The Six Rens Military Camp Assignment

洿池之地，天罡指處以堪行；支吉干傷，水面通船而立事。日為陸地，干吉利陸進。如有洿下聚水之處，亦取天罡下去通於道也，加孟勿前行，加仲勿中行，加季勿後行。支為水道，支吉利水路。

When encountering low-lying waterlogged areas, only the direction indicated by the Tiangang can be used for passage. If the Day Branch is favorable but the Day Stem is harmed, one should take water routes and use boats for affairs. The Day Stem represents land, and if it is favorable, it is suitable to advance by land. If there is a low-lying waterlogged area ahead, the passage should also be taken in the direction of the Tiangang. If the Tiangang is positioned in the four beginning sections (four Meng), do not lead the group ahead; if it is in the four middle sections (four Zhong), do not be in the middle of the group; if it is in the four end sections (four Ji), do not be at the end of the group. The Day Branch represents water routes, and if it is favorable, it is suitable to travel by water.

凡丙子、丁丑、癸未、癸丑為觸水龍日，不宜涉水，戊寅、己卯日亦凶。凡卯為船車，臨支為船，臨干為車，在旺相之鄉，車船無損，在囚死之鄉，車船破壞。若臨渡船漏，看天罡，加孟前有補處，加仲中間有補處，加季船尾有補處。行車同。

All the days of Bingzi, Dingchou, Guiwei, and Guichou are called "Touch Water Dragon Days," and it is not advisable to cross water on these days. The days of Wuyin and Jimao are also unfavorable. The position of Mao represents boats and carts: if Mao is in the day branch, it is considered a boat; if it is in the day stem, it is considered a cart. If Mao is in a prosperous and strong position, the boat and cart are intact; if it is in a restrained or dead position, the boat and cart will be damaged. If a boat leaks while crossing a river, one should look at the Tiangang: if Tiangang is in the four young months, there is a hole to be repaired at the front of the boat; if it is in the four middle months, there is a hole in the middle of the boat; if it is in the four old months, there is a hole at the back of the boat. The principle of repairing a cart is the same as that of repairing a boat.

昏蒙失路，執式天盤。參申行意曉，天角辰堪緣。道經山林野澤，蒙雨霧暗，迷失道路，執式特盤投於地，取天罡下之五十步當得好道。傳送之下，亦主自然開悟。參宿在申，故曰參行也。天角，天罡也。去必有路。

The sky was dark and the path was unclear, so he took the divination disk in his hand and rotated the Heaven Plate. The Three Stars mansion located in Shen can guide one to know the right direction, and the Heaven Angle located in Chen can also be relied upon. While marching through mountains, forests, swamps, and encountering rain and fog that caused confusion, one should place the Heaven Plate of the divination disk on the ground to determine direction. Walk fifty paces in the direction indicated by Tiangang, and one will certainly find a good path. When reaching Shen, one will naturally become clear-minded. Since the Three Stars mansion is in the Shen palace, it is called "Shen movement." The so-called Heaven Angle is Tiangang; walking towards it will certainly lead to a path.

軍士酣臥，趨井未房卯之清泉。軍士進行歇臥，正時上，求水路，以小吉有井宿，並太沖又有房宿，其下可以求水井或河，不出二百步之外。

Soldiers seeking a place to rest should go to the areas of Wei and Mao where the Well Mansion and Room Mansion are located to find clear springs. When the army is on the move and stops for rest, use the current hour to cast a divination for water sources: Xiaoji (Wei) has the Well Mansion, and Taichong (Mao) has the Room Mansion. By finding the water sources under these two mansions, they can locate a well or river, and the distance will not exceed two hundred paces.

欲劫軍糧，向吳秦之大獲。欲劫糧，出吳分大吉、秦分小吉之下，糧必得。大吉紫房，神后華蓋，能藏萬物，即行無害。大吉為紫房，神后為華蓋，凡有急事欲避藏者，往大吉、神后之下，人不能以掩來也。

If you want to seize an enemy's grain supplies, you should head towards the regions corresponding to Wu and Qin. There you will certainly achieve great success. To seize the grain, send troops from the area under Daji (Chou) in the Wu region and from the area under Xiaoji (Wei) in the Qin region. The grain will surely be obtained. Daji is known as "Zifang" and Shenhou is known as "Huagai." These can conceal all things, and going there will ensure you are not harmed. Daji is called Zifang, and Shenhou is called Huagai. In case of urgent matters requiring concealment, go to the areas under Daji and Shenhou. The enemy will not be able to attack you.

太沖千騎，從魁可遁於百人；斗鬼參回，天駟潛之而莫內。卯下可藏千騎。酉為後女之神，可藏百人。凡伏兵避惡，乃可從丑上去，向未，回申上立定，正向卯上潛避，則追不得也。丑有斗宿，未有井鬼，申有參，故謂丑未申為斗、鬼、參。一云，賊卒至，宜往房星下避之。房星，太沖也，亦名天駟。假令房星在午，宜出正南造之。

Taichong (Mao) can conceal a thousand cavalry, and Congkui (You) can hide a hundred people. By circling around the positions of Dou, Gui, and Can, then moving to Tian Si, the enemy will be unable to detect them. The position under Mao can hide a thousand horses; You is the spirit of the female ruler, capable of concealing a hundred people. When planning to hide troops or avoid danger, one should start from Chou, turn to Wei, circle back to Shen, and then face Mao to hide, so the enemy cannot pursue. Chou has the mansion of Dou, Wei has the mansions of Jing and Gui, and Shen has the mansion of Can, so Chou, Wei, and Shen are called Dou, Gui, and Can respectively. Another view says: if the enemy suddenly attacks, one should hide under Fang Star. Fang Star is Taichong, also called Tian Si. For example, if Fang Star falls on Wu, one should go directly to the south.

青常陰合，大梁酉大火卯以同居；除定危開，主將其方而喜在。大梁，從魁也。大火，太沖也。此二神為私門。除、定、危、開為地四禁戶。以二私門加禁戶，又與龍、常、合、陰並，宜出其下大吉。

The four auspicious generals, Azure Dragon, Tai Chang, Tai Yin, and Liu He, are together with the private doors Daliang (You) and Dahuoying (Mao); if they also meet the four values of Chu, Ding, Wei, and Kai, then the general heading in that direction will have good fortune. Daliang is Congkui (You), and Dahuoying is Taichong (Mao). These two deities are collectively called "private doors." Chu, Ding, Wei, and Kai are the four forbidden gates on the ground. Adding the two private doors to the forbidden gates, and combining them with Azure Dragon, Tai Chang, Liu He, and Tai Yin, it is auspicious to send troops from beneath them.

急賊方所，初傳五行。水為北房，火作南兵。忽問賊，正時占，視初傳五行，即可知何賊。亥、子為北虜，巳、午為南蠻。復見土神，有虜急從於四季；初當本位，其謀必見於東渡。初傳辰、戌、丑、未，賊必四季之人。初傳寅、卯，必東方之人。

If you need to quickly determine the direction from which the enemy is coming, look at the Five Phases of the First Transmission: if the First Transmission belongs to water, the enemy comes from the north; if it belongs to fire, the enemy comes from the south. If you suddenly inquire about enemy intelligence, using the correct time to cast the divination, observe the Five Phases of the First Transmission to know which group of enemies it is —亥 and 子 indicate the north, and 巳 and 午 indicate the south. If you also see the Earth God, the enemy will come urgently from the four seasonal directions. If the First Transmission falls on the position of wood, the plan must come from people crossing from the east. If the First Transmission is 辰, 戌, 丑, or 未, the enemy must be from the four seasonal directions; if the First Transmission is 寅 or 卯, the enemy must be from the east.

地恐埋軍，參申軫巳虛子房卯而速備；象宜休車，蛇支獸干以尋驚。軍行次城隘之處，恐有伏兵，正時占，申、巳、子、卯臨日，則夜必有伏兵也。四神又旺相，與殺並者，大凶，無兵亦有猛獸。若不與凶並，日能制之者，兵不敢動。若蛇、虎克日辰者，有卒驚，宜察而備之。

Fear that there are hidden troops in the terrain, when seeing Shen (the Three Stars mansion) in the hour of Shen, Si (the Chariot mansion) in the hour of Si, Zi (the Emptiness mansion) in the hour of Zi, and Mao (the Room mansion) in the hour of Mao, one should be alert and prepare for defense; at this time, it is advisable to stop and observe. If the Teng Snake is present in the day branch and the White Tiger is present in the day stem, one should be cautious of sudden disturbances. When the army approaches a city pass, fearing hidden troops, use the correct hour to cast the divination: if Shen, Si, Zi, and Mao appear in the day stem, there will certainly be hidden troops at night. If these four spirits also receive prosperous and strong energy and are combined withInauspicious Sha (malevolent spirits), it will be extremely dangerous; even without hidden troops, there may be fierce beasts. If they are not combined withInauspicious Sha, and the day stem can control them, the enemy troops will not move. If the Teng Snake and White Tiger overcome the day stem and day branch, there will be sudden disturbances, and one should carefully observe and prepare in advance.

斗季損支，邀截我後；干傷前伏，陰陽左右。正時占，天罡加季有伏兵。支傷干吉，伏兵在後；干傷支吉，伏兵在前。天罡加陽，伏兵在左，加陰在右。

The Tiangang is placed on the four seasons and the day branch is harmed, indicating enemies will intercept me from behind; if the day stem is harmed, there are hidden troops in front. Whether the hidden troops are on the left or right depends on whether the Tiangang falls on a yang branch or a yin branch. Using the correct time to cast the divination: when the Tiangang is placed on the four seasons, there must be hidden troops. If the day branch is harmed but the day stem is favorable, the hidden troops are behind; if the day stem is harmed but the day branch is favorable, the hidden troops are in front. If the Tiangang is placed on a yang branch, the hidden troops are on the left; if on a yin branch, they are on the right.

帶刑並傷，旺相而猛將來爭；無殺空刑，將弱而庸夫退驟。正時占伏兵，日辰上子、卯、申、巳並刑殺，兼有旺相氣，必有伏兵欲來掩襲，宜備之。若子、卯、申、巳並刑殺陷落空亡、無氣者，伏兵不敢起，且自潛消矣。

If there are both punishments and mutual harm, and also the prosperous and strong energy, then a powerful general will come to fight; if there are no evil stars or punishments and they fall into empty void, then only weak generals and ordinary men will come, and they will quickly retreat. Using the correct hour to predict hidden troops: if the day stem and day branch have Zi, Mao, Shen, or Si along with punishments and evil stars, and also have the prosperous and strong energy, there must be hidden troops coming to attack, and one should be cautious. If Zi, Mao, Shen, or Si have punishments and evil stars but fall into the empty void and lack energy, the hidden troops will not dare to act and will instead disperse on their own.

三刑五墓，日辰遇而夜防；蛇虎魁罡，支干遭而宿俟。正時占，日辰上見三刑、五墓，將當移營，不然大凶。若辰、戌與白虎、螣蛇臨支干者，皆有伏兵，夤夜來擾營也。

If the day stem and day branch encounter the Three Punishments or the Five Tombs, precautions should be taken at night. If the day stem and day branch meet the Teng Snake, White Tiger, Hekui, or Tiangang, the commander should stay awake all night. Using the correct time to cast the divination: if the day stem and day branch meet the Three Punishments or the Five Tombs, the commander should move the camp, otherwise it will be a great misfortune. If the Chen and Xu branches are connected with the White Tiger and Teng Snake on the day stem and day branch, it indicates hidden troops that will attack the camp during the night.

立營心動，青常兮信使將來；下營未定心動者，正時占，日辰上見青龍、太常必有使來。郊野目瞤，雷卯水子兮淫霖欲就。郊野目瞤者，正時占，見卯、子臨日辰者，有暴雨至，宜置高營防之。若魁罡加臨，必有將至。

While setting up camp, if the day stem and day branch show the Azure Dragon and Tai Chang, it indicates a messenger is coming. Before the camp is settled and the mind suddenly moves, using the correct time to cast the divination, if the day stem and day branch show the Azure Dragon and Tai Chang, there will certainly be a messenger arriving. In the wilderness, if the eyes twitch, and the卯 (Mao) of the Thunder God and the子 (Zi) of the Water God appear on the day stem and day branch, continuous heavy rain is coming. When the eyes twitch in the wilderness, using the correct time to cast the divination, if the卯 and子 appear on the day stem and day branch, there will be a heavy rainstorm, and the camp should be set on high ground to be safe. If the Hekui and Tiangang also appear, there will certainly be a general arriving.

忽被圍繞，日辰陰陽。經云：“傷不傷，視陰陽。”正時，四課日辰之陰陽不備，則主之。交鋒見損，和好無傷。若支干被傷，有爭角之禍。

Suddenly being surrounded by enemies, one should look at the yin and yang combination of the day stem and day branch. The classic text says: "To determine whether there is injury or not, one should look at yin and yang." Using the correct time to cast the divination, if the yin and yang deities of the day stem and day branch in the four lessons are not fully matched, this indicates such a situation. In a battle, there will be injuries, but if there is a negotiation, there will be no injury. If the day stem and day branch are harmed by others, there will be conflicts and struggles.

凡欲突圍，隨斗罡而可擊；後占出路，從勾制而取強。兵圍欲出，視天罡下，出必通。黃帝云：“兵圍千里，斗道必通。”又云：“出路直向勾陳所制之鄉，方可出。”假令寅、卯為勾陳，利出四季方。又云，當從開星下去，吉。春房卯，夏張午，秋婁戌，冬壁亥。

Whenever needing to break through an encirclement, follow the direction indicated by the Big Dipper's handle to launch an attack; then determine the escape route by heading towards the direction that the Gou Chen can subdue. If troops are surrounded and wish to break out, observe the position beneath the Tiangang, for exiting from there will certainly be unobstructed. The Yellow Emperor said: "When troops are encircled over a thousand miles, following the path of the Big Dipper's handle will surely lead to an opening." He also said: "The escape route should be directly towards the area subdued by Gou Chen, thus enabling a successful breakout." For example, if寅 and卯 are under the influence of Gou Chen, wood can overcome earth, making it favorable to break out from the directions of the four seasons (辰, 戌, 丑, 未). There is another saying: one should exit from beneath the "Kai Xing" (Opening Star). If it is auspicious, then the escape will be successful. The Kai Xing is determined by the season: in spring it is卯 (the mansion of Room), in summer it is午 (the mansion of Extended Net), in autumn it is戌 (the mansion of Bond), and in winter it is亥 (the mansion of Wall).

審察其情，用神傳出於天乙；欲知其義，吾軍可動於龍驤。正時占，初傳在天乙後，傳出天乙前者，可向天罡，出而必利也。

To examine the enemy's situation, observe whether the useful god and the three transmissions originate from Tianyi Guiren; if one can understand this principle, our army can then move like a divine dragon ascending, launching an attack. Using the correct time to cast the divination: if the first transmission falls after Tianyi and the transmission it originates from is before Tianyi, then attack in the direction of Tiangang, and the outcome will certainly be favorable.

潛起掠敵，須壯玄神。若乘四季，忌甲乙以東征；曹沖二神，慮庚辛而西問。玄武旺相，能制支干，賊兵必強；若欲掠他，潛伏正時。視玄武之乘神旺相剋日辰者，必捷。假令玄武乘土神，忌甲、乙日發兵，行東方大凶；乘木神，忌庚、辛日西行，餘仿此。

To secretly launch an attack and plunder the enemy, one must ensure that theBlack Tortoise deity is strong. IfBlack Tortoise is riding on the earth gods of the four earthly branches—辰, 戌, 丑, 未—then it is unfavorable to launch an attack eastward on days of 甲 or 乙. IfBlack Tortoise is riding on the Gongcao (寅) and Taichong (卯) wood deities, then it is unfavorable to move westward on days of 庚 or 辛. WhenBlack Tortoise receives the prosperous and strong energy, it can control the day stem and day branch, indicating the enemy's forces are strong. If our side wishes to plunder the enemy, we should secretly set up the divination at the proper time: observe whether the deity riding onBlack Tortoise is prosperous and strong and can overcome the day stem and day branch; if so, the attack will surely succeed. For example, ifBlack Tortoise is riding on the earth deities, it is unfavorable to launch an attack eastward on days of 甲 or 乙, which is extremely dangerous. IfBlack Tortoise is riding on the wood deities, it is unfavorable to move westward on days of 庚 or 辛; the rest follows the same pattern.

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

The "dragon head" of a city should not be attacked directly, as it is dangerous if the day stem and day branch fall into a weak and confined position; instead, one should attack its back and abdomen. This requires the day stem and day branch to have strong and prosperous energy. When attacking a city, do not attack its dragon head, for doing so will surely result in the loss of generals. Instead, attack the city's back and abdomen, which will ensure victory. If the day stem is strong and prosperous, with external energy strong, then attacking the city is feasible; but if the day stem is in a weak and confined position, with internal energy strong, then attacking is not advisable. For a yang city, the dragon head is at亥, the tail at巳, the abdomen at魁 (戌), and the back at艮 (Northeast). For a yin city, the dragon head is at巳, the foot at亥, the abdomen at艮, and the back at魁. Another view states that both the back and abdomen are located at坤 and艮.

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

In order to clearly discern the various signs on the formula disk, one must be able to perceive the true situation and movements of both friendly and enemy forces. The term "formula" refers to the two plates, Heaven and Earth, used by the diviner to deduce the situation. The Earth Plate consists of twelve palaces that remain fixed, while the Heaven Plate rotates according to the "Month General" (the branch corresponding to the position of the sun in the current month) and the time of the divination. The interactions between the two plates, such as generation, overcoming, punishment, and clash, serve as the basis for judging military situations. To understand this system, one must first calm the mind and eliminate distractions, then carefully examine the signs of fortune and misfortune. The most important aspect is not the skill or technique used, but the sincerity of the diviner, which allows him to connect with the matter being divined. If the signs of fortune and misfortune predicted never fail, then why worry about the outcome of defending the city or going to battle?

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

This song explains how to use the two stars, You Du and Lu Du, to distinguish between friend and foe. In the song, "guì" does not refer to "Tian Yi Guì Ren," but rather to the Heavenly General riding on You Du, representing our commander. "Gan" is the heavenly stem that emerges from the Earth Plate position where You Du lands, representing our soldiers. "Jiang Wei Er Shen" refers to the positions where You Du and Lu Du are located, representing the enemy's forces. Whenever our side defeats the enemy's Earth Plate position, our army will surely win; conversely, if we are defeated by the enemy, the enemy will gain the upper hand. The position where You Du is located is where the enemy's general is stationed. The position opposite You Du is where Lu Du is located, and there the enemy's mobile troops are coming. If the heavenly stem in the position where You Du is located is able to overcome the Heavenly General it is riding, we should be cautious of spies sent by the enemy, and at this time we should urgently attack the position opposite. If the Heavenly General is overcome by the heavenly stem in the position it is riding, the enemy camp will surely have movements; if the heavenly stem overcomes the Heavenly General, the enemy will only defend their camp and not move out. If the Heavenly General is overcome by the heavenly stem, our side will gain an advantage; if the heavenly stem overcomes the Heavenly General, there will be internal rebellion within our army.

此貴神即游動上來天將是也，不是天乙貴人。干者，游都落地盤上之遁干也。如丁酉日酉將午時，丁日游都在巳，酉加午，巳落寅上，巳上乘六合，干寅上見壬。此起貴人法，只用地臨晝貴，故寅是六合，為我之將與游都。巳並地盤寅相生，是我之將不制賊，兩相和解。遁干見壬，本為我之士卒，卻克游都之巳火，定主我之士卒能勝也。方與貴相生，占細作無。將與地分不刑，占賊不動。干生貴，占士卒愛戴其主將。亥為魯都在申上，賊有遊兵在於申地，餘仿此。

The term "guì" mentioned in the song refers to the Heavenly General riding on the star of You Du, not the Heavenly Nobleman. The term "gān" refers to the Heavenly Stem that emerges from the earthly branch where You Du lands. For example, on a Dingyou day, take the month general You as the base and place it on the hour of Wu. On a Ding day, You Du is in Si. When You is placed on Wu, the Heaven Plate moves three positions, so the Heaven Plate Si falls on the Earth Plate Yin. The Heavenly General riding on Si is "Liu He" (one of the Twelve Heavenly Generals, governing harmony, negotiation, and concealment). The Heavenly Stem emerging from Yin is Ren. In this case, the nobleman is determined according to the daytime nobleman and the earthly branch it is on, so Yin has Liu He. This Liu He is our main general, sharing the same palace with You Du. The Heaven Plate Si and the Earth Plate Yin form a Wood generating Fire relationship, which is mutual generation rather than mutual control, indicating that our main general cannot control the enemy, and both sides are in a state of truce. The hidden Heavenly Stem Ren, representing our soldiers, can overcome the Fire of You Du's Si, indicating that our soldiers will win. When the Earthly Branch and the Heavenly General are in a generating relationship, it suggests there are no spies; when the Heavenly General and the Earthly Branch are not in a conflicting relationship, it suggests the enemy's army is inactive. When the hidden Heavenly Stem generates the Heavenly General, it indicates that the soldiers support the general. As for Lu Du Hai, it is now in the Earth Plate Shen palace, indicating that the enemy has another mobile force in the Shen direction. All other examples are calculated in the same way.

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

The method of divining enemy situations is extremely subtle and boundless. As long as one follows the method to generate the "Four Lessons" (four pairs of heavenly stems and earthly branches formed by the day stem, day branch, and their upper gods), and the "Three Transmissions" (initial, middle, and final transmissions selected from the Four Lessons, representing the beginning, development, and outcome of an event), the divination will be accurate. To find out where the enemy has hidden their troops, one relies on the two rogue stars, You Du and Lu Du, and the hidden heavenly stems in their respective palace positions. The position indicated by You Du on the Earth Plate is where the enemy is stationed; the heavenly general above it represents the invading forces. The side of the noble god beneath the heavenly general belongs to us, representing our own troops. The hidden heavenly stem represents our army, which can be used to calculate distances and determine whether the enemy's forces are in large numbers or scattered. One should not always take "wealth" as representing our own interests; if the hidden heavenly stem is attacked, this interest is immediately lost. If the Four Lessons contain a pattern where a heavenly general attacks another heavenly general, it indicates mutual restraint between the enemy and ourselves, so we do not need to fight hard. When marching, if we can also use strategies effectively, the invading enemy can be completely defeated in one move.

應課還將若來克貴，我當謹衛莫強徵。方來克貴主細作，必有奸謀誘我軍。貴神下克地方位，將軍攻戰莫消停。將若刑方賊移動，晚間逃走似飛星。方若克將敗守寨，故然不動亦難通。干克將兮興人馬，速速前行賊可平。將若刑干賊必勝，我當防衛不宜興。方來克干賊堅固，干若刑方我得贏。神若克干軍易使，干反克貴下不聽。貴神為我干為使，將位二神為賊兵。我克他時宜戰鬥，他來克我不須行。地方名屬游都將，魯都對位賊遊兵。有人精學游都法，何用六韜三略文？

If in the divination chart the Heavenly General comes to oppose and restrain the Noble God, it indicates that the enemy is strong and we are weak; we should only be vigilant and not attempt to launch an attack. If the position of the Roaming Capital falls on the Earth Plate and restrains the Noble God, it suggests that the enemy has sent spies to infiltrate, and there will certainly be treacherous plots to lure our army into a trap. Conversely, if the Noble God restrains the Earth Plate position from above, it means our forces are superior to the enemy, and the commander can proceed with full confidence to attack without hesitation. If the Heavenly General restrains the Earth Plate, the enemy's camp will certainly move, and they will likely flee at night like a shooting star. If the Earth Plate restrains the Heavenly General, the enemy may retreat but will only hold their camp, appearing to remain inactive, and our forces will find it difficult to break through. If the Hidden Dry Branch restrains the Heavenly General, it indicates that our soldiers are strong enough to overcome the enemy, and we should launch a large-scale attack quickly, and the enemy can be subdued. Conversely, if the Heavenly General restrains the Hidden Dry Branch, the enemy will surely win, and we should only defend and not act rashly. If the Earth Plate restrains the Hidden Dry Branch, the enemy's defenses are strong; if the Hidden Dry Branch restrains the Earth Plate, the advantage is on our side. If the Heavenly General restrains the Hidden Dry Branch, our army will be obedient and well-disciplined; if the Hidden Dry Branch restrains the Noble God, the troops will be disunited and orders will not be carried out. In summary, the Noble God belongs to us, the Hidden Dry Branch represents our soldiers, and the positions of the Roaming Capital and Lu Capital are where the enemy's forces are. If we restrain them, we should go to battle; if they restrain us, we should not act recklessly. The position where the Roaming Capital is located is called 'place,' and the position opposite to it, where the Lu Capital is, is the enemy's mobile forces. If someone can master this method of the Roaming Capital thoroughly, why would they need to study the military texts like the 'Six Secret Teachings' and 'Three Strategies'?

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

This is a mnemonic for the lodgment of the ten heavenly stems, used to determine the direction in which a thief might flee. Jia lodges in the Yin palace, Yi in the Mao palace, Bing in the Si palace, Ding in the Wu palace, Wu in the Chen palace, Ji in the Xu palace, Geng in the Shen palace, Xin in the You palace, Ren in the Hai palace, and Gui in the Zi palace. Each heavenly stem has a specific palace where it lodges, and fortune or misfortune is judged from there. The phrase "heaven and earth combine" means placing the branch corresponding to the day stem on the heaven plate, then observing where it falls on the earth plate. The place where the branch on the heaven plate matches the palace on the earth plate is the direction the thief has fled. Knowing this direction allows one to set an ambush in advance and capture the thief by waiting. Those who study divination should integrate the methods of Lu Du and You Du thoroughly, making the capture of bandits as easy as reading one's own palm lines.

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

For example: In the eleventh month, the Month General is Chou. On a day of Wu Chen, at the hour of Yin, someone asks about the direction where thieves have fled. When setting up the course, place the Heaven Plate Chou on top of the Earth Plate Yin, and arrange the remaining branches in order. Count to the Earth Plate Si palace, and the Heaven Plate Chen is exactly on top of it. The palace where the Wu stem is located is Chen. Now Chen is in the Si palace, so the thieves have fled toward the Southeast Si direction. Why is this conclusion drawn? Because the branch representing the Day Stem on the Heaven Plate combines with a certain palace on the Earth Plate, and that palace is the direction where the thieves have gone. Other days are also deduced in this way.

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

Another example: On the day of Jihai in the eighth month, at the hour of Si, one divines the direction in which a thief has fled. The month general for August is Chen. Place the month general Chen on the hour Si, and arrange the heaven plate in sequence. Count to the earth plate's Hai palace, and find the heaven plate's Wu on top. The previous mnemonic says, "Wu Ji originally added between Chen and Xu," meaning Wu is lodged in Chen and Ji is lodged in Xu. On the day of Jihai, the day stem is lodged in Xu. Now, Xu is located in the Hai palace, so the thief is fleeing to the northwest Hai place. When making the divination, compare each of the four lessons one by one, checking which lesson's heaven and earth plates match the day stem's lodging palace. Using this method ensures accuracy. Other examples follow the same reasoning.

凡行軍偶遇變，主將心驚者，必占。不異、不疑則不占。其法：以月將加正時，視天上類神所臨何神，以所臨地分之神與日干較其生克，以定吉凶。更以天將計之，則休咎見之矣。天變共之類神，日卯也，月酉也，風寅也，瘴氣申也，雷電巳也。

Whenever an unusual event occurs suddenly during a military campaign and the general feels a sudden alarm, a divination must be performed. If there is no strange occurrence and no suspicion, then there is no need to divinate. The method is: place the month general of the current month on the actual time of divination to form the heaven plate, then determine which position on the heaven plate the "class god" (the earthly branch representing the nature of the event) falls into at that moment. Compare the heavenly stem of the day stem with the earthly branch of the corresponding position on the earth plate to determine if there is a generating or overcoming relationship, thus judging fortune or misfortune. Then observe the heavenly general riding on that position to clearly determine the outcome. Each type of heavenly phenomenon has its corresponding class god: an eclipse of the sun belongs to the branch of yin, an eclipse of the moon belongs to you, a great wind belongs to寅, a plague belongs to shen, and thunder and lightning belong to si.

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

This passage explains how to determine the timing of military and state affairs by examining the relative positions of the Tai Su and the Month Builder. "Jian" refers to the Month Builder. After setting up the divination, observe the Heaven Plate: if the Tai Su has already passed the Month Builder and is ahead, the matter in question belongs to past events. For example, if the Month Builder is in the寅 (Tiger) position, but the Tai Su has already moved to the卯 (Rabbit) position. If the Tai Su has not yet reached the Month Builder, the matter is yet to occur. For instance, if the Month Builder is in the子 (Rat) position, but the Tai Su is still in the亥 (Pig) position. If the Tai Su is exactly in the same position as the Month Builder, the matter will occur in the current year. The fortune or misfortune is determined by the deity riding on the Tai Su: if it is a benevolent deity, the outcome is favorable; if it is a malevolent deity, the outcome is unfavorable. Additionally, the戌 (Dog) position is "Tian Gui" and the辰 (Dragon) position is "Tian Gang," both belonging to fierce and capricious deities. If these two deities are added upon the Tai Su, the ruler will be restless and unsettled, experiencing discomfort in sitting or sleeping.

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

When the two凶 stars, Big Kill and the Metal God, fall in the same position, disaster will certainly be severe. If they do not fall on the day stem or day branch, they should be looked for in the corresponding regions and states according to the palace they fall into. If the palace they reach also has the day virtue, Liu He, and is prosperous and strong, that year will instead have abundant harvests. If it encounters a crime or conflict, that area will experience warfare. The arrangement of the Metal God is: in You in the first month, in Si in the second month, in Chou in the third month, and then it cycles every three months. When the Metal God meets Big Kill, disaster will certainly be severe. If they are not found on the day stem or day branch, they should be judged according to the regions they fall into. If the two stars are not in the same palace, even if they appear separately, there will be no major problems.

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

Here is a list of the earthly branches corresponding to ancient states and commanderies, known as the division of the sky (分野). WhenInauspicious Spirit (malevolent spirits) fall into a particular palace in divination, calamity will occur in the corresponding territory. The branch 子 (Zi) corresponds to the state of Qi and the commandery of Qingzhou; 丑 (Chou) corresponds to the state of Wu and the commandery of Yangzhou; 巳 (Si) corresponds to the state of Chu and the commandery of Jingzhou; 午 (Wu) corresponds to the royal house of Zhou and the commandery of Binzhou; 未 (Wei) corresponds to the state of Qin and the commandery of Yongzhou; 申 (Shen) corresponds to the state of Jin and the commandery of Yizhou; 酉 (You) corresponds to the state of Zhao and the commandery of Jizhou; 戌 (Xu) corresponds to the state of Lu and the commandery of Xuzhou; 亥 (Hai) corresponds to the state of Wei and the commandery of Bingzhou. The original text only lists nine branches, and the divisions for 寅 (Yin), 卯 (Mao), and 辰 (Chen) are not included. Those who engage in warfare can use this to determine from the palace where theInauspicious Spirit (malevolent spirits) appear in the divination, which region will be affected by war.

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

To select a general for a military campaign, one must examine the "General Star" in the divination chart. The General Star is determined by the middle element of the Triple Harmony Formation of the Day Branch. For example, if the Day Branch belongs to the Water Triple Harmony Formation of Shen-Zi-Chen, the middle element is Zi, and Zi becomes the position of the general in this chart. Once the General Star is identified, one should check whether it is prosperous and strong or weak and confined, thereby determining the suitability of the person. If the General Star is accompanied by the Day's Favorable Star or Day's Virtuous Star, or is joined by "Tai Chang" (one of the Twelve Heavenly Generals, governing food, clothing, official rank, and having a loyal and gentle nature), and can generate and support the Sovereign Star and the Month Builder, then it indicates a loyal and virtuous person like Yue Fei or Cao Bin. However, if the General Star is accompanied by "Yang Ren" (a sharp weapon) or "Bai Hu" (one of the Twelve Heavenly Generals, governing military conflicts, illness, and dangers on the road), and it harms the Day Stem or the Sovereign Star, then it indicates a villain like Dong Zhuo or Cao Cao who seizes power for himself. As for when the misfortune will occur, one should look at the prosperity, strength, weakness, or confinement of the General Star in relation to the Initiating Transmission, and use this to determine the year.

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

The term "general star" here specifically refers to the central deity in the Triple Harmony Formation. For example, if today is Jiashen (甲申), the Shen-Zi-Chen (申子辰) forms a water triad, and the central deity is Zi (子), which represents the position of the great general. When the general star is prosperous and strong, it indicates that the person is a capable and experienced general; once it becomes weak and confined, the person is not suitable for use. In addition, one should also consider the Day's Noble and Day's Virtue: if the general star is supported by the Day's Noble and Day's Virtue, and can generate and support the Tai Sui (Supreme Lord), the Month Builder, and the Day Stem, then the person is loyal and devoted to the country, like Cao Bin and Yue Fei. However, if the general star is accompanied by Yangren (Yang Blade) and Baihu (White Tiger), which instead harm the Day Stem and Tai Sui, then the person is a minister who undermines the sovereign and causes chaos in the country, like Dong Zhuo and Cao Cao, and such people must not be employed; using them will inevitably lead to future troubles. To calculate when the trouble will occur, one should follow the prosperity, strength, weakness, and confinement of the initiating transmission, combined with the addition and subtraction of the dry and branch numbers: Jia and Ji with Zi and Wu make nine, Yi and Geng with Chou and Wei make eight, Bing and Xin with Yin and Shen make seven, Ding and Ren with Mao and You make six, Wu and Gui with Chen and Xu make five, and Si and Hai alone make four.

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

The method of taking the divine spirit from the triple harmony as the general star has been passed down in old texts, but I do not fully understand the reasoning behind it. If that is the case, why not instead use the monthly general for each month as the general star? Or perhaps take "Dengming" (Hai), one of the twelve monthly generals, which governs long journeys and concealment, as the general star. Alternatively, since the sovereign represents the emperor, one might use the year's breaking star, which opposes the sovereign, as the general star, symbolizing its role outside the court, standing alone and facing the emperor from afar. If not that, then take "Gou Chen" from the twelve heavenly generals, which governs warfare, disputes, and arrest, because Gou Chen is inherently capable of capturing the king and apprehending thieves. These several methods may be chosen and adopted by those selecting generals according to their own judgment.

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

To determine the character of a general, one should examine the Five Phases of the initiating transmission. If the initiating transmission belongs to metal or forms a metal combination, it indicates that the general is rich in strategy and cunning, yet inclined to killing and fond of changing established systems. If the initiating transmission belongs to wood or forms a wood combination, it suggests that the general is benevolent and kind, treating subordinates with virtue. If the initiating transmission belongs to water or forms a water combination, it implies that the general is intelligent and quick-witted, appearing gentle on the outside but strong within. If the general's star is also accompanied by 'Xuanwu' (which signifies theft and darkness) and Liu He (Harmony), it indicates that the person is fond of women. If the initiating transmission belongs to fire or forms a fire combination, it shows that the general is fierce and impetuous. If the initiating transmission belongs to earth or forms an earth combination, it suggests that the general is steady and reliable, unwilling to act rashly. One can also judge directly by the Heavenly General riding on the general's star. Additionally, if the god on the day stem and the god on the day branch are in mutual generation or harmonious relationship, it indicates that the general and the soldiers are united in purpose. If they are in mutual control or in harmful relationships, the general and the soldiers will have divided loyalties.

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

What is the purpose of training troops and preparing for war? It is no more than to suppress rebellion, suppress disorder, and defend against foreign invasions. When casting a divination, the day stem represents the general, and the day branch represents the soldiers. If the day stem and day branch (i.e., the upper deities at both positions, which Six壬 uses to distinguish friend from foe and internal from external) are in mutual generation or harmonious relationship, it indicates well-trained soldiers and a general with extraordinary talent. Conversely, if the day stem is occupied by White Tiger or Bingfu, the general is likely to be sick. If the day branch is occupied by these two malevolent deities, the soldiers are likely to be sick. Other situations should be inferred in the same way.

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

In the central plains, when various regions attack each other, one must first determine who is the main force and who is the guest force. If the superior state sends troops to attack the four barbarian tribes, one should examine the strength of the day's virtue and the three punishments. If the day's virtue overcomes the three punishments, the victory will belong to the central plains; if the three punishments overcome the day's virtue, the barbarian tribes will grow stronger. If the heavenly stem of the day is overcome by the heavenly stem of the day branch, it indicates that our general can subdue the enemy. If the heavenly stem of the day branch overcomes the heavenly stem of the day, the enemy will invade our cities. Specifically, when conflicts occur within the central plains, the one who initiates the attack is the main force, and the one who responds later is the guest force. When attacking the barbarian tribes, virtue belongs to China, and punishments belong to the outer tribes. If the day's virtue overcomes the three punishments, the victory is on China's side; if the three punishments overcome the day's virtue, the outer tribes will become stronger. If the heavenly stem and heavenly branch of the day mutually overcome each other, the outcome will alternate, with each side experiencing gains and losses.

辰陰制日宜堅守，日陰克辰宜進兵。勾陳助日扶中國，助辰謹守慎揚旌。太歲作勾乘吉馬，御駕親征四海寧。日尊辰卑，今辰陰返制日，是彼勢勝而我勢弱，宜堅壁待之。若日陰克辰，是我勢強而彼勢衰，宜急進兵攻之。勾陳將星也，助日是生日也，主中國勝；助辰生辰也，宜謹守。勿揚旌：旌，軍中旗也。太歲勾陳又乘吉將、驛馬，主御駕親征之兆。

The Yin spirit of the Day Branch counteracts the Day Stem, indicating a situation where the enemy is strong and we are weak; in such a case, we should fortify our position and wait for the right opportunity. If the Yin spirit of the Day Stem overcomes the Day Branch, it suggests our strength surpasses the enemy's, and we should swiftly launch an attack. If Gou Chen supports the Day Stem, it signifies support for the Central Plains, indicating a favorable outcome for our side. If Gou Chen supports the Day Branch, we should be cautious and defensive, avoiding unnecessary displays of military strength. If the Tai Su is combined with Gou Chen and accompanied by auspicious generals and the Post-horse, it indicates the emperor personally leading the army, bringing peace to the entire realm. The reasoning is that the Day Stem is superior, while the Day Branch is inferior. When the inferior element's Yin spirit counteracts the superior, it shows the enemy's strength and our weakness, so we should dig deep trenches and build high walls to wait for the right moment. If the Day Stem's Yin spirit overcomes the Day Branch, it shows our strength and the enemy's decline, so we should quickly launch an attack. Gou Chen is originally a general star; supporting the Day Stem means benefiting the Day Stem, indicating victory for the Central Plains. Supporting the Day Branch means benefiting the Day Branch, so we should be cautious and defensive. The phrase 'do not raise the banner' means not to display military banners or reveal our movements, as the banner represents the military flag.

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

To determine whether there are military movements or activities in a neighboring country, one should first cast a year lesson (nian ke) to examine the underlying patterns. In a yang year, place "Daji" (Chou) on the heavenly stem position of the sovereign's year; in a yin year, place "Xiaoji" (Wei) on the earthly branch position of the sovereign's year, and thus generate the Heaven and Earth disks. The direction of the nobleman (guiren) is determined by the solstices: from the winter solstice to the summer solstice, use the yang nobleman; from the summer solstice to the winter solstice, use the yin nobleman, and each day and night follows the same rule. After arranging the three transmissions (san chuan), observe the mutual generation and overcoming relationships among the initial, middle, and final transmissions, and thus one can foresee whether the outcome is auspicious or ominous. Each of the twelve earthly branches corresponds to an ancient kingdom; if malevolent spirits or evil generals fall in a particular palace, one can determine that disasters will occur in the corresponding kingdom. This method is compatible with other schools of divination, and one should not be rigidly attached to a single approach. Another method is to place the god that the sovereign is in harmony with on the month builder (yue jian), and then cast another lesson using the same method as for yang or yin years. Any country where malevolent spirits or evil generals are present in their respective territories will surely face military attacks.

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

By using the twelve states to predict calamities, the method is as follows: first, mark the twelve corresponding ancient states on the Earth Plate's twelve palaces. Then observe which star or evil influence falls into which palace; the corresponding state will experience the associated calamity. Another method is to add the deity associated with the year's ruler to the Month Builder, then arrange the Four Lessons and Three Transmissions accordingly. When determining the Nobleman, always count from the month. This allows one to determine in which month the enemy will attack and what kind of calamity will occur. The nature of calamities is classified according to the Five Phases: fire corresponds to drought, water to floods, metal to warfare, wood to strong winds and famine, and earth to epidemic diseases. As for the specific events, they must be determined by examining the relevant deities and influences in detail.

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

To select a favorable day for military campaigns, one should add the Tiangang (Chen) to the Month Builder and generate the Heaven Plate. Then, observe which deities cover the Earth Plate's twelve palaces, and decide whether to proceed with military action based on this. The Heaven Plate's Dengming (Hai) and Shenhou (Zi) cover the positions corresponding to the twelve values of the year, known as the dangerous day and the successful day. The Heaven Plate's Shen and You cover the positions known as the days before the year, which are the fixed day and the holding day. The position covered by Hekui (Xu) is called the Heavenly Granary, which corresponds to the breaking day. The Heaven Plate's Yin covers the position known as the day after the year, which is the opening day. The position covered by Daji (Chou) is called the Heavenly Granary, which corresponds to the gathering day. Among these, the Heavenly Granary, the year's counterpart, and the day after the year are suitable, while the other positions are unfavorable for people.

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

After adding the Tiangang (Chen) to the Month Builder and arranging the Heaven Plate, the positions of the Heaven Plate at Shen and You correspond to the Earth Plate positions called Suiqian, which are equivalent to Dingri and Zhixi in the twelve values of the calendar. The Heaven Plate at Xu corresponds to Tifu, which is equivalent to Pori. The Heaven Plate at Hai and Zi corresponds to Sui dui, which are equivalent to Weiri and Chengri. The Heaven Plate at Chou corresponds to Tiancang, which is equivalent to Shouri. The Heaven Plate at Yin corresponds to Suihou, which is equivalent to Kaori. Although this correspondence was established by predecessors, the days of Jian (establishment), Po (break), Hekui, and Tiangang are inherently very凶 (unfavorable), so when using them, they must be combined with other methods of selecting auspicious days and cannot be relied upon alone. The "Ji Shengli" states: Tiancang refers to Daji (Chou) being placed on the position after the Sushen. As for the Jian star, it starts at Yin in the first month and proceeds through the twelve earthly branches month by month.

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

The days of the heavenly stems 乙, 戊, 己, 辛, and 壬, if the day branch is also one of the four central branches 子, 午, 卯, or 酉, form the Nine Curses, which are inauspicious days. If generals march out on such days, they are likely to suffer bloodshed on the battlefield. The days Yisi, Bingchen, Dingsi, and Guihai are also inauspicious and should not be used for military deployment. The so-called sixty-day forbidden days start from the first day of the year, which is the initial sixth day of the first month (建寅), then the first seventh day of the second month (建卯), and so on, adding one day each month. These are days when the spirit of absolute emptiness is in charge. In addition, one must avoid the days known as Going to Death, as failing to avoid them may lead to harm from others. One must also refrain from violating the days of 章光 and 四绝, and avoid military actions on Kongwang days and 五帝 days.

六旬忌日，出《六壬心鏡》，正月六日、二月七日、三月八日、四月九日、五月十日、六月十一、七月十二、八月十三、九月十四、十月十五、十一月十六、十二月十七，俱不宜出軍。

The six ten-day cycles of inauspicious days mentioned above come from the book "Six Nian Heart Mirror." It determines the inauspicious days based on the sequence of days in each month: the sixth day of the first month is inauspicious, the seventh day of the second month, the eighth day of the third month, the ninth day of the fourth month, the tenth day of the fifth month, the eleventh day of the sixth month, the twelfth day of the seventh month, the thirteenth day of the eighth month, the fourteenth day of the ninth month, the fifteenth day of the tenth month, the sixteenth day of the eleventh month, and the seventeenth day of the twelfth month. It can be seen that this method starts counting from the sixth day of the first lunar month, and then adds one day each subsequent month. On these days, it is not advisable to mobilize troops for military campaigns.

往亡，正寅、二巳、三申、四亥、五卯、六午、七酉、八子、九辰、十未、十一戌、十二丑。章光煞，孟月乙丑，仲月丙寅，季月甲子。

The day of Going to Death is determined by taking a branch according to the month: in the first month, it is Yin; second month, Si; third month, Shen; fourth month, Hai; fifth month, Mao; sixth month, Wu; seventh month, You; eighth month, Zi; ninth month, Chen; tenth month, Wei; eleventh month, Xu; twelfth month, Chou. By careful observation, one can see that the method is to cycle every four months, with each month advancing three branches. Whenever the day corresponding to the branch of the month comes, there is no return, hence it is called Going to Death. The Zhang Guang Sha is determined by the category of the month: for the first category months, which are the first, fourth, seventh, and tenth months, the forbidden day is Yichou; for the second category months, which are the second, fifth, eighth, and eleventh months, the forbidden day is Bingyin; for the third category months, which are the third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth months, the forbidden day is Jiazi.

春庚午、庚申、乙亥，夏壬戌、丙寅、丁亥，秋甲辰、乙丑、辛亥，冬丙午、壬辰、癸亥，以上四絕日，亦名四窮日。一說，四絕日，四立前一日是。空者，旬中空亡也。五帝日，正卯、二午、三酉、四子，周而復始。

The Four Extremes days are divided by the four seasons: in spring they are Gengwu, Gengshen, and Yihai; in summer they are Renxu, Bingyin, and Dinghai; in autumn they are Jiachen, Yichou, and Xinhai; and in winter they are Bingwu, Renchen, and Guihai. These days are also called the Four Extremes days. Another view holds that the Four Extremes days are the day before each of the beginning of spring, beginning of summer, beginning of autumn, and beginning of winter. The term "kong" mentioned above refers to the two empty branches in the current ten-day period. The Five Sovereigns days rotate according to the month: in the first month they are in Mao, in the second month in Wu, in the third month in You, in the fourth month in Zi. This cycle repeats every four months.

《克應經》云：“凡占空亡發用，不宜出軍，主士卒走散，空壁而歸。”擇歲月日時法，忌沖太歲、金神。若為主，侯太白金星，東方見之月；若為客，候太白金星，西方見之月。其月出軍，仍避沖旺方。

The *Keying Jing* says: Whenever a divination lesson is cast and the initiating transmission comes from the Kongwang, it is not advisable to go to war, as it will lead to soldiers fleeing in the middle of the campaign, and in the end, only an empty camp will remain. The general rules for selecting years, months, days, and hours are: avoid conflict with the Tai Sui, and also avoid offending the Jin Shen. If our side is the main force, waiting in position for the enemy, we should wait for the months when Tai Bai Jin Xing appears in the east; if our side is the guest force, going on a distant campaign, we should wait for the months when Tai Bai Jin Xing appears in the west. When selecting the month for an expedition, during the march, we should still avoid directions that conflict with the current strong direction.

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

The following are the days when it is inauspicious to go to war. The day of Heavenly Fire causing chaos begins on the day of Zi in the first lunar month, and then proceeds in the order of Zi, Wu, Mao, and You. Any day of solar or lunar eclipse is also inauspicious for military action. Four groups of days are also inauspicious: in spring, Jiazi and Yihai are called eight dragons; in summer, Bingzi and Dinghai are called seven horses; in autumn, Gengzi and Xinhai are called nine tigers; in winter, Renzi and Guihai are called ten snakes. The return taboo days are also inauspicious. In the first lunar month, it falls on Chou; in the second lunar month, on Yin; in the third lunar month, on Zi; in the fourth lunar month, it returns to Chou. This cycle repeats every three months.

建日損將。天罡天魁凶。天罡，正月巳、二月午、三月未、四月申、五月酉、六月戌、七月亥、八月子、九月丑、十月寅、十一月卯、十二月辰；對沖為天魁。平、收日凶，天罡即平，天魁即收。

When an army marches on a day of the Jiàn (建) stem, it is likely to suffer losses among generals and officers. Days of Tiangang and Tiankui are also inauspicious. The Tiangang day is determined by the month: in the first month it falls on Si, in the second on Wu, third on Wei, fourth on Shen, fifth on You, sixth on Xu, seventh on Hai, eighth on Zi, ninth on Chou, tenth on Yin, eleventh on Mao, and twelfth on Chen. Starting from the first month, it progresses through the branches in order. The branch opposite to Tiangang is Tiankui. In addition, the days of Ping and Shou from the twelve values are also inauspicious. In fact, Ping days are the days when Tiangang is in charge, and Shou days are the days when Tiankui is in charge. Although the names are different, they refer to the same thing.

兵禁日凶，正月起寅逆行六陽。大敗日，與咸池同，不宜出軍，正月起卯逆行四仲。四離，春分、秋分、夏至、冬至前一日為離日，若占時日躔臨於四離之辰，名曰天寇，大凶。

The day of military prohibition is considered inauspicious. The method begins from the first month on the branch Yin, and proceeds in reverse order on the six yang branches: Yin, Zi, Xu, Shen, Wu, and Chen. The day of great defeat and Xianchi occur on the same position, and it is also inauspicious to engage in military action. This begins from the first month on the branch Mao, and proceeds in reverse order on the four central branches: Zi, Wu, Mao, and You. The four days of separation refer to the day before the solar terms of spring equinox, autumn equinox, summer solstice, and winter solstice. If when setting up the divination the sun is exactly at the degree corresponding to one of these four separation days, this divination is called heavenly bandit, which is extremely dangerous.

月厭，正月起戌，逆行十二辰，凶。受死日，正戌，二辰，三亥，四巳，五子，六午，七丑、八未、九寅、十申、十一卯、十二酉。龍虎日凶，正巳、二亥、三午、四子、五未、六丑、七申、八寅、九酉、十卯、十一戌、十二辰。罪至日凶，正午、二子、三未、四丑、五申、六寅、七酉、八卯、九戌、十辰、十一亥、十二巳。

The Month Aversion is considered凶 (unfavorable). It begins on戌 (Xu) in the first month and then moves in reverse order through the twelve earthly branches. To determine the day of death according to the month, take the earthly branch of the month: in the first month it is戌 (Xu), second month辰 (Chen), third month亥 (Hai), fourth month巳 (Si), fifth month子 (Zi), sixth month午 (Wu), seventh month丑 (Chou), eighth month未 (Wei), ninth month寅 (Yin), tenth month申 (Xu), eleventh month卯 (Mao), and twelfth month酉 (You). It can be seen that odd months follow one path and even months follow another path, each advancing month by month. The days of Dragon and Tiger are also凶 (unfavorable): in the first month it is巳 (Si), second month亥 (Hai), third month午 (Wu), fourth month子 (Zi), fifth month未 (Wei), sixth month丑 (Chou), seventh month申 (Shen), eighth month寅 (Yin), ninth month酉 (You), tenth month卯 (Mao), eleventh month戌 (Xu), and twelfth month辰 (Chen). The days of罪至 (culpability reaching) are also凶 (unfavorable): in the first month it is午 (Wu), second month子 (Zi), third month未 (Wei), fourth month丑 (Chou), fifth month申 (Shen), sixth month寅 (Yin), seventh month酉 (You), eighth month卯 (Mao), ninth month戌 (Xu), tenth month辰 (Chen), eleventh month亥 (Hai), and twelfth month巳 (Si). The arrangement of these three groups of days follows the same pattern of odd months and even months each following their own path, with the two paths opposing each other. When using them, simply refer to them according to the month.

飛廉大煞日凶，正戌、二巳、三午、四未、五申、六酉、七辰、八亥、九子、十丑、十一寅、十二卯。

The day of Fei Lian Great Sha is inauspicious. It is paired with the earthly branches according to the months: first month Xu, second month Si, third month Wu, fourth month Wei, fifth month Shen, sixth month You, seventh month Chen, eighth month Hai, ninth month Zi, tenth month Chou, eleventh month Yin, twelfth month Mao. Fei Lian, in divination, is aInauspicious Sha associated with wind and wandering. When applied to military affairs, it indicates disorder in the army, loss of supplies, and the fleeing of soldiers and horses. On these days, it is not advisable to launch military campaigns.

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

The five days when one does not return, taken from the meaning of "going out and not returning," are one of the most important taboos for military campaigns. A review of the entire table shows that the days to be avoided are only about a dozen combinations of heavenly stems and earthly branches. These mostly involve the heavenly stems of Bing, Geng, Xin, and Ren paired with the earthly branches of Chen, Si, Shen, You, Xu, and Hai, plus a few other days such as Wuchen, Jimao, Jiyou, Dingsi, and Dinghai. These combinations are chosen for their imagery of metal and water interacting strongly, leading to a situation where movement does not return. The number of taboo days varies greatly across the months: January and February each have three taboo days, March and April each have four, May has five, June has six, July has five, August has the most with eight consecutive days, September has only one taboo day, October has four, and November and December each have six. The original edition mistakenly wrote "Jimao" and "Jiyou" as "Yimao" and "Yiyou," and "Bingxu" for October was incorrectly written as "Bingshu." When reading, one should follow the correct characters. If a military campaign falls on a taboo day of the current month, another day must be chosen instead.

六不成日，一雲大敗日，正寅，二午，三戌，四巳，五酉，六丑，七申，八子，九辰，十亥，十一卯，十二未。

Sixth month is considered an unpropitious day, also known as the Great Defeat day. Its calculation is as follows: in the first month, it falls on the寅 branch; in the second month, on the午 branch; in the third month, on the戌 branch; in the fourth month, it moves to the巳 branch; in the fifth month, on the酉 branch; and in the sixth month, on the丑 branch. In the seventh month, it is on the申 branch; in the eighth month, on the子 branch; in the ninth month, on the辰 branch; in the tenth month, on the亥 branch; in the eleventh month, on the卯 branch; and in the twelfth month, on the未 branch. Every three months form a group, and each group exactly forms a Triple Harmony Formation. The four groups correspond to the Fire Formation, Metal Formation, Water Formation, and Wood Formation respectively. If an army launches an attack on the day corresponding to the branch of the current month, all affairs will fail, hence it is called the Sixth Unpropitious Day.

八絕日：正月庚辰，二月丁巳、丙戌、庚戌、辛亥，三月辛巳，四月丙辰、庚辰、庚戌，五月丙辰、庚辰、辛巳、庚戌、丁亥，六月辛巳、丁亥，七月庚辰、庚戌，八月丙辰、庚辰、丁巳、辛巳、丙戌、丁亥，九月丁亥，十月庚戌、丙辰、辛巳、丙戌、庚戌，十一月丙辰、庚辰、辛巳、丙戌、丙戌、庚戌、丁亥，十二月辛巳。

The "Eight Absolute Prohibitions" days are based on the concept of "interrupted energy," and they are equally dangerous for military campaigns. By examining this monthly chart, one can see that the days to be avoided are repeatedly the eight combinations of heavenly stems and earthly branches: Bingchen, Gengchen, Dingsi, Xinsi, Bingxu, Gengxu, Dinghai, and Xinhai. These are the four heavenly stems of Bing, Ding, Geng, and Xin paired with the four earthly branches of Chen, Si, Xu, and Hai, representing a conflict between fire and metal, and the phenomenon of interrupted energy at the four corners. The term "Eight Absolute Prohibitions" likely originates from this. Each month has a different number of prohibited days: the first, third, and twelfth months each have only one prohibited day; the second month has four; the fourth and seventh months have two or three; the fifth month has five; the sixth and ninth months have the fewest, with the ninth month having only one day, Dinghai; and the eighth month has the most, with six prohibited days. The tenth month has four, the eleventh month lists seven, but one combination is repeated, making it actually six days. On these days, military actions should not be taken.

六窮日，每月初四、十九、二十八日是。行痕，即建日。了戾，即破日。

The six exhausted days are fixed on the fourth, nineteenth, and twenty-eighth days of each month. This term refers to the exhaustion of the six Jia (Heavenly Stems) energy, meaning that if an army engages in battle on these days, it will exhaust its resources and fail to achieve success. There are also two alternative names that should be clearly understood: "Xing Hen" refers to the Jian day in the twelve values of the Jian Chu system, while "Liao Li" refers to the Po day. Earlier scholars merely changed the names, but there is no actual difference in the meaning. Diviners should not be confused by the names.