Six, Marriage

男女合婚，契於前定；朱陳締結，分在夙成。然非月老，焉知夫婦於當時；不有宓羲，豈識吉凶於今日！欲諧伉儷，必定陰陽。陽奇陰偶，配合成婚。世屬陽，應屬陰；鬼屬陽，財屬陰；內屬陽，外屬陰。陰陽相得，乃成夫婦之道。異日必然大利。

Marriage between a man and a woman is based on a predestined fate from past lives; the union of two families is determined by an already established destiny. However, without the Red Thread of Fate connecting them, how would they know whom to marry at that time; without Fuxi drawing the trigrams, how could we today discern good fortune from misfortune. To achieve harmony in marriage, one must first distinguish yin and yang: yang represents oddness, yin represents evenness, and the combination of one yin and one yang forms a marriage. The "World Line" is yang and the "Response Line" is yin, the "Official Ghost" is yang and the "Wealth" is yin, the Inner Trigram is yang and the Outer Trigram is yin. With yin and yang properly matched, it conforms to the way of husband and wife, and thus will bring great good fortune in the future.

陰陽交錯，難期琴瑟之和鳴；陰陽交錯者：世陰應陽，鬼陰財陽，內陰外陽是。此為反象。成婚後，必主夫凌妻，妻欺夫，終朝反目，不得和順。若變出財鬼不空，主象安靜，亦可用也。內外互搖，定見家庭之撓括。占婚，卦宜安靜。安靜家庭雍睦，必無爭鬥事。若財動，則不和翁姑；鬼動，則不和妯娌；父動，則不和子侄；兄動，則不和夫妻。動加月建日辰，不唯不和，更有剋制。

The concept of yin and yang crossing refers to the situation where the World Line is yin and the Response Line is yang, the Official Ghost is yin and the Wealth is yang, and the Inner Trigram is yin while the Outer Trigram is yang. These are all signs of reversal. After marriage, the husband will oppress the wife and the wife will dominate the husband, leading to constant quarrels and lack of harmony. If the resulting hexagram produces wealth or official ghosts without falling into an empty position, and the main爻 is still quiet, it may still be acceptable. In divination for marriage, a quiet爻 is preferable because quietness indicates family harmony and the absence of conflict. If the Wealth爻 becomes active, it indicates conflict with the parents-in-law; if the Official Ghost爻 becomes active, it indicates conflict with the sisters-in-law; if the Parents爻 becomes active, it indicates conflict with children and nephews; if the Brothers爻 becomes active, it indicates conflict between the spouses. If an active爻 receives assistance from the Month Builder or the Day Branch, the conflict will not only persist but also involve mutual control.

六合則易而且吉；六合卦，一陰一陽，配合成象。世應相生，財官相合。占者得之，必主易成而又吉。六沖則難而又凶。六沖卦，非純陰則純陽也。其象猶二女同居，兩男並處，志必不合。占者得之，必主難成，縱成亦不利。

The Hexagram of Six Harmony combines one yin and one yang, forming an image that brings about harmony. The World Line and the Response Line are mutually generating, while the Wealth and Official Ghost lines are in harmony. If this hexagram appears in a divination about marriage, the matter will certainly be easily settled and will be auspicious after the marriage. The Hexagram of Six Clashes is either entirely yin or entirely yang, resembling two women living together or two men in the same place. Their hearts and minds will not be in harmony. If this hexagram appears in a divination about marriage, it indicates that the marriage will be difficult to achieve. Even if it is forced to happen, it will not be smooth.

陰而陽陽而陰，偏利牽絲之舉；世與官，宜陽反陰；應與財，宜陰反陽。占娶婦多不利。惟入贅則吉。世合應應合世，終成種玉之緣。世為男家，應為女家。若得相合，是兩願之象，必主易成，後亦吉利。欲求庚帖，豈宜應動應空；欲求庚帖，須得應爻安靜不空，而又生合世爻者，必然允諾，亦易成。若應爻發動，或空亡，或沖剋世爻，皆主不允，事亦難成，或去亦不遇。

The World Line and the Official Ghost should be yang but are instead yin, while the Response Line and the Wealth should be yin but are instead yang. Such a hexagram indicates many difficulties in marrying. It is only favorable if the man marries into the woman's family. The World Line represents the male family, and the Response Line represents the female family. When these two lines are in harmony, it signifies mutual willingness, and the marriage will be easily accomplished and prosperous after. If one wishes to request the woman's birth date and heavenly stem tablet, the Response Line must be still and not empty, and it must generate and harmonize with the World Line. In this case, the woman will agree, and the matter will be easily settled. However, if the Response Line is active, or falls into 'empty death,' or clashes and controls the World Line, it indicates refusal and difficulty in achieving the matter, and even if one goes to the woman's family, one may not meet anyone.

若論聘儀，安可世蛇世弟。螣蛇兄弟，世爻臨之，主男家慳吝，禮必不多；應爻臨之，主女家妝奩淡薄。臨旺發動，亦克妻之兆也。應生世，悅服成親；世克應，用強劫娶。應爻生合世爻，主女家貪男家之象，必易成。不然，是女家先來求親也。若世刑剋應爻，男家必不早來求其女。世旺應衰，乃恃富欺貧，用強劫娶也。若世臨鬼及螣蛇，而財爻得時旺相，青龍得地者；必因其女有姿色，而欲設謀以娶之也。世臨玄武兄弟，必因其家乏財償債，欲謀納其女也。應動或旺，以旺動斷。

When discussing the thickness of the dowry, the most feared situation is when the World Line is occupied by the Snake or the Siblings. If the World Line is occupied by the Snake, the male family is stingy and the dowry will be thin; if the Response Line is occupied by the Snake, the female family's dowry will be meager. If these two lines are prosperous and active, it indicates a sign of marital misfortune. If the Response Line generates and harmonizes with the World Line, it shows that the female family values the male family, and the marriage will easily succeed, or it means the female family approached the male family first. If the World Line is in conflict with the Response Line, the male family may not be eager to propose early; if the World Line is strong and the Response Line is weak, it indicates using wealth to intimidate poverty and forcing the marriage. If the World Line is occupied by the Official Ghost and the Snake, and the Wealth line is prosperous and strong, along with the Azure Dragon being in a favorable position, it means the woman is beautiful and the man is scheming to marry her. If the World Line is occupied by the Black Tortoise and the Siblings, it means the female family is in debt and wants to marry the woman for financial reasons. If the Response Line is also active or prosperous, then it should be interpreted based on its active and prosperous state.

如日合而世應比和，因人成事；凡遇世生應，是男求女；應生世，是女求男；相合亦然。若世應比和，乃是兩家相成其事。要知何人贊成，以日辰合爻定之。間動辰合，則是媒人也。若父動而子孫墓絕，為嗣求婚。占婚，遇父旺動，子孫若墓絕，異日子息必少。若卜大人婚姻，有此象，乃為無子而娶也。父持身世者亦然。

If the World Line generates the Response Line, it indicates that the male family is seeking the female family; if the Response Line generates the World Line, it indicates that the female family is seeking the male family; the same principle applies when they are in harmony. If the World and Response Lines are harmonious, it means both families are working together to make the match. To know who is acting as the matchmaker, look at the line that is combined with the Day Branch; if an intermediate line becomes active and combines with the Day Branch, then that line represents the matchmaker. When divining about marriage, if the Parents are prosperous and active, while the Children are in a state of burial or decline, it indicates that there will be few descendants in the future; if an older person divines about marriage and this pattern appears, it suggests that the marriage is for the purpose of continuing the family line. If the Parents hold the Hexagram Body or the World Line, it is the same situation.

財官動合，先私而後公；凡婚。以官為夫，財為婦。兩爻俱動相合，必是先通後娶。若遇沖剋，外人已知。若臨玄武，則眼去眉來，未通情意。本人自占，而財與世爻動合者，亦然。財爻若與旁爻作合，與他人有情。財遇合多，而化出子孫，必是妓家。蓋化子有從良之象也。

Divination for marriage uses 'Official Ghost' to represent the husband and 'Wealth' to represent the wife. If both lines are activated and harmonize with each other, it indicates that there was prior affection before marriage. If there is also a clash and control, it suggests that others are already aware. If only 'Black Tortoise' is present, it means there is only mutual admiration and no deep connection yet. If the person themselves divines, and 'Wealth' harmonizes with the 'World Line', it is the same situation. If 'Wealth' harmonizes with another line beside it, it indicates that she has affection for someone else. If 'Wealth' encounters many harmonies and transforms into 'Children', it suggests that she is likely of a courtesan background, as the transformation into 'Children' indicates a change towards a more virtuous path.

世應化空，始成而終悔。世動，生合應爻，男家願成其婚；應動，生合世爻，婦家願妻其女；皆易成之象。但怕變入空亡，必有退悔之意。若得日辰動爻扶助，雖悔，亦可成也。六合而動象刑傷，必多破阻；世沖而日辰扶助，當有吹噓。世爻與應生合，本主吉兆；若遇動爻日辰沖剋，必兩邊有破說，其事難成。世應沖剋，本非吉兆；若遇動爻日辰生合，兩邊必有吹噓，亦可成。要知吹噓破阻之人，依五類推之。如父母，為叔伯尊長類。外宮他卦，以外人言。

The World Line moves and generates and harmonizes with the Response Line, indicating the male family is willing to marry; if the Response Line moves and generates and harmonizes with the World Line, it shows the female family is willing to marry off their daughter. Both are favorable signs for success. However, if the lines change into "empty loss," there will certainly be regret and withdrawal from the marriage. If the Day Branch or the moving line supports, although there may be temporary regret, the marriage can still eventually succeed. When the World and Response Lines originally generate and harmonize with each other, it is a good omen. But if the moving line or the Day Branch clashes and controls them, there will be people from both sides spreading bad words and interfering, making the matter difficult to succeed. If the World and Response Lines originally clash and control each other, it is not a good omen. But if the moving line or the Day Branch generates and harmonizes with them, there will be people from both sides giving good advice, and the marriage can still succeed. To know whether the person supporting or interfering is from which category, one should refer to the Six Relations. For example, if it is "Parents," it refers to uncles, aunts, and elders. If it falls in another trigram or outer trigram, it is considered as someone from outside.

鬼克飛爻，果信綠窗之難嫁；官合財位，方知綺席之易婚。飛爻即世爻。大凡女占男，最不宜鬼爻刑剋世爻，亦不宜應爻克世，皆主不成。蓋女占男，以世為女家，應為男家，故也。如遇此象，主男家不願為婚，所以難嫁。若他有制，我有扶，而大象又吉，亦可成。然其家終是無意於我也。若得官生合世爻，或合財爻，或應爻生合世，方主易成。

The term "fly line" here refers to the "world line." In divination for a woman seeking a husband, it is most unfavorable if the "official ghost" harms or overpowers the world line, or if the response line harms the world line, both indicating that the marriage will not succeed. When a woman divines about a man, the world line represents her family and the response line represents his family. If such a hex appears, it suggests that the man has no intention of marrying, making it difficult for the woman to get married. However, if the other side has a line that restrains the official ghost, or if our side has a line that supports the world line, and the overall hex is favorable, there is still a possibility of success, though the man will ultimately not be interested in the woman. Only when the official ghost generates and supports the world line, or when the official ghost and "wealth" line harmonize, or when the response line generates and supports the world line, will the marriage be likely to succeed.

財鬼如無刑害，夫妻定主和諧；財鬼刑沖剋害，夫妻必然不睦。如無此象，然後如魚得水，到老和諧。文書若動當權，子嗣必然蕭索。父母當權發動，子孫在空避之地，乃是事體未定。若不空，而死絕無氣，則被其克，異日必然克子。若在一宮，當有通家之好；若加三合，曾叨會面之親。世應生合比和，財鬼又同宮，是親上親也。不帶三合，雖親不識認；若帶三合，必曾會面者。

If "Wife Wealth" and "Official Ghost" mutually suffer punishment, clash, and control, the couple will certainly not get along; only if these do not occur can they live in harmony, growing old together. If "Parents" are active and "Children" are in "Empty" and avoid it, it only means that the matter of offspring is still uncertain; if the children are not in "Empty" but are dead or lacking vitality, they will be harmed by the parents, and in the future they will certainly harm the children. If "World Line" and "Response Line" mutually generate, harmonize, or are similar and harmonious, and if "Wife Wealth" and "Official Ghost" are in the same palace, then it is a case of marrying within the family; if they do not have "Triple Harmony," although they are relatives, they have never met before; if they do have "Triple Harmony," the two families must have met and recognized each other before.

如逢財鬼空亡，乃婚姻之大忌；苟遇陰陽得位，實天命之所關。財鬼二爻，占婚姻之用神。若值空亡，必不吉利。《天玄賦》曰：財空妻失，鬼空夫亡。然不可執法推。蓋男占女，以財為主，鬼空不妨；女占男，以鬼為主，財空不妨。要在用神無損害耳。若財鬼空亡，而干支相合，世應相生，陰陽得位者，此實姻緣；不過半世衾枕，不能偕老；非夫妻刑剋，故也。乃天命所在耳。逢沖遇克謂避空，反不慮。但主其一生該虛設衾枕，或半生在外仕宦工商之類。

The lines "Wealth" and "Official Ghost" are the key divination lines for predicting marriage. If these lines fall into "Empty Wasteland," it is certainly inauspicious. The "Heavenly Mystery Manual" states that if the Wealth line is empty, one may lose a spouse, and if the Official Ghost line is empty, one may lose a husband. However, one should not rigidly adhere to this view. For a man divining about a woman, the Wealth line is the main focus, and it is not a problem if the Official Ghost line falls into "Empty Wasteland." For a woman divining about a man, the Official Ghost line is the main focus, and it is not a problem if the Wealth line falls into "Empty Wasteland." What is important is that the key divination lines are not harmed. If the Wealth and Official Ghost lines fall into "Empty Wasteland," but their heavenly stems and earthly branches are compatible, and the World and Response lines are mutually supportive, and yin and yang are properly aligned, this still indicates a true relationship. However, such a relationship may only last half a lifetime, not to old age. This is not due to marital conflicts, but rather due to fate. If the line that falls into "Empty Wasteland" is also confronted or attacked, this is called avoiding the "Empty Wasteland," and there is no need to worry. It only indicates that one's life may be spent in empty marital arrangements, or that one may be away for half of one's life working in government or business.

應財世鬼，終須夫唱婦隨；應鬼世財，不免夫權妻奪。世持鬼，應持財，此乃陰陽得位之象。必然夫秉男權，妻操婦道；定能夫唱於前，婦隨於後。若應持鬼，世持財，此同陰陽失位之象。必然夫權妻奪，牝雞晨鳴；惟贅婿反吉。

The World Line sits on the Official Ghost and the Response Line sits on the Wealth, indicating a proper alignment of yin and yang. The husband holds the authority of a man, while the wife adheres to the role of a woman, ensuring that the husband leads and the wife follows. Conversely, if the Response Line sits on the Official Ghost and the World Line sits on the Wealth, it signifies a reversal of yin and yang, where the husband's authority is taken by the wife, leading to a situation where a woman assumes the role of a man. In such a case, only a son-in-law who has married into the family would find this situation favorable.

妯娌不和，只為官爻發動；翁姑不睦，定因妻位交重。占婚，以兄為妯娌，父為翁姑。卦有官動，則克兄弟；妯娌間必不利。卦有財動，則克父母；定主翁姑不睦。若旺不受傷克，則是事有反覆；父衰弱不能敵，雙親有刑剋也。父合財爻，異日有新臺之行；世臨妻位，他時無就養之心。占婚遇財父二爻，世帶玄武，動來相合者，異日有翁淫子媳之事。若財臨世身，其婦必不善事翁姑。

Divination for marriage takes "brothers" as representing the妯娌 (sister-in-law), and "parents" as representing the in-laws. If the "official ghost" moves in the hexagram, it will overcome the "brothers," indicating discord between the妯娌. If the "wealth" moves, it will overcome the "parents," meaning the relationship with the in-laws will be difficult. If the "parents" are prosperous and strong but not harmed, the situation will merely fluctuate; if the "parents" are weak and unable to resist, the elders will indeed suffer harm. When divining marriage and seeing both the "wealth" and "parents" lines, along with the "world line" carrying the "black tortoise" moving to harmonize with them, there will be an incident where the father-in-law commits adultery with the daughter-in-law. This is similar to the disgraceful incident of XinTai mentioned in the "Book of Songs." If the "wealth" line falls on the "world line" or the "hexagram body," the woman will certainly be unskilled in caring for the in-laws.

空鬼伏財，必是望門之寡婦；動財值虎，定然帶服之婆娘。卦中既有官爻財爻，而財爻又伏空鬼下；其女先曾受聘，未婚夫死，俗謂望門寡；若加白虎動克，則是已嫁而死，必帶孝服者。若伏鬼不空，必是有夫婦女，如被日辰動爻提起，刑剋世爻者，後防爭訟。世應俱空，難遂百年之連理；世空，自不欲成；強成，終不遂意。應空，彼不欲成；得成，日後兩家，必不往來。

In the hexagram, both "Official Ghost" and "Wealth" are present, with the "Wealth" hidden beneath the "Empty" "Official Ghost." This indicates a woman who was previously engaged but her fiancé died, commonly known as a "widow waiting at the gate." If the "White Tiger" is activated to overcome, it means she has already married but her husband died, and she is certain to wear mourning clothes. If the hidden "Official Ghost" does not fall into "Empty," then it is a woman who already has a husband. If it is lifted by the "Day Branch" or the moving line and harms the "World Line," she should be cautious of legal disputes in the future. If both the "World Line" and the "Response Line" fall into "Empty," it is difficult to form a lasting relationship. The "World Line" being empty means she does not want to get married; even if she does, she will never be satisfied. The "Response Line" being empty means the other party does not want to get married; even if they do, the two families will certainly not maintain contact in the future.

財官疊見，重為一度之新人。男占女，卦有兩財；女占男，卦有兩鬼；必是斷絃再續，重為一度新人。兩財皆無損，必一正一偏；若一旺一空，則前妻已喪。兩鬼發動，必有兩家爭娶。如一旺一空，則前夫已亡。若鬼伏財下，男必有妻在家；財伏鬼下，女必有夫在身。鬼不空，而動爻日辰沖剋妻財，必是生離改嫁；世克鬼，而動爻日辰生合妻財，必是逐婿嫁女。

When a man divines about a woman and the divination shows two instances of "Wealth," it indicates that the man is divorced and seeking remarriage. If both "Wealth" lines are intact, it suggests he has one wife and one concubine; if one is strong and the other empty, it means his former wife has died. When a woman divines about a man and the divination shows two instances of "Official Ghost," it indicates that the woman is divorced and seeking remarriage. If one "Official Ghost" is strong and the other empty, it means her former husband has died. If "Official Ghost" is beneath "Wealth," it suggests the man already has a wife at home; if "Wealth" is beneath "Official Ghost," it suggests the woman already has a husband by her side. If "Official Ghost" does not fall into emptiness, but the moving line and the day branch clash and control "Wealth," it indicates the couple has separated and the woman has remarried. If the world line controls "Official Ghost," but the moving line and the day branch generate and harmonize with "Wealth," it indicates the woman is being sent away and her daughter is being married to someone else.

夫若才能，官位占長生之地；妻如丑拙，財爻落墓庫之鄉。要知男女情性容貌，財鬼二爻取之。凡遇月令旺，身必肥；日時旺，貌必美。月令衰，身必瘦；日時衰，貌必丑。月令旺，日時衰者，身肥而貌不揚；月令衰，日時旺，身瘦而貌必美。衰而有扶，丑而才能；旺而入墓，雖美而愚拙。惟觀性情，男以鬼斷，女以財推。

To understand the temperament and appearance of men and women, one should examine the "Wife Wealth" and "Official Ghost" lines. If the useful god is strong in the month's stem, the body will be robust; if strong in the day or hour, the appearance will be handsome. If the useful god is weak in the month's stem, the body will be thin; if weak in the day or hour, the appearance will be unattractive. If the month's stem is strong but the day and hour are weak, the body is fat but the appearance is not impressive; if the month's stem is weak but the day and hour are strong, the body is thin but the appearance is handsome. If the useful god is weak but has support, the appearance is unattractive but there is talent; if the useful god is strong but falls into a tomb, the appearance is handsome but the mind is dull. As for temperament, for men, one looks at the "Official Ghost," and for women, one looks at the "Wife Wealth."

命旺則榮華可擬，時衰則發達難期。命即男女生命。生旺有氣，必有榮華之日；休囚死絕，必無發達之期。若財旺命衰，其妻貌雖美，而命則平常；鬼衰命旺，其夫雖愚蠢，而衣食豐足。命臨父母，必好技藝；加青龍，則是好詩書也。臨兄，則好賭博，好使錢，不好學。臨官，喜迎官府。臨財福，必善作家。看其現與不現，及五行生剋，六神動靜推之。

The "命" refers to the yao corresponding to the earthly branch of one's birth year. If the birth branch is strong and vigorous, there will be days of prosperity; if it is weak, confined, or in decline, there will be difficulty in achieving success. If the "wife and wealth" is strong but the birth branch is weak, the wife may be beautiful in appearance but ordinary in fate; if the "official ghost" is weak but the birth branch is strong, the husband may be dull-witted but the family will have sufficient food and clothing. If the birth branch is seated on "parents," one will have good skills; if further accompanied by "Azure Dragon," it indicates a love for reading and studying. If the birth branch is seated on "siblings," one tends to gamble and spend money but not study. If seated on "official ghost," one enjoys dealings with officials. If seated on "wife and wealth" or "children," one is good at managing the household. One should examine whether these elements appear, and then combine them with the interactions of the Five Phases and the movements or stillness of the Six Spirits to make a judgment.

財化財，一舉兩得；占婚遇財化財，必有僮僕同來，謂贈嫁。財化子，則有小兒帶來，謂之帶幼聘。若化子逢空，雖來不壽；化財遇沖，後亦走失。鬼化鬼，四復三番。大抵鬼化鬼，凡事反覆不定。占婚遇之，決不容易。若大象可成，亦見遲滯。然此象主女家多有更變，難易緩急，皆聽從於彼。

When divining about marriage and the hexagram indicates that "Wife's Wealth" changes into "Wife's Wealth" again, it means that servants will accompany the bride, known as a gift of servants. If "Wife's Wealth" changes into "Children," it indicates that the bride brings a child to the marriage, known as a child marriage. If the resulting "Children" falls into "Empty Fate," although the child is brought along, it will not live long. If the resulting "Wife's Wealth" is afflicted by a clash, the servants may eventually be lost. If "Official Ghost" changes into "Official Ghost," it indicates that matters are uncertain and unstable. When this appears in a marriage divination, the marriage will be difficult to achieve. Even if the overall situation is favorable, it will be delayed and obstructed, and it is often the bride's side that changes their mind. The ease or difficulty and the speed or slowness of the matter depend entirely on the other party.

兄動而爻臨玄武，須防劫騙之謀；鬼爻不動，而兄弟又臨玄武、螣蛇，來刑沖身世者，須防其中奸詐，設計騙財。若世應生合，陰陽得位，財鬼無傷，亦必大費財而可成。應空而卦伏文書，未有執盟之主。父母為主婚人。若不上卦，或落空亡；必無主婚，恐其婦自作主張，不然，主其事必難成就和合也。

The "Official Ghost" does not move, but the "Siblings" are seated on "Black Tortoise" and "Tang She," which punish and clash with the "Hexagram Body" and "World Line." One should be cautious, as there may be someone scheming to deceive and take money. If the "World Line" and "Response Line" mutually generate and harmonize, with yin and yang properly positioned, and both "Wealth" and "Official Ghost" remain unharmed, then it is merely a minor expense, and the marriage can still proceed. The "Parents" are the main figures in the marriage. If the "Parents" do not appear in the hexagram or fall into "Empty Fate," there will be no one to officiate the marriage, suggesting the woman may be making the decision herself; otherwise, this marriage is unlikely to be successful.

兩父齊興，必有爭盟之象；雙官俱動，斯為競娶之端。卦中兩爻父動，或父化父，主有兩人主婚。不然，必兩家庚帖。若兩鬼俱動，則有兩家爭求其婚。不然，主事體多有變。以上若一動一靜，一旺一空，則無言。若卦有官化父，父化官，或官父皆動，恐有爭訟之患。文書兄動，必有口舌。

In the hexagram, if two instances of 'Parents' are activated, or if 'Parents' transform into 'Parents', it indicates that two people will take the lead in arranging the marriage; otherwise, it suggests that two families have submitted their marriage contracts. If two instances of 'Official Ghost' are activated, it means that two families will compete for this marriage; otherwise, it indicates that many things may change. In the above situations, if one is active and the other is still, or one is strong and the other is empty, then this interpretation does not apply. If 'Official Ghost' transforms into 'Parents', or 'Parents' transforms into 'Official Ghost', or both 'Official Ghost' and 'Parents' are activated at the same time, there may be disputes. If the 'Parents'爻 (representing documents or matters) and 'Siblings' move together, there will certainly be disputes and conflicts.

日逢父合，已期合巹於三星；日辰與父爻作合，或日辰自帶文書，主成婚日期，已預定矣。世獲財生，終得妝奩於百兩。財爻又作妝奩斷，若生合世爻，又得日月動爻扶助，必有妝奩。臨勾陳，必有妝奩田；臨青龍，必美麗；臨螣蛇白虎敗病等爻，則是舊什物也。若財無生助，不可亂言。要推多少，以生合妻財之爻，看衰旺斷之。財之衰旺，僅可推女貌妍媸，不可推妝奩厚薄。

The Day Branch combines with the Parents' line, or the Day Branch itself carries signs of documents, indicating that an auspicious period for marriage has already been arranged. The Wealth line can also be considered as dowry: if the Wealth line generates and harmonizes with the World Line, and receives support from the Day Branch, the Moon Branch and the Moving Line, there will certainly be a generous dowry. If the Wealth line is seated on Gou Chen, there must be land in the dowry; if it is seated on Azure Dragon, the dowry must be splendid; if it is seated on Teng She or Bai Hu, or on the Declining and Diseased lines, then it is merely old household items. If the Wealth line has no generation or support, one should not make hasty conclusions. To determine the amount of the dowry, one should look at the strength and weakness of the line that generates and harmonizes with the Wealth line; the strength and weakness of the Wealth line itself can only indicate the beauty or ugliness of the woman's appearance, not the thickness or thinness of the dowry.

欲通媒妁，須論間爻。占貼，以間爻媒人也。應或相生，乃女家之瓜葛；世如相合，必男室之葭莩。間爻與世生合，多男家親；與應生合，多女家親。世應俱相生合，兩家皆有親。旺相新親，休囚舊眷；本宮至親，他宮外親。

To determine the媒人 (matchmaker), one must examine the two middle lines; for matters concerning the exchange of庚帖 (marriage contract), the middle line also represents the matchmaker. If the middle line generates and harmonizes with the response line, the matchmaker is likely a relative of the bride's family; if it harmonizes with the world line, it is likely a relative of the groom's family; if both the world and response lines generate and harmonize with the middle line, then both families are related. If the middle line is prosperous and strong, it indicates a recently connected relationship; if it is weak and confined, it suggests an old connection. If the middle line is in its own palace, it is a close relative; if it is in another palace, it is an outsider.

先觀卦象之陰陽，則男女可決；陽男媒，陰女媒。或問：間爻有二，當以何爻為主？以衰旺動靜取之。又問：衰爻動，旺爻靜，則如何？則動者是也。又問：兩爻皆旺或皆衰，又將何以定之？以沖動者定之。若又無沖，以生合扶起者定之。或一旺一空，以不空者定之。又不遇空，則以長生決法定之。務歸於一，則不雜亂。

First, examine the yao of the middle position to determine the gender of the matchmaker: a yang yao represents a male matchmaker, and a yin yao represents a female matchmaker. Someone asks: there are two middle yao, so which one should be taken as the main one? The answer is to choose based on their strength, decline, and activity. Another question: if a weak yao moves while a strong yao remains still, what should be done? The answer is to take the moving yao. Another question: if both yao are strong or both are weak, how to decide? The answer is to take the one that is affected by a conflict; if there is no conflict, take the one that is supported by generation, harmony, or assistance. If one is strong and the other is empty, take the one that does not fall into emptiness. If neither falls into emptiness, then follow the order of strength and decline according to the Long Life Rule. It is essential to reduce it to a single yao to avoid confusion.

次看卦爻之動靜，則老幼堪推。交重二爻為老年人，單拆二爻為少年人。或胎養長生為少年，臨官帝旺為中年，墓絕是老年人為媒也。若墓化旺，是老年人先來說；陰化陽，是女人先來說。若此爻動空化空，而自沖動彼一爻，主原媒有故推卻，而他人為媒也。

By observing the movement or stillness of the intermediate lines, one can determine the age of the媒人 (matchmaker). If the moving lines are of the types 交 or 重, they indicate an elderly matchmaker. If the still lines are of the types 单 or 拆, they indicate a young matchmaker. One can also determine the age according to the twelve stages of growth: if the line is in the stages of 胎 (conception), 养 (nurturing), or Growth (growth), it indicates a young matchmaker. If it is in Officialdom (officialdom) or Prosperity (prosperity), it indicates a middle-aged matchmaker. If it is in 墓 (burial) or 绝 (decline), it indicates an elderly matchmaker. If a line moves from 墓 to 旺, it suggests that the elderly matchmaker will propose first. If a line changes from yin to yang, it suggests that the woman will propose first. If a line is empty and moves or changes into an empty state, and simultaneously activates another intermediate line, it indicates that the original matchmaker has some affairs to attend to and will be replaced by someone else.

論貧富，當究身命；決美惡，可驗性情。人生美惡貧富，兩章盡之矣。然非特可觀媒妁而已。若問婦，看財爻；問夫身，看鬼爻；問男家，看世爻；問女家，看應爻。若應旺財衰，可言女家雖富，女貌不揚，餘類推。至於維持破說之旁人，可以刑沖生合之爻推之。

When discussing wealth and poverty, we should examine the person's body and destiny; when judging beauty and ugliness, we should check their nature and temperament. The beauty and ugliness, wealth and poverty of a person have already been thoroughly explained in the chapters on the body and marriage. These principles are not only used for selecting a spouse. When asking about a bride, look at the "Wealth" line; when asking about a groom, look at the "Official Ghost" line; when asking about the male family, look at the "World Line"; when asking about the female family, look at the "Response Line." For example, if the Response Line is strong but the Wealth line is weak, we can conclude that although the female family is wealthy, the woman may not be beautiful. The rest can be inferred in a similar way. As for those who mediate or interfere from the side, we use the lines that are in punishment and clash or in generation and harmony with them to make the judgment.

雀值兄臨，慣在其中得利；間爻如值螣蛇朱雀，及兄弟者，其人必俐齒伶牙，素以媒妁獲利者。興旺必奸詐。世沖應合，浼他出以為媒。間爻安靜，被應世二爻沖動，或生扶合起，及日辰沖並起者，其人無心作伐，必是一邊央他說也。間爻自動者，勿如此斷。

If the intermediate line is occupied by "Teng She", "Zhu Que", or "Xiong Di", the matchmaker is certainly eloquent and has always relied on matchmaking for profit. If the intermediate line is also prosperous and strong, this person is certainly deceitful. If the intermediate line is originally still, but is stirred by the "World Line" and "Response Line", or is generated, supported, or combined with them, or is stirred and activated by the "Day Branch", it indicates that the matchmaker had no intention of acting as an intermediary, but was asked by one party to facilitate the match. If the intermediate line is self-initiated, it cannot be interpreted this way.

兩兄同發，定多月老以爭盟；二間俱空，必無通好以為禮。兩間俱動，必有兩媒。臨兄，或兄化兄，或動出兩鬼，主有爭競為媒。須看空亡衰旺，及有制無制，可知那個執權。若間爻安靜，俱在空亡，必無媒人通好。若空動而化出兄鬼，或臨兄鬼空動者，乃是媒欲謝禮作鬼不來，非無媒也。

When both middle lines are activated, there will certainly be two matchmakers. If the middle line is occupied by 'Siblings' or if 'Siblings' transforms into 'Siblings' or into two instances of 'Official Ghost', it indicates that the two matchmakers are competing to act as intermediaries. At this time, one should examine which one falls into 'Empty Void', which is strong and which is weak, and whether there is any controlling force, in order to determine which one will take the lead. If both middle lines are quiet and both fall into 'Empty Void', there will certainly be no matchmakers involved in the communication. If the middle line is empty but activated and transforms into 'Siblings' or 'Official Ghost', or if the line itself is occupied by 'Siblings' or 'Official Ghost' and is empty and activated, this indicates that the matchmaker is pretending not to come in order to seek a thank you gift, rather than there actually being no matchmaker.

世應不和，仗冰言而通好；世應相沖相剋，難以成親。若得間爻生合解救，其事始難成就，終須得媒人兩邊說合，以通其好，則事亦可成。何謂救解？如應動克世，間爻合住應爻，生扶世爻，餘可類推。間爻受克，總綺語亦無從。凡欲浼媒人說合求親，必得應爻生合間爻。則其言易入，必然聽信；如間爻反被應沖剋，則雖甘言美語，亦不從。

The World Line and the Response Line are in conflict and mutual control, which originally makes it difficult for the marriage to succeed; if the Intermediate Line generates and harmonizes to relieve this situation, the matter may start off difficult, but in the end it can still be resolved through the mediation of a matchmaker, and the marriage can still be successful. What does relief mean? For example, if the Response Line becomes active and controls the World Line, and the Intermediate Line combines with the Response Line, turning instead to generate and support the World Line, the same principle can be applied in other cases. Whenever someone entrusts a matchmaker to mediate and seek a marriage, it is necessary for the Response Line to generate and harmonize with the Intermediate Line, so that the matchmaker's words will be easily accepted, and the other party will certainly believe and comply; if the Intermediate Line is instead controlled and clashed by the Response Line, then even if there are many kind words, the other party will not agree.

財官沖剋，反招就裡愆尤；間爻若被日辰動爻刑沖剋害，其媒必然取怨於兩家。世爻沖剋，男家有怨；應爻沖剋，女家有怨。或世來生合，而財爻沖剋者，男家雖吉，異日女家必怨。財官皆沖剋，夫妻俱有怨。世應生扶，必得其中厚惠。凡遇世應、日辰帶財福、青龍，生合間爻，其媒必有兩家酬貺。旺相多，休囚少。若帶兄鬼螣蛇玄武類生合者，不過巧言虛禮，必無實惠。化出財福生合亦吉。男看世爻，女看應爻。世應俱生合，兩家俱有惠。世旺，男家多；應旺，女家多。一卦吉凶，細察精微委曲；百年夫婦，方知到底團圓。

If the intermediate line is harmed by the day branch or a moving line through punishment, clash, or control, this matchmaker will be disliked by both sides. If the world line clashes with it, the male family will blame him; if the response line clashes with it, the female family will blame him. If the world line generates and harmonizes with it but the wealth line clashes, the male family may be satisfied, but the female family will later resent him. If both wealth and official ghost lines clash, both the husband and wife will blame him. Conversely, if the world line, response line, or day branch brings wealth, children, or azure dragon to generate and harmonize with the intermediate line, the matchmaker will be rewarded by both families. If the wealth is prosperous and strong, the reward will be generous; if it is weak and confined, the reward will be meager. If what generates and harmonizes with it is siblings, official ghost, qing snake, or black tortoise, it is just empty words and no real benefit. If it transforms into wealth or fortune to generate and harmonize, it is auspicious. The male family looks at the world line, the female family looks at the response line. If both the world and response lines generate and harmonize with the intermediate line, both families will reward the matchmaker. If the world line is prosperous, the male family will give more; if the response line is prosperous, the female family will give more. To determine the fortune or misfortune of a hexagram, one must carefully examine its subtle intricacies. Only then can one know whether a couple will eventually be united.

首出混沌，判乾坤而生人物；繼興太昊，制嫁娶以合夫妻。迄今數千百年，化生不絕；雖至幾億萬世，絡繹無窮。蓋得陰陽交感，方能胎孕相生。先看子孫，便知男女。陽為男子，掌中探見一珠新；陰是女兒，門右喜看弧帨設。子孫為占產用神。陽爻為男，陰爻為女。

In the beginning, chaos was divided into heaven and earth, giving rise to humans and all things. Then Fuxi emerged and established the marriage ceremony to match husband and wife. Up to now, thousands of years have passed, yet life continues without end; even after billions of generations, it will still be continuous. This is all due to the interaction of yin and yang, enabling conception and birth, and generation after generation. When divining about childbirth, one looks at the "children" element, which indicates the gender of the child: a yang line signifies a boy, like a new pearl in the palm; a yin line signifies a girl, as ancient custom had hanging a bow on the left side of the door for a boy and a piece of embroidered cloth on the right for a girl. The "children" element is the useful god in divining childbirth, with a yang line representing a boy and a yin line representing a girl.

或更反兆，徒勞鞠育於三年；若遇化空，枉受胚胎於十月。反兆者：占得生男卦，反生女；占得生女卦，反生男是也。皆主不壽，子孫化入空亡者，亦不育。主星生旺，當生俊秀之肥兒；命曜休囚，必產萎靡之弱子。子孫生旺，生子必肥大，異日主俊秀不凡；休囚無氣，生子必弱小，異日主萎靡不振。若子孫無氣，得月建日辰動爻生合扶持，主所生兒始雖弱小，後漸肥大；子孫雖旺，遇月建日辰動爻刑沖剋害，始雖肥大，後漸怯弱。

the so-called "reverse omen" refers to a situation where a hexagram indicating the birth of a son instead indicates the birth of a daughter, or vice versa; such cases indicate that the child will not live long. If the "children" line transforms into "empty loss," the child will not survive, and the mother will suffer in vain for ten months of pregnancy. If the "children" line is strong and flourishing, the child will be robust and healthy, and later become outstanding and distinguished. If the "children" line is weak and confined, the child will be thin and small, and later will be weak and lackluster. If the "children" line is weak but receives support from the "month builder," the "day branch," and the moving line through generation and harmony, the child may start off thin and small but will gradually become strong and healthy. Conversely, if the "children" line is strong but is punished, clashed with, or harmed by the "month builder," the "day branch," and the moving line, the child may start off strong and healthy but will gradually become weak and frail.

古人斷男女生，雖以陰陽為主，然又言：陽爻衰弱，亦主生女；陰爻旺相，亦主生男。以衰旺為主，陰陽為輔。細推其理，非確論。何也？人生稟天地之秀氣，受父母之英精，蓋感陰陽而化育也。得陽精於中，陰血裹之，則成陽胎生男；得陰血於中，陽精裹之，則生女。感其氣之盛而正者，則生子肥大而為賢智；感其氣之不正而微者，則生子弱小而為愚不肖。此為自然之理，而易道豈異是哉！

Ancient people determine the gender of a child mainly based on yin and yang, yet they also say that a weak yang line indicates a female child and a strong yin line indicates a male child, treating decline and strength as the main factors and yin and yang as secondary. Upon careful consideration, this statement is not accurate. Why? A person inherits the refined qi from heaven and earth and receives the essence from parents, originally being generated through the interaction of yin and yang energies: if yang essence is in the center with yin blood surrounding it, it forms a yang fetus and results in a male child; if yin blood is in the center with yang essence surrounding it, it results in a female child. If the sensed energy is strong and pure, the child will be robust and wise; if the sensed energy is biased and weak, the child will be frail and dull. This is the natural principle, and the divination methods of the I Ching should not differ from this.

故愚謂：子孫屬陽斷生男，或休囚則推弱小；子孫屬陰斷生女，或旺相則推肥大。蓋必以陰陽為主。故也。學者詳之。如無福德，當究胎爻。剖決固以子孫為主。若卦無子孫，當尋胎爻定之。如乾兌宮卦，子孫屬水，胎在午，則午為胎爻。故卦有子孫，則不論胎；或無子孫，又無胎爻，則以第二爻斷之。

Therefore, I believe that if the 'children' line is yang, it indicates a male child, and if it is weak and confined, the child is thin and small. If the 'children' line is yin, it indicates a female child, and if it is prosperous and strong, the child is fat and healthy. In summary, determining the gender of the child should primarily rely on yin and yang. Scholars should carefully observe this. When predicting childbirth, the 'children' line is the main focus. If the hexagram does not contain the 'children' line, then the 'fetus line' should be used instead. For example, in hexagrams from the Qian and Dui trigrams, the 'children' line belongs to water, and the fetal position of water is in Wu. Therefore, the Wu line is the 'fetus line'. So, if the hexagram contains the 'children' line, there is no need to consider the 'fetus line'. If neither the 'children' line nor the 'fetus line' is present, then the second line should be used for the prediction.

雙胎雙福必雙生，卦有兩子爻，又有兩胎爻，雖不發動，亦主雙生。若卦有兩子爻皆動，或子化子，胎化胎者，皆雙生之象。若二爻一陰一陽，則一男一女；一旺一空，則一生一死。一克一刑終一夢。卦無子，占產大忌。若胎爻又被月建日辰動爻刑沖剋害，或無故自空，大凶之兆。故一場春夢，言其子必亡也。子孫衰受克者亦然。

In the hexagram, if there are two instances of 'children' and two instances of 'fetus lines,' even if they do not move, it indicates the birth of twins. If both 'children' lines move, or if 'children' transforms into 'children' or 'fetus' transforms into 'fetus,' it also signifies twins. If these two lines are one yin and one yang, it means one boy and one girl. If one is strong and the other is empty, it means one survives and the other does not. If the hexagram lacks 'children' lines, it is most unfavorable for predicting childbirth. If the 'fetus' line is harmed by 'month builder,' 'day branch,' or moving lines through punishment, clash, control, or falls into 'empty' by itself, it is a great omen of misfortune. This is referred to as 'a spring dream,' meaning the child is certain to be lost. If the 'children' lines are weak and are harmed, it is also the same.

胎臨官鬼，懷胎便有采薪憂；財化子孫，分娩即當勿藥喜。鬼臨胎爻，其婦懷胎常有疾；胎爻被官沖剋亦然。若胎爻雖臨官鬼，化出子孫，或財化福爻，則懷胎時固多疾，分娩即安泰。妻財一位，喜見扶持；胎福二爻，怕逢傷害。財為產母，胎為胞胎，福為兒女。三者皆喜月建日辰動爻生合扶助。則產母安，胞胎穩，子亦易養。若見刑沖剋害，產母多災，胞胎不安，所生子亦難養。化入死墓空絕，大凶之兆。

The "Official Ghost" sitting on the "Fetus Line" indicates that a pregnant woman often suffers from illness during her pregnancy; the same applies if the Fetus Line is clashed and controlled by the Official Ghost. If the Fetus Line, although sitting on the Official Ghost, transforms into the "Children," or if the "Wealth" transforms into the Children, then although there may be many illnesses during pregnancy, the delivery will be safe and trouble-free. In fortune telling about childbirth, the "Wealth" represents the mother, the Fetus Line represents the fetus, and the "Children" represent the infant: these three all benefit from being generated and harmonized by the "Month Builder," "Day Branch," and the Moving Line. In such cases, the mother will be safe, the fetus will be stable, and the child will be easy to raise. However, if there are punishments, clashes, controls, or harms, the mother will face many troubles, the fetus will be unstable, and the child will be difficult to raise. If these three lines further transform into the Dead, Tomb, Void, or Absolute Decline positions, it is a very ominous sign.

虎作血神，值子交重胎已破；白虎為血神。若臨子孫或臨胎爻發動，其胎己破，臨財動者亦然。惟臨兄鬼，及帶刑沖剋害，或化官，莫作吉斷。可言此必漏胎。動爻合住，胎雖動而未分娩。龍為喜氣，遇胎發動日將臨。占產以青龍為喜神。若在胎福財爻上動者，生期己迫，必然臨日者也。在父兄官爻上動，勿作吉看。

The White Tiger is the god of blood. If it sits on the 'Children' or 'Fetus'爻 and activates, the fetal water has already broken; if it sits on the 'Wealth'爻 and activates, it is the same. However, if the White Tiger sits on the 'Siblings' or 'Official Ghost'爻, or if it is accompanied by punishment and clash, clash and control, or transforms into an 'Official Ghost', it cannot be considered a good omen, and this is called a leaking fetus. If the activated爻 is restrained by another爻, even though the fetus has moved, it still cannot deliver. For divination on childbirth, the Azure Dragon is considered the auspicious deity: if the Azure Dragon activates on the 'Fetus'爻, 'Children', or 'Wealth'爻, the time of childbirth is approaching and will occur within a few days; if it activates on the 'Parents', 'Siblings', or 'Official Ghost'爻, it should not be regarded as a good omen.

福遇龍空胎動，乃墮胎虛喜；福臨青龍空亡，而胎爻自發動，或被沖動者，必是墮胎虛喜。福若避空，則不然。要知何故墮胎，以胎爻斷。如臨官鬼白虎，因病墮胎；臨父，則勞傷；臨玄武，則色慾；臨螣蛇，驚嚇之故；臨朱雀白虎者，鬥毆撲跌墮也。

"Children" sitting on "Azure Dragon" and falling into "Empty Void," yet the "Fetus Line" moves on its own or is disturbed, indicates a miscarriage and empty joy; if the "Children" fall into "Empty Void" to avoid misfortune, it is not interpreted this way. To determine the cause of the miscarriage, examine the divine signs on the "Fetus Line": if it sits on "Official Ghost" and "White Tiger," it is due to illness; if it sits on "Parents," it is due to overwork; if it sits on "Black Tortoise," it is due to sexual activity; if it sits on "Tie Snake," it is due to fright; if it sits on "Vermilion Bird" and "White Tiger," it is due to fighting with others or falling and injuring oneself.

官當虎動福空，乃半產空娠。白虎臨官發動，或臨財動化官，而子孫空亡，或伏，或動空化空，或被沖散者，當小產。臨月卜卦，乃是其子不育之象也。福已動而日又沖胎，兒必預生於膝下；胎與福若臨龍虎，或有不動，而日辰沖並者，其子已生。若不克世，則勿斷，須再詳支神。如不繫已過占時候，可言當日便產；雖過時，而動爻是重，亦分娩矣。

The White Tiger sits on the Official Ghost and moves, or sits on the Wealth and transforms into the Official Ghost, while the Children fall into the void, or are hidden, or empty and moving, or transformed into the void, or dispersed by a clash. This indicates a main issue of miscarriage. If this is divined during the month of delivery, it suggests the child will not survive. If the Fetus Line and the Children are seated on the Azure Dragon or the White Tiger, and the ones that are stationary are stirred up and activated by the Day Branch, the child has actually been born. However, if these lines do not overcome the World Line, do not make hasty conclusions, but examine carefully the Day Branch. If the time of divination has not yet passed, it can be said that the birth will occur on the same day; even if the time has passed, as long as the moving line is a repeated line, the delivery has already taken place.

福被傷而胎仍化鬼，子當早死於腹中。子孫在死墓絕地，又被月建日辰動爻刑沖剋害者，大凶之兆。若胎爻又臨官，或胎化官，必是死胎。更財爻又臨死墓空絕，須防母子俱入黃泉。兄動兮不利其妻，父興兮難為厥子。兄乃克財之神。如動，則產母不安；父為克子之殺。更動，則子宮必損。然二神，以有救無救斷之，可也。

If the 'Children' line falls in the positions of death,墓,绝, and is further punished or clashed by the 'Month Builder', 'Day Branch', and the moving line, it is a very ominous sign. If the 'Fetus line' is occupied by the 'Official Ghost' or transforms into the 'Official Ghost', it indicates a dead fetus. If the 'Wealth line' also falls in the positions of death,墓, empty, or绝, one must beware of the possibility of both mother and child dying. The 'Siblings' are the spirits that harm the 'Wealth line'; once they move, the mother will become unstable. The 'Parents' are the spirits that harm the 'Children'; once they move, the fetus will surely be harmed. However, the severity of the effects of these two spirits depends on whether there is a saving element in the hexagram, and only then can a decision be made.

用在空亡逢惡殺，何妨坐草之虞；父兄發動，本為凶兆。如財福二爻在避空之地，謂空不受克，故云無事。或父兄雖動，而得動爻日辰合住，謂之貪合忘克；縱凶亦虛驚，必無大害。妻臨玄武入陰宮，果應夢蘭之兆。巽離坤兌四宮，財爻臨玄武，或與玄武作合，必僕婢所生，旺相必是淫婦。休囚有吉神救助，只主出身微賤，非是淫亂之婦。

The lines "Parents" and "Siblings" moving are usually ominous, but if the lines "Wealth" and "Children" fall into "Kongwang" (void), they can avoid being harmed. When something is void, it is not subject to being harmed, so the danger of giving birth is not serious. Alternatively, even if "Parents" and "Siblings" move, if they are restrained by moving lines or the Day Branch, this is called "Tan He Wang Ke" (greed for union and forgetting to harm), so even if there is danger, it is just a false alarm and there will be no major harm. In the four yin palaces of Xun, Li, Kun, and Dui, if "Wealth" is seated on "Xuanwu" (Black Tortoise) or is in conjunction with Xuanwu, the child must be born from a servant woman. If "Wealth" is prosperous and strong, the woman is certainly promiscuous. If "Wealth" is weak and confined but has auspicious spirits to help, then she is just of low birth, not a promiscuous woman.

克世克身，誕生日迫；凡占生產，得子孫胎爻沖剋身世，生期已迫，當以日時斷之。蓋凡生世主遲，克世主速。克若動而逢空，過日斷。休囚，期在生旺日時；旺相，當以本日斷。又如子孫動，胎爻靜，以動者定其日，沖胎定其時。若胎動而子孫靜，胎爻定其日，沖福定其時。蓋動則速，沖則遲。故也。又如動而合住，則以沖剋破合日斷之，餘類推。

In divination regarding childbirth, if the 'Children'爻 and the 'Fetus'爻 clash or control the 'Hexagram Body' and the 'World Line', it indicates that the time of childbirth is approaching, and the exact day and hour should be determined. Generally, if these two yao support the World Line, the childbirth will be delayed; if they control the World Line, it will be sooner. If the controlling yao is activated but falls in 'Empty' condition, childbirth will occur after the 'Empty' condition is resolved. If the controlling yao is weak and confined, the childbirth will occur on the day or hour when it meets a strong and prosperous condition. If it is strong and prosperous, the childbirth is predicted for the current day. For example, if the 'Children'爻 is activated and the 'Fetus'爻 is still, use the activated 'Children'爻 to determine the day and the day that conflicts with the 'Fetus'爻 to determine the hour. If the 'Fetus'爻 is activated and the 'Children'爻 is still, use the activated 'Fetus'爻 to determine the day and the day that conflicts with the 'Children'爻 to determine the hour, because the activated yao will respond quickly, while the one affected by conflict will respond slowly. If an activated yao is restrained by a combination, use the day that breaks or overcomes this combination to determine the time, and the rest follows the same principle.

不沖不發，產日時遲。卦中胎福不動，又無暗沖者，其生產月日未臨，必然遲緩。直待沖動日月，斷其生產。若無胎福二爻，其產亦遲，宜以卦中臨動之爻斷。若又無動爻，則以卦身胎養長生之日斷之。胎福齊興官父合，臨產難生；胎福二爻發動，本主易生。若被官鬼父母合住，或日辰帶父兄鬼合住，皆主臨產難生。直待沖破克破合住日時，方得分娩。若非合住，而胎福自化父母官鬼者，皆主遲滯。

In the hexagram, if both the "Tao Yao" and "Zi Sun" lines are still inactive and there is no hidden conflict, it indicates that the time of childbirth has not yet arrived, and the process will be delayed. Childbirth will occur only when these lines are activated by the appropriate days or months. If the hexagram contains neither "Tao Yao" nor "Zi Sun," the time of childbirth will still be delayed, and one should use the day when the activated line in the hexagram reaches the stages of "Tao," "Yang," or "Changsheng" to determine the time. Normally, if both "Tao Yao" and "Zi Sun" are activated, childbirth is expected to be easy. However, if they are restrained by "Guan Gui" or "Fu Mu," or if they are combined with "Ri Chen" and "Fu Mu," "Xiong Xi," or "Guan Gui," it indicates difficulty in childbirth, and delivery will only occur when the day or month that breaks or overcomes this restraint arrives. If the "Tao Yao" and "Zi Sun" lines themselves transform into "Fu Mu" or "Guan Gui," it also suggests a delay in the time of childbirth.

子財皆絕日辰扶，將危有救。占產遇胎福在墓絕之地，固凶。若得日辰動爻生扶，此乃將危有救之兆。如被惡殺旺相刑剋，則不能有救。間合間生，全賴收生之力；老孃收生，以間爻推之。若動而生合財爻，及胎福二爻，必得老孃收生之力，然後快易。如卦有凶神發動，而間爻救制者，必遇收生而後產也。

When divining about childbirth and both the 'Tao Yao' (pregnancy line) and 'Zi Sun' (children) fall in the墓 (burial) or 绝 (decline) positions, it is originally a凶 (unfavorable) sign. However, if the 'Ri Chen' (day branch) or moving line generates and supports them, it indicates a dangerous situation with a chance of salvation. If further harmed byInauspicious Sha (malevolent spirits) in a strong position that causes conflict, then it is impossible to recover. A midwife examines the 间爻 (intermediate line): if the intermediate line moves and generates and harmonizes with the 'Qi Cai' (wealth), as well as the 'Tao Yao' and 'Zi Sun', it indicates the assistance of a skilled midwife, leading to a quick and smooth delivery. If there areInauspicious Spirit (malevolent spirits) in the卦 (chart) that move, but the intermediate line can restrain and control them, it also suggests that the delivery will be smooth after encountering a good midwife.

官空官伏，定然遺腹之兒。卦無官鬼或在空亡，主產婦丈夫己死，此必遺腹子也。然非財福白虎則勿斷。若有鬼伏在白虎爻下，或龍伏鬼墓爻下，則主夫病臥在床，非死也。旺空，則是有病；鬼爻入墓，或身臨鬼墓，若非有病，只在獄。游魂卦官鬼空亡，乃背爹落地；占產遇游魂卦，官鬼空亡，或鬼空動，或鬼動化入游魂；皆主臨產，其夫出外，不見生產也。若其夫自占：遇世爻空亡者，亦然。如遇游魂卦，變入歸魂，而鬼爻發動者；又主臨產，其夫自外歸也。世動逢合住，得歸不到家。

If the hexagram lacks the "Official Ghost" or if the Official Ghost falls in "Empty" position, it indicates that the husband of the pregnant woman has died, and the child born will be a stillborn. However, if the "Wealth" and "Children" are not in harmony with the "White Tiger," do not make such a judgment. If the Official Ghost is hidden under the White Tiger line, or if the Azure Dragon is hidden under the Official Ghost's墓 position, it means the husband is ill in bed, not dead. If the Official Ghost is strong but falls in "Empty," it indicates illness; if the Official Ghost is in its墓 position or the Hexagram Body falls on the Official Ghost's墓 position, it means either illness or imprisonment. If the hexagram is a wandering soul hexagram and the Official Ghost falls in "Empty," or if the Official Ghost is empty but active, or if the Official Ghost becomes active and transforms into a wandering soul hexagram, it indicates that the husband will be away when the child is born and will not be present at the birth. If the husband himself is the one casting the hexagram and the World Line falls in "Empty," it is the same situation. If the hexagram is a wandering soul hexagram that transforms into a returning soul hexagram and the Official Ghost is active, it indicates that the husband is on his way back from elsewhere at the time of childbirth. If the World Line is active but is restrained by a combination, although he has started his journey, he will not arrive home.

發動爻父兄刑害，必攜子歸泉。父兄，占產忌爻。若帶三刑六害，當權旺相而動，財福二爻在死絕之地，而無救助者，主子母俱亡。官化福，胎前多病；財化官，產後多災。未臨月占。鬼化出子孫，主胎前常有病，待產後方安；財化官，則胎前強健，至產後多病。若已臨月，須防產母有不測之患。

The parents and siblings are considered hostile gods in predicting childbirth. If they are accompanied by the three punishments and six harms and are currently prosperous and strong, while the wealth and children lines are in the dead or doomed positions without support, it indicates that both mother and child will perish. If the divination is done before the month of delivery and the official ghost transforms into children, it suggests that the mother will often be ill during pregnancy but will recover after childbirth. If the wealth line transforms into the official ghost, it indicates that the mother is strong during pregnancy but will face many illnesses after childbirth. If the divination is done during the month of delivery and such a hexagram is obtained, one should be cautious of unexpected dangers for the mother.

三合成兄，兒缺乳；卦有三合成兄弟局者，生子必然乳少。若兄在旁爻無氣發動，亦主缺乳；財福化出兄爻亦然。若三合成父母局，子必衰弱無力。成官鬼局，生產必不快易。惟三合財福局，然後吉。六沖遇子，婦安然。凡占六沖，財福發動；或得日辰六沖暗動，則財有生氣，鬼有剋制；所以產母安然而臥也。

If the third line forms a 'Siblings' pattern in the hexagram, the child will certainly lack milk; if Siblings appear on an adjacent line without strength and become active, it also indicates a lack of milk. If 'Wealth' and 'Children' transform into Siblings, the same result follows. If the Triple Harmony forms a 'Parents' pattern, the child will certainly be weak and powerless; if it forms an 'Official Ghost' pattern, childbirth will be difficult and unsmooth. Only when the Triple Harmony forms a 'Wealth' or 'Children' pattern is it considered auspicious. If a hexagram of Six Clashes is divined and 'Wealth' and 'Children' become active, or if 'Day Branch' clashes and becomes covertly active, then 'Wealth' will have life qi and 'Official Ghost' will be restrained, allowing the mother to deliver safely.

應若逢空，外家無催生之禮物；占產以應為外家，若逢空，必無催生禮物。臨兄，則是慳吝人，雖有不多。臨財福，更來生合世爻，必有厚惠。旺則外家富，衰則外家貧。與世刑沖，必與外家不和。世如值弟，自家絕調理之肥甘。兄值世衰，則其家貧，欠將息，產婦必難強健。旺則其人慳吝，不肯調理，非無也。動化子，則主其人素雖慳吝；合則肥甘足用。世臨財福空亡，亦乏調理。

Divination for childbirth uses the 'Response Line' to represent the maternal side. If the Response Line falls in 'Kongwang' (void), the maternal side will not send gifts to encourage childbirth. If the Response Line is occupied by 'Brothers', the maternal side is stingy, and even if they send gifts, they will be few. If the Response Line is occupied by 'Wealth' or 'Children' and harmonizes with the 'World Line', there will certainly be generous gifts. If the Response Line is prosperous, the maternal side is wealthy; if it is weak, the maternal side is poor. If the Response Line and the World Line are in conflict, there will be discord with the maternal side. If the World Line is occupied by 'Brothers' and is weak, it indicates that the family is poor and lacks proper care, making it difficult for the mother to be healthy. If the World Line is occupied by 'Brothers' and is strong, it suggests that the family is stingy and unwilling to provide care, not that they actually lack it. If the 'Brothers' line moves and transforms into 'Children', it means that although the person is usually stingy, when there is harmony, they can still provide sufficient nourishing food. If the World Line is occupied by 'Wealth' or 'Children' and falls in 'Kongwang', there will also be a lack of proper care.

陽福助青龍，無異桂庭之秀子；陰孫扶月建，何殊桃洞之仙姬。子臨月建青龍，或月建帶青龍，生合子孫者；不拘男女，皆主俊秀聰明。子孫墓絕，或帶刑害，或加虎蛇，或受沖剋，或化兄鬼，皆主醜陋不肖。若卜有孕無孕，須詳胎伏胎飛。凡占胎孕有無，專取胎爻為主，不看子孫。如卦中六爻上下，及年月日時，皆無胎爻者，雖有子孫，亦為無孕。卦中雖無動爻，有化出者，眼下無胎，後必有胎。惟遇胎爻出現旺動，便為有胎。若卦無胎，子孫又空，乃是命中所招，必無子。

The term 'children' falling on the 'Month Builder' with the 'Azure Dragon' attached, or the 'Month Builder' with the 'Azure Dragon' coming to generate and harmonize with the 'children', regardless of gender, indicates a person who is handsome and intelligent. A male would be like a fragrant osmanthus tree in the courtyard, while a female would be like a fairy in a cave. If the 'children' enter the墓 (grave) or the绝 (decline), or if they are accompanied by punishment and harm, or if they are joined by the 'White Tiger' or 'Teng She', or if they are subjected to clash and control, or if they transform into 'siblings' or 'official ghost', it indicates an ugly appearance and bad character. If the question is about pregnancy, one must carefully examine whether the 'fetus line' is clearly present in the hexagram or hidden and not visible. The presence or absence of pregnancy is determined solely by the 'fetus line', not by the 'children'. If among the six lines, as well as the year, month, day, and hour, there is no 'fetus line', even if there is 'children', it is considered not pregnant. If the hexagram has no moving lines, but a changing line produces the 'fetus line', there is no pregnancy now, but there will be later. Only when the 'fetus line' appears and is prosperous and active does it indicate that pregnancy has already occurred. If there is no 'fetus line' in the hexagram and the 'children' fall on the empty and lost position, it means that it is destined to have no children.

出現空亡，將衃而復散；交重化絕，既孕而不成。衃：陰血陽精凝聚成胎之謂。蓋未成形曰衃，已成曰孕。胎爻出現，如遇空亡，主雖有胎，不至成形而又散；若得發動，其胎已成。惟怕變入死墓空絕，則主胎孕雖至成形，不能產育於膝下，是亦不成而已矣。

The term "衃" refers to the coagulation of yin blood and yang essence into a fetus: before it takes form it is called "衃," and once it has taken form it is called "pregnancy." Although the "fetus line" has appeared but falls into "empty death," it indicates that although conception has occurred, the fetus fails to take form and dissipates before development. If the fetus line is activated, it means the fetus has taken form, but one must beware of it moving into the positions of death, mourning, emptiness, or decline, which would mean that although the fetus has formed, it ultimately cannot be nurtured and raised, resulting in the same outcome of emptiness.

姅必逢官，孕傷曰姅。胎臨官，或動官，或被官動來刑沖剋害，皆主胎孕有傷。若非鬼爻，而被月建日辰刑剋，其胎亦有傷損。日辰沖胎，懷胎不安。妉須遇虎。娠婦既孕，月事又通曰妉。若未及月，胎臨白虎，必是漏胎。如遇殺沖，或發動化鬼者，旺相為小產，無氣是漏胎。

If the fetus is harmed during pregnancy, it is called "Yan." If the "Tao Yao" (fetus line) is seated on "Guan Gui" (Official Ghost), or if the Official Ghost is activated, or if the activated Official Ghost is punished, clashed, or harmed, it indicates damage to the fetus. Even if it is not the Official Ghost, but instead is punished or controlled by the "Yue Jian" (Month Builder) or "Ri Chen" (Day Branch), the fetus is still harmed. If the Day Branch clashes with the Tao Yao, the pregnancy is unstable. If a pregnant woman has already conceived but still has menstrual flow, it is called "Dan." If the fetus is not fully developed and the Tao Yao is seated on the White Tiger, it indicates a miscarriage. If further afflicted byInauspicious Sha (malevolent stars) or if the Tao Yao changes into the Official Ghost, and the Official Ghost is prosperous and strong, it indicates a miscarriage; if the Official Ghost has no strength, it indicates a leaky miscarriage.

帶令星而獲助，存沒咸安；凡占胎孕，胎爻旺相，又有生合扶助，不臨官鬼父母及空亡者，其胎必成。更陽爻則生子。生有養，死有祀。所以存沒咸安。有陰地而無傷，緩急非益。胎爻屬陰，休囚；而得月建日辰動爻生合，再無凶神刑剋者，其胎亦成，但生女。故曰：緩急非益也。

When divining about pregnancy, if the "Tao Yao" (fetus line) is prosperous and strong, and also receives support from generation and harmony, and does not sit on "Official Ghost" or "Parents," nor fall into "Kong Wang" (void), then this pregnancy is certain to be stable. Furthermore, if a yang line produces a son, there will be someone to support him before his birth and someone to worship him after his death, so both in life and after death he will be properly cared for. If the "Tao Yao" is yin and weak and confined, but receives support from "Month Builder," "Day Branch," and moving line, and is not harmed byInauspicious Spirit (malevolent spirits) or punishments, this pregnancy can still be stable, but it will result in a daughter. A daughter will eventually marry and cannot be relied upon in times of urgency, so it is said to be of no benefit to the family.

如逢玄武，暗裡成胎；若遇文書，此前無子。胎臨玄武，必然暗與人通，及陰司不明；所授之胎，非夫妻正受也。休囚有制，則占婢妾胎孕。若臨父，主此前未嘗有子，或者雖有不存，今始成胎也。孕形於內，只因土並勾陳；胎隱於中，端為迎龍合德。胎臨勾陳，懷胎顯露，更屬土爻，猶甚。胎臨青龍，其胎不露，更逢三合六合，必隱然如未孕者。《天玄賦》曰：“胎爻屬陽，陽氣輕清上浮，胎近胸前；胎爻屬陰，陰氣重濁下降，胎必近下”。此說得之。

The 'Tao Yao' sitting on 'Xuan Wu' indicates secret communication with others, an unclear source, and the fetus is not from the husband's legitimate union. If the 'Tao Yao' is weak and confined but controlled, it refers to a pregnancy from a servant or concubine. If the 'Tao Yao' sits on 'Gou Chen', the abdomen becomes noticeable early, and if it also meets the Earthly Branch, it becomes even more apparent. If the 'Tao Yao' sits on 'Qing Long', the pregnancy is not obvious, and if it meets Triple Harmony or Six Harmony, it appears as if there is no pregnancy. The 'Tian Xuan Fu' states that if the 'Tao Yao' is yang, the yang energy is light and rises, so the fetus is near the chest; if it is yin, the yin energy is heavy and sinks, so the fetus is lower. This statement is reasonable and can be followed.

若問收生之婦，休將兩間而推；如占代養之娘，須以一財而斷。若占老孃及代婆者，以占產卦中取之，則間爻是也。今人執其迷說，雖單占另卜，亦以間爻論，則失之矣。故凡單占，當以妻財一爻為主，不可又以間爻推之。收生之婦，即今老孃；代養之娘，即今乳母。二者斷法相似，故並云。

If the same hexagram is used for predicting childbirth and also considering the midwife, then the middle line should be used. However, if a separate hexagram is cast specifically for the midwife or wet nurse, the middle line should not be used again. Modern people rigidly follow old methods, applying the middle line even when casting a separate hexagram, which is incorrect. Therefore, whenever a hexagram is cast separately, the line representing 'Wealth' should be the main focus, and the middle line should not be used for interpretation. The term 'receiving birth woman' refers to the midwife today, and 'replacement foster mother' refers to the wet nurse. The methods of interpretation for both are similar, so they are discussed together.

刑沖剋害，福德要防；死墓絕空，財身宜避。凡占老孃、乳母，雖以財爻為主，然亦重子孫。蓋子孫生扶財，故也。若被日辰月建動爻刑沖剋害，則子必見傷，雖財爻有氣，亦不可用。若子孫不受傷克，而自居死墓空絕之地，則主老孃無手段，乳母不濟事。化入者亦然。

When divining about midwives or wet nurses, although "wife's wealth" is the main focus, "children" is also highly valued, because "children" can generate and support "wife's wealth." If "children" are punished or harmed by the "day branch," "month builder," or the moving line, the infant will surely suffer injury. Even if "wife's wealth" is strong, this person should not be used. If "children" are not harmed or controlled, but instead fall into the positions of death, mourning, emptiness, or decline, this indicates that the midwife's skill is insufficient and the wet nurse is ineffective. If "children" change into these positions, it is also the same situation.

兄動兮手低，乳母須防盜物；兄弟發動：占老孃，決然本事必低；占乳母，則主此婦貪財愛物，見財起意；又主貪食，亦非貞潔。又加玄武，必濫。若財爻自動化出兄爻，或臨卦身，依此斷之。父興兮乳少，老孃切恐傷胎。父母發動，占老孃最凶，胞胎必然損傷。更加刑害，兒必為其所害，切不可用。如占乳母，衰則主乳少，旺則無乳，不可用。若化出，及持身世者，同斷。或問：篇中斷乳少，前以兄弟斷，此以父母斷，何也？答曰：大抵卜易貴通變，執一則非。蓋乳固一事，以小兒言為食，屬財，則乳亦當以財爻取；以婦人言，則母乳於孩子，故乳亦以子孫取之。如子平中，亦以我生者為食神，夫豈負本之論哉！

"Brothers" moving: if this is used to divinate about a midwife, her skills are certainly poor; if used to divinate about a wet nurse, this woman is greedy for wealth and material things, has ill intentions when seeing money, is also greedy for food, and has improper morals; further combined with "Xuanwu," she is definitely reckless. If "Wife Wealth" moves on its own and turns into "Brothers," or if "Brothers" falls on the "Hexagram Body," it is still judged in the same way. If "Parents" move, divining about a midwife is most dangerous, and the fetus will certainly be harmed; if there is also punishment and harm, the infant will definitely be harmed by her, and it must not be used. Divining about a wet nurse, if "Parents" are weak, milk will be insufficient; if "Parents" are strong, there will be no milk, and both situations are not suitable. If "Parents" are derived from a changing line or hold the "Hexagram Body" or "World Line," the judgment is the same. Someone asks: the book says that lack of milk is judged by "Brothers" earlier, but here it is judged by "Parents," what is the reason? Answer: Divination in the Yi is valuable in its flexibility, and sticking to one interpretation is wrong. Milk is one matter: from the child's perspective, milk is his food, and food belongs to "Wife Wealth," so milk can be taken as "Wife Wealth"; from the mother's perspective, it is the mother nurturing the child, so milk can also be taken as "Children." Just like in Zi Ping's method, the person I have given birth to is called the "Food God," is this not contradicting the fundamental principles?

子孫發動多乳，手段更高能；大抵子孫旺相發動，不臨空絕，不受制伏，財爻又無傷害者，上吉之卦。老孃手段必高，乳母必主乳多，向後決然稱意。官鬼發動多災，事機猶反覆。官鬼發動，必有禍患。不傷身世，雖凶亦淺；一遭刑害，禍不可言。如兩官皆發動，鬼化鬼，兄化兄，或官兄亂動，必主大凶。占乳母，反覆難成；雖成，必有口舌後患。

In general, if the 'Children' are prosperous and strong, active, not in an empty or dead position, and not restrained, and the 'Wealth' is also not harmed, this is an excellent omen: the midwife will certainly be skilled, the wet nurse will certainly have abundant milk, and the future will certainly be satisfactory. If the 'Official Ghost' becomes active, there will certainly be misfortune: if it does not harm the 'Hexagram Body' or the 'World Line', the misfortune will be mild; but once it harms or punishes them, the misfortune will be severe. If two 'Official Ghosts' become active, or if 'Official Ghost' changes into 'Official Ghost', or 'Siblings' change into 'Siblings', or if 'Official Ghost' and 'Siblings' are chaotic, it will certainly indicate great misfortune; when predicting about the wet nurse, it will be unstable and difficult to achieve, even if it is achieved, there will certainly be future disputes and troubles.

財合福爻，善能調護；身生子位，理會維持。卦身與財，生合子孫，最吉。占老孃，手段必高，慣能救死回生；占乳母，主其婦善撫小兒，乳亦多。如逢相剋相沖，決見多災多咎。子孫被財與卦身刑沖剋害，最不利。用之，兒必為其所害。子孫避空，或月建有氣，財身有制，庶幾無虞。占老孃，胎爻亦不可受傷，世持父兄，亦不遂意。

The Hexagram Body and the Wealth爻 generate and harmonize with the Children爻, which is most auspicious: if divining about a midwife, her skills will certainly be high, and she is adept at saving lives; if divining about a wet nurse, it indicates that the woman is good at raising infants and has sufficient milk. Conversely, if the Children爻 is punished, clashed with, or controlled by the Wealth爻 and the Hexagram Body, it is most unfavorable. Using such a person would result in harm to the child; unless the Children爻 falls into 'Empty Wasteland' and thus avoids the issue, or the Children爻 has strength in the Month Builder, or the Wealth爻 and Hexagram Body are restrained by other yao, then there may be no worries. When divining about a midwife, the 'Fetus爻' must not be harmed; if the World Line is occupied by 'Parents' or 'Siblings', it will also not be satisfactory.