The Method of the Secondary Guest

解曰：其次客法，備一時內，數客並一方求占，故有此移神換將之說。或換將，或換日辰，或按大六壬依式造合，與其之法，皆一意也。愚意度之，似或未當。如月將之例，正月登明，按歷家交待之後方用某將，以此觀之此換將之法不可概取。莫若以來人或本命或行年上作課占，則一歲之內吉凶可見，其意尤遠，高明之士當詳而校。

The explanation states that the method of "secondary guests" was devised to handle situations where several people seeking divination are in the same direction within the same hour. In such cases, the method of shifting deities and generals is used. This can be done by changing the deity, changing the day branch, or following the established format of the Great Six壬 system. The intent of these methods is essentially the same. The author himself speculates that these methods may not be entirely appropriate. For example, the established rule for the month general is that in the first lunar month, one should use Dengming, but this should be based on the calendar's determination of the change of seasons and the corresponding shift of the general. From this perspective, the method of shifting generals cannot be universally applied. It would be better to establish the divination based on the person's true birth year or current age. In this way, the fortune and misfortune within a year can be seen, and the intent is more profound. This point should be carefully considered by those who are skilled and discerning.

法曰：陽將後三前五，陰將前三後五。課遇次客，換將不換神，更以人元上遁起，數至本位也。

The rules for the secondary guest method are: if the general spirit of this month is yang, the first change of the general spirit takes the third position after it, and the second change takes the fifth position before it; if the general spirit is yin, the first change takes the third position before it, and the second change takes the fifth position after it. When the secondary guest appears, only the general spirit is changed, not the noble spirit. The original element is recalculated starting from the initial hidden sequence, counting to the position corresponding to the person seeking the divination.

假令十二月壬寅日午時申位，將功曹，神玄武，人元戊，設苟天客，又於申上坐，以十二月子為將，陽將合用後三，以酉，加午數至申，則將是登明，再以戊建即從甲寅起數至申上，則人元是庚。復有次客於申上坐，酉為將合用前五，便以寅將加午，數至申；則將是天罡，再以庚建即從戊寅數至申，則人元是甲，而貴神是玄武，未嘗易也。如是周而復始，一時可做十二課，至第十三卻為初矣。

For example: On the day of Renyin in the twelfth month at the hour of Wu, the person is sitting in the position of Shen. The first lesson's general is Gongcao (Yin), the noble god is Xuanwu, and the person's origin is Wu. Suppose another guest comes and also sits in the position of Shen: in the twelfth month, the original use is Zi as the general, which belongs to Yang. A Yang general should take the next three positions, which is You. Place You on Wu and count to Shen, obtaining the general as Dengming (Hai). The person's origin starts from Wu and proceeds downward, counting from Jiayin to Shen, obtaining the person's origin as Geng. If another guest comes and still sits in the position of Shen, this time taking You as the general and taking the previous five positions, place Yin general on Wu and count to Shen, obtaining the general as Tiangang (Chen). The person's origin starts from Geng and proceeds downward, counting from Wuyin to Shen, obtaining the person's origin as Jia. The noble god remains Xuanwu and does not change. In this way, the process continues cyclically, allowing twelve lessons to be cast within an hour. By the thirteenth person, it returns to the original lesson.

甲子旬生人，男一歲丙寅，女一歲壬申，十歲到亥，男順女逆。甲戌旬生人，男一歲起丙子，女一歲起壬午，十歲到酉。甲申旬生人，男一歲起丙戌，女一歲起壬辰，十歲到未。

"Xingnian" refers to the minor annual positions calculated according to one's age, determined based on the decade in which one was born. For males, the sequence progresses forward, while for females, it progresses backward. Those born in the Jiazi decade, males begin at Bingyin at age one, and females begin at Renshen at age one, reaching the position of Hai by age ten. Those born in the Jiaxu decade, males begin at Bingzi at age one, and females begin at Renwu at age one, reaching the position of You by age ten. Those born in the Jiashen decade, males begin at Bingxu at age one, and females begin at Renchen at age one, reaching the position of Wei by age ten. It can be seen that males start from the third position of the current decade with the Bing stem, while females start from the ninth position of the current decade with the Ren stem, each following their respective direction.

甲午旬生人，男一歲起丙申，女一歲起壬寅，十歲到巳。甲辰旬生人，男一歲起丙午，女一歲起壬子，十歲到卯。甲寅旬生人，男一歲起丙辰，女一歲起壬戌，十歲到丑。

People born in the Jiawu cycle start with Bingshen at age one for males and Renyin at age one for females, reaching Si at age ten. Those born in the Jiachen cycle start with Bingwu at age one for males and Renzi at age one for females, reaching Mao at age ten. Those born in the Jiayin cycle start with Bingchen at age one for males and Renxu at age one for females, reaching Chou at age ten. After the six cycles are fully established, one can count forward or backward by years to determine which branch a particular age falls on, then set up the lesson on that branch to judge auspiciousness or inauspiciousness.

假令甲午生男，一歲起丙申，順行二歲丁酉，十歲乙巳，二十乙卯，三十乙丑，四十乙亥，五十乙酉，六十乙未，六十一歲至丙申，六十二歲丁酉，六十三歲戊戌，六十四歲己亥，六十五歲庚子，六十六歲辛丑。其甲午生人屬金，至丑入墓，大運又在午，又是本命伏吟，丑午相害。見庚為人元，遞互相刑，故主己亥年三月二十八日申時死也。此乃六甲旬頭所起小運餘例，凡人起小運，皆以此推。

For example, a man born in the year Jiawu (甲午) starts his small age with Bingshen (丙申) at one year old. Following the sequence, at two years old it is Dingyou (丁酉), at ten years old it is Yisi (乙巳), at twenty years old it is Yimao (乙卯), at thirty years old it is Yichou (乙丑), at forty years old it is Yihai (乙亥), at fifty years old it is Yiyou (乙酉), and at sixty years old it is Yiwei (乙未). At sixty-one years old, it returns to Bingshen (丙申), sixty-two to Dingyou (丁酉), sixty-three to Wuxu (戊戌), sixty-four to Jihai (己亥), sixty-five to Gengzi (庚子), and sixty-six to Xinchou (辛丑). This man's birth year Jiawu has a nayin sound element of metal. When he reaches Chou (丑), the metal enters the storage. His big destiny also falls on Wu (午), which is the same as his birth year, forming 'Hidden Chant' (伏吟), meaning the same position overlapping, hidden and unmoving. Chou and Wu are also mutually harmful. At this time, the heavenly stem appears as Geng (庚), which conflicts with his birth year, leading to mutual punishment and conflict. Therefore, it is determined that he will die on the 28th day of the third month in the year Jihai (己亥) at the hour of Shen (申). This is an example of calculating small age based on the six jia cycles. Everyone's small age is calculated in this way.

法曰：常於人行年上依例立成四課，以斷災福，若行年與課干相合最為吉，不合則否。若四位相生則吉，相剋則凶。又云：凶神凶將以凶斷之，吉神吉將以吉斷之。

The method of divination is: normally, four lessons are established according to the branch of the person's age. These are used to judge the fortune or misfortune of the year. If the heavenly stem of the person's age matches the heavenly stem in the lesson, it is most auspicious. If they do not match, it cannot be considered auspicious. If the four positions mutually generate each other, it is auspicious; if they mutually control each other, it is inauspicious. It is also said that if there areInauspicious Spirit (malevolent spirits) orInauspicious General (malevolent generals) in the lesson, it should be judged as inauspicious; if there are吉神 (benevolent spirits) or吉将 (benevolent generals), it should be judged as auspicious.

假令行年己亥課，見人元是甲，故甲己合也。如無干合，以支三合亦喜用也，以行年支共課上將取三合也。假令行年亥課上見太沖，或六合小吉太常是也，如無三合，取六合亦為喜用，以行年支其課上將神六合。假令行年在亥課，見功曹或青龍是也。

For example: If the year of birth is Jihai, and the heavenly stem of the lesson is Jia, Jia combines with Ji, which is a heavenly stem combination, known as heavenly stem harmony. If there is no heavenly stem harmony, then the triple harmony of earthly branches can also be considered favorable. The method is to take the earthly branch of the year of birth and combine it with the general deity in the lesson to form a triple harmony. For instance, if the year of birth is Hai, and the lesson includes Taichong (Mao), or Tai Chang, Xiaoji (Wei), or Gongcao (Yin), then Hai-Mao-Wei form a triple harmony, which is favorable. If even the triple harmony is not present, taking theLiu He (Liu He) is still considered favorable. The method is to take the earthly branch of the year of birth and combine it with the general deity in the lesson to form aLiu He. For instance, if the year of birth is Hai, and the lesson includes Gongcao (Yin) or Qinglong, then Yin and Hai form aLiu He, which is favorable.

寅：寅為元首號功曹，運限亨通位轉高。上士貴人相接引，親朋知友共相遇。男逢此運防吊臨，恐遇刑禍見天牢。此是運中災福歌，後人留意細推褒。卯：卯為小運太沖宮，此運居時魂不安。男子屯遷多疾病，須防官事橫來多。事饒心神多恍惚，運辰求財百事難。得病免災須禱謝，更恐心歸出路邊。

This passage explains the twelve branches, each associated with a verse to determine the fortune and misfortune of the year. If the year of birth falls under the branch of Yin: Yin is the first of the twelve branches, known as Gongcao. In this year, one's fortune is smooth, and status rises step by step. There will be the presence of noblemen and virtuous men who guide one, and friends and acquaintances will gather together. However, men should be cautious of funerals coming to their door, and they should beware of legal troubles and possible imprisonment. This is the verse of fortune and misfortune for the year, and later generations should pay close attention and carefully analyze it. If the year of birth falls under the branch of Mao: Mao is the Taichong palace in the minor years. In this year, one's mind is restless and uneasy. Men often face difficulties in moving or traveling, and may suffer from illness. They should also be cautious of legal disputes arising unexpectedly. Many affairs will be complicated, and the mind will be confused. In this year, seeking wealth and dealing with matters will be difficult. If one falls ill, they should pray and perform rituals to avoid misfortune, but they should fear that their mind will eventually be drawn towards the path of traveling far away.

辰：辰為猛將號天罡，此運推移事爭張。雖處巽宮為地網，諸邪鬼怪作災殃。龍神土地俱遞送，當家必定主重喪。修造遷移皆不利，急宜作法水中禳。巳：巳為太乙居斯地，多招疾病官災至。邪魅時時作禍來，釜鳴屋爆居遊逸。祭灶須祭血腥鬼，看看又恐陰災至。如離此運急須遷，合有相當財祿喜。

When the year is in the Earthly Branch Chen: Chen is a fierce general named Tiangang. During this period, affairs are unstable and disputes are frequent. Although Chen is in the Xun palace, it is also the location of the earth net, where various evil spirits and ghosts come to cause calamities. One must send away the dragon god and the land god, otherwise the head of the household will surely suffer a serious loss of life. In this year, construction and moving are not favorable. One should hurry to perform rituals and offer prayers by the water to relieve the troubles. When the year is in the Earthly Branch Si: Si is the dwelling place of Taiyi. During this period, there are many illnesses and official troubles. Evil spirits constantly cause harm, with pots and pans making noises on their own and houses making loud sounds. People cannot rest in peace. During the festival of the kitchen god, one must also worship the blood ghosts. It is also feared that there may be disasters related to female family members. If one can leave this period and move away quickly, there will be considerable happiness in terms of wealth and official favor.

午：午為離地勝光鄉，此運求財百事強。論訟人官須得理，參賢謁貴遇侯王。經求通達過前載，來歲又加大吉昌。修造切須宜大忌，除非作法水中禳。未：未為小吉多啾唧，此運田蠶可盈溢。百事經求宜避往，求財慎守防偷失。弔問尤增減省宜，凶災逸惹來相逼。後賢披閱細搜尋，此中災福不失一。

When the year pillar is in Wu: Wu belongs to the Li palace, which is the place of Shengguang. In this period, seeking wealth and all affairs will be strong; lawsuits and meeting officials can be justified, and visiting wise men and noblemen may meet dukes and kings. Business and seeking benefits will be more smooth than in previous years, and the following year will be even more prosperous. However, construction activities must be strictly avoided, unless the ritual is performed by the water to appease it. When the year pillar is in Wei: Wei is Xiaoji, but there will be many trivial troubles. In this period, the profits from agriculture and sericulture will be abundant; all affairs should be cautious and avoid conflicts, and seeking wealth should be careful and conservative, guarding against theft. Matters such as mourning and visiting the sick should be minimized as much as possible, otherwise misfortune will come easily. Later generations who read this verse should carefully examine it, for none of the calamities or blessings mentioned will be missed.

申：申為傳送在家中，此運官私並不通。出外求財宜且喜，居家惟恐病瘡癰。造幡送去東方吉，逢著生財喜客躬。修造遷移切宜忌，堪居甲乙壓青龍。酉：酉為白虎號從魁，鬼魅天罡終送殃。五鬼臨門財物散，更遭此運大屯災。運中須逢牛馬死，白虎時時災水來。二月八月宜慎守，必為喪事哭聲哀。

When the year pillar is in the position of Shen: Shen is the Chuansong deity and falls within the home, which means that during this period, both official and private affairs will be unsmooth. Going out to seek wealth may bring good fortune, but staying at home may lead to illness or sores. It is advisable to make a banner and send it eastward for good luck. One may meet guests who bring good fortune related to wealth. Construction and relocation should be avoided, and it is better to reside in the positions of Jia and Yi to suppress the Azure Dragon. When the year pillar is in the position of You: You is the White Tiger, known as Congkui. Ghosts and Tiangang will eventually bring misfortune. The Five Ghosts will cause loss of wealth, and during this period, one will face greater difficulties and calamities. There will certainly be the death of cattle or horses, and the White Tiger will constantly bring water disasters. One must be especially cautious in the second and eighth months, otherwise there will certainly be mourning, and the home will be filled with sorrowful cries.

戌：戌為天空號河魁，此運逢時亦有災。閉塞不通多蹇難，看看刑獄壓頭來。天羅遭遇身難解，地網沉迷未得回。男忌官災憂疾病，女防生產損娠胎。亥：亥為陰鬼號登明，此運經求不稱成。四足門前多作怪，更兼小口有災殃。暗被陰謀招口舌，時遭蹇難損資金。巳亥月日應須忌，弗問宜防惹禍臨。

When the year pillar is in Xu: Xu is Tian Kong, also called Hekui, and encountering this period brings misfortune. All affairs are blocked and difficult, with the threat of punishment and imprisonment looming. If encountering Tian Luo, one cannot escape; if falling into Di Wang, one becomes addicted and cannot return. Men should fear official troubles and illness, while women should beware of complications during childbirth. When the year pillar is in Hai: Hai belongs to Yin Gui, also called Dengming, and during this period, endeavors and pursuits are not successful. Four-legged animals such as cattle, horses, pigs, and sheep cause trouble in front of the house, and young children in the family are also at risk. One is secretly schemed against and faces disputes, constantly encountering difficulties and losing money. One should avoid the fourth month and fourth day, and the tenth month and tenth day, as these days are to be cautious of, for any action may bring trouble.

子：子為神后太陰精，此運經求不稱情。多半到門多是怪，日中失脫必奸生。遷移修造宜多利，好事無謀主損困。子午卯酉休弔問，帶將鬼糶入門庭。丑：丑為大吉且安然，十二年中到丑天。此運田蠶多稱遂，今時福祿定高遷。天后男女逢必咎，四殺陰人遇有邅。丑未月中宜避忌，遭他本命禍連綿。

When the year pillar is in Zi: Zi is Shenhou, the essence of Tai Yin. During this period, efforts to gain profit are not satisfactory. Most incidents that occur at the door are strange occurrences. If something is lost during the day, it is certain that someone is involved. Migration and construction are generally beneficial. If good things are not planned in advance, they will lead to loss and hardship. Avoid visiting for mourning or illness during the four months of Zi, Chou, Mao, and You, to prevent bringing in supernatural evils. When the year pillar is in Chou: Chou is Daji, safe and trouble-free, and it takes twelve years to reach this year. During this period, agricultural and silk production will be satisfactory, and current blessings will certainly increase. However, Heavenly Empress is present at the door, so both men and women will face misfortune. If the four evils are combined with female affairs, difficulties will arise. Avoid being in Chou month and Wei month, otherwise, due to the conflict with the birth year, continuous misfortunes will occur.

夫課以人元、貴神、月將、地分為體，四位之內尤察五行休旺爭戰，取之課無不驗。其四課假令，以備占者，審而用之。

A single lesson is based on four fundamental elements: the heavenly stem, the noble spirit, the month general (and its spirit), and the place. Among these four, particular attention should be given to the prosperity or decline of the five phases and the conflicts between them. By following this method, there will be no failure in the divination. Below are several examples of the four lessons, provided for reference. Diviners should understand the underlying principles and then apply them flexibly. Each example first lists the year, month, day, hour, place, and month general, then proceeds in the order of heavenly stem, noble spirit, month general (and its spirit), and place, explaining the method of interpretation step by step.

假令：壬申歲二月初一甲寅日己巳時，酉位，登明將。癸水、太常土、太沖木、酉金。此課主其人在外，路上逢賊，盜劫陰人財物。何以知之？謂四位內見太沖，太沖是賊神。故云：太沖劫殺傷人物。太常是陰人；卻被太沖克之，其太常無氣。故云：太常陰人財帛喜。

First example: On the first day of the second lunar month in the year Renshen, on the day Jiayin, at the hour Jisi, the person stood at the You position, using Dengming (Hai) as the month general. The four positions are person's original energy癸water, the noble god Tai Chang (earth), the general god Taichong (wood), and the place of earth You metal. This lesson indicates that the person is outside, meets thieves on the way, and has his female relative's property stolen. How do we know this? Because among the four positions there is Taichong. Taichong is originally the thief god, so the verse says, "Taichong劫煞 injures people." Taichang represents female relatives, and now the earth of Taichang is overcome by the wood of Taichong, so Taichang loses its strength. The verse also says, "Taichang delights in the wealth of women." Since wealth belongs to female relatives, being overcome by the thief god indicates that the female relative's property has been stolen.

問因何失財？云：其人必主外面酒宴上或中毒藥，迷悶不知，因此盜劫陰人財帛，以太常上見災煞、劫煞，太常又無氣。故云：劫煞災煞遇太常，財帛喪失兩三場，更主酒宴毒藥害，如在魁罡主此殃。

Someone asked: What is the reason for losing wealth? The answer is: This person must have been poisoned at a banquet outside, lost consciousness, and thus had their family's wealth stolen by others. This is because Tai Chang is seen with Disaster Sha and Robbery Sha, and Tai Chang itself has no strength. Therefore, the previous verse says: When Robbery Sha and Disaster Sha meet Tai Chang, wealth will be lost in two or three instances; it also indicates being poisoned at a banquet. If Tai Chang falls on Qiu Gang (Chen or Xu), the calamity will be even greater.

孫臏云：未必然也。主其人因為賊盜上發用、動官，亦為過去事也。何以知之？以人元是水，水亦為姓；姓為外人，卻被太常土克人元，故云：姓克但知官事起。何以為過去？人元是癸，癸是亥之本身，今木旺則水休矣，又卯酉為門戶，亥又為門裡，主其人今見有官事，未得絕。

A theory attributed to Sun Bin suggests otherwise: this divination indicates that the person involved in this matter was previously implicated in a theft case, which led to involvement with the authorities. How do we know this? The person's heavenly stem is water, and water is associated with the surname, which represents an external origin. Now the surname is being overcome by the Tai Chang earth, thus indicating that legal action has already begun. Why is this considered a past event? The person's heavenly stem is Gui, which corresponds to the earthly branch Hai. At the present moment, wood is strong and water is in a state of rest, meaning the energy has already passed. Moreover,卯 and酉 are the gateways, and Hai is within the gate, indicating that the person is currently involved in legal troubles that have not yet been resolved.

今四位內見卯，卯為門戶，事亦在門也。主其人先凶後吉，雖傷財，卻得身無所害。今財帛雖為賊所盜，後復得，為地分反克將神故，失而還得也。何為不損身？以四位重重克於外，故云：太常臨卯是為財，盜賊口舌不為災，六里路邊逢羊兔，吃食花果在於懷。今以十二神煞排於課中，以俟高見發明，庶使後人校用。

Now, within the four positions, there is the sign of卯 (Mao).卯 is the gate, so the matter should be related to the gate. This person will first experience misfortune but later have good fortune. Although he loses wealth, his body is not harmed. The wealth was taken by thieves, but later he can recover it, because the sign of酉 (You) metal controls the sign of卯 (Mao) wood, which is the general's spirit. Therefore, he will regain what he lost. Why is it said that his body is not harmed? Because the four positions are all mutually controlling outwardly, with their sharp edges pointing outward. The song says: Tai Chang approaching卯 is for wealth, thieves and disputes do not bring disaster. He will meet a sheep and a rabbit six li away, and carry food and fruits in his arms. Here, the twelve spirits and evils are also included in the lesson, waiting for skilled people to further explain them, so that later generations can compare and use them.

假令：甲木、玄武水、傳送金、午火。此課主其家必有外出之人，亦主有病，更主家內有官事，凶也。何以知之？為見傳送，傳送是白虎之神，地分屬火，火性炎上，又能克金，故曰：白虎無氣，合主凶喪之事。蓋白虎神又主道路，亦合主有人外出，今既有克，所以主凶喪事。又有官災逃移之事，故曰：白虎當凶事不常，死喪道路見逃亡，臨於本位重重失，入木口舌入火傷。

The second example: The four positions are person's original energy Jia Wood, noble spirit Black Tortoise (Water), general spirit Chuansong (Shen Metal), and earthly division Wu Fire. This divination indicates that there must be someone leaving the house, also indicating illness, and also a lawsuit within the family. It is a凶 lesson. Why do we know this? Because the lesson includes Chuansong, which is the White Tiger spirit; the earthly division belongs to fire, which is fiery and can overcome metal, so the White Tiger has no strength, indicating misfortune and loss. The White Tiger also governs roads, so it also indicates someone leaving the house; now that it is overcome, it indicates misfortune and loss, as well as legal troubles and migration. Therefore, the verse says: When the White Tiger is present, misfortune and change are unpredictable, indicating death, loss on the road, and escape; when it is in its own position, there is repeated loss; entering Wood indicates disputes, and entering Fire indicates injury.

又云：其家必有軍人出外，或患喉瘡，或是車碾以致傷命，為見將神是金，金陷於火位，無所救援，故主如此災也。且云：申臨巳午軍人輩，客途車碾患喉瘡，不止如此，亦主傷陽人小口也，以地分是火，是陽火，上見玄武，隔位遙克，又水性潤下，雖有援神，終不能救，故主傷陽人小口也。

It is also said that this house must have someone who goes out to serve in the military, or someone who suffers from a throat injury, or someone who is crushed by a cart and dies. This is because the general god belongs to metal, and metal is trapped in the fire position with no one to rescue it, thus causing such calamities. The rhyme also says: When the monkey (申) is near the snake (巳) and the horse (午), it indicates someone in the military; someone is injured by a cart on the road or suffers from a throat injury. Moreover, it also indicates harm to male members and young children: the land position is the fire of the horse (午), which is yang fire. Above it is the black tortoise (玄武) water, which is one position away and remotely controls the fire; since water flows downward, even though there are other gods to help, they cannot save it in the end, thus indicating harm to male members and young children.

又主其家傷少小財物，更有帶破之人，或患在眼，身眇小，面貌醜惡，必好做賊，主其家位於河之側，或近河也。故云：玄武凶主家近河，水災鬼怪及妖魔，出得兒孫多醜惡，賊來三度火傷多。又曰：玄武陽凶兵仗軍，面小身微左眼昏，色惡唇盆形必丑，斜眼視物夜中人。

The Black Tortoise indicates damage to young children and loss of property in the family, and there may be someone in the family who is disabled, or has eye problems, is short in stature, or has an ugly appearance; such people are sure to like stealing. It also indicates that the family lives by the river or near a river. Therefore, the rhyme says: The Black Tortoise signifies misfortune, the family lives near the river, there will be water disasters, ghosts, and demons, and the children born in the family are mostly ugly. Thieves have come three times, and there are also many fires and injuries. It also says: The Black Tortoise belongs to yang and is凶, indicating weapons and military campaigns. The person's face is small and thin, the left eye is dim, the complexion is poor, the lips are turned out, the appearance is certainly ugly, and they look sideways, being someone who appears at night.

又曰：玄武陽賊眼斜窺，有人謀害見逃移，被人泥賊妻女走，鬼動神來無不知。此雖是凶神，卻主先憂後喜，何以知之？為人元是甲，甲是青龍木，玄武是水，上生青龍木，青龍木生火，合主火旺，有不測之喜。

It is also said that the Black Tortoise, which is in charge of the northern direction, is associated with a malevolent spirit that looks sideways and watches secretly. If someone plots to harm another and sees them fleeing or moving away, or if they are falsely accused of being a thief leading to the departure of their wife and children, then once there is any movement of spirits or divine beings, they will know everything. Although the Black Tortoise is a malevolent deity, this divination indicates that there will be initial worries followed by joy. How do we know this? The heavenly stem is Jia, which corresponds to the Azure Dragon's wood. The Black Tortoise belongs to water, which nourishes the Azure Dragon's wood below, and the Azure Dragon's wood then generates the fire of the earthly branch's午 (Wu). Therefore, the fire becomes stronger, leading to unexpected good fortune.

又假令：占來意，以何斷之？必是尋求一個陽人，應是做公人。為人元是甲，甲為功曹，青龍之形也。故曰：青龍官吏簿書司是也。大抵貴神生人元，合主尋覓人也。貴神克人元，便主官事，貴神克地分，便主傷小口及破財也。

Now considering the implications of this lesson, we need to determine what kind of person to look for. It must be a man who works in the government office. Because the heavenly stem is Jia, and Jia is paired with Gongcao (Yin), which corresponds to the Azure Dragon. Therefore, the Azure Dragon represents officials and those who manage records. The general principle is: if the noble spirit generates the heavenly stem, we should look for a person; if the noble spirit overcomes the heavenly stem, it indicates legal disputes; if the noble spirit overcomes the earthly branch, it suggests harm to the young and financial loss.

假令：占出門主見何物？云：必見凶孝之事。更見一陽人做賊，眉眼不正，又見一吏人，更主引帶一人，必是兄弟。何以見此？以白虎見於火位燒身，必主死亡哭泣。玄武賊人，人元為公吏，以水木相生，故為兄弟也。又曰：同類為兄弟。今見水生木，應是生己，更詳之為善也。

In this divination, it is said that one will certainly encounter matters involving death, mourning, and wearing mourning clothes, and also see a man who is a thief, with an uneven face. Additionally, one will meet an official accompanied by another person, who must be his brother. Why is this so? The White Tiger is in the fire position and is being burned, which indicates death and crying. The Black Tortoise represents thieves, and the person's original energy represents an official. Water and wood mutually generate, so it is interpreted as a brother. It is also said that only those of the same type are considered brothers. Now, since it is water generating wood rather than being of the same type, it should be considered as the one who generates me. This point still needs to be carefully distinguished for greater accuracy.

假令：見一墓，墓下是陰人陽人？云：據此課必是陽人，為四課內只見貴神人元兩位旺相，故云從旺斷，以人元玄武皆陽位，故斷做陽人。問其人患甚死？云：是天行疾，主喘死也。為四位內只見金受克，故云克金即喘，但敘其梗概而已，其神妙者，更在人細詳云耳。

Now using this lesson to divinate a burial site, determining whether the deceased is male or female: The answer states that according to this lesson, it must be a male. Because among the four lessons, only the noble spirit and the person's original element are prosperous and strong, so according to the principle of 'following prosperity,' these are selected. The person's original element Jia and the noble spirit Xuanwu both belong to the yang position, so it is determined to be a male. Another question asks what illness caused the person's death. The answer is that it was a contagious epidemic, leading to death by suffocation. Because among the four positions, only the metal element is subject to being overcome, so overcoming metal indicates suffocation. The above is only a general explanation; the subtle and profound aspects still require one to carefully examine and consider them oneself.

假令：壬申日乙巳時，未地，丑將。丁火、太陰金、太沖木、未土。此課主其家破財，亦主傷陰人小口。何以知之？云：為地分是未土，屬陰，卻被太沖木來所克，以此故主傷陰人小口也。破財，為地分是財帛之神，被木克故也。

Third example: On the day of Renshen and the hour of Yisi, the person stands at the position of Wei. The general is Chou. The four positions are: the heavenly stem is Ding fire, the noble god is Tai Yin (metal), the general god is Taichong (wood), and the ground position is Wei earth. This divination indicates that the family will suffer financial loss and also cause harm to female relatives and young children. Why is this so? The ground position is Wei earth, which is yin in nature, but it is overcome by the wood of Taichong, hence indicating harm to female relatives and young children. As for the financial loss, it is because the ground position is originally the position associated with wealth, but now it is overcome by wood.

又主其家遭賊，亦主損缺門戶，故曰：改戶起移船車損、自知兄弟各分張，又云：太沖卻被太陰上克之，其家主有陰人患病事。此人必患喘嗽病，兼卒患多是自縊而亡。問何以見之？為太陰是陰人，屬陰金，被人元丁火自外克之，太陰無氣，又無救援之神，須當死矣；然必喘嗽及卒患自縊者，以將神是卯，卯是四仲之神。故云：四仲卒患痛苦病。

This also indicates that the family may suffer from theft or damage to the main entrance, so the rhyme says: changing the entrance, moving or building anew, damage to ships or vehicles, naturally knowing that brothers will divide the family. Now looking at Taichong being overcome by Tai Yin above, it indicates that there is a female family member who is ill. The person will certainly suffer from shortness of breath and coughing, along with an acute illness, mostly resulting in suicide by hanging. How do we know this? Tai Yin represents a woman, belonging to Yin metal, being attacked by the original fire (Ding) from outside. Tai Yin has no strength and no rescuing deity, so it naturally leads to death. Therefore, it is concluded that the illness is shortness of breath and coughing, along with an acute illness and suicide by hanging, because the governing deity is卯 (Mao). Mao belongs to the four central directions (子午卯酉), and the rhyme says, "the four central directions indicate sudden illnesses and painful diseases."

又主其婦人日常好淫邪之事。何者？為太陰當位，太陰主陰人闇昧不明之事，有克主夫婦不和，休離之象，陰人勞嗽、自縊死事也。其死者婦人更主好貌潔淨，故云：太陰閒雅好丰標，性緩聲清樂藝高，形瘦面方眉眼細，梳妝淺淡太妖嬈。此人須是豪家之人。故斷如此。

The deceased woman also indicates that she was beautiful and particular about cleanliness. So the rhyme says: Tai Yin people are refined and have an outstanding appearance, their nature is gentle, their voice is clear and melodious, they are skilled in music and arts, their body is slender, their face is square, their eyebrows and eyes are long and delicate, and although their makeup is simple, they appear especially alluring. Such a person must have come from a noble family, hence the conclusion.

假令：亥將，辛酉日、癸巳時。午位。甲木、貴神、神后、午火。此課主兄弟數少，只宜孤獨也。蓋同類為兄弟，以四位內無同類也。主其家父母子孫俱無，以生我者為父母，我生者為子孫，今四位內並無相生。其妻卻主結髮，以克我者為官鬼，我克者為妻財，今四位重重相剋，合主妻結髮也。

Fourth example: Using the亥 general, on the day ofXinyou and the hour ofGuisi, the person stands at the position of午. The four positions consist of the heavenly stem 甲 wood, the noble god 天乙, the general god Shenhou (子 water), and the earthly branch 午 fire. This divination indicates few brothers, and it is only suitable for a single person. Because only the same type counts as brothers, and there is no same type among the four positions. It also indicates that the parents and children of this family are absent: those that generate me are the parents, and those I generate are the children. Now there is no mutual generation among the four positions. The wife, however, is indicated to be the original spouse: those that control me are the official ghost, and those I control are the wife's wealth. Now the four positions have mutual control, so it indicates the wife is the original spouse.

設如論災福，先以人元克貴神，亦是上克下，主有外人來相謀害自己，貴神克將神，主殺妻及傷財物，更主爭田土，又主官事牢獄；故云木來入土為刑獄，土行水上競莊田。更主有官司、獄訟詞狀動，只為水入土，又是神后水也，故主奸邪詞訟文狀事。此課主不得理，今以貴人為主，人元為客，四位內只見客旺主衰，所以不得理也。

Now discussing the fortune and misfortune of this divination: First, observe the heavenly stem Jia Wood overcoming the nobleman's earth, which is the heavenly stem Yi, indicating an upper force overcoming a lower one, suggesting that someone from outside is plotting to harm the subject. The nobleman's earth then overcomes the god's water, which is Shenhou, indicating harm to the wife and damage to property, as well as disputes over land and lawsuits. Therefore, the "Entry Style Song" says, "Wood entering earth brings punishment and litigation, earth moving on water leads to disputes over fields and land." Additionally, this divination indicates lawsuits and disputes, with documents being filed, because the water is overcome by earth, and this water is Shenhou, thus indicating deceit, litigation, and matters concerning documents. This divination indicates that the subject is without reason: the nobleman represents the main party, and the heavenly stem represents the opposing party. Within the four positions, only the opposing party is strong while the main party is weak, so the reason lies with the other side.

此課辨墓如何？雲是陽人也，何以知之？為四位內純陽，故以陽人斷之。據此課又主傷小口，故云：見陽為陽陰是陰。又主其家即今為傷犯也；卯酉為人門，子午為天門，今四位內只見子為天門。故云：天乙被煞主災同，貴人厄難有何通，神被將克家長損，神克妻兒哭泣凶。

This lesson, when used to determine the gender of a person buried in a tomb, answers that it is a male. Why do we know this? Because all four positions are pure yang branches, so it is judged as a male. According to this lesson, it also indicates harm to the young. Therefore, seeing yang determines yang, and seeing yin determines yin. It also indicates that this family is currently suffering from harm. The卯 and酉 are the human gates, and the子 and午 are the heavenly gates. Now, among the four positions, only the子, which is a heavenly gate, is present. Therefore, the song says: When the heavenly master is injured by an evil force, it also indicates disaster; when the nobleman faces misfortune, where can he find relief? When the noble god is overcome by the general god, the head of the family suffers; when the noble god overcomes the general god, the wife and children face misfortune and weeping.

今有十二神煞同入課，為貴神上見災煞，今將神是子，故申子辰劫煞在巳，即災煞、歲煞、天煞、月煞、亡神、將星、攀鞍、驛馬，六厄、華蓋，依次排之。其中緊要者，亦不過劫煞、驛馬而已。宜詳而用之。

Now there are twelve divine evils included in the divination: the disaster sha is seen above the noble spirit. The main spirit is zi, which belongs to the water triad of shen, zi, and chen. In this triad, the robbery sha is in si. Starting from the robbery sha, they are successively arranged as disaster sha, age sha, heaven sha, month sha, death spirit, general star, climbing saddle, post horse, six misfortunes, and huagai. Among these twelve, the most important are only the robbery sha and the post horse. They should be carefully distinguished before being used.

假令：甲木、白虎金、河魁土、子水。此課先以下克上，主官事發動，更主行人死在道路，為白虎臨戌，戌為骸骨之類。亦主有葬埋之事，主失了骸骨也。或四足走失，占怪亦是四足，占病大凶。何謂官事發動？以貴神克人元，故云克姓且知官事起。

The fifth example: The four positions are person's original heavenly stem Jia Wood, noble god White Tiger (Metal), general god Hekui (Xu Earth), and earthly branch Zi Water. First, look at the lower element overcoming the upper: Zi Water cannot overcome the upper, but White Tiger's Metal overcomes the person's original Jia Wood, thus causing a legal dispute. It also indicates that someone who is away from home dies on the road, because White Tiger is on Xu, which belongs to bones. It also indicates burial matters, or the loss of bones; or the loss of cattle, horses, pigs, and sheep. When predicting strange occurrences, it should be related to four-legged animals. When predicting illness, it is extremely dangerous. The reason for the legal dispute is that the noble god overcomes the person's original stem, so when the surname is overcome, the legal case arises.

此課又主傷小口，破財。大凡神將克地分主傷小口、破財。又主凶喪之事。何為見此？為將神在戌，戌是骸骨之神，又上見白虎，亦是骸骨之神，今白虎臨戌，是見兩重骸骨之神也。故主重喪耳。

This lesson indicates harm to the young and financial loss: whenever the noble god or general god is in a position of overcoming the earthly branch, it signifies harm to the young and financial loss. It also indicates the possibility of unfortunate deaths. How can we tell? The general god is in Xu, which is the god of bones; above it there is also the White Tiger, which is also the god of bones. Now the White Tiger is on Xu, equivalent to seeing two layers of the god of bones, so it indicates two consecutive funerals.

占墓如何？雲是陽人也。為四位內只見白虎旺，故為陽人而無疑也。此課亦主大凶，何以知之？為白虎上見劫煞以寅午戌劫煞在亥，故云：白虎行年災劫關，必須喪失兩重重，白虎當旺魁罡上，人元是木有深凶。

This divination lesson, if used to determine who is buried in a tomb, indicates a man. This is because among the four positions, only the White Tiger is in its旺 position, so it is clearly interpreted as a man. This lesson also indicates a major misfortune. How do we know this? The White Tiger meets the Robbery Sha on top of it. The戌 belongs to the Yin-Wu-Xu fire triad, and the Robbery Sha of this triad is in the亥. Therefore, the rhyme says: When the White Tiger meets the Disaster Sha and Robbery Sha at the critical point, there will certainly be consecutive losses of two kinds; when the White Tiger is in its旺 position and falls on the魁罡, the heavenly stem is wood, which is overcome by metal, making the danger even greater.

從辰位起子逆數，如辰落子即被頭星也。

The method of finding the position of the Beitou star: start from the position of Chen and count backwards through the twelve earthly branches. If the count lands exactly on the position of Zi, that position is the Beitou star. This rule is appended at the end of the volume and is treated as a reference for divination, just like the other deities and ominous influences mentioned earlier.

寅為功曹號役人，臨於傳送必傷身；到亥便為貓入室，見戌還當犬出門。太沖本位後婦人，到於酉位必傷身；見臨子位主見怪，居於寅位兄弟分。天罡到戌家不和，臨於寅位畜傷多；見申奴婢須逃走，卯方病患腫瘡魔。太乙臨卯禽蛇現，亥上釜鳴光在樓；午位女家招外婿，子方幼婦女先休。

This passage is composed into a rhyming verse for each of the twelve generals, with four lines for each. Gongcao (Yin) represents a messenger, when it is at Chuansong (Shen), the metal of Shen overcomes the wood of Yin, causing injury to the body. When it reaches Hai, it is like a cat entering a house; when it reaches Xu, it is like a dog running out of the door. Taichong (Mao) at its own position indicates a second wife in the family, when it reaches You, the metal of You overcomes the wood of Mao, causing injury to the body; when it reaches Zi, strange phenomena appear; when it reaches Yin, it is with similar elements, indicating brothers dividing the family. Tiangang (Chen) at Xu indicates family discord; at Yin, livestock suffer injury; at Shen, servants run away; at Mao, there is swelling and sores. Taiyi (Si) at Mao indicates the appearance of birds and snakes; at Hai, pots and pans make noise by themselves and there is light on the upper floor; at Wu, the female side of the family marries an outsider as a daughter-in-law; at Zi, young women die first.

勝光本位足資財，臨寅必主名自來；申酉官災須見血，子方馬死產生災。小吉臨戌女守孤，臨寅還主病聲呼；有氣婚姻申酉午，只迎卯上出師巫。傳送到戌為旺方，臨子見武樂刀槍；見午必主軍人輩，到巳位上患喉瘡。從魁到午必因宅，子位陰私禍更多；巳上患勞兼自縊，到辰須是出師婆。

Shengguang (Wu) in its own position indicates abundant wealth; when it is in the position of Yin, wood and fire mutually generate, and reputation naturally comes; when it reaches the positions of Shen and You, there will be official disasters and bloodshed; when it reaches the position of Zi, water and fire clash, indicating the death of horses and disasters in childbirth. Xiaoji (Wei) when it is in the position of Xu indicates that a woman will become a widow; when it is in the position of Yin, the sick person will moan and cry in pain; when it is in the positions of Shen, You, and Wu, there will be harmony in marriage; only when it is in the position of Mao, there will be a witch in the family. Chuansong (Shen) reaching the position of Xu is its prosperous direction; when it is in the position of Zi, there will be encounters with soldiers and a preference for weapons; when it is in the position of Wu, it definitely indicates a soldier; when it is in the position of Si, there will be throat sores. Congkui (You) reaching the position of Wu definitely indicates disputes over property; when it is in the position of Zi, private troubles increase; when it is in the position of Si, there will be tuberculosis and incidents of hanging; when it is in the position of Chen, there will be a witch in the family.

河魁到丑魔神藏，申上軍人妖壽郎；辰位宅邊枯骨犯，徒刑卯上痛傷亡。登明到丑病萎黃，到巳必主少陰亡；未上豬羊饒失散，戌方還出丑兒郎。神后臨酉見金神，到寅見主樂工文；戌上中央為病患，後婦辰方絕子孫。大吉到戌為旺方，丑上面丑肚脂囊；臨卯必須頭頂禿，青龍位上損牛羊。

Hekui (Xu) at Chou position indicates hidden demons; at Shen position it signifies soldiers and young boys who died prematurely; at Chen position there are dry bones near the house; at Mao position there is imprisonment and suffering and loss of life. Dengming (Hai) at Chou position indicates patients with pale and yellow faces; at Si position it certainly indicates the death of a young woman; at Wei position there is a lot of loss of pigs and sheep; at Xu position it indicates the birth of a child with a deformed appearance. Shenhou (Zi) at You position indicates the appearance of the golden god; at Yin position it indicates musicians and documents; at Xu position it indicates illness; at Chen position it indicates marrying a second wife and having no descendants. Daji (Chou) at Xu position is its strong position; at Chou position it indicates a person with a ugly face and a large belly; at Mao position it certainly indicates baldness on the head; at Yin position where the Azure Dragon is located it indicates damage to pigs and sheep.