On Metal: Metal of the Four Seasons

春月之金：生於春月，餘寒未盡，貴乎火氣為榮。性柔體弱，欲得厚土輔助；水盛增寒，難施鋒銳之勢；木旺損力，有剉鈍之厄；金來比助，扶持最妙，比而無火，失類非良。夏月之金：夏月之金，尤為柔弱，形質未具，尤嫌死絕。火多而郤為不厭，水盛而滋潤呈祥，見木而助麼傷身，遇金而扶持精壯，土薄而最為有用，土厚而埋沒無光。

In spring, gold is born but the remaining cold has not yet dissipated, so it is most important to have fire to generate and support it for it to flourish. At this time, the nature of gold is soft and its form is weak, so it needs thick earth to generate and support it; if water is strong, it will only add more cold, making it difficult for the sharpness of gold to be expressed; if wood is strong, it will consume the strength of gold, leading to a risk of dullness and loss of sharpness; if there is similar gold to support it, it is the best, but even if there is only similar gold to help without fire to refine it, it is still not good. In summer, gold is even softer and its form is not yet formed, especially if it is in a dead or declining position. Although fire is abundant, it is not considered a problem, because gold ultimately needs fire to refine it; if water is strong, it can moisten and bring good fortune; if wood appears, it will help fire and harm the body; if gold appears, they support each other and become strong; if the earth is thin, it is most useful, but if the earth is thick, it will bury the gold and make it lose its luster.

秋月之金：秋月之金，當權得令，火來煆煉，遂成鐘鼎之材，土多培養，反惹頑濁之氣，見水則精神越秀，逢木則琢削施威，金助愈剛，剛過則決，氣重愈旺，旺極則衰。冬月之金：冬月之金，形寒性冷，木多則難施琢削之功，水盛而未免沉潛之患，土能制水，金體不寒，火來助土，子母成功，喜比肩聚氣相扶，欲官印溫養為利。

Autumn gold: Gold in autumn is in command and in season; when fire comes to refine it, it becomes a heavy and valuable artifact like a bell or a tripod. If too much earth comes to cultivate it, it may make the gold's energy dull and turbid. When water appears, its spirit becomes even more refined and bright; when wood appears, it can display its ability to carve and shape. If there is more gold to assist it, it becomes even harder, but if it becomes too hard, it may break. When the gold energy is strong, it becomes even more vigorous, but when it reaches its peak, it may turn into decline. Winter gold: Gold in winter is cold in form and nature. If there is too much wood, it cannot display its ability to carve and shape. If water is abundant, it may suffer from being submerged and hidden. Earth can control the cold water, so the gold's form does not become too cold. If fire helps earth, the mother and son relationship supports each other, and the function can be completed. At this time, it prefers similar elements to gather energy and support each other, and also wishes for official stars and educational stars to warm and nurture it, which would be beneficial.

正月庚金，木旺之際，有土皆死，不能生金，且金之寒氣未除，先用丙暖庚性，又慮土厚埋金，須甲疏洩。丙甲兩透，科甲顯榮；二者透一，亦有生監；丙藏甲透，異路功名。

In the first lunar month, the Earthly Branch is Yin, and wood is in its dominant position. At this time, the earth is in a state of decline and cannot generate metal; moreover, the coldness of metal has not yet been dispelled, so first we use Bing fire to warm the nature of Geng metal. However, we also fear that excessive earth may bury the metal, so we also need Xin wood to disperse the thick earth. If both Bing fire and Xin wood are visible, there will be official rank and fame. If only one of them is visible, there may still be the status of a candidate for the imperial examination. If Bing fire is hidden but Xin wood is visible, one may achieve official rank through an alternative path.

或柱中土多，甲透者貴，甲藏者富，庚出則否。或丁火出干，加以戊己而無水者，又主富貴，何也？寅中甲木，引丁有根，無水為病，名官星有氣，才旺生扶，故以富貴推之。如火多則用土，用土者火妻土子。

If there is a lot of earth in the pillar, the emergence of Jia wood to disperse the earth indicates a noble and prestigious destiny, while Jia wood hidden in the branch indicates wealth. However, if another Geng metal appears on the surface to chop the Jia wood, then neither of these conditions is fulfilled. If Ding fire appears on the surface as the official star, and along with Wu and Ji earth, there is no water in the pillar, it also indicates a noble and prosperous destiny. Why? The Jia wood in Yin can ignite the Ding fire, giving the fire a root; the absence of water in the destiny means there is no problem of the official star being harmed by the official's wife. This is called the official star having strength and being supported by a strong wealth element—wood is the wealth of Geng metal—thereby supporting the official star, which leads to the prediction of wealth and prestige. If there is too much fire, then earth is used to release the fire and generate metal; for those who take earth as their useful element, fire is considered the wife star and earth is considered the son star.

或支成炎局，壬透有根者，大富貴；無根者，小富貴；乏水者，殘疾之人。或木被金傷，無丙丁出制，支無丁火，此係平人；或丙遭癸困，無戊制者亦然。總之正月庚金，丙甲為上，丁火次之。春金多火，不夭則貧；陽金最喜火煉，煆煉太過，反主奔流。

If the Earthly Branches form a fire combination, the fire is very strong. In such a case, if the壬 water is visible and has a root, the person will be very wealthy and prosperous; if the壬 water is not rooted, the person will be moderately wealthy; if there is not even a trace of water, the person may be disabled. If the wood (the wealth of庚 metal) in the destiny is robbed by other metals and there is no丙 or丁 fire to control that stealing metal, and there is also no丁 fire in the Earthly Branches, then the person is ordinary. If the丙 fire is trapped by癸 water and there is no戊 soil to control the癸 and save the丙, the situation is the same. In summary, for庚 metal in the first lunar month, the best are丙 fire and甲 wood, and丁 fire is the next best. If the metal in spring has too much fire, the person may die young or be poor and destitute. The strong庚 metal greatly benefits from fire to be tempered, but if the tempering is excessive, it will lead to a life of constant movement and hardship.

時日月年：庚庚壬壬，辰申寅子。時日月年：丙庚庚辛，戌戌寅巳。

The two charts are still listed horizontally in the order of "hour, day, month, year." First chart: Renzi year, Renyin month, Gengshen day, Gengchen hour. The two Ren elements drain the metal and produce refined energy. The Yin month contains Bing fire which warms the Geng metal, and the Ji wood in Yin opens the soil. The day's main element sits on Shen and gains its own strength. This fully matches the principle for Geng metal in the first month, which "first uses Bing fire to warm, and needs Ji wood to drain and open." Second chart: Xinsi year, Gengyin month, Gengxu day, Bingxu hour. The Bing fire appears on the hour stem. The fire and soil are both hidden in Si and Xu. There is enough warmth but insufficient drainage. It entirely relies on the Ji wood in Yin to drain the two Xu soils.

二月庚金，柱中自然有乙，當令之乙，見庚必留情於乙，此金有暗強之勢，如秋金一理。故二月庚金，專用丁火，借甲引丁，借庚劈甲。無丁用丙者，富貴多出於勉強。

In the second lunar month, the month builder is Mao, so there is naturally a strong ethereal wood (Yi) in the pillar. When Yi wood meets Geng metal, they must combine and retain their relationship, thus making the Geng metal secretly stronger. This is similar to the strength of metal in autumn. Therefore, in the second month, Geng metal relies mainly on Ding fire for forging. It uses Jia wood to ignite the Ding fire, and then uses another Geng metal to split the Jia wood. If Ding fire is not used and instead丙 fire is used, the丙 fire can only warm but cannot forge, and the wealth and honor obtained are mostly forced.

或丁在干，甲透引丁，支下再見一庚制甲，配得中和，必然大貴；如不見庚合者，雖丁甲兩透，亦屬平人。

If the Ding fire is in the heavenly stem and the Jia wood appears to ignite it, and there is also a Geng metal in the earthly branches to split the Jia wood, with the three elements in harmony, one will certainly achieve great success. However, if the Geng metal is not present to split the wood, even if both Ding and Jia are visible, the person will only be ordinary.

春丁不旺不衰，故用甲為佐丁之物，甲若無庚劈，則不能引丁；乙木雖多，又忌溼乙傷丁，難為丁母。故有丁甲無庚者，常人；有丁庚，甲不出干者，常人；或丁透無庚甲者，可許貢監；無丁有丙者，異路功名。

In spring, the fire of Ding is neither strong nor weak, so it needs Jia wood to assist it. However, if Jia wood is not cut by Geng metal, it cannot ignite the fire of Ding. Although there is a lot of Yi wood, it is damp and may harm the fire of Ding, so it cannot act as the mother of Ding fire. Therefore, if there is Ding fire and Jia wood but no Geng metal, it is an ordinary person. If there is Ding fire and Geng metal but Jia wood is not visible on the surface, it is also an ordinary person. If Ding fire is visible but neither Geng nor Jia wood is present, it may be granted the position of a candidate for the imperial examination. If there is no Ding fire but only Bing fire, it may be considered as an unusual path to officialdom.

或一片甲乙，忌庚出幫破才，乃從才格，反主富貴；若見一比，又主孤貧。從才者，火妻土子；用丁者，取甲為妻，若有庚制，難許同偕。死金嫌蓋頂之泥，重見戊己，如人壓伏之象，須甲透為妙。

If the chart is filled with Jia and Yi wood representing wealth, but the day master has no root, it is most unfavorable for another Geng metal to appear to help the day master and destroy the wealth. When there are no siblings or helpers, it enters the 'Following Wealth Pattern,' which actually indicates wealth and honor. However, if there is a sibling or helper, it instead leads to loneliness and poverty. In the 'Following Wealth Pattern,' fire is considered the wife star and earth is the son star. If Ding fire is used, then Jia wood is the wife star. But if there is Geng metal in the chart that cuts the Jia wood, the marriage is likely to be difficult and not last. As for weak or dead metal, it most dislikes having a layer of mud on top, which means heavy presence of Wu and Ji earth. This is like being oppressed, so it is best to have Jia wood appear to loosen the earth.

時日月年：丁庚己庚，丑寅卯申。時日月年：甲庚己庚，申子卯午。時日月年：丁庚辛辛，亥寅卯酉。時日月年：丁庚辛丙，亥辰卯申。

The four generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First generation: Gengshen year, Jimao month, Gengyin day, Dingchou hour —— Ding fire appears in the hour stem, with Yin's Jia wood assisting Ding fire, and the year stem Geng metal precisely cutting Jia wood, which perfectly matches the method of "special use of Ding fire, borrowing Jia wood to assist Ding fire, and borrowing Geng metal to cut Jia wood" for Geng metal in February. Second generation: Gengwu year, Jimao month, Gengzi day, Jiashen hour —— Jia wood appears in the hour stem but Ding fire does not appear in the stem, with Ding fire only hidden in the branch of Wu, which is inferior to the previous generation. Third generation: Xinyou year, Xinmao month, Gengyin day, Dinghai hour —— Ding fire appears in the stem, with Yin's Jia wood assisting, but two Xin stems appear in the stem to strengthen the self, and the Mao wood wealth is robbed. Fourth generation: Bingshen year, Xinmao month, Gengchen day, Dinghai hour —— both Bing and Ding fire appear in the stem, with sufficient fire to refine metal, and Mao wood as wealth, which also forms a good combination.

三月庚金，戊土司令，無生金之理，有埋金之憂，故先甲後丁，不用庚劈甲。三月之庚，土旺金頑，頑金宜丁，旺土須甲，乏甲不能立業，乏丁焉能成名，二者少一，富貴不真。庚金無火，非夭則貧；身弱才多，富貴不久。

In the third lunar month, the Month Builder is Chen, and Wu earth is in command. At this time, the earth does not help the metal, but rather poses a risk of burying it. Therefore, we should first take Jia wood and then Ding fire, and there is no need to use Geng metal to cut Jia wood—since in the Chen month, the earth is thick, Jia wood should be retained to loosen the earth. In the third month, Geng metal is strong but stubborn due to the dominance of earth. Stubborn metal needs Ding fire to refine it, and strong earth needs Jia wood to loosen it. Without Jia wood, one cannot establish a career, and without Ding fire, how can one achieve fame? If either is missing, wealth and honor will not be genuine. If Geng metal lacks fire to refine it, it will either die young or remain poor. If the day's main element is weak and the wealth star is abundant, wealth and honor will not last long.

得丁甲丙透，不見比肩，科甲之命，但要好運相催。甲透丁藏，采芹拾芥；甲藏丁透，異路功名；丁甲俱藏，不受庚制，富中取富，刀筆起家；有甲無丁，平常之輩；有丁無甲，迂儒腐儒；丁甲兩無，下賤之流。

If both Ding fire, Jia wood, and Bing fire are visible, and there is no equal to share the fortune, it is a destiny for scholarly success, provided there is good luck to promote it. If Jia wood is visible and Ding fire is hidden, one can attain scholarly status and wear the green collar; if Jia wood is hidden and Ding fire is visible, it indicates an unusual path to official rank. If both Jia wood and Ding fire are hidden in the branch but not restrained by Geng metal, one can achieve wealth within wealth, starting a career through writing and legal skills. If there is Jia wood but no Ding fire, one is an ordinary person. If there is Ding fire but no Jia wood, one is a迂阔腐儒 (superficial and outdated scholar). If neither Jia wood nor Ding fire is present, one is of low status.

或一甲，無丁，有丙，由行伍而得官職，須不見壬，癸，為妙。或支成土局，無木，貧賤僧道；見乙，奸詐小人。或支成火局，癸水透，富貴；有丙丁出干，見壬制之，方吉；無制，殘疾之人。用甲者，水妻木子；用丁者，木妻火子。

If there is only one Jia wood and no Ding fire but there is Bing fire, one may attain an official position through military service, but it is best if there is no Ren or Gui water to overcome the Bing fire. If the earthly branches form a earthy structure without wood to loosen it, one becomes a poor and lowly monk or hermit. If only Yi wood is present, the soft wood cannot loosen the thick earth, and one becomes a deceitful and petty person. If the earthly branches form a fiery structure, the fire is overly refined, and if Gui water appears to control the fire, one attains wealth and honor. If Bing and Ding fire appear on the heavenly stem, there must be Ren water to control them for it to be auspicious. If there is no controlling element at all, one is disabled. For those using Jia wood as their main element, water is the wife star and wood is the son star. For those using Ding fire as their main element, wood is the wife star and fire is the son star.

時日月年：壬庚庚庚，午申辰子。

This chart still lists the elements in the order of "hour, day, month, year" horizontally, restoring it to Gengzi year, Gengchen month, Gengshen day, and Renwu hour. Three Geng metals are present, but the Ding fire does not appear in the heavenly stems. Only the Ding fire in the hour branch, Wu, can be used for refining the metal. The hour stem, Ren water, drains the metal's strength, while the year branch, Zi water, combines with Shen and Chen to form a water trinity, indicating a strong body with water draining its strength.

四月庚金，長生於巳，巳內有戊，丙不熔金，故不畏火炎。丙亦可作用，但先壬水，方得中和，故曰群金生夏，喜用勾陳，次取戊土，丙火佐之。三者皆全，登科及第；即透一二，亦非白丁。

In the fourth month, the Month Builder is Si. The metal庚 is in the position of Si and gains its Growth. The Si branch also contains hidden Wu earth. Wu earth can obscure fire and generate metal, so the fire丙 is unable to melt it, hence it is not afraid of fire. The fire丙 can also be used, but first we need to use Ren water to reduce its intensity, and only then can the combination be balanced. Therefore, it is said, "When many metals are born in summer, they favor Gou Chen." Gou Chen refers to Wu earth, which obscures fire and generates metal. The order of selection is first Ren water, then Wu earth, with丙 fire as an auxiliary. If all three are present, one will achieve success in the imperial examinations; if only one or two are present, one will not be a commoner.

或一派丙火，名曰假殺為權，須不見壬制者，此人假作清，高並無仁義，刑妻克子；有壬制者，又主榮華；壬藏支者，有富貴之名，而無其實。

If the chart is filled with Bing fire — Bing is the seven killer of Geng metal — and there is too much fire without control, it is called 'false killer as authority'. Such a fate, if there is no Ren water to control the fire, the person merely pretends to be refined and upright, but in reality has no benevolence or righteousness, and will suffer from marital and children's troubles. If there is Ren water to control the Bing fire, then it indicates prosperity and success. However, if the Ren water is only hidden in the earth branches, it means there is only the name of wealth and honor but not the reality.

或支成金局，變弱為強，用丙無力，用丁方妙，故丁透者吉，無丁，無用之人；或丁出三四，煆制太過，其人奔波。四月庚金，須用壬丙戊，但非拘執先後，宜分病用藥，妻子仝前。

If the earthly branches form a metal group, the strength of庚 metal will shift from weak to strong. At this time, using 丙 fire is insufficient, as it can only warm but not melt the metal. Instead, 丁 fire is more effective. Therefore, the good fortune of 丁 fire appearing in the heavens is significant, while those without 丁 fire are considered useless. However, if 丁 fire appears three or four times, it may overheat and cause the person to be restless and hardworking. For庚 metal in the fourth month, the main considerations are壬 water, 丙 fire, and 戊 earth, but there is no strict order among them. One should look at the specific weaknesses in the birth chart and use the corresponding remedy. The methods for determining the spouse and child stars remain the same as before.

偷戟成功，入火鄉而反害；金逢火已損，再見火必傷；庚辛火旺怕南方，逢辰巳之鄉，又為榮斷。

An old song says: After gold has been cast into spears and the process is successful, entering the fire region again leads to harm. Once gold has been touched by fire, it is already damaged; encountering fire again will certainly cause it to break. The metal of Geng and Xin is most afraid of traveling through the south when fire is strong. However, if they meet the water reservoirs such as Chen and Si, or the growth region, the metal's energy has a place to rest, and it can be predicted as prosperous and distinguished.

五月庚金，丁火旺烈，庚金敗地，專用壬水，癸又次之。壬透癸藏，支見庚辛，必然科甲；切忌戊己透干制水，則否，戊藏支內，不失儒林。或壬在支，有金生助，又得金神出干，明經之貴；或癸出帶辛，異路之榮。

In the fifth month, the Month Builder is Wu, and the fire of Ding is strong and fierce. The metal of Geng is in a state of decline, so we must rely mainly on Ren water to relieve the heat and save the metal, with Gui water as a secondary choice. If Ren water appears on the heavenly stem and Gui water is hidden in the earthly branches, and the earthly branches also contain Geng and Xin metal as sources of water, then the person will certainly achieve success in the imperial examinations. The greatest danger is when Wu earth appears on the heavenly stem to control the water, for once it does, the plan fails. If Wu earth is only hidden in the earthly branches, the person may still be recognized as a scholar. If Ren water is only hidden in the earthly branches but there is metal to support it, and Geng and Xin metal appear on the heavenly stem, then the person will attain high official rank. If Gui water appears on the heavenly stem and is supported by Xin metal, then the person will achieve honor through an alternative path.

或支成炎局，乏水者，奔波之客；有壬癸制者，捐納之人；又見戊己透者則否。無壬癸制火者，又宜戊己出干補金洩火，庶不夭折孤貧。總之仲夏無水，非上格。或一派木火，無傷、印、比劫，又作從殺而論。己未，庚午，庚戌。

If the earthly branches form a fire trinity, and water is missing, the person will be a restless wanderer. If there are壬癸 waters to control the fire, they may attain official rank through contribution. However, if there is also戊己 earth appearing above to overcome the water, this is not favorable. If there are no壬癸 waters to control the fire, then there should be戊己 earth appearing above, which can both reduce the fire and generate metal, thus avoiding a short and lonely life. In summary, if a person is born in mid-summer and has no water in their fate, they cannot be considered of high quality. If the entire chart consists of wood and fire, and there are no food, injury, or supportive elements to save the day master, then it should be judged according to 'following the killer'. The original text includes one case, listing only three pillars: Jiwei, Gengwu, and Gengxu.

六月庚金，三伏生寒，頑鈍極矣，先用丁火，次取甲木。丁甲兩透名顯身榮，忌癸傷丁；有甲無丁，庸俗；有丁無甲，生員；丁甲全無，下賤之人。木雖有，丁不透，支又見水，執鞭之士；丁火無傷，貿易之流。

In the sixth month, the Month Builder is Wei. During the three hot periods, cold secretly arises. The metal of Geng is extremely dull, so first use Ding fire to smelt it, then take Ji wood to lead the fire. If both Ding fire and Ji wood appear clearly, the person will achieve fame and honor. However, it is only feared that Gui water appears to harm Ding fire. If there is Ji wood but no Ding fire, the person is mediocre. If there is Ding fire but no Ji wood, the person is merely a scholar. If neither Ding fire nor Ji wood is present, the person is of low status. Although there is wood, if Ding fire does not appear clearly and water appears in the earth branches to overcome fire, the person is only a servant who drives a cart. If Ding fire is not harmed or overcome, the person can engage in some business.

支會土局，甲先丁後，甲透者，文章顯達；丁透者，刀筆揚名。或柱多金，有二丁出制，異路功名。

If the Earthly Branches form a Earthly combination, the thick Earth will bury the Metal, so it is changed to have Jia Wood first and Ding Fire later—first clear away the Earth, then use Fire to refine the Metal; if Jia Wood is revealed, it indicates success through literature; if Ding Fire is revealed, it indicates fame through writing and calligraphy. If there is an abundance of Metal in the pillar, and two Ding Fires appear to control it, it also indicates an unusual path to official rank.

時日月年：丁庚丁丙，亥申未辰。時日月年：壬庚乙丙，午寅未午。時日月年：甲庚己癸，申子未巳。時日月年：癸庚乙丙，未辰未辰。

The four generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First generation: Bingchen year, Dingwei month, Gengshen day, Dinghai hour — two Dings, one Bing, all together refining, the day's main element sits on Shen and gets its strength, Hai contains Bing wood which can lead the Ding, which exactly matches the method of "first Ding then Jia" for June's Geng metal. Second generation: Bingwu year, Yiwei month, Gengyin day, Renwu hour — fire and earth are both strong, and Yi wood generates fire, the hour's dry Ren water both drains metal and controls fire, the use lies between water and fire. Third generation: Guisi year, Jiwei month, Gengzi day, Jia shen hour — Jia wood appears at the hour's dry position to loosen Wei earth, but the year's dry Gui water harms the Ding in Si, which is exactly what is called "avoiding Gui and harming Ding". Fourth generation: Bingchen year, Yiwei month, Gengchen day, Guiwei hour — Bing fire in the year is a killer, two Wei earths are thick, Yi wood comes to loosen, Gui water at the hour also controls Bing fire, the combination is somewhat mixed.

七月庚金，剛銳極矣，專用丁火煆煉，次取木引丁，故曰：秋金銳銳最為奇，壬癸相逢總不宜，如逢木火來成局，試看福壽與天齊。如得丁甲兩透，定步青雲；若有丁無甲為俊秀，有甲無丁是平人，丁甲兩無無用物，只堪門下作閒人。

In the seventh month, the Month Builder is Shen, and the metal is at its sharpest. It relies mainly on Ding fire to refine it, and then takes wood to ignite the Ding fire. Therefore, the ancient song says: autumn metal is sharp and is a rare thing, but meeting Ren water and Gui water is not favorable—too much water only drains the sharpness and prevents it from becoming useful. If it meets wood and fire to form a situation for refining, then it will have a long and prosperous life. If both Ding fire and Jia wood are visible, one will certainly rise quickly to success. If there is only Ding fire but no Jia wood, one is a talented person. If there is only Jia wood but no Ding fire, one is an ordinary person. If neither Ding fire nor Jia wood is present, then one is of no use and can only be a servant to others.

或支成水局，乏丁用丙，柱中即有丙火，不見甲木者，必主愚懦，何也，當時金水兩旺，金生水以制火，何能發達。或見甲出引丁，可云生監，甲弱者，衣食充盈。或支成土局，先甲後丁。支成火局，富貴中人，金剛木明，行商坐賈之人。金備申酉戌之地，富貴疑，金神入火鄉，逢羊刃富貴榮華。

If the earthly branches form a water pattern, lacking ding fire, then bing fire is used instead; but even if bing fire is present in the column, without jia wood to lead it, the person will certainly be dull and weak. Why? In the month of shen, metal and water are both strong. Metal generates water, and water suppresses fire, so how can fire flourish? If jia wood appears on the surface to ignite ding fire, then he can be considered a scholar in the examination hall; if jia wood is weaker, he will still have enough food and clothing. If the earthly branches form a earth pattern, the thick earth buries metal, so first take jia wood to loosen the earth, then take ding fire to refine the metal. If the earthly branches form a fire pattern, it indicates a wealthy and noble person; if metal is strong and wood is clear, then he is a merchant or trader. If the earthly branches are complete with shen, you, and xu, the western land, wealth and honor are certain (the original text has a missing character before 'yí', which should be 'wú'). When the metal god enters the fire land, and meets yang ren, it indicates great wealth and honor.

八月庚金，剛銳支退，用丁甲，丙不可少，若丁甲透，又見一丙，功名顯赫，且見羊刃無刑沖，丙殺藏支，名為羊刃架殺，主出將入相，直介忠臣。

In the eighth month, the Month Builder is You. The sharp and strong energy of Geng Metal gradually declines. Still, Ding Fire and Jia Wood are needed, and Bing Fire cannot be omitted. Ding Fire refines the substance, Jia Wood leads the fire, and Bing Fire warms the body. If both Ding Fire and Jia Wood are visible, and another Bing Fire appears, there will be great fame and success. If the branch also contains You, which is Yangren, and there is no punishment or clash, with Bing Fire seven killer hidden in the branch, it is called 'Yangren supports the killer'. This indicates a person who becomes a general or a minister, a loyal and upright official.

或丙火重重，一丁高透，亦主科甲，丙出丁藏，異路之仕。或甲藏支，火透而水不透者，亦主清高，衣衿可望。或丁藏支內，重見丙火者，此名假殺重重，雖羊刃帖身，郤難從殺也。即一丙透，秀而不富，或支見重重甲乙，無用人也。總之旺金木衰，非火莫制，不見丙丁，藝術之輩。

If there are many Bing fire elements and one Ding fire element appears prominently, it indicates success in the imperial examination. If Bing fire appears on the heavenly stem and Ding fire is only hidden in the earthly branches, it suggests an official position through a different path. If Jia wood is hidden in the branches, fire appears on the stem but water does not, meaning there is no water to harm the fire, it indicates a noble and refined character, with the possibility of wearing official robes. If Ding fire is only hidden in the branches while Bing fire appears repeatedly, it is called "false killer appearing repeatedly"; in such a case, even if Yangren is close, the day's main element cannot abandon its own destiny to follow the killer. Even if only one Bing fire appears, it will only result in a refined but not wealthy outcome. If there are many Ji and Yi wood elements in the earthly branches but the body is weak and cannot bear them, it still indicates a useless person. In summary, if metal is strong and wood is weak, fire is the only thing that can control it; if there is no Bing or Ding fire, then the person can only live by their skills.

時日月年：丙庚丁丙，子子酉子。時日月年：丁庚乙乙，亥午酉巳。時日月年：戊庚癸己，寅申酉亥。

The three generations are still listed horizontally as 'hour, day, month, year'. First generation: Bingzi year, Dingyou month, Gengzi day, Bingzi hour — two Bings and one Ding appear on the surface, which can refine and temper, but three Zi waters in the branches drain the metal and restrain the fire, making the fire weak and the water strong. Second generation: Yisi year, Yiyou month, Gengwu day, Dinghai hour — Ding fire appears on the surface, two Yis as wealth, the day's main stem sits on Wu, fire has a root, which is exactly the pattern of using Ding fire for July庚 gold. Third generation: Jihai year, Guiyou month, Gengshen day, Wuyin hour — the whole chart is full of metal and water, but fire is only hidden in Yin, and Gui water also appears on the surface, belonging to the category of 'not seeing Bing and Ding' and supporting oneself through arts.

九月庚金，戊土司令，最怕土厚埋金，宜先用甲疏，後用壬洗，則金自出矣，忌見己土濁壬。壬甲兩透，科甲相宜；或甲透壬藏，鄉魁可望；甲藏壬透，廩貢堪謀；有甲無壬，猶有學問；有壬無甲，莫問衣衿；壬甲兩無，則為下格。

In September, the Month Builder is Xu, and Wu earth is in command. The greatest fear is that thick earth will bury the metal. Therefore, it is advisable to first use Jia wood to loosen the thick earth, then use Ren water to wash the metal clean, so the metal will naturally appear. It is only to be avoided if Ji earth comes out to muddy the Ren water. If both Ren and Jia are visible, it is favorable for academic success; if Jia wood is visible and Ren water is hidden, one may expect to win the provincial examination; if Jia wood is hidden and Ren water is visible, one may still hope for a recommendation or a nominated official position; if there is Jia wood but no Ren water, one may still have some learning; if there is Ren water but no Jia wood, one should not expect even a simple official title. If neither Ren nor Jia is present, it is considered a low ranking.

或支成水局，丙透救之，此人才高邁眾，名重鄉閭，不見癸水，一榜可許。或四柱戊多金旺，全無甲壬者，即有衣祿，亦不能久，或庚戊多無壬甲者，愚頑之輩。

If the earthly branches form a water pattern, the metal will be cold and the water will be bleak, but if a丙 fire appears to save the situation, this person will have great talent surpassing others and gain reputation in the local area; as long as there is no癸 water to overcome the丙 fire, it is possible for him to pass the imperial examination and be listed on the golden list. If the four pillars have a lot of戊 earth and the metal is strong, and there is no甲 wood and壬 water, even if there is a little clothing and food, it will not last long; if there is a lot of庚 metal and戊 earth but no壬 water and甲 wood, the earth will be excessive and the metal will be dull, making the person foolish and stubborn.

時日月年：甲庚戊辛，申申戌酉。時日月年：辛庚丙庚，巳戌戌寅。時日月年：辛庚戊辛，巳申戌酉。

The three generations are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First generation: Xinyou year, Wuxu month, Gengshen day, Jiashen hour— the jia wood in the hour branch disperses the shu earth, but the ren water does not appear, the metal is strong but lacks the power to wash. Second generation: Gengyin year, Bingxu month, Gengxu day, Xinsi hour— the bing fire appears on the heavenly stem to warm the metal, the jia wood in yin disperses the earth, two xu earths are thick, still lacking a little ren water. Third generation: Xinyou year, Wuxu month, Gengshen day, Xinsi hour— the whole chart is full of metal and earth, neither jia wood to disperse nor ren water to wash, exactly the situation of "without ren and jia, it is a low grade".

十月庚金，水冷性寒，非丁莫造，非丙不暖。丁甲兩透，支無水局，一榜有之；支藏丙火，桃浪之仙；支見亥子，得己出制，亦有功名。若見丙透無丁者，無顯達；丁藏甲透，武職之人；以上不合者，庸俗。如金水混雜，全無丙丁者，鄙夫；支成金局，無火者，僧道之命也。書曰：水冷金寒愛丙丁。

In the tenth month, the month builder is Hai. Water is cold and the metal is also cold. Without Ding fire, things cannot be shaped, and without Bing fire, the cold cannot be dispelled. If both Ding fire and Jia wood appear on the surface, and the branches do not form a water trinity, then one may achieve success in the imperial examination. If the branches conceal Bing fire, then one may succeed in the spring examination. If the branches contain Hai or Zi and water is abundant, but there is also Ji earth to control the water, then one may attain official rank. If only Bing fire appears on the surface without Ding fire, although it may warm things up, it will not be sufficient to shape things, and thus one will not achieve prominence. If Ding fire is hidden in the branches and Jia wood appears on the surface, then one is destined for a military position. Those who do not fit any of these configurations are considered ordinary. If both metal and water are mixed together and there is no Bing or Ding fire, then one is considered shallow and unremarkable. If the branches form a metal trinity without fire, then one is destined to be a monk or a Taoist. The classic texts say that for a destiny with cold water and cold metal, the most cherished elements are Bing and Ding fire.

時日月年：壬庚辛丁，午子亥亥。時日月年：丙庚辛壬，子辰亥辰。

The first combination: Dinghai year, Xinhai month, Gengzi day, Renwu hour — two Hais and one Zi, water is cold and metal is frozen. It entirely relies on the heavenly stem Ding fire of the year and the hour branch Wu fire to warm the situation and refine the metal. This perfectly matches the saying "Cold water and frozen metal love Bing and Ding fire." The second combination: Renchen year, Xinhai month, Gengchen day, Bingzi hour — metal and water gather in a group, while the hour heavenly stem Bing fire alone appears to relieve the cold. However, there is Bing fire but no Ding fire, so although it is warmed, it cannot become a fine tool.

十一月庚金，天氣嚴寒，仍取丁甲，次取丙火照暖。或丁甲兩透，丙在支中，必主科甲；即無丙火，亦有衣衿；有丁無甲，亦可富中取貴；有甲無丁，只作常人；或丙透丁藏，異途名望；丁藏有甲，武學可許。

In the eleventh month, the Month Builder is Zi, and the weather is severe and cold. Therefore, we still take Ding fire and Jia wood, and then Bing fire as the next choice to provide warmth. If both Ding fire and Jia wood are visible, and Bing fire is also present in the earth branches, it will certainly indicate success in the imperial examinations; even if Bing fire is absent, there will be some official rank. If there is Ding fire but no Jia wood, one can attain prestige within wealth; if there is Jia wood but no Ding fire, one will be a common person. If Bing fire is visible but Ding fire is hidden, the fame will come from an unusual path; if Ding fire is hidden but Jia wood is present in the column, one may be admitted into the military studies.

或重重丙火，可許一富，但不清高，丙戊生寅，或丙底坐寅，有一二者，富真貴假，若見癸透，一介寒儒。或支成水局，不見丙丁者，此乃傷官格，為人清雅，衣祿常盈，但子息艱難耳。

If there are many Bing fire stems, one may expect wealth, but it is not sufficient for clarity and nobility. Both Bing fire and Wu earth are born in寅, so if Bing fire is seated on寅, with one or two of them, wealth is real but nobility is false; if there is also癸 water appearing to overcome Bing fire, then it is only a poor scholar. If the branches form a water trinity and neither Bing nor Ding fire appears, this is the 'Wounding Official' pattern, which indicates a refined and elegant person, with constant food and clothing, but with difficulty in having children.

或丙丁太多，名官煞混雜最無良，又怕身輕有損傷，如遇東南二運地，焉能捱得過時光。過於清冷，似有淒涼，柱中一派金水，不入火土之鄉，主一生孤貧浪蕩，難望有成也。

If there are too many Bing and Ding fires, the official star and seven killers become mixed together, which is very bad; it also fears that the day's ruler is weak and suffers damage. The song says: if such a fate meets the southeast wood and fire phases, wood generates fire and fire overcomes the body, where can it endure that period. Conversely, if the destiny is too cold and clear, it shows a scene of loneliness: if the pillar is full of metal and water, and the journey does not enter the fire and earth regions, it indicates a life of poverty, wandering, and difficulty in achieving success.

時日月年：庚庚壬壬，辰申子子。時日月年：癸庚庚辛，未辰子亥。時日月年：戊庚戊乙，寅寅子卯。

The following three charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year". First chart: Renzi year, Renzi month, Gengshen day, Gengchen hour — all gold and water with no trace of fire, exactly the situation mentioned earlier, "a single group of gold and water, not entering the land of fire and earth". Second chart: Xinhai year, Gengzi month, Gengchen day, Guiwei hour — a group of gold and water, only a little Ding fire in Wei, the coldness remains strong. Third chart: Yimao year, Wuzi month, Gengyin day, Wuyin hour — two Yins contain Bing fire and Jia wood, two Wus control water, wood and fire have their proper places, this is a better combination for Geng metal in the eleventh month.

十二月庚金，寒氣太重，且多溼泥，愈寒愈凍，先取丙火解凍，次取丁火鍊金，甲亦不可少。丙丁甲透者，即不科甲，亦有恩榮；有丙無丁甲者，富中取貴；有丁甲無丙者，特達才人；有丙丁無甲者，白手成家，刀筆亨通，乏金更美；或支成金局無水，僧道之流。

The twelfth month builder is Chou, which is characterized by excessive cold. Chou is also the earthy soil of wet mud, and the colder it gets, the more it freezes. Therefore, first we take Bing fire to thaw the ice, then Ding fire to refine metal. Jia wood is also essential—without Jia, Ding fire cannot be ignited. If Bing, Ding, and Jia all appear clearly, even if one does not pass the imperial examination, there will be honor and prestige. If there is Bing fire but no Ding or Jia, one may attain dignity from wealth. If there is Ding and Jia but no Bing fire, one is a talented and outstanding person. If there is Bing and Ding but no Jia wood, one can build a fortune from nothing, succeed through writing and legal skills, and if there is less metal in the column to compete with Bing fire, it is even better. If the branches form a metal group but there is no water to release the brilliance, one will become a monk or a Taoist.

時日月年：癸庚己庚，未戌丑辰。女命：時日月年：甲庚丁己，申子丑巳。

The two charts are still listed horizontally as "hour, day, month, year." The first chart: Gengchen year, Jichou month, Gengxu day, Guiwei hour—full of earth and metal, with the戌 and 未 containing hidden Ding fire, but not appearing on the surface. The cold earth and frozen metal lack the丙 fire to thaw them. The second chart is for a female: Jisi year, Dingchou month, Gengzi day, Jiashen hour—Ding fire appears on the month's dry branch, and the巳 contains hidden Bing fire. The hour's dry branch, Jia wood, can lead the Ding fire. The presence of丙,丁, and Jia is complete, which is exactly the proper combination for庚 metal in the twelfth lunar month.