Teng Snake · Poem

前一螣蛇車騎尉，火神驚恐怪非安。君子居官憂失位，小人爭鬥病災躔。旺相相生災未發，死囚刑剋禍連綿。病者四肢頭目痛，水木神來作祟寃。

The Teng Snake, which comes first before the Nobleman, is the official of the title of Chief of the Horse and Chariot, belonging to the Fire deity. It governs sudden fears, strange occurrences, and lack of peace. If a gentleman divines this, he worries about losing his position and office; if a petty person divines this, he is likely to face quarrels, fights, and illness. When Teng Snake is in a prosperous and strong state and is mutually generated by the Day Stem, the disaster has not yet occurred. However, if it falls in the Death Qi or the imprisoned Qi and is subjected to punishment or conflict, misfortunes will follow continuously. If divining about illness, the symptoms are pain in the limbs, headache, and eye pain; if divining about supernatural disturbances, it indicates that water deities or wood deities are coming to claim vengeance.

類為文華、金火、毎物，變異為金火之精，於人為驚狂、婦人，或作熒惑小人。於祟水木土神，或不葬客鬼。於病為頭目、四肢、癰腫、見血，於五榖為豆黍，於獸為蛇、蛟受，味甘美食物，色紅赤，數四。

The class deity of Teng Snake is generally associated with things that are elegant and refined, as well as metal and fire objects. When strange occurrences happen, they often involve the essence of metal and the essence of fire. In terms of people, it represents those who are startled and mad, women, or petty individuals who stir up trouble. In terms of ghosts and spirits, it represents water deities, wood deities, earth deities, or the wandering souls of strangers who have not been properly buried. In terms of diseases, it represents ailments of the head and limbs, boils and abscesses, and bleeding. In terms of grains, it represents beans and millet. In terms of animals, it represents snakes and dragons. The taste is sweet and delicious food, the color is red and crimson, and the number is four.

朱雀在天事天乙為羽林將軍，在雷部行火，亦名招風神。位居前二家，丙午火，夏旺春相，凶將也。陰火寄於重離，陽極反陰，不足之神；又名飛火流金。愛虎、陰，畏後、空，不立亥、子、戍。

The Vermilion Bird serves the Heavenly Emperor in the heavens, acting as a general of the Feather Forest Army. It governs the movement of fire within the Thunder Department and is also known as the Wind-Attracting God. It is ranked second among the Noblemen. Its native branch is Bingwu, belonging to the Fire element. It is most powerful in summer and second most powerful in spring. It is aInauspicious General, a malevolent general. The Vermilion Bird belongs to Yin Fire, dwelling within the overlapping Li Trigram, which represents Fire. When Yang energy reaches its peak, it turns into Yin, so this deity is considered to have a deficiency in the Earlier Heaven. It is also called "Flying Fire and Flowing Metal." It prefers to be accompanied by the White Tiger and Tai Yin, but fears the Heavenly Empress and Tian Kong. It is inauspicious when positioned in the branches of Hai, Zi, or Xu.

雀吉，得地主文章、印信、勑命、服色、王庭事；失地則凶，主火燭、焚煌、口舌、生病、公訟、文字、財物、損失馬畜、災傷等事。若旺相，披刑帶殺，為害必深，反此則淺。凡占公事，雀逆理；刑賊日干，官必嗔責；反此無害。

The Vermilion Bird indicates good fortune when it is in a favorable position, signifying matters related to writings and literature, official seals and documents, imperial decrees, ceremonial robes and ranks, and affairs concerning the royal court. However, if the Vermilion Bird is in an unfavorable position, it brings misfortune, indicating disasters such as fires, burning, disputes over words, illness, legal troubles, document conflicts, loss of property and livestock, and various injuries. If the Vermilion Bird is in its prime condition but also accompanied by punishments andInauspicious Sha, the harm will be severe. Conversely, if it is weak and not accompanied byInauspicious Sha, the harm will be minor. When divining matters related to official affairs, if the Vermilion Bird acts against the proper order and also harms the day stem, the superior officials will certainly become angry and blame the person. If not, there will be no harm.

占科場與投獻文策，雀不入傳，亦須尋討，最愛為歲、月建與月將並，不然與歲、月、日相合，帶祿、附馬、並德，加臨生旺之地，文策必中；如被刑剋及落空亡，無氣，加臨死絶，其文必不合格。又卦體三傳並吉，亦不必以此斷。

When divining for imperial examinations or submitting essays and policy discussions, even if the Vermilion Bird is not in the Three Transmissions, it must still be identified and examined. The best situation is when the Vermilion Bird shares the same position with the Sovereign, Month Builder, or Month General. If this is not possible, then it should be in harmony with the year, month, and day, accompanied by the禄神, Post-horse, and Heavenly Virtue, and located in the positions of Growth and Prosperity. In such a case, the essay and policy discussion will certainly be selected. Conversely, if the Vermilion Bird is harmed by刑 orrestrain, or falls into Kongwang with no strength, and is located in the positions of death or绝, the essay will certainly not be approved. However, if the entire Lesson Pattern and Three Transmissions are favorable, one should not make a judgment solely based on the Vermilion Bird.

朱雀羽蟲之長，文書、信息、口舌、刑戮之神。其為印信亦分大小，或天戒，或朝廷公文，或行人私信。嘗夏月見山蛇戲路中，占得丑雀附天喜臨門戸發用，合主朝廷文字，不然則天驚也。當晚驟風雨，幾旬而止。葢丑為太歲，為風伯、雨師，附天喜臨門戸，果應天戒。又旬日中有御牓至。凡將驚動，仿此斷之。

The Vermilion Bird is the leader of the fowl tribe, governing documents, messages, speech, and punishment. The credibility represented by the Vermilion Bird varies in degree: it could be a warning from heaven, an official government document, or merely a private message carried by a traveler. Once, in the summer, there was a sight of mountain snakes playing around, and a divination was cast. The Vermilion Bird was on the Chou position, attached to the Heavenly Joy star, appearing at the position of the gate and initiating as the first transmission. According to the principles, this should indicate the issuance of official documents from the court, otherwise it would signify a heavenly warning. That night, there was indeed a storm with heavy rain that lasted for several days before stopping. This is because Chou is both the position of the sovereign and governs the wind and rain deities. Now, with the Vermilion Bird attached to Heavenly Joy and appearing at the gate position, it exactly matches the omen of heavenly warning. Within ten days, an imperial edict indeed arrived. Whenever there is an omen of a divine general being disturbed, it should be interpreted in this manner.

雀附火神，臨火鄉，並值火時占，決主火燭。嘗正月己卯日占季卦，雀乘午火居南方，春得相氣逆理，三傳卯子午，四刑衡殺，當主火燭；幸課名伏吟，神殺不動，雀下賊日干，後不為災。

The Vermilion Bird is attached to the Fire God, and also appears in the Fire territory, and the lesson is cast at the time of Fire. This definitely indicates a fire disaster. Once, on the day of Ji Mao in the first lunar month, a lesson was cast. The Vermilion Bird rode on the Fire God, located in the South, and in spring, it received the favorable influence of the season but moved against the natural order. The three transmissions were卯, 子, 午, and the four lessons also showed punishments and clashes withInauspicious Sha. According to the principles, this should indicate a disaster caused by fire. Fortunately, this lesson was named "Hidden Chant," where the Heaven Plate and Earth Plate overlapped and did not move, so the divine omens could not manifest. Moreover, the Vermilion Bird was in a lower position and thus could overcome the day stem, using its strength elsewhere. In the end, no disaster occurred.

朱雀開口法，主斗喧。正巳、二辰、三午、四未、五卯、六寅、七申、八酉、九丑、十子、十一戌、十二亥。朱雀旺主縣官口舌，相主錢財婚姻，死主死喪口舌，囚主囚禁，休主疾病，心腹、口竅不利。

"The Vermilion Bird opening its mouth" is a divine astrological influence determined by the month, indicating disputes and quarrels when it appears. Its position is as follows: in the first month it is in Si, the second in Chen, the third in Wu, the fourth in Wei, the fifth in Mao, the sixth in Yin, the seventh in Shen, the eighth in You, the ninth in Chou, the tenth in Zi, the eleventh in Xu, and the twelfth in Hai. According to the four seasonal energies, when the Vermilion Bird is in its strong position, it indicates disputes with officials; in its compatible position, it relates to money and marriage matters; in the dead qi position, it signifies death and disputes; in the imprisoned position, it indicates being imprisoned; and in the resting position, it relates to illness, especially heart and abdomen problems, as well as discomfort in the mouth and nose.

朱雀南方，文書可防。損翼在子，自傷災難；掩目在丑，用靜得昌。寅卯安巢，則遲滯沉溺；辰戌投網，則乖錯遺亡。在申曰厲嘴，在午曰銜符，怪異經官語訟；在未名臨墳，在亥名入水，悲哀且在雞窻。官災起，葢因夜噪在酉；音書至，都縁晝翔在巳。

The Vermilion Bird belongs to the southern fire. In matters, one should always be cautious about documents and writings. If it falls in the hour of Zi, it is called 'Damage to the Wings,' indicating injury to the wings, leading to self-inflicted misfortune. If it falls in the hour of Chou, it is called 'Covering the Eyes,' meaning the eyes are obscured, and it is better to remain quiet and maintain stability for smoothness. If it falls in the hours of Yin or Mao, it is called 'Safe Nest,' meaning the nest is secure but movement is restricted, indicating delays and being trapped. If it falls in the hours of Chen or Xu, it is called 'Throwing Oneself into the Net,' meaning falling into a trap, leading to confusion and loss of property. If it falls in the hour of Shen, it is called 'Harsh Beak,' and if it falls in the hour of Wu, it is called 'Carrying a Symbol,' both indicating strange occurrences leading to legal disputes and verbal conflicts. If it falls in the hour of Wei, it is called 'Approaching the Grave,' and if it falls in the hour of Hai, it is called 'Entering the Water,' both indicating sorrowful events, and one should only remain by the study window reading books. Official disasters arise because the Vermilion Bird noisily disturbs at the hour of You at night; news and messages arrive because it flies high at the hour of Si during the day.

雀火在子受克，故主自傷。又云有官印信。在癸丑名破頭，只宜安靜。又云田土事起。寅卯文書不動；又云寅安巢，主文字喜，逺信至。卯坐林，怨抑之象。辰戌主文字失遺；又云主有信息、口舌、獄訟。申為克傷，故曰厲嘴，主驚怪。又申主信音在途。

The Vermilion Bird belongs to the element of fire. When it falls on the position of Zi (the Rat), it is overcome by water, indicating harm to oneself. Another interpretation suggests it signifies receiving official documents or credentials. When it falls on Guichou, it is called "breaking the head," meaning one should remain quiet and still; another interpretation suggests it relates to matters concerning land and property. When it falls on Yin (the Tiger) or Mao (the Rabbit), official documents are delayed. Some say that when it falls on Yin, it is called "building a nest," indicating good news regarding documents and correspondence arriving from afar; when it falls on Mao, it is called "sitting in the forest," indicating feelings of resentment and frustration. When it falls on Chen (the Dragon) or Xu (the Dog), documents are lost; another interpretation suggests there will be news, disputes, and legal matters. When it falls on Shen (the Monkey), since Shen overcomes the Vermilion Bird, it is called "sharp mouth," indicating strange or alarming events; another interpretation suggests that Shen signifies messages are on the way.

午為正司，故曰銜符，主訟獄。一雲主婚姻。木為火父母，在未是父母之墓，故名臨墳，主悲哀之事。又在未為啄食，求財吉。亥是火胞養，故名入水，宜守靜，不宜獻策。又云浴沐，主失財。子云投江，主災退。酉為火克之地，於時在夜，主官非口舌，又主疾病。巳為火進之地，於時在晝，主文字信息。又云在外髙逺。

The position of Wu is the original domain of the Vermilion Bird, so it is called 「衔符」, meaning the mouth holds a document, which governs lawsuits and imprisonment; another interpretation says it governs marriage. Wood is the parent of fire, and Wei is the burial place of wood, equivalent to the tomb of one's parents, so when it falls in Wei, it is called 「临坟」, which signifies sorrow; another interpretation says that when it falls in Wei, it is like a bird pecking, which is favorable for seeking wealth. Hai is the position where fire is nurtured, so it is called 「入水」, which suggests it is suitable to be quiet and maintain stability, and not to submit proposals or make suggestions; some also call it 「沐浴」, which signifies loss of wealth. When it falls in Zi, it is called 「投江」, which signifies the removal of disasters. You is the position where fire is weakened, corresponding to the night in a day, so it governs official disputes and verbal conflicts, as well as illness. Si is the position where fire gradually progresses, corresponding to the daytime, so it governs official documents and news; another interpretation says it signifies the person being far away in a high or distant place.

前二朱雀號羽林，災殃霹靂火星辰。大人文卷憂察考，庻士妻財兢苦辛。旺氣扶持情解釋，衰空剋制事逡巡。病傷心腹還發嘔，瘥日宜看子午辰。

The Vermilion Bird, which is the second in rank after the Nobleman, is known as the General of the Imperial Forest Guard. Its calamity is like thunder, and it itself is a red star. If a high-ranking official draws this, he worries about official documents being inspected and examined by his superior; if a common scholar draws it, he worries about his wife and money being troublesome and laborious. When the Vermilion Bird is supported by favorable energy, disputes can be resolved; but if its energy is weak, falls, or is restrained, matters will be delayed. If this is drawn in a divination about illness, it indicates an injury to the chest and accompanying vomiting. To determine which day the illness will recover, one should look at the days of Zi, Wu, and Chen.

類為羽毛、文章，於人與蛇畧同，於祟呪咀、灶神，於病在心腹、上竅或見血、嘔吐、陰腫，於五榖為果榖，於獸為飛禽、獐、馬之類，變異為火氣燒灼之屬，色赤黒，數九。

The Vermilion Bird governs the category of spirits. In objects, it represents feathers and written documents. In people, it is similar to the Teng Snake. In supernatural beings, it represents curses and the Kitchen God. In diseases, it governs ailments of the heart and abdomen, as well as disorders of the mouth, nose, eyes, and ears, or symptoms such as seeing blood, vomiting, and pain in the lower genital area. In grains, it represents grains with fruits. In animals, it represents flying birds, hares, and horses. When strange occurrences appear, they are related to burning by fire. Its color is red with black, and its number is nine.

六合在天為光祿大夫，雷部中雨師也。家乙卯木位，居前三，旺春三月、六乙日，吉將也。六合乃和合之神，柔順能通，委曲和合人事。位居東方，是青帝五陰之長女，職居輔弼，得地則文儒、九流之官，失地則闇昧、虛詐、僧道尼之類。愛龍、常，畏後、陰、虎、空，不利四仲。

Liu He holds the official title of Guanglu Da Fu in the heavens and serves as the rain official in the Thunder Department. Its native branch is Yimao, belonging to the Wood element. It ranks third before the Nobleman. It is auspicious during the third month of spring and on six days of Yimao. As a harmonious deity, Liu He is gentle and skilled in mediation, capable of reconciling human affairs. It is located in the East, being the eldest daughter of the Eastern Emperor of Wood, and its duty is to assist on both sides. When it is in a favorable position, it governs scholars, literati, and officials of various sects. When it is in an unfavorable position, it signifies confusion, deceit, and people such as monks, Taoists, and nuns. It prefers to be accompanied by Qinglong and Tai Chang, but fears Tianhou, Taiyin, Baihu, and Tiankong. It is inauspicious when positioned at the four central directions of Zi, Wu, Mao, and You.

六合主婚姻、喜慶、信息、求望、交易、胎產、媒妁、牙保、陰私、財物、交契、木植、舟車之象。其戾主陰刑不明、先喜後憂、小人女子之過傷、失六畜之象。又云：六合主門戸、道路、更改、變遷，凡六合乘旺相氣，相生順理，而入用傳者的，主婚姻或胎產喜，陰私財物。若死囚刑剋，則主財物口舌、陰人煩撓。

The Hexagram of Liu He governs marriage and wedding, celebrations, communication, making requests, trade and commerce, pregnancy and childbirth, matchmaking, acting as an intermediary, and providing guarantees. It also oversees private relationships between men and women, the exchange of property, the signing of contracts, and the planting of trees and traveling by boat or carriage. When it behaves abnormally or maliciously, it indicates being punished secretly without clear reasons, initial joy followed by worry, being harmed by small people or women, and the loss of livestock. Another interpretation says that Liu He governs doors, roads, and all matters of change and transition. If Liu He is in a prosperous and strong state, and it is in harmony with the day stem, and the actions are reasonable, especially if it appears in the first transmission or the third transmission, it signifies joy in marriage or childbirth, as well as private relationships and financial matters. However, if it falls on a dead or imprisoned position and is subjected to punishment or conflict, it indicates disputes over property, verbal conflicts, and disturbance caused by women.

六合乘酉戌，多主奴婢走失。嘗見鴉窺天井，占得六合乘戍臨門，旬內果有奴走。以六合為天地之私門也。故占盜切忌六合入卦，以私門逃亡難獲。六合與天后同入傳，謂之狡童佚女卦，占則人多不正，所為奸弊，兼妨有失。

Liu He is positioned over You and Xu, often indicating the escape of servants, maids, or female attendants. Once I saw a crow peeking into the courtyard, and I cast a divination using this situation. The result showed Liu He riding on Xu, located at the position of the entrance, and indeed, within ten days a servant ran away. This is because Liu He represents the private door between heaven and earth. Therefore, in divination concerning thieves, it is most unfavorable for Liu He to appear in the hexagram. Thieves escape through the private door, making them difficult to catch. If Liu He and Heavenly Empress appear together in the three transmissions, it is called the 'Cunning Boy and Fleeing Girl Hexagram'. When divining human affairs, it often indicates that the involved parties have improper conduct and hidden deceit, and one should also be cautious of potential losses.

六合附金，謂之內戰，主陰私婦人、兄弟口舌；附土神謂之外戰，事在外發，謀起議不安，宜暗求私禱。六合不合，陰私相懐，酉卯子午也。六合旺主賞賜遷職，相主嫁娶財禮，死主爭財或死喪事，囚主婚姻囚繫、陰私謀匿事，休主疾病陰私事。

Liu He belongs to the Wood element. If it is attached to the Metal deity, Wood is overcome by Metal from within, which is called "internal conflict," indicating private matters between men and women, affairs concerning women, and disputes among brothers. If it is attached to the Earth deity, Wood overcomes Earth from within outward, which is called "external conflict," indicating events arising from outside, with unrest among people during discussions. There is also a pattern called "Liu He not harmonious," which refers to Liu He falling in the positions of You, Mao, Zi, or Wu, appearing harmonious on the surface but with private intentions. Further, according to the four seasons' energies, if Liu He is in a strong position, it indicates receiving rewards or promotion; if in a supportive position, it indicates marriage and dowry; if in a dead position, it indicates disputes over property or death and mourning; if in a captive position, it indicates being detained due to marriage or hidden private affairs; if in a resting position, it indicates illness and private matters between men and women.

六合之神，婚姻嘉會。在亥為待命平和，在巳則不諧驚悖。在子反目兮，無禮之事；在酉私竄兮，不明之因。乘輅在寅，結髮在申，從媒妁而成歡，皆主婚姻喜美；違禮在辰，亡羞在戌，因妄冒而加罪，皆主婚姻訟事。升堂在午，入室在卯，併為婚姻就已之占；納采在未，麗妝在丑，總是婚姻欲成之例。

The deity Liu He governs marriage and auspicious gatherings. When it falls in亥, it indicates waiting quietly for news and a peaceful situation; when it falls in巳, it suggests mutual discord and fear and confusion. When it falls in子, it indicates a quarrel and breaking off the relationship, with a breach of etiquette; when it falls in酉, it indicates secret fleeing, with unclear reasons. When it falls in寅, it is called 'Cheng Lu', meaning riding the wedding carriage to welcome the bride; when it falls in申, it is called 'Jie Fa', meaning becoming husband and wife — both are signs of a harmonious marriage arranged through a matchmaker. When it falls in辰, it is called 'Wei Li', and when it falls in戌, it is called 'Wang Xiu', both resulting from reckless actions that bring about blame, indicating legal disputes over marriage. When it falls in午, it is called 'Sheng Tang', and when it falls in卯, it is called 'Ru Shi', both indicating that the marriage is already in one's hands; when it falls in未, it is called 'Na Cai', and when it falls in丑, it is called 'Li Zhuang', both indicating examples of marriage either about to be completed or still pending.

夫亥，木生之地，又為三合，故婚姻百事迪吉。巳，金生之地，即為賊鄉，故不吉。一雲巳曰贄書，主信息見貴。子卯相刑，恩中主怨，婚姻不成，夫妻不睦。又云持笏，宜慎災病。酉為私門，臨之主男兒淫奔；又跣足，主不進。在寅萬事皆通，又云寅主出求吉。在申一說為披髮，才離病損。

The亥 position is the growth place for wood, and it forms a triple harmony with卯 and未, creating a favorable situation for marriage and all other affairs. The巳 position is the growth place for metal, which can overcome wood. For those whoseLiu He is wood, this is considered a thief's territory, which is unfavorable. However, there is another interpretation that when六合 is in巳, it is called "Zhi Shu," indicating the possibility of receiving messages and encountering noble people. The子 position harms卯, leading to resentment within relationships, thus causing failed marriages and marital discord. Another interpretation says that when六合 is in子, it is called "Chi Hu," suggesting the need for caution regarding illness. The酉 position represents private matters, and when六合 is here, it indicates a man's running away or engaging in immoral activities. This position is also called "Xian Zu," meaning barefoot, suggesting that affairs will not progress. WhenLiu He is in寅, all matters are smooth; another interpretation suggests that it is favorable for traveling and seeking opportunities. WhenLiu He is in申, it is called "Pi Fa," indicating that one has just recovered from illness or injury.

辰戊為牢獄，又卯戌私合，故主姦淫冒罪。在辰一雲持巾，主婚；戌一雲登途。午為正位，故升堂。一雲主半遂；又云十月占，門戸小口不利。卯為門戸，故入室，吉。又云小口災。未為三合，故納采。丑為臨金，故妝嚴。又云未為素服，丑為臥病。

Chen and Xu are considered prison positions. Adding Mao and Xu, which secretly harmonize, they indicate adultery and lawbreaking, as well as rash offenses. Liu He is in Chen, and one interpretation calls it "Chi Jin," which relates to marriage. In Xu, another interpretation is "Deng Tu," which relates to traveling far. Wu is the main position of Liu He, so it is called "Sheng Tang," meaning entering the hall; another interpretation suggests that things will only be half completed. It is also said that if the lesson is cast in the tenth month, it is unfavorable for the household's door and children. Mao is the position of the door, so it is called "Ru Shi," which is auspicious; another interpretation suggests that children may suffer misfortune. Wei, together with Mao and Hai, forms the triple harmony of the wood trinity, so it is called "Na Cai," which refers to the lower betrothal gifts. Chou belongs to metal, and wood is restrained by metal, so one should dress elaborately, hence called "Zhuang Yan." Another interpretation says that Wei indicates wearing plain clothes, and Chou suggests illness in bed.

前三六合大夫位，和會婚姻吉兆扶。君子升遷増俸祿，小人飲食更歡娛。相生謀產多吉慶，受制奸窬用暗圖。問疾陰陽心腹痛，丈人司命祭當蘓。

TheLiu He (Liu He) located third before theNobleman (Nobleman) holds the position of Grand Counselor, governing harmony and gatherings, indicating a favorable omen for marriage. If a gentleman divines this, it signifies promotion and increased salary; if a commoner divines this, it suggests joyful meals and frequent entertainment. WhenLiu He harmonizes with the day stem, planning matters and purchasing property will bring good fortune; however, if it is restrained, affairs may involve deceit and theft, requiring secret schemes. In divination regarding illness, it indicates imbalance of yin and yang and pain in the chest and abdomen. The spirits causing trouble are the father-in-law's spirit and the Director of Destiny. After worship, the illness will improve.

類為竹木、金石所傷之屬，變異食鹽、羽毛。於人為工巧、兒子，或術士，或仕宦，又為隱逸之士。於祟丈人、身命、丈人，一雲土神。於疾陰陽不調，心腹虛。於五榖鹽粟，於獸兎之類，味可食物，色光彩，數六。

Liu He's associated deities: on objects, they represent bamboo and wood, as well as things damaged by metal and stone; when strange phenomena occur, they are often related to salt and feathers. On people, they represent skilled craftsmen, sons, magicians, officials, or reclusive individuals who refuse to hold office. On ghosts and spirits, they represent the father-in-law deity and the personal guardian deity, with some saying they are the earth deity. In terms of illness, they represent imbalance between yin and yang and emptiness in the chest and abdomen. In relation to the five grains, they represent salt and millet. In terms of animals, they represent rabbits and similar creatures. Their taste is that of delicious food, their color is bright and radiant, and their number is six.

勾陳在天為大將軍，雷部中作喚雲神。位居前四，家戊辰，土旺四季，凶將也。勾陳乃宮中殺，職任將軍。得地則上令兵威，失地則兵卒不利；持重威權，又為兵甲、守門之吏，大好爭訟，多蓄二心。若伏喪帶吊，則為不孝之神。一雲左將軍。愛玄、空，畏龍、後，不立四孟。

Gou Chen is a general in heaven and serves as the god who summons clouds in the Thunder Department. It is ranked fourth before the Nobleman. Its native stem is Wuchen, belonging to the Earth element. It is strong for eighteen days in each of the last months of the four seasons. It is considered aInauspicious General, a凶ious general. Gou Chen is a killing spirit in the palace and serves as a general. When it is in a favorable position, it can carry out military orders and display military strength; when it is in an unfavorable position, soldiers are not beneficial. It holds great authority, represents weapons and armor, and the officials who guard the gates. It loves disputes and often has two conflicting intentions in mind. If it is hidden beneath the Mourning-and-Condolence spirit and accompanied by the two spirits of funerals and guests, it becomes a spirit of filial impiety. Some call it the Left General. Gou Chen prefers to be with the Black Tortoise and Tian Kong, but fears the Azure Dragon and the Heavenly Empress. It is not suitable to be placed in the four Clave positions of寅,申,巳, and亥.

勾陳主兵戈、官訟、公事、印信、虎符、留連、皮革，或爭田宅、土舎、財帛。占望信息，財帛出行，俱主留滯。其戾主病、蹇厄牽罣、財物損失，庶人得之如此，若官員見之乃為印綬，盛則吉，衰則凶也。

Gou Chen governs military weapons, official litigation, government affairs, seals and credentials, and the tiger token used for mobilizing troops. It also oversees entanglements, delays, leather goods, or disputes over land, houses, and money. When encountering Gou Chen in divination about messages, money, or travel, it indicates delays and obstacles. If Gou Chen acts abnormally or maliciously, it signifies illness, hardship, burdens, and financial loss—this applies to common people. However, for officials, encountering Gou Chen signifies the seal and credentials, and its strength brings good fortune while its weakness brings misfortune.

凡占訟，先以勾陳為主。如勾陳賊日，理難伸雪；日克勾陳，訟得理伸。又忌勾之陰神附蛇、鼠、雀，帶殺剋日者最凶。勾陰若作貴人生日上，得貴助為吉。亦要人行年上神不落空亡。

When divining about lawsuits, the main爻 is first taken as Gou Chen. If Gou Chen overcomes the day stem, it indicates that the case is difficult to clear; conversely, if the day stem overcomes Gou Chen, the lawsuit is likely to be justified. Additionally, the most dangerous situation is when the hidden spirit of Gou Chen attaches to Teng Snake, the rat (Zi position), or Vermilion Bird, and bringsInauspicious Sha to overcome the day stem, which is the most凶 combination. If the hidden spirit of Gou Chen transforms into Tianyi Nobleman and benefits the day stem, it indicates favorable results with the help of a nobleman. At the same time, it is also necessary to check whether the god riding on the person's year pillar does not fall into Kongwang, which is considered secure.

凡捕天賊，勾陳所乘神制玄武所乘神主獲。勾陳臨日干亦主獲，反此不獲。又勾陳所立之地制玄武所立之地，亦主賊敗，或自首發。如玄武立申酉，而勾陳立巳午是也。占晴雨最宜勾陳入傳臨日辰、制玄武，決主天晴。占戰鬥亦以勾陳制玄武，準上斷之。占宅墓勾陳乘旺氣加墓宅者，主安乆不移；若休囚刑剋，當主公事。

When apprehending thieves or bandits, if the god riding on Gou Chen can overcome the god riding on Xuan Wu, it indicates that the thief will be caught. If Gou Chen is positioned on the day stem, it also indicates the ability to capture the thief. Conversely, if the situation is reversed, the thief will not be caught. Additionally, if the position of Gou Chen on the earth plate can overcome the position of Xuan Wu on the earth plate, it indicates that the thief will be exposed, or even surrender on his own. For example, if Xuan Wu is positioned on Shen or You (metal), and Gou Chen is positioned on Si or Wu (fire), fire can melt metal, which is such a situation. When predicting weather, if Gou Chen enters the three transmissions and is also positioned on the day branch, overcoming Xuan Wu, it will certainly be clear weather. In predicting military battles, the same principle applies, using the same method to determine the outcome. In predicting the stability of a residence or tomb, if Gou Chen is strong and positioned on the tomb, it indicates long-term stability and no need for relocation. If Gou Chen is weak, restrained, or attacked, it indicates legal troubles.

勾陳拔劍，主病患相傷。正月起巳逆行十二位。若與辰戍丑未交會，禍患連深；辰戍大凶，丑未口舌。又勾陳披刑帶殺，災咎即臨。勾陳旺主貴人戰鬥，相貴人爭訟，死爭死人財物，囚爭訟禁錮，休爭病人田宅。

"The 'Gou Chen Drawing Sword' is a monthly凶煞 (malevolent influence), which causes illness and mutual harm. Its calculation starts from the巳 (Snake) position in the first lunar month, then proceeds in reverse order through the twelve earthly branches. If it coincides with the four墓 (burial) positions: 辰 (Dragon), 戌 (Dog), 丑 (Ox), and 未 (Sheep), the calamity becomes even more severe: encountering 辰 or 戌 is extremely dangerous, while encountering 丑 or 未 leads to disputes. If Gou Chen is accompanied by刑 (punishment) or煞 (malevolent influence), disaster will arrive immediately. Furthermore, according to the four seasonal energies, if Gou Chen is in its旺 (strong) energy, it indicates conflict with the Nobleman; in its相 (auxiliary) energy, it indicates legal disputes with the Nobleman; in its死气 (death energy), it indicates contention over the property of the deceased; in its囚气 (captivity energy), it indicates being imprisoned due to disputes; and in its休气 (rest energy), it indicates disputes over property or land with the sick."

或逢勾陳發用，鬥訟爭官。吏過受鉞，暗遭辱害。遭囚在寅兮，宜上書；捧印在巳兮，有改拜。臨門在卯，家必不寧；被刄在酉，身遭決責。升堂在辰，有獄吏以牽躔；反目在午，因他人而累帶。在未入驛，在戌下獄，往來語訟稽遲；在申趨戸，在亥褰衣，反覆勾連改革。

Whenever Gou Chen serves as the first transmission and initiates the divination, it often indicates disputes and litigation, and conflict with authorities. Officials may suffer punishment due to mistakes, and face hidden humiliation and harm. If it falls in寅, it is called 'being imprisoned', and it is advisable to submit a petition to explain one's case. If it falls in巳, it is called 'receiving an official seal', indicating a change of position or promotion. If it falls in卯, it is called 'at the gate', indicating that the family will certainly be unsettled. If it falls in酉, it is called 'being cut by a blade', meaning the person will receive punishment or reprimand. If it falls in辰, it is called 'entering the hall', indicating that prison officials will become involved. If it falls in午, it is called 'turning back', meaning the person will be implicated in someone else's affairs. If it falls in未, it is called 'entering the post station', and if it falls in戌, it is called 'being imprisoned', indicating that all matters of travel, speech, and litigation will be delayed and unresolved. If it falls in申, it is called 'approaching the door', and if it falls in亥, it is called 'lifting the robe', indicating that affairs will be repeatedly involved and frequently changed.

勾陳主戰鬥，丑為明堂，封功決罪。又丑為斧鉞，勾陳臨之為受鉞，主被凌辱。子為暗室，故曰沉戰，主有陰害。又云：丑曰入化，主口舌。子曰臨官，主訟牽事變。一云，主財帛。又說，丑未皆主酒食、田宅。在寅受克，囚杖危身，宜上書進策。

Gou Chen governs warfare, and Chou represents the position of Bright Hall, where rewards are given and responsibilities are judged. Chou also symbolizes axes and weapons, so Gou Chen over Chou indicates 'receiving the axe', meaning the person is subjected to humiliation. Zi represents a dark room, hence 'hidden warfare', indicating harm from the shadows. Another interpretation says that Gou Chen over Chou is 'entering transformation', relating to disputes, while over Zi is 'officialdom', indicating legal troubles and unexpected events. Some also say that over Zi signifies gaining wealth. There is another view that both Chou and Wei are associated with food and property. When Gou Chen falls on Yin, wood overcomes earth and the self is restrained, indicating the risk of imprisonment or corporal punishment. In such a case, it is advisable to submit strategies to seek self-redemption.

巳為金生火盛，金投火為鑄印。勾陳臨之為捧印，以火旺土相也。故主遷升。在卯為鬼克，又云入獄，故凶。主遷居、不利小口。酉金故主刑責，又云病足難進。辰為獄，加之故主獄吏勾連。午為生地，故主惹累。一說，未入驛主吉，在戌又為佩劔凶。一說在申曰利河，吉；加亥宜求財。

The Earthly Branch Si is the place where metal is in its growth phase, while fire is at its peak. Putting metal into fire symbolizes the image of casting a seal, so when Gou Chen is in Si, it is called "holding the seal." At this time, fire is strong and earth receives the supportive energy, so since Gou Chen belongs to earth, it gains strength, indicating promotion. When Gou Chen falls in Mao, wood, which is the official ghost of earth, comes to restrain it, also called "entering prison," which is凶, indicating relocation or moving house, and is unfavorable for children in the family. You belongs to metal, which signifies punishment or beating, and there is another interpretation that it refers to illness on the feet or difficulty in walking. Chen itself is the position of prison, so when Gou Chen is added to Chen, it indicates being involved with prison officials. Wu can generate earth, which is Gou Chen's place of birth, so it signifies being involved in troubles. Another interpretation says that when it falls in Wei, it is called "entering the post station," which is favorable; when it falls in Xu, it is called "wearing a sword," which is unfavorable. There is another view that when it falls in Shen, it is called "beneficial river," which is favorable; when it falls in Hai, it is suitable for seeking wealth.

勾陳前四大將軍，兵災刑鬥訟留連。君子掩逃擒盜賊，小人爭婦競田園。旺相相生猶合理，死囚刑剋繫遲延。病者腫癰寒熱苦，祟在邱陵及主垣。

The fourth trigram before the Nobleman is Gou Chen, representing the Grand General, which governs military calamities, punishments, disputes, and legal entanglements. If a gentleman draws this, it indicates capturing fugitives or apprehending thieves; if a petty person draws it, it signifies quarrels over women and disputes over farmland. If Gou Chen is in a prosperous and strong state and is mutually generated by the day stem, the matter is still reasonable. However, if it falls in the death qi or prison qi and is subjected to punishment or restriction, it will result in being detained and delayed. When asking about illness, it indicates suffering from boils and abscesses, with alternating chills and fever. When asking about supernatural disturbances, the source is in hills, cemeteries, or the earth spirits of walls and fences around a house.

於人為丑婦，或軍卒，或貧薄小人。於祟寃死之鬼，及門戸土垣鬼。於病心腹寒熱，癰腫見血。於五榖為木實。於獸魚、龍、水蟲之屬。變異為瓦石、金鐵，若被損勾連羅網之類。色青黒，數五。

Gou Chen's class of spirits: in terms of people, it represents an ugly woman, soldiers, or poor and lowly individuals. In terms of ghosts, it represents ghosts who died unjustly, as well as door gods and earth wall ghosts. In terms of diseases, it represents heart and chest coldness and heat, boils and abscesses, and bleeding. In terms of grains, it represents the fruits of trees. In terms of animals and creatures, it represents fish, dragons, and water-dwelling insects. When strange phenomena occur, they are tiles and stones, metal and iron objects, broken things, or tangled nets. The color is blue with black, and the number is five.

青龍在天為左丞相，雷部中作甘雨之神。位居前五，家甲寅，木旺春三月，吉將也。青龍水木神也，東方青帝，九陽五所居，祿首甲寅之地，髙貴端雅，方正亷平，執生氣，為輔弼大臣，得地則富貴尊崇，失地則財寳外耗。畏陰、虎，愛、後、合，不立申酉。

The Azure Dragon is the Left Chancellor in the heavens and serves as the deity who brings gentle rain in the Thunder Department. It is ranked fifth before the Nobleman, and its native stem is Jiayin. It belongs to the Wood element and is strong in the third month of spring. It is a favorable general. The Azure Dragon is a deity of both Water and Wood, holding the position of the Eastern Emperor. It resides in the fifth number of the nine Yang numbers and occupies the Jiayin stem, which is the first and most important position of the Earth Plate. It has a noble and dignified nature, is upright and just, and controls the vital energy that promotes growth in all things. It is a minister who assists the sovereign: when it has a strong position, it brings wealth and honor; when it is weak, it causes the loss of wealth. The Azure Dragon fears Tai Yin and the White Tiger, and prefers to be accompanied by the Heavenly Empress and Liu He. It is not suitable to be placed in the positions of Shen and You.

青龍主文字、財帛、舟車、林木、衣服、書契、官府、升遷、僧道、髙人、婚姻、喜慶、媒妁、胎產、宴會、果藥之屬。其戾主哭泣、病疾、公訟、失財、走畜、陷溺舟車。凡占公事，雖以青龍為喜神，若披刑殺入卦，賊日干，卻主凶，以其為殺神也。凡新婦入門時，忌天后乘神克青龍，主損夫。

The Azure Dragon oversees documents, contracts, money, clothing, ships, vehicles, forests, trees, official affairs, promotions, and also represents monks, Taoist priests, and virtuous people, as well as marriage, celebrations, matchmaking, childbirth, banquets, and fruits and medicinal herbs. When it acts abnormally and causes harm, it signifies crying, illness, legal disputes, loss of wealth, the loss of livestock, and shipwrecks or drowning. In matters concerning the government, although the Azure Dragon is a favorable deity, if it enters the hexagram with a criminal spirit and also overcomes the day stem, it can indicate misfortune, because at that time it has become a killing deity. Additionally, when a bride enters the house, it is most inauspicious if the deity associated with the Heavenly Empress overcomes the Azure Dragon, which can lead to harm to the husband.

求財以青龍為主，要乘旺相氣，臨旺相鄉，與日辰相生，或作三合、六合者吉，亦須入日辰、三傳，不然亦為閒地，求財難矣。占婚姻、胎產同此。又龍生命有財，克命退財。占盜賊忌龍入卦，以龍為萬里之翼也。占行人亦主轉往他方。占病龍入傳，必因酒食；不然因會親、情喜好得病。

To seek wealth, the Azure Dragon should be the main line. It should ride on the prosperous and strong energy, fall in the prosperous and strong place, and be mutually generated with the day branch and the day's branch, or form a triple harmony or Liu He with the day and the day's branch. Only then is it considered auspicious. Moreover, it must enter the day, the day's branch, or the three transmissions; otherwise, if it stays in an irrelevant position, wealth cannot be obtained. The method for divining marriage and childbirth is the same. In addition, if the Azure Dragon generates the native's destiny, it indicates gaining wealth; if it overcomes the native's destiny, it indicates losing wealth. When divining about thieves, the Azure Dragon entering the hexagram is most inauspicious, because the dragon has wings that span ten thousand miles, meaning the thief can run far away and be hard to catch. When divining about a traveler, the Azure Dragon also indicates that the person has moved to another place. When divining about illness, if the Azure Dragon enters the three transmissions, the illness is caused by drinking and eating; otherwise, it is caused by meeting relatives and friends or indulging in pleasures.

占文官則視青龍，武官則視太常，與日和合者吉，反此者凶。太歲作龍常，必主遷轉。凡龍與煞並加日辰者，主喜慶中有鬥殺。龍開眼，主消災。孟寅、仲酉、季戌是也。龍旺主貴人遷官，相婚姻喜慶，死有死人財物，囚有囚人財物，休有故舊酒食。

When divining the prospects of a civil official, look at the Azure Dragon; when divining the prospects of a military official, look at Tai Chang. If the general being divined harmonizes with the Day Stem, it is auspicious; if it conflicts or is controlled by the Day Stem, it is inauspicious. If the Master of the Year transforms into the Azure Dragon or Tai Chang, it certainly indicates a promotion or change in position. If the Azure Dragon and malevolent stars are together placed on the Day or the Hour, it indicates joy mixed with fights and killings. "Azure Dragon opening its eyes" is a sign of disaster removal. Its position is: in the first month, it is in寅; in the second month, it is in酉; in the third month, it is in戌. Further, according to the four seasons' energies, if the Azure Dragon rides a prosperous energy, it indicates a nobleman's promotion; if it rides a harmonious energy, it indicates marriage and celebration; if it rides a death energy, it indicates inheriting property from the deceased; if it rides a captive energy, it indicates receiving property from a prisoner; if it rides a resting energy, it indicates gathering with old friends for drinking.

青龍財喜，多主亨通。伏陸在酉，允宜退守；蟠泥在丑，所謀未稱。登魁在戌兮，小人爭財；飛天在巳兮，君子欲動。乘雲在寅，驅雷在卯，宜於營運，利進；摧角在申，無鱗在未，宜乎安靜，動凶。午焚身，辰掩目，縁財有不測之憂；子入海，亥逰江，因動有非常之慶。

The Azure Dragon governs wealth and joy, and generally brings smooth success in matters. If it falls in You, it is called 'Fu Lu', meaning the dragon is stranded on land and is only suitable for retreat. If it falls in Chou, it is called 'Pan Ni', meaning the dragon is coiled in mud, and plans cannot be fulfilled to one's satisfaction. If it falls in Xu, it is called 'Deng Kui', meaning petty people will quarrel over wealth. If it falls in Si, it is called 'Fei Tian', meaning gentlemen should take action. If it falls in Yin or Mao, it is called 'Cheng Yun' or 'Qu Lei', respectively, both suitable for business operations and favorable for advancement. If it falls in Shen or Wei, it is called 'Cui Jiao' or 'Wu Lin', respectively, both suitable for quietness, as any movement will bring misfortune. If it falls in Wu, it is called 'Fen Shen', and if it falls in Chen, it is called 'Yan Mu', both likely to bring unexpected troubles related to wealth. If it falls in Zi or Hai, it is called 'Ru Hai' or 'You Jiang', respectively, and movement will bring great joy instead.

天魁小人也，故在戌主小人爭財。一名御雨出入，多勞，主凶。在巳主炎盛，雲行雨施，故曰飛龍，利於進謁。寅主徵召，又主子孫歡慶。卯又名戲水，才貨重重。一說龍乘寅卯，多是求親。龍乘寅卯加申酉，折足鬥訟之象。

The position of Xu is Tiankui, representing small people, so Qinglong in Xu indicates small people causing disputes over wealth; this position is also called "Yuyu," implying constant travel and toil, which is ominous. Qinglong in Si, where the fire is at its peak, with clouds moving and rain falling, is called "Feilong," favorable for visiting and seeking opportunities. In Yin, it signifies receiving imperial summons and joy for descendants. In Mao, it is also called "Xishui," indicating continuous inflow of wealth; another interpretation suggests Qinglong in Yin and Mao often relates to marriage inquiries. However, if Qinglong in Yin and Mao is combined with Shen and You, the metal will overcome the wood, resulting in disputes and litigation.

未為木墓，辰為水墓，故曰無鱗。掩目在午，一雲無毛，損才、憂官府，若妻有孕動搖即無虞。亥子俱主舟車、財帛之喜，亥又主婚姻；一說子乘龍合，女占必受皇恩。又曰“子午乘龍，妻妾懐孕，不然家蔵孕婦。”

The Earthly Branch 未 is the storage for wood, and 辰 is the storage for water. When the Azure Dragon falls into 未, it is like a fish or dragon losing its scales, hence called "without scales." When it falls into 午, it is called "covering the eyes," or alternatively "without hair," indicating financial loss and worry about government affairs. If the wife is pregnant, there may be some fluctuation in the fetal condition, but there is no need to worry. When it falls into 亥 or 子, it signifies joy from travel and wealth. 亥 also relates to marriage. Another interpretation says that when the Azure Dragon is on 子 and meets a harmonious combination, a woman's fortune indicates royal favor. There is another saying: when the Azure Dragon is on 子 or 午, it indicates the wife or concubine is pregnant, or there is someone pregnant in the household.

前五青龍丞相位，酒食財錢婚禮儀。君子奏官遷逺職，小人財物送鄉耆。旺相相生媒妁吉，死囚刑剋是私通。病者沉熱心腸疾，祟關司命且堪醫。

The official in the position of Qinglong, who is fifth before the Nobleman, holds the rank of chancellor, and governs matters of wine and food, wealth, and marriage ceremonies. If a gentleman draws this, it indicates he will present a petition and obtain an official position, or be transferred to a distant post. If a petty person draws this, it suggests giving wealth to the elders in the village. When Qinglong is riding on the prosperous and strong energy and is mutually generated with the day stem, it is auspicious for arranging marriages through a matchmaker. However, if Qinglong is located on the death qi or trapped qi and is subjected to punishment or conflict, the matter becomes one of secret and improper relations. When divining about illness, it indicates a persistent fever and internal illness; the disturbance is related to the Director of Destiny deity, but it is still treatable.