Discussing the Sand at the Base of the Hand

不問西南東北，但去水一邊謂之下手，又曰下臂，又曰下關。訣云：“有地無地，先看下臂。”又云：“看地有何難，先觀下手山。”又云：“未看後龍來不來，且看下關緊不緊；未看結穴穩不穩，且看下關回不回。”此等語雖淺近俗俚，然至理本不外是。蓋下手砂最關緊切。有下闗則結作，無下關則無結作。下闗重疊，結作愈大；下闗空曠，則不須尋地。

No matter whether it is in the southwest or northeast, wherever the water flows out, that side is called 「down hand」, also called 「lower arm」, and also called 「lower gate」. The mnemonic says: first check whether there is land here by looking at the lower arm. It also says: how difficult is it to look for land? First look at the mountain at the lower hand. It also says: don't worry about whether the dragon comes from behind first, just check whether the lower gate is tight; don't worry about whether the site is stable or not, just check whether the lower gate turns back. These few sentences may seem simple and colloquial, but the fundamental principle is right here. The lower hand sand is the most important part: there must be a lower gate to form a site, without a lower gate there can be no site; if the lower gate is layered and overlapping, the site will be larger; if the lower gate is open and unobstructed, there is no need to look for a site at all.

吳公《地理件目》云：“凡青龍白虎既渾全，美好布法，不問左右，定要下手一山兜乘得上手山過，方是吉地。假如穴前水流倒左，則左為下手，要左臂一山逆水，長於右山，兜住右邊山水。若穴前水流歸右，則右為下手，要右臂一山逆水，長過左山，兜住左邊山水；如此謂之逆闗，乃為吉地，主發財祿。若下手短縮，兜上手山水不過，其它好處皆不得力，乃是假穴，不可下也。”

Wu Jingluan's "Geographical Essentials" says: wherever both the Qinglong and Baihu ridges are complete and well arranged, regardless of left or right, there must be a mountain coming from the lower side to embrace and cover the mountain on the upper side, only then is it considered a good site. If the water in front of the site flows to the left, then the left side is the lower side, and there must be a mountain on the left arm rising against the flow of water, longer than the mountain on the right side, enclosing the water and mountains on the right; if the water flows to the right, then the right side is the lower side, and there must be a mountain on the right arm rising against the flow of water, longer than the mountain on the left side, enclosing the water and mountains on the left. This is called "reverse closure," which is a good site, bringing wealth and official rank. If the lower side is short and cannot enclose the upper side's water and mountains, then all other good features will not be effective, and this is a false site, not suitable for burial.

按：《件目》此論，誠為有理。且逆水下關，謂之財砂，最能發財。楊公云：“惟有下手救得人，世代不教貧。”廖氏云：“問君如何富，下山來相輳。問君如何貧，下山順水奔。”董德彰云：“下砂收盡源頭水，兒孫買盡世間田。”萬萬山《何知歌》云“何知人家富了富，下臂重重來抱顧；何知人家貧了貧，下關空曠不朝墳”是也。

The author remarks that the discussion in the section of "Geographical Essentials" is indeed very reasonable. Moreover, the lower gate opposite the water flow is called "Cai Sha" or "wealth sand," which is most effective in bringing wealth. Yang Yunsong said: only the side where the hands are placed can save people, ensuring that descendants never suffer poverty. Liao Jinjing said: ask why a family is wealthy? Because the mountain on the lower side comes close. Ask why a family is poor? Because the mountain on the lower side follows the water and flows away. Dong Dezhang said: the lower sand collects the source water completely, allowing descendants to buy all the land in the world. Wanwan Mountain's "He Zhi Ge" says: how do we know a family will become even more wealthy? Because the lower arm overlaps layer by layer to embrace and protect. How do we know a family will become even more poor? Because the lower gate is empty and does not face the tomb. All of them speak the same truth.

大抵逆水砂不虛生。凡見一山迢迢彎曲，逆兜上手水者，便宜尋索龍穴，決有結作。愚嘗謂“有山逆水不虛生，定為眞龍作股肱。盤桓收截源頭勢，宜於此處覓佳城。”亦指下關言耳，學者審之。

In general, the ridges that arise against the current of water will not appear without purpose. Whenever one sees a mountain that bends far away and turns against the direction of the water, enclosing the water from the upstream side, one should search nearby for the dragon's abode, as there must be a formed site there. I myself once wrote four lines: ridges that arise against the water are not without reason; they must be serving as the left and right supports for the true dragon. They coil and turn, intercepting and gathering the water from the source, so one should look for a good site in this area. These lines are precisely referring to the lower gate. Scholars should carefully reflect on this.

青龍逆關。白虎逆關。白虎順關。青龍順關。此青龍長，兜乘得上手山水過，乃是吉地。此白虎長，兜乘得上手水過，乃是吉地。此青龍短，兜乘上手山水不過，乃是凶地。此白虎短，兜乘上手山水不過，乃是凶地。

There were originally four pictures, with the titles of the pictures in order being "Azure Dragon Reversing the Gate," "White Tiger Reversing the Gate," "White Tiger Following the Gate," and "Azure Dragon Following the Gate." The pictures themselves are lost, leaving only four explanatory notes beneath them. The first note says: Here, the Azure Dragon side is long, enclosing and covering the upper mountain and water, which is a favorable site. The second note says: Here, the White Tiger side is long, enclosing and covering the upper flowing water, which is a favorable site. The third note says: Here, the Azure Dragon side is short, unable to enclose the upper mountain and water, which is an unfavorable site. The fourth note says: Here, the White Tiger side is short, unable to enclose the upper mountain and water, which is an unfavorable site.

若有大河，不可只論小水，又須以大河水論順逆。大抵有一重水，必要一重砂收之。如小水倒左，大河水倒右，卻要近穴左山先長，以收小水，然後外重又得右山長，兜收大河之水，方為合法。蔡牧堂云：“順逆二途，如盲如瞽，似非灼然有見，鮮不以逆為順，以順為逆。”是故要知山川之大勢，黙定於數里之外，而後能知順逆於咫尺微芒之間。否則黑白混淆，以逆為順，以順為逆者多矣。

If there is a large river nearby, one cannot only look at the small water nearby; one must also consider the direction of the large river to determine whether it is favorable or not. Generally speaking, for each body of water, there should be a corresponding ridge to control it. For example, if a small stream flows to the left and a large river flows to the right, then the mountain on the left side near the tomb should first appear to control the small stream, and then the mountain on the right side outside should appear to enclose the water of the large river. This is in accordance with the rules. Cai Muting said: the concepts of favorable and unfavorable directions are something that ordinary people are like blind men who cannot see clearly. Unless one has truly clear insight, few are not mistaken in taking the unfavorable as favorable and the favorable as unfavorable. Therefore, one must first understand the general trend of mountains and rivers, and judge from several miles away silently, then one can discern the favorable and unfavorable directions in the subtle details within a few feet. Otherwise, there would be too many people who confuse black and white, taking the unfavorable as favorable and the favorable as unfavorable.

此小水倒歸右，大河水倒歸左。近穴虎山先長，以收小水。外重龍山又長，以收大河之水，為合格，是美地。此小水倒歸左，大河水倒歸右。近穴龍山先長，以收小水，外重虎山又長，以收大河之水，為合格，是美地。

There were originally two diagrams, but the images have been lost, leaving only the explanations beneath each. The first says: A small stream flows to the right, while a large river flows to the left; the White Tiger mountain near the tomb first emerges to intercept the small stream, and the outer mountain of the Azure Dragon then emerges to intercept the river water, following the proper method, making it a fine site. The second says: A small stream flows to the left, while a large river flows to the right; the Azure Dragon mountain near the tomb first emerges to intercept the small stream, and the outer mountain of the White Tiger then emerges to intercept the river water, also following the proper method, and is equally a fine site. The two diagrams describe the same principle, merely with left and right reversed.

凡下關砂，又須審其有力無力。若徒有下關而不近穴，或低小，或短縮，或順水不回，謂之無力，雖多無益。若其山高障，迴護顧穴有力，雖只一重，或只十數步，亦能結作。逆砂一尺可致富。又云“不要千山並萬隴，一山有情亦足用”是也。然此特甚言下砂逆水之不虛生者，其寔一山有情，與夫數步逆砂，縱有融結，不過裁剪小穴，張山食水而已。若論大地，須合諸山眾水觀之，非一山之所能結也。

All lower ridge formations must be further examined to determine whether they are strong or weak. If there is only a lower ridge but it is too far from the site, or is low and small, or short and insufficient, or flows with the water without turning back, these are all called "weak." Even if there are several layers, they are of no use. On the contrary, if a mountain is high and large enough to form a barrier, protecting and surrounding the site with strength, even if it is only one layer, or even only a few steps long, it can still form a good site. Therefore, it is said that a reverse ridge of one foot is enough to bring wealth, and that there is no need to seek thousands of mountains and ridges; as long as there is one mountain that is harmonious with the site, it is sufficient. However, these words are meant to strongly emphasize that reverse ridges against the water are not in vain. In reality, a harmonious mountain or a short reverse ridge, even if it truly forms a site, can only create a small site, relying on a little mountain and using a little water. If we are to talk about great sites, they must be viewed together with many mountains and waters, and cannot be formed by a single mountain alone.

已上所論下手砂法，以逆關為吉，順關為凶，此乃地之常格。卻又有等大富貴地，多是順關順纏而吉者，惟要大勢是逆局則美。蓋逆局要順纏，順局要逆纏，此亦陰陽交會自然之理。予兄弟所見甚多，如信州於知府祖地，上手高曲，下手短縮。泉州莊氏地，上砂順竄，下臂空曠，皆吉，乃其格也。

The method of examining the lower part of the terrain, which considers reverse connection as favorable and forward connection as unfavorable, is the conventional pattern in geomancy. However, there is another type of land that brings great wealth and honor, which often has favorable outcomes when the lower part follows the flow and wraps around. As long as the overall trend is in a reverse pattern, it is beneficial. Because a reverse pattern requires a forward wrapping to complement it, and a forward pattern requires a reverse wrapping to complement it. This is the natural principle of the interaction between yin and yang. We have seen many such lands. For example, the ancestral tomb of Yu Zhifu from Xinyang, where the upper part is high and curved, while the lower part is short and contracted; and the land of the Zhuang family in Quanzhou, where the upper terrain follows the water flow outward, and the lower part is open and empty. Both places are favorable, exactly fitting this pattern.

左地在廣信，土名新潭。亥龍巽向，俗呼寒牛出欄形。其龍逆水奔上，將入首，起飛蛾落脈，逶迤如生蛇。頓起金水天財穴，後有孝順鬼。龍虎護穴，如牛角彎抱。肘外則直長無情，元辰長。而外山上首高出，下手空曠為異耳。

The land on the left is located in Guangxin, with a small name called Xintan. The dragon comes from the亥 direction and faces the Xun direction, commonly known as the shape of "a cold ox coming out of the pen." The dragon runs against the water, and as it approaches the "entry point," it rises abruptly with a star peak shaped like a "fly" and falls to form the ridge. It then meanders forward like a living snake. Then suddenly, a star called "Heavenly Wealth" formed of both metal and water appears and forms the site. Behind the site, there is a "filial ghost" to protect it. The Qinglong and Baihu guard the site field, bending like ox horns to embrace it; however, beyond the elbows, they stretch straight out, appearing emotionless. The "Yuanchen water" in front of the site flows long. Moreover, the mountains outside are high on the upper hand side, while the lower hand side is instead open, which is different from the usual pattern.

蓋元辰雖長，前有湖水聚注；龍虎山內彎外直，卻穴間不見飛走。且肘外直長，乃曜氣也。上山高大，乃青龍起庫。下雖空曠，乃係逆局，大河水遶。卜氏云“水纏便是山纏”也。所貴者穴後樂山特特，襯貼有力，證得穴場明白。葬後即出閬山公，名洪，登正德辛巳進士，官太守，鉅富，福祉未艾。

In fact, although the original water flow is long, there is a lake in front of the site that gathers and blocks the water; the inner sides of the Qinglong and Baihu mountains bend around, while the outer sides are straight. Standing at the site, one cannot see them flying away. Moreover, the straight and long part beyond the two elbows is exactly the 'Yao Qi'. The mountain above the site is high, indicating that the Qinglong has formed a reservoir. Although the area below is open, the overall situation is an inverse layout with a big river surrounding it. The divination text says 'water winding around is equivalent to mountains winding around', which exactly describes this situation. Most valuable is the special coming of the Yue Mountain behind the site, which supports and confirms the site clearly. After burial, the Lángshan Gong, named Hong, immediately passed the imperial examination in the Xinsi year of Zhengde, became a prefect, and became very wealthy. His blessings have continued to this day.

左地在晉江縣南二十里。其龍甚遠不盡述。姑自少祖言之。羅裳山漲天水星，千絲墜格。帳中抽出一脈，逶迤清巧，金水疊疊，起伏精俊，骨脈秀異。連斷過峽，有小墩埠金彈子夾脈。兩邊纏護，重重包送。至八石山，結莊氏陽基。眾山從簇，乃復起水星帳。帳中出脈，金水磊落，十數級間，精神頓異。仍起疊帳，偏落右邊，入首結穴。

The land shown in the left diagram is located twenty miles south of Jinjiang County. Its dragon line is very long, too extensive to fully describe, so let us begin with the minor ancestral mountain. Luo Chang Mountain is a mountain formed by the star of Heavenly Water, belonging to the pattern of "thousands of threads falling." Within the encampment, a single ridge emerges, winding downward, clear, elegant, and delicate. The stars of Gold and Water are layered upon each other, with undulating energy and a refined and outstanding appearance. The ridge continues, breaking and changing course, with small hills like "golden bullets" enclosing the incoming ridge. On both sides, hills encircle and protect it, wrapped in layers. When it reaches Bashi Mountain, it forms the site of a yang residence. The surrounding mountains gather and follow, then another layer of water star encampment rises. Within the encampment, a ridge emerges, with clear and distinct stars of Gold and Water. Between about ten levels, the atmosphere suddenly changes. Then another overlapping encampment appears, leaning to the right, and finally forming the site of the mound.

而左山高聳，外重紫帽諸山插天。右即大海汪洋，一望無際，惟姑山如天馬浮於海波之心。登穴見前面府城，東西二塔如卓筆左右，而清涼三臺正照。大洋、小洋、鳳山諸秀又皆逞奇列異，莫不快目。但結穴偏側，左山太重，右邊風掃，青龍順竄，不入俗眼。不知水纏便是山纏。且水之深處，即山之高處。郭氏曰“得水為上”，故為吉地。

The mountain on the left is high and towering, with a series of purple-hatted mountains standing upright outside; on the right is a vast ocean, boundless and endless, with only Gu Mountain resembling a Heavenly Horse floating in the center of the sea. Standing on the site of the grave, one can see the city ahead, with two pagodas on the east and west sides standing like two upright brushes on either side. The three platforms of Qingliang Mountain are directly facing the grave site, shining upon it. The beautiful peaks of Daoyang, Xiaoyang, Feng Mountain, and others each display their unique forms, all pleasant to the eye. However, the grave site is slightly biased, with the mountain on the left being too heavy and the mountain on the right being blown by the wind. The Azure Dragon side flows away with the water, thus not meeting the eyes of ordinary people. They do not understand the principle that "water surrounding is equivalent to mountains surrounding," nor do they understand that the deepest part of the water corresponds to the highest part of the mountain. Guo Pu's "Zangshu" says "to have water is the best," so this site is still a favorable place.

葬後，出琦公，鄉薦，晉陽知縣；壬春，進士，節推；一俊，進士，少叅；用賓，進士，僉憲；國楨，進士，現任佈政；壬凡、思寬、履豐俱進士，現在；望棟、履朋俱鄉薦。人文濟濟，福祉未艾。長房、中房皆離鄉出貴，今漳福興莊氏是也。惟少房守祖，人丁富盛。若時俗之見，必以右臂風掃，小房不利為嫌，孰知水勝於山之妙哉！

After the burial, the ZHUANG family produced ZHUANG Qi, who was recommended for the local examination and became the magistrate of晋阳; ZHUANG Renchun, a jinshi, served as a judicial officer; ZHUANG Yijun, a jinshi, held the position of assistant provincial counselor; ZHUANG Yunbin, a jinshi, now serves as a censor; ZHUANG Guozhen, a jinshi, is currently the provincial governor. ZHUANG Renfan, ZHUANG SiKuan, and ZHUANG Lifu are all jinshi and are still in office. ZHUANG Wangdong and ZHUANG Lifu Peng were also recommended through the local examination. There are many talented people, and the blessings have not yet ended. The eldest and middle branches have left their hometowns and achieved prominence, which refers to the ZHUANG family in the areas of Zhangzhou, Fuzhou, and Xinghua today. Only the youngest branch remains in the ancestral homeland, thriving and prosperous. According to worldly views, people would surely think that the right side being exposed to wind is unfavorable for the youngest branch. But they do not know that the power of water surpasses the subtlety of mountains!

又二地，其一乃下手短縮，上手高出。其一乃上砂順竄，下臂空曠，皆吉。又有一等翻身逆勢，全無下關而吉者。廖氏云“坐空轉面去當潮，不怕八風搖”是也。又有順水砂，順關門，又有上砂高逼，下砂空曠而吉者。

The two pieces of land mentioned above, one has the lower part short and the upper part high and prominent, while the other has the upper ridge following the water to extend out and the lower part wide and open, yet both are auspicious. There is also another type of site where the form turns around against the main trend, lacking a lower ridge, yet it is still auspicious. Liao Jinjing said, "Sit on an empty space, turn your face towards the current, fear not the eight winds shaking," referring to this situation. There are also cases of ridges following the water, gates opening along the water flow, and instances where the upper ridges are high and close while the lower ridges are wide and open with no obstruction, yet they are still auspicious.

右地在吾邑，土名港口。龍旺穴尊，龍虎降伏，明堂平坦，而左畔一山順水拖下，乃是順關門。李養素下，課云：“子午之秋步蟾宮而折丹桂，丑未之春登虎榜而宴瓊林。”葬後，果出二貴，嘉靖壬子、戊午秋榜，乙丑進士，福祉未艾。

This piece of land is located in our De Xing county, with the local name of Gangkou. The dragon energy is strong, the site star is noble, the Qinglong and Baihu ridges are obedient and low, and the Mingtang is flat; however, there is a mountain on the left that follows the water and slopes down, which is called "Shun Guanmen." This land was selected by Li Yangsu, who predicted that in the autumn of the Zi and Wu years, someone in the family would enter the Moon Palace and pick the golden osmanthus, meaning passing the local examination; and in the spring of the Chou and Wei years, someone would ascend the tiger list and attend the Qionglin banquet, meaning passing the imperial examination. After the burial, indeed two noblemen emerged, who passed the autumn examination in the Jiajing Renzi and Wuwu years, and also passed the imperial examination in the Yichou year. Their blessings continue to this day.

左地在浙江常山縣，地名三岡。龍勢甚雄，入局復起廉貞少祖，中落一脈，脫下平岡，為眠體華蓋，一節結咽成金星突穴。四圍圓暈太極甚巧。但左山低小，右畔高雄，水自右流左，下關反弱為異。然龍穴既貴，右山雖高，主威武之權。左山雖低，本身一臂貼近有力。兼以穴暖，且大河遶抱，水口攔截，雖低不忌。葬後出清簡公瑩，登進士，官至刑部尚書。

This plot of land is located in Changshan County, Zhejiang Province, with the name San Gang. The dragon's momentum is very strong, and after entering the territory, it rises again with a hill of the "Lianzhen" shape as the minor ancestral mountain. In the center, a branch descends, detaching to form a flat ridge, resembling a lying "Huagai" (a ceremonial canopy). It proceeds for a section, then converges at the throat, forming a protruding grave site of the "Jinxing" shape. The grave site is surrounded by round hills, with a very refined Taiji (yin-yang) aura. However, the left mountain is low and small, while the right mountain is high and prominent, and the water flows from right to left. The lower gate on the left side is therefore weak, which is different from the usual pattern. Nevertheless, the dragon is noble and the grave site is true. Although the right mountain is high, it mainly indicates the power and authority of the master. The left mountain, though low, is close to the grave site with its branch, still possessing strength. Moreover, the grave site is warm, surrounded by a large river and intercepted by the water mouth, so the low left mountain does not need to be avoided. After burial, it produced Qingjian Gong Zhan Ying, who passed the imperial examination as a jinshi and held the position of Minister of the Ministry of Justice.

已上所論順關，及無下手砂等地，皆須逆局有水特朝方可，切要龍眞穴的。若察龍穴不眞，不若守其常格，以下山有力為主，猶為節制之兵，雖不大勝，亦不大敗。若妄意圖大，不拘下砂，為害不淺，戒之慎之。

The above discussion on the proper alignment and areas without a downstream hill must be in an inverse situation with water specially coming to meet them, especially important is the true dragon and true site. If one cannot accurately determine whether the dragon and site are genuine, it is better to stick to the conventional pattern, focusing on the strength of the downstream hill. This is like a disciplined and well-controlled army, which may not achieve great victories, but will not suffer great defeats. If one is overly ambitious, regardless of the downstream hill, the harm will be great, and one must be cautious.

水口砂者，水流去處兩岸之山也。切不可空缺，令水直出，必欲其山周密稠疊，交節關鎖，狹而塞，高而拱，或兩邊相結，如犬牙交錯，如群鵝相鑽。或峙立高峰，巖崖峭立；或水中異石，挺然中立，如印如笏，如獸如禽，如龜如蛇，如魚如筍；或左右高山對峙，如獅象、旗鼓；或排列如佈陣屯兵；或橫幛如列倉貯囷；或填塞如寶殿龍樓；或把截如武夫之干城；或簇集如將兵之拱衛，或磊磊如車馬闐駢，或森森如劍戟豎立，重重疊疊，不計其數，迢遞迂迴，至於數十里者，則為水口砂之至美也。若更有捍門、華表、羅星、北辰、游魚等砂，尤為至貴。

"The water mouth sand" refers to the mountains on both sides of the stream where the water flows out. Here, it must never be missing or left open, allowing the water to flow directly out; instead, the mountain formations should be dense and closely arranged, with each section interlocking and blocking the water flow. The river channel should be narrow and closed off, and the mountain shapes should be high and embracing. Some mountain feet on both sides bite into each other, like the teeth of a dog, or like a group of geese crowding forward; some have high peaks facing each other, with steep cliffs standing upright; some have strange stones in the water, standing upright in the middle, shaped like seals, like court officials' staffs, like wild beasts, like flying birds, like turtles, like snakes, like fish, like bamboo shoots; some have high mountains on both sides facing each other, like lions and elephants, like flags and drums; some are arranged like a military formation; some spread out horizontally like rows of granaries; some block the river channel like a palace or dragon pavilion; some guard the pass like warriors defending a city; some gather closely like soldiers surrounding their general; some are scattered and numerous like a group of carriages and horses; some are solemnly arranged like swords and spears standing upright. Such mountains are layered and overlapping, countless in number, winding and twisting for dozens of miles. This is the finest kind of water mouth sand. If there are also special types of sand such as "gatekeepers," "ornamental pillars," "roostering stars," "north star," and "swimming fish," they would be even more esteemed.

吳公《快捷方式》云：“凡一鄉一村，必有一源水。水去處謂之水口，若有高峰大山交牙關鎖，重疊周密，不見水去，即其中便可尋地。若更有異石，帶頭帶尾，逆水朝入，其中必有大貴之地。”《撼龍經》云：“到處先看水口山，水口交牙內局寬。便向寬容平處覓，左右周旋無空間。”《砂經》云：“第一看山相地法，先看水口狹。”

Wu Jingluan's诀窍 book says that the original title here, "Quick Way," is likely a mistake. In every village or town, there must be one source of water; the place where the water flows out is called the water mouth. If there is a high peak or big mountain blocking the water mouth tightly, with layers of mountains surrounding it closely, and from inside one cannot see the water flowing out, then one can search for land in that area. If there are strange stones in the water, leading from head to tail, standing against the flow of water towards the interior, then there must be a place of great wealth inside. Yang Yunsong's "Classic of Shaking the Dragon" says: when arriving at a place, first look at the mountains at the water mouth. If the water mouth is tightly locked with mountains intersecting, and the inner area is wide and flat, then go to that wide and flat place to search. The "Sandy Classic" says: the first method of looking at mountains to determine land is to first check if the water mouth is narrow or not.

陶公云：“水口無關，漫說當年富貴；天外有錀，乃知積代公候。”《入式歌》云：“水口一山如虎臥，回頭不許眾山過。高昂截斷水難流，此物名為神仙座。”卜氏云：“水口則愛其緊如葫盧喉。”范越鳯云：“水口之山，欲高而大，拱而塞。”又云：“若有石山朝入於內，如銅魚金龜、懸鍾頓鼓，隨水生上，關鎖重疊，不知去處尤佳。”

Tao Gong said: If the water mouth is not blocked, do not talk about the former wealth of the family; only when there is another lock outside the sky to control the outgoing water, can one know that this place can produce generations of marquises and dukes. The "Entry Song" says: If there is a mountain at the water mouth shaped like a tiger lying down, turning back to prevent all other mountains from crossing over; it stands high and proud, cutting off the water path, making it difficult for the water to flow away, this thing is called "the seat of the immortal." Bu Ying Tian said: The water mouth prefers to be tight like the narrow neck of a gourd. Fan Yuefeng said: The mountains at the water mouth should be high and large, embracing and closing off. He also said: If there are stone mountains facing inward, shaped like copper fish, golden turtles, hanging bells, and sudden drums, following the water flow layer by layer upwards, with multiple locks, making it impossible to see where the water goes, that would be even better.

楊公云：“捍門水口尖峰起，圓峰北辰位。坐鎮城門不見流，富貴保千秋。”《坤鑑歌》云：“水口不嫌關鎖密，千重萬疊搃奇關。羅城鐵陣並華表，寶殿龍樓搃是強。”皆論水口砂之形勢妙旨也。又須察其情形何如。若其大情順水下奔，而無回頭顧內之意，亦不足取。欲其情意顧內，步步回頭，橫截逆轉，而山腳只只向內逆插，則其情意皆眞。

Yang Yunsong said: The gate of protection is located at the water mouth, with a sharp peak rising high; where the round peak is situated, that is the position of the Northern Star. They stand like a city gate, preventing people from seeing the water flow out, thus ensuring lasting wealth and prosperity. The "Kun Jian Ge" says: The water mouth does not fear too many locks or barriers; thousands of layers of barriers are always extraordinary. The Luo Cheng is like an iron formation, paired with the Huabiao pillars, and added with the treasure hall and dragon pavilions, all of which form a strong and favorable layout. These words discuss the wonderful aspects of the terrain at the water mouth. In addition to the terrain, one must also examine its demeanor. If the overall trend flows along the water without any intention of returning inward, it is not desirable. What is needed is a sentiment turning inward, stepping back one by one, intercepting laterally, and reversing the flow. The mountains at the foot of the hill all face inward and are inserted in a reverse manner, only then can the sentiment be considered genuine.

劉氏云：“若向面朝入，如相君堂署，大將屯兵，節節把守，無階可進。小官卑將，拱手而立。若是有此情意形勢，關鎖水口，斯為至貴，其內必有大富大貴陰地陽基。誠以水口為一方門戶，若關鎖周密，則此方旺氣不洩，龍神融聚，故愈多愈好。《龍經》云：“關門若有十重鎖，定有王侯居比間。”

Liu Shi said: If many mountains face inward, it is like the official residence of a prime minister or the military camp of a general, with sections guarding one after another, leaving no steps for outsiders to enter; low-ranking officials and assistants can only bow and stand by. When such a situation forms a closure at the water mouth, it is most honorable, and there must be a wealthy and prestigious ancestral tomb or foundation. This is because the water mouth is the gate of a piece of land; if the closure is thorough, the vital energy of that area will not escape, and the dragon spirit will gather and not disperse. Therefore, the more closures, the better. The Classic of Shaking the Dragon says: If there are ten locks at the gate, there must be a residence of a king or a marquis inside.

若其山不周密，或山勢走竄，或一節低一節，一重遠一重，一山小一山，即是水口曠闊無關，此方旺氣便隨流水飄散，而龍神與之俱往，豈復能結富貴之地？縱有龍穴，亦發福不久。非惟陰地不美，而此方居民亦必貧困消條，多莊佃傭奴，而無名門右族、富貴之家、豪傑之士矣。故曰“水口之砂最關利害”。

In reverse, if the mountains are not complete, or if the mountain trends are all outward, or if each section is lower than the previous, each layer farther away, and each hill smaller than the last, then the water mouth is open and unobstructed; the prosperity of this area will follow the flowing water and scatter away, and the dragon spirit will also leave together, how could there be a place of wealth and honor? Even if there is a dragon sitewith difficulty, its benefits will not last long. Moreover, it is not only the grave that is bad, but the people in this area will certainly be poor and desolate, with many tenant farmers and servants, and no famous families, wealthy households, or heroic men. Therefore, the sand at the water mouth has the greatest impact on fortune.

其水口間有大橋、林木、佛祠、神廟，亦闗禍福。或水沖損橋樑，或伐木毀廟，則凶禍之來不可救助，尤宜慎之。若或水口羅星諸砂被水沖破，或忽崩裂，則此方凶敗立應。如疊有奇石高洲忽然露出，則此方富貴驟至，皆應如桴鼓。智者見之，可以預驗休咎。廖氏云：“若還水打破羅星，官敗舉無名。忽然水口洲灘出，士薦官遷秩。”水口之所繫如此也。

If there are bridges, forests, temples, or shrines near the water outlet, they all relate to the fortune and misfortune of a region. If a flood destroys the bridge or if someone cuts down trees or destroys a temple, when misfortune comes, it will be impossible to prevent it, so one must be especially cautious. If the Luo Xing and other sands at the water outlet are broken by water or suddenly collapse and crack, then misfortune and decline will immediately occur in that area. On the contrary, if layered strange stones or sandbanks rising above the water suddenly appear, then wealth and honor will suddenly arrive in that area, and the response will be as quick as a drum being struck by a mallet. People with insight can foresee good or bad fortune by observing these signs. Liao Jinjing said: if the Luo Xing is broken by water, officials will fall from power and those taking the examination will fail; if a sandbank suddenly appears at the water outlet, scholars will be recommended and officials will be promoted. The consequences of the water outlet are therefore of great importance.

華表者(如右圖)，水口間有奇峰挺然卓立，或兩山對峙，水從中出，或橫攔高填，窒塞水中者，皆是也。要高聳天表，方稱華表之名。水口有此，於內必有大地。《賦》云：“華表捍門居水口，樓臺鼓角列羅城。若非立郡遷都，定主為官近帝。

The so-called "Huabiao" refers to a prominent peak standing upright between two streams, or two mountains enclosing the water with the stream flowing in the middle, or a mountain stretching across the water, blocking it high up. These all qualify as Huabiao. It must be towering into the sky to deserve the name "Huabiao." When there is a Huabiao at the water's mouth, it indicates the presence of great land. The "Xue Xin Fu" states: "Huabiao and Hamen guard the water's mouth, while building towers and gongs and drums form a walled city." Such a situation is not suitable for establishing a prefecture or capital, but it certainly indicates that descendants will hold official positions close to the emperor. The original passage only has an opening quotation mark and no closing one, and the illustration is no longer available, leaving only the title and this explanation.

捍門山者，水口之間兩山對峙，如門戶之護捍也。有三格。其一穴前見之，端居左右，如門戶放入，前砂、外洋、遠秀朝揖。其二江水陽朝，先開捍門，水由門戶中出，洋洋坦夷，來不見源，去不見流。其三則水口闗闌，開設門戶，水由此逝。此皆大貴格也。然捍門之砂，最喜成形。如日月、旗鼓、龜蛇、獅象等狀，有九重、十二重捍門者，必結禁穴。一重二重亦主王侯、后妃、宰相、狀元之貴。若捍門外又有羅星，尤為奇特。《經》曰：“捍門之外有羅星，便作公侯山水斷。”

The so-called "Hamen Mountain" refers to two mountains facing each other at the water mouth, like door panels guarding and blocking the passage. There are three types of this formation. The first type can be seen clearly before the tomb site, standing straight on both sides, like an open gate allowing people to enter. The surrounding ridges, the outer waters, and distant秀丽 peaks all bow towards the tomb site. The second type involves clear flowing water coming directly towards the tomb site, first opening up the Hamen, with water flowing through the gate, vast and open, with no visible source at the beginning and no visible destination at the end. The third type involves blocking at the water mouth, setting up a gate, and allowing the water to flow through here. These three types are all grand and auspicious formations. The best Hamen mountains are those that form distinct shapes, such as the sun and moon, flags and drums, turtles and snakes, lions and elephants, etc. If there are nine or twelve layers of Hamen mountains, it definitely indicates a royal tomb, and even one or two layers can signify the emergence of nobles, dukes, empresses, chancellors, and top-ranking scholars. If there is also a Luo Star outside the Hamen, it becomes even more extraordinary. The classic text says: If there is a Luo Star outside the Hamen, this entire mountain and water formation can be judged as belonging to a family of marquises and dukes.

北辰者，水口間巉巖石山，聳身數仞，形狀怪異，當於中流，挺然朝入者是也。亦謂之尊星。此格極貴，千不逢一，非王侯大地，未易有此。楊公云：“一個北辰管萬兵，駙馬公侯招討名。高大崢嶸聳雲漢，必是爭天奪國人。”又曰：“北辰之星天中尊，上將下相列分明。此星乾坤鎮國寶，隱藏閉口莫胡陳。”

The so-called "Beichen" refers to a rugged and steep stone mountain located at the water mouth, rising several zhang high with an unusual shape, standing right in the center of the river, upright and facing inward. It is also called "Zunxing." This configuration is extremely noble and rare, appearing only once in a thousand places; it is not found in ordinary lands. Yang Yunsong said that a Beichen can control tens of thousands of soldiers, and it indicates the emergence of officials such as驸马 (marriage alliance), marquises, and commanders; if it is tall and majestic, reaching toward the clouds, it surely produces someone who will contend for the throne and seize the imperial lineage. He also said that the Beichen star is the supreme authority in heaven, with generals and ministers clearly distinguished; this star is a national treasure, and it should be hidden and not spoken of casually, lest it be recklessly spread around.

許仙曰：“卻有一樣北辰星，形若眞兮貴莫論。北辰高大出萬乘，若然低小也朝臣。”曾公云：“山家最貴北辰星，水口高巖大石蹲。見此便知極貴地，必出爭雄逞猛人。”吳公云：“水口交羅生怪石，大小高低論重輕。高大名為北辰位，必產英雄不敢聞。百丈石山高聳起，此名大獸北辰星。水口若見北辰鎮，巨石湧起膽寒驚。此星若還關水口，必主皇王鎮國人。”

Xu Xian said: There is another kind of Beichen Star, if its form is truly present, its value is beyond measure; a high Beichen Star can produce a heavenly sovereign, even if it is somewhat smaller, it can produce officials of the court. Zeng Gong said: Geographers place the greatest importance on the Beichen Star, which is a large rock or stone standing high and squatting at the water mouth; seeing it indicates an extremely precious place, which certainly produces strong and fierce persons who strive for dominance and are brave and fierce. Wu Jingluan said: When the water mouth has intersecting and arranged strange rocks, their importance should be judged by the size and height of the rocks; the high ones are called the Beichen position, which certainly produces heroes, whose fame is so great that people dare not hear it; a stone mountain hundreds of zhang high standing up is called the "Great Beast Beichen Star"; if the water mouth sees the Beichen Star guarding it, with huge stones rising up, looking at it causes fear in the heart; if this star truly holds the water mouth, it will surely produce a king-like person to stabilize the country.

又云：“水中石山侵上天，擁起嵯峨壓眾山。代代武文人過府，英雄猛烈萬人看。水中圓墩有石印，若還低陷也昌榮。大山粗昂是北辰，定產男兒統萬兵。”《禁星論》曰：“筠松禁星禁何星？餘星不禁禁北辰。至尊之星所當禁，恐君洩漏害君身。”又曰：“大地龍神朝暮守，不許凡人亂開口。勸君遇著北辰星，禁口禁眼宜謹守。”

Wu Jingluan also said: When a mountain rises high into the sky in the water, forming a majestic and towering appearance that surpasses all other mountains, such a land will produce generations of talented scholars and generals, people who have handled government affairs, heroes with great strength, and those who attract the attention of thousands. If there is a stone seal on a round hill in the water, even if it is slightly depressed, it indicates prosperity and honor. A large, strong, and lofty mountain is the North Star, which certainly produces men who can lead an army of ten thousand. The "Ban Star Theory" says: Yang Yunsong was to ban which star? All other stars are not banned, only the North Star is banned; because it is the supreme star, it should be kept silent, to prevent you from leaking heavenly secrets and harming yourself. It also says: The dragon spirits of the earth guard day and night, not allowing ordinary people to speak freely; I advise you when encountering the North Star, to keep your mouth shut and pretend not to see with your eyes, and you must be cautious and careful.

蓋水口北辰極貴，上者多為禁穴之應，不可輕談；中者王侯宰輔、皇親國戚，斬殺自由，非尋常小貴之地而能有此。《太華經》亦謂北辰星居溪中、水口，或旁應左右，皆為大貴，若非州郡邑鎮，即出英雄豪傑之士，驚天動地之人。故凡水口羅城之間，如見有此，其中必有大貴之地，宜於其內尋索龍穴。

The North Star at a water mouth is highly esteemed because superior ones are mostly found in the sacred burial sites of emperors, and should not be spoken of lightly. Medium ones also indicate the emergence of princes, ministers, and royal relatives who hold power over life and death. Such places are not ordinary small prosperous areas. The "Taihua Jing" also states that when the North Star stands in a stream, at a water mouth, or nearby to illuminate it, it signifies great fortune. Such places either form states or cities, or produce heroic and outstanding individuals who make extraordinary impacts. Therefore, whenever the North Star is seen near the water mouth and the surrounding area, there must be a great prosperous site hidden there. One should search for the dragon's abode within it.

或難予曰：北辰者，即北極天之樞星。孔子所謂“居其所而眾星拱之”者也。此星至尊至貴，而乃為門戶間把守關隘之職，何也？答曰：此固術家取義欠當，然亦不過假借美名以稱特異之砂耳。如天乙、太乙、太陽、太陰之名，亦皆尊貴星辰，而術家乃以太乙、天乙侍立左右，太陽、太陰夾照峽場。

Someone questioned me saying: "The northern pole star, known as the Tian Shu star, is the one Confucius referred to as 'dwelling in its place while all the other stars circle around it.' This star is supreme and noble, so how can it be assigned to guard the gate, performing a menial duty?" I replied: "This is indeed an improper interpretation by the geomancers. They merely use a pleasant name to refer to a particularly strange kind of terrain. Just like terms such as 'Tian Yi,' 'Tai Yi,' 'Tai Yang,' and 'Tai Yin,' which originally refer to noble stars, the geomancers have placed Tai Yi and Tian Yi to stand on both sides of the dragon body, and have made Tai Yang and Tai Yin to illuminate the critical points of the water passage."

日月捍門，考其所取，莫不皆為貴地證驗。若以循名求義較之，則此等貴星，安可使為侍衛，為夾從，為把守關隘之職？故此不過假借美名耳。其寔無有所謂日月、北辰、天乙、太乙以臨之也。義固弗當，但襲之既久，不可改稱，今姑從之。

There is also the term "ri yue han men" (sun and moon gatekeepers). Investigating the use of these names, they are merely used as a way to verify the auspiciousness of a place. If we take these names literally and consider their actual functions, how can these noble stars be assigned to serve as guards, attendants, or gatekeepers? Clearly, this is just using beautiful names for something else. In reality, there are no actual sun, moon, northern star, Tianyi, or Taiyi descending upon those mountains. Although the names are not appropriate, they have been used for so long that it is now difficult to change them. Therefore, we continue to use them as before.

吳公《口訣》云：“北辰是石山嵯峨，雄昂高插，峭壁巖崖突兀奇怪，生耳，生角，生嘴，如將軍，如判官，如小鬼，如臥龍，如麒麟，如獅象，如海螺，如飛鳳，如仙鶴，如猛虎，如展旗，如堆甲，如涼傘，如走旗，如鋸齒，如鎗刀，如幡帶，如排符，如筆架，挺然拔聳萬仞，巍峨屹立，堆疊於水口之間。

Wu Jingluan in his work "Koujue" describes the appearance of Beichen in detail. He says: Beichen is a rugged stone mountain, towering and lofty, standing upright in the water, with steep cliffs and strange rock formations; the stones have ears, horns, and mouths, with shapes resembling generals, judges, and little demons, or like coiled dragons, qilin, leopards, elephants, and sea shells, or like flying phoenixes, immortal cranes, and fierce tigers, or like unfurled banners, piled-up armor, umbrellas, running banners, saw-teeth, spears and daggers, banners, rows of symbols and flags, and pen stands; it rises abruptly ten thousand feet high, majestic and standing firm, layer upon layer piled up between the mouths of rivers.

望之而神驚，就之而心怖，崚嶒峻險、怪異巉巖者是也。若非有諸般古怪形狀，則不可謂之北辰。”此星極貴，上格貴龍方有此應，亦不拘多寡，但得一二亦為大貴。須居水口為眞，若穴上見之反為不吉。

Looking from afar, it causes one's mind to be startled, and approaching it, one feels fear within. Only those that are rugged, steep, strange, and uneven can be called Bei Chen. If they lack these peculiar forms, they cannot be called Bei Chen. This is the original words of Wu Jingluan. This star, Bei Chen, is extremely noble and esteemed, and only high-ranking noble dragons possess such an indication. The number is not strictly limited; even having one or two such formations indicates great fortune. It must be situated at the water mouth to be genuine. If it can be seen directly on the site, it is actually inauspicious.

夫羅星者，水口關攔之中，有堆埠特起，或石或土，於平中突然當於門戶之間，四面水遶者是也。石者為上，土者次之，要居羅城之外為貴。《經》云：“羅星要在羅城外，若是羅星不在內。居內名為抱養瘝，又為患眼墮胎山。羅星若在羅城口，城口皆為玉筍班。”

The so-called "Luo Star" refers to a mound of earth or stone that is deliberately raised in the center of a water passage, standing suddenly on a flat surface between the entrance and exit, surrounded by water on all sides. Stone is the best, while earth is次等. Its position should be outside the Luo City to be considered valuable. The Classic of Shaking the Dragon says: The Luo Star should be located outside the Luo City; if it is inside, it is incorrect. When the Luo Star is inside, it is called "Baoyang Guan," also known as "Huanyan Duotai Shan," which indicates the possibility of adopting another's child, suffering from eye diseases, or experiencing miscarriage. If the Luo Star stands at the entrance of the Luo City, then all the people passing through this gate will be in the ranks of noble people like jade笋.

然此雖居關口城外，又須有山抱闌，乃為有力。《經》云：“水中重重生異石，定有羅星當水立。羅星外面有山關，上生下生細尋覓。”然亦有眞偽，尤宜詳審。《經》云：“蓋緣羅星有眞假，眞假天然非人力。眞是羅星有首尾，首逆上流尾拖水。”又云：“欲識羅星眞妙訣，一邊枕水一邊田。田中有骨脈相連，或為頑石焦土堅。此是羅星有餘氣，卓立為星在水邊。”

However, although the Luo Star is located outside the pass, it still needs to be surrounded by mountains on all sides and blocked by a hill to be effective. The Classic of Shaking the Dragon says: when strange stones appear layer by layer in the water, there must be a Luo Star standing by the water; outside the Luo Star, there are mountains forming a pass. These mountains may come from upstream or downstream, and one must carefully search to determine their origin. The Luo Star can be genuine or false, and it is especially important to examine it carefully. The Classic of Shaking the Dragon says: the Luo Star is naturally genuine or false, not made by human effort; a genuine Luo Star has a head and a tail, with the head facing upstream and the tail extending downstream. It also says: the secret to distinguishing a genuine Luo Star is to observe whether it is resting on one side by the water and connected on the other side to a field; within the field, there are bones or veins connected to it, or perhaps hard rocks or dry, hard earth. This indicates that the Luo Star is formed by the leftover energy of a dragon, standing alone by the water as a single star.

蓋羅星在天為火之餘曜，故又稱曰火羅，所以有頑石焦土。然其龍神亦必多有火星。《經》云：“火星龍始有羅星”。其形則以尖圓方正端扁為美。《經》云：“貪巨羅星方與尖，輔弼武曲圓扁眠。祿存廉貞多碎破，破軍尖破最堪嫌。只有尖圓方扁星，此是羅星得正形。忽然四面皆是水，兩山環合鬱然青。”

The Luo Star in the sky belongs to the residual energy of the Fire Star, so it is also called "Fire Luo." Therefore, beneath it there will be hard rocks and scorched earth. Correspondingly, the dragon pulse to which it belongs must also have a lot of Fire energy. The Classic of Shaking the Dragon says: Only Fire dragon pulses will have Luo Stars. Its shape is considered beautiful if it is sharp, round, square, or flat. The Classic of Shaking the Dragon says: The Luo Stars formed by Tanwang and Jumen are square or sharp; those formed by Zuo Fu You Bi and Wu Qu are round and flat, lying down; those formed by禄存 and Lianzhen are mostly broken; those formed by Pu Jun are both sharp and broken, which are most disliked. Only the four shapes—sharp, round, square, and flat—are considered the correct forms of Luo Star. If suddenly all around is water, with two mountains enclosing it, and the area is lush and emerald green, then that is a good Luo Star.

看羅星之法，有此數訣，不可不識。大抵見有羅星，又合法度，其內必有大富貴地。蓋緣羅星乃是證佐，決不虛生矣！若其數多尤妙。然非極貴龍穴不能多也。訣云“一個羅星抵萬山”，況其多乎？

The method of identifying Luo Xing is as outlined in these few rhymes, and one must not be ignorant of them. Generally, whenever a Luo Xing is encountered and it conforms to the proper rules, there must be a place of great wealth and honor within it. Because Luo Xing itself is a kind of proof, and it would never appear without reason. The more Luo Xing there are, the better, but it is not possible for a very noble dragon site to have so many. The rhyme says, "One Luo Xing is worth ten thousand mountains," so how much more so when there are several?

已上所論華表、捍門、北辰、羅星，皆水口至貴之砂，得一亦為富貴龍穴之應。但水口之砂，亦不止此。如所謂金馬門、游魚洲、赦文星、牛羊墜、百萬倉、萬石囷、合旗、頓鼓、車馬、戰纛等砂，皆為吉地之應，茲不備及。蓋貴人門下多車馬，富人門下多質庫。故水中之砂，亦各以類相從也。

The above-mentioned forms of Huabiao, Hamen, Beichen, and Luoxing are all the most esteemed types of terrain at the water mouth. If any of these can be obtained, it indicates a dragon site that brings wealth and honor. However, the terrain at the water mouth is not limited to these four types. There are also other names such as "Jinma Men," "Youyu Zhou," "Sheshen Xing," "Niuyang Zhu," "Mianbao Cang," "Wanshi Qun," "Heqi," "Dun Gu," "Che Ma," and "ZhanDao," which are also signs of auspicious sites. Here they are not listed one by one. The principle is similar to the fact that there are many carriages in front of a nobleman's gate and many pawnshops in front of a rich man's gate; the terrains in the water are also gathered according to the type of the master. A dragon site of a certain type will correspond to a water mouth terrain of the same type.

大抵水中之砂，雄強高峻、嵯峨崚嶒、不生手腳枝葉、怪石巉巖、望之可畏者方為眞水口砂。如大貴人，必是大將帥，或雄悍武夫，披堅執銳，把守關隘，出入之人，必須盤詰，方得往來，豈容尋常直進直出？故水口砂必是醜陋凶惡星辰把截。《經》云：“莫道廉祿無好處，大為將相公侯門。”是言有公侯將相之地，必用他作門戶也。

In general, the sand in water should be strong, high, steep, and rugged, without branches or leaves, resembling strange rocks and precipitous cliffs that inspire fear. This is true water mouth sand. Just as a great nobleman must have a great general or a fierce warrior to guard the pass, who wear armor and hold weapons, questioning all who enter or leave, how could people pass through freely? Therefore, the sand at the water mouth must be guarded by fierce and ominous stars. The Classic of Shaking the Dragon says: Do not think that the stars Lianzheng and Luchun are without merit; they are precisely used as the main gate for the residences of generals, ministers, and marquises. This means that wherever there is land suitable for a marquis or general, it must use these stars as its gate.

又云：“祿存無祿只為關，破軍不破只為攔。關闌之山作水口，必有羅星在水間。”是言既有關闌二山異於尋常，則必有羅星在水中，或落河火星為禽為曜，以為應證。此皆天造地設，自然符契之理。且水口關闌，不特陰地陽宅而已，凡天下大垣局、京機、省城以及州郡，莫不皆有大關闌、大羅星，特形勢寬大，規模宏遠，未易察識。

The Classic of Shaking the Dragon also says: The star of禄存 here does not indicate official rank, but is used as a gate; the star of破军 here does not indicate destruction, but is used as an obstruction. If there are two such gate and obstruction mountains guarding the water mouth, then there must certainly be a Luo Star in the water. Xu explains: Since there are unusual gate and obstruction mountains, there must certainly be a Luo Star in the water, or there may be a falling fire star falling into the river, transforming into 'qin' and 'yao', serving as a confirmation. These are all natural arrangements, inherently harmonious principles. Moreover, the gate and obstruction at the water mouth are not only related to ancestral graves and residential sites. All great sites, capitals, provincial cities, and even prefectures and states, without exception, have great gate and obstruction mountains and great Luo Stars. The difference is that their forms are broad and their scale is vast, making them difficult to perceive.

《經》云：“大河之山有砥柱，四川之口生灩澦。大孤小孤彭蠡前，採石金山作門戶。”又云：“大河碣石至海窮，海外諸峰補垣局。更有焦山羅剎石，雖是羅星門不固。此是大尋羅星法，識者便知愚未悟。”

The Classic of Shaking the Dragon says: In the Yellow River there is the Dizhu Mountain; in Sichuan, the Jiangkou produces the Yanyu Heap. The Da Gu Mountain and Xiao Gu Mountain stand before the Poyang Lake, while the Caisi矶 and Jinshan serve as the gateways of the Yangtze River. It also says: The Yellow River flows all the way to Jieshi and then enters the sea, with many mountain peaks beyond the sea to complete its enclosure. There are also the Jiaoshan and Luocha Stone in Zhenjiang, which although considered Luo stars, are not strong enough as gateways. This is the method of seeking Luo stars on a large scale. Those who understand it can grasp it at a glance, while those who are confused will never comprehend it.

又云：“請君看此州縣關，何處不生水口山？水口關闌皆破祿，無腳交牙如疊環。或為橫山如臥虎，或作重重如瓜瓠。禹鑿龍門透大河，便是當時關水處。太行走出河中府，河北河南關兩所。大河北來曲射東，西山在水如眠龍。馬耳山枕大江口，絕無腳手為神廟。靈壁山來截淮河，更無一腳如橫過。海門之山鎖兩浙，兩山相合如環玦。文廉生腳鎖緇流，橫在水中為兩截。

The Classic of Shaking the Dragon also says: Look at the passageways of various prefectures and counties; where is there not a mountain forming a water mouth? The barriers at the water mouths are mostly formed by the stars Pojun and Luchun. These stars do not produce mountain feet, but they intersect with each other like overlapping jade rings. Some are a single transverse mountain resembling a lying tiger, others are layered like gourds. When Da Yu opened the龙门 to let the Yellow River pass through, that was the place where he controlled the water. The Taihang Mountains run all the way to the river middle region, forming two passageways on both banks of the Yellow River. The Yellow River comes from the north, bends eastward, and the western mountain stands by the water like a sleeping dragon. Ma'er Mountain lies by the great river mouth, having neither feet nor hands, with a temple built on top. Lingbi Mountain stretches out to block the Huai River, also having no mountain feet, merely blocking the river horizontally. The mountains at Haimen lock the two Zhe regions, with two mountains meeting like a pair of jade rings. The stars Wenqu and Lianzhen produce mountain feet to block the flowing water, crossing the river and cutting it into two parts.

大關大鎖數十重，定有羅星橫截氣。截住江河不許流，關內不知多少地。小羅小鎖及小關，一州一縣須有闌。十闌十鎖百十里，定有王侯居此間。鄉落羅星小關鎖，枕水如戈石橫臥。但看無腳是關闌，重數多少分將佐。君如能識水口山，便識天戈並祿破。”斗杓前一星名曰天戈，喻水口中羅星也。觀此則知水口關闌、羅星等砂，雖有大小不同，其寔皆一理耳。

There are dozens of great gates and locks, among which there must be a Luo Star crossing horizontally to block the earth's energy. It stops the river from flowing straight, and within the gate there are countless good lands. Small Luo Stars, small locks, and small gates are necessary for each state or county, with ten gates and ten locks stretching for hundreds of li, and within them there must be a prince or a marquis. In the countryside, small Luo Stars are just small gates and locks, lying on the water like a spear or a stone. As long as it does not appear at the foot of a mountain, it is considered a gate or a lock. Then, according to the number of layers, you can determine whether it is a main or an assistant. If you can recognize the mountain at the water mouth, you can also recognize the "Tian Ge" and the禄存 and破军. The star called "Tian Ge" is in front of the handle of the Big Dipper, and here it is used to refer to the Luo Star in the water mouth. From this, we can see that the sand formations such as the gate and Luo Star at the water mouth, although they differ in size, follow the same principles.