Draw troops to avoid the enemy

龍頭莫犯，嫌支干以休囚；背腹宜攻，要日辰之旺相。凡攻城，莫攻城之龍頭，必主損將；宜攻城之背腹，必獲捷矣。若日旺相，外氣強，可以攻城；日囚死，內氣強，不可攻擊。陽城，龍頭在亥，尾在巳，腹在魁，背在艮；陰城，龍頭在巳，足在亥，腹在艮，背在魁。一雲背腹在坤艮也。

When attacking a city, do not attack its "dragon head," as it is dangerous if the day stem and day branch fall into a weak and confined state. Instead, attack its back and abdomen, but only if the day stem and day branch receive a prosperous and strong energy. In general, do not attack the dragon head of the city, for doing so will surely cause loss to the main general. Instead, attack the back and abdomen of the city, and victory will surely follow. If the day stem is prosperous and strong, it indicates that the external forces are powerful, and attacking the city is feasible. However, if the day stem is weak and confined, it suggests that the forces within the city are strong, and attacking is not advisable. For a yang city, the dragon head is at亥 (Hai), the tail at巳 (Si), the abdomen at魁 (Xu), and the back at艮 (Yin). For a yin city, the dragon head is at巳 (Si), the foot at亥 (Hai), the abdomen at艮 (Yin), and the back at魁 (Xu). Another view suggests that the back and abdomen are located in the directions of坤 (Kun) and艮 (Yin).

神法式之昭昭，知軍情之蕩蕩。明視法式，必須清靜心神，研審災祥，惟在精誠感應，苟其禍福之不爽，何憂戰守之無功也耶？

The method of the divination disk is clear and evident, revealing the twists and turns of military affairs at a glance. To understand this system thoroughly, one must first calm the mind and carefully examine the signs of auspicious and ominous omens. The key lies in sincerity and devotion, leading to an intuitive understanding. If one can accurately predict both misfortune and fortune without error, then why worry about the effectiveness of attack or defense?

貴為我將干為卒，將位二神是賊兵。我克地時我必勝，他來克我彼還贏。游都賊將兵居處，沖處魯都遊賊攻。方克貴神防細作，貴刑方處急宜沖。將刑地分賊須動，方克將神虜寨寧。貴若克干多便益，干來克貴叛離興。

This verse describes the imagery used in divination: "The noble spirit" represents our main general, the hidden heavenly stem represents our soldiers, and the two spirits at the general's position represent the enemy's troops. If our side defeats the spirit on the earth plate, we will surely win; if the enemy defeats us, they will win. "You Du" indicates where the enemy general is stationed, while "Lu Du," which is in opposition to "You Du," represents the enemy's mobile forces attacking from. If the earth plate's direction defeats the noble spirit, we should be cautious of the enemy's spies; if the noble spirit harms the earth plate's direction, we should quickly launch an attack. If the heavenly general harms the territory it is on, the enemy will definitely move; if the territory defeats the heavenly general, the enemy's camp will be stable. If the noble spirit defeats the hidden stem, our side will gain an advantage; if the hidden stem defeats the noble spirit, there will be mutiny within our army.

此貴神即游動上來天將是也，不是天乙貴人。干者，游都落地盤上之遁干也。如丁酉日酉將午時，丁日游都在巳，酉加午，巳落寅上，巳上乘六合，干寅上見壬。此起貴人法，只用地臨晝貴，故寅是六合，為我之將與游都。

The term "guishen" refers to the Heavenly General riding upon the place where the Youdu is located, not the Tianyi Guiren. The "gan" mentioned here is the heavenly stem derived from the palace where the Youdu falls on the Earth Plate. For example, on a Dingyou day, use the You general added to the wu time to start the calculation. On a Ding day, the Youdu is in si. The You general is placed on wu and proceeds in order, so si falls on the yin palace of the Earth Plate. The Heavenly General riding on si is "Liuhe," and the heavenly stem derived from yin is ren. In this case, the Guiren is determined only by the daytime Guiren on the Earth Plate, so yin is Liuhe. It is both our main general and shares the same palace with the Youdu.

巳並地盤寅相生，是我之將不制賊，兩相和解。遁干見壬，本為我之士卒，卻克游都之巳火，定主我之士卒能勝也。方與貴相生，占細作無。將與地分不刑，占賊不動。干生貴，占士卒愛戴其主將。亥為魯都在申上，賊有遊兵在於申地，餘仿此。

Following the interpretation: The巳 fire is in mutual generation with the寅 wood of the Earth Plate, indicating that our main general does not restrain the enemy, and both sides are in mutual harmony. The hidden壬 water, which originally represents our soldiers, is able to overcome the巳 fire of the wandering general, thus determining that our soldiers will win. The Earth Plate direction is in mutual generation with the noble spirit, indicating no spies; the Heavenly General is not in conflict with the place it occupies, indicating the enemy does not move; the hidden stem generates the noble spirit, indicating the soldiers love and support the general. The亥, which is in opposition to巳, is called 'Lu Du', and it falls on the申, indicating the enemy has mobile troops in the申 area. The other examples follow the same pattern.

占賊之法妙難窮，起成課法自靈通。要知賊寇藏人馬，游都魯都兩干稱。方為賊居將為寇，貴神為我主人兵。干是我軍為裡數，更知賊數百和零。休又言我財為我利，干若受克利須傾。四課之中將克將，不須勞力用辛勤。若更行兵能用計，寇兵一掃蕩胡塵。

Divination methods for predicting the enemy are highly intricate; as long as the course is properly formed, they will be accurate and effective. To find out where the enemy has hidden their troops, look at the "You Du" and "Lu Du" and the two heavenly stems they are associated with. The Earth Plate indicates where the enemy is located, the Heavenly General represents the enemy's forces, the Noble Spirit represents our own troops; the hidden heavenly stems represent our army and can be used to calculate distance and determine the exact number of enemy soldiers, even the smallest details. As for the "Xiu" layer, it means that wealth is our advantage; if the hidden heavenly stems are overcome, our advantage will be lost. If the Heavenly Generals in the Four Lessons overcome each other, there is no need for hard fighting; if the army also uses strategy, the enemy will be completely defeated and all traces of their presence will be erased.

應課還將若來克貴，我當謹衛莫強徵。方來克貴主細作，必有奸謀誘我軍。貴神下克地方位，將軍攻戰莫消停。將若刑方賊移動，晚間逃走似飛星。方若克將敗守寨，故然不動亦難通。

If the Heavenly General is coming to overcome the Noble God, we should be cautious and defend, not attempt to go on campaign. If the Earth Plate direction overcomes the Noble God, it indicates the enemy has sent spies and will certainly use deceit to lure our army. If the Noble God overcomes the Earth Plate direction, the general may continue attacking without pause. If the Heavenly General is in conflict with the direction it is facing, the enemy will definitely move, fleeing at night as fast as a meteor. If the Earth Plate direction overcomes the Heavenly General, our side will retreat and be confined to the camp, even if we hold our troops still, we will find it difficult to break through the situation.

干克將兮興人馬，速速前行賊可平。將若刑干賊必勝，我當防衛不宜興。方來克干賊堅固，干若刑方我得贏。神若克干軍易使，干反克貴下不聽。貴神為我干為使，將位二神為賊兵。我克他時宜戰鬥，他來克我不須行。地方名屬游都將，魯都對位賊遊兵。有人精學游都法，何用六韜三略文？

When the heavenly stem is in a position of overcoming the heavenly general, it is advisable to reorganize troops and advance quickly, as the enemy can be subdued. If the heavenly general overcomes the heavenly stem, the enemy will surely win, and we should defend rather than launch an attack. If the earth plate's direction overcomes the heavenly stem, the enemy's camp is strong; if the heavenly stem overcomes the earth plate's direction, we can win. If the noble spirit overcomes the heavenly stem, military orders will be easily carried out; if the heavenly stem overcomes the noble spirit, the subordinates will not obey commands. In summary, the noble spirit represents our side, the heavenly stem represents the messenger, and the two deities on the general's position represent enemy troops: when we overcome them, it is suitable for battle; when they overcome us, we should not move out. The earth plate's direction belongs to the general riding the roaming capital, while the opposite Lu Du is the enemy's mobile troops. If someone masters this theory of roaming capitals thoroughly, why bother reading the military texts like the Six Strategies and Three Strategies?

甲寅乙卯丙巳宮，丁午戊辰己戌同。庚申辛酉壬亥上，癸子十干定吉凶。天地相合為去路，暗藏人馬捉賊兵。若人會得魯遊法，擒寇如同在掌中。

To determine the direction of an enemy's retreat using the heavenly stems, the stems are paired as follows: Jia with Yin, Yi with Mao, Bing with Si, Ding with Wu, Wu with Chen, Ji with Xiu, Geng with Shen, Xin with You, Ren with Hai, and Gui with Zi. Using these ten stems, one can judge fortune and misfortune. The place where the Heaven Plate's heavenly stem combines with the Earth Plate's earthly branch is where the enemy will escape; by secretly ambushing there, one can capture the enemy. If one understands the method of "Lu Du" and "You Du," capturing the enemy becomes as easy as doing it in one's palm.

假令十一月丑將戊辰日寅時，占賊人去方。丑加寅順數，至巳上見辰。論此賊人在東南巳地方上去。何以知之？曰：以天地相合，正是賊人所去之方。餘仿此。

For example: In the eleventh month, using the Chou branch as the general, on a Wuchen day at the Yin hour, one divines the direction in which the enemy will flee. Adding Chou to Yin and counting clockwise through the cycle, one arrives at the Si position on the Earth Plate, which corresponds to Chen. Thus, it is concluded that the enemy has fled to the Southeast Si direction. Why is this known? The answer is: Wu is paired with Chen, and Chen and Si here form a conjunction between the Heaven Plate and the Earth Plate. The place where they join is the direction the enemy has gone. Other cases are similarly inferred.

假令八月辰將已亥日巳時，占賊人去方。以月將加辰，數至亥上見戌，占此賊人在西北亥方向去也。何以知之？曰：“戊己原加辰戌間”，故詳論四課之中皆與天地相合。如此占之，萬無一失。餘仿此。

Now take another example: in the eighth month, using the辰 (Chen) general, on the Jihai day at the巳 (Si) hour, one divines the direction in which the enemy will flee. Add the month general to the rotating plate and count to the earth plate's亥 (Hai) position, where one sees戌 (Xu). Thus, it is determined that the enemy has gone to the northwest亥 (Hai) direction. Why is this known? The answer is: the mnemonic says 'Wu Ji originally added between Chen and Xu,' Ji is paired with Xu, so one must carefully examine the place where the heaven plate and earth plate coincide in the four lessons. By following this method for divination, there is no chance of error; other situations are similarly inferred.

凡行軍偶遇變，主將心驚者，必占。不異、不疑則不占。其法：以月將加正時，視天上類神所臨何神，以所臨地分之神與日干較其生克，以定吉凶。更以天將計之，則休咎見之矣。

Whenever an unusual event occurs unexpectedly during a military campaign and the general feels alarmed, a divination must be performed. If there is no sense of abnormality or doubt, then there is no need to divinate. The method is: place the Month General on the correct hour and turn out the Heaven Plate. Observe which heavenly god corresponds to the type of unusual event, and see which god it falls on. Then compare the god on the Earth Plate with the Day Stem to determine if there is a generating or overcoming relationship, thus determining fortune or misfortune. Additionally, the Heavenly General involved should be combined for calculation, and the fortune or misfortune will then become clear.

天變共之類神，日卯也，月酉也，風寅也，瘴氣申也，雷電巳也。

Heavenly phenomena each have their corresponding deities: the Sun's corresponding deity is Mao, the Moon's is You, wind's is Yin, miasma's is Shen, and thunder and lightning's is Si. When making a divination, one takes these corresponding deities to deduce the meaning.

太歲過建已往事，未過月建在歲前。正值建辰事當歲，神吉則吉凶吝言。魁罡若加太歲上，所主反覆心不安。建，月建也。太歲若過月建前，則事當屬已往，如建在寅，太歲移過卯地。若未過月建，則為未來事，如建在子，太歲尚在亥也。正值月建，事在當歲。若所乘之神吉則事吉，凶則事凶。戌為天魁，辰為天罡，若二神加於太歲之上，主心反覆不安。

To determine the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of the current situation, first compare the position of the Tai Sui (Year God) and the Yuesheng (Month Builder). If the Tai Sui has passed the Yuesheng, the matter in question belongs to the past. If the Tai Sui has not yet passed the Yuesheng, the matter occurs before the Tai Sui and has not yet arrived. If the Tai Sui is exactly at the position of the Yuesheng, the matter occurs in the current year. Then observe the deity accompanying the Tai Sui; if it is auspicious, the matter is auspicious; if it is inauspicious, the matter is inauspicious, and during inauspicious times, one should also be cautious in speech. If the Hekui and Tiangang are placed above the Tai Sui, the matter indicates uncertainty and restlessness. Here, the term "Jian" refers to the Yuesheng. If the Tai Sui has reached before the Yuesheng, the matter belongs to the past, for example, if the Yuesheng is in the寅 (Chen) position and the Tai Sui has already moved to the卯 (Sui) position. If the Tai Sui has not yet passed the Yuesheng, the matter is future, for example, if the Yuesheng is in the子 (Zi) position and the Tai Sui is still in the亥 (Hai) position. If the Tai Sui is exactly at the Yuesheng, the matter occurs in the current year. The Xu (戌) is the Hekui, and the Chen (辰) is the Tiangang. When these two deities are placed above the Tai Sui, it indicates restlessness and uncertainty.

大殺金神災禍深，支干不逢分野尋。德合旺相仍豐稔，若見刑沖慎刀兵。金神，正月在酉，二月在巳，三月在丑，周而復始。金、殺相遇，災必深，若不見支干上，亦當以所落分野定吉凶；不併，遇亦無害。所到之宮逢德合旺相，歲獲豐稔。若見刑沖，即有刀兵動其上。

The "Great Harm" and "Metal God" when occurring together bring severe calamity; if they do not fall on the Day Stem or Day Branch, they should be sought in the twelve regions. If the palace where they fall meets virtue, harmony, and is prosperous and strong, the year will still have a good harvest; if they meet punishment and clash, there should be concern about warfare. The arrangement of the Metal God is: in the first month it is in You, in the second month in Si, in the third month in Chou, and then it cycles repeatedly. When the Metal God meets the Great Harm, calamity is certain; if they do not appear on the Day Stem or Day Branch, their effect should be determined by the region they fall into. If they do not occur together, even if they appear, there will be no harm. If the palace they reach meets virtue, harmony, and is prosperous and strong, the year will have a good harvest of grain; if they meet punishment and clash, there will be warfare in that region.

分野：子齊分、青州，丑吳分、揚州，巳楚分、荊州，午周分、豳州，未秦分、雍州，申晉分、益州，酉趙分、冀州，戌魯分、徐州，亥衛分、幷州。

The twelve Earthly Branches correspond to specific regions: Zi belongs to Qi State and corresponds to Qingzhou; Chou belongs to Wu State and corresponds to Yangzhou; Si belongs to Chu State and corresponds to Jingzhou; Wu belongs to the Zhou Dynasty and corresponds to Binzhou; Wei belongs to Qin State and corresponds to Yongzhou; Shen belongs to Jin State and corresponds to Yizhou; You belongs to Zhao State and corresponds to Jizhou; Xu belongs to Lu State and corresponds to Xuzhou; Hai belongs to Wei State and corresponds to Bingzhou. When predicting state affairs or military matters, one should determine which region will suffer disaster based on where the malevolent spirits fall in the Earthly Branches.

選將征伐驗將星，三合中字是將軍。假如申子辰為將，旺相休囚看否能。貴德乘常生歲月，武穆曹彬再復生。若乘羊白傷干歲，董卓阿瞞的是真。禍患要知何日克，休囚旺相決年分。

Building a platform to appoint a general and selecting the commander for an expedition requires checking the "General Star" (将星). The middle character of the Triple Harmony Formation (三合局) is the General Star. For example, in the Water Triple Harmony Formation (申子辰), the middle character '子' is the General Star. Then, we examine whether it is prosperous and strong (旺相) or weak and confined (休囚), to determine if the person is capable. If the General Star is accompanied by the Day's Noble (日贵), Day's Virtue (日德), and the Tai Chang (太常), and it generates the Heavenly Stem (太岁) and the Month Builder (月建), then it indicates a great general reborn, like Yue Fei or Cao Bin. However, if the General Star is accompanied by the Yangren (羊刃) and White Tiger (白虎), and it harms the Day Stem (日干) and the Heavenly Stem, then it indicates a person like Dong Zhuo or Cao Cao. As for when the misfortune will occur, it is determined by theprosperous and strong or weak and confined state of the General Star in the year and month.

此論將星，專以三合中字。如今日甲申，則子為大將。旺相則為能將，休囚則否。更有日貴日德，乘太歲生歲及日干，是赤心報國，如曹彬岳飛之輩。若乘羊刃白虎傷干及歲，是挾君奸國之臣，如董操之流，不可用也。如此等之人用他，必是有禍患也。以發用之旺相休囚定年月，以“甲己子午九、乙庚丑未八、丙辛寅申七、丁壬卯酉六、戊癸辰戌五、巳亥獨居四”之數加減言之。

This passage discusses the general star, which is specifically selected based on the central deity of the Triple Harmony Formation. For example, if today is Jiashen day, and Shen-Zi-Chen form a Triple Harmony, then Zi is the general. If Zi is in a prosperous and strong state, it represents a capable general; if it is in a weak and confined state, it is not effective. If the general star is accompanied by the day's noble and virtue stars, and if it is supported by the year's ruler and supports the day's stem, then it indicates a person with sincere loyalty to the country, like Cao Bin and Yue Fei. However, if the general star is accompanied by Yangren and White Tiger, and it harms the day's stem and the year's ruler, then it represents a minister who seizes power and causes chaos in the country, like Dong Zhuo and Cao Cao, and such people should not be used; employing them will certainly bring disaster. As for the timing, it is determined by the prosperity, strength, weakness, and confinement of the initiating transmission, using the system of numbers: "Jia and Ji use Zi and Wu nine, Yi and Geng use Chou and Wei eight, Bing and Xin use Yin and Shen seven, Ding and Ren use Mao and You six, Wu and Gui use Chen and Xu five, and Si and Hai use four alone." This system is used for addition and subtraction to calculate the timing.

右將星之法，成書雖是如此，甚不解其故，則何不以逐月之月將為將星，或用登明為將亦可。不然，太歲為天子，當以歲破為將，取閫外專權、遙對天子之象。又不然，於十二貴神中取勾陳為將，蓋勾陳有擒王捕盜之能，選將者擇之可也。

The method of selecting the general star as described above, although written this way in old texts, is difficult to understand. If that is the case, why not simply use the monthly general as the general star, or use "Dengming" (Hai) as the general star instead? Alternatively, since the sovereign represents the emperor, one might use the age breaking star as the general star, symbolizing a general stationed far away exercising authority independently, facing the emperor from a distance. Another option is to select "Gou Chen" from the twelve noble spirits as the general star, because Gou Chen has the ability to capture the enemy king and apprehend bandits. Those selecting a general may choose one of these methods.

又看將品，當責用神：用金或金局，則知將有權謀，好殺，好更革。用木或木局，則知將仁慈，以恩待下。用水或水局，則知將聰慧，柔中有剛；若將得玄合主將好色。用火或火局，則知將剛烈性多燥。用土或土局，則知將敦厚，不輕舉動。或以將星所乘決之亦可。支干上神相生比和，主將卒一心；相剋刑害，將卒二志。

Now considering the nature of the main general, we must refer to the useful god to determine it: if the initiating transmission belongs to metal or forms a metal group, it indicates that this general is shrewd in strategy, fond of warfare, and likes to change old systems. If the initiating transmission belongs to wood or forms a wood group, it indicates that this general is benevolent and kind, treating his subordinates with courtesy and righteousness. If the initiating transmission belongs to water or forms a water group, it indicates that this general is intelligent and quick-witted, with flexibility and firmness. If the heavenly general is accompanied by the Black Tortoise and Liu He, then it suggests that this general is fond of women. If the initiating transmission belongs to fire or forms a fire group, it indicates that this general is fierce-tempered and often impetuous. If the initiating transmission belongs to earth or forms an earth group, it indicates that this general is steady and cautious, not acting hastily. Alternatively, one can also judge by the heavenly general accompanying the general star. In addition, if the gods on the day stem and day branch are in a mutually generating or harmonious relationship, it indicates that the general and his soldiers are in harmony. If they are in a controlling, conflicting, or harmful relationship, then the general and his soldiers will be divided and have different intentions.

練兵征討有何名，討叛伐逆及夷人。日為主將支為卒，相生訓練有奇能。練兵之意，無非為討叛、伐逆及御夷虜而已。是以日干為將，日支為士卒。若上下相生比和，主士卒就練，將有奇能。若干上乘白虎、病符，主將多病；支上乘之則士卒多病。餘以例推之。

Why is military training and preparation carried out? It is either to suppress rebels, to punish traitors, or to defend against foreign tribes. Therefore, when casting a divination, the day stem represents the general, and the day branch represents the soldiers. If the stem and branch are mutually generating or harmonious, it indicates that the soldiers are well trained and the general possesses exceptional talent. If the White Tiger or Bingfu is above the day stem, it suggests the general is likely to be sick. If these two are above the day branch, it indicates the soldiers are likely to be sick. Other situations are interpreted in a similar manner.

裂土相攻分主客，上國征夷察德刑。德勝刑時中華捷，刑反克德邊夷興。日克辰神將制外，辰剋日上外侵城。中國之內自相攻擊，則以先起者為主，後起者為客。若往征夷狄，則分德刑，德為中國，刑為外夷。德勝刑，捷在中國；刑勝德，外夷返強。日上神克辰上神，主將制外；辰上神制日上神，外勝主將。日辰上互相剋賊，勝敗互乘。

Within the country, if there are rival factions fighting each other, the one who attacks first is considered the host and the one who responds later is the guest. When the central state campaigns against foreign tribes, we examine "de" (virtue) and "xing" (punishment). If virtue overcomes punishment, the victory belongs to the central region; if punishment overcomes virtue, the foreign tribes become stronger. If the heavenly stem of the day is able to overcome the heavenly stem of the day branch, the general can subdue the enemy; if the heavenly stem of the day branch overcomes the heavenly stem of the day, the enemy will attack the city. When there is internal conflict within the central region, the one who attacks first is the host and the one who attacks later is the guest. If the army campaigns against the barbarians, we use "de" and "xing" to determine the outcome: "de" represents the central state, and "xing" represents the foreign tribes. If "de" overcomes "xing," the victory is on the side of the central state; if "xing" overcomes "de," the foreign tribes become more powerful. If the heavenly stem of the day overcomes the heavenly stem of the day branch, the general defeats the enemy; if the heavenly stem of the day branch overcomes the heavenly stem of the day, the enemy defeats the general. If the heavenly stem and day branch mutually overcome each other, then the outcomes alternate, with each side gaining and losing in turn.

辰陰制日宜堅守，日陰克辰宜進兵。勾陳助日扶中國，助辰謹守慎揚旌。太歲作勾乘吉馬，御駕親征四海寧。日尊辰卑，今辰陰返制日，是彼勢勝而我勢弱，宜堅壁待之。若日陰克辰，是我勢強而彼勢衰，宜急進兵攻之。

The Yin spirit of the Day Branch restrains the Day Stem, indicating the need to remain steadfast; if the Yin spirit of the Day Stem overcomes the Day Branch, it suggests the need to advance in battle. When Gou Chen supports the Day Stem, it signifies support for the central region; if it supports the Day Branch, one should be cautious in camp and avoid rashly displaying banners for battle. If the Tai Su is occupied by Gou Chen and accompanied by auspicious generals and the Post-horse, it indicates the emperor personally leading the army and the world in peace. The Day Stem is superior, and the Day Branch is inferior. Now, if the Yin spirit of the Day Branch overcomes the Day Stem, it shows the opponent is strong and we are weak, so we should fortify our defenses and wait for the right opportunity. If the Yin spirit of the Day Stem overcomes the Day Branch, it indicates our strength and the opponent's weakness, so we should quickly advance to attack.

勾陳將星也，助日是生日也，主中國勝；助辰生辰也，宜謹守。勿揚旌：旌，軍中旗也。太歲勾陳又乘吉將、驛馬，主御駕親征之兆。

Gou Chen is the general star. It supports the day stem, meaning it is born to support the day stem, indicating a victory in the central region; it supports the day branch, meaning it is born to support the day branch, which should be approached with caution and defense. It is said "do not raise the banner," where the banner refers to the military flag, meaning do not raise the flag for battle. If the sovereign is above the year stem and is accompanied by auspicious generals and the post-horse, this is a sign that the emperor himself is leading the campaign.

欲知敵國有動靜，先以年課審玄機。陽年大吉加歲干，陰年小吉加歲支。貴人陰陽分二至，課傳凶吉可預知。十二國中知災異，法貫諸門莫執泥。歲計合神加月建，陰陽課法一同推。凶神凶將所臨地，此國必然兵犯之。

To determine if there are any movements in enemy states, first use the "Year Lesson" to examine the hidden clues: in a yang year, add "Daji" (Chou) to the heavenly stem of the sovereign's year; in a yin year, add "Xiaoji" (Wei) to the earthly branch of the sovereign's year. The nobleman is divided into yang nobleman and yin nobleman, determined by the winter solstice and summer solstice as boundaries. The auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of the lesson pattern and the three transmissions can then be predicted. Using this lesson to infer the calamities of the twelve states, the method is consistent across different schools of thought and does not require rigid adherence to one approach. If calculating by year, add the harmonious spirit of the sovereign to the month builder, and the methods for both yin and yang lessons are exactly the same. The territory where malevolent spirits and generals are present will certainly face military attacks.

十二國中知災異法：上起十二國，即地臨十二宮之分野，看是何星煞落何宮分，以驗災異。又以歲合加月建，立成四課三傳，貴人俱從月起，以觀何月起兵，並敵國何種災異也。火主旱，水主澇，金主兵，木主風主飢，土主病。主事神煞細定之。

The method of predicting disasters and anomalies in the twelve states is: first arrange the twelve states on the disk, which corresponds to the twelve earthly branches and their respective territories. Then observe which star or evil influence falls into which state's territory, and use this to determine the type of disaster or anomaly. Another method is to add the combined deity of the year to the month builder, forming four lessons and three transmissions. The nobleman is always counted from the month builder, used to observe which month will see military action and what kind of disaster or anomaly will occur in the enemy state. The five phases each correspond to different phenomena: fire indicates drought, water indicates floods, metal indicates military disaster, wood indicates wind disasters and famine, and earth indicates epidemic diseases. As for specific verification, it must be determined carefully according to the relevant deities and influences involved.

擇吉天罡加月建，看其神覆用其軍。歲對登明神后下，歲前沖覆酉兼申。河魁臨處為天府，歲後仍須仰見寅。天倉大吉加堪用，餘外相逢不利人。

The method for selecting a favorable day for military campaigns involves placing the "Tiangang" (Chen) on top of the "Month Builder" and rotating the plate. By observing which positions are covered by various deities, one can determine the appropriate deployment of troops. The areas covered by "Dengming" (Hai) and "Shenhou" (Zi) are called "Sui Dui"; those covered by Shen and You are called "Sui Qian"; the area covered by "Hekui" (Xu) is called "Tian Fu"; one should also look up to the position covered by Yin, which is called "Sui Hou"; and the area covered by "Daji" (Chou) is called "Tian Cang," which is also suitable. Apart from these positions, the areas covered by other deities are not favorable for people.

天罡加月建，申酉臨處是歲前，即定、執二日也；戌臨處是天府，即破日；亥子臨處是歲對，即危、成二日也；丑臨處是天倉，即收日也。寅臨處是歲後，即開日也。此雖前人所擬，但建破魁罡，犯之大凶，須參合用之。《集聖曆》云：“天倉者，大吉加歲神后下。建星，正月起寅，順行十二辰。”

After adding Tiangang to the Month Builder, the positions of Shen and You are called "Suiqian," which correspond to the Dingshi Twelve Values' Ding day and Zhi day; the position of Xu is called "Tiancang," which corresponds to the Broken day; the positions of Hai and Zi are called "Suidui," which correspond to the Wei day and Cheng day; the position of Chou is called "Tiancang," which corresponds to the Shou day; and the position of Yin is called "Suihou," which corresponds to the Kai day. This system was devised by earlier generations, but the days of Jian, Po, Hekui, and Tiangang themselves are all considered extremely凶, and they must be considered together for reference. The "Ji Sheng Li" says: "The Heavenly Granary refers to the Daji (Great Favor) being placed after the Tai sui (Great Year) position. The arrangement of Jian stars starts from Yin in the first month and proceeds in order through the twelve earthly branches."

乙戊己辛壬五日，四仲相加九丑神。將軍此日休出馬，只恐難逃血染塵。乙巳丙辰丁巳日，癸亥不祥勿陳兵。建寅逢六卯當七，累數加之絕氣神。更有往亡須避忌，不忌前途傷害人。莫犯章光四絕日，勿用空亡五帝辰。

The day stems 乙, 戊, 己, 辛, and 壬, when combined with the four central branches 子, 午, 卯, and 酉, form the "nine Chou" days. On these days, generals should not send out cavalry, as they may risk bloodshed on the battlefield. The days Yisi, Bingchen, and Dingsi, as well as Guihai, are all inauspicious and should not be used for military campaigns. When the month builder is in 寅, the first six is an inauspicious day in the first month. In the month of 卯, the seventh day is inauspicious, and this number increases by one each subsequent month, forming the "cutting off energy" day. Additionally, "going to death" days must be avoided, as failure to do so may result in injuries along the way. One should also avoid "Zhang Guang" and "four absolute" days, as well as days of "kongwang" and "five emperors' days."

六旬忌日，出《六壬心鏡》，正月六日、二月七日、三月八日、四月九日、五月十日、六月十一、七月十二、八月十三、九月十四、十月十五、十一月十六、十二月十七，俱不宜出軍。往亡，正寅、二巳、三申、四亥、五卯、六午、七酉、八子、九辰、十未、十一戌、十二丑。

The concept of "sixty-day忌日" (forbidden days) comes from the "Six Yin Mirror." Each month has a day that is considered inauspicious for military action, increasing by one day each month: the sixth day of the first month, the seventh day of the second month, the eighth day of the third month, the ninth day of the fourth month, the tenth day of the fifth month, the eleventh day of the sixth month, the twelfth day of the seventh month, the thirteenth day of the eighth month, the fourteenth day of the ninth month, the fifteenth day of the tenth month, the sixteenth day of the eleventh month, and the seventeenth day of the twelfth month. These days are not suitable for military campaigns. The method for determining "Wangwang days" (days of going to death) is as follows: the first month is on the寅 day, the second month on the巳 day, the third month on the申 day, the fourth month on the亥 day, the fifth month on the卯 day, the sixth month on the午 day, the seventh month on the酉 day, the eighth month on the子 day, the ninth month on the辰 day, the tenth month on the未 day, the eleventh month on the戌 day, and the twelfth month on the丑 day.

章光煞，孟月乙丑，仲月丙寅，季月甲子。春庚午、庚申、乙亥，夏壬戌、丙寅、丁亥，秋甲辰、乙丑、辛亥，冬丙午、壬辰、癸亥，以上四絕日，亦名四窮日。一說，四絕日，四立前一日是。

The method for arranging "Zhang Guang Sha" is: the first month is on the Yi Chou day, the second month is on the Bing Yin day, and the third month is on the Jia Zi day. The "Four Extremes days" are arranged according to the seasons: in spring they are Geng Wu, Geng Shen, and Yi Hai; in summer they are Ren Xu, Bing Yin, and Ding Hai; in autumn they are Jia Chen, Yi Chou, and Xin Hai; in winter they are Bing Wu, Ren Chen, and Gui Hai. These days are also called "Four Extremes days." Another theory states that the "Four Extremes days" are the day before each of the four solar terms: Start of Spring, Start of Summer, Start of Autumn, and Start of Winter.

空者，旬中空亡也。五帝日，正卯、二午、三酉、四子，周而復始。《克應經》云：“凡占空亡發用，不宜出軍，主士卒走散，空壁而歸。”

The term "kong" in the song诀 refers to the empty position within the ten-day cycle. The method of arranging the "Five Emperors' Days" is: in the first month, it falls on Mao; in the second month, on Wu; in the third month, on You; in the fourth month, on Zi, and then it repeats cyclically. The Classic of Response says: "Whenever the divination results indicate the use of the empty position, it is not advisable to launch military campaigns, as it signifies the dispersion and escape of soldiers, and the retreat of the camp returning empty."

擇歲月日時法，忌沖太歲、金神。若為主，侯太白金星，東方見之月；若為客，候太白金星，西方見之月。其月出軍，仍避沖旺方。

The general method for selecting a favorable year, month, day, and hour is to avoid conflicting with the sovereign star and the golden deity. If we are the 'master' side, we wait for the month when the bright star appears in the east; if we are the 'guest' side, we wait for the month when the bright star appears in the west. When launching an attack in that month, we still need to avoid the direction conflicting with the sovereign star and the flourishing direction of that month.

出軍凶日：天火狼藉日，正月在子順行四仲。日月蝕日凶。八龍、七鳥、九虎、十蛇日凶，春甲子乙亥為八龍，夏丙子丁亥為七馬，秋庚子辛亥為九虎，冬壬子癸亥為十蛇。歸忌日凶，正丑、二寅、三子、四丑周而復始。建日損將。

The following lists various inauspicious days for military campaigns. "Heavenly Fire Scattered Day" begins on the Zi (rat) day in the first lunar month, and then proceeds in sequence through the four central positions of Zi, Wu, Mao, and You. Days of solar and lunar eclipses are inauspicious. Four types of days are also inauspicious: "Eight Dragons" refers to Jiazi and Yihai in spring, "Seven Horses" refers to Bingzi and Dinghai in summer, "Nine Tigers" refers to Gengzi and Xinhai in autumn, and "Ten Snakes" refers to Renzi and Guihai in winter. "Return Taboo Day" is inauspicious, occurring on the Chou (ox) day in the first lunar month, the Yin (tiger) day in the second, the Zi (rat) day in the third, and returning to Chou (ox) in the fourth, continuing in a cycle. Launching a campaign on a "Construction Day" will result in the loss of the commander.

天罡天魁凶。天罡，正月巳、二月午、三月未、四月申、五月酉、六月戌、七月亥、八月子、九月丑、十月寅、十一月卯、十二月辰；對沖為天魁。平、收日凶，天罡即平，天魁即收。兵禁日凶，正月起寅逆行六陽。大敗日，與咸池同，不宜出軍，正月起卯逆行四仲。

The days of Tiangang and Tiankui are both inauspicious. The monthly arrangement of Tiangang is: in the first month it falls on Si, in the second on Wu, third on Wei, fourth on Shen, fifth on You, sixth on Xu, seventh on Hai, eighth on Zi, ninth on Chou, tenth on Yin, eleventh on Mao, and twelfth on Chen. The branch that opposes Tiangang is Tiankui. The days of Ping and Shou are also inauspicious. The day corresponding to Tiangang is Ping day, and the day corresponding to Tiankui is Shou day. The day of Bingjin is inauspicious. In the first month, it starts from Yin and proceeds in reverse order through the six yang branches. The day of Dabai is inauspicious and shares the same position as Xianchi. It starts from Mao in the first month and proceeds in reverse order through the four central branches.

四離，春分、秋分、夏至、冬至前一日為離日，若占時日躔臨於四離之辰，名曰天寇，大凶。月厭，正月起戌，逆行十二辰，凶。受死日，正戌，二辰，三亥，四巳，五子，六午，七丑、八未、九寅、十申、十一卯、十二酉。

The "Four Separations" refer to the day before the solar terms of Spring Equinox, Autumn Equinox, Summer Solstice, and Winter Solstice. If the sun's position at the time of divination falls exactly on the hour of the "Four Separations," it is called "Heavenly Plague," which is extremely凶. "Month Aversion" begins from the hour of Xu in the first month and proceeds in reverse through the twelve earthly branches; encountering it is considered凶. The method for determining "Death Day" is as follows: in the first month it falls on Xu, in the second on Chen, in the third on Hai, in the fourth on Si, in the fifth on Zi, in the sixth on Wu, in the seventh on Chou, in the eighth on Wei, in the ninth on Yin, in the tenth on Shen, in the eleventh on Mao, and in the twelfth on You.

龍虎日凶，正巳、二亥、三午、四子、五未、六丑、七申、八寅、九酉、十卯、十一戌、十二辰。罪至日凶，正午、二子、三未、四丑、五申、六寅、七酉、八卯、九戌、十辰、十一亥、十二巳。飛廉大煞日凶，正戌、二巳、三午、四未、五申、六酉、七辰、八亥、九子、十丑、十一寅、十二卯。

"The Dragon and Tiger Day" is凶, its arrangement is: in the first month, it falls on Si; in the second month, on Hai; in the third month, on Wu; in the fourth month, on Zi; in the fifth month, on Wei; in the sixth month, on Chou; in the seventh month, on Shen; in the eighth month, on Yin; in the ninth month, on You; in the tenth month, on Mao; in the eleventh month, on Xu; in the twelfth month, on Chen. "The Day of Crime" is凶, its arrangement is: in the first month, on Wu; in the second month, on Zi; in the third month, on Wei; in the fourth month, on Chou; in the fifth month, on Shen; in the sixth month, on Yin; in the seventh month, on You; in the eighth month, on Mao; in the ninth month, on Xu; in the tenth month, on Chen; in the eleventh month, on Hai; in the twelfth month, on Si. "Fei Lian Great Sha Day" is凶, its arrangement is: in the first month, on Xu; in the second month, on Si; in the third month, on Wu; in the fourth month, on Wei; in the fifth month, on Shen; in the sixth month, on You; in the seventh month, on Chen; in the eighth month, on Hai; in the ninth month, on Zi; in the tenth month, on Chou; in the eleventh month, on Yin; in the twelfth month, on Mao.

五不歸日，正月己卯、戊辰、己酉，二月辛巳、丙戌、辛亥，三月壬子、己卯、丙申、己酉，四月已卯、丙辰、壬辰、辛酉，五月壬辰、辛巳、丙申、庚申、辛亥，六月已卯、辛巳、丙申、庚申、已酉、辛亥，七月壬子、己卯、壬辰、辛酉、丙戌，八月丙辰、壬辰、辛巳、丙申、庚辰、己酉、辛酉、辛亥，九月丁亥，十月庚戌、丙辰、辛巳、丙戍，十一月壬子、己卯、丙辰、己酉、辛酉、丙戌，十二月丙辰、庚辰、丁巳、辛巳、丙戌、丁亥。

The "Five Unreturning Days" are days to avoid sending troops out, as they are considered ominous for a one-way journey. The forbidden days are listed by month as follows: In the first month, avoid Ji Mao, Wu Chen, and Ji You; in the second month, avoid Xin Si, Bing Xu, and Xin Hai; in the third month, avoid Ren Zi, Ji Mao, Bing Shen, and Ji You; in the fourth month, avoid Ji Mao, Bing Chen, Ren Chen, and Xin You; in the fifth month, avoid Ren Chen, Xin Si, Bing Shen, Geng Shen, and Xin Hai; in the sixth month, avoid Ji Mao, Xin Si, Bing Shen, Geng Shen, Ji You, and Xin Hai; in the seventh month, avoid Ren Zi, Ji Mao, Ren Chen, Xin You, and Bing Xu; in the eighth month, avoid Bing Chen, Ren Chen, Xin Si, Bing Shen, Geng Chen, Ji You, Xin You, and Xin Hai; in the ninth month, avoid Ding Hai; in the tenth month, avoid Geng Xu, Bing Chen, Xin Si, and Bing Xu; in the eleventh month, avoid Ren Zi, Ji Mao, Bing Chen, Ji You, Xin You, and Bing Xu; in the twelfth month, avoid Bing Chen, Geng Chen, Ding Si, Xin Si, Bing Xu, and Ding Hai.

六不成日，一雲大敗日，正寅，二午，三戌，四巳，五酉，六丑，七申，八子，九辰，十亥，十一卯，十二未。八絕日：正月庚辰，二月丁巳、丙戌、庚戌、辛亥，三月辛巳，四月丙辰、庚辰、庚戌，五月丙辰、庚辰、辛巳、庚戌、丁亥，六月辛巳、丁亥，七月庚辰、庚戌，八月丙辰、庚辰、丁巳、辛巳、丙戌、丁亥，九月丁亥，十月庚戌、丙辰、辛巳、丙戌、庚戌，十一月丙辰、庚辰、辛巳、丙戌、丙戌、庚戌、丁亥，十二月辛巳。

"The six days that are not suitable for action" are also called the "Great Defeat days." They are arranged by month as follows: in the first month, they fall on寅; in the second month, on午; in the third month, on戌; in the fourth month, on巳; in the fifth month, on酉; in the sixth month, on丑; in the seventh month, on申; in the eighth month, on子; in the ninth month, on辰; in the tenth month, on亥; in the eleventh month, on卯; and in the twelfth month, on未. The "Eight Absolute Days" are listed by month as follows: in the first month, onlyGengchen; in the second month,Dingsi, Bingxu, Gengxu, Xinhai; in the third month, onlyXinsi; in the fourth month, Bingchen, Gengchen, Gengxu; in the fifth month, Bingchen, Gengchen, Xinsi, Gengxu, Dinghai; in the sixth month, Xinsi, Dinghai; in the seventh month, Gengchen, Gengxu; in the eighth month, Bingchen, Gengchen, Dingsi, Xinsi, Bingxu, Dinghai; in the ninth month, onlyDinghai; in the tenth month, Gengxu, Bingchen, Xinsi, Bingxu; in the eleventh month, Bingchen, Gengchen, Xinsi, Bingxu, Gengxu, Dinghai; and in the twelfth month, onlyXinsi.

六窮日，每月初四、十九、二十八日是。行痕，即建日。了戾，即破日。

"The Six Exhausted Days" refer to the 4th, 19th, and 28th of each month. There are also two other names to be aware of: the term "XingHen" refers to the day of the Jia (建日), and the term "LiaoLi" refers to the day of the Ji (破日).