Ji Tai Men

用起日辰俱旺相用神旺相為一光，日辰旺相為二光，傳中復有吉神併為三光也。三光並立無相剋，作事多歡病者輕。縱逢凶將無憂患，囚繫官災事不停。六月戊寅寅時課，三傳俱旺貴人榮。

The initiating transmission god coincides with the day stem and day branch, both being prosperous and strong. The commentary says that when the useful god is prosperous and strong, it is one light; when the day branch is prosperous and strong, it is two lights. Among the three transmissions, if good gods are present together, it is three lights. When the three lights are established together and do not mutually control each other, things tend to be pleasant, and the illness of the person is mild. Even if aInauspicious General (malevolent general) appears, it does not become a worry. Even if there is detention or legal trouble, the matter will not continue endlessly. For example, on a day of Wuyin (戊寅) in June, when the class is started at the hour of Yin (寅), all three transmissions are prosperous, the nobleman is powerful, which is a sign of honor and prosperity.

天乙順行為正理一陽，日辰有氣復居前日辰有氣在天乙膠為二陽。立用之神兼旺相三陽，三陽吉慶保安然。上下相生神將吉，出行有利職高遷。病解訟伸諸事吉，縱逢凶將亦無愆郭本作“縱逢刑高官厚祿亦無愆。” 。

Heavenly General is in a favorable position and moves in the correct direction, which is one yang; the day stem and day branch have vitality and are located before the nobleman, which is two yang. The original text here says 「在天乙胶」, where 「胶」should be 「前」, and we follow it without correction; the initiating transmission god possesses the qualities of prosperity and strength, which is three yang. With all three yang in place, auspiciousness naturally follows, ensuring safety. Mutual generation occurs between upper and lower, and the riding general is also favorable, making travel advantageous. Promotion in official position is possible. Illness can be cured, legal disputes can be resolved, and all matters are auspicious; even if encountering an evil general, there will be no mistakes. The Guo edition states 「纵逢刑高官厚禄亦无愆」.

三奇發用逐旬行，兩處區分共一名一卦有兩般奇，一卦有兩般名。甲午甲申神后是，寅辰二甲在登明。子戌旬中成大吉，不忌殺之並與刑以上一段不忌刑殺。甲日勝光乙日巳，支逆隨行己丑停甲日在午，乙日在巳，從午逆午至丑住，至丑迴向未上起庚為奇。

The Three Marvels are calculated according to the ten-day periods, divided into two types: the旬奇 (period marvel) and the干奇 (stem marvel), yet they share the same name. The annotations state that within one hexagram there can be two marvels, and also two names. In the Jiawu period and Jiashen period, the marvels are in Shenhou (Zi); in the Jiayin period and Jiachen period, the marvels are in Dengming (Hai); in the Jiazi period and Jiaxu period, the marvels are in Daji (Chou). When the period marvel is used, there is no need to avoid the killing god or the punishment. The annotations say that the above passage refers to not avoiding punishment and killing. As for the stem marvel: on the Jia day, the marvel is in Shengguang (Wu); on the Yi day, it is in Si. Then the counting proceeds in reverse order of the earthly branches until it stops at Chou on the Ji day. The annotations say that on the Jia day, the marvel is in Wu; on the Yi day, it is in Si, and counting in reverse from Wu until Chou, then returning to Wei, the marvels are counted from the Geng day.

庚卻順流奇在未，癸盡天魁總有靈庚日在未，順行癸日到戌。占值兩奇皆喜悅，傳內天官更要精兩奇得一即吉，一卦有兩般奇，旬奇，甲午甲神旬在子，甲寅甲辰旬在亥，甲子甲戌旬在丑。干奇，甲日在午，乙日在巳，丙日在辰，丁日在卯，戊日在寅，己日在丑，庚日在未，辛日在申，壬日在酉，癸日在戌。

Starting from the day of Geng, the sequence proceeds in a forward direction. The odd position falls on Wei, and counting sequentially until the day of Gui, the odd position ends at "Tiankui" (Heavenly General) at Xu. This is very effective. The annotation states that on the day of Geng, the odd position is on Wei, and proceeding forward to the day of Gui reaches Xu. When casting a divination and encountering these two odd positions, it is considered a favorable event; however, the Heavenly Generals accompanying the three transmissions should be carefully distinguished. The annotation says that obtaining either of these two odd positions is auspicious, and a single hexagram may contain both types of odd positions. The旬奇 (ten-day odd) is: in the Jia Wu ten-day period and Jia Shen ten-day period, it is at Zi; in the Jia Yin ten-day period and Jia Chen ten-day period, it is at Hai; in the Jia Zi ten-day period and Jia Xu ten-day period, it is at Chou. The干奇 (dry odd) is: on the day of Jia, it is at Wu; on the day of Yi, it is at Si; on the day of Bing, it is at Chen; on the day of Ding, it is at Mao; on the day of Wu, it is at Yin; on the day of Ji, it is at Chou; on the day of Geng, it is at Wei; on the day of Xin, it is at Shen; on the day of Ren, it is at You; on the day of Gui, it is at Xu.

六儀一段居旬首，甲子旬中神后為。更復子當從午配旬儀即旬首；支儀，子日起午，丑日在巳，逆行至丑上得巳是也，逆行相配逐辰移。驅來巳日終於丑，午還居未順求之午日未，未日申，順數行之。用得此神名善卦，又須傳末吉相隨凡用神將得六儀，終傳神將又大吉，乃始終有慶也。支儀，子日在午，丑日在巳，寅日在辰，卯日在卯，辰日在寅，巳日在丑，午日在未，未日在申，申日在酉，酉日在戌，戌日在亥，亥日在子。

The Six Instruments have two types. One type is the beginning of each ten-day period, for example, in the Jiazi period, the instrument is located at Shenhou (Zi). The other type is the branch instruments: starting from the Zi day paired with the Wu day, the text says that the period instrument is the beginning of the period; the branch instrument starts from Zi day at Wu, Chou day at Si, and proceeds in reverse order, so on Chou day it is at Si. This is arranged in reverse order, following the movement of the day branch. It continues until the Si day ends at Chou, and on the Wu day it returns to Wei, then proceeds in forward order, as the text says Wu day is at Wei, Wei day is at Shen, and so on in forward order. When the initiating transmission comes into contact with the Six Instruments, it is a good hexagram; it is also necessary for the final transmission to be favorable. The text says that whenever the useful god and the riding heavenly general are among the Six Instruments, and the final transmission's heavenly general is also Daji (Chou), then it is a fortunate outcome throughout. The complete table of branch instruments is: Zi day at Wu, Chou day at Si, Yin day at Chen, Mao day at Mao, Chen day at Yin, Si day at Chou, Wu day at Wei, Wei day at Shen, Shen day at You, You day at Xu, Xu day at Hai, Hai day at Jiazi.

天乙加來乘旺相，臨在行年與日辰。發用傳中吉有氣，即是從前富貴人。中遇凶神近榮顯，但看青龍足寶珍末傳吉將，求官顯達也。

Heavenly Ethical Person (Tian Yi Guiren) is present and riding on the prosperous and strong energy, falling on the year stem or day stem and day branch; if the initiating transmission and the three transmissions are all auspicious deities with good energy, then it is someone who was originally wealthy and noble. Even if the middle transmission meets a malevolent deity, it does not hinder approaching honor and distinction; as long as the Azure Dragon is seen, there will be plenty of treasures and wealth. The commentary says that if the final transmission has a favorable general, seeking official position will lead to success.

印綬兩般俱用見天魁、太常悉為印 綬。又云：天魁為印，太常為綬。上兩般初用，但得其一，亦是吉卦，齊臨甚美，四驛馬因傳內逢四驛馬者，太歲、月建、日辰、行年。假如二月建卯，驛馬在巳，行年立子，驛馬在寅是也。餘仿此。值此名為管爵卦，終吉何憂選不通傳終若得吉神將者，求官入選，遷改並通也？

The appearance of both "印" (seal) and "绶" (sash) is most favorable. The commentary states that seeing "天魁" (Heavenly Guardian) at 戌 (Xu) and Tai Chang (Tai Chang) are considered as 印 and 缶. Another interpretation is that 天魁 represents 印 and Tai Chang represents 缶. If either of these two is involved in the Initiating Transmission (initiating transmission), it is already a favorable卦 (divination chart). If both appear together, it is even more auspicious. Adding the fourThe Post-horse (post-horse) further enhances the fortune. The commentary says that if the three transmissions contain fourThe Post-horse, it refers to theThe Post-horse associated with the 太岁 (heavenly stem), Month Builder (month builder), Day Branch (day branch), and 行年 (personal year). For example, if the month is February with Month Builder at 卯 (Mao), then theThe Post-horse is at 巳 (Si); if the 行年 falls at 子 (Zi), then theThe Post-horse is at 寅 (Yin), and so on. A divination chart with such a configuration is called "官爵卦" (official rank chart). Since the outcome is favorable, why worry about the difficulty of official selection? The commentary also states that if the Final Transmission (final transmission) is occupied by a good god or general, then seeking official positions, selection, and promotion will proceed smoothly.

紫微華蓋居神后華蓋星在紫微宮中，子位神后是也，天駟房星是太沖。太沖卯宮有駟房星，又為軒車。馬則勝光正月用勝光午為馬。天馬，正月午順行六陽，六陽行處順中同若傳中見天馬、驛馬者，皆吉卦。高蓋乘軒又騎馬，更得龍常祿位豐凡三傳午卯子，再得天馬，為高蓋乘軒卦。利占功名，傳中見青龍、太常，主官尊祿厚。

The star 'Huagai' in the Purple Forbidden Enclosure falls on the 'Shenhou' position of Zi. The annotation says that the Huagai star is within the Purple Forbidden Palace, which is the Zi position of Shenhou. The Tian Si Fang star falls on the 'Taichong' position of Mao. The annotation says that the Taichong position of Mao contains four stars of Fang Su, resembling four horses, and symbolizing a chariot. As for the horse, it takes 'Shengguang' of Wu. The annotation says that in the first month, Shengguang of Wu is used as the horse. The Heavenly Horse begins in the first month at Wu, and proceeds through the six yang branches. Whenever the three transmissions include the Heavenly Horse or the Post-horse, it is a favorable hexagram. With both a high carriage and a Huagai, being able to ride a horse, and also having the Azure Dragon and Tai Chang, one will have abundant official rank and salary. The annotation says that whenever the three transmissions are Wu, Mao, and Zi, and the Heavenly Horse is present, it forms the 'High Cover Riding Chariot Hexagram', which is most favorable for questioning about official rank. If the three transmissions include the Azure Dragon and Tai Chang, it indicates a high official position and generous salary.

庚辛共處為斤斧二金，卯木音稱立作車。太沖作用來金上，斷削修輪衣紫朱。傳內太常並印綬，六合青龍福慶餘太沖加申金為用，名曰斫輪。斷削之象也，宜占功名，忌空亡。

The two metals, Geng and Xin, gathered together represent the image of an axe or a chisel. The branch Mao belongs to wood, which is suitable for cutting and shaping a cart. When Taichong (Mao) initiates the transmission and is placed over the metal position, it shows the image of cutting wood and repairing the cart wheel. The owner will later be able to wear purple and red robes and hold a high official position. If within the three transmissions there is Tai Chang along with the seal, and also Liu He and Azure Dragon, the blessings and good fortune will be even greater. The commentary says that when Taichong (Mao) is placed on the metal Shen and initiates the transmission, it is called "Zhuo Lun," representing the image of cutting and shaping. It is favorable for divination regarding fame and achievement, but it should avoid falling into Kongwang.

天魁是印何為鑄？臨於巳丙冶之名。中有太沖車雙在，鑄印乘軒官爵成。傳中有氣將為速，復雙兼之驛馬並。太陰所主陰私立，天乙順行君令明三傳巳戌卯為鑄印。蓋巳為爐，戌為印，卯為模範故也。傳中又有太陰、六合，神將旺相相生，最宜求官，忌空亡。

The Heavenly Stem 戊 is the official seal. To calculate the casting of the seal, it needs to be located at the position of 巳 and 丙, which represent the furnace. If the position of Taichong (Mao) 卯 is also present, then the official seal is cast and the carriage is taken, leading to the achievement of official rank. If the three transmissions are in the current season and have vitality, and the Heavenly General is favorable, the result will be quick. If there is also the Post-horse present, the result will be even faster. Tai Yin represents secret assistance from private connections, and the Nobleman moving in the right direction indicates a clear imperial decree. The annotation says that if the three transmissions are 巳, 戌, and 卯, it forms the "Seal Casting Hexagram," because 巳 is the furnace, 戌 is the official seal, and 卯 is the model. Among the three transmissions, if there is also Tai Yin and Liu He, and the divine general is prosperous and strong with mutual generation, it is most suitable for seeking official positions. Only the falling into Kongwang is to be avoided.

太歲今朝作貴人，立用還須月將神。龍德卦宜干祿位，恩賜真官賀聖君太歲作貴人，月將發用，傳終又得吉將良神，官從詔出，亦真官也，大吉。

In that year, the Tai Su was exactly the Tian Yi Guiren, and the initiating transmission deity was precisely the month general. This is called the "Long De Hexagram." This hexagram is most favorable for seeking official rank, indicating receiving grace, being appointed to an actual position, and presenting congratulations to the emperor. The annotation states that when the Tai Su acts as Guiren, the month general initiates the transmission, and the final transmission also receives a favorable general and good deity, then the official position is conferred by imperial decree, belonging to an actual official appointment, which is Daji.

孟仲季古傳，尊卑位不偏。或是歲月日，累累月相連。皆曰連珠卦，事緒百盈千。凶則災不已，吉則慶纏綿。三傳同一處，謀干利成全。歲月日時建，順帶逆遲延。

The three transmissions follow in sequence as the four firsts, four seconds, and four thirds, a tradition passed down since ancient times, with the hierarchy of尊卑 arranged without bias. Alternatively, the sovereign year, month builder, and day branch are arranged consecutively, like beads strung together, which is called "connected bead hexagram." When this hexagram is divined, the matter involves numerous threads, hundreds or even thousands. If it is ominous, misfortunes will follow continuously; if it is auspicious, joy will last indefinitely. When the three transmissions converge together, endeavors and requests can be smoothly accomplished. The sovereign year, month builder, day branch, and hour builder, when arranged in order, will facilitate matters, but when reversed, they will cause delays.

音角，正月將，頭，室壁，豬狳熊。登明天術稟樓臺，賊盜傷人幼子哀。獄廁穢豬憂溺死，陰私管鑰召徵來。

"Mount Dengming" corresponds to Hai, belonging to the musical tone Gong. It is the month general for the first month, corresponding to the head in the human body, and in the star mansion it pairs with Encampment Mansion and Wall Mansion. In animals, it pairs with pigs, armadillos, and bears. Its mnemonic states: Mount Dengming governs astronomy and numerology, as well as towers, pavilions, and buildings. It also governs thieves harming people, children encountering difficulties, prisons, toilets, filth, pigs, and drowning death. Furthermore, it governs private and obscure matters, keys and locks, and being summoned or called upon.

水神也，始建徵，萬河資始，故曰登明天柱、，天旦，廁，獄，管鑰，神計，不淨，溺死，天奇，上客，夫人，小兒，徵召，殺賊，傷人，死喪，主豬。

The亥 branch belongs to the water deity, and it is the starting point of the twelve month builders' journey. All rivers and streams originate here, so it is called "Dengming." The categories of deities associated with it include: Heaven Pillar, Heaven Dawn, toilet, prison, lock and key, divine calculation, unclean things, drowning death, Heaven Oddity, superior guests, wife, child, summoning, killing and theft, injuring people, death and mourning, and in livestock it rules pigs. The original text here has an extra pause mark after "Heaven Pillar," but it is recorded as is without alteration.

音商，二月將，足，奎婁，狗豺狼。河魁印綬吏都官，壘土高墳集眾攢。德合婢奴兼長者，豺狼犬畜悉為歡。

The "Hekui" is戌, belonging to the Shang tone, and is the Month General for the second month. On the human body, it corresponds to the feet. In the star mansions, it pairs with the Legs mansion and the Bond mansion. In animals, it corresponds to dogs, jackals, and wolves. Its mnemonic says: Hekui governs official seals and officials, as well as clerks and government offices; it also governs building earth mounds, high burial mounds, and gatherings of people; it governs the deity of virtue, servants, and elderly people; whenever dogs, jackals, wolves, and other animals see it, they are happy.

土神也，萬物皆生根本，以類合日，故曰河魁印綬，奴僕，計都，獄吏，聚眾，長者，壘土，劍並，明水，地戶，兵神，德合，小兒，獄召，城鍾。

The Earthly Branch Xu belongs to the Earth deity, where all things take root. It combines with the day according to the principle of kindred elements, hence it is called "Hekui." The categories of deities associated with Xu include: official seal, servant, reckoning star, jailer, gathering people, elder, piled earth, sword and weapon, clear water, earth gate, war deity, virtuous harmony, child, summons in prison, and city bells and drums.

音商，三月將，耳，胃昴結，雞雉鳥。從魁金玉小刀錢，奴婢私陰近水邊。小麥九江並賞賜，雞禽解散不為緣。

"From Kuai" corresponds to the hour of You, belongs to the Shang tone in the five tones, and is the Month General for the third month. In the human body, it corresponds to the ears. In the Star Mansions, it pairs with the Stomach Mansion and the Hairy Head Mansion. In animals, it pairs with chickens, pheasants, and flying birds. Its mnemonic says: From Kuai governs gold and jade, small knives, and coins; it governs servants and secret affairs, with matters often occurring by water; it governs wheat, the waters of the Nine Rivers, and rewards. As for matters concerning scattered fowls and birds, it has no connection.

金神也，萬物皆發生長，枝葉莖從根而出，故曰從魁姨婢，宮女，小麥，神廟，私門，九江，金錢，刀鞘，尾吏，內門，大客，官祿，邊兵，玉匱，水澤，則。

The酉 (You) branch belongs to the metal element. At this point, all things have grown and developed, with branches, leaves, and stems emerging from the roots, hence it is called 「从魁」. The categories of spirits associated with it include: maternal aunts and servants, palace attendants, wheat, temples, private domains, the nine rivers, money, sword sheaths, low-ranking officials, inner gates, distinguished guests, official positions, border soldiers, jade chests, and marshes. The final character 「则」 does not fit the meaning, but the original text is as such, so it is recorded without alteration.

音宮，四月將，筋骨，觜參，猿猴狁傳送刀兵僧及醫，冤仇道路稅湖池。大麥守城喪碓磨，市賈劫攻田獵師。

"Chuansong" (Shen) corresponds to the Monkey. It belongs to the Palace tone in the five tones and is the Month General of the fourth month. In the human body, it corresponds to bones and sinews. In the Star mansion, it corresponds to the Turtle Beak mansion and the Three Stars mansion. In animals, it corresponds to apes and monkeys. Its mnemonic verse says: Chuansong governs weapons and warfare, monks and physicians; it governs disputes and enemies, roads and taxation, lakes and ponds; it governs barley, defending the city, funerals, and mortars and grinding stones; it also governs market traders, bandits and warfare, and hunters.

金神也，萬一物茂盛於氣，所傳而畢達，故曰傳送市賈，送遠，獵師，刀兵，大麥，仇怨，死喪，聚眾，刀師，城池，道路，天醫，天魁，湖池，稅買，民人，碓磨，盜賊。

Shen belongs to the metal deity, where the vital energy of all things is most flourishing. It passes through continuously, making everything connected and unobstructed, hence it is called 'Chuansong'. The categories of deities it governs include: merchants in the market, those sending people far away, hunters, weapons, barley, enmity, death and mourning, gatherings, weapon makers, cities, roads, Tianyi, Tiankui, lakes and ponds, tax-related transactions, common people, mortars and grinding stones, and thieves.

音徵，五月將，井鬼，鷹羊雁小吉姑姨婚禮儀，酒羊禮祝壽及神祗。白頭翁訟爭婆母，井泉天耳墓風師。

"Xiaoji" is associated with the hexagram Wei. It belongs to the fifth tone, Zheng, and is the lunar general of May. It corresponds to the star mansions of Well and Ghost, and to the animals of eagle, sheep, and goose. Its mnemonic verse states: Xiaoji governs maternal aunts and cousins, marriage ceremonies; it governs wine and sheep, worship and prayers, birthday offerings, and the gods of heaven and earth; it also governs old men with white hair involved in lawsuits, disputes with the mother-in-law; and it also governs wells, the heavenly ear, tombs, and the wind deity.

土神也，萬物小成，陰氣始生，以奉陽，故曰小吉也五味，姑嫂，主保，酒食，天乙，酒舍，天耳，風師，天井，公訟，婚姻，鉤鉅，冢墓，魁道，祈祝壽，家鬼，老婦，白頭翁。

The Earthly Branch 未 belongs to the Earth element, and at this point, all things have already achieved some degree of success. The Yin energy begins to emerge and supports the Yang energy, hence it is called "Xiaoji (Wei)." The categories of deities associated with this are: the five flavors, the relationship between a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law, the guardian, wine and food, Tianyi (a favorable deity), taverns, Tian'er (heavenly ear), Fengshi (wind deity), Tianjing (heavenly well), government and legal matters, marriage, hook and lever tools, tombs, Kui Dao (a deity of paths), prayers and blessings for longevity, household ghosts and spirits, old women, and elderly men with white hair.

音商，六月將，目，柳星張，獐馬鹿且光宮女信誠妃，善士通傳驚懼遺。土公田宅巫天目，使君亭長巷兵持。

"Shengguang" is associated with the hour of Wu, belongs to the Shang tone in the five tones, and is the month general for June. In human terms, it corresponds to the eyes and the eyesight. In the star mansions, it is paired with Willow Mansion, Star Mansion, and Extended Net Mansion. In animals, it corresponds to deer, horse, and elk. Its mnemonic states: Shengguang governs palace women, trustworthy people, and concubines; it also governs benevolent individuals who convey messages, as well as cases of fear and loss; it governs the earth deity, fields, houses, witches, and those with supernatural vision; it also governs officials, station masters, and people carrying weapons in streets and lanes. The original text here mistakenly writes "Qieguang" instead of "Shengguang," and this error is preserved as per the source.

火神也，萬一物長大，其根本愈於所在，故曰勝光小豆，田宅，賊兵，道路，驚恐，口舌，婦女，巷路，土公，信誠，善人，使君，亭長，天目，長，左。

The branch Wu belongs to the fire deity. At this point, all things have grown and taken form, and the fundamental strength surpasses the previous location, hence it is called "Shengguang." The deities associated with Wu include: small beans, farmland and houses, thieves and soldiers, roads, fear, disputes, women, streets and paths, the earth deity, integrity, good people, magistrates, station heads, heavenly eyes, and superiors and the left position.

音角，七月將，翼軫，蛇蚓蟬太乙蟬鳴蟲解散，賓姑罵詈弩喪車。賞賜灶爐管鑰等，橫禍非災弔客蛇。

Taiyi is in the巳 position, belonging to the Yu tone, and is the Month General for the seventh month. It corresponds to the Star mansions of Yi and Chen, and to the insects of snake, earthworm, and cicada. Its verse states: Taiyi governs cicadas' cries and the dispersion of insects; it governs guests and maternal aunts, scolding and quarrels, bows and arrows, and funeral carts; it governs rewards, stoves and hearths, and locks and keys; it also governs sudden calamities, unprovoked misfortunes, mourners, and snakes.

火神也，萬物畢秀，生穗結實，故曰太乙罵詈，非禍，姑，賞賜，關鑰，太乙，木公，賓客，解散，歌兒，灶，死喪。

The branch Si belongs to the Fire deity. At this point, all things sprout and bear fruit, hence it is called 'Taiyi'. The categories of deities associated with Si include: insults, sudden misfortunes, maternal aunt, rewards, gate and key, Taiyi deity, the Wood Lord, guests, dispersion, singers, kitchen hearth, and death and mourning.

音宮，八月將，胸，角亢，蛇龍蟲天罡本是魚龍物，欺詐網羅為惡人。戰鬥陂池二千石，虞官左目宰傷神。

Tiangang is Chen, belonging to the palace tone in the five sounds, and is the month general for the eighth month. In the human body, it corresponds to the chest. In the star mansions, it pairs with the Horn mansion and the Neck mansion. In the scale creatures, it corresponds to snakes and dragons. Its verse says: Tiangang originally symbolizes fish and dragons, aquatic creatures; it governs deceit and nets, and is associated with wicked people; it presides over conflicts and fighting, ponds and marshes, and officials with a salary of two thousand stones. It also oversees the officials in charge of mountains and marshes, the left eye, and the deities of slaughter and injury.

土神也，萬物關固根條，以定核堅，故曰天罡女娠，惡人，戰鬥，殺伐，死喪，金關，魚網，宰殺，天羅，死尸，主兵，欺詐，二千石，右天目，杻。

Chen belongs to the earth deity, where the roots and branches of all things are securely locked and the fruit kernels are firmly shaped, hence it is called "Tiangang." The categories of deities it governs include: women in pregnancy, wicked people, combat, killing, death and mourning, gold gates, fishing nets, slaughter, heavenly net, corpses, those who hold weapons, deception, officials of the second thousand stones, the right eye of heaven, and those who handle restraints.

音角，九月將，手，氐房心，貉兔狐太沖術士沙門類，來往舟車水陸因。林木三河雷電閒，弟兄私戶匿陰人。

Taichong corresponds to the hour of Mao, belongs to the musical tone of Jue, and is the Month General for September. In the human body, it corresponds to the hand. In the Star Mansions, it pairs with the Root Mansion, Room Mansion, and Heart Mansion. In the category of wild animals, it pairs with the badger, rabbit, and fox. Its mnemonic verse states: Taichong governs magicians and monks; it oversees travel by boat, ship, carriage, and horse, involving both water and land routes; it governs forests, the waters of the three rivers, and thunder and lightning; it also governs brothers, private households, and hidden individuals.

木神也，萬物離散，支干斗毀若沖，故曰太沖兄弟，公主，沙門，婦女，栗，土功，刀杖，車船，遠行，林士，天乙，伏匿，地澤，爐，杓門，棺槨，天心，民市，邊方，蕩子，地耳，雨水，私賊

The Earthly Branch Mao belongs to the Wood element. At this point, all things begin to scatter and disperse, with branches and trunks colliding and damaging each other, hence it is called "Taichong." The categories of spirits associated with this branch include: siblings, princesses, monks, women, chestnuts, construction projects, weapons, vehicles, travel, people in the forest, Tianyi (a heavenly helper), concealment, land and marshes, stoves, door handles, coffins, Tianxin (heavenly center), common markets, border areas, idle youths, ear of land, rainwater, and thieves in the dark.

音宮，尾箕，十月將，背，虎豹狸功曹道士兼書籍，雜色班文火炬紅。從事信誠徵召吏，牙豹貓狸及木叢。

"Gongcao" is in the寅 branch, belonging to the palace tone in the five tones. It corresponds to the Tail mansion and the Winnowing Basket mansion in the Star mansion, and is the Month General of the tenth month. In the human body, it corresponds to the back. In wild animals, it corresponds to the tiger, leopard, and civet. Its verse says: Gongcao governs Taoist priests and books; it governs varied patterns and bright red torches; it governs officials, honest people, and officials summoned for official business; it also governs the tooth, leopard, cat, civet, and thickly growing trees.

木神也，萬物長旺，功臣計事論功，故曰功曹天文，文書，林木，招召，謁見，火炬，斑紋，誠信，管事，督師，吏，道士。

The寅 branch belongs to the Wood deity, where all things grow vigorously, just like a meritorious official being counted for his merits and rewarded, hence it is called "Gongcao." The categories of deities it governs include astronomy, documents, forests, summoning and recruitment, visiting, torches, patterns, integrity, officials in charge, commanders, clerks, and Taoist priests.

音商，斗牛，十一月將，獬牛蟹大吉將軍舉薦賢，橋樑長者地祈冤。雨師風伯貴人召，畜鱉車牛兼宅田。

"Daji" is associated with the Earthly Branch "Chou," belonging to the Shang tone in the five tones. It corresponds to the Star Mansion and is paired with the Dipper Mansion and Ox Mansion. It is the Month General for the eleventh month and is associated with the animals獬豸, ox, and crab. Its mnemonic states: Daji signifies a general recommending virtuous talents; it governs bridges, elders, and seeking resolution from the land god for grievances; it also governs the rain deity, wind deity, and the summoning of noblemen; further, it relates to the breeding of turtles, vehicles, oxen, and dwellings and fields.

土神也，陽時復居其位而化，故曰大吉長者，風伯，雨師，田宅，六畜，車牛，貴人，徵召，爵祿，薦是賢，鉤鉅，地祗，地耳，土公，宅田，執讎，官，將軍。

The Earthly Branch Chou belongs to the Earth deity. At this time, the Yang energy returns to its original position and begins to generate and nurture, hence it is called "Daji" (Great Auspiciousness). The categories of deities associated with Chou include: elders, wind deity, rain deity, fields and residences, livestock, carriages and cattle, nobleman, summoning, titles and salaries, recommendation of virtuous people, hooks and tools, land deities, earth ears, earth officials, fields and land, settling old grudges and revenge, officials, and generals.

音商，女虛危，十二月將，蝠鼠燕神后陰私采女奸，逃亡盜賊鬼神官。土工悲泣浴盆事，燕鼠行人取類看。

Shenhou is associated with the zodiac animal Zi, belonging to the Shang tone in the five sounds. It corresponds to the star mansion Xing, and is paired with the mansion Nu, Xu, and Wei. Shenhou is the Month General of the twelfth lunar month, and it is associated with bats, mice, and swallows. Its mnemonic states: Shenhou governs secret matters, selecting women and illicit relationships; it governs fleeing, theft, ghosts, spirits, and government officials; it governs earth and wood construction, sorrowful weeping, and matters concerning bathing tubs; as for swallows, mice, and travelers, they can be similarly interpreted.

水神也，《抱朴子》：“歲畢酒醮蜡祭，以報百神，故曰神后。”父母，在豆，宅舍，天乙，採婦，奸邪，陰賊，死良心，鬼神，祈禱，浴盆，白虎，王候，土工，盜賊。

The Earthly Branch Zi belongs to the water element and is associated with the water deity. The *Baopuzi* says: "At the end of the year, wine is offered and a ritual is performed to honor the gods, hence it is called Shenhou (Zi)." The categories of deities associated with Zi include: parents, beans, houses, Tianyi, selected women, wicked people, thieves who act secretly, death, ghosts and spirits, prayers, bath tubs, White Tiger, kings and princes, and construction work involving earth and wood. The original text here has errors in the words "in beans" and "dead conscience," but they are recorded as they are without correction.

旦暮推尊天乙神，局中分治令為君天乙乃式中天子，故令為君也。甲戊庚遊大小吉，乙巳神神后傳傳送晝夜分。丙丁朝亥暮居酉，六辛當午後來寅。壬癸立處於巳卯，不降魁罡作貴人

To cast a divination, one must first distinguish between day and night. According to the time of day or night, the most honored Tianyi Nobleman is determined, and this Nobleman presides over the entire divination session, like a ruler issuing commands. The commentary says that Tianyi is the emperor of the formula disk, so it is made the ruler. On the days of Jia, Wu, and Geng, the Nobleman moves between Daji (Chou) and Xiaoji (Wei); on the days of Yi and Ji, the Nobleman is at Shenhou (Zi) in the morning and Chuansong (Shen) in the evening; on the days of Bing and Ding, the Nobleman is at Hai in the morning and You in the evening; on the day of Xin, the Nobleman is at Wu in the day and Yin at night; on the days of Ren and Gui, the Nobleman is at Si and Mao respectively. Only Hekui (Xu) and Tiangang (Chen) do not serve as the Nobleman, so it is said that the Nobleman does not descend to Hekui and Tiangang.

用晝夜長短分旦墓，甲戊庚日量用大吉丑作貴人，墓用小吉未作貴人。乙己日旦用神后子，墓用傳送申。丙丁日旦用登明亥，暮用人魁酉。辛日旦用勝光午，暮用功曹寅。壬癸日旦用太乙巳，暮用太沖卯。每以星落地盤宮位順逆行之。

The commentary says: According to the length of day and night, early nobleman and late nobleman are distinguished. On days of Jia and Wu, during the day, the nobleman is Daji (Chou), and at night, it is Xiaoji (Wei); on days of Yi and Ji, during the day, the nobleman is Shenhou (Zi), and at night, it is Chuansong (Shen); on days of Bing and Ding, during the day, the nobleman is Dengming (Hai), and at night, it is Congkui (You); on day of Xin, during the day, the nobleman is Shengguang (Wu), and at night, it is Gongcao (Yin); on days of Ren and Gui, during the day, the nobleman is Taiyi (Si), and at night, it is Taichong (Mao). After determining the nobleman, one should check which palace on the Earth Plate this star falls into, and then arrange the remaining generals in order, either in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The original text here has '旦墓' which should be '旦暮', and '人魁酉' which should be '从魁酉', but these are recorded as they are without alteration.

主清御天乙貴人屬己丑土，在天應十二神，在地表十二野，在歲為十二經，為宗天天乙者，所以統領馭眾，推流禍福有應驗也。

Heavenly Master Nobleman governs the clear and just authority. It belongs to the Five Phases as Jichou earth, corresponds to the twelve heavenly spirits in the sky, and matches the twelve regions on the earth. In the course of a year, it corresponds to the twelve months. It is the heavenly deity revered by all gods. The duty of Heavenly Master Nobleman is to command and manage the generals, to calculate and spread out fortune and misfortune, and its divination is highly accurate.

假令甲日，在丑為旦，在未為領先，在乙丑屬金，在辛未屬土。貴人順行吉，逆行凶，比和吉，不比和凶。此大略也。在丑謂之升堂，相比順則吉。又看侍從之神，在吉則吉，在凶則凶。其他神將皆仿此斷之。

For example, if the lesson is cast on a Jia day, the Nobleman is in Chou during the day and in Wei at night. The original text says "in Wei is leading," but it should be "in Wei is evening," and we record it as is without correction. The Nayin sound element for Yichou is metal, and for Xinwei is earth. When the Nobleman moves in the same direction as the flow, it is auspicious; when it moves against the flow, it is inauspicious. Comparing the Nobleman with the Day Stem of the same type is auspicious; if not compared, it is inauspicious. This is the general principle. When the Nobleman is in the Chou position, it is called "ascending to the hall." If it also compares with the Day Stem and moves in the same direction, then it is auspicious. In addition, one should also look at the Heavenly Generals accompanying it on both sides: if the accompanying generals are auspicious, then it is auspicious; if they are inauspicious, then it is inauspicious. The other deities are also judged in this way.

貴人天乙名魁鉞，一作魁星謁見干求喜氣新。君子拜官遷祿秩，小人爭訟入公庭。相生旺相承恩召，囚死傷刑忌怒嗔。病者頭疼寒熱疾，祟非凡鬼是天神。

The Heavenly Stem "Tianyi Guiren" is also called "Kuiyue," which is sometimes written as "Kui Xing." When this stem appears in a divination, it signifies a fresh and joyful atmosphere when meeting superiors or making requests. For those of high status, it indicates receiving official honors and promotion in position; for ordinary people, it suggests disputes leading to legal proceedings. If this stem is mutually generated with the day stem and is prosperous and strong, it indicates receiving favors and official summonses. However, if it is in a state of imprisonment or death, or is subject to punishment, one should be cautious of anger and reprimands from others. In matters of illness, the patient may experience headaches, chills, and fever. The malevolent spirit causing trouble is not an ordinary ghost but a heavenly deity.

子沐浴，丑升堂，寅按籍於公中求望，卯荷 項，不利於進遊，辰入獄，巳趨朝，有進望之喜，午午軒，有詔命之喜，未飲食，又有小惠之事，申起途，主有進動，酉入室，主陰私，闇昧不明，戌在囚，亥操笏，主求謁吉。

The Heavenly Stem "Tian Yi Guiren" (Heavenly Nobleman) falls on each of the twelve Earthly Branches with specific names: on Zi it is called "Bathing"; on Chou it is called "Rising to the Hall"; on Yin it is called "Registering by Name," indicating seeking something in the government office; on Mao it is called "Shouldering a Yoke," which symbolizes being in chains, unfavorable for traveling; on Chen it is called "Imprisonment"; on Si it is called "Going to Court," indicating good news of promotion; on Wu it is called "Taking a Pavilion," indicating good news of imperial decree, the original text says "Wu Wu Xuan" but should be "Wu Cheng Xuan," and this is recorded as is; on Wei it is called "Eating and Drinking," with some small favors; on Shen it is called "Starting the Journey," indicating promotion or transfer; on You it is called "Entering the Room," indicating private matters and unclear situations; on Xu it is called "In Prison"; on Hai it is called "Holding a Board," indicating good fortune in seeking an audience with a superior.

經言：“空亡之課若何？當憂不憂，當喜不喜。若兩火一金，金被消鑠。二水一火，火乃滅光。如貴人臨乙丑為金，臨亥則乙亥為火，火欲克金，有水為救，不能相剋，有鬼賊不足為憂。若貴人乘辛未土，下臨癸酉金，金土相生，比吉之象。其或貴人乘寅，得壬寅金，下臨甲辰火，火乃鍊金，得丙午水，為災消散。”

The text says: "When encountering a situation with kongwang, how should one interpret it? What should be worried about need not be worried about, and what should be joyful cannot be joyful. If two fires face one metal, the metal will be melted; if two waters face one fire, the fire will be extinguished. For example, if the nobleman rides yichou with nayin belonging to metal, and it is placed over the position of hai, while yihai has nayin belonging to fire, fire would normally overcome metal, but there is water in hai to save it, so the overcoming does not occur. Although there is an appearance of ghosts and thieves, it is not something to worry about. If the nobleman rides xinwei with nayin belonging to earth, and it is below kuiyou with nayin belonging to metal, earth and metal mutually generate, forming a favorable situation. Or, if the nobleman rides yin, and gets renyin with nayin belonging to metal, and it is below jichen with nayin belonging to fire, fire would normally refine metal, but there is also bingwu with nayin belonging to water, so the calamity is dispersed." The entire passage uses the generation and overcoming relationships among the nayin five phases for interpretation.