Two, Year and Hour.

陰暗晴暑，天道之常；水旱兵災，年時之變。欲決禍福於一年，須審吉凶於八卦。所謂年時，一年中，四時事也。遠則國家，近則官府；大則天道，小則人物；皆在六爻內 。凡推及此，必須仔細。不比人事一端之易，學者宜用心焉。

Darkness, gloom, clear weather, and heat are the normal conditions of heaven; floods, droughts, and military calamities are the variations of fortune in a year. To determine the fortune or misfortune of a year, one must examine the auspicious and inauspicious signs within the Eight Trigrams. By "yearly affairs," we mean events occurring within the four seasons: distant matters relate to the state, while near matters concern local government; great matters pertain to heavenly principles, while small matters relate to individuals. All these are contained within the six lines. When studying this discipline, one must be especially careful, for it is not as easy as divining a single human affair. Scholars should apply themselves diligently.

初觀萬物，莫居死絕之鄉；萬物屬初爻。臨財福吉，臨鬼殺凶。生旺有氣，五穀豐登，六畜興旺。空亡墓絕，則六畜多災，五穀亦欠收也。受克亦然。次察群黎，喜在旺生之地。二爻為人民之位。遇子孫，四時安樂。逢官鬼，太歲多災；發動克世，民多為盜。自空化空，民多暴死。空動，生合應爻，民多遷徙外郡。火鬼化父，小兒多出痘疹。

First examine the first line which represents all things. Do not let it fall into the dead or绝 positions. The first line represents all things: if it is associated with 'Wealth' or 'Children', it is auspicious; if it is associated with 'Official Ghost', it is inauspicious. If it is in a prosperous and strong position, there will be abundant grain and thriving livestock; if it falls into emptiness or enters the墓 or绝 positions, there will be many disasters for livestock and a poor harvest for grain. If the first line is being overcome, it will also result in the same. Then examine the second line which represents the people. It is favorable for it to be in a prosperous and strong position and to be generated by something. The second line represents the people: encountering 'Children' brings peace and happiness throughout the four seasons; encountering 'Official Ghost' brings many disasters, as the Official Ghost attacks the world, leading to many people becoming thieves. If the second line is empty and transforms into emptiness, there will be many sudden deaths. If the second line is empty but active and harmonizes with the response line, the people will migrate to other prefectures. If the fire 'Official Ghost' transforms into 'Parents', there will be many cases of smallpox in children.

三言府縣官僚，兄弟則徵科必迫；三爻屬陽，以府官斷；屬陰，以縣官斷。屬陰土，以府州縣僚佐官斷。三爻臨世，或是本宮，以本縣官斷。無故自空，縣必缺任。逢空而遇應上鬼沖，必有外郡官攝政。發動逢空，將已辭印。化進神，有升擢之喜；化退神，有降謫之憂。生合世爻，或初二爻者，有仁民愛物之心；刑剋，則剋制小民。非良吏也。若臨子孫，清廉正直；臨官鬼，酷毒好刑；臨兄弟，貪暴無恥。兄動克世而生合五爻，或歲君者，必主其年官府徵科急迫也。

The third line refers to officials at the level of county and prefecture. If the third line is occupied by 'Brothers,' it indicates that taxation will be enforced harshly. If the third line is yang, it refers to officials at the prefecture level; if yin, it refers to officials at the county level; if yin earth, it refers to subordinate officials of the prefecture, county, and state. If the third line coincides with the world line or is the native line of the hexagram, it refers to officials at the county level. If the third line falls into the empty position without reason, it indicates that the county is missing its chief official. If it is empty and is attacked by the 'Official Ghost' on the response line, it means that an official from another prefecture will take over the administration. If the third line is activated and is empty, it indicates that the chief official is about to resign. If the third line transforms into an advancing god, there will be promotion; if it transforms into a retreating god, there will be demotion. If the third line generates and harmonizes with the world line or the first, second lines, the official is benevolent and cares for the people. If it harms these lines, the official is harsh and oppressive, not a good official. If the third line is occupied by 'Children,' it indicates a clean and upright official; if it is occupied by 'Official Ghost,' it indicates a cruel and harsh official who likes to use punishment; if it is occupied by 'Brothers,' it indicates a greedy and shameless official. If 'Brothers' is activated and harms the world line but generates and harmonizes with the fifth line or the year stem, it indicates that the government will collect taxes especially urgently during this year.

四論朝廷宰相，沖身則巡警無私。三公九卿，上司官，皆在四爻。若能生合世爻、二爻，必有憂民官在朝。生合五爻，刑剋二爻，朝廷皆阿諛之臣。發動，以出巡官斷之。臨子孫，正直無私。生合持世，必能為民除害。兄動化財，與世刑剋，其年當有徵索舊欠官來也。若臨應上，或化空亡，必不入我境界。若與其身相沖，遍巡四境。如遇鬼化鬼，一年官，兩度來；或有兩員官來也。

The fourth line represents the court ministers and advisors. If it conflicts with the personal line, it indicates a巡察 official who is impartial and vigilant. The three dukes, nine ministers, and superiors are all represented by the fourth line. If the fourth line can generate and harmonise with the personal line and the second line, there will certainly be officials in the court who care about the people. If it only generates and harmonises with the fifth line but harms the second line, then all the officials in the court are sycophants. When the fourth line is activated, it is interpreted as an official sent out of the capital for inspection. If the fourth line is occupied by the "Children" trigram, it represents an upright and impartial official; if it generates and harmonises with the personal line or is directly on the personal line, it will certainly help eliminate harm for the people. If the "Siblings" trigram is activated and transforms into "Wealth" and conflicts with the personal line, there will be officials collecting overdue debts that year. If this line is on the response line or transforms into an empty state, the official will not enter the territory. If it conflicts with the personal line, the official will inspect all four regions. If "Official Ghost" transforms into "Official Ghost," there will be two officials coming within a year, or two officials arriving.

五為君上之爻，五爻為天子之位，最不宜動來刑剋世爻，其年必受朝廷剋剝。若臨財福，生合世爻，必有君恩。化出父母，當有赦宥。空動，有名無實。或雖生合世爻，卻被三四爻剋制、合住者，縱有君恩，官府隱瞞，不能下及百姓。制爻衰死，亦主半被侵捺。五爻自空，其年天子有崩傷之憂。化出子孫回頭剋制，必主太子攝位。五爻空動，沖身沖歲，有巡狩出外事。四爻制克五爻，當有奸臣專國。四爻旺，五爻衰，恐謀不軌。

The fifth line represents the position of the sovereign. When divining about the harvest of the year, the most feared situation is when the fifth line becomes active and harms the world line. If this occurs, the people will surely suffer from excessive taxation by the court. If the fifth line is occupied by the wealth line or the children line and generates harmony with the world line, the year will be blessed by the sovereign's grace. If it transforms into the parents line, it indicates that an imperial pardon will be issued. If the fifth line moves but falls into the empty position, the grace is merely a name without real benefit. There are also cases where the fifth line generates harmony with the world line but is restrained or blocked by the third and fourth lines; this means that although the grace is bestowed, it is concealed or intercepted by local officials and does not reach the people. If the restraining line itself is weak or dead, it suggests that half of the grace is taken away. If the fifth line itself falls into the empty position, it indicates that the emperor may suffer from illness or death. If the children line transforms back to restrain the fifth line, it suggests that the crown prince will take over the sovereign's authority. If the fifth line falls into the empty position and becomes active, conflicting with the hexagram body and the year's stem, it indicates that the emperor will have a royal tour or journey. The fourth line represents the position of the minister. If it restrains the fifth line, it indicates that a powerful minister will dominate the government. If the fourth line is strong and the fifth line is weak, it is even more concerning as the minister may plot against the state.

六為昊天之位。六爻為天。若空，其年必多怪異事。蓋天無空脫之理。所以，主有變異也。如子孫為日食星隕類。若遇兄動，亦主有驚怪不常之變。此於空亡之異，為尤甚也。應亦為天，克世，則天心不順；世還為地，逢空，則人物多災。應爻又作外郡，世爻又作本境看。

The sixth line represents the position of heaven. When divining for a year, the sixth line stands for heaven. If this line falls into "kongwang" (void), there will be many strange and unusual events that year, because heaven should not be empty or detached. Once it falls into void, the variation should be reflected in heavenly phenomena. For example, if the sixth line is occupied by "zishen" (children), it may indicate an eclipse of the sun or a falling star. If the sixth line meets "xiongdi" (siblings) and becomes active, it also indicates unexpected and abnormal events, which are even more severe than those caused by the sixth line falling into void. The "ying yao" (response line) can also represent heaven. If the "ying yao" overcomes the "shi yao" (world line), it indicates that heaven's will is not favorable. The "shi yao" represents the earth, and if the "shi yao" falls into void, there will be many disasters for people, livestock, and all things. In addition, the "ying yao" can also be regarded as representing a distant state or region, while the "shi yao" represents the local area.

太歲逢兄乘旺，有溫州之大颶；太歲，乃一年主星。惟遇子孫為吉，其他皆非所利。如臨兄，出現變動，其年必多惡風；乘旺克世，有颶風之災。若屬金水，或化父母，或與父爻同發，風水之禍，必不能免。化兄一年雨作。流年值鬼帶刑，成漢寢之轟雷。流年，即太歲。若臨官鬼發，其年必多惡雷。帶刑剋世，必傷人物。六親中至凶，莫若官。六爻遇之，皆遭其禍。如初爻遇之，物不利；二爻遇之，人不安。六爻無官，年月不帶，方為大吉。縱有旱潦年災，必不至於大害。出現逢空，或衰絕不動，亦不妨。

The "Tai Su" is the main star of the year. In the hexagram, only when Tai Su is seated on "Zi Sun" (Children) is it auspicious; if it is seated on any other of the six relations, it is not beneficial. If Tai Su is seated on "Xiong Di" (Siblings) and becomes active, there will be many bad winds that year; if it further strongly harms the "Shi Yao" (World Line), there will be typhoon disasters, such as the large typhoons that have historically affected Wenzhou. If this Xiong Di is of metal or water, or transforms into "Fu Mu" (Parents), or if it is active together with the Fu Mu, then disaster from wind and water is inevitable; if it transforms into Xiong Di, there will be continuous rain all year. The term "Liu Nian" refers to Tai Su. If Tai Su is seated on "Guan Gui" (Official Ghost) and becomes active, there will be many thunderstorms that year; if it also harms the World Line, there will be lightning that injures people and animals, such as the lightning strikes that destroyed Han dynasty palaces. Among the six relations, the most凶 is Guan Gui. If any of the six lines encounters Guan Gui, it will suffer its misfortune: if it is on the first line, property and objects are not favorable; if it is on the second line, family members are uneasy. To have none of the six lines contain Guan Gui, and also have the year and month not contain Guan Gui, is the greatest auspiciousness. Even if there are drought or flood disasters, they will not cause great harm. If Guan Gui appears but falls into "Kong Wang" (Empty亡) or is in a state of decline and not active, it is not a problem.

發動妻財，旱若成湯之日；交重父母，潦如堯帝之時。財臨太歲，其年雨水必不周遍。更臨火爻，或火化其生扶，而父爻衰弱者，定主亢旱。若父持太歲，其年雨水必多，更化水爻，又臨生旺之地，而財爻空伏無氣者，必主大水。世克如不傷世，則五穀不損。若只占年時水旱，不必拘定太歲，但看財父可也。有動，以動為勝；不動，以旺為勝。克世則可畏。

The 'Wealth'爻 initiates signs of drought, while the 'Parents'爻 indicates floods. If the 'Wealth'爻 is connected to the 'Heavenly Emperor' (太岁), there will certainly be insufficient rain that year. If it is also of the fire element or is supported by fire爻, and the 'Parents'爻 is weak, it will definitely be a year of severe drought, like the seven-year drought during the time of King Tang of Shang. If the 'Parents'爻 is connected to the 'Heavenly Emperor', there will be abundant rain that year. If it transforms into a water爻 and is in a position of growth or prosperity, while the 'Wealth'爻 is empty, hidden, or weak, there will certainly be a great flood, like the flood during the time of Emperor Yao. If the 'World Line'爻 can overcome the 'Wealth'爻, or if the 'Wealth'爻 does not harm the 'World Line'爻, then the crops will not be damaged. If the question is about drought or flood in a single year, there is no need to strictly rely on the 'Heavenly Emperor'爻. Instead, focus on the 'Wealth' and 'Parents'爻. If either is active, use the active one as the reference. If neither is active, use the one that is strong and prosperous. Only those that overcome the 'World Line'爻 are truly dangerous.

猛烈火官回祿，興災於熙應；鬼在乾宮，或在六爻上動，當以雷斷，其餘不可亂言。如卦中火鬼動，其年有火災。若與世無干，而與應爻克沖者，乃是外郡被災，與本境無涉也。汪洋水鬼玄冥，作禍於江淮。水鬼發動，其年必有水災。在外卦，或化父母，或沖動父母，是雨水淹沒。在內卦，是河決海翻。若不克世，雖溢無事。如戊午年正月辛亥日，卜年時，得蒙之中孚卦。水鬼與應上父爻俱動，傷克世爻，妻財又伏；其年果應風雨連月，水溢田中，五穀淹腐殆盡也。

The official ghost of fire nature indicates fire disaster. However, if the official ghost is in the Qian trigram or moves on the sixth line, it should be interpreted as thunder, not fire. If the fire official ghost moves in the hexagram, there will be fire disaster that year. If it does not relate to the world line but conflicts or controls the response line, then disaster will occur in another region, not in the local area. The official ghost of water nature indicates water disaster. If the water official ghost moves, there will be water disaster that year. If it is in the outer trigram or transforms into the parents or moves the parents line, it indicates flooding and inundation. If it is in the inner trigram, it indicates river embankment breaking or seawater flooding. If it does not control the world line, even though water overflows, there will be no disaster. For example, on the day of Xinhai in the first lunar month of Wuwu year, someone asked about the harvest and got the hexagram Meng changing to Zhongfou. The water official ghost and the parents line on the response line both moved, controlling the world line. The wife wealth line was hidden and did not appear. That year there was continuous rain and wind, water accumulated in the fields, and the five grains were flooded and rotted, almost no harvest at all.

尤怕屬金，四海干戈如鼎沸；金鬼發動，其年必不寧靜。蓋金乃兵象，故也。在四五爻上，是大臣謀叛；沖剋應爻，生合五爻，是朝廷征討。在外卦，又屬他宮，是夷狄侵犯中華。鬼化鬼，或兩鬼俱動，必非一處作亂。卦身逢之，四海皆然。太歲逢之，一年不得安靜。空動是虛，或化空絕，化敗病，或化回頭克，或被月建日辰動爻剋制，雖或反亂，終必敗亡。休囚發動，不過強梁盜賊。甲寅正月庚申日，卜倭亂，得困之大過卦。六三午火鬼動，化出酉金兄弟，帶刑剋害，其年果應倭賊大亂。火主燒，金主殺，兄又劫財，所以，其年劫燒殺傷，不可勝計。

The most feared is "Official Ghost" belonging to metal, which represents the image of war breaking out everywhere. When the metal Official Ghost is activated, there will certainly be unrest that year, because metal represents weapons. If the metal Official Ghost is activated on the fourth or fifth lines, it indicates that ministers may rebel. If it clashes and controls the "Response Line" while harmonizing with the fifth line, it means the court will send troops to suppress the rebellion. If it belongs to another trigram in the outer trigram, it signifies an invasion by foreign tribes into the Central Plains. If the Official Ghost transforms into another Official Ghost, or if two Official Ghosts are activated at the same time, the disorder will not be limited to one place. If the "Hexagram Body" meets the Official Ghost, there will be unrest everywhere. If the "Year Branch" meets the Official Ghost, the whole year will be disturbed. However, if the metal Official Ghost is activated but falls into "Empty Wasteland," its activation is empty and ineffective. Or if it transforms into "Empty Wasteland," "Absolute Decline," "Defeat," or "Sickness," or if it is controlled by "Month Builder," "Day Branch," or the moving line, even if there is rebellion, it will eventually be suppressed. If the metal Official Ghost is activated when it is weak and confined, it is merely bandits and outlaws. In the year Jiayin, first lunar month, on the day Gengshen, a divination was made about the倭寇 (Japanese pirates) disturbance, resulting in the hexagram "Trouble" transforming into "Great Excess." The sixth line with the fire Official Ghost was activated, transforming into the酉 metal "Siblings," and accompanied by punishments, conflicts, and harm. That year indeed saw a great disturbance by the倭寇: fire represents burning, metal represents killing, and siblings represent plundering property, so there were countless incidents of looting, burning, and killing throughout the year.

更嫌值土，千門疫癘若符同。土鬼發動，其年多瘟疫。生旺為甚，休囚稍可。在艮宮動，瘴氣亦重。克世，人多疫死，世克不妨。鬼帶白虎，亦是瘟疫兆也。逢朱雀而化福爻，財動則旱蝗相繼；鬼帶朱雀動，化子孫，刑剋身世，主有蝗蟲之災。蓋朱雀能飛，子孫又禽蟲之屬，故也。財臨太歲，雖非朱雀，若化子，在生氣爻上亦然。更遇財爻亦動而無制伏者，必主旱蝗相繼之歲。

The "Official Ghost" belongs to the earth element, which is a bad omen, indicating that many households will contract epidemics. When the earth element "Official Ghost" is activated, there will be many cases of disease in that year. If it is in the position of growth or prosperity, the situation is more severe; if it is in a weak and confined state, the effect is less serious. If it is activated in the mountain palace, there will be heavy mountain mist and miasma. If it overcomes the "World Line," many people will die from illness, but if the "World Line" can overcome the "Official Ghost," there will be no problem. If the "Official Ghost" is accompanied by the "White Tiger," it is also a sign of an epidemic. If the "Official Ghost" is accompanied by the "Vermilion Bird" and transforms into "Children," and also harms the "Hexagram Body" and the "World Line," it indicates a locust plague, because the "Vermilion Bird" belongs to flying creatures, and "Children" also fall under the category of insects. If the "Wealth"爻 is at the "Heavenly Stem" position, even without the "Vermilion Bird," as long as it transforms into "Children" and is located at the "Life Qi" position, it will also be the same. If the "Wealth"爻 is activated at the same time and not controlled by anything, it will definitely be a year of both drought and locust plague.

遇勾陳而加世位，兄興則饑饉相仍。勾陳，職專田土。官鬼逢之，必非大有年。持世克世，必然歉收。財化兄，或與鬼俱動，則是饑饉之年也。若財空福絕，或福空財絕，皆是飢歲。莽興盜起，由玄武之當官；鬼加玄武，動克世爻，其年必多盜賊。屬陰，是穿窬小人，樑上君子；屬陽，是強梁夥盜。若臨土，或化土克世，必主盜賊蜂起。化出金，沖剋歲君，或五爻者，今雖為盜賊，終必謀動干戈，擾亂四海，以犯上也。

The Gou Chen governs land and property. If the Official Ghost carries Gou Chen, the year will certainly not be bountiful; if it also holds the World Line or controls the World Line, there will definitely be a poor harvest. If the Wealth爻 transforms into Siblings, or if Wealth and Official Ghost both become active, it will be a year of famine. If the Wealth爻 is empty and the Children爻 is in its decline, or if the Children爻 is empty and the Wealth爻 is in its decline, these are also years of famine. If the Official Ghost carries the Black Tortoise and becomes active, and controls the World Line, there will certainly be many thieves in that year. The Official Ghost belonging to the Yin is a thief who climbs walls and breaks through roofs; the Official Ghost belonging to the Yang is a band of robbers. If the Black Tortoise Official Ghost belongs to Earth or transforms into an Earth爻 to control the World Line, there will certainly be a surge of thieves. If it transforms into a Metal爻 to clash with the Tai Sui or the Fifth Line, then although they are thieves today, they will eventually raise arms in rebellion, disturb the world, and commit treason, like Wang Mang's coup in the late Western Han dynasty, which led to widespread banditry.

宋殄異多，因螣蛇之御世。鰧蛇，乃妖怪之神。在六爻上動，雖非鬼，必主有大變異。鬼在六爻上動，雖非鰧蛇，亦主大變。在乾宮，或化入乾卦者，亦然。不在六爻，不落乾宮，而鬼帶鰧蛇發動，則是世間有變異奇怪。如下文所云也。

The deity Tengshe is the god who governs strange and abnormal phenomena. If Tengshe is activated on the sixth line, even without the presence of Official Ghost, it will surely indicate a major change in heaven and earth. Similarly, if Official Ghost is activated on the sixth line, even without Tengshe, it will also indicate a great transformation. If Official Ghost is in the Qian palace or transforms into the Qian hexagram, the same applies. If neither the sixth line nor the Qian palace is involved, but Official Ghost combines with Tengshe to activate, then strange and abnormal events will occur in the human world. The numerous disasters and anomalies during the late Song dynasty were precisely an example of this. To determine the specific nature of these strange occurrences, one should refer to the following detailed categories.

若在乾宮，天鼓兩鳴於元末；鰧蛇動臨官鬼，若在乾宮，主有天鼓鳴之異。若化金爻子孫，或化入兌卦者，有星月之異。如星入月類。若化火財，與父作合者，有虹霓之異。如吸酒飲釜類。若化火爻子孫，或化入離宮者，有日月之異。如今丙辰秋，數日並出類。鬼爻或屬金者，以雷斷。如擊臺失匙類。鬼爻屬木，或化父母爻者，以雨斷。如雨血雨毛類。鬼爻屬木，或化兄弟者，以風斷。如紅風黑風類。木鬼與世應相沖，有異風之變。如宋季有白氣溺貫百里類。

The trigram 螣蛇 moves and sits on Official Ghost. If it is in the Qian trigram, it indicates strange phenomena such as the sound of a heavenly drum, as occurred twice in the late Yuan dynasty. If it transforms into a metal trigram Children or enters the Dui trigram, it suggests abnormal celestial phenomena, such as stars entering the moon. If it transforms into a fire trigram Wealth and combines with Parents, it indicates a rainbow phenomenon, such as a rainbow hanging and drinking wine, or drinking all the water in a pot. If it transforms into a fire trigram Children or enters the Li trigram, it indicates abnormal sun and moon phenomena, such as multiple suns appearing in the autumn of the Bingchen year. If Official Ghost is of metal nature, it is interpreted as thunder, such as thunder striking a pavilion or losing a key. If Official Ghost is of wood nature or transforms into a Parents trigram, it is interpreted as rain, such as blood rain or drizzle falling from the sky. If Official Ghost is of wood nature or transforms into a Siblings trigram, it is interpreted as wind, such as red wind or black wind. If a wood nature Official Ghost conflicts with World Line and Response Line, it also indicates strange winds, such as a white mist spanning over a hundred li in the late Song dynasty.

如當震卦，雷霆獨異於國初。鰧蛇鬼，在震宮動者，有雷霆之異。如秋間夏月，無雲而雷霆震類。震卦，又為龍。若臨辰巳爻上，或化辰爻，主有龍現。如龍掛為橋之異。震卦又為木，或臨木爻，或化木爻者，有樹木之異。如戴若實家，柳如牛鳴；趙如初家，柏如鶴鳴之類也。

The螣蛇 official ghost in the Zhen hexagram initiates an action, indicating unusual thunder and lightning, such as thunder occurring suddenly on a clear autumn day or summer night without clouds, as there was such an anomaly at the beginning of the current dynasty. The Zhen hexagram also represents a dragon; if the螣蛇 official ghost falls on the Chen or Si lines or transforms into the Chen line, it indicates a dragon appearing, such as a dragon body stretching across the sky like a hanging bridge. The Zhen hexagram also represents wood; if the螣蛇 official ghost falls on a wood line or transforms into a wood line, it indicates strange growths in plants, such as the willow tree in Dai Ruoshi's courtyard emitting the sound of an ox, or the cypress tree in Zhao Ruchu's courtyard emitting the sound of a crane.

艮主山崩，臨應則宋都有五石之隕；鰧蛇鬼，在艮宮動者，其年有山崩之異。如元統間山崩陷為地類。屬金化金，則是石，如山鶴變為石，叱石為羊類。若臨應爻，或在六爻，或化乾卦，是天變也。如星化為石類。坤為地震，帶刑則懷仁有二所之崩。鰧蛇鬼，在坤宮動者，其年必主地震。逢金，則有聲；帶刑，則崩裂。坤卦又為牛，若鬼臨丑，必有牛異。如戴人變牛類。乾坤二卦中，鰧蛇鬼，臨世動，乃是人有異事，非物也。如婦生須，男孕子類。坤乃純陰卦，鰧蛇鬼動，與玄武相合住者，必主晝晦。元末每多此異。

Geng represents mountain, indicating mountain collapse. The 'Teng Sha' official ghost in the Geng palace initiates action, leading to an unusual mountain collapse in the same year, such as the mountain collapsing to form flat land as seen during the Yuan Tong period. It belongs to metal and transforms into a metal line, indicating something related to stone, such as a mountain crane turning into stone or a stone turning into a sheep. If it falls on the 'Response Line,' or the sixth line, or transforms into the Qian hexagram, it indicates a change in the sky, such as a falling star turning into stone. For example, the capital of the Song Dynasty once had five meteorites fall. Kun represents earth, indicating an earthquake. The 'Teng Sha' official ghost in the Kun palace initiates action, leading to an earthquake in the same year. If it meets a metal line, the earthquake will be accompanied by sound; if it involves punishment, the earth will crack and collapse, as seen in the collapse of two places called Huai Ren. The Kun hexagram also represents cattle. If the official ghost falls on the Chou line, there will be strange occurrences involving cattle, such as a person named Dai transforming into a bull. Within the Qian and Kun hexagrams, if the 'Teng Sha' official ghost is on the 'World Line' and initiates action, it indicates strange occurrences from human bodies, not from objects, such as a woman growing a beard or a man becoming pregnant. The Kun hexagram is a pure yin hexagram. If the 'Teng Sha' official ghost initiates action and is combined with 'Xuan Wu,' it will indicate darkness during the day, as was common in the later years of the Yuan Dynasty.

坎化父爻，雨血雨毛兼雨土；坎卦，在天為雨，在地為水。鰧蛇鬼在此宮動，臨應爻六爻，或化父爻者，皆以雨斷。不然，則是河涸海溢之異。若金鬼化父，當有雷雪同作之異。雨血雨毛雨土，皆元末之異也。巽連兄弟，風紅風黑及風施。鰧蛇鬼，在巽宮動化兄，主有異風。如宋英宗時有赤風，元順帝時有黑風類。若不化兄，不臨應爻六爻，勿作風斷，是草木之異。如武后時，九月梨花開類。震巽二卦，又為禽鳥。若鰧蛇鬼在生氣爻上動者，有諸禽之異。如春秋時，六鷁退飛；唐庫中，金錢化蝶類。

The trigram Kan represents rain in heaven and water on earth. If the "Teng Sha" (Turtle Snake) Official Ghost is active in the Kan trigram, and it is on the response line or the sixth line, or transforms into the "Parents" line, it indicates strange occurrences of rain. Otherwise, it may signify dried-up rivers or overflowing seas. If the metal-type Official Ghost transforms into the Parents line, there will be strange events of thunder and snow occurring together. The falling of blood rain, hair-like rain, or soil rain were all strange phenomena that appeared during the end of the Yuan Dynasty. If the "Teng Sha" Official Ghost is active in the Xun trigram and transforms into the "Siblings" line, it indicates strange winds, such as the red wind during the Song Yingzong period or the black wind during the Yuan Shundi period. If it does not transform into the Siblings line, nor is it on the response line or the sixth line, then it should not be interpreted as wind; instead, it refers to strange phenomena of plants and trees, such as the pear blossoms blooming in September during the reign of Wu Zetian. The trigrams Zhen and Xun also represent flying birds. If the "Teng Sha" Official Ghost is active on the Life Qi line, it indicates strange occurrences involving birds, such as the six cranes flying backward over the State of Song during the Spring and Autumn period, or the gold coins in the treasury turning into butterflies during the Tang Dynasty.

日生黑子，宋恭帝驚離象之反常；鰧蛇鬼，在離宮動者，有日異。如宋恭帝時，日中有黑子類。若非應爻六爻，則有火異也。如大德間，火從空中降下，延燒禾稼數十畝類。邇年蒲州火從平地迸出，居民被燒者，不可勝計。沼起白龍，唐玄宗遭兌金之變異。兌為澤，為井，為池沼。若鰧蛇鬼，在此宮動者，當有唐玄宗時，沼中白龍，乘空而起。元順帝太子寢殿後新甃一井，井中亦有龍出，火焰爍火，變幻不測，宮人見之，莫不震攝類。

The "Tengshe" official ghost in the Li palace initiates an action, indicating a strange occurrence involving the sun, such as the appearance of a black spot on the sun's surface during the time of Emperor Gaozong of Song. If it does not appear on the "response line" or the sixth line, it signifies strange phenomena related to fire, such as during the Dade period of the Yuan dynasty, heavenly fire descended from the sky and burned crops over dozens of acres; or in recent years, fire erupted from the ground in Puzhou, resulting in numerous residents being burned to death. Dui represents marshes, wells, and ponds. When the Tengshe official ghost initiates an action in the Dui palace, it should indicate strange occurrences in water marshes, such as during the time of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, a white dragon rose from a pond in the air; or during the time of Emperor Shundi of Yuan, a dragon appeared in a newly dug well behind the prince's palace, with flickering fire and unpredictable changes, causing great fear among the palace attendants.

發動空亡，乃驗天書之詐；以上鰧蛇鬼動，臨空化空，其怪異事是虛傳，詐說，非真有也。如宋真宗時，天書下降之類。居臨內卦，定成黑眚之妖。鰧蛇鬼，在本宮內卦，妖怪見於家庭。如宋徽、欽時，有黑眚見掖庭類。欲知天變於何方，須究地支而分野。凡遇變異之象，須看見於何方，直以所傷之方定之。如子為齊域，丑為吳域，寅為燕域類。此十二支分野也。當先以克爻定之，無克，以刑爻定之，又無刑，則以本爻斷。刑剋爻空，亦以本爻斷。

The mentioned "Teng Snake" official ghost, if it falls into "kongwang" or transforms into kongwang, then these strange occurrences are just false rumors and not real. For example, during the time of Emperor Zhenzong of Song, there was a false claim of heavenly scriptures descending. If the Teng Snake official ghost falls within the inner trigram of its own palace, then supernatural beings appear within the family residence, such as the appearance of black omens in the imperial palace during the time of Emperor Huizong and Emperor Qinzong of Song. To determine where the heavenly change occurs, one must refer to the territorial divisions of the earth branches. Whenever there is an abnormal phenomenon, one should determine which direction it corresponds to, directly using the direction that is affected. For example, Zi corresponds to Qi, Chou to Wu, Yin to Yan, and so on, which are the territorial divisions of the twelve earth branches. When determining the direction, first take the yao that overcomes it; if there is no overcoming yao, take the yao that is in conflict with it; if there is neither conflict nor overcoming, then use the earth branch of the original yao. If the conflicting or overcoming yao falls into kongwang, then use the original yao's earth branch for judgment.

身持福德，其年必獲休祥；子孫為褔德之神，以其生財克鬼，故也。若得旺動，其年必有好處。在初爻，萬物吉利；二爻，百姓安寧；三四爻，官吏清明；五爻，君明國正；六爻必有景星慶雲之瑞也。若臨太歲，生合世身；或臨世身，有氣不空，是皆太平之象。世受刑傷，世歲多遭驚怪。世乃年時之主爻。凡三農百姓，五穀六畜，皆繫於此。得時旺相，不臨兄鬼，其年必然稱意。如受太歲、月建、日辰、動爻傷克，其年必多驚險。無故自空，人多暴死。

"Children" is the deity of fortune and virtue, as it can generate "Wealth" and overcome "Official Ghost." When "Children" is prosperous and strong and becomes active, there will certainly be benefits that year: if it is in the first line, all things will proceed smoothly; if in the second line, the people will be at peace; if in the third or fourth lines, officials will be upright and incorruptible; if in the fifth line, the sovereign will be wise and the state will be just; if in the sixth line, there will certainly be auspicious signs such as the bright star and the festive cloud. If "Children" is adjacent to the "Heavenly Year" and generates and harmonizes with the "World Line" and "Hexagram Body," or if it directly falls on the "World Line" or "Hexagram Body" and has vitality without being empty, these are signs of peace and stability. The "World Line" is the main line for predicting the harvest, and agricultural affairs, the people, five grains, and domestic animals all depend on this line: if the "World Line" is in command, prosperous and strong, and not occupied by "Siblings" or "Official Ghost," the year will certainly be favorable; if it is harmed by the "Heavenly Year," "Month Builder," "Day Branch," or a moving line, there will certainly be many dangers that year; if it falls into "Empty Void" without cause, there will be many sudden deaths.

年豐歲稔，財福生旺而無傷；卦中子孫得地，財爻有氣不空，兄鬼凶神衰靜者，必是豐年樂歲。冬暖夏涼，水火休囚而莫助。凡占年時，以財父二爻看水旱，水火二爻看寒暑。若水在死絕，或居空地，其年冬月必暖；火居死絕，或居空地，其年夏月必涼。若加刑害克世，而又居生旺之地者，暑必酷暑，寒必嚴寒。不克世爻，則傷物。此衰旺，不可以節氣論。

In the hexagram, if the 'Children' line is strong, and the 'Wealth' line has vitality but does not fall into emptiness, while the 'Siblings' and 'Official Ghost' lines, which are consideredInauspicious Spirit, are weak and quiet, it is definitely a good year with abundant harvests. When predicting the weather for a year, use the 'Wealth' and 'Parents' lines to determine drought or flood. Use the 'Water' and 'Fire' lines to determine cold or heat: if the 'Water' line is in a dead or dying position or falls into 'Empty Wasteland', the winter of that year will be warm. If the 'Fire' line is in a dead or dying position or falls into 'Empty Wasteland', the summer of that year will be cool. Conversely, if the 'Water' and 'Fire' lines carry punishment and harm to the 'World Line' and are in the positions of growth and prosperity, then the heat will be extremely hot and the cold will be extremely cold. Even if they do not affect the 'World Line', they will still damage crops and livestock. The concept of decline and strength here refers to the strength and decline of the lines, not based on the solar terms.

他宮傷克，夷狄侵凌；他宮為夷狄。無他宮，則看外卦。若來傷克本宮，其年夷狄必來侵犯。外生內卦，必多進貢。本卦休囚，國家衰替。本宮為國家。無本宮，則看內卦。旺相，國家強盛；無氣，則國家衰替。陰陽相合，定然雨順風調；凡遇一陰一陽卦，必然世應相生。六爻相合，一卦中，各有配偶。其年必主雨順風調也。更得六爻安靜，財福不空，必是豐登之歲。

In a hexagram, the yao from another palace represents foreign tribes; if there is no yao from another palace, then look at the outer trigram. If the other palace or outer trigram harms or controls the native palace, there will certainly be invasions from foreign tribes in that year. Conversely, if the outer trigram generates the inner trigram, many foreign tribes will come to present tribute. The native palace represents the country; if there is no native palace yao, then look at the inner trigram. If the native palace is prosperous and strong, the country is powerful; if the native palace is weak, the country's power declines. Whenever a hexagram has alternating yin and yang lines, the "world yao" and "response yao" must necessarily generate each other, and the six lines pair up in pairs, each line having its corresponding partner, which indicates that the year will be favorable with good weather. If in addition all six lines are still, and the "wife and wealth" and "children" lines are not empty, it will certainly be a year of abundant harvest.

兄鬼皆亡，必主民安國泰。兄弟乃剋剝破敗之神，官鬼又禍患災殃之主。二者空亡，或不上卦，必主其年國家無事，兆民安樂，六畜得宜，萬物暢茂，雍熙之世也。唯明天道，能知萬象之森羅；識透玄機，奚啻一年之休咎。

"The Siblings" are the spirits of depletion and destruction, and "Official Ghost" represents the master of calamity and misfortune. If both these lines fall into "Empty Wasteland" or do not appear in the hexagram at all, then in that year the country will be free of troubles, the people will live in peace and contentment, livestock will thrive, and crops will be abundant, marking a time of peace and harmony. In summary, only by understanding the operation of heavenly principles can one comprehend the reasons behind all phenomena; by grasping the profound mysteries, one can predict not only the fortune and misfortune of a single year but much more.

君恕則臣忠，共濟明良之會；國泰則民樂，當推禍福之原。雖天地尚知其始終，況國家豈能無興廢？本宮旺相，周文王創八百年之基；大象休囚，秦始皇遺二世主之禍。本宮為國爻。以太歲為君爻，歲合為后爻；月建為臣爻，日建為東宮；子孫為黎庶，父爻為國。若建國時，卜得本宮旺相，如周文王，子孫享國八百年之久也。史記周武王定鼎於洛，卜云：傳位三十，歷年七百。後至赧王亡，共算八百餘年。故曰：周過其歷也。若本宮休囚，大象又凶，則如秦始皇，二世亡國。

When the ruler is benevolent and kind, his ministers will be loyal, and together they will achieve a splendid era of wise rulers and virtuous ministers. When the country is stable, the people will be happy. The diviner should then investigate the root causes of misfortune and fortune. Heaven and earth have a beginning and an end, so how could a country be without periods of prosperity and decline? To divinate the country's fate, take the main hexagram as representing the country. The "Yearly Stem" represents the ruler, the hexagram that harmonizes with the "Yearly Stem" represents the queen, the "Monthly Stem" represents the prime minister, the "Daily Stem" represents the crown prince, the "Children" represent the people, and the "Parents" represent the territory. If during the founding of a country, the main hexagram is prosperous and strong, it is like King Wen of Zhou laying the foundation, allowing his descendants to rule for eight hundred years. The "Records of the Grand Historian" states that King Wu of Zhou established the capital at Luoyi and consulted the oracle, which predicted that the dynasty would last thirty generations and seven hundred years. Later, when King Nanwang of Zhou lost the country, the total duration from beginning to end was over eight hundred years, so the Zhou dynasty surpassed the number of years predicted by the oracle. Conversely, if the main hexagram is weak and confined, and the overall situation of the hexagram is ominous, it is like Emperor Qin Shi Huang, whose dynasty lasted only two generations before it collapsed.

九五逢陽，當遇仁明之主；四爻值福，必多忠義之臣。五爻為君位。若逢陽象，更遇青龍財福，必是仁明之君。世臨陽象，帶吉神亦然。四爻為臣位，若子孫旺相剋世，乃敢諫直臣。若兄鬼生合世爻，乃阿諛佞臣也。

The fifth line represents the position of the sovereign. If this line is a yang line, occupying the position of 'Azure Dragon' along with 'Wealth' and 'Children', it indicates a benevolent and wise ruler. If the 'World Line' is yang and accompanied by auspicious spirits, it is the same. The fourth line represents the position of ministers. If this line occupies 'Children' and is prosperous and strong, controlling the 'World Line', it signifies a loyal minister who dares to speak truth to power. If it occupies 'Siblings' or 'Official Ghost' and harmonizes with the 'World Line', it indicates a deceitful minister who flatters and complies.

歲克衰宮，玉樹後庭花欲謝；本宮衰死，更遇太歲所克，其年國有亂亡之兆。昔陳將亡，後主使諸妃嬪，及女樂與俠客，共賦詩，互相贈答。採其尤豔麗者，被以新聲；選宮女千餘，習而歌之，分部迭奏。其曲有玉樹後庭花，臨春樂等，大略皆美諸嬪妃之容色。君臣酣歌，自夕達旦，以此為常。後為隋所滅。故曰：玉樹後庭花欲謝也。

The royal court is weak and in decline, and is further weakened by being attacked by the "Too Year" (the current year's stem). This year is a sign of national calamity and possible collapse. In the past, when the Chen Dynasty was about to fall, the emperor Chen Houzhu ordered his concubines, female musicians, and court guests to compose poems together, and they sang and recited them to each other. The most beautiful verses were selected and set to new melodies. Over a thousand palace ladies were divided into groups to perform and sing these songs in rotation. The songs included "The Jade Tree Behind the Court" and "Linchun Music," which were mostly about praising the beauty of the concubines. The emperor and his ministers indulged in drinking and singing, continuing from dusk until dawn, and this became a regular practice. Eventually, the dynasty was destroyed by the Sui Dynasty. Therefore, this line uses "The Jade Tree Behind the Court will wither" to symbolize the decline of the state.

年傷弱世，鼎湖龍去不多時。太歲刑沖剋害世爻，主國君疾病，或內難將作。若克世爻，而世爻衰弱，必有君崩之憂。史記曰：黃帝乘龍上天。故凡帝崩曰升遐，諱言死也。今日鼎湖龍去，言其不久而崩也。世臨沐浴合妻財，夫差戀西施而亡國；世臨沐浴，或財爻、應爻帶沐浴動，克合世爻，必是國君好色。如夫差戀西施美，拒子胥諫，後為越王勾踐所滅。

If the "Tai Sui" (Celestial Stem) harms, clashes with, or controls the "Shi Yao" (World Line), it indicates the monarch is ill or internal court turmoil is about to arise. If the Tai Sui controls the Shi Yao and the Shi Yao itself is weak, there is certainly concern for the death of the monarch. The "Shiji" (Records of the Grand Historian) says the Yellow Emperor ascended to heaven on the Dinghu Lake by riding a dragon, so later generations referred to the death of an emperor as "sheng xia" (ascending to heaven), avoiding the direct mention of death. Here, "Dinghu Long Qu" (the dragon leaving the Dinghu Lake) means the monarch is about to die. If the Shi Yao is seated on "Muyu" (bathing), or if "Qi Cai" (wealth) and "Ying Yao" (response line) carry Muyu and act to control or harmonize with the Shi Yao, it indicates the monarch indulges in women, like King Fu Chai of Wu who was obsessed with the beauty of Xi Shi and refused Wu Zixu's advice, eventually leading to the fall of Wu to King Goujian of Yue.

應帶咸池臨九五，武后革唐命而為周。應乃皇后之位。若帶咸池，其后必淫。更居九五，乃是後居尊位。如漢呂后，臨朝稱制。更有旺動，刑沖剋害世爻，世或空亡，必如唐武后廢中宗為廬陵王，革唐命為周。游魂遇空，虞舜南巡不返；卦遇游魂，主國君遷都遊蕩巡狩之象。如周穆王巡狩遊行天下。若加凶殺克世，或世動入死墓空絕，則如虞舜南巡，崩於蒼梧之野。

The "Response Line" represents the position of the empress. If the Response Line carries the "Salty Pool" indication, it signifies that the empress is certainly licentious. If it is also located on the Fifth Line, it means the empress occupies the supreme position, like Empress Lu of the Han Dynasty who ruled as regent. If this Response Line is also prosperous and strong, and it suffers punishment and clash with the "World Line," or if the World Line falls into "empty void," it will be like Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty who deposed Emperor Zhongzong as the Prince of Luling and changed the dynasty from Tang to Zhou. If the divination shows a "wandering soul" hexagram, it indicates the king moving the capital or touring the country, like King Mu of Zhou who traveled throughout the land. If furtherInauspicious Sha (evil stars) control the World Line, or if the World Line becomes active but enters death, burial, empty void, or decline, it will be like Yu Shun who toured southern regions and died in the wilderness of Cangwu without returning.

歸魂帶煞，始皇返國亡身。若歸魂卦，遇凶神惡殺，動克世身，如始皇求仙海上，返國崩於沙丘之野。子發逢空，張子房起歸山之計；子孫為臣。若逢空動，或四爻臣位空動，更被世爻克害，必是君欲害臣，臣欲避君。如漢張良，托為辟穀，棄職從赤松子遊也。

The divination shows a returning soul hexagram, with malevolent spirits and evil forces activated to harm the "World Line" and the "Hexagram Body." This is like Qin Shi Huang's eastern journey across the sea in search of immortality, during which he died on the way back at Shaoqiu. The "Children" represent ministers; if the "Children" fall into "Kongwang" (void) and become active, or if the fourth line, which represents the minister's position, falls into "Kongwang" and becomes active, and is further harmed by the "World Line," it indicates that the monarch intends to harm the ministers, while the ministers wish to avoid the monarch. This is similar to Zhang Liang of the Han Dynasty, who pretended to practice asceticism and retreat from officialdom, following Chiguangzi into the clouds.

將星被害，嶽武穆抱籲天之冤。將星，如寅午戌日卜，午爻為將星是。餘類推。若將星臨財子，必得忠良智勇之將。將星值官鬼白虎，必強悍之將。若臨父，必老將；遇兄，不過庸常之將。若將星持鬼，克害世爻，必如曹操桓溫，挾天子以令諸侯，多致篡位自立。若將星被動爻克害，或被四爻動克，必如宋岳飛，遇秦檜權奸之害而死也。

The "General Star" refers to the line that represents the general in a divination chart. On days of Yin, Wu, and Xu, the Wu line is the General Star, and similar reasoning applies to other days. If the General Star is located on the "Wealth" or "Children" lines, it indicates a capable and intelligent general with both loyalty and bravery. If the General Star is on the "Official Ghost" line and accompanied by the "White Tiger," it signifies a fierce and powerful general. If it is on the "Parents" line, it represents an elderly general. If it is on the "Siblings" line, it indicates an ordinary general. If the General Star is on the "Official Ghost" line and harms the "World Line," it is like Cao Cao or Huan Wen, who seized the throne and ruled as emperor. If the General Star is harmed by a moving line or by the fourth line, it is like Yue Fei of the Song Dynasty, who was falsely accused and killed by corrupt ministers like Qin Hui, dying with injustice and crying out to heaven.

應旺生合世爻，聖主得椒房之助；應爻，皇后之位。若應爻旺相，生合世爻，更臨財福；主皇后美貌智略，天性慈仁；能規君過，導君以善。如漢馬後。宋宜仁，稱女中堯舜也。後房用椒塗壁，以闢除邪氣。故曰椒房。日辰拱扶子位，東宮攝天子之權。子孫乃臣位。若他宮子孫旺相，更值日辰，生扶拱合，世值胎養空絕，必主少國，疑有大臣攝政。如周公輔成王是。若本宮子孫生旺，更得日辰扶助，必國君厭棄大寶，將欲傳位；太子當國，攝天子事也。

The "Response Line" represents the position of the empress. If the Response Line is prosperous and strong, and generates and harmonizes with the "World Line," and is also occupied by the "Wealth" and "Children" lines, it indicates an empress who is beautiful in appearance, intelligent, and naturally kind-hearted. She can advise the king on his mistakes and guide him towards virtue, like the Ma Empress of the Han Dynasty and the Xuanren Empress of the Song Dynasty, who were both called "female Yao and Shun." In ancient times, the palace where the empress resided was coated with a mixture of prickly ash and clay to repel evil spirits, hence the term "Chao Fang." The "Children" line represents the position of ministers. If the Children in another palace are prosperous and strong, and receive support and harmony from the "Day Branch," while the World Line is in a state of fetal, nurturing, empty, or terminal condition, it suggests that the king is young and there may be a minister taking over the government, such as the Duke of Zhou assisting King Cheng. If the Children within the same palace are strong and receive support from the Day Branch, it indicates that the king is tired of the throne and intends to pass it on, with the crown prince governing in his place.

世克福爻，唐玄宗有殺兒之事；若本宮子孫，被四爻沖剋刑害，必被讒臣謗訕。若世克本宮子孫，子孫又入死墓空絕，必太子遇讒被害。如唐玄宗信李林甫譖，將太子瑛，鄂王瑤，光王琚，皆廢為庶人，後復賜死於城東驛也。子傷君位，隋楊廣有弒父之心。本宮子孫，帶殺旺動，克害世爻，乃太子有篡位之兆。如隋楊廣弒父，自立為帝。

If the "Children" in the native's hexagram are attacked by the Fourth Line through clash, control, punishment, or harm, the prince will certainly suffer slander and mockery from corrupt ministers. If the "World Line" overcomes the native's "Children," and the "Children" fall into the positions of death, tomb, void, or decline, the prince will be harmed by slanderous words. For example, Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty believed the false accusations of Li Linfu and had his son Li Ying, along with the princes Li Yao and Li Ju, demoted to commoners, and later executed in the eastern city post. Conversely, if the native's "Children" carry凶煞 (malevolent stars) that are prosperous and strong, and they overcome the "World Line," this indicates a sign that the prince may attempt to seize the throne. For example, Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty murdered his father to seize the throne.

一卦無孫，宋仁宗有絕嗣之嘆，卦中無子孫，或子孫休囚，動入墓絕空死，必是國無太子。如宋仁宗無子而嘆。四爻克子，秦扶蘇中趙高之謀。四爻，乃臣位。若旺動，傷克本宮子孫，則如秦太子扶蘇，被趙高矯詔賜死。

In the hexagram, if there is no "children" element, or if the children are weak and confined, and then they fall into the positions of墓, 绝, 空, or 死 after being activated, it indicates that the country has no crown prince. For example, Emperor Renzong of Song lamented the prospect of no heir. The fourth line represents the position of a minister. If this line is prosperous and strong and harms the children in its own palace, it is like Prince Fusu of Qin being falsely accused by Zhao Gao and executed by a forged imperial decree, where the crown prince dies due to the schemes of a powerful minister.

身值動官，唐太宗禁庭蹀血；世身持官，帶殺旺動，必至殺克兄弟，乃兄弟必不相容之兆。如唐太宗，伏兵玄武門，將建成，元吉射死，血流禁庭，而被軍馬蹀踐也。世安空弟，周泰伯讓國逃荊。世持兄弟空亡，與應相生合，更有吉神動克，必是兄弟推讓天位之象。如周泰伯托為採藥，逃之荊蠻，讓位季歷也。

The World Line and the Hexagram Body are situated on the Official Ghost, and they also carryInauspicious Sha which are prosperous and strong, leading inevitably to harm the Siblings line. This is a sign indicating that brothers cannot coexist peacefully. For example, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty stationed troops at the Xuanwu Gate, shooting and killing his elder brother Li Jiancheng and younger brother Li Yuanji, resulting in bloodshed within the palace and trampling by soldiers. In contrast, if the World Line is on the Siblings line and falls into the Empty亡, and it harmonizes and generates with the Response Line, with auspicious spirits acting to restrain it, this indicates a situation where brothers mutually yield the throne to each other. For instance, during the Zhou Dynasty, Tai Bo pretended to go into the mountains to gather herbs, fleeing to the Jingman region, and yielded the throne to his younger brother Ji Li.

凶神生合世神，玄宗信林甫之佞；若鬼殺動，生合世爻，必是佞臣阿諛，人君信任。如唐玄宗，信任李林甫一十九年，養成天下大亂。君位克傷四位，商紂害比干之忠。四爻為臣。持財子，而被世爻動克，必犯顏之臣，遭剖心之主。有如比干之盡忠，而被紂王之誅也。

The "Official Ghost" carries malevolent influences and generates and harmonizes with the "World Line," indicating a cunning minister who flatters and gains the trust of the sovereign. For example, Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty trusted Li Linfu for nineteen years, eventually leading to great chaos throughout the country. The fourth line represents the position of a minister; this line is occupied by "Wealth" and "Children" and is activated by the "World Line" to generate arestrain (overcoming), which must signify a loyal minister who speaks truthfully and challenges the sovereign. Just as Bi Gan was utterly loyal but was executed by King Zhou of Shang.

離宮變入坎宮帶凶殺，而徽欽亡身於漠北；卦中大象皆凶，世應克害刑沖，或世動入死墓空絕，必是國君遭患，死亡之兆。離乃南方，坎乃北方。離化坎，乃南入北。故如宋之徽欽二宗，被金兀朮所擄，幽於五國城，卒老死於沙漠之地。乾象化為巽象有吉曜，而孫劉鼎足於東南。乾宮變巽宮，大象皆吉。當如劉先主，吳孫權，建國東南，與魏三足鼎立也。國之治亂興衰，卦理推詳剖決。

The overall image of the hexagram is entirely ominous, and if both the World Line and the Response Line are involved in punishment, clash, conflict, or harm, or if the World Line becomes active and enters a state of death, burial, emptiness, or decline, it is a sign that the monarch will suffer misfortune and die. The trigram Li is located in the south, while Kan is in the north. When the Li trigram transforms into the Kan trigram, it signifies movement from the south to the north, which is similar to the case of Emperor Huizong and Emperor Qinzong of the Song Dynasty being captured by the Jurchens, imprisoned in Wuguo City, and eventually dying in the northern deserts. Conversely, if the Qian trigram transforms into the Xun trigram and the overall image is favorable, since Qian is located in the northwest and Xun in the southeast, it is like Liu Bei and Sun Quan of Shu Han establishing their state in the southeast and dividing the empire with Cao Wei. The rise and fall of a nation can be analyzed and interpreted layer by layer according to the principles of the hexagram.

醫不執方，兵不執法，堪推大將之才能；謀事在人，成事在天，當究先師之妙論。觀世應之旺衰，以決兩家之勝負；將福官之強弱，以分彼我之軍師。世為我，應為彼。世旺克應則勝，應旺克世則負。子孫為我之將軍，官鬼為彼之敵帥。

A good physician does not rely on a fixed prescription, and a capable general does not stick to established tactics; from this we can understand the ability of a great general. Planning depends on people, success or failure depends on heaven. When predicting military battles, we should carefully examine the profound teachings passed down by our ancestors. To predict the outcome of a battle, look at the strength and weakness of the World Line and the Response Line to determine the victory or defeat of the two armies. Observe the strength of the Children and the Official Ghosts to distinguish between our own commanders and the enemy's leader. The World Line represents our side, and the Response Line represents the enemy. If the World Line is strong and overcomes the Response Line, we win; if the Response Line is strong and overcomes the World Line, we lose. The Children represent our commanders, and the Official Ghosts represent the enemy's leaders.

父母興隆，立望旌旗之蔽野；金爻空動，側聽金鼓之喧天。父母為旌旗。旺動主兵起。金空動，則聞金鼓聲。金空則響，故也。財為糧草之本根，兄乃伏兵之形勢。財為糧草。旺多衰少，空為無糧。兄為伏兵，又為奪糧之神，不宜旺動。

"The Parents" represent banners; when the Parents'爻 is prosperous and strong and activated, it indicates the outbreak of military affairs, showing a scene of banners covering the fields. The Metal爻 falling into "empty亡" and being activated suggests hearing the sound of gongs and drums, as metal is hollow and thus can produce sound. "Wealth" represents military provisions and supplies: when it is prosperous, there is sufficient supply; when it is weak, the supply is scarce; and when it falls into "empty亡," it indicates a cut-off of supplies. "Siblings" represent hidden troops and are also the deities that plunder provisions and money, so it is most undesirable for them to be prosperous and strong."

木興扶世，濟川宜駕乎輕舟；火旺生身，立寨必安於勝地。木為舟揖。若動來生扶世身，或水爻與子孫動，宜乘舟決戰以取勝；火為營寨。若旺動生扶世身，結寨必得形勝之地也。父母興持，主帥無寬仁之德；子孫得地，將軍有決勝之才。父母持世動，乃主帥不恤士卒，上下離心。若帶兄弟凶神，須防自變。子孫持世身旺動，將軍必決勝千里外。以上數節，出《天玄賦》，不細解。

Wood represents boats and vessels; if a wood line moves and generates and supports the "World Line" and the "Hexagram Body," or if a water line moves together with the "Children," it is favorable for boat travel and achieving victory in battle. Fire represents camps; if a fire line is prosperous and strong and moves to generate and support the "World Line" and the "Hexagram Body," the camp will surely be established in a strategically advantageous location. If the "Parents" hold the world and move, it indicates the commander does not care for his soldiers and there is discord among the ranks; if further accompanied by "Siblings" and otherInauspicious Spirit, there is also a need to be cautious of mutiny within the army. If the "Children" hold the world and the hexagram body and are prosperous and strong when they move, the general is both brave and strategic, and will surely achieve victory from a distance. All of the above sections are from the "Tianxuan Assignment," and previous scholars have already established these interpretations; there is no need to explain each sentence in detail here.

水爻克子子孫強，韓信背水陣而陳餘被斬；卦中水爻動，及世持水爻，或動出水爻克傷子孫，若子孫旺相，得日辰月建生扶，或子孫旺動，則可效韓信背水戰，死中求生而反勝也。陰象持兄兄克應，李愬雪夜走而元濟遭擒。兄為伏兵。如在內象旺動，克應，乃我伏兵；克世，是他伏兵。若兄在陽象，宜日間伏；兄在陰象，宜夜間伏。如唐憲宗朝，李朔雪夜銜枚走，直搗蔡城，以擒吳元濟也。

In the hexagram, if the water element yao moves, or if the world line is seated on a water yao, or if a water yao is transformed to attack and injure the children yao, and the children yao itself is prosperous and strong, further supported by the day branch and month builder, or if the children yao is prosperous and active, then we can follow Han Xin's strategy of setting up a rear water formation, placing the army in a desperate situation to achieve a reversal from defeat to victory, as in the battle where Chen Yu was defeated at the Zhi Water. The siblings represent hidden troops: if the inner trigram is prosperous and active and attacks the response line, it indicates our own ambush; if it attacks the world line, it indicates the enemy's ambush. The siblings yao belong to the yang image, suitable for ambush during the day; they belong to the yin image, suitable for ambush at night. For example, during the Tang Xianzong period, Li Sun took advantage of a snow night, carried a silent bell, moved quickly, and directly attacked the city of Caizhou, capturing Wu Yuanji alive.

世持子而被傷，可效周亞夫堅壁不戰；世持子孫，將必才能，可以克敵。若父動克，宜且固守，以避其鋒，不利速戰。如漢景帝朝，七國反，帝使周亞夫，屯細柳以攻之。中夜軍驚，擾亂至帳下，亞夫堅臥不起，深溝高壘，數日乃定，遂破七國之兵。

The World Line is seated on the Children, indicating that the general will certainly have ability sufficient to overcome the enemy. However, if the Parents move to attack, it is advisable to hold firm in the camp and avoid the enemy's momentum, and it is not favorable for quick battle. For example, during the rebellion of the Seven States in the time of Emperor Jing of Han, Emperor Jing sent Zhou Yafu to驻军 and attack. One night, the army was in chaos, and the noise continued all the way to the general's tent. Zhou Yafu remained calm and undisturbed, focusing on holding a strong position and fortifying the camp. After several days, the army's morale stabilized, and eventually, the Seven States' forces were defeated.

應臨官而遭克，當如司馬懿固壘休兵。應持官旺相，彼將才能，我難與敵。雖卦有子孫發動，終不能大勝。如三國時，司馬懿自料才能不如孔明，甘受巾幗之辱，堅壘不戰尚矣。世持衰福得生扶，王翦以六十萬眾而勝楚；世身雖持子孫，衰弱亦難勝敵。若得月建日辰生扶，可效始皇朝，王翦以六十萬眾，卒成勝楚之功。

The Response Line is occupied by the Official Ghost and is prosperous and strong, indicating that the enemy general is highly capable, and our side finds it difficult to match. Even if the Children line is activated within the hexagram, it will ultimately not lead to a great victory. Just as during the Three Kingdoms period, Sima Yi assessed his own ability as inferior to Zhuge Liang and willingly endured the humiliation of being gifted silk and brocade, choosing to remain in fortified positions and avoid battle, which was actually the best strategy. Although the World Line is seated on the Children line, if it is weak and lacks vitality, it is still difficult to defeat the enemy; but if it receives support from the Month Builder and the Day Branch, it can emulate Wang Jian of the Qin Dynasty who led an army of sixty thousand and eventually achieved the feat of conquering Chu.

卦有眾官臨旺子，謝玄以八千之兵而破秦。卦有官鬼，父母雖多，而安靜休囚；子孫雖少，而當權旺動。此乃寡勝眾之象。如晉謝玄、劉牢之，以八千兵渡江，破秦王符堅九十萬眾也。兩子合世扶身，李郭同心而興唐室；子孫為將，世為國君。若卦中有兩子旺動，生扶世身；主國有二將，合謀勝敵之兆。如唐李光弼、郭子儀，二人同心，以忠義自勵，終能靖亂，復興唐室。

In the hexagram, although there are many "official ghosts" and "parents," they are all quiet and weak, while "children," though few, are powerful and active. This is an image of overcoming a large force with a small one, like Xie Xuan and Liu Laozi leading only eight thousand soldiers across the river to defeat Fu Jiu's nine hundred thousand troops of the Former Qin dynasty. "Children" represent generals, and the "world line" represents the king. If there are two strong and active "children" in the hexagram that support and assist the "world line" and the "hexagram body," it indicates that the country will gain two great generals who work together to defeat a powerful enemy. For example, during the Tang dynasty's suppression of the An Lushan Rebellion, Li Guangbi and Guo Ziyi worked in unison, encouraging each other with loyalty and righteousness, and finally eliminated the turmoil and restored the Tang dynasty.

二福刑沖化絕，鍾鄧互隙而喪身家。若有二子爻生旺變動，相沖，相刑、兩化入死墓絕空，雖勝敵將，必爭權奪寵，相殘害之兆。如晉鍾會、鄧艾領兵平蜀，蜀平，而嫌隙互生，乃至自相屠戮、身家俱喪。子化死爻，曹操喪師於赤壁；子孫為我軍卒。若動入死墓空絕敗，應又克世，或鬼父動傷身世；必致三軍喪命，損兵折將之兆。如曹操誇水軍八十萬眾，乘勢襲吳，而為周瑜、黃蓋火攻所敗。

In the hexagram, two instances of "children" are both strong and active, yet they conflict and injure each other. Moreover, both transform into the states of death, tomb, decline, and emptiness. Even if they can defeat the enemy general, there will certainly be a struggle for power and favor between the two generals, leading to mutual destruction. For example, during the Western Jin dynasty, Zhong Hui and Deng Ai led their armies to conquer Shu. After Shu was conquered, disputes arose among them, eventually resulting in mutual slaughter and the destruction of their families. The "children" also represent our soldiers. If the "children" are active but enter the states of death, tomb, emptiness, decline, and defeat, and if the "response line" also overcomes the "world line," or if the "official ghost" or "parents" are active and harm the "world line" or the "hexagram body," it is a sign that the army will suffer heavy losses and suffer defeats, such as when Cao Cao claimed to have an army of eight hundred thousand water soldiers and attacked Wu, only to be defeated by Zhou Yu and Huang Gai's fire attack.

世逢絕地，項羽自刎於烏江。世乃一國之君，三軍之帥。最宜旺相，克應為吉，若被應爻刑沖剋害，而世又休囚，及動入死墓空絕，主將必然不利。如項羽百戰百勝，而一朝兵散，羞見江東父老，自刎烏江也。水鬼克身，秦符堅有淝水之敗；水鬼旺動，傷克世身，敵兵必得舟揖渡江之利。如秦符堅，以投鞭斷流之眾，而竟敗於謝玄八千渡江之兵也。

The World Line represents a king of a country or the commander of an army. It is most favorable when it is prosperous and strong and can overcome the Response Line. If the World Line is punished or clashed with by the Response Line, and itself is weak and confined, or if it moves and enters the states of death, tomb, emptiness, or decline, the commander will certainly suffer misfortune. For example, Xiang Yu was victorious in every battle, but eventually his army collapsed and his followers dispersed. He was ashamed to face the people of Jiangdong and committed suicide by cutting his own throat at Wu River. The water-type Official Ghost, when prosperous and active, harms the World Line and the Hexagram Body. The enemy army will surely gain the advantage of crossing the river by boat, as in the case of Fu Ji'an of the Former Qin who boasted that his soldiers' whips could block the river's flow. Despite his huge army of a million troops, he was defeated by Xie Xuan's eight thousand soldiers who crossed the river.

火官持世，漢高祖遇平城之圍。火爻帶鬼，賊寨必近。若火鬼持世，須防困圍。若得子孫旺動，雖被圍得勝。如田單之下齊城。若子衰官旺，必致困圍。如漢高祖被匈奴圍於平城，七日乃解。應官克世卦無財，張睢陽食盡而斃。應持鬼，克世，卦又無財，乃是食盡死亡之象。如張巡被圍睢陽城也。

A fire line accompanied by the 'Official Ghost' indicates that the enemy is nearby. If the fire nature of the 'Official Ghost' holds the 'World Line', one must beware of being surrounded. At this time, if the 'Children' are prosperous and active, even though surrounded, victory can still be achieved, as in the case of Tian Dan who defended a city and later counterattacked to recover the states of Qi. However, if the 'Children' are weak while the 'Official Ghost' is strong, one will certainly be trapped, as in the case of Han Gaozu who was surrounded by the Xiongnu in Pingcheng for seven days before being rescued. If the 'Response Line' is occupied by the 'Official Ghost' and attacks the 'World Line', and the divination does not contain 'Wealth', it indicates a situation of running out of food and dying. For example, Zhang Xun was besieged in Suyang City, ran out of food, and the city fell, leading to his sacrifice.

世鬼興隆生合應，呂文煥無援而降。旺鬼持世，乃困圍之象。卦又無財，子孫又弱，世又生合應爻，乃兵少食盡降敵之兆。宋呂文煥守襄陽，元兵圍之甚久，賈似道隱蔽不援，城中食盡遂降。外宮子動化絕爻，李陵所以降虜。子在外宮動，而被應克世，是我軍遠征。初雖見勝，終必有敗。又化絕爻，不免降虜。如漢武時李陵往事也。

A prosperous and strong "Official Ghost" holding the "World Line" indicates a situation of being surrounded; if the hexagram also lacks "Wealth" and the "Children" are weak, and the "World Line" instead generates and harmonizes with the "Response Line," it signifies a situation where the army is outnumbered and has no supplies, leading to surrender. In the Song Dynasty, Lü Wenhuan defended Xiangyang, but the Yuan army besieged the city for a long time. Jia Sidao concealed military information and did not send reinforcements, leading to the city's food supplies being exhausted, and Lü Wenhuan eventually surrendered. "Children" in his palace activated, while the "Response Line" also overcame the "World Line," indicating that our army was far from home, initially victorious but ultimately defeated; if "Children" further transforms into a dead end, it is inevitable that the army will be defeated and surrender, as in the old story of Li Ling's surrender to the Xiongnu during the Han Wudi period.

內卦福興生合應，樂毅所以背燕。內卦子孫動，而反生合應爻，傷克身世，是我將卒有背主降敵之兆。如燕將樂毅背燕投趙是也。鬼雖衰而遇生扶，勿追窮寇。官爻雖衰，若遇動爻日辰，生扶拱合，是敵兵雖少，必有救援。子雖旺而遭剋制，毋急興師。子孫雖旺，若被父母日辰動爻克害，彼必有計，不可急攻。攻之，必被摧折；雖不大敗，亦損軍威。宜緩圖之。

The inner trigram's "Children" line moves, yet it goes to generate and harmonize with the "Response Line," while simultaneously harming and overcoming the "Hexagram Body" and "World Line." This indicates that our troops may betray their commander and defect to the enemy, like the general Yue Yi of Yan who abandoned Yan to join Zhao. Although the "Official Ghost" is weak, if it receives support or harmonization from a moving line or the day branch, it suggests that although the enemy forces are few, they will certainly be reinforced, so we should not pursue relentlessly. Even though the "Children" are prosperous and strong, if they are harmed by the "Parents," the day branch, or a moving line, it shows that the enemy has already prepared defenses, so we should not rush to attack. A hasty attack will surely result in setbacks. Even if it does not lead to a great defeat, it will still damage our military prestige. Therefore, we should slow our pace and plan carefully.

鬼爻暗動傷身，吳王被專諸之刺。官爻雖靜，而被日辰沖動旺相，克害身世，必若吳王被專諸之刺。若鬼暗動，而被世克，或子動來救，則如荊何刺秦王不中，而反自被誅也。子化官爻克世，張飛遭范張之誅。子孫化官生合應，而克害身世，乃是我兵卒謀殺主帥，而欲降敵之象。如後漢張翼德，素不恤士卒，一日被小卒範強、張達梟首帳下，順流而投孫權也。

The "Official Ghost" although quiet, is stirred up by the "Day Branch" and becomes prosperous and strong, thus harming the "Hexagram Body" and the "World Line." This is like King Wu Wang Liao being assassinated by Zuan Zhu, where the commander faces the danger of being attacked. If the "Official Ghost" moves covertly and is overcome by the "World Line," or if the "Children" move to rescue, it is like Jing Ke's attempt to assassinate the King of Qin failing, and instead he himself was executed. If the "Children" transform into "Official Ghost" and harmonize with the "Response Line," while simultaneously harming the "Hexagram Body" and the "World Line," this indicates that our soldiers are plotting to kill the commander and intend to defect. This is similar to Zhang Fei of the Later Han dynasty, who did not care for his soldiers, and one day was beheaded by his subordinates Fan Qiang and Zhang Da in his tent, and then they surrendered to Sun Quan along the river.

要識用兵之利器，五行卦象並推詳。土為炮石，金為刀箭，水木為舟，火為營寨。又乾兌為刀，震巽為弓馬，火槍，坤為野戰類。若此象有克應之神，宜用此器以克敵；應爻官父在此象克世，宜反防敵人用此器也。仁智勇器之將，豈越於此？攻守克敵用兵，當審於時。

To determine which weapon to use, one must combine the Five Phases with the hexagram: earth corresponds to cannonballs, metal to swords and arrows, water and wood to ships and boats, and fire to camps; additionally, Qian and Dui correspond to swords, Zhen and Xun to bows, horses, and firearms, and Kun to open plains and field battles. If within the hexagram this element is able to overcome the Response Line, then weapons of this type should be used to attack the enemy. Conversely, if the Response Line's Official Ghost or Parents fall into this element and thus overcome the World Line, one should be prepared to defend against enemies using such weapons. A virtuous general who possesses benevolence, wisdom, courage, and weaponry is already at his peak; however, for attacking and defending, and for commanding troops, one must still assess the situation and act accordingly.