Left Assistant

左輔正形如幞頭，前高後低大小球。伸舒腰長如杖鼓，後大前小駝峰侔。下有兩腳平行去，或在武曲左右遊。此龍如何近武曲，自是分宗為伯叔。分宗定作兩貴龍，此與他星事不同。武曲兩傍必生輔，不似他星變形去。

The "Left Assistant" has a form resembling a cap with a high front and a low back, featuring two spherical shapes, one large and one small. When extended, its waist is long and slender, like a staff drum; its back is large and the front is small, resembling the two humps of a camel. Below it, two feet extend parallel, or it moves around the left and right of the "Wuqu." Why does this dragon always accompany the "Wuqu"? Because they are originally brothers from the same clan. Once divided into separate branches, they must necessarily form two noble dragons, which is different from other stars. The "Wuqu" must always have the "Left Assistant" on both sides, unlike other stars that change their forms.

左輔自有左輔形，方峰之下如卓斧。此是武曲輔星形，若是真輔不如此。真龍自作貴龍身，璞頭橫腳高低去。高頂高峰圓落肩，忽然堆起如螺卵。又如梨栗堆簇繁，頂上累累山結頂。斷定前送深入垣。

Left Assistant has its own form: it appears like a vertical axe blade beneath a square peak. However, this is the form of the auxiliary star accompanying Wuqu, and the true Left Assistant is not like this. The true Left Assistant forms its own body of a noble dragon. Its head is shaped like a幞头, lying horizontally with its feet, moving up and down. It rises to a high peak, then smoothly slopes down with a rounded shoulder. Suddenly it piles up like a spiral shell. It also resembles a cluster of pears and chestnuts, densely piled and overlapping, with each mountain forming a peak. When such a form is seen, it can be determined that there is a ridge coming forward to reach the boundary of the territory.

要知此星名侍衛，入到垣中最為貴。東華西華門水橫，水外四圍列峰位。此是垣前執法星，卻分左右為兵衛。方正之垣號太微，垣有四門號天市。紫微垣外前後門，華蓋三臺前後衛。中有過水名御溝，抱城屈曲中間流。

To know that the star known as 「Servant」 is called Left Assistant, it is the most esteemed among the stars entering the enclosure. Outside the East and West Gate of the palace, there is water crossing horizontally, with peaks surrounding it on all four sides. This is the 「Star of Justice」 in front of the enclosure, standing on both sides to serve as guards. A square enclosure is called 「Taiwei Enclosure」, while an enclosure with four gates is called 「Tianshi Enclosure」. Outside the Purple Micro Enclosure, there are two gates in front and back, namely 「Huagai」 and SanTai guarding in front and behind. In the middle, there is a water passage called 「Yugou」, circling around the city wall, winding through the center.

紫微垣內星辰足，天市太微少全局。朝迎未必皆真形，朝海拱辰勢如簇。千山萬水皆入朝，入到懷中九回曲。入垣輔弼形微細，隱隱微微在平地。右衛左衛星傍羅，輔在垣中為近侍。右弼一星本無形，是以名為隱曜星。

The stars within the Purple Forbidden Enclosure are most complete, while the Heavenly Market Enclosure and the Supreme Palace Enclosure have fewer complete formations. Mountains that welcome the approach may not all be true forms, but the overall momentum should resemble the convergence of myriad rivers toward the sea or the gathering of countless stars around the celestial pole, coming together in clusters. Thousands of mountains and rivers all converge, entering the embrace and winding through many twists and turns. The forms of the auxiliary stars when entering the enclosure are very subtle, faintly hidden on the flat ground. The Right Guard and Left Guard stars are arranged beside them, with the Left Assistant star serving as a close attendant within the enclosure. The Right Assistant star does not have a fixed form, so it is called the "Hidden Radiance Star."

隨龍博換隱跡去，脈跡便是隱曜行。只緣飛宮有九曜，因此強名右弼星。天下尋輔知幾處，河北河南只三四。更有終南泰華龍，出沒為垣盡如此。南來莫錯認南嶽，雖有弼星垣氣弱。卻有回龍輔大江，水口三峰卓如削。

It follows the dragon path, shedding its traces and concealing its trail; the faint trail is called "hidden brilliance" in the course. Since the method of flying palaces requires the number of nine luminaries to be complete, it iswith difficulty given the name "Right Assistant Star." Throughout the world, there are only a few places where the Left Assistant can be found; in Hebei and Henan provinces, there are no more than three or four such places. In addition, there is another line of dragons coming from Zhongnan Mountain and Taishan Mountain; their appearance of forming a wall is also like this. When dragons come from the south, do not mistake them for Mount Heng, the southern peak; although there is an Assistant Star there, the energy of the enclosure is weak. Instead, there is a returning dragon protected by a great river, with three peaks standing upright like they were cut by a knife at the river mouth.

此龍俗云多輔星，又隨塞垣入沙漠。兩京嵩山最難尋，已被前人曾妄作。東西垣局並長江，中有黃河入水長。後山屏帳如負，下瞰泰淮枕水鄉。輔弼隱曜入大梁，卻是英雄古戰場。大河九曲曲中有，輔弼九曲分入首。

This dragon path is said by the common people to have many auxiliary stars. It extends into the desert along with the boundary structures. The auxiliary stars are most difficult to find in the areas around the eastern and western capitals and Mount Song. Earlier scholars have already mistakenly identified them. The eastern and western boundary structures are adjacent to the Yangtze River, with the Yellow River flowing long into it. The rear mountains are like screens and tents, as if a person is carrying a screen behind them. Looking down, they overlook Mount Tai and the Huai River, resting on a stretch of water country. The hidden and luminous energy of the auxiliary stars enters the capital city of Daliang, which was once a battlefield for heroes. The Yellow River winds through nine bends, and within its winding course lies the dragon pulse; the auxiliary stars also follow these nine bends, branching out to form their conclusions.

夫人識得左輔星，識得之時莫開口。如何識得左輔星，次第生峰無雜形。天門上頭生寶殿，寶殿引生鳳樓橫。樓中千萬尋池水，水是真龍樓上氣。兩池夾出龍脊高，池中崩傾非大地。地中實是輔弼星，只分有跡與無形。

If a person recognizes the Left Assistant Star, they should not casually speak about it. How can one recognize the Left Assistant Star? It is when the peaks appear in sequence, with a pure and unified form without any mixture. Above the Heavenly Gate, a palace is formed, and this palace leads to a horizontally arranged Phoenix Tower. Within the tower, one must carefully look for pools of water; the water represents the true dragon's gathering energy on the roof. Between the two pools, the dragon's spine rises high; if the water collapses and flows away, it is not the earth. In fact, the earth is still governed by the Assistant and Minister Stars, differing only in whether their presence is visible or not.

有形便是真左輔，無跡便是隱曜行。縱然不大也節鉞，巨浪重重不堪說。巨浪是帳帳有扛，扛曲星峰巧如缺。扛星便是華蓋橫，曲處星峰不作證。證出貪巨祿文廉，武破周而復始定。天戈直指破軍路，此是天門龍出序。

The visible and tangible form is the true Left Assistant, while the hidden and indistinct form is the concealed Right Assistant, which appears in movement. Such a dragon, even if not very substantial, can produce generals who hold the jade scepter and wield the general's staff. If there are also mountains rising in successive waves like great waves, then even more so.所谓巨浪 refers to the canopy, and the canopy has a horizontal beam. At the bend of the horizontal beam, the star peaks are skillfully shaped like the crescent moon's notch. The beam stars are the horizontally arranged canopy, while the star peaks at the bend are not reliable. The true verification comes from the sequence of Tanlang, Jumen, Luchun, Wenqu, Lianzhen, then Wuqu, and Pujun, repeating in order. The form of the heavenly spear points directly to the path of Pujun, which is the order of the heavenly gate producing the dragon.

若出天門是正龍，不出天門形不真。一形不具便減力，次第排來君莫誤。自貪至破為次第，顛倒亂行龍失序。一剝一換尋斷處，斷處兩傍生擁護。旌幢行有蓋天旗，旗似破軍或斜去。看他橫帶如巨浪，浪滾一峰名出帳。

The true dragon comes out from the heavenly gate; if it does not come from the heavenly gate, its form is not genuine. Among the nine stars, if one form is missing, its power decreases by one part. They should be arranged in order, and you must not mix them up. From the star Tanlang to the star Pojun is the correct sequence; if it is reversed or confused, the dragon loses its order. Between each transformation, one must find the place where the dragon breaks off. On both sides of the break, there must be supporting mountains. As the banner and canopy proceed, there is a "Covering Heaven Flag" among them; the flag shape resembles the star Pojun, or it may slope off. Look for the form of a broad band, like a great wave rolling, with the wave crest forming a peak, which is called "Emerging from the tent."

帳中過去中央行，不出中央不入相。星形備具入坦行，怪怪奇奇入天象。我到京師驗前說，帝垣果有星羅列。南北雖短東西長，東華水繞西華岡。水從闕口復來朝，九曲九回朝帝闕。前星儼若在南上，周召到此觀天象。

Passing through the center of the tent and walking along the central path is the proper way; those who do not walk along the central path will not become prime ministers. After the stars are complete, they enter the enclosure and move within it, with all the strange and peculiar shapes corresponding to celestial phenomena. I personally went to the capital to verify these statements, and indeed the enclosure of the imperial capital has a myriad of star peaks. Though it is short in the north-south direction, it is long in the east-west direction. To the east of the Eastern Gate, there is water surrounding it, while to the west of the Western Gate, there are ridges and hills. The water flows from the缺口 of the palace and returns to encircle the palace, winding nine times and nine times to face the imperial palace. The star peaks in front are clearly located to the south. When Duke Zhou and Duke Zhao came here before, they were indeed observing the celestial phenomena and examining the layout of the capital.

上了南岡望北岡，聖人卜宅分陰陽。北岡峙立天門上，分作長垣在兩傍。垣上兩邊分九個，兩垣夾帝中央坐。要識坦中有帝星，皇都坐定甚分明。君若要識左輔宿，凡入皇城辨坦局。重重圍繞八九重，九重之外九重複。

He climbed to the southern hill and looked afar at the northern hill, where ancient sages determined the capital city and discerned yin and yang. The northern hill stands high above the heavenly gate, forming two long walls on either side. On both sides of the walls, nine peaks branch out. The two walls enclose the imperial star in the center, seated upright. To recognize the imperial star within the walls, the orientation of the imperial capital becomes clearly defined. If you wish to understand the constellation of Left Assistant, when entering the imperial city, you should first identify the terrain features. It is surrounded in layers, with eight or nine layers surrounding it, and beyond the nine layers, there are yet another nine layers.

重出復嶺看輔星，高山頂上幞頭橫。低處恰如千官入，載弁橫班如覆笠。仔細觀來真不同，應是為垣皆富局。輔為上相弼次相，破祿宿衛廉次將。文昌分明是後宮，武曲貪狼帝星樣。更有巨門最尊貴，喚作極星事非誑。

Looking again at the auxiliary star on the overlapping ridges: on a high mountain peak, there is a shape resembling a幞头 hat lying horizontally. In lower areas, the mountain shape appears like hundreds of officials entering the court, wearing hats and lined up in rows, also like a number of overturned bamboo hats. Upon close examination, it is indeed different from other places. Any formation that can form a wall indicates a prosperous and wealthy situation. Left Auxiliary is the chief minister, Right Assistant is the deputy minister; Broken Army and禄存 serve as palace guards, while廉贞 is the deputy general. Wen Chang is clearly the imperial harem, while Wu Qu and Tan Lang resemble the form of the imperial star. There is also the Giant Gate, which is the most esteemed, called the "Pole Star," and this statement is not false.

三垣各有垣內星，凡是星峰皆內向。垣星本不許人知，若不明言恐世迷。只到京師君便識，重重外衛內垣平。此龍不許時人識，留與皇家鎮國家。請從九曜尋剝龍，剝盡粗龍尋細跡。要識真龍真輔相，只看高低幞頭樣。

The Three Enclosures of Ziwei, Taimei, and Tianshi each contain their own stars within their boundaries, and all the star peaks face towards the interior of the enclosures. The stars within the enclosures are not meant for common people to know, but if not explained clearly, the world would remain confused forever. You just need to visit the capital city and you will understand: there are many layers of protection outside, but the inner enclosure is flat and open. Such a dragon is not allowed to be recognized by ordinary people, but is left for the royal family to guard the country. Now, please start by looking for the changing dragon from the nine luminaries: strip away the coarse and large body of the dragon first, then search for the subtle traces of the vein. To distinguish a true dragon and its genuine auxiliary stars, just observe the shape of their幞head, which rises and falls in height.

若是輔星自作龍，隱行不識真形象。若還三吉去作龍，隨龍變形卻不同。貪狼多類品字立，武巨圓方三個峰。三峰節節隨身轉，中有一峰是正面。兩傍夾者是輔星，大小尖圓要君辨。此龍初發在高山，高處生峰亦生瓣。

If the auxiliary star acts as a dragon itself, it moves subtly and remains unrecognized in its true form. However, if the three auspicious stars serve as the dragon, the auxiliary star changes shape along with the dragon, resulting in a different situation. The greedy wolf star usually appears as three peaks arranged in a character "品" shape standing upright. The Wu Qu and Ju Men stars, on the other hand, appear as three rounded or square peaks. These three peaks gradually change shape along the dragon's body, with one peak facing forward. The two peaks flanking it are the auxiliary stars, and their size, sharpness, and roundness should be carefully distinguished by you. This kind of dragon originates from a high mountain, with peaks rising high and also branching out into petal-like shapes at the same time.

肩瓣須明似幞頭，袞袞低來是輥球。平行鯉鯽露背脊，有腳橫排如覆笠。若是降樓並下殿，節節如樓下剝換。貪下剝換如拋球，尖處帶腳如龜浮。此是下嶺方如此，上嶺逆行推覆舟。尖圓若是品字立，世人誤作三臺求。

The petals on the shoulder should be distinct, shaped like a幞头 hat. If they roll down gradually, they are called 「roller ball」. When viewed from the side, they resemble the back of a carp or a sardine, with feet spread out like an overturned bamboo hat. If they descend from the Dragon Hall or the Imperial Hall, they appear in sections like steps descending a staircase. Under the influence of Tuanlang, the peeling shape resembles a thrown ball, with a pointed tip and feet like a turtle floating on water. This is the appearance when descending a hill; when ascending a hill in reverse, one should imagine it as an overturned boat. If three rounded peaks are arranged in a character '品' shape, people often mistakenly recognize them as 「SanTai」 and seek fortune accordingly.

祿存剝換蜈蚣節，微微短腳身邊立。文曲梭中帶線行，曲曲飛梭草藏跡。廉下變為梳齒形，梳齒中央引龍脊。徘徊幞頭如改換，行當平中斷復斷。破軍之下夾兩槍，若作天戈如走電。亂行失序出頭來，又似虎狼行帶箭。纏多便作斷吉龍，若是無纏為道院。

The禄存 transforms into the segments of a centipede, with small legs standing near by. The文曲 transforms like a shuttle carrying a thread, winding and twisting as if flying through, leaving traces hidden among the grass. The廉贞 transforms into the shape of a comb, with the middle of the comb extending into a dragon's spine. The幞头 shape moves back and forth, seeming to change constantly; when it reaches flat ground, it breaks off repeatedly. The破军 transforms into two spear-like forms, resembling the "Heavenly Spear," with a force like lightning. It emerges in a disorderly manner, resembling wolves and tigers running with arrows on their bodies. If there are many dragons winding around and protecting, it can still be considered a good dragon; if there is none, it can only be regarded as a path for temples and monasteries.

弼星本來無正形，形隨八曜高低生。要識弼星正形處，八星斷處隱藏處。隱藏是形名隱曜，此是弼星最要妙。拋梭馬跡線如絲，蜘蛛過水上灘魚。驚蛇入草失行跡，斷脈斷跡尋來無。脈是尊名右弼星，左右隨龍身上行。

"The Right Minister" does not have a fixed form; its shape arises according to the elevation of the other eight stars. To recognize the true form of the Right Minister, one must look where the eight stars are broken and where the qi is hidden. The hidden state itself is its form, hence it is called "Hidden Light." This is the most subtle and profound aspect of the Right Minister. Its passage over the ridge resembles a shuttle thrown out, a horse's hoofprint, a thin thread, a spider crossing water, or a fish climbing a shoal. It also resembles a startled snake burrowing into grass, losing its trail; the ridge is broken and the trail is lost, making it impossible to find. This ridge is what is called the noble Right Minister star, which accompanies the dragon body on its left and right."

行龍之時有輔弼，變換隨龍看蹤跡。君如識得右弼星，每到垣中多失跡。博龍失脈失跡時，地上失絃琴背覓。若識弼星隱曜宮，處處觀來皆是吉。此星多吉少傍凶，畫為藏形本無實。藏形之時神殺藏，卻是地中暗來脈。

The dragon when moving always carries its assistants, which change along with the dragon. To recognize it, one must look at its traces. If you can recognize the Right Assistant Star, you will know that whenever it reaches the boundary of a domain, it often loses its form. When the dragon loses its pulse and trace, it is like a broken string on a zither, and one must look behind the zither to find it. If one can recognize the hidden dwelling of the Right Assistant Star, then everywhere appears to be auspicious. This star is mostly auspicious and rarely brings misfortune. When it is drawn, it is only "concealing form," and it has no actual physical form. When it conceals form, malevolent spirits and evil influences are also concealed. In reality, it is a hidden pulse running beneath the earth.

此地平陽千百程，不然彼處卻是弼。坪中還有水流坡，高水一寸即是阿。只為時師眼力淺，到彼茫然無奈何。便云無處尋蹤跡，直到有山方認得。如此之人豈可言？有穴在坪原自失。只來山上覓龍虎，又要圓頭始雲吉。

Such a place is a flat and open field, where one can travel for thousands of miles; if not so, then it should be right弼 (Right Assistant) that is in action. Within the flat terrain, there is still a discernible slope of water flow: those higher than the water level by an inch are hills. It is only because the master of the time has shallow eyes and poor discernment, and when he arrives there he is confused and at a loss, that he says there is no trace to be found here, and insists on waiting until he sees a mountain before he can recognize it. What more can be said about such people? There is clearly a grave in the flat terrain, yet they themselves miss it. They only know to look for dragons and tigers (mountain forms) on the mountains, and they insist on seeing a round-headed star peak before they will say it is auspicious.

不知山穹落平去，穴在坪中貴無敵。痴師誤了幾多人，又道葬理畏卑溼。不知穴在水中者，如此難憑山泉溼。蓋緣水漲在中央，水退即同乾地力。且如兩淮平似掌，也有州軍落巢瀝。也有英雄在彼中，豈無墳墓與宮室？只將水注與水流，兩水夾流是龍脊。非惟弼曜在其中，八曜入坪皆有蹤。前篇有時說平處，平裡貪狼皆一同。時師識盡真龍胍，方知富貴與豐隆。

They do not understand that mountains rise in a rounded form and then fall to flat land, and that a good burial site is formed in the flat area, which is actually very valuable. Foolish geomancers have misled many people, yet they claim that burial methods most fear low and damp ground. They do not know that some burial sites are actually in the water, and such places cannot be judged by the dampness of mountain spring water. Because when the water rises, the site is in the center of the water, and when the water recedes, it is as dry as the land. For example, in the area around the two Huai rivers, the land is flat as a palm, yet there are still prefectures, towns, and military garrisons located in low-lying waterlogged areas. There also emerge heroes and outstanding figures, so where are their tombs and palaces? One only needs to observe the inflow and outflow of water; the middle where two streams meet is the dragon's spine. Not only does the right minister star reside there, but all eight stars that fall on flat land have their own traces to be found. In the previous sections, sometimes we mentioned flat land, and the principles of the star "Tanniang" on flat land are exactly the same as those on mountains. If the current geomancers can fully recognize the true dragon's pulse, they will understand how wealth, honor, and prosperity arise.

貪狼作穴是乳頭，巨門作穴窩中求。武曲作穴釵鉗覓，祿廉梳齒犁釒闢頭。文曲穴來坪裡作，高處亦是掌心落。破軍作穴似戈矛，兩傍左右手皆收。定有兩山皆護衛，不然一水過橫流。輔星正穴燕巢仰，若在高山掛燈樣。

The greedy wolf (Tān Láng) hill shape is like a nipple. The great gate (Jù Mén) hill shape should be sought in a hollow form. The martial virtue (Wǔ Qū) hill shape should be found in a hairpin or clamp shape. The禄存 (Lù Cún) and廉贞 (Lián Zhēn) hill shapes are like comb teeth and a plowshare head (「钅辟」is the original character, meaning a piece of iron on a plow, transcribed as it is). The literary virtue (Wén Qū) hill shape is mostly formed on flat ground, even if on a high place, it is located in a concave area like the palm of a hand. The breaking army (Pò Jūn) hill shape resembles a spear or spearhead, with both sides needing to be gathered. At this time, there must be two mountains to guard it, otherwise there should be a stream flowing across. The left assistant (Zuǒ Fǔ) main hill shape is like an upturned swallow's nest, if on a mountain, it is like a hanging lamp.

落在低平是雞巢，縱有圓頭亦凹象。此是博換尋星穴，尋穴隨龍細辨別。龍若真兮穴亦真，龍不真兮少真穴。尋龍雖易裁穴難，只為時人昧剝山。剝龍換骨星變易，識得疑龍穴不難。古人望龍知正穴，蓋將失龍尋換節。識得龍家換骨星，富貴令人無歇滅。

A pit located in a low and flat area resembles a chicken coop, even if the top is round, the shape of the pit remains concave. This is the method of searching for stars by following the transformation (剥换) and determining the pit by the stars. When searching for a pit, one must carefully distinguish according to the form of the dragon (龙). If the dragon is genuine, the pit will also be genuine; if the dragon is not genuine, there will be few genuine pits. Searching for the dragon is relatively easy, but determining the pit is difficult, because nowadays people do not understand the principle of transformation (剥换) in mountains. When the dragon undergoes transformation, its bone structure and star forms change. If one can recognize these suspicious dragons, then pinpointing the pit will not be difficult. Ancient people could determine the true pit by looking at the dragon's form from afar. The method is to search for the transformation point of the dragon when its energy seems about to be lost. Those who can recognize the "transformation star" (换骨星) of the dragon family will have long-lasting wealth and honor.

尋龍且用依經訣，好把星峰細辨別。龍行上應三吉星，兒孫世代產賢哲。次第發出有尊卑，初龍小巧真龍拙。一起一伏名差殊，變換之中分骨節。有乳有節足安墳，氣候潛藏尋取穴。吉星之下節目奇，凶星之下節目劣。崩洪節目最為強，氣脈相連無斷絕。

Looking for the dragon (dragon line) should be done according to the classics and rules. Carefully distinguish the stars and peaks. If the dragon line corresponds to the three auspicious stars above, the descendants will generations after generations produce wise and virtuous people. The dragon line proceeds in sequence with distinctions of rank and hierarchy: the initial emergence of the dragon appears small, while the true dragon appears simple and unrefined. Between the rises and falls, there are many different names, and it is in these changes that we distinguish its bones and joints. Where there are milk-like formations and joints, it is sufficient to establish a tomb. The place where the climate is hidden is exactly where the site should be chosen. The formations under auspicious stars are peculiar, while those under inauspicious stars are inferior. The formations that pass through lands of landslides and floods are most robust, because there the qi continues and is not broken.

龍星自有真峰應，雌山低弱雄山勝。行龍雖貴骨節奇，入穴須教骨節稱。不欲山曲如反弓，不欲山直如伸頸。吉星吉兮凶星凶，不由人使由天定。時師未識七星形，為作歌兮切須聽。

The stars that form the body of a dragon naturally have true corresponding peaks to match them: the female mountain should be low and weak, while the male mountain should be high and dominant. Although a dragon-like mountain range is valued for having peculiar bone joints, when it reaches the site of the burial mound, the joints must be in harmony with the mound. It is not desired for the mountains to bend like a bow that is arched backward, nor for them to be straight like a long neck. A good star brings good fortune, and a bad star brings misfortune; this is determined by heaven, not by human effort. Until now, the old masters have not recognized the forms of the Seven Stars, so I have composed the following verse to explain them. Please listen carefully.

貪狼一木勢尖強，鬼星秀麗足文章。或然丫角牙丫起，明經魁選細推詳。七峰八峰磊落去，龍圖學士富文章。左穿右博烈筆陣，行龍旌節如旗搶。其間定有神靈應，或然世代生王侯。若作天馬騰躍起，富雖不巨盈千倉。若作牙筍攢地面，文武官顯居朝堂。不世富貴馳聲譽，更兼福祿壽而昌。

"The 'Tanlang' star belongs to the Wood element, with a sharp and strong form. Its ghost star is elegant and refined, indicating talent in literature. Sometimes, the peak splits into two sharp angles, resembling teeth, and whether one can pass the imperial examination with distinction or win the top rank depends on a detailed analysis. If seven or eight peaks are continuous and flowing, they produce scholars like those of the Dragon Pavilion Academy, who are rich in literary talent. When the left side is penetrating and the right side is changing, the气势 is like an array of writing brushes; when the dragon line moves, banners, flags, and military symbols stand like a forest of spears and guns. In between, there must be divine感应, or there will be generations of kings and dukes. If it forms the shape of a Heavenly Horse leaping, wealth may not be extremely great, but there will be abundant storage of thousands of granaries. If it forms the appearance of tooth roots gathering on the ground, both literary and military officials can hold positions in the court. This is a rare case of great wealth and prestige, with reputation spreading far and wide, and also possessing longevity, blessings, and prosperity."

巨門一土少人知，端正秀麗如蛾眉。有時覆月出天外，有時隱隱生平夷。挺生英傑事明主，忠良正直如皋夔。懸鍾頓起高聳起，富貴兼全聲聞美。牛奔象舞勢勇猛，授鉞閫外無復疑。忽然壘壘空碧，小更良兮高更奇。斯地勿論富與貴，神仙出世同安期。肥厚遙長子孫遠，勢若短尖多虧盈。

"The Giant Gate" belongs to the Earth element, and few understand it. It is upright and elegant, resembling the eyebrows of a beauty; sometimes it appears like a crescent moon emerging from the heavens, and sometimes it subtly emerges from flat terrain. It can produce outstanding talents who serve wise rulers, loyal and upright like the virtuous ministers Yao Gao and Gui. If it appears as a hanging bell rising abruptly and towering high, it signifies both wealth and honor, with a good reputation. If its气势 is as fierce as a bull charging or an elephant dancing, it indicates being entrusted with a great mandate and commanding troops beyond the national borders; there is no doubt about this. Suddenly it becomes layered and piled up, appearing as a clear and bright blue-green expanse (the original text here is six characters, missing one, so it is recorded without supplementation). The smaller ones are more benevolent, while the taller ones are more extraordinary. Such terrain does not need to be discussed further regarding wealth or honor; it is as if a deity has emerged, comparable to Anqisheng. Mountains that are thick and long bring enduring blessings to descendants; whereas those that are short and sharp often lead to losses and fluctuations.

武曲之星號一金，卓圭立笏高千尋。定主兵權富韜略，登壇既拜夷狄飲。稜層高聳立屏障，文華秀發稱儒林。簇簇樓臺高且壯，危巖古怪當天地。此地葬之勿猶豫，世代榮貴輝古今。便以方冠清且巧，三五相連羅碧岑。子孫聰明覆秀麗，芝蘭庭砌何森森。

"The star 'Wuqu' is said to belong to the metal element. Its shape resembles a standing jade bi or a raised hand tablet, towering thousands of feet high. It surely governs military power and is rich in strategy; once it appears on the battlefield, all the surrounding barbarian tribes will bow in submission. If its peaks are layered and sharp, rising like a barrier, it signifies literary excellence and can be considered the leader of the scholarly community. If the peaks are like clustered pagodas, high and strong, with strange and majestic rocks facing the heavens and the earth, such a site is suitable for burial without hesitation, bringing generations of honor and glory, shining brightly throughout history. Moreover, if the peaks are square and like a hat, clear and elegant, with three or five peaks arranged in a row among green hills, the descendants will be both intelligent and beautiful, like fragrant orchids in a courtyard, flourishing together."

祿存一土君切忌，醜惡崩欹不綿媚。高峰孤起如拈拳，低山卑溼如牛鼻。或若棺材隨水流，或若死尸臥平地。自然虧缺不足看，疾病顛狂遭劓刈。兒孫傭懶走他州，淫慾奸偷總連累。

"Luxun" belongs to the earth element, and this star should be strictly avoided and feared. Its shape is ugly and collapsed, leaning crookedly, with no softness or grace. High mountains stand alone, rising like a clenched fist; low hills are low and damp, resembling a cow's nose. Some look like coffins floating with water, others like dead bodies lying on flat land. These mountains themselves are defective and unappealing. The household is prone to illness and madness, suffering from punishment and execution. Their descendants are lazy and incapable, wandering in distant regions. Matters of lust, adultery, and theft are also involved.

文曲一水何孤單，生枝生足如蜒蚰。亂花丘壠不接續，三三五五飛翩翩。也似驚蛇初出草，也如鵝頸榨流泉。坑溪反背無收拾，縱然收拾還攣拳。此地葬這主遊蕩，男不忠兮女不賢。

The "Wen Qu" is of the water element, appearing very solitary in form. It branches out like a centipede. The ridges and depressions are scattered like fallen flowers, not connected to each other, drifting aimlessly in groups of three or five. Some resemble a snake startled from the grass, others like a goose neck dipping into a swift current. The gullies and streams flow in reverse, without proper containment; even if they are forced to be contained, they remain curled and contracted, unable to spread out. Such terrain is unfavorable for burial, leading to descendants who are unstable and unreliable, with men being unfaithful and women being unvirtuous.

廉貞獨火大凶災，高尖醜惡空崔嵬。生枝發足桃符起，首尾分張兩畔開。形似垛甲勢分列。質不清兮濁似血。毛髮焦枯氣脈散，水流滯急聲如雷。瘟死盡兼官禍，敗國亡家真可哀。

"The 'Lianzhen' (廉贞) formation, if it remains as a single fire element without change, is extremely凶 (fateful disaster). It is high and sharp, ugly and repulsive, standing alone and towering. Its branches and roots resemble a pair of peach wood charms standing upright, spreading out at both ends and splitting apart to both sides. Its shape resembles a row of armor plates arranged in order, with unclear texture, murky and resembling blood. On the mountain, grass and trees are withered and dry, with scattered energy lines; water flows either blocked or rushing, making a thunder-like sound. Such a terrain brings plague and death, along with legal disputes. It leads to the destruction of the country and family, truly lamentable."

破軍二金招凶惡，山猛陰陽各差錯。峰巒突兀亂石岡，不然破碎連基鑿。也作竹篙馬鞭勢，也作兵戈與繩索。左崎右險舉頭看，入穴葫蘆塊然落。明堂傾陷水潺潺，龍虎二山伸兩腳。若犯此星甚乖張，當代兒孫見銷鑠。

"Pòjūn" belongs to the Metal element and is the second in order, it brings inauspiciousness. The mountain shape is fierce and abrupt, with yin and yang not in harmony. The peaks are abrupt and stand out, forming a chaotic rocky ridge; or else the mountain is broken and shattered, with the mountain base appearing as if it has been chiseled. It also takes the shape of a bamboo pole or a horse whip, straight and elongated, or the shape of weapons and ropes, which are ominous. The left side is rugged and the right side is steep, clearly visible when looking up. At the site of the burial, it looks like a gourd falling suddenly. The Bright Hall is sunken, with water flowing quietly away; the Dragon and Tiger mountains do not encircle but instead extend like two feet. If this star is violated and the form is discordant, the descendants of the current generation will experience decline and decay.

輔弼常隨七星轉，多在明堂左右見。有時脫體醮清波，形勢或作闌圈西。或見龜蛇或見魚，迎山連接如絲線。山厚山肥人多豐，山薄山走人奸賤。須教閉密不通風，莫令大開水流濺。

"The Left Assistant" and "Right Assistant" often accompany the other seven stars, mostly appearing on the left and right of the Bright Hall. Sometimes they detach from their original forms, submerging themselves in clear water; sometimes their shape forms a walled enclosure. Occasionally they appear as turtle shapes, snake shapes, or fish shapes; the connecting mountains are fine as threads. If the mountains are thick and fertile, the population will be numerous and prosperous; if the mountains are thin and leaky, people will be cunning and lowly. The terrain should be closed and tight, not open and exposed, allowing water to splash out freely.

三蓋吉星隨龍入，磊落巖形卓立。或作高峰勢插天，或在明堂皆頓集。或在水口相舉連，或在輔弼山頭立。或然隱隱在溪坑，胎息成龍勢藏蟄。大成州郡產英豪，小作鄉村兼鎮邑。定知世代祿綿綿，文韜武略精傳習。

Three auspicious stars resemble a canopy, following the dragon along its path into the territory. Their form is upright and noble, with rocks standing tall and firm. Sometimes they form a high peak, with气势 reaching straight up to the clouds; sometimes they gather and lie down within the Bright Hall; sometimes they stand connected at the water mouth; sometimes they stand on the peaks of auxiliary mountains. Sometimes they are hidden in the gullies and ravines of streams, like a dragon in the womb, with its气势 concealed and dormant. When they form large structures, they create states and prefectures, producing heroes and outstanding figures; when they form small ones, they create villages and towns. It can be determined that such land will bring continuous blessings and honor through generations, with strategies and military skills being studied and passed down from one generation to the next.

七星變化無窮極，體樣相同人未識。四維八干十二枝，博換化身百千億。本自二源分派殊，不得明師述大惑。但將分受細推尋，何用勞心更勞力。凶禍之星凶禍生，福德之星招福德。造化元來指掌間，此是神仙真法則。

The changes of the seven stars are endless, their forms and appearances are similar to each other, so people cannot recognize them clearly. The four directions, the trigrams Qian and Kun, Gen and Xun, the eight heavenly stems Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, and the twelve earthly branches, when combined and transformed, can produce countless forms. They all originate from the same source of yin and yang qi, differing only in their branches. If one does not receive instruction from a wise master, one will remain trapped in great confusion. If one carefully examines the star qi received from different directions, why bother to use one's mind and effort? A star associated with misfortune will bring misfortune, and a star associated with fortune will bring fortune. The principles of destiny lie originally in one's palm—this is the true method passed down by the immortals.