Sending an envoy to the enemy, number thirty-six.

或間諜，或講盟好。遣使去人年日辰，切防其上斗魁臨。年門生吉相沖否，申入傳中吉將歆。年日辰防太歲制，行干尤畏到干侵。

Send envoys into enemy territory, either as spies or to negotiate alliances. One should examine the person's birth year and the day stem and branch, and be especially cautious if "Tiangang" and "Hekui" are present. Determine whether the gate of departure and the birth year are mutually generating for good fortune or conflicting. If "Chuansong" (Shen) enters the three transmissions and is accompanied by a favorable general, that is favorable. Also, be careful that the birth year and day stem and branch are not controlled by the year of the superior. The day stem of the departure day is especially vulnerable to being invaded by the day stem of the arrival day.

年，行年也，去使行年、日辰上魁罡加臨凶。《兵仗賦》云：“發使方行，年路支干。切忌魁罡，亦憂返伏。”反吟伏吟卦不宜遣使。

In the song formulas, "year" refers to the person's age. If the age of the messenger and the day stem and day branch have Hekui and Tiangang added upon them, it is ominous. The "Military Implements Assignment" states: "When sending envoys, one should consider the person's age, the journey, and the day stem and day branch; one must avoid Hekui and Tiangang, as well as reverse chanting and hidden chanting." If a divination results in a reverse chanting or hidden chanting chart, it is not suitable to send envoys.

所往之方為門，若門上神與去人年上神相生則吉，相剋凶。《兵帳賦》云：“門傷年處路遇殃，而凶將災深；年制門時帶病歸，而吉神禍消。”如月將加時，門上神制年上神，途中有疾；年上神克門上神，帶病而歸。二者逢吉將有救，災淺。

The direction you are going to is called "door." If the god associated with the door and the god associated with the person's age are mutually generating, it is auspicious; if they are mutually controlling, it is inauspicious. The "Tent Assignment" says: "If the door harms the person's age, misfortune will occur on the way, and if it is combined with an inauspicious general, the disaster will be even worse; if the person's age controls the door, it means returning with illness, but if it is combined with an auspicious god, the disaster will be eliminated." For example, using the rotating plate with the month general and the time, if the god of the door controls the god of the person's age, the person will get sick on the way; if the god of the person's age controls the god of the door, the person will return with illness. In both cases, if an auspicious general comes to rescue, the disaster will be less severe.

申，傳送也，三傳行使初發時，傳內有申者吉；申上乘吉將，雖不入傳亦吉；入傳又乘吉將，更吉也。蓋傳送乃道路之神，故不入傳亦宜推之。《兵帳賦》云：“初宜參宿，不然要乘乎吉神。”是也。

In the song诀, "Shen" refers to "Chuansong." When the three transmissions are cast for the departure of the messenger, if Shen is among them, it is auspicious. If Shen is riding on a favorable general, it is auspicious even if it is not among the three transmissions. If Shen is both among the three transmissions and riding on a favorable general, it is even more auspicious. Since Shen is originally the deity governing roads, even if it is not among the transmissions, it should still be considered. The "Bingzhang Fu" says, "The first transmission should ideally be参宿, but if not, it should at least ride on a favorable deity," which refers precisely to this.

又去使行年日辰俱畏太歲克之（假令四季年丙丁巳午日行大吉，蓋日火生歲土也。庚申辛酉日行亦吉，歲土生日金也。壬癸亥子日行大凶，歲土剋日水也。太歲與行日相生吉，克凶）。

In addition, the age of the envoys and the day stem and day branch when they depart are all afraid of being controlled by the Tai Sui. For example, in the years of Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei, which belong to earth, it is very auspicious to depart on days of Bing, Ding, Si, or Wu, which belong to fire, because the fire of the day generates the earth of the Tai Sui. It is also auspicious to depart on days of Gengshen or Xinyou, which belong to metal, because the earth of the Tai Sui generates the metal of the day. However, departing on days of Ren, Gui, Hai, or Zi, which belong to water, is extremely inauspicious, because the earth of the Tai Sui controls the water of the day. In summary, if the Tai Sui and the day of departure are mutually generating, it is auspicious; if they are mutually controlling, it is inauspicious.

行干，行者初發之日干也；到干，到彼處之日干也。侵，亦克也。大抵行日與到日相生吉，相剋凶。然行干可定，到干不可定，只以至彼處行事之日為主。如下書到彼處，不論某日下書，擇一日與去日干相生可也。

The term "xing gan" in the mnemonic refers to the Day Stem on the day of departure; "dao gan" refers to the Day Stem on the day of arrival at the destination. "Qin" means control. Generally, if the Day Stem of the departure day and the Day Stem of the arrival day are mutually generating, it is auspicious; if they are mutually controlling, it is inauspicious. However, the Day Stem of the departure day can be determined in advance, while the Day Stem of the arrival day cannot be predicted in advance and must be based on the day when the matter is handled at the destination. For example, if sending a letter, regardless of the day it is delivered, one should choose a day whose Day Stem is mutually generating with the Day Stem of the departure day to handle the matter.

江河除定危開上，行間差人未敢嗔。探賊宜從天上耳，去探密地駐方奔。從魁為九江，太沖為三河，若三河九江臨於除定危間之上，差人行間，甚吉也。假令正月定日在午，午上見卯或酉是也。月建前一日為之除，五日為之定，七日為之危，八日為之開。

If "San He" and "Jiu Jiang" fall on the positions of Chú, Dìng, Wēi, and Kāi, it is not advisable to send spies. To investigate enemy situations, one should go to the direction where the Heaven Ear is located; to uncover secrets, one should go to the direction where the Earth Ear is located. "Congkui" (You) is called "Jiu Jiang," and "Taichong" (Mao) is called "San He." If "San He" and "Jiu Jiang" are on the days of Chú, Dìng, or Wēi, sending spies is very auspicious. For example, in the first month, the day of Dìng is on Wu. If there is Mao or You on Wu, it is appropriate. The day before the month builder is Chú, the fifth day is Dìng, the seventh day is Wēi, and the eighth day is Kāi.

探賊消息，向天耳臨方吉，乃天上丑未之方也。探人密事向地耳臨方吉，乃天上卯酉之方也。《百煞歌》曰：“天耳天目宜探聽。”春辰、夏未、秋戌冬丑為天目，對沖為天耳。蓋耳目下宜探聽消息也。

To gather information about the enemy, it is favorable to go in the direction where the "Heaven Ear" is located, which is the direction of the Heaven Plate's Chou and Wei. To uncover someone else's secrets, it is favorable to go in the direction where the "Earth Ear" is located, which is the direction of the Heaven Plate's Mao and You. The "Hundred Evils Song" says: "Under the Heaven Ear and Heaven Eye is suitable for gathering information." In spring, Chen; in summer, Wei; in autumn, Xu; and in winter, Chou are the Heaven Eyes, and their opposite directions are the Heaven Ears. In summary, the areas under the ears and eyes are most suitable for gathering information.

《一秤金》云：“凡遣使行間諜，要干支上刑剋不相和，然後可用謀反行間。若上下相生相合，彼之君臣一心，將卒一體，雖欲反間，何隙可乘？”此大有理。又書云：“行間若得傳送發用，又乘朱雀，主讒言易中。”此亦有理，並附之。

The book "Xuanyang Yichengjin" says: "When sending envoys to carry out a counter-spy strategy, it is necessary that the Day Stem and Day Branch of the two sides are in a state of mutual conflict and not harmonious, then it is suitable to use the strategy of sowing discord. If the upper and lower elements are in mutual generation and harmony, it indicates that the ruler and ministers are of one mind, and the soldiers are united as one. Even if one wishes to carry out a counter-spy strategy, where would the opportunity for division be found?" This statement is very reasonable. Another book says: "When carrying out a counter-spy strategy, if the 'Chuansong' (Shen) is the initiating transmission and it is combined with the 'Vermilion Bird,' it indicates that slanderous words are easily accepted." This also makes sense and is recorded here as well.

差委的否意如何，相生旺合事無他。刑剋囚死妨誤徵，別行更改更蒐羅。可差必定差伊去，天將初傳品揣摩。凡遣使，須看其事之成敗，而其人品要的。如日辰得吉神吉將發用，生合旺相，則斯人可往，而事無他虞矣。若用神囚死刑剋，此人必無力量，必不誠實，而誤我正事也，必須另擇個好人去，即可去得。

Is the person we are sending really suitable? If in the divination the elements are mutually generating, prosperous and strong, and harmonious, then things will not go wrong. But if there are conflicts, punishments, or weakness, we should fear that it will delay the military campaign. In that case, we need to choose someone else and search for a better candidate. If it is indeed suitable, then we must send him. As for the person's character and ability, we should examine the Heavenly General associated with the first transmission. When sending an envoy, we must consider both whether the mission can succeed and whether the person is trustworthy. If the day stem and day branch have auspicious deities and generals that initiate the transmission, and if they generate, harmonize, and are prosperous and strong, then the person is suitable and there will be no other concerns. But if the useful deity is in a state of weakness or death and is subjected to conflicts and punishments, then the person is certainly incapable and dishonest, and will delay our important affairs. We must then choose another good person to send.

以發用天將決其人之才品能幹：天乙主人厚重有體；太常主美服好飲；青龍主多財有變博；朱雀善言詞，能以詐欺人；太陰恐以私情輸敵；白虎力過人，有威；天空言不與實；螣蛇性暴躁；六合得朋友之助；勾陳思慮雖滯，有擒縱之力；玄武善飫人情實，然多邪淫；而天后美貌，柔而不剛。

Using the Heavenly General associated with the first transmission and its initiating transmission to judge a person's talent and character: if it is 'Heavenly Empress', the person is solid and has a broad-minded disposition; if it is 'Tai Chang', the person pays attention to clothing and enjoys feasting; if it is 'Azure Dragon', the person has abundant wealth and is adaptable and knowledgeable; if it is 'Vermilion Bird', the person is eloquent and persuasive, but may use deceit to cheat others; if it is 'Tai Yin', the person might leak information to the enemy due to private feelings; if it is 'White Tiger', the person is physically strong and has authority; if it is 'Heavenly Void', the person's words do not match the facts; if it is 'Teng Snake', the person is easily angered; if it is 'Liu He', the person can receive help from friends; if it is 'Gou Chen', the person may think slowly but has the ability to control others; if it is 'Black Tortoise', the person is good at understanding human relationships and is diligent in work, but may engage in improper behavior; if it is 'Heavenly Empress', the person has a beautiful appearance and a gentle and not strong-willed nature.

使來辰主日為賓，宜辰制日莫傷辰。日克辰頭言不實，辰傷日上語堪憑。我既遣使入敵，敵亦遣使相答矣，其中或講罷兵，或言投降，未可輕信也。占之則以辰為主，以日為賓，辰上神宜制日上神，日上神不宜制辰上神。

When an enemy envoy comes, the Day Branch represents our side and the Day Stem represents the envoy. It is best if the Day Branch overcomes the Day Stem, not the other way around. If the Day Stem overcomes the Day Branch, the envoy's words are not trustworthy; if the Day Branch overcomes the Day Stem, the envoy's words are credible. Since our side has sent an envoy into the enemy's territory, the enemy will also send an envoy in return. During their communication, they may talk about ceasing hostilities or surrender, but we should not take these words lightly. When making a divination, the Day Branch should be the main focus and the Day Stem the secondary. It should be that the god in the Day Branch overcomes the god in the Day Stem, not the other way around.

日克辰頭，是日上神來克辰上神，我被他制，言必不實；辰傷日上，是辰上神往剋日上神，他被我制，言不敢不實也。《兵帳賦》云：“敵使求和，正時占決，支神制干，即為真說。”《七十二占》曰：“敵有來使，下時剋日上神，其言確切。”

The concept of "day stem being overcome by the hour stem" refers to the heavenly stem of the day being overcome by the heavenly stem of the hour, meaning that the other side is in control, so their words are not reliable. The concept of "hour stem harming the day stem" refers to the heavenly stem of the hour overcoming the heavenly stem of the day, meaning that the other side is under control, so their words are trustworthy. The "Tent Assignment" states: "When an enemy envoy comes to seek peace, use the correct time to cast the divination, if the heavenly stem of the hour can overcome the heavenly stem of the day, then their words are true." The "Seventy-Two Divinations" states: "When an enemy envoy comes, if the heavenly stem of the hour overcomes the heavenly stem of the day, then their words are accurate and trustworthy."

日辰上將相生吉，人宅六情凶將起。發用日辰空存詭，日辰年忌耳罡隱。來降歲克貴人偽，日受陰傷防患侵。《軍帳賦》云：“下生其上，知詐偽以不行；用生干支，謂陰謀而罷結。”下生上，乃辰上生日上也。蓋我占他，我有恩以及之，彼感恩而實向也。

The Heavenly General on the Day Stem and Day Branch that mutually generate is auspicious. If the Day Stem and Day Branch contain the "Six Emotions" spirits along with a malevolent Heavenly General, deceitful schemes will arise. If the Initiating Transmission and the Day Stem and Day Branch fall into Kongwang, there is hidden deceit. The year of the person involved and the Day Stem and Day Branch should most avoid the hidden spirits such as "Heavenly Ear," "Tiangang," and "Tai Yin." When predicting an enemy's surrender, if the Master of the Year's spirit overcomes the Heavenly Nobleman, the surrender is false. If the Day Stem is harmed by its own Yin spirit, one should beware of impending calamity. The "Military Tent Essay" states: "If the lower generates the upper, deceit will not be carried out; if the Useful God generates the Day Stem and Day Branch, it indicates that the plot has ended." The term "lower generates the upper" refers to the spirit on the Day Branch generating the spirit on the Day Stem. Since I am predicting about another, I bestow favor upon him, and if he feels grateful, he will sincerely submit.

人宅，即干支也，干支上見六情之神，各以其情斷其奸謀災異（《軍帳賦》以申、子、亥、卯、辰、未為六情：申子為貪狼，貪而無義；亥卯為陰賊，潛為寇盜；辰未為奸邪，淫泆而狂忤。凶將乘之，尤可畏。此出《天元曆書》）。

In the rhyme, "person's dwelling" refers to the day stem and day branch. If the day stem and day branch contain the "six emotions" deities, they should be interpreted according to their respective natures to discern the other party's schemes and calamities. The "Military Tent Treatise" lists Shen, Zi, Hai, Mao, Chen, and Wei as the six emotions: Shen and Zi are called "Tanlang," greedy and unrighteous; Hai and Mao are called "Yinzei," engaging in secret theft and banditry; Chen and Wei are called "Jianxie," licentious and rebellious. If these are further accompanied byInauspicious General (malevolent generals), they become even more ominous. This statement is from the "Heavenly Origin Calendar Book."

若發用並日辰上見天空、朱雀，來人詭詐，蓋空雀皆虛詐之神也。《兵帳賦》云：“將推課休，朱雀用起以奸謀。”《七十二占》曰：“朱雀加日辰，其言奸詐。”

If the first transmission and the initiating transmission both appear along with the day stem and day branch to show 'Tian Kong' and 'Zhu Que', then the person is deceitful, because Tian Kong and Zhu Que are both deities associated with falsehood and fraud. The "Military Camp Assignment" states: "Examining the Heavenly General while the lesson pattern is weak, Zhu Que's initiating transmission conceals treachery." The "Seventy-Two Divinations" say: "If Zhu Que is placed over the day stem and day branch, the words of the person are deceitful and unreliable."

耳，天耳也，春寅、夏巳、秋申、冬亥。罡，天罡辰也。陰，太陰，天乙後二位之神。言主將行年與日辰上，切忌天罡、天耳、太陰臨之，天罡凶神，太陰蔽匿。《兵仗賦》云：“天耳臨年日辰，來使潛機。”又云：“角陰日辰年而奸譎。”角，辰宮星也。

In the rhyme, "ear" refers to the heavenly ear, which is in the寅 (Tiger) in spring, in the巳 (Snake) in summer, in the申 (Monkey) in autumn, and in the亥 (Pig) in winter; "ganzheng" refers to the heavenly ganzheng, which is the辰 (Dragon) branch; "yin" refers to the Tai Yin, which is the second position after the heavenly nobleman. This means that the main general's year and the day stem and branch should avoid being pressed by the heavenly ganzheng, heavenly ear, and Tai Yin, because the heavenly ganzheng is a凶神 (malevolent spirit), and Tai Yin is associated with concealment and obscurity. The "Weapons and Armaments Assignment" says: "When the heavenly ear is on the year and the day stem and branch, the messenger comes with hidden schemes." It also says: "When the Horn mansion and Tai Yin fall on the day stem and branch and the year, it indicates cunning and deceit." The "angle" is the star contained in the辰 (Dragon) palace.

歲，太歲也，上神克貴人天乙為虛詐也。占來降，不論課傳，只觀歲貴。太歲上神克天乙乘神，其詐無疑（假令太歲在申，六壬日申上見神后，貴人繫巳臨丑，被歲上子水克之，是為降也）。

In the song verses, "岁" refers to the Tai Sui (Grand Time God). If the god above Tai Sui conquers Tian Yi Guiren (Heavenly Ethical Nobleman), then the surrender is false. When predicting an enemy's surrender, there is no need to consider the Four Lessons and Three Transmissions; only the Tai Sui and Guiren should be examined. If the god above Tai Sui conquers the god that Tian Yi Guiren rides upon, there is no doubt that it is a deception. For example: Tai Sui is in Shen, and the lesson is started on six Ren days. Shen has "Shenhou" (Zi). The Guiren is in Si on Chou. The fire of Si is conquered by the water of Zi on Shen, so it is judged as a false surrender.

末句“日受陰傷”，謂日干被日之陰神克也，假令丙午日干上寅為日之陽神，日陰寅上見亥水剋日干，是謂日受陰傷，利主人也。《兵仗賦》云：“外國人來，歲神克天乙而禍至；他邦情異，陰神賊日辰以愁之。”是也。情異，謂有異心也（一說為日辰而言之，謂日辰受用陰陽克之也）。

The last line of the rhyme, "the day stem is harmed by yin," means that the day stem is attacked by its own yin god. For example, on a Bingwu day, the寅 (Yin) is the day's yang god, but if there is亥 (Hai) water on top of寅, the亥 water will attack the Bing fire day stem, which is called "the day stem is harmed by yin." In this case, it is actually favorable for the main party. The "Bingzhang Fu" says: "When foreigners come, if the heavenly stem is attacked by the heavenly god, disaster comes; when another country has ulterior motives, if the yin god attacks the day stem and day branch, people will be anxious." This is exactly what it means. The term "qing yi" refers to having two minds or being disloyal. Another interpretation refers to the day stem and day branch being attacked by the yin and yang gods of the useful god.

敵約曹沖子巳推，日辰上見詐謀來。子申亥卯並辰未，定是虛謀莫亂猜。敵使虛實，以來降來說者說。至於敵人來約我，則誠偽在敵，主其可往與否，亦不可不占也。

An enemy comes to make an appointment, and we use the four spirits 「Gongcao」 (Yin), 「Taichong」 (Mao), 「Shenhou」 (Zi), and 「Taiyi」 (Si) to deduce: if these spirits appear on the day stem or day branch, it indicates a deceptive plot. If the day stem or day branch shows Zi, Shen, Hai, Mao, Chen, or Wei, then it is definitely a false scheme, and there is no need to guess unnecessarily. The previous section discussed the authenticity of an enemy's envoy, referring to those who come to surrender or to persuade. However, when an enemy actively invites me, the sincerity or insincerity lies with them. Whether I should go or not, it is also necessary to consult the divination.

法以日辰上見功曹、太沖、神后、太乙四神，皆為詐偽，不可往也。《軍帳賦》云：“後乙曹沖，臨日辰而偽詐。”是也。《玉曆》云：“申子為貪狼，亥卯為陰賊，辰未為奸邪，此六辰臨於日辰，皆主虛詐。”《玉曆》，天文書也，六壬取之。

Divination method: If the day stem and day branch show 'Gongcao' (寅), 'Taichong' (卯), 'Shenhou' (子), and 'Taiyi' (巳), these four spirits indicate deceit and one should not agree to a meeting. The "Military Tent Essay" states, "When Shenhou, Taiyi, Gongcao, and Taichong appear on the day stem and day branch, it signifies deceit," which is exactly this meaning. The "Jade Calendar" says: "Shen and Zi are greedy wolves, Hai and Mao are hidden villains, Chen and Wei are wicked people; these six earthly branches appearing on the day stem and day branch all indicate falsehood and fraud." The "Jade Calendar" is a book of astronomy, and the Six壬 school has adopted its statements.

據成書所載，皆以神將吉主可往，以神將不吉不可往，其實有善贊軍務者，約之誠固可往，即約之詐亦當隨其詐而入其虛，預設防備，明踐盟約，如鴻門之宴、河梁之會，雖極凶險，其實甚平穩也。

According to the existing texts, one should go if the divine signs are favorable and not go if they are unfavorable. In reality, if there is a skilled person in the army who is good at planning military affairs, then even if the other side's invitation is sincere, one may go; even if the invitation is deceptive, one should follow their deception, enter their vulnerable point, and set up defenses in advance, fulfilling the appointment openly and honestly. Like Liu Bang attending the Feast at Hongmen or Li Ling's meeting with Su Wu at He Liang, which seemed extremely dangerous, but with proper handling, they turned out to be very stable.

將帥心驚視日辰，魁罡夜襲後沖霖。青常便信虎勾陳，朱雀螣蛇恐有真。興師日久，忽覺將心不寧，何以占之？則視日辰上有魁罡立者，主當夜有兵襲寨。若天后、太沖加之，主有霖雨，蓋天后為雨澤之神，而太沖為天河故也。青龍、太常有使信至，白虎而傷病，勾陳被捉鬥傷，大戰將至，朱雀螣蛇，恐怖驚嚇。

The general feels anxious in his heart, so look at the day stem and day branch: if "Hekui" and "Tiangang" appear, there will be an attack on the camp that night; if "Heavenly Empress" and "Taichong" appear, there will be continuous rain. If "Azure Dragon" and "Tai Chang" appear, there will be a letter arriving; if "White Tiger" and "Gou Chen" appear, there will be injuries and fights. If "Vermilion Bird" and "Teng Snake" appear, there is likely to be a real scare. If the army is out for a long time and the general suddenly feels uneasy, how should one divinate? Look whether "Hekui" and "Tiangang" are standing above the day stem and day branch: if they are present, it indicates enemy troops will attack the camp that night. If "Heavenly Empress" and "Taichong" are added, it indicates prolonged rain, because "Heavenly Empress" is the deity of rain and "Taichong" is the天河. If "Azure Dragon" and "Tai Chang" appear, it indicates a messenger with a letter will arrive; if "White Tiger" appears, there will be injuries and illness; if "Gou Chen" appears, there will be capture, fighting injuries, and a great battle approaching; if "Vermilion Bird" and "Teng Snake" appear, there will be frightening and alarming events.

見兵而主將忽然心動才占，不動則不必占也。行軍見怪忽然間，天象禽星以類占。倘或類神無此物，研諸四課卜三傳。

One should wait until the commander sees a military omen and his mind suddenly moves, then proceed to cast the divination. If his mind does not move, there is no need to cast. While on the march, if one suddenly encounters something strange, one should consult the heavenly phenomena and the birds of the twenty-eight constellations, and take the corresponding deity to divinate. If the corresponding deity is not found among the categories, then one should study the four lessons and determine fortune or misfortune through the three transmissions.

行軍之際，有非所見而見者，即謂之怪，非必山精水魅。看是何物，以天上二十八宿禽星辨其宮分吉凶。倘或類神不載，則以四課三傳吉凶卜之。以月將加時，視天上類神臨何辰，以所臨地分之神與日干較其生克定吉凶，更以天將詳之，休咎見矣。

When marching in military campaigns, anything that should not be seen but is seen is called "strange" (怪), which may not necessarily be mountain spirits or water monsters. First, observe what is seen, then use the禽 (birds) of the Twenty-Eight Mansions to determine which palace it belongs to, and thus judge whether it is auspicious or inauspicious. If the list of class gods does not include this object, then use the auspicious or inauspicious nature of the Four Lessons and Three Transmissions for divination. The method is to use the Month General added to the time of the divination to turn out the Heaven Plate, and see which of the class gods is present on which of the celestial stems. Then compare the god on the earthly stem with the Day Stem to determine if there is a generating or overcoming relationship, thus deciding auspiciousness or inauspiciousness. Also, take into account the Heavenly General it is riding, and the auspicious or inauspicious fortune will become clear.

子鼠蠍燕丑犀牛，虎豹貓狸寅上求。卯兔驢騾狐共取，魚龍蛟蜃鯗辰求。蛇蜴蟮蚯蚓巳內，天馬獐鹿雀午頭。鳩鷹雁鴿羊鸛未，申鵬鵝猱及猿獼。雞鴨鳥鵲酉見鴉，豺犬狼獒戌土留。豬豚狳熊皆屬亥，十二宮中畜類周。

All kinds of birds, beasts, insects, and fish belong to the twelve palaces. When strange phenomena appear, one should take the corresponding deities according to their categories: the Zi palace includes rats, scorpions, and swallows; the Chou palace includes rhinoceroses and oxen; tigers, leopards, cats, and civets belong to the Yin palace; the Mao palace includes rabbits, donkeys, mules, and foxes; fish, dragons, leviathans, clams, and dried fish belong to the Chen palace; snakes, lizards, eels, and earthworms are in the Si palace; Heavenly Horses, deer, pheasants, and sparrows belong to the Wu palace; the Wei palace includes pigeons, eagles, geese, pigeons, sheep, and storks; the Shen palace includes cranes, geese, monkeys, and apes; chickens, ducks, birds, magpies, and crows belong to the You palace; jackals, dogs, wolves, and mastiffs remain in the Xu palace; pigs, piglets, armadillos, and bears belong to the Hai palace. The categories of animals in the twelve palaces are thus complete.

凡軍中無故見龍者，百日血光之災，龍噴火，主混沌大戰；若忽見騎龍上天，詔書立至；龍雲轉磨，大將起兵。又曰：龍墜地者水災，龍鳴有大雨；聞龍說話者，聖人出世，文武爭鋒，大兵作亂之兆；見龍取水者，忌行兵；出水者，行兵大勝。

If a dragon is seen in the army without any cause, there will be a disaster involving blood within a hundred days. If a dragon spits fire, it indicates a great battle where things become chaotic. If someone is suddenly seen riding a dragon into the sky, an imperial edict will arrive immediately. If a dragon and clouds spiral around like a grinding stone, it signifies that a general will raise troops. It is also said that if a dragon falls to the ground, there will be flooding. If a dragon calls out, there will be heavy rain. If one hears a dragon speaking, it is a sign of a sage's birth, a struggle between literary and military talents, and chaos in the army. If a dragon is seen drawing water, it is inauspicious to go to war. If a dragon is seen emerging from water, it indicates a great victory in battle.

蛇者，大凶之兆，如見寅申，亦有陰謀事，並主敵兵至。如入營傷人者，夜有賊偷營；蛇當道，前防敵兵，不傷人者無害；蛇盤旋金鼓上，大將勞心，不可出戰。蛇截道，若安營帳埋伏固守之則免難；遁入水者有喜，可速進兵；蛇入帳上或床上盤者，勿得殺之，主生喜，若祭禱山川，則敵兵自敗來降；蛇自營內出外，主軍中潰散，宜大將禳之吉。

Seeing a snake is a very ominous omen. If the snake is seen in the position of Yin or Shen, it indicates there may be secret plots and enemy troops approaching. If the snake enters the camp and bites someone, there will be enemy troops stealing into the camp at night. If the snake blocks the path, one should be cautious of enemy troops ahead; if the snake does not bite, there is no harm. If the snake coils around the drums and banners, the commander will have to exert great mental effort and should not go out to fight. If the snake crosses the road horizontally, as long as the camp is set up and troops are hidden and defended, difficulties can be avoided. If the snake enters the water, it is a sign of good news and troops can advance quickly. If the snake climbs onto the tent roof or bed and coils, one must not kill it, as it signifies good fortune. If one also prays to the mountains and rivers, the enemy troops will retreat and surrender. If the snake crawls from inside the camp to outside, it indicates the army will scatter, and the commander should perform a ritual to ward off evil for good fortune.

行軍見斗牛沖陣，主兵敗之兆。若二牛相鬥，勝牛來者勝，敗牛來者敗散。

When soldiers encounter fighting oxen rushing into the camp during a military campaign, it is a sign of defeat. If two oxen are fighting, and the one that wins runs toward our side, our side will win; if the one that loses runs toward our side, our side will be defeated and scatter.

馬，龍駒也，見馬跳舞者喜兆，有休兵息爭之意。馬食砂石者，遇敵兵，大勝；馬忽生角，主陰謀事；馬忽產人形，大兵將起；馬望月而嘶者，有大兵至，宜備之則吉；馬作人言，主將士災傷，言吉宜固守，吉凶宜殺以祭。

A horse is a foal of the dragon. Seeing a horse leap and dance is a good omen, indicating a cessation of warfare and peace. If a horse eats sand and stone, it signifies a great victory over enemy troops. If a horse suddenly grows horns, it indicates there will be secret plots. If a horse suddenly gives birth to something human-shaped, it foretells the outbreak of a great battle. If a horse looks at the moon and neighs, it means a large army is coming, and if one is prepared in advance, it will be auspicious. If a horse speaks human language, it signifies that the soldiers will suffer injuries. If the words are auspicious, one should hold firm; if the words are ominous, the horse should be killed and offered to the gods.

馬產子自食者，主陰謀傷害士卒，宜殺此畜與眾兵食之，吉，或殺之埋於刑方；馬出戰張尾者，主先勝後傷，宜謹守勿戰，三旬內出陣不利主將；馬回拗膝及咬主衣，有奸細；馬產青駒，將軍戰勝，取封疆之兆。

A mother horse gives birth to a foal and then eats it, indicating that there is a plot to harm the soldiers. It should be advisable to kill the horse and distribute its meat to the soldiers, which is auspicious; or kill the horse and bury it in the direction of the criminal star. When a horse goes into battle with its tail spread out, it indicates a preliminary victory followed by injury, so one should be cautious and avoid battle, as it will be unfavorable for the general within thirty days. If the horse turns its head, rests its knee, and bites the owner's clothes, there are spies within the army. A mother horse giving birth to a foal of blue color indicates the general's victory, which is an auspicious sign for expanding the territory.

軍中有飛鳥宿於鼓金旌旗者，為客兵至；若作巢者，將凶；鳥入水化為蛤、為魚，爭地之兆。群鳥隨我軍出陣，敵兵不戰而走；若成群沖陣者，賊兵勝，鳴者凶極。鷹鷂入營捕鳥，主敵人分散來劫掠之象，捕得鳥去大凶，未捕得去吉。

In the army, if flying birds rest on the drum, bell, banner, and flag, it indicates that enemy troops are coming. If birds build nests on these items, it foretells a disaster. If birds enter the water and turn into clams or fish, it is a sign of contention over the Earth Plate. If a flock of birds follows our army as it goes into battle, the enemy will flee without fighting. If the flock of birds attacks our formation, the enemy will win. If the birds continue to cry, the disaster will be extreme. If hawks or kites enter the camp to catch birds, it means the enemy will send forces in all directions to plunder. If the hawk catches a bird and flies away, it is a great disaster. If the hawk does not catch a bird and flies away, it is auspicious.

飛鳥成群集大旗杆，須防伏兵，軍中宜設備之，出陣不吉。大鳥入營不知名者，敵設奸謀，起兵固守則吉。鴉飛鳴者，防兵潰。鳩鴿於營中作斗及鳴者，七日有暴兵災生，不然或主營寨有虛驚。

A flock of birds flies together and gathers on the main flagpole; one must be cautious of hidden troops, and the military should be on alert; it is inauspicious to go out to battle at this time. A large bird whose name cannot be called flies into the camp, indicating that the enemy has set a deceitful plot; it is auspicious to hold the position and defend. Crows fly over and call out, warning of the risk of the army scattering. Magpies and pigeons fight or call out within the camp, indicating that there will be sudden military disaster within seven days, or else there will be a false alarm within the main camp.

野雞飛叫入營，主兵難住，有兵患兵災；若後向飛前，應在他營；前飛向後，應在我寨。鴟梟飛鳴前後，軍心失機，兵勢不堅，主將宜安撫士卒，申明號令則吉。白鳥入軍主兵災，更看巢於何處，旺方災輕，刑方災重。飛鳥銜花落軍前者，大將得眾心，出戰有功，大喜將至也。

A wild chicken flies and cries into the camp, indicating that the army will find it difficult to stay, and there will be military troubles and disasters; if it flies from back to front, it should be in the enemy's camp; if it flies from front to back, it should be in our own camp. If the scops fly and cry in front of or behind the camp, it indicates that the military morale has lost direction and the military strength is unstable. The general should comfort the soldiers and clearly issue orders, which will be auspicious. If a white bird flies into the army, it indicates there will be military disasters, and one should also look at where it builds its nest: if it builds in the direction of the current favorable direction, the disaster will be light; if it builds in the direction of the conflicting and harmful forces, the disaster will be severe. If a bird carries flowers and lands in front of the army, it indicates that the general is deeply loved by the soldiers, and will achieve great success in battle, with great joy coming soon.

彩鳥飛翔，從歲德上來者，主暴病，伏兵沖陣，防兵怪及奸謀。百舌鴉營，敵有奸計，五更有賊劫寨防之。赤鳥入軍，有天神助陣，主喜。營中夜間怪鳥鳴，於鳴處立旗、磨兵器、禳之吉，旺方有可，忌方賊至。

Colorful birds flying in, if coming from the direction of the 'Annual Virtue' (岁德), indicate an urgent illness and hidden troops attacking the formation. One should beware of strange occurrences and the enemy's treachery. If the nightingale (百舌鸟) is noisy within the camp, it signifies the enemy has a cunning plan, and at the fifth watch of the night, the enemy will attack the camp. One should be on guard. If red birds fly into the army, it indicates heavenly spirits aiding the formation, which is favorable. If strange birds cry out at night within the camp, set up flags and sharpen weapons at the place where they cry, and perform a ritual to ward off evil, which will be auspicious. If the location is in the favorable direction, it is still acceptable. However, if it is in the forbidden direction, it indicates the enemy will come.

鶯語營中，主將出陣有聲名，且得君賞賜。鵪鶉成群入軍，主士卒多淫奔，獲鶉出戰勝，不獲反被敵傷。杜宇入營，主賊凶我吉。鸛入營，主天雨。鶴入營，主朝廷有恩詔至。

The yellow oriole singing in the camp indicates that the general will gain fame and receive rewards from the sovereign. A flock of quails flying into the army portends that many soldiers will engage in licentiousness and desert. If the quails can be caught, the army will win in battle; if not, they will suffer injuries from the enemy. The cuckoo flying into the camp indicates that the enemy will be fierce but our side will be auspicious. The crane flying into the camp indicates that rain is coming. The crane flying into the camp indicates that an imperial edict of grace will arrive from the court.

軍營中無故有蟲出沒，是為兵潰人離之兆。鼠咬兵器皮條，主兵潰散，遷營吉，守舊凶；鼠咬弓箭衣服，主敵人以妖術害我，可速移營；白鼠隨軍，獲之主有戰功，須以來方決敵在何處；群鼠出營，主文書、火發、賊來，若移營免災。

There are insects appearing mysteriously in the military camp, which is a sign that the army is disintegrating and the people's hearts are divided. If mice bite the leather straps of weapons, it indicates the army will disintegrate; moving the camp is auspicious, but holding fast to the original position is inauspicious. If mice damage bows, arrows, and clothing, it suggests the enemy will use sorcery to harm our side, and we should quickly move the camp. If white mice follow the army, capturing them will bring military merit, and we should determine the enemy's location based on the direction from which they came. If a group of mice run out of the camp, it indicates there will be official documents, fire, and enemy attacks; moving the camp can avoid disaster.

蠅蟎不時集營，主士卒瘟疫痢疾，遷營祭禱可免。蝴蝶飛集營中，防有奸軍，過三日後無竟，且主士卒迷戀。螻蟈在軍聚鳴前後，防營內有大災，大將當賞犒三軍，免驚。

Flies and mites frequently gathering in the camp indicate that soldiers may suffer from plague or dysentery; relocating the camp and performing sacrifices can prevent this. Swarms of butterflies flying around the camp suggest the presence of spies within the army; if there is no further movement after three days, there is no danger, but it also indicates soldiers may be indulging in women. Crickets and frogs gathering and making noise around the front and back of the camp warn of a major disaster within the camp; the general should reward the soldiers to avoid disturbances.

行軍有野獸沖陣者，不祥之兆，獲得者小吉，不獲者大凶。軍中見異獸不識者，看有爪牙否，有爪牙三七日月有敵兵至傷人，無牙爪不畏。狼虎入軍，三七日防戰，先行兵者凶，後舉兵者勝；獲者吉，不獲者凶。若行軍前後有狼虎鳴者，防暴兵侵斥，在申方有戰爭，三軍宜固守則吉。

When wild animals rush into the military formation during a campaign, it is an ominous sign: if they can be captured, it is a minor auspicious omen; if not, it is a great misfortune. If an unfamiliar strange beast is seen in the army, first check whether it has claws and teeth: if it does, there will be enemy troops arriving within twenty-one days to injure people; if it does not, there is no need to fear. If wolves or tigers enter the military formation, there should be vigilance for battle within twenty-one days. The side that attacks first will suffer misfortune, while the side that attacks later will win. If they can be captured, it is auspicious; if not, it is inauspicious. If wolves or tigers howl before or after the campaign, there should be caution against sudden military calamities. There will be warfare in the direction of Shen, and the entire army should hold firm to be auspicious.

野狐入營，主軍心不寧，獲之則吉，不獲者凶。熊羆入陣，獲得無損，不獲傷人，從天德天喜方至者，主大將生子。野獸夜間過營鳴者，移營則吉，日間鳴走繞軍者，逃亡之兆，移營賞眾可免。

A wild fox entering the camp indicates unrest among the troops; if it is caught, it is auspicious, but if not, it is inauspicious. A bear entering the battlefield, if captured, will result in no casualties, but if not captured, it will cause injuries. If the bear comes from the direction of "Heavenly Virtue" or "Heavenly Joy," it indicates that the general will have a son. If wild animals pass through the camp at night and make noise, moving the camp is auspicious; if they run around the camp during the day while howling, it signifies that someone will flee. Moving the camp and rewarding the soldiers can prevent this.