"The Rectification of Errors"

元首一上克下，以尊制卑，大順之徵，為諸課首，故名元首。占主天地得位，品物咸亨；事從外來，起男子；憂喜皆實；臣忠子孝，婚諧謀遂；孕生男，兵訟先者勝；賈人獲利，官職首擢，利見大人。如日、辰、年、命、發用、正時六處，值旺相，乘吉將，更逢富貴、官爵、三光、三陽等吉課，士人貴顯不可言。

The "Order of Errors" says: The "Primordial Leader" chart has only one superior god that conquers the inferior god, which signifies that the superior controls the inferior, a sign of great smoothness. It is the leading chart among all, hence called the "Primordial Leader." When this chart is encountered, it indicates that heaven and earth are in their proper places, and all things are harmonious and unimpeded. Matters come from outside, initiated by a man; worries and joys are genuine; ministers are loyal, children are filial, marriages are harmonious, and plans proceed smoothly; a pregnant woman gives birth to a son; in warfare and litigation, the party that acts first wins; merchants gain profit, officials receive promotion first, and it is favorable to meet the nobleman. If the day stem, day branch, the year's sovereign, personal destiny, initiating transmission, and the time of divination all are in a prosperous and strong condition, and if they are accompanied by auspicious generals, and if they coincide with auspicious charts such as wealth, rank, three lights, and three yang, then the success of scholars is boundless.

此課大象，順利十分，然或得凶神惡將，三傳不順，反主下順上而上不從。又如一上克下，而上休囚死氣，下卻旺相、德合、歲月建，反主上雖制下，而下不受制，未可執一也。

The overall situation of this lesson is very smooth, but if encountering malevolent spirits and improper arrangement of the three transmissions, it would indicate that the lower follows the upper, yet the upper is unwilling to accept. For example, although it is a case of the upper overcoming the lower, if the upper spirit is in a declining state such as rest, captivity, or death, while the lower spirit is prosperous and strong, or accompanied by a virtuous spirit or Liu He, or exactly the current year's Tai Su or the current month's Month Builder, then it would reverse, indicating that the upper although wanting to control the lower, the lower is unwilling to be restrained. Therefore, one cannot rigidly adhere to a single method of judgment.

課中一克下，元首卦本宗。元者長也，首者初也，上克下者，諸卦之長也。起歲年華問，本歲發用，其吉凶應歲內也。假令太歲在寅，其將勾陳，主一年內爭訟田宅也。逢蟾月裡尋。蟾者，月之名，十二月斗建是也。假令正月斗指寅，以功曹發用，吉凶在一月內必應也。傳辰旬內應，假令正月甲子日午占，第二課子加未為神后，為辰發用，其吉凶不出十日必應也。值日目前辰。假令今日甲子，以甲為日，課中功曹發用，其吉凶當日應也。

The song of "Observing the Monthly Cycle" says, "In the lesson, one instance of upper overcoming lower, the original head hexagram belongs to its own category." In the lesson, there is only one instance of upper overcoming lower, which originally belongs to the category of the head hexagram. "Original" means long, and "head" means initial. Upper deity overcoming lower deity is a type of hexagram that holds a leading position among all hexagrams. The song says, "Seek the year and age." The explanation says: if the initiating deity is exactly the current year's sovereign, then the fortune and misfortune will manifest within this year; for example, if the sovereign is in the year of Yin, and Yin is occupied by Gou Chen, it indicates that within this year there will be disputes over property and land. The song says, "Seek within the month of the moon." The explanation says: "Chán" is another name for the moon, referring to the twelve branches of the month's handle. For example, in the first month, the handle points to Yin, so Gongcao (Yin) initiates the transmission, and the fortune and misfortune will definitely manifest within this month. The song says, "The fortune and misfortune appear within the current day's hour." The explanation says: for example, if today is the day of Jiazi, take Jia as the day stem. If in the lesson Gongcao (Yin) initiates the transmission, the fortune and misfortune will manifest on the same day.

氣動蟾分體，蟾者，一月之數也。體者，全之數也。分體，半月之數也。氣動者，二十四氣之首日為發用，每氣十五日，假令丙子日立春之節，四課之中，用起神后，其吉凶慶在半月內也。假令丙子日立春，第五日庚辰子將卯時占，太乙加申上克下為用神，初傳勾陳，主財物、田宅、鬥訟、官災不出一氣之內也。巳火發用，即立春丙子日期也。

The song says "qi moves, the moon splits into two parts," and the explanation says: "the moon refers to the number of days in a month, and the whole month refers to the complete count of days. Splitting into two parts means half a month.所谓气动, refers to the first day of the twenty-four solar terms coinciding with the initiating transmission. Each solar term governs fifteen days. For example, if the day of Bingzi (丙子) is the day of Start of Spring, the initiating transmission starts from Shenhou (Zi) among the four lessons, and the good or bad outcome will be clear within half a month. Another example is if the day of Bingzi is Start of Spring, and on the fifth day, Gengchen (庚辰), using the Zi (子) to add the卯 (Mao) hour for divination, we get Taiyi (Si) added to Shen (申), with the upper god overcoming the lower god to form the initiating transmission, and the first transmission is ridden by Gou Chen. This indicates matters related to property, land, disputes, and legal affairs will be fulfilled within this solar term. The reason it is said that Si fire is the initiating transmission is because it starts counting from the day of Start of Spring, Bingzi."

候來旬折身。候者，七十二候也。旬者，十日也。每一候五日。折身，折披一旬之數也。假令七月初一日寒蟬鳴為候，是甲申，第二日乙酉寅時午將占事，三傳申子辰也，傳送加乙，一上克下，其吉凶應在五日內也；或用起功曹，亦是。諸卦從此起，萬類若通神。凡七百二十卦皆類此卦斷之，取年月日時為應期。明五行之奧義，通萬事之正理，如神明也。

The song says "Wait for the coming ten days and fold the body," the explanation states: "Wait" refers to the seventy-two phases of the year, "ten days" refers to a ten-day period, and each phase lasts five days; "folding the body" means halving the number of days in a ten-day period to get five days. For example, on the first day of the seventh lunar month, when the phase of the cicada's cry begins, that day is Jiashen (Jia and Shen). The next day is Yiyou. If a divination is made at the time of the Yin hour and the Wu general (midday), the three transmissions are Shen, Zi, and Chen. The Shen (transmission) is added to Yi, and the upper god (Yin) conquers the lower god (Shen), so the fortune will manifest within five days. If the initiating transmission starts with Gongcao (Yin), the principle is the same. The song says "All hexagrams start from this, and all things are as if communicating with the divine," the explanation states: All seven hundred and twenty divinations are interpreted according to the method of this lesson, determining the time of fulfillment by the year, month, day, and hour. Understanding the profound meaning of the Five Phases and grasping the correct principles of all things, the divination becomes as if aided by a divine being.

旺氣言官職，春木旺，夏火旺，秋金旺，冬水旺，四季土旺。如春月戊己日占事見木神發用，克今日干，君子有官職，小人爭財官事。若傳入三光、三陽、三奇、六儀，灑可例斷官事也。妻財相氣論。凡春火相，夏土相，秋水相，冬木相，四季金相。假如春月壬癸日占事，見火神發用，為妻財，主南帛事動。若不是妻財，則不可以財帛一例斷之也。

The rhyme says "旺气言官职" (the flourishing energy indicates official position). The explanation states: in spring, wood is flourishing; in summer, fire is flourishing; in autumn, metal is flourishing; in winter, water is flourishing; and in the last month of each season, earth is flourishing. For example, if on a day with the stem Wu or Ji in spring, and the initiating transmission is a wood deity, wood overcomes Wu and Ji earth, which is the official ghost that overcomes the day stem. This indicates that officials may receive official positions, while ordinary people may be involved in legal disputes over money. If the three transmissions include the Three Marvels, Three Yang, Three Oddities, or the Six Instruments, these auspicious patterns can be used to conclude that official matters will be favorable. The rhyme says "妻财相气论" (the wife's wealth is discussed in terms of mutual energy). The explanation states: in spring, fire is the mutual energy; in summer, earth is the mutual energy; in autumn, water is the mutual energy; in winter, wood is the mutual energy; and in the last month of each season, metal is the mutual energy. For example, if on a day with the stem Ren or Gui in spring, and the initiating transmission is a fire deity, fire overcomes Ren and Gui water, which is the wife's wealth, indicating matters related to money and wealth are in motion. If the initiating transmission deity is not the one that overcomes the day stem as the wife's wealth, then it cannot be generally interpreted as matters of wealth.

死言喪者起，春土死，夏金死，秋木死，冬火死，四季水死。凡死氣為用，乃喪亡之事。更與自剋日的應。假令春月壬癸日發用土神克今日干也。囚動見官刑。春金囚，夏水囚，秋火囚，冬土囚，四季木囚。凡囚氣動者，更剋日為官鬼也。假令春月甲乙日占，申酉發用，乘凶將，主官詞刑傷也。

The song says "When the dead qi rises, it signifies loss," and the explanation states: in spring, earth is the dead qi; in summer, metal is the dead qi; in autumn, wood is the dead qi; in winter, fire is the dead qi; and in the last month of each season, water is the dead qi. Whenever the dead qi deity initiates the transmission, it indicates matters of loss and death; if this dead qi deity also overcomes the day stem, the prediction becomes more accurate. For example, if the day is壬 or癸 in spring, and the initiating earth deity overcomes the壬 or癸 water, this is such a case. The song also says "When the captive moves, official punishment arises," and the explanation states: in spring, metal is the captive qi; in summer, water is the captive qi; in autumn, fire is the captive qi; in winter, earth is the captive qi; and in the last month of each season, wood is the captive qi. Whenever the captive qi initiates the transmission and also overcomes the day stem, it becomes the official ghost. For example, if the day is甲 or乙 in spring, and the initiating申 or酉 metal overcomes the day stem, and is accompanied by aInauspicious General, it indicates matters of lawsuits, documents, and punishment or injury.

休氣憂病患，春水休，夏木休，秋土休，冬金休，四季火休。凡占休氣動，主疾病災患也。諸家卦備陳。得旨從天降，不誤後學人。諸卦用元首五行旺相死休囚斷之，君子得五行之旨趣分明，神報吉凶禍福，人事、物類、數目、遠近、應期皆同天降也。

The song says "Rest energy brings worry and illness," and the explanation states: in spring, water is rest energy; in summer, wood is rest energy; in autumn, earth is rest energy; in winter, metal is rest energy; and in the last months of each season, fire is rest energy. Whenever rest energy is activated in a divination, it indicates illness or misfortune. The song concludes with "All schools of divination are fully explained, grasping the essence leads to divine insight, not misleading later learners." The explanation says: all types of lesson patterns have been fully listed; as long as one understands the key points, divining becomes as accurate as receiving guidance directly from heaven, without misleading later learners. Each lesson uses the principles of the Five Phases' strength, prosperity, decline, rest, and captivity to make deductions. As long as one clearly distinguishes the essence of the Five Phases, the good and bad fortune indicated by the divine, as well as human affairs, things, numbers, distance, and the time of response, will all be as clear as if directly communicated from heaven.

四課之中一克下，卦名元首是其格。臣忠子孝皆從類，憂喜因男非女人。上克下，事起於男子也。上即為尊下卑小，斯為正理悉皆真。官詞先者皆為勝，後對之人理不伸。上克下利為客，爭訟先起是客，後訴者是主。

The song of the Xin Jing says: Among the four lessons, if there is only one instance where the superior spirit overcomes the inferior spirit, this pattern is called Yuan Shou. Matters such as loyal ministers and filial sons can be categorized under this. What is worried about or rejoiced in comes from the man, not the woman—because the superior overcomes the inferior, and the matter originates from the man. The superior position is honorable, the inferior position is humble, this is the correct principle, so whatever is predicted will surely come to pass. In a lawsuit, the party who speaks first wins, while the one who responds later cannot fully express their case. When the superior overcomes the inferior, it is advantageous to the guest side; in a dispute, the one who starts the quarrel is considered the guest, and the one who responds later is considered the host.

元首卦，尊制卑，貴制賤，占事多順，憂喜皆實，皆以神將吉凶。凡事宜先，事起男子。然就以神將支干四時，以休旺年命三傳推測，乃見吉凶。如一上克下為用，而上休囚死氣，下卻旺相、德合、歲月建，乃下返勝上。如正月甲寅日日上酉加之為用，雖是元首，奈酉金囚氣，甲寅乃日建支辰，為日德祿，又旺氣，下既得勢，必不受制，則尊卑不順，反亂之道也。

The book "Xiu Zhong Jin" says: The first principle of divination is that the superior controls the inferior, the noble controls the humble, and the matters being divined are mostly favorable. Both worries and joys are real. The specific fortune or misfortune must be determined by the heavenly general involved. Matters should be initiated first, and the matter is usually initiated by a man. However, it is also necessary to combine the heavenly general, day stem, day branch, the seasonal strength and decline, as well as the native, the year of travel, and the three transmissions to determine fortune or misfortune. For example, although it is an upper element overcoming the lower one in the initiating transmission, if the upper element is in a state of decline, captivity, or death, while the lower element is strong and prosperous, or accompanied by a virtuous deity or Liu He, or is exactly the current year's ruler or the month's ruler, then the lower element will overcome the upper one. For instance, on the first month, on the day of Jiayin, the day stem is酉 added to Jiayin in the initiating transmission, although it belongs to the first principle, but the metal of酉 is in a state of captivity, while Jiayin is both the branch of the day's ruler and the virtuous deity and the禄 deity of the day stem, and is in a strong state. Since the lower element has power, it will not be controlled, the hierarchy is disrupted, and this becomes a path of disorder.

如《心鏡?占孕歌》曰：“用神克下生男子。”若執此例，不以上下勝負推之，第恐有誤。昔越王有鄭妃當產，於四月辛巳日子時，召范蠡占之，月將占加子時，用得巳加酉上克下，是旺火剋死金，此上強下弱，故生男也。如秋月占得此課，則不然矣。切在參詳，不可執一也。

For example, the "Song of Divination on Pregnancy" in the "Heart Mirror" says: "If the initiating transmission god overcomes the lower god, it indicates the birth of a male child." However, if one rigidly adheres to this rule without comparing the strength and conflict between the upper and lower gods, mistakes may occur. In the past, the consort Zheng of the Yue King gave birth during the fourth month at the hour of Xinsi. She consulted Fan Li, who cast a divination chart with the Month General placed on the Zi hour. The result was Si added to You, with the upper god overcoming the lower god. This was a strong fire overcoming a weak metal, with the upper being strong and the lower weak, so it was concluded to be the birth of a male child. However, if the same chart were cast in autumn, it could not be interpreted in the same way. One must carefully consider the situation and not be rigid in one's interpretation.

凡一下賊上，餘課無克，為重審課。象地，事逆，以下犯上，如臣諍君，不敢擅為，必再三詳審定計而後入，故名重審。積善者慶，積不善者殃。君子占之，利有攸往。至哉重審，含章可貞，或從王事，無成有終，統坤之體也。

In the four lessons, if only one instance has the lower god controlling the upper god, and all other lessons do not involve mutual control, it is called the "Re-examination" lesson. In the Six Rats system, when the lower god controls the upper god, it is referred to as "thief," regarded as an inverse omen. It takes the image of the earth, indicating things proceeding in reverse, representing a situation where the lower oversteps the upper. It is like a minister who directly advises the king but does not dare to make decisions on his own, needing to carefully examine and plan before speaking up, hence called "Re-examination." Those who have accumulated good deeds will receive blessings, while those who have accumulated evil will face calamities. A gentleman who divines this should be suitable for going somewhere. The saying "How profound is the primordial power of the Earth" is akin to the third line of the sixth hexagram in The Zhou Changes, which says "Containing virtue, it is proper to be steadfast; sometimes following the king's affairs, without achieving success but with a favorable conclusion." It embodies the flexible and yielding nature of the Earth.

象曰：順天厚載，柔順利貞。一下逆上，豈無憂驚？貴順福至，貴逆亂興。事宜後起，禍從內生。用兵主勝，受孕女形。諸般謀望，先難後成。

The formula for interpreting signs says: Just as the earth follows the heavens and carries things with its great virtue, being gentle and upright is beneficial. But there is a case where the lower deity rebels against the upper deity, so how can there be no worries or disturbances? When the nobleman moves in the proper order, good fortune comes; when the nobleman moves in reverse, chaos arises. It is better to act after others, for calamity arises from within. In warfare, the party that waits for the enemy to attack first is the one that wins; when a woman is born, it is a girl. All plans and wishes are difficult at first but eventually succeed.

如初傳墓絕，末傳生旺，災禍自消。生旺傳墓絕，不吉；墓絕傳生旺，吉。初傳克末凶，末傳克初吉。或逢龍、常、陰、後、六合吉將，生氣、解神、天德、月德、天喜、德神、合神吉神得一在末傳，可化凶為吉。君子厚德，中道而行，則有坤六五“黃裳，元吉。”之象也。

If the first transmission falls in the storage or absolute decline, but the final transmission moves to the growth or prosperity positions, calamities will naturally be resolved. Conversely, if the transmission moves from growth and prosperity to storage and decline, it is not auspicious; but if it moves from storage and decline to growth and prosperity, it is auspicious. If the first transmission overcomes the final transmission, it is ominous; if the final transmission overcomes the first, it is auspicious. If any of the auspicious generals such as the Azure Dragon, Tai Chang, Tai Yin, Heavenly Empress, or Liu He appear in the final transmission, or if any of the auspicious deities such as Life Qi, Relief Deity, Heavenly Virtue, Monthly Virtue, Heavenly Joy, Deity of Virtue, or Deity of Union appear in the final transmission, misfortune can be transformed into good fortune. A gentleman with profound virtue and following the middle path fulfills the auspicious omen of the sixth line of the fifth hexagram in the Book of Changes (I Ching), "Yellow Robes, Great Good Fortune."

如四月丙戌日巳時申將，子命行年在酉，申加巳一下賊上發用，為重審課。四月如何申為相？取用長生也。 申 六 亥 貴 寅 玄 辰 丑 亥 申 丑 戌 申 丙 申酉戌亥 未 子 午 丑 巳辰卯寅

For example, on the day of Bingxu (丙戌) in the fourth month at the hour of Si, a divination was made using the Shen general. The person being divined is of the rat sign, meaning born in the year of Zi. The year pillar falls on You. The Shen is added to Si, and the lower god is said to overcome the upper god, initiating the lesson. This is a Chong Shen lesson. Someone might ask: in the fourth month, the fire energy is strong, so why is Shen metal considered to be in its phase? The answer is that Shen is said to be in the long life position on Si, so it has energy. The lesson disk is as follows: the three transmissions are the first transmission of Shen riding Liu He, the middle transmission of Hai riding the Nobleman, and the final transmission of Yin riding the Black Tortoise. The four lessons, from right to left, are: on the day stem of Bing, Shen is present; on Shen, Hai is present; on the day branch of Xu, Chou is present; on Chou, Chen is present. At the bottom are the twelve earthly branches of the earth plate. The phrase "Shen added to Si" is because the day stem Bing is lodged in Si, and the heaven plate's Shen is exactly on Si, meaning the upper god of the day stem Bing is Shen. Bing fire overcomes the upper Shen metal, which is the only instance of lower god overcoming upper god in the entire lesson.

斷曰：此課申為相氣加巳，妻財乘六合為用，主謀為利祿事。中傳官鬼乘貴入亥，為天門，主以財納官的京職。末傳父母乘玄武，主發財能發身。三傳遞生日干，大吉，決主上人舉薦，終始成就高貴。為子求官，亦不免用財取貴。用起孟神，傳入四孟，為玄胎。戌支為妻，上見丑為丙火之子，申財亦為妻，乘六合，亦為子，為天喜，為妻懷孕，課象弄瓦。中傳屬陰為主，陽包陰生女也。

The divination states: In this reading, the metal of the hour (申) is in the position of the phase, and is added upon the position of巳. 申 is the wife and wealth of the fire (丙火), and is initiated by theLiu He. This indicates that the matter in question relates to wealth, benefits, and official positions. The middle transmission is亥 water, which is the official ghost that controls the fire (丙火), and enters亥 with the nobleman. 亥 is the heavenly gate, indicating that one will obtain an official position in the capital by using money. The final transmission is寅 wood, which nourishes the fire (丙火), representing the parent's爻, and is accompanied by the black tortoise. This suggests that one will become prominent through wealth. The three transmissions are 申 generating亥,亥 generating寅, and寅 generating the day stem (丙火), forming a continuous generation, which is very auspicious. It is predicted that one will be recommended by a superior, and the matter will be completed successfully, leading to high status. If this is for the son's official position, it is also inevitable that money will be used to obtain fame and status. The initiating transmission starts from the four young gods, and the three transmissions all fall on寅,申,巳, and亥, the four young positions, forming the image of a hidden embryo. The day branch is戌, representing the wife. On戌 there is丑, which is the son of the fire (丙火); 申 is also the wife and wealth, representing the wife, and is accompanied by theLiu He, which also represents children, forming the image of heavenly joy. Therefore, it is predicted that the wife is pregnant, and the divination indicates that a daughter will be born. The middle transmission is yin and is the main deity, while yang encompasses yin, which is the sign of giving birth to a daughter.

乙亥日辰時酉將占，申命，行年在亥，寅加酉一下克上為用，曰重審課也。 寅 陰 未 龍 子 貴 酉 辰 寅 酉 辰 亥 酉 乙 戌亥子丑 酉 寅 申 卯 未午巳辰

Another example: On the day of Yihai, using the hour of You as the starting point, the divination is for a person born in the year of Shen (monkey), meaning the person's age is on Hai. The transmission starts with Yin added to You, with the lower god overcoming the upper god, forming a repeated review lesson. The lesson disk is as follows: the three transmissions are the first transmission Yin with Tai Yin, the middle transmission Wei with Azure Dragon, and the final transmission Zi with Nobleman. The four lessons, from right to left, are Yin Day Stem on You, You on Yin, Day Branch Hai on Chen, and Chen on You. At the bottom is the Earth Plate of the twelve branches. The wood stem Yin is lodged in Chen, with You on Chen; then taking You as the position, there is Yin on You. You metal is below and Yin wood is above, with You metal overcoming the Yin wood above, which is called 'Yin added to You, the lower overcomes the upper,' so Yin is taken as the initiating transmission.

此課李司馬占，旺氣發用。日辰旺相乘吉將，為三光課。主干求官職，有遷升慶賀之榮。果應驗也。

This lesson was divined by Li Sima. The initiating transmission god is in a prosperous and strong position. Both the day stem and day branch are in prosperous and strong positions, and they are accompanied by a favorable general, forming a triple brilliance lesson. It indicates seeking official positions and achieving promotion and celebration. Later, it indeed came true.

重審亦名始入一下賊上，以下犯上，為逆征，事有可虞，須再三詳審，故名重審。然止於一下克上，為發難之端，故名始入。占主不忠不孝，事從內起，由女人；孕生女，兵訟後者勝；謀望先難後勝。大抵貴順吉，貴逆凶；墓絕傳生旺吉，生旺傳墓凶；初克末凶，末克初吉。全要末傳得吉將天月德等，可化凶為吉也。此課利下不利上，然或一下賊上而下休囚上旺相，則下雖乖違，終不能肆害。如生金不畏死火之類。

"The Ding'e says: The lesson called Chong Shen is also called Shi Ru. It has only one instance where the lower god overcomes the upper god, which is an act of rebellion, indicating a worrying situation. Therefore, it is called Chong Shen, meaning the need for careful examination. Since it only has one instance of lower overcoming upper, it is also called Shi Ru, meaning the beginning of a challenge. When this lesson is divined, it indicates lack of loyalty and filial piety, with matters originating from within and triggered by women; pregnancy resulting in a female child; in military conflicts and lawsuits, the party acting later will prevail; and plans and wishes will face initial difficulties but eventually succeed. Generally, if the nobleman moves in a favorable direction, it is auspicious; if in an unfavorable direction, it is inauspicious. If the transmission moves from墓绝 to生旺, it is auspicious; if from生旺 to墓绝, it is inauspicious. If the first transmission overcomes the final transmission, it is inauspicious; if the final transmission overcomes the first, it is auspicious. The key is that the final transmission should be occupied by a favorable general or a benevolent deity such as Tian De or Yue De, which can transform misfortune into fortune. This lesson is favorable for those in a lower position and unfavorable for those in a higher position. However, even if it is a case of lower overcoming upper, if the lower god is in a weak and confined state while the upper god is prosperous and strong, then although the lower may be rebellious, it will ultimately not be able to cause great harm—just as gold in the state of Changsheng is not afraid of fire in the state of Sqi."

一下賊其上，重審卦本音。四課中有一下賊上，名重審卦，其體凶也。父子相離析，夫妻不敬恭。看發用的卦是今日子孫刑並，乘勾虎蛇，必害父也。若用是今日財，必妻害夫。此卦乃臣弒君，子弒父，妻殺夫，奴殺主也。

The "Observing the Monthly Cycle" verse says "If the lower god attacks the upper, it is called the Re-examination Hexagram," and the explanation states: If there is one instance in the four lessons where the lower god overcomes the upper god, it is called the Re-examination Hexagram, and its nature is凶 (evil). The verse also says "Father and son are separated, husband and wife are disrespectful and not respectful," and the explanation states: Look at the initiating transmission god. If it is the day stem's son爻 and also has a刑 (conflict), and is accompanied by the凶将 (malevolent generals) Gou Chen, Bai Hu, and Teng Snake, it will certainly harm the father; if the initiating transmission is the day stem's wife财爻, it will certainly be the wife harming the husband. The subject of this hexagram is precisely the type of offenses where a subject kills the sovereign, a son kills the father, a wife kills the husband, and a servant kills the master, which are all cases of lower against higher.

順行猶自可，逆去憂來深。天乙在亥順行猶輕，天乙臨戌逆行憂重。又曰順行則憂淺，逆行則憂深。入墓應雖避，假令初傳木，末傳小吉，為木入墓，主殺害之事難避他，墓例此也。傳生可易容。發用木神，末傳亥為長生，事易避也，他生例此。太常與陰后，合乙及青龍。同並生神處，恩來禍不從。若貴龍合常等同入長生之地，主反禍為福耳。

The song says "Going in the right direction is still acceptable, but going against the direction brings deep worries." The explanation states: if the nobleman is in the亥 position and the transmission proceeds in the right direction, the worries are still light; but if the nobleman is in the戌 position and the transmission goes against the direction, the worries become serious. This means that going in the right direction brings light worries, while going against the direction brings deep worries. The song says "Even if something enters its burial place, it should still be avoided." The explanation states: for example, if the first transmission is wood and the final transmission is Xiaoji (未), 未 is the burial place of wood, so when wood enters its burial place, it indicates that harmful events are difficult to avoid; other cases of entering the burial place are treated similarly. The song says "If the transmission is born, it can be easily avoided." The explanation states: if the initiating transmission is a wood deity and the final transmission is亥, which is the place of growth for wood, the matter can be easily avoided; other cases where the transmission reaches the place of growth are treated similarly. The song says "If the Tai Chang and Yin Hou, combined with Yi and the Azure Dragon, are all in the place of birth, then blessings come and misfortune does not follow." The explanation states: if the nobleman, Azure Dragon, Liu He, and Tai Chang, these auspicious generals, are all in the place of birth, it indicates a transformation from misfortune to fortune.

空玄並蛇虎，勾雀墓末逢。喜事翻成惡，凡玄武、天空、蛇、雀、勾、虎者為凶將，同末傳入墓者，喜事反成惡事也。親者也成凶。從生入墓者吉變為凶，害有刑害者，縱親者亦成仇怨也。諸卦皆如此，學人莫亂攻。下面諸卦皆如此例推之，此是奧理難見也，後人不得亂攻胡亂斷之也。

The song says "Empty sky, black tortoise, and red snake together with white tiger, if they meet with the final transmission in the storage, joy turns to misfortune." The explanation says: the black tortoise, empty sky, red snake, vermilion bird, hook chen, and white tiger are all consideredInauspicious General (malevolent generals). If they appear together with the final transmission in the storage, good fortune will turn into misfortune. The song also says "those who are close become harmful." The explanation says: when something moves from growth to storage, good fortune turns to misfortune; if it is also accompanied by punishment and harm, even close relatives will become enemies. The song says "all divination charts are like this, learners should not act recklessly." The explanation says: the following lessons are all interpreted in this way, the principles are profound and hard to understand, later generations should not fabricate or make arbitrary judgments.

從下賊上名重審，子逆臣乖弟不恭。事起女人憂禍重，防奴害主起妻從。萬般為事皆難順，官病相兼恐復重。論訟對之伸理吉，先訟虛張卻主凶。

The Xin Jing song says: When the lower spirit overcomes the upper spirit, it is called Chong Shen, indicating a son being disrespectful, a minister being disobedient, and a younger brother being disrespectful. The matter is caused by a woman, leading to worries and calamities, and one should be cautious of servants harming the master. The cause often lies with the wife or concubine. Doing various things will be difficult to proceed smoothly, with legal troubles and illness coming together, and it is feared that they may recur and worsen. In lawsuits, it is auspicious if the party defending the case presents a just argument, while initiating a lawsuit prematurely or exaggerating the situation is inauspicious.

一下賊上，卑犯尊，賤犯貴之象，占事多不順，事起女人。如春占，土加寅卯，其土死木旺，是旺鬼賊上，正應此課體。若夏得巳午火加亥子水，下賊上為用，則火旺水囚，不能賊上，有乖違之患。大抵生金不畏死火，生水不畏死土，生旺不畏死囚也，不可執一而論之。

The book "Xiu Zhong Jin" says: When a lower god overcomes an upper god, it signifies the inferior defying the superior, the humble defying the noble, and such a situation usually leads to unfavorable outcomes, with the cause related to women. For example, in spring, if earth is placed on寅 or卯 wood, at this time earth is in death qi while wood is strong, exactly the strong wood official ghost comes from below to overcome earth, which precisely matches this lesson pattern. If in summer, the fire of巳 or午 is placed on亥 or子 water, with the lower overcoming the upper in the initiating transmission, at this time fire is strong while water is weak, the water below cannot overcome the fire above, and there will only be some minor troubles and disharmonies. Generally speaking, gold in its growth phase is not afraid of fire that has become death qi, water in its growth phase is not afraid of earth that has become death qi, and a strong and vigorous god is not afraid of a dead and weak god—do not rigidly adhere to a single principle when making judgments.

凡課有二上克下，或二下克上，擇課之陰陽與今日比者而為用神，曰知一課。比者各也，陽日陽比，陰日陰比。二爻皆動，事有兩岐，善惡混處，必知擇其比和一善者而用之，故名知一。事宜惟一，允執厥中。占物占人，皆在近也。統“比”之體，乃去讒任賢之課也。比者，親輔也，有不寧方來意。

Whenever there are two instances of the upper god overcoming the lower god or the lower god overcoming the upper god in a divination lesson, one should select the one whose yin and yang attributes match the day stem to serve as the initiating transmission god. This is called knowing one. The term 'bi' refers to similarity; on a yang day, one should compare with a yang branch, and on a yin day, with a yin branch. When two lines are simultaneously active, the matter has two possible paths, with both good and evil mixed in. One must understand how to choose the one that compares with the day stem and is more favorable. Hence, it is called knowing one. Doing things should be focused, as the Book of Documents, Great Yu's Mandate, says 'Hold firmly to the middle way.' Divination of things and people is about the immediate vicinity. It belongs to the nature of the 'Bi' hexagram in the Zhou Changes, which is about repelling slanderers and employing the virtuous. 'Bi' means close association and support, implying the 'Bi' hexagram's 'Unresting ones come'—the unstable ones coming to join.

象曰：“比者為喜，不比為憂。詞宜和允，兵利主謀。禍從外起，事向朋謀。尋人失物，近處堪求”。如課下克上有嫉妒，日辰貴後主遲疑，或至三克度厄，四克無祿，亂動無狐疑，則有上六“比之無首”凶象。或上克下有嫌疑，日辰貴前主事順，及止二克，貞固擇一，則有比六二“自內，貞吉”之象也。

The rules for interpreting the situation state: the aspect that matches the day stem brings joy, while the aspect that does not match brings worry; in legal disputes, reconciliation is favorable, and in military matters, it is advantageous for the main side to plan; misfortunes come from outside, and matters should be discussed with friends; searching for people or lost items can be found nearby. If the lower god controls the upper god, there is jealousy involved; if the day stem and day branch fall after the nobleman, there is hesitation; if there are three instances of mutual control, it is called "degree of hardship," and if there are four instances, it is called "no fortune," indicating impatience and intolerance for delay, which corresponds to the ominous image of the sixth line of the "Qian" hexagram in the "Zhou Yi" (I Ching). If the upper god controls the lower god, there is suspicion involved; if the day stem and day branch fall before the nobleman, the matter proceeds smoothly; if there are two instances of mutual control, one should remain steadfast and choose one path, which corresponds to the auspicious image of the second line of the "Qian" hexagram in the "Zhou Yi" (I Ching).

如八月壬辰日巳時辰將占，得二上克下，壬日屬陽日，取戌加壬與日比發用，曰知一課。 戌白 酉常 申元 六 朱 常 白 寅 卯 酉 戌 卯 辰 戌 壬 辰巳午未 卯 申 寅 酉 丑子亥戌

For example, on the day of Renchen in the eighth month at the hour of Si, the divination is started with the Chén general. Two instances of the upper deity overcoming the lower deity are obtained. Since the day is a yang day, the yang branch Xu is placed on top of Ren, and the one that matches the day stem is chosen as the initiating transmission, which is the first lesson. The lesson disk is as follows: the three transmissions are the first transmission with Xu riding the White Tiger, the middle transmission with You riding Tai Chang, and the final transmission with Shen riding Xuanwu; the four lessons, from right to left, are Ren stem on the day with Xu, Xu with You, the day branch Chen with Mao, and Mao with Yin. The deities on the four lessons, Xu, You, Mao, and Yin, ride the White Tiger, Tai Chang, Vermilion Bird, and Liu He respectively; the bottom is the Earth Plate with the twelve branches. The first transmission Xu earth overcomes Ren water, and the third transmission Mao wood overcomes Chen earth, both are upper overcoming lower. Xu is yang and Mao is yin, and the day is yang, so Mao is discarded and Xu is chosen.

斷曰：此課天魁官鬼乘白虎發用，主事由家奴起禍，中致婦女衣服食物失盜，終可捕獲，在西鄰也。蓋三傳戌為奴，酉為婦女，太常為衣服食物，元武為失盜，比用為近，秋占旺氣，失物可獲也。

The interpretation states: This divination indicates that the matter involves the official ghost (官鬼) of the day, which is governed by the heavenly stem戌 (Xu) and is initiated by the White Tiger (白虎). This suggests that the trouble originates from a servant within the household. In the process, a woman's clothes and food are stolen. Eventually, the thief will be captured near the western neighbor. This is because in the three transmissions (三传), the stem戌 represents a servant, 酉 represents a woman, Tai Chang represents clothing and food, and Xuan Wu represents theft. Additionally, the nearby transmission (近处发用) compared with the day stem, combined with the autumn season when the metal energy is strong, indicates that the lost items can be recovered.

知一亦名比鄰，擇課之陰陽與日干比者為用神，陽日陽比，陰日陰比，二爻皆動，事有兩岐，必知擇而定於一，故名知一。課中或二上克下或二下克上故亦名比鄰。

"The Distinguishing Errors" says: Knowing one lesson is also called "adjacent," which involves selecting the god that matches the day stem in yin and yang from among those that are mutually controlling, using it as the initiating transmission. On a yang day, a yang god is chosen; on a yin day, a yin god is chosen. Two lines are activated simultaneously, indicating two possible paths for the matter, so one must understand the choice and determine it to a single path, hence it is called "knowing one." In the lesson, whether it is two instances of upper controlling lower or lower controlling upper, the adjacent ones that are compared are used, hence it is also called "adjacent."

占主事起同類，禍自外來，失物尋人俱在鄰近，兵訟宜和。凡事狐疑不決，若是吉神比者為近，不比為遠。若是凶神比者為喜，不比為憂。此課大端舍遠就近，舍疏就親，恩中有害之象。

This divination indicates that the matter originates from peers or similar people, and misfortune comes from outside. Lost items and those to be sought are nearby. Military actions and lawsuits are favorable if they are resolved through negotiation. All matters are hesitant and difficult to decide. If the initiating transmission is a beneficial spirit, those that are compared with the day stem are near, while those not compared are far. If the initiating transmission is an adverse spirit, those that are compared with the day stem may bring good fortune, while those not compared may bring worries. The main idea of this divination is to abandon the distant for the near and the distant relatives for the close ones. It shows an image of hidden harm within kindness.

欲知比用卦，四課裡頭生。二體原來別，分身是兩名。甲壬庚戊丙，比陽子戌呈。申午辰寅類，可應五陽精。甲丙戊庚壬是陽日，若天盤內見申子辰寅午戌為陽神，有克者是比，若陰神有克者是不比。乙丁己辛癸，比陰卯酉成。登明丑未巳，可應五陰精。此五陰干若天盤上四課中見亥卯未巳酉丑，有克為比，見陽有克是不比。

The "Observing the Monthly Cycle" verse says: To recognize the "ratio" (bi), look within the four lessons; the two lesson patterns are originally separate and named individually. The five yang stems, namely Jia, Bing, Wu, Geng, and Ren, when compared with yang branches, reveal the branches Zi and Xu; Shen, Wu, Chen, and Yin belong to the same category, corresponding to the essence of the five yang. The commentary explains: Jia, Bing, Wu, Geng, and Ren are yang days; if the Heaven Plate in the four lessons encounters the yang spirits Shen, Zi, Chen, Yin, Wu, and Xu which are in mutual control, it is called "bi"; if the mutual control involves the yin spirits, it is called "not bi." The verse also says: The five yin stems, namely Yi, Ding, Ji, Xin, and Gui, when compared with yin branches, pair with Mao and You; Dengming (Hai) and Chou, Wei, and Si correspond to the essence of the five yin. The commentary explains: For these five yin stems, if the Heaven Plate in the four lessons encounters Hai, Mao, Wei, Si, You, and Chou which are in mutual control, it is called "bi"; if the mutual control involves yang branches, it is called "not bi."

要用求相剋，不比亦得行。如陽日無克，有陰克，便以陰神相剋者為用。下克先取用，無下上神憑。四課之中下賊上為用，故曰下克先取用。無下賊上取上克下者為用，故曰無下上神憑。二下雙克上，比者是親情。俱比俱不比，涉害卦詳明。或有二下賊上，俱比俱不比，以涉害取用也。雙上來臨下，亦依此路行。四課無下賊上，只有二上克下，與日是比者亦依先克為用，亦仿此而取之。

The song says, "Use the one that is mutually controlling, even if it is not compared, it can still be used." The explanation states: On a yang day, if there is no yang spirit that is mutually controlling, but only a yin spirit that is mutually controlling, then that yin spirit is still taken as the initiating transmission. The song says, "When the lower controls the upper, take the one that is controlling first; if there is no lower controlling the upper, then take the upper spirit controlling the lower." The explanation states: Among the four lessons, if the lower spirit controls the upper spirit, take that as the initiating transmission. Therefore, when the lower controls the upper, take it first. If there is no lower controlling the upper, then take the upper spirit controlling the lower spirit as the initiating transmission. Therefore, if there is no lower controlling the upper, rely on the upper spirit. The song says, "If two lower spirits control the upper, and they are both compared with the day stem, or neither is compared with the day stem, then use the method of involving harm to determine." The explanation states: If there are two instances where the lower controls the upper, and both are compared with the day stem, or neither is compared with the day stem, then use the method of involving harm to determine the initiating transmission. The song says, "If two upper spirits control the lower, also follow the same method." The explanation states: If among the four lessons there is no lower controlling the upper, but only two instances where the upper controls the lower, then take the one that is compared with the day stem as the initiating transmission, following the same method as before.

課中知一卦，體是相比鄰。二上來臨下，賊盜在逡巡。小心須準備，看看惹禍迍。若言失脫事，閉口卦中尋。四課之中二上克下，取比者為用，是知一卦，主賊盜亡失事。若追尋遺失，得不得在閉口課內尋也。

The song says: In the lesson, knowing one trigram, the nature of the body and the ruler are adjacent and close; if two upper gods overcome the lower ones, there is a thief nearby lurking and watching, one must be careful to prevent trouble and hardship; if asking about theft or loss, the answer should be sought in the closed mouth lesson. The explanation says: In the four lessons, if two instances of upper overcoming lower occur, take the one that compares with the day stem as the initiating transmission, which is the knowing one trigram, indicating matters of thieves and lost property; if one wishes to seek lost items and determine whether they can be recovered, one must seek the answer in the closed mouth lesson.

知一卦何如，用神今日比。婚姻失諧和，事因同類起。逃亡不遠離，失物鄰人取。論訟和笑好，為事尚狐疑。

The Xin Jing song says: To know what kind of hexagram it is, compare the initiating transmission with the day stem. Marital harmony is lost, and matters are caused by people of the same class and type. A person who flees will not go far, and the lost item is taken by a neighbor. In a lawsuit, it is good to end with reconciliation and laughter. Doing things still carries some hesitation.

二上克下，二下賊上，以比為用，舍遠就近，舍疏就親，恩中生怨，凡事狐疑。仍看上下克賊，全在變而通之，消而息之。

The Xiu Zhong Jin says: Whether it is the upper deities overcoming the lower ones or the lower deities overcoming the upper ones, one should take the one that compares with the day stem as the initiating transmission. The principle is to abandon the distant and choose the near, to abandon the distant relatives and choose the close ones. In the midst of favor, resentment arises, and all matters are uncertain. One still needs to examine whether it is the upper overcoming the lower or the lower stealing from the upper. The determination of fortune and misfortune relies entirely on adaptability and careful consideration of the waxing and waning.

欲知其一，必知其日。二上克下，同類相加。朋友讒佞，禍從外來。利客不利主，二下賊上，妻財爭訟，咒詛不寧。

The Golden Chest says: In order to determine the one place to take from among two, one must first clearly know the Day Stem of the current day. If the upper deity of the two places overcomes the lower deity, it is a case of like overcoming like, indicating slander among friends, calamity coming from outside, benefiting the guest side but not the host side. If the lower deity of the two places overcomes the upper deity, it indicates disputes arising from wife and property, even leading to curses, and the household will not be at peace.

尉山人云：“上克下取天盤孟仲為驗。”存之。凡課有二上克下或二下克上，與今日俱比俱不比，則以涉地盤歸本家受克深處為用，為涉害課。涉者，度也；害者，克也。若五行屬土，則以土為深淺。如亥加丑土，前行歷辰、戊、未、己、戌土位五重，歸本家亥位，不論孟仲季比用，止取涉度害克位之最深者，故名涉害。占者凡事艱難，必有稽遲，然歷盡風霜而後得。統坎之體，乃苦盡甘來之象也。

Weshanren said: "When there is an upper overcoming lower, take the first and second heavenly stems of the Heaven Plate to verify." This statement is temporarily retained for further examination. Whenever there are two instances of upper overcoming lower or two instances of lower overcoming upper, and they are either both compared with the day stem or neither is compared with the day stem, the method of involvement and harm is used instead. Starting from the position of the god that is being overcome on the Earth Plate, count back along the path to its own family position, and observe the number of places that are being overcome along the way. Choose the place where the overcoming is most intense to initiate the transmission. This is called the involvement and harm lesson. "Involvement" means to traverse, and "harm" means to overcome. For example, if the god being overcome belongs to the earth element, determine the depth by the number of earth positions encountered along the way. Suppose the亥 (Hai) is placed on the丑 (Chou) earth, starting from Chou and moving forward, it would pass through the戊 (Wu) in辰 (Chen), the己 (Ji) in未 (Wei), and the戌 (Xu), totaling five earth positions, before returning to its own position at Hai. At this point, regardless of whether it is the first, second, or third heavenly stem, or whether it is compared with the day stem or not, only the place where the overcoming is most intense is chosen. This is called involvement and harm. When this lesson appears, all matters will be difficult and delayed, but after enduring hardships, success will eventually be achieved. It belongs to the nature of the Kan hexagram in the Zhouyi, symbolizing the transition from hardship to ease.

象曰：“風波險惡，度涉艱難。謀為利名，多費機關。婚姻有阻，疾病難安。胎孕遲滯，行人未還”。如神將凶，三四克，災深難解，則應坎初六“習坎，入坎”象也。或我克他，日辰旺相，神將吉，受克淺，憂淺易解，事難終成，則應坎卦辭：“有孚心亨”象，以是而行必有功矣。

The mnemonic for interpreting omens says: there are turbulent waves and dangers, crossing is difficult; seeking fame and profit requires much effort and cunning; marriage encounters obstacles, illness brings unrest; pregnancy is delayed, and those who have left home have not returned. If the controlling spirits and generals arevicious, and there are mutual controls in three or four places, the calamity is severe and hard to resolve, which corresponds to the ominous image of the first line of the Kan hexagram in the Zhou Yi, "Xí Kǎn, Rù Yú Kǎn Dǎn." If I overcome others, and both the day stem and day branch are in prosperous and strong positions, the controlling spirits and generals are auspicious, and the overcoming is slight, then the worries are light and easy to resolve, though the matter may not be completed finally, which corresponds to the hexagram statement of Kan, "Yǒu Fú, Wéi Xīn Hēng" — acting in this way will surely bring results.

如正月丁卯日丑時亥將占，二下賊上，若論仲季，則丑加卯前行，只歷辰中乙木一重歸本家丑位；以亥加丑前行辰、戊、未、己、戌土位五重歸本家亥位，此涉害深者當取亥加丑為用，為涉害課。 亥 朱 酉 貴 未 陰 勾 常 亥 丑 卯 巳 丑 卯 巳 丁 空 卯辰巳午 寅 未 丑 申 子亥戌酉 貴

For example, on the day of Dingmao in the first lunar month at the hour of Chou, the divination is cast with the hour animal Hai. The result shows two places where the lower god is attacking the upper god. If we use the old method of Meng, Zhong, and Ji, Chou is placed on Mao. Chou earth follows Mao forward, passing through the wood of Bing in Chen, and returns to its original position at Chou. Meanwhile, Hai water is placed on Chou. Hai water follows Chou forward, passing through the earth of Wu in Chen and Si, the earth of Ji in Wei, and the earth of Wu in Xu, before returning to its original position at Hai. Compared to this, Hai suffers more from being attacked. Therefore, we take Hai on Chou as the initiating transmission, which is known as the involved harm lesson. The divination chart is as follows: the three transmissions are the first transmission of Hai with the Vermilion Bird, the middle transmission of You with the Nobleman, and the final transmission of Wei with the Tai Yin. The four lessons, from right to left, are: the day stem Ding on Si, Si on Mao, the day branch Mao on Chou, and Chou on Hai. The surrounding notes include Gou Chen, Tai Chang, Tian Kong, and Tai Yin, each representing the general they are riding. At the bottom is the Earth Plate with the twelve branches. The third lesson is Mao wood attacking Chou earth, and the fourth lesson is Chou earth attacking Hai water. Both are cases of lower gods attacking upper gods, and both are compared with the Yin day stem Ding. Therefore, the involved harm method must be used to determine the depth of the attack.

斷曰：此課得涉害，亥歲占，朱雀發用，事干奏章，論訟猶豫，時宜見機而作，可行則行，可止則止，失計妄動，決如重險，始獲寧家。

The interpretation states: This reading is based on the method of involvement in harm. Since the divination is done in the year of Hai, with the Vermilion Bird as the initiating transmission, the matter concerns official documents and litigation, which will be indecisive. At this time, one should act according to the opportunity, proceeding when appropriate and stopping when necessary. If one misjudges and acts recklessly, the situation will be like being trapped in multiple dangers, requiring great effort to maintain family peace and security.

凡課有二上克下或二下克上，甚至四克賊，俱比俱不比，以寅申巳亥孟神用為見機格。如課中有仲季必必待用孟之機深者，蓋事之初起，禍福隨之，見事必知機而作，故名見機。占事疑急須改變，若守舊則有稽留難解之患也。

When there are two instances of upper controlling lower, or two instances of lower controlling upper, or even three or four instances of mutual control in the divination, and these are neither compared with the day stem nor compared with it, then the god located on the four beginning (孟) earth plates—寅, 申, 巳, and 亥—is taken as the initiating transmission, called the "See Opportunity" pattern. Even if there are other gods located on the middle (仲) or end (季) plates, the one located on the beginning plate, which is the most affected, must be chosen first. This is because the matter has just begun, and good or bad fortune is already hidden within. Seeing the initial signs requires quick action, hence the name "See Opportunity." When this pattern appears, the matter is complicated and urgent, requiring immediate change. If one persists in old ways, there will be delays and difficulties that are hard to resolve.

象曰：“利涉大川，有孚貞吉。動作知機，不俟終日。名利難遂，胎孕未實。疑事急改，猶豫有失”。如神將吉以吉言，凶以凶論，乃多算勝，少算不勝，將涉水不輕進之象也。

The mnemonic for interpreting omens says: It is suitable to cross a big river, with sincerity and uprightness, leading to good fortune; actions should be able to recognize opportunities, without waiting for the whole day to pass. Fame and wealth are difficult to achieve, and pregnancy is not yet secure. For difficult matters, one should quickly change the approach, and hesitating endlessly will surely result in loss. If the divine generals are auspicious, then the interpretation should be auspicious; if they are inauspicious, then the interpretation should be inauspicious. This is exactly what the "Art of War" says: those who calculate much will win, and those who calculate little will not win, just like about to cross water but unwilling to move forward hastily.

如四月庚子日戌時申將占，二上克下，以午加庚四孟位者用，為見機格。 午 蛇 辰 六 寅 龍 玄 申 戌 辰 午 戌 子 午 庚 卯辰巳午 寅 未 貴 空丑 申 子亥戌酉

For example, on the day of Gengzi in the fourth month at the hour of Xu, a divination is made using the Shen general. The two upper deities are found to be attacking the lower deities, and the one located at the position of the first quarter (fourth quarter) is taken as the initiating transmission, which is Wu riding on Teng Snake. This is known as the 'Seeing Opportunity' pattern. The course of the divination is as follows: the three transmissions are the first transmission of Wu riding on Teng Snake, the middle transmission of Chen riding on Liu He, and the final transmission of Yin riding on Qinglong, with Xuanwu noted beside them. The four lessons, from right to left, are Geng Day Stem with Wu, Wu with Chen, Day Branch Zi with Xu, and Xu with Shen. At the bottom, the Earth Plate is divided with the note of Nobleman and Tian Kong. Geng metal is located in the Shen palace, Wu fire is located in Shen and attacks Geng metal, while Xu earth is located in Zi and attacks Zi water. Both instances are upper deities attacking lower deities, and both are compared with the yang day Geng. Among these, the Shen located at the position of Yin Shen Si Hai, the four quarters, is the one most affected, so Wu is taken as the initiating transmission.

凡課有克賊俱比俱不比，無孟取仲季用，為察微格。蓋孟深、仲淺、季作微分。課克無孟，必審察仲季之微克者，故名察微。占者恐人不仁，或有小人謀害之意，必思慮提防，無可患也。

If there is mutual control in the chart, and each position is either not compared with the day stem or compared with it, and none of them is located in the first position of the four seasons, then take one of the middle or last positions to initiate the transmission, called the "Observing Subtleties" pattern. This is because the first position suffers the deepest harm, the middle position is less severe, and the last position is even more subtle. Since the harmful positions do not fall in the first season, one must carefully examine the subtle harm between the middle and last positions, hence the name "Observing Subtleties." When this pattern appears, one should be cautious of others harboring unkind intentions or small people plotting secretly to cause harm. As long as one remains vigilant and takes precautions, there will be no misfortune.

象曰：“笑中有刀，蜜中有砒。大人利見，舊德微施。人情淺薄，世事難披。防範機密，物慾必齊”。凡事詳神將吉凶言之，乃少算勝而無算不勝。尚中正，不利涉大川之象也。

The mnemonic for interpreting signs says: a smiling face may hide a knife, and sweet honey may contain arsenic; it is suitable to meet important persons of high status, but old kindness can only be slightly shown; human relationships are shallow, and worldly affairs are hard to understand thoroughly; one must be cautious to prevent secrets from leaking out, so that desired things can be fully obtained. In all matters, one should consider the fortune or misfortune of the accompanying deities and officials. This is the reason why those who calculate little can still win, while those who do not plan at all will surely fail. It emphasizes the importance of upholding the principle of moderation and propriety, and is not advisable to take great risks like crossing a big river.

如庚戌日辰時申將占，得二上克下，以辰加子四仲位用，曰察微格。 辰 玄 申 玄 子 蛇 后 午 寅 辰 子 寅 戌 子 庚 酉戌亥子 申 丑 貴 未 寅 午巳辰卯

On the day of Gengxu, when casting a divination at the hour of Xu, using the general of Shen, the course of the divination shows two upper deities overcoming the lower deities. The initiating transmission is taken from the position of Chen, which is located at the position of the four central points, with Chen added to Zi. This is called the "Observing the Subtle Pattern" structure. The three transmissions are: the first transmission is Chen, the middle transmission is Shen, and the final transmission is Zi, each riding on the deities Xuanwu, Xuanwu, and Teng Snake, with the Heavenly Empress noted beside them. The four lessons, from right to left, are: the day stem Geng is on Zi, Zi is on Chen, the day branch Wu is on Yin, and Yin is on Wu. The lower Earth Plate notes the Nobleman. The earth Chen is on Zi and overcomes Zi water, the wood Yin is on Wu and overcomes Wu earth, both instances are upper overcoming lower, and both compare with the yang day stem Geng. Among these, the Zi under Chen is one of the four central points (Zi, Wu, Mao, You), while the Wu under Yin belongs to the four seasons. Since it does not meet the condition of the beginning of the season, it is then taken as the Chen on Zi initiating the transmission.

凡課涉害者復相等，以四課中先見者用，為綴瑕格。蓋涉害數歸本家，又復相似，則日以日上先見神為用，柔日取辰上先見神為用。如二物相併，深中取先，高中取捷，冠上有綴瑕玉飾之，故名綴瑕格。占事艱難，首尾牽連，惟才德服眾者吉也。

Whenever the calculations of involvement show two places with equal depth, take the one that appears first among the four lessons as the initiating transmission, called the Zhi Xia pattern. Because the numbers of involvement return to their original positions and appear similar to each other, on a yang day take the deity that first appears on the day stem as the initiating transmission, and on a yin day take the deity that first appears on the day branch. It is like two things placed side by side, if they are equally deep, take the one that comes first; if they are equally high, take the more convenient one. It is also like a flaw on a hat used as an ornament, hence the name Zhi Xia pattern. When predicting events that are difficult, the beginning and end are connected, and only those with sufficient talent and virtue can achieve good outcomes.

象曰：“兩雄交爭，經延歲月。人眾牽連，災耗不絕。君子宜親，小人可輟。胎孕逾期，行人失約”。如月建吉神入傳吉，日辰有氣，雖事遲延有成之象也。

The mnemonic for interpreting omens states: when two strong forces contend, the conflict drags on for years; many people are involved, and continuous misfortunes and losses occur; it is advisable to draw near to gentlemen and keep away from petty people; a pregnancy extends beyond the expected time, and those who go out lose their return date. If the Month Builder and auspicious deities enter the Three Transmissions, and both the Day Stem and Day Branch have vitality, then although the matter may be delayed, it will ultimately succeed.

如六月甲午日辰時午將占，課得辰加寅，歷卯木一重歸本家辰位；申加午，歷丁火一重歸本家申位，乃涉害相等，剛日以日上先見神為用，柔日以辰上先見神為用，名曰綴瑕。 辰 合 午 龍 申 虎 元 虎 龍 六 戌 申 午 辰 申 午 辰 甲 未申酉戌 午 亥 巳 子 辰卯寅丑

For example, on the day of Jiawu in the sixth month, at the hour of Chen, the divination is started with the hour of Wu as the general. In the course, the element Chen is placed on top of Yin, and the earth element Chen moves forward from Yin, passing through the wood element Mao once, and returns to its original position at Chen. The element Shen is placed on top of Wu, and the metal element Shen moves forward from Wu, passing through the fire element Ding hidden in Wu once, and returns to its original position at Shen. The depth of harm in both cases is equal. On a yang day, the first transmission is taken from the first god seen on the day stem; on a yin day, the first transmission is taken from the first god seen on the day branch. This is called Zhuixia. The course layout is as follows: the three transmissions are the first transmission with Chen riding Liu He, the middle transmission with Wu riding Qinglong, and the final transmission with Shen riding Baihu. The four lessons, from right to left, are: on the day stem Jiawu, there is Chen; on Chen, there is Wu; on the day branch Wu, there is Shen; on Shen, there is Xu. The gods on the four lessons, Chen, Wu, Shen, and Xu, ride Liu He, Qinglong, Baihu, and Xuanwu respectively. Since the day Jiawu is yang, the first transmission is taken from the first god seen on the day stem, which is Chen.

凡涉害課，用神畏日干所勝，以比和者為用，曰比用格。如甲戌日，論孟用辰加寅，辰土畏甲木克，則取子加戌，子生甲木，比者為用也。戊辰丙子日例同此推。又如甲辰三傳戌午寅為脫氣，凡謀難成，惟憂可解，殊不知戌土畏甲木為不比，不取涉害，當取子水比和者為用，三傳子申辰生日，凡為吉事皆成，惟凶事難散。戊子日午卯子，壬戌日申丑午，庚子日戌申午，乙卯日亥酉未，皆用比，不用涉害，故名比用，若妄用三傳，而災禍異也。

Whenever the involved harm pattern is used and the selected initiating transmission god happens to be one that the day stem can control, it is instead necessary to choose another initiating transmission that is harmonious with the day stem, called the 'like transmission pattern'. For example, on a Jiaxu day, according to the young position, one should normally take Chen added to Yin as the initiating transmission, but Chen earth is afraid of being controlled by Jia wood, so it is instead taken as Zi added to Xu. Zi water nourishes Jia wood and is harmonious with the day stem, so it is used as the initiating transmission. The same principle applies to Wuchen day and Bingzi day. Another example is on a Jiachen day where the three transmissions are Xu, Wu, and Yin, which are all releasing the energy of the day stem, indicating a situation where plans are difficult to achieve but worries are easily resolved. However, Xu earth is controlled by Jia wood, which is not harmonious, so it should not be used according to the involved harm method. Instead, Ren water, which is harmonious with the day stem, should be used as the initiating transmission, resulting in the three transmissions being Zi, Shen, and Chen, which nourish the day stem. In this case, all good things can be accomplished, but bad things are hard to dispel. In addition, on a Gengzi day, the transmissions are Xu, Shen, and Wu; on a Renxu day, they are Shen, Chou, and Wu; on a Yimao day, they are Hai, You, and Wei. In all these cases, the harmonious transmission is used instead of the involved harm method, so it is called the 'like transmission'. If one mistakenly uses the involved harm method to arrange the three transmissions, the outcome will be completely different.

假如乙卯日寅時子將占，二下賊其上，當取亥加丑為用，乃為比用格。 亥 后 酉 玄 未 虎 亥 丑 子 寅 丑 卯 寅 乙 卯辰巳午 寅 未 丑 申 子亥戌酉

For example, on the day of Yimao with the time of Yin, using the Zi general to cast the divination, we find that the two lower deities are attacking the upper deities. Therefore, we take Hai added to Chou as the initiating transmission, which is the case of the "like and harmonious" pattern. The divination chart is as follows: the three transmissions are the first transmission Hai riding the Heavenly Empress, the middle transmission You riding the Black Tortoise, and the final transmission Wei riding the White Tiger; the four lessons, from right to left, are the day stem Yi on the Yin, Yin on the Zi, the day branch Mao on the Chou, and Chou on the Hai; the bottom is the Earth Plate with the twelve branches. The third lesson is the wood of Mao attacking the earth of Chou, and the fourth lesson is the earth of Chou attacking the water of Hai, both instances are lower deities attacking upper deities, and both are compared with the Yin day Yi. Among them, the earth of Chou is exactly what the wood of Yi can control, so it is not suitable to take it as the initiating transmission. Therefore, we choose the water of Hai, which is a supportive deity for the day stem, as the harmonious deity.