Divination on Childbirth, Ninth Section

鬼谷辨爻法：初爻、二爻、三爻、四爻、五爻、六爻，產母、胎兒、看生、夫身、化婆、雙親。陳希夷論產歌：兄弟交重帶煞來，須憂產婦有哀災，煞臨父母交重惡，子禍哪能得出胎。父母兄弟帶煞動，亦憂驚恐見悲哀，耳頭口目先生內，卻得黃金積一堆。是陽男子莫疑猜，鬼臨產母有憂來，鬼臨胎中兒不直，鬼臨看生生辛苦，鬼臨夫主損夫身，鬼臨化婆兒易養，鬼臨父母損雙親。

The "Ghost Valley Method of Distinguishing Lines" in the section on childbirth matches the six lines with different aspects of the delivery process: the first line represents the mother, the second line represents the fetus in the womb, the third line represents the midwife, the fourth line represents the husband, the fifth line represents the wet nurse, and the sixth line represents the parents. Chen Xiyi's "Song on Childbirth" says that if the "Siblings" line is activated repeatedly and accompanied by凶煞, there is cause for concern regarding the mother's sorrow and misfortune; ifInauspicious Sha is present on the "Parents" line and it is activated repeatedly, it is even worse, and the "Children" line being restrained by it means the fetus cannot be delivered smoothly. If the "Parents" and "Siblings" lines are affected byInauspicious Sha, there is also worry about the mother's fear and sadness. If the hexagrams associated with the ears, head, mouth, and eyes—Kan, Qian, Dui, and Li—appear in the inner image, it indicates the baby's head and face will come out first, which is a sign of a smooth delivery, and it is considered a good omen, as if accumulating a pile of gold. If the "Children" line is yang, it indicates a boy, and there is no need for further hesitation or speculation. If the "Official Ghost" line is on the first line, representing the mother, the mother will be anxious; if it is on the second line, representing the fetus, the fetus is not properly positioned; if it is on the third line, representing the midwife, the delivery will be particularly difficult; if it is on the fourth line, representing the husband, the husband will be harmed; if it is on the fifth line, representing the wet nurse, the child will be easier to raise; if it is on the sixth line, representing the parents, the parents will be harmed.

欲定日子須看世，世值胎養亦生日，坎乾爻動乃誕辰，天喜方定有子喜。卦無父母無子凶，縱有無氣亦不吉，世合子孫主生兒，日上定之無一失。父母持世兒寧好，子孫持世皆云了，日辰無煞始相依，子若無位亦有克。陰爻五位婿無兒，五世逢陰枉娶妻，游魂八純生子失，更之為鬼死無疑。若能熟讀此篇詩，他時視此取筌蹄。

The song continues to say: To determine the day of childbirth, one must look at the "World Line"爻. If the World Line is on the "Tāi" (womb) or "Yǎng" (nursing) day, that is the day of birth. If the trigrams of the Kan (Water) Palace or Qian (Heaven) Palace move, that is the birth date. If "Heavenly Joy" is also present, then the joy of having a child is confirmed. If the divination lacks both the "Parents"爻 and the "Children"爻, it is a bad omen. Even if they are present, if they are weak and confined, it is still not auspicious. If the World Line and the Children爻 are in harmony, it indicates the birth of a son, and the birth date can be determined by the Day Branch, without any mistake. If the Parents爻 holds the World Line, it is not good for the child; if the Children爻 holds the World Line, then everything is ready. If the Day Branch does not carryInauspicious Sha (malevolent stars), mother and child can rely on each other; if the Children爻 is not present in the hexagram, even if a child is born, there will be loss. If a Yin爻 is in the fifth position, it indicates a husband without a son; if the fifth World Line hexagram also has a Yin爻, marrying a wife is in vain. If one divines a wandering soul hexagram or an eight pure hexagram, the child will not be kept; if the Children爻 transforms into the Official Ghost爻, it is certain death. If one can memorize this poem well and use it when encountering matters, it will be as convenient as having a fishing net or a rabbit trap.

煞：指暗金煞。鬼谷云：正月巳，二月酉，三月丑，只此三位輪十二月。此煞動，主產亡。若煞臨子孫爻，則不得出胎。遇煞動，以父母不全推斷。子孫爻地支屬陽，主生男孩。二爻為胎爻，鬼在二爻動，主腹中胎兒損壞。鬼在三爻動，主接生婆不得力，生子十分困難。鬼在四爻動，主損夫身。鬼在五爻動，迭化婆錢財，主此兒易生易養。

The original commentary explains each point: the "sha" mentioned in the song refers to "dark metal sha." Guiguzi says: in the first lunar month, it is in Si; in the second, in You; in the third, in Chou; these three positions rotate through the twelve months. When this sha moves, it indicates the death of a pregnant woman. If aInauspicious Sha (evil sha) is on the "children" line, the fetus cannot be born. When aInauspicious Sha is activated, it is interpreted according to the pattern of incomplete parents line. The "children" line's earthly branch is yang, indicating a boy. The second line is the胎爻 (fetus line). If the official ghost is on the second line, it indicates damage to the fetus in the womb. If the official ghost is on the third line, it indicates that the midwife is ineffective and the childbirth is very difficult. If the official ghost is on the fourth line, it indicates injury to the husband. If the official ghost is on the fifth line, and there is also the money of a midwife, it indicates that the child will be well cared for.

天玄賦：既已論於婚姻，次合占其產育。子孫旺相，若臨陽象定生男；福德休囚，更值陰爻當是女。凡占生產，以子孫爻為主。子孫在單重爻為男，拆交爻為女。子孫爻旺相而臨陽象，必生男。子孫爻休囚，更值陰象，必生女。或子孫旺相，雖屬陰爻，得日辰及動爻、天喜扶持，亦主男；屬陰旺動，陰接則陽生，後臨火爻，反生男。若不值沖剋，方可以此斷。子孫雖屬陽爻，被日辰刑沖及動爻克洩，謂之胎氣不全，亦主女，也不易養。若卦無子孫，亦不吉。但看胎爻旺衰，亦知男女之兆也。

The Tianxuan Assignment says: After discussing marriage, we should now discuss childbirth. If the "Children" line is prosperous and strong and is associated with a yang element, it will certainly be a male child; if the "Children" line is weak and confined and is associated with a yin element, it will certainly be a female child. The original commentary says: When divining childbirth, the "Children" line is the main focus. If the "Children" line is on a single or heavy yang line, it indicates a male child; if it is on a split or intersecting yin line, it indicates a female child. If the "Children" line is prosperous and strong and is associated with a yang element, it will certainly be a male child; if the "Children" line is weak and confined and is associated with a yin element, it will certainly be a female child. There are also cases where the "Children" line is prosperous and strong but is a yin line, yet it is supported by the day branch, moving line, and "Heavenly Joy," which still indicates a male child. If the "Children" line is yin and strong and active, when yin reaches its extreme, it will give way to yang, and if it later meets a fire line, it will also indicate a male child. All these judgments should be made only when there is no clash or conflict. If the "Children" line is yang but is harmed by the day branch through clash or conflict and is also controlled and drained by the moving line, this is called "incomplete fetal energy," which indicates a female child and one that is difficult to raise. If the hexagram has no "Children" line at all, it is also unfavorable, and one should look at the "Fetus" line's strength and weakness, which can also reveal the signs of male or female.

陰包陽則掛庭添秀，陽包陰則桃洞得仙。若陰血先至，陽精後來，開血裹精，乃陰包陽，男形成矣。若陽精先至，陰血後參，精開裹血，乃陽包陰，女形成矣。若子孫爻屬陽，初爻六爻屬陰，此陰包陽也，主生男；子孫爻屬陰，初爻六爻屬陽，此陽包陰也，主生女。

The text says: If yin encompasses yang, there will be a scholar added in the fragrant courtyard; if yang encompasses yin, there will be a fairy obtained in the peach blossom spring. The original commentary explains: If the mother's yin blood arrives first and the father's yang essence comes later, the blood opens and wraps around the essence, which is yin encompassing yang, resulting in a male child; if the father's yang essence arrives first and the mother's yin blood comes later, the essence opens and wraps around the blood, which is yang encompassing yin, resulting in a female child. In terms of the hexagram lines, the 'children' line belongs to yang, while the first and sixth lines belong to yin. With yin surrounding yang above and below, this is yin encompassing yang, indicating the birth of a male child; if the 'children' line belongs to yin and the first and sixth lines belong to yang, with yang surrounding yin above and below, this is yang encompassing yin, indicating the birth of a female child.

發動青龍，當見臨盆有慶。青龍為孕育之神，最宜旺相，當權發動，必生貴子。交重白虎，乃知坐草無虞。白虎為血刃，他事不宜，唯臨產最喜，若輔於庚申辛酉爻上發動更快，或當日就要破胎。緣白虎為破胎，為催生故也。

The essay states: "When the Azure Dragon is activated, there will be joyous news of a birth." The original commentary explains: The Azure Dragon is a favorable deity associated with conception, and it is most auspicious when it is prosperous and strong. If it is in authority and activated, a noble son will be born. The essay also says: "When the White Tiger is heavily activated, it is known that there will be no obstacles in childbirth." The original commentary explains: The White Tiger is originally a deity associated with blood and sharpness, and it is unsuitable for other matters. However, in the context of childbirth, it is especially favorable. If it is activated along with metal lines such as Gengshen and Xinyou, the time of delivery will be even faster, possibly resulting in childbirth on the same day—because the White Tiger is the deity that breaks the womb and brings about childbirth.

定吉凶於內一卦之中，乾離坎兌則易產。乾為首，離為目，坎為耳，兌為口，此四卦在內象，則易產。言其頭目耳口先出，是順行，故產為易也。決禍福於外三爻之下，坤艮震巽則難生。坤為腹，艮為手，震為足，巽為股，此四卦若在內象，必是難生，逢旺愈難，有解救半吉。

The essay states: Within the inner trigram, determining the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of childbirth, if the trigram is Qian, Li, Kan, or Dui, childbirth will be easy. The original commentary explains: Qian represents the head, Li represents the eyes, Kan represents the ears, and Dui represents the mouth. If these four trigrams appear in the inner trigram, childbirth will be easy; this is because the head, eyes, ears, and mouth emerge first, indicating a smooth and natural delivery. The essay also states: Below the third line of the outer trigram, determining fortune or misfortune, if the trigram is Kun, Gen, Zhen, or Xun, childbirth will be difficult. The original commentary explains: Kun represents the abdomen, Gen represents the hands, Zhen represents the feet, and Xun represents the thighs. If these four trigrams appear in the inner trigram, it will certainly be difficult to give birth. If they are in a prosperous and strong state, it will be even more difficult. Even if other trigrams come to rescue, it can only be considered half auspicious.

兄弟空，則妻位無傷；父母興，則子宮有損。占產以妻財為用神。逢吉神旺相，則產婦平安。克妻財乃兄弟也，兄弟發動，則產婦有產厄之憂，若有剋制，庶可無虞。兄弟爻旬空，其妻無傷。凡財爻屬金，生男慢。若冬季占，生女必難。財爻屬火，生子眼露，性急，髮黃稀少。財爻屬木，生子修長俊美，生女腳大，眉清目秀。財爻屬水，生子秀氣伶俐，聲清。財爻屬土，生子純厚，身壯聲濁。子孫乃占產之綱，卦中不可無，忌空亡。帶煞化鬼，終為難養；羊刃劫殺，離腹即死。克子孫者為父母，若父母發動，子孫必損，得救稍輕，終為疾病之兒。若梟神發動，必無乳。

The text says: If the "Siblings" line falls into the empty position, the wife's position is not harmed; if the "Parents" line becomes active, the uterus is damaged. The original commentary explains: When predicting childbirth, the "Wealth" line is considered the useful god for the mother. If it meets auspicious gods and is prosperous and strong, the mother will be safe. The "Siblings" line is the one that harms the "Wealth" line. If the "Siblings" line becomes active, the mother will face difficulties in childbirth. If another line restrains the "Siblings" line, there will be no problem. If the "Siblings" line falls into the empty position, the wife will not be harmed. If the "Wealth" line belongs to metal, giving birth to a son will be delayed; if the divination is done in winter, giving birth to a daughter will be difficult. If the "Wealth" line belongs to fire, the child will have prominent eyes, be quick-tempered, and have yellow, sparse hair. If the "Wealth" line belongs to wood, a son will be tall and handsome, and a daughter will have large feet and clear eyebrows. If the "Wealth" line belongs to water, the child will be refined and intelligent, with a clear voice. If the "Wealth" line belongs to earth, the child will be sturdy, strong, and have a deep voice. The "Children" line is the main point in predicting childbirth; it must be present in the hexagram and should not fall into the empty position. If it is accompanied by evil influences and transforms into the "Official Ghost" line, the child will be difficult to raise. If it also meets the sheep's horn and the robbery killer, the child will die shortly after birth. The "Parents" line is the one that harms the "Children" line. If the "Parents" line becomes active, the child will be injured. Even if there is some help, the child will still be weak and prone to illness. If the "Sparrow God" (a type of parent that takes away food) becomes active, there will be no milk for the child after birth.

若加凶殺，立見刑傷。以上兄弟、父母帶吉神發動，雖凶弗咎；若加凶殺，必定傷胎害母。天喜若值螣蛇，定葉麒麟之夢。螣蛇者，乃虛幻恍惚之神。臨陽鬼日主虛驚，臨陰鬼夜生怪夢。更加天喜，必曾感應吉夢，而生麟鳳之子。

The essay states: If siblings, parents, andInauspicious Sha are added together, immediate punishment and injury will be seen. The original commentary explains: The above-mentioned siblings and parents, if accompanied by auspicious deities, although there are ominous signs, will not cause disaster; but once combined withInauspicious Sha, it will certainly harm the fetus and endanger the mother. The essay also says: IfHeavenly Joy is associated with螣蛇, it certainly indicates the omen of a qilin dream. The original commentary explains:螣蛇 is a deity representing illusions and confusion. When it is associated with a yangOfficial Ghost, it causes anxiety during the day; when associated with a yinOfficial Ghost, it causes strange dreams at night. Now, with the addition ofHeavenly Joy, it means that a favorable dream has been experienced, and a noble child, like a qilin or phoenix, will be born.

咸池倘臨玄武，必生汗血之駒。咸池玄武皆淫佚之神，臨合財爻，必占婢妾生產。若臨子孫，亦是婢妾所生。若臨胎爻，乃私生子。臨財旺相，必是淫婦。休囚遇貴人、吉神克解，非淫，但出身微賤。汗血者，婢妾所生之子。古云：妾子乃汗血駒。

The essay states: "If 'Xianchi' is on 'Xuanwu,' it will surely produce a horse of sweat blood." The original annotation explains: "Xianchi and Xuanwu are both deities associated with licentiousness. If 'Xianchi' is on the 'Qicai' hexagram or combines with the 'Qicai' hexagram, the outcome will certainly be a servant woman giving birth. If 'Xianchi' is on the 'Zisun' hexagram, the child is also born from a servant woman. If 'Xianchi' is on the 'Tai' hexagram, then it is a child born out of wedlock. If 'Xianchi' is on the 'Qicai' hexagram and is prosperous and strong, the person is certainly a promiscuous woman. If 'Xianchi' is weak and confined but is restrained by a nobleman or a favorable deity, it is not considered promiscuity, but only indicates a humble origin. The term 'sweat blood' refers to a child born from a servant woman. An old saying states: a son born from a servant woman is called a horse of sweat blood."

六爻最怕空亡，諸位皆嫌鬼值。六爻之中，初爻產母，二爻胞胎，至上皆有關係，故不宜空。鬼為占產所忌，故六爻皆惡之。若值子鬼，腰病，不時嘔吐；寅鬼，頭痛氣逆；卯鬼，胸膈不調，肩酸腳腫；巳鬼，眼睛困慵，時發微熱，唇焦口渴；午鬼，心上火炎，大便不通；申鬼，氣喘咳漱，關節疼痛，倦怠無力；酉鬼，血氣不調或漏胎；亥鬼，鼻涕活流，小便不利或洩瀉；辰戌丑未鬼，腹痛，脾胃不調。

The text says: Among the six lines, the most feared is when they fall into the empty position. Each line position dislikes the "Official Ghost" occupying it. The original note explains: Among the six lines, the first line is the origin of the mother, the second line is the embryo, and up to the top line, each line is related to childbirth, so none should fall into the empty position. The Official Ghost is the deity to be avoided in matters of childbirth, hence all six lines dislike it. If the line is occupied by the water Official Ghost (Zi), it indicates lower back pain and frequent vomiting; if it is the wood Official Ghost (Yin), it indicates headache and upward rushing of qi; if it is the wood Official Ghost (Mao), it indicates discomfort in the chest and shoulders, and swelling in the feet and legs; if it is the fire Official Ghost (Si), it indicates eye fatigue, intermittent low fever, dry lips and thirst; if it is the fire Official Ghost (Wu), it indicates excessive heart fire, constipation; if it is the metal Official Ghost (Shen), it indicates shortness of breath, coughing, joint pain, and fatigue; if it is the metal Official Ghost (You), it indicates disharmony of blood and qi or miscarriage; if it is the water Official Ghost (Hai), it indicates continuous nasal discharge, difficulty urinating, or diarrhea; if it is the earth Official Ghost (Chen, Xu, Chou, or Wei), it indicates abdominal pain and disharmony of the spleen and stomach.

鬼臨初位，必然產母當災；鬼入二爻，當見胞胎不穩。初爻，產母。鬼在初爻，故產母有災。二為胞胎。二爻屬水，八個月生；二爻屬土，過月胎生。鬼臨二爻，主胞胎不實，或胎不安穩。二爻旺相，懷胎露見；二爻休囚，則隱然不張。二爻屬陽，氣清上浮，懷胎必近胸。屬陰，氣重濁而下，結胎近下。

The text says: If the Official Ghost is on the first line, the mother will certainly suffer misfortune; if the Official Ghost enters the second line, the fetus will be unstable. The original commentary explains: The first line represents the position of the mother, so if the Official Ghost is on the first line, the mother will suffer misfortune. The second line represents the position of the fetus: if the second line is of the water element, the child will be born in eight months; if it is of the earth element, the birth will be delayed. If the Official Ghost is on the second line, it indicates an unstable fetus or an unstable position of the fetus. If the second line is prosperous and strong, the signs of pregnancy will be evident; if the second line is weak and confined, the signs will be subtle and not obvious. If the second line is yang, the energy is clear and rises upward, so the position of the fetus will be near the chest; if the second line is yin, the energy is heavy and turbid and sinks downward, so the position of the fetus will be lower.

空亡必墮胎虛喜，帶殺則臨產艱難。子孫空及二爻空，主墮胎。若帶殺神，主分娩時受苦。若逢鬼值五爻，始得福生萬匯。五爻為收生婆，官鬼臨之則吉。鬼臨三爻，生產辛苦。三爻空亡，恐無看生之婦，或外家無催生禮物。四爻為夫身，若空亡，主臨產時丈夫不在家，鬼殺臨此位，或帶鰥寡殺，乃遺腹子。五爻為外家，旺相外家富，休囚外家貧。鬼臨六爻，則損雙親。

The text says: encountering an empty position indicates a miscarriage or empty joy, and if accompanied byInauspicious Sha (evil killing stars), childbirth will be difficult. The original commentary explains: if the 'Children' line falls into an empty position or the second line falls into an empty position, it indicates a miscarriage; if there is also a killing star, childbirth will be especially painful. The text also says: if the 'Official Ghost' falls on the fifth line, it brings good fortune and prosperity in all things. The original commentary explains: the fifth line is the position of the midwife, so if the 'Official Ghost' falls here, it is favorable. If the 'Official Ghost' falls on the third line, childbirth will be difficult; if the third line is empty, it is likely that a midwife cannot be found or that the mother's family has not sent gifts to help with childbirth. The fourth line is the husband's position; if it is empty, the husband will not be at home during childbirth; if the killing star or 'Widow and Orphan Killing Star' falls here, the child born will be a child from the mother's womb without the father's presence. The fifth line is also the position of the mother's family: if it is prosperous and strong, the mother's family is wealthy; if it is weak and confined, the mother's family is poor. If the 'Official Ghost' falls on the sixth line, it indicates harm to the parents.

經驗云：凡人占卦問六甲，子怕休囚父怕發，財為產母怕兄興，男女陰陽衰旺察。卜筮元龜云：內胎必有婦懷胎，龍喜生旺臨妻財，欲知胎息上身日，八卦生爻細尋覓。內胎者，取八節。如立春後四十五日，以艮為旺，震為相，巽為胎，離為沒，坤為死，兌為休，乾為囚，坎為廢。故立春後內卦見巽為胎，春風見離、立夏見坤、夏至見兌、立秋見乾、秋分見坎、立冬見艮、冬至見震為胎。皆取在內卦者。更有青龍、天喜臨妻財爻旺相，都表示已經懷孕。來求測占孕者，如果已經有懷孕之喜，其相關的爻自然會動，顯示出來。

The "Experience" method says: When people divinate about pregnancy ("six jia"), the "children" line should not be weak or confined, and the "parents" line should not be active; the "wealth" line represents the mother, and it should not be attacked by the "siblings" line. To determine the gender of the child, one should look at the yin and yang and the strength of the lines. The "卜筮元龟" says: If the inner trigram meets "tai" (pregnancy), it indicates the woman is already pregnant; if "qinglong" (Azure Dragon) and "tianxi" (Heavenly Joy) are favorable and strong on the "wealth" line, it also indicates pregnancy. To find the day of conception, one should carefully search through the trigrams' corresponding lines. The original note explains: "Inner tai" refers to taking the trigram energy according to the eight seasonal divisions of a year. For example, within forty-five days after the Beginning of Spring, the trigrams are:艮 (Gen) is strong, 震 (Zhen) is in phase, 巽 (Xun) is in pregnancy, 离 (Li) is disappearance, 坤 (Kun) is death, 兑 (Dui) is rest, 乾 (Qian) is imprisonment, and 坎 (Kan) is waste. Therefore, if the inner trigram is 巽 (Xun) after the Beginning of Spring, or 离 (Li) after the Vernal Equinox, or 坤 (Kun) after the Beginning of Summer, or 兑 (Dui) after the Summer Solstice, or 乾 (Qian) after the Beginning of Autumn, or 坎 (Kan) after the Autumnal Equinox, or 艮 (Gen) after the Beginning of Winter, or 震 (Zhen) after the Winter Solstice, these are all considered pregnancy, and only the ones that fall within the inner trigram are taken into account. Additionally, if "qinglong" and "tianxi" are favorable and strong on the "wealth" line, it also indicates pregnancy. Those who come to seek divination about pregnancy, if they are indeed pregnant, the relevant lines in the hexagram will naturally move, revealing the news.

胎息者，乃甲子水（乾卦初爻）化成戊寅木（坎卦初爻），取水生木之義，若乾化為坎也。庚子水（震卦初爻）化己卯木（離卦初爻）（如：無妄之同人卦），丁卯木（兌卦二爻）化乙巳火（坤卦二爻）（如：睽之晉卦），己亥水（離卦三爻）化乙卯木（坤卦三爻），辛酉金（巽卦三爻）化己亥水（離卦三爻）（如：升之明夷卦）。此求六甲，主身胎息也。又云：遇長生者，二月或五十日胎息；遇帝旺，一百日或三月左右有胎息。遇衰病者，七月或三百日左右有胎息也。遇墓絕則胎息孕育時也，蓋遇絕則合養，而逢長生之日月。假令子孫屬水，生申，則是申月時生也。

The original commentary further explains "tai xi" (womb breath): "T'ai xi" refers to the transformation of lines in the Najia system. For example, Jiazi water (the first line of the Qian hexagram) transforms into Wuyin wood (the first line of the Kan hexagram), representing the principle of water nurturing wood, which is equivalent to Qian transforming into Kan. Similarly, Gengzi water (the first line of the Zhen hexagram) transforms into Jimao wood (the first line of the Li hexagram), as in the case of the Wuxiang hexagram transforming into the Tongren hexagram; Dingmao wood (the second line of the Dui hexagram) transforms into Yisi fire (the second line of the Kun hexagram), as in the case of the Kui hexagram transforming into the Jin hexagram; Jimao water (the third line of the Li hexagram) transforms into Yimao wood (the third line of the Kun hexagram); and Xinyou metal (the third line of the Xun hexagram) transforms into Jimao water (the third line of the Li hexagram), as in the case of the Sheng hexagram transforming into the Mingyi hexagram. Using this method to deduce the Six Jia, it indicates the time when the body begins to form and receive vital energy. It also says: if a moving line encounters "Changsheng" (growth), the fetus forms in about two months or fifty days; if it encounters "Diwang" (prosperity), the fetus forms in about one hundred days or three months; if it encounters "Shuai" (decline) or "Bing" (illness), the fetus forms in about seven months or three hundred days; if it encounters "Mu" (burial) or "Jue" (cessation), this is precisely the time when the fetus is being nurtured—because the place of "Jue" coincides with "Yang" (nurturing), and the time of occurrence falls on the month and day of "Changsheng". For example, if the "Zi Sun" line belongs to water, and water's "Changsheng" is in Shen, then the birth occurs in the month and hour of Shen.

洞林秘訣云：乾兌坎離如在內，皆為易養頤生基，更無煞動來刑剋，須遇無關長壽兒。震巽坤艮內逆推，臨當分娩遁遲遲，諸煞並來害身命，若逢轉殺又無危。陽爻變陰生女子，陰動變陽育男兒，靜時若廢須生女，旺相生男定有成。胎爻受破胎不成，無破生旺沐浴誕。火珠林云：無父母無子孫，假令若有，俱無氣亦凶。又以陰為女，陽為男。但與世並，子孫合處，是生月也。

The Secret Essentials of the Cave Forest say: If the trigrams Qian, Dui, Kan, and Li appear in the inner image, they indicate a smooth delivery and a strong foundation for a long and healthy life. If no harmful stars or afflictions arise to injure or harm, the child is free from worries about evil influences and may expect a long life. However, if the trigrams Zhen, Xun, Kun, and Gen appear in the inner image, the situation is reversed. Delivery may be delayed. If various harmful stars and afflictions attack the life force at the time of birth, there may be danger to life. But if these harmful influences counteract each other and neutralize one another, there will be no danger. A moving yang line transforming into a yin line indicates the birth of a daughter; a moving yin line transforming into a yang line indicates the birth of a son. If the lines are still and the trigram energy is exhausted, it indicates a daughter; if the lines are strong and flourishing, it indicates a son, and these determinations are accurate. If the "pregnancy" line is affected by the month breaker, the fetus will not form. If it is not affected by the month breaker but meets the conditions of birth, growth, and bathing, then the time of birth will arrive. The Forest of Fire Pearls says: If there is no "parents" line and no "children" line in the hexagram, even if they arewith difficulty present, they lack vitality and are still considered ominous. Also, using yin lines to represent daughters and yang lines to represent sons, one should look at the branch that is associated with the world line and the children line. That branch indicates the month of birth.

海底眼云：生產未知臨幾許，月日長生子當乳，兄爻亂動母生難，子孫受克餓災苦。飛去克伏子不收，陽卦男兮坤是女，兩爻旺相喜神扶，必是雙胎天賜與。若子孫爻出現，不出月者，但看世爻何支，數至母長生之日，即為乳也。假設秋占得需卦，戊申持世，甲子之水為母，水長生在申，即言當日乳。未爻持世來日生，亥子持世，旬日未免。但應卦中世，不用卜日。世旺克子，疼痛便死。若在伏藏可克飛上，下爻便見降生之月，不及月墮胎也，取胎無法。假令乾宮，以子孫為水，長生在申，至午為胎，子孫出現為胎月。

The "Eye at the Bottom of the Sea" says: When predicting childbirth and not knowing how long it will take, as long as the Month Builder and Day Branch reach the position of Growth, the child will be born and start to nurse. If the "Siblings" line is restless, the mother will have a difficult delivery. If the "Children" line is harmed, the fetus will suffer from hunger and hardship. If the Flying God harms the Hidden God, the child will not be retained. A Yang hexagram indicates a male child, while a Yin hexagram such as the Earth hexagram indicates a female child. If two lines in the hexagram are both prosperous and strong, and there is a Favorable God supporting them, it is definitely a blessing from heaven for twins. The original commentary explains: If the "Children" line appears in the hexagram but the due date does not fall within this month, only look at what earthly branch the World Line is in, count to the day of the mother's Growth, and that will be the time of childbirth and nursing. For example, if in autumn the Need hexagram is taken and Wushen holds the World Line, with Jiazi water as the mother, since water is born in Shen, it is said that the child will be born on that day. If Wei holds the World Line, the child will be born the next day; if Hai or Zi holds the World Line, the child will be born within a ten-day period. But only use the World Line of the original hexagram to determine the time, without needing to separately predict the day. If the World Line is strong and harms the Children line, the fetus will suffer pain and die early. If the Children line is hidden but can reverse harm the Flying God above it, then the month of birth can be seen from the lower line. If the child is miscarried before the month, there is another method to determine the conception date, which is not restricted by this. For example, in the乾 hexagram, if the Children line is water, since water is born in Shen, when it reaches Wu it becomes the fetus, and the month when the Children line appears is the month of conception.

子孫旺相陽是男，無氣休囚陰是女，應若克世母產死，世如克應子先亡。無子先胎兒位推，無妻財從父母論，二爻有氣皆無恙，但恐將來是女兒。青龍入木應信至，龍入火爻得橫財，入鬼用保須防哭，若水火土貴男兒。若在外卦難見兒，外而生內難分娩，內卦胎沒人有子，外卦胎沒須抱兒。子化空亡及化鬼，生兒不久便悲啼，子象休囚須多病，福德有氣則少災。正月蒙卦飛兼殺至加子孫是子亡，六四遇乾自歸魂，兄弟刑財妻必亡。乾坎艮震為陽卦，此爻在內是男兒，巽離坤兌為陰矣，四卦在內必是女。

The song continues: "If the 'Children' line is prosperous and strong and belongs to the Yang, it indicates a son; if it is weak and confined and belongs to the Yin, it indicates a daughter. If the Response line comes to overcome the World line, the mother is in danger of her life; if the World line goes to overcome the Response line, the fetus is likely to die prematurely. If there is no 'Children' line in the hexagram, first refer to the position of the 'Womb' line; if there is no 'Wealth' line, then refer to the 'Parents' line instead. If the Second line (which represents the Womb position) is strong, both mother and child are safe, but be careful if it results in a daughter. If the Azure Dragon enters the Wood line, there will be good news; if it enters the Fire line, there will be unexpected wealth; if the Azure Dragon enters the 'Official Ghost' line while predicting a safe pregnancy, one should be cautious of crying or sorrow; if the Azure Dragon falls on the Water, Fire, or Earth lines, it indicates a noble son. If the 'Children' line is in the Outer Trigram, the child will be difficult to see; if the Outer Trigram comes to generate the Inner Trigram, the delivery will be delayed; if the Inner Trigram meets the 'Womb' condition, there will be a child, but if the Outer Trigram meets the 'Womb' condition, one must adopt a child from elsewhere. If the 'Children' line turns into an empty line or into the 'Official Ghost' line, the child will cry shortly after birth; if the 'Children' line is weak, the child is likely to be sickly; if the 'Fortune Virtue' line is strong, there will be less disaster. If the hexagram is Meng (Obstruction) in the first lunar month and the Flying God also coincides with a凶杀 (malevolent killing), the malevolent energy affects the 'Children' line, indicating the death of the child. If the sixth line of the hexagram meets the乾 (Heaven) line and forms a returning soul, the 'Siblings' line overcomes the 'Wealth' line, and the wife will surely die. The hexagrams乾 (Heaven), 坎 (Water), 艮 (Mountain), and 震 (Thunder) are Yang hexagrams, and if these are in the Inner Trigram, it indicates a son; the hexagrams 巽 (Wind), 离 (Fire), 坤 (Earth), and 兑 (Lake) are Yin hexagrams, and if these are in the Inner Trigram, it definitely indicates a daughter.

鬼谷辨爻法：初爻、二爻、三爻、四爻、五爻、六爻，本經、論、策、試官、舉選、南省。丘寺丞易鑑歌：要問選舉榮達時，先將六爻為根基。主文之位在月建，天子之爻太歲推，一帶喜神來合卦，今秋榮達定無疑。若占南省事如何，六爻旺相始登科，父母發時為印綬，妻財動處必蹉跎。空亡入鬼憂空返，劫殺臨官節節蹉，更看子孫如發動，此人平日枉吟哦。

The "Ghost Valley Method of Distinguishing Lines" in the section on examinations matches the six lines with various aspects of the imperial examination. The first line represents the main subject studied, the second line represents the essay, the third line represents the policy proposal, the fourth line represents the chief examiner, the fifth line represents the selection process, and the sixth line represents the provincial examination held by the Ministry of Personnel. Qiu Shici's "Song of the Mirror of Change" says: To ask when one will achieve success in the imperial examination, first examine the six lines as the foundation. The position representing literature should be viewed through the "Month Builder," and the line representing the Son of Heaven should be analyzed through the "Celestial Stem." If there is also a favorable deity harmonizing with the卦, then success in the autumn examination is certain. If one is asking about the provincial examination, then the sixth line must be prosperous and strong to achieve success. If the "Parents" line is activated, it indicates the seal of the official, meaning the writings will be effective. If the "Wealth" line is activated and it overcomes the Parents, then official rank will be delayed. If the "Official Ghost" line falls into emptiness, it indicates returning empty-handed. If the "劫杀" (plunder and killing) is present on the "Official Ghost" line, then progress will be hindered at every step. Also examine the "Children" line; if it is activated and overcomes the "Official Ghost," then the person's previous hard study and recitation will be in vain.

煞在鬼中難克世，若還及第損身多，欲問廷試名高下，最喜官爻生驛馬。巽離坤坎在乙科，若得乾震魁黃甲，艮兌休旺有變動，非可一途而取之。推卦衰宮加旺鬼，今日得官明日死，鬼臨父母並凶神，榮歸定作丁憂子。龍爻持世附馬郎，錢財鋪地千萬箱，官爻祿馬兩重旺，一門兄弟受恩光。

The rhyme continues: evil stars are hidden within the "Official Ghost" and come to afflict the "World Line," so even if one passes the examination, there will be much harm to oneself. To inquire about the rank in the palace examination, the best situation is when the "Official Ghost" and "Post Horse" are mutually beneficial. If the hexagram is among Xun, Li, Kun, or Kan, one will rank in the second class; if it is Qian or Zhen, one will be among the top of the first class. The hexagrams Gen and Dui, regardless of whether they are weak or strong, are often subject to change, so one should not be rigid in judgment. If the hexagram's palace is weak while the "Official Ghost" is strong, this is a凶兆 indicating that one will receive an official post today but die the next day. If the "Official Ghost" is on the "Parents" line and accompanied by凶神, even if one achieves success, one will certainly suffer the loss of one's parents and have to observe mourning. If the "Azure Dragon" holds the "World Line," one may be selected as a驸马, with wealth spread out and thousands of chests of treasure. If both the "Official Ghost," "Salary," and "Post Horse" are strong, then all brothers in the family will receive the same favor.

經驗云：凡占選舉及求官，便把卦中鬼爻看，鬼旺父興須有份，兄財子動定無緣。占文字中程式否：旺相相生皆有慶，休囚不和終不允，若得一陰而一陽，上下相生亦相順。外內俱陰陽應世，喜慶重重不須計，純陽考官喜有氣，偃鼓殺陰並無氣。外陰無氣名莫求，文章錦繡不相投，朱雀之爻如得位，神助朱衣暗點頭。

The "Experience" method says: When divining about examinations and seeking official positions, one should look at the "Official Ghost" line in the hexagram. If the "Official Ghost" is prosperous and strong and the "Parents" line is active and vigorous, then there is a chance for success in officialdom; but if the "Siblings," "Wealth," or "Children" lines are active, then one is certainly without opportunity. When discussing whether the written text conforms to the proper format, if the hexagram lines are prosperous and strong and mutually generating, then everything will be favorable; but if they are weak and confined and not harmonious, then approval will not be obtained. If there is an alternation of yin and yang lines and mutual generation between upper and lower parts, it is a favorable sign. If both outer hexagrams are yin and the world and response lines are yang, there will be much joy and no need for further consideration. If the position of the examiner is occupied by pure yang, it is favorable as it shows vitality; but if both yin and killing lines are present without vitality, then one must give up. If the outer hexagram is yin and lacks vitality, then official success is not to be sought; even with excellent writings, they will not match the examiner's expectations. If the "Vermilion Bird" line is in the right position, it is like having divine assistance, with an unseen person in red clothing silently approving.

洞林秘訣：月卦為官皆得地，伏神為鬼舊科人，更得官爻持世上，今科名姓榜頭新。年值月值相扶持，此回過省得無疑，官爻驛馬扶生克，有氣不空展捷旗。世克吉神事不成，此回虛費榜無名，卦無四值若低小，或都休廢亦虛聲。官臨升位衰受克，今科不可後科真。

The "Moon Hexagram Body" has the "Official Ghost" upon it and is also in a prosperous and strong position, or the hidden god is the Official Ghost, indicating someone who has previously passed the imperial examinations. If the Official Ghost爻 is also governing the World Line爻, then the top scorer of this year's examination will be a new person. If the Heavenly Stem and the Month Builder both support, passing the provincial examination is certain. If the Official Ghost爻 and the Post Horse爻 support each other and the relationships of generation and overcoming are appropriate, as long as there is vitality and not empty, the banner of the news will be raised. However, if the World Line爻 goes against the auspicious deity, the matter will not succeed, and this time will be a waste of effort with no name on the list. If the chart does not show the four values of year, month, day, and hour supporting, the situation is small and weak, or entirely stagnant, it is just empty talk. Although the Official Ghost is in an ascending position, it is weak and being overcome, so this year's examination will not be successful, and the next year's examination is the real one.

海底眼云：應舉求官問先後，官旺文書有氣前，火作文章為直事，月建扶官作狀元。又云：父母文書是棟樑，推明旺相細鋪張，官鬼試官題目事，子孫如上不榮昌。兄弟雷同難上榜，妻財美論豈高強，父化父兮多雜犯，父化官兮意不良。凡貴求謀問立身，文章不動應時成，財動文書空費力，子動傷官事不亨。事見兩爻須再用，官多宛轉恐難生，最要日辰生合助，知音處處得前程。

The "Underwater Eye" says: For those seeking official positions through examination, if the "Official Ghost" is prosperous and strong, and the "Parents" (representing documents and writings) have vitality, then the rank will be high. A fire element indicates direct success in the matter. If the Month Builder supports the "Official Ghost," one may become the top scholar. It also says: The "Parents"爻 represents documents and writings, being the mainstay of this matter; one must carefully examine its prosperity and strength. The "Official Ghost"爻 represents the examiners and the questions. If the "Children"爻 appears in the hexagram, the official status will not flourish. The "Siblings"爻 indicates similar writings and many competitors, making it difficult to pass. The "Wealth"爻, though eloquent, is not strong enough. If the "Parents"爻 transforms into another "Parents"爻, the writings will be disorderly and disrespectful. If the "Parents"爻 transforms into the "Official Ghost"爻, the intention is not good. For those seeking high status and asking about their foundation, if the "Parents"爻 (documents) is quiet and stable, it will naturally succeed when it reaches its day or month. If the "Wealth"爻 moves to harm the "Parents"爻, efforts will be wasted. If the "Children"爻 moves to harm the "Official Ghost"爻, the matter will not go smoothly. If two lines appear in one matter, further consideration is needed. Too many "Official Ghost" lines indicate twists and turns, making it hard to succeed. This divination most depends on the Day Branch supporting and helping; it is like meeting kindred spirits everywhere, leading to a promising future.

文書持世，無刑無克，太歲生身，亦作狀元。占試以鬼爻為主，看伏在何爻下，要日辰生扶合出。如春未日占得剝卦：官在文書下有氣，日辰合出，主中試赴詔，面君於堂。宜官鬼出現，忌墓藏，動發不順。在任官，鬼爻安靜，留任。鬼動合子、世，有官來替換。若一爻動，最忌兄弟動，主事難成。若文書與貴人卦中無氣，事亦難成。

The original commentary explains: "Parents" represent documents and are in the world line. If they are not harmed or restrained, and are supported by the heavenly stem to generate and support the hexagram body, they can be interpreted as a top-ranking success. When predicting exams, the "official ghost" line is the main focus. One should check where the official ghost is hidden beneath. It needs to be supported and combined with the day branch. For example, if one divines the hexagram of splitting in spring on the day of wu, the official ghost is hidden beneath the parents and documents and has vitality. It also combines with the day branch wu and the fire element becomes visible, indicating success in the exam, receiving an imperial decree, and meeting the emperor in the hall. This divination is favorable when the official ghost appears, and unfavorable when it is buried or hidden. If the official ghost becomes active, things tend to go against expectations. For current officials, if the official ghost line is still, it indicates remaining in the position. If the official ghost becomes active and combines with the "children" line and the world line, a new official will take over. If only one line becomes active in the hexagram, the most unfavorable is the "siblings" line moving, indicating that things will not succeed. If the line representing documents and the nobleman in the hexagram are both weak, things will also not succeed.

鬼谷辨爻法：初爻、二爻、三爻、四爻、五爻、六爻，吏人、曹官、長官、監司、朝仕、執政。丘寺丞易鑑歌：求官鬼吏克身賢，驛馬相扶官職遷，坎離二卦冬三月，震巽明知申酉年。世應驛馬相合吉，坎咸復卦定狐疑，申酉辰戌持世吉，任官遇祿好施為。鬼臨身世得官真，卦爻旺相甚歡欣，驛馬空亡徒費力，卦遭胎沒枉勞神。

The "Ghost Valley Method of Distinguishing Lines" in the category of officialdom assigns the six lines to different levels of official rank: the first line represents clerks in the government office, the second line represents subordinate officials, the third line represents a department head, the fourth line represents a supervisory official, the fifth line represents officials at the imperial court, and the sixth line represents high-ranking ministers. Qiu Shicheng's "Song of the Mirror of Change" says: when seeking an official position, if the "Official Ghost" is on the first line, which is the position of clerks, and it comes to harm the world line and the body of the hexagram, it actually indicates that the person is a capable official; if further supported by the "Post Horse," there will be promotion in official rank. If the hexagram is Kan or Li, the official position will be obtained within three months of winter; if the hexagram is Zhen or Xun, the official position will definitely come in the years of Shen and You. When the world line, response line, and Post Horse are in harmony, it is auspicious; if the hexagram is Qian, Xian, or Fu, it indicates indecision. If the world line is held by Shen, You, Chen, or Xu, it is favorable; when taking office and encountering the "Lucky God," it is an ideal time to act. If the "Official Ghost" is on the hexagram body or the world line, obtaining an official position is genuine; if the hexagram lines are also strong and prosperous, it brings even greater joy. If the Post Horse falls into an empty position, it is in vain; if the hexagram energy is in the "Fetus" or "Disappearance" position, it is also a waste of effort.

旺爻克應是不良，應入墓時憂死亡，世爻受克遭貶謫，若克他人倍俸糧。人吏空亡難立腳，內外純陰名不揚，子爻克鬼無官祿，福德爻驚豈吉昌。卦克世身職不安，身克人吏百憂攢，白虎動時驚恐至，子孫持世必墮官。

The rhyme continues: when a strong line goes on to overcome the response line, it is not a good omen; when the response line enters its tomb, there is still worry about death. If the world line is overcome, it indicates being demoted; but if the world line overcomes another line, it can actually double the salary and grain. If the first line, representing an official, falls into the state of emptiness and loss, then holding an official position becomes difficult; if both inner and outer hexagrams are entirely yin, then one's reputation cannot be widely known. When the line of children overcomes the line of official ghosts, there will be no official salary; if the fortune and virtue line is disturbed, how can good fortune be expected? When the hexagram lines overcome the world line and the body line, even while in office, one cannot be secure; if the body line overcomes the first line, representing an official, subordinates will all be fearful, and many worries will gather. When the white tiger moves, fear and alarm will soon follow; if the line of children holds the world position, the official position is certainly lost.

若問文官並武職，唐苻國印求端的，寅申之年巳亥為，巳亥之年寅申覓。子午之年卯酉求，卯酉之年子午出，辰戌之年丑未方，丑未之年在辰戌。鬼臨苻印最為佳，當作朝廷資輔翌，宜靜而動必左遷，宜動而靜多掩抑。乾位交重出西北，練行宜往興功績，欲知卦內作何官，先向身中仔細看。

The song continues to say: If one asks whether the result is a civil or military official, take the "Tang Fu" and "National Seal" spirits to determine clearly: in the years of Yin and Shen, take Si and Hai; in the years of Si and Hai, look for Yin and Shen; in the years of Zi and Wu, seek Mao and You; in the years of Mao and You, look to Zi and Wu; in the years of Chen and Xu, look to Chou and Wei; in the years of Chou and Wei, look to Chen and Xu. The "Official Ghost" being on Fu and Seal is most favorable, indicating a position as an assistant to the court. If it should be still but moves, one will certainly be demoted; if it should move but is still, one will often be suppressed by others. If the line in the乾 position is activated again, one should take up a position in the Northwest. If it is a military campaign, one should also go to that direction, where one can achieve great accomplishments. To know what kind of official position is indicated in the hexagram, first examine carefully the Hexagram Body.

火是文章喉舌位，土為守令漸盤桓，水是排岸監司職，金代兵刑有重權。木為工部及作院，小大皆隨旺相言，喜神驛馬兼官鬼，美削重重見知己。就中苻印兩爻推，早晚當隨詔書起，卦無太歲只移官，太歲合時見天子。更得雷火殺重重，看看名位至王公，天乙貴人更相合，代代為官受贈封。此是天綱玄妙法，請君繹莫匆匆。

The song continues to say: the fire line represents officials in charge of documents, who are in positions close to the sovereign's ears and mouth; the earth line represents county and prefectural magistrates, who are slow and hesitant in their duties; the water line represents officials in charge of river banks and supervisors, who are in positions related to water; the metal line represents those in charge of military and legal affairs, holding great power; and the wood line represents officials in the Ministry of Works and the workshops of the construction bureau. The rank of officials is determined entirely by the prosperity and strength or weakness and confinement of the lines. If the "Heavenly Joy" and "Post Horse" lines are combined with the "Official Ghost" line, then official documents will be sent back and forth repeatedly, and one will meet many like-minded people everywhere. Among these, one should especially refer to the "Tang Fu" and "National Seal" lines for further analysis, as the official will rise with the imperial edict. If the chart does not contain the "Heavenly Year" line, it merely indicates a transfer to a peer position; when the "Heavenly Year" line combines with the "World Body" line, one will be able to meet the emperor in person. If further supported by the repeated appearance of the "Thunder Fire Kill" lines, one's status will soon reach that of a marquis; if the "Heavenly Ethical Person" line also combines with it, one will be an official for generations, receiving honors from the court in succession. This is the profound method passed down by Yuan Tianzhang, so please all carefully study it and do not rush to pass it over.

天玄賦云：有子萬事足，當如儀儼侃稱喜；無官一身輕，誰佐禹湯及文武。欲作大廷之宰輔，須憑易卦以推詳。謀望利名，先要鬼爻旺相；斟量宣敕，但觀父母興衰。凡卜求官，官鬼是用爻，宜旺不宜衰。喜日辰扶拱，怕刑害克沖。若沖則為仇人所害，克者事不相容，刑者勢不兩立。宣敕者，父母是也。卦中不可無，最宜旺相扶世，不加凶殺則吉，若被刑沖，根腳不正，加臨大耗，廣費資財。若太歲月建旺者，多是宣也。若貴人祿馬同鄉，不過是敕也。若雖有吉神，散漫而不當權者，無過是吏掾文書。沖世凶，生世吉，若不落空亡，縱有艱辛費力，終當成就。

The Tianxuan Assignment says: When one has a son, all things are sufficient. One should be happy only when, like the sons of Dou Yujun of the Song Dynasty, Yi, Yan, Kan, and others, they successively pass the imperial examinations. Without official position, one can be light-hearted. But if everyone refuses to hold office, who would assist Yu, Tang, King Wen, and King Wu? To become a minister of the court, one must carefully examine the Yi hexagrams. When seeking fame and fortune, the "Official Ghost" line should be prosperous and strong. When considering the weight of imperial orders and decrees, one should look at the prosperity and decline of the "Parents" line. The original commentary explains: When divining about seeking official positions, the "Official Ghost" line is the important line. It should be prosperous rather than declining. It is favorable when the day branch supports it, and unfavorable when it is punished, harmed, conquered, or clashed with. A clash indicates being harmed by an enemy, a conquest indicates incompatibility, and punishment indicates being at odds. The term "imperial decree" refers to the "Parents" line. The hexagram must not lack this line. It is most favorable when it is prosperous and supports the "World Line." If it is not afflicted byInauspicious Sha (evil influences), it is auspicious. If it is punished or clashed with, its root is not correct, and if the "Great Loss" is added, it will cost a lot of money. If the heavenly stem and the month builder are prosperous, it is mostly an imperial decree. If it is only the nobleman and the official's luck and horse are in the same direction, it is just an edict. Even if there are auspicious spirits but they are scattered and not in power, it is only a low-level official or clerk. A clash with the world line is ominous, while generating the world line is auspicious. As long as it does not fall into the empty and lost positions, even though it is arduous and costly, it will eventually succeed.

印綬旺則職守彌高，官鬼衰則聲名卑小。父母官鬼乃占官之根本，缺一則事難成。二者若逢生旺，必然官職高大；若值休囚，只是卑小職分。若父母強旺而官鬼無氣，職雖平等，身居鎮靜冷淡衙門，無威耀權柄。若遇進神，聲名益大；如逢退神，必減前任政聲。此舉大綱，後仿此推之。欲知品秩，無倦推詳。以上兩節只言大體，精妙之理具陳於後。

The text says: When the official's seal (parents) is strong, the official's position becomes higher; when the official ghost is weak, the reputation becomes small. The original note explains: Parents and official ghost are the fundamentals in divining official positions. If one is missing, the matter will be difficult to achieve. If both are born and strong, the official position will certainly be high and great; if they are in a state of weakness and confinement, the official position will only be of a low rank. If the parents are strong and the official ghost is weak, the official rank may be equal to others, but the person will only be in a quiet and cold official office, without prestige or authority. If encountering the advancing god, the reputation will gradually increase; if encountering the retreating god, the previous reputation will certainly be reduced. The examples given here are only the general principles, and all subsequent matters should be deduced in the same way. The text also says: To know the rank and position, one should not be tired of detailed analysis. The original note explains: The above two sections only discuss the general aspects, while the subtle principles are stated in the following parts.

祿馬扶身，萬里風雲際會。十干五行，譬之人生一世，幼壯老死也。於長生為學堂：甲乙生亥，丙丁生寅，戊己壬癸生申，庚辛生巳，皆學堂，喻人之幼而學也。祿者：以旺為祿。則甲祿在寅之類，在臨官、帝旺之處，喻人之長而食祿也。馬者：驛馬。如寅午戌馬居申，謂之驛馬。若臨身世，或臨官鬼父母，及動來生扶身世，乃大吉，唾手成名之象，大忌空亡與刑害也。

The text says: "The 'Lushu' (Welfare) and 'Yi Ma' (Post Horse) supporting the hexagram body signify an opportunity for a meeting of clouds and winds over ten thousand miles." The original annotation explains: the ten heavenly stems and the five elements are like a person's life, with a sequence of childhood, youth, maturity, and old age. The position of "Changsheng" (Growth) is called "Xuetang" (Academy): for Jia and Yi, their birth is in Hai; for Bing and Ding, it is in Yin; for Wu and Ji, as well as Ren and Gui, it is in Shen; for Geng and Xin, it is in Si. These are all academies, symbolizing a person's youth and studying. What is called "Lushu" is based on prosperity, such as Jia's Lushu being in Yin, and so on. These all fall in the positions of "Lin Guan" (Officialdom) and "Di Wang" (Prosperity), symbolizing a person's maturity and receiving welfare. As for "Ma" (Horse), it refers to the Post Horse. For example, the horse of Yin-Wu-Xu falls in Shen, thus it is called the Post Horse. If the Post Horse is present on the hexagram body, the world line, or on the "Guan Gui" (Official Ghost) and "Fu Mu" (Parents), or if it is activated to support the hexagram body and the world line, it is a great fortune, indicating an easy attainment of official rank. The most unfavorable situation is when the Post Horse falls in an empty position or is subjected to punishment and harm.

貴人持世，九天雨露承恩。貴人有二：有天乙貴人，有福星貴人。宜旺相，怕刑沖。若臨官鬼及文書，主官職高遷，必登相位。福貴持世，主人有福德，一生見險無虞，臨凶無咎也。青龍動則事業易成，朱雀空而文書難就。青龍者：吉慶福德之喜神。其動有三，年建青龍、月建青龍、日建青龍。若見發動，必加官進祿。與天馬並立，自有升騰進益之喜。不宜落空，必主虛喜，若得興隆，事事稱心，吉無不利。朱雀：占官之用爻，宜旺不宜衰，若見空亡，文書必難成就，或被刑剋，文書必遭傷壞。

The text says: When the Nobleman is in charge, it is like receiving the grace of the heavenly rain and dew. The original note explains: There are two types of Nobleman, one is the "Heavenly Ethical Nobleman," and the other is the "Favor Star Nobleman," both of which are favorable when prosperous and strong, but should avoid punishment and clash. If they are accompanied by the "Official Ghost" and the document line, it indicates a high rise in official position, surely reaching the position of prime minister. When the Favor Star Nobleman is in charge, it indicates that the person has fortune and virtue, and throughout life, when encountering danger, there is no worry, and when facing misfortune, there is no blame. The text also says: When the Azure Dragon is activated, career achievements are easily attained; when the Vermilion Bird is empty, official documents are difficult to complete. The original note explains: The Azure Dragon is a joyful deity associated with good fortune and virtue. Its activation has three types—Azure Dragon of the year, Azure Dragon of the month, and Azure Dragon of the day. If it is activated, it certainly brings promotion and increased salary. If it is combined with the Heavenly Horse, there will be joy and advancement. The Azure Dragon should not be empty; if it is empty, it will result in empty joy. If it is prosperous and strong, then everything will go smoothly and all things will be auspicious. The Vermilion Bird is the official document line, and it is also favorable when prosperous and strong, not when declining. If it is empty, official documents will certainly be difficult to complete; if it is punished or harmed, official documents will be damaged.

子孫發動，縱然在任也休官；子孫乃剝官之神，若發動，雖在任所，亦當休致，其求仕者，不必言也。劫殺交重，當見承恩方損己。劫殺見神殺章內。劫殺者，五行混濁之神。又云：陰氣尤毒者，謂之殺也。占者遇之，皆非吉兆。若官鬼臨之發動，必因官損命。

The essay says: When the "Children" line moves, even if one is still in office, he will be dismissed. The original commentary explains: "Children" is the god who removes official positions; once it moves, even if one is still in office, he should resign; as for those who are seeking official positions, it is even more certain. The essay also says: When "劫杀" (劫杀) and "重" (heavy) both move, one is at the time of receiving favor but must sacrifice oneself. The original commentary explains: The principle of "劫杀" is discussed in the chapter on divine killings. "劫杀" is the god of confused Five Phases; there is another saying that among the Yin forces, the most poisonous is called "杀" (kill). When a diviner encounters it, it is not a good omen; if "官鬼" (official ghost) is connected with "劫杀" and moves, it will certainly result in loss of life due to official duties.

妻財持世，誥牒豈得如心？兄弟扶身，俸祿安能稱意？凡占官，文書克我則吉，我克文書則凶。妻財持世克文書，縱使成就，文辭亦不如意。兄弟為剋剝之神，俸資必非厚也。父化父，文書不實；官化官，事體翻騰。父母為文書。父化父，文書虛而不實也。官化官，事體翻騰反覆也。

The text says: "When 'Wealth' holds the world, how can official documents and decrees be satisfactory? When 'Siblings' support the body, how can salary be fulfilling?" The original note explains: In divination concerning officials, if documents come to afflict me, it is auspicious; if I afflict the documents, it is inauspicious. When 'Wealth' holds the world and afflicts the documents, even if the matter is completed, the wording of the decree will not be satisfactory. 'Siblings' are the gods of cutting and stripping; salary will certainly not be abundant. The text also says: "When 'Parents' transform into 'Parents', the documents are not genuine; when 'Official Ghost' transforms into 'Official Ghost', the matter becomes complicated." The original note explains: 'Parents' represent documents. If 'Parents' transform into 'Parents', the documents are not genuine. If 'Official Ghost' transforms into 'Official Ghost', the matter becomes complicated and uncertain.

卦中兩父兩官，必是鴛鴦求仕。卦中遇之，必有兩意，幹事此失彼得之兆，此乃鴛鴦求仕。若前鬼旺而後鬼空，只宜守舊，不可改謀；前鬼衰而後鬼旺，宜舍舊圖新；前後皆旺，所求遂意。爻上月德月建，須逢獬豸為冠。月德、月建，皆清正之吉神，諸殺莫敢仰視。若見加臨貴人，扶持官鬼及世爻，必非州縣之官，乃風憲之職。更看日下衰旺，便可斷其擢官赴任。此又不忌凶殺，逢殺則威風凜凜。動止驚人，操權轟烈。

The treatise says: If a hexagram contains two sets of parents and two sets of official ghosts, it is certainly "swan couple seeking office," meaning seeking office in two places at once. The original note explains: When a hexagram encounters this situation, a person seeking official position must have dual intentions, and there will be signs of losing in one place and gaining in another. This is called "swan couple seeking office." If the first official ghost is strong and the second is empty, it is only suitable to remain in the current position and not to seek new opportunities; if the first official ghost is weak and the second is strong, then it is advisable to abandon the old and seek the new; if both are strong, then all desired outcomes will be achieved. The treatise also says: If a line carries "Monthly Virtue" and "Month Builder," it should be regarded as wearing the horned hat of the judicial official. The original note explains: Monthly Virtue and Month Builder are both upright and auspicious deities; all evil forces dare not look up to them. If they are combined with noblemen, supporting the official ghosts and the world line, the official position must not be a local government post dealing with the people, but rather a judicial position responsible for investigating and punishing crimes. Then, by observing the strength and weakness of the day branch, one can determine when the person will be promoted and take office. This pattern does not fear evil forces; encountering them actually enhances authority, creates a striking impression, and demonstrates powerful control.

太歲動則在任有除，劫殺空則逢凶無咎。太歲，地殺之主宰，諸神不敢當。若值青龍、月建，加臨父官發動，雖見居任所，又當升擢美職也。若加劫殺，則當貶謫。如落空亡，逢凶無咎。鬼爻持世，應知到任把權；印綬扶身，必定臨庭掌案。鬼爻持世，印綬扶身，卦之主宰。若見用爻加臨，定主到任把權，臨庭掌案也。

The essay states: When the Sovereign Year (Tai Su) is activated, those in office may receive new appointments; if the劫杀 (plundering death) falls into the empty (wasteland), even encountering misfortune will not result in blame. The original commentary explains: The Sovereign Year is the master of all earthly killings; no gods dare to oppose it. If the Sovereign Year is associated with the Azure Dragon (Qing Long) and the Month Builder (Yue Jian), and also combines with the Parents (Fu Mu) and Official Ghost (Guan Gui), then even if a person remains in their original position, they will be promoted to a good position; if it combines with the plundering death, then they will be demoted; if the plundering death falls into the wasteland, then even encountering misfortune will not bring calamity. The essay also states: When the Official Ghost line holds the world (Shi), it indicates that upon taking office, one can take charge; when the seal (imperial mandate) (Fu Mu) supports the body, it certainly means that one will be in charge of the court and handle cases. The original commentary explains: When the Official Ghost holds the world and the seal supports the body, both are the main elements of the hexagram; if another useful line is added, it certainly indicates that upon taking office, one will hold power and manage court affairs.

卦無父母，終無所任之邦；爻隱妻財，未得養廉之俸。父母為任所之地，若不出現或落空，恐無所任之處。妻財隱伏及落空，養廉之俸未足也。一世二世任所非遙，五世八純仕途遠涉。一、二、三世在內卦，故曰非遙；四、五、八純在外卦，故曰遠涉也。要識宦情好惡，須憑卦象推詳。假如隔手來占，要知本官為人，及形貌性情，但將鬼爻論之。看在何宮，論其形體並六獸之形貌性情，瞭然可見。奧義開列於後。

The essay states: If the "Parents" are not present in the hexagram, there will ultimately be no place to take office; if the "Wealth" is hidden within the lines, one will not receive the salary for integrity. The original commentary explains: "Parents" represent the place of employment; if they are absent or empty, there may be no place to go. If "Wealth" is hidden and empty, the salary for integrity will be insufficient. The essay further states: If the hexagram is of the first or second generation, the place of office is not far away; if it is of the fifth generation or a pure hexagram, the career path will require traveling to distant places. The original commentary explains: For the first, second, and third generations, the "World Line" is within the inner trigram, so the place is not far; for the fourth, fifth generations, and pure hexagrams, the "World Line" is in the outer trigram, so the journey is long. The essay further states: To understand the good or bad situation in the officialdom, one must rely on the hexagram for analysis. The original commentary explains: If someone else is asking about an official, to know the official's character, appearance, and temperament, one should examine the "Official Ghost" line. Determine which palace it falls into, then analyze its form, combined with the forms and temperaments of the Six Beasts, and it will become clear. The deeper meaning is explained later.

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

The text says: When the World Line is in the Li hexagram, the person has prominent eyes, is intelligent but impetuous; when the Hexagram Body is in the Qian hexagram, the person has a round and square face, is upright and benevolent. The original commentary explains: Li belongs to fire and represents the eyes, Qian belongs to metal and represents the head; each takes the image and virtue of its hexagram. The text also says: Metal hexagram lines represent military officials who hold the power of life and death; Fire hexagram lines represent scholars who explore the origins of rites and rituals. The original commentary explains: Metal has the meaning of decision and control, so it is taken as representing military officials; Fire is the image of civilization, so it is certainly associated with scholarly occupations.

卜筮元龜云：抑身扶世求官得，天驛相生允不刻，更逢鬼旺詎相疑，二月坤之升卦是。占人問道是何時，答曰扶鬼以為期，鬼值火時應急速，如臨水日事將遲。官鬼空亡及沖破，世應俱值尤難擬，官爻帶殺克身凶，縱得官而復返止。假定正月損之臨，上九寅爻帶殺陰，舉此一爻為定例，何須更用久沉吟。

The Book of Divination and Prophecy says: If the forbidden god is restrained and the world line is supported within the hexagram, one can obtain official position; if "Heavenly Joy" and "Post Horse" are in mutual generation with the world line, success will naturally come without the need for prolonged waiting. If "Official Ghost" is prosperous and strong, obtaining official position is certain, for example, if one divines the hexagram of Earth transforming into Ascending in the second lunar month. If someone asks when the result will occur, the answer is: take the day when the official ghost is supported as the time. If the official ghost is associated with fire, the result will come quickly; if it is associated with water, the matter will be delayed. If the official ghost falls into emptiness or is broken by a conflicting element, both the world and response lines will be similarly affected, making success even more difficult. If the official element bringsInauspicious Sha (malevolent killing) to attack the world line, it is a bad omen; even if one obtains official position, it will be cut short. Suppose in the first lunar month one divines the hexagram of Loss transforming into Overcoming, with the ninth line of寅 wood carrying阴杀 (yin killing), take this line as the example, and proceed similarly for the rest. There is no need to hesitate for a long time.

占何年何月得官云：欲知得官年月期，有爻持鬼即為時，如無扶取官生旺，旺相疾速休囚遲。先看本宮旺為正，震則春分餘可並。占遷官云：凡占遷官日月期，如得純乾，日月為寅，戌土持世，官鬼爻午火生旺，斷正月、五月得無疑。

The Book of Divination and Prophecy discusses "divining the year and month of obtaining an official position" by stating that to determine the year and month when one will obtain an official position, one should look at which line in the hexagram holds the "Official Ghost." The earthly branch of that line indicates the corresponding time. If there is no line that generates or supports the Official Ghost, then one should take the time when the Official Ghost is being generated or is prosperous and strong. When the Official Ghost is prosperous and strong, it comes quickly; when it is weak and confined, it comes slowly. First, examine the hexagram's own palace's qi to determine the time of prosperity. For example, the Zhen palace is prosperous after the spring equinox, and the other palaces can be similarly determined. It also discusses "divining a transfer to a higher position," stating that when divining the day and month for a transfer, for instance, if one draws a pure Qian hexagram, and the day and month are in the寅 (Yin) position, with the戌 (Xu) earth holding the world line, and the Official Ghost, which is the午 (Wu) fire, being generated and prosperous, then one can conclude that the transfer will occur in the first lunar month and the fifth lunar month, without doubt.

占加官云：凡占加官看兩鬼，一鬼來持卦身耳，太歲鬼並基閣加，月建鬼並外基矣。占官高卑及何方赴任云：欲知善惡與卑高，卦看生旺定分豪，旺相名高官且貴，休囚位劣更徒勞。一二三世言咫尺，四五六世千里驛，問道注為何處官，鬼爻在乾西北客。占官得替否云：若無鬼爻官得替，亦復得去無留滯，子爻發動亦如之，財動必言依此計。

The Book of Divination and Prophecy discusses "divination of promotion to office" saying: When divining about promotion and advancement in rank, one should look at the two instances of "Official Ghost" in the hexagram. Only when one of these instances is governing the hexagram body does it count. If the year stem and the Official Ghost are both present, the person may be promoted to a position among the court's close ministers. If the month builder and the Official Ghost are both present, the promotion will be to an office in an outer post. It also discusses "divining the high or low rank of an official and the direction of appointment" saying: To know the quality of the post and the level of the position, one should look at the prosperity and strength of the hexagram's energy. If it is prosperous and strong, the official will be of high rank and esteemed. If it is weak and confined, the position will be low and the appointment will be in vain. The first, second, and third generations of the hexagram indicate the post is near at hand. The fourth, fifth, and sixth generations indicate a distant journey. If one asks where the official post is assigned, one should look at the palace where the Official Ghost is located. If the Official Ghost is in the Heaven palace, the person will be appointed to the northwest. It also discusses "divining whether an official position will be replaced" saying: If there is no Official Ghost line in the hexagram, the current official position will be replaced, and the person will leave office smoothly without any hindrance. The "Children" line moving also follows this judgment, as does the "Wealth" line moving.

占現任官得多少時云：子動克官官位失，發財印亡憂祿秩，欲知失位多少時，退度在二三月日。占居官有疾病否云：凡卦變為囚死鄉，居官身病至衰亡，無氣帶殺終有禍，更值空亡必有喪。鬼動若逢休廢地，此身退位終無位，胎沒並之世自微，更加刑殺為衰耳。占求官任所有無雲：父母之爻為誥牒，任官之處是其財，財落空亡無任所，空持誥牒意徘徊。父母被危誥身破，財爻被破任官危，歲月之沖須重說，日辰之克可輕掛。占居官安否云：世宮為官應為民，主首監臨世是身，若有子爻來克鬼，在位彷徨憂退位。旺相相生六位安，居官無事吏民歡，財動必憂亡失位，休囚墓殺細推看。

The "卜筮元龟" discusses "divining how long an official can hold office" and says: when the "children" line moves to overcome the "official ghost" line, the official position is lost; when the "wealth" line moves and the "parents" line (which represents the official documents) is lost, there is worry about losing salary and rank. To determine when the loss occurs, one should look at the two or three months and days according to the retreat of the hexagram's energy. It also discusses "divining if an official has illness" and says: whenever the hexagram changes into the "captivity" or "death" territory, the official will have illness, even leading to decline or death; if the world line lacks energy and is accompanied by harmful influences, there will be misfortune; if it also meets the empty situation, there will certainly be mourning. When the "official ghost" line moves and falls into a place of decline or abandonment, the person will definitely lose their position after retirement; if the hexagram's energy meets the "womb" or "burial" and is accompanied by the world line, the world line will naturally be weak, and if further afflicted by punishments and harmful influences, it will be even worse. It also discusses "divining whether an official can be appointed to a position" and says: the "parents" line represents the official documents, and the place of appointment is determined by the "wealth" line. If the wealth line falls into the empty situation, there will be no position, and one will hold only a paper document, with no clear destination. If the parents line is harmed, the official documents will be broken; if the wealth line is attacked, the place of appointment will be in danger. The weight of the heavenly stem and the month builder's attack is greater, while the day branch's attack can be considered less significant. It also discusses "divining the safety of an official's position" and says: the world line's native hexagram represents the official, the responding line represents the people, the parents line represents the main supervisor, and the month's hexagram body represents oneself. If the children line overcomes the official ghost line, the official in position will be anxious and uncertain, worrying about being dismissed. If the hexagram lines are prosperous and strong, and the six positions are peaceful, the official will have no problems, and the officials and people will be happy; if the wealth line moves, there will be worry about losing the official position; if it meets the state of decline, is buried, or is accompanied by harmful influences, one must carefully examine further.

洞林秘訣云：驛馬龍德與青龍，最旺加遷祿位榮，飛伏六爻宜細取，須知四直用心攻。更須印綬並諸德，生旺值時必顯通，昔日道明剝之晉，癸酉無期丙子逢。鬼爻旺相無刑剋，若遇扶持高顯得，殺神世動克官凶，虛費身心求不獲。太歲求官常赴詔，若在宮來臺省力，太歲官爻九五並，或然持世有威聲。

The Secret Manual of the Cave says: When the Post Horse, Dragon Virtue, and Azure Dragon are most prosperous, they indicate promotion, higher office, and honor. The relationship between the Flying God, Hidden God, and the six lines must be carefully considered, especially focusing on the four straight lines of year, month, day, and hour. Additionally, if there is an official seal (parents) and various virtuous deities, and they are in a prosperous and strong state at the right time, one's future will certainly be prosperous and smooth. Previously, when the divination showed the hexagram of Progress from Decay, there was no sign in the year and month of Guiyou, but it was confirmed in Bingzi. If the Official Ghost line is prosperous and strong without being harmed or restrained, and if it is further supported, the official position will be high and prominent; however, if a killing god and the World Line move to restrain the Official Ghost, it will be dangerous, leading to wasted effort and failure to achieve success. If the sovereign year supports the official line, it indicates being summoned to take office. If the sovereign year is located in the palace corresponding to the government offices, it can also receive the power of recommendation. If the sovereign year and the Official Ghost line are both at the Nine in the Fifth position, or both hold the World Line, the person will have great fame and authority.

更得印綬相符合，聖人常掛記君名，官爻在內作所近，在外須還遠地差。太歲官並爻入內，或居九五步金階，求官官鬼是官科，子動求官節節嗟。父母發時為印綬，財爻發動破官科，空亡入鬼憂空返，劫殺逢官奈失何。殺在官中來克世，人因官鬼損身多，官臨旺相高山嶺，位入休囚淺水河。印綬臨龍飛上位，求之速得不蹉跎。

The Secret Essentials of the Cave Forest continues to say: If the official ghost爻 coincides with the parents (印绶) and they are in harmony, then the emperor often remembers your name. If the official ghost爻 is in the inner trigram, the position is near; if it is in the outer trigram, the assignment will be to a distant place. If the year stem and the official ghost爻 are combined into one爻 and fall within the inner trigram, or if they occupy the nine in the fifth position, one can ascend to the golden steps and meet the emperor. For seeking an official position, the official ghost爻 is the useful god, known as the official system. If the children爻 moves to attack the official ghost爻, seeking an official position will bring continuous sighs. If the parents爻 moves, it indicates the seal is strong; if the wealth爻 moves to attack the parents, it disrupts the official system documents. If the official ghost爻 falls into the empty, there is worry of returning empty-handed. If the劫杀 is present with the official ghost爻, the official position is lost and there is nothing to be done. IfInauspicious Sha is hidden within the official ghost爻 and attacks the world line爻, people often suffer damage to their bodies even after obtaining an official position. If the official爻 is prosperous and strong, the position is like a high mountain; if the official爻 is weak and confined, the position is like shallow water in a small river. If the seal is accompanied by the azure dragon and flies to the upper position, seeking an official position will be quickly achieved, without wasting time.

官爻有氣，遇升印卦，利武職，昇陽卦，利文官。官鬼爻和印綬相生相扶，即得地也。如殺神和世爻動克鬼，空勞枉返不遂意也。太歲動扶官，主赴詔。太歲在九五與官爻並，或者持世，此人威名顯赫。更得印綬相輔，主君王時常記掛此人。火珠林云：要官鬼有氣旺相，並印綬不帶空亡，印綬者父母爻也。忌子孫發動，並父母與官鬼落空也。

The original commentary says: When the official ghost爻 has vitality and meets the rising official seal, it is favorable for military officials; if the rising is on a yang trigram, it is favorable for civil officials. When the official ghost爻 and the official seal互相 generate and support each other, it is called "getting the right place." If the killing god and the world line爻 move to attack the official ghost爻, then it is in vain, with much toil and repeated efforts, ultimately without success. If the year ruler moves and supports the official爻, it indicates being summoned by imperial decree to take office. If the year ruler is in the nine fifth position and shares the same trigram as the official爻, or both hold the world line, the person is renowned and powerful; if further supported by the official seal, the sovereign often thinks of him. The Forest of Fire Pearls says: When seeking official positions, the official ghost should have vitality and be prosperous, while the official seal should not be empty. The official seal refers to the parents爻. The most忌 is the children爻 moving, as well as both parents and official ghost falling into emptiness.