Determine the site based on the three forces.

三勢者，乃立勢、坐勢、眠勢也。即天、地、人三等穴法。廖公云：“一個星辰有三勢，坐眠立各異。立是身聳氣上浮，天穴此中求。坐是身屈氣中藏，人穴最相當。眠是身仰氣下墜，地穴斯為是。”此三勢之定格也。天穴：仰高穴、騎刑穴、憑高穴。地穴：乳頭穴、脫殺穴、藏龜穴。人穴只有一等，名藏殺穴。

The so-called "three postures" refer to standing posture, sitting posture, and lying posture, which correspond to the three types ofsite methods: heaven, earth, and human. Liao Jinjing said: a single star has three different postures, with standing, sitting, and lying each being distinct. Standing refers to the mountain body rising up, with the qi rising upward; the heaven穴 is sought here. Sitting refers to the mountain body bending, with the qi hidden in the middle; the human穴 is most appropriate here. Lying refers to the mountain body lying flat, with the qi falling downward; the earth穴 belongs to this category. These are the fixed forms of the three postures. The heaven穴 category includes the elevated high穴, the riding punishment穴, and the relying high穴; the earth穴 category includes the breasthead穴, the detached killing穴, and the hidden turtle穴; the human穴 has only one type, called the hidden killing穴.

天穴者，山勢如立，星頭如俯，出脈、結穴、生暈皆高，朝對、龍虎、四勢相等，明堂、水城件件應副，穴前又有平地，此皆山水結聚於上，移下則散。其體有三：在山頂上者，名仰高穴，在星頭下者，名憑高穴，皆用蓋法；在山脊間者，名騎刑穴，天財搭脊者皆是也，用撞法。

The so-called "Heavenly Pit" refers to a mountain shape resembling a person standing upright, with the peak of a star mountain appearing to look down. The location where the energy emerges, forms a pit, and creates a surrounding aura is high. The facing mountains, the dragon and tiger mountains, and the surrounding terrain all match this height. The Bright Hall and water city are well coordinated, and there is also a flat area in front of the pit. This is because the mountain and water gather at the upper part, and if the pit is moved downward, the energy will scatter. There are three types of forms: those located on the mountain peak are called "High-Point Pit," those located below the peak of a star mountain are called "High-Position Pit," and both are buried using the "Covering Method." Those located between mountain ridges are called "Riding Ridge Pit," and all cases where the Heavenly Wealth Star is placed on the mountain ridge fall into this category, and they are buried using the "Collision Method."

他如巔穴、雄穴、坐殺穴，凡上聚之穴皆是也。穴雖高，而登穴臨局，如在平地，不覺其高方可。況天穴如乘風而下，脈來宜緩，若脈急則非也。

Other types such as巅穴, 雄穴, and 坐杀穴, which are allsite where qi gathers at the upper part, belong to this category. Although thesite may be high, when one stands on the site and looks down at the entire area, it should feel like standing on flat ground, without any sense of height, which is considered proper. Moreover, the heaven穴 is like falling from the sky with the wind; the incoming qi should be gentle. If the incoming qi is abrupt, then it is not a heaven穴.

穴在巔嶺仰面，故曰仰高。要立穴處有平坦為眞。穴在龍脊上，故曰騎刑，要立穴處平坦為眞。亦曰玄武吐舌。《吳公穴法》云：“玄武嘴長高處點，高處尋平坦。”楊公謂之地刦。《經》云：“地刦穴下原有嘴，玄武扛尸正謂此。退田筆動土牛走，其寔玄武長而已。雖長山水若橫闌，地刦翻然增福祉。”與壓殺穴同。穴在星頭之下，故曰憑高。要立穴處有平坦為眞。

The three diagrams of heavenly pits are based solely on textual descriptions, as the images have been lost. Here is a translation and explanation: The pit is located on the top of a mountain facing upwards, so it is called "Yangao" (Facing High). To be genuine, the site for the pit should have a flat area. The pit is located on the dragon's spine, so it is called "Qixing" (Riding the Punishment). Similarly, the site for the pit should be flat to be genuine, and this style is also called "Xuanwu Tushé" (Black Tortoise's Tongue). The "Xugong Xuefa" (Wu Gong's Pit Method) says: if the Black Tortoise's mouth is long, the pit should be marked high, searching for a flat area at a high position. Yang Yunsong called it "Dijie" (Earth Restriction). The "Classic" says: "Dijie" refers to the original protrusion of the mouth at the pit's location, which is exactly what "Xuanwu Kangshi" (Black Tortoise Supporting the Corpse) refers to. When this is seen, one should retreat from the field and avoid moving the ox, but in reality, it is merely the Black Tortoise's mouth extending long. Although it is long, as long as the water and mountains block it horizontally, the "Dijie" can actually bring more blessings. This style is the same as "Yashe Xue" (Pressing Killing Pit). The pit is located below the peak of a star-shaped hill, so it is called "Pengao" (Facing High). It also requires a flat area for the pit to be genuine.

地穴者，山勢如臥，星頭如仰，出脈、結穴、生暈皆低，朝應、龍虎四勢相等，明堂、水城件件應副。此是山水結聚於下，移上則散。

The so-called "earth cave" refers to a terrain where the mountain shape resembles a person lying down, and the peaks of the stars appear as if looking upward. The positions where the energy emerges, forms a mound, and creates a surrounding aura are all low. The facing mountains, the dragon and tiger formations, and the surrounding landscape all correspond with this low level. The bright hall and water city are all in harmony. This is when the mountain and water gather at the lower part; if the site is moved upward, the energy will scatter.

其體有三：在山麓者即懸乳穴，在星體之下者即脫殺穴。其在正體之下，忌交劍水，如月形藏龜，所謂“水邊花發水中紅”者也，宜用粘法。在平地之上，田之中者，即藏龜穴，宜用撞法。地穴就水而下，脈來宜急也。此穴得水近堂，若明堂端正，水合法度，求富甚快。

Its form has three types: those located at the foot of a mountain are called 'Xuan Ru Xue'; those located beneath a star are called 'Tuo Sha Xue'; and those located directly below the main body should avoid 'Jiao Jian Shui'. For example, the 'Cang Gui Xue' beneath a crescent-shaped mountain, which is described as 'flowers blooming by the water reflect red in the water', is suitable for using the 'Zhan Fa' method. Those located on flat land or in the middle of fields are called 'Cang Gui Xue', suitable for using the 'Zhuang Fa' method. Earth holes are formed by following the water downward, and the coming pulse should be rapid. Such sites are close to water and adjacent to the Bright Hall. If the Bright Hall is upright and the water pattern is appropriate, wealth can be obtained quickly.

懸乳穴在垂乳頭，粘山麓處結穴，宜用粘法，以綴杖下之。脫殺穴在星體之下，離山脈處結穴。宜用粘法，以離杖下之。藏龜穴在平地，有微鉗微突處結穴，宜用撞法下之。

The three underground cave diagrams have only textual descriptions remaining, with the illustrations lost. The hanging stalactite cave forms at the base of a hanging stalactite, close to the mountain foot, and should be buried using the 'attachment method' with a 'stake for attachment'. The detached killer cave forms beneath a star-like formation, away from the mountain body, and should be buried using the 'attachment method' with a 'stake for separation'. The turtle hiding cave forms on flat ground, at a slightly claw-like and slightly raised area, and should be buried using the 'impact method'.

人穴者，山勢如坐，星頭不俯不仰，出脈、結穴、生暈皆不高不低，朝應、龍虎、四勢相等，明堂、水城件件應副。此是山水結聚於中，移上移下皆散，唯一體，在山之腰，名藏殺穴，用撞法。若脈來急，用倚法。人穴避風而下，來脈宜不緩不急。人穴唯此一格，在山之腰。脈來緩者，穴居其中，即撞法。脈來急者，穴居一邊，即倚法。穴不可太高，太高則為天罡穴，傷龍；不可太低，太低則為泥水穴，傷穴。

The so-called "person's seat" is when the mountain shape resembles a person sitting upright, with the peak of the star hill neither inclined forward nor backward. The position where the mountain vein emerges, the site of the hill's formation, and the surrounding terrain are all neither too high nor too low. The surrounding mountains, the dragon and tiger formations, and the overall terrain are all in harmony. The bright hall and water city are all well coordinated. This is where the mountain and water gather in the center; if the energy is moved upward or downward, it will scatter. It has only one form, located on the mountain waist, called "hidden killing seat," using the collision method. If the incoming mountain vein is abrupt, then the "leaning method" is used. The person's seat is formed by avoiding the wind, and the incoming mountain vein should neither be too slow nor too fast. The illustration also says: the person's seat has only this one form, located on the mountain waist. If the incoming mountain vein is slow, the site is in the center, which is the collision method; if the incoming mountain vein is fast, the site is shifted to one side, which is the leaning method. The site should not be too high, as a site too high becomes the "heavenly gang seat," which harms the dragon; nor should it be too low, as a site too low becomes the "muddy water seat," which harms the site.

天穴主貴，地穴主富，人穴有富有貴，此大概之言，不可信也。但貴地多高明，富地多沈暗。高明多是天穴，沈暗多是地穴。蓋貴地其龍穴沙水自然清秀，天穴山水擴，富穴多臨田醮水，山不明，水不秀，而近於濁，亦自然之應也。

The saying that heavenly pits bring prestige, earthly pits bring wealth, and human pits bring both wealth and prestige is a general statement and not entirely reliable. However, prestigious sites are mostly elevated and bright, while wealthy sites are mostly low and dark. Elevated and bright sites are mostly heavenly pits, while low and dark sites are mostly earthly pits. This is because prestigious sites have natural clarity in their dragon, pit, surrounding hills, and water, with open mountain and water scenery. Wealthy sites are mostly near fields and by water, with unclear mountains and unattractive water, tending to be murky — this is a natural correspondence.

凡高穴不可拘明堂，但要沙關攔，穴上不見水出，或全不見水亦不妨。楊公云“高山不論水”。張紫瓊眞人《穴法詩》云：“上停之穴家豪強，賓主達特龍虎昂。高山不必問流水，時師休要泥明堂。”廖氏云“若是穴高明堂遠，只要有城轉。莫因此様便疑心，龍住乃為眞”是也。

All highsite do not need to be concerned with the Bright Hall. As long as there are ridges blocking the view, and standing at the穴 one cannot see the water flowing away, even if water is completely invisible, it is acceptable. Yang Yunsong said: On high mountains, water is not considered. Zhang Ziqiong's poem on穴 methods says: A穴 located at the upper part indicates a wealthy family, with the host and guest connected, and the dragon and tiger vigorous. On high mountains, there is no need to ask about flowing water; the old masters of geomancy should not fixate on the Bright Hall. Liao Jinjing said: If the穴 is high and the Bright Hall is far away, as long as there is a water city turning back, do not doubt it. The dragon line stops here, which is genuine. All these sayings mean the same thing.

按《地理集解》云：“凡三停點穴之法，即天、地、人三才穴法也。當點穴之際，須仔細取諸山相稱，避凶殺，合法度，點裁不可潦草。若左右山低，應案又低，須就財祿而點地穴，不可貪遠山而點天穴與人穴，悞也。如點天穴、人穴，則左右山皆踏倒在腳下。既踏落左右山、應案山在腳下，便是財山不上手，定主資財耗散。況四山既低而穴獨高，必然孤露，便受風，主子息伶仃孤寡。

Note: The "Three Stops" method of selecting a site, as explained in "Geographical Interpretations," refers to the method of selecting a site based on the three categories of heaven, earth, and humanity. When selecting a site, one must carefully consider the compatibility between the surrounding mountains, avoid evil influences, and follow proper rules, without being hasty. If the mountains on both sides are low, and the corresponding mountains and case mountains are also low, then one should adapt to the situation and select the "earth site," rather than trying to select the "heaven site" or "human site" by seeking distant mountains, which would be wrong. If one selects the "heaven site" or "human site," then the mountains on both sides will be entirely beneath the site. Since the mountains on both sides and the corresponding mountains and case mountains are all beneath the site, this is called "wealth mountains not coming into hand," which inevitably leads to the loss of wealth. Moreover, if the surrounding mountains are all low while the site is high, it will be isolated and exposed, immediately exposed to wind, leading to the loneliness and isolation of descendants.

若左右山高大，應、案山亦高大，遮蔽前山，雖尋高處，見前山分明，合點天穴，不可怕穴高水跌。又玄武觜長，反點人穴、地穴，俱為悞也。如點人穴，則左右山，應、案山欺壓過眼，主子孫頑鈍，福祿不旺。若點地穴，則左右山，應、案山壓倒穴場，主子孫衰絕，禍患頻並，久則人丁絕，財產敗盡。

If the mountains on both sides are high, the mountains that should be in front should also be high, and if they block the view of the front mountains, one should look for a higher position where the front mountains can be clearly seen. This is exactly where the heavenly point should be located. Do not fear pointing thesite high, even if the water falls downward. Also, do not mistakenly point the humansite or earthsite just because the Black Tortoise's mouth is long. That would be wrong. If the humansite is pointed, the mountains on both sides and the mountains that should be in front will press over the field of view, leading to dull and stubborn descendants, and poor fortune and blessings. If the earthsite is pointed, the mountains on both sides and the mountains that should be in front will entirely overshadow the site, leading to the decline and extinction of descendants, continuous misfortunes, and eventually the extinction of the family and the loss of property.

若左右山，應、案山不高不低，則當就財祿而點人穴為當，不可怕玄武長水跌而點地穴。其地穴雖是財祿不退，亦不能大興發，又且不耐久。況四山高壓，必不旺人。亦不可貪遠秀而悞點天穴。蓋天穴高而財祿低，主冷退財產，及離鄉敗絕。”

If the mountains on both sides and the responding mountain and the case mountain are neither too high nor too low, one should adjust the site to the wealth and official position points to be appropriate. Do not choose the site for a grave just because you fear the Black Tortoise is long and the water flows downward. Although the site may not lead to a decline in wealth and official position, it will not bring great fortune and will not last. Moreover, with high mountains surrounding from all sides pressing down, the family will certainly not be prosperous. Similarly, one should not choose a site for a heavenly grave just because of distant beautiful peaks, as the heavenly grave is high in position but low in wealth and official position, leading to a cold and desolate family, loss of property, and even leaving the hometown, falling into ruin and extinction of descendants.

補義右三停點穴之法，乃《地理集解》所著如此。愚按：穴法如銅人針灸，按穴而治，毫髮不差。有生成之龍，必有生成之穴，不可高一尺，不可低一尺，不可過於左，不可過於右。才有過失，便乘氣不著，水蟻侵棺，傷龍傷穴，禍不可言。《集解》之說，似是而非。若無口訣，必致有誤。

Supplemental explanation: The above method of three stops point acupuncture is advocated by the "Geographical Collection of Explanations." I believe that the method of points is like the bronze figure used in acupuncture, where the needle must be inserted precisely at the correct point, not deviating by even a hair's breadth. If there is a naturally formed dragon, there must be a naturally formed point: it cannot be higher than a foot, nor lower than a foot, it cannot be biased to the left, nor to the right. If there is any slight error, the qi will not be connected, and water and ants will enter the coffin, injuring both the dragon and the point, leading to endless misfortunes. The theory presented in the "Geographical Collection of Explanations" seems right but is actually wrong. Without having the secret formula in hand, one is sure to make mistakes.

三停取穴之法，專以左右山，朝、應山之高下而定之，不容不辨。《經》曰：“太高則露，太低則沈。”又曰：“高用藏風，低莫失脈。”又曰：“高則傷龍，低則傷穴。”又曰：“高則犯罡，低則犯蕩。犯罡則殺，犯蕩則絕。”

The method of selecting points by dividing the terrain into three parts focuses on the height of the left and right mountains as well as the front mountain and the corresponding mountain to determine the site. This point must be clearly understood. The classic text says: if it is too high, it will be exposed; if too low, it will be buried. It also says: high places should be able to retain wind, while low places should not lose the pulse. It further states: if too high, it will injure the dragon; if too low, it will injure the site. It also mentions: if too high, it will offend the 'gāng' (a term for a sharp, dangerous position), and if too low, it will offend the 'dàng' (a term for a scattered or unstable position). Offending 'gāng' leads to injuries and deaths, while offending 'dàng' leads to the extinction of descendants.

是皆以本山之有自然的定之所，穴當高則高，穴當低則低，穴當中則中，不可移易。而左右之山與應案之山，自然相符，為盡善也。故曰“高低不用度前峰。”然亦不可拘泥天星，故又曰“莫把羅經移上下，箇中原自有高低。”豈可專泥左右與應對之山之高低定穴？

These words all mean that a mountain has its own natural and fixed location for the spirit point—where the spirit point should be high, it should be high; where it should be low, it should be low; where it should be in the center, it should be in the center; it cannot be moved or altered. The mountains on the left and right, as well as the responding and case mountains, will naturally correspond with it, and only then is it considered perfect. Therefore, it is said, "There is no need to measure the height against the mountains in front." However, one should not rigidly adhere to the positions of the heavenly stars, so it is also said, "Do not move the spirit point up and down with the compass; there is naturally a high and low in the middle." How can one specifically rely on the height of the left and right mountains and the responding mountains to determine the spirit point?

故三停取穴，雖古人立法之精微，然尤不可按圖索驥，但見一山垂乳而下，更不論其急峻頑硬，惟左右朝應之山高，則於高處扦穴，謬謂天穴；而左右朝應之山中平，便於山腰鑿穴，謬謂人穴；而四山低微，便於山腳鑿穴，而謬謂地穴以悞人也。

Therefore, although the method of selectingsite based on three divisions is a refined principle established by ancient sages, it is especially important not to follow maps blindly: if one sees a mountain hanging down with a nipple-like protrusion, without considering whether it is steep and abrupt or hard and unyielding, and simply relies on the height of the surrounding mountains on the left and right to determine the location, insisting that this is the heavenly穴; if the surrounding mountains on the left and right are of moderate height, then one digs the穴 in the middle of the mountain, insisting that this is the human穴; if the surrounding mountains on all sides are low and flat, then one digs the穴 at the foot of the mountain, insisting that this is the earthly穴—this would mislead people.

不知古人所謂三停者，其受穴處自然寬平容納，宛然窩、鉗、乳、突，無峻急危險之勢，特以四山而酌量其高下之凖的爾，豈可於頑硬峻急之山以鑿壁立之穴哉！

They do not understand that the ancient concept of three divisions refers to the natural flatness and spaciousness of the site itself, which clearly has a hollow, a clamp, a nipple, and a protrusion, without any steep or dangerous terrain; it is merely a matter of considering the height and level of the surrounding mountains. How could one dig a cave on a hard and steep mountain!

《地理集解》乃吳國師之裔吳晳所著，名曰《往目》，後人往往更改書名，一曰《直解》，一曰《指南》，一曰《快捷方式》，一曰《啟蒙掌心訣》，一曰《家傳口訣》。或作蘇氏著，或作張落魄著，或作鄧氏著，或作徐氏著，或作餘氏著，或作游氏著，皆非也。是皆愛之而攘為已有者也。

"The Geographical Interpretations" was written by Wu Xi, a descendant of the Wu family of the State of Wu. Originally named "Wang Mu," later generations often changed its title. Some call it "Zhi Jie," others "Zhi Nan," some "Jie Jing" (which is likely a miswriting of "Jie Jing," a type of book title), others "Qing Meng Zhang Xin Jue," and others "Jia Chuan Kou Jue." The attribution is also confused: some say it was written by the Su family, others by Zhang Luopo, others by the Deng, Xu, Yu, and You families. None of these are correct. These are all the result of people who like the book and claim it as their own."

吾邑方伯舒直庵公清嘗刻傳之。近鉛山餘員外公鋐又刻於蜀之長壽，傳於四遠。其書醇醨相半，便於初學。今採其精者，收入諸論篇中。惟三停點穴之說甚悞，茲特辨正雲。

The county magistrate Fang Bo Shu Zhi'an, whose name was Qing, once printed and circulated this book. Recently, Yu Yuanwai, a wealthy man from Lian Shan, printed another edition in Sichuan's Chángshòu and spread it throughout the country. This book contains both refined and superficial content, making it suitable for beginners. Now I have selected the accurate parts and incorporated them into each section. However, the section on the three divisions of the point of thesite is seriously incorrect, so I specially clarify and correct it here.

前篇三勢定穴之法，乃以穴星為主，因穴星有坐、眠、立三勢，則其氣之所聚亦因其勢而分天、地、人三等，此自然一定不易之理也。此篇三停取穴，乃以一山分三停，因四應之山高低，而隨其應之高低，以定穴之上下，必有自然窩坦，在心目之巧而審的之矣。

The previous method of "Three Postures to Determine the Site" focuses on the main hill (xuexing) itself: because the xuexing has three postures—sitting, lying, and standing—and the gathering of qi is divided into three levels—heaven, earth, and human—according to these postures. This is a natural and unchanging principle. This article, "Three Stops to Choose the Site," divides a mountain into three parts—upper, middle, and lower—according to the height of the surrounding hills in all four directions, and determines the site's position based on their relative heights. However, the chosen site must still have a natural hollow or flat area, and the accuracy depends entirely on the skill and keen eye of the practitioner.

三停圖。側面三才。三停穴，要宛然窩坦，可藏車隱馬，乃是眞穴。若平坦在上，是上停穴；在山腰，是中停穴；在低處，是下停穴。正面天人地三穴：天穴登風而下，要有窩藏聚；人穴避風而下，要上不急，下不陡；地穴就水而下，要四山低，來勢猛。

The "San Ting Tu" and "Ce Mian San Cai" are two sets of diagrams with their titles and explanations. The original source only contains text, and the illustrations are lost. Here is the recorded text along with an explanation. The San Ting points must have clear depressions or hollows, large enough to hold a vehicle or horse, to be considered true points. If the flat area is at the top, it is the upper San Ting point; if it is on the mountain waist, it is the middle San Ting point; if it is at the lower part, it is the lower San Ting point. The three points on the front side, heaven, human, and earth: the heaven point is where the wind descends, requiring a hollow to gather and hold energy; the human point is where the wind is avoided, needing the upper part not to be steep and the lower part not to be abrupt; the earth point is where the water flows down, requiring the surrounding mountains to be low and the approach to be strong and rapid.

側面三才，乃穴星側面處有窩坦。在高曰天穴，在中曰人穴，在低曰地穴。俱要立穴處不峻，有窩坦為眞。側坡天人地三穴：側坡亦有三格，與正面穴法相同，皆要生成窩泡方是，若免強鑿穴則非也。

The so-called "three heavens on the side" refers to a situation where there is a hollow or flat area on the side of the mountain peak suitable for a burial site. The one at a high position is called the heavenly site, the one in the middle is called the human site, and the one at a low position is called the earthly site. All of them require that the site be not steep or abrupt, but rather have a hollow or flat area to be genuine. The heavenly, human, and earthly sites on the side slope also divide into these three categories, and their methods are the same as those on the front side, requiring naturally formed hollows or rounded shapes. If one forcibly carves out a site, it is not considered genuine.

張子微《玉髓經》云：“勸君不必論三才，但要天然穴自在。”蔡西山《發揮》云：“三才論穴，此乃術人遷就以玩俗人，要求財物。其說以為得若干則與扦天穴，若干則與扦人穴，倘賞不到，則與扦地穴。

Zhang Ziwei in the "Yusui Jing" says: Encourage you not to discuss the three heavens, as long as the site is naturally formed and free from obstruction. Cai Xishan in the "Fahui" says: Using the three heavens to discuss the site is a method used by quanshi to conform to the world and deceive the unskilled in order to obtain money. Their statement is: For as much money as you give, I will point out the heavenly site for you; for as much money as you give, I will point out the human site for you; if the reward is not sufficient, then I will only point out the earthly site for you.

世俗不惟昏愚者以為然，高明者亦或然之。不知穴法乃天造地設，不可遷易。雖或有迴避惡殺，或有貪見前面山水為之高下者，亦是天然宜高宜下，非人力所能遷就也。

Common people not only blindly believe in these practices, but even wise individuals sometimes follow them. They do not realize that the principles of site selection are naturally formed by heaven and earth, and cannot be moved by human will. Although sometimes people adjust the position slightly to avoid bad influences or to take advantage of favorable scenery in front, this is still following the natural order—high where it should be high, low where it should be low. It is not something that human effort can alter.

但有一星而止結一穴者，有結二穴三穴俱可下者，如婺源王知縣祖地、麻城黃副憲祖地，可下三穴，然終歸重於一穴為正耳。二圖俱下。此地在新安，土名赤山，繫蛇形。初葬下穴，出莆田主簿，敗。又一家葬中穴，出莆田縣丞，敗。王氏得之，葬上穴，出貴亦莆田知縣。天地人三穴皆官莆田，是分野之應也。三穴以王氏為正穴。

However, there are also cases where a single star peak forms only one burial site, or forms two or three burial sites where burial can be performed. For example, the ancestral tomb of Wang ZhiXian, the county magistrate of Wuyuan, and the ancestral tomb of Huang FuXian, the deputy magistrate of Macheng, both have three burial sites where burial can be performed, but ultimately one of them must be chosen as the main burial site. Two diagrams are attached below. This piece of land is located in Xin'an, with the local name Chishan, and it has the shape of a snake. Initially, someone buried in the lower site and produced a county clerk from Putian, but the family later declined. Another family buried in the middle site and produced a county assistant from Putian, but they also declined. The Wang family obtained this land and buried in the upper site, and the nobleman produced was also a county magistrate of Putian. The officials produced by the heavenly, earthly, and human sites all came from Putian, which corresponds to the division of star fields. Among the three sites, the one used by the Wang family is considered the main site.

左地在縣西四十里萬人厓。入首木星，結天地人三穴，以中穴為正。九曲水朝，秀峰特立。出副憲公卷及□公，官州守；解元公海宇。福祉方隆。以龍勢、水法、朝對論之，眞臺座氣象也。

This piece of land is located forty miles west of the county town at the Wanren Cliff. The entrance is marked by a Jupiter star, forming three graves: heaven, earth, and human, with the central one being the main one. There is a winding stream coming to pay homage, and the fine peaks stand upright and independent. This place has produced a Deputy Minister named Juan, as well as a public official whose name is missing from the original text, who held the position of prefect, and also produced a Jieyuan named Haiyu. The blessings and favors are abundant. In terms of the dragon's momentum, the water pattern, and the front and back formations, it truly exhibits the appearance of a high-ranking official in the court.

四殺者，藏殺、壓殺、閃殺、脫殺也。廖公云：“點穴必先分四殺，留心莫亂穵。”所謂殺者，即尖利與直硬之總名。故云“惡殺無過直與尖，眞個得人嫌。”然亦有二說：一是來脈入首結穴處帶殺，一是穴星及左右龍虎山帶殺，皆當以此四殺法定穴。

The so-called "four killings" refer to hidden killing, pressing killing, flashing killing, and escaping killing. Liao Jinjing said: When striking a point, one must first clearly distinguish the four killings and be careful not to dig randomly. The term "killings" here refers generally to sharp and straight forms, hence the saying "the worst煞 is nothing but straightness and sharpness, which really make people detest." However, it can be divided into two situations: one is when the incoming ridge reaches the site and forms a burial spot with sharp features, and the other is when the burial star and the surrounding dragon and tiger mountains have sharp features; both situations should be determined by the method of the four killings.

凡來脈悠揚和緩，不直不急，不硬不峻，則下藏殺穴即撞法也；來脈直下吐出尖利急硬之形，不可迴避，又難剪除，則下壓殺穴即蓋法也；來脈直出頭尖，不可粘脫，四勢中聚，則下閃殺穴即倚法也；來脈急，山勢峻，四應下聚，則下脫殺穴即粘法也。此以來脈之四殺定穴也。

All pulses that come gently and smoothly, neither straight nor urgent, neither hard nor steep, should be treated with the 'Hidden Killing Pit' method, which is the collision method. If the pulse comes straight and sharp, hard and urgent, and it is impossible to avoid or remove, then the 'Suppressing Killing Pit' method, which is the covering method, should be used. If the pulse goes straight out with a sharp head, making it impossible to avoid or remove, and the surrounding mountains gather in the middle, then the 'Flash Killing Pit' method, which is the leaning method, should be used. If the pulse is urgent and the mountain is steep, with surrounding mountains gathering below, then the 'Escape Killing Pit' method, which is the sticking method, should be used. This is determining the site based on the four types of killing pulses.

其穴星左右兩腳下，及近穴兩邊龍虎山皆圓淨，並無尖直，謂之神殺藏伏，穴宜居中，則下藏殺穴與撞法相似，但此以形言，彼以脈言也。穴星左右或腳下尖直，及兩邊龍虎之山有尖直，謂之神殺出現，穴宜高處。董氏云：“高則群凶降伏，宜下壓殺穴，謂之騎刑破殺”，與蓋法相似，但此以形言，彼以脈言也。

If the two sides of the穴 star and the dragon and tiger mountains near the site are round and smooth without sharp or straight forms, this is called "shen sha cang fu," and the site should be chosen in the center, forming a hidden killing site — it is similar to the collision method, but this refers to shape while the other refers to the pulse. If there are sharp or straight forms on either side of the穴 star or beneath it, and the dragon and tiger mountains also have sharp or straight forms, this is called "shen sha chuan chuan," and the site should be chosen at a high position. Dong Dezhang said: choosing a high position will subdue all evils, which is suitable for pressing down the killing site, called "qi xing po sha" — it is similar to the covering method, but this refers to shape while the other refers to the pulse.

穴星及龍虎山，或左或右有尖直，謂之神殺偏露，穴直挨圓淨一邊，謂之趨吉避凶，當下閃殺穴，閃惡脈以就吉氣，脫凶而葬與倚法相似，但此以形言，彼以脈言也。穴星形勢峻急，左右低下，謂之神殺奔竄，穴穴居低，當下脫殺穴。有四體，皆以應樂為證佐也。

If the mountain peak of the site is on one side or the other with sharp and straight peaks, this is called "shen sha pian lu," and the site should face the round and smooth side, which is called "shan sha xue." This means avoiding the evil energy and seeking the auspicious, by diverting the harmful energy and taking in the good. It is similar to the method of leaning, but here it refers to the shape, while the other refers to the energy flow. If the mountain peak of the site is steep and abrupt, with the sides low, this is called "shen sha ben cuan," and the site should be chosen at the lower place. This is called "tuo sha xue." The "tuo sha xue" has four forms, all of which take the mountain behind as the standard.

輳星腳為綴穴，下一位為粘穴，並以後山為穴星。粘穴下一位為接穴，又下一位為拋穴，並以後山為龍格，平坡為穴星。而接拋二體，須是有酥在盞之象者方可。不然，則易致脫脈，或泥水穴，及鱉裙絕等穴也。

The points directly below the star peaks are called "Zhuixue" (attached穴位), and the next one down is "Zhanxue" (adhering穴位). Both of these use the following mountain as thesite star. Below "Zhanxue" is "Jie xue" (connecting穴位), and then "Paoxue" (throwing穴位). These two forms use the back mountain as the dragon structure and the flat slope as thesite star. However, the forms of "Jie xue" and "Paoxue" must have the imagery of "melted butter in a bowl" to be appropriate; otherwise, they may easily detach from the qi flow, result in muddy watersite, or become dangeroussite like "Biequn jue" (turtle skirt cut off).

又皆忌交劍水，用土培接，使流兩邊方可略與粘法相似，但此以形言，彼以脈與星言也。此穴星與龍虎帶殺，而以四殺法定穴也。圖具下。

These methods all avoid "intersecting sword water," and instead use earth to connect and redirect the water so that it flows from both sides. This is roughly similar to the method of adhesion, but here it refers to shape, while the other refers to the water's flow and star patterns. The above discusses how to determine a site when the dragon and tiger are accompanied by four killing stars, using the four killing star method. A diagram is attached below.

廖公云：“兩邊圓淨名全吉，藏殺穴第一。無饒無減穴居中，妙用奪神功。”穴星左右兩腳下皆圓淨，並無尖直，來脈和緩，結穴自然，故曰藏殺。廖公云：“穴下如生直尖腳，壓殺穴宜作。騎刑高下自無凶，挨金法一同。”穴星左右或腳下尖直，來脈結聚於上，以其穴在高處，故曰壓殺穴。

Liao Jinjing says: When both sides are round and clean, it is called "full good fortune," and the "kill hidden" site is ranked first; neither need to be added nor subtracted, the site should be precisely located in the center, and its subtle use can surpass the workings of heaven and earth. This refers to the two feet of the site star being both round and smooth, without sharp or straight forms, with a gentle coming pulse, naturally forming a site, hence called "kill hidden." Liao Jinjing also says: If the site has straight and sharp feet growing out of it, it should be treated as a "press kill" site; by using the "riding punishment" method to place the site high, it will naturally be free from evil, and this is the same principle as the "gold pressing" method. This refers to the site star having sharp and straight features on either side or below, with the coming pulse's qi gathering at the upper part, because the site is placed high, hence called "press kill site."

脫殺穴有四格。廖公云：“氣脈直來形勢急，脫殺穴宜立。須知粘穴落平夷，休嫌穴水泥。”穴星形勢峻急，左右低下，穴居低處，故曰脫殺穴。

There are four types of Tuo Sha Xu. The illustration is as follows, but the original text only contains words and the diagram is lost. Liao Jinjing said: when the qi pulse comes straight down and the form is urgent, then Tuo Sha Xu should be established. One should know that the sticking site is located on a flat land, and should not be reluctant to have the site near water which may bring mud. This refers to the form of the site star being steep and urgent, with both sides low, so the site is chosen at the low place, hence called "Tuo Sha Xu."

閃殺穴圖。廖公云：“一邊尖直來相從，閃殺穴宜用。從來倚脈亦如然，莫道穴居偏。”穴星或左或右有尖直，穴挨圓淨，躲在一邊，故曰閃殺。

This is the "Shan Sha Xu Tu" diagram. The original source only includes the title and textual explanation, with the illustration lost. Liao Jinjing says: if there is a sharp and straight form coming from one side, then the Shan Sha Xu should be used; traditionally, the method of relying on the ridge also follows this principle, let alone the idea that if the point of the site is biased, it would be wrong. This refers to the situation where the star hill or its left or right side has a sharp and straight form, and the site should be located towards the round and smooth side, hiding on the side, hence called "Shan Sha."

楊公云“雌雄十道與東西，料想時師總不知。下穴只圖盤局好，不知座下有□□。高低不必度前峰，一氣沖和聚散中。識得毫釐無差謬，須知坐下有雌雄。”皆明雌雄穴法，只在聚散中定耳，上氣散則正氣必下聚結雌穴，下氣散則正氣必上聚結雄穴。所謂雌雄猶高低也。

Yang Yunsong said: The concepts of yin and yang, the ten paths of the heavenly center, and the eastern and western trigrams, were probably all unknown to the geomancers of that time. When choosing a site, they only paid attention to the appearance of the terrain, without realizing that there are deeper considerations beneath the mountain. There is no need to measure the height of the mountains in front; a harmonious flow of energy is determined by the gathering and dispersing of the atmosphere. If one can distinguish even the slightest difference, then one should understand that the sitting position naturally has yin and yang. These words all explain the method of yin and yang sites. In fact, the key lies in the words "gathering and dispersing": when the energy above disperses, the true energy must gather below, forming a yin site; when the energy below disperses, the true energy must gather above, forming a yang site. So, the concept of yin and yang is equivalent to high and low.

凡雄穴上聚者，多結穴高憑。繞穴四山俱高，穴坦，星勢立，上聚下散，即天穴也。凡雌穴下聚者，多結粘穴、綴穴、脫殺穴。四山俱低，而穴多氈褥，上散下聚，穴星急，勢臥，即地穴也。

The explanation of the two diagrams, which only have textual sources and no surviving images, states: whenever the qi converges above, forming a strong hill, it mostly forms a mound on a high and solid ground—surrounded by high mountains on all four sides, the mound site is flat, and the star formations stand upright; the qi converges above and disperses below, which is called a heavenly mound. Whenever the qi converges below, forming a weak hill, it mostly forms a clinging mound, a attached mound, or a detached mound—surrounded by low mountains on all four sides, with thick mats spread beneath the mound, the qi disperses above and converges below, the star formations are abrupt and lie flat, which is called an earth mound.

鐃減者，消長陰陽之義，收左右沙水顧穴也。大抵以先到者為主，而以逆水下關為是，多在龍虎二山消息之。故龍山先到則減龍而饒虎，其穴必居左；虎山先到則減虎而饒龍，其穴必居右。

The concept of "rao jian" refers to the principle of yin and yang waxing and waning, aiming to gather the surrounding hills and water towards the site of the grave. Generally, the side that arrives first is considered the main one, and the proper approach is to block the reverse water flow with the lower hand. Most often, adjustments should be made between the Qinglong and Baihu mountains. If the Qinglong side arrives first, then the Qinglong should be reduced and the Baihu should be favored, resulting in the grave site being biased to the left. If the Baihu side arrives first, then the Baihu should be reduced and the Qinglong should be favored, resulting in the grave site being biased to the right.

穴左則取左山為關，須右邊水過宮鎖斷；穴右則取右山為關，須左邊水過宮鎖斷。自上而下謂之饒，自下而上謂之減。又云多者為減，少者為饒。而饒減亦謂之順逆。

If the site is biased to the left, take the mountain on the left as the barrier, and ensure that the water flowing over the site from the right is blocked; if the site is biased to the right, take the mountain on the right as the barrier, and ensure that the water flowing over the site from the left is blocked. When allowing space from top to bottom, it is called 'rao'; when narrowing space from bottom to top, it is called 'jian'. Another saying is that the side with more space should be narrowed, and the side with less space should be allowed. Rao and jian are also referred to as 'shun ni'.

古云“正受曰順，斜下曰逆。”在急緩脈上分別。當逆而順則生蟻，當順而逆則溼壞。脫氣則木根生入，傷龍則骨幹壞而微赤。若直下不折，則骨幹淨而生白鮮。當上而下則上水淋頭，下水刦穴。不知避者，則生黑泥水之患。”

Ancient people said: facing directly towards the coming ridge is called "shun," while burying diagonally is called "ni." One must distinguish based on the urgency and gentleness of the ridge. If something that should be ni is made shun, ants will appear in the coffin; if something that should be shun is made ni, the coffin will become damp and decay. If the ridge energy is lost, tree roots will grow into the coffin; if the dragon is injured, the bones will decay and show a slight redness. If the direction is straight and directly facing the coming ridge without turning, the bones may remain clean, but white mold spots will appear. If the burial point is placed lower than it should be, there will be water dripping on top and water cutting the grave pit below; those who do not avoid this will suffer the misfortune of black muddy water soaking the coffin.

又云：“饒減之法，逆受來脈。若龍脈順，不曾饒減，謂之傷龍，主枉死、少丁、公事；若穴無脈，坐虛立向，而饒減太過，接脈不著，謂之傷穴，主退敗絕人。

Another approach states that the method of reducing and balancing the momentum involves sloping and crossing to receive the incoming dragon line. If the dragon line comes naturally and smoothly, but there is no reduction or balancing, this is called 'injuring the dragon,' leading to sudden death, few descendants, and legal troubles. If there is no original momentum at the site, and the direction is established on a hollow place with excessive reduction, failing to connect with the momentum, this is called 'injuring the site,' resulting in family decline and the extinction of descendants.

一謂氣來而止，一謂脈直而急，故左山逆水轉則減龍，右山逆水轉則減虎，皆在本身脈上論順逆。此本諸《龍經》之說。然凡挨入，自二分至三分止。如過分數，則又非也。大抵倒仗既明，饒減在其中矣。饒減之法，諸書多誤。如《地理摘奇》、《地理會元》皆不曾認得明白。

The first kind of problem is when the qi comes but is blocked, and the second is when the pulse is straight and urgent. Therefore, if the mountain on the left turns against the water, it reduces the Azure Dragon; if the mountain on the right turns against the water, it reduces the White Tiger—both are discussed in terms of the original pulse qi's direction. This is the method explained in the "Dragon Classic." However, whenever there is a shift, it can only shift inward by two to three parts; exceeding this amount is again incorrect. In general, once the method of reversing the staff is understood, the principles of addition and subtraction are naturally included within it. The method of addition and subtraction is often incorrectly explained in various books, such as "Geographical Wonders" and "Geographical Essentials," which have not properly understood it.

右山先到虎抱龍，穴向右枕左，為饒龍減虎。要水自左來，從右去，右山逆水。左山先到龍抱虎，穴向左枕右，為饒虎減龍。要水自右來，從左去，左山逆水。

The descriptions of these two diagrams are as follows; the original text remains, but the images are lost: On the right side, the mountain comes first, the White Tiger embraces the Azure Dragon, and the site faces right with its back to the left, which is called "favoring the Dragon and reducing the Tiger"; the water should come from the left and flow to the right, with the mountain on the right opposing the water. On the left side, the mountain comes first, the Azure Dragon embraces the White Tiger, and the site faces left with its back to the right, which is called "favoring the Tiger and reducing the Dragon"; the water should come from the right and flow to the left, with the mountain on the left opposing the water.