Day to Hour Song

甲己還生甲，乙庚丙作初，丙辛從戊起，丁壬庚子居，戊癸推壬子，此法定無訛。

This is the mnemonic for "Day Stem to Hour" also known as "Five Rats Method," used to determine the heavenly stem and earthly branch of each hour based on the stem of the current day. In a day divided into twelve hours, the first hour is the Zi hour, so all calculations start from the Zi hour. On Jia day and Ji day, the Zi hour is Jiazi; on Yi day and Geng day, the Zi hour is Bingzi; on Bing day and Xin day, the Zi hour is Wuzi; on Ding day and Ren day, the Zi hour is Gengzi; on Wu day and Gui day, the Zi hour is Renzi. Since the starting hour branch is always Zi, which belongs to the rat, it is called "Five Rats Method." Once the Zi hour is determined, the other hours are arranged in order: Chou, Yin, Mao, and so on until Hai hour. The heavenly stems and earthly branches of the twelve hours can then be accurately determined, hence the saying "this method is error-free." The previous section on "Five Unfavorable Hours" required checking the relationship between the hour stem and the day stem, using exactly this method.

寅申須加子，卯酉卻起寅，辰戌龍位上，巳亥午上尋，子午尋申位，丑未戌上親。

This is the mnemonic for "Timing the Azure Dragon," used to determine which of the auspicious or inauspicious deities are in charge of each of the twelve hours. The method starts with the Day Branch of the current day. First, find from which hour the "Azure Dragon" begins: if the Day Branch is寅 or申, the Azure Dragon begins at子时; if it is卯 or酉, it begins at寅时; if it is辰 or戌, it begins at辰时, since辰 in the twelve animals is the Dragon, so the mnemonic says "Dragon position"; if it is巳 or亥, it begins at午时; if it is子 or午, it begins at申时; if it is丑 or未, it begins at戌时. Once the starting point is determined, follow the sequence of the twelve deities listed in the next mnemonic, counting sequentially through each hour, to determine which deity is in charge of each hour, whether auspicious or inauspicious.

青龍明堂與天刑，朱雀金匱天德神，白虎玉堂天牢黑，玄武司命及勾陳。

This passage lists the order of the twelve divine spirits in a clockwise sequence: Qinglong, Mingtang, Tianxing, Zhuque, Jin gui, Tiande, Baihu, Yutang, Tianlao, Xuanwu, Siming, and Gouchen. Among these, the six spirits Qinglong, Mingtang, Jin gui, Tiande, Yutang, and Siming belong to the Yellow Path of auspicious deities. When these spirits are in charge, it is suitable for travel, construction, marriage, taking up a post, and visiting important people. The other six spirits, Tianxing, Zhuque, Baihu, Tianlao, Xuanwu, and Gouchen, belong to the Black Path of inauspicious deities. When these spirits are in charge, they often bring about punishments, disputes, illness, imprisonment, theft, and entanglements, so it is better to remain inactive. After determining the starting time of Qinglong according to the previous rule, following this sequence in order will complete a full cycle of the twelve hours.

如遇冬至、夏至，以甲日換順逆，如甲在冬至前七日，仍依夏至後逆行，冬至後三日亦必逆行，須到第四逢之甲，方用冬至後順行之例，名曰“超神”，謂中氣已到，六甲一旬十日，超過中氣也。如甲子日在冬至前四日，即依冬至後順行，名曰“接氣”，謂中氣未到，六甲旬頭先到，迎接中氣也。

The winter solstice and summer solstice are the turning points where yin and yang change. Whenever these two solstices occur, the Jia day is used as a boundary to switch from the Yin Dunretrograde (reverse movement) to the Yang Dun顺行 (forward movement). For example, if the Jia day falls seven days before the winter solstice, then during this sheng (ten-day period), the Yin Dunretrograde is still used. In the first three days after the winter solstice, since the new Jia day has not yet arrived, the reverse movement is still applied. It is only on the fourth day, when the Jia day occurs, that the Yang Dun顺行 is used after the winter solstice. This situation is called "chao shen" (overtaking the god), meaning that the middle qi (winter solstice) has already arrived, but the beginning of the ten-day period (the Jia day) is still behind, as if the beginning of the period has crossed over the middle qi. Conversely, if the Jiazi day occurs four days before the winter solstice, there is no need to wait until the winter solstice itself; the Yang Dun顺行 is immediately used, which is called "jie qi" (receiving the qi), meaning that the middle qi has not yet arrived, but the beginning of the ten-day period (the Jia day) has already arrived, going ahead to meet the middle qi. The arrangement of the qimen (mysterious gate) uses the solar terms as the main framework and the Jia day as the key element. "Chao shen" and "jie qi" are the methods to adjust the discrepancy between the order of the solar terms and the Jia days.

每見布圖局，看以六十花甲，一日繪一圖局，填注八門九星，陽順陰逆，按圖索之，一目瞭然，未免繁絮，餘在軍營總以二至陰陽二周順逆一百二十圖局，會歸於兩儀之中，按三日移門九星遁甲，陰逆陽順，朱圈別之，魚珠不混，繪圖小折，隨處可佩，所謂短衣匹馬，便捷之至，故附編末聊助同志者便覽雲。

People who commonly arrange the Qimen diagram often create one for each day of the sixty Jiazi cycle, filling in the eight gates and nine stars one by one. For Yang Dun, they arrange them in order, and for Yin Dun, they arrange them in reverse. When using them, they can refer to the diagrams easily, but this method is somewhat cumbersome. In the military, I combined the hundred and twenty diagrams of Yin and Yang, both in their forward and reverse orders, from the winter solstice and summer solstice, into the two categories of Yang Dun and Yin Dun, known as "two principles" or "two instruments." I followed the rule of changing the gates every three days and rotating the nine stars according to the Dun Jia. For Yin Dun, the sequence is reversed, and for Yang Dun, it is in the normal order. I used red ink to mark the differences, so that true and false, main and secondary elements would not be mixed up. I made a small booklet of this, which I could carry with me. As the ancients said, it is like wearing a short coat and riding alone, light and easy to carry. It is extremely convenient, so I included it at the end of the entire book for fellow practitioners to refer to.

天干，甲己九、乙庚八、丙辛七、丁壬六、戊癸五。地支，子午九、丑未八、寅申七、卯酉六、辰戌五、巳亥四。

This is an example of the numerical calculation method used in the "Jin Suo Yu Huan" travel divination technique, traditionally attributed to Pei Du of the Tang Dynasty. Pei Du was granted the title of Prince of Jin, hence referred to as "Pei Jin Gong," although the original text writes it as "Fei." This method first assigns a number to each heavenly stem and earthly branch. For the heavenly stems, Jia and Ji each receive nine, Yi and Geng each receive eight, Bing and Xin each receive seven, Ding and Ren each receive six, and Wu and Gui each receive five, with each group decreasing by one in sequence. For the earthly branches, Zi and Wu each receive nine, Chou and Wei each receive eight, Yin and Shen each receive seven, Mao and You each receive six, Chen and Xu each receive five, and Si and Hai each receive four, with each group also decreasing by one in sequence. Opposing branches share the same number, and complementary stems share the same number. Once memorized, one can calculate on the fingers when needed.

假如，甲子日出行，甲與子皆九數，二九得一十八數，或卯時六數，共得二十四數，課吉。或午時九數，共得一十七數，課凶；餘仿此。日論干支，時祇論地支，不論天干。

For example, on a Jiazi day, Jia has nine numbers and Zi also has nine numbers, making a total of eighteen numbers. If the time is Mao, Mao has six numbers, making a total of twenty-four numbers. Referring to the text 'Twenty-four numbers are auspicious,' this would be a favorable divination. If the time is Wu, Wu has nine numbers, making a total of twenty-seven numbers. Referring to the text 'Twenty-seven numbers are inauspicious,' this would be an unfavorable divination (the original text says 'Seventeen numbers,' which is likely a transmission error; nine plus nine does not make seventeen). The same method applies to other days and times. The key point is that for the day, only the numbers of the heavenly stem and earthly branch are added together, while for the time, only the number of the earthly branch is used, without including the heavenly stem of the time. Therefore, the smallest possible number is on a Wu Gui day with the branches Si and Hai paired with the times Si and Hai, adding five, four, and four to make thirteen. The largest possible number is on a Jia Ji day with the branches Zi and Wu paired with the times Zi and Wu, adding nine, nine, and nine to make twenty-seven. The section 'Reference of Numbers' only lists numbers from thirteen to twenty-seven because of this reason.

十三數吉。十三遁甲見陰陽，西北干宮老婦娘，手執棉布將小女，此時有應主亨昌。作事出門，推合陰陽，營謀嫁娶，起造營昌，子孫官貴，祿遇時良。

Those with a combined number of thirteen are considered auspicious. The number of Dun Jia reaches thirteen, which signifies the meeting of yin and yang. The omen appears in the northwest direction, specifically the Qian trigram. One will encounter an elderly woman holding cotton cloth and leading a young girl. If such a scene is truly seen when going out, it indicates the omen is fulfilled, and all affairs will proceed smoothly and prosperously. This number is favorable for handling affairs and traveling, for calculating yin and yang in marriage, for planning matters, for marriage, and for breaking ground and starting construction. It signifies that descendants will attain official positions and honor, and blessings and good fortune will arrive at an auspicious time.

十四數凶。遁甲俱十四，東北有人至，白馬或青驢，弓箭身穿紫。有人著紫，或是皂衣，前有大坑，後有白虎，凶惡相及，不宜嫁娶，休去遠行，凡事難遇。

The combination of the fourteen numbers indicates a凶 lesson. The ominous sign suggests someone coming from the northeast, possibly riding a white horse or a green donkey, wearing purple clothes and carrying a bow and arrow; alternatively, one might only see someone wearing purple or black clothes, where "皂衣" refers to black clothes. This image shows a deep pit or trap in front and the White Tiger凶 spirit behind, with danger pressing from both sides. Therefore, it is not suitable to hold a marriage ceremony, to travel far, or to make any requests, as nothing will be accomplished smoothly.

十五數吉。南方有少女，牽牛抱嬰孩，東方車與馬，更有男趕來。日月在前，光明麗天，駟馬時從，千事皆好，非但殯葬，亦宜修造。

Those with a combined total of fifteen are considered auspicious. The interpretation indicates that there will be a young woman in the south, leading a cow and carrying a baby. In the east, there will be a carriage and horses, with a man following closely behind. This image is like the sun and moon shining brightly in the sky, with a four-horse chariot accompanying at all times, so all things will go well. Not only is it suitable for funerals and burials, but it is also auspicious for breaking ground and construction.

十六數吉（如有婦人到，主大升官得委缺）。東北有禽蜚，西北白色衣，老人持杖橛，脫卻西黃衣。出遇財珍，兼逢酒食，營謀起造，必遇貴人，交易婚姻，得宜獲福。

Those who combine the sixteen numbers result in a favorable divination. If one is about to go out and happens to meet a woman, it indicates a great promotion and receiving an actual official appointment. Other auspicious signs include: seeing flying birds in the northeast direction, where '蜚' is the same as '飞'; a person wearing white clothes in the northwest; and an old man holding a staff or wooden stick, removing his yellow garment from the west side. At this time, going out can lead to gaining wealth and treasures, along with hospitality involving wine and food. Matters concerning planning, construction, business transactions, and marriage will all receive the assistance of a nobleman and achieve favorable outcomes.

十七數凶。西北風雨云，西方孝服子，兩個駕車人，十七必逢是。死尸在前，病符在後，營謀嫁娶，所求災咎，若遇此時，不獲良久。

Those with a total of seventeen numbers are considered ominous. The omen indicates winds, rains, dark clouds arising from the northwest, a person in mourning attire in the west, and two drivers. Whenever the total is seventeen, such phenomena are sure to occur. This omen shows a corpse ahead and a plague spirit behind, causing misfortune for any endeavors, marriages, or requests. If actions are taken during this hour, long-term stability will not be achieved.

十八數吉。南方有少婦，犬子或青驢，東方忽見行，尅應必無疑。不宜嫁娶，萬事吉昌，若遇此時，必要升官。

Those with a combined number of eighteen are considered auspicious. The omen indicates that there will be a young woman in the south, accompanied by a dog or a green donkey. Suddenly, someone will come walking from the east. When this scene is seen, the omen will be fulfilled without doubt. This number is particularly unsuitable for marriage, but all other matters will be prosperous and favorable. If an action is taken at this time, promotion in official position is certain.

十九數凶。鴉鵲並弓弩，銅鐵東方舞，更有著白衣，西方喚驢狗。俱是凶兆，不是吉祥，故難動用，守靜為良。

Those with a total of nineteen numbers are considered ominous. The omen involves crows and magpies flying about in disorder, the appearance of bows and arrows, someone in the east swinging metal objects, and a person in white clothing. In the west, someone is shouting at donkeys and dogs. All these are signs of misfortune, none of them are auspicious. Therefore, there is no way to act at this time, and the best course is to remain calm and inactive.

二十數凶。北方有人驢，乾坤僧道尼，屠趕豬羊去，諸凶必應之。前有津樑，後有豬羊，若遇此時，萬事俱殃。

Those who combine into the number twenty are considered ominous. The omen indicates someone in the north leading a donkey. In the northwest of the Heaven's Palace and the southwest of the Earth's Palace, monks, Taoist priests, nuns appear, and butchers leading pigs and sheep pass by. All these ominous signs will surely come to pass. This omen has a crossing point or bridge in front and pigs and sheep following behind. If actions are taken during this hour, all affairs will be harmed.

二十一數吉。東方有孝子，更與婦人逢，老人持杖板，西北應干宮。此時所遊，青雲上蓋，百事吉昌，不敢移改。

Those with a total of twenty-one numbers are considered auspicious. The omen indicates someone in the east wearing mourning clothes, meeting a woman, and seeing an old man using a cane, all of which should be interpreted as signs in the northwest direction, specifically the Qian trigram. At this time, traveling or moving about is like having a jade canopy over one's head, leading to all affairs being prosperous and fortunate. This conclusion is definite and cannot be changed.

二十二數吉。求乞持杖子，西方鼓笛聲，坤兌應更奇，提籠有婦人。乘車駕馬，攜酒相看，萬事皆吉，必遇平安。

Those who combine into the twenty-two numbers are considered auspicious. The omen indicates a beggar coming with a stick, with drum and flute sounds coming from the west. This is particularly significant in the southwest of the坤 (Earth) trigram and due west of the兑 (Lake) trigram. Also, a woman carrying a cage appears. At this time, there may be someone arriving by carriage, horseback, or with wine to visit. All matters will be favorable and safety will be ensured.

二十三數凶。男婦攜寶劍，南方執鐵瓶，文字並豬羊，毀罵病迎門。萬事重迭，難於遠行，動則遇侵，靜則安寧。

A divination with the number 23 is considered a凶 lesson. The omen indicates that a man and a woman are carrying knives and swords, someone in the south is holding an iron pot, there are documents and paper, pigs and sheep, and also incidents of辱骂 and争吵, and diseases approaching. At this time, all matters are entangled and complicated, not suitable for long journeys. Any movement will invite disturbances, so it is better to remain still and avoid action for peace and safety.

二十四數吉。南方送福仙，少女手執錢，兌宮羊又至，物色黑青纏。飛鳥在前，玉士在後，行見長官，嫁娶無咎。

The combination of the twenty-four numbers indicates a favorable divination. The omen suggests that in the south there is a celestial immortal descending, a young girl holding money, and a sheep coming to the Dui palace in the due west. The colors of the objects seen are mostly alternating black and green. This image shows a bird flying ahead to guide the way and a gentleman wearing jade ornaments following closely behind. Going to meet a superior official will surely result in acceptance, and matters concerning marriage will proceed without error.

二十五數吉。驢子共猿猻，南方有婦人，西方老人至，尅應最為靈。見四足物，百事稱心，出逢長者，更遇知音。

Those who combine the twenty-five numbers are considered auspicious. The corresponding omen is that a donkey and a monkey appear together, a woman from the south, and an elderly person from the west. This number's omen is particularly accurate. If one encounters a four-legged animal while going out, it signifies that all things will go smoothly. Meeting an elderly and virtuous person on the way can also lead to meeting like-minded friends.

二十六數吉。北方公文行，南方小兒啼，子孫封官祿，大吉不須疑。以上諸時，此時最吉，但試其事，萬無一失。

The combination of the twenty-six numbers indicates a favorable omen. The corresponding situation is that there will be official documents being passed back and forth in the north, and children crying in the south, indicating that descendants will receive official titles, ranks, and salaries. This is extremely auspicious and beneficial, with no doubts remaining. Among all the listed hours, this hour is the most favorable. Just proceed with the matter, and there will be no mistakes at all.

二十七數凶。白馬共紫驢，西方一騎出，東方逢覺人，寇纓來應必。以上諸數，此數最惡，先賢詳看，明應不錯。

The combination of the twenty-seven numbers indicates a凶 lesson. The calamity will manifest as a white horse and a purple donkey appearing together, someone riding alone from the west, and a person in the east who is alert and looking around. Additionally, someone wearing a crown and resembling a bandit will surely follow. Among all these numbers, this one is the most ominous. Previous scholars have repeatedly examined and verified it, and its fulfillment is clear and accurate, without any error.

每日出行，欲占吉凶，如法起數，趨吉避凶，百發百中，其妙無窮，人能用此，喜氣沖沖。

Before going out each day, if you want to foresee the fortune of this journey, simply follow the method above to combine the heavenly stem and earthly branch of the day with the earthly branch of the hour. Then refer to the interpretations under each number to choose auspicious directions and avoid inauspicious times. This method is always accurate, with countless wonderful applications. If people follow it, they will naturally have a house full of joy.