The following is a mnemonic verse:

此人在處兩非求，彼自亡財疑爾偷。且將太乙加年上，其次便去看星頭。虛星立也為真盜，參宿加焉莫漫尤。用神若比亦云是，無比何須結怨仇？

The first verse of the Lost Gate song explains what to do when someone suspects you of theft. A person is clearly present but cannot find the lost items, and he accuses you of stealing. At this time, place the Taiyi (Si) on his year pillar and set up the chart. Then check the Twenty-Eight Mansions. If it stands on the Emptiness Mansion, there is indeed a thief. If it stands on the Three Stars Mansion, do not wrongly accuse the person. If the useful god harmonizes with the suspect, it confirms it is him. If they do not harmonize, why create this enmity?

欲知失物何人取，陽是男人陰是女。老翁與少看日辰，旺相休囚相類舉。丑物貴賤若為之，此則專心尋正時。吉神並者良家子，凶神臨者是貧由。一家之內十人居，一人失物九人籲。以將加時看各命，行年元武復無疑。

To determine who took the item: if the category god is a yang branch, it indicates a man; if it is a yin branch, it indicates a woman. To determine the age, look at the day stem and day branch, and deduce accordingly based on prosperity and strength or weakness and confinement. To discern the value or quality of the item, focus on the hour of the event. If the hour god is accompanied by auspicious deities, the person taking the item is from a respectable family; if it is accompanied by inauspicious deities, the person is from a poor family. Within a family of ten people, nine will complain if one loses something. At this time, place the month general on the hour of the event and set up the chart. Then examine each person's birth year in sequence. The one whose row year exactly falls on 'Black Tortoise' is the one who took the item.

凡占財陷空亡者，元物臨酉、戌、亥、子、丑、寅者，必因失盜。捕賊之法，專責元武，然必先詳課傳，決其可捕與否，而後推之。勾陳為捕人，朱雀為報信者，元武順行賊奔逃，逆行則隱伏。元武不得有克之路，畏追捕也。若得生旺之鄉，若前有天乙，則不敢行耳。

When divining about property and the wealth hexagram falls on Kongwang, and the lost item also falls on the branches of You, Xu, Hai, Zi, Chou, or Yin, it is definitely stolen. To catch the thief, we use Gou Chen as the main element. However, we must first examine the four lessons and three transmissions to determine whether the thief can be caught or not, and then proceed further. Gou Chen represents the officers, while Zhu Que represents the messenger. If Yuan Wu moves in the forward direction, the thief is fleeing; if it moves backward, the thief has already hidden. Yuan Wu cannot move along a path that is overcome by another element, because it fears being pursued; if it is in a favorable and strong position, it could escape far away, but if Tian Yi Guiren is blocking the way ahead, it will not dare to go.

又生元武之處為來路，元武不行絕地。元武臨地盤月將上，宜急捕。《畢法賦》云：太陽照武宜擒賊。是也。若日入以後時，則不以此斷。發用行年不能制蛇，或反見蛇者，賊既難攻，反多纏擾。克盜神或剋日鬼之辰為獲盜之期。

The one that can generate the Black Tortoise is the direction from which the thief comes, and the Black Tortoise does not enter a dead end. When the Black Tortoise is placed over the Earth Plate and the Month General (Sun), it is advisable to hurry in capturing the thief — this is exactly what the "Bi Fa Fu" says: "When the Sun illuminates the Black Tortoise, it is suitable to capture the thief." However, if the time is after sunset, this interpretation does not apply. If the Initiating Transmission and the year pillar are unable to control the Teng Snake, or if they are instead overcome by the Teng Snake, then the thief will not be easy to capture and may instead cause trouble. The day when the branch that can overcome the thief god or the day stem's official ghost is encountered is the day of capture.

元武內戰，主分贓不均，自相告發。勾陳臨日生旺，主盜賊自首。元武乘協助煞，易捕。空亡自敗，乘死氣三日內敗獲。囚氣一月方獲。日辰克元武，一旬內獲。

The Black Tortoise is involved in a conflict between the Five Phases above and below, indicating many thieves who divide loot unequally and betray each other. When Gou Chen is placed on the Day Stem and is in a favorable or strong position, it suggests that thieves will surrender themselves. If the Black Tortoise is riding the Helping Harm, it is easy to capture the thieves. If the Black Tortoise falls into Kongwang, the thieves will reveal themselves on their own. If it rides Death Qi, the thieves will be caught within three days. If it rides Prison Qi, it will take a month to capture them. If the Day Stem and Day Branch can overcome the Black Tortoise, the thieves will be captured within a ten-day period.

元武在戌亥子，為度關過海，難捕。入墓難尋。乘二馬元遁。辰戌立於干支之上，而課名斬關者；在庚辛申酉日，尤真。三傳見日鬼而上乘龍合陰，及發用丁馬者。元武及三傳皆相生比和者。課體得遊子者。元武第二傳為盜神，盜神上乘吉將者。盜神遁旬也。而天地盤比和者。元武作日刃又臨卯酉或剋日者，皆不可捕。

All the following divination signs indicate that the thief cannot be captured: "Yuanwu" (Black Tortoise) falling on Xu, Hai, or Zi indicates crossing a river or sea, making it difficult to capture; Yuanwu entering its tomb makes it hard to find; Yuanwu riding both Heavenly Horse and Post-horse indicates that Yuanwu has fled far away. If Chen or Xu are placed on the Day Stem and Day Branch, and the lesson is called "Zhanguan" (Cutting the Gate), it is especially accurate on days of Geng and Xin, and on days of Shen and You. If the three transmissions contain the Day Stem's official ghost, and it is riding on "Qinglong" (Azure Dragon), "Liuhe" (Six Harmonies), or "Taiyin" (Great Yin), or if the initiating transmission is "Ding Shen" (Ding God) or "Yi Ma" (Post-horse), then the thief cannot be captured. If Yuanwu and the three transmissions are mutually generating or harmonious. If the lesson pattern is "Youzi Ke" (Wandering Son Lesson). If the second transmission of Yuanwu is "Dao Shen" (Thief God), and Dao Shen is riding on a favorable general; or if Dao Shen is strong in the current ten heavenly stems, and the Heaven Plate and Earth Plate are harmonious. If Yuanwu serves as the "Yangren" (Yang Blade) of the Day Stem and is located on Mao or You, or if it is attacking the Day Stem, then the thief cannot be captured.

傳送猿猱，傳見火神，可制。勾陳旺而克武，吏卒捕之不難。伏吟多藏。反吟多散。如逢隔角，隔手捕。課得連珠，賊眾，或伏鄰居。傳貴順進而難捕。傳貴逆退而可追。武與日辰相合，家人引盜。武在日辰左右，鄰里往來。元武克戰空亡，不久自敗。若入長生旺地，不可捕追。朱雀剋制，鳴官。日辰制武，私捕。每月執破定危，元武乘之，敗露。日辰見刃帶煞，人物破損被傷。日辰俱被其傷，捕人不能自保。武不脫傳，賊隱目前。三合為傳，家親為盜。陽男陰女，少旺老囚，休囚人必中年。孟少仲中季老。

"Chuansong" (Shen) represents the image of a monkey. If fire deity appears in the three transmissions, it can control it. When "Gou Chen" is strong and overcomes "Black Tortoise," it is easy for the officers to capture the thief. If "Hidden Chant" is obtained, the thief is likely hiding and not moving; if "Reverse Chant" is obtained, the thief is likely scattering and fleeing. If "Isolated Angle" occurs, someone else should be sent to capture the thief. If "Connected Beads" is obtained, there are many thieves, or they may be hiding in the neighboring house. If the three transmissions and nobleman move in the same direction, it is difficult to capture; if they move in the opposite direction, the thief can be caught. If "Black Tortoise" combines with the day stem and day branch, the thief is brought by a relative; if "Black Tortoise" is on the left or right of the day stem and day branch, it is someone from the neighborhood. If "Black Tortoise" is defeated, fighting, and falls into "Kongwang," it will soon be exposed; if it falls into a place of growth and strength, it is not advisable to pursue. If "Vermilion Bird" overcomes "Black Tortoise," one should report to the authorities; if the day stem and day branch can overcome "Black Tortoise," it is possible to capture the thief secretly. When "Black Tortoise" rides on the four gods "Zhi, Po, Ding, Wei" among the twelve month gods, the thief will be exposed. If the day stem and day branch meet "Yangren" and are accompanied byInauspicious Sha, both the person and the property will suffer damage; if both the day stem and day branch are injured by it, even the officers themselves may not be safe. If "Black Tortoise" does not escape from the three transmissions, the thief is hiding in front of the eyes. If the three transmissions form a "Triple Harmony Formation," the thief is a relative. Yang branches represent males, Yin branches represent females; the young and strong are vigorous, the elderly are in captivity, if one meets the period of rest, that person is middle-aged. If "Black Tortoise" falls in the four beginning sections, it represents a young person; if it falls in the four middle sections, it represents a middle-aged person; if it falls in the four final sections, it represents an elderly person.

視元武陰神，若依閉口卦，又視元武逆數四神所臨地上。盜神為賊處，元武所臨為賊去。如武乘巳加申，陰得功曹，主賊從北來，往西南方，偷歸東北之例。盜神乘丁馬，越屋而來。無馬，則穿窬而進。乘戌亥從上而下，乘辰巳，從水道坑廁中來。

To determine where the thief is hiding, look at the "Black Tortoise" (Yuanwu) and its yin spirit. If following the method of "Closed Mouth Lesson" (Bikou Ke), also check the earthly branch under the fourth position counted backward from Yuanwu. The location of the "Thief God" (Daoshen) is where the thief has taken refuge, while the direction Yuanwu points to is where the thief has fled. For example, if Yuanwu is on Shen (申) and is riding on Si (巳), its yin spirit is "Gongcao" (寅). Then it is concluded that the thief came from the north, went to the southwest, and returned to hide in the northeast. If the Thief God is riding on the "Ding Spirit" and "Post-horse" (Yimashu), it indicates the thief entered by climbing over walls or roofs. If it does not have the Post-horse, it means the thief entered by digging through walls or holes. If the Thief God is riding on Xu (戌) or Hai (亥), it means the thief came from above. If it is riding on Chen (辰) or Si (巳), it means the thief entered through waterways or sewers.

子賊在北方水澤之地，東有橋樑墓。丑西有水畔樓臺。亥前有神廟。午其家有兒女悲啼、不明之事。丑賊在北方，近東或外邑之旁，或風伯雨師之廟，或前賢將軍詞內，或倉庫之側。若曠野則橋樑、平田、墳墓之前。

By the earthly branch where the thief's spirit lands, one can determine the thief's hiding place. If the thief's spirit is in 'Zi' (the rat), the thief is in the northern water area, with bridges and tombs to the east; on the northeast side, there are pavilions by the water to the west; on the northwest side, there is a temple in front; facing due south, the household has children crying and unresolved matters. If the thief's spirit is in 'Chou' (the ox), the thief is in the north-east, or near another county, or in the temple of the wind god and rain god, or in the shrine of a former virtuous general, or near the granary; if in the open field, then in front of bridges, flat fields, and tombs.

寅賊在東北方，林木之中，曲堤之所，或大木枯木、沽賣之家、城郭市觀之旁。如作本日貴人，則吏家也。卯賊在東方，大林茂竹間，屈曲水徑，前有舟車，或近寺院，其家為竹木之工，或舟車之匠。

The thief god is "寅": the thief is in the northeast direction, hiding in the woods, along winding embankments, or near old trees, by a wine seller's house, or near the city walls, markets, and temples. If "寅" is exactly the nobleman of the day, then the thief is in the household of an official. The thief god is "卯": the thief is in the east, hiding among large forests and dense bamboo thickets, or along winding waterways, where there are boats and carts in front of the door, or near a monastery. The family involved is one that works with bamboo and wood, or a craftsman who builds boats or carts.

賊居辰，亦屬東方，在隔岡嶺處及冢阜之中，東有池塘，旁有漏澤之場。或潭沼漁獵之所，丹青彩畫之家。巳，賊在東南方，窯灶之所，或近卜筮孝服處，更有樹木，其家繫婦人主事。

The thief god is "Chen": it belongs to the East, and the thief is located across hills and ridges, or within grave mounds. There is a pond to the east, and beside it is a cemetery (leizu yuan). Alternatively, the thief may be found in areas with ponds and marshes where fishing and hunting take place, or in the homes of painters and artists. The thief god is "Si": the thief is in the southeast, hiding in kiln and stove areas, or near the homes of fortune tellers and those who handle funerals, with trees nearby. The household is run by a woman.

午，賊在南方爐冶，鐵匠，門側有牛馬之物賊其中，或其家販鬻驢馬，或巫家。未，賊在南方近西，隱伏古冢內，向東四步或有井園，當聞歌唱，或其家牧羊，供奉鬼神，或沽賣之家。

The thief god is "Wu" (午): the thief is in the southern iron forge, near the gate there are cattle and horses, and the thief is among them; or the family deals in donkeys and horses, or it is a witch's house. The thief god is "Wei" (未): the thief is in the south-west, hiding in an old tomb, walking four steps east there may be a well and a vegetable garden, and one can hear someone singing; or the family keeps sheep, worships ghosts and spirits, or it is a place that sells wine.

申，賊在西南方，近則州縣城牆，遠則鄉野衝要之地，大路之口，或郵亭馬舍之側，其家乃金石之匠。酉，賊在西方，近則州邑城垣，或坑冶酒務之所，或近娼婦人家，或膠漆工匠之所，或近陵阜寺觀。

The thief god is "Shen" (申): the thief is in the southwest, nearby near the city walls of the prefecture and county, and far away in the strategic points of the countryside, at the main roads, or by the驿站 and stables. The family involved is a craftsman who works with metal and stone. The thief god is "You" (酉): the thief is in the west, nearby near the city walls of the prefecture or county, or near the mines and smelting works, the wine workshops and tax offices, or near the houses of prostitutes and women, or near the workshops of glue and lacquer makers, or near hills and temples and shrines.

戌，賊在西北方，州縣營寨之所，壘土岡隴旅店，門前有豬犬，或奴婢之家。亥，賊在北方，略近西，水邊，或地名氵旁，及雙溪雙港之類。其家或曾為獄吏，內有樓臺，或門首小兒趕豬，可向而得之。而以天盤類神推之，然必視盜神天地盤比和，方可以此為據。如上下相剋，則賊不敢留住，再觀元武第三傳可也。

The thief's spirit is "Xu": the thief is in the northwest, hiding in military camps, villages, or fortified areas, or on elevated hills, and may be found near places with pigs and dogs, or in the homes of servants. The thief's spirit is "Hai": the thief is slightly west of the north, near water, or in places with names containing the radical for water, such as double streams or double harbors; the household may have previously served as jailers, have a pavilion in the courtyard, or have children herding pigs at the gate. The above are all determined by the Heaven Plate's class of spirits. However, it is necessary for the Heaven Plate and Earth Plate to be in a harmonious relationship for these to be reliable. If they are in mutual control, the thief will not stay there, and one must then look at the third transmission of "Yuanwu."

盜神上見天乙，旺相相生合，賊在宦家；囚死在貧民家。見螣蛇旺相生合，賊在富豪家；囚死在兇頑喪屠家，驚恐之則獲。見朱雀旺相，賊在技藝家，相剋在公吏家，囚死在兵卒家。見六合，旺相生合，賊在市人侍從家，囚死在九流技術家，或婦女門前私情家，利誘則獲之。

You also need to use the Heavenly General riding on the God of Theft to determine which household the thief is hiding in. If the God of Theft is accompanied by 'Heavenly Ethical General,' and is prosperous and strong with mutual generation and harmony, the thief is hiding in an official's household; if it is in captivity or dead with no vitality, the thief is in a poor household. If it is accompanied by 'Teng Snake,' and is prosperous and strong with mutual generation and harmony, the thief is in a wealthy household; if it is in captivity or dead, the thief is in the home of a wicked person, someone holding a funeral, or a butcher, and can be captured by frightening them. If it is accompanied by 'Vermilion Bird,' and is prosperous and strong, the thief is in a craftsman's household; if it is controlled by the other, the thief is in the household of a government official; if it is in captivity or dead, the thief is in the household of a soldier. If it is accompanied by 'Six Harmonies,' and is prosperous and strong with mutual generation and harmony, the thief is in the household of a commoner or a servant; if it is in captivity or dead, the thief is in the household of a wandering performer or a woman who has an affair, and can be captured by offering rewards.

見勾陳，旺相生合，賊在吏典書生家；相剋在囚徒家；囚死在善人長者家，或寺觀中；相剋必爭財物，囚飲食而獲；囚死在故吏家。見天空旺相生合，賊在牙行幹辦之家，囚死或奴僕匿之，將自出。見白虎，旺相生合，賊在兵卒押班家；相剋在有喪之家；囚死，在囚徒家，或欲自殺。

When "Gou Chen" appears, if it is prosperous and strong, mutually generating, or harmonious, the thief is in the home of a government clerk or a scholar. If it is mutually controlling, the thief is in the home of a prisoner. If the prisoner is dead, the thief is in the home of a virtuous elder or in a temple or monastery. When mutually controlling, the thief must have started the crime for the purpose of fighting over property, and he can be trapped and captured by offering food and drink. If the prisoner is dead, the thief is in the home of a former official who has left his post. When "Tian Kong" appears, if it is prosperous and strong, mutually generating, or harmonious, the thief is in the home of a broker or merchant. If the prisoner is dead, the thief might be hidden by a servant and will eventually come out on his own. When "White Tiger" appears, if it is prosperous and strong, mutually generating, or harmonious, the thief is in the home of a soldier on duty. If it is mutually controlling, the thief is in the home of someone holding a funeral. If the prisoner is dead, the thief is in the home of a prisoner, or the thief may be intending to commit suicide.

見太常，旺相生合，賊在善人九流家；相剋必因酒食財帛交關獲之；囚死在僧道家，或喪服人家。見太陰，旺相生合，賊在婦人家，囚死，在師巫尼姑家。見天后，旺相生合，賊在貴婦家；相剋在妻家知蹤跡；囚死，在婦家，或在娼妓家，因朋友獲。又元武作太歲，賊在京師。作月建，在州縣，或在勾欄。作祿馬，在本處市井。又亡神天目下，亦為盜之所在。至於遠年大夥，而不得其方向者，當於天目下索之。如天目在辰，辰加子，則盜在北方之例。

When encountering 'Tai Chang', if it is prosperous, strong, mutually generating, or harmonious, the thief is in the home of a good person or among the nine streams of people; if it is mutually controlling, the thief will certainly be captured due to dealings involving wine, food, wealth, and goods; if it is in captivity or death, the thief is in a Buddhist or Taoist household, or in a family mourning for a relative. When encountering 'Tai Yin', if it is prosperous, strong, mutually generating, or harmonious, the thief is in a woman's home; if it is in captivity or death, the thief is in a sorcerer's or nun's home. When encountering 'Heavenly Empress', if it is prosperous, strong, mutually generating, or harmonious, the thief is in the home of a noblewoman; if it is mutually controlling, the thief's trail can be traced through the wife's family; if it is in captivity or death, the thief is in a woman's home or a brothel, and can be captured through friends. Furthermore, if 'Yuan Wu' acts as the year's ruler, the thief is in the capital; if it acts as the month's ruler, the thief is in a prefecture or county, or in a brothel; if it acts as 'Lu' or 'Ma', the thief is within the local town. Also, the places indicated by 'Wang Shen' and 'Tian Mu' are where thieves are located. For large groups of thieves who have been around for a long time and are difficult to track, one should search under 'Tian Mu'—for example, if 'Tian Mu' is in Chen, and Chen is placed over Zi, then the thief is in the north.

亦以盜神天盜，用先天數定之。假如盜神是子，加亥，則子九亥四，旺則相乘為三十六里，相則合倍為三百六十里，休則本數為十三里，囚死減半，為六七里之類。亦有此自元武數至盜神，一辰為一里者，然必須因盜之久近而定方向道里，或以官司為主，或以失家為主，如被盜未久，在旬內者，則以失家為主，而詳其地裡。若被盜日遠，則以捕官司為主而詳之。

To determine the distance of the thief's escape, the earlier heaven numbers of the Heaven Plate are used. For example, if the thief's god is Zi and is placed on Hai, the number of Zi is nine and the number of Hai is four: when they are in the旺 phase, they are multiplied, resulting in thirty-six, which is thirty-six li; when they are in the相 phase, they are added and then doubled, resulting in three hundred and sixty li; when they are in the休 phase, the original numbers are added, resulting in thirteen li; when they are in the囚 or 死 phase, the number is halved, resulting in six or seven li, and so on. Another method is to count from the Black Tortoise to the thief's god, with each hour counted as one li. However, the direction and distance must be determined according to the time of the theft: if the theft is recent and within the current cycle, the calculation is based on the victim's home; if the theft is old, the calculation is based on the official responsible for the investigation.

克盜神之辰，生日干者，獲原贓。贓匿何處，則視盜神所生之神。寅為盜神，生巳，物藏廚灶爐冶中。卯為盜神，生午，物藏窯炕窠櫃中。辰為盜神，生酉，物藏碓磨碑石下。巳為盜神，生辰戌，物藏近廁浴堂、廊廡垣下。午為盜神，生丑未，物藏墓田橋井中。

Divination for stolen property: The branch that can overcome the "Thief God" and also generates the day stem indicates that the original stolen property can be recovered. As for where the stolen property is hidden, look at the god that the "Thief God" generates. If the Thief God is "Yin" (寅), Yin generates "Si" (巳), so the stolen property is hidden under the kitchen stove or in the furnace area. If the Thief God is "Mao" (卯), Mao generates "Wu" (午), so the stolen property is hidden in a cave, heated bed, hollow, or cabinet. If the Thief God is "Chen" (辰), Chen generates "You" (酉), so the stolen property is hidden in a stone mortar, stone mill, or under a stone monument. If the Thief God is "Si" (巳), Si generates "Chen" (辰) and "Xu" (戌), so the stolen property is hidden near the toilet, bathhouse, or under the corridor wall. If the Thief God is "Wu" (午), Wu generates "Chou" (丑) and "Wei" (未), so the stolen property is hidden in the graveyard, under a bridge, or in a well.

未為盜神，生申，物藏城牆、神祠、羽毛之間。申為盜神，生亥，物藏樓柱、廩、廁之間。丑為盜神，生申，物藏窗楹、城庫之側。酉為盜神，生子，物藏溝渠、水道、石灰、籠匣之間。戌為盜神，生酉，物藏門戶窟穴內。亥為盜神，生寅，物藏柱磉、神櫥下。子為盜神，生卯，物藏舟車之間。丑為盜神，生申，物藏窗楹之側，其方向亦就所生神與位決之。如寅生巳，巳位東南，探求東南之廚冶。

The thief god is "Wèi" (未), which generates "Shēn" (申), so stolen goods are hidden in city walls, temples, or piles of feathers. The thief god is "Shēn" (申), which generates "Hài" (亥), so stolen goods are hidden between building pillars, granaries, and toilets. The thief god is "Chǒu" (丑), which generates "Shēn" (申), so stolen goods are hidden near window lattices and pillars, beside city walls and warehouses. The thief god is "Yǒu" (酉), which generates "Zǐ" (子), so stolen goods are hidden in ditches, water channels, lime heaps, cages, and boxes. The thief god is "Xū" (戌), which generates "Yǒu" (酉), so stolen goods are hidden in doors and caves. The thief god is "Hài" (亥), which generates "Yín" (寅), so stolen goods are hidden under column bases and altars. The thief god is "Zǐ" (子), which generates "Mǎo" (卯), so stolen goods are hidden between carts and boats. The thief god is "Chǒu" (丑), which generates "Shēn" (申), so stolen goods are hidden near window lattices and pillars (this entry repeats the previous one, as in the original text). As for direction, it is determined by the direction of the god it generates— for example, "Yín" (寅) generates "Sì" (巳), and "Sì" (巳) is in the southeast, so search the southeast kitchen and stove.

視元武所乘本位之神。乘寅為吏人或道士，或作彩畫工事。乘卯為經紀人，或僧尼，或漁獵。乘辰戌為兇徒惡黨，或軍卒，或僕隸下人。乘巳為藝人，或爐冶人。乘丑午為旅客，或為巫，或為軍官過路人及道途遊食人。乘未為熟識人或道人。乘申為過犯人，或道人及商賈、奔走、役徒。乘酉為金銀匠人及賭博花酒人，或人家婢妾。乘亥子為水澤人，或舟子，或積賊及曾相識婦女。

To determine the identity of the "zhe" (thief), one should look at the deity associated with the position of "Yuanwu" (Black Tortoise). If it is on "Yin," it refers to officials or Taoist priests, or those engaged in painting and decorating. If it is on "Mao," it refers to brokers, monks, nuns, or hunters. If it is on "Chen" or "Xu," it refers to villains, soldiers, or servants. If it is on "Si," it refers to artisans or blacksmiths. If it is on "Chou" or "Wu," it refers to travelers, witches, officers, passersby, or beggars. If it is on "Wei," it refers to acquaintances or Taoist priests. If it is on "Shen," it refers to those with a criminal record, Taoist priests, merchants, messengers, or servants. If it is on "You," it refers to gold and silver craftsmen, gamblers, drunkards, or servants. If it is on "Hai" or "Zi," it refers to people from water areas, boatmen, habitual thieves, or women who were once known.

又如旺相為少壯，休囚為衰老。陽為男，陰為女。吉將並者，豪縱之人；惡將並者，貧猾之子。其夥伴多寡，則視盜神隔武之位而數之。如辰為元武，加酉為初傳，二傳亥加辰盜神，中隔六辰，則定為六人。所謂盜去本家知伴數是也。盜謂神本家為元武，詳盜神之旺相休囚而或損或減，或稱本數焉。

Furthermore, when the Black Tortoise is prosperous and strong, it indicates a young and strong thief; when it is weak and confined, it indicates an old thief. If it is mounted on a yang branch, it represents a male; if on a yin branch, it represents a female. If it appears together with a favorable general, it indicates a reckless and unrestrained person; if it appears together with an evil general, it indicates a poor and cunning person. As for the number of accomplices, count the number of branches between the 'Thief God' and the Black Tortoise. For example, if the Black Tortoise is on the Chen branch and serves as the first transmission, and the second transmission is the Hai branch on the Chen branch as the Thief God, with six branches in between, it is determined to be six people. The mnemonic says, 'The thief's home knows the number of companions' — the 'home' refers to the original position of the Black Tortoise. Then, according to the prosperity, strength, weakness, and confinement of the Thief God, the number may be increased or decreased, or it may simply use the original number.

亦視元武所乘神以定之。乘子是眼小身細人，面色青，體肥，女相，著黑衣，下淡黃而青。乘丑是大腹闊口人，顏丑唇撅，多髭，年方雄壯，著皂衣，下黃。乘寅是短矮美髯，大眼，面痣，或抱斑貓，或騎青馬，青布。乘卯是骨瘦快走人，或面青唇缺齒露，身大頭小，目大耳細，腳小，著深青衣，假作文人墨士之象。

The appearance of a thief is determined by the deity riding on the "Black Tortoise." Riding "Zi": small eyes, thin body, pale blue complexion, slightly fat, somewhat feminine features, wearing black clothes, with lower body color of light yellow with a blue tinge. Riding "Chou": large belly, wide mouth, ugly appearance, pouting lips, thick beard, in prime youth, wearing black clothes, with lower body color yellow. Riding "Yin": short stature, a good beard, big eyes, with a mole on the face, or holding a white cat in the arms, or riding a green horse, wearing blue cloth clothes. Riding "Mao": thin and quick in movement, or with a blue complexion, missing a lip, showing teeth, large body with small head, big eyes and small ears, small feet, wearing dark blue clothes, pretending to be a scholar.

乘巳是瘦長面赤，能歌唱之人，或好詈罵訕謗。乘午是斜視身長人，面紫棠色，能疾走，若捕時，先見一赤馬，後遇著青色衣人，頭戴紫色物，便是。乘辰是目大骨粗須長，或腹大面長，相凶身偉人，著黃衣，中見絳青衣漁獵人之象。乘未是眼露頭白，面黃腹大，須長好歌，妻能作酒。

Riding "Si": thin and tall, with a red face, able to sing, or prone to scolding others and speaking ill of people. Riding "Wu": slanting eyes, tall stature, a purple-red face, fast runner; when capturing him, first see a red horse, then meet someone wearing blue clothes with something purple on his head, and that is the person. Riding "Chen": big eyes, thick bones, long beard, or big belly and long face, fierce appearance, strong build, wearing yellow clothes, with someone in the middle wearing red and blue clothes, looking like a hunter. Riding "Wei": protruding eyeballs, white hair, yellow face, big belly, long beard, and fond of singing; his wife is good at making wine.

乘申是身材長大，而有痿痞病，面瘦少須，遊手好閒，著黃衣，或著淡白衣。乘酉是身長面上有斑，小頭闊口，聲響，著雪白衣，黃兜肚。乘戌是顏惡多須，長頸大口，赤色，少發聲，著半黃半白衣。乘亥是肥大丑面，青色，斜眼禿頸，駝背人，著破衣執傘。以上所乘十二支論法，如遇數多，則以此等形狀為盜首。子屬商姓，氵旁，或耿汪之類見類神。

Riding "Shen": tall in stature but suffering from paralysis and tumors, thin face, little beard, idle, wearing yellow clothes or light white clothes. Riding "You": tall, with spots on the face, small head and wide mouth, loud voice, wearing white clothes with snow-like color, and a yellow waistcloth. Riding "Xu": fierce appearance, much beard, long neck, big mouth, red face, seldom speaking, wearing clothes half yellow and half white. Riding "Hai": large body, ugly face, blue face, slanting eyes, bald neck, hunchbacked, wearing ragged clothes and carrying an umbrella. These are the methods of judging appearance based on the twelve earthly branches according to Yuanwu; if there are several thieves, this person is considered the leader. As for surnames, for example, "Zi" belongs to the Shang tone surname, mostly characters with the radical of water, or surnames like Geng and Wang—these should be determined by referring to similar deities.

則視末傳與勾陳所乘之神，然亦不可並觀也。三傳中勾陳見，則視勾陳乘神；克元武乘神者，捕必得。勾陳作日刃或日德，或天罡，則捕人得力。勾陳生元武，或與元武比和，主捕人私通釋放，受賄縱逃。勾陳與元武同，主捕人與盜為親族，知情預縱。

To determine whether the officers can capture the person, look at the god associated with the final transmission and 「Gou Chen」. However, these two should not be considered together. If 「Gou Chen」 appears in the three transmissions, then look at the god it is riding. If it can overcome the god associated with 「Yuanwu」, then the officers will definitely capture the person. If 「Gou Chen」 serves as the 「Yangren」 or 「Ride De」 of the day stem, or acts as 「Tiangang」 (Chen), it indicates that the officers have the support needed for the capture. If 「Gou Chen」 instead nourishes 「Yuanwu」 or is harmonious with it, it suggests that the officers collude with the thief, release the person secretly, and take bribes to let him escape. If 「Gou Chen」 and 「Yuanwu」 are in the same position, it means the officers and the thief are relatives who knew beforehand and let the person go.

勾陳雖克元武，而彼旺相此休囚者，主賊黨夥眾，捕怯難獲。勾陳元武作三合、六合，如此甲而彼己，此子而彼丑，及寅午戌之類，主捕人與盜同黨，而不可得。彼作太歲，此作日時者，主貴賤尊卑不敵，而捕不得。彼生旺此墓死，主捕人病亡而不可得。元武克勾陳者，必不能捕。元武克勾陳而兼作日刃者，主捕人被盜殺害。

Gou Chen though able to overcome Yuan Wu, if Yuan Wu is prosperous and strong while Gou Chen is weak and confined, it indicates that the bandits are numerous and powerful, and the officers are afraid and unable to catch them. Gou Chen and Yuan Wu form a triple harmony and aLiu He, for example, if one side hides Jia and the other hides Ji (Jia and Ji harmonize), one side is Zi and the other is Chou (Zi and Chou harmonize), or Yin, Wu, Xu form a triple harmony, which indicates that the officers and the bandits are in collusion, and thus cannot be caught. If Yuan Wu acts as the Tai Su and Gou Chen only acts as the day or hour stem, it indicates a great disparity in status and rank between the two sides, and the officers are unable to overcome the bandits, thus cannot catch them. If Yuan Wu is in a position of birth and prosperity while Gou Chen is in a position of death and burial, it indicates that the officers will suffer illness and death, thus cannot catch them. If Yuan Wu overcomes Gou Chen in reverse, it definitely means that the officers cannot catch them. If Yuan Wu overcomes Gou Chen and also acts as the 'Yang Ren' of the day stem, it indicates that the officers will be killed by the bandits.

三傳中不見勾神，則視末傳。蓋初傳為賊，中為贓，末為吏，此舊式也。初傳不得地，中末又能制，其賊必敗。中傳旺相比和，其物尚在；空亡休囚刑剋者，其物不存。末克初者，捕可得。初克末，或末與初比和，及相生者，捕不得。詳不得之例，則當改捕，或添差而後可。又必審元武之神，如元武是酉，當遣丁命人捕之，火克金也，丙則合辛而不可捕。

In the three transmissions, if Gou Chen is not present, look at the final transmission. According to old methods, the first transmission represents the thief, the middle transmission represents the stolen goods, and the final transmission represents the captor. If the first transmission does not have the right location, but the middle and final transmissions can control it, the thief will certainly be caught. If the middle transmission is prosperous and strong and harmonious with me, the stolen goods are still there. If the middle transmission is in empty void, weak, or suffers from punishment, the stolen goods are gone. If the final transmission overcomes the first transmission, the thief can be caught. If the first transmission overcomes the final transmission, or if the first and final transmissions are harmonious or mutually generating, the thief cannot be caught. In such cases, one should change the person responsible or increase the number of people involved. Additionally, one must examine the deity that the Black Tortoise is riding on. For example, if the Black Tortoise is of the metal element of You, then a person with a birth year of Ding should be sent to catch the thief, because Ding fire can overcome You metal. If a person with a birth year of Bing is sent, Bing and Xin are compatible, and thus the thief cannot be caught.

當視元武加臨。加子，賊方在廟還願，有女同行，捕者行九里見女子欲泣而立，手擁瓶缶，問而知信；其賊輕盈若女。加丑，賊在東北平田之中，有牛數頭，與殘疾人同居喪禍之家。捕者行八里，必有一陣旋風，或遇魚鱉等物。

Signs on the path of capturing a thief indicate where the "Black Tortoise" is added to the earthly branch. If it is added to "Zi": the thief is in a temple making vows, accompanied by a woman; the pursuer should walk nine li and will see a woman standing there, about to cry, holding a jar, and upon questioning, will obtain the information; the thief's figure is light and resembles a woman. If it is added to "Chou": the thief is in the northeastern field, where there are several cows, and he lives with a disabled person in a house that has suffered a calamity; the pursuer should walk eight li and will certainly encounter a whirlwind or meet fish and turtles.

加寅，賊人奉道或看書籍。在大林茂樹之中，捕者行七里，見一隊貓兒，又遇一道士，問之方的。加卯，捕者出門知信，行六里，有一人持傘來，似行者術士，問而知之，時有雷雨，或見兔狸過，或見新船車。加辰，其賊裹頭巾，著青鞋，自崗嶺而來，項上亦有須。捕者行五里，見人持秤來，問而知信。

Adding to 「寅」: The thief believes in Taoism or is studying, hiding in a thick forest; the pursuer walks seven li and will see a group of cats, then meet a Taoist who will confirm the truth. Adding to 「卯」: The pursuer gets the news as soon as he leaves, walking six li, someone comes with an umbrella, looking like a traveling monk or a sorcerer, and upon asking, the information is obtained; at this time there are often thunderstorms, or one sees rabbits or cats running by, or new boats and carts. Adding to 「辰」: The thief is wearing a headscarf and wearing green shoes, coming from the hillside, with a beard on his neck; the pursuer walks five li and meets someone with a scale, and upon asking, gets the information.

加巳，賊為爐鑄鐵工，住居大澤之內，雙港之中。捕者行四里，必有赤蛇當道，或穿赤色衣人，旋舞而來，問之得信。加午，賊在窯冶中，與善人說騾馬事。捕者行九里，見人騎馬舉鞭而知音。加未，賊在園林邊住，三人共一歸，門前有楊柳，有石塊，後門有爐灶。捕者行八里，見人手把楊柳牧羊，問而得信。

Adding to 「Si」: The thief is a blacksmith working with iron, living in the middle of a large marsh between two rivers; when the officer goes out four miles, there will certainly be a red snake blocking the way, or a person wearing red clothes will come dancing by, and by asking him, the information will be obtained. Adding to 「Wu」: The thief is in a kiln, discussing the matter of donkeys and horses with a good person; when the officer goes out nine miles, he will see someone riding a horse and whipping it, and by asking him, the information will be obtained. Adding to 「Wei」: The thief lives by the edge of a garden, three people sharing one place, with willows and stones in front of the door, and a stove in the back door; when the officer goes out eight miles, he will see someone holding a willow branch to drive away sheep, and by asking him, the information will be obtained.

加申，賊住深源造彈弓。捕者行七里，見貧子手執竹枝，問而知信。有獵師見，知其處，良久花馬至，賊就擒矣。加酉，賊夥中有姓陳者，住西方，有岩石，或出金銀坑，或地名金鋃，近寺觀。捕者行六里，見一小兒騎牛，有數只鴉噪報信，良久有人打刀砧自敗。

Adding to "申": The thief lives deep in the water source, making a living by making slingshots; the pursuer goes seven li and sees a poor child holding a bamboo branch, and by asking he gets the information; later meeting a hunter, he also knows where the thief is; after a while a horse with flowers comes, and the thief is captured. Adding to "酉": Among the thieves there is one surnamed Chen, living in the west, where there are rocks, or a mine producing gold or silver, or a place name containing the character "gold," near a temple or shrine; the pursuer goes six li and sees a child riding a cow, with several crows noisy about to report; after a while someone is hammering on a anvil, and the thief reveals himself.

加戌，賊在西方大路開店，後者行五里，見牧羊人問之，見女婢知信。賊欲遁，惡犬傷，乃止。加亥，賊好養豬，門前有惡犬，並有官者文書告未貼門上。捕者於四里內，遇人手把兩魚，問而知信。賊亦能漁，臨獲時有豬突身而來。

Added to 「Xu」: The thief is setting up a shop by the western main road; the officers will go out five li and meet a herdsman who can be questioned, and then see a servant girl to get the real information. The thief wants to escape but is bitten by a vicious dog and has to stop. Added to 「Hai」: The thief likes to raise pigs, there is a vicious dog in front of the door, and there are official notices posted on the door. The officers will meet someone carrying two fish within four li, and by asking them they will get the information. The thief also knows how to fish, and when they are about to catch him, a pig will rush in.

占訟家人論尊卑，日為尊為客，辰為卑為主。外人論先後，日為先起者，辰為後對者。日上神克辰，客勝，利先動，及尊長。辰上神剋日，主勝，利後動及卑幼。日辰上下或比和或相生者，講和。更詳旺相休囚言之。用傳為勘問官，剋日利主，克辰利客。若主客比或相生者，宜和。

When divining a lawsuit, if the parties involved are family members, the hierarchy is considered: the day stem represents the elder or the plaintiff (the guest), and the day branch represents the younger or the defendant (the host). If the parties are strangers, the order of action is considered: the day stem represents the one who initiates the lawsuit first, and the day branch represents the one who responds later. If the god in the day stem overcomes the god in the day branch, the guest side wins, which is favorable for the one who acts first and the elder. If the god in the day branch overcomes the god in the day stem, the host side wins, which is favorable for the one who responds later and the younger. If the day stem and day branch are in a harmonious or mutually generating relationship, both sides are likely to reconcile. These situations should also be further analyzed based on whether the gods are prosperous and strong, weak and confined. The useful god and the three transmissions represent the officials handling the case: if the useful god overcomes the day stem, it is favorable for the host side; if the useful god overcomes the day branch, it is favorable for the guest side; if the host and guest are in a harmonious or mutually generating relationship, reconciliation is favorable.

用上賊下，先起者勝。下賊下，後對者勝。忌魁、罡、巳、亥四神臨行年日上，主囚繫。三傳剋日凶，得沖則凶變為吉。末傳墓無沖者，囚繫。自墓傳生者出獄。伏吟未出獄，須在官鬼休囚及四絕之期。如寅申相加，巳亥相加之類。忌見合多，主事不正及理難明，或官司不明，非理牽合，輕者成重。

The Useful God above is strong and attacks the Useful God below; the one who initiates the attack will win. If the Useful God below attacks the Useful God above (the original text says 'lower thief lower' but should be 'lower thief upper'), the one who responds later will win. It is most undesirable for the four spirits 'Hekui' (Xu) and 'Tiangang' (Chen), along with the hours Si and Hai, to be added upon the year and day stems. This mainly indicates being imprisoned. If the three transmissions attack the day stem, it is ominous, but if there is a冲 (confrontation) to break it, the ominous becomes auspicious. If the final transmission is in the墓 (grave) and there is no冲, it indicates being confined. If the transmission moves from the墓 to the生 (nourishing) place, it indicates being released from imprisonment. If the divination is 'Hidden Chant', one cannot be released from imprisonment yet; one must wait until the official ghost is weak and confined and the four extremes period arrives, such as on days when Yin and Shen are paired, or Si and Hai are paired. It is also undesirable if there are too many harmonious spirits in the divination, which indicates matters being unjust, difficulties in reasoning, or the authorities being confused and making unreasonable decisions, leading to serious punishment for minor offenses.

用傳見太歲，事必經年；見月建，事必經月。又歲為敕旨，月為州司，日為縣官。太歲得理遇赦，我生太歲小事成大，不可深犯。太歲克我者，災固難解。我克太歲者，凶罪尤重。太歲入傳，吉則寬宥，凶必禁錮。訟方起，責朱雀；既具，責勾陳。入詞而朱雀空亡無氣，先訟者不利，被告者倖免。

In the three transmissions of the useful god, if the sovereign year appears, the legal case will certainly be delayed for more than a month; if the month builder appears, it will be delayed for more than a month. The sovereign year represents the imperial decree, the month builder represents the provincial and prefectural offices, and the day stem represents the county magistrate. If the sovereign year and I have a harmonious relationship, it indicates a possibility of pardon; if I generate the sovereign year, a small matter may escalate into a major one, and I should not deeply offend. If the sovereign year overcomes me, the disaster is already difficult to resolve; if I overcome the sovereign year, the punishment will be even heavier. If the sovereign year appears in the three transmissions, if it is auspicious, it will lead to leniency, but if it is inauspicious, it will certainly result in being confined. When a legal case first arises, take the Vermilion Bird as the useful god; after the petition has been submitted, take the Gou Chen as the useful god. If the Vermilion Bird falls into Kongwang and lacks vitality, the party who filed the complaint will be at a disadvantage, while the defendant will have the chance to escape punishment.

勾陳剋日，理難申雪。日克勾陳，控訴得伸。勾陳之陰，為天乙而生日者，必有尊貴憫憐。日上旺相，而勾陳白虎無氣，可上書申雪。天空加辰年命發用，或勾陳發用剋日者，或用傳見天獄、天牢、關管神，及臨日辰年命者，必入獄。用傳見鑰神、德神，或臨日辰年命者，必釋放。未遭囚禁，而用傳先見鑰神乾，主入而後出。

Gou Chen controls the day stem, indicating injustice that cannot be cleared; if the day stem controls Gou Chen, the complaint can be successfully presented. If the hidden spirit of Gou Chen is Tian Yi Guiren and it is born to the day stem, there will certainly be a noble person who shows mercy and helps. If the day stem is in command and prosperous, and both Gou Chen and Bai Hu are weak, one can appeal to higher authorities. If Tian Kong is added to the day branch, birth year, or is the initiating transmission, or if Gou Chen is the initiating transmission and controls the day stem, or if the three transmissions of the useful god include Tian Yu, Tian Lou, or Guan Guan and they are added to the day stem, day branch, birth year, or the person's age, one will certainly be imprisoned. If the three transmissions of the useful god include Ye Shen or De Shen, or if they are added to the day stem, day branch, birth year, or the person's age, one will certainly be released. If one has not yet been imprisoned but the three transmissions of the useful god first encounter Ye Shen, it indicates that one will be imprisoned first and then released.

訣云：用關終鑰無凶咎，用鑰終關主禁制。魁罡臨是日，多主迅速移動，未禁者防禁，已決者迨決而出，更乘凶將，及帶血支、血忌等煞，主速遭刑見血。丑未臨日，主淹滯。丁酉日，酉加丁，名雙丁插目，不利訴訟。主貴人咄目相視，反詰治罪。

The mnemonic says: if the initiating transmission is "Guanshen" and the final transmission is "Yueshen," there will be no misfortune (first closed then opened); if the initiating transmission is "Yueshen" and the final transmission is "Guanshen," it indicates being restrained (first opened then closed). When "Hekui" and "Tiangang" are added to the day, the case tends to change quickly: if the person has not yet been detained, they should be cautious of being detained; if already sentenced, they can be released after the sentence is completed. If further combined withInauspicious General (malevolent generals) and accompanied by "Xuezhi" and "Xueji" (blood branches and blood taboos), it indicates that the person will soon face punishment and bloodshed. If "Chou" and "Wei" are added to the day stem, the case will be delayed and unresolved. On a Dingyou day, if "You" is placed on "Ding," it is called "Shuangding Chamumu" (double Ding inserting eyes), which is unfavorable for lawsuits, indicating that the nobleman will look angrily and question the person who is being punished.

太歲乘馬，訟達朝廷；青龍乘馬，勾陳用事，訟遍天下。天乙帶刑合受克，入獄大凶。臨寅卯，不理事。旺相事速了，朱雀閉口臨旬尾也，冤曲難伸。勾陳與日同類比和，牽連留事。白虎閉口，訟不入期罹罪。青龍刑剋為捧杖，六合刑剋為枷鎖。

The Supreme Sovereign is riding the Post-horse, indicating that legal disputes will be taken all the way to the imperial court. When the Azure Dragon rides the Post-horse and the Gou Chen holds power, the case will involve the whole country. The Nobleman of Heaven is accompanied by punishment and harmony but is also subject to being overcome, indicating a great misfortune of imprisonment. When the Nobleman of Heaven is added to the寅 or卯, the nobleman will not be involved in the case. If the Nobleman of Heaven is prosperous and strong, the case will be resolved quickly. The Vermilion Bird is blocked by the Closed Mouth Evil, meaning that grievances cannot be appealed. When the Gou Chen is of the same type and harmonious with the day stem, the case will involve others and remain unresolved for a long time. When the White Tiger is blocked by the Closed Mouth Evil, the petition cannot be submitted and the person will instead be punished. When the Azure Dragon is subject to punishment, the person will suffer beatings. When the Liu He is subject to punishment, the person will be put in shackles and chains.

歌曰：末逢囚墓而遭罪，死氣傳終必害身。日克勾陳訟必解，勾陳剋日每遭刑。朱雀相生事得理，受制空亡可暫停。白虎並墓或刑日，獲罪須知重不輕。遊子帶刑並克殺，千里徒流是遠行。晝貴入夜貴不明，夜貴在日暗復明。空在貴上貴空脫，青龍生旺訟方興。

The song says: If the final transmission falls in a prison or tomb position, there will certainly be a crime; if death qi falls on the final transmission, it will certainly harm oneself. If the day stem overcomes Gou Chen, the case will certainly be resolved; if Gou Chen overcomes the day stem, one will often be punished. If the Vermilion Bird mutually generates with me, the matter can be explained; if the Vermilion Bird is restrained or falls in Kongwang, the case can be temporarily postponed. If the White Tiger appears together with the tomb god, or if punishment falls on the day stem, the crime will certainly be severe. If the "Wandering Son Lesson" is taken with punishment and accompanied byInauspicious Sha, the main person will be sent far away and suffer hardship in distant travel. If a daytime divination uses night nobleman, the matter will remain unclear; if a nighttime divination uses night nobleman as the day's value, it will turn clear in secret. If Kongwang falls on the nobleman, the nobleman is also empty, and one cannot escape; if the Azure Dragon is in a thriving position, the case has just begun.

冬蛇掩目休興訟，更有凶神是昴星。六合刑害遭枷鎖，生氣加身不禁身。夾定三傳須要了，天喜乘時旺吉生。太常喜神恩救至，天德加臨事已平。陰陽不備純無畏，劫災三煞最為凶。白虎丑上多疏失，天后天門關節通。

The continuation of the rhyme says: if the divination shows "Winter Snake Covering Eyes," one should not go to court; similarly dangerous is the "昴 Star Lesson." If "Liu He" is subjected to punishment and harm, one will be put in chains and locked up; if "Life Qi" is on oneself, one will not be detained. If the three transmissions are enclosed from both sides, the case must be resolved; if "Heavenly Joy" is strong at the time, auspicious energy will arise. If "Tai Chang" and "Joy God" come together, it means mercy and rescue have arrived; if "Heavenly Virtue" is present, the matter has already been settled. If the "Incomplete Lesson" lacks harmony between yin and yang, and is pure without mixture, there is no need to fear; the most dangerous are "Jiesha," "Zaisha," and "Three Evils." If "White Tiger" is in the position of Chou, there will be many errors and omissions in the case records; if "Heavenly Empress" is in the position of Hai (Heaven Gate), the case can be resolved.