Draw troops to avoid the enemy

耳目神居探消息，皆從於地室。大吉丑、小吉未為天目，太沖卯從魁酉為天耳。天耳即地室也。聞賊不的，即使遊騎向天耳下聽之，必得賊人行止消息。欲聽密事，亦於天耳下察之，必得。

To gather intelligence, one relies on the two groups of spirits, "Heavenly Ear" and "Heavenly Eye," both of which originate from "Earth Chamber." Daji (Chou) and Xiaoji (Wei) belong to the Heavenly Eye, while Taichong (Mao) and Congkui (You) belong to the Heavenly Ear, which is also referred to as the Earth Chamber. If the information heard is not accurate, one should send mobile cavalry to the area under the influence of Heavenly Ear to investigate, and they will certainly obtain information about the enemy's movements. If one wishes to uncover secret matters, they should also conduct investigations in the area under Heavenly Ear, and they will certainly succeed.

不臨支干，憂合貴人；好鄉不戰，畏處交兵。游都不臨支干，而與天乙並者，賊亦來。游都所臨相生，此好鄉不戰。若寅為游都，加申酉之上，是寅木所畏之鄉，當此之時，父子不相親，中外不相念，戰鬥必也。凡游都與天乙，在日辰前一辰，則一日至；二辰，則二日至；隔四辰則不至也。游都所臨下辰剋日亦忌。

The wandering capital does not approach the day stem or day branch, but one should still worry if it shares the same position as the nobleman. If it falls in a place of mutual generation, there will be no battle; if it falls in a place it fears, war will occur. Even though the wandering capital does not approach the day stem or day branch, if it shares the same position as the heavenly nobleman, the enemy will still come. When the wandering capital is in a position where the upper and lower elements mutually generate, this is called a 'good place,' and there will be no battle. If寅 is the wandering capital but is placed over申 or酉, since寅 wood fears gold, this is the place it fears; at this time, the father and son are not close, and the court and the border generals do not care for each other, and a battle is certain. If the wandering capital and the heavenly nobleman fall on the day branch's previous position, they will arrive within one day; if on the previous two positions, they will arrive within two days; if separated by four positions, they will not come. If the branch under the wandering capital's position overcomes the day stem, this is also something to avoid.

若在東方猛烈兮，宜堅城壘；或當南面威強兮，速備關津。聞賊至時，正時占，游都臨東方，其賊勢猛；若臨南方，其勢亦不可當也。經云：“卯辰巳等宜防賊，兵書云此是三刑。”

If the You Du falls in the east, the enemy's force is fierce and the city defenses should be reinforced; if it is in the south, the enemy's strength is overwhelming and the passes and river crossings should be quickly defended. It is said that when the enemy arrives, the divination is cast at the proper time, and if You Du is in the east, the enemy's force is fierce; if it is in the south, its strength is unstoppable. The classic says: "The positions of卯, 辰, and 巳 should be guarded against the enemy, as the military treatises state that these three positions correspond to the Three Punishments."

在西疑遲，可行恩而犒將；臨北事退，可宴樂而棲遲。游都臨西方，其賊遲疑未進，可行賞犒之事。若在北方，主賊退，可宴樂無虞也。又看旺相死休囚。

The "You Du" is located in the west, indicating the enemy is hesitant and not advancing, so we can reward and encourage our soldiers. If "You Du" is in the north, it means the enemy has already retreated, allowing us to celebrate and rest calmly. Additionally, we should also consider whether "You Du" is in its flourishing or prosperous phase, or in a state of decline, rest, or dormancy.

天罡天陽，月建地陽，動偶天陰天魁，靜陰地陰玄見玄武。《玉帳經》云：“天罡為天陽，月建為地陽，天魁為天陰，玄武為地陰。”常法，他處以太歲為地陰。

"The Tiangang (Chen) is the heavenly yang, the Month Builder is the earthly yang, and the Tianguai (Xu), which pairs and moves with the Tiangang, is the heavenly yin. The Xuanwu is the earthly yin, being still and belonging to yin. The Zuyangjing says: 'The Tiangang is heavenly yang, the Month Builder is earthly yang, the Tianguai is heavenly yin, and the Xuanwu is earthly yin.' According to usual rules, elsewhere the Tai sui is also considered as the earthly yin."

若交相覆，君臣驚悖於奸謀；或曰重臨，水火提防於事變。若天陽天陰互相交復，主君臣不相和協。占國兵察地陰，若陰覆陽者，臣欲害君，子欲害父，婦欲害夫也。若陽覆陰時，君欲害臣，父欲害子，夫欲害妻也。若值重陽重陰，皆凶。重陽時火驚，重陰時水驚，若聞有賊，亦急備之。

If the four divine beings overlap and cover each other, there will be chaos caused by treachery between the sovereign and his ministers. If similar ones overlap and are adjacent, one should be cautious of incidents involving fire and water. When heaven's yang and heaven's yin overlap and cover each other, the sovereign and ministers will not be harmonious. For divination regarding state affairs and military matters, one should observe the earth's yin: if yin covers yang, it indicates that the minister will harm the sovereign, the son will harm the father, and the wife will harm the husband; if yang covers yin, it indicates that the sovereign will harm the minister, the father will harm the son, and the husband will harm the wife. If there is a heavy yang or heavy yin, both are ominous: during heavy yang, one should be vigilant against fires; during heavy yin, one should be cautious of floods. If at such times there is news of an enemy invasion, one should also be prepared and on alert.

功曹加甲，陽居日以無憂；旬首承箕，陰在干而逢戰。常以功曹加六甲首，聞賊占，日干上見陽神者賊不來，陰神臨日干者賊必至也。謂寅為箕者，以箕宿在寅也。

Gongcao (Yin) placed on Jia, when placed on the day stem, brings a yang spirit and there is no worry; if the first day of the ten-day cycle is supported by Ji Xu mansion, and a yin spirit appears on the day stem, there will be a battle. Usually, Gongcao is placed on the first day of each ten-day cycle on the rotating plate, and the course is started upon hearing of enemy movements: if a yang spirit is seen on the day stem, the enemy will not come; if a yin spirit is on the day stem, the enemy will definitely arrive. Here,寅 is called Ji because Ji Xu mansion belongs to寅.

大吉反伏，太乙追尋；若臨子午，太沖可任。《玉帳經》云：“大吉為天耳，若反吟、伏吟時占，賊在天盤太乙之下，若臨子午之位，賊在太沖之下。”

When a divination results in a return chant or hidden chant, use 'Daji' to seek out 'Taiyi'; if 'Daji' is located at the position of Zi or Wu, then look for the enemy at 'Taichong'. The 'Juyang Jing' states: 'Daji is the heavenly ear. When a lesson is cast during a return chant or hidden chant, the enemy is beneath the Heaven Plate's Taiyi (Si). If Daji is located at the position of Zi or Wu, the enemy is beneath Taichong (Mao).'

巳亥見牛，於星紀而排陣；辰戌遇鬥爭，向營室以加心。斗牛二宿在丑，故名丑為斗牛也。星紀亦丑也。若巳亥上見丑，賊在星紀之下。若辰戌上見丑，賊在天盤亥下伏也。

When "Cow" appears on the positions of Si and Hai, the enemy is arrayed under the Star Mansion; when "Dipper" appears on the positions of Chen and Xu, one should be vigilant and cautious at the Camp Room position. Both Dipper Mansion and Cow Mansion are located in Chou, so Chou is called the Dipper Cow. The Star Mansion is also another name for Chou. If "Cow" appears on the positions of Si and Hai, the enemy is located under the Star Mansion (Chou); if "Cow" appears on the positions of Chen and Xu, the enemy is hidden under the Heaven Plate Hai.

卯酉逢聽，可掩襲於太簇；寅申斗耳，當備戰於實沉。太簇，酉之別名。實沈，申之別名。若大吉加卯、酉之上，賊在天盤酉下伏也。若大吉加寅、申之上，賊在天盤申下伏也。

If there is movement heard above the卯 and酉 positions, one can move to the position of 太簇 to attack. If there is a response heard above the寅 and申 positions, one should prepare for battle at the position of 实沈. 太簇 is another name for酉, and 实沈 is another name for申. If 「大吉」 (Chou) is placed above卯 or酉, the enemy is hidden beneath the Heaven Plate酉. If Daji (Chou) is placed above寅 or申, the enemy is hidden beneath the Heaven Plate申.

神后登明，正時可曉。干見賊多，支逢寇少。聞賊加正時。若亥、子二神臨日，賊多；臨辰，賊少。又游都臨日賊多，臨辰寇少。

Shenhou (Zi) and Dengming (Hai) can be used with the correct time to understand the number of enemy troops: if Shenhou is on the day stem, the enemy is numerous; if it is on the day branch, the enemy is few. When hearing about enemy movements, use the month general combined with the correct time to cast the divination: if Hai and Zi are on the day stem, the enemy is numerous; if they are on the day branch, the enemy is few. The same applies to Youdu: if it is on the day stem, the enemy is numerous; if it is on the day branch, the enemy is few.

辰加剋日，奇兵應防於陣後。支臨日克干，賊在我後。又云：支其克干，賊必襲後，宜速備之。

The day branch approaches the day stem and also attacks it, so we should be cautious of an enemy's unexpected troops attacking our rear. When the day branch is on top of the day stem and attacks it, the enemy is behind us; there is also a saying that when the day branch attacks the day stem, the enemy will definitely attack our rear, and we should be ready to defend quickly.

日覆於辰，銳卒急當於前擾。干加支，賊在我前，又云，干克支，賊當道伏截，宜急備之。又云，天罡辰、太乙巳、大沖卯、神后子四神臨日，賊兵在前；臨辰，賊兵在後。

The day stem is placed over the day branch, indicating that the enemy's elite forces will attack urgently from the front. When the day stem is added to the day branch, the enemy is in front of me; another interpretation is that the day stem overcomes the day branch, meaning the enemy will ambush along the necessary route and should be guarded against urgently. There is also a saying: if the four divine stars—Tiangang (Chen), Taiyi (Si), Taichong (Mao), and Shenhou (Zi)—are present on the day stem, the enemy is in front; if they are present on the day branch, the enemy is behind.

雀蛇臨日，白勾制而血光。朱雀、螣蛇臨日，必主驚悸也。白虎、勾陳臨日，必傷兵士。

The Vermilion Bird and Teng Snake approach the day stem, and then are suppressed by the White Tiger and Gou Chen, which indicates a calamity involving bloodshed. When the Vermilion Bird and Teng Snake approach the day stem, it certainly indicates fear and palpitations. When the White Tiger and Gou Chen approach the day stem, it certainly indicates injury to soldiers.

虛子軫巳二神，蛇鼠會而賊矯。虛宿在子，軫宿在巳，若二神臨日辰而又剋日辰者，其賊急強，未可攻也。我據險依隘，從太歲備之。

The mansion of Emptiness belongs to the Water branch Zi, and the mansion of Chariot belongs to the Snake branch Si. These two mansions come together, like a snake and a rat gathering, indicating that the enemy will be fierce and strong. If the mansion of Emptiness is in Zi and the mansion of Chariot is in Si, and these two mansions appear on the Day Stem and Day Branch and also overcome the Day Stem and Day Branch, it means the enemy is coming quickly and with great strength. At this time, it is not advisable to attack. Our side should take advantage of the dangerous passes and set up defenses according to the direction of the Master of Years.

太乙巳罡辰沖，遇必爭先。夜防賊至，兵備宜專。太沖、天罡、太乙三神齊見，謂之三刑。聞賊來占，值巳、辰、卯臨日辰上者，不問克不克，賊必先至。若臨日，則夜有劫營掩襲之患。

Taiyi (Si), Tiangang (Chen), and Taichong (Mao) three deities appear together. If they meet, there will certainly be someone who acts first. At night, be cautious of enemy attacks and maintain strict vigilance. When Taiyi, Tiangang, and Taichong appear together, it is called "Three Punishments." If enemies attack and a lesson is cast, whenever Si, Chen, or Mao are on the day stem or day branch, whether they are in a harmonious or conflicting relationship, the enemies will certainly arrive first. If they are on the day stem, there will be a risk of an ambush at night.

甲乙聞憂，丙子可除亂寇；庚辛知事，壬癸定破烽煙。假令甲、乙日忽聞賊，或見賊，宜丙、丁、巳、午時，擇吉門而出，必勝；庚、辛日，宜用壬、子、癸、亥時，則吉也。

On days of Jia or Yi, if there is news of trouble or alarm, using the time of Bing or Ding will surely eliminate the rebels. On days of Geng or Xin, if military intelligence is obtained, using the time of Ren or Gui will certainly defeat the enemy amidst the smoke and fire. For example, if on days of Jia or Yi, there is suddenly news of an enemy or sight of enemy troops, one should choose a favorable gate at the time of Bing, Ding, Si, or Wu to send troops out, and certainly achieve victory. On days of Geng or Xin, it is appropriate to use the time of Ren, Zi, Gui, or Hai, which will be auspicious.

土木東青，金火南輪兮於夏；甲庚西罹，丙壬北敗兮冬天。此言用兵日與方向。不可太旺與太屈。假如春三月甲乙日，向東方，則太旺，而出兵必課災眚。又如春三月土死，以戊巳日向東行，則受制太過，出兵必遭屈辱。舉此例，五行類推。

On days of Earth and Wood, one should face the east direction of Green; on days of Metal and Fire, one should face the south direction in summer. On days of Jia and Geng, facing west will lead to misfortune, while on days of Bing and Ren, facing north in winter will result in defeat. This refers to the coordination between the day of military action and the direction faced: it is neither advisable to be overly strong nor overly suppressed. For example, during the three months of spring, on days of Jia and Yi, moving eastward would make the Wood energy too strong, leading to disaster in military action. Another example is that during spring, Earth is in a dead position; on days of Wu and Ji, moving eastward would cause Earth to be overly restrained by Wood, resulting in humiliation in military action. These two examples serve as the standard, and the rest of the Five Phases can be deduced accordingly.

貴人舉兵，開地千里；螣蛇出軍，眾心憂畏。太常粗吉，知軍旅之營安；六合尤宜，獲金實之美麗。青龍大勝，得府庫與圖書；朱雀多詞，慮軍戎之見恥。太陰中怯，玄武失物以憂深；天后無威，白虎自敗而禍死。勾陳則戰士折傷，天空乃君臣被毀。

The Initiating Transmission riding 'Heavenly Nobleman' indicates the ability to conquer lands a thousand li away; riding 'Teng Snake' leads to the entire army being anxious and fearful. Riding 'Tai Chang' signifies great good fortune, indicating the stability of the military camp; riding 'Liu He' is especially suitable, enabling the acquisition of gold, silk, and treasures. Riding 'Azure Dragon' brings great victory, allowing the capture of the enemy's treasury and documents; riding 'Vermilion Bird' brings much verbal conflict, requiring concern over the army suffering disgrace. Riding 'Tai Yin' results in cowardice during the campaign; riding 'Black Tortoise' leads to loss of property and deep worries. Riding 'Heavenly Empress' brings no authority at all; riding 'White Tiger' leads to self-destruction and calamity to life. Riding 'Gou Chen' results in the death and injury of soldiers; riding 'Heavenly Void' means the sovereign and ministers will be slandered by others.

此言發用初傳之將所主之吉凶也。用起天乙，出軍，敵人千里畏服。用起螣蛇，主驚駭潰亡之兆。用起太常，主營固而卒安。用起六合，主獲金帛子女之大利，占邦國亦然。用起青龍，必得邦郡圖書、府庫之物，出軍大利。用起朱雀，被蔑毀辱，立見災殃。起太陰，出軍士卒怯弱。起玄武，主軍馬潰失奔潰之禍。起天后，出軍不戰自敗。發用白虎，出軍疾疫喪亡。起勾陳，主敗亡，軍折馬傷。起天空，主出軍被敵欺誆凌辱之事。

This passage explains the auspicious or inauspicious implications of the first transmission and the initiating transmission riding on different heavenly generals. If the initiating transmission rides on Tian Yi, after the army moves out, enemies a thousand miles away will be in awe. If it rides on Teng Snake, it indicates signs of alarm, disorder, and defeat. If it rides on Tai Chang, the camp is secure and soldiers are at peace. If it rides on Liu He, it signifies great gain of wealth, people, and resources, and this applies similarly to state affairs. If it rides on Qing Long, it is certain to obtain maps and treasures from enemy states, greatly benefiting the military campaign. If it rides on Zhu Que, there will be mockery, defamation, and humiliation, with immediate misfortune. If it rides on Tai Yin, after the army moves out, soldiers will be timid and weak. If it rides on Xuan Wu, there will be disaster of scattered and fleeing troops. If it rides on Tian Hou, the army will suffer defeat without fighting. If it rides on Bai Hu, after the army moves out, there will be plague and death. If it rides on Gou Chen, it indicates defeat, loss of soldiers, and casualties of horses. If it rides on Tian Kong, the army will be deceived and humiliated by enemies.

空亡失眾，傳逢不利。初傳雖吉，中未見空亡者，出師不利。

In the Three Transmissions, if Kongwang appears, it will result in the loss of followers and be unfavorable for affairs. Even if the First Transmission is auspicious, if the Middle Transmission and Final Transmission encounter Kongwang, the military campaign will still be unfavorable.

天罡加巳，行者獲全；縱橫建午，坐帳調琴。此下七節言天罡所指之吉凶也。天罡指巳，為天地所初開時，出軍開地千里，大勝也。加午為縱橫，坐帳不出，宜安樂而備兵也。

The Tiangang is on Si, and those who travel will be safe; when the Tiangang is on Wu, it forms a "cross and vertical" situation, and the general should sit in the tent playing the zither, without going out to fight. The following seven sections all discuss the auspiciousness and inauspiciousness indicated by the Tiangang. When the Tiangang points to Si, it represents the beginning of the universe, and going to war will lead to expanding territory for thousands of li and achieving a great victory. When the Tiangang is on Wu, it is during the "cross and vertical" period, and it is suitable to stay in the tent, rest calmly, and prepare weapons.

指未必通，謂聲名之著顯；向申地迫，言災禍以彌深。加未，天道小吉時，可以出軍也。加申，天地小爭時，又為地迫時，不可出軍，避之則吉。

Tiangang indicates that the path is not yet definitely clear, but it signifies fame and recognition. When pointing to Shen, it is called "earthly pressure," and misfortunes will deepen. Tiangang combined with Wei is a time of minor auspiciousness in the heavens, suitable for military action. Tiangang combined with Shen is a time of minor conflict between heaven and earth, also called "earthly pressure," and military action should be avoided; it is better to take cover for good fortune.

直酉西方，地閉而車折馬死；返來戌上，人乖而將殞兵沉。加酉為天地關格時，不可出師，必有隔絕、人馬鬥傷之患。加戌為天地反吟時，不可出軍，乃君臣相隔、父子相違、夫婦相別、奴婢背主之時，主士卒凶傷禍敗也。

Tiangang is directly opposite the western You branch, and the earth energy is blocked, causing broken vehicles and death of horses; when it returns to Xu, people's hearts are divided, the commander will die and soldiers will be ruined. When Tiangang is combined with You, it is a time of heaven and earth blocking each other, and it is not advisable to go to war, there will certainly be road blockages and injuries from combat between people and horses. When Tiangang is combined with Xu, it is a time of heaven and earth reversing each other, and it is also not advisable to go to war, for it is a time when ruler and minister are separated, father and son are at odds, husband and wife are parted, and servants turn against their masters. At this time, soldiers will suffer injuries and affairs will fail, bringing disaster.

亥上見之，天窄而傷人驚怖；子邊見也，地逼而半路難居。加亥為天窄時，加子為地逼時，俱不宜出軍，主半路恍惚不安。

The Tiangang appears on Hai and is called "Heavenly Narrow," which causes harm and instills fear; when it appears on Zi, it is called "Earthly Pressure," leading to difficulty in staying put halfway. When Tiangang joins Hai, it is the time of "Heavenly Narrow," and when it joins Zi, it is the time of "Earthly Pressure." In both cases, it is not advisable to march out with troops, as the army may experience confusion and restlessness during the journey.

丑向途通，三十里宿；來晨任意，神功潛助。每臨寅上，龍見天乙以情通；若到卯中，天地塞閉而氣換。加丑為天地小通時，出軍三十里，來晨任意前行。指寅為天地獨通時，遇天乙尤吉。加卯為天地閉塞不通時，宜藏避。

The Tiangang points to Chou, indicating smooth passage and unimpeded roads. When marching, soldiers should travel thirty li and then camp for the night. On the next morning, they may proceed freely, with hidden divine assistance. When the Tiangang arrives at Yin, it is like a dragon meeting the Tianyi, with mutual understanding and harmony. If it reaches Mao, the heavens and earth become closed off, and the cycle of energies changes. When the Tiangang joins Chou, it is a time of minor communication between heaven and earth; marching thirty li and camping for the night, then proceeding freely the next morning is appropriate. When the Tiangang points to Yin, it is a time of complete communication between heaven and earth; if Tianyi and Nobleman are also present, it becomes even more favorable. When the Tiangang joins Mao, it is a time when heaven and earth are closed off and communication is blocked, and it is advisable to hide and avoid danger.

伏吟辰地，關梁閉塞以難通。若守城營，客將憂疑而自縮。指辰為天地伏吟時，亦為天地閉塞，利以守己。若堅城守營，賊將自遁，不可出軍遠行也。

The Tiangang returns to its original position at Chen, which is called Hidden Chant. This indicates blockage and difficulty in passing through key points such as passes and bridges. At this time, if one坚守 the city and camp, the invading enemy will naturally become doubtful and retreat on their own. When Tiangang points to Chen, it signifies the time of Heavenly and Earthly Hidden Chant, which is a period of closure and blockage, favorable for defense. As long as the city walls are strong and the camps are well guarded, the enemy commander will retreat by himself, and one must not venture out with troops for long journeys.

猝逢賊將，方處占求；強兵神后，步卒牽牛。此下四節，以來方而占賊也。見賊加正時，看方上之神。神后，子也。若方上見子，賊從其下來者，賊將先來，必為輕騎。方上見大吉，賊從其下來者，其將堅強也。

In a hurried situation encountering an enemy general, one should set up a divination based on the direction from which the enemy approaches. If that direction shows 'Shenhou' (Zi), the enemy consists of strong troops. If it shows 'Daji' (Chou), the enemy consists of infantry carrying heavy loads. The following four sections all involve divining the enemy based on the direction they come from. When spotting the enemy, use the Month General combined with the current hour to set up the divination, and check what deity is on that direction. If 'Shenhou' (Zi) is present on that direction, the enemy comes from the Zi direction, and the enemy general will arrive first, definitely light cavalry. If 'Daji' (Chou) is present on that direction, the enemy comes from the Chou direction, and their main general is certainly strong.

猛見功曹寅，車騎長槍於兔腹卯；急旗角亢辰，衛兵變陣於龍頭巳。賊從功曹下來，其將猛，其士健。兔即卯也，賊從太沖下來，其兵精，器械且利。角亢，辰也，天罡也，賊從其下來，必有伏兵急速也。太乙名龍頭，即巳也，賊從其下來，其兵善能進退，變化陣形，故名衛兵，它謹速之。

Seeing "Gongcao" (Yin) coming, the enemy general is fierce and the soldiers are strong; seeing "Rabbit's belly" (Mao) coming, the enemy has chariots and long spears; seeing "Jiao Kangle" (Chen) coming, the banners are urgent; seeing "Dragon's head" (Si) coming, the soldiers are skilled in changing formations. If the enemy comes from Gongcao, the general is fierce and the soldiers are strong; "Rabbit" is Mao, so if the enemy comes from Taichong, their troops are elite and their weapons are sharp; Jiao and Kangle are both in Chen, which is Tiangang, so if the enemy comes from there, there must be hidden troops and they move quickly; Taiyi is also called Dragon's head, which is Si, so if the enemy comes from there, their troops are skilled in advancing and retreating and changing formations, so they are called guards, and we must be especially cautious and quick in dealing with them.

馬隊勝光，大將秦宮未而坐用。驍從傳送申，明天趙次酉以箕籌。賊從勝光下來，其將武勇，或軍士眾，當以奇兵以待之。賊小吉下來，其兵勝而強。賊從傳送下來，其賊勇銳。酉為趙分，賊從其下來，其賊能知天道，有謀略。

From Shengguang (Wu) comes a cavalry force. From Qin Gong (Wei) comes a general stationed in command. From Chuansong (Shen) comes a bold and courageous force. From Zhao Fen (You) comes a force that understands heavenly omens and is skilled in planning. If the enemy comes from Shengguang, the main commander is brave and vigorous, or there are many troops, and we should use a surprise attack against them. If the enemy comes from Xiaoji (Wei), their forces are superior in numbers and strong. If the enemy comes from Chuansong, their forces are numerous, brave, and elite. You is the territory of Zhao, and if the enemy comes from there, they understand heavenly phenomena and are highly strategic.

天魁戌猛壯而難擊。登明亥突急而莫留。賊從戌下來，其賊將士猛壯精銳，不可輕擊也。賊從亥下來，多有突急銳兵或奇伏之卒也。

The fierce and powerful force coming from Tiankui (Xu) is difficult to attack; the sudden and swift attack coming from Dengming (Hai) is too urgent to stay and face. If the enemy comes from Xu, their troops are strong and elite, and it is not advisable to engage them lightly; if the enemy comes from Hai, they are likely to have a force of sharp attackers or hidden troops waiting in ambush.

象色天機，金來火應。兵戈相入，勾陳是刑。賊從申上來，我以赤旗、銳陣應之。四方皆仿此。勾陳臨日，兩軍合陣以爭雄；井斗來臨，彼此收戈而息怒。假令申酉為勾陳，臨甲日之上，為刑，金克甲，必戰。加仲神在門，兩傷；加季神在外，必有大戰。若大、小吉臨甲日，兵自兩解而不戰。井，小吉；斗，大吉也。

The colors of the banners should be selected according to the Five Phases. If the enemy comes from the metal element, my side should respond with the fire element. Whether or not battle occurs depends on whether Gou Chen carries a刑. If the enemy comes from Shen (metal), I should use a red banner and a sharp formation representing fire to respond. The color coordination for all directions should be determined in the same way. If Gou Chen approaches the day stem, the two armies will join forces and fight. If the Well mansion or the Dipper mansion approaches the day stem, both sides will instead withdraw and cease hostilities. For example, if Shen and You (both metal) are associated with Gou Chen and approach the day stem of Jia, forming a刑, since metal overcomes wood, battle is inevitable. If they are added to the four central deities, it is considered 'within the gate,' and both sides will suffer losses. If they are added to the four seasonal deities, it is considered 'outside the gate,' and a major battle will certainly occur. If Daji (Chou) and Xiaoji (Wei) approach the day stem of Jia, the two armies will naturally disperse and not fight. The Well mansion belongs to Wei, which is Xiaoji, and the Dipper mansion belongs to Chou, which is Daji.

年逢六害，凶神必並於外傷。若主將本命、行年上見六害，更與凶將並，主凶敗。或剋日，大凶。

When the year stem encounters the "Six Evils," and also meets with malevolent spirits, unavoidable external injuries are inevitable. If the main general's native stem and year stem both encounter the Six Evils, and these are combined with malevolent generals, it indicates great danger and loss. If these spirits also overcome the day stem, it is extremely ominous.

日值孤雄，吉將堪逢於陣擊。孤者，太歲、月建後二辰是也。虛者，孤之對沖也。如正月子孤、午虛之類。用兵皆當背孤擊虛。雄者，春寅、夏巳、秋申、冬亥，用兵皆當背雄擊雌，雌者，雄之沖也。若孤神與戰雄臨將之行年、本命、辰之上者，必得大勝。

The day stem is occupied by "gu" and "xiong," and if favorable generals are also present, the army can be deployed for battle. "Gu" refers to the second earthly branch counted from the month builder and the heavenly stem. "Xu" is the opposite position of "gu." For example, if the month builder is寅 (Yin), then 子 (Zi) is "gu" and 午 (Wu) is "xu." In military strategy, one should position the troops behind "gu" and attack toward "xu." "Xiong" refers to the earthly branch of the season:寅 (Yin) in spring,巳 (Si) in summer,申 (Shen) in autumn, and亥 (Hai) in winter. In military strategy, one should position the troops behind "xiong" and attack toward "ci," which is the opposite of "xiong." If the "gu" spirit and the "xiong" general are present on the main general's year, birth year, or day branch, a great victory is certain.

官軍欲勝，勾制玄都。勾陳若制玄武、游都者，出軍必勝。主將年上神克白虎、玄武所乘神亦勝。若三傳中將得六合、青龍、太陰、太禽，及在將軍年命上更乘旺氣者，必大勝。又玄武陷死囚之地，亦勝。若玄武臨日辰，遙克時上勾陳，必敗。天乙、勾陳所乘神克游都者勝。

The official army wishes to win, and must have "Gou Chen" controlling "Xuan Wu" and "You Du." If Gou Chen can subdue Xuan Wu and You Du, the army will surely win; if the general's year stem can overcome the gods that White Tiger and Xuan Wu are riding upon, it will also result in victory. If among the three transmissions, the generals Liu He, Qing Long, Tai Yin, and Tai Qin are obtained, and they fall upon the general's year stem and are riding upon strong energies, a great victory is certain. Moreover, if Xuan Wu is in a dead or imprisoned position, it also indicates a victory for us. Conversely, if Xuan Wu is on the day stem and day branch, and it remotely overcomes the Gou Chen at the time, then defeat is certain. If the Tian Yi and Gou Chen are riding upon gods that can overcome You Du, then our side will win.

損支主敗，傷干客輸。正時占，干上神遙克支上神，或干克支，及上克下，皆為主敗。若支上神克干上神，或支克干，或下克上，皆為主勝。

If the day branch is damaged, the main party loses; if the day stem is damaged, the opposing party loses. Using the correct time to cast the divination: if the heavenly stem above the day stem remotely controls the heavenly stem above the day branch, or if the day stem controls the day branch, or if the heavenly stem in the four lessons controls the earthly branch, these all indicate the main party's loss. Conversely, if the heavenly stem above the day branch controls the heavenly stem above the day stem, or if the day branch controls the day stem, or if the lower heavenly stem controls the upper heavenly stem, these all indicate the main party's victory.

欲掠他鄉，戊己須逢于吉將。欲潛兵劫掠，視天盤、地盤二處戊、己位，逢吉將，出掠有功。假令甲子旬中以辰、巳為戊、己，上下皆為吉將，必然大獲。

If one intends to go elsewhere for plunder, the positions of Wu and Ji must meet favorable generals. To secretly send troops for plunder, one should examine the positions of Wu and Ji on both the Heaven Plate and the Earth Plate. If they are accompanied by favorable generals, going out for plunder will surely result in great gains. For example, in the Jiazi ten-day cycle, the hidden stem is on Chen with Wu and on Si with Ji. If both the Heaven Plate and Earth Plate at these positions are occupied by favorable generals, there will certainly be substantial rewards.

前三後二，私門禁戶以相扶。前三，六合也。後二，太陰也。若卯、酉乘之謂之私門。禁戶有四，除、定、危、開是也，得太常、青龍、太陰、六合乘之，出兵深入，如蹈無入之境。入水不溺，入兵不傷，天佑之福也。

The Nobleman's three preceding positions and two following positions are called 'private gate'; among the twelve values of the Jian Chu system, the four forbidden gates support each other. The Nobleman's three preceding positions are 'Liu He', and the two following positions are 'Tai Yin'; if the positions of卯 and酉 are occupied by these two generals, it is called 'private gate'. The four forbidden gates are the days of Chú, Dìng, Wēi, and Kāi; if these four days are further occupied by Tai Chang, Azure Dragon, Tai Yin, and Liu He, then when sending troops deep into enemy territory, it is as if entering an uninhabited place, entering water without drowning, encountering soldiers without injury. This is a blessing protected by heaven.

三路迷心、時下罡隨於孟仲；兩歧惑應，日辰左右以規謀。路逢三叉之道，欲知何道吉，正時占。天罡加孟，左道通；加季，右道通；加仲，中道通。此下出軍大捷，所求必遂。若逢兩歧路，日干吉者，左道通；支吉者，右道通也。

When facing three岔 roads and unsure which path to take, one should look at the position of the Tiangang at the time of divination to see if it falls in the first position or the second position. When encountering two岔 roads and feeling uncertain, one should use the Day Stem and Day Branch to determine the left and right paths respectively. If encountering three岔 roads and wanting to know which path is auspicious, one should use the time of the hour to cast the divination: if the Tiangang is added to the first position, the left path is clear; if added to the fourth position, the right path is clear; if added to the second position, the middle path is clear. Following this guidance, military campaigns will surely achieve great success, and all desired outcomes will be realized. If encountering two岔 roads, one should take the left path if the Day Stem is auspicious, and the right path if the Day Branch is auspicious.

欲渡河江，支傷莫人。卯辰及酉，井泉須知。壬亥子兼癸丑，天河覆井以沉波。更忌罡沖，太歲遭虛而禍急。欲渡江河，正時占，支傷則水路不宜行也。卯、辰、酉為地之三井，壬、子、癸為天之三河。正時占，天河加臨地之井者，主有覆溺之危，不可渡也。若見太沖、天罡加支干，必有風濤之惡。神后加太歲之上，主行船有沒溺之災。

To cross a river, if the day branch is harmed, one should not go into the water. The three places of卯 (Mao), 辰 (Chen), and 酉 (You) are the earthly wells, which must be known. The three rivers of壬 (Ren), 子 (Zi), and 癸 (Gui), along with 亥 (Hai) and 丑 (Chou), are the heavenly rivers. When the heavenly river covers the earthly well, there is danger of capsizing and sinking. It is especially important to avoid Tiangang and Taichong. If the "Too Old" (太岁) is affected by the "Empty" (虚), misfortune comes quickly. To cross a river, use the correct time to cast the divination. If the day branch is harmed, it is not suitable to travel by water. The three earthly wells are卯 (Mao), 辰 (Chen), and 酉 (You). The three heavenly rivers are壬 (Ren), 子 (Zi), and 癸 (Gui). After casting the divination at the correct time, if the heavenly river is placed over the earthly well, there is danger of capsizing and drowning, and crossing is not advisable. If Taichong (Mao) or Tiangang (Chen) are placed on the day stem and day branch, there will be danger from wind and waves. If Shenhou (Zi) is placed on the "Too Old" (太岁), there is danger of the boat sinking.

洿池之地，天罡指處以堪行；支吉干傷，水面通船而立事。日為陸地，干吉利陸進。如有洿下聚水之處，亦取天罡下去通於道也，加孟勿前行，加仲勿中行，加季勿後行。支為水道，支吉利水路。

A low-lying area with water accumulation, if one walks in the direction indicated by the Tiangang, there will be a passage. If the Day Branch is favorable but the Day Stem is harmed, one should travel by water for affairs. The Day Stem represents land, and if it is favorable, it is suitable to advance by land. If encountering a low-lying water area, one should also take the direction under the Tiangang. There will certainly be a path there. If Tiangang is combined with the four young months, one should not walk in front; if combined with the four middle months, one should not walk in the middle; if combined with the four old months, one should not walk behind. The Day Branch represents waterways, and if it is favorable, it is beneficial to travel by water.

凡丙子、丁丑、癸未、癸丑為觸水龍日，不宜涉水，戊寅、己卯日亦凶。凡卯為船車，臨支為船，臨干為車，在旺相之鄉，車船無損，在囚死之鄉，車船破壞。若臨渡船漏，看天罡，加孟前有補處，加仲中間有補處，加季船尾有補處。行車同。

On the days of Bingzi, Dingchou, Guiwei, and Guichou, they are called "Touch Water Dragon Days" and are not suitable for crossing water. The days of Wuyin and Jimao are also unfavorable. The branch Mao represents boats and carts: if Mao is in the day branch, it is considered a boat; if it is in the day stem, it is considered a cart. If it is in a prosperous and strong position, boats and carts will not be damaged; if it is in a confined or dying position, boats and carts will be damaged. If a boat leaks while crossing a river, look at the Tiangang: if Tiangang is added to the four young months, the damage is at the front of the boat; if added to the four middle months, the damage is in the middle of the boat; if added to the four old months, the damage is at the back of the boat. The same method applies to repairing carts.

昏蒙失路，執式天盤。參申行意曉，天角辰堪緣。道經山林野澤，蒙雨霧暗，迷失道路，執式特盤投於地，取天罡下之五十步當得好道。傳送之下，亦主自然開悟。參宿在申，故曰參行也。天角，天罡也。去必有路。

When lost in darkness and confusion, hold the compass and observe the Heaven Plate: "San" (Shen) can indicate the direction to walk, and "Tianjiao" (Chen) can also be followed. When marching through mountains, forests, or swamps and encountering light rain or mist that obscures the path, place the Heaven Plate of the compass on the ground to determine direction. Walk fifty paces towards Tiangang (Chen), and you will certainly find a good path; when you reach "Chuansong" (Shen), the path will naturally become clear. Since San is in Shen, it is called "San Xing" (San Walking); Tianjiao is the same as Tiangang. By following this method, there will certainly be a path.

軍士酣臥，趨井未房卯之清泉。軍士進行歇臥，正時上，求水路，以小吉有井宿，並太沖又有房宿，其下可以求水井或河，不出二百步之外。

Soldiers seeking rest and sleep should look for clear springs at the position of Wei (未) associated with Jing Su (井宿) and the position of Mao (卯) associated with Fang Su (房宿). When resting during a military campaign, use the current correct time to determine the location of water: Wei is 'Xiao Ji' and contains Jing Su; Mao is 'Tai Chong' and contains Fang Su. Searching for a well or river beneath these two positions will certainly find water within two hundred steps.

欲劫軍糧，向吳秦之大獲。欲劫糧，出吳分大吉、秦分小吉之下，糧必得。

If you want to seize the enemy's supplies, you should attack in the regions corresponding to Wu and Qin. You must definitely gain much. To seize supplies, send troops from the region of Wu associated with 'Daji' (Chou) and the region of Qin associated with 'Xiaoji' (Wei). The supplies will certainly be obtained.

大吉紫房，神后華蓋，能藏萬物，即行無害。大吉為紫房，神后為華蓋，凡有急事欲避藏者，往大吉、神后之下，人不能以掩來也。

"Big吉利" (Chou) is the Purple Room, and "Shenhou" (Zi) is the position of the Huagai star. These two places can conceal all things, and moving from there will not cause harm. Big吉利 is called the Purple Room, and Shenhou is called Huagai. If there is an urgent matter requiring hiding or shelter, one should go to the places where Big吉利 and Shenhou are present, for others cannot attack or ambush there.

太沖千騎，從魁可遁於百人；斗鬼參回，天駟潛之而莫奈。卯下可藏千騎。酉為後女之神，可藏百人。凡伏兵避惡，乃可從丑上去，向未，回申上立定，正向卯上潛避，則追不得也。丑有斗宿，未有井鬼，申有參，故謂丑未申為斗、鬼、參。一云，賊卒至，宜往房星下避之。房星，太沖也，亦名天駟。假令房星在午，宜出正南造之。

The term "Taichong" (Mao) can conceal a thousand riders, and "Congkui" (You) can hide a hundred people. By moving along the paths of the Dipper, Ghost, and Three Stars mansions, one can finally hide beneath "Tian Si." Enemies will then be unable to harm them. Beneath Mao, a thousand riders can be hidden; You is the deity of the female ruler, capable of concealing a hundred people. Whenever one needs to hide or avoid danger, start from the position of Chou, move toward Wei, then turn back to Shen and settle there, then proceed directly to Mao to hide, and pursuers will not find them. Chou contains the Dipper mansion, Wei contains the Well and Ghost mansions, and Shen contains the Three Stars mansion, so Chou, Wei, and Shen are referred to as Dipper, Ghost, and Three Stars. Another explanation: if enemies suddenly attack, one should hide beneath the star of Fang. The star of Fang is Taichong (Mao), also called Tian Si. For example, if the star of Fang is located at Wu position, one should go to the direction of Due South.

青常陰合，大梁酉大火卯以同居；除定危開，主將其方而喜在。大梁，從魁也。大火，太沖也。此二神為私門。除、定、危、開為地四禁戶。以二私門加禁戶，又與龍、常、合、陰並，宜出其下大吉。

The four auspicious generals, Azure Dragon, Tai Chang, Tai Yin, and Liu He, are together in the same palace with the two private doors, Daliang (You) and Dafire (Mao). If they also meet the four positions, Chü, Ding, Wei, and Kai, then the general stationed in that direction will have good fortune. Daliang is Congkui (You), and Dafire is Taichong (Mao), and these two are the private doors. Chü, Ding, Wei, and Kai are the four forbidden gates on the ground. Adding the two private doors to the forbidden gates, and having them together with Azure Dragon, Tai Chang, Liu He, and Tai Yin, it is auspicious to send troops from beneath them.

急賊方所，初傳五行。水為北房，火作南兵。忽問賊，正時占，視初傳五行，即可知何賊。亥、子為北虜，巳、午為南蠻。

If you urgently want to know from which direction the enemy is coming, look at the Five Phases of the First Transmission. If it belongs to water, the enemy comes from the north; if it belongs to fire, the enemy comes from the south. If you suddenly inquire about enemy situations, use the correct time to cast the divination, and observe the Five Phases of the First Transmission to determine which group of enemies it is:亥 and 子 belong to water, indicating enemies from the north; 巳 and 午 belong to fire, indicating enemies from the south.

復見土神，有虜急從於四季；初當本位，其謀必見於東渡。初傳辰、戌、丑、未，賊必四季之人。初傳寅、卯，必東方之人。

If another earth deity is encountered, it indicates an enemy coming urgently from the four seasonal positions; if the first transmission is in its proper position, the enemy's plot must originate from the east. If the first transmission is Chen, Xu, Chou, or Wei, the enemy must be from the four cardinal directions, the four corners; if the first transmission is Yin or Mao, the enemy must be from the east.

地恐埋軍，參申軫巳虛子房卯而速備；象宜休車，蛇支獸干以尋驚。軍行次城隘之處，恐有伏兵，正時占，申、巳、子、卯臨日，則夜必有伏兵也。四神又旺相，與殺並者，大凶，無兵亦有猛獸。若不與凶並，日能制之者，兵不敢動。若蛇、虎克日辰者，有卒驚，宜察而備之。

Worrying about hidden troops underground, look at the four stars Shen, Chen, Xu, and Fang. If they appear, be ready to take precautions immediately. If Teng Snake is on the day branch and White Tiger is on the day stem, the army should stop and search for unexpected changes. When the army approaches a city or dangerous pass, fearing hidden troops, use the correct time to cast the divination. If Shen, Chen, Xu, or Fang appear on the day stem, there will certainly be hidden troops at night. If these four spirits are also prosperous and strong, and appear together with evil stars, it is extremely dangerous. Even without hidden troops, there may be fierce beasts. If they do not appear together with evil stars, and the day stem can overcome them, the enemy troops will not dare to move. If Teng Snake and White Tiger overcome the day stem and day branch, there will be sudden disturbances, which should be investigated and precautions taken.

斗季損支，邀截我後；干傷前伏，陰陽左右。正時占，天罡加季有伏兵。支傷干吉，伏兵在後；干傷支吉，伏兵在前。天罡加陽，伏兵在左，加陰在右。

The Tiangang is added to the four seasons and the Day Branch is harmed, indicating the enemy will intercept our rear; if the Day Stem is harmed, there are hidden troops in front. As for left and right, it depends on whether the Tiangang falls on a Yang Branch or a Yin Branch. Using the correct time to cast the divination: when the Tiangang is added to the four seasons, there are hidden troops. If the Day Branch is harmed but the Day Stem is favorable, the hidden troops are behind; if the Day Stem is harmed but the Day Branch is favorable, the hidden troops are in front. If the Tiangang falls on a Yang Branch, the hidden troops are on the left; if it falls on a Yin Branch, the hidden troops are on the right.

帶刑並傷，旺相而猛將來爭；無殺空刑，將弱而庸夫退驟。正時占伏兵，日辰上子、卯、申、巳並刑殺，兼有旺相氣，必有伏兵欲來掩襲，宜備之。若子、卯、申、巳並刑殺陷落空亡、無氣者，伏兵不敢起，且自潛消矣。

These divine forces involve mutual punishment and conflict, and if they are in a prosperous and strong state, there will be fierce generals coming to fight. If there are noInauspicious Sha, and the punishments fall intoKongwang with no strength, then only weak generals and commoners will come, and they will quickly retreat. Using the correct time to predict hidden troops: if the day stem and day branch have子,卯,申,巳 along with punishments, and are in a prosperous and strong state, there must be hidden troops coming to attack, and one should be cautious. If子,卯,申,巳 along with punishments fall intoKongwang and have no strength, the hidden troops will not dare to act and will naturally disperse.

三刑五墓，日辰遇而夜防；蛇虎魁罡，支干遭而宿俟。正時占，日辰上見三刑、五墓，將當移營，不然大凶。若辰、戌與白虎、螣蛇臨支干者，皆有伏兵，夤夜來擾營也。

If the day stem and day branch encounter the three punishments or the five tombs, one should be cautious during the night. If the stem and branch meet the teng snake, white tiger, hekui, or tiangang, one should stay awake all night. Using the correct hour to cast the divination, if the day stem and day branch show the three punishments or the five tombs, the commander should move the camp, otherwise it will be a great misfortune. If the chen and xu are connected with the white tiger and teng snake appearing on the day stem and day branch, it indicates hidden troops that will come to harass the camp during the night.

立營心動，青常兮信使將來。下營未定心動者，正時占，日辰上見青龍、太常必有使來。

When setting up camp, if one suddenly feels a stirring in the mind and sees 'Azure Dragon' and 'Tai Chang', it indicates that a messenger is about to arrive. If the camp has not yet stabilized and the mind suddenly becomes restless, use the correct time to cast the divination: if the Day Stem and Day Branch show Azure Dragon and Tai Chang, there will certainly be a messenger coming.

郊野目瞤，雷卯水子兮淫霖欲就。郊野目瞤者，正時占，見卯、子臨日辰者，有暴雨至，宜置高營防之。若魁罡加臨，必有將至。

In the open fields, if the eyelids twitch and one sees the branch of Mao (which belongs to Thunder) and the branch of Zi (which belongs to Water), it indicates that continuous heavy rain is about to arrive. When the eyelids twitch in the open fields, use the correct time to cast the divination: if Mao and Zi are approaching the day stem and day branch, heavy rain is coming, and one should set up camps on high ground to take precautions; if "Hekui" and "Tiangang" are added, it certainly means that a general will arrive.

忽被圍繞，日辰陰陽。經云：“傷不傷，視陰陽。”正時，四課日辰之陰陽不備，則主之。交鋒見損，和好無傷。若支干被傷，有爭角之禍。

Suddenly being surrounded by enemy troops, one should look at the yin and yang spirits of the day stem and day branch. The classic says: "Whether there is injury or not, look at yin and yang." Using the correct time to cast the divination, if the yin and yang spirits of the day stem and day branch in the four lessons are not complete, it indicates being trapped. If there is a battle, there will be injury; if there is a truce, there will be no injury. If the day stem and day branch are harmed by others, there will be disaster from conflict.

凡欲突圍，隨斗罡而可擊；後占出路，從勾制而取強。兵圍欲出，視天罡下，出必通。黃帝云：“兵圍千里，斗道必通。”又云：“出路直向勾陳所制之鄉，方可出。”假令寅、卯為勾陳，利出四季方。又云，當從開星下去，吉。春房卯，夏張午，秋婁戌，冬壁亥。

Whenever needing to break through an encirclement, follow the direction indicated by Tiangang to charge and attack; then determine the escape route by moving in the direction that Gou Chen controls. To escape from being surrounded, look at the direction below Tiangang, from there charge and it will definitely be passable. The Yellow Emperor said: "When troops are encircled for a thousand li, the path indicated by the handle of the Big Dipper will certainly be open." He also said: "The escape route should be directly towards the direction controlled by Gou Chen, in order to escape successfully." For example, if寅 and卯 are occupied by Gou Chen, wood controls earth, it is favorable to escape towards the directions of辰, 戌, 丑, and 未, the four seasons. There is another saying: one should escape under the direction of 'Kai Xing'. It is auspicious; Kai Xing is in 房 (卯) in spring, in 张 (午) in summer, in 娄 (戌) in autumn, and in 壁 (亥) in winter.

審察其情，用神傳出於天乙；欲知其義，吾軍可動於龍驤。正時占，初傳在天乙後，傳出天乙前者，可向天罡，出而必利也。

To examine the situation, one should look to see if the useful god and the three transmissions originate from the nobleman. To understand the principle, our army can then move forth like a divine dragon ascending. When the correct time is used to cast the divination, if the first transmission falls after the nobleman and then proceeds to before the nobleman, the army should charge in the direction indicated by the heavenly stem Chen. This will certainly be advantageous.

潛起掠敵，須壯玄神。若乘四季，忌甲乙以東征；曹沖二神，慮庚辛而西問。玄武旺相，能制支干，賊兵必強；若欲掠他，潛伏正時。視玄武之乘神旺相剋日辰者，必捷。假令玄武乘土神，忌甲、乙日發兵，行東方大凶；乘木神，忌庚、辛日西行，餘仿此。

To conduct a secret raid against the enemy, it is necessary for the "Black Tortoise" to be strong. If the Black Tortoise is riding on the four seasonal earth deities, then it is unfavorable to launch an eastern expedition on days of Jia or Yi. If the Black Tortoise is riding on the "Gongcao" (寅) and "Taichong" (卯) wood deities, then one should be cautious about moving west on days of Geng or Xin. When the Black Tortoise is prosperous and strong and can control the day stem and day branch, it indicates that the enemy forces are powerful. If our side intends to raid the enemy, we should start the ritual at the correct time and remain hidden: observe whether the Black Tortoise's riding deity is prosperous and strong and can overcome the day stem and day branch; if so, the mission will surely succeed. For example, if the Black Tortoise is riding on the earth deity, it is unfavorable to launch an attack on Jia or Yi days, and moving east is extremely dangerous. If the Black Tortoise is riding on the wood deity, it is unfavorable to move west on Geng or Xin days, and the same logic applies to other cases.