Casting the Seal Pattern

詩曰：河魁本是印，火到自然成。丙子正月占，午時無改更。丙巳為爐冶，卯木又助攻。傳中受印綬，此是課中情。在職重遷職，身榮更加榮。宣命看看到，文書驛馬程。庶人逢此課，難銷官訟生。

The song says: "Hekui" is the god of the earth dog (Xu), shaped like a square seal; when the fire element arrives, the seal is naturally cast. Taking the example of a day of Bingzi in the first lunar month, with the time of divination at Wu, this pattern remains unchanged. Bing and Si both belong to the fire element, which is exactly the furnace for melting metal; Mao belongs to wood, which can assist the fire in forging. The three transmissions receive the official seal, which is the actual situation of this divination. Officials will experience another promotion, already honored and now even more honored; an imperial decree announcing appointment is expected soon, and documents will follow the post-horse. Common people encountering this divination, however, are likely to get into legal trouble.

詩曰；天魁為印鑄方成，臨於巳丙冶之名。中有太沖車又在，鑄印乘軒官祿榮。傳中有氣將為速，復欲兼之驛馬並。太陰六合陰私利，天乙順治君令行。 又曰：天魁並吉傳臨火，吉將相併遇太沖。此課名為鑄印象，又關法律有窺容。心惡煎煩事成就，為人所重亦豐隆。太陰天乙來當課，私恩寵命向憂中。

The song says: Tiankui, the Earthly Branch Xu, acts as an official seal, and must be refined and shaped before it can take form; when it is at the position of Si and the fire element, it is called the furnace. If the three transmissions include Taichong, the spirit of Mao wood, which symbolizes a carriage, then the seal is cast and the carriage is taken, leading to official rank and honor. If the spirits and generals in the three transmissions have vitality, then the matter will come quickly; it is best if the post-horse is also present. Taiyin and Liuhe, the two generals, are favorable for secret operations. If Tianyi, the nobleman, proceeds in the correct order to handle affairs, then the royal decree can be carried out. It also says: When Tiankui and auspicious spirits arrive at the fire position together, and auspicious generals appear along with Taichong, this lesson is called the image of casting the seal, and it also relates to legal matters, where there is an opportunity to take advantage of. Although the mind is troubled and distressed, the matter will eventually be completed and will be valued and prosperous. If Taiyin and Tianyi are both in charge of the lesson, then private favor and imperial decree come from hardship.

詩曰：鑄印河魁附空亡，天空入課又遭傷，人年日辰逢凶惡，火旺時加巳午方。此為鑄印損模課，事緣律理多憂惶。先成後防事不濟，縱用機深且不常。潛藏牢堅且須慎，免消財力費一場。

The rhyme says: When casting a seal divination, the Hekui (Xu) is attached to the戌 earth, yet it is also in the旬空 (decade void). The Tian Kong (Sky Void), a heavenly general associated with deceit, is also injured in the chart. The person's birth year and current year, along with the day stem and day branch, all meet evil spirits. Moreover, the fire is strong, and the time of divination falls on the巳 or午 fire positions. This is called the "Seal Casting Damaged Mold" chart. The seal relies on戌 as the mold; if the mold is damaged, the seal cannot be cast. Matters often relate to legal procedures and cause anxiety. Initially, things may seem to succeed, but later there is a risk of failure. Even with great effort, success is difficult to sustain. At this time, one should remain hidden and steadfast, be cautious everywhere, to avoid wasting resources and working in vain.

詞曰；鑄印課，天魁為印巳爐煉。末傳卯駟是乘軒，金火將，得旺相，金切常，中合末陰將功名佑婚事成，只破水神來破犯；虎傷卯，墜軒象；玄武墓空滅官況。

The text says: In casting the seal divination, the heavenly general Wu (戌) is taken as the seal, and the branch Si (巳) is the furnace for melting. The final transmission's卯 (卯) is the heavenly horse, symbolizing riding in a carriage. The heavenly general accompanying it should be of metal or fire, and also receive the prosperous and strong energy. The metal energy particularly needs to harmonize with Tai Chang. If the middle transmission has Liu He and the final transmission has Tai Yin, then success in official matters will be supported and marriage will be successful. The only fear is when the water deity conflicts or attacks—water can extinguish fire, and if the furnace is extinguished, the seal cannot be formed. If the White Tiger injures the卯 wood, it signifies a falling carriage, with the vehicle overturning and people falling. If the Black Tortoise appears together with the tomb deity and Kongwang, then the hope for official career is completely extinguished.

孔明曰：戌加巳發用為鑄印課，天魁為印，加巳丙為爐冶，有鑄印之象。終於卯，為模，以助巳丙成功；又卯為軒車，故名鑄印乘軒課。此有干法律、有規矩事，皆從憂煩中。若值天乙順行入傳，必有恩澤寵命之事，宜見貴人進策。仕官該考滿長遷者，得此課兼馬動，主有詔敕中升，餘占不甚美，事事費力，託人幫扶，久方得遂。如仕官失印，遇此更凶，將空主改官，更鑄印其原印毀傷矣，引課惟利占孕占產未生，仕人加職權柄之利；不利占病，沈吟日重，無空亡解之，之即死。占來意主謀立身之大事。

Zhongming said: When Wu is placed over Si and the transmission begins, it is called the Casting Seal lesson. The Heavenly General Wu, representing earth, is placed over the fire position of Si and Jia, forming a furnace, thus symbolizing the melting of metal to cast a seal. The final transmission falls on Mao, which represents wood, serving as the mold for casting the seal, aiding the success of Si and Jia. Mao is also the carriage, so this lesson is fully named the Casting Seal with a Carriage lesson. It usually indicates matters involving breaking laws or regulations, and these matters arise from worry and trouble. If the Heavenly General, Tianyi, moves in the correct direction through the transmissions, there will be matters of favor and imperial favor, suitable for visiting nobles and presenting strategies. Officials who are due for promotion will receive an imperial decree for promotion if this lesson is combined with a movingThe Post-horse. Other inquiries are less favorable: things require effort, assistance from others is needed, and they take a long time to complete. If an official has lost his seal, encountering this lesson is even more dangerous; if the Heavenly General falls into an empty position, it indicates a change of position, and it is a case of recasting the seal—meaning the original seal has been destroyed. This lesson is favorable for predicting pregnancy, childbirth before delivery, and officials gaining power and promotion; it is unfavorable for predicting illness, as the illness will worsen over time. If there is no旬空 to relieve it, the person will die. When predicting the intentions of a visitor, it indicates that the person is planning for a major matter concerning their livelihood.

袁天罡曰：丙丁日天魁加巳，丙上得吉將，名鑄印課。又須虎陰蛇雀金火將入傳，若金少火多，金多火少，謂之五行不等，互有所傷。 如正月戊子日午時占事，太乙臨子為用，將得太常，中傳天魁已為鑄印，將得六合，末傳太沖為乘軒，得太陰以此，占人為印綬中。有婚姻之喜，末有太陰，福佑恩榮之事。

Yuan Tiangang said: When the day is of fire with Jia and Yi, and Tiankui (戌) is placed on Si, and the position of Bing is also occupied by a favorable general, it is called the Casting Seal lesson. In addition, the heavenly generals of Baihu (White Tiger), Taiyin (Tai Yin), Tengshe (Teng Snake), and Zhuque (Vermilion Bird), which belong to metal and fire, should enter the three transmissions. If there is too little metal and too much fire, or too much metal and too little fire, it is called the Five Phases being unbalanced, causing mutual damage, and thus a good seal cannot be cast. Example: On the fifth day of the first month, at the noon hour, the "Taiyi" (the god of the fire of Si) is placed on Zi, serving as the initiating transmission, and the accompanying heavenly general is Tai Chang. The middle transmission is Tiankui (戌), which perfectly matches the image of casting a seal, and the accompanying heavenly general is Liuhe (Liu He). The final transmission is Taichong (卯), which perfectly matches the image of riding a carriage, and the accompanying heavenly general is Taiyin. According to this, when divining for a person, the initial transmission of Si corresponds to Wu Tu (earth) day, indicating matters related to official seals and documents; the middle transmission of Liuhe indicates marriage, suggesting happiness in marriage; the final transmission of Taiyin indicates blessings and honor.

印巳常 兄戌合 官卯陰 合 常 陰 合 戌 巳 卯 戌 巳 子 戌 戊 戌亥子丑 酉 寅 申 卯 未午巳辰

This is the complete divination chart for the day of Wu Zi on the first month, at the hour of Wu. It is divided into three layers for reading. The top three lines are the three transmissions, read from top to bottom as the first, middle, and final transmissions: the first transmission is Si, which is the official of the earth for Wu earth, riding Tai Chang; the middle transmission is Xu, which shares the same earth element as Wu, making it the brother's yao, riding Liu He; the final transmission is Mao wood, which overcomes earth, making it the official ghost yao, riding Tai Yin. Each line consists of three characters, in order: the six relations, the earth branch, and the heavenly general. The middle three lines are the four lessons, read from right to left according to ancient methods: the first lesson has the day stem Wu, which is located in the lodging palace Si, with Si having Xu, riding Liu He; the second lesson takes Xu as the lower, with Xu having Mao, riding Tai Yin; the third lesson has the day branch Zi, with Zi having Si, riding Tai Chang; the fourth lesson takes Si as the lower, with Si having Xu, riding Liu He. The bottom four lines are the heaven and earth plates. The twelve positions of the earth plate remain fixed, starting from the top left and moving clockwise: Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai, Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen; the characters listed on the plate are the heavenly generals placed over each palace. For the first month, the general is Hai, and the hour is Wu, so the heavenly general Hai is placed over the earth palace Wu, and the rest follow in order: the heavenly general Xu is over Si, Hai over Wu, Zi over Wei, Chou over Shen, Yin over You, Mao over Xu, Chen over Hai, Si over Zi, Wu over Chou, Wei over Yin, Shen over Mao, You over Chen. The Xu over Si in the first lesson is found from this plate.

外有鑄印破模課，戌為模範而落空亡，雖有巳爐，卻不成鑄；或夏月占，火旺則毀模。凡占事不成，急速大忌。玄武加巳，戌更乘今日墓神，主退失事，或舊事再新之意；或末傳見後武，更臨水鄉，與日辰相破，名曰鑄印不成格，來意主望官爵成立事欲成被人破了。

There is also another type of divination called casting a seal with a broken mold. The戌 is the mold used for casting a seal, but it falls into the旬空, so even though there is the巳, which represents fire, the seal cannot be cast. Or, if the divination is done in summer when the fire energy is too strong, it may actually burn the mold. All these situations indicate that the matter being divined will not succeed, especially for urgent matters, which are particularly inauspicious. If「Xuanwu」is placed on the巳, and the戌 is riding on the day's墓神, it indicates losing one's position or being dismissed from office, or old matters being revived. Alternatively, if theFinal Transmission encounters the Heavenly Empress and Xuanwu, these two water generals, and they are located in the亥 and 子 water regions, and they clash with the day stem and day branch, this is called the casting seal not forming pattern. The person's original intention was to establish an official position, but it seems about to succeed and is then ruined by others.

詩曰：勝光本是馬，太沖是軒車，神后為華蓋，三傳俱不虛。中末傳神后，華蓋下鋪舒。明朝加寵祿，定主賜天光。官職自是別，皇躬親不疏。漢朝聖天子，目下詔相如。

The song says: "Shengguang (the god of Wu fire) is originally the Heavenly Horse, Taichong (the god of Mao wood) is the royal carriage, and Shenhou (the god of Zi water) is Huagai. All three enter the Three Transmissions, none is left empty. When Shenhou appears in the Middle Transmission and Final Transmission, Huagai spreads out below. The next day will bring grace, bestow rank, and surely the radiance of the Son of Heaven will descend. The official position obtained will be unlike that of ordinary people; the Emperor himself will take notice and not keep at a distance, just as the Han dynasty's sage emperor immediately issued an edict to summon Sima Xiangru."

詩曰：神后紫微為華蓋，太沖天駟又為車，若乘吉將相逢者，高蓋乘軒富貴家。 詩曰：紫微華蓋居神后，天駟房星是太沖。馬則勝光正月起，六陽順數二申同。高蓋乘軒又騎馬，更得龍常祿位豐。

The song says: The position of Shenhou at Zi corresponds to the Purple Micro垣 in the sky, which is Huagai; the position of Taichong at Mao corresponds to Tian Si star, which is Xuanche. If both are occupied by auspicious generals and they meet each other, it is called Gao Gai Chen Xuan, which is the divination for a wealthy and noble family. Another song says: The Purple Micro and Huagai fall at Shenhou's Zi position, and the Tian Si star and Fang star fall at Taichong's Mao position. The method of calculating Tian Ma starts from Wu in the first month, and proceeds in order through the six yang branches: Yin, Chen, Wu, Shen, Xu, Zi. Therefore, in the second month it starts at Shen, and so on. If there is both Gao Gai Chen Xuan and riding Tian Ma, and also having the auspicious generals Qinglong and Tai Chang, then the official rank and wealth will be abundant.

詩曰：神后勝光並太沖，俱並吉將在三傳。高蓋乘軒騎駟馬，必有遠行將動過。上覆下承人引動，事無多少總成歡。小人出入多財帛，君子逢之得高官。 詞曰：子華蓋，卯為天駟房星，在天馬，先驅華蓋隨，龍常有氣官封拜，三傳內不紊亂，受職公卿居上位。

The rhyme says: When Shenhou (Zi), Shengguang (Wu) and Taichong (Mao) appear together, and all ride on auspicious generals within the three transmissions, this is the image of a high-ranking Heavenly Horse riding a superior horse. There will certainly be a long journey about to begin. Above, there is Huagai covering; below, there are carriages and horses supporting; and people are also prompting from the side. Whether the matter is big or small, it will end happily. For those of low status, this omen indicates frequent gains of wealth; for gentlemen of high standing, it signifies the attainment of high official positions. The verse states: Zi is Huagai, Mao is Tian Si Fang Xing, Wu is Tian Ma; Tian Ma leads the way in front, Huagai follows behind; with Qinglong and Tai Chang having vitality, there will be official appointments. As long as the three transmissions are not disordered, one will be appointed to a high official position and hold a superior position.

詩曰：乘軒之課乘蛇虎，太沖勝光還見凶，或為有氣克年月，日乘軒落墜欲傷，身被人賺相脫卸，百事無成總望空。若無墜落必喪偃，所為陷匿終見凶。

The song says: If the chariot is ridden byInauspicious General such as Teng Snake or White Tiger, then Taichong卯 and Shengguang午 will instead bring misfortune. Alternatively, if their strength is at its peak but they attack the birth star, the sovereign star, and the month builder, the chariot on the day will suffer a collapse or fall. People will be deceived by others, have responsibilities thrust upon them, and achieve nothing, with all hopes dashed. Even if there is no collapse, there will certainly be loss or falling down. Actions will be concealed and hidden, ultimately leading to misfortune.

孔明曰：華蓋星在紫微星宮子位，居太乙之後，神后是也。房為天駟，又為軒車，居卯位，太沖是也。天馬正月起午，順行六陽之辰是也。驛馬即申子辰馬居寅之例是也。若子卯入傳發用，乘天驛二馬，為高蓋乘軒課，或以午卯子全者，亦為高蓋乘車。蓋以勝光為馬故也。此義亦通。仕人值此，加官進職，喜慶重重；如勝光作月內之天馬，太沖作月內之天車尤佳。車馬既動，問賊必來，行人必至，行者必出，訪人不至，訟主換司易衙；占病乘軒，游魂千里；高蓋有龍，出入有大雨；車馬見財，財自外來，求財大獲，更得龍常吉將，則大利進取。

Zhongming said: The Huagai star is in the Zi position of the Ziwei垣, comes after the Taiyi star, and falls on the twelve spirits as Shenhou. The heavenly mansion Fan宿 is called Tian Si, which also resembles the chariot of Xuan, and is in the Mao position, falling on the twelve spirits as Taichong. The method of calculating the Heavenly Horse is to start from Wu in the first month and proceed in order through the six Yang branches. The Post-horse is another system: the Post-horse of the Shen-Zi-Chen triple harmony is in Yin, determined by the first branch of the triple harmony and its opposing branch. If Zi and Mao enter the three transmissions and initiate the transmission, and also ride the Heavenly Horse and Post-horse, it is called Gao Gai Chen Xuan Ke; or if the three spirits Wu, Mao, and Zi are all present, it is also called Gao Gai Chen Che - because Shengguang Wu itself is the Heavenly Horse, this explanation also makes sense. Officials encountering this lesson will receive promotions and have many joyful events; if Shengguang is exactly the Heavenly Horse of this month and Taichong is exactly the Tianche of this month, it is even better. Since the chariot and horse are in motion, when predicting thieves, thieves will certainly come; when predicting travelers, travelers will certainly arrive; when predicting travel, the traveler will certainly leave; when predicting visits, the person will not be found; when predicting lawsuits, it indicates a change of court and a new trial. When predicting illness and riding the chariot, it indicates a soul wandering far away for thousands of miles, which is ominous. If the Azure Dragon is above Huagai, then entering and exiting will meet heavy rain. If the chariot and horse meet the wealth hexagram, wealth comes from outside, and there will be great gain in seeking wealth; if further aided by the auspicious generals such as Azure Dragon and Tai Chang, it will be very favorable for advancement.

如正月癸酉日寅時占，勝光為用，將得天后，正月天馬在午，中傳見太沖，將得朱雀，謂之軒車。末傳神后，將得青龍，謂之華蓋。合此乘軒，要見龍常方主祿位。青龍主文官，太常主武官。文武方得高蓋乘軒之貴，餘官不得。

On the day of Guiyou in the first lunar month, at the hour of Yin, a divination is made. The initiating transmission is Shengguang at Wu, with the accompanying Heavenly General being Shenhou. The Heavenly Horse for the first lunar month is also at Wu, so the initiating transmission is the Heavenly Horse. The middle transmission is Taichong at Mao, with the accompanying Heavenly General being Zhuque. This forms the concept of Xuanche. The final transmission is Shenhou at Zi, with the accompanying Heavenly General being Qinglong. This forms Huagai. To form such a transmission of Xuanche and Huagai, it is necessary to also see Qinglong and Tai Chang. Qinglong represents civil officials, and Tai Chang represents military officials. Only those who hold both civil and military positions can truly attain the honor of Xuanche and Huagai. Other official positions are not suitable for this.

才午后 子卯朱 比子青 朱后陰虎 卯午未戌 午酉戌癸

This is the example of the divination chart for the day of Guiyou in the first month, at the hour of Yin. The top three lines are the three transmissions: the first transmission is Wu, which is a wealth hexagram that is generated by me, the day stem Gui water, and it is ridden by the Heavenly Empress. The middle transmission is Mao, which is a son hexagram generated by water, and it is ridden by the Vermilion Bird. The final transmission is Zi, which shares the same water element as Gui, making it a companion hexagram, and it is ridden by the Azure Dragon. The bottom three lines are the four lessons, read from right to left: the first lesson is the day stem Gui, which is located in Chou, and Chou has Wu on top, ridden by the White Tiger. The second lesson takes Wu as the lower, and Wu has Wei on top, ridden by Tai Yin. The third lesson is the day branch You, which has Wu on top, ridden by the Heavenly Empress. The fourth lesson takes Wu as the lower, and Wu has Mao on top, ridden by the Vermilion Bird. Since the month is the first month and the hour is Yin, the general is Hui, so Hui is added to Yin to start the Heaven Plate. Wu falls on You, and Mao falls on Wu, from which the four lessons and three transmissions are derived.

又如正月庚子日寅時占，乃勝光臨酉，天馬亦在午，此為用起天馬，中傳太沖為車神，末傳神后為華蓋，一時之內三神並遇，始終遇吉，主有公卿之位。

Another example: On the day of Gengzi in the first lunar month, at the hour of Yin, the Shengguang is at Wu, and the Heavenly Horse of the first lunar month is also at Wu, so the initiating transmission is the Heavenly Horse. The middle transmission is Taichong at Mao, which is the chariot god, and the final transmission is Shenhou at Zi, which is Huagai. Within one hour, the three deities of horse, chariot, and cover meet together. From the first transmission to the final transmission, all are favorable, indicating the possibility of holding a position of minister or grand official.

午 卯 子 午酉寅巳 酉子巳庚

This is the divination chart for the day of Gengzi in the first lunar month, at the hour of Yin. Only the earthly branches are listed, without the six relations and heavenly generals. The top three lines are the three transmissions: the first transmission is Wu, the middle transmission is Mao, and the final transmission is Zi, which correspond to the heavenly horse, heavenly chariot, and Huagai in sequence. The bottom two lines are the four lessons, read from right to left: the first lesson has the day stem Geng lodging in Shen, with Si on Shen; the second lesson takes Si as the lower, with Yin on Si; the third lesson has the day branch Zi, with You on Zi; the fourth lesson takes You as the lower, with Wu on You. Since the heavenly plate starts with Hai general added to the hour of Yin in the first lunar month, Wu is on You and initiates the transmission.

外有乘軒墜落課，主美中不美，如三傳午子卯，帶煞空亡，或死乘虎蛇克年命日辰，或卯作喪車，則三傳從凶，以動刑沖俱起，變高蓋而為三交，豈不應乘軒墜落乎？一曰空乃墜馬。

In addition, there is the lesson of a fallen carriage, indicating good things with defects. For example, if the three transmissions are arranged as午, 子, 卯, but accompanied byInauspicious Sha or旬空; or ifDeath Qi is riding onWhite Tiger orTeng Snake to attack the true destiny, the year pillar, the day stem, and the day branch; or if卯 is not functioning as a carriage but instead as a funeral carriage—then the three transmissions turn towards misfortune, and once they move, punishment and clash arise together. What was originally a high cover lesson becomes a「three intersections」with子, 午, 卯, and 酉 intersecting, which precisely corresponds to the lesson of a fallen carriage. Another interpretation: if the riding god falls into an empty position, it signifies the image of a fallen horse.

詩曰：斫輪團圓象，本自太沖生，太沖原是木，車輪因木成。成形須雕琢，斤斧要堅金。申酉庚辛位，太沖頭上行。破傷得斧斤，得用斫輪名。辛丑正月占，辰時無改更。太沖傳送上，發用是其真。求官必得祿，逢事得均平。立意先敲磕，後乃主身榮。莫嫌職位小，愷悌得封贈。

The song says: The image of a wheel being carved is used in the divination of "carving a wheel." This image originates from Taichong (Mao), which belongs to wood. A wheel is made of wood, so the wood must be shaped through carving. The axe used for cutting must be hard metal. Therefore, we need to look at the metal positions of Shen and You along with the metal elements Geng and Xin. Taichong (Mao) wood is exactly on top of these metal positions. The wood is cut by the axe, which gives this divination its name "carving a wheel." For example, on the day Xinchou in the first lunar month, when the time is Chen, the pattern remains unchanged: Taichong (Mao) falls on "Chuansong" (Shen metal) and initiates the transmission, which is the true "carving a wheel." This divination indicates that seeking official position will surely bring a position of honor and authority. Matters encountered will be fair. At the beginning, there will be some hardship, but later it will bring personal success and recognition. Do not be concerned about small official positions; being kind and easygoing will eventually lead to honors and commendations.

詩曰：庚辛之金為斧斤，卯木單寒立作車，太沖作用來金上，斫削修軒官職除。傳得太陰並印綬，六合青龍福慶餘。 詩曰：太沖加金傳見魁，課名斫輪有用材。事遭敲磕還影響，成就皆因擊觸來。必願安身謀遠計，運用無窮歷往回。安行致遠無憂慮，事先引領有妁媒。龍合陰常還更見，加官造作及營財。

The rhyme says: The metal of Geng and Xin is like an axe, and a single卯wood standing upright becomes a cart. If Taichong initiates the transmission and is placed over the metal position, it symbolizes the shaping and making of a cart, and thus an official position is conferred. If the three transmissions include Tai Yin and the seal, along with Liu He and Azure Dragon, then blessings and happiness will be abundant. Another rhyme says: If Taichong is placed on the metal position, and the three transmissions also include Hekui (Xu) earth, this lesson is called "Chopping the Wheel," indicating a useful person. Things require striking and sound echoes; success comes from each strike and touch. People must think about securing their position and planning for the long term, and the application of these principles is endless, with constant experience. Once the cart is made, there is no worry about traveling far and safely. Before doing something, someone leads the way, like a matchmaker. If Azure Dragon, Liu He, Tai Yin, and Tai Chang all appear together, it indicates promotion, new projects, and business ventures.

又曰：斫輪直在庚辛日，秘占又是申酉時。神將是舍凶惡到，斫輪傷斧可防之。謀遠堅牢攸久事，終憂破敗不成為。欲施恩人及見害，功名無遂定依依。忌有血光傷損厄，得火逢時且守為。 詞曰：庚辛會，卯加申，用起龍常陰合臨，先歷艱辛後方成。三傳若見今日墓，斫輪再斫禍方侵。卯若空亡朽木同，難雕別立生涯做。乙見庚天德課，除官轉爵朝中賀。

It is also said that the lesson of cutting a wheel is established on the days of Geng and Xin. The secret method also requires the time to fall on Shen and You. If the spirits and generals accompanying the lesson abandon favorable ones and instead bring in malevolent spirits, it becomes "cutting the wheel and injuring the axe," which requires caution. This lesson concerns long-term and stable plans, but ultimately there is worry about failure in the middle, and things not being accomplished. One intends to benefit others but ends up being harmed, and achievements in fame and status are not realized, with indecision and hesitation. This lesson should avoid bloodshed and injury; if fire energy arrives at the right time to refine metal, it is better to remain still and wait. The text says: Geng and Xin meet with Mao, with Mao placed on Shen. When the transmission begins, the Azure Dragon, Tai Chang, Tai Yin, and Liu He arrive, indicating that after enduring hardship, success will come. If among the three transmissions there is the spirit of the day's tomb, it is called "cutting the wheel again," and misfortune follows. If Mao falls into the empty period, it is like rotten wood, which cannot be carved into anything, and one must seek another occupation. On Yi day, meeting Geng is a Heavenly Virtue lesson, indicating promotion and advancement in official rank, with celebration in the court.

孔明曰：卯加庚申酉辛為用，為斫輪課。庚辛酉為斧，卯為車輪，卯加申，有斫削之義。帶天將龍常陰后六合，方成其體。若寅為天梁乃成器之木，則不可再見斧斤。卯乃未成器之木，故可斫削。天魁印綬主婦組織之事，亦必見此方妙。占者遇之，主有除授營運之職；見龍常在傳，宜應舉進策；又戌加年為印，常加年為綬，主官爵榮遷，當踐公卿之位。壬癸日占，有除綬官職之事，次則大利求財，惟占孕病不吉。

Zhongming said: When the trigram Mao is placed on the metal positions of Geng, Shen, You, and Xin and initiates the transmission, it forms the lesson of chopping a wheel. Geng and Xin along with You are axes, and Mao is a cart wheel; placing Mao on Shen implies the meaning of cutting and shaping. It is also necessary to include the heavenly generals Qinglong, Tai Chang, Tai Yin, Tianhou, and Liu He to complete the structure of this lesson. Note that Yin is Tianliang, which is already a finished piece of wood, so it cannot be cut again; Mao is still unfinished wood, so it can be cut. Tiankui Xu represents an official seal and is associated with women's activities such as weaving and sewing, so it is also essential to see it for this lesson to be complete. When one encounters this lesson, it indicates matters of appointment to office and operations. If the three transmissions include Qinglong and Tai Chang, it is favorable for taking part in examinations and offering strategies. If Xu is placed on one's own birth year as an official seal, and Tai Chang is placed on one's own birth year as a ribbon, it indicates promotion and honor, leading to a position among the high officials. When this lesson is drawn on a壬 or癸 day, it indicates receiving an official appointment and a ribbon, and it is also very favorable for seeking wealth. However, it is not favorable for predicting pregnancy or illness.

袁天罡曰：庚申日和太沖加傳送，得龍常貴，名斫輪。來意主動官望事，先應歷艱難，然後有成。若傳見本日墓者，名曰斫輪再斫，來意主退官失職之事，再謀理作敘復之義。

Yuan Tiangang said: On Gengshen day, if Taichong Mao is placed on Chuansong Shen, and also has Azure Dragon, Tai Chang, and Tiangyi Nobleman, this is called Zhuo Lun. The person's original intention is to seek official position change and hope for promotion, but first he must go through some hardship before success. If the three transmissions include the day'sTomb Spirit, this is called "Zhuo Lun Zai Zhuo" — cutting a piece of wood that has already been cut, meaning the person's original intention is to resign and lose position, and he must again make efforts to seek reinstatement and official use.

外有斫輪傷斧格，謂秋占金旺又逢金時金將，有金多傷木，木不能勝也。 又如太沖作喪車煞，乘白虎為棺槨煞，則不可言吉。 又太沖空亡，是朽木難雕，亦不美之格也。宜改業別作營生。

There is also the pattern of the Axe Breaking the Wheel: if it occurs in autumn when the metal energy is strong, and the time of divination coincides with a metal hour, and the general is also of the metal type, then excessive metal will injure the wood thoroughly. If the wood cannot withstand this, the wheel will be broken. For example, if Taichong (Mao) turns into the Evil Wagon, and is further combined with the White Tiger, it becomes the Evil Coffin, which is not a favorable pattern. If Taichong falls into the旬空 (decade void), it signifies rotten wood that cannot be carved, which is also not a good pattern. In such cases, it is advisable to change one's profession and seek new opportunities.

假如正月辛卯日午時占事，太沖為用，臨辛為斫輪課，當有印綬除官之職。 卯 申 丑 丑申申卯 申卯卯辛

For example, on the day of Xinmao in the first lunar month at noon, the divination is about an event. Taichong (Mao) serves as the initiating transmission, and it is located on the position of Xin. This forms the Zhuo Lun lesson, indicating an event related to receiving an official position through an official seal. The following is the lesson format. The top three lines are the three transmissions, read from top to bottom as the first transmission (Mao), the middle transmission (Shen), and the final transmission (Chou): the wood of Mao is cut by the metal of Shen, and Chou is the metal store, which perfectly matches the meaning of cutting and shaping into an object. The bottom two lines are the four lessons, read from right to left: the day stem Xin is located in the palace of Xu, the first lunar month uses the general of Hai, and the time is at noon, so Hai is placed on top of Wu to form the Heaven Plate. The position of Xu receives Mao, forming the first lesson Mao/Sin; with Mao as the lower, the position of Mao receives Shen, forming the second lesson Shen/Mao; the day branch is Mao, which receives Shen, forming the third lesson Shen/Mao; with Shen as the lower, the position of Shen receives Chou, forming the fourth lesson Chou/Shen. Since Taichong (Mao) is located on the day stem, the image of Zhuo Lun is thus established.

詩曰：甲子與甲戌，大吉二旬奇；甲申與甲午，神后鎮相隨；甲辰與甲寅，登明救療師。萬事皆和合，千災難解離，忽傳亥子丑，連茹百禍移。更得元首課，得福甚是奇。

The song says: The Three Marvels are arranged according to the six Jia cycles. In the Jiazi and Jiaxu cycles, the "Daji" (the god of Chou earth) is considered a marvel; in the Jiashen and Jiawu cycles, the "Shenhou" (the god of Zi water) follows as a marvel; in the Jiachen and Jiayin cycles, the "Dengming" (the god of Hai water) is considered a marvel, like a good doctor who heals diseases and injuries. If one obtains this, all things will be harmonious, and all kinds of misfortunes will be difficult to afflict. If the three transmissions suddenly form a sequence of Hai, Zi, and Chou connected together, it is called "Lian Ru," like pulling up one root and bringing up a whole string, thus removing all misfortunes at once. If this is combined with the "Yuan Shou Ke" (the first lesson where the upper element conquers the lower one and the correct pattern is taken for the initiating transmission), the resulting fortune will be especially extraordinary.

詩曰：三奇發用逐旬行，兩處區分共一名。甲午甲申神后見，寅辰二甲在登明。子戌旬中居大吉，不忌煞氣沖與刑。甲日勝光乙在巳，支逆順干己丑停。庚卻順行奇在癸，略盡天魁總有靈。占值二奇皆喜悅，傳由天官喜更深。

The song says: The Three Marvels are determined according to each ten-day period, and two ten-day periods share one Marvel name. In the ten-day periods starting with Jia Wu and Jia Shen, the Marvel is Zi (Shenhou); in the periods starting with Jia Yin and Jia Chen, the Marvel is Hai (Dengming); and in the periods starting with Jia Zi and Jia Xu, the Marvel is Chou (Daji). As long as the Three Marvels are used, there is no need to fear conflicts or punishments. There is another method to determine the Marvel based on the Day Stem: On Jia day, the Marvel is Wu (Shengguang); on Yi day, it is Si; the Earthly Branches are counted in reverse while the Heavenly Stems are counted forward, stopping at Chou on Ji day. On Geng day, the counting changes to forward direction, continuing until the Marvel falls on Xu (Tiankui) on Gui day. This method is always effective. When two Marvels appear in a divination, it indicates joy. If the Three Transmissions are also carried by auspicious Heavenly Generals, the joy becomes even greater.

詞曰：甲戊庚兮乙丙丁，三奇星旬干，五子遁中取，三傳全遇利名成。六旬發用亥子丑，甲子甲戌大吉同，申午奇子餘登明。甲奇在午順行丑，庚起未，辛逆走，連茹三奇百福有。

The text says: In the system of Qi Men, the Three Marvels are Jia, Wu, and Geng, and also Yi, Bing, and Ding. In the system of Liu Ren, the Three Marvels are divided into Star Marvel, Decade Stem, and Wu Zi Dun. If all three transmissions encounter the Three Marvels, one can achieve fame, fortune, and material success. The Three Marvels in the sixty days are expressed through the branches Hai, Zi, and Chou: in the Jia Zi and Jia Xu decades, the Marvel is Chou; in the Jia Shen and Jia Wu decades, the Marvel is Zi; and in the Jia Yin and Jia Chen decades, the Marvel is Hai. According to the Day Stem, the Marvel of Jia Day is at Wu, and it proceeds in order until the Marvel of Ji Day falls at Chou. For Geng Day, the Marvel starts from the beginning, and for Xin Day, it proceeds in reverse. If the three transmissions form a continuous sequence of Hai, Zi, and Chou, and also encounter the Three Marvels, then all kinds of blessings will be complete.

孔明曰：二旬一曜者，日生於艮，而丑繫焉。雞鳴於丑，則日精已備。故丑為日奇。月滿於望，應半月，至子則月精已備，故子為月奇。星出日沒，日沒於乾，而亥屬焉，星至亥百星精已備，故亥為星奇，此三奇丑子亥分佈六甲，本甲之日，占值本甲之奇發用，是為三奇課。

Zhuge Liang explained why two ten-day periods share one marvel: the sun rises from the northeast, which is the position of Gen. Gen is associated with Chou, and chickens crow at the hour of Chou. At that time, the essence of the sun is already complete, so Chou is the day marvel. The moon is full on the fifteenth day, which is the midpoint of the month. When it reaches the position of Zi, the essence of the moon is complete, so Zi is the month marvel. Stars appear after the sun sets. The sun sets in the northwest, which is the position of Qian. Qian is associated with Hai, and when the stars reach the hour of Hai, the essence of the stars is complete, so Hai is the star marvel. These three marvels, Chou, Zi, and Hai, are assigned to the six ten-day periods of Jia. If an event is divined on a day within a ten-day period and the marvel of that period is used, it is called a Three Marvels lesson.

又有一般奇格，甲日在午，乙日在巳，丙日在辰，丁日在卯，戊日在寅，己日在丑，庚日在未，辛日在申，壬日在酉，癸日在戌。亦謂之三奇格。

There is another system for selecting the Three Marvels based on the Day Stem: on Jia day, the Three Marvels are in Wu; on Yi day, in Si; on Bing day, in Chen; on Ding day, in Mao; on Wu day, in Yin; on Ji day, in Chou. From Geng day onwards, the order is reversed: on Geng day, the Three Marvels are in Wei; on Xin day, in Shen; on Ren day, in You; on Gui day, in Xu. Whenever the Initiating Transmission falls on the branch corresponding to the day's stem, it is also called the Three Marvels pattern.

又三奇有三等，有三傳全逢甲戊庚者，有全遇乙丙丁者，亦有遇旬中之干者，有遁五子元者。旬中之干，如乙卯日初傳丁丑加寅，中傳丙子，末傳乙亥。又壬申日初傳乙丑，中傳丙寅，末專丁卯之例。五子元者，如辛巳日初傳甲午加戌，中傳庚寅，末傳戊戌之例。

The Three Marvels are further divided into three categories: the first is when all three transmissions encounter Jia, Wu, and Geng; the second is when all three transmissions encounter Yi, Bing, and Ding; the third is when the heavenly stems encountered are those hidden in the current ten-day period, or the heavenly stems determined by the "Five Sons' Original Concealment" method (a method of determining concealed heavenly stems based on the day stem and the initial hour of Zi). For example, on a Yimao day, the first transmission is Dingchou over Yin, the middle transmission is Bingzi, and the final transmission is Yihai—each of the three transmissions corresponds to the heavenly stems within the ten-day period. Another example is on a Renshen day, where the first transmission is Yichou, the middle transmission is Bingyin, and the final transmission is Dingmao, and the three heavenly stems are exactly Yi, Bing, and Ding. As for the Five Sons' Original Concealment, for example, on a Xinsi day, the first transmission is Jiawu over Xu, the middle transmission is Gengyin, and the final transmission is Wuxu, and the three heavenly stems are exactly Jia, Wu, and Geng.

三奇若臨日辰行年本年發用，主喜慶之事。雖刑煞相遇，亦當有喜，仕人主加官進祿，常人雖無官祿，亦可消禍，百福臻而百禍散，官至一品。

If the Three Marvels appear on the Day Stem, Day Branch, the year of birth, or one's destiny and initiate the transmission, it signifies joyful events. Even if there are punishments or malevolent influences, joy still prevails. Officials may receive promotions and increased honors; common people may not have official positions, but they can still use this to eliminate misfortunes and disasters. All blessings gather together, all misfortunes dissipate, and officials may rise to the highest rank.

詩曰：六甲之首旬日奇，如入發用號六儀。又曰：甲子神后是，旬中即用之。神仙名六儀，六甲本根基。甲戌旬中推，河魁改變時。甲申傳送是，甲午勝光期。甲辰天罡並，愁容改笑眉。甲寅功曹動，萬類得其儀。六甲取首用，有罪卻無危。眾事皆如此，病者得天醫。求財倍獲利，投告喜不遲。

The song says: The first day of each ten-day period is a Jia day, and the branch of the first day of the period is the odd one of that period. If it enters the initiating transmission, it is called the Six Instruments. It also says: In the Jiazi period, the branch of the first day is Zi, which is Shenhou, and this is used as the initiating transmission for divination in that period. This pattern is called the Six Instruments by the immortal masters, and it is the foundation of the six Jia periods. In the Jiaxu period, the branch is Xu, which is Hekui, indicating a time of change. In the Jiashen period, the branch is Shen, which is Chuansong. In the Jiawu period, the branch is Wu, which is Shengguang. In the Jiachen period, the branch is Chen, which is Tiangang, and sorrow can turn into joy. In the Jiayin period, the branch is Yin, which is Gongcao. When Gongcao moves, all things are in their proper place. The Six Jia periods all use the branch of the first day as the initiating transmission, and even if there is a crime, there is no danger. All matters should be judged according to this: if a sick person meets Tianyi, they will recover quickly. If someone seeks wealth, they will gain double. If someone files a lawsuit, they will receive good news soon.

詩曰：六儀一段居旬首，甲子旬中神后為，更復子當從午起，逆行相背逐神移，輪來巳入終於丑，午還居未順求之，用得此神為善課，又須末傳吉相隨。 詩曰：天乙順行用旺相，日辰干上加旬頭，傳末生初或生日，用傳環顧乙不相仇，四三人年有吉將，此課六儀百不憂，解禍求凶皆順遂，加官進祿事王侯，所為百事皆順遂，是凶化吉無禍由。

The rhyme says: In the system of the Six Instruments, the instrument is taken at the beginning of the ten-day period. In the Jiazi ten-day period, Shenhou (Zi) is taken as the instrument. There is another method: starting from the position of Wu, move backwards through the positions, shifting one by one until the time of Si arrives at Chou. Wu starts from the position of Wei and moves forward. If the initiating transmission catches this spirit, it is a good lesson, but it also needs the final transmission to have a favorable spirit accompanying it. Another rhyme says: The nobleman (Tianyi) moves in a clockwise direction, and if the initiating transmission captures the prosperous and strong energy, the day stem coincides exactly with the branch of the beginning of the ten-day period. The final transmission can generate the initial transmission or be born from the day stem. The initiating transmission and the three transmissions form a circle, looking at each other at the beginning and end, without mutual conflict. The third lesson, the fourth lesson, and the person's birth year also have favorable generals. In such a lesson of the Six Instruments, everything goes smoothly, disasters are resolved, dangers are avoided, promotion and honor can be served to the king and marquis, all actions proceed smoothly, and even misfortune is transformed into good fortune, with no possibility of causing trouble.

孔明曰：此六儀與三奇課大同小異，亦觀發用，以六甲旬支入初傳為吉。如甲子旬十日占得子為初傳是也。 又有一般儀，於午上起子，先逆數至丑上得巳止，又從未上起午，順數至子上得亥止。如今日子，得午發用之例。此二儀病上得痊，有罪解降，萬般皆吉，喜慶來，雖興與煞相併，不能為害。

Zhuge Liang said: The Six Instruments and the Three Marvels are similar, both looking at the Initiating Transmission. Using the branch of the first day of the current ten-day period as the first transmission is considered auspicious. For example, in the Jiazi ten-day period, if the day's branch is Zi and it is used as the first transmission, it is considered a Six Instrument. There is another method for calculating the instruments: place Zi on the Wu position and count backwards to the Chou position, stopping at Si; then place Wu on the Wei position and count forwards to the Zi position, stopping at Hai. For example, if today is Zi, then Wu is used as the Initiating Transmission. Both sets of instruments indicate that the sick person will recover, criminals will be pardoned, all things are auspicious, and happiness will come naturally; even if they appear together with malevolent stars, the malevolent stars will not harm people.

袁天罡曰：旬首作用為六儀，蓋甲為星官之首，直符之使，諸干之長，此支干之儀，俱在傳內，人宅皆吉，傳中神將又大吉，末傳又吉，則主始終有吉矣。若臨人年日辰更吉。所為成就，並無災咎，若克年命日辰則凶。

Yuan Tiangang said: Using the branch of the first day of the ten-day period as the initiating transmission is called the Six Instruments. Jia is the leader among the ten stems, the messenger of the commanding star, and the chief of the ten stems. Therefore, the stem and branch of the first day of the ten-day period serve as the standard for the entire ten-day period. If it together with the day stem and day branch falls within the three transmissions, people and houses will be auspicious. If the divine generals accompanying the three transmissions are also Daji, and the final transmission is also auspicious, then everything from beginning to end will be favorable. If it also appears on one's birth year and day stem and day branch, it will be even more auspicious, and all actions will succeed without any misfortune. However, if it instead attacks one's birth year, day stem, and day branch, it will turn into misfortune.

若旬首作天乙發用，為富貴課。六甲作簾幕官上此簾幕即夜貴天空也，科名必中高舉。如乙丑、己丑二日夜占，乙酉、己酉二日晝占，皆旬首作簾幕官也。 又曰：六儀能集千祥，室家和順，利財增益，如遇末傳吉，更妙。

If the heavenly stem is riding on the nobleman and the sky void at the beginning of the ten-day period and initiates the transmission, then it is a prosperous and noble fortune. If the first day of the six-jia period is considered as "curtain and screen official" — the original note says that curtain and screen refers to the nobleman and the sky void at night — then success in the imperial examinations is certain. For example, if a divination is made at night on the days of Yichou and Jichou, or during the day on the days of Yiyou and Jiyou, these are examples of the first day of the period being considered as "curtain and screen official." It is also said that the six instruments can gather all kinds of auspiciousness, bringing harmony within the family, and increasing wealth; if the final transmission is also favorable, it becomes even more excellent.

太歲乘天乙，月將作用神，此為龍德課，君恩及庶人。 詩曰：太歲今朝作貴人，立用還居月將神，龍德課宜居祿位，恩賜真官荷聖恩。

The branch of the year's stem is occupied by the heavenly stem of the nobleman, and the month general, which is the god of the sun, changing with the solar terms each month, coincides with the useful god in the initiating transmission. This is called the Dragon Grace lesson, indicating the grace of the king reaching the common people. The rhyme says: today's year stem has become the nobleman, and the initiating transmission falls on the month general's god. Those who receive the Dragon Grace lesson are suitable for holding official positions and receiving salaries, benefiting from imperial favor and being entrusted with actual responsibilities, entirely relying on the emperor's grace.

又曰：太歲月建作天乙，還與用神同處興，此名龍德大吉課，事必遠大經朝廷，今日貴人相助救，恩澤賞賜來交併，更得天后來入課，此事消詳必有成。

It is also said that when the year stem and the month builder's branch are occupied by the Heavenly Nobleman, and the useful god is also in the same position as the initiating transmission, this is called a great auspicious lesson of dragon virtue. The matters involved will certainly be of great significance, requiring involvement from the court. On that day, the nobleman will assist and support from the side, and blessings and rewards will come together. If the Heavenly Empress also enters the lesson, then carefully examining the matter will surely lead to success.

孔明曰：用神是月將太歲，作天乙，末傳又得吉將，為龍德課。蓋太歲，天子也，首出庶物，而德及天下；月將，太陽也，懸空而明照四方，今太歲與月將並，更作日之貴神，則為龍德在上，澤及於物，占者遇之，主天子恩澤，除綬官爵，遷官蓋職之喜，可謁貴求望。經曰：“龍德累承君命，恩賜頻加。”

Zhongming said: The Useful God is the Month General, and it coincides with the Tai Su. On top of that comes the Tian Yi Nobleman, and the Final Transmission is also occupied by a favorable General. This is the Long De lesson. The Tai Su symbolizes the Son of Heaven, the leader of all things, whose virtue extends throughout the world; the Month General is the Sun, high in the sky, illuminating all directions. Now the Tai Su and the Month General are in the same place, and they also serve as the current day's Nobleman. This is the image of Long De occupying a high position and bestowing grace upon all things below. When one encounters this, it indicates receiving the Son of Heaven's favor, being granted official rank and promotion in position, and it is favorable to meet with noble persons and make requests. The classic says: The Long De lesson indicates repeatedly receiving imperial commands, and blessings being bestowed repeatedly.

如壬癸日巳為太歲，七月將己酉時占，天乙加酉為用，是月將並太歲作天乙為用也。 龍德課若帶煞為日鬼，謂之反德為刑，占訟則遠達朝庭，遠大之事，有誅戮之凶，百事不遂，一曰有太陽可以化吉，亦不為災也。

For example, on a day with the stems Ren and Gui, if the current year's heavenly stem is in Si, and in the seventh month the Si stem is used as the month general, and the divination is done at the hour of You, with Tianyi (the nobleman) placed on You and initiating the transmission — this is the Longde lesson, where the month general and the current year's heavenly stem are in the same position, and Tianyi initiates the transmission. If the Longde lesson is accompanied byInauspicious Sha (malevolent stars) and becomes the ghost of the day stem to attack the self, it is called 'reverse virtue into punishment' — virtue turns into punishment. In divination regarding lawsuits, the case will be escalated to the imperial court, although it is a great matter, there will be danger of punishment, and all affairs will not succeed. Another view says: as long as the lesson contains the sun (the month general), it can transform misfortune into good fortune, and thus no disaster will occur.