Choosing a Route for Marching

遇寇途中擇路行，勝光為武休北征。注曰：凡行兵擇路，先看玄武所乘之神。如勝光火玄武乘之，不可向北方水鄉用兵，謂火畏水故也。見木為之忌申酉。玄武乘寅卯不可西征，謂木畏金克也。庚辛南征不宜兵。玄武乘金神不宜南征，金累火克也。水不宜向土，土不宜向木地。玄武畏方為危地。玄武所畏之方為受危之地，不可征進。又《出軍擇道》云：“視日辰行年上神能制玄武，攻賊不敢敵。”軍帥須得會其情。當審五行之情狀。

When encountering enemy forces and needing to choose a route, if 「Shengguang」 (Wu) is riding on the Black Tortoise, do not advance northward. The original commentary says: when selecting a route for military movement, first look at which earthly branch deity the Black Tortoise is riding. If the Black Tortoise is riding on Shengguang (Wu fire), then do not use troops in the northern direction, which belongs to water, because fire fears water. If the Black Tortoise is riding on wood, then avoid the directions of Shen and You: if the Black Tortoise is riding on寅 or卯 (wood), do not advance westward, because wood fears metal. If the Black Tortoise is riding on metal deities such as Geng or Xin, then do not advance southward, because metal is afraid of fire. Similarly, if the Black Tortoise is riding on water deities, avoid the direction of land; if it is riding on earth deities, avoid the direction of wood. In summary, the direction that the Black Tortoise fears is the dangerous direction for our army, and we must not advance there. Additionally, the text 「Choosing the Route for Military Campaigns」 says: 「Observe the day stem, day branch, and the deity above the general's birth year. If they can subdue the Black Tortoise, then when attacking the enemy, the enemy will not dare to resist.」 Commanders must understand this principle and carefully examine the relationships of generation and overcoming among the Five Phases.

軍行擇路實多途，更以陰陽作歲模。亥卯未、巳酉丑為陰歲，申子辰、寅午戌為陽歲也。陽歲大吉來加上。陽年以丑加陽歲君。陰歲還將小吉鋪。陰歲以未加陰歲君，俱順行。丙壬之下為人道。丙屬巳，壬屬亥，天罡巳亥所臨之下為人道。甲庚之下是天居。即天盤寅申下是天道也，宜往之。

When choosing a route for military movement, there are many doors and paths, but one must also establish another pattern based on the yin and yang of the year's branch. The branches亥, 卯, 未 and 巳, 酉, 丑 belong to the yin years, while 申, 子, 辰 and 寅, 午, 戌 belong to the yang years. When encountering a yang year, add 「Daji」 (Wei) to it, placing Wei on top of the current year's branch. When encountering a yin year, add 「Xiaoji」 (Chou) to it, placing Chou on top of the current year's branch. Both are arranged in the order of clockwise movement through the twelve gods. The dry branches 丙 and 壬 correspond to the 「human path」: 丙 is associated with 巳, and 壬 is associated with 亥. The Tiangang (Chen) falls in the position below 巳 and 亥, which is the human path. The dry branches 甲 and 庚 correspond to the 「heavenly dwelling」: the heaven plate's 寅 and 申 are the heavenly path, suitable for marching in these directions.

聞賊未知賊所在，加時春乙夏居丁。乙干寄辰官，丁干寄未宮。秋辛冬癸名天目。辛干寄戌宮、癸干寄丑官。賊當在下伏其形。聞賊以月將加時，視天目所加之方，賊在其下。天目者，春辰、夏末、秋戌、冬丑是也。春占占尋辰，餘仿此。

If there is an enemy but its location is unknown, use the Month General combined with the time of the divination to arrange the Heaven Plate: in spring look for Yi, in summer look for Ding. The Yi stem resides in the Chen palace, and the Ding stem resides in the Wei palace. In autumn look for Xin, in winter look for Gui. These are collectively called "Heaven's Eye." The Xin stem resides in the Xu palace, and the Gui stem resides in the Chou palace. The enemy is hidden beneath the Heaven's Eye. When hearing of enemy movements, use the Month General combined with the time of the divination to arrange the Heaven Plate, and observe where the Heaven's Eye falls; the enemy is hidden beneath that direction. The Heaven's Eye in spring is Chen, in summer is Wei (the original text says "Mo"), in autumn is Xu, and in winter is Chou. In spring, seek Chen; for the other three seasons, follow the same pattern.

途中前後疑逢寇，大吉所臨知賊程。丑為大吉，月將加時，大吉臨處即知賊駐向。臨於子午太沖下。丑臨子午，賊在卯下。若加辰戌伏登明。丑加辰戌，賊在亥下。寅申定是居參宿。參者，申中宿也；丑加寅申，賊在傳送下。丑未必應藏軫星。大吉加丑未，賊在巳下，軫者，巳中宿也。卯酉河魁下潛伏。大吉加卯酉，賊在戍下。巳亥還在大吉停。丑加巳亥，賊在丑下。帶刑旺相難沖擊。在處或刑日辰，或旺相不可攻擊。設法抽軍別路行。既不可擊，當卜吉路而行也。

If you suspect enemies are ahead or behind on the road, look at where the "Daji" (Chou) is located to determine the enemy's movement. Chou is Daji. Use the Month General added to the time of the divination to turn out the Heaven Plate. Where Daji falls, that is where the enemy is stationed. If Daji is on Zi or Wu, the enemy is under Mao. If Daji is on Chen or Xu, the enemy is under Dengming (Hai). If Daji is on Yin or Shen, the enemy is under the Three Stars mansion, which is in the position of Shen, so the enemy is under Chuansong (Shen). If Daji is on Chou or Wei, the enemy is under Zhěn star, which is in the position of Si, so the enemy is under Si. If Daji is on Mao or You, the enemy is under Hekui (Xu). If Daji is on Si or Hai, the enemy remains under Chou. If the enemy's position involves a crime star or is in a prosperous and strong state, it is difficult to attack directly. It may either harm my Day Stem and Day Branch or have strong momentum, so a direct attack is not advisable. In such cases, the army should be withdrawn to another route. Since direct attack is not possible, one should first determine the auspicious path before proceeding with the march.

賊近我軍推前後。出兵臨敵，不知賊在前後，或陰有諜間，不可不占也。加時占測用防奸。以月將加時，方知敵奸，便於進退也。巳申子卯臨支後。巳申子卯四神，內有一神臨支辰者，賊在我後，當反營以待之。立在干頭已去前。上四神有一神加在干上，賊在前，去當備前；不臨支干，前後無賊。干若居支寇當道。日干加辰上，主賊正當要路也。支若居干隨我軒。辰加日干，主賊隨我後來，急宜回營以待之。

When the enemy approaches our army, we need to determine whether they are in front or behind. When we deploy troops to face the enemy, if we do not know whether the enemy is ahead or behind, nor whether there are spies secretly sent, we must cast a divination. Using the Month General combined with the time of casting the divination is precisely to uncover spies. If the four spirits of巳, 申, 子, and 卯 are present on the Day Branch, the enemy is behind our army: if any of these four spirits fall on the Day Branch, the enemy is behind us, and we should reverse our camp to face them. If these four spirits are on the Day Stem, the enemy is in front, and we should be cautious when advancing. If the four spirits are neither on the Day Stem nor on the Day Branch, then there are no enemies in front or behind. If the Day Stem is on the Day Branch, the enemy is blocking the main road; if the Day Branch is on the Day Stem, the enemy is following closely behind our troops, and we should quickly return to our camp to wait.

恐寇埋伏軍要程。若欲行程，恐有伏兵，以月將加時占之。支干上訣最靈通。干支手上一訣鬼神通其靈應。巳申子卯支干伏。四神有一神加臨支干者，是為鬼神通其吉凶。敵寇奸邪布伏兵。即知敵寇有伏兵，宜謹防之。四字不臨，無伏兵。

When fearing that enemies might have set a trap along our route of march, we also use this method. If we are about to set out and fear ambushes, we use the Month General combined with the time of departure to cast a divination. The formula above the Day Stem and Day Branch is most accurate. By simply pushing it on the palm, the spirits will respond. If the four divine spirits—巳 (Si), 申 (Shen), 子 (Zi), and 卯 (Mao)—are located above the Day Stem and Day Branch, meaning any one of them is placed on the stem or branch, it indicates that the enemy is cunning and has already set an ambush; we should be cautious. If none of these four spirits are on the stem or branch, then there is no ambush.

旺相帶刑逢必戰。旺者，春占得卯，夏占得巳，秋占得申，冬占得子。相者，春火，夏土，秋水，冬木，季金是也。刑者，子卯刑之類。逢旺帶刑，必戰。休囚空亡不敢徵。休者，春水，夏木，秋土，冬金，四季火。囚者，春金，夏水，秋水，冬土，四季木是也。空亡者，甲子旬戌亥空，餘仿此。若逢此，我不敢戰，宜固守。

If the divine entity in question is both prosperous and strong and also carries a刑, conflict is certain. Prosperity means in spring the divine entity is in卯, in summer in巳, in autumn in申, and in winter in子. Strength means in spring fire is the strength, in summer earth is the strength, in autumn water is the strength, and in winter wood is the strength.刑 refers to cases like子刑卯. When both prosperity and strength are present along with刑, they stimulate each other, leading to war. Conversely, if the divine entity is in a resting or confined state or falls underKongwang, it will not dare to go to war. Resting means in spring water is at rest, in summer wood is at rest, in autumn earth is at rest, and in winter metal is at rest. Confined means in spring metal is confined, in summer water is confined, in autumn water is confined, and in winter earth is confined.Kongwang means in the ten days of Jiazi, the branches戌 and亥 are empty, and the same applies to the other ten-day periods. When these conditions occur, we should not go to war but instead remain defensive.

干傷前伏支傷後。支上神克干並干上神，干受傷，伏兵在我前；干上神克支並支上神，為支傷，賊在我後。支干俱損莫沖驚。若干上神克干，支上神克支，謂支干俱損，前後俱有伏兵，固守吉，戰則凶。

The day stem is harmed, indicating hidden troops ahead; the day branch is harmed, indicating hidden troops behind. If the heavenly stem of the day is harmed, or if the heavenly stem harms the day stem, this is called the day stem being harmed, with hidden troops in front of our army. If the heavenly stem of the day harms the day branch, or if the heavenly stem harms the heavenly stem of the day branch, this is called the day branch being harmed, with enemies behind our army. If both the day stem and day branch are harmed, do not rashly act or provoke them. When both the stem and branch are damaged, it means the heavenly stem of the day harms the day stem, and the heavenly stem of the day branch harms the day branch. Hidden troops are stationed both in front and behind. In this case, it is auspicious to hold firm and inauspicious to fight.

賊勢憑凌我未強。注曰：若途中逢賊，他強我弱，抽軍迴避。看天罡。以月將加時，看天罡落在何字上，以避其強猛。繫孟直須從右隱。辰為天罡，如加寅申巳亥之孟神，從右道隱而避之，吉。仲季回軍向左藏。子卯午酉為四仲，辰戌丑未為四季，天罡加此八神之一位者，向左藏之無咎。

When the enemy's strength is overwhelming and our side is not yet strong enough, we should retreat and avoid confrontation. The original commentary says: if we meet the enemy on the way, and they are stronger while we are weaker, we should withdraw our troops to avoid them. The direction to retreat should be determined by the Tiangang (Heavenly Stem). Using the Month General (Yuejiang) combined with the time of the day, we determine the Heaven Plate (Tianpan), and see where the Tiangang (Chen) falls. Based on this, we can avoid the enemy's strong force. If the Tiangang falls on one of the four Meng positions, we should retreat to the right. Chen is the Tiangang; if it is combined with Yin, Shen, Si, or Hai (the four Meng deities), we should retreat to the right for good fortune. If the Tiangang falls on one of the four Zhong or four Ji positions, we should hide our troops to the left. Zi, Mao, Wu, and You are the four Zhong positions, while Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei are the four Ji positions. If the Tiangang is combined with any of these eight positions, retreating to the left will not be wrong.

從魁小吉太沖地。酉為從魁，未為小吉，卯為太沖。此三神者，為天之三門，再為除定開危，是天門地戶庇護。天上加臨逃難方。以月將加時，看天盤卯酉未三字落在何方，向之可以避難也。如遇旺方，不可駐，春不宜東，餘仿此。

"The three places 'Congkui,' 'Xiaoji,' and 'Taichong' are good places for seeking refuge. 'You' is called 'Congkui,' 'Wei' is called 'Xiaoji,' and 'Mao' is called 'Taichong'; these three deities are collectively known as the 'Three Gates' in the heavens. If they also coincide with the four values 'Chu,' 'Ding,' 'Kai,' and 'Wei' from the twelve values of the month, then the heavenly gate and earthly gate are protecting, making it the most secure. Look at where the three characters on the Heaven Plate fall, that direction is where one should go to escape danger. Use the Month General plus the time to generate the Heaven Plate, and see where the characters 'Mao,' 'You,' and 'Wei' fall. Head in that direction to avoid danger. However, if the direction is in the season's strong energy, one should not stay there—such as in spring when wood is strong, it is not advisable to go east, and similar reasoning applies to the other seasons."

見賊行程渡彼間。兩國相戰，不知彼情虛實，差人越渡，間以覘之。行年歲月日沖難忌。去人行年並太歲、月建、日、時沖破之方，不可去。將軍與去人行年相沖亦同。訣曰：“凶不凶，視破沖”也。

To determine the enemy's movements and route, one must send people to cross into the enemy's territory. When two countries are at war and the enemy's strengths and weaknesses are unknown, they send spies across the border to gather intelligence. When sending people, the most important thing is to avoid directions that conflict with the sender's year stem, the year's stem (too su), the month builder, and the day branch. Any direction that conflicts with the sender's year stem, or with the year's stem, month builder, day, or hour, should not be chosen. If the general's year stem conflicts with the sender's year stem, then sending the person is also not advisable. There is a mnemonic that says: "To determine if something is dangerous or not, look for breaks and conflicts."

支干上將休囚惡。如春三月差人，日辰上見水神將，謂之休；見金神，謂之囚，逢此不可往，主凶。旺相相生去即安。若秋三月，辰上見金神將，謂之旺；見水神將，謂之相。逢見旺相，渡關即安矣。

If the Heavenly Generals riding on the Day Stem and Day Branch fall into a place of decline and captivity, it is an ominous sign. For example, during the three months of spring, if the Day Stem and Day Branch encounter a Water General, Water is in decline in spring; if they encounter a Metal General, Metal is in captivity in spring—encountering these two situations is not advisable, indicating danger. Conversely, if one receives the strength of prosperity and mutual generation with the Day Branch, then going forth will be safe. For instance, during the three months of autumn, if the Day Branch encounters a Metal General, Metal is in its prosperous phase in autumn; if it encounters a Water General, Water is in a phase of mutual generation in autumn. Encountering the strength of prosperity ensures safe passage through checkpoints.

賊欲相凌切要知，游都作限用占之。游都甲己當在丑。注曰：甲己二日丑為游都，以月將加時尋丑，餘仿此。乙庚在子丙辛箕。乙庚二日子為游都，丙辛二日寅為游都，箕者是寅中宿也。丁壬居巳言非謬。丁壬二日巳為游都。戊癸向申更莫疑。戊癸二日申為游都。

The enemy is about to invade, and the most important thing is to know in advance, which is determined by the divine sign called "You Du." On Jia day and Ji day, You Du falls on Chou. The original commentary says that on Jia and Ji days, Chou is considered You Du. Using the Month General added to the time of the divination, one turns out the Heaven Plate to find the position of Chou. The same method applies to other days. On Yi day and Geng day, You Du falls on Zi. On Bing day and Xin day, You Du falls on Ji. On Yi and Geng days, You Du is on Zi. On Bing and Xin days, You Du is on Yin, as Ji is the star mansion of Yin, so Ji is used to refer to Yin. On Ding day and Ren day, You Du is on Si. This is not false. On Wu day and Gui day, You Du points toward Shen. There is no doubt about this.

游都伏日今將到。假如甲午日占，以月將加時，如丑加本日甲，謂游都伏日，主賊今日來。如丑加午支亦然。前支一日在明期。如游都加支前一神，賊明日來也。二三依次須防禦。如游都加支前二神，第二日賊來；加支前三神，第三日來也。若臨前四不侵圍。游都臨前四辰，主賊過去不來也。

If the Yu Du is located on the day's stem and branch, the enemy will arrive today. For example, on a Jiawu day, using the month general to cast the Heaven Plate, if the Chou (Yu Du of the Jia day) falls exactly on the position of the day's stem Jia, this is called "Yu Du伏日" (Yu Du hidden on the day), indicating the enemy will arrive today. If the Chou falls on the day's branch Wu, it is the same. If the Yu Du is located on the position before the day's branch, the enemy will arrive tomorrow. If the Yu Du is placed on the first position before the day's branch, the enemy will arrive the next day. If it falls on the second or third position before the day's branch, the enemy will arrive on the second or third day respectively. If the Yu Du falls on the fourth position before the day's branch, the enemy will not attack but pass by.

游都旺相支干畏。假如春三月丙辛日占，寅為游都，是旺；丁壬日占，巳為游都，為相；加本日干支，占賊勢甚強，是為畏也，宜避之則吉。賊勢憑凌難守持。游都旺相主賊必來，勾陳克游都賊亦敗，不然主難守禦，宜急避之方可也。

If the You Du is in a prosperous and strong condition and also falls on the day stem or day branch, it indicates something we should fear. For example, in the three months of spring, if the day is Bing or Xin, and寅 is You Du, since wood is strong in spring, You Du will also be strong; if the day is Ding or Ren, and巳 is You Du, since fire is in its phase in spring, You Du will receive the phase energy. If such a You Du also appears on the day stem or day branch, it indicates a very strong enemy force, which is a fearful omen. Avoiding it is auspicious. The enemy's strength is overwhelming, and we cannot hold our ground. When You Du is prosperous and strong, it indicates that the enemy will definitely attack. At this time, if Gou Chen comes to restrain You Du, the enemy will still be defeated; otherwise, it will be difficult to defend, and we must hurry to avoid.

游都和處喜降卒。游都落處上下相生，必有降卒。畏下難侵大戰時。游都臨所畏之方，主彼、父子不相親，中外不相信，賊不敢侵，我應大戰，我勝彼負。若以游都臨受制之方為彼勝，則謬矣。

The movement of the Yu Du falls in a position that harmonizes with the position it is governing, which is a good sign as enemy soldiers will surrender. When Yu Du falls in a place where the upper and lower divine branches mutually generate, there will certainly be surrendered troops. If Yu Du falls in a direction it fears or is controlled by, the enemy's internal relations are discordant, and even in the midst of a major battle, they will not dare to attack. At this time, within the enemy camp, father and son are not close, and the central commander does not trust the outer generals, so the enemy dares not attack. We should then launch a major battle, and we will win while the enemy will lose. If someone mistakenly interprets the position where Yu Du is controlled as a victory for the enemy, that would be a great mistake.

居在東南災稍重。若游都屬木火加東方猛烈兮堅城壘，居西兮速備關津，為得相氣也。臨之西北禍當微。游都臨西北，其賊遲疑未進，可息兵勞士。若臨北方賊歸本家，宜安息。

The place of the wandering capital is located in the east and south, where calamity is more severe. If the wandering capital belongs to wood or fire and is located in the east, the enemy's force will be especially fierce, and at this time one should strengthen the fortifications. If it is located in the west, one should hurry to guard the passes and river crossings, because the enemy gains the supportive energy there. If the wandering capital is located in the northwest, the calamity will be less severe: when the wandering capital is in the northwest, the enemy hesitates and does not advance, and the army can rest and reward the soldiers. If the wandering capital is located in the north, the enemy has already returned to its own country, and it is most suitable to arrange rest and recuperation.

不見游都視天乙。如游都離日辰遠，謂之不見游都，當視天乙貴人加日辰否。臨日還如都將推。如天乙加日辰，賊亦來；不臨不來也。子辰巳未加今日。子為神后，辰為天罡，巳為太乙，未為小吉，如加今日支干。賊到猖狂疾似飛。主賊來疾而去速也，或半路而回。

If the course does not show the message of You Du, then look at Tian Yi Gu Ren instead. If You Du is far away from the day stem and day branch, this is called "not seeing You Du," and then check whether Tian Yi Gu Ren is added upon the day stem and day branch. If Tian Yi is on the day stem and day branch, enemies will still come as per the method of You Du; if it is not added upon them, enemies will not come. If the four spirits Zi, Chen, Si, and Wei are added upon the current day's stem and branch—Zi is Shen Hou, Chen is Tian Gang, Si is Tai Yi, and Wei is Xiao Ji—then when enemies arrive, they will be fierce and swift like flying: this indicates that enemies come quickly and leave quickly, sometimes even turning back halfway.

傳聞賊去問疑奸。報聞賊去，恐奸媒作誘，不可不占。專尋斗罡繫處占看。注曰：斗者，天罡也。月將加時，天罡落在十二辰何字上。加孟未行加仲發。天罡加孟賊尚在，加仲已發主路行。加季如今向遠山。若天罡加季神，賊己遠去矣。

It is said that the enemy has withdrawn, but one should be suspicious of this report and consult a divination. If someone comes to report that the enemy has retreated, it might be a trap set by spies, so it is necessary to consult. The method involves looking at where the "Dǒu Gāng" (斗罡) falls. The original commentary says: "Dǒu" refers to the "Tian Gang" (天罡), which is Chen. Using the "Yue Jiang" (月将) and the time of the divination, one turns out the "Tian Pan" (天盘) to see which of the twelve earthly branches the Tian Gang falls on. If the Tian Gang is on one of the four "Meng" positions, the enemy has not yet moved; if it is on one of the four "Zhong" positions, the enemy has already started moving. If the Tian Gang is on a "Meng" position, the enemy is still at its original location; if it is on a "Zhong" position, it means the enemy has already begun to march. If the Tian Gang is on one of the four "Si" positions, the enemy is now heading towards distant mountains. If the Tian Gang is on the "Si" deity, the enemy has already gone far away.

大吉臨干將出界。一法，視大吉臨干，主賊出界，不論天罡。又一法，大吉臨干，賊出界。未到猶自在吾關。如大吉不臨干，不過干，猶在我關住也。

"Big Auspicious" (Chou) added to the day stem indicates that the enemy army is about to leave the territory. There is a method that says: only check whether "Big Auspicious" is on the day stem; if it is, it indicates the enemy is leaving, without needing to consider Tiangang. Another method says: if "Big Auspicious" is on the day stem, the enemy has already crossed the boundary. If "Big Auspicious" has not yet reached the day stem, the enemy is still within our border posts. If "Big Auspicious" is not on the day stem and has not passed it, it means the enemy is still blocked within our border and has not left.

或被兵圍不須忙。若陡然遇賊圍，不必驚忙，東走西奔，亂撞取害，當凝神以占之。加時出路望天罡。太公曰：“行兵千里，斗到必通。”斗者，天罡也，以月將加時，尋天罡下一宮而可出。若天罡方無路出，可尋三宮時，三宮時者，是亥子丑也。

If suddenly surrounded by enemy troops, do not panic. If unexpectedly encircled, do not be frightened and run about haphazardly, for rushing hither and thither will only bring disaster. Instead, remain calm and take a divination lesson. To find a way out, use the Month General combined with the time of the divination to determine the Heaven Plate and look for the Tiangang. The Master said, "When marching a thousand li, wherever the handle of the dipper points, there is a way to pass through." The dipper refers to the Tiangang. Using the Month General combined with the time of the divination, find the palace that corresponds to the Tiangang. From that palace, one can break through. If there is no way out in the direction of the Tiangang, then look for the 'Three Palaces' time, which refers to the palaces of Hai, Zi, and Chou.

若值絳宮申酉地。以月將加時，若亥臨子午卯酉為絳宮，軍宜向天上申酉下出。明堂時往太沖方。子臨子午卯酉，為明堂，宜向天盤卯方出。玉堂宜出天魁下。如遇丑臨子午卯酉，為玉堂，宜向戌字下出，利。若鋒芒人極張。謂軍履險危之地，忽逢豪強之賊，勢雄不可當，向天罡可出，此為人極張也。

If encountering the "Jianggong" pattern, the army should break out from the directions of Shen and You. Using the Month General combined with the time of the divination to determine the Heaven Plate, if亥 falls on one of the four cardinal directions of Zi, Wu, Mao, or You, it is called Jianggong, and the army should break out in the direction corresponding to Shen and You on the Heaven Plate. If encountering "Mingtang," the army should move towards the direction of Taichong (Mao): if Zi falls on one of the four cardinal directions of Zi, Wu, Mao, or You, it is called Mingtang, and it is favorable to break out from the direction of Mao on the Heaven Plate. If encountering "Yutang," it is advisable to break out from the direction of Tiankui (Xu): if Chou falls on one of the four cardinal directions of Zi, Wu, Mao, or You, it is called Yutang, and breaking out from the direction of Xu is favorable. As for the phrase "Fengmang Renji Zhang," it refers to the army being in a dangerous situation and suddenly encountering a powerful enemy with overwhelming strength. In such a case, breaking out towards the direction of Tiangang will allow escape, and this situation is called Renji Zhang.

日辰上將相生吉。注曰：傷不傷，視陰陽。若被兵圍，日辰上將神相生者吉。相剋如今有損傷。若日辰上將神戰克，又制日辰，必損傷，用兵者宜審之。

The Heavenly General above the Day Stem and Day Branch and the deity it rides upon, if they mutually generate each other, indicate good fortune. The original commentary says: to determine whether we will suffer harm, we should look at the coordination between the yin and yang lessons. If surrounded by enemy troops, when the Heavenly General and deity on the Day Stem and Day Branch mutually generate each other, it is a good omen. If they mutually control each other, there will be immediate injury: when the Heavenly General and deity on the Day Stem and Day Branch fight and control each other, and further control the Day Stem and Day Branch, there will certainly be some damage. Those in command should examine this carefully.

兩軍相守已經時。謂兩軍相持，安營極久，今朝憂戰。始占之。以月將加時，戰不戰占之，則吉凶可知矣。勾陳剋日刑沖斗。如勾陳乘神剋日辰，又逢刑沖日辰，主戰。刑者，如甲子日勾陳乘卯是也。不克無刑各護持。《經》曰：“斗不斗，勾陳輳；殺不殺，相刑壓。”勾陳有刑則戰，否則不戰。

Two armies have been facing each other for a long time. This means they are holding positions, each setting up their camps for a long period, and today morning there is concern about a battle. Therefore, this divination was performed. Using the Month General to add the time and turning out the Heaven Plate, we can determine whether there will be a battle today or not, and know the fortune or misfortune. If the god riding on Gou Chen (勾陈) is in control of a branch that is in mutual control with the day branch, and also brings punishment and clash, then battle will occur. If the god riding on Gou Chen is in mutual control with both the day stem and the day branch, and also brings punishment and clash to both the day stem and the day branch, then battle will definitely happen today. Punishment refers to situations like when on a Jiazi day, Gou Chen is on the Mao branch, and the Zi and Mao branches are in mutual punishment. If neither mutual control nor punishment occurs, then both sides will just guard their camps and not fight. The classic says: "Whether to fight or not, look to whether Gou Chen approaches; whether to kill or not, look to whether there is mutual punishment or pressure." If Gou Chen brings punishment, battle will occur; otherwise, no battle will happen.

大吉小吉支干上。丑為大吉，未為小吉，二神有一神臨支干。兩軍俱解固疆圍。主兩軍俱解不戰也。斗罡加孟須堅守。天罡加孟，宜堅守營壘。加仲相傷彼此疲。天罡加仲不利出軍，急宜謹備。臨季出軍攻擊好。若天罡加季，宜出兵急攻，主大得勝回。得勝名之是順機。是用兵取勝之順機也。

When "Daji" (Chou) or "Xiaoji" (Wei) falls upon the day stem and day branch — Chou is called Daji and Wei is called Xiaoji — these two deities will cause both armies to lift the siege and cease fighting, each defending their own territory. This indicates that both sides will withdraw from battle. If Tiangang is placed in the four beginning positions, it is advisable to hold firm: when Tiangang is in the beginning position, one should remain in camp and not go out. When Tiangang is in the four middle positions, both sides will suffer losses and become exhausted: when Tiangang is in the middle position, it is not favorable to go out for battle, and one should be cautious and prepared. When Tiangang is in the four end positions, it is best to attack: when Tiangang is in the end position, it is advisable to launch a swift attack, leading to a great victory. This victory is called Shunji, which is the favorable opportunity for military success.

六害來加年命上。六害者，寅巳、卯辰、丑午、子未、酉戌、申亥是也。若主將行年本命上見六害，再與凶神並者，當日時必敗。此時攻戰自遭刑。遇此刑害，必遭刑傷，為將者不可不審也。白虎若並凶更甚，日辰還忌切須明。日辰上亦不可逢六害白虎也，慎之慎之！《經》曰：“敗不敗，視六害。”

If the six harmful combinations fall on the main general's year of birth or his true birth year, he should be cautious. The six harmful combinations are the pairs of寅 and巳, 卯 and辰, 丑 and午, 子 and未, 酉 and戌, and 申 and亥. If the main general's current year, year of birth, and true birth year encounter these six harmful combinations, and if they are also accompanied byInauspicious Spirit in the same position, then at that time and place, the battle will certainly be lost. At such a time, the general himself will suffer punishment and injury. When encountering such punishments and harms, certain injuries will definitely occur, so generals must carefully examine these matters. If these harmful combinations also occur together with the White Tiger, the danger becomes even greater. The day stem and day branch should also be avoided from encountering these six harmful combinations and the White Tiger. This point must be clearly understood: the day stem and day branch should not encounter the six harmful combinations or the White Tiger. Be extremely cautious! The classic says: "To determine whether a battle will be lost or not, look at the six harmful combinations."

戰雄用起春寅勝，夏巳秋申冬亥升。注曰：雄者，乃春寅、夏巳、秋申、冬亥是也。其法專主分主客，雄臨日干客勝，雄臨支辰主勝。對沖為雌值凶惡。注曰：雌者，春申、夏亥，秋寅，冬巳是也。雌臨干客敗，雌臨支主敗。此術標題《龍首》經。昔黃帝得此，乘龍昇天之日，傳於三子，明授龍前，故名曰《龍首經》。

"Zhan Xiong" initiates the transmission. In spring, if it meets寅, it prevails; in summer, if it meets巳, in autumn, if it meets申, and in winter, if it meets亥, all indicate rising momentum. The original commentary says: the term "Xiong" refers to these four positions:寅 in spring,巳 in summer,申 in autumn, and亥 in winter. This method is specifically used to distinguish between the main and the guest forces: if the Xiong deity is on the day stem, the guest force prevails; if it is on the day branch, the main force prevails. The opposite of Xiong is called "Ci." When it occurs, it indicates misfortune. The original commentary says: the term "Ci" refers to these four positions:申 in spring,亥 in summer,寅 in autumn, and巳 in winter. If the Ci deity is on the day stem, the guest force is defeated; if it is on the day branch, the main force is defeated. This method comes from the "Longshou Jing." In ancient times, the Yellow Emperor obtained it and passed it down to his three sons on the day he rode a dragon to ascend to heaven, personally transmitting it before the dragon, hence the name "Longshou Jing."

兩軍交戰誰當勝，主客後先看日辰。先起為客後為主。其法，以日辰分主客，以先起兵為客，後起兵為主。上將明之不陷軍。為將者先明主客，方知勝負。干害支兼上克下。干克支利客，宜先起兵，用得上克下亦然，利客。反宜做主人。干克支上，上克下，利客。支克干，下賊上，是反宜做主人，宜後起兵勝。

To determine which side will win in a battle between two armies, one must look at the Day Stem and Day Branch to identify the host and the guest. The one who moves first is considered the guest, and the one who moves later is considered the host. This method uses the Day Stem and Day Branch to distinguish between host and guest: the one who initiates the attack is the guest, and the one who follows is the host. A general must understand this distinction to avoid losing his army. Only by clearly identifying who is the host and who is the guest can one assess the outcome of the battle. If the Day Stem overcomes or harms the Day Branch, and there is also an upper god overcoming the lower god, it is advantageous for the guest, and it is favorable to initiate the attack first. If the initiating transmission takes the form of the upper overcoming the lower, it also benefits the guest. Conversely, if the Day Branch overcomes the Day Stem, and the lower god overcomes the upper god, then it is favorable to be the host, and waiting to attack later will lead to victory.

本將行年宜制虎。主將本命行年克白虎吉，若白虎克主將年命者凶。不然須見克勾陳。如白虎不相剋制，卻宜主將年命克勾陳。如本將年命辰木，勾陳乘土，是克勾陳，餘仿此。

The main general's year of birth should ideally be able to control the White Tiger. If the main general's destiny and the year's spirit can overcome the White Tiger, it is auspicious; conversely, if the White Tiger overcomes the main general's year of birth and destiny, it is inauspicious. If there is no controlling relationship with the White Tiger, then one should check whether it can overcome Gou Chen. If the White Tiger is not controlled, then the main general's year of birth should be able to overcome Gou Chen. For example, if the main general's year of birth is in the hour of Chen and its energy belongs to wood, and Gou Chen is occupied by a soil spirit, then wood can overcome soil, which is called overcoming Gou Chen. Other cases follow the same principle.

勾陳利克賊方神。勾陳克賊方上神，卻能取勝也。賊方之上勾陳立。假若賊在午地而上加勾陳是也。天乙遙能制下神。若天乙貴神屬水，為遙克賊方之午地，而上加勾陳也。遇此名為天滅寇，佑我行師得大名。遇此課是上天欲我威賊，佑助我用兵，發大功，顯著於當時，揚於後世也。

Gou Chen can overcome the spirit located at the enemy's position, which is advantageous for me. If Gou Chen overcomes the spirit at the position above the enemy, I can easily win. If Gou Chen is directly positioned above the enemy's location, it is even better. For example, if the enemy is at Wu, and Wu is exactly occupied by Gou Chen, this is such a configuration. Tian Yi Guiren can also remotely control the spirit below from a distance. Suppose Tian Yi Guiren belongs to water, it can remotely overcome the enemy's position at Wu fire. If Wu is also occupied by Gou Chen, then there are two layers of control. When encountering such a situation, it is called "Tian Mie Kuo," which means heaven supports me in my military campaign and allows me to gain fame. When encountering this situation, it indicates that heaven wants me to show strength against the enemy, secretly supporting my military actions, achieving great achievements, and gaining fame in the present time and leaving a good name for future generations.

敵有使來看日辰，日上為客辰主人。日干上神克辰土。若日上神克辰上神，其言虛謬不可聞。若是辰上克干上，彼必畏我，言詞真。其言是實可信。朱空太陰日辰上。朱空陰乘日上神，主彼詐，乘辰上神主我詐。彼此欺詐機已深。彼以詐來，我以詐應，其機已深，用兵者宜審也。

When the enemy sends an envoy, we should examine the Day Stem and Day Branch. The Day Stem represents the guest side, which is the envoy's side, while the Day Branch represents the host side, which is our side. If the god on the Day Stem overcomes the god on the Day Branch — that is, the god on the Day Stem overcomes the god on the Hour of the Earthly Branch — then the words spoken by the envoy are false and meaningless, and should not be trusted. If instead, the god on the Day Branch overcomes the god on the Day Stem, the enemy will certainly fear our side, and their words are true and reliable. If the Day Stem and Day Branch are occupied by the Vermilion Bird, Tian Kong, and Tai Yin: if these three generals are on the Day Stem, it indicates that the enemy is deceitful; if they are on the Day Branch, it indicates that our side is deceitful. Both sides are engaged in mutual deception, with deep ulterior motives. The enemy uses deception, and we respond with deception. The commander should be very cautious in discerning this.

敵派使者來我方，或敵有書報送來，取月將加時占之。日干為客為敵，日支為主為我。若日干上神剋日支上神，敵使所言皆虛詐，不可信；若日支上神剋日干上神，為敵畏我，其使所言為實，可信。日辰上乘朱雀、天空、太陰，主敵我雙方皆欺詐。

This section restates the previous mnemonic: whenever an enemy sends an envoy to our camp or sends a message to inform us, we take the Month General of the current month and add it to the questioned time to form the Heaven Plate for divination. In this case, the Day Stem represents the enemy's side, while the Day Branch represents our side. If the god riding on the Day Stem overpowers the god riding on the Day Branch, it indicates that the envoy's words are false and deceptive, and should not be trusted. Conversely, if the god on the Day Branch overpowers the god on the Day Stem, it suggests that the enemy is fearful, and the envoy's message is truthful and can be trusted. If the Day Stem and Day Branch are both occupied by the Vermilion Bird, the Heaven Void, and the Tai Yin, which are the three heavenly generals associated with speech and deception, it means both sides are being deceptive, and neither side's words can be fully trusted.

我軍欲劫糧，大小吉下方尋。大吉小吉下得糧。軍意欲求水，小吉太沖訪。小吉太沖為井泉之神，此二神下覓水則得。

My army wishes to raid the enemy's supplies, so they should go to the areas where "Daji" (Chou) and "Xiaoji" (Wei) are present: under these two deities, they will surely find food. If the army wants to find water, they should consult "Xiaoji" (Wei) and "Taichong" (Mao): Xiaoji and Taichong are deities in charge of wells and springs. Digging for water under these two deities will yield water.

月將加時向奸求？神后之下萬人伏。奸者，神后是也。其下可伏萬人。千人須藏河龍下。河龍者，太沖是也。百人陰精是良圖。陰精者，從魁是也，其下可伏百人。

Using the Month General and the time of day to arrange the Heaven Plate, where should one seek to hide the concealed troops? Beneath Shenhou (Zi), one can hide ten thousand soldiers. The term 'jian' refers to Shenhou (Zi), and beneath it, ten thousand troops can be concealed. To hide one thousand soldiers, one should choose the place beneath He Long (River Dragon); He Long refers to Taichong (Mao). To hide one hundred soldiers, Yin Jing (Hidden Essence) is an ideal location; Yin Jing refers to Congkui (You), and beneath it, one hundred soldiers can be concealed.

三河九江天道通。太沖為三河，從魁為九江，欲行間諜切要明。除定危開二神加。二神有一神加四位者，出入敵營任縱橫。出入其下，無人知者。又曰卯酉為天二門，覆地四戶，除定危開之門，出奇制勝，萬夫難當，神鬼佑護。

The places called "Three Rivers" and "Nine Ditches" are locations where the heavenly path passes through: Taichong (Mao) is called Three Rivers, and Congkui (You) is called Nine Ditches. If someone wants to send spies, they must be clear about these. Now look to see whether these two deities are among the four values: Ju, Ding, Wei, and Kai. If either Mao or You is combined with any of these four, the spies can move freely in and out of the enemy's camp, entering from below without being noticed. It is said that Mao and You are the two gates in the sky, covering the four gates on earth: Ju, Ding, Wei, and Kai. By using these to achieve a surprise attack, even a thousand soldiers would find it hard to resist, and divine spirits will secretly protect them.

欲得賊消息，天耳下聽之。天耳者，大小吉是也。要訪機密事，地耳不須疑。地耳者，太沖從魁是也。二神下密聽之即得。

If you want to find out about an enemy, go to the 'Heavenly Ear' to listen. Heavenly Ear refers to Daji (Chou) and Xiaoji (Wei). If you want to investigate secret matters, the 'Earthly Ear' is also not to be doubted. Earthly Ear refers to Taichong (Mao) and Congkui (You). Send someone to these two deities' domains secretly to inquire, and the information will be obtained.

若入他境為客兵，劫掠須詳三傳情。初中旺相我軍勝。初中傳主我軍，末傳有氣彼定贏。如攻城亦看初中為我，末傳為彼，以旺相休囚分之。

If the army advances into foreign territory as a guest force intending to plunder, one must carefully examine the situation of the Three Transmissions. If the First Transmission and Middle Transmission are in a prosperous and strong condition, our army will win, because the First Transmission and Middle Transmission represent our side. If the Final Transmission has strength, the enemy will certainly win. The same principle applies when attacking a city: the First Transmission and Middle Transmission represent our side, while the Final Transmission represents the enemy. The strength or weakness of the forces, determined by the qualities of Prosperous, Strong, Resting, and Captive, will decide the outcome of the battle.

天有三河壬子癸，地有三河卯酉辰。月將加時看三河，一河臨井必覆舟。又曰：太沖、天罡加日辰主風雨，神后加太歲主舟沉，神后加季急渡則吉。

There are three rivers in the sky, namely Ren, Zi, and Gui; and there are also three water mouths on the ground, namely Mao, You, and Chen. Using the Month General added to the time of divination to turn out the Heaven Plate, one should look at these three rivers. If any of the rivers is over the Well position, a boat will certainly capsize. It is also said that if Taichong (Mao) and Tiangang (Chen) are placed on the Day Stem and Day Branch, there will be rain and wind on the way; if Shenhou (Zi) is placed on the Reign of Heaven, the boat will sink; but if Shenhou is placed on the Four Seasons Gods, it is advisable to hurry across and will bring good fortune.

天罡指巳天地開。以月將加時尋天罡，指巳為天地初開。出軍行師任徘徊。用兵大勝，開地千里。指午坐帳宜彈琴。天罡指午為天地縱橫，不可出軍，坐帳彈琴則吉。指未小通亦可裁。天罡加未為天地小通，出軍亦吉。加申迫爭君須忌。天罡指申為天地迫爭之時，用兵者須忌之。指酉人馬受驚駭。天罡指酉，天地閉塞，車傷馬死，戰必大凶。

The Tiangang points to the Si position, which represents the beginning of the creation of heaven and earth. Using the Month General combined with the time of the divination to turn out the Heaven Plate to find the Tiangang, when the Tiangang falls on Si, it is called the beginning of heaven and earth. At this time, when sending out troops or marching, one can move freely forward and backward; military operations will surely result in great victory and the expansion of territory for thousands of li. When the Tiangang points to Wu, it is only suitable to sit in the tent playing the zither. When the Tiangang points to Wu, it is called "heaven and earth crossing each other," which is not suitable for military action; instead, sitting in the tent playing the zither for pleasure brings good fortune. When the Tiangang points to Wei, it is a time of minor communication, and some decisions can still be made: when the Tiangang is on Wei, it is called "heaven and earth in minor communication," and military action is also favorable. When the Tiangang reaches Shen, it is a time of conflict and struggle, and as a general one must avoid and be cautious: when the Tiangang points to Shen, it is called "heaven and earth in conflict," and those who use military force should be cautious. When the Tiangang points to You, both people and horses will be startled: when the Tiangang points to You, heaven and earth are closed off, chariots are destroyed and horses die, and going to battle will certainly result in great misfortune.

返來戌土主乖隔。天罡指戌，出軍主士卒乖傷也。加亥天阱不稱懷。天罡指亥為天阱，用軍主損傷驚怕。指子半路魂魄散。當此之時，出軍迷惑，行者半路魂魄不安。指丑途宿待明來。天罡指丑為天地小通，出軍三十里可止，待來晨任意而行，必獲大勝。

The Tiangang moves to the Xu position, indicating discord and obstruction. When Tiangang points to Xu, it signifies that soldiers will be separated and injured in military operations. When Tiangang is placed on Hai, it forms the "Heavenly Pit," which is unfavorable. When Tiangang points to Hai, it is called the "Heavenly Pit," and military actions will result in injuries and fear. When Tiangang points to Zi, military campaigns halfway will cause the spirits to disperse. At this time, the army will be confused and disoriented, and during the journey, the spirits will be restless. When Tiangang points to Chou, the army should stay overnight on the way and continue the next morning. When Tiangang points to Chou, it is also called "Small Communication between Heaven and Earth," and the army should march thirty li and stop, waiting until the next morning to proceed freely, which will surely lead to a great victory.

臨寅有喜戰獲勝。天罡指寅，行者有喜，戰必大捷。到卯閉塞宜藏埋。天罡指卯，天地閉塞，宜藏匿避之，凡事不宜。復臨辰地關梁塞。天罡臨本位為關梁閉塞，只可安營下寨，不可妄動。掌上兵機仔細詳。

The Tiangang is at the position of Yin, indicating good fortune and victory in battle. When the Tiangang points to Yin, those who travel will encounter joy, and in warfare, there will certainly be a great victory. When the Tiangang is at Mao, the heavens and earth are closed off, making it suitable for concealment. When the Tiangang points to Mao, the heavens and earth are closed and uncommunicative, one should take cover and avoid action, as nothing is appropriate. When the Tiangang returns to its original position at Chen, the passageways and crossings become blocked. When the Tiangang is at its native position Chen, it is called passageways and crossings closed off, which means one should only set up camp and not act rashly. All these military advantages and disadvantages are determined by a single movement of the palm, and they should be carefully examined.