August Fifth Earth (Wu Tu) born in the Metal Month of You

八月戊土，金洩身寒，賴丙照暖，喜水滋潤，先丙後癸，不必木疏。丙癸兩透，科甲中人；丙透癸藏，可許入泮；癸透丙藏，納資得官；若丙藏又無癸，即多不透，此皆常人；癸丙全無，奔流之客。

In the eighth month, the Month Builder is You, and Xin metal is in charge. Metal alone drains the earth's energy, making the earth colder, so it is necessary to rely on Bing fire to warm it up, and also to welcome water for nourishment. The selection of useful gods should prioritize Bing fire first, then Gui water. At this time, the earth is not thick, so there is no need to use wood to loosen it. If both Bing fire and Gui water are visible, the person is of the rank of those who pass the imperial examinations. If Bing fire is visible but Gui water is hidden, the person may be admitted to study. If Gui water is visible but Bing fire is hidden, the person may obtain an official position through donation. If Bing fire is only hidden and there is no Gui water, even if other heavenly stems and earthly branches are numerous, they do not reveal the useful gods, and the person is just an ordinary person. If both Bing fire and Gui water are absent, the person is a wanderer without a fixed place.

或四柱皆辛，無丙丁，此名傷官格為人清秀，即不能拾芥，亦可武庠，一見癸水，富而且貴。或支成水局，壬癸出干，此名才多身弱，愚懦無能，若天干有比劫分散才神，頗言衣食。用神妻子同前，秋土生金極弱，須丙火丁火出干方妙。

If all four pillars are辛 metal and there is no丙 or丁 fire, this is called the 'Wounding Official Pattern', and the person is refined and elegant; although they may not easily attain official rank, they can enter the study of martial arts. When癸 water appears to assist the wounding official, they will become both rich and noble. If the branches form a water trinity and壬 or癸 water also appears in the heavens, this is called 'excessive wealth with a weak body', and the person is foolish and timid with no ability; if there are siblings or rivals in the heavens to scatter the wealth star, they may still manage to have enough food and clothing. The selection of the useful god and the wife and son stars is the same as before. In summary, the earth in autumn only produces metal, becoming extremely weak, and it is essential to have丙 or丁 fire appearing in the heavens to generate and support it, which is most appropriate.

九月戊土當權，不可專用丙，先看甲木，次取癸水，郤忌化合。見金先用癸水，後取丙火，配合支干，方成有生之土，定發雲程。

In the ninth month, the Month Builder is戌. TheWu Earth is in its own position and is strong, so the soil is already thick and heavy. Therefore, it is not advisable to rely solely onBing Fire to generate it. First, we should useJia Wood to loosen the soil, and then takeGui Water to moisten it. We should be cautious of the combination of戊 and癸, which can transform into fire. Once this transformation occurs, the Useful God changes. If there is metal in the column, the metal drains the soil and further weakens it. In this case, we should first useGui Water (as metal and water generate each other and moisten the soil), and then takeBing Fire to warm it up. Only when the heavenly stems and earthly branches are properly combined can we form a living and vital soil, ensuring a bright and upward future.

或無丙有癸，不見甲透者，衣衿小富；無癸丙，有甲者，衣食而已；若癸甲全無，雖有丙火，亦屬平常，或為僧道。或支成水局，壬癸透干，用戊止流，有比透反主富。支成火局，名土燥，不發。得金水兩透，此人清高，略可富貴；無水，一生困苦，妻子仝前。

If there is no Bing fire but there is Gui water, and no Jia wood appears, it indicates only a small amount of wealth and a modest living. If there is no Gui water and no Jia wood, but only Bing fire, it is considered ordinary, and the person may become a monk or Taoist. If the earth branch forms a water group and both Ren and Gui water appear on the heavenly stem, the wealth is excessive but the body is weak, so Wu earth is used to stop the water flow. At this time, if the person has a fellow stem appearing, it will actually indicate wealth. If the earth branch forms a fire group, it is called "dry earth," resulting in a barren land that cannot flourish. If both metal and water appear, the earth becomes moist and the metal is refined, indicating a person of high moral character who may achieve some wealth and status. If there is no water at all, the person will live a difficult and troubled life. The method of determining the spouse and child stars is the same as before.

時日月年：丙戊甲己，辰辰戌酉。時日月年：癸戊庚丁，亥戌戌亥。

The two charts are still listed horizontally in the order of "hour, day, month, year." First chart: Jiyou year, Jiaxu month, Wuchen day, Bingchen hour. The month stem Jia wood opens and thins the thick earth, the hour stem Bing fire warms and brightens, the You metal releases its brilliance, which perfectly matches the principle of September "first look at Jia wood." Second chart: Dinghai year, Gengxu month, Wuxu day, Guihai hour. Two Hai waters are the wealth, Gui water appears in the hour to moisten the dry earth, Geng metal thins the earth and generates water, Ding fire in the year warms the chart, which is a type of "when seeing metal, first use Gui water, then take Bing fire."

時日月年：壬戊戊丙，子寅戌戌。時日月年：乙戊庚丁，卯寅戌酉。時日月年：己戊戊丙，未辰戌子。

The following three generations are still listed horizontally as 'hour, day, month, year'. First generation:Bingxu year, Wuxu month, Wuyin day, Renzi hour —— earth is heavy and the hidden 甲 wood in 寅 is weak and sparse, the hour stem 壬 water is the wealth, the year stem 丙 fire warms and supports, the combination is still balanced. Second generation:Dingyou year, Gengxu month, Wuyin day, Yimao hour —— 乙 wood is in the hour, 寅 and 卯 form a square, the official and killing stars loosen the earth, 庚 metal controls the wood, 丁 fire nourishes the self, the selected elements are between wood and fire. Third generation:Bingzi year, Wuxu month, Wuchen day, Jiwei hour —— the whole chart is heavy with earth and there is no 甲, only the year branch 子 water is a bit of wealth, exactly like the previous statement 'without 癸 and 甲, although there is 丙 fire, it is still ordinary'.

十月戊土，時值小陽，陽氣略出，先用甲木，次取丙火。非甲，土不靈；非丙，土不暖，安能發生萬物。甲丙兩出，富貴中人。或甲得長生，遇支藏得地之水，一丙高透，亦主身貴揚名，支見庚金，入泮而已。

In the tenth month, the month builder is Hai, which is the time of "small yang spring," when yang energy begins to slightly emerge. In this month, we first use Jia wood, then take Bing fire: without Jia wood, the earth becomes stagnant and unresponsive; without Bing fire, the earth becomes cold and unwarmed, and how could it generate all things? If both Jia and Bing appear in the heavenly stems, it indicates a person of wealth and status. If Jia wood is precisely in the position of Hai and gains growth, and the earth branches also contain water that nourishes it, while Bing fire is clearly visible in the heavenly stems, it indicates a person in a high position and famous throughout the world; but if the earth branches contain Geng metal that harms Jia wood, then it only leads to academic success.

若不見庚金，甲木藏支，丙火高透，科甲有之。若有庚，丁出制，必異路功名，或為典吏。即庚丁不透，甲丙藏支，亦云富貴。壬透得戊救丙，主富中取貴；丙甲俱無，必為僧道。

If the metal of Geng is not present to harm the wood of Jia, although the Jia wood is only hidden in the earthly branches, if the fire of Bing is high and appears in the heavenly stem, there is hope for academic success and official rank. If the metal of Geng is present, then the fire of Ding must come out to control it, which usually leads to an unusual path to official rank or a minor official position. Even if neither the metal of Geng nor the fire of Ding appears, as long as the wood of Jia and the fire of Bing are hidden in the earthly branches, it can be considered as wealth and honor. If the water of Ren appears to overcome the fire of Bing, and the earth of Wu comes out to save the fire of Bing, it indicates gaining honor from wealth. If neither the fire of Bing nor the wood of Jia is present, the cold earth has no ability to produce or to disperse, and one will become a monk or a Taoist.

時日月年：戊戊癸癸，午辰亥卯。時日月年：庚戊辛壬，甲寅亥申。時日月年：丙戊丁乙，辰戌亥卯。

The following three generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First generation:Guimao year, Guihai month, Wuchen day, Wuwu hour —— two癸 are wealth and water is strong,卯 contains 乙 wood to loosen earth, the hour branch 午 fire warms the body, the same zodiac supports, belonging to the category of 戊 earth being weak in October and preferring fire and earth. Second generation:Renshen year, Xinhai month, Wuyin day, Gengshen hour (the original hour branch is written as "甲", which should be a mistake for "申") —— metal and water are too strong, and 甲 wood and 丙 fire in 寅 save the situation, which exactly fits the saying "without 甲 earth it is not effective, without 丙 earth it is not warm". Third generation:Yimao year, Dinghai month, Wuxu day, Bingchen hour —— 乙 wood is in the year, and 丙 and 丁 are both visible, containing the meaning of 甲 and 丙, which is a better combination for 戊 earth in October.

十一二月嚴寒冰凍，丙火為尊，甲木為佐。丙甲兩透，桃浪之人；丙出甲藏，采芹食□；丙藏甲出，佐雜前程；有丙無甲者，豪富；有甲無丙者，清貧；丙甲全無，下流之造。

In November and December, the weather is severe and freezing, and the earth element Wu (戊土) becomes frozen. Therefore, Bing fire (丙火) is the most important, and Jia wood (甲木) serves as an assistant—first to thaw the frozen earth, then to loosen the soil. If both Bing fire and Jia wood are visible in the heavens, the person will achieve success in the imperial examination. If Bing fire is visible in the heavens and Jia wood is hidden in the branches, the person can enter the government school and receive a stipend. If Bing fire is hidden in the branches and Jia wood is visible in the heavens, the person can only attain a minor official position. If there is Bing fire but no Jia wood, the person will be wealthy. If there is Jia wood but no Bing fire, the earth remains frozen, and the person will be poor. If there is neither Bing fire nor Jia wood, the person's fate is lowly.

或一派丙火，加以丙透，運值火土，弱中復強，又一壬透干，主清高榮祿，乏壬，僧道孤寒。或一派水土寒滯，不見一丙，得一癸透月時，亦不失儒雅風流。

If the chart is filled with Bing fire and there is also Bing fire appearing in the heavenly stems, and the fortune progresses through a fire and earth environment, the day master will change from weakness to strength; at this time, if there is a Ren water appearing in the heavenly stems as wealth, the person will be noble and upright, enjoying honor and official rank; if this Ren water is missing, and fire and earth accumulate without any use, it indicates a life of poverty and hardship, like a monk or a hermit. If the chart is full of water and earth, cold and stagnant, and there is no Bing fire at all, but there is a Gui water appearing in the month or hour stem (water may be cold, but it prevents the qi from being completely frozen), it is still possible for the person to be refined and graceful, a man of literary charm and elegance.

或一派壬水，不見比劫，可作從才而論；即有比劫，得甲出干，又主富貴。若寒土無丙，雖有甲木，亦是內虛外實之人。或二癸透月時，名為爭合，終屬勞碌之人；得一己出干制癸，反為忠義之士，合己從人而論。年月透辛金者，又屬土金傷官，異路功名可許，以金為妻，水為子。

If the chart is full of Ren water but there is no visible fellow element or劫财, the day master has no root, and it can be considered as 'following wealth'. Even if there are fellow elements or劫财 present, as long as Jia wood appears on the surface to loosen the earth and control the fellow elements, it indicates wealth and honor. If the cold earth lacks Bing fire, even with Jia wood loosening it, the person is only strong on the outside but hollow inside. If both the month and hour stems reveal Gui water to combine with the day master, this is called 'competing for combination', and the person will ultimately be hardworking. At this time, if Ji earth appears on the surface to control Gui water, it becomes a loyal and righteous person, and can be analyzed according to the principle of 'combining with Ji to follow others'. If the stem of the year and month reveals Xin metal, this belongs to the 'earth and metal official' pattern, which may allow for an unconventional official position. Metal is the wife star, and water is the son star.

時日月年：壬戊壬壬，子子子子。時日月年：癸戊乙癸，丑申丑卯。時日月年：戊戊甲戊，午辰子寅。

The following three combinations are still listed horizontally as 'hour, day, month, year'. First combination: Renzi year, Renzi month, Wuzi day, Renzi hour — all four pillars are Renzi, with the day stem entirely lacking root, which is exactly the case of 'a single stream of Ren water, no rivals or helpers, suitable for following the wealth'. Second combination: Guimao year, Yichou month, Wushen day, Guichou hour — two Guis are revealed in the month and hour, which is exactly the 'competing for union' mentioned in the text. The卯and乙疏土 while the申gold reveals its beauty, cold and damp with no Bing. Third combination: Wuyin year, Jiazi month, Wuchen day, Wuwu hour — the Jia wood appears on the surface to loosen the soil, the寅and午 form an invisible fire pattern to thaw the soil, with many rivals, which is a combination where the Wu earth in November and December receives warmth and looseness.

正月己土，田園猶凍，蓋因臘氣未除，餘寒未退，故丙為尊，得丙照暖，萬物自生。忌見壬水，反為己病，何也？壬乃江湖之水，湖水一發，則田園洗盪，變為沙土，而根苗盡沒矣。

In the first lunar month, the Month Builder is寅 (Yin). Ji (己) earth is the field soil, but at this time the fields are still frozen because the cold from the previous month has not yet disappeared and the remaining cold has not receded. Therefore, Bing (丙) fire is most esteemed: with Bing fire to illuminate and warm, all things naturally begin to sprout. This month most fears seeing Ren (壬) water, as Ren water becomes the illness of Ji earth. Why? Ren is river and lake water. Once the lake water rises, it washes away the fields, turning them into a stretch of sandy soil, and the roots of the crops are completely submerged.

須戊作堤，以保園圃。壬多要見戊制，有戊出干者，定主玉堂金馬；若乏制戊，必屬平常。

Therefore, there must be Wu earth to build a dike and protect this garden. If there is abundant Ren water, it is essential to have Wu earth to control it; if Wu earth appears in the dry branch, it indicates the person will enter the Jade Hall and be listed among the Golden Horses, symbolizing a prominent official or distinguished literary figure. If this controlling Wu earth is missing, then the person will be ordinary.

或一派甲木，有庚出干，加以癸丙齊透，配得中和，亦名利雙全。即丙生寅月，庚透天干，亦有俊秀。若甲多無庚，殘疾廢人，宜用丁洩。

If there are many Jia wood elements in the chart and they are all considered official killing elements that restrain the self, but there is Geng metal appearing on the heavenly stem to control the wood, and also Jiui water and Bing fire both appear on the heavenly stem, then Bing fire warms the situation, Jiui water moistens it, and Geng metal cuts the wood. This combination is balanced and harmonious, leading to both fame and fortune. Even if Bing fire is born in the寅 month and gains strength, and Geng metal appears on the heavenly stem, the person is considered to have refined talent. If there is an excess of Jia wood without Geng metal, and the official killing elements are not restrained, then the person is considered disabled or useless. In such a case, it is better to use Ding fire to release the wood's energy and transform the killing elements into a beneficial force for the self.

或一派火，即不見水無礙，何也？正月己土溼，必丙燥暖，反主厚祿。加一癸透，科甲自然；戊透，反作常人。或一派戊土，有甲出制，又主榮顯；如見乙出，雖多不能疏土，且乙多者奸詐小人。用丙者，木妻，火子。

If the entire chart is filled with fire, even without water there is no harm, why? In the first lunar month, the earth is damp and cold, so it needs the fire of Bing to warm and dry it up. Therefore, too much fire actually indicates a thick fortune. If at this time there is also癸 water appearing, the dryness and moisture balance each other, and success in the imperial examination is natural. But if instead, the earth of Wu appears, it will cause competition and take away wealth, and also fail to resolve the coldness, resulting in an ordinary person. If the entire chart is blocked by Wu earth, and there is 甲 wood to疏 and control it, it indicates honor and prominence. If 乙 wood appears, 乙 is soft wood, even if there is a lot of it, it cannot move the thick earth. Moreover, people with a lot of 乙 wood are often cunning and dishonest. For those who take Bing fire as their main element, wood is the wife star, and fire is the son star.

二月己土，陽氣漸升，雖禾稼未成，萬物出土，田園未展，先取甲木疏之，忌合，次取癸水潤之。甲癸出干，定主科甲；加以一丙出透，勢壓百僚；一見壬水，微末官職。

In the second month, the Month Builder is the branch of Mao, and yang energy is gradually rising. Although the grain crops have not yet matured, all things have already begun to sprout from the earth. However, the fields are still not fully developed, so first we take Jia wood to loosen the soil. But we must avoid Jia and Ji being in harmony, for if they do, the Jia wood will not loosen the soil but instead transform it into earth. Next, we take Gui water to moisten it. If both Jia and Gui appear in the heavens, it will surely indicate success in the imperial examinations. If further a Bing fire appears in the heavens, providing warmth, loosening, and moisture all together, the situation will be powerful enough to surpass all officials in the court. However, if Ren water floods and overflows the fields, it will only result in a minor official position.

或見庚制甲，壬水出干，比劫重重，此必俗子；丙透猶有小富，丙藏衣祿無虧。或支成木局，庚透富貴；若柱多乙木，乙又屈庚，庚必輸情於乙，不能掃邪於正，此必狡詐之徒，運入東南，恐有不測，當用丁洩之，有丁者，小人而已，不致無良。

If the庚 metal overcomes the甲 wood, and the壬 water appears on the surface to muddy the field, with the same destiny and劫财 appearing repeatedly, this person is certainly a commoner; however, if the丙 fire is visible, there may be some small wealth, and if the丙 fire is only hidden, he will still have enough clothing and food. If the earthly branches form a wood局, and the official star or killer star becomes strong, and the庚 metal appears to control the wood, then he will achieve wealth and honor. If there are many乙 woods in the column and the乙 wood restrains the庚 metal—since乙 and庚 are in harmony—the庚 metal will certainly give way to the乙 wood in affection and will not be willing to remove evil forces and support the righteous for the day master—such a person must be cunning and deceitful. If he meets the southeast wood and fire in his fortune, there may be unexpected dangers. At this time, it is appropriate to use the丁 fire to release the wood's energy. If there is a丁 fire, he will still be a small person, but not bad to the point of being completely wicked.

無比印，從殺者貴。若柱中無甲丙癸者，皆下格，妻子用神仝前。

If the column does not contain a fellow element or an official star to support the day master, the day master will be isolated and weak, and it is appropriate to abandon the destiny and follow the killing star, which may lead to high status and prominence. If there is neither Jia wood, Bing fire, nor Gui water in the column—earth is neither drained, nor warmed, nor moistened—this is considered a low-ranking pattern. The method for selecting the spouse star, offspring star, and useful god is the same as before.

時日月年：庚己乙癸，午巳卯卯。時日月年：乙己乙癸，丑巳卯卯。

The following two cases are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First case:Guimao year, Yimao month, Jisi day, Gengwu hour —— two moos and one yi, the official and killer form a party to restrain the earth, fortunately the hour stem geng metal controls the wood, the day branch si and hour branch wu fire warm the earth and nourish the self, exactly matching the meaning of "a whole series of jia wood, with geng appearing on the stem". Second case:Guimao year, Yimao month, Jisi day, Yichou hour —— the wood is heavier than the previous case but there is no geng metal to control it, relying only on the jing fire in si to warm the situation, the combination is weaker.

三月己土，正栽培禾稼之時，先丙後癸，土暖而潤，隨用甲疏。三者俱透天干，必官居黃閣；或三者透一，科甲定然，但要得地，郤以庚金為病。

In the third month, the Earthly Branch is Chen, which is the proper time for planting grain. Therefore, first take Bing fire and then Gui water, so that the soil is both warm and moist. Then use Jia wood to loosen the soil. If Bing, Gui, and Jia all appear in the heavenly stems, the person will certainly hold a high official position and be a prime minister. If only one of these three appears, the person will certainly achieve success in the imperial examinations, but this one must be rooted in the earth branches. This pattern, however, considers Geng metal as a problem, because once Geng metal appears, it will harm the Jia wood which loosens the soil.

或有丙甲無癸，亦可致富，但不貴顯；或有癸而無甲丙，亦有衣衿；或有丙癸無甲，亦係才人；丙癸全無，流俗之輩。或一片乙木，無金制伏，貧而且夭也。妻子仝前。

If there is Bing fire and Jia wood but no Gui water, the soil is warm enough to loosen the earth, but lacks some moisture, so one may become wealthy, but not achieve high status. If there is only Gui water but no Jia wood or Bing fire, one can earn a modest living. If there is Bing fire and Gui water but no Jia wood, there is sufficient warmth and moisture, but insufficient looseness, making one a person of talent. If there is neither Bing fire nor Gui water, one is merely an ordinary person. If the entire chart consists of Yi wood without any metal to control it, the soft wood becomes entangled and the earth's energy is blocked, resulting in poverty and a short life. The method for determining the spouse and children stars is the same as before.

時日月年：丙己甲壬，寅卯辰子。時日月年：甲己壬辛，子巳辰未。時日月年：壬己甲壬，申卯辰子。

The first combination: Renshi year, Jiachen month, Jimao day, Bingyin hour. Jia wood appears on the surface to loosen the earth, Bing fire in the hour warms the earth, and the year's branch Zi contains癸water to moisten the earth. Jia, Bing, and Kui are all present, which is the best pattern for earth in the third month. The second combination: Xinwei year, Renchen month, Jisi day, Jiazi hour. Jia wood loosens the earth, Kui water in the hour moistens the earth, and Bing fire in the branch Si warms the earth. The only drawback is that Ren water appears on the surface and Xin metal is used to generate it, making the water too strong. The third combination: Renshi year, Jiachen month, Jimao day, Renshen hour. Two Ren waters as wealth, and the water is very strong. Jia wood loosens the earth, Shen metal drains the earth and generates water. The only regret is the lack of Bing fire.

三夏己土，雜氣才官，禾稼在田，最喜甘沛，取癸為要，次用丙火。夏無太陽，禾稼不長，故無癸曰旱田，無丙曰孤陰。

In the summer months, theJi Earth (Ji Earth) in the destiny is often accompanied by miscellaneous qi (energy) of wealth and official positions. It is like crops growing in the field, which most greatly benefit from timely and abundant rain. Therefore, the癸 water (Gui Water) is most essential, and if that is not available, then the丙 fire (Bing Fire) is the next best choice. However, if there is no sun in summer, the crops will still not grow well. Without癸 water, it is called 'dry field'; without丙 fire, it is called 'solitary yin'—both are indispensable.

或丙癸兩透，又加辛金生癸，此富貴之格，名水火既濟，鼎甲之人，郤忌戊癸化合。或有丙無癸，有壬亦可，但不大發。

If both Bing and Gui are visible, and further supplemented by Xin metal to generate Gui water, the water source remains continuous, which is a prosperous and noble pattern called 'Water and Fire in Harmony', capable of achieving the highest rank. However, it is only to be avoided if Wu earth combines with Gui water to transform into fire, as once transformed, the gentle rain becomes fire, and the pattern is ruined. If there is Bing fire but no Gui water, one may fall back on Ren water instead, but the achievement will not be great.

或一丙火烈土，加以丁火制辛，癸水無根，如七八月之間旱，則苗槁矣，此命孤苦零丁。或有甲木，又見丙火重重，無濟水解炎，亦孤貧到老。

If a Bing fire scorches the earth to a fierce degree, and then a Ding fire comes to control the Xin metal, cutting off the source of water, the Gui water becomes rootless water—just like during the seventh and eighth months when there is a severe drought and all the crops wither—this kind of fate is lonely and pitiful. If there is Jia wood present to generate fire, and there is also heavy Bing fire, yet no water to temper the heat, it leads to the same fate of being poor and isolated throughout life.

如有壬水，又見庚辛，此又不作孤看，但恐目疾，心腎肝臟之災。若壬水有根，辛金得地，又非此而論。或壬癸並出，破火潤土，此人聰穎特達，富中取貴，又轉禍為福也。用癸者，金妻，水子；用丙者，木妻，火子。

If there is Ren water and also Geng or Xin metal to generate it, then it cannot be considered as being alone and suffering, but one should be cautious of possible eye diseases, as well as ailments of the heart, kidney, and liver. If the Ren water has a root and the Xin metal is well positioned, the water will be strong and stable, and even this concern does not need to be considered. If both Ren and Gui water appear in the heavens, they will break the fire and moisten the dry earth, making the person exceptionally intelligent and capable of achieving high status from wealth, thus turning misfortune into good fortune. For those using Gui water as their main element, metal is the wife star and water is the child star; for those using Bing fire as their main element, wood is the wife star and fire is the child star.

時日月年：戊己己己，辰巳巳巳。時日月年：辛己辛乙，未巳巳巳。時日月年：庚己辛乙，午巳巳丑。時日月年：乙己癸丙，亥亥巳申。

The following four combinations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First combination: Jisi year, Jisi month, Jisi day, Wuchen hour—three Jisi appear together, with fire and earth extremely dry and hot, no water at all, exactly like "no Gui water means dry land". Second combination: Yisi year, Xinsi month, Jisi day, Xinwei hour—two Xin elements drain earth and generate water, but the water does not appear on the surface, still lacking moisture. Third combination: Yichou year, Xinsi month, Jisi day, Gengwu hour—Geng and Xin both appear, and there is hidden Gui water and Xin metal in Chou, metal can generate water, which is more moist than the previous two combinations. Fourth combination: Bingshen year, Guisi month, Jihai day, Yihai hour—Gui water appears on the surface, Shen metal originates, two Hai waters serve as roots, and Bingshen fire warms the whole structure, which exactly matches the meaning of "Bing and Gui both appear, plus Xin metal generating Gui water", it is a path of Ji Ji (Hexagram 63) where water and fire are in harmony.

三秋己土，萬物收藏之際，外虛內實，寒氣漸升，須丙火溫之，癸水潤之。不特此也，且癸能洩金，丙能制金，補土精神，則秋生之物咸茂矣，癸先丙後。

In the third month of autumn, the earth element of Ji is at its peak, when all things are being gathered and stored. The earth appears hollow on the outside but is solid within. The cold energy gradually rises, so we need Bing fire to warm it and Ren water to moisten it. Moreover, in autumn the metal is strong, and it drains the earth's energy. Ren water can dissipate the metal energy, while Bing fire can restrain the metal energy. By dispersing and controlling the metal, the earth's vitality is replenished, and the crops grown in autumn flourish. The order of selection is first Ren water, then Bing fire.

丙癸兩透，雁塔題名。或無癸，有兩丙透者，異途顯達，或武職權高。或有丙火，不見壬癸，為假道斯文，終無誠實。或有壬癸無丙者，衣食充足，才能而已。

If both Bing and Gui are visible, the person can achieve success in the imperial examination and attain a high official position. If there is no Gui water but two Bing fire are visible, the person may achieve prominence through an unconventional path or through a military career with high authority. If only Bing fire is present and there is no Ren or Gui water, the fire is dry and not moist, indicating a person who pretends to be scholarly but lacks genuine integrity. If there is Ren or Gui water but no Bing fire, the water is moist but not warm, meaning the person will have sufficient food and clothing but only moderate ability.

或支成金局，癸透有根，此人家畜萬緡，富中取貴。或支四庫，甲透者富，乏甲者孤貧。或甲出無癸乏金，積德可全科甲。或會火局，無水救，乃大奸大惡之徒。

If the earthly branches form a metal formation and the癸water is visible with a root, metal generates water and water moistens earth, this person will have great wealth and can attain honor from prosperity. If the earthly branches include all four earth repositories (辰, 戌, 丑, 未), the earth is too heavy, and if 甲wood is visible to loosen the earth, it indicates wealth; if 甲wood is missing, then the person will be poor and isolated. If 甲wood appears on the surface but there is no 癸water and no metal, as long as the person accumulates virtue, they can still maintain academic success. If the earthly branches form a fire formation without water to save, the fire and earth will be dry and hot, indicating a person of great wickedness and evil.

或丙透癸藏，遇金頗有選援，加一壬輔，富貴慷慨，有賢聲；見戊透者，主遭凶厄且貧。八月支成金局，無丙丁出救，此人零丁孤苦；如得丙透丁藏，生己元神，此人名魁天下，五福完人。總之三秋己土，先癸後丙，取辛輔癸；九月土盛，宜甲木疏之，餘皆酌用。

If the Bing fire appears on the heavenly stem and the Gui water is hidden in the earthly branches, and then metal comes to generate water, there is a good chance of being recommended or promoted. Adding a Ren water to assist further, one will achieve wealth and honor, be generous, and gain a reputation for virtue. However, if the Wu earth appears on the stem to overcome water and take away wealth, it indicates misfortune and poverty. For those born in August, the earthly branches form a metal circle, which drains too much energy. If there is no Bing or Ding fire to protect, the person will be lonely and unfortunate. If Bing fire appears on the stem and Ding fire is hidden in the branches, the fire can generate the Ji earth's origin god, and the person may achieve great fame and be blessed with all five virtues. In summary, for those born in the third month of autumn, first take Gui water, then Bing fire, and finally use Xin metal to assist Gui water. For those born in September when earth is strong, it is suitable to use Bing wood to disperse it. The rest should be considered and selected accordingly.

時日月年：壬己癸甲，申未酉寅。時日月年：壬己甲己，申丑戌巳。

The following two charts are still listed horizontally in the order of "hour, day, month, year." First chart: Jia Yin year, Gui You month, Ji Wei day, Ren Shen hour—Gui water appears in the month's dry branch and Shen metal originates, Jia wood in the year's dry branch loosens the earth, which exactly matches the method of "three autumn Ji earth, first Gui then Bing, taking Xin to assist Gui." The regret is that there is no Bing fire. Second chart: Ji Si year, Jia Xu month, Ji Chou day, Ren Shen hour—In September the earth is strong, and Jia wood appears in the dry branch to loosen it, Ren water in the hour moistens, and Ji Si contains Bing fire to warm the body, which perfectly matches the method for September.

勾陳全備潤下，勞碌奔波之客；土凝水竭，離鄉背井之流。勾陳得位會才官，無沖無破必然端，甲子北方寅卯木，管教環拱戴金冠。戊己喜亥卯未為官，申子辰為才，忌刑沖殺害。

"Gou Chen" is another name for Wu Ji earth. If earth controls the entire Shen-Zi-Chen water trinity, there will be excessive wealth but a weak self, leading to a life of toil and hardship; conversely, if the earth becomes hard and dry with the water source dried up, the path to wealth will be cut off, resulting in a person who leaves home and country. The rhyme says: When "Gou Chen" earth is in its proper position, it will also gather the wealth star and official star, and if there is no conflict or damage in the birth chart, it will certainly lead to a proper and successful life; for example, Jiazi, a type of northern water, paired with Yin and Mao wood as official stars, with the four pillars properly supporting, will surely result in wearing a golden crown. This means that Wu Ji earth prefers the Hai-Mao-Wei wood trinity as official stars and the Shen-Zi-Chen water trinity as wealth stars, and only fears conflicts, clashes, killings, and harm that disrupt them.

三冬己土，溼泥寒凍，非丙暖不生，取丙為尊，甲木參酌，戊土癸水不用。惟初冬壬旺，取戊制之，餘皆用丙丁，但丁不能解凍除寒，不能大濟。

In the third month of winter, the Ji earth is like wet mud frozen solid, and without Bing fire to warm it, it cannot sprout. Therefore, Bing fire is most esteemed, and Jia wood is used as a secondary consideration. Wu earth and Gui water are not used at all—Wu earth only adds cold stagnation, and Gui water further enhances dampness and freezing. Only in the early winter month of October, when Ren water is strong, is Wu earth used to control the water. Otherwise, Bing fire is used, while Ding fire, although also fire, is not sufficient to break through the severe cold and ice, and cannot accomplish great things.

或干透一丙，支藏一丙，如以甲透，科甲有準；即藏丙無制，亦主衣衿。或多壬水，得戊透制之，此命安然富中取貴；不見戊土，富屋貧人。凡三冬己土，見壬水出干，為水浸湖田，此人孤苦，若見火不孤，見土不貧。

If the Heavenly Stem reveals one Bing fire and the Earthly Branch also contains Bing fire, the warmth is sufficient, and if Jia wood is also revealed to疏土, then the person will have a definite chance of success in exams. Even if Bing fire is only contained in the Earthly Branch, as long as it is not restrained, it still indicates a modest official position. If Ren water is abundant and Wu earth is revealed to control it, the person will have a stable life and can achieve high status amidst wealth. If Wu earth is not revealed, then the person is a poor person living in a good house. For all己 earth born in winter months, if Ren water appears in the Heavenly Stem, it is called 'water flooding the paddy fields', indicating a lonely and unfortunate life. However, if fire is present to warm it, the person will not be lonely, and if earth is present to block the water, the person will not be poor.

或一派癸，不見比劫，此為從才，反主富貴，雖不科甲，恩誥有之；若見比爭，平常人物，妻子主事。從才者，木妻，火子。或一派戊己，取甲制之，甲透者富貴。或一片辛庚，須用丙火，還須丁火為助，丙藏，富貴奇特之命。

If the chart is full of癸 water but there is no appearance of the same element or the劫财, the day master has no root, which is called 'following the wealth', and this is actually favorable, leading to wealth and honor, even without passing the imperial examination, there may be a grant of honor from the court; if there are the same elements or劫财 competing for the wealth, then it is just an ordinary person, and the wife manages the family. For those with the 'following the wealth' pattern, wood is the wife star and fire is the son star. If the chart is full of戊己 earth blocking, then take甲 wood to control it, and if甲 wood is visible, it indicates wealth and honor. If the chart is full of庚辛 metal draining the energy, then use丙 fire to control the metal and warm the earth, and also need丁 fire to assist; even if丙 fire is only hidden in the earth branch, it is still a unique and prosperous destiny.

時日月年：甲己癸壬，戌丑丑申。時日月年：己己癸壬，巳卯丑子。

The following two charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First chart: Renshen year, Guichou month, Jichou day, Jiaxu hour—Nen and Gui water are both visible, and Shen metal comes to generate water, forming the situation of "water flooding the lake fields". It entirely relies on the hour stem Jia wood to loosen the earth and the Ding fire in Xu to warm the body. Second chart: Renzi year, Guichou month, Jimao day, Jisi hour—full cold water is present, relying only on the fire in the hour branch Si to thaw the ice. The same heavenly stem supports the body, which is exactly the meaning of "in winter, Ji earth takes Ji fire as the most important".

金以至陰為體，中含至陽之精，乃能堅剛，獨異眾物。若獨陰而不堅，冰雪是也，遇火則消矣。故金無火鏈，不能成器。金重火輕，執事繁難；金輕火重，煆煉消亡；金極火盛，為格最精。

Gold takes the quality of extreme yin as its substance, but contains within it the essence of extreme yang, so it is hard and strong, different from other substances. If it were purely yin without any yang, it would not be hard, just like ice and snow, which melt at the touch of fire. Therefore, gold must be tempered by fire to become a vessel or tool. If the gold is heavy and the fire is weak, the process is difficult and laborious; if the gold is light and the fire is strong, it will be melted completely. When the gold is at its extreme and the fire is also strong, this is the most refined and perfect configuration.

金火全，名曰鑄印，犯丑字，即為損饃；金火多名為乘軒，遇死衰，反為不利。木火鍊金，成名銳而退速；純金遇水，逢富顯以贏餘。金能生水，火旺則金沉；土能生金，金多則土賤。

Gold and fire together are called "casting a seal," symbolizing the dignity of having an official seal; but if it is accompanied by the character Chou, which represents damp earth and a repository for metal, the seal pattern is damaged. When there is an excess of both gold and fire, it is called "riding in a carriage," which originally signifies a noble and prominent status, but if it encounters a dead or declining place, it becomes unfavorable. Using wood to generate fire to refine gold leads to rapid fame but also quick decline; pure gold encountering water to release its brilliance often results in wealth and prominence with excess riches. Although gold can generate water, if fire is strong, the gold is melted and sinks; although earth can generate gold, if there is too much gold, the earth is depleted.

金無水乾枯，水重則沉淪無用；金無土死絕，土重則埋沒不顯。兩金兩火最上，兩金兩木才足；一金生三，氻弱難勝；一金得三木，頑鈍自損。金成則火滅，故金未成器，欲得見火；金已成器，不欲見火。金到申酉巳丑，亦可謂之成也，運喜西北，不利南方。

Gold without water becomes dry and dull, while too much water causes it to sink and lose its usefulness; gold without earth reaches a dead end, and too much earth buries it and prevents it from showing its potential. Two parts of gold paired with two parts of fire is the best combination; two parts of gold paired with two parts of wood brings abundant wealth. One part of gold generating three parts of water has weak power and cannot bear the burden (the original character 「氻」 should be 「力」); one part of gold meeting three parts of wood results in dullness and self-harm. Once gold is shaped into an object, fire should be removed, so when gold is not yet shaped, it benefits from fire; once it is shaped, it does not want to meet fire again. When gold reaches the positions of Shen, You, Si, and Chou, it can be considered shaped. Such a destiny favors the Northwest and is unfavorable to the South.