Heavenly Mandate: The Five Elements and the Pursuit of Office

有子萬事足，當如儀儼侃稱喜；無官一身輕，誰佐禹湯及文武。欲作大廷之宰輔，須憑易卦以推詳。謀望利名，先要鬼爻旺相；斟量宣敕，但觀父母興衰。凡卜求官，官鬼是用爻。宜旺不宜衰。喜日辰扶拱，怕刑害克沖。宣敕者，父母是也。卦中不可無，最宜旺相扶世，不加凶殺則吉。若被刑沖，根腳不正；加臨大耗，廣費資財。

If one has a son, everything is complete, and it is worth celebrating, like Du Yujun who raised his sons Yi, Yan, Kan, etc. If one has no official position, though one's life is easy, who would assist Xia Yu, Shang Tang, and King Wen and King Wu of Zhou? If one wishes to become an official in the court, one must use the Yi hexagrams to examine. When seeking fame, wealth, and status, one should first ensure that the "Official Ghost" line is prosperous and strong. To determine whether the result is an imperial decree or an edict, one should look at the prosperity and decline of the "Parents" line. The original commentary says: when divining for an official position, the "Official Ghost" line is the key, and it should be prosperous rather than declining. It prefers the Day Branch to support and flank it, and it fears punishments, clashes, and conflicts.所谓宣敕, refers to the "Parents" line, and the hexagram must not lack it. It is most favorable if it is prosperous and supports the "World Line" line, and if it is not afflicted by凶杀, it is auspicious. If it is subjected to punishments and clashes, then one's origin is not proper. If it is overlapped by "Great Loss," then one will have to spend a lot of money.

若太歲月建旺者，多是宣也。若貴人祿馬同鄉，不過是敕也。若雖有吉神，散漫而不當權者，無過是吏掾文書。沖世凶，生克世吉。若不落空亡，縱有艱辛費力，終當成就。印綬旺，則職守彌高；官鬼衰，則聲名卑小。父母官鬼，乃占官之根本，缺一則事難成。二者若逢生旺，必然官職高大；若值休囚，只是卑小職分。若父母強旺，而官鬼無氣，職雖平等，身居鎮靜冷淡衙門，無威耀權柄。若遇進神，聲名益大；如逢退神，必減前任政聲。此舉大綱，後仿此推之。

The original commentary continues: if the "Parents"爻 is strong and prosperous due to the heavenly stem and the month builder, it is mostly an imperial decree; if it is only accompanied by the "Nobleman" and the "Salary" and "Horse" together, it is merely an imperial edict; if there are auspicious deities but they are scattered and not in power, it is just a document handled by a clerk. When the "Parents"爻 conflicts with the "World Line"爻 it is ominous; if it generates or overcomes the "World Line"爻 it is auspicious; as long as it does not fall into "Empty Wasteland," even though it is arduous and laborious, it will eventually succeed. The "Imperial Seal" is the "Parents"爻 being strong and prosperous, indicating a higher position; the "Official Ghost"爻 being weak indicates a low reputation. The original commentary says: the "Parents" and "Official Ghost" are the fundamental elements in divination about official positions; lacking either makes success difficult. If both meet favorable conditions, the official rank will certainly be high; if they are in a state of decline and weakness, it will only be a low position. If the "Parents" is strong and the "Official Ghost" is weak, the rank may be equal to others, but the person will be in a quiet and unimportant office with no authority or prestige. If it meets the "Advancing God," the reputation will be greater; if it meets the "Retreating God," the reputation will certainly be worse than the previous one. This is only a general outline, and the rest follows the same pattern.

欲知品秩，無倦推詳。以上兩節，只言大體，精妙之理，具陳於後。祿馬扶身，萬里風雲際會；祿者：十干五行。譬之人生一世，幼壯老死也。於長生為學堂：甲乙生亥，丙丁生寅，戊己壬癸生申，庚辛生巳，皆學堂。喻人之幼而學也。以旺為祿：則甲祿在寅之類。在臨官帝旺之處，喻人之長而食祿也。

If one wishes to know the rank and status of an official, one should not be tired, but carefully examine and consider. The original commentary says: the above two sections only discuss the general aspects; the subtle principles are explained later. When 'Lù' and 'Mǎ' support the 'Shēn Yáo', there is an opportunity for great achievements and recognition. The original commentary explains 'Lù': 'Lù' refers to the Five Phases of the ten Heavenly Stems. Just as a person goes through stages of childhood, youth, maturity, and old age, the Five Phases being in the position of 'Chángshēng' is called 'Xuéxiáng'—for example, Jia and Yi are born in Hai, Bing and Ding in Yin, Wu and Ji and Ren and Gui in Shen, and Geng and Xin in Si. These are 'Xuéxiáng', symbolizing childhood education. The旺 position is called 'Lù', such as the 'Lù' of Jia being in Yin. Being in the position of 'Línguān' or 'Dìwàng' symbolizes a person growing up and receiving salary.

馬者：驛馬。如寅午戌馬居申，乃長生，謂之驛馬。若臨身世，或臨官鬼父母，及動來生扶身世，乃大吉，唾手成名之象。大忌空亡與刑害也。貴人持世，九天雨露承恩。貴人有二：有天乙貴人，有福星貴人。宜旺相，怕刑沖。若臨官鬼及文書，主官職高遷，必登相位。福貴持世，主人有福德，一生見險無虞，臨凶無咎也。

The original commentary explains "Ma" (horse): "Ma" refers to "Yi Ma" (Post Horse). For example, the Post Horse of the Triple Harmony of寅, 午, 戌 is located in 申, which is the position of Growth, hence it is called Post Horse. If "Yi Ma" is present on the "Shen Yao" (self line) or "Shi Yao" (world line), or if it comes to generate and support the "Shen Yao" or "Shi Yao", it is very auspicious, indicating an easy attainment of official rank. The most unfavorable situation is when it falls into "Kong Wang" (void) or is subjected to punishment and clash. When "Gui Ren" (nobleman) holds the "Shi Yao" (world line), it signifies receiving imperial grace like the rain from the nine heavens. The original commentary states that "Gui Ren" has two types: one is "Tian Yi Gui Ren" (Heavenly Ethical Nobleman), and the other is "Fu Xing Gui Ren" (Star of Good Fortune Nobleman); both are favorable when they are prosperous and strong, but they should avoid punishment and clash. If "Gui Ren" is present on the "Guan Gui" (official ghost) or the document-related line, it indicates a high official position and a certain rise to the position of prime minister. When "Fu Xing Gui Ren" holds the world line, it signifies that the person has good fortune and virtue, and throughout his life, he encounters dangers but remains safe, and faces misfortunes but remains free from blame.

青龍動，則事業易成；朱雀空，而文書難就。青龍者：吉慶福德之喜神，其動有三：年建青龍、月建青龍、日建青龍。若見發動，必加官進祿。與天馬並立，自有升騰進益之喜。不宜落空，必主虛喜。若得興隆，事事稱心，吉無不利。朱雀：占官之用爻，宜旺不宜衰。若見空亡，文書必難成就。或被刑剋，文書必遭傷壞。

The Qinglong is active, making career achievements easy; the Zhuque is in decline, causing difficulties in handling official documents. The original commentary states: Qinglong is the auspicious god representing good fortune and virtue, and its activation has three forms—annual Qinglong, monthly Qinglong, and daily Qinglong. Whenever it is active, promotion and increased official salary are certain. If it is combined with Tianma, there will naturally be good news and advancement. Qinglong should not be in decline, as decline indicates empty joy. If Qinglong is strong, everything will go smoothly and all endeavors will be successful. Zhuque is also used in divination for official matters through hexagrams; it is favorable when strong and unfavorable when weak. If Zhuque falls into 'kongwang', official documents will certainly be difficult to handle. If Zhuque is harmed or restrained, official documents will surely be damaged.

子孫發動，縱然在任也休官；子孫：乃剝官之神。若發動，雖在任所，亦當休致。其求仕者，不必言也。劫殺交重，當見承恩方損已。劫殺：見後神殺章內。若官鬼臨之發動，必因官損命。妻財持世，誥牒豈得如心？兄弟扶身，俸祿安能稱意？妻財持世克文書，縱成，不如意。兄弟為剋剝之神，俸資必非厚也。

The 'Children' line moves, and even if a person is still in office, he will lose his position. The original commentary says: 'Children' is the deity that removes official positions; once it moves, even if one is still in office, he should retire. As for those still seeking official positions, this is even more so. '劫杀' overlapping and moving together will cause harm to oneself just as one is about to receive an appointment. The original commentary says: the method of '劫杀' is explained in the later chapter on divine killings. If '官鬼' is attached to it and moves, it will certainly result in loss of life due to official duties. '妻财' holds the 'World Line', how can an official appointment or decree be satisfactory? '兄弟' supports the 'Body Line', how can salary be satisfactory? The original commentary says: when '妻财' holds the World Line, it will harm official documents, and even if things succeed, they will not be satisfactory; '兄弟' is a deity that harms and strips away, so salary and wealth will certainly not be abundant.

父化父，文書不實；官化官，事體翻騰。父母為文書。父化父，文書虛而不實也。官化官，事體翻騰反覆也。卦中兩父兩官，必是鴛鴦求仕。卦中遇之，必有兩意幹事，此失彼得之兆，此乃鴛鴦求仕。若前鬼旺後鬼空，只宜守舊，不可改謀；前鬼衰而後鬼旺，宜舍舊圖新；前後皆旺，所求遂意。

The term "parents" transforms into "parents," indicating that documents are not genuine; the term "official ghost" transforms into "official ghost," suggesting that matters will change repeatedly. The original commentary states: "Parents" represent documents, and when "parents" transform into "parents," the documents are false; when "official ghost" transforms into "official ghost," affairs will fluctuate. If two "parents" and two "official ghosts" appear in the hexagram, it indicates a situation of "duet seeking official positions," where someone is pursuing two official posts simultaneously. The original commentary says that when such a situation occurs in the hexagram, it means the person is acting with two minds, indicating a sign of loss in one place and gain in another, which is called "duet seeking official positions." If the first "official ghost" is strong and the second is weak, it is advisable to remain with the old position and not change; if the first is weak and the second is strong, it is better to abandon the old and seek the new; if both are strong, then both desired outcomes will be achieved.

爻上月德月建，須逢獬豸為冠。月德、月建，皆清正之吉神，諸殺莫敢仰視。若見加臨貴人，扶持官鬼及世爻，必非州縣之官，乃風憲之職。更看目下衰旺，便可斷其擢官赴任。此又不忌凶殺，逢殺，則威風凜凜，動止驚人，操權轟烈。

When the爻 is overlaid by 「Monthly Virtue」 and 「Month Builder」, it indicates that the person should wear the獬豸 crown and take up a position as an enforcer. The original commentary says: 「Monthly Virtue」 and 「Month Builder」 are both upright and auspicious deities; all evil spirits dare not look up to them. If they are combined with 「Nobleman」, and support 「Official Ghost」 and 「World Line」, the person's position is certainly not that of a county magistrate, but rather a role in the Imperial Censorate, such as a censor. Then, by observing the current state of decline or strength, one can determine when he will be promoted and take office. This type of situation does not fear encountering evil spirits; instead, encountering them indicates that he will be formidable, his actions will be startling, and his authority will be impressive.

太歲動，則在任有除；劫殺空，則逢凶無咎。太歲，地殺之主宰，諸神不敢當。若值青龍月建，加臨父母官鬼發動，雖見居任所，又當升擢美職也。若加劫殺，則當貶責；如落空亡，逢凶無咎。鬼爻持世，應知到任把權；印綬扶身，必定臨庭掌案。持世扶身，卦之主宰。若見用爻加臨，定主到任把權，臨庭掌案也。卦無父母，終無所任之邦；爻隱妻財，未得養廉之俸。父母為任所之地。若不出現，或落空，恐無所任之處。妻財隱伏及落空，養廉之俸未足也。

The current year's sovereign star is active, so even though a person is already in office, they may still receive another appointment; if "劫杀" falls into an empty position, encountering misfortune will not result in blame. The original commentary says: the current year's sovereign star is the master of all killing stars, and all spirits dare not resist it. If the current year's sovereign star is combined with "Azure Dragon" and the month builder, and also combines with "parents" and "official ghost" and becomes active, then even though the person is already in office, they will still be promoted to a better position; if the current year's sovereign star is combined with "劫杀", they will suffer demotion; if "劫杀" falls into an empty position, then even encountering misfortune will not result in blame. If the "official ghost" line holds the "world line", it indicates that after taking office, the person will be in charge of real power; if the "imperial robe" (which is the "parents" line) supports the "body line", it means the person will definitely be present in court handling official documents. The original commentary says: holding the "world line" and supporting the "body line" are the main elements of the hexagram; if the useful line is combined with them, it definitely indicates that after taking office, the person will hold power and manage court affairs. If the hexagram does not have the "parents" line, there will be no place to take office; if the "wife and wealth" line is hidden and not visible, the person will not receive the salary for integrity. The original commentary says: the "parents" line represents the place of appointment; if it does not appear in the hexagram or falls into an empty position, it is feared there will be no place to take office; if the "wife and wealth" line is hidden or falls into an empty position, the salary for integrity will be insufficient.

一世二世，任所非遙；五世八純，仕途遠涉。一、二、三世在內卦，故曰非遙；四、五、八純在外卦，故曰遠涉也。要識宦情好惡，須憑卦象推詳。假如隔手來占，要知本官為人，及形貌性情，但將鬼爻論之。看在何宮，論其形體，並六獸之形貌，情性瞭然可見。奧義開列於後。

If the first and second generations of the hexagram are obtained, the place where the official will take office is not far away; if the fifth generation or the eight pure hexagrams are obtained, the official's career will require a long journey. The original commentary says: the world line of the first, second, and third generations is within the inner trigram, so the distance is not far; the world line of the fourth, fifth generations, and the eight pure hexagrams is in the outer trigram, so the journey is long. To understand the official's character and preferences, one must rely on the hexagram to infer. The original commentary says: if someone else is consulting on behalf of the official, to know the official's nature and appearance, one should use the 'official ghost' line: observe which palace it falls into, and thus judge his physical form, then combine it with the forms of the six beasts to understand his disposition. The deeper meaning is explained later.

世在離宮，眼露聰明性急；身居乾象，面圓正大仁慈。離屬火為目，乾屬金為首，各取其體德而言之也。金為武職之官，掌生殺之重柄；火乃文章之士，探禮義之根源。金有斷制之義，故取為武職；火乃文明之象，必職司儒業。

The World Line is in the Li trigram, indicating a person with prominent eyes, intelligent but impetuous; the Body Line is in the Qian trigram, indicating a person with a round and upright face, noble bearing, and kindness. The original commentary says: Li belongs to fire and represents the eyes, while Qian belongs to metal and represents the head. This refers to the nature and virtue of each trigram. The Official Ghost belongs to metal, representing a military official who holds power of life and death; if it belongs to fire, it represents a scholar who studies the principles of rites and rituals. The original commentary says: metal signifies decisiveness and control, hence it is associated with military positions; fire symbolizes civilization, so it must be linked to the study and promotion of Confucian learning.

偉哉行事有功，廣播聲名於天下；必也使民無訟，須存正值於心中。大爭，則兵革交征；小競，則文詞相訴。欲分勝負，先將世應推詳；凡爭訟曲直，世克應者，我勝；應克世者，他勝。然應雖克世而世旺，彼雖害我而不能深傷。世靜而克應，而應發動，彼有通變之謀，終不受克。若有吉神扶持，必有貴人倚靠，終不能侵。若世應皆旺，勝敗之機未可決，但究日辰生合何爻，並刑剋哪爻，便知端的。

Great indeed is the accomplishment of deeds and the spread of fame throughout the world; yet to truly achieve the state where the people have no disputes, one must first possess within the heart the virtue of "uprightness." Great conflicts involve the mutual warfare of armies, while minor disputes are the mutual lawsuits through written documents. To determine the outcome, one must first carefully examine the "World Line" and the "Response Line." The original commentary states: whenever there is a dispute over right and wrong, if the "World Line" overcomes the "Response Line," then I win; if the "Response Line" overcomes the "World Line," then the other side wins. However, even if the "Response Line" overcomes the "World Line," if the "World Line" is prosperous and strong, then the other side, although intending to harm me, cannot cause me serious harm. If the "World Line" is quiet but still overcomes the "Response Line," while the "Response Line" becomes active, this indicates that the other side has a flexible and strategic plan, and ultimately, I will not be overcome by them. If my side is supported by auspicious deities, there will certainly be a nobleman to rely upon, and the other side will not be able to invade. If both the "World Line" and the "Response Line" are prosperous, the key to victory or defeat remains uncertain. In such cases, one should investigate which line is supported by the day branch through generation and harmony, and which line is affected by conflict and punishment, and thus understand the situation clearly.

要決因依，但把鬼爻推究。占訟，以鬼爻為主。更以六神參究來歷，因依瞭然在目矣。青龍鬼：婚姻訟。朱雀鬼：罵詈口舌、文書契約、吏人爭鬥、喧鬧是非。勾陳鬼：田土屋宅、山林樹木訟。若兄化鬼，房族致爭。螣蛇鬼：被人連累。白虎鬼：與人鬥毆殺傷。若帶凶殺動，事屬刑名。玄武鬼：姦淫盜賊訟。

To decide the cause of this lawsuit, one should focus on the "Official Ghost" line. The original commentary says: when divining a lawsuit, the "Official Ghost" line is the main focus, and the Six Spirits are used to investigate its origin. The cause and nature of the matter will then become clear. If the "Azure Dragon" is associated with the "Official Ghost," it indicates a lawsuit related to marriage. If the "Vermilion Bird" is associated with the "Official Ghost," it suggests disputes involving insults, verbal conflicts, written contracts, disputes with officials, or public quarrels. If the "Gou Chen" is associated with the "Official Ghost," it refers to lawsuits over land, houses, forests, or trees. If the "Siblings" line transforms into the "Official Ghost," it indicates disputes among relatives within the same family. If the "Teng Snake" is associated with the "Official Ghost," it means being implicated in someone else's case. If the "White Tiger" is associated with the "Official Ghost," it indicates physical altercations or injuries, and if accompanied by凶杀 (violent death or murder), the matter becomes a criminal case. If the "Black Tortoise" is associated with the "Official Ghost," it refers to cases involving sexual misconduct or theft.

官克應，他人受責；鬼傷世，自己逢屯。凡占訟，世應相剋，以決輸贏。一說：世克應，我訟他；應克世，他訟我。輸贏從官斷。鬼克世，官司不順，我費資財；鬼克應，他人遭責，彼虧我勝。應空不受克，他人亦無妨。世空同斷。又云：世應俱空，兩家退悔，官司將有解散之意。

The "Official Ghost" overcoming the "Response Line" indicates that the other party will be punished; the "Official Ghost" harming the "World Line" signifies that I will face difficulties. The original commentary states: when divining a lawsuit, the outcome of winning or losing is determined by the mutual overcoming between the "World Line" and the "Response Line." There is another saying: if the "World Line" overcomes the "Response Line," it means I am accusing him; if the "Response Line" overcomes the "World Line," it means he is accusing me; the result of the case is determined by the "Official Ghost." If the "Official Ghost" overcomes the "World Line," the lawsuit will not go smoothly, and I will have to spend money; if the "Official Ghost" overcomes the "Response Line," the other party will be punished, he will suffer a loss, and I will win. If the "Response Line" is empty, it will not be overcome, and the other party will not be affected; the same applies if the "World Line" is empty. It is also said that if both the "World Line" and the "Response Line" are empty, both parties will feel regret and withdraw, indicating that the lawsuit may end in a settlement.

一卦兩官，權柄何曾歸一；六爻無父，文書終久難成。一卦之中，不宜見兩鬼出現。權不歸一，事休反覆。若一鬼旺動，即取其方向，便知哪一官執權。父母為文書案卷。卦無父母，案卷未成。父母旺空，文書未就；休囚空亡，其事不成。或父母逢太歲、月建沖，上司必有駁；父母加太歲動，主上司提案卷。父母帶吉神，終無大咎；凶神同位，則事凶。

In a single hexagram, if two 'Official Ghosts' appear, authority does not belong to one place; among the six lines, if there is no 'Parents', documents will ultimately fail to be completed. The original commentary says: it is not advisable to see two 'Official Ghosts' in a single hexagram, for authority is not unified, and matters will be repeated; if one of the 'Official Ghosts' is strong and active, take the direction where it is located, and you will know which official holds real power. 'Parents' represent documents and files; if the hexagram has no 'Parents', the files have not yet been created; if 'Parents' are strong but fall into vacancy, the documents have not yet been completed; if they are weak and fall into 'Empty Wasteland', the matter will not be completed. Or if 'Parents' are conflicted by the Year God and the Month Builder, the superior will certainly reject it; if 'Parents' combine with the Year God and are active, it indicates the superior is retrieving the documents. If 'Parents' are accompanied by auspicious deities, there will ultimately be no great disaster; if they are withInauspicious Spirit, the matter will be ominous.

他訴訟，看鬼位休囚；我興詞，怕財爻旺相。凡他訟我，要鬼位休囚，不宜旺相，不然其訟必成。妻財本克父母，若我興詞，不宜見之；若逢動或持世，狀詞終不准。若得日辰沖散財爻，我事庶幾可振。又云，他興訴，須要官鬼休囚墓絕，則無大害。

When someone sues me, I should check whether the "Official Ghost" position is weak and confined; if I go to file a lawsuit, I should be cautious if the "Wealth" line is strong and prosperous. The original commentary says: whenever someone sues me, the "Official Ghost" should be weak and confined, not strong and prosperous, otherwise the lawsuit will certainly succeed. The "Wealth" line usually overcomes the "Parents" line; if I want to file a lawsuit against someone, I should not see this. If it becomes active or holds the "World Line," my case will not be accepted. If the "Day Branch" can clash with the "Wealth" line to scatter it, then there is hope for my case. It also says: when someone sues me, the "Official Ghost" should be weak and confined, buried, or in a state of decline, to avoid major harm.

官鬼空亡墓絕，須知無貴主張。凡占，不問原告被告，若官鬼空亡墓絕，或卦無官鬼，決無官府主張其事。鬼雖墓絕，而財爻旺動相生，此之謂絕處逢生，須用資財囑託。姑待官鬼旺相月日，方可成訟。更值子孫發動，仍復無氣，縱然費盡資財，亦無益於事。

If the "Official Ghost" falls into "Empty亡" or enters the墓 or is in a state of绝, it indicates that there will be no nobleman or official to oversee the matter. The original commentary says: In any divination, whether the plaintiff or defendant, if the "Official Ghost" is in "Empty亡", enters the墓, or is in a state of绝, or if the卦 completely lacks the "Official Ghost", it is certain that the official authorities will not intervene in the matter. Even if the "Official Ghost" is in墓 or绝, but the "Wealth" line is prosperous and active, coming to generate the "Official Ghost", this is called being revived in a desperate situation. One must use money to seek help from others, and wait until the month and day when the "Official Ghost" becomes prosperous, then the lawsuit can proceed. If at the same time the "Children" line is active, and the "Official Ghost" still lacks strength, then even if great wealth is spent, it will do no good for the matter.

世應帶合比和，終久有人和會。若世應帶合，事體本要成。若但比和，而不相害，兩家有和會之心。若子孫動，當勸和公事。世應比和，而官鬼旺動，克傷世應，兩家欲休，官府不放。若遇解神，庶幾可散。鬼化鬼，移權更案；兄化兄，蕩產傾家。若遇鬼化鬼，其事反覆。或移權更案，事幹兩司；或舊事再發。前卦鬼衰，後卦鬼旺，昔日之事雖小，今日翻成大事；前鬼旺，後鬼衰，其事先重後輕，虎頭蛇尾。

The world and response lines are in harmony and also form a harmonious combination, so eventually someone will come to mediate. The original commentary says: if the world and response lines are in harmony, the matter is naturally going to be resolved; if they are just harmonious without mutual harm, both parties have the intention to reconcile. If the children line is activated, someone will come to mediate this official matter. If the world and response lines are harmonious, but the official ghost line is prosperous and strong and is activated, it will harm both the world and response lines, meaning both parties want to give up, but the authorities will not let go; at this time, if the relief deity appears, the matter has a chance to be resolved. As for changes: if the official ghost line changes into another official ghost line, it indicates a change of the chief judge and a transfer of the case; if the siblings line changes into another siblings line, it indicates the complete loss of family property. The original commentary says: if the official ghost line changes into another official ghost line, the matter will certainly be complicated—either the case is transferred to another authority or the case is changed, involving two offices; or the old case is reopened. In the previous hexagram, if the official ghost line is weak and in the later hexagram it is strong, although the previous matter was small, it will now become a major issue; if in the previous hexagram the official ghost line is strong and in the later hexagram it is weak, the matter will first be serious and then become minor, ending in a half-hearted manner.

兄弟乃克財之神，若旺動，不免廣費資財，休囚稍可。若又化出兄弟，必主使兩重財，或兩處使錢。更加大耗，主蕩產傾家。若加劫殺及咸池，必被小人陰私，趁勢劫騙。若逢鬼動，終久必知之也。太歲鬼臨，其事必干臺憲；天獄殺動，此身須入牢房。占訟：若鬼加太歲及月建，必干臺憲。鬼衰難用此斷。自宜通變，取人事決之，庶無失矣。天獄殺、關鎖殺，俱見後神殺章內，若動則有鎖禁。

The original commentary continues explaining "brother transforming into brother": "Brother" is the spirit that overcomes "wealth." If it is prosperous and strong and becomes active, one is sure to spend a lot of money. If it is weak and confined, it is somewhat better. If it transforms again into "brother," one must spend money in two ways or use money in two places. If "great loss" is added, the family property will be completely exhausted. If "robbery killer" and "salty pool" are also added, one will certainly be defrauded by small people secretly. If at this time "official ghost" becomes active, eventually these matters will be investigated. If the year's master is accompanied by "official ghost," this case will certainly involve the imperial censors' office. If "heavenly prison killer" becomes active, one will be imprisoned. The original commentary says: when "official ghost" is combined with the year's master and the month builder in divination of lawsuits, it certainly involves the imperial censors' office. But if "official ghost" is weak, it cannot be judged in this way; one should be flexible and consider human affairs to make a judgment, to avoid mistakes. "Heavenly prison killer" and "lock killer" are both explained in the following chapter on divine killers. If they become active, there will be the possibility of being locked up and imprisoned.

官旺日，則面折庭諍；鬼休時，則停囚長智。占訟：欲知何日興，何日息，但把鬼爻推究。鬼旺日，其事必興，當見臨庭折證；若值鬼衰，其事必停。鬼值沖，官司有冗，未及究問。鬼值日辰刑，上司有言責，其事稍緩。欲識何時結斷，鬼爻墓絕推詳。占訟：始終成敗，皆從鬼斷。其事有定限，庶可推詳。夫結絕決斷，實為難事，其或動經一年半載。必須先達人事，度其輕重，知其時務，復取其占之卦爻。子孫發動，官鬼空亡，無氣入墓，窮其鬼絕月日，然後方可雍容，推其意而言之。要知不受刑傷，子位興隆剖決。子孫為福德之神。官訟牽連，獄囚禁繫，杖責臨身，此爻發動，一概可免。

On days when the 'Official Ghost' is prosperous and strong, both parties will confront each other in court; on days when the 'Official Ghost' is weak and confined, the person remains in prison to gain experience. The original note says: when divining a lawsuit, one must know which day the matter arises and which day it subsides. Only by thoroughly examining the 'Official Ghost' line can this be determined. On days when the 'Official Ghost' is strong, the matter will certainly arise, and there will be a court confrontation. If the 'Official Ghost' is weak, the matter will certainly be put on hold. If the 'Official Ghost' is being冲 (conflicted), it indicates that official affairs are busy and the case will not be pursued immediately. If the 'Official Ghost' is being刑 (punished) by the day branch, it means the superior has words of reprimand, and the case will be slightly delayed. To know when the case will be concluded and decided, one should examine the 'burial' and 'cessation' of the 'Official Ghost' line. The original note says: the success or failure of a lawsuit is determined by the 'Official Ghost' line. Since there is a definite time limit, one can make an inference. The conclusion of a case is inherently difficult, often taking months or even years. The diviner must first understand human nature and affairs, weigh the seriousness of the matter, and be aware of the current situation before consulting the hexagram and its lines. If the 'Children' line is active and the 'Official Ghost' line is in 'empty' condition, or if the 'Official Ghost' line is weak and buried, one should investigate the month and day when the 'Official Ghost' line reaches its 'cessation' point. In this way, one can calmly infer the meaning and inform others. To know how to avoid punishment, one should examine whether the 'Children' line is strong. Based on this, one can make a judgment. The original note says: the 'Children' line is the god of fortune and virtue. Any case involving litigation, imprisonment, or corporal punishment can be exempted if this line is activated.

世上論官訴訟，多因性氣資財；其中闇昧明私，莫出姦淫盜竊。用鬼為賊，須尋來處之蹤由；以鬼為賊。若見持世，乃貼身之賊。在初爻，是家賊；二三爻，鄰里賊。在外是外賊；在六爻，是遠處賊。鬼帶羊刃、劫殺、懸針，是強盜賊。賊來須捕鬼生方。且如鬼屬金，乃西方賊，從東南方上來。看在何爻，卻詳微細之處。其餘仿此。鬼屬陽，日間來；鬼屬陰，夜間來。陰鬼化陽，夜至日方退；陽鬼化陰，日至夜方偷。男賊女賊，亦不出於陰陽推斷。

In the world, most legal disputes arise from disputes over honor and money. Among these, the obscure or open and secret activities are generally of two types: immorality and theft. When divining theft, the 'Official Ghost' line represents the thief. One must trace the origin and cause of the thief. The original commentary says: taking the 'Official Ghost' as the thief. If it is connected to the 'World Line', it is a close thief; if it is in the first line, it is a family thief; if it is in the second or third lines, it is a neighbor's thief; if it is in the outer trigram, it is an outsider's thief; if it is in the sixth line, it is a distant thief. The 'Official Ghost' with 'Shearing Blade', 'Robbery', and 'Suspended Needle' indicates a bandit. To catch the thief, one must go in the direction of the 'Official Ghost's growth. For example, if the 'Official Ghost' is of metal, the thief is from the west but comes from the southeast. Then look at which line it is in, and further investigate the details, and so on. If the 'Official Ghost' is yang, the thief comes during the day; if it is yin, the thief comes at night. A yin 'Official Ghost' changing to yang means the thief comes at night and leaves at dawn; a yang 'Official Ghost' changing to yin means the thief comes during the day and attacks at night. Whether the thief is male or female can also be determined from yin and yang.

推物憑財，當捕墓中之方向。推物，當以財屬五行辨之。欲知其藏匿何方，但尋財墓處便是。且如金財在丑、艮方；木財在未、坤方；水土財在辰、巽方；火財在戌、乾方。凡占欲知何處失財，但看財絕方向是也。財在內，家中失落；居外在外失落。若五爻動，路上遺失。若鬼空亡無氣，日辰扶合財爻，財爻化入墓中，此乃未經賊手，不曾失脫，藏於器皿之中。

To find lost items, one should rely on the 'Wealth' line. One should search in the direction where the 'Wealth' line is buried. The original commentary says: to find an object, one should use the Five Phases associated with the 'Wealth' line to determine its nature; to know where it is hidden, one should look in the direction of the 'Wealth' line's burial place. For example, the burial place of the 'Wealth' line for metal is in Chou and the direction of Gen; for wood, it is in Wei and the direction of Kun; for water and earth, it is in Chen and the direction of Xun; and for fire, it is in Xu and the direction of Qian. In general, when divining about losing money, one should look in the direction of the 'Wealth' line's direction of extinction. If the 'Wealth' line is in the inner trigram, the loss is within the house; if it is in the outer trigram, the loss is outside; if the fifth line moves, the loss occurred on the way. If the 'Official Ghost' falls into 'Kongwang' and has no vitality, and the day branch supports and harmonizes with the 'Wealth' line, and the 'Wealth' line also changes into a buried state, then it means the item was never stolen, but was simply stored in some container.

財化鬼，必無尋路；鬼化財，終可獲賊。凡卦中財化鬼，其物已變化了，至後無蹤跡影響。鬼若逢沖，而日辰扶合財爻，其物未散。若非子孫發動，亦未可知。如鬼動化財，物雖偷去，尚未出藪，終可捕獲。但看其子孫旺、官鬼受制時，自然敗露。

When the "Wealth" changes into "Official Ghost," there is no way to trace it; but when "Official Ghost" changes into "Wealth," the thief can eventually be caught. The original commentary says: whenever "Wealth" changes into "Official Ghost" in a hexagram, the item has already been transferred and there will be no further trace. However, if "Official Ghost" is confronted and the Day Branch supports the "Wealth" line, the item has not yet been lost; but unless "Children" initiates the movement, it is still uncertain. If "Official Ghost" initiates and changes into "Wealth," the item has been stolen but has not yet left this area, so it can still be captured. Only when "Children" are prosperous and strong, and "Official Ghost" is restrained, will the matter be exposed.

妻財最怕空亡，官鬼豈宜扶合。財在內卦，不落空亡，其物可見；財在外動，物已去遠，終難得見。鬼若日辰扶合，乃真賊，慣得其中滋味。必有人做腳，須防再來。且日辰合住鬼爻，必有窩頓之家，深藏固閉，賊不易敗也。

The "Wealth" hexagram is most afraid of falling into "Empty Wasteland." As for the "Official Ghost," it is suitable to be supported or harmonized. The original commentary says: If "Wealth" is in the inner hexagram and does not fall into "Empty Wasteland," the thing can still be seen; but if "Wealth" is in the outer hexagram and moves, the thing has already gone far away, and it will be difficult to find. If "Official Ghost" is supported or harmonized by the day branch, then it is a habitual thief who has already tasted the sweetness of this, and there must be someone watching and helping him. One must be careful of his return. Moreover, if the day branch harmonizes the "Official Ghost" line, there must be a house hiding and selling stolen goods, deeply hiding the thing, making it hard to expose the thief.

金爻帶鬼，便言割壁穿窬；木位逢官，定是鋤泥掘洞。金爻帶鬼，用刀鐵撬開門戶，挖毀牆垣；木爻屬鬼，鋤泥掘洞，過屋懸樑。其他當以類推。看在哪爻發動，便知何處歸來。如金爻發動，賊向西方來；木爻發動，賊在東方來。

A gold line accompanied by the 'Official Ghost' indicates that the thief entered by breaking through the wall or climbing through it. A wood line with the 'Official Ghost' means the thief came by digging through the earth. The original commentary says: a gold line with the 'Official Ghost' indicates the thief used a knife or iron tool to break open the door and destroy the walls; a wood line with the 'Official Ghost' means the thief dug through the earth or climbed over the roof. The rest can be inferred in the same way. By observing which line is active, one can determine from which direction the thief came. The original commentary says: if a gold line is active, the thief comes from the west; if a wood line is active, the thief comes from the east.

子動傷官，日下須當捉獲。子孫為捉賊之人。旺動，必當時下便能捉獲。偷時被人撞見。要知蹤跡，但尋子孫方位，便知著落。如卯爻子孫動，見穿青婦人，便知消息。屬寅，乃穿青男子，或遇草頭及木字旁姓人說消息。若遇巳爻子孫動，必見紅衣女子方知；帶殺，乃曲腳婦人；胎養，乃小女子。

The 'Children' hexagram is active and injures the 'Official Ghost', so the thief should be captured now. The original commentary says: the 'Children' represents the person who catches thieves. If it is prosperous and strong and active, the thief will certainly be caught at that moment, because the thief was seen at the time of the crime. To find the thief's trail, just look at the direction where the 'Children' hexagram is located. For example, if the 'Children' is on the卯 (Mao) hexagram, encountering a woman wearing blue clothes will reveal the information; since 'Children' belongs to寅 (Yin), it refers to a man wearing blue clothes, or someone with a surname containing the radical for grass or wood. If the 'Children' is on the巳 (Si) hexagram, one must meet a woman wearing red clothes to know the information; if it is accompanied byInauspicious Sha (dangerous killing), it is a lame woman; if it is in the胎 (fetus) or养 (nurturing) position, it is a little girl.

午乃穿紅男子；旺相，是銀鐵等匠；休囚，乃挑柴炭人問之，可知。申乃穿白衣人，或木匠鐵匠。酉乃賣酒人、持酒人，可知消息。亥乃穿黑衣人，或守田土之人，或挑水之人，或洗衣之人，皆宜問消息。子是穿黑衣不頂帽男子，及釣魚人，靜中看見，問其消息。辰乃竹林木中，墓邊人家可問。戌有黃犬吠人家，或牽引犬人問。丑是守牛人，或是耕夫。未是牧羊人，可知其的。以上當別旺相休囚，可知少壯老弱。若鬼化子孫，必須告官，方能捉獲。勾陳乃捕賊之人，若克玄武，其賊必擒。

The original commentary then lists the earthly branches, explaining that the "Children" of the Wu branch is a man wearing red clothes; when prosperous and strong, he is a craftsman making silver and iron, but when weak and confined, he is a man carrying firewood and charcoal. Ask him and you will know. The "Children" of the Shen branch is a man wearing white clothes, or a carpenter or blacksmith. The "Children" of the You branch is a man selling wine or carrying wine, from whom you can get information. The "Children" of the Hai branch is a man wearing black clothes, or a person guarding fields, carrying water, or washing clothes; any of these can be asked. The "Children" of the Zi branch is a man wearing black clothes without a hat, or a fisherman; if seen in a secluded place, ask him for information. The "Children" of the Chen branch can be asked at households near bamboo groves or trees, or near graves. The "Children" of the Xu branch can be asked at the house where a yellow dog is barking at people, or from the person leading a dog. The "Children" of the Chou branch is a person watching cows or a farmer plowing fields. The "Children" of the Wei branch is a herder of sheep, from whom you can get certain information. All of these should also be considered in terms of prosperity, strength, weakness, and confinement, to determine whether the person is a youth, an adult, or old and weak. If the "Official Ghost" changes into the "Children," it must be reported to the authorities to catch the person. The "Gou Chen" is a person who captures thieves; if it overcomes the "Black Tortoise," the thief will certainly be caught.

日辰克鬼，當時曾被驚疑。凡日辰沖剋官爻，上盜時，被主家驚覺。如金鬼畏火，若遇日辰沖，上盜時，見燈明，復退隱。若火爻動來沖剋，其時有人燭燈外，窺見形跡。木鬼值日辰沖剋，行竊時會觸銅鐵器皿作聲，賊心驚恐。或金爻空動克鬼，乃人之聲。胎養，小兒啼；庫墓，老人嗽；未敢下手。水鬼值日辰沖剋，畏牆壁堅固，路徑高低，其賊疑懼，終無十分偷掠。若戌土動來克，多是犬吠。帶殺，被犬傷。火鬼被日辰沖剋，主賊人被追落水。土鬼被日辰沖剋，畏門戶牢緊，若見木來克，必聞門戶聲驚疑。以上數端，皆以類而推。唯占者至誠至敬，自然靈驗也。

The day branch clashes with the "Official Ghost" indicating that the thief was once suspicious. The original commentary says: whenever the day branch clashes with the "Official Ghost" line, it means the thief was caught by the homeowner while committing the theft. For example, if the "Official Ghost" is of metal and is clashed by the day branch, it means when the thief was about to act, he saw the light on and retreated. If a fire line is activated to clash with the "Official Ghost," it means someone was lighting a lamp outside the window and saw the thief's movements. If the "Official Ghost" of wood is clashed by the day branch, it means the thief encountered metal or iron objects making noise, causing him to feel frightened. If the metal line is empty and clashes with the "Official Ghost," it indicates human sounds: in the place of fetal development and nurturing, it is a child crying; in the place of storage and burial, it is an old person coughing, making the thief dare not proceed. If the "Official Ghost" of water is clashed by the day branch, it means the thief was afraid of strong walls and uneven paths, causing him to be doubtful and ultimately not steal heavily. If the戌 earth line is activated to clash, it is mostly a dog barking; if it carries a凶杀 (violent death) meaning, it means the thief was bitten by a dog. If the "Official Ghost" of fire is clashed by the day branch, it means the thief fell into water while being chased. If the "Official Ghost" of earth is clashed by the day branch, it means the thief was afraid of the door being tightly closed; if a wood line is activated to clash, it means the thief heard the sound of the door and became suspicious. All these cases should be interpreted according to their categories. As long as the person asking the question is sincere and respectful, it will naturally be effective.

一卦兩官，內外二人謀計。若兩鬼俱動，必是內外勾連，二人同竊。若外鬼動，內鬼不動，不過知情。若兩鬼皆不動，但取其臨玄武、劫殺、當權者為正賊。六爻無鬼，中間恐自遺亡。六爻無鬼，財不空亡，乃自遺失，非人偷也。財旺，可尋。若財帶亡神動，有鬼爻不動，亦是自失。被人獲去，終不可見。

In a single hexagram, if two 'Official Ghosts' appear, it indicates two people working together inside and outside. The original commentary says: if both 'Official Ghosts' are activated, it must be that the inside and outside are colluding, and both are involved in the theft; if the 'Official Ghost' in the outer trigram moves while the one in the inner trigram does not, then the inside accomplice is merely aware; if neither 'Official Ghost' moves, then take the one that is adjacent to 'Black Tortoise' and '劫杀' and is in authority as the main thief. If there is no 'Official Ghost' among the six lines, it is mostly that the person has lost it themselves. The original commentary says: if there is no 'Official Ghost' among the six lines, and the 'Wealth' is not in 'Empty' condition, then it is the person who has lost it, not stolen by someone else; if the 'Wealth' is prosperous and strong, it can still be found. If the 'Wealth' carries 'Wang Shen' and is activated, and the hexagram has 'Official Ghosts' but they do not move, it is also the person who has lost it, but it has already been picked up by someone else, and will eventually be lost again.

若無鬼而兄弟化鬼，或加青龍動者，非人偷，或曾有人借去，遺亡在彼。若鬼雖動，又兼兄弟旺動，物雖賊偷，非能入已，又被他人將去。財立內爻，珍寶不離於井灶；財居外卦，金珠豈遠於棟樑。財爻在內，其物必在家之井灶間；財爻在外，未動，必藏匿於棟樑上。

The original commentary also says: if the hexagram does not contain 'Official Ghost' but 'Siblings' transforms into 'Official Ghost', or if 'Azure Dragon' is added and activated, then it is not that something was stolen by someone, but that someone had borrowed it and lost it at their place. If 'Official Ghost' is activated while 'Siblings' are also prosperous and strong, then although the item was stolen by a thief, the thief did not manage to keep it, and it was taken away by another person. If 'Wealth' is located in the inner trigram, treasures will not be lost from the well or the stove area; if 'Wealth' is in the outer trigram, gold and jewels will not be far from the beams. The original commentary says: if the 'Wealth' line is in the inner trigram, the item must be within the well or the stove area; if 'Wealth' is in the outer trigram and has not been activated, it must be hidden on the beams.

須教仔細參詳，方可雍容斷決。要占輕微之失脫，更加玄妙之功夫。鬼屬陽，男子偷，細察休囚旺相；鬼屬陰，女子竊，精詳庫墓胞胎。小可失脫，不可一概論。但當分別陰陽，校量衰旺，方知的實；若陽鬼，男子偷；陰鬼，女人竊；鬼旺，後生偷；墓庫，老人偷；胎養，童稚偷。

One must carefully examine the situation in order to make a calm and accurate judgment. When predicting minor thefts, one must apply subtle and refined methods. If the "Official Ghost" is yang, it indicates a male thief, and one must closely observe its state of prosperity or decline; if the "Official Ghost" is yin, it indicates a female thief, and one must carefully analyze whether it is in the storage, tomb, or fetal stage. The original commentary states: minor thefts should not be treated indiscriminately; instead, one should distinguish between yin and yang and compare their strength and weakness to understand the actual situation. A yang "Official Ghost" signifies a young person stealing; a "Official Ghost" in the storage or tomb stage indicates an elderly person stealing; and a "Official Ghost" in the fetal or nurturing stage indicates a child stealing.

若陰化陽，婦人偷，男子將去；陽化陰，男子偷，藏女人處。不然，日間見物，夜間偷；或夜間竊，日中將去。此亦舉其大綱，更宜詳審。定人形以五行推，決面目以六神斷。人形面目，大抵以婚姻內面貌參看。財逢生氣，必亡走獸飛禽。凡論生氣，正月子上順行，一月一位，數至歲終。卦中財臨生氣，必是能走動之物。子與丑合皆言牛，寅與亥合皆言豬，卯與戌合皆言犬，辰與酉合皆言雞。凡遇生氣，其物未曾殺害；若化為死氣庫墓，必被烹宰。死氣者，正月起午上順行，不問是何物，遇之皆不吉。

The original commentary continues: if the yin "Official Ghost" changes to yang, it indicates that a woman has stolen it or a man has taken it away; if the yang "Official Ghost" changes to yin, it means a man has stolen it and hidden it in a woman's place. Otherwise, it could be that something was seen during the day but stolen at night, or stolen at night and moved away during the day. This is only a general outline, and one should still carefully examine and distinguish further. To determine the shape of the thief, use the Five Phases; to determine his appearance, use the Six Spirits. The original commentary says: the shape and appearance of a person can generally be referred to the section on facial features in the previous chapter on couples. When "Wealth" meets "Life Qi," the lost item must be a moving animal. The original commentary says: whenever discussing "Life Qi," it starts from the beginning of the first month at the Zi position and proceeds in order, one position per month, until the end of the year. If the "Wealth" in the hexagram is at the "Life Qi" position, the lost item must be a living creature: Zi and Chou are combined and said to be oxen, Yin and Hai are combined and said to be pigs, Mao and Xu are combined and said to be dogs, Chen and You are combined and said to be chickens. Whenever encountering "Life Qi," the creature has not yet been killed; if it becomes "Death Qi" or enters the tomb position, it must have been slaughtered. The so-called "Death Qi" starts from the beginning of the first month at the Wu position and proceeds in order, regardless of what is lost, encountering it is not auspicious.

墓值刑沖，徒有堅牆固壁。占失脫，最忌財墓逢沖。假如辰日占得震卦，世上財入墓，正被日辰沖散庫中之財，最為不吉。縱有惡犬藩籬，亦難防禦。若見卦無財位，便當推究鬼爻。凡占失物，當究財爻。假若財不上卦，當以鬼爻衰旺決之。

If the grave meets punishment and clash, even with strong walls and solid defenses, it is in vain. The original commentary says that when predicting theft, it is most inauspicious for the "Wealth" line to be in its tomb. For example, if on a day of Chen, the "Zhen" hexagram is obtained, the "Wealth" line on the "World Line" is in its tomb, and the day branch disperses the wealth stored in the treasury, it is most unfavorable. Even if there are fierce dogs and high fences at home, they are difficult to defend against. If the hexagram does not contain the "Wealth" line, one should investigate the "Official Ghost" line. The original commentary says that when predicting lost items, one should investigate the "Wealth" line. If the "Wealth" line is not in the hexagram, one should use the strength and weakness of the "Official Ghost" line to make a judgment.

水鬼興隆，無出綾羅錦繡；火官衰死，不過銅鐵鍋鐺。若卦裡無財，當考鬼之所屬。水鬼興隆，必是綾羅錦繡緞匹之類。若休囚，不過絲綿絹帛。餘鬼仿此推之。火鬼加貴興隆，必是金銀；無氣銅鐵。若在二爻，必是鍋鐺之類。

When the "Official Ghost" of water is strong, the lost item is silk and fine cloth; when the "Official Ghost" of fire is weak and confined, the lost item is just copper and iron cookware. The original commentary says: if the hexagram does not contain "Wealth," then one should examine which element the "Official Ghost" belongs to. If the "Official Ghost" of water is strong, the lost item must be silk and fine cloth; if it is weak and confined, it is just silk, cotton, and satin; other elements' "Official Ghost" should be judged in the same way. If the "Official Ghost" of fire is strong with the presence of the "Nobleman," the lost item must be gold and silver; if it is weak, it is copper and iron; if it is in the second line, it must be cooking utensils like pots.

欲知何日亡財，但看鬼逢生旺；要決何時捉獲，精詳官被刑沖。凡占家宅，若鬼臨玄武發動，當有盜賊起心。要知何時，但看官鬼生旺。遠以月斷，近以日推。如特占失脫，不可用月斷，但鬼爻生旺日是也。若卦逢六合，鬼值動爻刑剋，便可斷其動爻生旺日捉捕。凡日辰刑沖最急。若旁爻動來相生，必有人救。若大象可獲，亦待旁爻受制日可捉獲。

To know on which day money will be lost, look at when the 'Official Ghost' (官鬼) meets a strong and flourishing condition. To determine when the thief can be caught, carefully examine when the 'Official Ghost' is punished or clashed. The original commentary says: when divining about the household, if the 'Official Ghost' is associated with the 'Black Tortoise' (玄武) and is activated, there will be a thief's intention. To know when this happens, look at the flourishing and strong condition of the 'Official Ghost'—if it is far away, judge by the month; if it is near, judge by the day. If the divination is specifically about theft, do not judge by the month, but take the day when the 'Official Ghost' is strong and flourishing. If the hexagram meets the 'Six Harmony' (六合), and the 'Official Ghost' is punished by the activated line, then it can be judged that the thief will be caught on the day when that moving line is strong and flourishing. All punishments and clashes on the day branch (日辰) will be effective quickly. If another line is activated to support the 'Official Ghost', there will certainly be someone to save it; if the overall hexagram indicates that the thief can be caught, it must wait until the day when that supporting line is restrained before the thief can be caught.

飢寒起盜心，亦為困窮而至此；富貴享遐福，莫非營運而後能。齎財於蛟龍背上行舟，負命於虎狼叢中取路。欲決心中之疑慮，端詳爻上之吉凶。求財之言艱險，於斯可見。但能信占卜，必無不測之禍。若出外求財，須言禍福之分。在家求財，亦有得失之別。學者可不究哉。卜以決疑，不疑何卜？凡來占者，必有疑慮之事，當詳吉凶衰旺。見財福如值故人，遇兄鬼如逢仇敵。

A person suffering from hunger and cold may resort to theft, which is also a result of being forced into such a situation by poverty; a wealthy family can enjoy long-term blessings, which is achieved through proper management and operations. Carrying money on a dragon's back to sail a boat, and carrying one's life through a crowd of tigers and wolves—when one needs to make a decision about doubts, one should examine the auspicious and inauspicious signs in the hexagram lines. The original commentary says: the difficulties in seeking wealth are clearly reflected in these two sentences; as long as one believes in divination, there will certainly be no unforeseen calamities. If one is seeking wealth while traveling away from home, one must distinguish between the good and bad; if seeking wealth at home, there are also distinctions between gain and loss. How can those who study the Book of Changes not investigate these matters? Divination is used to resolve doubts; if there is no doubt, why would one need to consult a divination? Anyone who comes for divination must have some doubts, and one should carefully examine the auspiciousness, inauspiciousness, decline, and prosperity in the hexagram: seeing "wife and wealth" is like meeting an old friend, while encountering "siblings" and "official ghost" is like meeting an enemy.

將本求財，妻位偏宜旺相；空拳問利，官爻喜遇興隆。凡占求財，先達人事，然後決斷。若將本求財，必要財爻旺相，克世生世則吉，世克財則凶。若卦有兩財，外財旺而內財沖，本雖少而利則多；若內財旺而外財沖，利息淡薄，但可正本。

When using capital to engage in business and seek wealth, the "Wealth" position must be prosperous and strong; however, those who ask about profit without capital tend to prefer the "Official Ghost"爻 to be strong. The original commentary says: When divining about seeking wealth, one must first understand human affairs and matters, then make a decision. If using capital to seek wealth, the "Wealth"爻 must be prosperous and strong. Whether it controls the "World Line" or supports the "World Line" is auspicious. If the "World Line" controls the "Wealth"爻, it is inauspicious. If the hexagram contains two "Wealth" positions, and the outer trigram is strong while the inner trigram is being attacked, this indicates that although the capital is small, the profit is large. If the inner trigram is strong while the outer trigram is being attacked, the interest is meager and only the capital can be preserved.

若：內外財爻俱死絕，將本生涯斂手折。財不上卦及空亡，買賣經商連本滅。財爻絕處又逢生，利息依然動歡悅。妻財雖旺不克世，卻向爻中看亡劫。先生若也問求財，請看天仙玄妙訣。空手求財者，不過是百工技藝之人，以鬼爻為用，鬼旺則財豐厚。

The original commentary then cites a verse: if the "Wealth" line in both the Inner and Outer Trigrams is in a dead or dying state, a business started with capital will have to stop and suffer a loss; if the "Wealth" line is not present in the Trigram or falls in "Empty Wasteland", the business will lose even the initial capital; if the "Wealth" line is in a dying state but meets a birth, the interest is still pleasing; if the "Wealth" line is strong but does not overcome the "World Line", one should look within the Trigram for the presence of "Wasting God" and "劫杀"; if the Master himself seeks fortune, please refer to this verse from the Heavenly Immortal's profound secret. As for those seeking fortune without capital, they are merely artisans in various trades, and the "Official Ghost" line should be taken as the Useful God; if the "Official Ghost" is prosperous and strong, the income will be abundant.

鬼化為財，克世須云大吉；財爻化鬼，逢空可謂全凶。鬼化財，從空而至。且來克世，是利追我而走，故云大吉；財化鬼，自有化無。又落空亡，是消磨殆盡，故曰全凶。父化妻爻，當涉艱辛始得；財連兄位，縱然積聚當分。凡父化財，必先難後獲。父旺財衰，則艱辛多而財少；父衰財旺，則用力少而財多。財化弟兄，將有侵奪之患，雖有積蓄，亦當分散也。

The "Official Ghost" changes to "Wealth," and then comes to overcome the "World Line," which is called great good fortune; the "Wealth" changes to "Official Ghost," and meets "Empty Wasteland," which is called complete misfortune. The original note says: when "Official Ghost" changes to "Wealth," it is wealth coming from nowhere; and since it overcomes the "World Line," it is beneficial pursuing me, so it is called great good fortune. When "Wealth" changes to "Official Ghost," it is from having to losing; and falling into "Empty Wasteland," that is exhausting completely, so it is called complete misfortune. When "Parents" produce "Wealth," one must go through hardship to obtain it; when "Wealth" is connected to the "Siblings" position, even if accumulated, it will be divided. The original note says: whenever "Parents" change to "Wealth," it must be difficult first then gain—when "Parents" are strong and "Wealth" is weak, hardship is more and gain is less; when "Parents" are weak and "Wealth" is strong, effort is less and gain is more. When "Wealth" changes to "Siblings," there will be a danger of being taken away, even if there is accumulation, it will be dispersed.

凶神沖散財爻，切忌風波險阻；劫殺加臨兄位，須防盜賊相侵。凡凶神來沖剋財爻，行船便見風波之患。世爻若值吉神，身雖無咎，財必飄零。凶神若遇虎蛇克世，財命不可保全。若就家中求，卻不如此斷。必是凶人攪亂，或因財引惹公事。若值解神，卻得無事。劫殺乃求財之大忌，若臨財位，必不可得。若臨兄弟發動，得財之後，防有失脫；若更玄武加臨，必有盜賊劫掠之禍；若得貴人臨鬼持世，雖有賊來，無傷於我；如逢鬼動，兄弟受制，縱有凶神，亦無大患。鬼爻無氣則無權，兄弟依然來作禍。

TheInauspicious Spirit clash and control the「妻财」line, indicating danger on the road and obstacles;「劫杀」positioned over「兄弟」requires caution against thieves. The original note says: wheneverInauspicious Spirit clash with「妻财」line, sailing will meet storms; if「世爻」is occupied by auspicious deities, people may be unharmed but wealth will certainly be lost; ifInauspicious Spirit further clash with「白虎」and「螣蛇」over「世爻」, both wealth and life will be lost. If seeking wealth at home, it will not be like this, likely due to evil people causing disturbance or legal issues over wealth; if「解神」is present, there will be no problem.「劫杀」is a major concern when seeking wealth; if it is over「妻财」line, wealth will certainly not be obtained; if it is over「兄弟」line and activates, after obtaining wealth, there will be a risk of losing it; if「玄武」is added, there will certainly be theft and robbery. If「贵人」is over「官鬼」line and holds「世爻」, even if thieves come, they will not harm; if「官鬼」activates and「兄弟」is restrained, even withInauspicious Spirit, there will be no major disaster. Conversely, if「官鬼」is weak and powerless,「兄弟」will still cause trouble.

子動會青龍，乃生財之大道；父興臨白虎，為絕利之根源。若卦內無財，而子孫旺動，亦可求謀。更臨青龍，比同有財之卦；若值休囚，更宜斟酌；若鬼化子孫，謂之鬼運財來付好人。蒼屏有歌曰：鬼化為財及子孫，求財最利稱心情。更逢福德來生世，安坐高堂也獲珍。

When the 'Children' line is active and meets the 'Azure Dragon', it indicates a favorable path for gaining wealth; when the 'Parents' line arises and is accompanied by the 'White Tiger', it signifies the root of blocking beneficial opportunities. The original commentary states: if the 'Wealth' line is not present in the hexagram, but the 'Children' line is prosperous and active, it can still be pursued; if it also meets the 'Azure Dragon', it is equivalent to having the 'Wealth' line in the hexagram; if it is in a state of decline, it is even more necessary to consider carefully. If the 'Official Ghost' transforms into the 'Children', this is called the 'Official Ghost' delivering wealth to a virtuous person. Master Cangping has a verse that says: when the 'Official Ghost' transforms into the 'Wealth' or 'Children' lines, seeking wealth is most beneficial and satisfying; if it also meets the 'Children' line, which is the 'Fortune Virtue' line, to nourish the 'World Line', one can sit in high place and obtain treasures.

若子孫化子孫，財從兩處生。財既是兩處生，宜兩處求，或與人同求，大吉。子孫乃生財之神，比同水之有源，源頭受克則泉竭，泉水旺盛則流長。若財位逢長生，福德臨官，此等求財，綿綿不絕。或財雖旺，子孫死絕，只許一度，後再難求。子孫雖旺，父母來克，謂之絕生財之源，雖有錢財，亦無接濟。若遇日辰相合，庶幾不被克傷。

The original commentary continues: if "children" transforms again into "children," wealth will arise from two sources; since wealth comes from two places, one should seek it from both places, or partner with others to seek it, which is very auspicious. "Children" is the deity of wealth generation, just like water has a source—when the source is harmed, the spring water dries up; when the spring water is abundant, the flow is continuous. If the position of "wealth" meets the condition of growth, and the "children"爻 is in the officialdom position, then seeking wealth will be continuous. Alternatively, if "wealth" is strong but "children" is in a state of death or decline, then one can only obtain wealth once, and afterwards it will be difficult to obtain again. If "children" is strong but "parents" come to harm it, this is called cutting off the source of wealth generation; even if there is wealth, it cannot be sustained. If the day branch comes to harmonize with it, there is hope that it will not be harmed.

世克動財，若趕沙場之馬；財生靜世，如逢涸澤之魚。大凡求財，財來生世克世則易。財來逐我，如涸澤取魚，伸手便得。若世克動財，是我去逐利，如沙丘劣馬，愈趕愈奔，終難上手。克害刑沖迫兄鬼，則災殃消散；兄鬼：皆求財之忌神。今彼受制，不惟求財有望，抑且災散禍消矣。

The "World Line" goes on to overcome the activated "Wealth," like chasing a galloping horse on a sandy field; the "Wealth" comes to generate the quiet "World Line," like catching fish in a dry pond. The original commentary says: generally speaking, when "Wealth" comes to generate or overcome the "World Line," it is easy to obtain wealth—wealth runs after me, like catching fish in a dry pond, and I can get it with one hand. If the "World Line" goes on to overcome the activated "Wealth," that means I am chasing profit, like chasing a weak horse on a sand dune, the more I chase, the faster it runs, and ultimately I can't get it. Using overcoming, harm, punishment, and conflict to restrain "Siblings" and "Official Ghost," calamities will dissipate. The original commentary says: "Siblings" and "Official Ghost" are bothHostile God in seeking wealth. Now that they are restrained, not only does the prospect of gaining wealth improve, but calamities and misfortunes also dissipate.

生扶拱合輔財福，則貨寶豐盈。妻財子孫，生涯緊要。且有生扶拱合，豈不財貨盈溢，珍寶滿箱。前卦有財後卦無，不利於後；前卦無財後卦有，艱難在前。前卦有財後卦無，宜速求，遲則難得；前卦無財後卦有，宜待時行事，或看財爻旺相年月，方可謀望。財合日辰，方能入手；財逢墓庫，便可歸懷。財與日辰合，財爻入墓日，方可斷其上手。

Using generation, support, mutual reinforcement, and conjunction to assist 'wife and wealth' and 'children', goods and treasures will be abundant. The original commentary says: 'Wife and wealth' and 'children' are the two most important aspects for livelihood, and with further generation, support, mutual reinforcement, and conjunction, how could there not be overflowing wealth and treasures filling the chest. If the primary hexagram has 'wife and wealth' but the changing hexagram does not, it indicates later difficulties; if the primary hexagram does not have 'wife and wealth' but the changing hexagram does, it suggests hardship ahead. The original commentary says: if the primary hexagram has 'wife and wealth' but the changing hexagram does not, one should hurry to seek, for if delayed, it will be difficult to obtain; if the primary hexagram does not have 'wife and wealth' but the changing hexagram does, one should wait for the right time to act, or look for the year and month when the 'wife and wealth' line is prosperous and strong, then proceed with plans. 'Wife and wealth' can be obtained only when it combines with the day branch; 'wife and wealth' encountering its storage place can be secured. The original commentary says: only on the day when 'wife and wealth' combines with the day branch, and on the day when the 'wife and wealth' line enters its storage, can one determine that wealth will be obtained.