Heavenly Net Course: Examples of Lessons and Discussions by Various Schools

如庚辰日午時辰將，午加庚，用時俱剋日，為天網課。 午青 辰六 寅蛇 后 蛇 六 青 子 寅 辰 午 寅 辰 午 庚 卯辰巳午 寅 未 丑 申 子亥戌酉

Take the day of Gengchen as an example: the time of the divination is the hour of Wu. The "month general" (the star sign where the sun is located, which is added to the time of divination to form the heaven plate) is Chen general. Adding Chen general to the hour of Wu, the heaven plate is two positions behind the earth plate. The position of the heaven plate's Wu falls exactly on the position of Shen where Geng is located, which is called "Wu added to Geng." Geng belongs to metal, and Wu belongs to fire, so fire is overcoming metal. The time of the divination, Wu, is overcoming the day stem, and the Wu used as the initiating transmission is also overcoming the day stem. Therefore, it is said "both the time and the beginning are overcoming the day stem," meaning that both the current moment and the beginning of the matter are the ghost that harms the day stem, which exactly matches the name "heavenly net" (the sky is full of nets, making it difficult to move forward). The "four lessons" (four pairs of deities formed by the day stem, the deity above the day stem, the day branch, and the deity above the day branch, arranged from right to left) are: Geng with Wu, Wu with Chen, Chen with Yin, and Yin with Zi. Taking the Wu on the day stem as the initiating transmission, and then taking the deities above it in order, we get the three transmissions: initial transmission Wu, middle transmission Chen, and final transmission Yin, forming a set of "three transmissions" (representing the beginning, middle, and end of the matter). Above each of the three transmissions are the deities "Azure Dragon" (a favorable deity representing wealth and joy), "Liu He" (a favorable deity representing marriage and mediation), and "Teng Snake" (an unfavorable deity representing alarm, worry, and strange occurrences). The last four lines are the arrangement of the twelve earthly branches of the earth plate, used for comparison with the positions of the heaven plate.

凡日辰前一位為之天網殺，對沖為之地網殺，並日辰年命發用者，為之羅網格。若遇丁馬主官災厄難。更以神將言其吉凶，再論末傳年命有救神克初傳吉。

The branch that is one position before the day stem and day branch is called the "Heavenly Net Killer"; the branch that is opposite to it is called the "Earthly Net Killer." If these two divine evils are present along with the day stem, day branch, or the year of birth and the native's birth year, and they are used as the initiating transmission, then this divination is called "Luogewo." If the divination also includes the "Ding God" (the Ding of the ten-day cycle, which actively moves and runs around) and the Post-horse, it is likely to encounter troubles such as legal disputes and imprisonment. The severity of the danger depends on whether the heavenly generals riding on these branches are auspicious or ominous. Further analysis involves checking whether there is a saving deity in the final transmission, the year of birth, or the native's birth year that can reverse and overcome the initial transmission; if there is, the danger can be mitigated.

如甲寅日辰將酉時，用酉俱剋日，並日前沖位為羅網格。 酉 辰 亥 后 勾 玄 朱 午 亥 辰 酉 亥 辰 酉 甲 子丑寅卯 亥 辰 戌 巳 酉申未午

Now consider an example on the day of Jiayin: the month general is Chen, and the time of divination is You. The Chen general is placed on the You hour, and the heaven plate is five places behind the earth plate. The lodgment palace of Jiayin is in Yin, so Yin shows You. You belongs to metal, and Jiayin belongs to wood, so metal overcomes wood. The initiating transmission of You is exactly the ghost of the day stem. On the day of Jiayin, the previous day stem is Mao. The opposite of Mao is also You, so the heaven net and earth net both fall on this You. Therefore, it is determined as Luo Ge grid. The course plate is arranged from right to left: Jiayin shows You, You shows Chen, Chen shows Hai, Hai shows Wu. The three transmissions take You, Chen, and Hai, which are respectively occupied by 'Zhu Que' (a凶将 associated with speech and documents), 'Xuan Wu' (a凶将 associated with theft and secret matters), and 'Gou Chen' (a凶将 associated with disputes over land). The fourth lesson, Wu, is occupied by 'Tian Hou' (a deity associated with women's private matters). The initiating transmission is the ghost of the day, and it is covered by the previous day stem's deity, so it cannot be seen. Therefore, the matter being divined is naturally obstructed at every step.

《訂訛》：天網，時與用神俱剋日。時為目前，用為事始，二處既皆日鬼，則至近之處先有所阻。如人舉目見天有網，故名天網。

The book "Ding E" explains that the concept of "Heavenly Net" refers to the time of divination and the "Initiating Transmission" (the first of the Three Transmissions, representing the beginning of an event) both simultaneously restraining the Day Stem. The time of divination represents the present moment, while the Initiating Transmission signifies the start of an event. Since both are ghosts that restrain the self, the closest place to oneself will first encounter obstacles. It is like when a person lifts their head, finding a net spread across the sky, with no way to advance or retreat, hence the name "Heavenly Net."

占主動見阻滯，不能踴躍登高而致遠也。孕損子，戰有埋伏，病在膏肓。金鬼主鬥訟、疾病，水鬼憂女子病或訟，木鬼鬥訟、錢財、毀傷，火鬼主火災、驚恐、經官、對吏，土鬼爭訟田地、墳墓事。

When this divination is obtained, any action will encounter obstacles and one will be unable to rise high or go far. Pregnant women should beware of harm to the fetus and the child. In military campaigns, one should be cautious of ambushes. For the sick, the illness has already become severe. Further, according to the Five Phases associated with the ghost or spirit, if metal is the ghost, it often indicates disputes, lawsuits, and illness. If water is the ghost, it often relates to women falling ill or disputes involving women. If wood is the ghost, it indicates disputes, financial conflicts, and physical injuries. If fire is the ghost, it indicates fires, fear, lawsuits, and encounters with officials. If earth is the ghost, it indicates disputes over land and burial grounds.

傳遇三煞，定主官災。又遇災劫，謂之入網。旺相剋囚死，謂之天網四張，萬物盡傷。與天網正月起亥，逆行四孟。天刑春酉、夏子、秋卯、冬午。並或天羅辰也。地網戌也。入傳，凶甚，主官災口舌難消，行軍被圍難出，若與天獄死奇並必死。此課凡占凶，惟利田獵、行刑、追逃、捕盜。或日與中末及年命有子孫及沖破克鬼者為解網，反凶為吉。

In the three transmissions, if another three evils appear, there will certainly be legal troubles; if they also meet with Zaisha and Jiesha, it is called "entering the net," meaning the person is already caught in the net. When the prosperous and strong energy attacks the weak and dying energy, it is called "the heavenly net spreads out, all things are injured." There are also several related divine omens: the heavenly net starts from亥 in the first month and moves backward through the four young positions, which are寅, 申, 巳, and 亥. Heavenly punishment is in酉 in spring, 子 in summer, 卯 in autumn, and 午 in winter. In addition, 辰 is the heavenly net and 戌 is the earth net. Once these divine omens enter the three transmissions, the danger becomes especially severe, leading to prolonged legal disputes and verbal conflicts, and when going to war, being surrounded and unable to escape. If these are combined with heavenly prison and dead oddity, it is a sure sign of death. In summary, this divination is generally ominous, except for matters such as hunting, executing, pursuing fugitives, and capturing thieves, which are actually beneficial. If the day stem and the middle and final transmissions, along with the year of birth and the native's destiny, carry the spirits of descendants or have spirits capable of breaking through or overcoming ghosts and deities, it is called "breaking the net," and thus the ominous becomes auspicious.

《觀月經》：正月庚子日午時值此。時用俱剋日，百禍竟相逢。事多爭鬥競，人傷禍必從。傳中災劫殺，犯法的難容。顛狂偏僻病，免得法場凶。

The example in "Observing the Monthly Cycle" states that on the Gengzi day in the fifth hour of the first month, one would encounter this lesson. The verse explains: when the time of divination and the initiating transmission both restrain the day stem, various misfortunes will all come together. The matter in question is mostly related to disputes and competition; once someone is injured, calamity follows closely. If the three transmissions also include Zaisha and Jiesha, committing a crime will be difficult to forgive or escape. At best, one might suffer from a strange illness like madness or mental confusion, which would be fortunate compared to facing execution at the gallows.

假令六月乙酉日酉時次客占，月將用大吉加酉，一課申乙、二課子申、三課丑酉、四課巳丑，傳送為用，申乃六月劫殺，帶災殺亦相氣發用，傳送克乙干，酉是死囚氣，十一月將申入墓因斗而亡，雖有青龍，入墓難救，是大凶。

Another example: On the Yiyou day in the sixth month, a divination was performed for a guest at the You hour. The month general used was 'Daji' (the alternate name for Chou). Chou was placed above the You hour to form the heaven plate. The four lessons were: Yi on Shen, Shen on Zi, You on Chou, and Chou on Si. The initiating transmission was 'Chuansong' (the alternate name for Shen). Shen is the jiesha of the sixth month and also carries zaisha, rising with the phase qi, thus its strength is not weak. Shen metal also overcomes Yi wood, making it the ghost of the day stem. The day branch You is at the dead and imprisoned state, with no vitality. By the eleventh month, when the month general reaches Daji Chou, the tomb of Shen metal is in Chou, so Shen will be buried. The host will die from a fight. Although the lesson contains Qinglong, a favorable general, the dragon is already buried and cannot save the person, so the divination is judged as extremely凶.

《心鏡》：用起並時同克深，天網四張被災臨。經云：天網四張，萬物被傷。庚辛占值日中課，火作初用火克金。用神得火與時同剋日。甲乙申時得傳送，他皆仿此例須尋。問其憂事緣何發，消息天官解客心。

The song of the Heart Mirror says: The initiating transmission, together with the time of divination, jointly attack the day stem. If the attack is strong, it forms the situation of the heavenly net spreading wide, with calamity approaching. The quoted classic text is "The heavenly net spreads wide, all things are injured." For days of Geng and Xin, which belong to metal, if the divination is done during the day and the first transmission takes a fire deity, fire attacks metal, meaning the initiating transmission is fire, which together with the time of divination attacks the day. Similarly, for days of Jia and Yi, which belong to wood, if the divination is done at Shen hour and the transmission starts at Shen, Shen metal attacks wood, the principle is the same; other stems can be similarly inferred. As for the specific cause of the worry, one must consider the heavenly general in the divination chart, and explain the doubts to the person asking the question accordingly.

天網發用，與正時同剋日。天網四張，萬物盡傷。動作過度，以遇天爨。若更三煞入傳，定主官災，雖有解神吉將，亦不能免其咎，惟畋獵、追亡、捕盜利耳。

The Heavenly Net deity serves as the initiating transmission and also joins the correct time to restrain the day stem, forming the pattern of the Heavenly Net spreading out four times, causing all things to be harmed. Any action taken, even slightly excessive, will meet with calamity. If the three evils enter the three transmissions, disaster from lawsuits is unavoidable; even if the lesson contains the Relief Deity and auspicious generals, this blame cannot be avoided. Only in matters such as hunting, pursuing fugitives, or apprehending thieves can one benefit from its destructive power.

日前一辰天羅真，對沖名為地網神。發用行年支干上，官災病厄是其迍。朱雀火殃白虎病，螣蛇憂夢怪驚人。

The song says: The day stem moves forward by one branch, and that position is the true Tian Luo; the position opposite to it is called Di Wang. If these two divine evils fall into the initiating transmission, or are placed over the year branch, day branch, or day stem, lawsuits and illness misfortunes will follow. Also, look at the heavenly general accompanying it: if it is accompanied by the Vermilion Bird, it often indicates fire calamity; if by the White Tiger, it often indicates illness; if by the Teng Snake, then there will be continuous bad dreams at night and strange events disturbing the mind.

《訂訛》：羅網，日前一位為天羅，羅之對沖為地網；又日前一位為天羅，辰前一位為地網，前位神覆蓋遮隔不得出頭，故名羅網。占主身宅俱不便利，病危官災，謀為多拙，遇丁馬更凶。此課得年命沖破羅網之神為有救。

The "Ding'e" says: The so-called Luo Wang (Net) refers to a calculation method where the stem before the day stem is called Tian Luo (Heavenly Net), and the opposite of Tian Luo is Di Wang (Earthly Net); another method is where the stem before the day stem is Tian Luo, and the branch before the day branch is Di Wang. Regardless of which method is used, it is the god in the preceding position that presses upon the head, blocking and obstructing the person, making it impossible to lift one's head. Hence it is called Luo Wang. If this divination is obtained, both the person and their residence face difficulties, the illness is severe, legal troubles persist, and all plans appear clumsy and fail to succeed. If this is further combined with Ding Shen (God of the Fourth) and Yi Ma (Post-horse), the danger becomes even greater. Only when the year stem and the birth stem can overcome the Luo Wang gods does it indicate a chance of salvation.

凡白虎帶死神死氣臨日辰行年發用，為魄化課。蓋虎乃凶將，乘旺相氣受制，不能為害，若遇死神死氣及時囚死之神，則為餓虎，定是傷人，如魄神受驚，化而飛散，故名魄化。死神，正月起巳。死氣，正月起午。俱順行十二辰。其神乘虎克日，占忌己身之災，克辰，門戶之災。統蠱之體，乃陰害相連之課。

Any instance where the White Tiger (a western metal deity associated with illness and death, a malevolent general) is accompanied by the Death Deity and Death Qi, and these appear on the day stem, day branch, or the year pillar, and serve as the initiating transmission, is called the "Ghost Dispersal Lesson." The White Tiger is inherently a malevolent general, but if it is riding on a prosperous and strong force, it may become self-confident or even be restrained, making it less harmful. However, once it encounters the Death Deity, Death Qi, or a deity that is in a state of being trapped or dying, it becomes a starving tiger that must harm people—just like a person's spirit being startled and dispersing. Hence, it is called the Ghost Dispersal Lesson. The Death Deity begins in the fourth month, and the Death Qi begins in the fifth month, both moving sequentially through the twelve earthly branches. When these deities ride the White Tiger to attack the day stem, it is most ominous for the person themselves; when they attack the day branch, it indicates misfortune for the family or home. This lesson is generally associated with the structure of the Zhou Changes' Gǔ (蛊) hexagram, representing a series of interconnected sinister and hidden harms.

象曰：“人身喪魄，憂患相仍。病多喪死，訟有憂驚。產孕傷子，征戰損兵。謀而招禍，切莫遠行。”如日墓乘虎，或魁罡作日墓，帶死囚神發用，為虎銜尸，極凶。或在年命又為日鬼，乃自己喪魄，動則自尋死也。或日墓虎鬼臨干，主身受殃且凶速速。日墓虎臨支克支，宅有伏尸作怪，或有形響。

The interpretation states: The person's soul has been lost, with one worry following another; illness often leads to death, and lawsuits bring no peace; pregnant women face the risk of miscarriage or harm to the child, while military campaigns result in loss of soldiers; any plan made brings only misfortune, so long journeys must be avoided. If the day stem's墓 (burial) is occupied by the White Tiger, or if the Qiu (戌) or Gang (辰) serve as the墓, and the transmission is accompanied by death qi and imprisoned qi, it is called "White Tiger Swallowing Corpse," which is extremely凶 (dangerous). If this combination falls on the year or the person's birth year and coincides with the day stem's ghost, it means the person has lost their soul, and any movement is like seeking death. When the day墓, White Tiger, and day ghost all press upon the day stem, it indicates the person suffers from calamities, and the outcome is swift. If the day墓 is occupied by the White Tiger and affects the day branch, and then turns back to harm the day branch, there will be corpses hidden in the family home, and even strange noises or shadows may appear.

虎在陽憂男，在陰憂女。上克下及日，外喪。下克上與辰，內喪。或人年在魁罡蛇虎之下，無沖剋救解，決有身主死亡之殃。當應蠱蟲在器，六四往見吝之凶象。若虎臨鬼門，虎陰神制虎，日辰年命處有沖剋，及吉神救解，為魄化魂歸，先憂後喜，則應上九高尚其事之吉象也。

The White Tiger falling on a yang branch indicates concern for a man; falling on a yin branch indicates concern for a woman. If the upper god overcomes the lower god and also overcomes the day stem, it signifies misfortune outside the family. If the lower god overcomes the upper god and also overcomes the day branch, it signifies misfortune within the family. If a person's age is directly under the Qiu Gang or Teng Snake and White Tiger, and there is no clash or rescue, then there will certainly be a great calamity involving the master's death. This corresponds to the image in the Zhou Changes' Gu卦 where the蛊 insect has already taken root in the vessel, which is the ominous sign of the sixth line in the fourth position, "going to meet with regret." Conversely, if the White Tiger is at the ghost gate position, or if the yin spirit of the White Tiger can control it, and the day stem, day branch, age, and birth destiny all have clashes, but are further aided by auspicious deities, then the soul may depart but the spirit returns, leading to initial worry followed by joy, which corresponds to the auspicious sign of the ninth line at the top, "not serving kings and nobles, but pursuing lofty matters."

戌白 酉常 申玄 玄 常 常 白 申 酉 酉 戌 酉 戌 戌 壬 辰巳午未 卯 申 寅 酉 丑子亥戌

This is a case of a ghost transformation lesson, corresponding to the example given of the sixth month on the day of Renxu. The four lessons are arranged from right to left: Ren on top of Xu, Xu on top of You, the day branch Xu on top of You, and You on top of Shen. The second and third lessons overlap, so only three lessons are formed. Taking Xu as the initiating transmission, and then taking the upper gods in order, we get the three transmissions of Xu, You, and Shen, which is a continuous movement of metal energy converging downward. Above the three transmissions, in sequence, are the White Tiger, Tai Chang (a favorable general associated with food, drink, clothing, and fortune), and the Black Tortoise. The initiating transmission Xu is occupied by the White Tiger, and the death deity of the sixth month is also located on Xu. The hungry tiger is pressing in, so it is judged as a ghost transformation. The last four lines show the arrangement of the twelve earthly branches of the earth plate, used to compare with the falling sectors of the heavenly plate gods.

《訂訛》：魄化：白虎乘死神死氣及囚死，臨日辰行年發用，又曰墓乘虎作鬼加日亦是。死神，正月起巳。死氣，正月起午。俱順行十二辰。虎乃凶神，乘旺相自貪其旺，或受剋制，皆難為害。若遇死神死氣，及時令囚死，則為餓虎，定是傷人，如魄神受驚消散。故名魄化。

The "Disputing Errors" explains the concept of "Ghost Transformation": When the White Tiger rides upon the Death Deity, Death Qi, or imprisoned and dying Qi, and initiates transmission over the Day Stem, Day Branch, or the year's stem, it is called Ghost Transformation. Additionally, if the White Tiger is on the Day's墓 (burial) position and also acts as the day's ghost to be imposed upon the Day Stem, it is also counted. The Death Deity begins in the fourth month of the first lunar month in the巳 (Snake) position, and Death Qi begins in the午 (Horse) position, both moving in sequence through the twelve earthly branches. Although the White Tiger is a凶神 (malevolent deity), when it rides upon prosperous and strong Qi, it is self-sufficient and has no time to harm others; if it is restrained, it cannot act. Only when it encounters the Death Deity, Death Qi, or is in a state of imprisonment or dying, does it become a starving tiger, inevitably harming people—just like a person's魄 (soul) being startled and dispersing without a place to return, hence called Ghost Transformation.

占主凶病者死，無病亦有病訟憂驚，孕傷子，戰損兵，謀為招禍，遠行更忌。如日墓作鬼乘虎，或作魁罡帶囚死發用，為虎銜尸，更凶。若在年命上，主自尋死。並金神三殺、血支、血忌，主刀下身亡。或木神天河地井相迫，必是自欲投水溺死，或為懸索勾絞主自縊死。

Divination indicates misfortune as the main outcome: the sick may die, and even those without illness will suffer illness, legal troubles, and anxiety; pregnant women may lose their fetus or child, and in battle, soldiers may be lost. Any plan may lead to disaster. Traveling is especially inauspicious. If the day's墓 is filled with day ghost and the upper rider is white tiger, or if the魁罡 carries the qi of imprisonment and death in the initiating transmission, it is called "white tiger swallowing corpse," which is more凶 than usual. If this group falls on the year pillar or the birth pillar, the person may commit suicide. If it combines with the three metal evils, blood branch, and blood taboo, they are likely to die by blade. If the wood deity is pressed by the heavenly river and earth well deities, they will drown themselves. If it forms the image of a hanging rope and hook, it indicates hanging by the neck.

大抵虎克干防身，克支防宅。上克下外喪，下克上內喪。若在陽憂男，在陰憂女。如二月甲戌日課得戌甲、午戌、午戌、寅午，三傳戌午寅，將得虎乘天上死神迫日辰，必有死喪事。午為陽，憂男子。下克上，內喪。又如六月壬戌日，課得戌壬、酉戌、酉戌、申酉，三傳戌酉申，將得虎乘地下死神迫日辰，必有死喪事。戌為陽，憂男子，上克下，外喪。此課十分凶，若貴臨鬼門，日辰年命得吉神，虎被沖剋，為魁化魂歸，先憂後喜。

In general, if the White Tiger (白虎) overcomes the day stem (日干), there is a risk of personal misfortune; if it overcomes the day branch (日支), there may be troubles at home. When the upper god overcomes the lower god, it indicates loss outside the family; when the lower god overcomes the upper god, it indicates loss within the family. If the position falls on a yang branch, the concern is for a male; if it falls on a yin branch, the concern is for a female. For example, on a Jiaxu (甲戌) day in the second lunar month, the four lessons are arranged as Jia with Wu, Wu with Yin, Yin with Wu, and Wu with Yin, and the three transmissions are Wu, Yin, and Yin. The White Tiger is riding the Heaven Plate's Death Deity (死神) to attack the day stem and branch, indicating certain death or loss. Since Wu is a yang branch, the concern is for a male, and since it is the lower god overcoming the upper god, it is judged as internal family loss. Another example is on a Renxu (壬戌) day in the sixth lunar month, the four lessons are arranged as Ren with Wu, Wu with You, You with Wu, and Wu with Shen, and the three transmissions are Wu, You, and Shen. The White Tiger is riding the Earth Plate's Death Deity to attack the day stem and branch, again indicating certain death or loss. Since Wu is a yang branch, the concern is still for a male, but this time it is the upper god overcoming the lower god, so it is judged as external family loss. This lesson is extremely ominous, but if the Nobleman (贵人) is present at the Ghost Gate (鬼门), and the day stem, day branch, year, and personal destiny are supported by auspicious deities, and the White Tiger is further overcome by a conflicting force, then even though the soul may have departed, the spirit has returned, leading to initial worry followed by joy.

《觀月經》（名旱苗無雨）：白虎乘死神死氣臨日辰、行年，主有災殃，病者不蘇。死囚為白虎，來臨日用由。魄化魂消散，死亡病者愁。行年同位上，患者命難留。細意看年用，凶神禍病尤。

The lesson titled "Dry Seedlings Without Rain" refers to the situation where rice seedlings suffer from prolonged drought and are on the verge of dying. It states that the White Tiger is riding upon the Death Deity and Death Qi is present on the Day Stem, Day Branch, or the year pillar, indicating calamity and the patient's difficulty in recovering. The rhyme explains that the White Tiger sitting upon the Death Qi, appearing on the Day Stem and the Initiating Transmission, signifies the dispersion of the soul and spirit, leaving the patient only with death to fear; if the year pillar also coincides with this, the patient's life is even more endangered. When making a divination, one should carefully examine the year pillar and the Initiating Transmission. The moreInauspicious Spirit (malevolent spirits) are gathered, the heavier the misfortune and suffering will be.

假令正月癸巳日寅時占，戌加癸為發用，上克下，白虎乘死氣來克癸水，三傳又見天羅日之正墓也，將是螣蛇，此卦有死亡之事。若人行年至丑必凶。依元首卦推之，萬無一失。 鬼戌白 鬼未陰 鬼辰蛇 空 六 陰 白 亥 寅 未 戌 寅 巳 戌 癸 貴 寅卯辰巳 丑 午 子 未 亥戌酉申

Another example: On theGuisi day in the first hour of the first month, a divination is made. The癸 is lodged in the丑, and the戌 on the heaven plate falls on the丑. Thus, the戌 initiates the transmission, with the戌 earth overcoming the癸 water, which is an upper god overcoming a lower god. The white tiger is riding the death qi to attack the癸 water, and the three transmissions also include the辰, which is both the heavenly net and the original tomb of water. The final transmission, on the辰, is also occupied by the teng snake. These layers all point to death. If the person being divined reaches the丑 in their age, they will certainly face misfortune. This lesson uses the upper overcoming the lower to determine the first transmission, which is a lesson of the head. Following the rules of the head lesson, the prediction is certain and infallible. On the lesson chart, the three transmissions,戌, 未, and 辰, each have the character 「鬼」 marked beside them, because earth overcomes water, and all three transmissions are ghosts of癸. The four lessons, from right to left, are癸 with戌,戌 with未, the day branch巳 with寅, and寅 with亥, each successively occupied by the white tiger, tai yin, liu he, and tian kong (a凶 general representing falsehood and deception). The place marked 「贵」 on the chart indicates the position of the heavenly nobleman (tian yi) on the chart.

白虎西方本是金，性專刑殺忌加臨。若遇死神相會合，日辰年上見災侵。遇此即名魄化卦。假如無病也昏沉。二月寅時甲戌日，勝光為虎是其陰。甲上天魁，戌上勝光，是甲之陰神。死神正巳二居午，死神正月在巳順行十二。止怕相兼作害深。虎為死神兼之相逼也。

The song says: The White Tiger belongs to the west, its nature is metal, and it specializes in punishment and warfare. It is most feared when it appears at critical positions. If it also combines with the Death Deity, then disasters will afflict the day stem, day branch, and the year of the person. When this happens, it is called the soul transformation hexagram. Even if one is originally healthy, they will feel dazed and listless. It gives an example of the Jia Xu day in the second month at the寅 hour: Shengguang (another name for Wu) rides the White Tiger, which is the hidden spirit of the day stem. The commentary explains that Tian Gui (Xu) appears on Jia, and Shengguang (Wu) appears on Xu, so Wu is the hidden spirit of Jia. The song also says that the Death Deity is in Si in the first month and in Wu in the second month. The commentary clarifies that the Death Deity starts at Si in the first month and moves in sequence through the twelve earthly branches, so in the second month it is at Wu. The most dangerous situation is when both the White Tiger and the Death Deity appear together, causing great harm. The commentary points out that this is when the White Tiger and the Death Deity merge into one and attack simultaneously.

六月未時壬戌日，天魁乘虎又加壬。六月死神來至戌，下逼行年依此行。賊上為內下克外，陽為男子女為陰。行年若遇魁罡立，身須逢害必加迍。用在陽憂男，在陰憂女。上克下為外喪，下賊上為內喪。行年在魁罡，月下自喪身軀也。

A song verse illustrates the situation on a Renxu day in the sixth month at the hour of Wu: the Tiankui (Xu) is riding upon the White Tiger and is placed upon the Ren; the Death Deity for the sixth month is exactly at Xu, thus pressing upward from below to the year pillar. The rest of the months follow this pattern. If the lower deity is defeated by the upper deity, it indicates death within the family; if the upper deity defeats the lower deity, it indicates death outside the family. Concerns for the Yang branches relate to males, while concerns for the Yin branches relate to females. If the year pillar is directly at Tiankui (Xu) or Gang (Chen), the person himself will suffer harm and encounter difficulties. The annotation reiterates: if the initiating transmission falls on a Yang branch, there is concern for males; if it falls on a Yin branch, there is concern for females; if the upper deity defeats the lower deity, it indicates death outside the family; if the lower deity defeats the upper deity, it indicates death within the family; if the year pillar is directly at Tiankui and Gang, there will be a death within the month.

《訂訛》：喪魄，正月未、二月辰、三月丑、四月戌，周而復始。加人行年或日辰發用。四土凶神能喪人魄，故名喪魄。占主病將死，壯健亦衰。

The "Sangpo" evil spirit is established separately in "Ding'e": in the first month it falls on Wei, in the second on Chen, in the third on Chou, and in the fourth on Xu. These four positions cycle again from the beginning. When this evil spirit appears in a person's age or falls on the day stem or day branch and initiates transmission, it forms a pattern. The four positions Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei all belong to earth, and when they gather together, they form an evil spirit that can cause a person to lose their soul, hence the name "Sangpo." If this evil spirit appears in a divination, the patient is about to die, even if they were originally healthy, they will turn towards decline.

游魂來加年日上（加行年、日辰上），用起兼之惡將並。但是飛魂魂不定，行逢鬼魅祟神驚。若問殺居何所在，順行正月起登明。

The song says: The wandering soul spirit is placed upon the year pillar and the day stem. It also serves as the initiating transmission and is combined with evil heavenly generals. Whenever the image of a wandering soul appears, the person's soul and spirit cannot settle down, and they meet ghosts when going out, or are frightened by evil influences. If one wants to know where this evil spirit is located, the method is to start from 'Dengming' (another name for Hai) in the first month, and proceed in order through the twelve earthly branches.

《袖中金》：飛魂喪魄，魂屬陽，魄屬陰。二者聚散去來之神。若於日辰行年上見者，壅滯魂魄之往來。若更值天乙逆行，白虎入傳，三傳隔角不見生氣，健者憂衰，病者憂死。

The Xiu Zhong Jin says: The pair of evil spirits, flying soul and lost spirit, are both deities governing the gathering and dispersing of souls. If they appear on the day stem, day branch, or the year pillar, they will block and obstruct the movement of souls. If this is combined with the nobleman reversing, the white tiger entering the three transmissions, and the three transmissions being separated and unable to see life qi, then even a healthy person should worry about decline, and those who are already ill should fear for their lives.

《訂訛》：飛魂，正月起亥，順行十二宮，加人行年或日辰發用，令人魂有飛揚千里之象，故名飛魂。占主夜多凶夢，鬼祟相侵，恍惚不寧。

The "Disputing Errors" says: The Flying Soul Evil begins in the亥 (Hai) position in the first lunar month, moving sequentially through the twelve earthly branches. When this evil influences a person's age year, or falls on the day stem or day branch and initiates the transmission, it creates an image of the soul flying away and traveling thousands of miles. Therefore, it is called the Flying Soul. If this evil is encountered in a divination, one often has ominous dreams at night, with malevolent spirits disturbing them, and during the day feels mentally confused and restless.

凡天乙逆行，日辰在後，用其囚死，將乘元虎，時克行年，為三陰卦。蓋貴人逆治，日辰在後，陰氣不順，一也；用神囚死，動作無光，陰氣不振，二也；將乘元虎，時克行年，陰氣不利，三也。此三者闇昧幽晦，故名三陰課。占者凡事不能，多有晦滯。統中孚之體，乃群陰當惡之課。

Whenever the Heavenly Nobleman moves in reverse, the day stem and day branch fall behind the nobleman, the initiating transmission god is in a state of captivity or death, the Heavenly General rides the White Tiger or Black Tortoise, and the time of divination harms the year of the person being divined, it is called the "Three Yin Hexagram." It is called Three Yin because three layers of darkness are combined: the nobleman moving in reverse with the day stem and day branch following behind, which indicates an unsmooth negative energy, this is the first layer; the initiating transmission god being in captivity or death with no vitality, and any action being dim and ineffective, this is the second layer; the Heavenly General riding the White Tiger or Black Tortoise, and the time of divination harming the year of the person being divined, which indicates adverse negative energy, this is the third layer. All three aspects represent dark and obscure phenomena, hence the name Three Yin Hexagram. Those who receive this hexagram will find that all their affairs fail to succeed, and they encounter obstructions and difficulties everywhere. It belongs to the body of the Fu Hexagram in the Zhou Changes, representing a situation where a group of negative forces dominate and cause harm.

象曰：“動作困苦，百事沉淪。見官屈伏，占病多迍。仕憂祿位，男忌婚姻。求財破散，孕主女娠。”如日辰三傳始終囚死、帶墓，時克行年，最凶。主公私事皆不成。或喪魂游魂，五鬼伏殃，諸煞並臨，其禍尤甚。喪魂殺，正月起未，逆行四季。游魂殺，正月起亥，順行十二辰。天鬼伏殃殺，正月起酉，逆行四仲。

Divination interpretation states: Any action will be obstructed and laborious, with all affairs sinking and difficult to initiate; when encountering officials or superiors, one can only bow and submit, and if seeking health, the illness will be prolonged and hard to recover. Officials will worry about their salary and position, men should avoid discussing marriage; seeking wealth will lead to loss and dispersion, and pregnant women are mostly likely to give birth to daughters. If the day stem, day branch, and the three transmissions are all in the state of captivity or death throughout, and also accompanied by theTomb Spirit (grave spirit), and at the time of divination, they again retroactively harm the year stem, it is the most dangerous situation, and both public and private affairs will be completely unable to be handled. If the evil spirits such as the丧魂煞 (soul-loss spirit), 游魂煞 (wandering soul spirit), 五鬼 (five ghosts), and 伏殃 (hidden calamity) all appear together, the calamity will be even more severe. The methods for calculating these evil spirits are as follows: the丧魂煞 starts in the hour of 未 in the first month, and moves backward through the four seasons of 辰, 戌, 丑, and 未; the 游魂煞 starts in the hour of 亥 in the first month, and moves forward through the twelve earthly branches; the 天鬼伏殃煞 starts in the hour of 酉 in the first month, and moves backward through the four central hours of 子, 午, 卯, and 酉.

其殺並臨日辰年命，占病必死，行兵多敗，謀為及占家宅，主家破人離，百事凶殃，宜禳之。則應中孚六三得敵或鼓或罷，或泣或哥之凶象。六處有救解神，末傳旺相，則九二鳴鶴在陰，其子和之之象也。

These evils all fall upon the day stem, day branch, year of travel, and personal destiny, indicating certain death in illness, and many defeats in military campaigns. Whether planning matters or divining the household, it foretells the destruction of the family and misfortune in all affairs, and measures should be taken to appease and resolve the situation. This corresponds to the ominous image in the sixth line of the third trigram in the Book of Changes, the卦 of Trust, which says, "Meeting an enemy, sometimes drumming, sometimes ceasing, sometimes weeping, sometimes singing"—a sign of confusion and fluctuation, alternating between sorrow and joy. Conversely, if the day stem, day branch, the three transmissions, and the year of travel and personal destiny have saving deities, and the final transmission is in a prosperous and strong position, then it corresponds to the auspicious image of the second line of the ninth trigram, which says, "A bell in the shade, its young ones harmonize with it"—though in darkness, there are still those who respond in harmony.

如正月癸丑日卯時子將，占人申命，行年在丑，天乙乘巳加申，逆理天乙，日辰在天乙後，戌為死乘白虎凶將加癸為用，卯時屬木，克人年丑土，為三陰課。 戌白 未陰 辰蛇 陰白陰白 未戌未戌 戌丑戌癸 貴 寅卯辰巳 命 丑 午 子 未 亥戌酉申 年

Take the example of the Guichou day in the first lunar month: the question is asked at the卯 hour. The month general is子, and子 is placed on卯 hour. The heaven plate is three places behind the earth plate. The inquirer's birth sign is申, and the year of travel is丑. On a癸 day, the daytime nobleman is巳, and the巳 on the heaven plate falls exactly on the申 of the earth plate. The nobleman is on申, which is the position of retrogression, which is called the heaven yi retrograding. The day stem癸 and the day branch丑 are both placed behind the nobleman, which is the first layer of yin. The癸 is lodged in丑, and on丑 there is戌. The戌 is in a dead position and is occupied by the white tiger, a凶 general, and it is placed on the day stem and initiates the transmission, which is the second layer of yin. The hour of卯 is wood, which turns back and harms the year of travel丑, which is earth, making it the third layer of yin. Since all three yins are present, it is determined as a three yin lesson. The four lessons are癸 on戌,戌 on未, the day branch丑 on戌, and戌 on未. The first and third lessons overlap with the second and fourth lessons respectively. The three transmissions are戌, 未, and辰, each occupied by the white tiger, the tai yin, and the teng snake respectively. The places marked as「贵」「命」「年」on the diagram represent the nobleman, the birth sign, and the year of travel on the plate.

《訂訛》：三陰：貴人逆治，日辰在後，一也；發用傳終，各帶囚死，二也；將乘元虎，時克行年，三也。三者俱主闇昧無光，幽陰之象，故名三陰。占主暗滯沉淪，見官屈伏，病多迍，名位失，財破，婚無就，孕生女。如日辰發用帶墓，鬼克行年，最凶。公私事皆不成。或喪魂、游魂、天鬼諸煞，占病必死。

The "Orderly Correction" summarizes the three conditions of the Three Yins: first, the Nobleman moves against the affairs and the Day Stem and Day Branch fall behind it; second, both the Initiating Transmission and the Final Transmission carry the qi of imprisonment and death; third, the Heavenly General rides upon the Black Tortoise and White Tiger, and at the same time, it overcomes the year's stem. These three conditions indicate darkness and lack of brightness, representing the image of deep darkness, hence called the Three Yins. When this divination is obtained, everything is dark and stagnant, one can only submit when encountering officials, illness persists without recovery, status is lost, wealth is wasted, marriage cannot be arranged, and pregnant women tend to give birth to daughters. If the Day Stem and Day Branch also carry the墓神 (mound spirit) in their Initiating Transmission, and if spirits further overcome the year's stem, it is the most dangerous situation, and both public and private affairs cannot be handled. If the evil spirits such as the Lost Soul, Wandering Soul, and Heavenly Ghost are also involved, then the illness is certain to be fatal.

此課主凶，然六處有救解，末傳旺相，反之。附：課傳中六陰俱備者，名六陰課。利私謀，不利公干。晝傳夜迷甚。

This lesson is generally considered ominous, but if there are saving deities present in the day stem, day branch, three transmissions, the year of movement, and the native's birth year, and if the final transmission is located in a prosperous and strong position, the outcome will reverse to be favorable. Additionally, if all six yin branches are present among the four lessons and three transmissions, it is called the "Six Yin Lesson," which is suitable for private planning but unfavorable for official duties; if a lesson is cast during the day but the transmissions are all of night, it indicates a state of confusion and lack of clarity, which is especially serious.

《心鏡》（又丘墓臨日辰亦曰三陰）：天乙逆行為不順，元白二神居日前（一陰），用中囚死復相剋（用神囚死，神將相剋日，二陰），時賊行年凶有殘（占時克行年為三陰）。三陰任汝能行履，卦主精神入墓間。百事總乖家業散，縱使登科位不遷。日辰見元武白虎為一陰，日辰在天乙後為二陰，用神囚死為三陰。

The "Heart Mirror" also mentions another interpretation, where a tomb is located on the day stem and day branch, which is called three yin. Its rhyme says: When the nobleman moves in reverse, the qi flow becomes unsmooth; the twoInauspicious General, White Tiger and Black Tortoise, are located before the day stem, which is the first yin. Both the initiating transmission and the middle transmission are in the state of imprisonment or death, and they mutually attack each other— the initiating transmission god is in imprisonment or death without qi, the heavenly general and the god it rides on fight each other and attack the day— this is the second yin. When the time of the divination is marked by a thief's attack on the year, it brings danger and injury, which is the third yin. Once the three yins are formed, no matter how the subject acts, his spirit will ultimately feel as if trapped in a tomb. All affairs go wrong, family and business disintegrate, even if heby chance passes the examination, his official position will not rise. The commentary summarizes again: seeing Black Tortoise and White Tiger on the day stem and day branch is one yin, the day stem and day branch being after the nobleman is two yins, and the initiating transmission god being in imprisonment or death is three yins.

《袖中金》：天乙逆治，元白立於前，大旺克初，日辰囚死，正時克行年，名曰三陰。為悔為否，為殺為消。凡事屯蒙，健人失志，喜事反凶。

The Xiu Zhong Jin says: When the Heavenly Master Nobleman moves in reverse, the Black Tortoise and White Tiger stand ahead, the Final Transmission's strength reverses to attack the First Transmission, and the Day Stem and Day Branch are in a state of imprisonment or death, with the hour of the day also attacking the year, such a divination is called San Yin. Its meaning is regret, blockage, killing, and depletion. All matters are as difficult and obscure as the Zun and Meng hexagrams. Even healthy people may become discouraged, and what should be joyful turns into misfortune.

《訂訛》：四逆：用吉終凶，一也；用旺終衰，二也；天乙逆行，三也；傳入天乙後，四也。四者皆屬拂逆，故名四逆。占主事體隔絕，有頭無尾，志意不遂，妻奴不順。

"The 'Four Reversals' are another category established in 'Ding E'. The first is when the initiating transmission is auspicious but the final transmission turns inauspicious. The second is when the initiating transmission is strong but the final transmission turns weak. The third is when the nobleman moves in reverse. The fourth is when the three transmissions fall after the nobleman. All four situations are considered contradictory and unsmooth, hence called the 'Four Reversals'. When this pattern appears, the matter is divided into two parts, with a beginning but no end, wishes are difficult to fulfill, and even wife and servants do not obey."

凡卯酉日占，卯酉為用，人年立卯酉，為龍戰課。蓋卯月陽氣南出，萬物生；陰氣北入，榆莢落。酉月陽氣北入，萬物凋；陰氣南出，麻麥生。此陰陽出入之位，刑德聚會之門，時氣分離，不可復合。

When divination is performed on a卯 day or酉 day, and the卯 or酉 is also used as the initiating transmission, and the diviner's age is also positioned on卯 or酉, this is called the "Dragon Struggle Lesson." The reason behind this is that in the卯 month (February), yang energy flows from north to south, causing all things to sprout, while yin energy recedes northward, leading to the falling of elm fruits. In the酉 month (August), yang energy converges northward, causing all things to wither, while yin energy flows from north to south, resulting in the growth of hemp and wheat. The卯 and酉 positions are the gateways where yin and yang enter and exit, where the conflicting energy and the benevolent energy converge. At these points, the seasonal energy splits apart and can no longer reunite.

如卯日占課，遇卯為用，人年復立卯上。酉日占事，逢酉發用，人年並立酉上。此陰氣主刑殺，陽氣主德生，其體如龍，一生一殺，相戰於門，故名龍戰。主占事疑惑，反覆不定，統離之體，乃門戶不寧之課也。

Specifically, this refers to starting the divination on the卯 (Mao) day with the卯 (Mao) as the initiating transmission, and the diviner's age also falling on the卯 (Mao); or starting the divination on the酉 (You) day with the酉 (You) as the initiating transmission, and the diviner's age also falling on the酉 (You). At this time, the Yin energy is dominant in causing punishment and destruction, while the Yang energy is dominant in fostering growth and nurturing. These two energies are like two dragons, one representing growth and the other representing punishment, fighting and opposing each other at this gate, hence the name Dragon Struggle. When this lesson is obtained, the matter being inquired about will certainly be confusing and unclear, with indecision and uncertainty. It belongs to the body of the Li hexagram from the Zhou Changes, indicating a lesson where the gate is not at peace.

象曰：“合者將離，居者將徙。欲行莫行，欲止莫止。出路迍邅，求婚莫娶。胎孕不安，財物弗聚。”如三傳入三交課，主賊來必戰。游神（春丑、夏子、秋亥、冬戌）相加，主行人必來，求財不得，占病反覆，占官改動。

The interpretation says: what was originally gathered will now separate, and what was settled will now move; one wishes to go but cannot, and one wishes to stay but cannot remain still; going out will be full of difficulties, and marriage proposals are not suitable for taking a bride; pregnancy will not be stable, and wealth will not accumulate. If the three transmissions form a lesson of three intersections, there will be thieves coming to the door, leading to a conflict. If further encountering a wandering god (spring in the ox, summer in the rat, autumn in the pig, winter in the dog), then the person who went out will certainly return, but seeking wealth will not be obtained, predicting illness will show recurring symptoms, and predicting official positions will indicate changes.

或夫妻年立其上，主室家離散。兄弟年立其上，主爭財異居。將得天后，事起婦女。乘蛇虎元，尤加驚恐。事宜決斷，進退不能，南北俱凶，縱有吉神將，不免其咎，當應離九三大耋之嗟凶象也。

If both spouses' year pillars fall on the卯 or酉 branches, it indicates family separation; if the brothers' year pillars fall on these branches, it suggests disputes over money leading to division of the household. If the Heavenly General is associated with the Heavenly Empress, the matter is likely to originate from women; if it is accompanied by Teng Snake, White Tiger, or Black Tortoise, the sense of fear becomes more pronounced. Such matters should be decided promptly, yet they result in being caught between two difficulties, with neither moving south nor north being auspicious. Even if the chart contains other auspicious deities or generals, this misfortune cannot be avoided. This precisely corresponds to the ominous image of the third line of the Li hexagram in the Zhou Changes, which states, "The sun setting in the west brings the lament of old age," symbolizing the sorrow of old age amidst the setting sun.

如丁卯日辰時戌將占，卯加酉發用，人年立卯地，為龍戰課。 卯常 酉朱 卯常 常朱勾陰 卯酉未丑 酉卯丑丁 陰 亥子丑寅 戌 卯 年 酉 辰 申未午巳

Take the example of Dingmao day: at the辰 hour, the month general is Xu. Xu is placed over the辰 hour, and the heaven plate and earth plate exactly oppose each other in pairs, forming a reverse chant situation. Ding is lodged in Wei, and Wei has Chou; the day branch卯 has酉. The卯 on the heaven plate falls on the酉 on the earth plate, so the initiating transmission is taken from卯. The diviner's age is also placed on the卯 position of the earth plate, thus forming a dragon battle lesson. The four lessons, from right to left, are Ding with Chou, Chou with Wei, the day branch卯 with酉, and酉 with卯; reverse chant has no close relationship, so the three transmissions are taken as卯,酉, and卯, going and returning, which exactly matches the image of two dragons fighting and advancing and retreating repeatedly. The卯 is occupied by Tai Chang, and the酉 is occupied by Vermilion Bird. The other two lessons are occupied by Gou Chen and Tai Yin respectively. The diagram marks 「阴」 as the palace where Tai Yin falls, and 「年」 as the position of the diviner's age.

《訂訛》：龍戰：卯酉日占，卯酉上神發用，行年卯酉更的。卯月陽氣南出，萬物生，陰氣北入，榆莢落。酉月陽氣北入，萬物凋，陰氣南出，麻麥生。此陰陽出入，刑德聚會，其體如龍，一生一殺，相戰於門，故或龍戰。

The "Disputations" say: The Dragon Struggle pattern occurs on卯日 (Mao day) or酉日 (You day) when the deity associated with the卯 (Mao) position or酉 (You) position serves as the initiating transmission. If the占者's (diviner's) birth year also falls on卯 or酉, this becomes even more certain. It also discusses the pattern in terms of the solar terms: during the卯 month (Mao month), yang energy flows from north to south, causing all things to sprout, while yin energy retreats northward, leading to the falling of elm fruits. During the酉 month (You month), yang energy converges northward, causing all things to wither, while yin energy spreads southward from the north, resulting in the regrowth of millet and wheat.卯 and酉 are the gateways where yin and yang enter and exit, and where virtue and merit converge. Their situation resembles two dragons fighting at the gate, one governing life and the other governing death, hence the term Dragon Struggle.

占主疑惑反覆，門戶不寧。出忌南行，入忌北行。合者將離，居者將徙。欲行莫行，欲止難止。婚阻，孕不安，財不聚。如傳入三交，賊來必戰。游神並，行人來，病反覆，官改動。或夫妻年立其上，主室家離散，兄弟年立其上，主爭財異居。將得天后，事起婦人，乘蛇虎元，猶加驚恐。

The key points of divination are: doubts in the mind, matters that change repeatedly, and the household not at peace. Going out is unfavorable towards the south, and returning is unfavorable from the north. What was originally united will separate, and those who wish to stay will have to move. Those who wish to move cannot, and those who wish to stop cannot stop. Marriage is obstructed, pregnancy is unstable, and wealth cannot be retained. If the three transmissions form three intersections, thieves will come, and conflict will arise. If the wandering spirit is present together, the traveler will return, illness will recur, and official positions will change. If the year pillar of the spouse is on the卯 or酉, the family will be separated. If the year pillar of the brother is on the卯 or酉, there will be separation due to disputes over property. If the heavenly general is with the heavenly empress, the matter is caused by a woman. If the螣 snake, White Tiger, or Black Tortoise are present, there will be greater fear and anxiety.

《觀月經》：日辰是卯酉，所臨作用神。名為龍戰卦，進退事逡巡。凡卯酉日占事，行年在卯酉上，又遇卯酉入傳，卯酉上發用者，是龍戰卦。其餘日卯酉上發用者，亦是龍戰卦也。父子難同室，夫妻亦不親。若是仲日神位發用在卯酉上，主分離之事也。

The song of "Observing the Monthly Cycle" says: When the day stem and day branch fall on卯 and酉, and the heavenly stems above them serve as the initiating transmission, this lesson is called the Dragon Struggle Hexagram, and the matter in question will involve hesitation, indecision, and lack of progress. The annotation adds: Whenever one divines on卯 or酉 days, and their age is above卯 or酉, and卯 or酉 enter the three transmissions, with the heavenly stem above卯 or酉 serving as the initiating transmission, it is called the Dragon Struggle Hexagram; on other days, if the initiating transmission heavenly stem falls on卯 or酉, it is also considered the Dragon Struggle Hexagram. The song also says: Father and son cannot live together, and husband and wife will not be close. The annotation explains: If the day is in the middle position and the heavenly stem is on卯 or酉 serving as the initiating transmission, it indicates separation.

分財爭內外，論盜在比鄰。立秋乙卯日，辰時發用神。天罡臨卯上，發用正含嗔。假令乙卯日巳將辰時占，一課巳乙、二課午巳、三課辰卯、四課巳辰，取辰加卯下賊上發用，是天罡在卯也。人年立卯酉，正是涉迷津。人行年本命立卯酉，得此卦其人應涉迷津也。

The song continues: disputes over family finances will lead to conflicts both inside and outside, and when divining about thieves, the thief is among the neighbors. It takes the example of a Yimao day after the beginning of autumn, and starts the initiating transmission at the Chen hour. The Tiangang (Chen's alternate name) is on the Mao position, and this initiating transmission itself contains anger. The commentary explains the calculation: on a Yimao day, the month general is Si and the time is Chen. The four lessons are: Yi on Si, Si on Wu, the day branch on Mao with Chen, and Chen on Si. Taking Chen added to Mao, the wood of Mao overcomes the earth of Chen, which is the lower god overcoming the upper god, so Chen is used as the initiating transmission, which is the Tiangang on Mao. The last line of the song says that a person's year of birth is on Mao and You, which is like crossing a confusing river. The commentary clarifies: if the diviner's year of birth or true destiny is on Mao and You and this hexagram is obtained, then this person is like crossing at a confusing river mouth, with the path ahead unclear.

《心鏡》：龍戰元黃二八門，春生秋殺決於分。二月建卯，春分，生萬物。八月建酉，秋分，殺萬物。卯是日出月入之門，酉是日入月出之門。但遇卯酉日占事，用起其上，或人行年本命立卯酉者，則用此卦也。

The Heart Mirror's verse says: The image of a dragon battle carries a blood color mixed with dark yellow, occurring on the two gates of卯 and酉; in spring it signifies birth, in autumn it signifies destruction, and it is determined entirely by the two solar terms of spring equinox and autumn equinox. The annotation explains: In February, the month builder is at卯, and at the spring equinox, all things are born; in August, the month builder is at酉, and at the autumn equinox, all things are destroyed.卯 is the gate where the sun rises and the moon sets, while酉 is the gate where the sun sets and the moon rises. If an event occurs on a卯 day or酉 day and the initiating transmission originates from there, or if the diviner's age or birth year is positioned at卯 or酉, then this hexagram should be used for interpretation.

燕至燕歸離會兆，雷發雷收見潛因。二月元鳥至，以象會。八月元鳥歸，以象離。二月雷乃發聲，龍見德。八月雷始收聲，龍潛形，應離會之象。如今卯酉日占事，行年用起立斯辰。卯酉日占，或行年本命在卯酉上，或用神在卯酉上，是龍戰卦也。

The song rhyme also says: Swallows come in spring and go in autumn, which are signs of gathering and parting; spring thunder sounds, autumn thunder becomes silent, showing the reason for the dragon's appearance and concealment. The annotation explains: In February, the black bird comes, symbolizing meeting; in August, the black bird returns, symbolizing parting. In February, thunder begins to sound, the dragon appears and virtue spreads; in August, thunder begins to become silent, the dragon hides and killing energy prevails: one coming and one going, exactly corresponding to the two images of parting and meeting. The last line of the song rhyme says that now, if the matter is divined on a卯 day or酉 day, the year of the person involved and the initiating transmission are both on these two earthly branches. The annotation further explains: On卯 or酉 days, if the person's birth year is on卯 or酉, or the initiating transmission is on卯 or酉, it is a dragon battle chart.

刑德兩途俱合此，二月春分生萬物，主德復有殺氣，盜刑而榆莢落。八月秋分殺萬物，主刑復有德氣，盜施而蒜麥生。故曰刑德兩途俱合此也。出南入北忌遭迍。行人進退心疑貳，兄弟乖張妻不親。

The song explains that both punishment and virtue converge here. The commentary states: In February, during the spring equinox, the season is naturally one of nurturing and growth, which is the time for virtue to prevail. However, there is still hidden killing energy, and the punishment energy quietly acts, causing the elm fruits to fall. In August, during the autumn equinox, the season is naturally one of clearing and harvesting, which is the time for punishment to prevail. Yet, there is also hidden virtue, and the life energy secretly acts, causing garlic and wheat to sprout. This is why it is said that punishment and virtue both converge at the卯 and酉. The song also says: When going out, heading south, and returning home, heading north, one should be cautious of difficulties. Travelers are uncertain in their movements and have divided intentions. Brothers are discordant, and couples are not close.

《袖中金》：卯酉日占事，卯酉上發用，名曰龍戰卦。卯酉，天之私門，生殺有限，分社有期。雷動龍奔，示其有戰。主人心疑惑，進寸退尺，動有乖離之象。

The Xiu Zhong Jin says: On the卯day or酉day, when divining an affair and the transmission starts from above the卯and酉, it is called the Dragon Struggle Hexagram. The卯and酉 are the private gate of Heaven, where life and death are divided, and gathering and dispersing are determined. When the spring thunder moves, the dragon immediately rushes forth, clearly showing a struggle taking place here. Those who draw this hexagram are doubtful in their hearts, advancing an inch but retreating a foot, and all their actions carry the meaning of deviation and dispersion.

假令立秋乙卯日巳將辰時占，天罡加卯發用，凶。若行年又在卯酉者尤凶。 辰勾 巳青 午空 青 勾 空 青 巳 辰 午 巳 辰 卯 巳 乙 午未申酉 巳 戌 辰 亥 卯寅丑子

Assume it is the day of Yimao after the beginning of autumn, with the month general at Si and the time at Chen. The hour Si is placed over the time Chen, with the heaven plate advancing one position ahead of the earth plate. The character Yi is lodged in the palace of Chen, with Si appearing on Chen; the day branch Mao has Chen appearing on it. The tiangang is placed at Chen over Mao, with Mao wood overcoming Chen earth, indicating that the lower god overcomes the upper god, thus taking Chen as the initiating transmission, which is considered ominous. If the occupant's year of birth falls on Mao or You, the danger is even greater. The four lessons, arranged from right to left, are Yi with Si, Si with Wu, the day branch Mao with Chen, and Chen with Si. The three transmissions are taken as Chen, Si, and Wu, successively occupied by Gou Chen, Azure Dragon, and Tian Kong. The last four lines still show the arrangement of the twelve palaces of the earth plate.

《曾門》：二八門上一為發用，欲行難行，欲止難止。人年立之，或分或異。刑德集聚，俱合於門。天地解離，不可復合。

The book "Zeng Men" says: On the two gates of卯 and酉, if one of them serves as the Initiating Transmission, a person will feel an urge to move but cannot move, an urge to stop but cannot stop. If the diviner's age also falls on this position, it is either separation or living apart. Both the penal energy and the virtuous energy converge here, gathering together on this gate; the energies of heaven and earth dissipate and disintegrate here, and can no longer reunite.

《定章》曰：二月建卯，出萬物之門。八月建酉，納萬物之門。日出卯，月生酉，此皆日月所遊，萬物所從。故曰卯酉之辰為二八之門。用起立此，占人欲行不得行，欲止不得止，以象刑德，俱合於門。

The "Ding Zhang" says: In the second month, the Month Builder is at Mao, which is the gate of the birth of all things; in the eighth month, the Month Builder is at You, which is the gate of the gathering of all things. The sun rises from the Mao position, and the moon is born from the You position. These are the paths that the sun and moon follow, and the paths that all things rely upon. Therefore, the two positions Mao and You are the gates of the second and eighth months. If the Initiating Transmission is established here, the person asking the question will feel a desire to move but cannot, and a desire to stop but cannot. This is because the penal energy and the virtuous energy both converge at this gate, making it difficult to decide whether to go or stay.

生者東南，入者西北。人年立卯，卯日占事，用起卯上。或人年立卯，以酉日占事，用起酉上。以此占人，動搖不安。夫妻年在上，室家分絕。兄弟年立之，爭財異居。以應刑不應德。合者將離，居者將徙也。丁卯日戌加卯用，年在卯上，曰二門。是欲行難行，欲止難止。主室家分離，兄弟異居也。

The qi of generation tends toward the southeast, while the qi of gathering tends toward the northwest. If the diviner's age year is positioned at Mao, and the divination occurs on a Mao day with the transmission starting from Mao; or if the age year is at Mao, but the divination occurs on a You day with the transmission starting from You: according to these two situations, this person is certainly unstable and restless. If the spouse's age year falls on these two positions, the family will break apart. If the brother's age year is here, there will be disputes over property leading to living apart. This corresponds to the influence of penal qi rather than benevolent qi. What was originally united will eventually separate, and what was settled will ultimately move. In the previous example of Dingmao day, Xu is added to Mao with the transmission starting from Mao, and the age year is also at Mao, which is called 'two gates.' This indicates a situation where one wants to move but cannot, and one wants to stay but cannot remain still, leading to family separation and brothers living apart.