metal in the chart, without any Geng metal, and no help from a fellow element or a thief element to support the day's main element, and the day's main element has no root, this is considered 'abandoning the destiny to follow wealth' (the original text's 'bi' should be 'ci'). Such a person will be both rich and noble, even if they do not pass through the imperial examination system, they can still achieve success through other means. Those with the 'following wealth' pattern take water as the wife star; if the wife star is not harmed, both the main wife and secondary wife are present. They take wood as the son star; their children will not suffer from harm or injury.

或九月一派戊土，洩丁火之氣，不見甲木，為傷官傷盡，非尋常可比。或甲木透出，為文書清貴，秋闈可奪。用甲者，庚不可少，水妻木子。

If someone born in September has a full set of Wu earth, it drains all the energy of Ding fire. If there is no Jia wood to overcome the earth, this is called 'injury to the official star' and its status is not ordinary. If Jia wood appears on the surface to control the earth and protect itself, then it becomes a clean and noble official, capable of winning the top rank in the autumn examination. For those using Jia wood as their key element, Geng metal is essential—without Geng metal, Jia wood cannot be cut into firewood. This pattern takes water as the wife star and wood as the son star.

時日月年：庚丁己壬，戌亥酉午。時日月年：辛丁己丁，亥丑酉未。時日月年：壬丁丙庚，寅未戌午。時日月年：丙丁甲己，午卯戌亥。

The first combination: Renwu year, Jiyou month, Dinghai day, Gengxu hour—Xin gold is in command in the You month and Geng gold is also visible in the hour stem, so the wealth is very strong; the year stem Ren water is the official, and Ji earth both drains fire and controls water, belonging to the type where wealth is strong but the body is weak in August. The second combination: Dingwei year, Jiyou month, Dingchou day, Xinhai hour—Xin gold is visible in the hour as wealth, Ji earth drains the refined essence, and both Ding stems have roots in Wei, so it is between following and not following. The third combination: Gengwu year, Bingxu month, Dingwei day, RENYIN hour—Wu earth is in command in September, and the Yin contains hidden Methane wood which is used to loosen the earth, Bing fire warms the body while Ren water controls Bing, and the combination is harmonious. The fourth combination: Jihai year, Jiaxu month, Dingmao day, Bingwu hour—Jia wood is visible in the stem to loosen the Xu earth, the day sits on the Mao print, and the hour sits on the Wu禄, which is exactly the pattern of 'Jia wood appearing, indicating a clear and noble official position'.

三冬丁火微寒，端用庚甲。甲乃庚之良友，凡用甲木，庚不可少，無庚無甲，何能引丁，難云木火通明。冬丁有甲，不怕水多金多，可稱上格。甲庚兩透，科甲分明；見己則否，己多合甲，則為常人。

In the winter months, the weak and cold Ding fire needs the assistance of Geng metal and Jia wood. Jia wood is a good companion for Geng metal, as Geng metal is suitable for cutting Jia wood. Therefore, whenever Jia wood is used as a key element, Geng metal is essential. If both Geng and Jia are missing, what can be used to ignite the Ding fire? Then the concept of "wood and fire shining brightly" cannot be achieved. In the winter month, as long as there is Jia wood, the Ding fire is not afraid of excessive water or metal, and this is considered an excellent pattern. If both Geng and Jia are clearly present in the heavens, success in officialdom is certain. However, if there is already Ji soil, it is not good, as Ji soil tends to bind Jia wood, thus the key element is restricted, and the person will be ordinary.

或一丙奪丁，必賴支內水救。若有支金發水之源，官拜烏臺有準；金無癸水制丙，無用之徒。或有金無水，貧寒之士；有火無金，又主清高。

If there is a Bing fire that competes with the Ding fire's brightness, it must rely on water in the earth branches to save the situation. If there is metal in the earth branches to generate water, then water has a source, and the person will certainly hold an official position as a censor at the Imperial Court. If there is only metal but no Gui water to control the Bing fire, then it is useless. If there is metal but no water, the person is poor and humble. If there is fire but no metal, then the person is characterized by being refined and lofty.

或時月二壬爭合，取戊破之，有戊稍有富貴，無戊常人；設戊藏得所，不失衣衿。或二丙奪丁，得年干有癸，支下帶合，金水得所，亦必顯達，納粟奏名，必驗。

If both the heavenly stem of the hour and the heavenly stem of the month are壬 water, competing to harmonize with丁, then take out 戊 earth to overcome one of them. Those with 戊 earth may attain some wealth and status, while those without it remain ordinary people. If 戊 earth is hidden in the earthly branches but in a proper position, it still ensures a basic livelihood. If two 丙 fire stems compete to take the light of 丁, and the heavenly stem of the year has 癸 water to control 丙, and in the earthly branches there is harmony, along with gold and water in their proper positions, one will certainly achieve success, obtaining an official title through contributions of grain. This pattern has been consistently verified.

時日月年：辛丁癸癸，亥亥亥亥。時日月年：庚丁丁乙，戌未亥卯。時日月年：丁丁癸癸，未丑亥丑。時日月年：癸丁丁庚，卯卯亥戌。

The following four combinations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First combination: Guihai year, Guihai month, Dinghai day, Xinhai hour— all four pillars are entirely Hai water, with two Gui wood appearing on the surface, the killing force is extremely heavy and the body is very weak, and there is no Jia wood to transform it, which is exactly the worst situation for Ding wood in winter. Second combination: Yimao year, Dinghai month, Dingwei day, Gengxu hour— Yimao wood is born to support the body, Geng metal in the hour can cut the wood, Geng and Jia are both present, which belongs to the upper grade of Ding wood in winter. Third combination: Guichou year, Guihai month, Dingchou day, Dingwei hour— two Gui wood kill Ding wood, and there is no Jia wood, relying entirely on Chou and Wei earth to control water and fellow pillars to support the body. Fourth combination: Gengxu year, Dinghai month, Dingmao day, Guimao hour— two Mao wood serve as the official to nourish Ding wood, Geng metal can cut the wood, although Gui water harms Ding wood, there are fellow pillars to protect it.

或仲冬水多癸旺，金無比印，此作棄命從殺，亦有異途功名。見丁比出干，難合格局，常人，且主骨肉浮雲，六親流水；戊出破癸，頗有兄弟妻兒。此格用戊，火妻土子；用甲，水妻木子。

If in the middle of winter there is an abundance of water and the癸water is very strong, and although there is metal in the pillar, there are no identical siblings or印stars to support the day stem, this is considered as 'abandoning the destiny to follow the killer', and there may still be unusual achievements in officialdom. If the丁fire identical sibling appears on the surface, and the day stem has support but refuses to follow others, the pattern cannot be formed, and it is just an ordinary person, with family members coming and going like floating clouds, and the six relations moving like flowing water. If the戊earth appears to overcome and break the癸water, it is better for brothers and children. In this pattern, those who take戊earth as the useful star use fire as the wife star and earth as the son star; those who take甲wood as the useful star use water as the wife star and wood as the son star.

或四柱多丙丁，又用癸制火。用癸者金妻水子。三冬丁火，甲木為尊，庚金佐之，戊癸權宜酌用可也。

If there are too many Bing and Ding in the four pillars, fire becomes excessive and becomes a problem, so癸 water is needed to control the fire. For those who use癸 water, metal is the wife star and water is the son star. In general, for Ding fire in winter months, the most important is Jia wood, and Geng metal serves as an assistant. As for Wu earth and Gui water, their use should be considered according to the overall situation.

時日月年：甲丁己庚，辰酉丑午。時日月年：甲丁己戊，辰未丑子。時日月年：乙丁癸壬，巳巳丑辰。時日月年：甲丁辛辛，辰卯丑卯。

The following four combinations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First combination: Gengwu year, Jichou month, Dingyou day, Jiachen hour— the hour stem Jiamu supports Ding, the year stem Gengjin cuts Jiamu, Jitu drains the fire, which perfectly matches the meaning of "Geng and Ji both appear". Second combination: Wuzi year, Jichou month, Dingwei day, Jiachen hour— two soils drain the fire, Jiamu in the hour loosens the soil and also supports the self, Zi water is the killer but is controlled by soil. Third combination: Renchen year, Guichou month, Dingsi day, Yisi hour— Ren and Gui both appear to suppress Ding, entirely relying on the two Si for the禄 and Yimu supporting Ding. Fourth combination: Xinmao year, Xinchou month, Dingmao day, Jiachen hour— two Mao and one Jiamu are all印 stars, abundant wood to support Ding, two Xin are wealth and Chou contains hidden metal, the self and印 mutually support each other. The month branches of these four combinations are all Chou, which is actually an example of the twelfth month, listed here to clearly show the method of using Ding fire in winter.

五行之土，散在四維，故金木水火依而成象，是四時皆有用有忌者。火死酉也，水旺子也，蓋土賴火運，火死則土囚；土喜水才，水旺則土虛。土得金火，方成大器。土高無貴，空惹灰塵；土聚則滯，土散則輕。

In the Five Phases, earth is distributed among the four branches of Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei. Therefore, metal, wood, water, and fire all depend on earth to take form. Because of this, earth is useful in all four seasons, yet it is also subject to忌 in every season. Fire dies in You, while water is strong in Zi. Earth relies on fire to nourish it, but when fire reaches its end in You, earth becomes confined. Earth also depends on water as its wealth, but when water is strong in Zi, it erodes earth, making it thin and weak. Earth needs both metal and fire—fire to generate it and metal to shape it into form—to become great. If earth is merely piled high without proper combination, it is not valuable and only gathers dust. If earth is concentrated in one place, it becomes stagnant; if it is scattered, it becomes light and weak.

辰戌丑未，土之正也，分陰分陽，主則不同。辰有伏水，未有匿木，滋養萬物，春夏為功；戌有藏火，丑有隱金，秋火冬金，肅殺萬物。土聚辰未為貴，聚丑戌不為貴，是土愛辰未而不愛丑戌也明矣。若更五行有氣，人命逢之，田產無比，晚年富貴悠悠。

The Earthly Branches Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei are the positions of Earth. Among them, some are yin and some are yang, and each has different governing elements. Chen contains hidden water, and Wei contains hidden wood. Water and wood nourish all things, so the Earth in Chen and Wei becomes effective in spring and summer. Xu contains hidden fire, and Chou contains hidden metal. Fire and metal are dominant in autumn and winter, which are times of clearing and killing, so the Earth in Xu and Chou becomes effective in autumn and winter. Earth is considered valuable when it gathers in Chen and Wei, but not when it gathers in Xu and Chou. This shows that Earth prefers Chen and Wei over Xu and Chou. The reasoning is clear. If other Five Phases also have strength, a person's destiny with such a configuration will have abundant land and property, and prosperity that lasts into old age.

若土太實無水，燥則不和；無木則不疏通。土見火則焦，女命多不生長。土旺四季，惟土困弱。戌多為人好鬥，多瞌睡；辰未人好食，丑人清省。丑為艮土，有癸水能潤而膏，人命遇此，主能卓立。

If the earth is too thick and lacks water, it becomes overly dry and cannot be harmonized; without wood to loosen it, it becomes stagnant and unventilated. When earth meets fire, it cracks and dries up, which is unfavorable for women's fertility. Although earth is strong in all four seasons, if it becomes too strong, it becomes self-constrained and weak. Those with many戌 in their earthly branches tend to be quarrelsome and lazy. Those with many辰 or未 tend to be fond of eating. Those with many丑 tend to be simple and efficient. The branch丑 belongs to the earth of the艮 direction, which contains癸 water, making the earth moist and fertile. If a person's destiny includes this, they are likely to establish their own household and achieve success.

春月之土：生於春月，其勢虛浮，喜火生扶，惡木太過，忌水氾濫，喜土比助，得金而制木為祥，金太多仍盜土氣。夏月之土：夏月之土，其勢燥烈，得盛水滋潤成功，忌旺火煆煉焦坼，木助火炎，水克無礙，金生水泛，妻才有益，見比肩蹇滯不通，如太過又宜木克。

In the spring month, the earth is weak because the wood is strong and it overcomes the earth, making the earth's strength floating and weak. Therefore, it is favorable to have fire to generate and support the earth, and it is disliked to have excessive wood. Water flooding is also to be avoided, as it washes away the earth. It is favorable to have similar earth to assist. If metal can control the wood, it is auspicious, but too much metal will steal the earth's strength. In the summer month, the earth is dry and fierce, so it needs abundant water to moisten it. It is most disliked to have strong fire that burns and cracks the earth. Wood at this time only helps the fire, while water, which is needed, does not harm the earth. Metal can generate water and make the water strong, which is beneficial for wife and wealth. If there is a similar earth, it causes blockage and stagnation. However, if the earth is indeed too strong, it is better to use wood to control it.

秋月之土：秋月之土，子旺母衰，金多而耗盜其氣，木盛須制伏純良，火重重而不厭，水泛泛而不祥，得比肩則能助力，至霜降不比無妨。冬月之土：冬月之土，外寒內溫，水旺才豐，金多子秀，火盛有榮，木無咎，再加比肩扶助為佳，更喜身主康強足壽。

Autumn soil: In autumn, metal is strong and soil is weak, which is like a child being strong while the mother is weak; too much metal will consume and steal the soil's strength. If wood is strong, it needs to be restrained to become pure and good. Fire, however, being abundant is not disliked. Water, on the other hand, being excessive is not auspicious. If there is a helper of the same kind, it can be beneficial, but after the frost begins, the soil naturally becomes strong again, so helpers are not necessary. Winter soil: In winter, the soil is cold on the outside but warm inside. Abundant water indicates rich resources, abundant metal suggests outstanding descendants, and strong fire signifies honor and success. Even if wood comes to restrain it, it is not a problem. Adding helpers is even better, and especially if the main element is strong, it indicates a long life.

辰戌丑未，四土之神，惟未土為極旺，何也？辰土帶木氣克之，戌土之土帶金氣洩之，此三土雖旺而不旺，故土臨此三位，金多作稼穡格，不失中和。若未月土，則帶火氣也，帶火以生之，所以為極旺也。若土臨此旺未月，見四柱土重，多作火炎土燥，不可作稼穡看。但臨此月之土，見金結局者，不貴即富也。書曰：土逢季月見金多，終為貴論，而在未月尤甚。

Among the four earthly branches representing earth deities—Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei—only Wei earth is most vigorous. Why? The earth in Chen contains wood energy which restrains earth, and the earth in Xu contains metal energy which drains earth (the same applies to Chou). Although these three earths are called vigorous, they are not truly strong. Therefore, when earth is present in these three branches, if there is an excess of metal, it can be considered as the "Cultivation and Harvest" pattern, maintaining balance. However, earth in Wei month is accompanied by fire energy, which nourishes earth, making it extremely strong. If earth is present in the most vigorous Wei month and there is a heavy concentration of earth in the four pillars, it is usually considered as "fiery and dry earth," and should not be regarded as the "Cultivation and Harvest" pattern. However, if earth is born in this month and meets metal to form a favorable configuration, the metal can release the brilliance of the strong earth, leading to wealth even if not to high status. The classic texts state that when earth is found in the four seasonal months of Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei with an excess of metal, it is ultimately considered as a noble pattern, especially in the month of Wei.

三春戊土，無丙照暖，戊土不生；無甲疏劈，戊土不靈；無癸滋潤，萬物不長。正二月先丙後，癸又次之；三月先甲後丙，癸又次之，因戊土司權故也。有甲、丙、癸三者齊透，必主一品當朝；或二透一藏，亦登金榜；二藏一透，也可異途。

In the spring months, the earth element Wu (戊土) requires warmth from Bing fire to become active; without Jia wood to break it down, Wu earth becomes rigid and unresponsive; without Gui water to nourish it, all things cannot grow. In the first and second lunar months, Bing fire should be prioritized, followed by Jia wood, and Gui water comes third. In the third lunar month, Jia wood should be prioritized first, then Bing fire, with Gui water coming third—because in the third month, Wu earth is in its own ruling position, and the earth is too thick, so loosening the earth is more urgent than warming the environment. If all three—Jia, Bing, and Gui—appear in the heavenly stems, the person will surely hold a high official position and serve in the imperial court. If two are visible and one is hidden, they can still pass the imperial examination. If two are hidden and one is visible, they may still achieve success through alternative paths.

正二月即有甲癸，若無丙除寒，如萬物生而不長，故無丙者，富貴艱辛。或有丙無甲癸者，名日春旱，如萬物生而厄，無甲癸者，一生勤苦，勞而無功。或一丙火，有甲久癸，先泰後否。或支成火局，不見壬癸，僧道孤貧；癸透者貴，壬透者富。

In the first and second months, even if there is Jia wood and Gui water, without Bing fire to dispel the cold, it is like all things being born but not growing, so those lacking Bing fire will find it very difficult to achieve wealth and status. If there is Bing fire but no Jia wood or Gui water, it is called 'spring drought,' like all things being born only to face hardship; such a destiny is one of constant toil with little reward. If there is only Bing fire, with Jia wood present but Gui water absent, it indicates a period of initial prosperity followed by blockage. If the earthly branches form a fire trinity and there is no Ren or Gui water, the fire and earth become dry and fierce, indicating a destiny of poverty and isolation as a monk or hermit. If Gui water appears, it indicates wealth; if Ren water appears, it indicates prosperity.

用水者要審水之多少。或一派甲木無丙，常人，得一庚透方妙。或支成水局，甲又出干，又有庚透，富貴雙全。或無庚金，又無比印，難作從殺，定主遭凶，不然，必為盜賊；若日下坐午，不得善終。

When using water as a key element, one must first examine the amount of water: if there is too much, it needs to be controlled; if there is too little, it needs to be supported. If there are many Jia wood elements but no Bing fire, it is merely an ordinary person; at this point, having a Geng metal element appearing above ground to control the wood is most favorable. If the earthly branches form a water trinity and Jia wood also appears above ground, along with Geng metal appearing, then water nourishes wood, metal controls wood, and wood also loosens the earth—this leads to both wealth and honor. If there is neither Geng metal nor a similar element to support the day stem, and if there are many official or killer elements while the day stem is isolated, and it is not possible to follow the killer principle, it will certainly lead to misfortune; otherwise, it will inevitably result in becoming a thief. If the day stem is seated on Wu (the horse), and the body is strong but refuses to yield, it will certainly not end well.

或一派乙木，為官殺會黨，即有庚從，郤難制乙。此人內奸外直，口是心非。加一甲在內，無庚，必懶惰自甘，好食無厭。或丙多甲多，宜以癸庚參用。

If there are many Yi wood in the chart, the official star and the seven deadly stars form a group, and even if there is Geng metal to support, the Geng metal will be eager to combine with Yi wood, thus failing to control the Yi wood. Such a person appears upright on the outside but is cunning inside, speaking one thing and thinking another. If there is also a Jia wood present without Geng metal to restrain it, this person will inevitably be lazy, greedy for food, and indulgent. If there is a lot of Bing fire and Jia wood, the fire will be dry and the wood will be abundant. In this case, we should use Gui water and Geng metal together—Gui water moistens the dryness, and Geng metal controls the wood.

三月戊土司令，不見丙甲癸者，愚而且賤。毋癸透者科甲，兩癸透者生員，甲癸俱藏者只可云富，有癸異途。

In the third month, theWu Earth is in command, indicating very thick earth. If there is no 丙 fire, 甲 wood, or 癸 water, the person will be both foolish and lowly. If only one 癸 water is visible, there is hope for academic success. If two 癸 waters are visible, one can only become a local scholar. If both 甲 wood and 癸 water are only hidden in the earth branches, one may be wealthy. If only 癸 water is present, one may rise to prominence through an unconventional path.

若丙多無癸，旱田無水，不能種苗，舊谷已沒，新穀未登，此先富後貴之造。或火多有壬透者，先貧後富，癸透先賤後榮，壬藏不過食足，癸藏不過名傳，即此亦須運美。或支成火局，得癸透者，富貴天然，壬透富貴辛苦，何也，癸乃天上甘霖，壬乃江河波浪，所以有勞逸之殊。

If there is an excess of Bing fire but no Gui water, it is like a dry field without water, unable to plant seedlings. The old grain has already been consumed, and the new grain has not yet arrived, which is called 'first wealth then honor' (according to the meaning, it should be 'first wealth then poverty'). If there is an excess of fire but Ren water is visible, it is 'first poverty then wealth'; if Gui water is visible, it is 'first lowly then honor'. If Ren water is only hidden in the branches, it can only provide enough food and clothing; if Gui water is only hidden in the branches, it can only bring a little reputation. Even so, it still requires good fortune. If the branches form a fire trinity, and Gui water is visible, then wealth and honor come naturally; if Ren water is visible, then wealth and honor must be earned through effort. Why? Gui water is heavenly rain that falls in season naturally; Ren water is the waves of rivers, which require people to draw it up — hence the difference between ease and toil.

支成木局，又甲乙出干，此名官殺會黨，官殺無去留之義。得一庚透，掃除官殺，亦主富貴；無庚乃淺薄之人，宜用火洩木氣。有一命，丁未、癸卯、戊寅、乙卯，癸丁透干，加以戊癸化火，將甲木暗，反得武科探花。

The earthly branches form a wood situation, and the heavenly stems also have wood, which is called "official and killer mixed together"—the true official and seven killers are mixed together, so it is not possible to determine which one remains. At this time, if a庚 gold appears, it can remove both official and killer, which indicates wealth and honor. If there is no庚 gold, then it is a shallow person, and one should instead use fire to release the wood energy and transform the day master. There is a case: born in the year of Dingwei, month of Guimao, day of Wuyin, and hour of Yimao. The癸 water and丁 fire both appear in the heavenly stems, and the戊 and癸 combine to form fire, secretly transforming the energy of the甲 wood in the寅, and thus he became a scholar of the military examination and ranked first in the imperial examination.

或木多無比印透，作從殺而論，亦富貴。或有比印，端看癸透，取癸而成貴格；無癸、無火、無金，名為土木自戰，主腹主疾病，憂愁艱苦。用甲者，水妻、木子；用丙者，木妻、火子。丙寅，庚寅，戊辰，庚申，丙癸。

If there are many woods but no helpful heavenly stems or earthy branches to support the day master, it is considered as 'following the killer' (from杀), and one can still achieve wealth and honor. If there are helpful heavenly stems or earthy branches present, and the day master refuses to follow others, then we look for the presence of癸 water: using癸 water to moisten the earth and nourish the wood, and to balance the elements in the middle, it becomes a noble pattern. If there is no癸 water, fire, or metal, the wood and earth will fight against each other, called 'self-conflict between earth and wood', which indicates illness in the abdomen and a life full of worries and hardships. If甲 wood is used as the main element, then water is the wife star and wood is the son star. If丙 fire is used as the main element, then wood is the wife star and fire is the son star. Another example: Bingyin year, Gengyin month, Wuchen day, Gengshen hour, with丙 fire and癸 water as the main elements.

時日月年：丙戊乙癸，辰寅卯未。時日月年：壬戊乙癸，子寅卯未。時日月年：壬戊癸辛，子寅卯卯。時日月年：甲戊戊己，寅寅辰未。

The following four combinations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First combination:Guiwei year,Yimao month,Wuyin day,Bingchen hour—wood is strong and overcomes earth, the hour stem丙 fire warms, the year stem癸 water moistens, with both丙 and癸 present, this is exactly the proper method forWu Earth in the first and second months. Second combination:Guiwei year,Yimao month,Wuyin day,Renzi hour—both壬 and癸 are visible, water is strong, wood is also in command, earth is weak and there is no丙 to warm, which is worse than the previous combination. Third combination:Xinmao year,Guimao month,Wuyin day,Renzi hour—two卯 and one寅, official and killer stars are united, the year stem辛 gold can control wood,壬 and癸 moisten earth, the use of elements is between gold and water. Fourth combination:Jiwei year,Wuchen month,Wuyin day,Jiayin hour—three earths are present, the two寅 contain甲 wood which is visible in the hour stem to loosen earth, this exactly matches the meaning of "first use甲 then use丙" forWu Earth in the third month.

四月戊土，陽氣發升，寒氣內藏，外實內虛，不畏火炎。無陽氣相催，萬物不長，故先用甲疏劈，次取丙癸為佐。丙透甲出，廊廟之材；丙癸俱透，科甲之士；即透一位，支藏得所，終非白丁。

In the fourth month, the Month Builder is Si. Yang energy rises on the surface while cold energy retreats inward. The Wu earth is solid on the outside but hollow inside, so it does not fear intense fire. However, without Yang energy to stimulate it, all things cannot grow. Therefore, we first use Jia wood to break through the thick earth, then take Bing fire and Gui water as assistants—Bing fire stimulates its growth, and Gui water moistens its dryness. If both Bing fire and Jia wood appear on the surface, it indicates a person of great ability, suitable for high office. If both Bing fire and Gui water appear, it indicates a scholar of high rank. Even if only one of them appears, but the others are well hidden in the Earthly Branches, he will still not be a common person.

若一派丙火，為火炎土燥，僧道之流；得一癸透壬藏，功名有準，或支藏癸，衣食充足，但骨肉多刑。化合成局無破，富貴非輕。或支成金局，干出癸水，此為奇格，正是土潤金生，即不為桃浪之客，定有異路恩榮。此用癸水，金妻水子。

If there is a full set of Bing fire in the chart, the fire is intense and the earth is dry, indicating a person who may become a monk or a Taoist. At this time, if there is a Gui water appearing on the surface and a Ren water hidden in the branches, success in officialdom is assured. If the Gui water is only hidden in the branches, then there will be enough food and clothing, but there may be many injuries and conflicts among family members. If the Wu and Gui combine to form a complete pattern without any damage, then wealth and honor are not light. If the branches form a metal pattern and the heavenly stem has Gui water, this is a special pattern, perfectly matching the principle of "moist earth produces metal." Even if one does not pass the imperial examination, there will certainly be special honors and recognition. This pattern uses Gui water as the key element, with metal as the wife star and water as the son star.

時日月年：丙戊癸辛，辰午巳亥。時日月年：丁戊丁癸，巳午巳丑。

The two cases are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First case: Xinhai year, Guisi month, Wuwu day, Bingchen hour. The month stem癸water has the year branch亥water as its root, and the hour stem丙fire warms it. Both 丙and 癸are visible, which is the proper combination for the Wu earth in the fourth month. Second case: Guichou year, Dingsi month, Wuwu day, Dingsi hour. There are two Dings and two Sis, resulting in intense fire and dry earth. Although there is the year stem癸water, it is isolated and rootless, which is the same as the previous mention of "a whole series of Bing fire".

五月戊土，仲夏火炎，先看壬水，次取甲木，丙火酌用，用癸力微。壬甲兩透，名君臣慶會，自然桃浪先聲，權高位顯；又得辛透年干，官居一品。一命，辛未、甲午、戊寅、壬子，壬甲兩透，印旺殺高，出將入相，名播四夷。

In the fifth lunar month, the month builder is Wu, and it is the height of summer when fire is intense and the earth is scorched. Therefore, we first look for Ren water to relieve the intense heat, then take Ji wood to loosen the earth, and Bing fire is only used as a secondary consideration. As for Gui water, its strength is too weak to accomplish great things. When both Ren water and Ji wood appear in the heavens, it is called "the sovereign and minister celebrate together"—Ji wood acts as a killer and Ren water as wealth, and the sovereign and minister are in harmony. Naturally, they will achieve success in the imperial examination first, and their authority will be high and prominent. If the heavenly stem of the year also reveals Xin metal to generate water, they can hold a top official position. There is a case: Xinwei year, Jiawu month, Wuyin day, Renzi hour. Both Ren water and Ji wood appear in the heavens. The印 (imperial seal) in Wu is strong, and the killer from寅 and Ji is high. They will become generals and ministers, and their fame will spread throughout the land.

若支成火局，即透癸水，不能大濟，是一杯水濟車薪火也。人命合此，即好學不倦，亦能成名，且主目疾。若得壬水出干，則此非比。又或土木重重，全無滴水，僧道孤貧之輩。用壬者，金妻水子。

If the earthly branches form a fire configuration, even if the癸water appears, it cannot save the situation; it is like trying to put out a cartload of burning fire with just a cup of water. For a person's destiny, even if they study diligently and tirelessly, they may achieve fame, but it indicates eye diseases. If the壬water appears on top, the river and lake waters are not comparable to a single cup of water. If there is a lot of earth and wood but no water at all, it indicates a person who is poor and isolated, like a monk or a Taoist. For those who use壬water, metal is the wife star and water is the son star.

六月戊土，遇夏乾枯，先看癸水，次用丙火甲木。癸丙兩透，科甲中人；或有癸無丙，見甲可許秀才，無甲略富；或有丙無癸，假道斯文，衣食頗足；或癸透辛出，以刀筆之才，可謀異路；無癸丙者，常人；若又無甲，下賤之輩。

In June, the Month Builder is Wei, and after going through the summer, the earth has become dry. Therefore, we should first look for Gui water to moisten it, and then use Bing fire and Jia wood. If both Gui water and Bing fire are visible, the person is of the rank of those who pass the imperial examinations. If there is Gui water but no Bing fire, and Jia wood is present to loosen the earth, he may become a scholar. If there is no Jia wood, he may have some means. If there is Bing fire but no Gui water, he may pretend to be scholarly, but his livelihood is sufficient. If Gui water is present along with Xin metal, and metal and water mutually generate, he may have the talent for legal affairs and achieve an unusual status. If neither Gui water nor Bing fire is present, he is an ordinary person. If there is also no Jia wood, he is of low status.

或土多得一甲出，不見庚辛，為人作事軒昂，性情謹慎，即不顯揚，亦文章驚世。用癸者，金妻、水子；用丙者，木妻、火子；用甲者，水妻、木子。

If there is too much earth and a Jia wood appears in the heavenly stem to疏 it, and there is no Geng or Xin metal to overcome the Jia wood, this person will have an imposing and confident demeanor, yet be cautious and meticulous in nature. Even if they do not achieve great success or fame, their writings will be remarkable. For those using癸 water as their main element, metal is the wife star and water is the child star; for those using丙 fire as their main element, wood is the wife star and fire is the child star; for those using甲 wood as their main element, water is the wife star and wood is the child star.

時日月年：癸戊己戊，丑辰未戍。時日月年：辛戊己戊，酉午未申。時日月年：丁戊癸庚，巳子未子。

The following three generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First generation: Wuxu year, Jiwei month, Wuchen day, Guichou hour—almost all four pillars are earth, with only the hour stem Gui water providing some moisture, which exactly matches the idea of "first look for Gui water" in June for Wu earth, but it is unfortunate that there is no Jia wood to loosen the earth. Second generation: Wushen year, Jiwei month, Wuwu day, Xinyou hour—earth is heavy and the beauty of the earth is released by Shen and You metal, and metal can also generate water, belonging to the path of earth being moistened and metal being generated. Third generation: Gengzi year, Guiwei month, Wuzi day, Dingsi hour—Gui water appears on the surface, two Zi waters as roots, Geng metal originates, water is abundant and Ding fire can warm the situation, the combination is most balanced.

七月戊土，陽氣漸入，寒氣漸出，先丙後癸，甲木次之。丙癸甲透者，富貴極品；癸藏丙透，不僅秀才；丙申兩透，癸水會局藏辰，亦不失富貴；無丙得癸甲透，此人清雅，家富千金；無癸甲者，常人，有丙火，妻腎子肖；若丙甲癸三者俱無，下流之命。

In the seventh month, the Month Builder is Shen. Yang energy gradually retreats inward, while cold energy gradually emerges outward. Therefore, we first take Bing fire, then Gui water, and Jia wood comes next. If Bing, Gui, and Jia all appear clearly, the person will achieve the highest level of wealth and status. If Gui water is hidden but Bing fire appears, the person will not be limited to just becoming a scholar. If Bing fire and Jia wood both appear, and Gui water forms a hidden combination within Chen, the person will not lack wealth and status. If there is no Bing fire but Gui water and Jia wood appear, the person is refined and elegant, and will have wealth equivalent to a thousand gold pieces. If neither Gui nor Jia appear but only Bing fire is present, the person is ordinary, but his wife is virtuous and his children are well-behaved. If none of Bing, Jia, and Gui appear, then it is a lowly fate.

或支成水局，休作棄命從才，宜取甲洩之，甲透者，稍有富貴。用神妻子同前。

If the earthly branches form a water trinity, although the wealth is strong, one should not hastily apply the concept of 'abandoning the destiny to follow wealth'—there is still residual earth qi from the original Wu earth in the seventh month and the day master may not be truly weak. Instead, one should take Jia wood to release the water energy and also to loosen the thick earth. If Jia wood appears above, there may be some wealth and honor. The selection of the useful god and the wife and son stars follows the same method as mentioned earlier.

時日月年：壬戊戊壬，午辰申寅。時日月年：癸戊甲庚，丑寅申寅。時日月年：丙戊丙辛，辰子申酉。

The three generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year." First generation:Renyin year, Wushen month, Wuchen day, Renwu hour — two ren waters are wealth, yin wood in寅 is a killer, shen and chen form an implicit water trinity, and the hour branch wu fire can warm the body, which is exactly the case of "branches forming a water trinity, taking jia wood to release it." Second generation:Gengyin year, Jiashen month, Wuyin day, Guichou hour — jia wood appears on the surface to loosen the earth, and the hour has gui water to moisten, geng metal is the source of water, with jia and gui both appearing but no bing fire, belonging to the category of "without bing fire but with gui and jia appearing, the person is refined and elegant." Third generation:Xinyou year, Bingshen month, Wuzi day, Bingchen hour — two bing fires illuminate and warm, shen, zi, and chen form a water trinity, and both bing fire and gui water are present, which is the top configuration for wu earth in July.