The Three Powers Assignment

金口玄妙，入式幽微。能決有疑之事，先知未見之情。指方定位，神將成課體之機；驗煞推元，吉凶妙鬼神之用。干神將位，當立貴賤尊卑；四象三才，須分高低上下。

The Golden Mouth Divination is profoundly intricate and mysterious, especially when entered into the divination disk. It can judge doubtful matters and foresee situations that have not yet emerged. By specifying directions and establishing positions, the Heavenly General and Earth Deity form the key elements of the lesson pattern. By examining malevolent influences and seeking the original essence, the fortune and misfortune align with the workings of spirits and deities. The positions of the Day Stem, Earth Deity, Heavenly General, and Earth Division must be used to determine rank, status, and hierarchy. The four elements and the three heavens must also be differentiated in terms of high and low, superior and inferior.

干克神而剝官，人謀害已；神克干而進職，已欲侵人。將克神不求才當言身病，神克將非捕盜必主妻傷。位克干而神克位，病疾官災；位生神而將生干，求財喜慶。

The day stem overcoming the earthly branch indicates loss of position and being schemed against by others; the earthly branch overcoming the day stem instead indicates promotion, meaning the person is trying to harm others. If the heavenly general overcomes the earthly branch, and it is not about seeking wealth, then there is illness; if the earthly branch overcomes the heavenly general, it is not about capturing thieves, but rather injury to the wife. If the earthly branch overcomes the day stem and the earthly branch is also overcome by the heavenly branch, it indicates illness and official troubles; if the earthly branch generates the heavenly branch and the heavenly general also generates the day stem, it indicates gain from wealth and good fortune.

將克干方，損妻妾而牛失馬倒；干克神位，防盜賊而財散人離。位生干兮，印綬遷而子孫弱；干生位兮，嗣續旺而名位卑。本音全見，妻兒難保長年；妻旺官衰，父母恐防不壽。

The Heavenly General comes to attack the direction where the Day Stem is located, causing harm to the wife and concubines, cattle to be lost and horses to die. When the Day Stem goes to attack the position of the Earthly Branch, it indicates the risk of thieves and loss of wealth and family harmony. If the Earthly Branch is born to the Day Stem, it signifies receiving official favor and promotion, but the descendants will be weak. If the Day Stem is born to the Earthly Branch, it indicates a thriving lineage, but the person's status will be low. The full manifestation of the Nayin sound element of the native's birth year indicates that wife and children may not live long. If the wife's wealth is strong but the official star is weak, the parents may not live long.

金純而道途分異，木全而官事纒身。水多敗散，主痔病兒童；火盛驚憂，應傷殘婦女。純土乃丑婦當權，孤立則尊人不利。

It is purely of metal energy, indicating diverging paths and separation between people; if wood energy is complete, it indicates being entangled in legal disputes. Too much water energy leads to dispersal, and this is reflected in ailments such as hemorrhoids in children; excessive fire energy causes anxiety and worry, and this is reflected in injuries to women. If it is purely of earth energy, then the woman in the household who has an ugly appearance will hold power; if earth energy is isolated and unsupported, it will be detrimental to elders.

土入木鄉，爭訟田宅之兆；火加水上，生育產難之驚。水入土鄉，瘡災牢獄；火臨金地，勞患纒縈。金加火上主銷鎔，木到水中為飄蕩。水臨火地，寒熟往來；木入金宮，口舌爭辨。水加土上，爭競田疇；土入水中，多生腎病。

When earth enters the domain of wood, it indicates disputes over land and property; when fire is placed above water, it signifies difficulties and fright during childbirth. When water enters the domain of earth, it indicates sores and imprisonment; when fire is in the domain of metal, it signifies prolonged illness and fatigue. When metal is placed above fire, it indicates being melted and destroyed; when wood floats in water, it indicates wandering and instability. When water is in the domain of fire, it indicates alternating chills and fever; when wood enters the domain of metal, it indicates disputes over words. When water is placed above earth, it indicates disputes over land; when earth sinks into water, it often leads to kidney ailments.

欲盡吉凶，再推神將。大抵功曹主文書木器，傳送為信息行程。太沖盜賊及車船，從魁金銀與奴婢。辰為鬬訟兼主犯喪，戍乃奸欺或稱印綬。登明徵召，太乙非災。勝光鬼怪連綿，神后姦淫牽惹。未為衣服筵席，丑為田園苑圃。

To fully determine good and bad fortune, one must also consider the Twelve Month Generals. In general: Gongcao (Yin) governs documents and wooden objects, Chuansong (Shen) governs messages and travel; Taichong (Mao) governs thieves and vehicles, Congkui (You) governs gold and silver and servants; Chen (Tiangang) governs fights and lawsuits, and also matters of conflict and funerals; Xu (Hekui) governs deceit and fraud, and is sometimes called印绶. Dengming (Hai) governs summoning and appointments, Taiyi (Si) governs sudden calamities. Shengguang (Wu) governs ghosts and continuous supernatural occurrences, and Shenhou (the alternative name for Zi among the Twelve Month Generals) governs sexual misconduct. Wei governs clothing and banquets, and Chou governs fields and gardens.

大吉小吉為勾陳，爭訟田宅；河魁從魁化六合，逃亡奴婢。寅辰若遇勾陳，官刑禁繫；亥寅如逢白虎，疾病驚憂。子卯與玄武同傳，當逢賊盜；巳亥逢驛馬並駕，在路奔騰。

Daji (Chou), Xiaoji (Wei) if they ride Gou Chen, indicate disputes over land, houses and property; Hekui (Xu), Congkui (You) if they transform into Liu He, indicate servants fleeing. Yin, Chen encountering Gou Chen, indicate punishment and imprisonment by the authorities; Hai, Yin encountering Baihu, indicate illness and anxiety. Zi, Mao together with Xuanwu in the three transmissions, definitely meet with thieves; Si, Hai again encountering Yimai and moving together, indicate the person traveling on the road.

丑未之臨朱雀，口舌呪咀之非；未酉之加隔角，丑寅、辰巳、戌亥、未申入之者也，夫婦休離之患。魁罡臨處，多生詞訟；申午並交，常有狐疑。

Chou and Wei, if they are under the Vermilion Bird, indicate disputes, slander, and verbal conflicts; Wei and You, if they are placed over the opposite positions, which are pairs of adjacent positions such as Chou and Yin, Chen and Si, Xu and Hai, and Wei and Shen, then there is the calamity of marital separation. The areas under Hekui and Tiangang often lead to lawsuits. When Shen and Wu are combined, people often harbor suspicion and doubt.

原夫天乙所占官宦，遇克必定官嗔；螣蛇為卜驚憂，逢刑決然火怪。朱雀文書口舌，六合喜慶婚姻。勾陳主鬬訟勾連，青龍應婚姻財寳。天后奸心闇昧，太陰隠晦陰私。

The Twelve Heavenly Generals: The position of Tianyi Guiren relates to official affairs; if it is overcome, it will bring anger from superiors. Teng Snake relates to fright and worry; if it is afflicted, there will be fire and strange occurrences. Zhuque governs documents and disputes, while Liuhe governs joy and marriage. Gouchen governs conflicts, lawsuits, and entanglements. Qinglong relates to marriage and wealth. Tianhou governs deceit and secret matters, while Taiyin relates to hidden and obscure affairs.

玄武防盜賊之侵凌，太常有酒食之筵會。白虎主死喪之道路，天空主欺詐之逃亡。將神更忌刑沖，干位仍防帶煞。將帶神兮神帶將，於中玄妙；干被刑兮位被煞，就裡幽微。天上神將，有加臨幽顯之微；地下支元，有隠伏不明之意。

The Black Tortoise warns of theft and intrusion, while the Tai Chang indicates gatherings with wine and food. The White Tiger signifies death and travel mishaps, and the Tian Kong represents deceit and fleeing. The Heavenly General and Earth Deity should be most cautious of mutual conflict and opposition. The Day Stem's position should also be guarded against being accompanied byInauspicious Sha. When the Heavenly General is associated with the Earth Deity and the Earth Deity is associated with the Heavenly General, there is an inherent subtlety. If the Day Stem is harmed or the Earth branch is affected by a malevolent force, there is an underlying complexity. The deities on the Heaven Plate, when added upon, have subtle differences in their manifestations, while the Earth branches and hidden stems beneath the Earth Plate contain hidden and unclear meanings.

是故太歲受克，尊人有不測之災；月建遭刑，兄長有沈溺之禍。凶神同居白虎，哭泣臨門；喪吊相併鬼鄉，哀慼動地。月建號曰青龍，遇吉將資財進益；月破名為白虎，逢凶神疾病崩催。

Therefore, if the Tai Su is harmed, the superior elder may suffer unexpected calamities; if the Moon Builder is subjected to punishment, the elder brother may encounter misfortunes such as drowning. WhenInauspicious Spirit and White Tiger are in the same position, crying will reach the gate. When the Mourning-and-Condolence spirit and the Guest spirit both appear in the official ghost territory, there will be great sorrow and lamentation shaking the heavens and earth. The Moon Builder is also called Azure Dragon, and encountering a favorable general brings an increase in wealth. The Month Breaker is also called White Tiger, and encounteringInauspicious Spirit brings illness and severe affliction.

枉橫死於滅禍。陽月前三辰為大禍，後三辰為滅門；陰月前二辰為滅門，後三辰為大禍，即平收也。淫亂發於奸私。破耗失畜亡財。歲前五辰為小耗，六辰為大耗，即執破也。青龍添人進口。

Wrongful death and sudden death originate from two凶 spirits, 大祸 and 灭门. In a yang month, the third position counted forward from the month builder is 大祸, and the third position counted backward is 灭门. In a yin month, the second position counted forward is 灭门, and the third position counted backward is 大祸, which corresponds to 平 and 收 in the twelve spirits of 建除. Matters of immorality arise from 奸私 spirits. Spirits of loss govern the loss of livestock and money; the fifth position counted forward from the year spirit is Minor Loss, and the sixth position is Great Loss, which corresponds to 执 and 破 in 建除. Azure Dragon governs the addition of people.

邱墓喪車並煞，病者必臨孝幃。邱者，春丑、夏辰、秋未、冬戌。墓者，春未、夏戌、秋丑、冬辰。喪車者，春酉、夏子、秋卯、冬午是也。德合解神詔赦，囚人定主脫災。

The ominous influences of Qiu, Mu, and Sangche all appearing together indicate that the family of the sick person must certainly hang a mourning curtain. The position of Qiu is in Chou in spring, Chen in summer, Wei in autumn, and Xu in winter; the position of Mu is in Wei in spring, Xu in summer, Chou in autumn, and Chen in winter; the position of Sangche is in You in spring, Zi in summer, Mao in autumn, and Wu in winter. Conversely, if one encounters Dehe, Jieshen, and Zhao she zhi shen, a person in captivity will surely be freed from calamity.

天醫宜占疾病，喪門不免驚憂。逰魂哭煞，非災有準；亡神月厭，禍患難逃。星月為刑為煞，太歲為禍為奇。天馬驛馬入垣，所占迅速；孤虛死氣同傳，謀舉逗遛。

The Tianyi deity is suitable for divining diseases, while the Sāngmén spirit inevitably brings fear, anxiety, and sorrow. The wandering soul and crying demon indicate unexpected calamities, which are accurate. The Wangshen and Yueshan indicate misfortunes that are hard to escape. Stars and the moon can both cause punishment and calamity, and the Tai sui can bring either disaster or auspiciousness. When the Tianma and Yimai enter the native's mansion, the outcome of the matter will be verified quickly. If the Gu Xu and Sǐqì enter the three transmissions together, the plans and actions will be delayed and obstructed.

徳合生神臨用，占事有成；煞並天空四課，有像無依。五行衰敗之鄉加臨，人情斷絶；四位生榮之處相逢，事體光輝。將神沐浴之處，所占事為露機。

If virtue harmonizes and the birth god is in the position of initiating transmission, the outcome of the matter will surely be successful. If malevolent stars and Tian Kong are both in the four lessons, then there will be an empty appearance without actual support. If the five phases are added upon a declining place, human relationships will be cut off. If the four positions meet in a flourishing and prosperous place, the matter will have a bright appearance. If the heavenly general and earth god are in the bathing place, the matter will leak secrets.

功曹加畢昴之位，河魁屬氐房之方，重闗用鎖於西方，見金則斬闗不閉。寅卯加酉為闗，上乘金將為斬。設隔致防於東位，見木則毀隔無防闗。辰戌加卯為隔，上乘木將為毀隔。酉加卯上為鎖稱，上再見火破鎖名。申酉加卯為鎖，上乘火將為破鎖。

Gongcao (Yin) added to the position of Bi and Mao star mansions, Hekui (Xu) belongs to the direction of Di and Fang star mansions; multiple gates are locked in the west, if the metal god appears, the gate is cut open and no longer closed — when寅 and卯 are added to酉, it is called a gate, and if the metal general is on top, it is called cutting the gate. A barrier is set up to guard the east, if the wood god appears, the barrier is destroyed and cannot be defended — when辰 and戌 are added to卯, it is called a barrier, and if the wood general is on top, it is called destroying the barrier. When酉 is added to卯, it is called a lock, and if another fire god appears, it is called breaking the lock — when申 and酉 are added to卯, it is called a lock, and if the fire general is on top, it is called breaking the lock.

武與壬子窺戶，卯酉上為窺戶，當憂盜賊；白虎同傳送臨門，須防疾病。子午卯酉上見。煞神既定，象類更詳。合局則事從眾起，分局則分劈支持。重迭則事多重迭，二三神將同，上下交克，交互則宛轉無依。

The Black Tortoise and the壬 (Ren) and 子 (Zi) are together watching the gate — when they appear on 卯 (Mao) or 酉 (You), there is cause for concern about thieves. The White Tiger and the Chuansong (Shen) are together at the gate, which indicates a need to be cautious about illness; this is only considered significant when seen on 子 (Zi), 午 (Wu), 卯 (Mao), or 酉 (You). Once theInauspicious Sha (malevolent influences) are determined, further detailed analysis of the patterns is needed: if they form a harmonious combination, the matter is initiated by many people together; if they are separate, the matter requires individual efforts. If they overlap, the matter becomes layered — overlap refers to two or three divine generals being the same, with mutual control between upper and lower positions; once mutual control occurs, the matter becomes complicated and uncertain, with no clear direction.

若占脫走逃亡，別課體興衰可見；如占求財見貨，視將位有氣方知。進表投書，詳君臣察其善惡；戰鬬博戲，認主客定其輸贏。賊盜若值孤虛，追之莫捕；死氣加諸墓絶，病者不愈。詳天禽地獸之形，察人間隠伏之狀。明此禍福之原，細究五行之理。

If divining about a person fleeing or missing, one can discern it from the prosperity or decline of the lesson pattern; if divining about seeking wealth, one must check whether there is life qi at the position where the heavenly general is located to understand clearly. For submitting petitions or sending letters, one must carefully distinguish the relationship between sovereign and subject, and examine the good or evil within; for battles between armies or gambling games, one must recognize who is the host and who is the guest in order to determine the outcome of victory or defeat. If thieves are exactly at the isolated and empty position, they cannot be pursued; if death qi is combined with the grave, desolate, or terminal position, the patient will not recover. Carefully examine the forms of flying birds and crawling animals in the sky and on the ground, and observe the hidden and concealed situations among people, then one will understand the origin of fortune and misfortune, and thus thoroughly investigate the principles of the five phases.

十干寄宮歌 貴人歌 十干寄居圖 卦體 發用吉凶 出軍擇日 出軍忌日 出軍擇時 聞驚應敵 宿野安營 行擇吉道 察賊所在 途中察賊 疑賊前居 抽軍避寇 渡關見賊 占賊來否 占賊去否 突圍出處 占今日占否 占定勝否 敵使虛實 劫糧覓水 奸匿 行險 訪密 渡河 斗柄所指 交月將法 目錄終。

"The Bingji Bailianjin" is a dedicated section in the "Complete Liuren" that focuses on military divination. The entire text consists of twenty-nine sections, generally arranged in the order of military operations. The first three sections, "The Song of the Ten Heavenly Stems' Lodging Palaces," "The Song of the Nobleman," and "The Diagram of the Ten Heavenly Stems' Lodging," explain the fundamental techniques for setting up a divination lesson: where each of the ten heavenly stems resides among the twelve earthly branches, and where the nobleman (Tianyi) is located based on the day stem. These are the prerequisites for establishing the "Four Lessons" (four groups formed by the day stem and day branch each taking two layers of deities) and the "Three Transmissions" (three dynamic stages derived from the Four Lessons). Next, the section "Guatǐ" discusses the nine types of lesson patterns and their corresponding military situations. "Fayong Jixiong" explains how the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of the first transmission is indicated by the heavenly general it carries, predicting victory or defeat. The three sections "Selecting a Favorable Day for Deployment," "Avoiding Unfavorable Days for Deployment," and "Selecting a Favorable Time for Deployment" deal with the selection of days and times for military action. From "Wen Jing Ying Di" onwards, the text shifts to practical battlefield scenarios: setting up camp in the wilderness, choosing favorable routes, identifying the enemy's location, detecting the enemy while on the move, determining whether the enemy is ahead, withdrawing troops to avoid the enemy, and encountering the enemy while crossing a pass. These are judgments made during military campaigns. The sections "Divining Whether the Enemy Will Come," "Divining Whether the Enemy Will Leave," "Determining the Route for a Breakthrough," "Divining Whether to Divinate Today," and "Divining Whether the Outcome is Certain" deal with assessing enemy movements and predicting victory or defeat. "Distinguishing the Truth of the Enemy's Envoys" discusses discerning whether the enemy's messengers are truthful. "Seizing Supplies and Water," "Detecting Spies," "Taking Risks," and "Gathering Secrets" cover logistics and espionage. "Crossing a River" discusses water routes. "The Position Indicated by the Handle of the Big Dipper" uses the position of the Tiangang (Chen) to determine the auspiciousness of military operations. The final section, "The Method of Calculating the Month General," explains how the "Month General" changes with the seasons. This outlines the entire structure of the text, up to this point."

甲課寅兮乙課辰，丙戊課巳不須論。丁己課未庚申上，辛戌壬亥是其真。癸課原來丑宮坐，分明不用四正神。

Each of the ten heavenly stems resides in a specific earthly branch palace, as clearly explained in this verse: Jia resides in Yin, Yi resides in Chou; Bing and Wu both reside in Si, no further distinction is needed; Ding and Ji both reside in Wei, Geng resides in Shen; Xin resides in Xu, Ren resides in Hai, this is the true诀; Gui originally resides in the Chou palace. All ten heavenly stems reside entirely within the four beginning (Yin, Shen, Si, Hai) and the four seasonal (Chen, Xu, Chou, Wei) palaces, while the four cardinal positions (Zi, Wu, Mao, You) are not used, because these are the proper positions for the heavenly generals' movement, and are not used as stem palaces. When setting up the "Four Lessons," the heavenly spirit added on the day stem is selected from these lodgment palaces, so this诀 is the first step for beginners, and students must memorize it thoroughly.

甲戊庚牛羊丑未，乙己鼠猴鄉子申，丙丁豬雞位亥酉，壬癸蛇兔藏巳卯，六壬逢馬虎午寅，貴人得此方。

The "Heavenly Nobleman" is the first among the Twelve Heavenly Generals and is the most esteemed and auspicious. To determine where the Nobleman falls, one must refer to the Day Stem. For the Day Stems Jia, Wu, and Geng, the Nobleman is in the Ox and the Sheep, which are Chou and Wei. For the Day Stems Yi and Ji, the Nobleman is in the Rat and the Monkey, which are Zi and Shen. For the Day Stems Bing and Ding, the Nobleman is in the Pig and the Rooster, which are Hai and You. For the Day Stems Ren and Gui, the Nobleman is in the Snake and the Rabbit, which are Si and Mao. For the Day Stem Xin, the Nobleman is in the Horse and the Tiger, which are Wu and Yin (the song refers to it as "Liu Ren," but the commonly accepted version is "Liu Xin," and "Liu Xin" is correct). The direction of the Nobleman is determined by this mnemonic. For the same Day Stem, the two branches represent one Yang Nobleman and one Yin Nobleman. During the day, the Yang Nobleman is used, and at night, the Yin Nobleman is used. Once the Nobleman is determined, the remaining eleven Heavenly Generals are arranged in order, either in a clockwise or counterclockwise sequence, forming the framework of the entire divination chart's auspicious or inauspicious configuration.

丙戊 丁己 巳 午 未 申 庚 乙 辰 酉 卯 戌 辛 寅 丑 子 亥 甲 癸 壬

This is a diagram based on the "Ten Heavenly Stems' Lodging Palaces Song." The outer circle is arranged in the fixed order of the Earthly Branches to form a square. Each of the ten Heavenly Stems is written next to the Earthly Branch it is associated with. To read the diagram: the top row, from left to right, is巳, 午, 未, 申, with 丙 and 戊 marked above 巳, 丁 and 己 marked above 未, and 庚 marked on the outside of 申. The right column, from top to bottom, is申, 酉, 戌, 亥, with 辛 marked on the outside between 酉 and 戌. The bottom row, from right to left, is亥, 子, 丑, 寅, with 壬 marked on the outside of 亥, 癸 marked on the outside of 丑, and 甲 marked on the outside of 寅. The left column is 寅, 卯, 辰, 巳, with 乙 marked on the outside of 辰. Together, this shows 甲 is associated with 寅, 乙 with 辰, 丙 and 戊 with 巳, 丁 and 己 with 未, 庚 with 申, 辛 with 戌, 壬 with 亥, and 癸 with 丑. The positions of 子, 午, 卯, and 酉, the four cardinal directions, are left empty, which matches the verse's statement that "the four cardinal deities are not used." When setting up a divination, first place the Day Stem in its associated Earthly Branch according to this diagram, then use the "Month General" combined with the time of the divination to determine the Heaven Plate, and the deity above the Day Stem is thus obtained.

用兵先卦體，宜知九課情。元首利客事皆實。凡一上克下為用，卦名元首，主臣忠子孝，問事皆實。此時行軍，利客不利主。重審利主後舉亨。凡一下克上為用，卦名重審，下凌於上，事多不順。此時行軍，利主不利客。

Before engaging in battle, one must examine the lesson pattern. One must understand the nine types of lesson patterns and the situations they represent. "Yuan Shou" (Original Head) is favorable to the opposing side; the matters inquired about are all genuine. When among the four lessons, only one lesson has the upper god overcoming the lower god and is taken as the initiating transmission, the lesson is called "Yuan Shou," symbolizing loyalty of ministers and filial piety of sons, with order between superiors and inferiors. Matters inquired about are all true. At this time, military action is favorable to the opposing side who initiates first, and unfavorable to the main side who responds later. "Chong Shen" (Repeated Review) is favorable to the main side; only after acting can success be achieved. When among the four lessons, only one lesson has the lower god overcoming the upper god and is taken as the initiating transmission, the lesson is called "Chong Shen," indicating that the lower party offends the upper party, and affairs often proceed smoothly. At this time, military action is favorable to the main side who acts later, and unfavorable to the opposing side who acts first. In Six Rén, the one who initiates the attack is considered the guest, and the one who responds later is considered the main, which corresponds to the day stem being the guest and the day branch being the main.

知一賊近宜和好。凡比用者，卦名知一。比者，近也。占賊、占人皆在近邑。此時出軍，進退狐疑，事當和允。涉害憂疑機要明。凡涉害為用，卦名卦害。謖察其微也，作事稽留，憂患難解。此時出軍，當審而機動。

"The 'Know One' lesson indicates the enemy is nearby and favors reconciliation: if there are two or more similar lessons in the four lessons that mutually control each other, take the one that harmonizes with the day stem to initiate the lesson, which is called 'Know One'; 'like' means near, so when predicting enemy forces or travelers, they should be in nearby cities. At this time, if troops are sent out, there will be hesitation in advancing or retreating, and the matter should be concluded by reconciliation and agreement." "The 'Involved Harm' lesson indicates worry and doubt, and the key is to examine clearly: if all lessons have mutual control, compare the extent of harm each deity suffers on the way back to their original home, and use the one with the greatest harm, which is called 'Involved Harm' (originally written as 'Hexagram Harm'); it requires careful examination of details, and affairs will be delayed and stuck, with difficulties hard to resolve. At this time, if troops are sent out, one should be cautious in observation and act according to opportunity."

蒿矢宜主彈宜客，彼此無功禍亦輕。凡神遙剋日，卦名蒿矢；日遙克神，卦名彈射，比無所中，凡事皆輕。此時出兵，雖凶無畏。我欲攻彼，亦不能中。大抵蒿矢利主，彈射利客。

The "Hao Shi" lesson is favorable for the main party, while the "Tan She" lesson is favorable for the opposing party. Both sides find it difficult to achieve success, and the troubles they bring are minor. If among the four lessons there is no direct conflict, and the heavenly stem of the heaven plate is remotely attacking the day stem to initiate the transmission, the lesson is called "Hao Shi." Conversely, if the day stem remotely attacks the heavenly stem of the heaven plate to initiate the transmission, the lesson is called "Tan She." This is like shooting arrows from a distance, missing the target, so all matters are light. When going to war, even if encountering misfortune, it is not to be feared. But if I want to attack the other side, I will also miss. In general, "Hao Shi" benefits the main party that acts later, while "Tan She" benefits the opposing party that acts first.

虎視關隔蛇潛伏。凡昴星為用，卦名虎視，剛日主動，柔日主伏。此時出兵，剛日防忌關梁，柔日利於隱伏。若攻討，彼亦潛伏。任行信止各安兵。凡天地伏吟，諸神各歸其位。剛日欲行中止，柔日伏藏不起。此時出兵，關梁阻塞，賊不出境。合者將離，居者將移，各安其境之象。

The "Tiger Watching" lesson indicates obstacles and also suggests the enemy is like a snake, hidden and not showing itself. If all four lessons lack a defeating element, and the initiating transmission is taken from the酉 position with the昴 star, the lesson is called "Tiger Watching." On a yang day (a strong day), action is taken; on a yin day (a gentle day), concealment occurs. When sending troops, on a yang day one should beware of blocked passes and bridges, while on a yin day it is favorable for secret ambushes. If one wishes to attack or campaign, the enemy also remains hidden and does not reveal itself. The "Hidden Chant" lesson is when neither side moves forward, and both remain still. If the Heaven Plate and Earth Plate coincide and remain unmoved, and the twelve gods return to their original positions, it is called "Hidden Chant." On a yang day, the original intention to move is halted halfway, while on a yin day, it is entirely concealed and not taken. When sending troops, the pass and bridge are blocked, and the enemy does not cross the border. Those who were originally united are about to scatter, and those who were originally settled are about to move. This is the image of each returning to its proper place.

由來反吟多反覆。凡天地反吟，諸神各易其位，禍福從外來，子逆臣奸之象。此時出兵，事多反覆，尤宜審忌。八專奸邪敵必爭。凡八專為用，陰陽共處，主客不分，此時出兵，遇敵必戰，要持正為吉。別責借途宜外助。凡別責為用，借徑而行，倚伏別物，此時出兵，要有外助方可，否則敗怯。諸般大體最須明。乙合龍常為用吉。天乙、六合、青龍、太常發用為吉。更兼旺相必成功。課體最要旺相。

The "Reverse Chant" lesson has always indicated that affairs are changeable and unpredictable: whenever the Heaven Plate and Earth Plate are in constant Six Clashes, and the twelve spirits are each in their opposite positions, it is called "Reverse Chant." Misfortune and fortune come from outside, indicating signs of a son being rebellious or a minister being treacherous. At this time, if an army goes out, things are likely to change repeatedly, and especially care must be taken. The "Eight Special" lesson indicates treachery; when encountering enemies, fighting is inevitable: whenever the heavenly stems and earthly branches are in the same position, yin and yang are mixed, and the host and guest are not distinguished in the initiating transmission, the lesson is called "Eight Special." At this time, if an army goes out and meets enemies, battle is certain, and one must hold to the correct path to achieve good fortune. The "Alternative Responsibility" lesson indicates traveling by way of another, and external support is needed: whenever the four lessons are incomplete and another heavenly stem or earthly branch is used in the initiating transmission, the lesson is called "Alternative Responsibility," which is like traveling through a borrowed path and relying on something else. At this time, if an army goes out, it must have external support; otherwise, it will retreat in fear. The above are general principles, which must be clearly understood. If the initiating transmission is accompanied by the four auspicious generals: Tian Yi, Liu He, Qing Long, and Tai Chang, it is a favorable lesson. If the lesson pattern is in a prosperous or strong state, success is certain. The most important aspect of the lesson pattern is that it must be in a prosperous or strong state.

偶聞驚報，即以月將加時起成四課，看發用吉凶，便知勝負，或戰或守，在為將者秘之而已。

By chance hearing an alarm, one immediately adds the "Month General" (the divine ruler of the zodiac sign where the sun is located, changing with the solar terms) of the current month to the time of the question to form the "Heaven Plate," arranging it into the "Four Lessons." Then one examines the "Initiating Transmission" (the first of the three transmissions) to determine if it is auspicious or ominous, thus foreseeing the outcome of victory or defeat. Whether to go to battle or to hold firm depends entirely on the general's own judgment, kept secret.

用起天乙，將軍大捷，開地千里，敵人畏伏。用起螣蛇，兵卒驚駭。上下相剋，士卒死傷。用起朱雀，士卒驚恐，妄作口舌。用起六合，將兵大勝，得子女玉帛。用起勾陳，士卒戰死，車折馬傷。用起青龍，將軍大勝，得敵人邦國府庫。

The initiating transmission if it originates from "Heavenly Ethereal" Nobleman, indicates the general will achieve a great victory, expand territory thousands of li, and the enemy will be afraid and submit. If the initiating transmission originates from "Teng Snake," the soldiers will be frightened and confused. If the initiating transmission is placed at the upper and lower divine generals who mutually control each other, soldiers will suffer casualties. If the initiating transmission originates from "Vermilion Bird," soldiers will be frightened and uneasy, and disputes will arise among them. If the initiating transmission originates from "Liu He," the officers will achieve a great victory, and they can obtain children, women, and treasures and wealth. If the initiating transmission originates from "Gou Chen," soldiers will die in battle, and chariots will be destroyed and horses injured. If the initiating transmission originates from "Azure Dragon," the general will achieve a great victory and be able to seize the treasury and wealth of the enemy state.

用起天后，將不戰自敗。用起太陰，士卒怯弱。用起玄武，軍兵逃亡，戰鬥不利。用起太常，將軍大勝。用起白虎，士卒死亡。用起天空，為敵欺詐，士卒不利。以上更看所乘之神，若吉將者，但相生為吉，凶將不利。若神將相剋，來禍，是謂內戰，不暇害我也。即前乙合龍常為用吉也。

The initiating transmission starts from the Heavenly Empress, indicating the commander will not fight but will suffer a defeat on his own. If the initiating transmission starts from Tai Yin, the soldiers will be timid and weak. If it starts from Xuan Wu, the soldiers will flee and the battle will be unfavorable. If it starts from Tai Chang, the commander will achieve a great victory. If it starts from Bai Hu, the soldiers will die. If it starts from Tian Kong, the army will be deceived by the enemy, which is detrimental to the soldiers. In all these cases, one should also consider the earthly branch deity accompanying the Heavenly General. If it is a favorable deity, then it is auspicious if the deity and the general mutually generate each other. If it is a malevolent deity, it will ultimately be unfavorable. If the deity and the general mutually control each other, misfortune will occur between them, which is called 'internal conflict'. The malevolent deities will be preoccupied with their own affairs and will have no time to harm others. This is exactly what the previous statement 'Yi combines with Long and Chang, which is considered auspicious' refers to, explaining the reason why the four auspicious generals - Tian Yi, Liu He, Qing Long, and Tai Chang - being used in the initiating transmission result in favorable outcomes.

其法，天罡加月建，亥、子、申、柘、寅五神所臨之日為吉，定執危成閉五日是也。丑戌二神所臨者非也。《經》云：“建破平守俱不用。”今丑戌所臨乃破、收也。

The method of selecting a day is: place the Tiangang (Chen) on the Month Builder of the current month to generate the Heaven Plate. Observe the days on which the five divine positions of Hai, Zi, Shen, You (replacing Zhuo), and Yin fall; these days are considered auspicious, corresponding to the five days of Ding, Zhi, Wei, Cheng, and Bi in the twelve values of Jianchu. The days on which Chou and Xu fall are not to be used. The Classic states: "Days of Jian, Po, Ping, and Shou cannot be used." Now, the days on which Chou and Xu fall are precisely Po day and Shou day, so they are not selected.

擇日天罡加月建，看其神覆用其軍視十二神所臨之處斷休咎。歲對登明神后下以亥子下為歲對，歲前頭下酉兼申以申酉下為歲前。河魁臨處為天府，餘神相逢不利人餘神者即卯辰巳午未五神，所臨處俱凶。天倉大吉加堪用大吉下為天倉，日辰在七神所臨之下並宜。

When selecting a day for military action, place the Tiangang (Chen) on top of the Month Builder (Yuejian), then determine the movement of troops by observing the positions covered by the various deities. This involves identifying which of the twelve deities fall under each of the earthly branches, and using this to judge auspiciousness or inauspiciousness. The positions under Dengming (Hai) and Shenhou (Zi) are called "Sui Dui"; the positions under Congkui (You) and Chuansong (Shen) are called "Sui Qian"; the position under Hekui (Xu) is called "Tian Fu". The positions covered by the remaining deities are considered inauspicious. These remaining deities refer to the branches of Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, and Wei, and wherever they fall is considered凶. The position under Daji (Chou) is called "Tian Cang", which is most suitable to use. In total, the seven auspicious deities are Sui Dui, Sui Qian, Tian Fu, and Tian Cang. If the Day Branch falls under any of these, it is considered favorable for military action.

乙巳丙辰丁巳日，癸亥宜令莫出軍。建寅逢六卯當七，累數加之是惡神。天乙絕氣日，正月初六、二月七、三月八、四月九、數至十二月是十七日，每月內忌之。每月四朝並十九，二十八行皆有逆。更有往亡須若避，不忌前途傷害人。六窮日，每月忌初四、十九、二十八。往亡日，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。

On the days of Yisi, Bingchen, Dingsi, and Guihai, military operations should be prohibited. In the first lunar month, which is built on寅 (Yin), the sixth day is to be avoided; in the second lunar month, built on卯 (Mao), the seventh day is to be avoided. Following this pattern, adding one day each month, these days are considered days when evil spirits are in charge — these are the "Days of the Absolute Deprivation of Heaven's Breath" (天乙绝气日). These days are the sixth day of the first lunar month, the seventh day of the second lunar month, the eighth day of the third lunar month, the ninth day of the fourth lunar month, continuing up to the seventeenth day of the twelfth lunar month. On these days, one should avoid activities. Additionally, on the fourth, nineteenth, and twenty-eighth days of each lunar month, traveling is to be avoided as these days are associated with reverse energy. The "Days of Going to Death" (往亡日) must also be avoided, as failure to do so may result in injury during travel. The "Six Poor Days" (六穷日) are also to be avoided, specifically the fourth, nineteenth, and twenty-eighth days of each lunar month. The "Days of Going to Death" occur on the寅 (Yin) day in the first lunar month, the巳 (Si) day in the second, the申 (Shen) day in the third, the亥 (Hai) day in the fourth, the卯 (Mao) day in the fifth, the午 (Wu) day in the sixth, the酉 (You) day in the seventh, the子 (Zi) day in the eighth, the辰 (Chen) day in the ninth, the未 (Wei) day in the tenth, the戌 (Xu) day in the eleventh, and the丑 (Chou) day in the twelfth.

莫犯章光四絕日。章光日，孟月乙丑，仲月丙寅、季月甲子，即歸忌煞也。四絕日，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，亦名四窮，無用空亡五帝辰。空亡者，截路是也。五帝日者，即五帝死葬日，甲戌、壬戌、己卯、乙卯、戊午、壬午、辛酉、丁巳、壬子是也。忌辰者，乙巳、丙辰、丁巳、癸亥日是也。

You should also avoid violating the "Zhang Guang Ri" and "Si Jue Ri." Zhang Guang Ri refers to: in the first months (January, April, July, October), if it is Yichou; in the second months (February, May, August, November), if it is Bingyin; in the third months (March, June, September, December), if it is Jiazi. This is also called the "Gui Ji Sha." Si Jue Ri refers to: in spring, Gengwu, Gengshen, Yihai; in summer, Renxu, Bingyin, Dinghai; in autumn, Jiachen, Yichou, Xinhai; in winter, Bingwu, Renchen, Guihai. This is also called "Si Qiong." In addition, Kongwang days, Wu Di days, and Ji Chen days should also not be used. Kongwang refers to the "Jie Lu Kongwang." Wu Di days are the days of the death and burial of the Five Emperors, which are Jiaxu, Renxu, Jimao, Yimao, Wuwu, Renwu, Xinyou, Dingsi, and Renzi. Ji Chen days are the four days: Yisi, Bingchen, Dingsi, and Guihai.

興兵須要選時辰，唯有神藏煞沒真。孟月甲丙庚壬取，仲月辰巽及乾坤。季月乙丁與辛癸，即此擇時煞不論。謂四煞沒於四絕也。

When launching an army, one must select an auspicious time. Among all the options, the one called "Shen Cang Sha Mei" is the most accurate and reliable. In the first months (January, April, July, October), choose the hours corresponding to Jia, Bing, Geng, and Ren. In the second months (February, May, August, November), choose the hours corresponding to Chen, Xun, Qian, and Kun. In the third months (March, June, September, December), choose the hours corresponding to Yi, Ding, Xin, and Gui. By following this method to select the time, one need not worry about malevolent forces, because all the harmful influences have been hidden in the four extreme positions.

何謂神藏最為利，貴人須要登天門。貴人臨地盤亥宮，則螣蛇落水，朱雀破頭，勾陳入獄，天空被剝，白虎燒身，玄武折足，是六神藏於六合，最為吉也。

What is meant by "Shen Cang" being most favorable? It refers to the Nobleman of Excellence ascending the Heavenly Gate. The Heavenly Gate refers to the亥 position on the Earth Plate. When the Nobleman falls into the亥 position on the Earth Plate, all the otherInauspicious General are completely controlled: the Teng Snake falls into water, the Vermilion Bird breaks the head, the Gou Chen enters prison, the Tian Kong is stripped away, the White Tiger is burned, and the Black Tortoise loses its foot. These sixInauspicious Spirit are each subdued by the position they occupy and hidden within Liu He. This is the most auspicious configuration, which is what the diviners call "the Nobleman ascending the Heavenly Gate."

螣蛇出穴緣非吉，白虎登山是凶橫。截路拔刀凶可畏，飛揚反戾總難容。暗金伏斷為凶曜，截路空亡也莫逢。都將月將加時看，更得吉神最為功。暗金伏斷煞，在《禽遁書·雷霆書》內。

The Teng Snake is in the Fire pit and moves recklessly, so it is not auspicious; the White Tiger ascends the high mountain, its fierce energy grows stronger, indicating a sign of violent and rebellious forces. The evil omen "Cutting the Road and Drawing the Knife" is extremely dangerous and fearsome, and the two other omens "Flying" and "Reversal" are also difficult to tolerate. "Hidden Metal Cut Off" is an evil star, and "Cutting the Road and Meeting Kongwang" is equally something to avoid. All these should be examined by using the Month General added to the time to turn out the Heaven Plate. If good spirits are also present at the position, then it is most favorable for achieving success. As for the method of calculating "Hidden Metal Cut Off," it is recorded in the "Book of Wild Birds and Animals" and the "Book of Thunder and Lightning."

聞驚之日切須記，兵朝即在本日存。時日果何擇？即用其子孫。如甲乙日聞驚，宜用丙丁巳午時，出兵大勝。緣甲乙木事，畏金為賊，故用火制之。是用驚日之子孫是也。若用克我者，其軍必主奔。如甲乙日聞驚，用庚申辛酉時出兵，必主敗亡，是用賊我也。

On the day the alarm is heard, it is essential to remember that the day for sending troops to face the enemy must be within that day. So how should the hour be chosen? Take the "son" of the day stem. For example, if the alarm is heard on a Jia or Yi day, use Bing, Ding, or Si, Wu (which are fire elements) as the hour for sending troops, and victory is certain. This is because Jia and Yi belong to wood, and they fear being attacked by metal, which is the thief that harms them. Using fire hours allows fire to overcome metal, thus controlling the thief. This is how one selects the hour for the alarm day's "son." Conversely, if one chooses an hour that is the thing that harms oneself, the army will surely scatter and flee. For instance, if the alarm is heard on a Jia or Yi day, but one chooses Gengshen or Xinyou (metal elements) as the hour for sending troops, certain defeat will follow, as it is like using the very thief that harms oneself.

日晚行疲欲建營，支干逢墓不安寧。注曰：日辰上有辰戌丑未加之，是為逢墓，當夜有賊兵至，宜防之。若當季之墓神，如春未、夏戌、秋丑、冬辰是也，逢此或空營設伏以待之，或別尋吉地以遷之。卯辰巳等宜防賊，兵書說此是三刑。

The sky has already grown dark and the army is tired from marching, and they wish to set up camp. If the day stem and day branch encounter theTomb Spirit (mù shén, tomb god), the camp will not be peaceful. The original commentary says that if the day stem or day branch is overlaid by one of the four墓 (mù, tomb) signs—辰 (chén), 戌 (xū), 丑 (chǒu), or 未 (wèi)—it is called "meeting the tomb." That night, enemy soldiers will attack, and one should be prepared in advance. If the encounteredTomb Spirit is the one corresponding to the current season—wood's tomb is in 未 (wèi) in spring, fire's tomb is in 戌 (xū) in summer, metal's tomb is in 丑 (chǒu) in autumn, and water's tomb is in 辰 (chén) in winter—then either one should intentionally leave the camp empty and set up ambushes to wait for the enemy, or find another auspicious place and move the camp. In addition, one should also be cautious of 卯 (mǎo), 辰 (chén), and 巳 (sì), as they are also associated with thieves. Military texts say that when these three are connected, it is called "three punishments" (三刑, sān xíng).

若見魁罡為恐怖。注曰：辰為天罡，戌為河魁，二神臨日辰，當夜有驚怖。將兼龍虎虛遭驚。注曰：辰為龍，寅為虎，二神加日辰，主夜遭虛驚，螣蛇、白虎亦是龍虎，加日辰亦防賊至。大吉臨干宜急去。注曰：丑為龍虎，若加臨本日干，不宜安營，急宜移之。不逢斯將即堪寧。注曰：不逢三刑、五墓、白虎、魁罡，及丑不臨干，安營大吉，旦暮安寧也。

If the two deities Hekui and Tiangang appear on the day, there will be frightening events at night. The original commentary says: Chen is Tiangang, and Xu is Hekui. When these two deities are added to the day stem and day branch, there will certainly be fear during the night. If both the dragon and tiger deities also appear, there will be a false alarm. The original commentary says: Chen is the dragon, and Yin is the tiger. When these two are added to the day stem and day branch, it indicates a false alarm at night. The two deities Teng Snake and White Tiger among the Twelve Heavenly Generals are also considered dragon and tiger. When they are added to the day stem and day branch, one should also be cautious of enemy troops arriving. If the deity Daji (Chou) appears on the day stem, one should quickly move. The original commentary says: Chou is dragon and tiger. If it appears on the day stem, it is not suitable to stay camped there, and one must move quickly. If none of theseInauspicious General (malevolent generals) are encountered, one can rest safely. The original commentary says: If one does not meet the Three Punishments, Five Tombs, White Tiger, or Hekui and Tiangang, and Chou does not appear on the day stem, then setting up camp is very auspicious, and there will be peace and safety from morning to night.