"Observing the Monthly Cycle"

日宿加四仲，發用在其中。斗繫丑兼未，天煩卦本宮。愆招男子罪，如何走西東。兵甲將誅戮，加刑憂命終。

The "Observing the Menstrual Cycle" text explains the Tian Fan hexagram: the sun's position is added to the four central directions, and the initiating transmission falls within them; the Tiangang is attached to Chou or Wei, which constitutes the fundamental pattern of the Tian Fan hexagram. This pattern brings about the faults of men, and the person involved will have to run about in all directions but cannot escape. If it coincides with military conflict, they will be executed; once more punishment is added, even their lives will be in danger.

月宿加四仲，地煩發用名。天罡臨丑未，女子血光驚。產婦多憂懼，胎成子不成。傳中有惡將，必定舉哀聲。

The *Observation of the Monthly Cycle* explains the *Ground Disturbance* hexagram: when the lunar mansion is placed over the four central positions and is taken as the initiating transmission, this pattern is called *Ground Disturbance*. When the heavenly stem Tiangang is located on the positions Chou or Wei, it indicates that a woman may experience blood-related fright: pregnant women are often anxious and uneasy, the fetus may form but the child cannot be retained. If among the three transmissions there are also malevolent generals, the family is certain to hold a mourning ceremony and announce the death.

日宿臨四仲為天煩，月宿臨四仲為地煩，斗繫丑未為在地煩，不繫丑未為杜傳。當此之時，四位俱閉，三光不明，德氣在內，刑氣在外，利於居家，不宜遠行。男子抵日，女子抵月，凡舉百事，喜者反怒，解者復結，殃及子孫，禍更復作。男禁天煩，無抵四正弦望晦朔之日，以此舉事，刑戮大驚。女禁地煩，無抵四平，子平卯、卯平午、午平酉、酉平子，以此舉事，流血見腥。

The "Zeng Men" says: When the sun is located at the four central points, it is called "Tian Fan" (Heavenly Distress); when the moon is located at the four central points, it is called "Di Fan" (Earthly Distress). If the Tiangang is attached to the Chou or Wei branches, it still belongs to the Di Fan category; if not attached to Chou or Wei, it is called Du Chuan instead. When such a situation occurs, all four directions become blocked, the three lights become dim, the virtue energy is confined within, and the punishment energy is revealed outside. It is suitable to stay at home and not to travel far. For men, they should check if their age coincides with the sun's position; for women, they should check if their age coincides with the moon's position. Any action taken will result in joy turning into anger, and what has been resolved will again become entangled, causing calamities that affect descendants, with one wave of trouble followed by another. Men should avoid "Tian Fan," especially on the four key days: the waxing and waning of the moon, and the new and full moon. Acting on these days may lead to punishment and great shock. Women should avoid "Di Fan," especially on the four balanced positions: Zi and Mao, Mao and Wu, Wu and You, You and Zi. Acting on these days may result in bloodshed and foulness.

《定章》曰：朔望弦晦日月加四仲占事，與九丑同。以九丑同，以舉百事必被殃也。又曰：日宿加午卯為春夏天煩，男子囚禁，流血見官。日宿加酉子為秋冬天煩，男子兵戮，法死不葬。月宿加卯午為春夏地煩，女子鬥訟流血。月宿加酉子為秋冬地煩，女子鬥訟為男子所殺。二煩之禁，不可不慎。以舉百事主死亡。

It cites the "Ding Zhang" which says: on the days of new moon, full moon, first quarter, and last quarter, the sun and moon again occupy the four cardinal directions to predict events, and their danger is the same as the Nine Unauspicious Lessons; since they are of the same type as the Nine Unauspicious Lessons, doing anything will surely bring misfortune. It also says: if the sun is positioned on Wu or Mao, it indicates the heat of heaven in spring and summer, and men will be imprisoned, bleed, and appear before officials; if the sun is positioned on You or Zi, it indicates the heat of heaven in autumn and winter, and men will be killed by weapons, executed according to law, and left unburied. If the moon is positioned on Mao or Wu, it indicates the heat of earth in spring and summer, and women will bleed due to disputes and lawsuits; if the moon is positioned on You or Zi, it indicates the heat of earth in autumn and winter, and women will be killed by men due to disputes and lawsuits.

如二月朔日，辛卯時加卯，天魁臨卯為用，將得勾陳主鬥訟刑傷。次傳天后，事因婦女。終見天空，耗散破滅。此時日月宿在魁下臨仲，為二煩。並斗不繫丑未，為杜傳。此時德氣在內，刑氣在外，以舉百事，必因婦人鬥訟刑傷，耗散家業，或被刑戮大驚，殃及子孫。三月午時，斗繫丑未曰天煩。四月二十七日巳時，名地煩。

The prohibitions regarding the second disturbance should not be taken lightly, as doing anything during this time is likely to result in death. For example, on the first day of the second lunar month, when the day is Xinmao and the time is the卯 hour, the Tian Gui (an alternate name for the戌) is placed on the卯 and is used as the initiating transmission. The riding trigram is Gou Chen, indicating disputes, lawsuits, and injuries. The middle transmission rides on the Heavenly Empress, suggesting that the matter involves women. The final transmission is Tian Kong, indicating loss and decline. At this time, both the day and month hosts are located beneath the Tian Gui and are positioned in the middle position, hence forming the second disturbance. Additionally, the Tiangang is not attached to the丑 or未, so it also functions as the Du transmission. At this moment, the virtuous energy is confined internally while the penal energy is exposed externally. Any action taken will inevitably lead to disputes and injuries caused by women, loss of property, or suffering from punishment and a great shock, which may also involve the family's descendants. Another example is during the noon hour of the third lunar month, when the Tiangang is attached to the丑 or未, which is called the heavenly disturbance. On the 27th day of the fourth lunar month at the巳 hour, it is called the earthly disturbance.

凡四立日占得今日干支臨昨日干支，或昨日干支臨今日干支，為天禍課。蓋立春日木旺水絕，立夏日火旺木絕，立秋日金旺火絕，立冬日水旺金絕。一年之內，只此立春、立夏、立秋、立冬。四立日前一日為四絕。如四立日干支神加絕神干支，或絕神干支加四立干支神，此四時之氣，德絕用刑，如天刑時災，人受其禍，故名天禍。占者動有凶咎，不可妄為。統大過之體，嫩草遭霜之課也。

Whenever a divination is cast on the day following the beginning of spring, summer, autumn, or winter, if the stem of the current day is placed over the stem of the previous day, or the stem of the previous day is placed over the stem of the current day, it is called the Heaven's Punishment lesson. This is because on the day of the beginning of spring, the wood energy becomes strong while the water energy is cut off; on the beginning of summer, the fire energy becomes strong while the wood energy is cut off; on the beginning of autumn, the metal energy becomes strong while the fire energy is cut off; and on the beginning of winter, the water energy becomes strong while the metal energy is cut off. Only these four days in a year exhibit such a situation. The day before each of these four beginning days is called the day of the four endings. If the heavenly stem and earthly branch of the four beginning days are placed over the heavenly stem and earthly branch of the four ending days, or vice versa, then it indicates that the energy of the four seasons has already been cut off at the time of their transition, and only punishment remains in effect. It is like heaven descending punishment and the seasons bringing calamity, causing people to suffer misfortune. Therefore, this lesson is called Heaven's Punishment. When a person begins to cast a divination, there will be immediate misfortune, and one should not act recklessly. This lesson belongs to the hexagram of Great Excess, similar to tender grass being struck by frost.

象曰：“以新易舊，天有災禍。咎事莫為，身宜謹守。戰鬥流血，造死喪偶。出行死亡，干謁空走。”如四立金日前一日是火神，相加又發用，占者主火殃或雷震天災。木日水動，主水災，或盜賊淫亂。木主屋樑崩折，金主兵戈戰鬥，土主土瘟牆壁險陷。更乘白虎，主死喪，元武失脫，朱雀口舌，勾陳爭鬥，帶惡殺必有不意凶禍，不出時節九十日也。或四立日值朔望先一日月窮，為四廢並，此四絕之日上望見月宿，其凶尤甚。當此之時，不可出行造作等事，犯者大凶，當應大過九三棟撓之象也。

Divination interpretation states: When new energy replaces old energy, heaven is experiencing calamity; one should avoid doing things that bring misfortune and instead remain cautious and still. Going to war will result in bloodshed, starting new projects will lead to deaths and loss of spouses, traveling far is risky with possible death, and seeking an official will be in vain. In specific analysis, if the four establishment days belong to metal and the previous day is the fire deity, and together they are taken as the initiating transmission, the person being divined will suffer from fire-related calamities or natural disasters such as lightning. If the day belongs to wood and the water deity is active, it indicates water disasters, or theft and disorder. Wood also signifies the collapse of roof beams, metal indicates warfare, and earth signifies epidemic diseases caused by dampness and the collapse of walls. If further accompanied by the White Tiger, it indicates death or loss; if accompanied by the Black Tortoise, it indicates theft or escape; if accompanied by the Vermilion Bird, it indicates disputes; if accompanied by Gou Chen, it indicates conflicts. If accompanied by evil killer, there will certainly be unexpected misfortune, which will manifest within the ninety days of this solar term. If the four establishment days coincide with the day before the new moon or full moon, known as the end of the month, and this coincides with the four wastes, and on the day of these four critical days, the moon is seen in the sky, the calamity becomes even worse. In such circumstances, one should not travel or start new projects; violating this will result in great misfortune, corresponding to the image of the third line of the Great Excess hexagram, where the beam bends.

如正月立春甲申日，絕日癸未，寅加癸，為天禍課。 辰 巳 午 戌 酉 辰 卯 酉 申 卯 甲 午未申酉 巳 戌 辰 亥 卯寅丑子

On the day of the Beginning of Spring in the first lunar month, which is Jiashen day, the previous day's absolute day is Guiwei. The lodging palace of Jia is寅, which is placed on the lodging palace of Gui, which is丑. This is exactly when today's stem and branch overshadow yesterday's, so it is determined as the Heaven's Misfortune lesson. The four lessons are arranged from right to left:卯 is placed on Jia, 辰 is placed on卯, 酉 is placed on申, and 戌 is placed on酉. The three transmissions are arranged from top to bottom:辰, 巳, 午. This chart only shows the positions of the spirits and does not indicate the Heavenly General.

天禍，亦名四窮天禍。凡四立日占得今日干支臨昨日干支，或昨日干支臨今日干支。立春日木旺水絕，立夏日火旺木絕，立秋日金旺火絕，立冬日水旺金絕。四立前一日為四絕。如四立日干支加絕神干支，或絕神干支加四立日干支，此四時之氣，德絕用刑，日上日下皆不願處。如天行時災，人受其禍，故名天禍。絕神為四時窮日，亦名四窮天禍。

The "Ding'E" says: "Heavenly calamity is also called Four Extremes Heavenly Calamity." Whenever a lesson is cast starting from the day of the beginning of a season, if the day stem and branch of today is placed over the day stem and branch of yesterday, or the day stem and branch of yesterday is placed over the day stem and branch of today, it belongs to this pattern. At the beginning of spring, wood is strong and water is extinct; at the beginning of summer, fire is strong and wood is extinct; at the beginning of autumn, metal is strong and fire is extinct; at the beginning of winter, water is strong and metal is extinct. The day before the beginning of the four seasons is the day of extinction. If the stem and branch of the day of the beginning of the four seasons is added to the stem and branch of the extinction deity, or the stem and branch of the extinction deity is added to the stem and branch of the day of the beginning of the four seasons, then it is the time when the qi of the four seasons changes, and the virtue has already been cut off, only the punishment is in effect. The day stem is unstable above and below. It is like heaven enforcing the calamity of the seasons, and people below suffer the disaster, hence it is called Heavenly Calamity. The extinction deity is also the day of the end of the four seasons, so it is also called Four Extremes Heavenly Calamity.

占主動凶，不可妄為，出行死，干謁不見，造葬更忌。如絕神是火，主火災，或雷霆變異。水主水災，或盜賊淫亂。木主屋傾，金主兵戰，土主土瘟或官司牽累。應驗不出節內九十日也。或四立日值朔望先一日為月窮，又為四廢，並此四絕之日上，望見月宿，凶尤甚。

Divination indicates a heavenly calamity, and any movement will bring misfortune; one must not act recklessly: going on a long journey brings danger to life and death, seeking an official will result in not being able to see him, and starting a project or burying the dead must be avoided. If the spirit is of the fire element, there will be fire disasters, or thunder and unusual changes; if of the water element, there will be water disasters, or theft and immorality; if of the wood element, there will be collapse of houses; if of the metal element, there will be warfare and weapons; if of the earth element, there will be epidemic diseases caused by bad air, or being involved in legal disputes. These omens will come true within ninety days of this season. If the beginning of the four seasons falls on the day before the new moon or full moon, that is the end of the month, and also coincides with the four wastes, then on the day of these four critical days, if one sees the moon's position, the danger will be especially severe.

四立干上神，分明末日臨。此名天禍卦，乖角竟相侵。立春前一日名水絕，立夏前一日名木絕，立秋前一日名火絕，立冬前一日名金絕。立春之日是甲，甲前一日是癸，癸是水，末日也。甲日占得甲上見丑，是末日臨也。主癸課在丑也。

The song of "Observing the Menstrual Cycle" says: On the days of the four beginnings of the seasons, look at the deity riding on the day stem. If it is clearly the last day's stem that is riding on top, this is called the Heaven's Misfortune Hexagram, indicating mutual friction and mutual infringement. The annotation explains: The day before the beginning of spring is called water's end, the day before the beginning of summer is called wood's end, the day before the beginning of autumn is called fire's end, and the day before the beginning of winter is called metal's end. For example, if the day of the beginning of spring is a Jia day, the day before Jia is Gui, which belongs to water, thus it is called the last day. If on the day of Jia, the stem Jia has the branch Chou on its head, then the last day has come to ride on top, because the lodging palace of Gui is Chou.

立夏之日是庚，前一日是己，己是木之末日。庚日占事，干上得小吉，是末日臨也，言己課在未也。如癸丑日立秋，前一日是壬，壬是火絕之日，癸日占得丑上見亥，主壬課在亥也。立冬之日是丁，前一日是丙，丙為金絕之末日也。丁日占事，未上見太乙，是末日臨也，以丙課在巳，。此是四立干上神，分明末日臨也。大抵天禍四立日干上見昨日天干上發用者是也。

Now consider another example: On the day of Li Xia (Beginning of Summer), if it is a Geng day, the previous day is Ji, and Ji is the end of the Wood cycle; when starting a lesson on Geng day, the day stem has Xiao Ji (Wei) on top, which means the end of the cycle comes up, because Ji's Lodging Palace is in Wei. Similarly, on the day of Gui Chou (a specific day) during Li Qiu (Beginning of Autumn), the previous day is Ren, and Ren is the end of the Fire cycle; when starting a lesson on Gui day, the branch Chou has亥, which fits this pattern, because Ren's Lodging Palace is in Hai. On the day of Li Dong (Beginning of Winter), if it is a Ding day, the previous day is Bing, and Bing is the end of the Metal cycle; when starting a lesson on Ding day, the branch Wei has Taiyi (Si), which means the end of the cycle comes up, because Bing's Lodging Palace is in Si. These examples all refer to the days of the four beginnings, looking at the heavenly stem on top of the day stem, clearly indicating the end of the cycle coming up. In summary: A heaven calamity lesson occurs on the days of the four beginnings, when the heavenly stem on top of the day stem is the Lodging Palace of the previous day's heavenly stem and is taken as the Initiating Transmission.

火動燒人死，若庚之日為四立日，見末日臨之又發用，若火神動者，主雷霆逆禍事，天降火燒人。或天中有詫異之事。如庚辛為末日，又火神動者，主此災禍。水臨劫盜深。若水動有水災賊盜，亦是家中濁濫而生凶禍也。丙丁為末日，又得水神發用者，課主賊盜也。

The song says: When fire moves, there will be incidents of people being burned to death. The commentary explains that if the four beginning days are on a Geng day, and the last day's heavenly stem is present above and taken as the initiating transmission, and the fire deity is activated in the divination, it indicates thunder moving against its natural course, calamities descending, heavenly fire burning people, or strange phenomena appearing in the sky. Whenever the last day is Geng or Xin and the fire deity is taken as the initiating transmission, this lesson indicates such disasters. The song also says: When water appears, there will be deep theft and robbery. The commentary explains that when the water deity is activated, there will be floods and thieves, and also domestic filth overflowing leading to凶祸. Whenever the last day is Bing or Ding and the water deity is taken as the initiating transmission, this lesson indicates theft and robbery.

木因梁屋事，若木動主屋塌梁墜下札而致死亡之事。如戊己為末日見木神主此災禍也。土動為爭論。壬癸日立春得末發用見土神者，主此災禍也。金則兵戈亂，鬧處起哀聲。如金動主兵戈、刀死、刃傷。甲乙日立春立春時得末發用是金神，主此災禍也。四立之日是課妙用，切須熟讀記之。

The rhyme says: When wood moves, it appears on the beams and roof. The commentary explains that the wood spirit moving indicates the collapse of houses, beams falling and killing people; whenever wood spirit appears on a day ending with Wu or Ji, it signifies such calamities. The rhyme says: When earth moves, disputes arise. The commentary explains that on the days of Ren or Gui, if the day of the end of the month is the day of the end of the month and the initiating transmission is the day of the end of the month, and earth spirit is present, it indicates such disasters. The rhyme says: When metal moves, there is warfare and chaos, sudden sorrow in the midst of celebration. The commentary explains that the metal spirit moving indicates warfare, death by blade, or injury from weapons; on the days of Jia or Yi, if the day of the end of the month is the day of the end of the month and the initiating transmission is the day of the end of the month, and the metal spirit is used, it indicates such disasters. Finally, it reminds: The four beginnings are the key application of this lesson, so it is essential to memorize it thoroughly.

四立日占為百事，切忌干臨向絕辰。立春、立夏、立秋、立冬四立前一日為四絕。前日干臨今日干是也。遇此是名天禍卦，天咎之災四五旬。經云：禍不出一節。一節四十五日也。

The Xin Jing says: On the days of the four beginnings of the seasons, when divining about various matters, it is most inauspicious for the day stem to be in the position of the day's absolute decline. The commentary explains that the day before the beginning of spring, summer, autumn, and winter are the four days of absolute decline. The phrase "the day stem meets the day of absolute decline" refers to the day stem of the previous day appearing on the day stem of the current day. The rhyme continues: encountering such a chart is called the Heaven's Misfortune hexagram, and the calamity from heaven will manifest within forty to fifty days. The commentary cites classical texts saying that misfortune will not exceed one section; one section is forty-five days.

今日立春當乙酉，昨暮窮冬是甲申。假令乙酉戌時課，乙將臨甲害凌人。欲知禍患緣何起，以將推之決是因。白虎死亡元武賊，官事追朱斗勾陳。天空作事主欺詐，若依此法豈遭迍。

A song illustrates this: today is the day of the Beginning of Spring on the Yiyou day, and yesterday was the day of the End of Winter on the Jiashen day. Suppose a divination is started at the hour of Xu on the Yiyou day. The lodgment palace of Yi comes upon the lodgment palace of Ji, forming an image of harming one another and showing a domineering attitude. To know the cause of misfortune, one only needs to look at the celestial general riding upon it. If it is the White Tiger, it indicates death; if it is the Black Tortoise, it indicates theft; if it is the Vermilion Bird, it indicates official pursuit; if it is Gou Chen, it indicates disputes; and if it is Tian Kong, it indicates deceit in matters. If one follows this method, how could one suffer misfortune without cause?

天禍，四立日日干臨前一日日干上。天寇，分至日日支臨前一日日支上。創始值於干絕，旺極值於支離。天禍主九十日，水絕水厄，火絕火災。虎加病死，元加盜賊。天寇主四十五日，出行遭劫，造屋火災，骨肉不相保，疫癘必相傷。遇之者上天怒之咎也。

The difference between heavenly calamity and heavenly bandit lies in the following: Heavenly calamity occurs on the days of the four solstices, when the day stem of today is found on the day stem of the previous day; Heavenly bandit occurs on the days of the two equinoxes and two solstices, when the day branch of today is found on the day branch of the previous day. The former occurs when the initial qi is just beginning and the heavenly stems are cut off, while the latter occurs when the qi is at its peak and the earthly branches are separated. The period for heavenly calamity is ninety days: if it belongs to the water terminal, it indicates water disaster; if it belongs to the fire terminal, it indicates fire disaster; if it is accompanied by the White Tiger, it indicates illness or death; if it is accompanied by the Black Tortoise, it indicates theft. The period for heavenly bandit is forty-five days: going out will result in robbery, building a house will result in fire, family members will not be able to protect each other, and an epidemic will certainly harm people. Encountering these two types of lessons are both punishments from heaven.

假令甲申旬乙酉日立春子將戌時。 丙 蛇 貴 后 陰 鬼 申 貴 白元貴朱 戊 未 申 酉 戌 己 午天 未丁 申庚 財 戌 陰 丑亥申午 午朱 中 巳 亥 元 辰乙 戶酉 父 子 常 亥酉午乙 巳六 子 常 門卯 戌辛 辰勾 卯青 寅空 丑 白 寅甲 丑癸 子中 亥壬

An example is given for the day Yiyou in the Jiashen ten-day period when the beginning of spring occurs. The lesson is started with the Zi general and the Xu hour. This is a complete six rhinoceros lesson. On the right side is the heaven and earth plate, with the first line of each section writing the heavenly god and the general it is riding upon, and the second line writing the earthly branch of the earth plate, with annotations of the heavenly stem's lodging palace and the old symbols such as the gate and the door. For example, under the寅 branch is noted 甲, under丑 is noted癸, under亥 is noted壬, under辰 is noted乙, under戌 is noted辛, and beside卯 is noted 「门」, beside酉 is noted 「户」. In the middle are the four lessons, from right to left: Wu added to Yi (Yi's lodging palace is in Chen), Shen added to Wu, Hai added to You, and Chou added to Hai, each riding upon the Vermilion Bird, Nobleman, Black Tortoise, and White Tiger respectively. On the left side is the three transmissions, each noting the six relations and the general: the first transmission is Shen, which is the official ghost, riding upon the Nobleman; the middle transmission is Xu, which is the wife's wealth, riding upon Tai Yin; the final transmission is Zi, which is the parents, riding upon Tai Chang. The three transmissions are Shen, Xu, and Zi. Xu earth generates Shen metal, and Shen metal generates Zi water, forming a continuous cycle of mutual generation in the five phases. The Zi general is placed on the Xu hour, and the heaven plate moves forward by two positions, so the earth plate's巳 position gets the heaven plate's未, the午 position gets the heaven plate's申, the未 position gets the heaven plate's酉, the申 position gets the heaven plate's戌, and so on in order. The earth plate's卯 position gets the heaven plate's巳, and the辰 position gets the heaven plate's午. This plate is meant to illustrate the heavenly calamity: on the day of beginning of spring, the day is Yiyou, and the previous day, Jiashen, is a day of the four extremes; the Yi's lodging palace at Chen has the Wu, and the Ji's lodging palace at寅 has the Chen, with the day and previous day's heavenly stems adjacent to each other, thus forming a heavenly calamity lesson. In the Jiashen ten-day period, the branches午 and未 have no heavenly stems to pair with, which is naturally empty in the ten-day cycle, and the day stem is exactly on午, making it even more empty. Yi belongs to wood and has Shen metal as its ghost, which exactly matches the situation of the beginning of spring when the wood energy is strong and metal comes to restrain it. When such a plate is obtained, it is advisable to remain still and avoid traveling, starting new projects, or visiting, and the expected time is not within the ninety days after the beginning of spring.

凡課囚死墓神發用，斗繫日本，為天獄卦。蓋囚死者，時令囚死之氣也。墓者，日庫也。我克者為死，克我者為囚，夫死囚發用，主死喪囚禁之事。斗者，辰為罡也。日本者，日干長生位也，若日本強旺生日有救。今日本又遭斗繫，不能扶助用神囚死墓葬之氣，如天降災殃，至人罹獄難逃，故名天獄。占者憂患相仍難解。統噬嗑之體，萎靡不振之課也。

If the trapped qi, death qi, or tomb deity is used as the initiating transmission, and the tiangang is located at the position of the day stem's growth, it is called the Heaven Prison hexagram. The term "trapped" refers to the trapped qi and death qi according to the season; "tomb" refers to the tomb and storage of the day stem. What I overcome is called death, and what overcomes me is called trapped. When the trapped and death qi is used as the initiating transmission, it indicates matters related to death and imprisonment. The term "du" refers to the branch chen, which is also the tiangang. The term "ri ben" refers to the position of the day stem's growth; if ri ben is strong, it can support the day stem and serve as a rescue. Now, ri ben is instead suppressed by the tiangang, unable to assist the initiating transmission of the trapped, death, and tomb burial qi. This is like heaven sending calamity, and a person falling into prison and unable to escape. Therefore, it is called the Heaven Prison. The person being divined faces one worry after another, which are difficult to resolve. This hexagram belongs to the hexagram of "噬嗑" and is a weak and declining type of hexagram.

象曰：“日用迍邅，刑獄之愆。犯法難解，染病未痊。出行凶也，謀事徒然。兵家大忌，出軍不旋。”如用神囚死，俯仰丘仇，斗繫日本，或乙日辰加亥孟神，憂父母；加卯仲神，憂同類；加未季神，憂妻子。或帶刑殺災劫，為真天獄。雖有青龍莫能救止。或為魄化，奇繫日本，凶禍尤甚。當此之時，不可出行及造作，百事皆凶，則應噬嗑上九何校滅凶象也。

The interpretation states that both the day stem and the initiating transmission are in a state of difficulty and obstruction, indicating calamity from legal troubles; one will find it hard to escape from legal problems, and illness will persist for a long time. Traveling far is dangerous, and planning matters will result in wasted effort. Soldiers should especially avoid this situation, as the army will not return. Specifically, the initiating transmission is located in a position of imprisonment or death, with all directions above and below being graveyards and enemies. The Tiangang is also connected to the day stem's growth position. For example, if the Tiangang is placed on the亥 position, which is the beginning position, one should worry about parents; if it is placed on the卯 position, which is the middle position, one should worry about brothers and peers; if it is placed on the未 position, which is the end position, one should worry about one's wife. If further accompanied by punishments, killings, disasters, or calamities, it becomes a true heavenly prison, and even with a favorable general like Qinglong, it cannot prevent the disaster. If the initiating transmission is a spirit of the soul, and the odd element is connected to the day stem, the disaster will be even more severe. In such a situation, one should not travel, should not start new projects, and all affairs will be unfavorable, corresponding to the ominous image of the upper ninth line of the噬嗑 hexagram, which depicts being shackled and losing hearing.

然辰為天牢，戌為地網，若罪囚入獄，喜見貴人臨辰戌，有履獄錄囚之義。更日辰行年得子孫生氣，德合解神吉將，為獄清平，則危中有救，憂中有喜，官訟得理，賊圍可解，當應九四得金矢利艱貞吉之象也。

However, if the hour is in the position of the Heavenly Prison (辰) or the Earthly Net (戌), and a person is already in prison, they would actually prefer to see the Nobleman (贵人) appearing in the position of 辰 or 戌. This signifies the superior authority visiting the prison to re-examine the case. Furthermore, if the Day Stem, Day Branch, and the year's branch receive the Son and Grandson lines (子孙爻) riding on Life Qi (生气), and are accompanied by auspicious generals such as virtue, harmony, and the Relief Deity (解神), then the prison becomes clear and just. In times of danger, there is salvation; in times of worry, there is joy. Legal disputes can be resolved clearly, and even when surrounded by enemy troops, one can be relieved of the siege. This corresponds to the image of the卦噬嗑's ninth line in the fourth position (九四爻) receiving the golden arrow (金矢), indicating that maintaining righteousness through hardship brings good fortune.

如乙酉日春占，未土死氣發用，斗罡繫亥，為天獄課。 未 子 巳 未 寅 寅 酉 寅 酉 酉 乙 戌亥子丑 酉 寅 申 卯 未午巳辰

An example: On the day of Yiyou in spring, the earth element of Wei is at death qi in spring and is taken as the initiating transmission. The Tiangang (Chen) is attached to Hai, and Hai is the position of growth for the wood element Yi. Therefore, it is determined as the Heaven Prison lesson. The four lessons are arranged from right to left as: Yi added to You (the lodging palace of Yi is Chen), Yin added to You, Yin added to You, and Wei added to Yin. The three transmissions are arranged from top to bottom as Wei, Zi, and Si. This chart only arranges the positions of the spirits and does not mark the heavenly generals. The initiating transmission Wei is both the death qi in spring and the storage of wood, and Japan is suppressed by the Tiangang, which is exactly the standard pattern of the Heaven Prison lesson.

天獄。發用死囚，斗繫日本。日本者，干長生也。我克為死，克我為囚。死囚發用巳主死喪囚繫，又是斗罡凶神臨日本之上，如天降災致人罹獄難脫，故名天獄。占主犯法入獄，病多死，出行用兵，一切造作凶。如用神囚死作日墓，俯仰丘仇者更的。丘乃三丘，天盤見之曰仰見其丘。仇乃剋制，下受地盤克，曰俯見其仇也。斗加日本帶刑煞災劫，為真天獄，乃致死之地，雖有青龍莫救。或魄化為用，斗繫日本，謂之絞斬卦，禍尤慘。

"The 'Tian Yu' or Heaven Prison is discussed in 'Ding E'. When the initiating transmission is in the state of death or imprisonment qi, and the Tiangang (Chen) is located on top of the day stem, this is called Tian Yu. The term 'Japan' here refers to the position of the day stem's growth. What I overcome is death, and what overcomes me is imprisonment. When death and imprisonment qi are used as initiating transmission, they naturally indicate death, loss, and imprisonment. Moreover, theInauspicious Spirit (evil spirit) Tiangang is pressing on top of the Japan position, like heaven sending calamity, causing people to be trapped in prison and unable to escape. Therefore, it is called Tian Yu. If this situation appears in the divination, the person involved is likely to commit a crime and be imprisoned, or if ill, will likely die. Going out, waging war, or starting any new project will be disastrous. If the initiating transmission god is already in death or imprisonment, and it is also the day stem's storage position, and if both upper and lower positions meet the three hills and enemies, the prediction will be even more accurate. The term 'hill' refers to the three hill gods. Seeing them on the Heaven Plate means looking up and seeing one's own tomb. The term 'enemy' refers to being overcome. If the initiating transmission is below and is overcome by the Earth Plate's branch, it means looking down and seeing the enemy. When Tiangang is on top of Japan and accompanied by punishments, disasters, calamities, and sudden misfortunes, it is a true Tian Yu, equivalent to being on the brink of death. Even with the Azure Dragon, it cannot save. If the initiating transmission is the魄化 (spiritual transformation) god and Tiangang is on top of Japan, it is called the 'Jiao Zhan' or绞斩卦 (绞斩 hexagram), and the misfortune will be especially severe."

此課甚凶，主家有人繫獄。如將得貴龍常後，又不帶災劫等，變凶為吉。來意主望天恩事。有貴臨辰戌，未入獄者遇之，則貴人不得地不能察訟，訟凶。若罪囚在獄，喜見貴人，有履獄錄囚之義，更日辰年上得子孫乘生氣，德解吉將，為天獄清平，危中有救，訟伸圍解。

This lesson is extremely凶, indicating that someone in the family may be imprisoned. If the person is riding on the auspicious generals such as the Nobleman, Azure Dragon, Tai Chang, or Heavenly Empress, and does not carry凶 or劫 type malevolent stars, it can turn the凶 into a吉. The person's intention is likely to seek royal mercy or pardon. If the Nobleman is present on the hour of辰 or戌, it is not good for those who have not yet been imprisoned, because the Nobleman is in the Heavenly Prison and the Net, unable to act, thus the lawsuit becomes凶. For those already in prison, however, it is favorable to see the Nobleman, indicating that an official is visiting the prison to review the case. Additionally, if the day stem, day branch, and the year pillar receive the son's line riding on life qi, along with the virtue deity, relief deity, and auspicious generals, it is called clear heaven and prison: there is salvation in danger, the lawsuit can be cleared, and the confinement can be resolved.

欲知天獄卦，發用死囚神。斗繫加日本，相臨犯法人。傳中災劫殺，刑害轉生嗔。正墓加同類，災迷受禍迍。日本者，亥為甲乙之本，寅為丙丁之本，申為戊己壬癸之本，巳為庚辛之本。斗是天罡，若天罡加日本，又遇死囚神發用，三傳逢劫殺災殺刑害，更本命墓來臨日，入獄刑誅，難有出期。或上祖曾遭誅戮者應之。

The song of "Observing the Monthly Cycle" says: To identify the Heaven Prison hexagram, look to see whether the initiating transmission is a death qi or imprisoned qi god; if the Tiangang is connected to the Japanese position, and they are adjacent, the person being divined has committed a crime. If among the three transmissions there are disaster killing and robbery killing, and also punishment and harm, resentment and anger arise. If the original tomb is added to the same type, the person becomes confused and troubled, suffering misfortune. The annotation explains: The Japanese position refers to the position of the heavenly stem. The亥 (Hai) is the original position of 甲 (Jia) and 乙 (Yi), 寅 (Yin) is the original position of 丙 (Bing) and 丁 (Ding), 申 (Shen) is the original position of 戊 (Wu), 己 (Ji), 壬 (Ren), and 癸 (Gui), and 巳 (Si) is the original position of 庚 (Geng) and 辛 (Xin). The "dou" is the Tiangang. If the Tiangang is on the Japanese position, and the initiating transmission is a death or imprisoned qi god, and the three transmissions meet robbery killing, disaster killing, and punishment and harm, and the original tomb god is on the day stem, then the person will be imprisoned and punished, with little hope of escape; sometimes this also refers to the ancestor having been executed in the past.

占課用神當死囚，仰見其丘俯見仇。更值斗罡加日本，今日長生處是也。四凶天獄是其由。正月乙酉午時課，小吉臨寅故曰丘。未土是木之墓。春占土死未為墓，土畏於寅又是仇。未土被寅木克，小吉與木為仇。

The Xinjing says: When casting a divination, if the initiating transmission god is in the position of death qi and imprisonment qi, looking up one sees a hill and grave, looking down one sees an enemy, and at the same time the tiangang is added to the day stem. The note explains that the day stem is the place where the day stem's growth begins. With these four ominous signs together, the name "heavenly prison" comes about. The song says: On the Yiyou day in the first lunar month at the hour of Wu, the Xiaoji (another name for Wei) is on the寅, so it is called "hill"; the note explains that the earth of Wei is the burial place of wood. The song also says: In spring, when divining, earth is in a dead position, and Wei is a burial, so earth fears the wood of寅 to attack, hence it is also called "enemy"; the note explains that the earth of Wei is attacked by the wood of寅, and Xiaoji and wood are now enemies.

乙生於亥將為本，乙木生於亥，亥是本父母。斗繫亥當父母憂。斗柄指亥，故當父母之憂。臨仲己身兄弟患，斗指仲，兄弟憂。加季兒孫妻妾愁。孟亥仲卯季未，亥卯未是木之位也。登明小吉例難得，如為如木忌逢秋。秋木死火囚也。行人不可此時出，百事能知不免憂。

The song continues to say: Yi wood is born in Hai, and Hai is its root; the commentary says, Yi wood is born in Hai, and Hai is its root and parents. The song says: Tiangang is attached to Hai, which indicates worries about parents; the commentary says, when the handle of the dipper points to Hai, the concern is about parents. The song says: Tiangang is at Zhong position, which brings worries about oneself and brothers; the commentary says, when the dipper points to Zhong position, brothers are in trouble. The song says: when added to Ji position, worries are about children, wives, and concubines; the commentary says, Hai is Meng, Mao is Zhong, Wei is Ji, and Hai, Mao, and Wei are the three positions for wood. The song also says: Dengming (another name for Hai) and Xiaoji are difficult to meet, and wood in autumn is especially bad; the commentary says, in autumn wood is in death and fire is in captivity. The last line warns: travelers should not depart at this time, for everything will bring worry.

天獄，用神死囚，仰見其丘，俯見其仇，斗罡加日本，出行百事不吉。欲知天獄卦。 假令七月乙丑日巳加子。 寅 未 子 亥 午 寅 酉 午 丑 酉 乙 戌亥子丑 酉 寅 申 卯 未午巳辰

The "Xiu Zhong Jin" explains the concept of Tian Yu (Heavenly Prison): when the initiating god is in a dead or imprisoned position, looking up sees a hill, looking down sees an enemy, and the Tiangang (Chen) is added upon Japan. In such a case, going out to do things brings misfortune in all matters. To recognize the Tian Yu hexagram, consider the following example: on the day of Yichou in the seventh month,巳 is placed upon Zi. The four lessons, arranged from right to left, are: You is placed upon Yi (Yi's lodging palace is Chen), Yin is placed upon You, Wu is placed upon Chou, and Hai is placed upon Wu. The three transmissions, arranged from top to bottom, are Yin, Wei, and Zi. This chart only arranges the positions of the gods and does not mark the heavenly generals.

此課功曹加酉，下賊為用。功曹為時之死氣，又天罡臨亥，是斗繫日本。小吉加寅，是正墓臨同類。寅為劫殺，未墓又是日刑，占人家凶禍終年者也。

In this lesson, Gongcao (another name for Yin) is placed on You. The lower deity steals and overcomes the upper deity, so it becomes the initiating transmission. Yin is in the season of death qi in July, and Tiangang (Chen) is also on Hai. Hai is the position of growth for Bing wood, so it is considered that the Japanese system is connected to the heavenly stem. Xiaoji (another name for Wei) is placed on Yin, which is exactly when the wood's storage presses upon the same type of wood deity. Yin also serves as a sudden death, and Wei, this storage, is also a punishment for the day stem. Several ominous signs come together, indicating that the person's family will suffer misfortune for the whole year.

凡四離日占得月宿加離辰，為天寇課。蓋春分、秋分，卯酉月中，陰陽均分而離。冬至、夏至，子午月中，陰陽俱到而離。四時之中，惟此春分、秋分、冬至、夏至四至前一日為四離，乃陰陽生殺，主盜賊。月宿者，乃太陰躔度之辰，正月初一起室，逆行二十八宿，每日約行十三度，所到之宮辰，為月宿，陰精刑殺，主盜。加此四離之辰，明中為盜，如天降凶寇，殃及於人，故名天寇。占事破壞，多值亂離，統蹇之體，乃時勢多艱之課也。

Whenever the lesson is cast on the day of the four separations, and the moon's mansion falls on the earthly branch of the day of separation, it is called the lesson of heavenly bandits. On the day before the vernal equinox and autumnal equinox, which occur in the months of卯 (Mao) and酉 (You), yin and yang energies are evenly divided and then separate. On the day before the winter solstice and summer solstice, which occur in the months of子 (Zi) and午 (Wu), yin and yang reach their extremes and then separate. Within a year, only the day before the two equinoxes and two solstices are considered the four separations. These are the times when yin and yang change and life and death turn, hence they are associated with bandits. The moon's mansion refers to the position where the Tai Yin moves: starting from the mansion of Shi (Room) on the first day of the first lunar month, it proceeds in reverse order through the twenty-eight mansions, moving about thirteen degrees each day. The mansion it reaches is the moon's mansion. Tai Yin, being the essence of yin, is associated with punishment and killing, and naturally relates to banditry. When it falls on the mansion of the four separations, it signifies banditry occurring in broad daylight, like a凶寇 (evil bandit) descending from heaven, affecting people, hence called the lesson of heavenly bandits. This lesson indicates destruction and often occurs during times of chaos and disorder. This lesson belongs to the hexagram of Jian (Obstruction), indicating a difficult period.

象曰：“陰陽分離，氣不得反。盜賊滋生，軍兵惰懶。病者即亡，孕婦當產。出路死傷，婚姻拆散。”如月宿加離辰發用，禍事尤速。乘元武勾陳作游都盜神，定主盜賊，來則必戰。或乘虎作鬼劫，為真天寇，其凶尤甚。此進出行市賈，主劫盜喪亡，百事不遂，則應蹇險在前也，其道窮也凶象。若占人年命見月宿加離辰，必己身欲為盜來問也。故月宿值太陽，日月並，主盜賊露，為敗寇，當應蹇見險能止，大人濟蹇之吉象也。

The divination text says: Yin and Yang separate, and the vital energy cannot return; thieves increase, and soldiers become lazy; the sick person will die immediately, and a pregnant woman will give birth soon; going out on the road will result in deaths and injuries, and marriages will be broken up. If the moon is placed on the Li trigram and is the initiating transmission, misfortunes will come very quickly. If it is accompanied by Xuanwu and Gou Chen, acting as thieves' deities, there will certainly be thieves, and they will definitely act. If it is accompanied by Baitu and acts as officials and劫杀 (sudden death), then it is a true heavenly thief, and the danger is especially severe. At such times, going out to trade will result in robbery and loss of life, and all things will fail, corresponding to the hexagram Jian, which indicates danger and no way forward. If the person consulting the divination has the moon placed on the Li trigram in their birth and age, it is likely that they themselves want to commit theft and thus consult the divination. Conversely, if the moon is with the sun, and the sun and moon are both bright, it indicates that thieves are exposed and will suffer loss, corresponding to the hexagram Jian, which indicates encountering danger but being able to stop it, and a great person overcoming danger.

如癸卯日春分，離辰壬寅，月宿在辰，加寅，為天寇課。 亦非發用。 未 酉 亥 未 巳 巳 卯 巳 卯 卯 癸 未申酉戌 午 亥 巳 子 辰卯寅丑

On the day of Guimao, which is the spring equinox, the previous day, Renyin, is the day of Li (Fire). The Li hour corresponds to the寅 (Yin) hour. On this day, the moon resides in the辰 (Chen) hour, and the Chen hour is placed above the寅 (Yin) hour, so it is determined as the Tiankou lesson. The original note adds: however, the moon residence has not been taken as the initiating transmission. The four lessons, arranged from right to left, are: the卯 (Mao) hour is placed above the癸 (Gui), the癸's lodging palace is in the丑 (Chou), the巳 (Si) hour is placed above the卯 (Mao), the巳 (Si) hour is placed above the卯 (Mao), and the未 (Wei) hour is placed above the巳 (Si). The three transmissions, arranged from top to bottom, are: the未 (Wei), the酉 (You), and the亥 (Hai). This chart only arranges the deities' positions and does not mark the heavenly generals.

天寇。分至日占得月宿臨離辰，春分、秋分，陰陽均分。冬至、夏至，陰陽俱至。分至前一日為離，乃陰陽離拆，盜生盜殺之時。月宿詳見二煩課中，即正月起寶寶室，二月起奎等是也。逢奎井張翼氐斗皆重留一日，數到四離日，若是月宿加之，當主寇盜。假如八月初五日丁酉秋分，辰將酉時占事。初一角、初二亢、初三氐、氐該重留一日，初四仍在氐，初五房。房宿在卯，申為離辰，而卯加之，是離辰上望見月也。月乃金水之精，主刑殺，又乘四離盜氣之辰，如天降凶寇，殃及於人，故名天寇。

The "Disputing Errors" text says that the Heavenly Robbers pattern occurs when, starting the divination on the days of the two solstices and two equinoxes, the lunar mansion is found to be on the Li (Fire) trigram. At the spring and autumn equinoxes, yin and yang are equally divided, while at the winter and summer solstices, yin and yang reach their extremes. The day before these solstices and equinoxes is called Li, which is the time when yin and yang separate, bandits increase, and there is both disorder and strictness. The method of calculating the lunar mansion has been detailed in the "Two Troubles" lesson, which involves starting with the Shi (Encampment) mansion in January and the Kui (Legs) mansion in February (the printed text here reads "start with baby room," which is an extra character and should be "start with room"). When encountering Kui, Jing (Well), Zhang (Hall), Yi (Wing), Di (Root), and Dou (Scales), an extra day is added, continuing the count until the four Li days. If the lunar mansion is exactly on the Li trigram, it indicates the presence of bandits. For example, on the fifth day of the eighth lunar month, which is the autumn equinox, using the Chen (Dragon) general and You (Metal) hour for divination. On the first day of this month, the lunar mansion is Jiao (Horn), on the second day it is Kang (Neck), on the third day it is Di (Root), and since Di requires an extra day, the fourth day remains Di, and the fifth day becomes Fang (Room). The Fang mansion belongs to the卯 (Rabbit) palace, and Shen (Monkey) is the Li trigram for this day. The卯 (Rabbit) is placed on Shen (Monkey), meaning the lunar mansion is seen directly on the Li trigram. The moon, being the essence of metal and water, signifies punishment and killing, and it is combined with the Li trigram, which is associated with bandit energy. This is like a band of robbers descending from heaven, causing calamity for people, hence it is called Heavenly Robbers.

占主凡事破壞，多值亂離、盜猖、兵敗，病者死，孕婦即產，是女而凶，出路死傷，婚拆散，營造見火災，謀望不成，一動即有生分死別之象，雖有救神莫解，惟居家守靜可也。月宿臨離辰，不在課傳亦凶，發用更甚。乘無勾作游都盜神，盜必來，來必戰，乘虎作鬼劫，為真天寇，凶尤甚。此時不可出行市賈，主劫盜喪亡。若占人年命見月宿加離辰，必己身欲為盜來問也。或月宿值太陽，日月並明，主盜賊敗露，為敗寇。

Divination shows a heavenly寇 (robber), meaning all affairs will suffer failure: often in times of chaos and disorder, thieves are rampant, armies are defeated; the sick will die, pregnant women will give birth immediately, and the child will be a girl with an inauspicious fate; going out on the road will result in deaths and injuries, marriages will be broken up, construction of houses will result in fire, and all plans will fail. Any movement will bring signs of separation and death, even with the help of a savior deity, it cannot be resolved; only staying at home and keeping quiet can be safe. The moon's position is on the fire trigram, even if it is not included in the four lessons and three transmissions, it is still dangerous. If it is taken as the initiating transmission, it will be even worse. If it is accompanied by the Black Tortoise or Gou Chen and considered as a wandering thief deity, thieves will certainly come and attack. If it is accompanied by the White Tiger and considered as an official ghost or calamity, then it is a true heavenly寇, and the danger is even greater. At such times, one should not go out to do business, for they will be robbed and suffer loss. If the person being divined has the moon's position on their birth year trigram, it is likely that they themselves want to commit theft and are asking the question. If the moon and sun are both present, it indicates that thieves will be exposed, and they will become the losers.

分至四神上，蟾光月正臨。分至者，即春分、秋分、夏至、冬至四辰也。如二月初二日春分是丁卯，先一日是丙寅。初五日卯時占，從奎數至昴為初五，酉是月宿，用戌將加卯時，寅上得酉，是蟾光月正臨也。凡此四日有之。

The song of "Observing the Moon's Cycle" says: On the four divine positions of the solstices and equinoxes, the moonlight shines directly. The annotation explains: Solstices and equinoxes refer to the spring equinox, autumn equinox, summer solstice, and winter solstice. For example, if the spring equinox falls on the second day of the second lunar month, which is a Dingmao day, the previous day is Bingyin. Yin corresponds to the fire mansion. On the fifth day of the month, starting the divination at the卯 hour, count from the mansion of Kuai to the mansion of Mao, which is exactly the fifth day. Mao belongs to the You palace, so the moon mansion is in You. On this day, use the戌 general placed on the卯 hour, and the Earth Plate's寅 position coincides with the Heaven Plate's酉, which is called the moonlight shining directly on the fire mansion. Such circumstances may occur around these four days.

名為天寇卦，百禍俱來侵。四課日辰上，得月宿太陰之星，舉百事皆凶。夫妻有離拆，君臣義不深。主夫妻別離，君臣失義也。傳中雖有救，父子淚淋淋。主離別失財、破散，為四離課也。

The song says: This is called the Heavenly Enemy hexagram, with all kinds of misfortunes coming to invade at once. The commentary states that if the Moon's dwelling star, Tai Yin, appears above the Day Stem and Day Branch of the Four Lessons, any undertaking will be ominous. The song says: Husband and wife will part ways, and the relationship between sovereign and minister will not be deep. The commentary states that this hexagram indicates separation of husband and wife and the loss of righteousness between sovereign and minister. The song says: Even if there is a saving deity among the Three Transmissions, father and son will still shed tears. The commentary states that this hexagram signifies separation, loss of wealth, and the breakdown of family harmony, for it is inherently a hexagram of separation.

假令寅日春分卯時占，寅上見離辰太陰，更得金神發用，即凶卦也。假令午日夏至得巳為離辰，值月宿加午，更得水神發用者，以凶斷之。假令申日冬至，將得未作太陰加申，更得火神發用，即凶也，其災害所主大概與天禍同。

Another example is given: On the day of Yin in the spring equinox at the hour of Mao, the trigram Li (Fire) and Tai Yin appear on Yin, and the metal god is taken as the initiating transmission, which forms a凶卦. On the day of Wu at the summer solstice, Si is Li (Fire) and the month's host is added on Wu, and the water god is the initiating transmission, which is also considered凶. On the day of Shen at the winter solstice, the month's general is on Wei, and Wei is Tai Yin added on Shen, with the fire god as the initiating transmission, which is also凶. The calamities indicated in these cases are generally similar to those of the天祸 lesson.

陰陽生殺言分至，陽至主生，陰至主殺。春分陽氣，盜殺在卯，故榆莢落。夏至陰氣，盜殺在午，故菁麥死。秋分陽氣旺，殺在酉，故麥生。冬至陽氣初生，殺在子，是根本，故蘭菊生，萌芽動。此四者名曰朝氣不得久立也。

The "Heart Mirror" first establishes a general principle: the generation and destruction of yin and yang are entirely explained by the two extremes. The commentary explains: when yang energy reaches its peak, it brings about growth; when yin energy reaches its peak, it brings about destruction. At the spring equinox, yang energy begins to prevail, and the position of destruction is in the卯 (Mao) branch, so the elm fruits fall off at this time. At the summer solstice, yin energy starts to rise, and the position of destruction is in the午 (Wu) branch, so the young shoots of plants and wheat wither at this time. At the autumn equinox, yang energy is at its height, and the position of destruction is in the酉 (You) branch, so the winter wheat actually sprouts at this time. At the winter solstice, yang energy begins to emerge, and the position of destruction is in the子 (Zi) branch, which is the root of all things, so orchids and chrysanthemums sprout, and grasses and trees begin to grow. These four situations are called morning energy, which comes and goes quickly, and cannot be sustained.

前之一日是離神，假令春分今日卯，離神昨日乃居寅，占時月宿在寅上。月宿營在二煩之卦註定。詳其多少悉殃人，月是積陰為殺氣。離上逢之天禍迍，非是行人去遭劫，即是修營害其身。要知心月狐在卯，危月燕在子，張月鹿在午，畢月鳥在酉，遇此乃真月宿也。

The song says: The day before the solstices and equinoxes is the position of the divine fire. For example, if the spring equinox is today at the hour of Mao, then the divine fire is on the previous day at the hour of Yin. When setting up the divination, the moon mansion is exactly on Yin. The commentary explains how to calculate the moon mansion, which has already been stated in the second section of the hexagram. The song continues: by carefully observing the degree numbers, one can determine who will be affected; the moon is the accumulation of yin energy, itself a killing force. When it meets the divine fire, heavenly calamity arrives—either a traveler is robbed, or construction causes self-injury. Finally, it clarifies: the Heart mansion belongs to Mao, hence called Heart Moon Fox; the Rooftop mansion belongs to Zi, hence called Rooftop Moon Swallow; the Extended Net mansion belongs to Wu, hence called Extended Net Moon Deer; the Net mansion belongs to You, hence called Net Moon Crow. Only when encountering these four mansions is the true moon mansion determined.

凡課占時與用神同剋日，為天網課。蓋時為目前，用為事始，時用既為日鬼，如人舉目見天網，故名天網。占者凡事不能踴躍登高致遠。統蒙之體，乃羅網在頭之課。

Whenever the hour of divination and the initiating transmission god both attack the day stem, it is called a Heavenly Net lesson. The hour of divination represents the current situation, while the initiating transmission represents the beginning of an affair; if both become the official ghost of the day stem, it is like a person looking up and seeing a big net overhead, hence called the Heavenly Net. The person seeking divination finds themselves unable to act freely, unable to rise high, or to move far. This lesson belongs to the Hexagram of "Obstruction," representing a situation where a net is hanging over one's head.

象曰：“天網四張，萬物盡傷。產孕損子，逃亡遭殃。戰有埋伏，病入膏肓。先凶有救，後獲吉祥。”如占時與用同剋日干，為天網。又天網正月起亥，逆行四孟。天刑煞春酉、夏子、秋卯、冬午。又天網辰也，地網戌也。入傳凶甚，主官災口舌難消，出軍被圍難出，則應六四困蒙吝之凶象。若末傳及年命有救神克初傳，為解網，反凶為吉，則應蒙九二子克家吉象也。

The interpretation says: The heavenly net spreads on all sides, causing injury to all things; childbirth and pregnancy may result in loss of children, and those who flee will suffer calamity; in battle, one may fall into ambushes, and in illness, the disease may become severe and incurable. However, if the initial danger is followed by a rescue, the later outcome may still be auspicious. The heavenly net refers to when the time and the initiating transmission both overcome the day stem. There are also several other calculations: the heavenly net begins at亥 in the first month and proceeds in reverse order through the four primary positions; the heavenly punishment is in酉 in spring, in子 in summer, in卯 in autumn, and in午 in winter; another method considers辰 as the heavenly net and戌 as the earthly net. These divine evils, if they enter the three transmissions, bring severe misfortune, indicating government calamities, disputes, and difficulties in military operations, which corresponds to the ominous image of the sixth line in the fourth position of the Hexagram of Obstruction. If the final transmission or the person's birth year has a saving deity that overcomes the initial transmission, this is called breaking the net, transforming misfortune into good fortune, which corresponds to the auspicious image of the ninth line in the second position of the Hexagram of Obstruction.