The Golden Strategies · Seventeen, Official Positions

為國求賢，治國之本；致身輔相，祿養為先。旺相妻財，必得千鍾之粟；未仕求名，不要財爻；已仕貴人，要見財爻。蓋有爵必有祿，未有無俸而得官者。故凡占官卦，得此爻旺相，俸祿必多；休囚定然微薄。卦中無財，或落空亡，未得俸祿；財動逢沖，任後因事減俸。或日辰月建沖財，而刑害世爻及官爻者，恐有停俸罷職之患。

Seeking virtuous talents for the state is the fundamental aspect of governance; scholars dedicating themselves to assist the sovereign and ministers prioritize supporting their families through salaries. When the 'wife wealth'爻 is prosperous and strong, one will certainly receive a thousand measures of rice as salary. One must distinguish: those who have not yet held office and are seeking reputation should not focus on the wealth爻; however, officials who have already attained high rank should see the wealth爻—because having an official title necessarily entails a salary, and there has never been a case of holding office without receiving salary. Therefore, in any divination concerning official positions, if the wealth爻 is prosperous and strong, the salary will be generous; if the wealth爻 is weak and confined, the salary will certainly be meager. If the divination lacks the wealth爻 or if the wealth爻 is empty, it indicates that the salary has not yet been received; if the wealth爻 is activated and meets a conflict, it suggests that after taking office, the salary may be reduced due to certain matters. If the day branch or month builder conflicts with the wealth爻, and at the same time, there is punishment or harm to the world line and official爻, there may be the misfortune of having the salary stopped or even being dismissed from office.

興隆官鬼，定居一品之尊。鬼為官爵。旺相有氣，官高爵大；休囚死絕，官小職卑。發動生合世爻，或得月建日辰生扶，必有升擢，遠播都下；安靜不動，而被月建日辰克害者，或世爻刑沖剋害者，必無聲名聞望。

The Official Ghost is prosperous and strong, indicating a high rank of first class. The Official Ghost represents official position and titles: if it is prosperous and strong, the official position is high and the rank is great; if it is weak and confined, the official position is low and the rank is humble. If it moves and generates and harmonizes with the World Line, or receives support from the Month Builder or Day Branch, there will certainly be promotion and recognition, with fame spreading throughout the capital. Conversely, if it remains still and is harmed by the Month Builder or Day Branch, or is punished and clashed with by the World Line, then there will certainly be no reputation or fame.

子若交重，當慮剝官削職；子孫乃傷官之殺。最喜空亡墓絕，尤宜安靜受制則吉。若在卦中發動，所謀必不遂意。未仕則不能除選，已仕則有奪官褫職之禍。鬼爻更若無氣，必至除名落籍，非但貶責降罰而已也。

If "子孙" appears repeatedly and becomes active, there is concern of losing official position. "子孙" is a harmful and destructive force towards "官鬼", and it is most favorable when it falls into the empty亡, enters the storage Storage, or reaches a terminal 绝地. It is especially auspicious if it remains quiet and is controlled by others. If "子孙" becomes active in the hexagram, the matters being pursued will certainly not succeed: those who have not yet obtained an official position will not be selected for a post, while those already in office will face the danger of losing their positions or being dismissed. If the "官鬼" line itself is also weak, the consequences may even lead to being removed from the official records and stripped of one's status, not merely being reprimanded or punished.

兄如發動，須防減俸除糧。兄弟乃劫財之神。空亡不上卦，或臨死絕安靜則吉。若發動，未免費財，多招誹謗，俸祿亦不稱意。更與子孫同發，或就化子孫，必有除糧減俸之事也。持世臨身皆不利。

If "Brothers" is activated, one should be cautious of reduced salary and grain allowance. "Brothers" is the spirit that seizes wealth. It is considered favorable only when it falls in the empty position, does not appear in the hexagram, or is located at the dead or absolute end and remains still. Once activated, it inevitably leads to spending money and attracting criticism, making it difficult to have a satisfactory salary. If "Brothers" is activated at the same time as "Children" or transforms into "Children," there will certainly be the matter of removing grain allowance and reducing salary. If "Brothers" is held by the World Line or appears on the Upper Trigram, it is unfavorable.

父母空亡，休望差除宣敕；父母為印緩、文書、誥牒、宣敕、奏疏、表章。卦中不可無，宜旺不宜衰，扶世最吉。若持太歲有氣生合世爻，主有朝廷宣召。如加月建，多是敕制及上司獎勵之類。最怕沖空化空，則多不實。衰靜空亡，必無宣敕，亦無差除。卦無父母，休望遷選。

The 'Parents'爻 falling into an empty position means there should be no expectation of official appointments or imperial edicts. The 'Parents' represent official seals, documents, imperial decrees, announcements, memorials, and petitions. These are essential in the hexagram and should be strong rather than weak. They are most auspicious when they support the World Line爻. If the 'Parents' hold the Tai Su and have a supporting influence on the World Line, it indicates a royal summons. If they are combined with the Month Builder, it is likely to be an imperial decree or commendation from superiors. The worst situation is when the 'Parents' are冲 into emptiness or transform into emptiness, which usually indicates something hollow and not real. If the 'Parents' are weak, quiet, and also fall into emptiness, there will certainly be neither imperial edicts nor appointments. If the hexagram has no 'Parents' at all, there is no hope for promotion or selection.

官爻隱伏，莫思爵位升遷。官爻為占官之象。若得臨持身世，或來生合世爻，不受月建日辰沖剋者，凡有謀望，必然稱意。若不上卦，或落空亡，雖出現墓絕無氣，及受剋制，皆不如意。世身沖剋亦凶。

The Official Ghost爻 is hidden and not visible, then do not expect promotion in rank. The Official Ghost爻 represents the main image for official positions: if it is on the Hexagram Body or World Line, or comes to generate and harmonize with the World Line, and is not clashed or controlled by the Month Builder or Day Branch, then whatever plans are made will certainly be fulfilled. If it is not in the卦, or falls into the empty, or although appears but enters the tomb, reaches the end, has no strength, or is controlled by others, then nothing can be achieved. If the World Line or Hexagram Body instead clashes and controls it, it is equally dangerous.

月建生身，當際風雲之會；歲君合世，必承雨露之恩。太歲乃人君之象，月建是執政之官。若得生合世身爻，必有好處。惟怕沖剋世身，必遭貶謫。如月建扶出官爻世爻者，必是風憲之職。太歲加父母扶出官鬼及世爻者，必有天恩。更得日下生旺之地，尤美。衰絕逢空無用。

The Month Builder generates the Hexagram Body, which is a time of great convergence and harmony between the sovereign and ministers; when the Sovereign Year combines with the World Line, it certainly indicates receiving the grace of the imperial court like rain and dew. The Sovereign Year represents the sovereign, and the Month Builder represents the official in power: if they generate and harmonize with the World Line and Hexagram Body, there will certainly be benefits; but if they clash and control the World Line and Hexagram Body, then there will certainly be demotion. If the Month Builder supports the Official Ghost and the World Line, the person will certainly hold a position in the Imperial Inspection Office, which is responsible for oversight and rectitude; if the Sovereign Year combines with the Parents to support the Official Ghost and the World Line, then there will certainly be imperial favor. If these lines are located in the flourishing and favorable positions of the day, it will be even more auspicious; but if they are in decline or decay and also meet emptiness, then they will be of no use.

世動逢空，官居不久；未任：卦中世動，必無京官牧守；若是出巡之職，反為順利。已任：遇之，居官不久。更遇日辰動爻相沖，必不久任政事。身空無救，命盡當危。世爻無故自空，不拘已任未任，必有大難，甚至死亡。若欲求謀幹事，則主不成。

If the World Line moves and meets an empty position, the official position will not last long; if the Hexagram Body falls into an empty position without any rescue, it indicates that life is nearing its end and there is great danger to one's life. For someone who has not yet taken up a post: if the World Line moves in the hexagram, they will certainly not be appointed to a central government post or a local governorship; if they are seeking an assignment involving travel outside the area, they will find it smooth sailing. For someone who has already taken up a post: if the World Line moves and meets an empty position, their official position will not last long; if they also encounter the Day Branch or a moving line that conflicts, they will certainly not be able to govern effectively for long. As for the World Line being empty without any reason, whether they have taken up a post or not, there will certainly be great difficulties, possibly even death; if they are trying to accomplish something, they will certainly fail to take charge of it.

鬼化福沖當代職；出巡官，宜鬼爻發動；牧守官，宜鬼爻安靜。若鬼動化子，必有別官代職。不然，亦被他人所先也。子動化鬼，則先難後易，或先凶後吉。官福皆動，亦主有官替代。財臨虎動必丁憂。凡占官，不可無財，亦不可發動。若鬼爻有氣，而得財動扶起，必須用財謀幹，方得升遷。若父母衰弱，而遇此爻加臨白虎旺動者，必有丁憂之事。財化子，子化財，或財臨世動，或子動而父母無故自空者，皆主丁憂。

The "Official Ghost" changing into "Children" indicates that someone will take over one's position. The "Wealth"爻 encountering the "White Tiger" and becoming active means there will be the death of one's parents. Officials who are on a tour of duty should have the "Official Ghost" active; officials who are stationed in a region should have the "Official Ghost" quiet. If the "Official Ghost" becomes active and changes into "Children," there will certainly be another official taking over; otherwise, it means someone else has already taken the position ahead of time. If the "Children" becomes active and changes into the "Official Ghost," it indicates difficulties followed by ease, and danger followed by good fortune. When both the "Official Ghost" and "Children" are active, it also suggests that someone will take over the official position. As for the "Wealth"爻: when predicting about an official position, it is not desirable for the "Wealth"爻 to be active. If the "Official Ghost" has strength and the "Wealth"爻 becomes active, then one must use money to bribe and be promoted. If the "Parents" are weak and the "Wealth"爻 meets the "White Tiger" which is strong and active, there will certainly be a period of mourning for parents. In addition, if the "Wealth"爻 changes into "Children," or the "Children" changes into the "Wealth"爻, or the "Wealth"爻 is on the "World" position and becomes active, or the "Children" becomes active while the "Parents" are empty and without reason, these all indicate a period of mourning.

日辰沖剋，定然誹謗之多招；日辰刑沖剋世，必招誹謗。依五類推之。如帶兄弟，因貪賄賂，或徵科太急。帶財爻，因無調度，或財賦不起。帶子孫，嗜酒好遊，怠於政事。帶父母，因事繁劇，不能料理。帶官鬼，非酷刑，則同僚不和。以上皆招誹謗，聲名必不能振。若得世臨月建，雖有誹謗，不能為害。

The day branch clashes and controls the world line, indicating that an official will certainly face much slander. When the day branch punishes and clashes with the world line, he will certainly be criticized. As for the reason for the criticism, it can be determined by the five categories of the six relations: if the day branch carries 'Siblings', it is due to bribery or excessive taxation; if it carries 'Wealth', it is due to poor management or failure to collect money and grain; if it carries 'Children', it is due to excessive drinking and idleness, neglecting official duties; if it carries 'Parents', it is due to heavy official work that cannot be handled; if it carries 'Official Ghost', it is either due to harsh punishment or conflict with colleagues. All these will bring slander and certainly prevent reputation from rising. However, if the world line is in the same position as the month builder, although there may be slander, it will not harm him.

鬼殺傷身，因見災殃之不免。官鬼發動，生合世爻為用神，傷克世爻為鬼殺。用神扶世，必有進取；鬼殺傷身，必有凶禍。以化出六親斷之。如化子有貶謫之憂，化財有陰人之禍，化兄主失財，化父憂小口類。以上不然，則自身決有災病，得世爻空避不妨。

The official ghost transforms into aInauspicious Sha to injure the body, and calamity is unavoidable. Although the official ghost is active, if it generates and harmonises with the world line, it is the useful god; if it harms and controls the world line, it is the ghost killer: the useful god supports the world line, and there will certainly be advancement and promotion; the ghost killer injures the self, and there will certainly be misfortune. The source of the misfortune is determined by the six relations it transforms into: if it transforms into 'children', there is worry about demotion; if it transforms into 'wealth', there is trouble caused by a woman; if it transforms into 'siblings', it indicates loss of wealth; if it transforms into 'parents', it indicates worry about children. If it does not fall into these categories, then there must be illness in the self; only when the world line exactly falls into the empty position can it be without worry.

兄爻化鬼無情，同僚不協；兄弟為僚屬之官。卦中鬼動，化出兄弟，沖剋世爻，主同僚不和。或兄弟化鬼，刑沖剋害；或兄帶三刑六害傷世，皆然。世克兄爻，是我欺他，而不和也。太歲加刑不順，貶責難逃。太歲出現，動傷世爻，必遭貶責。更加刑害虎蛇等殺，必有鎖扭擒拿之辱。世爻入墓，必受囚繫，得動爻日辰有救，庶幾無事。但怕化出子孫，罪終不免。月建同看。

The 'Brothers' line changes into the 'Official Ghost' line and shows no regard for me, leading to discord among colleagues; the year ruler also adds punishment, making dismissal or punishment inevitable. 'Brothers' represent colleagues and subordinates: if the ghost line moves and changes into 'Brothers' to clash with the world line, it indicates discord among colleagues; or if 'Brothers' change into 'Official Ghost' to punish, clash, or harm, or if 'Brothers' bring about the three punishments and six harms that injure the world line, the result is the same. Conversely, if the world line attacks 'Brothers', it means I am bullying them, causing discord. As for the year ruler: if it appears in the hexagram and attacks the world line, punishment is certain; if it is combined with punishments and harms, along with theInauspicious Sha 'White Tiger' and 'Tang She', there will be disgrace and imprisonment; if the world line is buried, imprisonment is certain, and only with the movement of another line or the day branch can things be resolved. Most dangerous is when it changes into 'Children', as guilt is unavoidable. The interpretation of the month ruler is the same as that of the year ruler.

卦靜世空，退休之兆；身空殺動，避禍之徵。凡遇世爻空亡，未任未有選期。已任若六爻安靜，月日歲君無傷而遇之，乃是休官改政之象。若鬼爻發動，月日歲君傷克而遇之者，是避禍脫災之兆。卦靜日沖，欲歸而不放；殺動日合，欲避而不能。

When the six lines of the hexagram are still and the world line is empty, it indicates a sign of retirement; when the hexagram body is empty and malevolent forces are active, it signifies an omen of avoiding misfortune. Whenever the world line is empty, if one has not yet taken office, it means there is no hope of appointment; if one has already taken office, and the six lines are still, with the month builder, day branch, and year stem not harming or restricting, it indicates a sign of resigning from office and changing direction. If the ghost line is active and the month builder, day branch, and year stem also harm or restrict, it is an omen of avoiding misfortune and escaping disaster. There are also two opposite situations: if the hexagram is still but the day branch conflicts, it means wanting to leave but unable to; if malevolent forces are active but the day branch harmonizes, it means wanting to avoid but unable to escape.

身邊伏鬼若非空，頭上烏紗終不脫。凡遇凶兆，或得鬼爻臨身持世，或本宮鬼伏世下，雖見責罰，官職猶在。若不臨持身世，或不伏於世下，或雖伏仍遇空亡者，必革官帶為民，非止罪責。

The "official ghost" lurking nearby will remain as long as it does not fall into emptiness. If a hexagram already shows ominous signs and there is a ghost line affecting the hexagram body or holding the world line, or if the ghost is hidden beneath the world line in its own palace, then even if one receives punishment, the official position can still be retained. However, if the ghost line neither affects the hexagram body nor the world line, nor is hidden beneath the world line, or if it is hidden but falls into emptiness, then one will certainly lose the official position and the cap, be demoted to commoner, and the punishment will not be the only consequence.

財空鬼動，聲名振而囊篋空虛。凡得官鬼動來生合世爻，日月動變，又無沖剋者，為官必有聲名聞望。更得財爻生扶合助，有氣不空，則既會做官，又會賺錢；內實貪賂，外不喪名。若財爻或空或伏，或臨死絕，則主聲名雖有，賄賂卻無也。

The wealth line is empty while the official ghost line moves, indicating a loud reputation in official positions but an empty treasury. Whenever the official ghost line moves to generate and harmonize with the world line, and the month builder, day branch, moving line, and changing line do not clash or control, the person will certainly have a good reputation. If further supported by the wealth line to generate and support the world line, and the wealth line has strength and is not empty, then the person will both hold an official position and gain wealth, secretly accepting bribes without losing their reputation. Conversely, if the wealth line is empty, hidden, or located in a dead or exhausted position, then although there is a reputation, there is no actual money from bribes.

官旺父衰，職任高而衙門冷落。父母旺相，衙門必大；休囚，衙門必小。若官旺父衰，又非小去處，乃是冷落閒靜衙門。蓋官旺則職高，故也。官衰父旺，則主職雖卑微，卻在大衙門中治政。官父俱衰，職卑衙小，必非風憲之地。

The "Official Ghost" is strong while the "Parents" are weak, indicating a high position but a cold and quiet office. If the "Parents" are strong and prosperous, the office must be large; if the "Parents" are weak and confined, the office must be small. If the "Official Ghost" is strong and the "Parents" are weak, it is not a small place, but rather a quiet and idle office—because a strong "Official Ghost" indicates a high position. Conversely, if the "Official Ghost" is weak and the "Parents" are strong, then the position is low, but the office is large. If both the "Official Ghost" and the "Parents" are weak, then the position is low and the office is small, definitely not a prestigious position like that of the Office of Censor.

職居風憲，皆因月值官爻；大抵官鬼旺相，不臨月建，定非風憲之職。若臨月建，又得扶出世爻，決是風憲之任，必非府縣官也。更在日下生旺之地，尤為風憲。如帶刑爻，多是鎮守邊陲之職，或掌兵權，或居刑部。在外，亦是司刑之職。官在貳司，只為鬼臨旁位。鬼在世應爻上，或帶月建日辰者，必是掌印正官。若被世合，或在旁爻，則是佐貳之職。六爻無鬼，而動爻有化出者，亦然。

One can hold the position of inspector general because the month builder is exactly on the "official ghost" line; one can only be a deputy official because the ghost line is on a secondary line. In general, even if the "official ghost" is prosperous and strong, if it does not appear on the month builder, it certainly cannot be an inspector general position; if it appears on the month builder and supports the world line, then it must be a position in the imperial court of censors, definitely not a local county or prefectural official. If it is further located in the birth or prosperity position of the day branch, it is even more likely to be an inspector general. If it is accompanied by a criminal line, it is mostly a position of garrison commander, or holding military power, or working in the Ministry of Justice; those serving outside the capital also handle criminal affairs. As for the rank of the official: if the ghost line is on the world line or the response line, or accompanied by the month builder or the day branch, it must be a chief official with the seal of authority; if it is combined with the world line or located on a secondary line, it is a deputy official. Even if there is no ghost line among the six lines originally, and it is generated by a moving line, it is still judged in the same way.

撫綏百姓，兄動則難化愚頑；凡任牧民之職，要財爻旺而不動，父母扶而不空，必是豐地富方；財爻空絕，父爻受制，則地瘠民貧。父母動臨世上，政必繁劇。兄弟持世，財賦不起。日帶兄爻沖剋世爻，手下人必要侮文弄法，壞我政事。若兄在旁爻動來沖剋，則主頑民難治。兄化子，子化兄，而刑剋世身，恐有下民訟我之兆。更若世應沖剋，與鄉宦亦多不睦。

To pacify the people, if the "Siblings" line moves, it will be difficult to educate the stubborn and foolish. For officials responsible for governing the people, if the "Wealth" line is prosperous and strong without movement, and the "Parents" line supports without falling empty, then it must be a prosperous and wealthy place. If the "Wealth" line falls empty and reaches its end, and the "Parents" line is restricted, then it is a barren land with poor people. If the "Parents" line moves and is on the World Line, the government affairs will certainly be heavy. If the "Siblings" line holds the World Line, the revenue and taxes will not be collected. If the Day Branch brings the "Siblings" line to clash and control the World Line, the subordinate officials will certainly resort to legal trickery and ruin my governance. If the "Siblings" line on the side line moves to clash and control, then the people will be difficult to manage. If the "Siblings" line transforms into the "Children" line, or the "Children" line transforms into the "Siblings" line, and both clash and control the World Line and the Hexagram Body, there is likely to be a case brought by the people against me. If this is further combined with the World and Response Lines clashing and controlling each other, then it will be difficult to get along with the local gentry and wealthy families.

巡察四方，路空則多憂驚險。欽差出巡，或封王採木，皆怕世應逢空。若路爻空之卦，主途中驚險。世在五爻自空，須防身死於外，有沖剋則不然。凡遇世在五爻動，及游魂卦世動者，皆是出巡之職。

Heavenly Stems: Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui Earthly Branches: Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai Trigrams: Qian (Heaven), Dui (Lake), Li (Fire), Zhen (Thunder), Xun (Wind), Kan (Water), Gen (Mountain), Kun (Earth) Glossary: Shi Yao = World Line Ying Yao = Response Line Wu Yao = Fifth Line Chong Ke = clash and control When on a mission to inspect all directions, if the Road Line falls into an empty position, there will be more danger and worry. A royal envoy going on a mission, whether assigned to enfeoff a vassal prince or to procure timber, fears the World Line and Response Line falling into emptiness. If the卦 (divination) shows the Road Line falling into emptiness, it indicates danger along the way. If the World Line is in the Fifth Line and empties without cause, one should beware of death outside. However, if it is subjected to clash and control, this interpretation does not apply. Whenever the World Line is in the Fifth Line and moves, or when the World Line moves in a ghostly卦 (divination), the task is always one of being on an official mission abroad.

出征剿捕，福德興而寇賊殲亡；凡任將帥之職，或征討之官，平居卜問，不宜子孫發動，主有降調貶責；亦不宜應動克世，主有不測變故。若歲君月建沖動官鬼，或世爻，主有敕命征討之事。如臨敵卜問，則喜子孫發動，必成剿捕之功，更得歲君月建生合，仍有升賞。官鬼不作爵位，當作賊寇論之。世克應亦吉。

When mobilizing troops to suppress bandits, if "Fortune Virtue" is strong, the bandits will be defeated. For those serving as generals or officials in military campaigns, if they consult divination at home before taking action, it is not advisable for "Children" to be activated, as this indicates demotion or punishment. It is also not advisable for the "Response Line" to be activated and to overcome the "World Line," as this signifies unexpected misfortunes. If the "Celestial Stem" or "Month Builder" agitates "Official Ghost" or the "World Line," this indicates an imperial decree ordering military action. However, when consulting divination on the battlefield, it is favorable for "Children" to be activated, ensuring success in the campaign and receiving support from the "Celestial Stem" and "Month Builder," along with promotions and rewards. At this time, "Official Ghost" should not be viewed as an official rank but as bandits; it is also auspicious for the "World Line" to overcome the "Response Line."

鎮守邊陲，卦爻靜而華夷安泰。鎮守地方，不拘文官武職，皆宜六爻安靜；世應生合比和，日辰月建，不相沖克，則鼾睡邊庭，安然無警，世應空亡亦吉。若遇官鬼發動，世應沖剋，必多侵擾，宜通變斷之。

Guarding the frontier, if the six lines are quiet, then both the Central Plains and the four barbarian regions will be peaceful. Whenever guarding a region, whether civil or military officials, it is suitable for the six lines to be quiet. If the World and Response lines are mutually generating, harmonious, or of the same Five Phases, and the Day Branch and Month Builder do not clash or control, then one can sleep soundly and safely at the frontier, with no worries. Even if the World and Response lines are vacant, it is still auspicious. However, if the Official Ghost line is active and the World and Response lines clash and control each other, there will certainly be many disturbances in the border areas, and the divination should be judged flexibly according to the hexagram.

奏陳諫諍，那堪太歲刑沖；凡欲奏對、陳疏，上章、諫諍，及赴召面君類，皆忌動爻沖剋太歲，亦忌刑剋世爻。若太歲月建生合世爻，必見詳允。一來沖剋，須防不測之禍。歲君衰靜，不帶刑害虎蛇，主則不見取用，非有大害。動空化空，亦是虛驚。或有制伏沖散合住，必得大臣申救。應動沖剋世爻，更防人奏劾。

When making a petition, giving direct advice, or arguing with the emperor, one cannot afford to have the Tai Suai (Year Master) being punished or clashing with the moving line. Any situation involving face-to-face presentation, submitting a memorial, offering advice, or being summoned to the imperial court should avoid the moving line clashing with the Tai Suai or punishing and controlling the World Line. If the Tai Suai and the Month Builder generate and harmonize with the World Line, the petition will surely be carefully considered and approved. However, if there is a clash or control, one must beware of unexpected calamities. If the Tai Suai is weak and quiet, and does not carry punishments, harms, or the White Tiger and Tang She, then the words may not be accepted, but there will be no major harm. If the line causing the clash is moving and meets an empty position or transforms into an empty state, it will only be a false alarm. If it is subdued, dispersed, or harmonized, then there will certainly be ministers who will intervene to save the situation. If the Response Line moves to clash with the World Line, one should also be cautious of someone submitting a report to accuse.

僧道醫官，豈可文書發動。僧道醫官，及陰陽官，皆要子孫出現，有氣不空為吉。父母發動，必有災悔。父帶太歲月建日辰，則非身有災病，乃外來禍也。子孫自空，亦有大難。然子孫只宜安靜，官鬼不宜空伏。雖兩全，仔細為妙。但隨職分以推詳，可識仕途之否泰。

Serving as a Buddhist official, Taoist official, medical official, or an official in charge of astronomy and calendar calculations, one cannot have the line of the document (wen shu) moving. For these types of positions, the "Children" (zǐsūn) must appear, and if they have vitality, it is auspicious. This is because these roles are naturally associated with the image of "Children." If the "Parents" (fùmǔ) move, there will certainly be calamity or regret. If "Parents" are accompanied by the year's master, the month builder, or the day branch, then the misfortune is not from oneself but from external sources. If "Children" appear without cause and are empty, there will also be great difficulties. However, "Children" should remain quiet, and "Official Ghost" (guān guǐ) should not be hidden or empty. Even if both are complete, it is still best to carefully examine them. In the end, as long as one follows each person's specific role to examine, one can determine whether their career path is open or blocked.

居貨曰賈，行貨曰商，總為資生之計；蓍所以筮，龜所以卜，莫非就利之謀。要問吉凶，但看財福。財為利息，福為財源。二者占財用神。財旺福興，不問公私皆稱意；財空福絕，不拘營運總違心。凡遇財爻旺相，子孫發動，便是吉卦。不拘公私，財皆得稱意。二者若財空爻，或臨墓絕，即是凶卦。不拘作何買賣，皆違心願也。

Those who stockpile goods waiting for buyers are called "Jia," and those who trade goods traveling throughout the land are called "Shang," but both are merely strategies for making a living. The yarrow stalks are used for divination, and turtle shells for oracle bone divination, but both are simply plans for seeking benefits. To inquire about the fortune of gaining wealth, one should only look at the "Qifei" and "Fude" lines: the "Qifei" line represents profit, and the "Zisun" line represents the source of wealth, and these two lines are the essential divination signs for wealth. If the "Qifei" line is strong and the "Zisun" line is active, whether dealing with public or private matters, everything will go smoothly. If the "Qifei" line is empty and the "Zisun" line is cut off, whether engaging in business or not, nothing will be achieved. Whenever the "Qifei" line is strong and the "Zisun" line is active, it is a favorable hexagram, and whether dealing with public or private matters, gaining wealth will be smooth. However, if these two lines fall on empty lines or are located in the墓 or 绝 positions, it is an unfavorable hexagram, and no matter what business one engages in, one's wishes will be frustrated.

有福無財，兄弟交重偏有望；財為用神，而不上卦，必無可望。若得兄弟發動，無財可劫，則反生扶福德，財源有氣，仍舊有望，但主遲滯耳。兄動而財空，謂之避空。過旬生旺日，財亦可得。財若不空不伏，而遇兄劫，則為下卦。

There is 'children' but no 'wealth', and 'siblings' overlapping and activating instead brings hope. The 'wealth' hexagram is the useful god for seeking wealth; if it does not appear in the upper hexagram, there is originally no hope at all. However, at this time, 'siblings' activate, and since there is no wealth to seize, they instead go on to generate and support 'fortune virtue', thus the source of wealth regains life qi and still holds hope, though it comes more slowly. If 'siblings' activate and the 'wealth' hexagram happens to be empty, this is called 'avoiding emptiness'; waiting until the next ten days when the 'wealth' hexagram becomes strong, wealth will still come to hand. If the 'wealth' hexagram is neither empty nor hidden, but instead meets 'siblings' coming to seize it, that is a lower grade hexagram.

有財無福，官爻發動亦堪求。子孫藏伏，財無生氣，一遇兄弟，便被劫盡。須得卦有官動，或日辰是鬼剋制兄爻，則用神無損，亦可求謀。卦有子孫而官鬼動，則有阻節，反不易矣。此象鬼爻生旺日得財。

There is 'Wealth' but no 'Fortune Virtue', and although 'Official Ghost' is active, it is still possible to seek. If 'Children' are hidden and not visible, the 'Wealth'爻 has no source to nourish it, and once it meets 'Siblings', it is completely taken away. At this time, the divination must have 'Official Ghost' active, or the Day Branch itself being a Ghost to restrain the 'Siblings'爻, so that the Useful God is not harmed and seeking is still possible. Conversely, if the divination originally has 'Children' and 'Official Ghost' is also active, there will be obstacles and blockages, making it difficult to seek wealth. In such a divination, one can only obtain wealth on the day when the Ghost爻 is strong and flourishing.

財福俱無，何異守株而待兔；財福二爻，占財主象。有財無福，財必有限；有福無財，財必不實；財福俱無，焉能有望？守株待兔，喻妄想也，空亡亦然。父兄皆動，無殊緣木以求魚。父母為絕源殺，兄弟為劫財神。二者發動，財福俱傷。用神既損，求之必如緣木求魚，必不可得。父化兄，兄化父，亦然。

The 'wife and wealth' and 'fortune and virtue' lines are both absent, which is no different from waiting by a tree stump for a rabbit to run into it; when the 'parents' and 'siblings' lines both activate, it is even more like climbing a tree to catch fish. These two lines are the main indicators for wealth. If there is wealth but no fortune, the wealth will certainly be limited; if there is fortune but no wealth, the wealth will certainly be illusory. If neither of these two lines is present, how can one even hope for anything? 'Waiting by a tree stump for a rabbit' is a metaphor for foolish hope, and when these two lines fall into the empty state, it is the same. As for the 'parents' line, it is aInauspicious Sha (malevolent killer) that cuts off the source of wealth; the 'siblings' line is an恶神 (evil spirit) that robs wealth. When these two lines activate, the 'wife and wealth' and 'children' lines are both harmed. Since the useful god is already damaged, seeking wealth is like climbing a tree to catch fish, and it is certainly impossible to obtain. Whether the 'parents' line transforms into the 'siblings' line or the 'siblings' line transforms into the 'parents' line, it is the same.

月帶財神，卦雖無，而月中必有；月建為提綱。若帶財爻得時有氣，縱遇兄弟，衰不敵旺，必主財利厚。雖卦中無財，月中必然有。得出現尤妙。日傷妻位，財雖旺，而當日應無。財爻旺相，生合持世，乃是必得之象。若被日辰剋制其財，縱現，必然無有。須過此日，然後有得。

The Month Builder carries the Wealth God, and even though the Wealth爻 is not present in the hexagram, there will certainly be wealth during this month. The Day Branch injures the position of Wealth, so even if the Wealth爻 is prosperous and strong, it will not be obtained on that day. The Month Builder is the main point of the hexagram; if it carries the Wealth爻 and is in season with vitality, even if it meets the "Siblings," the weak will not be able to overcome the strong, thus indicating abundant wealth. Therefore, even if the Wealth is not present in the hexagram, there will certainly be wealth during the month; if the Wealth爻 also appears in the hexagram, it will be even better. Conversely, if the Wealth爻 is prosperous and strong and generates and harmonizes with the ruler of the hexagram, it is a sure sign of obtaining wealth; but if it is restrained by the Day Branch, then even if it appears in the hexagram, it will ultimately be lost, and one must wait until after that day to gain it.

多財反覆，必須墓庫以收藏；卦中財只一位，有氣不空，生合持世皆美。若三五重太過，其財反覆難求。必須卦中有財庫爻發動，謂財有庫藏，必得厚利。財化財，亦主反覆不定。無鬼分爭，又怕交重而阻滯。無鬼之卦，兄必專權，財雖有氣，亦多虛耗。兄更發動，必有爭奪買賣，分散財物之患。然雖不可無，官又不宜動，動則必有阻隔。若有剋制，或被沖散，或被合住，雖阻不妨。

When there are too many wealth lines, they become unstable and change frequently, so it is necessary to have a storage line to contain them. If there is no official ghost line in the hexagram, there will be competition for the wealth, but if the official ghost line is repeated and active, it may cause obstruction. If there is only one wealth line in the hexagram, and it is present and not empty, and it generates and harmonizes with other lines or holds the world line, this is favorable. However, if there are three or five wealth lines, the wealth becomes difficult to obtain, and it is necessary for the storage line of wealth to be active, called "wealth has a storage," in order to gain substantial profit. If the wealth line becomes active and transforms into another wealth line, it indicates instability. Regarding the "official ghost": if there is no official ghost line in the hexagram, the siblings will dominate, and even if the wealth line is present, it tends to be wasted. If the siblings become active, there will be competition for the transaction and the wealth will be divided. Therefore, the official ghost line should not be absent, but it should not be active either, as its activity causes obstruction. Unless it is restrained, dispersed by a clash, or harmonized, in which case the obstruction is not a problem.

兄如太過，反不克財；兄弟乃占財忌殺，若有一位旺動，最為不利。若月日動變，俱帶兄弟，重疊太過，則不專一，反不克劫。至財爻生旺日可得。身或兄臨，必難求望。卦身一爻，占財體統。若持兄弟，不拘作何買賣，問何財物，皆無利益。持世亦然。惟臨財福，方為吉兆。臨父主勞祿，若占六畜血財，則有損失。臨官，大利公門求財，餘皆險阻不利。

If there are too many "Siblings," they may not be able to overcome the Wealth line; if the Hexagram Body is occupied by "Siblings," then there is certainly little hope. "Siblings" are considered a harmful and unfavorable element in matters of wealth. As long as one of them is strong and active, it is very unfavorable. However, if the Month Builder, Day Branch, Moving Line, and Changing Line all carry "Siblings," and they overlap too much, their power becomes dispersed, and they fail to harm the Wealth line. On days when the Wealth line is strong and flourishing, wealth can still be obtained. Regarding the Hexagram Body, it represents the overall structure of wealth matters: if it is occupied by "Siblings," there will be no benefit from any business or inquiry about property, whether it is on the World Line or not. Only when it is occupied by "Wealth" or "Children" does it indicate a favorable omen. If the Hexagram Body is occupied by "Parents," it indicates hard work and toil. If the matter involves livestock or blood money, there will also be losses. If it is occupied by "Official Ghost," it is most favorable for seeking wealth from government offices, while other avenues will be obstructed and unfavorable.

財來就我，終須易；我去尋財，必是難。凡遇財爻生合世爻，克世持世，皆謂財來就我，必然易得。若雖動出財爻，而與世爻不相干者，謂我去尋財，必難望也。身遇旺財，似取囊中之物；世持動弟，如撈水底之針。世為求財之人。若臨財爻，雖或無氣，亦主易得；旺相更美。若臨兄弟，雖或安靜，亦主難得；發動尤甚。

If the wealth comes to you on its own, it is easy to obtain; but if you have to go out and seek it, it is difficult. If the hexagram body encounters a prosperous and strong wealth line, obtaining wealth is as simple as taking it from a bag. If the world line is occupied by an active "sibling," seeking wealth is like trying to fish for needles in the water. Whenever a wealth line generates and harmonizes with the world line, or controls and overcomes the world line, it is called "wealth comes to me," and it is certain to be easily obtained. However, if the hexagram produces a wealth line but it has nothing to do with the world line, it is called "I go to seek wealth," and it is certain to be difficult to achieve. The world line represents the person seeking wealth: if it is accompanied by a wealth line, even if it has no strength, it still indicates an easy acquisition of wealth, and if it is prosperous and strong, it is even better. If it is accompanied by "sibling," even if it is quiet, it indicates difficulty in obtaining wealth, and if it is active, the situation becomes even worse.

福變財生，滾滾財源不竭；占財，得子孫發動，利必久遠。更化財爻，生合身世，乃綿綿不絕之象，盡求則盡有也。財化子亦妙。兄連鬼克，紛紛口舌難逃。兄弟變出官鬼，刑沖剋世，不惟無財，且有口舌。父爻更動，必訟於官。若有救制，庶幾無害。鬼化兄，或兄鬼皆動，亦然。朱雀臨兄鬼動變，有口舌。

The "Fortune Virtue" transforms into "Wealth" to generate, indicating a continuous flow of wealth; "Siblings" connected with "Official Ghost" to overcome the World Line brings inevitable disputes. When "Children" activate in a fortune divination, profit will be long-lasting; if it further transforms into Wealth to harmonize with the Hexagram Body and World Line, it signifies an unending abundance, with as much wealth as desired. Wealth transforming into "Children" is equally beneficial. Conversely, if "Siblings" transform into "Official Ghost" and clash with the World Line, there will be no wealth and disputes will arise; if the "Parents" also activate, legal troubles are certain. Only if there is a saving force to restrain it can the harm be mitigated. If "Official Ghost" transforms into "Siblings," or if "Siblings" and "Official Ghost" both activate simultaneously, the same outcome occurs. If the "Vermilion Bird" is present on the activated or transformed "Siblings" or "Official Ghost," it also indicates disputes.

父化財，必辛勤而有得；父化財，不自然而得，必勤勞後得。兄化財，先散後聚；或利於後，不利於前。官化財，最利公門謁貴，及九流藝術之人，求財十分有望。私財，則先驚後喜，或先阻後得。

The term "parents" transforming into "wealth" indicates that one must put in effort to gain wealth. When "parents" turn into wealth, the wealth does not come easily; it must be obtained through hard work. When "siblings" turn into wealth, there is a pattern of dispersing first and then gathering, or profit coming later while there is no gain at first. When "official ghost" turns into wealth, it is most favorable to go to the government office to meet the nobleman, and also beneficial for those who make a living through skills, as they have great prospects in gaining wealth. If seeking private wealth, it will first cause alarm and then bring joy, or face initial obstacles followed by success.

財化鬼，防耗折而驚憂。財化官最凶。主損折虛耗，自有驚險。更傷世爻，切恐因財致禍。財化兄，主與人分利；或先聚後散；或利於前，不利於後。財化父，主得後艱辛；或只許一度。財化死墓空絕，是有虛名，無實利之象。若得生合世爻，則上前有功，稍遲則無也。

The "Wealth" hexagram transforms into the "Official Ghost," indicating a need to be cautious of losses, depletion, and worries. When wealth transforms into official ghost, it is most ominous, suggesting financial loss and waste, along with personal danger; if it also harms or restrains the World Line, there is a risk of misfortune caused by wealth. When wealth transforms into "Siblings," it mainly indicates sharing profits with others, or gathering first and then dispersing, or profit at the beginning but none later. When wealth transforms into "Parents," it suggests that after achieving success, there will still be hardship, or that success is only temporary. If the wealth hexagram transforms into death, tomb, emptiness, or decline, it signifies empty reputation without real gain. However, if it still generates and harmonizes with the World Line, it means that early efforts can still yield results, but if delayed slightly, the benefits will be lost.

財局合福神，萬倍利源可取；卦有三合，會成財局，而子孫亦在合中動者，上吉之卦。主財利綿綿不竭。更得財旺，可許萬倍財利。會成福局，而財爻又在合中，動來生合世爻者，亦然。若會鬼局，則多阻隔。會成兄局，則主分散。會成父局，艱辛難得。歲君逢劫殺，一年生意無聊。凡占久遠買賣，最怕太歲臨持兄弟，主一年無利。出現變動，必然損耗。歲持官鬼，一年驚憂。持父一年艱辛。歲持財福，生意滔滔，一年順利也。

Triple Harmony forming a wealth structure and also harmonizing with the 'Blessing God' can bring a hundredfold profit; if the Tai Su (yearly ruler) meets a劫财 (wealth thief)Inauspicious Sha (malevolent force), the business for the whole year will be dull. If the third line in the hexagram forms a 'Wealth' structure and the 'Children' also activate within this structure, it is an excellent hexagram, indicating continuous wealth and profit; if the wealth line is even stronger, it may bring a hundredfold profit. If the structure forms a 'Children' structure and the wealth line is also within the structure, activating to harmonize with the world line, it is also the same. If the structure forms an 'Official Ghost' structure, there will be many obstacles; if it forms a 'Siblings' structure, the wealth will be scattered; if it forms a 'Parents' structure, it will be difficult and arduous. As for the Tai Su (yearly ruler): in divination for long-term business, the most feared is the Tai Su (yearly ruler) meeting 'Siblings', which indicates no profit for the whole year; if it appears and changes, there will certainly be losses. If the Tai Su (yearly ruler) holds 'Official Ghost', there will be worry and anxiety for the whole year; if it holds 'Parents', there will be hardship for the whole year; if it holds 'Wealth' or 'Children', the business will be prosperous and smooth for the whole year.

世應二爻空合，虛約難憑；世空，有財難得；應空，難靠他人；世應俱空，艱辛無準實。空動帶合，謂之虛約。化入空亡，亦是心口不相應之象。主人一位刑傷，往求不遇。主人：如求貴人，財鬼為主；求婦人財，財為主類。若主人遇動爻日辰刑剋，或自空化空，皆主不遇，遇亦不利。須得生合世爻，財為契愛，求必易得。主人化出財爻，生合世爻，最吉。不知主人，以應爻論之。

The world line and response line both fall into emptiness but are in harmony, which is just an empty promise, unreliable; the line representing the person being sought is harmed, so even if you go to seek them, you won't find them. If the world line falls into emptiness, even with wealth, it cannot be obtained; if the response line falls into emptiness, you cannot rely on others; if both the world and response lines fall into emptiness, then you will work hard but get nothing. If both lines are moving and fall into emptiness while being in harmony, it is called "empty agreement"; if they change into emptiness, it is also a case of saying one thing and meaning another. The term "owner" refers to the line representing the person being sought: when seeking wealth from a nobleman, the wealth line and ghost line are the owner lines; when seeking wealth from a woman, the wealth line is the owner line, and so on. If the owner line is harmed by the moving line or the day branch, or if it is empty or changes into emptiness, it indicates that the person cannot be seen or even if seen, the matter will not go smoothly. If the owner line generates and harmonizes with the world line, it means the other party is in harmony and affectionate, and the request will certainly be easy; if the owner line further changes into a wealth line that generates and harmonizes with the world line, it is most auspicious. If it is unclear which line should be considered the owner, then use the response line instead.

世持空鬼，多因自己遲疑；鬼爻持世，財必相生，凡求必易。若遇空亡，乃是自不上前，遲疑退懶，故無成也。世持空財亦然。辰合動財，卻被他人把住。要財動來生合，固是易得之兆；若被動爻日辰合住，其財必有人把持主張，不能與我也。要知何人把持，以合爻定之。如父母合住，為尊長把持類。卦若無財，看伏何爻下，亦可推之。如伏官下，為貴人把持之類。

The World Line holds an empty "Official Ghost," which usually indicates hesitation on the part of the person themselves; when the Day Branch combines with the activated Wealth Line, the wealth is actually controlled by someone else. When the Official Ghost holds the World Line, wealth will certainly generate and harmonize with it, making things easy to achieve; but if the Official Ghost falls into an empty situation, it means the person is unwilling to take action, hesitating and being lazy, so things cannot be accomplished. The same applies if the World Line holds an empty Wealth Line. When the Wealth Line activates and generates and harmonizes, it is a sign of easy attainment; but if the Wealth Line is combined by an activated line or the Day Branch, the wealth is definitely controlled by someone else and will not reach the person. To know who is controlling it, look at the line that combines with it: for example, if it is combined by the "Parents," it means control by a superior. If the卦 (divination chart) has no Wealth Line at all, look at which line the Wealth Line is hidden under, and it can be deduced: for example, if it is hidden under the "Official Ghost," it means control by a nobleman.

要知何日得財，不離旺衰生合；財爻有氣，合日得財；或本日得財。太旺，墓庫日得；休囚，生旺日得；太過，收藏日得；合住入墓，破合破墓日得；旺空，過旬日得；伏藏，提起日得。財爻死絕，而得子孫動來扶起，即以子孫爻斷。卦無財爻，而得兄弟生扶子孫財源者，即以兄弟爻斷。更宜通變。

To determine a day when wealth is obtained, it mainly depends on the strength and harmony of the wealth sign. If the wealth sign is strong, one gains wealth on the day it harmonizes with it or on that day itself. If the wealth sign is very strong, one gains wealth on the day it enters its storage. If the wealth sign is weak and confined, one gains wealth on the day it meets a supportive force. If the wealth sign is excessive, one gains wealth on the day of its collection. If the wealth sign is restrained by harmony or already in storage, one gains wealth on the day it is broken free from harmony or storage. If the wealth sign is strong but falls into emptiness, one gains wealth after that ten-day period. If the wealth sign is hidden and not visible, one gains wealth on the day the hidden god is revealed. If the wealth sign is already in a dead or doomed state, one relies on the 'children' sign to support it, and then uses the 'children' sign to determine the day. If there is no wealth sign in the hexagram, one relies on the 'siblings' sign to support the 'children' sign as the source of wealth, and then uses the 'siblings' sign to determine the day. In the end, one must remain flexible and adaptable.

欲決何時有利，但詳春夏秋冬。凡占貨物何時得價，以財臨五行斷之。如木財，春月得價，一陽後亦好。土財，夏月有利，六月更美。餘仿此。又如財臨辰土，二月不如三月；財臨酉金，七月不如八月。餘亦仿此。又如財主日下長生之地，此貨一日得價一日；若坐帝旺，眼下正及時，稍遲則賤而無利。

To determine when there is profit, one must carefully examine the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. When predicting the timing for selling goods at a good price, one should refer to the Five Phases associated with the wealth hexagram. For example, if the wealth hexagram belongs to wood, it will be profitable in spring or after the winter solstice when the first yang energy appears. If the wealth hexagram belongs to earth, it will be favorable in summer, especially in June. The same logic applies to other elements. For instance, if the wealth hexagram is on the 'Chen' earth, then March is better than February. If it is on the 'You' metal, then August is better than July. The same applies to other cases. If the wealth hexagram is in its long life position, the goods will gradually increase in price day by day. If it is in its prosperity position, it is the best time to sell, and any delay will result in a price drop and no profit.

合夥不嫌兄弟；凡占合夥買賣，若世應俱財爻，必然稱意。兄臨卦身，世爻安靜不妨。蓋合必至分財，故也。動則不宜。世應兩動，必合不久，空亡亦然。相沖相剋，後必不睦。化出兄官，必多私心。世應生合，而被動爻日辰刑沖剋害者，必有挑唆破說也。

When engaging in business partnerships, there is no need to be wary of the 'Brothers' line. Whenever predicting a business partnership, if both the World and Response lines are Wealth lines, the outcome will be satisfactory. If the 'Brothers' line is on the Hexagram Body, it is not a problem as long as the World line is still, because partnerships inherently involve sharing profits, and 'Brothers' symbolizes the partners. However, if the 'Brothers' line is active, it is not good. If both the World and Response lines are active, the partnership will not last long, and the same applies if both lines are in an empty state. If the World and Response lines clash or control each other, there will certainly be discord later. If the change leads to 'Brothers' or 'Officials and Ghosts', each person will likely have private intentions. If the World and Response lines originally generate and harmonize with each other, but are punished, clashed, controlled, or harmed by an active line or the Day Branch, there will certainly be someone inciting discord.

公門何慮官爻。占財皆忌官動，主有阻隔。惟求公門之財，必然倚托官府。若無鬼爻，或落空亡，則雖財爻有氣，亦難到手。必得旺相，生合世身則吉。刑剋世爻，主有杖責。死絕亦不濟事，須得財鬼兩全，方為大吉。

If you are seeking wealth in a government office, you do not need to fear the "Official Ghost"爻. Usually, when seeking wealth, the presence of the "Official Ghost"爻 is avoided as it indicates obstacles. However, when seeking wealth specifically within an official setting, you naturally rely on the government, so the presence of the "Official Ghost" is actually favorable. If the hexagram lacks the "Official Ghost"爻 or if the "Official Ghost"爻 falls in an empty position, then even if the wealth爻 has strength, it will be difficult to obtain. It is only favorable if the "Official Ghost"爻 is prosperous and strong, and also generates and harmonizes with the World Line and the Hexagram Body. If it harms or restricts the World Line, it may lead to being beaten with a stick. If it falls in a dead or exhausted position, it is also ineffective. In general, both the "Wealth"爻 and the "Official Ghost"爻 must be present for great fortune.

九流術士，偏宜鬼動生身；百工九流求財，以鬼爻為主顧，無鬼最不利。出現發動，生合世爻，必然稱意。更化財爻，決得大利。須忌刑剋世爻，或化兄，皆主惹是招非，不能遂意。應空尤不吉。大抵空手求財，雖要官爻，然須財爻旺相，兄弟不動，方主有財。否則空好看，終無財利。

People who make a living through their skills in the three teachings and nine streams are particularly suitable for the "Official Ghost" line to be active in their fortune. Those in various trades seeking wealth use the "Official Ghost" line to represent customers or employers; the absence of the "Official Ghost" line is most unfavorable. If the "Official Ghost" line appears and becomes active, and it harmonizes with the World Line, then things will go smoothly. If it further transforms into the "Wealth" line, then great profit is certain. What is to be avoided is when it harms the World Line or transforms into the "Siblings" line, which indicates causing trouble and not achieving one's wishes. If the Response Line is empty, it is also unfavorable. In general, those who earn money without any means need the "Official" line, but they must also have the "Wealth" line prosperous and strong, and the "Siblings" line not moving, to truly gain wealth. Otherwise, they may only have an appearance but no real profit.

六畜血財，尤喜福興持世。凡占販賣牲口，蓄養六畜，皆要子孫旺相不空，則吉。持世臨身尤好。父母發動，則有傷損。化出土鬼，須防瘟死。福旺財空。六畜雖好而無利。

For businesses involving livestock and blood money, especially those dealing with animals, it is particularly favorable if "Fortune Virtue" is prosperous and located on the World Line. When divining about the trade or breeding of livestock, it is auspicious if "Children" are prosperous and strong without being empty. It is even better if "Children" are on the World Line or appear on the Hexagram Body. If "Parents" become active, there may be damage to the livestock; if they transform into the "Official Ghost" in the earth element, there should be caution against plague and death. If "Children" are strong but the wealth element is empty, then the livestock may be well cared for but there will be no profit.

世應同人，放債必然連本失；凡放私債，最忌世應值兄弟，必無討處。財爻更絕，連本俱失。世應值空，亦然。須得應爻生合世爻，妻財有氣，子孫發動則吉。間臨兄鬼動，恐放頭抽分財利。卦中無財，而官爻變出者，必訟於官府而後可取。

The World Line and Response Line are both "Siblings," which are of the same type. Lending money in this case will certainly result in losing both the principal and interest. When lending privately, it is most unfavorable for both the World Line and Response Line to be "Siblings," as the money will certainly not be recovered. If the Wealth Line is also in a state of decline, both principal and interest will be lost entirely. If both the World and Response Lines are empty, the result will be the same. Only when the Response Line generates and harmonises with the World Line, the Wealth Line is strong, and the Children Line is active, will it be favorable. If the intermediate line is occupied by "Siblings" or "Official Ghost" and is active, there is a risk that the middle person handling the transaction may take a portion of the profit. If the original hexagram does not contain the Wealth Line but the Wealth Line is produced by the Official Ghost, then a lawsuit will certainly occur before the money can be recovered.

日月相合，開行定主有人投。開行牙人占財，世應要不空，財福要全備，官鬼要有氣，父兄要衰靜，斯為上吉卦。更得月建日辰動爻生合世爻，則近悅遠來，人皆投我，財利必順。卦若無財，而世得月日動爻生合者，不過門頭鬧熱，無實利。鬼旺財空，亦然。動出兄官，常有是非口舌，或有惡人攪擾。世應空，開不成。

The day and month builders are in harmony, indicating that establishing a trading house will certainly attract people to come and rely on it. When someone is setting up a business and seeking wealth, the world line and response line should not be empty, with both "wealth" and "children" present, "official ghost" having strength, while "parents" and "siblings" are weak and quiet. This is considered an excellent omen. If further supported by the month builder, day branch, or moving line generating and harmonizing with the world line, then people nearby will be happy and those from afar will come, all gathering to this place, ensuring smooth profits. However, if there is no wealth in the hexagram, and the world line is only supported by the month builder, day branch, or moving line, it will only bring temporary activity without real profit. If "official ghost" is strong and the wealth line is empty, it is the same situation. If the hexagram transforms into "siblings" or "official ghost," there will be frequent disputes or disturbances from wicked people. If both the world and response lines are empty, then the business cannot be established at all.

應落空亡，索借者失望。求索假借，不宜應空，應動。動則更變，空則不遇。生合世爻，慨然不吝。必得物爻不空為妙。如衣服經史看父爻，六畜酒器看福爻，其餘財物看財爻。又如花果看木爻，磚瓦看土爻類，亦是。

If the Response Line falls into an empty position, someone asking to borrow something will only be disappointed. Any request for help or borrowing is not suitable when the Response Line is empty or when it is activated. If the Response Line is activated, the resulting hexagram will bring regret, and if it is empty, the person will not be found. If the Response Line comes to generate and harmonise with the World Line, the other party will certainly be generous and not stingy. Additionally, the爻 representing the item being borrowed should also not be empty. For example, if borrowing clothes or books, look at the Parents爻; if borrowing livestock or wine vessels, look at the Children爻; and for other goods and money, look at the Wealth爻. Similarly, borrowing flowers and fruits would involve the Wood爻, and borrowing bricks and tiles would involve the Earth爻, following the same principle.

世遭刑剋，賭博者必輸。凡占賭博，要世旺應衰，世動應靜。世克應我勝，應克世他勝。兄鬼動來刑剋世爻，或臨兄弟，或臨自空，皆主不勝。世應靜空，賭博不成。世坐官爻，防他合謀騙我。間爻動出兄弟官鬼，多主爭鬥。內外俱無財，亦不能勝。更遇世應空動，必是賭賒。兄鬼化財，先敗後勝；財化兄鬼，先勝後敗。坐方宜財福之地，世變財福，更宜易換賭色。大怕卦身臨兄弟，任換賭色，終是輸兆。

If the World Line is harmed or restrained, a gambler is sure to lose. When divining about gambling, the World Line should be strong and the Response Line weak, the World Line active while the Response Line is still. If the World Line restrains the Response Line, I will win; if the Response Line restrains the World Line, the opponent will win. If "Siblings" or "Official Ghost" move to harm the World Line, or if the World Line is occupied by "Siblings," or if the World Line is empty without reason, it indicates a loss. If both the World and Response Lines are still and empty, the gambling match cannot happen. If the World Line is occupied by the Official Ghost, be cautious of the opponent setting a trap. If the intermediate line transforms into "Siblings" or "Official Ghost," there will likely be conflict. If neither the inner nor outer trigrams contain the Wealth line, there will be no win. If the World and Response Lines are active and empty, it definitely means the gambling is on credit. If "Siblings" or "Official Ghost" transform into the Wealth line, there will be initial loss and later gain; if the Wealth line transforms into "Siblings" or "Official Ghost," there will be initial gain and later loss. The favorable position should be where "Wealth" and "Children" are located. If the World Line transforms into "Wealth" or "Children," it is better to change the gambling method. The worst situation is when the Hexagram Body is occupied by "Siblings," which indicates a sure loss regardless of the gambling method used.

鬼克身爻，商販者必遭盜賊；販賣經商，要世應生合，鬼爻空伏，動爻日辰不傷乎我，則安然無事。更得財旺福興，大吉之兆。遇兄鬼發動，玄武交重，必遇劫竊之人。更克世爻，決有大禍。世若空亡，庶可迴避。鬼動五爻，途中仔細。

The "Official Ghost" line harms the hexagram body, indicating that merchants will certainly encounter thieves. Engaging in trade requires that both the World and Response lines generate and harmonize with each other, with the Official Ghost line either empty or hidden. If the moving line and the Day Branch do not harm the hexagram, then there will be no problems. Further, if the Wealth line is strong and the "Children" line is flourishing, it is a great auspicious sign. If "Siblings" and "Official Ghost" lines become active, and the "Black Tortoise" also becomes active, then there will certainly be encounters with robbers and thieves. If they further harm the World line, there will definitely be great misfortune. If the World line is empty, it may be possible to avoid trouble. If the Official Ghost line is active on the fifth line, this represents the position of travel, and one must be especially cautious along the way.

間興害世，置貨者當慮牙人。買貨者，應要生合世爻，必然易成。刑剋世，必難置買。物爻太過，其貨必多；物爻不及，其貨必少；物爻空伏，其貨必無。物爻者，六畜看子孫，五穀看財爻，絲綿布帛看父母類。最怕兄鬼交重，須防光棍誆騙。在間爻，則是牙人虛詐不實，或有口舌爭競。傷克世爻，當慮牙人謀劫財物。出路買貨，應空多不順利。

When the intermediate line moves and harms the world line, those who are buying goods should be cautious of the middle brokers. For those who are purchasing goods, if the response line generates and harmonises with the world line, the transaction will surely be smooth; but if the response line harms or overcomes the world line, the purchase will certainly be difficult. Now look at the line representing the goods: if the line of goods is repeated too much, the goods will certainly be abundant; if it is insufficient, the goods will certainly be scarce; if it is empty or hidden, there will be no goods at all. The line of goods refers to 'children' for livestock, 'wealth' for grain, and 'parents' for silk and cloth, and so on. Most dangerous are 'siblings' and 'official ghosts' repeated and moving, which should be guarded against as they may lead to being deceived by dishonest people. If they fall on the intermediate line, it indicates that the brokers are false or there will be disputes. If they harm or overcome the world line, one should be cautious of the brokers trying to take one's property. When buying goods while traveling, if the response line is empty, it is mostly not smooth.

停榻者，喜財安而鬼靜；積貨不宜財動，亦不宜空亡，又不宜動爻日辰克劫。更得坐於胎養長生爻上，後必得利。若遇兄官交變，或俱發動，須防竊盜。兄弟獨發，則多耗折。水爻父母刑剋世爻，主被雨水淹腐。財化死墓空絕，後必價賤。

A person who stocks goods for sale prefers the wealth line to be stable and the official ghost line to be quiet. Accumulating goods is not suitable if the wealth line is activated, or if it falls into an empty state, or if it is attacked by the moving line or the day branch. If it can sit on the "growth," "nurturing," or "birth" lines, there will certainly be profit later. If "siblings" and "official ghosts" interact and change, or if both lines are activated together, theft should be guarded against. If "siblings" alone is activated, there will be more losses and possible loss of capital. If the "parents" line of the water type harms the world line, the goods will be ruined by rain. If the wealth line changes into death, tomb, emptiness, or decline, the price of the goods will definitely fall later.

脫貨者，宜財動而身興。脫貨財動，則主易脫。應空，無人置買；世空，自賣不成；動變日辰，俱來生合，有人爭買。若遇刑沖，則主多破阻難成。財在內動，宜在本處賣；在外動，宜向他處脫之。動而遇合，將成不成；動而逢空，欲賣不賣。卦無官鬼，亦是難成之象。

A person trying to sell goods should have the wealth line active and the hexagram body strong. When the wealth line is active during the selling process, the goods are more likely to be sold. If the response line is empty, there will be no buyers. If the world line is empty, the seller will not be able to sell. If the moving line, changing line, and day branch all generate and harmonize with each other, then there will be competition among buyers. However, if there is punishment and clash, there will be many obstacles and difficulty in completing the transaction. If the wealth line is active within the inner trigram, it is suitable to sell locally; if it is active within the outer trigram, it is suitable to transport and sell elsewhere. If the wealth line moves and meets a harmonizing line, it seems like it will succeed but ultimately fails. If the wealth line moves and meets an empty line, the seller wants to sell but cannot. If the hexagram does not contain the official ghost, it also indicates difficulty in completing the transaction.

路上有官，休出外；五爻為路。臨官發動，途中必多驚險，出外求財大宜避之。要知有何災咎，以所臨六神斷。如白虎為風波，玄武為盜賊類。路爻空亡，亦不宜出外。惟臨財福則吉。宅中有鬼，勿居家。二爻為宅。在家求財，鬼動此爻，必然不利。以所臨五行斷。如火鬼忌火燭，水鬼忌盜賊類。得子孫持世發動，庶幾無害。宅爻空亡，只宜出鋪。

If the road line has 'Official Ghost,' one should not travel far; if the residence line has 'Official Ghost,' one should not stay at home. The fifth line represents the road, and if it is associated with 'Official Ghost' and becomes active, there will certainly be many dangers on the way. It is best to avoid going out to seek wealth. To know what kind of misfortune will occur, look at the Six Spirits associated with it: for example, 'White Tiger' indicates storms, and 'Black Tortoise' indicates theft. If the road line falls into an empty position, it is also not advisable to go out; only when it is associated with 'Wealth' and 'Children' will it be auspicious. The second line represents the residence. If one is seeking wealth at home and the 'Official Ghost' line is active here, it will certainly be unfavorable. One should judge according to the Five Phases it belongs to: for example, a fire 'Official Ghost' should avoid fire and candle disasters, and a water 'Official Ghost' should avoid theft. Only if 'Children' is holding the world and becomes active can it bewith difficulty harmless. If the residence line falls into an empty position, then it is only suitable to open a shop outside.

內外無財伏又空，必然乏本；六爻無財，本宮財爻又伏空地，其人雖欲經營，必無資本。勉強為之，亦無利息。若得動爻化出，主有小小財利。父兄有氣財還絕，莫若安貧。父兄二爻，占財大忌。有發動刑沖剋害，利必不多。財爻更弱，恐防折本。故不若安貧守分之為高也。生計多端，占法不一。但宜誠敬以祈求，自可預知其得失。

Heavenly Stems: Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui Earthly Branches: Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai Trigrams: Qian (Heaven), Dui (Lake), Li (Fire), Zhen (Thunder), Xun (Wind), Kan (Water), Gen (Mountain), Kun (Earth) Glossary: Hidden God = Fu Shen Moving Line = Dong Yao Outer Trigram = Wai Gua punishment and clash = Xing Chong clash and control = Chong Ke Parents = Fu Mu Siblings = Xiong Di If both the inner and outer trigrams do not show the wealth line, and the hidden god is in an empty position, then there is certainly no capital; if the parents and siblings are strong but the wealth line is in a dead position, it is better to remain content with poverty. If there is no wealth line in the six lines, and the hidden wealth in the native trigram is also in an empty position, this person may want to engage in business, but will certainly not have the capital. Even if they try, they will not gain any profit. If a moving line changes to show wealth, there may be some small gains. As for the parents and siblings lines, they are the main obstacles in fortune divination: if they are activated and cause punishment, clash, or conflict, the profit will be very limited. If the wealth line is also weak, there is even a risk of loss. Therefore, it is better to remain poor and content. In the end, there are countless ways to make a living, and various methods of divination. As long as one sincerely and respectfully seeks guidance, one can naturally foresee the gains and losses in advance.