Azure Dragon · Category of Deities

於人為貴官、族、僧道、髙人；於祟司命；於病頭目、心痛、四肢、寒熱、癰腫；於五榖草木之精，可食之物；於獸龍、虎、豹、狸、貓之屬；變異文章、羽毛、錢物、脯璽之類；又為棺槨、枷棒之類。色黃赤，數七。

The class of deities associated with the Azure Dragon includes, in terms of people, officials of high rank, members of prominent families, monks and Taoist priests, and virtuous hermits. In terms of spirits, it represents the Director of Destiny. In terms of illness, it signifies ailments of the head and eyes, heart pain, pains in the limbs, intermittent chills and fever, and abscesses and swellings. In terms of grain and food, it represents the essence of plants and edible substances. In terms of animals, it includes dragons, tigers, leopards, civets, and cats. When strange phenomena occur, it may refer to books and scrolls, feathers, money and utensils, and dried meat and seals; it may also refer to coffins and shackles, rods, and other implements. The color is a blend of yellow and red, and the number is seven.

天空在天為司直官，雷部中為黃埃塵霧之神。又為渴雨神。位居後六，家戊戌，土旺四季，凶將也。天空乃陽土之神，燥灰之土，為中央最卑之位，列奴婢之行，為天地之雜氣，作人間之詐神。得地則當直之吏，非多是少，妄起事謀；失地則奴辱婢舌，或顯或隠，動無濟物之心，靜有妖氛之氣。愛元、後，畏龍、合、陰、雀，不立四孟。

The Tian Kong is a celestial official stationed in the heavens, serving as the deity of yellow dust and mist, and also known as the deity of drought-induced rain. It is ranked sixth after the Nobleman. Its native branch is Wuxu, belonging to the Earth element. It is strong for eighteen days in each of the last months of the four seasons, and is considered a malevolent general. Tian Kong is a yang Earth, representing dry, ash-like earth, positioned in the lowest rank among the central positions, and is listed among servants and attendants. It represents the chaotic qi between heaven and earth, and in the human world, it acts as the deity of deception. When it is in a favorable position, it functions as a minor official on duty, but its actions are mostly unreliable and often create unnecessary troubles. When it is in an unfavorable position, it leads to servants being humiliated and maidservants being talkative. Its actions are intermittent, and when it moves, it lacks any helpful intent; when it is still, it carries an eerie, supernatural atmosphere. Tian Kong prefers to be accompanied by Yuanwu and Tianhou, but fears Qinglong, Liuhe, Taiyin, and Zhuque. It is not suitable to be placed in the four Meng positions of Yin, Shen, Si, and Hai.

天空主奴婢、公吏、市井、小人、財帛、言約、私契，其戾主奴婢、口舌、脫空、不實、虛偽、巧詐、是非、毀敗之事，以其為空亡寂滅之神，即空亡之類也。若在辰戌丑未四宮，謂之天空閉，亦可以成小，不可成大事。其或順理，旺氣相生，主財帛喜，奴婢小人同心，更帶財星及天喜者，必因小人獲財也；不然因僧道獲財，或因虛詐有功。

The Tian Kong governs servants, officials, common people, and small figures, as well as money, verbal agreements, and private contracts. When it acts abnormally and causes harm, it indicates servants causing trouble, disputes over words, broken promises, dishonest dealings, deceit, entanglements in disputes, and destruction and abandonment. This is because Tian Kong itself is the god of emptiness and void, belonging to the same category as Kongwang. If Tian Kong is located in the four墓宫 (graveyards) of Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei, it is called "Tian Kong closed," which means small matters can still succeed, but major ones cannot. If Tian Kong acts in a reasonable manner, supported by strong energy and in harmony with the day stem, it brings joy from money and servants working together. If it also carries the wealth star and Heavenly Joy, it indicates making money through small people. Otherwise, it may mean earning money through monks or Taoists, or achieving success through superficial show and luck.

《花瓶記》曰：“天空安居，有言不虛。”嘗夏占鑄鐘，天空附火發用，旺相相生，鍾遂成，止有小釁。占詞訟，最愛天空發用，及終傳，主訟解，謀不成。若求財物，又深忌之。一說，加臨日干旺相，主作營運行商。占婚，天空發用及臨日辰者，其家必有孤寡之人，不然更徙祖業。

The Huaping Ji says: Tian Kong only needs to be in its proper position, and when it speaks, it will not be empty. Once, in the summer, I divined about casting a bell. Tian Kong was attached to the Fire God as the first transmission, riding on the prosperous and strong energy and also generating with the day stem, and the bell was indeed cast, though with a small flaw. In divining lawsuits, it is most favorable to have Tian Kong as the initiating transmission or in the final transmission, indicating that the lawsuit will be resolved and schemes will fail. However, if one is seeking wealth, it is extremely inauspicious to encounter Tian Kong. Another saying states: if Tian Kong is placed on the day stem and rides on the prosperous and strong energy, it indicates business ventures and trade. In divining marriage, if Tian Kong is the initiating transmission or appears on the day or the hour stem, there must be widows, orphans, and the lonely in the family, or else the family has already sold off and moved away from the ancestral property.

占奴河魁，婢從魁，皆以天空為主星，要天空乘神與干支生合無克賊，則吉。不然，主逃走，更值魁罡，其僕不良。占行動，主道路卑賤相損。占赴試奏對，亦吉。天空乃奏書之神也。託人謀事最防虛詐。

To divinate about a male servant, look at "Hekui" (Xu), and for a female servant, look at "Congkui" (You). However, both should take "Tiankong" as the main star. If the god riding on Tiankong is in mutual generation or harmony with the day stem and day branch, and there is no overcoming or harming, it is auspicious. Otherwise, it indicates the servant running away. If it also meets "Kui" (Xu) and "Gang" (Chen), the servant's character is certainly bad. For travel, Tiankong indicates being harmed by a lowly person on the way. For taking an exam or giving an answer in court, encountering it is actually auspicious, because Tiankong is originally the god in charge of memorandums and documents. However, when entrusting someone with a task, one must be most cautious about the possibility of the person lying or deceiving.

占宅墓，若宅墓上見水神，或門戶上見天空並者，必主水道垣牆壅塞，泥淤不便。宅墓者，宮音宅在未，墓在辰；商音宅在酉，墓在丑；角音宅在卯，墓在未；徵音宅在午，墓在戍；羽音宅在子，墓在辰。惟年將其音相連，如天空戊戌土乃徵音及商羽音；太常己未土，貴人己丑土，俱商音及角音。勾陳戊辰土，宮羽徵音。凡占得年將，必主大小墓相連也。

When divining about a residence or a tomb, if the position of the residence or tomb shows the water deity, or if the position of the gate coincides with the sky, it indicates that the water channel and the surrounding walls are blocked, muddy and difficult to pass. The positions of the residence and tomb referred to here are determined by the five tones: the residence of the palace tone is in Wei and the tomb is in Chen; the residence of the commercial tone is in You and the tomb is in Chou; the residence of the corner tone is in Mao and the tomb is in Wei; the residence of the徵 tone is in Wu and the tomb is in Xu; the residence of the feather tone is in Zi and the tomb is in Chen. This interpretation is only applied when the current month general connects with these tones. For example, the sky is paired with the earth of Wu Xu, and is associated with the徵 tone, commercial tone, and feather tone; the Tai Chang is paired with the earth of Ji Wei, and the nobleman is paired with the earth of Ji Chou, both associated with the commercial tone and the corner tone; the Gou Chen is paired with the earth of Wu Chen, associated with the palace tone, feather tone, and徵 tone. Whenever such a year and month general appear, it indicates that large and small tombs are connected to each other.

天空見淚，哀聲聒耳。六甲旬中居壬癸，地見壬癸也。天空旺主貴人欺詐，相才物欺紿，死欺詐死人事，囚刑獄欺紿，休被人欺詐事。

"Sky Void Weeps" refers to the sound of wailing that fills the ears, and the method is to find where Sky Void falls in the six ten-thousands periods, specifically on the positions corresponding to Ren and Gui. This occurs when Ren and Gui appear on the Earth Plate. Then, according to the division of seasonal energies: when Sky Void is in its旺盛 phase, it indicates being deceived by a nobleman; in its prosperous phase, it indicates being cheated in matters of money and goods; in its dying phase, it indicates being deceived regarding matters of the dead; in its imprisoned phase, it indicates being misled in legal matters; and in its resting phase, it indicates being falsely deceived without cause.

天空司直，欺情詐弊。伏室在子，患生於婦女；居家在戌，事因於奴婢。侍側在丑，詐尊長之言；趨進在未，起貨財之利。受辱在巳，被制在寅，然自別其是非；識字在午，鼓舌在申，實難分其真偽。凶惡在辰，乘侮在卯，有暴客以欺侵。巧說在酉，誣詞在亥，值奸人之謀計。

The official Tian Kong (Sky) is responsible for overseeing justice and dealing with deceit and falsehood. If it falls in the branch Zi, it is called 'Fu Shi' (hidden room), and calamity arises from women. If it falls in Xu, it means returning to the family, and affairs are caused by servants. If it falls in Chou, it is called 'Shi Ce' (attending by the side), and one pretends to speak on behalf of a superior to deceive. If it falls in Wei, it is called 'Qu Jin' (approaching), and one can gain wealth and goods. If it falls in Si, it is called 'Shou Ru' (suffering humiliation), and if it falls in Yin, it is called 'Bei Zhi' (being controlled), and right and wrong will eventually be clear. If it falls in Wu, it is called 'Shi Zi' (knowing characters), and if it falls in Shen, it is called 'Gu She' (speaking loudly), and truth and falsehood become hard to distinguish. If it falls in Chen, it is called 'Xiong E' (evil), and if it falls in Mao, it is called 'Cheng Wu' (taking advantage), and there will be bullying from strong individuals. If it falls in You, it is called 'Qiao Shuo' (clever words), and if it falls in Hai, it is called 'Wu Ci' (false accusations), and one encounters the schemes of wicked people.

子為房室，故主陰人災。又云溺水，主小人蹇塞。戌為奴婢本家，故主之。在戌辰丑未俱名處機，主小事成合。丑為貴人，故曰侍側。未為酒食，以戌刑未，故主誆賺得財。一云，主宿疾。加寅一名犯牢，主公私口舌。加巳，一雲投絶，若發用主血痢之疾。

The trigram Zi represents inner chambers and rooms, thus indicating misfortune for women. There is another interpretation called "drowning," which signifies difficulties and blockages for minor figures. Xu is the original branch of Tian Kong, so matters originate from servants. When falling on the four墓 branches Xu, Chen, Chou, and Wei, they are called "Chu Ji," meaning small matters can be resolved. Chou is the position of the nobleman, so it is called "Shi Ce." Wei represents food and drink, and Xu is in conflict with Wei, so it indicates gaining wealth through deception; another interpretation suggests a chronic illness that does not heal. When placed on Yin, it is called "Fan Lao," indicating disputes on both public and private levels. When placed on Si, it is called "Tou Jue," and if it serves as the initial transmission, it indicates diseases such as bloody dysentery.

午為文明，故識字；申為舌辨，故鼔舌，情偽難測。辰為惡殺，卯為門戶，克傷故主暴客。酉為蔽匿，亥為口舌，二者皆主巧言奸誣。一說天空加酉奴婢走失、姦淫；加亥名濡冠，亦主小利遺失。

The hour of Wu is associated with civilization, hence it is called 'knowing characters'; the hour of Shen is linked to verbal debate, hence it is called 'chattering tongues', at this time it is difficult to discern true from false intentions. The hour of Chen is a position of malevolent stars, and the hour of Mao is the position of the gate, both of which can harm the sky, thus indicating the arrival of a strong and rude visitor. The hour of You signifies concealment and obscurity, and the hour of Hai signifies verbal disputes, both of which indicate deceitful speech and spreading false rumors. Another interpretation suggests that when the sky is combined with You, it indicates servants fleeing or immoral behavior; when combined with Hai, it is called 'wetting the cap', meaning the cap is wet by water, also indicating a loss of small gains.

後六天空司直官，奸謀詭詐事多端。君子遷轉防讒誑，俗輩孤單被欺瞞。比助相扶奴婢喜，刑傷不睦是非攙。疾關氣脹疼胸脅，井灶為殃豈得安。

The official in the sixth position after the Nobleman is called司直, who governs deceitful schemes, cunning fraud, and frequent disputes. If a gentleman draws this, he should beware of slander and false words during a transfer or promotion; if a common person draws this, he will feel lonely and be deceived by others. When Tian Kong harmonizes and supports the Day Stem, it indicates joy from servants or attendants; but if they clash or are discordant, many disputes will arise. In a divination about illness, it signifies bloating and pain in the chest and ribs; the spirits causing trouble are the well spirit and the stove spirit. Without proper安抚, peace cannot be attained.

於人丑婦、貧人，祟井灶及絶嗣鬼，於病脅腹中氣並下痢，於五榖，於獸狼狗之屬，又為印綬、金鐡、空虛之物，變異為虛臭惡物，色黃，數五。

The heavenly spirits of the sky: In terms of people, they represent a woman with an ugly appearance and a poor person. In terms of ghosts and spirits, they represent the well spirit, the stove spirit, and the ghost of a family line that has become extinct. In terms of diseases, they represent distension and fullness in the flanks and abdomen along with diarrhea. Regarding the five grains, the original text mentions the category but does not list specific items. In terms of animals, they represent wolves and dogs. In terms of objects, they represent seals, metal and iron, and hollow objects. When strange phenomena occur, they represent foul and rotten substances that are floating and smelly. The color is yellow, and the number is five.

白虎在天為廷尉卿，雷部者霹靂之神。又為風伯，位居後五，家庚申，金旺秋三月，凶將也。虎乃西方白帝金神，四炁陰柔之五女也。剛金専主權煞，九天元女下執法神也。貌若婦人，多與人為凶器、喪服，能損骨肉，亦為胎孕，多行暗道，好作陰私，浸淫濁濫，與後婦同好暗室，操行不良，職居大將。運得地則氣雄威猛，失地則狼狽而凶。冬至雹、凍、大風，夏主暴雷害物。

The White Tiger is in heaven as the Minister of Justice, and in the Thunder Department it serves as the god of lightning and thunder. It also acts as the Wind God. It is ranked fifth after the Nobleman, and its native hour is Gengshen. It belongs to the Metal element, and is strong during the third month of autumn. It is aInauspicious General, a fierce general. The White Tiger is the Metal god of the Western White Emperor, belonging to the fifth female of the four seasons' Yin aspect. With a hard Metal nature, it holds power and authority, and is responsible for punishment and warfare. It is a divine official under the Mysterious Lady of the Ninth Heaven who enforces the law. Its appearance resembles a woman, yet it often brings weapons and mourning clothes, causing harm to close family members. It also governs matters of pregnancy. It tends to take secret paths, engages in private affairs, and its actions are tainted with corruption. Like the Heavenly Empress, it enjoys secret affairs and has poor moral conduct, yet holds a high rank as a general. When it has favorable conditions, it is strong and formidable; when it loses its ground, it appears pitiful and dangerous. Around the time of the Winter Solstice, it governs hail, frost, and strong winds, while in summer it causes thunderstorms that damage objects.

白虎主道路、信息、兵戈、動眾、威權、財帛、犬馬、金銀、寳物，其戾主孝服、哭泣、死喪、疾病、怪異、凶惡、殺伐、災害、口舌、獄禁、斗鬧、闇昧、血光、怨仇、驚恐、刑戮之事。披刑帶殺，災禍立至。虎旺相相生及順理者，亦作財物斷之；不然因鬧處得財。

The White Tiger governs roads, messages, military conflicts, mobilization of troops, and authority, as well as wealth, dogs, silver and gold, and treasures. When it acts abnormally and causes harm, it signifies mourning, crying, death, illness, strange occurrences, evil, warfare, disasters, disputes, imprisonment, fights, noise, confusion, bloodshed, enmity, fear, and punishment. If the White Tiger is accompanied by punishments and ominous signs, calamity will arrive immediately. However, if the White Tiger is in a prosperous and strong state and is mutually generated with the day stem, and the actions are in order, it can still be interpreted in terms of wealth. Even if not, it is mostly associated with gaining wealth in noisy and bustling places.

凡占施大功，作大事，最要虎入課發用，其功立成，虎乃威權之將也。占官爵亦闕要白虎，乃為威權，更帶殺尤美，所謂“不刑則不發也”。

When divining about undertaking major projects or achieving great endeavors, it is most beneficial for the White Tiger to enter the chart and serve as the first transmission. In such cases, success can be achieved immediately, because the White Tiger is essentially a general in charge of authority. Similarly, when divining about official positions and titles, the White Tiger is also essential, again due to its meaning of authority. If the chart also includesInauspicious Sha (malevolent stars), the overall pattern becomes even more favorable. This is the reason behind the saying "without being harmed, success cannot be achieved."

占病切忌白虎賊日，兼虎帶殺賊日，斗魁作虎克日、克行年，虎陰剋日辰年命，皆凶。最愛虎空，附徳神者吉。有白虎落空亡，或有徳與日相生，不損人惟，凶煞重亦，不能救；占公事，忌蛇、虎、剋日干，以二將皆血光之神也。

Divination for illness most fears the White Tiger overcoming the day stem, and also fears the White Tiger accompanied byInauspicious Sha to overcome the day stem; additionally, if the斗魁 (戌) transforms into the White Tiger to overcome the day stem and the year pillar, or if the White Tiger's yin spirit overcomes the day, the hour pillar, the year pillar, and the native's destiny, these are all ominous signs. The most favorable situation is when the White Tiger falls into Kongwang or is accompanied by a virtuous spirit, which turns the situation favorable. Once the White Tiger falls into Kongwang or has a virtuous spirit that generates with the day stem, it will not harm people; however, if theInauspicious Sha are too heavy, this small help is insufficient. For divination regarding official matters, it is unfavorable for the Teng Snake and White Tiger to overcome the day stem, as both are spirits associated with bloodshed.

占墓宅，看白虎臨何方，斷其方有岩石、神廟之象。占行人以虎為準，初傳立至，中傳在途，末傳失約未來。虎帶喪吊加支，主家喪服，或外服入宅。傳中見虎，須干有服人。

When divining about a tomb or residence, one should look to where the White Tiger is located to determine if there is a rock or temple in that direction. When divining about waiting for a traveler, the White Tiger is also the key: if the White Tiger is in the first transmission, the person will arrive soon; if in the middle transmission, the person is still on the way; if in the final transmission, the person will not come. If the White Tiger is combined with the Mourning-and-Condolence spirit and the Funeral Guest evil stars on the day branch, it indicates that the family will have to wear mourning clothes, or that someone else's mourning will enter the home. If the White Tiger appears in the three transmissions, there must be someone wearing mourning clothes in the direction of the day stem.

占天時，虎主大風。虎仰視凶惡之甚，治四孟是也。虎遭擒免災，太歳類合治寅午戌是也。虎旺上主哭泣遭官事，相上逺使怨仇相爭事，死病疾死喪事，囚血光沉淪獄訟事，休有疾病。

Divination about weather indicates that the White Tiger signifies strong winds. "The White Tiger looking up" is a veryvicious pattern, located at the four Meng positions:寅, 申, 巳, and 亥. "The White Tiger being captured" can avoid disaster, positioned in harmony with the Tai Su at the three positions:寅, 午, and 戌. Further, according to the four seasonal energies: if the White Tiger is in a旺 position, it indicates crying and legal troubles; in a相 position, it indicates messengers from afar and disputes with enemies; in a死 position, it indicates illness and death; in a囚 position, it indicates bloodshed and imprisonment; and in a休 position, it indicates only some illness.

白虎道路，官災疾病。溺水亥子，望音書不至；焚身巳午，雖災禍反昌。臨門兮卯酉，傷折人口；伏野兮丑未，損失牛羊。登山在寅，掌生殺之柄；落穽在戌，脫桎梏之殃。銜牒在申，立可待其有喜；咥人在辰，終不見其為祥。

The White Tiger governs roads and also signifies official calamities and diseases. If it falls in亥 or子, it is called 'drowning in water,' meaning expected letters or news will not arrive. If it falls in巳 or午, it is called 'burning the body,' indicating though there will be misfortune, the outcome will eventually turn favorable. If it falls in卯 or酉, it is called 'at the gate,' meaning there will be injuries among family members. If it falls in丑 or未, it is called 'hidden in the wild,' meaning cattle and sheep will be lost. If it falls in寅, it is called 'mountain climbing,' meaning one can control life and death. If it falls in戌, it is called 'falling into a pit,' meaning one will instead escape punishment and imprisonment. If it falls in申, it is called 'receiving a document,' meaning good news will arrive while standing. If it falls in辰, it is called 'biting people,' meaning being bitten by a tiger, ultimately leading to no good fortune.

金到水沉溺，故望信不至。一雲在亥主有孕婦。巳午火克金，主反禍為福。一雲虎乘魁罡加巳午主孝服，或干孝人事。

The White Tiger belongs to metal, and when metal sinks into water, it disappears, so the expected message does not arrive. There is another explanation that the White Tiger in the亥 position indicates there is a pregnant woman in the family. The巳 and午 belong to fire, which can overcome metal, melting away the White Tiger's malevolent nature, thus turning misfortune into good fortune. Another view suggests that the White Tiger rides on the魁 (戌) and罡 (辰), and is placed above the巳 and午, indicating matters related to mourning or assisting someone in mourning.

未伏穴難動，酉當路俱老幼疾病。丑未為田野，故損牛羊。又云，丑日直視有求望。一雲防害。未亦名登山。主進用有權。滯中得速。虎登山主生財，人口有傷。一云，蛇虎臨寅梁，折屋壊落；穽亦主反禍為福。一雲在戌閉目，戌為白虎兮犬驚，乃正位為銜牒，主道途信通。又云，申酉俱爭訟，辰凶惡，故咥人，主官災刑戮，又名夜行，凶。

The White Tiger falling on Wei is like being crouched in a cave, difficult to move; falling on You is at the crossroads, both situations indicate illness in the elderly and children. Chou and Wei are fields, so they indicate loss of cattle and sheep; another view says that on Chou day, the White Tiger looking directly may bring hope; there is also a warning to be cautious of harm. Wei is also called "mountain climbing," indicating promotion and holding real power, and originally stagnant matters may speed up. The White Tiger climbing mountains brings wealth, but there will be injury to family members. Another view says that if the Teng Snake and White Tiger are present on the beam of the寅 position, the house will suffer damage and collapse; the "falling into a pit" position also indicates turning misfortune into good fortune. Another view states that the White Tiger in Xu is called "closed eyes," as Xu belongs to the dog, and seeing a tiger would cause fear; Shen is the original position of the White Tiger, and when it falls here it is called "biting a document," indicating smooth communication on roads. There is also a view that Shen and You both indicate disputes; Chen isvicious, so it is called "biting people," indicating official disasters and punishments, and this position is also called "night travel," which is凶.

後五白虎廷尉宰，孝服疾病獄囚縈。君子失官流血恐，小人殺傷致身傾。旺相相生惟損失，死囚刑剋慮沉溟。病者目頭癰疽苦，祟犯傷鬼祭乃寧。

The White Tiger, ranking fifth after the Nobleman, holds the position of the chief of the Imperial Court of Justice, governing matters of mourning attire, illness, and imprisonment. If a gentleman draws this divination, he fears losing his post and suffering bloodshed; if a petty person draws it, he faces danger of injury or even death. When the White Tiger is in a prosperous and strong state and is mutually generated by the day stem, the loss is not great; but if it falls in the area of death qi or imprisonment qi and is subjected to punishment and suppression, one must worry about being unable to rise again. When divining about illness, the sufferer experiences eye problems, headaches, and boils; when asking about supernatural disturbances, it indicates a conflict with ghosts of sudden death and injury, and only after worship will there be peace.

於人為病、人孝子，於祟兵死客鬼，於病癰腫、頭目見血、憂驚，於五榖麥麻，於獸猿猴虎之屬，又為金銅、鐵闕之器，變異為劔傷形，色白，數七。

The White Tiger's class deity: In terms of people, it represents the sick and the son in mourning wearing丧服. In terms of ghosts and spirits, it represents the solitary souls who died by weapons and are not from the local area. In terms of diseases, it represents boils and abscesses, bleeding from the head and eyes, and anxiety and fear. In terms of grains, it represents wheat and flax. In terms of animals, it represents apes, monkeys, and tigers. In terms of objects, it represents metal, copper, and iron items. When strange phenomena appear, they often take the form of swords and knives injuring people. The color is white, and the number is seven.

太常在天為太常卿，一雲少府，雷部中養物之雨，淑氣之風。位居後四，家己未，土旺四季各十八日，吉將也。太常己未燥土，為四時之喜神，和八節之嘉會，動遵禮樂為司察之官，職在禮樂榖帛之權。得地則為衣物、財帛、田園、寳貨，失地則退蔵屯剝，牙保、媒人。愛貴、合、後，畏蛇、空。

Tai Chang in the heavens is the Tai Chang卿, also known as the Lesser Office, and in the Thunder Department, it governs the rain that nurtures all things and the harmonious winds that bring gentle weather. It is ranked fourth after the Nobleman. Its native branch is Jiwei, belonging to the Earth element. It is strong for eighteen days at the end of each season. It is a favorable general. Tai Chang is paired with Jiwei, representing dry earth, which is the auspicious deity in the four seasons. It can harmonize the auspicious meetings of the eight festivals, and its actions follow the rites and music. It serves as an inspector, holding authority over rites, music, grain, silk, and cloth. When it is in a favorable position, it governs clothing, wealth, farmland, and treasures; when it is in an unfavorable position, it retreats and remains hidden, with blockages and difficulties, and it can only become an intermediary or a matchmaker. Tai Chang favors the Nobleman, Liu He, and Heavenly Empress, but fears Teng Snake and Tian Kong.

太常主文章、印綬、公裳、服飾、信息、交關、酒食、宴樂、絹帛、田地、五榖之屬。其戾主乖違、失公私文字、竊盜、衣裳、哭泣、不美、公私、牢繫。占官最喜此將，終始見太常、天驛二馬、印綬之卦，所求遂意。如傳見河魁、太常，主兩重印綬；葢河魁為印，太常為綬也。

Tai Chang governs matters concerning writings, seals, official robes, clothing, news, communication, feasts and banquets, silk and cloth, land, and the five grains. When it acts abnormally and causes harm, it indicates affairs going awry, loss of official and private documents, theft, loss of clothing, crying, ill fortune and ugliness, as well as imprisonment of both public and private parties. When seeking official positions, this hexagram is most favorable: if Tai Chang appears at both the beginning and end of the divination, and if the two horses, Heavenly Horse and Post-horse, along with the seal are included in the hexagram, the desired outcome will certainly be achieved. If in the three transmissions, Hekui (Xu) and Tai Chang appear together, it signifies two seals—since Hekui represents the seal and Tai Chang represents the sash for the seal, their combination indicates the complete possession of the seal.

占得太常發用，更臨日辰門戸者，為印綬星動，君子遇之，決主印綬文字之喜。旺相相生，遷官轉職，即小人亦主媒妁婚姻。休囚刑剋，則財帛不安，貨物不足。太常被剝，百事消爍。春辰、夏酉、秋卯、冬巳是也。太常旺主貴人財物，酒食婚禮喜事；相祠祀、衣裳、婚事；死諡贈、財帛、囚、縣官、召命；休有病人、衣服、錢物，披刑帶殺，其事速成。

If the Tai Chang is used as the first transmission and is located at the day, hour, or gate position, it indicates the movement of the official seal star. When a gentleman encounters this, it signifies good fortune related to official documents. If Tai Chang is riding a prosperous and strong energy and is in harmony with the day stem, it indicates promotion or transfer of position; even for common people, it signifies successful marriages. If Tai Chang is weak and confined and is subjected to punishment or conflict, then finances will be unstable and goods will be insufficient. "Tai Chang being stripped" is aInauspicious Pattern indicating the decline of all affairs. Its positioning is: in spring at Chen, in summer at You, in autumn at Mao, and in winter at Si. According to the four seasons' energies, if Tai Chang rides a prosperous energy, it indicates good fortune related to nobleman's wealth and food, wine, and weddings; if it rides a harmonious energy, it indicates worship, clothing, and marriage; if it rides a death energy, it indicates posthumous titles and inherited wealth; if it rides a confined energy, it indicates summoning by the government; if it rides a resting energy, it relates to illness, clothing, and money. If it is accompanied by punishment and malevolent influences, these matters will occur more quickly.

太常筵宴，酒食相奉。遭枷在子，必值決罰；側目在寅，須遭佞讒。遺冠在卯也，財物損失。逆命在戍也，尊卑起訟。銜杯在申，受爵在丑，必進職而遷官。鑄印在巳，捧觴在未，或徵召與喜慶。午乗軒，有改拜之恩。辰佩印，有再遷之命。亥為聘詔，上雖善而必慮下憎。酉作券書，始雖順而堤防後競。

Tai Chang governs banquets, feasts, and the serving of wine and food. If it falls in Zi, it is called 'Zao Jia,' indicating certain punishment. If it falls in Yin, it is called 'Ce Mu,' meaning inevitable slander. If it falls in Mao, it is called 'Wei Guan,' indicating loss of wealth. If it falls in Xu, it is called 'Nie Ming,' suggesting disputes between superiors and inferiors. If it falls in Shen, it is called 'Xian Bei,' and if it falls in Chou, it is called 'Shou Jue,' both indicating promotion in position and advancement in officialdom. If it falls in Si, it is called 'Zhu Yin,' and if it falls in Wei, it is called 'Peng Shang,' either indicating a summons or a joyful event. If it falls in Wu, it is called 'Cheng Xuan,' suggesting a change of post and special favor. If it falls in Chen, it is called 'Pei Yin,' indicating another appointment for promotion. If it falls in Hai, it is called 'Pin Zhao,' meaning recognition from above but caution needed against jealousy from below. If it falls in You, it is called 'Quan Shu,' suggesting initial smoothness but caution against future disputes.

子水旺，土囚，故名荷項，因酒食與人決罰。寅木克土，故小人側目加讒。太常為衣冠，卯木克之，故遺失。戌一名入獄，故尊卑不和。申為杯，丑為貴人，故銜杯而受爵。巳為印，未為酒食，故鑄印而捧觴。未又名列席，丑亦名列席，俱有資財之喜。午為相地，故乘軒。辰土近巳，故佩印。辰一名枷項。

The earth branch Zi is a place where water is strong, and the earth element is thus restrained, so it is called "Héxiàng," like having a collar with a yoke. This often results from disputes over drinking and eating with others, leading to punishment. The earth branch Yin belongs to wood, which can overcome earth, so there is suspicion and slander from small people. Tai Chang represents clothing and official rank, and the earth branch Mao, also belonging to wood, overcomes it, causing the loss of clothing and official rank. The earth branch Xu is also called "Rùyù," indicating disorder between superiors and inferiors. The earth branch Shen resembles a wine cup, and the earth branch Chou is the position of the nobleman. Together, they form the image of holding a cup to receive a drink. The earth branch Si is a place for casting seals, and the earth branch Wei represents wine and food. Together, they form the image of casting a seal and holding a cup. The earth branch Wei is also called "Liexi," and the earth branch Chou is also called "Liexi," indicating good fortune in wealth from both places. The earth branch Wu can generate earth, which is the location of Tai Chang, so it is called "Chéngxuān." The earth branch Chen belongs to earth and is adjacent to the earth branch Si, which is the seal position, so it is called "Peiyan." However, the earth branch Chen is also called "Jiàxiàng."

亥乃絳宮貴人之闕，上人喜，但未土克亥水，故慮下憎。酉為秋分之故，劵出後必有競也，主陰人喜，且防後爭。

The亥 branch represents the Red Palace, which is also where the Nobleman's palace is located, so the superior is pleased. However, the Tai Chang is originally associated with Jiwei, which belongs to the earth element, and earth controls water, so there is still need to be cautious about the lower people's resentment. The酉 branch corresponds to the autumn equinox, when the year begins to turn towards gathering and storing. Once a contract is established at this time, disputes are likely to arise later. Therefore, Tai Chang in酉 indicates joy from the female side, but one must also be careful to prevent disputes afterwards.

後四官為太常卿，田園財帛彩鮮眀。君子遷官榮爵貴，小人媒嫂酒逢迎。旺相相生婚吉慶，死囚刑剋失財驚。病者四肢頭腹疾，祟縁新鬼可求親。

The official Tai Chang, who holds the position of Tai Chang卿, is located fourth after the Nobleman. He governs fields, wealth, and bright silk and brocade. If a gentleman divines this, it indicates promotion and increased rank, honor and prestige. If a petty person divines this, it signifies the matchmaker arranging a marriage and social gatherings involving food and drink. When Tai Chang is in a prosperous and strong state and is mutually generated by the day stem, it indicates a favorable marriage. However, if it falls in the death qi or imprisoned qi and is subjected to punishment or suppression, it leads to financial loss and alarm. When divining illness, it indicates ailments in the limbs, head, and abdomen. When questioning supernatural disturbances, the cause is the ghost of a recently deceased person, and one can seek resolution by praying to relatives.

於人為貴人、貧婦；於祟司命，又新化鬼；於病四肢，頭腹不寜；於五榖為麻，於獸為鴈羊之屬，變異為金石、文華、耳目、毛髮之類，味可食，形圓，色黃，數八。

The class deity of Tai Chang: in terms of people, it represents the Nobleman and a poor woman. In terms of ghosts and spirits, it represents the Director of Destiny and also the ghost of someone who has recently died. In terms of illness, it represents ailments of the limbs and discomfort in the head and abdomen. In terms of grains, it represents sesame. In terms of animals, it represents geese and sheep. When strange phenomena appear, they are related to metal and stone, ornamental decorations, or things connected to the ears, eyes, hair, and fur. The taste is pleasant, the shape is round, the color is yellow, and the number is eight.

玄武在天為後軍，一雲又將軍，雷部中為苦雨神。位居後三，家癸亥，水旺冬三月，凶將也。玄武純陰之水，倚干輔坎，陰極之位，北方至陰之邪氣也。能終萬物，職將軍。得地則禦侮之官，專耗散之權；失地則奸盜賊害，不祥。抱不正之氣，妖邪六窮之鬼氣，當六甲之窮，位在四時之盡。愛龍、蛇、雀，畏空、勾，惡立魁罡。

Xuanwu (also written as Yuanwu in this book) governs the rear army in the heavens, and is also said to be called General. In the Thunder Department, it serves as the deity of the rain that brings hardship. It is ranked third after the Nobleman. Its native branch is Guihai, and it belongs to the Water element. It is most powerful during the third month of winter. It is aInauspicious General (malevolent general). Xuanwu is pure Yin water, relying on the Qian position to assist the Kan palace. It is located in the position of extreme Yin energy, representing the most阴 (Yin) and evil qi in the north. It can end all things. As a general, when it has a strong position, it is a military official defending against external threats, specializing in the power of dispersal; when it loses its position, it becomes a source of theft, fraud, and harm, bringing no good fortune. It carries improper qi, being the ghostly qi of the six poor spirits. It appears at the end of the six jia cycles, located at the end of the four seasons. Xuanwu prefers to travel with Qinglong, Tengsnake, and Zhuque, but fears Tiankong and Gouchen, and most dislikes being placed on the positions of Kuai (Xu) and Gang (Chen).

玄武主聰明多智、文章巧伎、求望財物、干謁貴人。其戾主失脫、盜賊、奸詐、小人、女子、陰私、不明、走失、疾病、鬼魅、夢想、離別等事。武主鬼扇，其為事多浮泛難成。武在江湖則主風雲，在道路則主雨水。武與財星並，主財聚散，或亡失稽滯，少成多敗。如其旺相相生，則主交易財物，或作牙儈斷之。

The positive aspect of Xuanwu indicates intelligence, skill in literature and craftsmanship, and is associated with seeking wealth and seeking the favor of noblemen. When Xuanwu acts abnormally and causes harm, it signifies theft, fraud, small people, women, private matters, ambiguity, loss of people or objects, illness, ghosts, dreams, and separation. Xuanwu represents hidden spirits that stir up trouble, so matters handled by Xuanwu are often superficial and difficult to achieve. When Xuanwu is in the position of rivers and lakes, it indicates the rise of storms and clouds; when it is in the position of roads, it indicates heavy rain. If Xuanwu is combined with the wealth element, it suggests that wealth is gathered and then lost, or lost and delayed, with little success and much failure. If Xuanwu is in a prosperous and strong state and is generated by the day stem, it can be interpreted as related to trade or considered as a middleman or broker.

凡占盜賊，須責元武之三傳。先以元武為本傳，次看元武之陰為苐二傳，謂之盜神；而盜神有所生為蔵物潛居之處也。又須看盜神之陰，為苐三傳。此三處神將相生，上得吉將，其賊難獲；若三傳神將相剋有凶，當主敗露；又看人年上神與日，剋制元武者亦獲。

When divining about theft, one must trace the three transmissions of the Black Tortoise. First, take the Black Tortoise itself as the first transmission. Then look at the yin spirit above the Black Tortoise, which is the second transmission, known as the "Thief God," representing the thief himself. The spirit that is generated by the Thief God indicates the place where the stolen goods are hidden and where the thief resides. Next, examine the yin spirit of the Thief God as the third transmission. If the three spirits are mutually generating and the spirits above are auspicious, the thief is difficult to catch. If the three transmissions are mutually controlling each other and carry ominous signs, the thief is likely to be exposed. Additionally, one should also consider the spirit riding on the person's year pillar and the day stem. If either can control the Black Tortoise, the thief can be caught.

凡卦忌武臨日辰，或日辰作武，逆理剋日辰者，俱防盜賊失脫，亦不宜與小人交易，恐有脫賺；不然其宅有陰人乘門戸不利也；如順理，旺相相生，不在此限。

Whenever a hexagram is cast, it is undesirable for the Black Tortoise to be present on the day stem or day branch, or for the day stem or day branch itself to transform into the Black Tortoise. It is even more undesirable if the Black Tortoise acts against the natural order and comes torestrain the day stem or day branch. If such configurations occur, one should be cautious about theft and loss, and avoid transactions with petty people to prevent being deceived. Alternatively, it may indicate that a woman in the household is occupying the main position, which is unfavorable for the family. However, if the Black Tortoise acts in accordance with the natural order, is in a prosperous and strong state, and is mutually generated with the day stem, then these prohibitions do not apply.

占走失人物，元武附德，更臨日辰，逃歸獲。元武臨門戶，更直昴星者，必主失脫，官家當主牢獄走失；若直刑害，罪人自犯。元武橫截、盜賊、兵傷，順行亥子是也。《未明》又云：武並風伯雨師二神，必有盜賊。元武旺主貴人遺失財物事，相繫官失財事，死盜賊死亡事，囚盜賊囚繫事，休亡失病人財物事。

Divination for missing people or lost objects: If the Black Tortoise is attached to the virtue god and is positioned on the day or hour, the missing person will return by themselves and lost items can be recovered. If the Black Tortoise is positioned at the gate or entrance and coincides with the昴 star lesson, it definitely indicates theft and escape. If the official court divines this, it suggests someone escaping from prison. If the Black Tortoise is in the position of punishment and harm, it indicates the criminal himself committing the crime. "Black Tortoise intercepting" indicates thieves and injuries from weapons, and the method is to count from亥 and子 in a clockwise direction. The book "Weiming" also states: if the Black Tortoise is together with the wind god and rain god, there will certainly be thieves. According to the four seasonal energies: if the Black Tortoise is in a strong position, it indicates the loss of property by a nobleman; if in a prosperous position, it indicates involvement in litigation, being detained, and financial loss; if in a dead position, it indicates thieves causing death; if in a restrained position, it indicates thieves being detained; if in a resting position, it indicates the loss of property by a sick person.

元武遺陰賊走失。散髮在子，有捕盜之心。升堂在丑，有干求之意。愛寅兮入林而難尋，惡辰兮失路而自制。窺戶在卯也，家有盜賊；反顧在巳也，虛見怖驚。在亥名伏蔵，則隱於深邃之鄉；在未為不戒，則敗於酒食之地。截路在午，拔劔在酉，懐惡反傷；折足在申，遭囚在戌，失勢可得。

Xuanwu governs secret theft and the loss of people. If it falls in Zi, it is called 'Spreading Hair,' indicating a desire to apprehend thieves. If it falls in Chou, it is called 'Entering the Hall,' indicating an intention to make a request. It prefers Yin, and once it enters the forest, it becomes difficult to find. It dislikes Chen, and once it arrives there, one becomes lost and constrained. If it falls in Mao, it is called 'Peeping at the Door,' indicating there is a thief in the house. If it falls in Si, it is called 'Looking Back,' which is just a false alarm. If it falls in Hai, it is called 'Hidden Retreat,' indicating hiding in a deep place. If it falls in Wei, it is called 'No Restraint,' indicating trouble from alcohol and food. If it falls in Wu, it is called 'Blocking the Path,' and if it falls in You, it is called 'Drawing the Sword,' indicating malicious intent that harms oneself. If it falls in Shen, it is called 'Broken Foot,' and if it falls in Xu, it is called 'Captured,' indicating thieves lose power and stolen goods can be recovered.

子曰過海，出入進退。丑曰立云，賊、失物、欺詐、干求。在寅，一說和諧之地，不為災。在辰主官事，一雲魁罡乘武奴婢逃亡。在巳，一雲跣足，進身之象，有人舉薦。未曰朝天，宜於貴。亥主損官。在午、酉，賊不宜攻。一雲午為失劔，不為害。又曰：元武午未兮轉職。申主賊現形，又橫劔，主害人。一說武乘玄子申，加卯酉，絶傷。

Xuanwu in Zi is called "Governing the Sea," indicating movement and return, with the ability to advance or retreat. In Chou it is called "Standing Cloud," relating to thieves, lost property, fraud, and requests. In Yin, it is said to be a harmonious place, not causing disaster. In Chen, it governs legal disputes; another saying states that the魁 (Xu) and 罡 (Chen) with Xuanwu indicate servants fleeing. In Si, it is called "Barefoot," indicating an opportunity for advancement, with someone recommending. In Wei, it is called "Facing Heaven," suitable for meeting noblemen. In Hai, it indicates loss of official position. When in Wu or You, thieves should not attack; another saying states that Wu is "Lost Sword," not causing harm; another statement says that Xuanwu in Wu or Wei indicates a change in position. In Shen, thieves reveal their true forms, and this position is also called "Crossed Sword," indicating injury. Another saying states that Xuanwu in Zi or Shen, combined with positions in Mao or You, indicates destruction and harm.

後三玄武后將軍，盜賊奸邪獄訟陳。君子奴逃車馬失，常人家破戶門淫。相生健旺傷財畜，互克衰絶喪繫迍。病者患腰兼脹滿，祟殃河伯溺潭神。

TheBlack Tortoise, which is the third after theNobleman, is the general in charge of the rear army, governing theft, wickedness, and disputes in court. If a gentleman draws this, it indicates servants fleeing and vehicles and horses being lost; if a common person draws this, it signifies the collapse of family fortune and disorder within the household. IfBlack Tortoise and theDay Stem are mutually generating and strong, it indicates loss of property and livestock; if they are mutually controlling and weak, it indicates death, imprisonment, and hardship. In a divination about illness, it suggests lower back pain and abdominal distension; the malevolent spirits involved are the river god and the water spirits who drowned in ponds.

於人盜賊，邪視，小人；於祟河伯、水神；一雲廁鬼於病，心腹脹滿；一雲患腰，於五榖為豆，於獸狳豬之屬，又為蟲，於水中連鱗甲文章之物，變異為內虛女子之物，色黒，數四。

The spiritual counterpart of Xuanwu is associated with thieves, people with slanted eyes, and petty persons in terms of people. In terms of ghosts and spirits, it represents the river god and water deity, and is sometimes said to represent the ghost of the厕神 (toilet god). In terms of diseases, it represents fullness in the chest and abdomen, or alternatively, lower back pain. In terms of grains, it represents beans. In terms of animals and creatures, it represents pigs and other similar animals, as well as insects, and creatures with scales and patterns in water. When strange occurrences appear, it signifies hollow objects and women's utensils. Its color is black, and its number is four.