Fetal and Birth Divination

遊南子曰，占胎產者，始焉占其孕之有無，既焉占其孕之男女，既焉占其孕之生期，與夫臨盆之吉凶而已。鬼谷分爻：公姑、收生、夫身、看生、胞胎、產母。初臨鬼母災，空則母損。二臨鬼子災，空則胎墮。三臨鬼難生，空則無人看生。四臨鬼，損夫，空則背爹落地。五臨鬼，化婆有力，空則無人收生。六臨鬼，損公姑，空則不見公姑也。

Younanzi said: Divination regarding pregnancy and childbirth involves first determining whether the woman is pregnant, then determining the gender of the fetus, then the date of delivery, and finally the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of the time of birth. The "Ghost Valley Division of Lines" assigns the six lines from top to bottom as follows: the top line represents the grandparents, the fifth line represents the midwife, the fourth line represents the husband himself, the third line represents the person attending to the woman in labor, the second line represents the fetus, and the first line represents the woman giving birth. If the first line is occupied by "Official Ghost," the woman giving birth will suffer misfortune; if the first line is empty, the woman will suffer loss. If the second line is occupied by "Official Ghost," the fetus will suffer misfortune; if the second line is empty, the fetus will miscarry. If the third line is occupied by "Official Ghost," the delivery will be difficult; if the third line is empty, there will be no one to attend to the woman in labor. If the fourth line is occupied by "Official Ghost," the husband will suffer injury; if the fourth line is empty, the father will not be present when the child is born. If the fifth line is occupied by "Official Ghost," the midwife will be competent and effective; if the fifth line is empty, there will be no one to assist with the birth. If the top line is occupied by "Official Ghost," the grandparents will suffer injury; if the top line is empty, the child will not meet the grandparents.

凡占俱以子孫為用。惟子占母孕者，以兄弟為用也。用爻出現，或用爻與二爻，帶龍喜旺相者有也。胎爻出現者有也。（子孫屬水土，午為胎爻。子孫屬金，卯為胎爻。子孫屬木，酉為胎爻。子孫屬火，子為胎爻。）卦得大畜與渙者有也。用爻胎爻不上卦，與逢空絕者無也。二爻與胎爻帶鬼者，母懷胎而有病。帶鬼而又逢日辰動爻，刑害克破者，不足月而墮胎也。

If the subject is a woman asking about pregnancy, the "Children" line is used as the useful god; only when a son is asking about his mother's pregnancy is the "Siblings" line used as the useful god. If the useful god appears in the hexagram, or if the useful god and the second line carry "Azure Dragon" and "Heavenly Joy" and are prosperous and strong, it indicates pregnancy. If the "Fetus" line appears in the hexagram, it also indicates pregnancy. (Original note: If the "Children" line is of the water or earth element, then the "Fetus" line is the horse (午); if the "Children" line is of the metal element, then the "Fetus" line is the rabbit (卯); if the "Children" line is of the wood element, then the "Fetus" line is the rooster (酉); if the "Children" line is of the fire element, then the "Fetus" line is the rat (子).) If the hexagram is "Great Accumulation" or "Dispersal," it also indicates pregnancy. If neither the useful god nor the "Fetus" line is in the upper trigram, or if they fall into the empty and fallen position or the dead position, there is no pregnancy. If the second line and the "Fetus" line are occupied by the "Official Ghost," it indicates the mother has a disease while carrying the fetus. If the second line and the "Fetus" line are occupied by the "Official Ghost" and are also harmed or attacked by the day branch or the moving line, the fetus will be delivered prematurely.

龍福空，而二爻胎爻動者，或福喜空，而虎鬼臨二爻胎爻動者墮胎也。虎臨二爻胎爻動者，漏胎也。子爻二爻胎爻動化刑害克破空者，墮胎也。子空動者，胎損也。子爻二爻胎爻，逢沖暗動者，曾轉胎也。卦六合者，月足胎全也。卦六沖者，月前小產也。勾土旺臨二爻胎爻者，孕彰露也。龍動合二爻胎爻者，孕隱藏也。欲知小產之期，待虎動龍空日，或沖動子爻三爻，胎爻之日也。或父官臨值之時，或子孫遇空敗死絕之時也。

The terms "Azure Dragon" and "Children" both falling into vacancy, with the second line or "fetus" line activated; or "Children" and "Heavenly Joy" both falling into vacancy, with "White Tiger" and "Official Ghost" sitting on the second line or "fetus" line and activated: both indicate miscarriage. If only "White Tiger" sits on the second line or "fetus" line and is activated, it indicates bleeding and possible miscarriage. If the "Children" line, second line, or "fetus" line is activated and transforms into punishment, harm, or destruction, it indicates miscarriage. If "Children" line is empty and activated, it indicates damage to the fetus. If the "Children" line, second line, or "fetus" line is conflicted and moves covertly, it indicates the fetus has shifted position. If the hexagram is "Six Harmony," the fetus will develop fully by the due date; if the hexagram is "Six Clashes," miscarriage will occur before the due date. If "Gou Chen" earth line is strong and sits on the second line or "fetus" line, it indicates the pregnancy has become evident. If "Azure Dragon" activates to join the second line or "fetus" line, it indicates the pregnancy is still hidden. To determine the date of miscarriage, wait for the day "White Tiger" activates and "Azure Dragon" falls into vacancy, or the day the "Children" line, third line, or "fetus" line is conflicted. Alternatively, take the time when "Parents" or "Official Ghost" are in charge, or when "Children" meets vacancy, bathing, death, or decline.

受胎之月日，但看卦中子孫爻，與化出子孫之動爻。若子孫爻衰者，則取子孫長生，月日受孕。如子孫爻屬水土，則申月戊申日受孕之類。子孫爻旺者，則取子孫胎月胎日受孕。如子孫爻屬水土，則午月或午日受孕之類。如卦無子孫，而動爻化出子孫者，則取動爻月日受孕。如金動化福，則申酉月日受孕之類。又凡占安胎者，但取子孫生旺臨值之日，則制鬼安財也，或生合胎爻之日安也。

To calculate the month and day of conception, focus only on the "Children" line in the hexagram and the moving line that transforms into the "Children" line. If the "Children" line is weak, use the month and day of its "Growth" as the time of conception—for example, if the "Children" line belongs to water or earth and its "Growth" is in the month of Shen, then conception occurs in the month of Shen or on the day of Wu Shen. If the "Children" line is strong and prosperous, use the month and day of its "Embryo" as the time of conception—for example, if the "Children" line belongs to water or earth and its "Embryo" is in the month of Wu, then conception occurs in the month of Wu or on the day of Wu. If the hexagram originally does not contain the "Children" line but a moving line transforms into the "Children" line, then use the month and day corresponding to that moving line as the time of conception—for example, if a metal line moves and transforms into the "Children" line, then conception occurs in the month of Shen or You or on the day of Shen or You. In all cases of predicting a safe pregnancy, only take the day when the "Children" line is strong and flourishing, as on that day the "Children" line can control the "Official Ghost" and stabilize the "Wealth," ensuring a secure pregnancy. Alternatively, take the day that harmonizes with the "Embryo" line, and the pregnancy will also be secure.

先取子孫動變之爻斷之。變爻屬陽為男，陰為女。變卦為陽生男，陰生女也。如卦有兩子旺動，一變陽宮陽爻，一變陰宮陰爻，則斷為雙生，一男一女也。內陽外陰，先兄後妹。內陰外陽，先姐後弟。如變為二陽，則兩男。二陰，則兩女也。如子孫安靜者，則取大象陰陽相包者斷之。如天澤履卦，乃陽包陰生女也。雷地豫卦，乃陰包陽，生男也。

To determine the gender of a fetus, first take the "Children" line that becomes active and the line it transforms into. If the changing line is yang, it indicates a male; if it is yin, it indicates a female. If the transformed hexagram is yang, it indicates a male; if it is yin, it indicates a female. If there are two "Children" lines that are both prosperous and active, one transforming into a yang line in a yang palace and the other into a yin line in a yin palace, then it is a case of twins, one male and one female. If the inner trigram is yang and the outer trigram is yin, the male is born first, followed by the female; if the inner trigram is yin and the outer trigram is yang, the female is born first, followed by the male. If both transform into yang lines, then both are males; if both transform into yin lines, then both are females. If the "Children" line is quiet and not active, then refer to the overall yin and yang encompassing trend of the entire hexagram. For example, in the hexagram "Heaven and Earth in the Footsteps" (Lv), the upper and lower trigrams are yang with yin in the middle, indicating yang encompassing yin, which suggests a female. In the hexagram "Thunder over Earth" (Yu), the upper and lower trigrams are yin with yang in the middle, indicating yin encompassing yang, which suggests a male.

如陰陽不相包者，後取子孫爻斷之。陽男，陰女也。若卦又無子孫者，則取伏卦子孫之陰陽斷之。如伏卦又無子孫者，方取互卦大象之子孫，隨陰陽而斷其男女。若互卦大象，又不見子孫，此孕必為虛喜也。卦得八純旺相，及胎爻兩見而有氣者，俱雙生也。

If the yin and yang of the entire hexagram do not form a surrounding image, then take the "Children" line itself to interpret: "Children" belonging to yang indicates a male child, while "Children" belonging to yin indicates a female child. If there is no "Children" line in the hexagram, then take the "Children" from the hidden god (伏神) to determine the gender; if there is no "Children" in the hidden god either, then take the "Children" from the nuclear hexagram (互卦) and judge the gender based on its yin and yang. If even the nuclear hexagram does not show "Children," then this pregnancy is certainly a false hope and not a real pregnancy. If a pure hexagram is obtained and it is prosperous and strong, or if the "Twin" line appears twice and both have vitality, it indicates twins.

遠則取胎爻遇空之旬生也，如卦無胎爻者，則於二爻取之。近則取沖龍沖虎沖胎爻之日，或兄弟臨值之日生也。子孫居內卦旺動者，則世爻胎養之日生。衰動則子孫長生之日生。卦無子孫而伏下見子孫者，則子孫臨值之日生。子孫居空墓者，逢沖之日生。子孫逢絕者長生之日生。又胎爻屬勾土者，過月方生。值武水者，不出月而生也。

To determine the time of childbirth, if the day is still far away, take the ten days when the 'Twin' line falls into an empty period as the delivery date. If the 'Twin' line is not present in the hexagram, use the second line instead. If the day is near, take the day that conflicts with the 'Azure Dragon', the 'White Tiger', or the 'Twin' line, or the day when the 'Siblings' line is active as the delivery date. If the 'Children' line is in the inner trigram and is prosperous and strong, deliver on the day of the 'Twin' or 'Nourishment' of the 'World Line'. If the 'Children' line is weak but active, deliver on the day of its 'Growth'. If the 'Children' line is not present in the hexagram but is hidden in the hidden god, deliver on the day when the 'Children' line is active. If the 'Children' line is in an empty period or in a tomb, deliver on the day it is conflicted. If the 'Children' line is in a dead period, deliver on the day of its 'Growth'. Additionally, if the 'Twin' line belongs to 'Gou Chen' earth, the child will be born after this month. If the 'Twin' line is associated with 'Xuan Wu' water, the child will be born within this month.

世為母，應為子。世生應，子吉，應生世，母吉。世克應，子凶，應克世，母凶。世應比和，母子俱吉也。世應俱空者，母子皆全。世動應空者，虛喜。世空應動者，即生。內卦乾兌坎離者，順生。（乾首兌口坎耳離目。）內卦坤震巽者，逆生。（坤腹艮指震足巽股。）太歲臨兄弟，加暗金殺動者，母災。太歲臨父母，加陰殺動者，兒災。財子動，而父兄發來刑害者，母子俱危。

To divinate the ease or difficulty of childbirth, the World Line represents the mother and the Response Line represents the child. If the World Line generates the Response Line, the child is auspicious; if the Response Line generates the World Line, the mother is auspicious; if the World Line overcomes the Response Line, the child is inauspicious; if the Response Line overcomes the World Line, the mother is inauspicious. If the World and Response Lines share the same Five Phases, both mother and child are auspicious. If both the World and Response Lines are vacant, it indicates that both mother and child will be safe. If the World Line is active and the Response Line is vacant, it is a false joy; if the World Line is vacant and the Response Line is active, the child will be born immediately. If the Inner Trigram is one of Heaven, Lake, Water, or Fire, it indicates a normal delivery (note: Heaven represents the head, Lake represents the mouth, Water represents the ears, and Fire represents the eyes, all located above). If the Inner Trigram is Earth, Thunder, or Wind, it indicates a breech delivery (note: Earth represents the abdomen, Mountain represents the fingers, Thunder represents the feet, and Wind represents the thighs, all located below). If the Year Master is occupied by Siblings and the Hidden Metal Evil Spirit is active, the mother will suffer misfortune. If the Year Master is occupied by Parents and the Yin Evil Spirit is active, the child will suffer misfortune. If both Wife Wealth and Children are active, and Parents and Siblings also come to harm them, both mother and child will be in danger.

財子帶陰殺動，胎難出。財子死絕，而月日動爻來生扶者，將危有救。子爻胎爻俱動，而父鬼動來合住者，難產。虎空者難產。胎爻值鬼，加陰殺飛廉大殺動者，難產。財動化鬼空墓絕者，母死。子動化鬼空墓絕者，子死。胎爻不見，而子值空墓絕者，胎裡死。鬼化子者，母去子留。財化子者，易生。子動者易生。鬼動者胎易落。父兄逢空死墓絕胎敗，與受刑害克破者，產必無處。龍虎臨財子動者，易產。蛇加陰殺動，玄臨身世，加浴盆殺動者，難產。又玄臨財動者，胎冷稽遲也。

The 'Wealth' and 'Children' lines are accompanied by 'Yin Sha' and become active, indicating difficulty in childbirth. If the 'Wealth' and 'Children' lines are in a dead or绝 position, but receive support from the Month Builder, Day Branch, or a moving line, they may still be saved despite the danger. If both the 'Children' line and the 'Twin' line are active, but are restrained by the 'Parents' and 'Official Ghost' lines, it indicates a difficult delivery. If the 'White Tiger' is in an empty position, it also indicates a difficult delivery. If the 'Twin' line is occupied by the 'Official Ghost' and is further activated by 'Yin Sha', 'Fei Lian', and 'Great Sha', it also indicates a difficult delivery. If the 'Wealth' line becomes active and transforms into the 'Official Ghost' and falls into an empty, buried, or绝 position, the mother dies. If the 'Children' line becomes active and transforms into the 'Official Ghost' and falls into an empty, buried, or绝 position, the fetus dies. If the 'Twin' line is not present in the hexagram and the 'Children' line is in an empty, buried, or绝 position, it indicates a stillborn fetus. If the 'Official Ghost' transforms into the 'Children' line, it indicates the mother's death but the child's survival. If the 'Wealth' line transforms into the 'Children' line, it indicates an easy delivery. If the 'Children' line is active, it also indicates an easy delivery. If the 'Official Ghost' is active, it indicates a higher chance of miscarriage. If the 'Parents' or 'Siblings' lines are in empty, dead, buried,绝, twin, or failed positions, or are subjected to punishment, harm, or destruction, there will be no place to settle during childbirth. If the 'Azure Dragon' or 'White Tiger' sit on the 'Wealth' or 'Children' lines and become active, delivery is easy. If the 'Teng She' is combined with 'Yin Sha' and becomes active, or if the 'Xuan Wu' sits on the hexagram body or world line and is combined with 'Yu Pen Sha', it indicates a difficult delivery. Additionally, if the 'Xuan Wu' sits on the 'Wealth' line and becomes active, it indicates cold fetal energy and a slow delivery process.

應爻財爻為用。應爻財爻生世生身生初爻二爻子爻胎爻者，可用。刑沖剋害世身初爻二爻胎爻子爻，不可用也。臨空墓死絕胎者無能，受刑害克沖者，招怨也。

When divining the quality of a midwife, the "Response Line" and the "Wealth" line are used as the useful gods. If the "Response Line" and the "Wealth" line can generate the "World Line," the "Hexagram Body," the first line, the second line, the "Children" line, and the "Fetus" line, then this person is suitable. Conversely, if the "Response Line" and the "Wealth" line punish, clash, control, or harm the "World Line," the "Hexagram Body," the first line, the second line, the "Fetus" line, and the "Children" line, then this person is not suitable. If the "Response Line" and the "Wealth" line fall in the void, tomb, death, extinction, or fetus position, this person lacks ability. If they are further punished, harmed, controlled, or clashed with, using her will bring about complaints and resentment.

應爻財爻為用。應爻財爻生合世身子孫者，可用。刑害克沖身世子孫者，不可用也。臨金水旺動者，乳多。衰靜者，乳少。卦無金水，及金水空絕者，無乳也。應持父動者，不善護恤嬰兒也。應爻持鬼伏鬼化鬼或財爻伏鬼化鬼者，必多災病。

Divination for a wet nurse uses the Response Line and the Wealth Line as the Useful Gods. If the Response Line and Wealth Line can generate and harmonise with the World Line, Hexagram Body, and Children Line, then this person is suitable. If the Response Line and Wealth Line suffer punishment, harm, or are overcome and conflicting with the Hexagram Body, World Line, and Children Line, then this person is unsuitable. If the Response Line and Wealth Line are located on Metal or Water Lines that are prosperous and active, then the milk supply is abundant. If they are weak and inactive, then the milk supply is scarce. If the hexagram lacks Metal or Water Lines, or if the Metal and Water Lines are in empty, lost, or dying states, then there is no milk at all. If the Response Line is occupied by the Parents Line and is active, then this person is not good at caring for and comforting infants. If the Response Line is occupied by the Official Ghost, has the Official Ghost hidden within it, or transforms into the Official Ghost, or if the Wealth Line has the Official Ghost hidden within it or transforms into the Official Ghost, then the child will surely suffer many illnesses.

持雀鬼動，易惹是非。持蛇鬼動，兒多驚嚇。持勾鬼動兒防跌撲。持虎鬼動，兒常哭泣。持龍鬼動，乳哺無節，寒燠不調。持武鬼動，防其偷竊。武加咸池合世，與主私通。武加咸池動來刑剋克破世者，因與私而墮其計也。應持兄動，耗損必多。又福動化財者，食乳粗，兒易養也。

The Response Line is occupied by the Vermilion Bird and Official Ghost, indicating that the wet nurse is likely to cause disputes and quarrels. If the Response Line is occupied by theTeng Snake (Teng Sha) and Official Ghost, the child is prone to fright. If the Response Line is occupied by the Gou Chen and Official Ghost, there is a risk of the child falling or getting injured. If the Response Line is occupied by the White Tiger and Official Ghost, the child often cries. If the Response Line is occupied by the Azure Dragon and Official Ghost, the wet nurse may not regulate feeding properly and may neglect the child's warmth and comfort. If the Response Line is occupied by the Black Tortoise and Official Ghost, there is a risk of theft by the wet nurse. If the Black Tortoise and Salty Pool combine and connect with the World Line, it indicates that the wet nurse is having an affair with the male master. If the Black Tortoise and Salty Pool combine and attack or conflict with the World Line, it suggests that the master is deceived by this affair and suffers as a result. If the Response Line is occupied by the Siblings and activates, there will be significant expenses and losses in the household. If the Children activate and transform into Wealth, it indicates that the child is not particular about food and is easy to raise.

以官鬼為用。鬼不上卦，與鬼化死墓絕胎空，及被刑害克破者，皆不出也。若鬼雖衰死受傷，而化出生旺，無鬼而月建臨官，鬼靜而日當生旺，與火鬼加蛇旺動者，皆出也。欲知出痘疹之期，以官鬼生旺之年月日斷之。欲知痘疹之稀密，但鬼衰子旺，與子持身世者必稀朗。鬼旺子衰，與鬼持身世者，必稠密。父動者重，兄動者輕。福臨空死墓絕胎，與受刑害克沖者，命必難保也。

Divination for the outbreak of measles uses the 'Official Ghost' line as the useful god. If the 'Official Ghost' is not present in the hexagram, or if it transforms into death, tomb, extinction, fetal, or empty position, or is subjected to punishment, harm, defeat, or destruction, then measles will not appear. If the 'Official Ghost' is weak, dead, or injured but transforms into a thriving line; or if there is no 'Official Ghost' in the hexagram but the month builder is exactly the 'Official Ghost'; or if the 'Official Ghost' is quiet but the day branch is in its thriving position; or if the fire 'Official Ghost' is combined with the 'Teng Snake' and is thriving and active: these are the main indicators of measles. To determine the time of the outbreak, refer to the year, month, and day when the 'Official Ghost' is thriving. To determine the density of the measles, if the 'Official Ghost' is weak and the 'Children' are strong, or if the 'Children' hold the hexagram body or the world line, the measles will be sparse and clear. If the 'Official Ghost' is strong and the 'Children' are weak, or if the 'Official Ghost' holds the hexagram body or the world line, the measles will be dense. If the 'Parents' are activated, the illness will be severe. If the 'Siblings' are activated, the illness will be mild. If the 'Children' are in empty, death, tomb, extinction, or fetal positions and are also subjected to punishment, harm, defeat, or conflict, the child's life is certainly in danger.

問子有無，以胎爻福爻為用。有胎無福者虛孕，有福無胎者螟蛉。胎福俱無者無子，胎福俱全者有子。福德上卦者有子，伏藏衰靜者遲招。出現旺動者早得，子旺則胎養之年有，子衰則兄弟臨值之年有。子衰而又化空死墓絕者，雖有子而不育也。世爻空者男子精氣衰弱，宜醫便也。應爻空者，妻之命不招兒，宜納妾也。世應不空而子孫空絕者，乃命中無子，難強求也。

When divining about the possibility of having children in the future, the 'Twin' (胎) line and the 'Children' (子孙) line, which also represents fortune and virtue, are used as the useful gods. If there is only the 'Twin' line but not the 'Children' line, it indicates a false pregnancy. If there is only the 'Children' line but not the 'Twin' line, it suggests adopting a child. If neither the 'Twin' nor the 'Children' line is present, it means there will be no children by fate. If both lines are present, it indicates that children are destined. If the 'Children' line is in the upper trigram, it indicates the presence of children. If the 'Children' line is hidden and weak and quiet, children will be born later. If the 'Children' line appears and is strong and active, children will be born earlier. If the 'Children' line is strong and prosperous, children will be born during its fetal and nurturing years. If the 'Children' line is weak, children will be born during the year when the 'Siblings' line is active. If the 'Children' line is weak and changes into the void, death, tomb, or decline, although children may be born, they will not grow up. If the world line falls into the void, it indicates the man's vital energy is weak, and he should seek treatment early. If the response line falls into the void, it indicates the wife's fate does not bring children, and it is advisable to take a concubine to seek offspring. If both the world and response lines are not in the void, but the 'Children' line falls into the void and reaches the decline, it means there will be no children by fate, and it is difficult to force the matter.

遊南子曰，弟承師訓，不可無資，師道尊嚴，所尚在學。賓主貴乎投合，訓導期於盡心，而後可計其終歲之損益也。若夫舌耕有覓館，得失難憑。手藝者投師，授受有數，亦師弟之附占也。

Youshanzi said: Disciples receiving instruction from their teachers cannot fail to provide some form of payment; the way of teaching is esteemed for its dignity, and what is valued is learning. The master and the pupil should be in harmony, and teaching should be done with wholehearted effort, only then can one consider the gains and losses of the year. As for those who teach for a living, seeking out places to teach, whether they succeed or not is uncertain; and those who learn a craft by seeking a master, the amount they receive is determined by fate: these two situations are considered secondary matters in the relationship between teacher and pupil.

以子孫為用。子孫加龍者聰俊，加雀者智慧，加勾者魯愚，加蛇者虛浮，加虎者頑劣，加武者佻達。八純卦逢子動者，心不專。六合卦，值子靜者志必篤。游魂卦而子加馬動者，必好閒遊。歸魂卦而子馬加動者，常戀家室也。子加病符或伏鬼，化鬼者，多災病。子入墓胎者，書懶讀。子入陽宮陽爻者聰敏。入陰宮陰爻者痴蠢也。

Divining the talent of a child, the 'Children' line is used as the useful god. If the 'Children' line is accompanied by the 'Azure Dragon', the child is intelligent and handsome; if accompanied by the 'Vermilion Bird', the child is quick-witted and intelligent; if accompanied by the 'Gou Chen', the child is dull and foolish; if accompanied by the 'Teng She', the child is superficial and not sincere; if accompanied by the 'White Tiger', the child is mischievous and hard to control; if accompanied by the 'Black Tortoise', the child is frivolous and unrestrained. If the 'Children' line is active in a pure hexagram, the mind is not focused; if the 'Children' line is quiet in the 'Six Harmony' hexagram, the will is certainly firm. If in a wandering soul hexagram the 'Children' line is accompanied by the 'Post Horse' and is active, the child will certainly like to wander outside; if in a returning soul hexagram the 'Children' line is accompanied by the 'Post Horse' and is active, the child will often miss home and not want to go out. If the 'Children' line is combined with the 'Disease Symbol', or is hidden under the 'Official Ghost' line or transforms into the 'Official Ghost', there will be many troubles and illnesses. If the 'Children' line falls into the grave or the fetal position, the child is lazy in studying. If the 'Children' line falls on a yang line in a yang palace, the child is intelligent and quick; if it falls on a yin line in a yin palace, the child is dull and foolish.

以應爻為用。父母為文學，應爻生旺，帶龍喜德貴者，名師。臨死墓絕胎，受刑害克破者，庸師。應臨歲月日破，與隨官入墓者，非災即訟。應持父雀生旺，不犯刑傷者，制藝精妙也。應入乾坤離三卦者，八斗之才也。又應入乾剛果嚴肅也。入坤含容有度也。入震好動易怒也。入坎信實有成也。入艮沉靜謙卑也。入巽心毒無恆也。入離虛驚明哲也。入兌講習和易也。應持鬼動譎詐也。父動，苛刻也。子動和易也。兄動，貪黷妄。財動，閱文不恕也。應生合子孫，師紏弟去。子孫生合應，弟出從師也。問專何經，父屬金春秋。土易，木詩，水書，火禮記也。

To determine the quality of a tutor, use the response line as the useful god, and the "parents" line to represent knowledge and writings. If the response line is strong and prosperous, and also carries "Azure Dragon," "Heavenly Joy," "Heavenly Virtue," and "Nobleman," then this is a master teacher. If the response line is in a dead, buried, extinct, or fetal state, and is further punished, harmed, or attacked, then this is a mediocre teacher. If the response line is attacked by the year's breaking, month's breaking, or day's breaking, or if it joins the "official ghost" line into a burial, then this person is either in disaster or involved in litigation. If the response line is supported by "parents" and "Vermilion Bird" and is strong and prosperous, and does not suffer from punishment or damage, then this person's eight-part essay is exquisite. If the response line falls in the trigrams of "Heaven," "Earth," and "Fire," then this person is a man of great talent. Further, according to the eight trigrams, if the response line falls in "Heaven," the person is strong-willed, decisive, and serious; if it falls in "Earth," the person is tolerant and measured; if it falls in "Thunder," the person is active and easily angered; if it falls in "Water," the person is honest, sincere, and achieves success; if it falls in "Mountain," the person is calm and humble; if it falls in "Wind," the person is heartless and lacks perseverance; if it falls in "Fire," the person is outwardly showy but internally intelligent; if it falls in "Lake," the person enjoys discussion and is easygoing. If the response line is occupied by "official ghost" and moves, the person is cunning and deceitful; if it is occupied by "parents" and moves, the person is strict in teaching; if it is occupied by "children" and moves, the person is easygoing and approachable; if it is occupied by "siblings" and moves, the person is greedy for wealth and reckless; if it is occupied by "wealth" and moves, the person is strict in reviewing writings and unwilling to be lenient. If the response line generates and harmonizes with "children," it means the teacher actively seeks out students; if "children" generates and harmonizes with the response line, it means the student goes to seek the teacher. To determine which classic the teacher specializes in, look at the five elements of the "parents" line: if it is metal, it represents the "Spring and Autumn Annals"; if it is earth, it represents the "I Ching"; if it is wood, it represents the "Book of Poetry"; if it is water, it represents the "Book of Documents"; if it is fire, it represents the "Rites of Zhou."

世為己應為師。世應生合比和者，賓主相得。刑沖剋害者，彼此猜嫌。世空，則主慢師應空，則師嫉主。世應俱動，兩家心變。世應俱空，兩情恝然。六沖者彼此無緣。六合者始終如一。合化沖者，有初鮮終。沖化合者，始離後合。游魂應動，師朝東而幕西。歸魂應動，師晨定而昏省也。

To divinate the relationship between the east house and the west scholar, use the world line to represent the east house and the response line to represent the teacher. If the world and response lines are mutually generating, harmonious, or in the same five phases, it indicates a harmonious relationship. If the world and response lines are in conflict, clash, or control each other, it suggests mutual suspicion and dislike. If the world line is empty, it indicates the east house is neglectful of the teacher. If the response line is empty, it indicates the teacher resents the east house. If both the world and response lines are active, both parties will change their minds. If both are empty, both will be indifferent. If the hexagram indicates six clashes, it suggests they have no compatibility. If it indicates six harmonies, it suggests a consistent relationship. If the primary hexagram is harmonious but the resulting hexagram is in conflict, the relationship will start well but end badly. If the primary hexagram is in conflict but the resulting hexagram is harmonious, the relationship will start with distance but eventually become harmonious. If the hexagram is a wandering soul hexagram and the response line is active, the teacher is inconsistent, moving from east to west, and restless. If the hexagram is a returning soul hexagram and the response line is active, the teacher is devoted, attending to family matters in the morning and evening.

世為己，應為東主。父為書館，子為生徒。財為東修，鬼為薦人。兄為謀奪之人。世爻應爻父爻空絕者，無館。父值墓胎，無好館。財空墓絕胎者，修薄。子空墓絕胎者，徒少。鬼空墓絕胎者，無薦人。兄空墓絕胎者，無謀奪人也。游魂卦，宜別圖。歸魂卦，宜仍舊。六沖卦無館，六合卦有館。合逢沖者，被人破。合變沖者，初尤而終拒也。

The teacher is divining whether he can find a place to teach. The World Line represents himself, the Response Line represents the landlord, the "Parents" line represents the school, the "Children" line represents the students, the "Wealth" line represents the tuition, the "Official Ghost" line represents the person who recommends him, and the "Siblings" line represents those who come to take the position. If the World Line, Response Line, and "Parents" line are in empty, dead, or lost positions, there will be no place to teach. If the "Parents" line is in the grave or fetal position, the school will not be good. If the "Wealth" line is in empty, grave, dead, or fetal position, the tuition will be small. If the "Children" line is in empty, grave, dead, or fetal position, there will be few students. If the "Official Ghost" line is in empty, grave, dead, or fetal position, there will be no recommendation. If the "Siblings" line is in empty, grave, dead, or fetal position, there will be no competition. If the divination is a wandering hexagram, it is better to look for another place. If it is a returning hexagram, it is better to stay in the original place. A hexagram of six clashes indicates no place, while a hexagram of six harmony indicates a place. If the original harmony is broken by the day branch, it means the plan is ruined. If the original harmony turns into a clash in the changing hexagram, it means the relationship starts friendly but ends with being dismissed.

官加貴三合世應者，貴人薦也。兄動克世者，有人爭奪。財動化兄者，薦人分脩。世動化鬼者，凂人轉薦。鬼動化兄者，先索謝儀。子合逢沖者，從聚復散。子衰得助者，徒少後增也。欲知關約之來，以父母為用也。卦無父者，死值之日來。父母旺，則合日來。父母衰，則生旺日來。父母空墓，逢沖之日來。又父母生世合世之日，亦可成關得關也。

The "Official Ghost" is accompanied by the "Nobleman" and forms a Triple Harmony with the World and Response Lines, indicating that a person of high status is recommending someone. The "Siblings" move to overcome the World Line, suggesting that someone is competing for the position. The "Wealth" moves to transform into "Siblings," meaning the person who recommended will take a share of the tuition. The World Line moves to transform into "Official Ghost," indicating that the person is asking others to recommend them indirectly. When "Official Ghost" moves to transform into "Siblings," it means the recommender will first ask for a reward. The "Children" originally form a harmonious relationship but encounter a conflict, indicating that students will first gather and then disperse. When "Children" are weak but receive support, it means the number of students will first be small and then increase. To determine when the engagement contract (agreement) will be sent, use the "Parents" as the Useful God: if there is no "Parents" in the hexagram, it will be sent on the day when the "Parents" are in their dead position; if the "Parents" are prosperous and strong, it will be sent on the day they harmonize with another; if the "Parents" are weak, it will be sent on the day they are revitalized; if the "Parents" are empty or buried, it will be sent on the day of conflict. Additionally, the days when the "Parents" generate the World Line or harmonize with the World Line can also be used to negotiate the agreement and obtain the engagement contract.

儒釋道之師，以父母為用。百工之師，以兄弟為用。又俱以應爻為師，世爻為己。世空破者，己意更變。用爻應爻空破者，師不傳授。旺相生合世，必獲其傳。刑害克破世，難精其業。卦值六沖，彼此不盡其心。卦逢六合，授受相成其美也。

Divination for seeking a master: When seeking a teacher from the schools of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, use the "Parents" line as the useful god; when seeking a master of a craft or skill, use the "Siblings" line as the useful god. In all other cases, use the Response line to represent the teacher and the World line to represent oneself. If the World line is empty or broken, it indicates that one's own mind may change. If the useful god and the Response line are empty or broken, it suggests the teacher is unwilling to teach. If the useful god and the Response line are prosperous and strong and generate and harmonize with the World line, one will certainly receive the true transmission. If there is punishment, harm, or defeat of the World line, it indicates difficulty in mastering the skill. If the divination shows a Six Clashes hexagram, master and apprentice are both unwilling to devote themselves fully. If it shows a Six Harmony hexagram, then both teacher and apprentice will benefit mutually and each will gain what they desire.

遊南子曰，凡應童子試，及科舉者，俱以父母為用。父母乃文章，官鬼則試官也。但父母旺相，得官鬼動來生合之，或得四值生合之，或月建合官，生身世爻，或三傳值文書，加雷火殺臨身世爻，決然高掇。縱財子動，亦無害。或父母空亡，得旺用動生官爻或子動化官生世父者，俱許中選。

Younanzi said: In all cases of taking the examination for children or the imperial examination, the 'Parents' line is used as the useful god. 'Parents' represent the writings, while 'Official Ghost' represents the examiner. If the 'Parents' line is prosperous and strong, and the 'Official Ghost' line moves to generate and harmonize with it, or if the heavenly stem, month builder, day branch, and hour all generate and harmonize with it, or if the month builder and 'Official Ghost' line harmonize to generate the hexagram body and world line, or if the heavenly stem, month builder, and day branch form the three transmissions and correspond to the line of documents, and the 'Thunder Fire Evil' is located on the hexagram body and world line, then one will certainly pass the examination. In such a situation, even if the 'Wealth' and 'Children' lines move, it will not cause harm. Alternatively, if the 'Parents' line falls into emptiness but there is a prosperous and strong useful god moving to generate the 'Official Ghost' line, or if the 'Children' line moves and turns into the 'Official Ghost' line to generate the 'Parents' line on the world line, these situations are also considered favorable.

最忌父官衰空刑害克破，或身世爻臨兄子財動。兄動主雷同，子動為剝官殺，財動為阻滯神，有制不妨。歲月持福德動者，決不取。身世臨二耗動者，多費資財。若身世犯三刑劫殺，或刑劫動克身世者，必求榮得辱也。又曰，占小試者，一看分官之吉凶，二推命題之難易，三觀文字之優劣，四察衡文之愉慍，五定名次之高下而已。因而推之鄉試，會試，殿試，武試，何獨不然。

The most undesirable situation is when "Parents" and "Official Ghost" are weak and empty, and also suffer from punishment, harm, or being overcome. If "World Line" and "Hexagram Body" are occupied by "Siblings," "Children," and "Wealth" and these lines move, it is problematic. If "Siblings" move, it indicates similarity in writings; if "Children" move, it is aInauspicious Sha that deprives the official star; if "Wealth" moves, it indicates obstruction. If there is another controlling god for these three, it is not a problem. If the "Year Master" and "Month Builder" are occupied by "Children" (Fortune Virtue) and move, it is certain to be rejected. If "Hexagram Body" and "World Line" are occupied by "Great Loss" and "Minor Loss" and move, it indicates excessive expenditure of money. If "Hexagram Body" and "World Line" are involved in the "Three Punishments," "Robbery Sha," or if there are lines with punishment and robbery that overcome "Hexagram Body" and "World Line," then seeking honor will result in disgrace. Yu Nanzi also said: When divining for a small examination, there are basically five aspects: first, examine the fortune and misfortune of each line's subject; second, assess the difficulty of the questions; third, evaluate one's own writing quality; fourth, observe the examiner's preference for the writing; fifth, determine the ranking. By analogy, this applies to the local examination, the metropolitan examination, the palace examination, and the military examination as well.

鬼谷分爻：考場、搜檢；試官、覆試；謄錄、道考；三篇、府考；二篇、縣考；一篇。分官看何爻，刑害克沖身世，又看何爻，受四直動爻刑害克沖，即知此處虞，不慊意也。若分爻生扶身世，而又旺相無傷者，便是得意處也。

The Ghost Valley Divination method divides the six lines of the hexagram to correspond to different sections of an examination. From top to bottom, the lines are paired as follows: the top line represents the examination hall and also oversees the inspection process; the fifth line represents the examiners and also oversees the re-examination; the fourth line represents the copying of papers and also oversees the imperial examination (the examination conducted by the local government official); the third line represents the third essay and also oversees the prefectural examination; the second line represents the second essay and also oversees the county examination; and the first line represents the first essay. When analyzing the lines, first determine which line is in conflict, harm, or is in opposition to the hexagram body and the world line. Then check which line is affected by the heavenly stem of the year, the month builder, the day branch, the hour, and the moving line through conflict, harm, or opposition. This will indicate where there may be errors or dissatisfaction. Conversely, if a particular line supports the hexagram body and the world line, and is strong and unharmed, then that section will be satisfactory and successful.

以父母為用。父伏墓下，未嘗經目之題。父伏空下向雖講究，今已忘之。父伏兄下，枯澀題。父伏子下，小巧題。父伏父下，旺則連章，衰則巧搭照應題。父伏財下，枯窘棘手題，或不完篇。父旺相出現，冠冕大題。父合世，做過題也。

To examine the question, take the 'Parents' line as the useful god. If the 'Parents' line is hidden under the墓爻 (grave), the question is one that has never been seen before. If it is hidden under the 空亡 (void), the question is one that was studied before but has now been forgotten. If it is hidden under the 'Siblings' line, the question is dry and uninteresting. If it is hidden under the 'Children' line, the question is small and flexible. If it is hidden under the 'Parents' line, when it is prosperous and strong, it is a long, continuous question; when it is weak, it is a question that is cleverly paired and well connected. If it is hidden under the 'Wealth' line, the question is difficult and awkward, and may even be impossible to finish. If the 'Parents' line is prosperous and strong and appears in the hexagram, it is a grand and proper question. If the 'Parents' line combines with the world line, it is an old question that has been done before.

以父母為用。父旺，加龍喜，佳文得旨。父衰加虎殺，文失旨。父化父，文多雜犯。父化鬼，意思未奇。父沖父，題目生踈。父克月日，主文不喜。父合月日，稱主司意。父入巳文藻麗典則，衰則鄙俚無收拾。父入午文筆剛勁捷速，多用典故。衰則美中多暇，前緊後馳。父入申文快利，有氣勢，衰則多滯句。父入酉文筆矯勁，運局周匝，衰則浮蔓無斷制。

Evaluating one's own writing, the "Parents"爻 is taken as the useful god. If "Parents" is prosperous and strong, and also accompanied by "Azure Dragon" and "Heavenly Joy," it is an excellent composition that hits the topic precisely. If "Parents" is weak and accompanied by "White Tiger," a凶煞, then the article misses the main point. If "Parents" transforms into another "Parents," there are many repetitions in the text. If "Parents" transforms into "Official Ghost," the idea is not sufficiently novel. If "Parents" is in conflict with itself, the topic is unfamiliar. If "Parents" overcomes the Month Builder and Day Branch, the examiner will not like the article. If "Parents" harmonizes with the Month Builder and Day Branch, it is exactly what the examiner desires. Now, looking at the style according to the Earthly Branches: if "Parents" is in巳, the writing is ornate and elegant, with proper style; if weak, it is vulgar and crude, with poor control. If in午, the writing is strong and vigorous, with quick strokes, and often uses allusions; if weak, it has some flaws, with a tight beginning and a loose ending. If in申, the writing is clear and sharp, with a strong style; if weak, there are many awkward sentences. If in酉, the writing is strong and well-structured; if weak, it is superficial and lacks editing.

父入寅文雍和雅緻，衰則葛藤。父入卯文爽愷而氣雄銳，衰則散漫無紀。父入子文清真不靡，衰則氾濫不根。父入亥文圓轉深沉，多穎句逸緻，衰則意織詞險。父入辰戌文氣古樸堅勁。父入丑未文致淹雅浩落，衰則拙鈍重實而已。雀加火父動化水，文防點汙。父帶玄咸動，受刑害沖剋者，文必塗抹。月日克父，違式不錄。大象父爻世爻三空，卷必遺失。父空絕者，或遞白卷。父衰而得日辰動爻變爻，帶官貴來生合者，須求情而得名也。

The "Parents" in the寅 position indicate a refined and elegant style of writing, but when weak, the text becomes entangled like vines; in the卯 position, the writing is bright and vigorous, but when weak, it becomes scattered and disorganized; in the子 position, the writing is pure and sincere without being superficial, but when weak, it becomes excessive and rootless; in the亥 position, the writing is smooth and profound, often containing brilliant and graceful expressions, but when weak, the meaning becomes overly intricate and the wording tends to be strange and obscure; in the辰 and 戌 positions, the writing is ancient and strong; in the丑 and 未 positions, the writing is profound and unrestrained, but when weak, it is merely clumsy and heavy. If the "Al雀" is combined with a fire "Parents" line that moves and transforms into a water line, be cautious of ink stains on the paper. If the "Parents" line is accompanied by the "Black Tortoise" and "Salty Pool" and is affected by punishments, clashes, or conflicts, the manuscript will surely have alterations. If the "Month Builder" and "Day Branch" conflict with the "Parents," the writing violates the standard and will not be accepted. If the overall hexagram, the "Parents" line, and the "World Line" are all empty, the manuscript is definitely lost. If the "Parents" line is empty and in a dead position, it may even result in an empty paper. Even if the "Parents" line is weak, if it is supported by the "Day Branch," moving line, or transformed line with the "Official Ghost" and "Nobleman" to generate and harmonize, then one must rely on personal connections to pass.

月建為督學，取四時巡環之象。日建為府縣官，取朝旦臨民之象。遇生合世身者，入彀。刑沖剋害者，孫山。父旺官衰者，見遺。父衰官旺者，姑取。

The imagery in the divination chart for the examiner: The Month Builder represents the chief academic officer, symbolizing his rotating inspection of different regions according to the four seasons. The Day Branch represents the county magistrates, symbolizing their daily morning presence among the people. If these two elements generate and harmonize with the World Line and the Hexagram Body, the candidate will be successfully selected. If they clash, punish, or harm the World Line and Hexagram Body, the candidate will fail. When the Parents (representing the article) are strong and the Official Ghost (representing the examiner) is weak, the article is good but overlooked. When the Parents are weak and the Official Ghost is strong, the article is ordinary but still accepted by the examiner.

父官並旺，或加四直臨身世者，名必高。父臨月建，官值日建者，批首。世父生旺，帶貴馬德祿龍喜，居五爻者批首。二爻第二，六爻第三，三爻第四，四爻第五，初爻第六。（出穿壬透易。）父官兩旺，生持身世，財又旺靜，兄弟不動者，必補糧。若兄動財空者，只二等。父官相氣無傷者，二等。

When both "Parents" and "Official Ghost" are strong, or when they are combined with the year stem, month stem, day stem, and hour stem, and appear on the Hexagram Body or World Line, the person's rank is definitely high. If "Parents" are exactly at the month stem and "Official Ghost" are exactly at the day stem, they are considered the top candidate. If "Parents" on the World Line are strong and accompanied by "Nobleman," "Post Horse," "Heavenly Virtue," "Wealth God," "Azure Dragon," and "Heavenly Joy," and are located at the fifth line, they are the top candidate; at the second line, they are second; at the sixth line, third; at the third line, fourth; and at the fourth line, fifth; if at the first line, sixth. (Original note: This method is from "Chuan Ren Tou Yi.") If both "Parents" and "Official Ghost" are strong and support the Hexagram Body and World Line, and "Wealth" is also strong and quiet, while "Siblings" are not active, they will certainly qualify for a place in the廪膳生 (a type of official scholarship). If "Siblings" are active and "Wealth" is absent, they can only be ranked second. If "Parents" and "Official Ghost" are in a favorable state without damage, they are also ranked second.

父衰逢沖剋，得鬼動生合，在子水爻者，三等。（子為海水三等為入海也。）月建克身，木官刑世在二爻者四等。（三爻為臀木刑為責。）世持子動，化鬼生身者，其禍減半，故為青衣。（五等。）若世父被傷，身宮又化空死墓絕，月日又持財子者，六等。

The parents are weak and suffer from clash and control, but are fortunate to have the official ghost activate to generate and harmonise, especially when it falls on the zi water line. This is classified as third rank. (Original note: zi represents sea water, third rank is called 'entering the sea'.) When the month builder controls the hexagram body, and the wooden line official ghost is on the second line and clashes with the world line, it is classified as fourth rank. (Original note: the third line represents the buttocks, the clash of the wooden line indicates being beaten with a rod.) If the world line has the children sitting on it and activates, but transforms into the official ghost to generate the hexagram body, the disaster is reduced by half, so it is only classified as fifth rank. (Original note: fifth rank is called 'qingyi'.) If the parents on the world line are injured, the hexagram body's palace also transforms into emptiness, death, burial, or decline, and the day branch and month builder have the wealth and children sitting on them, then it is classified as sixth rank.

其他名次，以世上納甲取之。甲己子午九，乙庚丑未八，丙辛寅申七，丁卯壬酉六，戊癸辰戌五，巳亥常加四。世動則合變卦納甲取之，或占時四直，有與世同干支者，亦合取之，積算至幾十幾名是也。此斷一二四等法也。若三等旺則看世上支神。以一水二火三木四金五土斷之。相則以世上納甲之干支取之，休則取干支而倍之。如一十三，作二十六是也。囚死則取干支而進之，如一十進一百，三進三十是也。（出前知集。）又凡雀喜臨門戶爻動者，（三爻門四爻戶，）捷音即至也。

The specific rankings are determined by the stem and branch of the world line using the Najia method. Jia and Ji paired with Zi and Wu are counted as nine, Yi and Geng paired with Chou and Wei are counted as eight, Bing and Xin paired with Yin and Shen are counted as seven, Ding and Ren paired with Mao and You are counted as six, Wu and Gui paired with Chen and Xu are counted as five, and Si and Hai are counted as four. If the world line moves, the resulting hexagram's Najia stem and branch are also included in the calculation. Alternatively, if the stem and branch of the year, month, day, or hour in the initial hexagram match the world line's stem and branch, they are also included, and the total is added up to form a number like thirty-two, which indicates the rank. This is the method for determining first, second, and fourth ranks. For third rank, if the world line is strong, look at its branch and assign one for water, two for fire, three for wood, four for metal, and five for earth. If it is in the phase of mutual assistance, use the stem and branch number of the world line's Najia. If it is in the phase of rest, double the stem and branch number, for example, thirteen becomes twenty-six. If it is in the phase of captivity and death, increase the stem and branch number by one, for example, ten becomes one hundred, three becomes thirty. (Original note: This method is from the "Qianzhi Ji.") Additionally, if the "Vermilion Bird" or "Heavenly Joy" is on the gate or door line and moves (original note: the third line is the gate, the fourth line is the door), the news will arrive immediately.

遊南子曰，此亦以文書為主，官鬼為用也。文書遇貴官旺生之者，或祿馬德貴臨月將合官生世者，三傳加官印持身世者，或官印旺動三合身世，或卦無官印，而伏出變出官印臨三傳者，皆中式也。如身世傷官克印，或官印衰，而被刑害克破，或卦有官無印，或財爻兄爻子爻旺動獨發而無制，或三傳臨兄財子，與刑劫臨官印動者，俱不中也。

Youshanzi said: The local examination and the metropolitan examination are mainly based on the "Parents" line, with the "Official Ghost" line as the useful god. If the "Parents" line meets a prominent "Official Ghost" that is prosperous and strong to generate it; or if "Salary", "Post Horse", "Heavenly Virtue", and "Nobleman" are present on the month general and combine with the "Official Ghost" to generate the world line; or if the heavenly stem, month builder, and day branch form the three transmissions, carrying the "Official Ghost" and "Seal" and holding the hexagram body and world line; or if the "Official Ghost" and "Seal" are prosperous and strong and move, combining with the hexagram body and world line to form the triple harmony; or if the hexagram originally lacks the "Official Ghost" and "Seal", but they are revealed by the hidden god or transformed by the moving line, and are exactly on the three transmissions: these all indicate passing the examination. Conversely, if the hexagram body and world line injure the "Official Ghost" or overcome the "Seal"; or if the "Official Ghost" and "Seal" are weak and suffer punishment, harm, overcoming, or destruction; or if the hexagram has the "Official Ghost" but lacks the "Seal"; or if the "Wealth", "Siblings", and "Children" are prosperous and strong and move, with one line alone moving without a controlling god; or if the three transmissions are occupied by the "Siblings", "Wealth", and "Children", or if there are punishments and劫 losses on the "Official Ghost" and "Seal" and they move: these all indicate failure.

世衰伏旺鬼，中後必病。劫殺臨官克世身，中後必死。父官旺相，而逢財子，白虎俱動，或帶白衣殺動者，中後丁憂。官值升陰昇陽之爻，衰而受克者，今科偃蹇，下科必中。官加貴馬，在外卦，他宮六爻動，世上文書生旺者，冒籍外省而中。父母無氣，得日辰旁爻變爻，帶貴馬生父合官者，請託而中也。

The world line is weak while a prosperous and strong official ghost is hidden beneath it; after passing the examination, illness is certain. If the robbery sha is attached to the official ghost and it attacks the hexagram body and the world line, then after passing the examination, death is certain. Although the parents and official ghost are prosperous and strong, if they are simultaneously attacked by wealth, children, and the white tiger, or if they are accompanied by the white robe sha, then after passing the examination, the person will surely suffer the loss of their parents and have to observe mourning. If the official ghost is located on the rising yin or rising yang line, and is itself weak and attacked, then this year's examination will be unsuccessful, but the next year will certainly result in success. If the official ghost is accompanied by the nobleman and post horse and is located in the outer trigram, and another trigram in a different palace is active on the sixth line, while the documents on the world line are strong and prosperous, then it is a case of cheating by registering in another province and passing the examination. If the parents line lacks strength, but is supported by the day branch, adjacent lines, or changing lines bringing the nobleman and post horse to strengthen the parents and harmonize with the official ghost, then it is a case of passing the examination through bribery and influence.

鬼谷分爻：棘闡、終場；主考、試官；房考、監察；三場、同年；二場、伴人；一場、己身。凡分宮帶官印貴馬祿喜龍德，生合身世，而又旺相無傷者，便是吉處。若受四直動爻變爻伏爻刑害克沖，或帶凶神克世身官印爻者，便是疏虞處也。

The "Ghost Valley Divination by Lines" divides the six lines of a hexagram to correspond to different sections of the examination hall, arranging them from top to bottom in two columns. The top line represents the examination hall, and also oversees the final exam. The fifth line represents the chief examiner, and also oversees the other examiners. The fourth line represents the room examiner, and also oversees the censors. The third line represents the third exam, and also oversees the same year's examinees. The second line represents the second exam, and also oversees the accompanying attendants. The first line represents the first exam, which is also the self. If any of these lines carries "Official Ghost," "Seal and Robes," "Nobleman," "Post Horse," "Wealth," "Heavenly Joy," "Azure Dragon," or "Heavenly Virtue," and these lines generate and harmonize with the hexagram body and the world line, and the line itself is prosperous and strong without harm, then that position is auspicious. If it is subjected to punishment and harm from the heavenly stem, month builder, day branch, and hour, or if it is attacked by凶神 (evil spirits) that harm the hexagram body, the world line, and the "Official Ghost" and "Seal and Robes" lines, then that position is likely to have errors or problems.

以歲破爻為試官，取外省憲臣遙對天子之象。又取簾幕貴人為用，如書占得夜貴是也。甲戌庚日見未貴，乙巳日見申貴，丙丁日見酉貴，壬癸日見卯貴，六辛日見寅貴，為簾墓貴人也。凡鄉會試，遇歲破爻，及簾幕貴人爻，生合身世上官印者，必高中。刑害克沖身世官印爻者，不中。身世臨雀父，動克歲破爻，與簾幕官爻者，其文不當主司意。若卦內無此二用者，以分宮四五爻，及官鬼爻為用也。（出畢法賦磨鏡藥二書。）

When divining about the examiners, the 'Year Break' line represents the examiner, symbolizing the remote correspondence between officials in the outer provinces and the Son of Heaven. Another important element is the 'Lanmu Nobleman' as the useful god. The 'Lanmu Nobleman' refers to the night nobleman obtained when the hexagram is cast during the day. The method to determine it is as follows: on days of Jia and Xu, the Sheng line is considered noble; on days of Yi and Si, the Shen line is noble; on days of Bing and Ding, the You line is noble; on days of Ren and Gui, the Mao line is noble; and on days of Xin, the Yin line is noble. These are all called Lanmu Noblemen. For the local and metropolitan examinations, if the 'Year Break' line and the 'Lanmu Nobleman' line generate and harmonize with the 'Official Ghost' and 'Seal' lines on the hexagram body and world line, the examinee will certainly pass. If these lines punish, harm, or conflict with the hexagram body, world line, and the 'Official Ghost' and 'Seal' lines, the examinee will not pass. If the hexagram body and world line are occupied by 'Vermilion Bird' and 'Parents' and these lines move to attack the 'Year Break' line and the 'Official Ghost' line associated with the 'Lanmu Nobleman', then the examinee's essay will not meet the examiner's expectations. If neither of these two useful gods is present in the hexagram, then the fourth and fifth lines along with the 'Official Ghost' line are used as the useful gods. (Original note: This method is from the books "Bifa Fu" and "Mojing Yao".)

父加雀火持世旺相，又得四直生合，更貴馬德合聚於一爻，無刑害克破者，中元也。又丑未二貴，同臨身世者，中魁。丑中有斗，未中有鬼，合而為魁也。酉貴臨身世爻者，中亞魁，以酉為從魁也。其他名次，依小試之法斷之。

The 'Parents' line is combined with the 'Vermilion Bird' and holds the world line. It is itself prosperous and strong, and receives support and harmony from the heavenly stem, month builder, day branch, and hour. Additionally, the 'Nobleman', 'Post Horse', 'Heavenly Virtue', and 'Six Harmony' all gather on this line, and it is not subjected to punishment, harm, or destruction. This indicates a top rank, such as a first place winner. When the two 'Nobleman' positions, namely Chou and Wei, are both present on the hexagram body and world line, it signifies a first place winner, because Chou contains the Southern Dipper and Wei contains the Ghost Mansion, and the combination of the Dipper and Ghost Mansion forms the character 'Kui'. When the 'Nobleman' position at You is present on the hexagram body and world line, it signifies a second place winner, because You is called 'Cong Kui' in the twelve heavenly generals. The other rankings are still determined using the method described in the 'Small Examination Divination'.

廷試主文，以太歲為用，取天子之象。如太歲不上卦，則以五爻為用也。太歲臨扶身世，更官貴祿馬龍喜皇恩聚於一爻，在五位二位者狀元，在三爻六爻者榜眼，在初爻四爻者探花。月建帶諸吉神臨扶世身上官印者二甲。月建帶諸吉神臨扶世上官印者三甲也。其二三甲名次，亦以小試之法推之。畢法賦注曰，德加亥臨身世官貴爻者必登高甲，德者得也，亥為天門。

The chief examiner of the palace examination is the emperor, so the heavenly stem is taken as the useful god, representing the image of the emperor. If the heavenly stem is not present in the hexagram, then the fifth line (the position of the ruler) is used instead. If the heavenly stem is on the hexagram body or the world line and generates and supports it, and if various auspicious spirits such as "official star," "nobleman," "salary," "post horse," "azure dragon," "heavenly joy," and "imperial grace" are all gathered on the same line, then the person who is on the fifth or second line will become the top状元, on the third or sixth line will become the 榜眼, and on the first or fourth line will become the 探花. If the month builder brings various auspicious spirits to the hexagram body or the world line and they generate and support the "official ghost" and "seal of official," then the person will pass the second class. If the month builder brings various auspicious spirits to support only the world line's "official ghost" and "seal of official," then the person will pass the third class. The specific rankings within the second and third classes are also calculated using the method of "small examination divination." The annotations of the "Bi Fa Fu" say: if "heavenly virtue" is on the亥 line and falls on the "official ghost" or "nobleman" of the hexagram body or the world line, the person will certainly pass the imperial examination with high rank. This is because "de" means "to obtain," and 亥 is the heavenly gate.

鬼谷分爻：終場、主考、監察、策論、步射、馬射。鄉場以月建為主考，日建為監察。會場以太歲為主文，歲破為監察。如卦無歲月日爻，則看分宮。又巳為弓，申為箭，午為馬，巳申午爻生旺，無刑害克破者，或帶貴馬財祿龍喜，旺生身世者，馬步兩場決中。又身世帶官貴祿馬，加大殺月殺羊刃白虎旺動者決中。

The "Ghost Valley Divination of Lines" assigns the six lines of the hexagram from top to bottom to various sections of the martial arts examination: the top line represents the final examination, the fifth line represents the chief examiner, the fourth line represents the supervisor, the third line represents the essay, the second line represents the foot shooting, and the first line represents the horse shooting. For the local martial arts examination, the month builder is the chief examiner and the day branch is the supervisor; for the imperial martial arts examination, the heavenly stem of the year is the chief examiner and "year break" is the supervisor. If the hexagram does not contain the lines of the heavenly stem of the year, the month builder, or the day branch, then the six lines of the corresponding palace should be considered instead. Additionally, the line representing巳 is the bow, the line representing申 is the arrow, and the line representing午 is the horse. If the lines of巳, 申, and 午 are prosperous and strong, not subject to punishment, harm, or destruction, or if they are accompanied by "nobleman," "post horse," "wealth," "favor," "azure dragon," or "heavenly joy" and are prosperous and supportive of the hexagram body and world line, then both the horse shooting and foot shooting sections will certainly be passed. If the hexagram body and world line are accompanied by "official star," "nobleman," "favor," "post horse," and further enhanced by "great sha," "month sha," "sheep blade," and "white tiger" in a prosperous and active state, then the examinee will certainly pass the examination—martial men are especially suitable for carrying these strong and fierce deities.

看中箭之法，世為己，應為垛。世應合生者，箭中。世克應者亦中，世合克應午者中紅心。（午為紅心。）世合克應爻，寅申巳亥者中四角。世合克應爻子午卯酉者，中當中。世爻敗死墓絕胎於應爻中者，脫垛也。（申爻亦然。）中數以一水二火三木四金五土，憑世上支神斷之。旺相加倍，休加數，囚死減半也。三場策論，以父母為用，中式與元鬼名次，皆與文舉一例推之。（參六壬磨鏡藥。）

The method of determining whether an arrow hits the target: the World Line represents the archer, and the Response Line represents the target. If the World and Response Lines are in harmony or mutual generation, the arrow hits the target. If the World Line overcomes the Response Line, it also hits the target. If the World Line combines with or overcomes the Response Line and the Response Line is of the branch Wu (午), the arrow hits the red center (original note: Wu represents the red center). If the World Line combines with or overcomes the Response Line and the Response Line is of the branches Yin (寅), Shen (申), Si (巳), or Hai (亥), the arrow hits the four corners of the target. If the Response Line is of the branches Zi (子), Wu (午), Mao (卯), or You (酉), the arrow hits the center. If the World Line falls on the Response Line in a state of failure, death, burial, decline, or infancy, the arrow misses the target and flies away (original note: even if the Response Line is of the branch Shen (申) at the time of Shen, it still misses). The number of arrows that hit is determined by the branch of the World Line: one belongs to water, two to fire, three to wood, four to metal, and five to earth. The strength of the branch is considered: if it is prosperous and strong, it is doubled; if it is in rest, it is counted as is; if it is in captivity or death, it is halved. For the third examination, the "Parents" line is the useful god; whether it passes or the rank of the first place in the examination is calculated in the same way as the literary examination. (original note: refer to the Six Rats method in the "Grind Mirror Medicine.")

遊南子曰官祿之占，其未仕也。占其仕為何官，選在何月，領憑於何日，任所在何方也，其既仕也。占其赴任之吉凶，在任之休咎，升除於何日，替代於何時也。若乃為官之貧廉，與夫為官而失職，而補任，而丁制，而起復，亦官祿之附占也。鬼谷分爻：執政、朝仕、監司、長官、曹官、吏人。但看所占是何官職，各於分爻取用，斷其吉凶也。

Youshanzi said: Divination regarding official rank is divided into two parts. For those who have not yet taken office, it predicts what rank they will hold, which month they will be selected, which day they will receive their official documents, and where their post will be located. For those who have already taken office, it divines the auspiciousness or misfortune on the way to their post, the good or bad fortune during their tenure, the day they will be promoted or appointed, and the time when they will be replaced. As for whether an official is honest or corrupt, or whether they will be dismissed from office, reassigned, or have to observe mourning for a parent, or resume duty after the mourning period, these are all additional questions concerning official rank. The "Ghost Valley Division of Lines" assigns the six lines from top to bottom to different levels of official rank: the top line represents high-ranking officials in charge, the fifth line represents officials in the capital, the fourth line represents supervisors (provincial and circuit officials), the third line represents local governors, the second line represents officials in the ministry and their subordinates, and the first line represents clerks and assistants. One should look at the level of official rank being divined and take the useful god from the corresponding line to judge its auspiciousness or misfortune.