The Dead Strange Divination Chart

凡斗罡繫日辰陰陽發用，為死奇課。斗罡者辰也，蓋天罡為死奇凶惡厭翳之神，死囚帶殺，所在者殃。如罡加四課之神，主死亡奇怪之事，故名死奇。月為刑奇主刑殺，占者咸凶，故主病疾憂患。日奇為福德，主奸盜並息，反凶為吉。統“未濟”之體，憂中望喜之課也。

Whenever the heavenly stem or earthly branch of the day is occupied by a yang or yin spirit associated with the Tiangang, and it serves as the initiating transmission, it is called the "Dead Strange Lesson." The term Tiangang refers to the earthly branch Chen. Tiangang is the master spirit of the Dead Strange Lesson, a malevolent and ominous spirit that carries the energy of death and killing. Wherever Tiangang falls, there will be calamity. If Tiangang is added to the four lessons, it indicates death and strange occurrences, hence the name Dead Strange. In correspondence, the monthly host is the刑奇 (Crime Strange), which specializes in punishment and killing, and when encountered in divination, it brings inevitable danger, thus causing illness and worry. The daily host is the德奇 (Virtue Strange), a spirit of fortune and virtue, which can stop wickedness and thieves, transforming misfortune into good fortune. This lesson is governed by the structure of the "Not Yet Completed" hexagram from the Zhou Changes, indicating a situation of worry and hardship that still holds hope for a favorable change.

象曰“辰為天罡，刑獄之曜。疾病死期，征戰凶兆。論訟被囚，干貴失靠。婚嫁出行，禍患自招。”如帶日鬼日墓，災劫惡煞相併克賊，及乘白虎，為必死之兆，大凶。更臨歲月之上，為三死課，禍尤凶。經曰“三者盡傷，歲必受殃。”

The divination text says: Chen is the Tiangang star, which governs punishment and legal matters. If it is used to predict illness, it indicates that death is imminent; if used for military campaigns, it signifies a dangerous omen; if used for legal disputes, it suggests imprisonment; if used for seeking the Nobleman, it indicates losing support; and if used for marriage or travel, it implies self-invoked misfortune. If the Tiangang is accompanied by the Day Ghost, Day Tomb, and evil spirits such as Zaisha and Jiesha, and if it is combined with the White Tiger, it is a certain sign of death, the worst possible omen. If it also occurs together with the Tai sui and the Month Builder, it becomes the "Three Deaths" lesson, making the misfortune even more severe. The classic text states: if all three are harmed, one will certainly suffer calamity during that year.

此天罡臨日，旬內憂；臨辰，月內憂；臨歲，歲內憂。孟憂二親，仲憂己身，季憂妻奴，當應未濟初六濡其尾吝之凶象也。若旺相德合相生遇吉將，或六處有沖剋救神及日奇，反吉。辰為月將尤美，為死奇回光，除禍為福，則應六五，有孚吉象也。

As for the timing of the outcome: if the Tiangang is near the Day Stem, the worry occurs within this ten-day period; if it is near the Day Branch, the worry occurs within the month; if it is near the Tai Su (the year stem), the worry occurs within the year. If it falls in the four first positions of the four zodiac animals (寅, 申, 巳, 亥), the worry concerns the parents; if it falls in the four middle positions (子, 午, 卯, 酉), the worry concerns oneself; if it falls in the four last positions (辰, 戌, 丑, 未), the worry concerns the wife and servants. This corresponds to the ominous image of the first line of the initial hexagram in the Zhou Changes, "Rú qí wěi, lìn" (the tail is wet, causing difficulty), where a small fox crossing a river gets its tail wet and is caught between two difficulties. Conversely, if the divination shows a strong and vital state, with harmonious relationships and favorable generals, or if there are conflicts and saving deities among the Day Stem, Day Branch, three transmissions, and the person's age and destiny, and also the day's odd number is present, it can turn into a favorable outcome. Especially when the day is exactly the month's general (月将), this is called "Sǐ Qí Huí Guāng" (the dead odd number returns to light), which can turn misfortune into good fortune, corresponding to the favorable image of the fifth line "Yǒu Fú" (having faith).

如甲子日丑時巳將占，辰為天罡，加子為用，死奇課。 辰元 申青 子蛇 青 元 六 白 申 辰 戌 午 辰 子 午 甲 酉戌亥子 申 丑 未 寅 午巳辰卯

Take the example of a Jiazi day: during the Chou hour, the month general is Si. Si is placed over Chou hour, and the heaven plate advances four positions ahead of the earth plate. Jia is lodged in寅, with午 on寅; the day branch Zi has辰 exactly on it. The tiangang, which is Chen, is placed on the day branch Zi and serves as the initiating transmission, thus determining it as a dead odd lesson. The four lessons, from right to left, are: Jia with Wu, Wu with Xu, Zi with Chen, and Chen with Shen. The three transmissions are taken as Chen, Shen, and Zi, which exactly match the triple harmony of Shen-Zi-Chen, forming a water trinity. On these, in order, the black tortoise, azure dragon, and teng snake are placed. The other two lessons have Xu with Liu He and Wu with Bai Hu. The initiating transmission is both the tiangang and placed over the day branch, so the dead odd energy directly confronts the family. The last four lines show the arrangement of the twelve earthly branches on the earth plate.

《訂訛》：死奇：天罡發用，月行度到角亢之分，或月宿臨太歲，日辰皆是天上日月星三奇，天罡星宿為死奇，月宿為刑奇，日宿為德奇。蓋白晝萬物光輝，夜則鬼神不潛，奸盜為害，所以日主德，月主刑，星主死也。

The "Order of Errors" explains the concept of "Dead Marvel" saying: The Tiangang serves as the Initiating Transmission, and when the Moon's path reaches the territories of the Horn mansion or the Neck mansion, or when the Moon's mansion is above the Sovereign, the Day Stem, or the Day Branch—these all refer to the "Three Marvels" of the sky, namely the Sun, Moon, and Stars. Among these, the star mansion associated with Tiangang is called the Dead Marvel, the Moon's mansion is called the Criminal Marvel, and the Sun's mansion is called the Virtuous Marvel. This classification is based on the fact that during the day, all things are bathed in light, but at night, ghosts and spirits no longer hide, and villains and thieves emerge to cause harm. Therefore, the Sun governs virtue, the Moon governs punishment, and the stars govern death.

日宿即月將是也；月宿乃月躔度。天罡太陰同見，六處有月將照之，謂死奇回光。只有太陰刑奇單見，亦主病患。而又天罡惡神並，且無月將救援，定主死亡奇禍，故名死奇。

The term "day host" refers to the current month general; "month host" refers to the position of the moon's path. If the Tiangang and Tai Yin appear together, and the day stem, day branch, three transmissions, year of movement, and original destiny all have the month general overseeing them, this is called "dead oddity returning light," which can reverse a凶 portent. If only the Tai Yin alone is present and is in a criminal relationship with the oddity, it indicates prolonged illness. If the Tiangang is combined with other evil spirits and there is no month general to rescue, then there will certainly be death and strange misfortunes, hence the term "dead oddity."

《觀月經》：式加死奇卦，天罡日月論。死亡推斗下，憂患月中陳。日至能除禍，諸家卦備均。所生為父母，同類兄弟親。墓處論妻妾，三奇推苦辛。斗臨遭死損，月至憂患頻。日到災殃散，思量卦有神。

The song of "Observing the Monthly Cycle" says: When a dead marvel hex is arranged on the divination board, one should consider the combination of the heavenly stem Tiangang, the sun, and the moon together. Death matters are inferred from where the Tiangang presses, worries and troubles are revealed where the moon's dwelling is, and when the sun's dwelling arrives, calamities are dispelled. This point is generally consistent among various schools of divination. Then, according to the six relations, the one that generates me represents parents, the one of the same kind represents brothers, the one at the storage place represents wife and concubine, and when the three marvels are superimposed upon it, one can determine the joys and sorrows of each person. Where the Tiangang arrives, that person suffers death; where the moon's dwelling is, that person faces frequent worries; where the sun's dwelling is, that person sees the dissipation of calamities. Careful consideration reveals the divine intricacies within the divination.

如甲乙，亥為生，寅卯為類，未為墓是妾。如丙丁，寅為生，巳午為類，戌為墓。戊己，巳午為生，四季為類，辰為墓。庚辛日巳為生，申酉為類，丑為墓。壬癸日申為生，亥子為類，辰為墓。

For example, on days of Jia and Yi, which belong to wood, the water that nourishes them is亥 water, and their similar elements are寅 and卯. Their墓 (burial) is in未, so the position of未 represents wife and concubine. On days of Bing and Ding, which belong to fire, the element that nourishes them is寅 wood, and their similar elements are巳 and午. Their墓 is in戌. On days of Wu and Ji, which belong to earth, the element that nourishes them is巳 and午 fire, and their similar elements are the four seasonal positions of辰,戌,丑, and未. Their墓 is in辰. On days of Geng and Xin, which belong to metal, the element that nourishes them is巳, and their similar elements are申 and酉. Their墓 is in丑. On days of Ren and Gui, which belong to water, the element that nourishes them is申 metal, and their similar elements are亥 and子. Their墓 is in辰. By observing where the Three Marvels fall, one can determine whether the outcome relates to parents, brothers, or wife and concubine.

《心鏡》：天上三奇日月星，日為福德月為刑。三奇皆靈奇也。日為福德者，日出則奸盜止，鬼神潛，惡獸伏，病者愈，故為福也。月為刑者，月夜曜也，則奸盜不止，鬼神不潛，惡獸不伏，病則劇，故主刑也。

The song of the "Heart Mirror" says: The three marvels in the sky are sun, moon, and stars. The sun is fortune virtue, the moon is punishment. The commentary explains: These three are all wondrous and extraordinary things. It says the sun is fortune virtue because when the sun appears, villains and thieves cease, ghosts and spirits hide, fierce beasts are tamed, and the sick recover, so it belongs to fortune. It says the moon is punishment because the moon is a light in the night. Under the moon's light, villains and thieves do not stop, ghosts and spirits do not hide, fierce beasts are not tamed, and the sick worsen, so it is associated with punishment.

星是死奇為北斗，更互加之各有靈。星是死奇，為北斗星也。星斗之光不及日月之曜，處暗之中奸盜不止也。加孟所生憂父母，臨仲為身及弟兄，季上見之妻與子，看其臧否與誰並。

The song says: "The star is the dead marvel, referring to the Big Dipper. The three marvels interact with each other and take turns to be present, each having its own effectiveness." The annotation explains: "Star refers to the dead marvel, that is, the star of the Big Dipper. The light of the Big Dipper is not as bright as the sun and moon, so people in such darkness will not stop wickedness and thieves." The song continues: "When the three marvels are placed on the four young positions of寅 (Tiger), 申 (Monkey), 巳 (Snake), and 亥 (Pig), there is worry about parents; when they are on the four middle positions of 子 (Rat), 午 (Horse), 卯 (Rabbit), and 酉 (Rooster), there is worry about oneself and siblings; when they are on the four old positions of 辰 (Dragon), 戌 (Dog), 丑 (Ox), and 未 (Goat), there is worry about wife and children. As for whether it is good or bad, it also depends on which deity or general it is combined with."

假令今日丙丁，斗加寅，為孟，所憂父母；臨午為仲，所憂己身及弟兄；臨戌是季，為妻子奴婢。寅是火生，午是火旺，戌是火墓。他例此看，何奇加何位即可知之。日主旬中辰月裡，奇加日，吉凶在旬內。奇加辰，吉凶在月內。遇奇則吉凶有應。歲上一年之內程。奇在太歲，吉凶在一年之內應也。

For example, if today is a Bing or Ding day, the Tian Gang (Heavenly Stem) falls on Yin. Yin belongs to the first of the four seasons, and the concern is about parents. If it falls on Wu, Wu belongs to the middle of the four seasons, and the concern is about oneself and siblings. If it falls on Xu, Xu belongs to the last of the four seasons, and the concern is about wife and children and servants. This is because Bing and Ding belong to fire, Yin is the growth of fire, Wu is the prosperity of fire, and Xu is the storage of fire. The other stems follow the same pattern, looking at which of the three marvels falls on which position, one can determine the outcome. The rhyme also says: the day stem governs within a ten-day period, and the day branch governs within a month. The annotation explains that when the three marvels fall on the day stem, the fortune or misfortune occurs within the current ten-day period; when they fall on the day branch, the fortune or misfortune occurs within the current month. As long as the three marvels are present, the fortune or misfortune becomes clear. The last line refers to the heavenly stem governing the entire year. The annotation clarifies that when the three marvels fall on the heavenly stem, the fortune or misfortune occurs within the current year.

星月獨臨當死患，星奇主死、月奇主患。其中日照免危傾。星日之奇雖主凶惡，若日辰太歲上或有日奇，則星月不能為災殃也。蓋日出則星月沒故也。日奇者，月將也，是太陽故曰日宿。月奇者月宿也，是太陰，是二十八宿值日發用也，亦如二煩卦論也。

The song says: If the Star Odd and the Moon Odd are alone on the person, there will be death and calamity; the commentary explains that the Star Odd indicates death and the Moon Odd indicates disaster. The next line says that if the sun shines upon it, danger can be avoided; the commentary explains: Although the Star Odd and the Moon Odd are both ominous, if the day stem, day branch, or the year's ruler (the sovereign) has the Sun Odd, then the Star and Moon Odds will not cause calamity, because when the sun appears, the Star and Moon Odds naturally disappear. The Sun Odd refers to the Month General, which represents the sun, hence it is called the day host. The Moon Odd refers to the Moon Host, which represents Tai Yin, and it is the day's zodiac animal from the twenty-eight constellations that serves as the initiating transmission, and its method of calculation is the same as that of the two troubles hexagram.

《曾門》：三光媞媞，更立三奇。斗為死亡，月為憂患。日為福德，孟為二親。仲為己身，季為妻子奴婢。謂斗繫之，憂死亡。月照之，憂疾病。日加之，有喜慶。日，太陽也，日加年，雖見斗月，即免凶憂。日為旬期，辰為月期，歲為年期。三者不傷，歲中無殃，三者盡傷，歲中受殃。謂斗繫今日日辰，及歲辰也。

The "Zeng Men" says: When the sun, moon, and stars are bright and peaceful, the Three Marvels are established. The star (Dǒu) relates to death, the moon relates to illness, and the sun relates to fortune and virtue. The first positions of the four months (four Meng) relate to parents, the middle positions (four Zhong) relate to oneself, and the last positions (four Ji) relate to wife, children, and servants. If the star (Dǒu) is connected to a particular position, that position will be concerned with death; if the moon shines upon a position, that position will be concerned with illness; if the sun (day stem) is added to a position, that position will experience joy. The sun is the sun, and if a day stem (sun) is added to the year's position, even if both the star and moon are present at the same time, misfortune and worry can be avoided. In addition, the day stem governs the period of ten days, the day branch governs the month, and the sovereign year (tai sui) governs the year. If these three are not harmed or restricted, one will be safe and free from calamity throughout the year; if all three are harmed or restricted, one will certainly suffer calamity.所谓 being harmed means that the star (Dǒu) is connected to the day stem, day branch, and the year's position.

《定章》曰：日月星謂之三光，懸象著明為媞，若今日日月及斗並見，應天三奇。斗為凶神也，所繫者死。月為刑氣也，所臨者憂。日為福德也，則能救之。所生為孟，所旺為仲，所死為季。如甲乙日亥為所生，卯為所旺，未為所死。斗月臨孟憂二親，斗月臨仲憂己身兄弟，斗月臨季憂妻子奴婢。

The "Dingzhang" says: The sun, moon, and stars are collectively called the three luminaries, which hang high in the sky and have bright light, hence called "ti". If the day's star, the moon's star, and the star of the Big Dipper appear at the same time, it should be considered as the Three Marvels. The Big Dipper is aInauspicious Spirit, and those bound by it are likely to die; the moon is a刑气, and those affected by it will face worries; the sun represents fortune and virtue, and can rescue from these two. Regarding the division of positions, the place of growth is considered the first (clan), the place of prosperity is considered the second (middle), and the place of death and decline is considered the third (family). For example, the day of Jia and Yi belong to wood;亥 is the place of growth, hence first;卯 is the place of prosperity, hence second;未 is the place of death and decline, hence third. If the Big Dipper and the moon appear at the first position, the worry is about the parents; if they appear at the second position, the worry is about oneself and siblings; if they appear at the third position, the worry is about the wife, children, and servants.

《訂訛》：死絕，日之死鄉又加死地之絕鄉發用。如甲日午加亥發用是也。甲木死在午，午火絕在亥，故名死絕。占主紀綱紊亂，壯者病，病者死，百事衰微凶敗。

The "Dead and Cut Off" pattern is another category established in "Ding E": when the day stem is in its dead position and this dead position is further located in the cut-off place of the same stem, and it serves as the initiating transmission, it is called "Dead and Cut Off." For example, if the day stem is Jia and the initiating transmission is Wu plus Hai, this is the case. Jia wood is dead in Wu, and Wu fire is cut off in Hai. Two layers of extinction are stacked together, hence the name "Dead and Cut Off." When this pattern appears, the rules and order are disordered and unregulated. Healthy people may fall ill, and those who are ill may die. All affairs tend to decline and lead to misfortune.

凡喪車、游魂、伏殃、病符、喪吊、丘墓、歲虎發用者，為災厄課也。蓋喪車一名喪魂，正月起未，逆行四季。為惡鬼臨門，主病疾憂死，婦人產厄，非病有危。游魂，正月起亥，順行十二辰。為鬼祟、妖怪、不詳，主精神驚恐，病患凶災。伏殃者，正月起酉，逆行四仲，為天鬼煞。主殃禍所侵，伏兵殺傷。

Whenever the malevolent spirits such as the Mourning-and-Condolence spirit, Bingfu, the Ghostly Vehicle, the Wandering Soul, the Hidden Curse, the Ghostly Visitor, the Grave, and the Annual Tiger take the role of Initiating Transmission, it is called the "Disaster and Misfortune Lesson." First, the Ghostly Vehicle, also known as the Ghostly Soul, begins in the position of Wu in the first lunar month and moves in reverse through the four seasons of Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei. It symbolizes evil spirits arriving at the gate, causing illness, worry, and death. For women, it brings danger during childbirth, even if they are not ill. The Wandering Soul begins in the position of Hai in the first lunar month and moves forward through the twelve earthly branches. It belongs to a category of inauspicious deities associated with ghosts and demons, causing mental fear, illness, and calamity. The Hidden Curse begins in the position of You in the first lunar month and moves in reverse through the four central positions of Zi, Wu, Mao, and You. It is known as the Heavenly Ghost Evil, causing calamity to afflict the body and suffering from ambushes and injuries.

病符，舊太歲，臨支克支，主闔家病患。並天鬼是疫，並白虎死喪，甚凶。或臨干支旺相，帶日財貴人，即宜成合殘年舊事。喪吊，歲前二辰為喪門，歲後二辰為弔客。若全加支干或年命發用，主身披孝服。或並死氣絕神，白虎臨身，弔客入宅，主自身死亡，致宅人掛孝。

Bingfu is the Tai Su of last year; when it is on the day branch and then turns back to overcome the day branch, it indicates that all family members are likely to fall ill. If it is combined with Tian Gui, it indicates an epidemic; if combined with Bai Hu, it indicates death and mourning, both of which are extremely凶. If Bingfu is on the day stem and day branch and is in a prosperous and strong state, and is accompanied by the day's wealth and the Nobleman, then it is actually favorable for resolving or reconciling matters that have been pending until the end of the year. As for Sangmen and Diaoke: two chens before the Tai Su is Sangmen, and two chens after the Tai Su is Diaoke. If these two are added to the day stem and day branch together, or if they fall on the person's birth year and initiate the transmission, it indicates that the person will have to wear mourning clothes and wear a hat. If they are further combined with Si Qi and Jue Shen, and Bai Hu is on the person's position, and Diaoke enters the residence position, it indicates that the person will die, and the family members will mourn for him instead.

白虎，歲後四神並旬虎臨日辰凶。並鬼，病不可療。五墓者，金丑、木未、火戌、水土辰。主死喪病元。三丘，庫墓沖位。並虎雀喪門，有葬埋事。臨丑有墓田事。或丘墓入傳，季神逢丁神，將凶，主惡禍官病，凶災最速。此凶殺災殃危厄，故名災厄。統歸妹之體，乃鬼祟作孽之課。

The White Tiger refers to the fourth zodiacal sign counted backward from the current year's stem, and when it joins the Tiger deity in the middle of the ten-day cycle along with the day stem and day branch, it indicates misfortune. If it also coincides with the ghost deity, illness becomes incurable. The Five Tombs are distributed as follows: the tomb of metal is in the Ox sign, the tomb of wood is in the Sheep sign, the tomb of fire is in the Dog sign, and the tombs of water and earth are in the Dragon sign. These are associated with death, mourning, and illness. The Three Hills are determined by the opposite positions of the tombs, and when they are combined with the White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Mourning-and-Condolence spirit, burial matters arise. If they fall on the Ox sign, it also relates to land and property. If the tomb enters the Three Transmissions, and the four seasonal deities meet the Ding deity, and the Heavenly General is fierce, then misfortune, legal troubles, and illness occur quickly. All these are ominous evils and dangers, so this lesson is named Disaster. It belongs to the "Return to Marry" hexagram of the Zhou Changes, and it is a lesson where ghosts and demons cause trouble.

象曰：“家門厄會，妖孽為害。疾病死亡，財喜破壞。婚孕多凶，征戰大敗。行人不歸，訪人不在。”絕神，如申子辰用巳類，取水絕在巳也。亦為墓門，為女災，為劫煞，主孕凶，宜了絕舊事。

The interpretation states: Misfortune converges within the family, with malevolent spirits causing harm; diseases and deaths follow one after another, destroying wealth and auspicious events; marriages and pregnancies are fraught with danger, and military campaigns suffer great defeat; those who leave home will not return, and those sought after are not at home. Regarding the concept of 'ju shen' (absolute spirit): For example, if the trine of water (Shen-Zi-Chen) is formed and the initiating transmission is from Si, it signifies the water element being cut off at Si. This position also serves as the gate of burial, female calamity, and jiesha (sudden misfortune). In divination concerning pregnancy, it indicates misfortune, but it is favorable for resolving old matters.

血支，每月閉也。血忌，正丑二未三寅申，對位順數。忌針刺。並天空沐浴為產。血支血忌為破胎神，臨產宜見。胎神，絕前一位。羊刃，祿前一位，主兵刀血光。或值日用囚死，凶將並諸喪車惡殺，大凶。

The blood branch is a malevolent force determined by the position of the "closed" day within the twelve divine spirits of the month. The method of calculating the blood taboo is that in the first month it falls on the ox (Chou), in the second on the goat (Wei), in the third on the tiger (Yin), and then alternately moves forward in pairs of opposite positions, such as Chou and Wei, Yin and Shen, and so on. Both the blood branch and the blood taboo are unfavorable for acupuncture and bloodletting. If they appear together with the sky void and bathing, it indicates the image of childbirth. The blood branch and blood taboo are originally deities that break the womb, but their presence at the time of childbirth is actually favorable. The fetal deity is taken as the position before the absolute position; the yangren is taken as the position before the禄 position, indicating warfare and bloodshed. If the day stem and the initiating transmission are in a state of captivity or death, and theInauspicious General is combined with the hearse and other evil deities, it becomes a very凶 omen.

或青龍作日鬼，為幸中不幸，則應歸妹征凶無攸利之象。若病符女災，虎墓囚死，日辰年命有沖剋，及天地醫救解，凶散為吉，病可療。或白虎作長生，為不幸中之幸，則應初九跛能履征吉之象也。

If a favorable general like Qinglong ends up acting as a daily ghost, it signifies that luck is mixed with misfortune, corresponding to the imagery of the Zhouyi's Guimie hexagram "Going forward brings danger, no benefit is gained" — proceeding recklessly leads only to peril. Conversely, if ominous signs such as Bingfu, Nuzai, Baihu, Mushi, and QiuSi energies meet with clashes and controls at the day stem, day branch, year pillar, or personal destiny, but are rescued by Tianyi and Diyi deities, the ominous energy disperses and turns favorable, and illness can be cured. As for Baihu precisely falling in the position of Changsheng, it indicates a glimmer of luck amidst misfortune, corresponding to the initial line "Though lame, one can walk, going forward brings good fortune" — although limping, one can still walk, and proceeding leads to good fortune.

如亥年正月將，乙亥日卯時占，未為喪車，春占死氣，加亥乘虎，亥年未為歲虎，曰災厄課。 未白 卯六 亥后 六白常貴 卯未申子 未亥子乙 丑寅卯辰 子 巳 亥 午 戌酉申未 白

Take an example: In the year of Hai, during the first lunar month, the month general is Hai, and the day is Yihai, with the time being Mao. The month general Hai is added to the time Mao. The Heaven Plate moves ahead eight places relative to the Earth Plate. The character Yi is lodged in the palace of Chen, with Chen having the palace of Zi; the day branch Hai has the palace of Wei. This Wei is exactly the funeral carriage of the first lunar month, and in spring it coincides with death qi, which is pressing on the day branch Hai and riding on the White Tiger. Moreover, counting four chens from the year Hai backwards also leads to Wei, which also serves as the annual tiger. MultipleInauspicious Sha are stacked together, so it is judged as a calamity lesson. The four lessons, arranged from right to left, are Zi on Yi, Shen on Zi, Wei on Hai, and Mao on Wei. The three transmissions are taken as Wei, Mao, and Hai, forming the triple harmony of wood (Hai-Mao-Wei), with each successively riding on the White Tiger, Liu He, and Heavenly Empress. Another 'White' character is marked in the lower right corner, indicating the position of the White Tiger on the Earth Plate.

凡三傳遞剋日，神將克戰，或干支乘墓，為殃咎課。如己巳日，三傳巳申寅，初傳克中，中克末傳，末剋日干。如丙子日，三傳子未寅，末傳克中傳，中傳克初傳，初傳剋日干，為遞克。主他人欺凌，互相剋害。為官宜自簡束，防人論劾。常人有凶橫之禍，或被鄰人雷狀攻訟。

Whenever the three transmissions are connected in a chain of mutual control that reaches the day stem, or when the heavenly general and the god it rides upon fight each other, or when the day stem and day branch are ridden by the tomb god, it is called "Yangjue Ke." For example, on a Jisi day, if the three transmissions are巳, 申, 寅: the first transmission controls the second, the second controls the third, and the third controls the day stem. Another example is on a Bingzi day, if the three transmissions are子, 未, 寅: the third controls the second, the second controls the first, and the first controls the day stem. Both of these are called "Di Ke." When this lesson is drawn, it indicates being bullied by others and mutual harm between parties. Officials should be self-restrained and cautious, guarding against someone filing a complaint against them. Common people may suffer from unexpected misfortunes or be sued by neighbors.

凡將克神為外戰，禍患易解。神克將為內戰，禍患難解。初遭夾克，凡占夾同類，身不由己，受人驅策；夾財，財不由己費用；惟夾克鬼反吉。將逢內戰，主謀事將成，被人攪擾。天后內戰為用，妻不和或多病。餘詳天將言之。

Further discussing combat: When the Heavenly General is used to overcome the god it is riding upon, this is called 'external combat,' and the calamity is easier to resolve. When the god it is riding upon overcomes the Heavenly General, this is called 'internal combat,' and the calamity is more difficult to resolve. If the first transmission is attacked from both above and below, then if the one being squeezed is a brother god of the same type as the day stem, it indicates that the person cannot make their own decisions and must be controlled by others; if the one being squeezed is the wealth god, it indicates that money is not under one's control and is spent away. Only when the one being squeezed is the ghost that overcomes me does it turn into a good omen. If the Heavenly General encounters internal combat, it indicates that plans that were about to be completed are disturbed by others. If the Heavenly Empress is in internal combat and serves as the initiating transmission, it indicates marital discord or frequent illness. The situations of other generals are explained in detail in the chapter specifically about the Heavenly General.

壬申日亥加辰，申加丑，為干支坐墓，乃心肯意肯人宅甘受晦禍。丙寅日干上戌、支上未為干支乘墓，主人宅皆不亨利，此例非殃禍必過失之咎。故名殃咎，統解之體，內外凌辱之課。

Now speaking of theTomb Spirit (mound spirit). On a Renshen day,亥 (Hai) is added to 辰 (Chen), and 申 (Shen) is added to 丑 (Chou). The day stem and day branch both sit on the mound, which is called 「干支坐墓」 (the stem and branch sitting on the mound). This signifies that the person willingly accepts this gloomy misfortune, and both the person and their dwelling suffer from it. On a Bingyin day, the day stem sees 戌 (Xu) and the day branch sees 未 (Wei), which is called 「干支乘墓」 (the stem and branch riding the mound). This indicates that both the person and their dwelling face obstacles and lack smoothness. All such cases either bring calamity or indicate the person's own faults, hence the name 殃咎 (calamity and guilt). This lesson falls under the category of the Zhou Changes (I Ching) for interpreting hexagrams, representing a lesson where both the person and their dwelling are subjected to humiliation from others.

象曰：“五行克賊，征戰凶禍。疾病增危，論訟反坐。官遭彈劾，人罹罪過。營干不成，出行不樂”。如三傳遞剋日干為凶。如末助初傳剋日，主他人教唆賊害。如三傳下賊上及日辰內戰，主家法不正，致爭窩犯，丑聲出外，病訟極危。惟占官自慎從微至著，迤邐轉遷則吉。舍此皆凶。

The interpretation states: Among the Five Phases, mutual overcoming and harming occur, leading to misfortune in military campaigns; illness becomes more dangerous, lawsuits result in conviction; officials face accusations, while ordinary people fall into wrongdoing; endeavors fail, and travel brings unhappiness. If the three transmissions successively overcome the day stem, it is a凶 (adverse) judgment. If the final transmission assists the initial one to overcome the day stem, it indicates someone else inciting harm. If all three transmissions are lower spirits overcoming upper spirits, and the day stem and branch encounter internal conflict, it indicates improper family discipline, leading to internal strife and disorder, with scandals spreading. This is extremely dangerous for divination regarding illness or lawsuits. However, for inquiries about official positions, if one remains cautious, starts from small matters, gradually rises, and progresses step by step, it is favorable. For all other matters, it is adverse.

如墓神覆日為天羅自裹，主命運衰弱，作事昏迷，常被人挪揄虧算，且醮謝本命星位免殃。如干支逢墓兩（而？），空亡可解。如三傳眾鬼雖彰，有制無畏。

If theTomb Spirit is covering the day stem, it is called "Heavenly Net Envelops Self," which is like wrapping oneself in a net. This indicates a weak destiny, confusion in affairs, and frequent mockery and schemes by others. At this time, one should perform a ritual to pray and thank the star corresponding to one's destiny in order to avoid calamities. If both the day stem and day branch encounter theTomb Spirit, and if it coincides withKongwang, it can be resolved. Although there are many ghosts and spirits in the three transmissions, appearing clearly, as long as the lesson has another deity that restrains them, there is no need to fear.

或春占木旺克土，鬼自貪榮盛無意興災，至夏秋其禍仍發。如傳財太旺財反傾危，或冬占水旺克火，長上主災，但財自貪生旺，身弱難受，至身旺財衰之時，或可取。餘仿此。

For example, when divining in spring, the wood energy is strong and it naturally overcomes the earth. At this time, the wood ghost is only preoccupied with its own prosperity and has no intention to cause trouble. However, by summer and autumn, this trouble will still manifest. If the wealth god is too strong in the three transmissions, the wealth may actually cause one's own downfall. Similarly, when divining in winter, the water is strong and overcomes fire, indicating that the elder relatives may suffer misfortune. However, the wealth god is also preoccupied with its own strength and prosperity. If the day stem is weak, it cannot bear the burden. One must wait until the body is strong and wealth is weak to possibly obtain it. Other situations are similarly inferred.

如辛酉日三傳未子巳，初傳末，遞剋日干，為殃咎課。 未蛇 子空 巳后 蛇 常 朱 玄 未 寅 申 卯 寅 酉 卯 辛 戌亥子丑 酉 寅 申 卯 未午巳辰

Taking Xinyou day as an example: the three transmissions are Wei, Zi, and Si, and they are successively overcome in order from the first transmission, with the final transmission coming back to overcome the day stem, forming a continuous chain of overcoming, thus it is determined as a calamity lesson. Xinh酉 is located in the Xu palace, and Xu has the Mao, indicating that the heaven plate is five positions ahead of the earth plate; the day branch You has the Yin. The four lessons, arranged from right to left, are Xinh on Mao, Mao on Shen, the day branch You on Yin, and Yin on Wei, with the four heavenly spirits successively riding on the Black Tortoise, Vermilion Bird, Tai Chang, and Teng Snake. The three transmissions are Wei, Zi, and Si: the earth overcomes water, water overcomes fire, and fire overcomes metal, with each level of overcoming following the next, ultimately affecting the day stem; the heavenly spirits above the three transmissions are Teng Snake, Tian Kong, and Tian Hou. The last four lines are the arrangement of the twelve palaces of the earth plate.

《訂訛》：殃咎：遞克、夾克、內戰、乘墓、坐墓皆是。遞克者，初克中、中克末、末克干；又末克中、中克初、初克干是也。夾克者，用神下既坐克，上又受將克，如午加亥，將乘元武是也。外戰者，三傳皆將克神。內戰者，三傳皆神克將。

"The *Ding'e* says: In the case of殃咎, the five situations of successive defeat, sandwiched defeat, internal conflict, riding on the tomb, and sitting on the tomb are all considered.the so-called successive defeat refers to the first transmission defeating the middle transmission, the middle defeating the final, and the final defeating the day stem; or in reverse, the final defeating the middle, the middle defeating the first, and the first defeating the day stem.the so-called sandwiched defeat refers to the god of the initiating transmission being defeated by the god on the earth plate beneath it and also being defeated by the heavenly general above it. For example, if the god of Wu is placed on the earth plate of Hai, and the heavenly general on top is the Black Tortoise, then the water qi attacks from both above and below.the so-called external conflict refers to all three transmissions being defeated by the heavenly generals.the so-called internal conflict refers to all three transmissions being defeated by the gods they are riding on, in reverse."

乘墓者，干上支上各乘墓神。如丙寅日丙上戌、寅上未是也。坐墓者，干下支下各臨墓神。如丙寅日巳加戌、寅加未是也。此等皆殃禍災咎之兆。故名殃咎。

The concept of "multiplying graves" refers to the situation where both the Day Stem and the Day Branch have their heavenly stems falling on their respectiveTomb Spirit (grave gods). For example, on a Bingyin day, if the stem Bing is on Wu and the branch Yin is on Wei, this is considered multiplying graves. "Sitting on a grave" refers to the Day Stem and Day Branch each falling directly on their respectiveTomb Spirit. For example, on a Bingyin day, if Wu is placed on Xu and Yin is placed on Wei, this is considered sitting on a grave. In this case, Bing is in the Lodging Palace of Si, so one should look at where Si is located. These patterns are all omens of calamity and misfortune, and when combined, they are called殃咎.

占主病訟危，營干出行俱阻。末助初剋日，主他人教唆賊害，官防論劾，常人有橫禍，或被鄰人連名攻訴。如三傳下賊上及日辰內戰，主家法不正，丑聲出外。惟占官細微謹慎，迤邐轉遷則吉耳。夾克如夾同類，身不自由，受人驅策；夾財，財不由己費用；惟夾鬼反吉。乘墓，主人宅各欠亨通。坐墓，主人宅自招晦禍。

The key points of divination are: divination about illness and lawsuits are dangerous, and endeavors and journeys are obstructed. If the final transmission assists the first transmission to overcome the day stem, it indicates that someone is scheming behind the scenes to harm. Officials should beware of being impeached, while common people may suffer unexpected misfortunes or be jointly accused by neighbors. If all three transmissions are lower spirits overcoming upper spirits, and the day stem and day branch encounter internal conflict, it suggests that family discipline is improper and scandals are spreading outside. However, when divining about official positions, as long as one is cautious and progresses step by step, it is favorable. Regarding the situation of being sandwiched between two transmissions: if the sandwiched spirit is a brother of the same type, it indicates that one's freedom is restricted and one is controlled by others; if the sandwiched spirit is the wealth god, it suggests that money is not under one's control and is spent away; but if the sandwiched spirit is a ghost, it turns into a favorable outcome. If a spirit is riding on a tomb, it indicates that both the person and the residence are blocked; if a spirit is sitting on a tomb, it means that the person and the residence have brought about this dull and murky misfortune themselves.

天鬼臨從四仲神，建寅居酉逆相尋。行年日上來相用，殃伏兵傷亂殺人。《心鏡》：伏殃，即天鬼也，正酉二午三卯四子周而復始，如行年日辰發用，主殃伏兵傷。

The song says: The heavenly ghost calamity falls only on the four central positions of Zi, Wu, Mao, and You. Starting from You in the first month of Jiayin, it proceeds in reverse order. When it is added to the year stem or day stem and serves as the initiating transmission, it indicates hidden calamities and armed conflicts, resulting in deaths amidst chaos. The Heart Mirror explains: Hidden calamity is the heavenly ghost. In the first month it is in You, in the second month in Wu, in the third month in Mao, and in the fourth month in Zi. After these four positions, the cycle repeats. If it falls on the year stem or day stem and day branch and serves as the initiating transmission, it indicates hidden calamities and hidden troops causing harm.

《訂訛》：伏殃，天鬼臨日辰發用或臨年命發用。天鬼者，正酉二午三卯四子，周而復始。發用伏藏災禍，故名伏殃。占主伏兵殺傷或全家病，惟宜禳禱以除之。

The "Disputations" say: "Fu Yang" refers to the Heavenly Ghost appearing on the Day Stem and Day Branch, initiating the transmission, or appearing on the person's birth year and initiating the transmission. The method of calculating the Heavenly Ghost is: in the first month it is in You, the second month in Wu, the third month in Mao, the fourth month in Zi, and so on in a cycle. When it initiates the transmission, calamity lies hidden in the shadows, hence it is called "Fu Yang." If one divines this pattern, it indicates encountering hidden troops causing injury, or the whole family falling ill simultaneously; the only remedy is to perform rituals and prayers to remove it.

凡戊子、戊午、壬子、壬午、乙卯、乙酉、己卯、己酉、辛卯、辛酉十日，為九丑日。如四仲時占，丑臨日加四仲上發用，為九丑課。蓋子午卯酉為陰陽易絕之神，有生殺之道。乙戊己辛壬乃刑殺不正之位，三光不照，此五干四平合而為九丑，乃歲終物必紐結，醜惡同時，故名九丑。占事多凶，統小過之體，乃上下迍邅之課也。

The ten days of Wu Zi, Wu Wu, Ren Zi, Ren Wu, Yi Mao, Yi You, Ji Mao, Ji You, Xin Mao, and Xin You are called the "Nine Disgrace Days." If a divination is made during the four central hours of Zi, Wu, Mao, and You, and the Earthly Branch Chou is on the Day Stem, added to the four central hours and serving as the Initiating Transmission, it forms the "Nine Disgrace Lesson." The reason is that Zi, Wu, Mao, and You are the four central positions where yin and yang alternate and are mutually disconnected, containing both the paths of birth and destruction. The five Heavenly Stems of Yi, Wu, Ji, Xin, and Ren are in positions of unjust punishment and criminality, not illuminated by the three lights. When these five Heavenly Stems combine with the four central positions, they form the Nine Disgrace. Furthermore, Chou represents the time when the year is nearly over and all things are entangled, gathering together all kinds of evil, hence the name Nine Disgrace. Matters divined on this day tend to be unfavorable, and it is associated with the body of the Xiaoguo hexagram from the Zhou Changes, indicating a lesson where both upper and lower aspects are obstructed and difficult to proceed.

象曰：“剛日男凶，柔日女禍。重陽害父，重陰害母。婚姻有災，造葬無補。諸事謀為，徒勞辛苦。”如剛日日辰在天乙前為重陽，害父。柔日日辰在天乙後為重陰，害母。上乘白虎決主死亡。

The divination statement says: If the divination is made on a day with a yang stem, misfortune falls upon the male; if on a day with a yin stem, disaster befalls the female. If yang energy is repeated, it harms the father; if yin energy is repeated, it harms the mother. Marriage will bring calamity, and neither construction nor burial will be of any help; any plans made will be in vain. The explanatory text states: If on a day with a yang stem, the day stem and day branch are positioned before the heavenly nobleman, it is called heavy yang, which harms the father; if on a day with a yin stem, the day stem and day branch are positioned after the heavenly nobleman, it is called heavy yin, which harms the mother. If these positions are further accompanied by the white tiger, it indicates certain death.

當此之時，不可舉兵遠行、移徙、嫁娶、造葬、求謀，萬事災禍，不出三年三月，更與大時（正月起卯，逆行四仲）、小時（月建是也）二殺相併，禍不出月，或神將吉有解。或神將凶，再與大小時殺並，一切事皆不就，且多殃咎，則應小過上六災眚之凶象也。

When such a situation occurs, it is not appropriate to go to war, travel far, move house, get married, build houses, bury the dead, or seek to accomplish anything. All endeavors will bring misfortune and calamity, and the predicted time of disaster will not come within three years or three months. If this is combined with the Great Hour (which starts at the hour of Mao from the beginning of the year and moves in reverse through the four central positions) and the Minor Hour (which is the month's builder), then misfortune will arrive within the same month. Unless both the divine and the general are auspicious, there may be some way to resolve the situation. However, if the divine and the general are originally凶 (malevolent), and they are combined with both the Great Hour and the Minor Hour, then nothing can be accomplished, and misfortune will follow continuously, which corresponds to the ominous image of the sixth line of the upper hexagram "Xiao Guo" in the "Zhou Yi" (I Ching), which is described as "this is called disaster and calamity."

如二月將乙卯日子時占，丑臨支時加仲又加卯上發用，為九丑課。 丑白 亥元 酉后 元 白 常 空 亥 丑 子 寅 丑卯寅乙 卯辰巳午 寅 未 丑 申 子亥戌酉

Take the example of the day of Yimao on the second month: if the divination is done at the Zi hour, the Month General for the second month is Xu. Xu is added to the Zi hour. The Heaven Plate is two places behind the Earth Plate. The Yimao is lodged in the Chén palace, with the Yin on Chén. The Day Branch is Mǎo, with the Chǒu on Mǎo. Since the Chǒu is on top of the Day Branch and the time is one of the four central hours, the Chǒu is placed on Mǎo. The Mǎo wood overcomes the Chǒu earth, with the lower god overcoming the upper god, so the Chǒu is taken as the Initiating Transmission, making it the Ninth Chǒu lesson. The four Lessons, from right to left, are Yimao with Yin, Yin with Zi, Day Branch Mǎo with Chǒu, and Chǒu with Hai. The four upper gods are successively mounted by Tian Kong, Tai Chang, Bai Hu, and Xuan Wu. The three Transmissions are Chǒu, Hai, and You, mounted by Bai Hu, Xuan Wu, and Tian Hou respectively. The last four lines show the arrangement of the twelve palaces of the Earth Plate.

《訂訛》：九丑：戊子、戊午、壬子、壬午、乙卯、己卯、辛卯、乙酉、己酉、辛酉，此十日占，丑臨四仲發用是也。不發用而臨支上者亦是。四仲時占更的。子為冬至，以陽易陰；午為夏至，以陰易陽；卯為春分，陽盛陰絕；酉為秋分，陰盛陽絕。此陰陽易絕之辰，有生殺之道焉。

"The Delineation of Errors" states that the Nine Chou refer to ten days: Wuzi, Wuwu, Renzi, Renwu, Yimao, Jimao, Xinmao, Yiyou, Jiyou, and Xinyou. When the Chou is located at the four central positions and initiates the transmission, it forms a pattern. Even if it does not initiate the transmission, as long as the Chou is on the day branch, it is still considered valid. If it occurs at the four central times, it is even more certain. It further explains the four central times: Zi at the winter solstice, when yang gives way to yin; Wu at the summer solstice, when yin gives way to yang; Mao at the spring equinox, when yang is strong and yin is cut off; You at the autumn equinox, when yin is strong and yang is cut off. These four positions are times when yin and yang alternate and are cut off, containing both life and death.

乙者，雷始震之日；戊己，北辰下降之日；辛者，萬物斷絕之日；壬者，三光不照之日。丑者，歲功既畢，諸神奏事，會集明堂，以考善惡。乙戊己辛壬五干合子午卯酉四支為九。此等日遇丑臨仲，乃凶禍，不美之兆，故名九丑。

The five heavenly stems are as follows: Yi is the day when spring thunder first rumbles, Wu and Ji are the days when the star king of the North descends, Xin is the day when all things come to an end, and Ren is the day when the sun, moon, and stars fail to shine. As for Chou, it is the time when the year's achievements are completed, the gods gather before the Bright Hall to report on affairs and assess virtue and vice. The five heavenly stems, Yi, Wu, Ji, Xin, and Ren, combined with the four earthly branches Zi, Wu, Mao, and You, make up a total of nine. If on these days Chou coincides with the four central branches, it is a sign of misfortune and ill omen, hence the term Nine Chous.

占主大禍，臣叛子逆，奴欺妻背，不可舉兵、嫁娶、移徙、起土、出行、埋葬。吉將禍淺，凶將禍深，禍不出三月三年。若與大小時並，不出月內。

Fortune telling shows the Nine Chou, indicating a great calamity: ministers betraying their lord, sons being disrespectful, servants mistreating their master, and the wife turning against her husband. It is not advisable to go to war, get married, move house, break ground, travel, or bury the dead. If the person is accompanied by a favorable general, the disaster will be less severe; if by an evil general, the disaster will be more serious. The time of the event will not be more than three months or three years. If it coincides with both the Great Hour and the Minor Hour, the outcome will be known within the same month.

《觀月經》：陽日男凶，陰日女凶，重陽害父，重陰害母。日辰若與白虎並，主有死亡之事。四辰連五日，九丑主惡聲。四辰，子午卯酉。五日，乙戊己辛壬。配子午卯酉是也。

The "Observing the Menstrual Cycle" text says: On days with a yang stem, the misfortune is associated with a man; on days with a yin stem, the misfortune is associated with a woman. Overlapping yang energy harms the father, and overlapping yin energy harms the mother. If the day stem and day branch are together with the White Tiger, it indicates death. The verse states "Four Chens connected with five days, nine Chous bring evil words." The commentary explains: Four Chens refer to Zi, Wu, Mao, and You, and five days refer to the stems Yi, Wu, Ji, Xin, and Ren. These five stems combined with the four branches Zi, Wu, Mao, and You form the four Chens. If the nine Chous appear, it brings much slander and bad words.

大吉將加仲，天災莫舉兵。遠行人必死，嫁娶犯哀聲。修造妨家主，遷移人口驚。殯埋防長幼，買賣不能成。大小兩時並，大時者，正卯二子逆行四仲也。小時者，月建也。凶神在四平。三年與三月，不出大凶生。四平者，子平卯、卯平午、午平酉、酉平子，皆順行。此課但看占日合此便是也。

The song continues to say: When the Great Auspicious (Daji) is placed on the four central positions, it is a calamity sent down by Heaven, and military action should not be taken; travelers will surely die, marriage will meet with sorrowful sounds; construction will harm the head of the family, moving house will cause alarm among the household; funerals must be cautious of loss among the young and old, and business transactions will not succeed. The phrase "both great and small hours are combined" is explained in the commentary: the Great Hour is in the卯 (Mao) in the first month and in the子 (Zi) in the second month, moving in reverse order on the four central positions; the Small Hour is the month's Month Builder. The song also says that theInauspicious Spirit (evil spirit) falls on the four level positions, and the time of effect is either three years or three months, and one cannot escape this great misfortune. The commentary explains: the four level positions are子 (Zi) level卯 (Mao),卯 (Mao) level午 (Wu),午 (Wu) level酉 (You), and酉 (You) level子 (Zi), all calculated in the forward direction. This lesson only examines whether the day in question matches the above conditions; if it does, then it is considered a match.

《心鏡》：乙戊己辛壬五日，四仲相併九丑凶。大吉臨其支干上，值此凶災將及人。大小二時並相際，剛日男凶柔女迍。重陽害父重陰母，（剛日日在天乙前為重陽，害父。柔日日辰天乙後為重陰，害母。）

The song of the Xin Jing says: On days with the heavenly stems 乙, 戊, 己, 辛, and 壬, when they are paired with the four central earthly branches 子, 午, 卯, and 酉, it becomes the dangerous Nine Uglies. If the Great Hour and the Minor Hour are both present, on a yang stem day, misfortune befalls the man, and on a yin stem day, misfortune befalls the woman. Overlapping yang energy harms the father, and overlapping yin energy harms the mother. The commentary explains: On a yang stem day, if the day stem is before the Tianyi Nobleman, it is called heavy yang and harms the father; on a yin stem day, if the day stem and day branch are after the Tianyi Nobleman, it is called heavy yin and harms the mother.

測禍天官決事因。大吉與朱雀並，主官訟口舌；與元武並，主失物或姦淫；與勾陳並，鬥訟；白虎並，疾病死亡。乃是天官決事因也。不但納妻並嫁女，最忌遊行及出軍。

The last line of the rhyme says that to predict misfortune, one must determine its cause according to the Heavenly Officials. The commentary gives examples: if Daji (Chou) is paired with Chou and the Vermilion Bird, it indicates legal disputes and quarrels; if paired with the Black Tortoise, it suggests theft or romantic affairs; if paired with Gou Chen, it indicates conflicts and lawsuits; if paired with the White Tiger, it suggests illness or death. This is what is meant by determining the cause of events according to the Heavenly Officials. The rhyme concludes with a warning: not only should one avoid this lesson when marrying or marrying off daughters, but also when traveling far or going to war, it is especially inauspicious.