On Nayin Sound Element

歌曰：“甲子乙丑海中金，丙寅丁卯爐中火，戊辰己巳大林木，庚午辛未路傍土，壬申癸酉劍鋒金，甲戌乙亥山頭火，丙子丁丑澗下水，戊寅己卯城頭土，庚辰辛巳白臘金，壬午癸未楊柳木，甲申乙酉泉中水，丙戌丁亥屋上土，戊子己丑霹靂火，庚寅辛卯松柏木，壬辰癸巳長流水，

The sixty jiazi nayin song, the first thirty pairs of heavenly stems and earthly branches are as follows: Jiazi and Yichou belong to the sea water metal, Bingyin and Dingmao belong to the furnace fire, Wuchen and Jisi belong to the great forest wood, Gengwu and Xinwei belong to the road side soil, Renshen and Guiyou belong to the sword sharp metal; Jiaxu and Yihai belong to the mountain head fire, Bingzi and Dingchou belong to the mountain stream water, Wuyin and Jimao belong to the city head soil, Gengchen and Xinsi belong to the white wax metal, Renwu and Guiwei belong to the willow and poplar wood; Jiashen and Yiyou belong to the spring water, Bingxu and Dinghai belong to the roof top soil, Wuzi and Jichou belong to the thunder and lightning fire, Gengyin and Xinmao belong to the pine and cypress wood, Renchen and Guisi belong to the long flow water. Each pair of heavenly stems and earthly branches shares the same nayin sound element, and the five phases are represented by different objects, used to match the palace positions and star gates in the qimen system, helping to determine the nature of things.

甲午乙未沙中金，丙申丁酉山下火，戊戌己亥平地木，庚子辛丑壁上土，壬寅癸卯金泊金，甲辰乙巳覆燈火，丙午丁未天河水，戊申己酉大驛土，庚戌辛亥釵釧金，壬子癸丑桑柘木，甲寅乙卯大溪水，丙辰丁巳沙中土，戊午己未天上火，庚申辛酉石榴木，壬戌癸亥大海水。”法曰：“子午銀燈架壁鉤，辰戌煙滿寺中樓，寅申漢地燒柴溼，此是六十花甲頭。”

The next thirty stems and branches are: Jiawu and Yiwei belong to Sand Middle Gold, Bingshen and Dingyou belong to Mountain Below Fire, Wuxu and Jihai belong to Level Ground Wood, Gengzi and Xinchou belong to Wall Above Earth, Renyin and Guimao belong to Gold Foil Gold; Jiachen and Yisi belong to Covered Lamp Fire, Bingwu and Dingwei belong to Heavenly River Water, Wushen and Jiyou belong to Great Pass Earth, Gengxu and Xinhai belong to钗钏 Gold, Renzi and Guichou belong to Mulberry and柘 Wood; Jiayin and Yimao belong to Great Stream Water, Bingchen and Dingsi belong to Sand Middle Earth, Wuwu and Jiwei belong to Heavenly Fire, Gengshen and Xinyou belong to Pomegranate Wood, Renxu and Guihai belong to Great Sea Water. There is another verse for determining the initial elements of the sixty jiazi nayin: For Zi and Wu years, start from 'Silver Lamp Frame Wall Hook'; for Chen and Xu years, start from 'Smoke Fills the Temple Tower'; for Yin and Shen years, start from 'Han Land Burning Wet柴'—this is the method to find the starting elements of the sixty jiazi nayin, with each line's homophones indicating the order of metal, fire, wood, water, and earth.

曆書曰：“周天三百六十五度四分度之一。”言每度分作三十二分，再以四分定之，每分各八四分度之一，言一度三十二分，言度之一隻八分也，言周天三百六十五度餘八分也，日一日行一度有奇，一年行盡三百六十五度餘八分之數。

The Lishu says: The entire celestial circle is 365 and 1/4 degrees. This should be understood as follows: each degree is divided into 32 parts, and then multiplied by 1/4, resulting in 8 parts per unit. Therefore, one degree equals 32 parts, and 1/4 of a degree equals 8 parts. The entire celestial circle thus totals 365 degrees and 8 parts. The sun travels approximately one degree each day, and in a year, it completes exactly 365 degrees and 8 parts.

二十八宿度數自立春始虛初度。初八度。危十五度。室十七度。璧九度。奎十七度。婁十一度。胃十五度。昴十度。畢十五度。參九度（附觜）。井三十度。鬼二度。柳十二度。星五度。張十七度。翼十九度。軫十七度。角十二度。亢八度。氐十五度。房五度。心六度。尾十七度。箕九度。斗二十二度。牛六度。女十度。

The degrees of the Twenty-Eight Mansions begin from the Start of Spring and start with the first degree of the mansion of Emptiness. The degrees each mansion covers in order are: the first degree of Emptiness mansion covers eight degrees, the mansion of Rooftop covers fifteen degrees, the mansion of Encampment covers seventeen degrees, the mansion of Wall covers nine degrees, the mansion of Legs covers seventeen degrees, the mansion of Bond covers eleven degrees, the mansion of Stomach covers fifteen degrees, the mansion of Hairy Head covers ten degrees, the mansion of Net covers fifteen degrees, the mansion of Three Stars covers nine degrees (the mansion of Turtle Beak is included within the Three Stars mansion), the mansion of Well covers thirty degrees, the mansion of Ghost covers two degrees, the mansion of Willow covers twelve degrees, the mansion of Star covers five degrees, the mansion of Extended Net covers seventeen degrees, the mansion of Wings covers nineteen degrees, the mansion of Chariot covers seventeen degrees, the mansion of Horn covers twelve degrees, the mansion of Neck covers eight degrees, the mansion of Root covers fifteen degrees, the mansion of Room covers five degrees, the mansion of Heart covers six degrees, the mansion of Tail covers seventeen degrees, the mansion of Winnowing Basket covers nine degrees, the mansion of Dipper covers twenty-two degrees, the mansion of Ox covers six degrees, the mansion of Girl covers ten degrees.

以上共三百三十八度，每宿俱有初度，除觜附參止二十七宿，該二十七個初度並三百三十八度，今正度足周天三百六十五度也。

The total degrees of all the mansions add up to 338 degrees. Each mansion also has an additional "initial degree," except for the Zi Xu mansion, which is attached to the Shen Xu mansion and is not counted separately. Therefore, there are actually 27 initial degrees. When these 27 degrees are added to the 338 degrees, the total becomes exactly 365 degrees, which is the full circle of the celestial sphere.

子、元枵、女虛危、齊分野、屬青州（山東濟東泰武登萊青天津）。丑、星紀、斗牛、吳越分野、屬揚州（蘇松常鎮太淮揚江寧福建全省廣東全省安徽全省浙江全省江西全省）。寅、析木、尾箕、燕分野、屬幽州（順天宣永保易河）。卯、大火、氐房心、宋分野、屬豫州（歸德曹州徐州濟寧）。辰、壽星、亢角、鄭分野、屬梁州（開陳洛光穎）。巳、鶉尾、翼軫、楚分野、屬荊州（漢黃德武昌荊襄鄖韶廉廣西全省嶽常澧長沙衡寶辰永靖柳都勻思鎮黎石平）。

Each of the twelve Earthly Branches is associated with a star mansion, several star hosts, and a region. When divining, these associations can be used to determine direction and territory. The Zi branch corresponds to the Xuanxiao mansion, which includes the star hosts Nu, Xu, and Wei, and was historically associated with the state of Qi, corresponding to the region of Qingzhou in the Nine Provinces. During the Qing Dynasty, it covered the cities of Jinan, Dongchang, Taian, Wuding, Dengzhou, Laizhou, Qingzhou, and Tianjin. The Chou branch corresponds to the Xingji mansion, which includes the star hosts Dou and Niu, and was historically associated with the state of Wu-Yue, corresponding to the region of Yangzhou. It covered the cities of Suzhou, Songjiang, Changzhou, Zhenjiang, Taicang, Huai'an, Yangzhou, Jiangning, as well as the entire provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, Anhui, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi. The Yin branch corresponds to the Ximu mansion, which includes the star hosts Wei and Ji, and was historically associated with the state of Yan, corresponding to the region of Youzhou. It covered the cities of Shuntian, Xuanhua, Yongping, Baoding, Yizhou, and Hejian. The Mao branch corresponds to the Dafire mansion, which includes the star hosts Di, Fang, and Xin, and was historically associated with the state of Song, corresponding to the region of Yuzhou. It covered the cities of Guide, Caozhou, Xuzhou, and Jining. The Chen branch corresponds to the Shouxing mansion, which includes the star hosts Kang and Jiao, and was historically associated with the state of Zheng, corresponding to the region of Liangzhou. It covered the cities of Kaifeng, Chenzhou, Luoyang, Guangzhou, and Yingzhou. The Si branch corresponds to the Chunwei mansion, which includes the star hosts Yi and Zhen, and was historically associated with the state of Chu, corresponding to the region of Jingzhou. It covered the cities of Hanyang, Huangzhou, De'an, Wuchang, Jingzhou, Xiangyang, Yunyang, Shaoshan, Lianzhou, and the entire Guangxi province, as well as Yuezhou, Changde, Lishan, Changsha, Hengzhou, Baoqing, Chenzhou, Yongzhou, Jingzhou, Liuzhou, Duyun, Sinan, Zhenyuan, Liping, Shiqian, and Pingyue.

午、鶉火、柳星張、周分野、屬周之三河（河南府許陝汝信各州並南陽府陝商州貴銅仁）。未、鶉尾、井鬼、秦分野、屬雍州（西同鳳興漢邠乾延榆綏郡鞏秦階平慶成綿龍茂順保潼忠西重敘夔嘉雅寧瀘眉雲南大理臨安楚曲順鎮麗江騰蒙各州）。申、實沉、觜參、晉分野、屬幷州（山西全省）。酉、大梁、胃昴畢、趙分野、屬冀州（正定府趙祈冀深各州翔州大同）。戌、降婁、奎婁、魯分野、屬兗州（兗沂泗邳）。亥、娵訾、室璧、衛分野、屬河北（彰懷衛大名臨清東昌曹州各縣）。

The position of Wu corresponds to the鹑火 (Chunhuo) section, which includes the three stars of Liu, Xing, and Zhang. In ancient times, this area was associated with the Zhou dynasty's territory, specifically the three rivers region, covering Henan Fu, Xu State, Shan State, Ru State, Xinyang, Nanyang Fu, Shaanxi's Shang State, and Guizhou's Tongren. The position of Wei corresponds to the鹑首 (Chunshou) section (originally written as 'Chunwei', which overlaps with the巳 position; according to the text, the well and ghost stars belong to the鹑首 section), which includes the two stars of Jing and Gui. In ancient times, this area was associated with the state of Qin, specifically the Yongzhou region, covering Xi'an, Tongzhou, Fengxiang, Xing'an, Hanzhong, Binzhou, Qianzhou, Yanchang, Qinzhou, Jiezhou, Pingliang, Qingyang, Chengdu, Mianzhou, Long'an, Maoshan, Shunqing, Baoning, Tongchuan, Zhongzhou, Xichong, Chongqing, Xuzhou, Kuizhou, Jiading, Yazhou, Ningyuan, Luzhou, Meizhou, as well as Yunnan's Dali, Lin'an, Chuxiong, Qujing, Shunming, Zhenyuan, Lijiang, Tengyue, and Menghua. The position of Shen corresponds to the实沉 (Shichen) section, which includes the two stars of Zi and Shen. In ancient times, this area was associated with the state of Jin, specifically the Bingzhou region, covering all of Shanxi Province. The position of You corresponds to the大梁 (Daliang) section, which includes the three stars of Wei, Mao, and Bi. In ancient times, this area was associated with the state of Zhao, specifically the Jizhou region, covering Zhengding Fu, Zhaozhou, Qizhou, Jizhou, and Shenzhou, as well as Shuozhou and Datong. The position of Xu corresponds to the降娄 (Jianglou) section, which includes the two stars of Kui and Lou. In ancient times, this area was associated with the state of Lu, specifically the Yanzhou region, covering Yanzhou, Yizhou, Sizhou, and Pizhou. The position of Hai corresponds to the娵訾 (Juzi) section, which includes the two stars of Shi and Bi. In ancient times, this area was associated with the state of Wei, specifically the Hebei region, covering Zhangde, Huaiqing, Weihui, Daming, Linqing, Dongchang, and Caizhou.

蓋三奇八門六儀九星八卦九宮皆五行之所屬，不過賴五行生剋旺相制害刑沖胎絕養死貴祿空亡乘生陷旺之理，人能觸類引申，則三才萬物之道，盡可不求哉！

The Three Marvels, Eight Gates, Six Instruments, Nine Stars, Eight Trigrams, and Nine Palaces all ultimately belong to the Five Phases. The basis for divination relies solely on the principles of generation, overcoming, strength, decline, control, harm, punishment, conflict, and the stages of birth, death, nurturing, and decay, as well as the concepts of dignity, fortune, and void. If a person can grasp these principles and apply them broadly, then the principles of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, as well as the workings of all things, will be within reach.

如天盤九星奇儀八門屬金，加於地盤諸星屬木，此謂金克木，謂之客來傷主，戰利為客，行兵先舉，放炮吶喊，士卒精強，百戰百勝，凡求謀請益、交易等事，敗破憂驚，宅舍闇昧，遭逢小人、賊盜，惟行人即至，若金旺木衰，其凶尤甚，金衰災凶稍可。

For example, when the nine stars, odd instruments, and eight gates of the Heaven Plate belong to metal, and they are added onto the Earth Plate stars which belong to wood, this is a case of metal overcoming wood, known as 'the guest harms the host'. In military matters, it is advantageous to be the guest force, and it is favorable to initiate actions first: by firing cannons and shouting, with strong and capable soldiers, one can achieve victory in every battle. However, if the question concerns matters such as seeking strategies, making requests, or trade, it indicates failure and damage, worry and fear, darkness in the house, and encountering small people and thieves; only when asking about a traveler does it indicate that the host will arrive soon. If metal is strong and wood is weak, the danger is especially severe; but if the metal energy itself is weak, the disaster will be less severe.

如天盤諸星屬金，若在衰墓死絕之時，加於木宮，乃無氣之金，則不能傷木，木若在生旺之時，則木星為吉，木若在衰墓死絕之宮，則凶終不能免。

Now consider the changes of the same added overlay: although the stars on the Heaven Plate belong to metal, if they are at a time of decline, burial, death, or loss of strength, and are added to a palace belonging to wood, they are a powerless metal and cannot harm wood. At this time, if wood is at its growth or prosperity, the wood star will be considered auspicious; but if wood is also at a time of decline, burial, death, or loss of strength, the danger will eventually come. Thus, when judging the mutual control between metal and wood, we must first examine the strength and decline of both sides.

如天盤木加於地盤火星，是謂木能生火，為客來生主，戰利為主，謀為一切等事，皆如心志，百事大吉，如有重木臨生旺之宮，此為貪生之木，反壓火光，火漸自滅，若木臨退氣之宮，或木少火旺，則為枯木生火，大利主兵，宜暗計征討，百事大吉。

For example, if the Heaven Plate belongs to wood and is placed on the Earth Plate's fire position, wood can generate fire, which is called "a guest nurturing the host." In warfare, this is favorable for the host side; all plans can be carried out as intended, and everything will be very auspicious. However, there are variations: if the wood energy is too strong and falls in a flourishing and vigorous palace, it is called "greedy for nurturing," where excessive wood may suppress the fire, causing the flame to gradually fade. If the wood falls in a declining palace or if there is little wood but strong fire, then it is called "dry wood assisting fire," which is most favorable for the host side to use military force. It is advisable to plan secretly and launch attacks, and everything will be very auspicious.

如天盤土加於地盤金，亦為客生主，若係土旺或有重土，則雖生金而被土埋，必有暗兵埋伏，或賢士英豪失志，或忠烈受屈無伸。如天盤水加地盤金，乃主傷客，宜偃旗息鼓、禁聲攻敵大勝，凡謀，多破耗，有始無終，為宜求名顯達，官事得理，出行吉。

The Heaven Plate belongs to Earth and is placed on the Earth Plate's Metal, which is also a case of the guest generating the host. However, if the Earth is too strong or there are multiple layers of Earth, although it can generate Metal, it may bury the Metal, indicating the host has hidden troops or talented people and heroes who are not successful, or loyal and righteous individuals who suffer injustice and have no place to appeal. When the Heaven Plate belongs to Water and is placed on the Earth Plate's Metal, it is a case of the son draining the mother, with lower forces harming the upper ones, which is classified as 'the host harming the guest': it is advisable to lower the flags, keep quiet, and secretly attack the enemy to achieve a great victory. Regarding matters of planning, it often leads to expenses and losses, with things starting but not finishing; however, it is suitable for seeking fame and success, and in legal disputes, it is favorable to have a just cause. Traveling is also auspicious.

如天盤金加地盤土，乃主生客，宜耀武揚威，客兵大勝，凡謀為始終勞碌，耗散費力，方得安妥。

The Heaven Plate belongs to metal added to the Earth Plate's earth, earth generates metal, which is "the master nurtures the guest": it is suitable to display military strength and advance boldly, and the guest force can achieve a great victory. If asking about planning matters, the master will have to labor from beginning to end, first spending effort and money, then finally settling things properly.

如天盤與地盤九星奇儀門宮五行一樣，謂之比和，如金臨金、火臨火之類，若逢生旺之時，由我為主客，諸事吉，軍兵奏凱；若臨衰墓之時，諸事宜遲，宜埋伏、暗剿，利為主客；若在衰墓死絕之時遇日干相生，謂之絕處逢生，遲為後吉；若在死墓之時，又被本日時沖，謂之無氣，受傷絕滅，生意終不利也。

If the Five Phases of the nine stars, odd instruments, gates, and palaces on the Heaven Plate match those on the Earth Plate, it is called "like and harmonious," for example, metal over metal, fire over fire, and so on. When encountering a time of growth and strength, both the host and guest are under our control, and all matters are auspicious, with the army able to achieve victory. If it is during a time of decline or burial, all matters should be handled cautiously, with concealment and secret operations, which is favorable for both host and guest. If it is during a time of decline, burial, death, or extinction, yet the Day Stem comes to generate it, this is called "revival in adversity," and delaying the matter can turn it into good fortune. If it is during a time of death or burial, and at the same time the current or immediate Earthly Branches clash, this is called "no vitality," leading to broken connections and ultimately unfavorable outcomes for business.

若諸星逢旺祿之時，或被沖剋制害，終不為凶，如諸星在旺相又逢生者，為喜上加喜；在墓絕受克者，憂上加憂。衰墓逢生旺而好漸來；若旺受克，美景將退。

Now another point: if the stars are in their prosperous and strong positions or in their禄 (favorable) places, even if they suffer some clashes and controls, they will not ultimately become harmful. Conversely, if the stars are in prosperous and strong positions and also receive support, that is joy on top of joy; if they fall into墓 (burial) or绝 (decline) positions and are further attacked, that is sorrow compounded by sorrow. When stars in decline or burial suddenly meet favorable and strong conditions, good fortune gradually comes; when stars in their prime are suddenly attacked, the good times are about to end.

如地盤生天盤，乃我生者子孫，凡事先難，如父母養育子女，常懷憂惜之心，待子成人而後有望，好事日新，永遠吉慶，為主者，宜施恩佈德，選將求賢，凡事謀為，克己破費，若合吉格，主好事破財，如遇蓬休壬癸，主酒筵、湖海、水面、交易，或虛驚、水災之厄；逢任生芮死，主田土、山崗、墳塋、死女、少男、喜慶災厄之費，餘仿此，各有條款，在前已詳言之。

If the Earth Plate generates the Heaven Plate, it is the area that I have generated, belonging to the category of 'offspring and descendants'. In such a case, things begin with difficulty, just like parents nurturing their children, always with concern and affection, waiting until the child grows up before there is hope. After that, good things continue to emerge daily, bringing perpetual good fortune. The person in charge should at this time show kindness and virtue, select capable officers and seek talented people; any plans should be carried out with self-restraint and at a cost. If this is also combined with favorable star patterns, it indicates 'good fortune at the expense of wealth'. If it meets the Tianpeng, Xiu Men, and Ren Gui water, the matters concerned are mostly related to banquets and feasts, water-related activities on rivers and lakes, waterway trade, or unexpected troubles and water-related calamities. If it meets the Tianren, Sheng Men, Tian Rui, and Si Men, the matters concerned are mostly related to land, hills, cemeteries, and the deceased women and young men, with expenses related to both joyous occasions and misfortunes. The rest can be inferred in the same way, each having its own specific conditions, which have already been explained in detail in the previous text.

如天克地，是克我者為官鬼，大利為客，凡事只宜守舊，不可強謀，反破財、有始無終，謂之克我者，囚也。如地克天，乃我克者為財，行兵利主，若求官、求名、官訟、捕獵吉，以下之事不利於後，成之反傷，終不久遠，謂之我克者，休也。

If the Heaven Plate overcomes the Earth Plate, it is the side that overcomes me, which is called "Official Ghost": it is highly favorable for the guest side; but in all matters, only maintaining the status quo is suitable, not forcing things, as attempting to plan may result in financial loss and incomplete results. Therefore, the one that overcomes me is called "Captive." If the Earth Plate overcomes the Heaven Plate, it is the side that I overcome, which is called "Wife Wealth": it is favorable for the main side in military campaigns; seeking official positions, fame, lawsuits, or hunting is auspicious. However, the following matters are unfavorable for subsequent developments: forcing things to succeed may lead to harm, and ultimately, it cannot last long. Therefore, the one I overcome is called "Rest."

如天盤生地盤，是生我者為父母，戰利主大勝，凡求謀、干謁、婚姻、商賈、營宅等事，大吉，不可妄為，敬謹而行，永遠吉慶，謂之生我者，旺也。

If the Heaven Plate generates the Earth Plate, it is the source of my strength, belonging to 'parents': this is favorable for the main side in battle, leading to great victory. For matters such as seeking advice, petitioning officials, discussing marriage, business, or building houses, it is highly auspicious. However, one must not act rashly but should be respectful and cautious in order to maintain continuous good fortune. Therefore, the one that generates me is called 'prosperous'.

五行有生中克，如金生水，水盛則金沉；水生木，木盛則水阻；木生火，火盛則木燼；土生金，金盛則土衰；火生土，土盛則火蔽。有五行有克中生，如木克土，土厚喜克，是為秀聳山林；土克水，水盛喜克，是為撙節堤防；水克火，火盛喜克，是為既濟成功；火克金，金盛喜克，是為煆煉成器；金克木，木盛喜克，是為斲削成器。

The Five Phases have instances of "generation with a degree of control": metal generates water, but if water becomes too abundant, it may drown the metal; water generates wood, but if wood becomes too abundant, it may block the water; wood generates fire, but if fire becomes too abundant, it may burn the wood into ash; earth generates metal, but if metal becomes too abundant, it may weaken the earth; fire generates earth, but if earth becomes too abundant, it may suppress the fire. There are also instances of "control with a degree of generation": wood controls earth, but if the earth is thick and solid, it welcomes wood to control it, forming a picturesque mountain forest; earth controls water, but if the water is too strong, it welcomes earth to control it, forming a dam that regulates the water; water controls fire, but if the fire is too strong, it welcomes water to control it, achieving the merit of water and fire in harmony; fire controls metal, but if the metal is too strong, it welcomes fire to control it, achieving the beauty of refining metal into tools; metal controls wood, but if the wood is too strong, it welcomes metal to control it, achieving the use of axes and saws to shape objects.

水下、火上、木左、金右、土中，以位言也。水黑、火赤、木青、金白、土黃，以色言也。水曲、火炎、木直、金元、土方，以形言也。水潤、火燥、木敷、金斂、土溽，以性言也。水咸、火苦、木酸、金辛、土甘，以味言也。

The Five Phases each have their own sets of symbolic associations which can be used in divination. In terms of direction: water is below, fire is above, wood is to the left, metal is to the right, and earth is in the center. In terms of color: water is black, fire is red, wood is green, metal is white, and earth is yellow. In terms of shape: water is winding, fire is upwardly blazing, wood is straight, metal is round, and earth is square. In terms of temperament: water is moistening, fire is dry, wood is expansive, metal is contracting, and earth is moist and thick. In terms of taste: water is salty, fire is bitter, wood is sour, metal is pungent, and earth is sweet.

故在天則為火、為日，水為雨，木為風，土為雲，金為雷；在地則火為火，水為河，木為林，土為山，金為石；在人則火為心，水為腎，木為肝，金為肺，土為脾，又火為血水、為骨，木為筋，土為肉，金為皮。人第知火能克金，不知金遇旺合，則金中有水，火遇克金而反受其克，此生中克，克中生，變化無窮，不可不審也。

In the heavenly phenomena: fire represents the sun, water represents rain, wood represents wind, earth represents clouds, and metal represents thunder. In the terrain: fire is fire, water is rivers, wood is forests, earth is mountains, and metal is stone. In the human body: fire corresponds to the heart, water to the kidneys, wood to the liver, metal to the lungs, and earth to the spleen; also, fire governs blood, water governs bones, wood governs tendons, earth governs flesh, and metal governs skin. People only know that fire overcomes metal, but they do not realize that if metal is strong and meets a harmonious element, it contains water, and thus fire overcoming metal is itself overcome by water. This is the concept of generation containing overcoming and overcoming containing generation, which is infinite in change and must be carefully examined.

如土生金，土遇旺合，則生之不竭，如土相時，未離父母之胎，則土中尚存火氣，不特不能生金，金且受其制。如金生水，金逢旺合，則生水無疑，如金相時，金中尚存土氣，不但不能生水，反受其制，木火水皆然，此中秘訣不可不知。

Here are two more examples. Earth produces metal: if earth is strong and meets a harmonious element, it can continuously produce metal; but if earth is only in the "fertile" phase and has not yet separated from its mother (fire produces earth, fire is the mother of earth), then earth still carries fire energy, which not only fails to produce metal, but metal is instead restrained by this fire energy. Metal produces water: if metal is strong and meets a harmonious element, it naturally produces water; but if metal is only in the "fertile" phase, metal still carries earth energy (earth produces metal, earth is the mother of metal), which not only fails to produce water, but water is instead restrained by earth. The same principle applies to wood, fire, and water. This principle is essential and should not be overlooked.

問：“本數星門受克，而干居旺地，是有始無終。凶中有救乎？”曰：“然哉，君可語數指出元機來，北有池，男有臺，陰陽元理貴心裁，煉得三盤真氣候，風雲呼吸取諸懷。”語畢無辭，君莫厭我將永別上天台。

Someone asked: In this chart, both the stars and the gates are being overcome, yet the heavenly stem falls in a strong position. This is considered a beginning without an end; is there any way to save the situation from misfortune? The answer is: Yes. Please listen to this subtle explanation. There is a pond in the north and a platform in the south; the profound principles of yin and yang depend on one's own careful consideration. As long as one thoroughly understands the true climate of the heaven, human, and earth charts, one can control the changes of wind and clouds within a breath. After saying these few words, there is nothing more to add. Please do not blame me for speaking little. I am about to leave and go to the heavenly platform. (These few lines are set as a concluding dialogue between teacher and student, intended to indicate that the book only provides the entryway, and true skill must be experienced personally.)

又問：“本干宜居旺地，倘庚臨時干，數所最忌，宜衰不宜旺，日干總是本身宜旺不宜衰？”假如有人問病於符使上，既斷其大概之吉凶，復於本正時上看本干陰陽，或起長生輪去，病到何宮？宮上有奇否？有庚否？得門否？宮下受迫否？不落旬空？一一看之，如前斷之，自驗。

Another question: The day stem should ideally be in a strong position, but if the six Gengs are on the heavenly stem, this is the most undesirable situation in divination. Geng is suitable when it is weak, not when it is strong. As for the day stem representing the person himself, it is generally better to be strong rather than weak. Is this correct? Answer: Exactly. For example, if someone comes to ask about illness, first determine the general fortune or misfortune from the chief symbol and duty gate. Then go back to the exact hour of the divination, check whether the day stem is yang or yin, and from the twelve houses of growth, proceed in order to see where the day stem falls. Then check whether there is a three marvels in that house, whether there is a six Geng, whether a favorable gate is obtained, whether there is any constraint on the house, and whether it falls into the empty period of the ten days. Examine each of these in turn, and apply the rules mentioned earlier to make the judgment, and it will naturally be accurate.

又有人問婚姻，宜看冠帶宮，冠帶具成人之禮也，占婚姻必看此宮；問初進之功名，宜看臨官；問遷職之功名，宜看帝旺；謀生、求祿、補廩、覓食，宜看養宮；產育、壽考，宜看長生宮，若配以十二天將，更得其精微。

For example, if someone asks about marriage, one should look at the 'Capping'宫—Capping refers to the ceremony of becoming an adult, and when divining about marriage, this宫 must be examined. If asking about initial official status, look at the 'Officialdom'宫; if asking about promotion or transfer of position, look at the 'Prosperity'宫; if seeking livelihood, salary, a scholarship, or employment, look at the 'Nourishment'宫; if asking about childbirth or lifespan, look at the 'Growth'宫. If one further combines the twelve Heavenly Generals with these, the divination becomes even more precise.

又曰：“四干之下，各帶一支，看其沖合，地盤兩干之下，各坐一宮，看其墓旺。墓旺所以驗吉凶，沖合所以驗動靜。凡事未發而遇沖則動，既發而沖則散；事未起而遇合則靜，既起而遇合則成，然又當以星門合看，不可執定。”

It is also said that under each of the four heavenly stems for year, month, day, and hour, there is a earthly branch; one should look at their mutual conflicts and harmonies. Under each of the two heavenly stems on the earth plate, there is a palace; one should look at their burial and strength. Burial and strength are used to test fortune and misfortune, while conflicts and harmonies are used to test movement and stillness. If an affair has not yet begun and encounters a conflict, it will start; if it has already begun and encounters a conflict, it will scatter. If an affair has not yet started and encounters a harmony, it will remain still; if it has already started and encounters a harmony, it will be completed. However, these must be considered together with stars and gates, and one must not rely solely on them.

假如正時是乙卯時，坐專祿（乙祿在卯），乃為大美，若坐到坎宮，乃乙木之病鄉，其體必強旺，比如壯人，尚可支撐；若正時是乙亥，乃乙木之死地，又坐坎宮，則本身久已無氣，病必死，戰必敗，謀事不成；或正時是乙酉，酉本乙木之絕地，若坐到離宮，為絕處逢生，病藥而後痊，戰陣而後勝，謀事久而後成；若正時是乙卯，又坐到寅卯辰巳午未申諸宮，方為得地，最吉。

For example: if the time of the divination is Yimao, the Yi (乙) is in its strong position at Mao, which is called 'sitting on a special fortune,' which is the best. At this time, even though it sits in the Kan one palace (Kan belongs to water, which is the sick place for Yi wood), because the original strength is strong, it is like a strong man who is sick but can still endure. If the time is Yiyou, You is the dead place for Yi wood, and it also sits in the Kan palace, then the original strength is already exhausted: if asking about illness, it will surely die; if going to war, it will surely lose; if planning something, it will not succeed. If the time is Yimao, You is the绝 place for Yi wood, but it sits in the Li nine palace. Fire generates earth and wood can spread, thus becoming 'meeting life in the dead end': if sick, taking medicine will recover; if going to war, it will first suffer defeat but then win; if planning something, after a long time, it will finally succeed. If the time is Yimao and it sits in the Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, or Shen palaces, that is truly being in the right place, which is the most auspicious.

假如正時是丙戌時（丙墓於戌），時干入墓，若坐到巽宮，其下地支乃壬辰，辰戌一沖，墓庫已開，又為冠帶之鄉，做事先難後易，日久乃成，然又當以主飛流看合，方毫釐不差，以上指丙言也，餘干可以類推。

Suppose the hour is Bingxu, then the墓 of Bing fire is at Xu. Therefore, the heavenly stem at the hour is in its墓. However, if it is located in the Xun palace, the earthly branch under Xun palace is Chen (from Renchen), and since Chen and Xu are in opposition, the墓 is broken. Xun is also the Capping place for Bing fire, so things may be difficult at first but become easier later, and after some delay, success can be achieved. However, one must also consider the main star, flying gate, and current palace together to achieve accuracy. The above explanation applies to Bing stem; other stems can be analyzed in a similar way.

問：“乙遇辛丁遇癸，沖壞即成凶格，獨壬見丙為何不成凶格？”曰：“此皆諸書之誤也。蓋丁見癸即使門也，癸見丁即符宮也，直使門也。若宮吉門吉，稍見相沖，不為大害；宮凶門凶，見之大凶，更丁見癸，在值門，則我吉，蓋奇在我也，癸見丁，在使門，彼吉，蓋奇在人也，秘之。”

Question: Why is it considered aInauspicious Pattern when Yi meets Xin or Ding meets Gui, causing a clash, but when Ren meets Bing it is not considered aInauspicious Pattern? Answer: This is an error found in various books. One must understand that when Ding meets Gui, it is looked at through the straight command gate; when Gui meets Ding, it is looked at through the chief symbol's palace, which still falls under the straight command gate. If the palace is auspicious and the gate is also auspicious, a slight clash does not cause great harm; if the palace is inauspicious and the gate is also inauspicious, a single clash leads to great misfortune. Further细分: When Ding meets Gui and it is in the chief symbol's palace, it is auspicious for our side, because the odd is on our side; when Gui meets Ding and it is in the straight command gate, it is auspicious for the other side, because the odd is on their side. This point should be kept secret.

又問：“玉女守門此奇在人，何又為吉格？”曰：“守扉不過是陰私和合事，當因時而斷。”問：“詐吉門奇到，如時加六庚、六辛、六壬，可以出門否？”傳曰：“六辛、六壬有奇可出；時加六庚，雖有奇，不可出。”

Another question: The pattern of "Yùnǚ Shǒu Mén" (Female Deity Guarding the Gate) has the Three Marvels clearly on the opposite side, so why is it considered a favorable pattern? Answer: What is guarded by the gate mainly concerns private matters and things that are spoken of together. It should be judged according to the specific question and the time when it is asked, and cannot be generally considered. Another question: If the pattern of "Sān Zhà" (Three Deceptions) is combined with favorable gates and the Three Marvels, but the time is also accompanied by the Six Geng, Six Xin, and Six Ren, can one still go out? The transmission says: If the Six Xin or Six Ren are present, as long as there are the Three Marvels, one can go out; but if the time is combined with the Six Geng, even if there are the Three Marvels, one should not go out.

又問：“逃難藏身，使門既吉符宮或有庚到，可以出門否？”曰：“逃難本身已有難，故可出；平居無事，斷不可出。”又問：“使門不可出，可以出符宮否？”傳曰：“臨陣可背，出門則不可也。倘本星受克，即背亦不背，當秘記之。”

Another question: If someone is fleeing from disaster and taking shelter, and the straight gate is auspicious, can they still go out if there is a Geng symbol in the value symbol's palace? Answer: A person already in disaster can go out; but when there is no incident, they must not go out. Another question: If the straight gate is not suitable for going out, can one instead go out from the value symbol's palace? The text says: In battle, one can rely on the value symbol's palace, but one cannot go out from it. If the original star is being overcome, then even relying on it is not considered relying at all—this point must be remembered clearly.

又曰：“出三奇三吉，以發兵時言也。背天罡、亭亭、月建、游都、雷公等法，以臨陣言也，各用有準。”門數既占矣，三奇不到，使門奈何？曰：“奇到出奇，不然向天上而去，如庭中六步，郊外六丈是也。”又問：“與眾兵出乎？抑獨自出乎？”曰：“庭中自出，郊外同出也。”

It is also said that departing from the directions of the Three Marvels and the Three Auspicious Doors refers to the time when the army sets out; relying on the directions of Heavenly Gang, Tingting, Month Builder, You Du, and Leigong refers to the time of facing the enemy in battle, each with its own use and rules. Another question: if the Three Marvels are not present and the straight line direction is fixed, what should be done? The answer is: if there is a Marvel, depart from the direction of the Marvel; if there is no Marvel, proceed in the direction indicated by the Heaven Plate. Within the courtyard, walk six steps; outside the courtyard, walk six zhang, which is sufficient. Another question: is this for leading the army out together or for going out alone? The answer is: within the courtyard, one goes out alone; outside the courtyard, one goes out with the entire army.

經曰：“凡動作營為，得三奇到方吉，到宮不拘，年月禁忌厄煞皆退避，化凶為吉。”傳曰：“地下三奇避八卦，即庚丁墓丑，乙丙墓戌之類是也。”

The text says: Whenever there is action or enterprise, as long as the Three Marvels are present in that direction, it will be auspicious, and it does not matter which palace they fall into; all kinds of taboos and ominous influences from the year and month will retreat, and evil can be transformed into good. The transmission says: The Three Marvels on the Earth Plate should avoid certain trigrams, meaning that when a Marvel falls into its Storage, it becomes ineffective—such as the Storage of Geng and Ding being in Chou (Gen Palace), and the Storage of Yi and Bing being in Xu (Qian Palace), and so on.

傳曰：“支煞看使，門干煞，看符宮，乾為天煞，支為地煞，凶多吉少。倘所到之煞甚凶，得三奇可解，遇天罡亦可解。倘三奇在地下與諸煞同處，諸煞遠避，應無災害。如三奇在天上，忽然加臨，諸煞起而復退。”

The transmission says: When looking at the harmful influences on the earthly branches, one should examine the direct gate; when looking at the harmful influences on the heavenly stems, one should examine the palace of the chief symbol. The harmful influences attached to the heavenly stems are called heavenly calamities, and those attached to the earthly branches are called earthly calamities. When they occur, there are more misfortunes than good fortune. If the arriving calamity is very fierce, the three marvels can resolve it, and encountering the heavenly gang can also resolve it. If the three marvels are originally on the earth plate and are in the same palace as various calamities, all the calamities will retreat far away and there will be no disaster; if the three marvels suddenly come upon the heaven plate, even if the various calamities have already been activated, they will have to retreat.

問：“四隅每一宮有兩支落位，如使門落在艮宮，還看丑宮地煞，還看寅宮地煞，抑兩宮俱看否？”傳曰：“本時支屬陽，則看陽宮；本時支屬陰，則看陰宮。故曰：‘陽與陽比，陰與陰比’是也。如杜門到兌宮，是主門被流宮所克了，問行人似乎不來，然杜門逢克則開，欲金旺必到，秘之，八門可以亦推。”

Question: The four cardinal directions of the trigrams Qian, Kun, Gen, and Xun each contain two earthly branches. For example, if the straight gate falls in the Gen direction, should we look at the Shou branch's hidden evil or the Yin branch's hidden evil, or both? The text says: if the earthly branch of the time of day is yang, look at the yang branch's position; if it is yin, look at the yin branch's position. Therefore, it says "Yang is similar to yang, yin is similar to yin." For example, the Du gate arriving at the Dui seven directions, where Dui metal overcomes Du wood, this indicates that the gate is overcome by the direction it flows into, suggesting the traveler will not come. However, since Du is closed, being overcome actually opens it up. If the metal is strong, the traveler will definitely arrive. This point should be kept secret. All eight gates can be analyzed using this principle.

傳曰：“生門，土也，死門，亦土也，土雖同而異用，一生氣，一死氣，所以異也，如杜門、傷門皆木也，而用亦異，杜則重而輕有缺反輕，杜則閉而不出，傷則受而可救。”

The text says: The Life Gate belongs to Earth, and the Death Door also belongs to Earth; though both are Earth, their uses differ—one carries Life Qi, the other Death Qi, and this is the distinction. Similarly, the Du Gate and the Shang Gate both belong to Wood, but their uses are different: the Du Gate signifies blockage, appearing heavy, but once there is an opening, it becomes lighter; the Du Gate is like being locked in and unable to escape, while the Shang Gate is like being wounded but still recoverable.

如兌金克傷門，問病主刀箭瘡刃或嗽或膿血或肝病之類是也；乾金主克傷門，或跌打或石壓或登高而墬或肝病或嗽症於傷寒之類是也。遇木旺金衰不妨，金旺木衰必死，金衰木旺亦死。

Taking illness as an example: the metal of the seventh palace of Dui (Lake) overcomes the Shang Men (Wounding Gate) wood, indicating diseases such as wounds from weapons, coughing, pus and blood, or liver ailments. If the metal of the sixth palace of Qian (Heaven) overcomes the Shang Men, it indicates injuries from falls, being crushed by stones, falling from heights, or liver diseases combined with cold fever. The severity is judged by the strength of the elements: if wood is strong and metal weak, there is no harm; if metal is strong and wood weak, death is certain; if metal is already weak and wood is overly strong, the excessive wood will burn itself, also indicating death.

如兌金克杜門，或腹脹或骨硬或膈噎或便閉，逢木衰金旺，則痢疾嘔血之症，必死。木旺金衰雖重不妨，八門由是類推無失也。

For example, the metal in the Dui seventh palace overcoming the wood in the Du Men located in the Southeast Xun indicates symptoms such as abdominal distension, stiffness in the joints, difficulty in swallowing, or constipation. If the wood is weak and the metal is strong, it turns into dysentery or hematemesis, which is fatal. However, if the wood is strong and the metal is weak, although the illness is severe, it is not dangerous. All eight gates are analyzed in this way, and there will be no error.

問：“五行首重衰旺。三月建辰，應土旺，又三月乃清明節，繫卯木司令，應木旺，果否？”傳曰：“依奇門則木旺，依節氣則土旺，兩者宜兼用。如生門直符，則木不能克土；傷門直符，則木又能克土，蓋兩旺因乎直符，萬不可易。”

The first thing to consider in the Five Phases is whether they are strong or weak. In the third month, the month builder is Chen, which according to the month builder should be earth strong; however, the third month is also the Qingming Festival, and according to the solar term, the commanding force is Mao wood, so wood should be strong. The question is, which one is correct? The transmission says: according to the calculation of the Qi Men, it is wood strong; according to the solar term, it is earth strong. Both should be used together. The difference lies in the chief symbol: if the Life Gate is the chief symbol (the Life Gate belongs to earth), then wood cannot overcome earth; if the Shang Men is the chief symbol (the Shang Men belongs to wood), then wood can overcome earth. Therefore, which of the two strong forces prevails entirely depends on which is the chief symbol. This rule must never be changed.

又曰：“若遇杜門如何？”曰：“微有所別。”又曰：“死門、生門均一土也，衰旺還同否？”曰：“生旺春夏，死旺秋冬。”又問：“天禽寄天芮，衰旺同否？”曰：“天禽雖寄西南，實居中宮，無分陰陽，遇辰戌丑未月，則皆旺矣。”

Another question: If encountering the Du Men (which also belongs to wood), how should it be treated? Answer: There is a slight difference, unlike the Shang Men which is more direct. Another question: Since the Sheng Men and the Si Men both belong to earth, are their prosperity and decline the same? Answer: The Sheng Men is prosperous in spring and summer, while the Si Men is prosperous in autumn and winter. Another question: The Tian Qin Star is located above the Tian Rui Star; are their prosperity and decline the same? Answer: Although the Tian Qin Star is located in the Southwest Kun Palace, it actually resides in the Central Palace and does not distinguish between yin and yang; whenever encountering the months of Chen, Xu, Chou, or Wei, it is considered prosperous.

問：“人有病，生死未判，還看生宮，看死宮？”曰：“少年看生宮，老年看死宮，有奇到宮者，不迫乃吉。”問：“沐浴何謂也？”曰：“沐浴者，欲發未發，機將漏之意也。”

Question: If someone is ill and their life or death is not yet determined, should one look at the Life Gate or the Death Door? Answer: For the young, look at the Life Gate; for the elderly, look at the Death Gate; if that palace has the Three Marvels present and the gate and palace are not conflicting, it is auspicious. Another question: What does "Bathing" mean in the twelve palaces of Growth? Answer: Bathing refers to a state where something is about to be activated but has not yet been activated, and the mechanism is about to be revealed.

問：“何為絕？”曰：“絕看甚多。絕者，生氣盡，無訂交，遇絕，則財進而疏婚姻，遇絕則情反而逆，觸類而通，何求不可？且此中更有妙處，符宮之干為主，使門之支為客，胎旺同推。”問：“帝旺何義？”曰：“假如婚姻遇帝旺，在男得休而成吉，女亦強良而助家。陰干得之應女，陽干得之應男。落空亡，則為假婚；遇空亡而成守扉，斷然是野合。”問：“養字其意何？”曰：“養包得多，求謀活計，皆可類推，不能盡述。”

Question: How should we interpret the "绝" (extinction) in the twelve palaces of growth? Answer: The use of "绝" is varied.the so-called绝 means that the life qi has been exhausted and there is no further communication or connection between the two sides. If one asks about seeking wealth and encounters "绝", wealth may come in temporarily, but relationships will become distant. If one asks about marriage and encounters "绝", the feelings between the two parties will be contrary and incompatible. Following this approach, one can apply it to various other situations, and there is nothing that cannot be judged. Moreover, there is a more subtle aspect: the heavenly stem of the palace where the "值符" (chief symbol) is located serves as the main party (oneself), and the earthly branch of the gate where the "值使" (duty gate) is located serves as the opposing party (the other side). The positions of the twelve palaces such as the "胎" (fetus) and "旺" (prosperity) are also calculated in the same way. Question: What does "帝旺" (prosperity) mean? Answer: For instance, if one asks about marriage and encounters "帝旺", the male can enjoy ease and success, and the female is capable and helpful in managing the household. If "帝旺" falls on a yin stem, it applies to the female; if it falls on a yang stem, it applies to the male. If "帝旺" falls simultaneously into "空亡" (void), the marriage is false. If one encounters "空亡" but merely stays within the household without proper ceremony, it definitely indicates an informal union without proper marriage rites. Question: What is the meaning of the character "养" (nourishment)? Answer: The meaning of "养" includes many aspects. Anything related to planning affairs or engaging in livelihood can be inferred from it, and it is not possible to explain everything in detail.

問：“假如本乾坐落之宮既得生旺，而本干所帶之支乃是衰絕，吉凶取用何如？”曰：“干支十二有棄取，符使加臨如聯珠，逢帝旺絕雖難用，只看坐宮不看支。須知來意應其方，不因符使因其餘，舉將出兵逢帝旺，指揮妙算亂能除，若還逢絕又逢衰，片甲不回居墓衰，星奇既得干逢絕，有始無終真奇哉。”

Question: Suppose the heavenly stem is located in a palace that is in its growth and prosperity, but the earthly branch it carries is in a state of decline or extinction. How should we determine the fortune? Answer: There is a verse that says, the twelve long lives are paired with heavenly stems and earthly branches, and there should be distinctions in choosing between them; the 'Chief Symbol' and 'Duty Gate' added upon the same position are connected, like a string of pearls. If the same position encounters both prosperity and extinction, it seems difficult to decide, but at this time, we should only refer to the palace where the heavenly stem is located, and not consider the earthly branch it carries. It is also necessary to know the intention of the person in question, which is shown by the other palaces, not solely by the Chief Symbol and Duty Gate. When selecting generals and sending troops and encountering prosperity, the command and control are skillful, and even in chaos, it can be calmed; if both decline and extinction are encountered, it will result in total defeat, with no soldiers returning, as if trapped in a storage place of decline. As for having already obtained one of the Three Marvels, but the heavenly stem falls in the extinction position, that is beginning without end, which is truly regrettable.

問：“天蓬星利於亥子月，春夏將兵不利，倘春夏月直蓬是水，而飛門是景，乃水克火也，可以用兵乎？”曰：“蓬雖能克景，總是無力耳。”又問：“遇子日子時，何如？”曰：“稍差勝，符使雖分先後而斷，符吉主應先凶而後不利，符重門輕，以數言也；門重符輕，以出兵時言也。若星門並吉而格未吉，吉中有凶；星門最凶而格最吉，凶中有吉。

Question: The star "Tianpeng" is favorable in the months of Hai and Zi, but leading troops is not advisable in spring and summer. Suppose during spring or summer, the "Zhi Fu" is the water star Tianpeng, and the flying gate is the fire gate "Jingmen", which is a case of water overcoming fire. Can we go out to fight? Answer: Although Tianpeng can overcome Jingmen, the water energy is weak at this time, so the overcoming is not strong enough. Another question: What if it is during the time of Zi or Zi hour? Answer: That would be slightly better. Although "Zhi Fu" and "Zhi Shi" should be judged by their order, if "Zhi Fu" is favorable, it indicates first there is a bad omen and then it is not smooth. When judging the weight of the hexagram, "Zhi Fu" is considered more important than the gate, but when judging the time for military action, the gate is more important than "Zhi Fu". If both the star and the gate are favorable but the formed pattern is not favorable, it is a case of good with hidden danger; if both the star and the gate are extremely unfavorable but the formed pattern is most favorable, it is a case of bad with hidden good.

符為父，使為母，符受克則父亡，使受克則母亡；又符為本身，使為妻子，生克亦同推；而符為天，使為地；符為君，使為臣同推。流宮生主門，屬土，主增田土；屬金，主增財帛；屬木，主增房宅；屬火，主增文章；屬水，主增秀士。”

Furthermore, the "Chief Symbol" can be considered as the father, and the "Duty Gate" as the mother. If the Chief Symbol is overcome, it indicates the father's death; if the Duty Gate is overcome, it indicates the mother's death. The Chief Symbol can also represent the person seeking divination, and the Duty Gate can represent the wife and children. The relationships of generation and overcoming are applied in the same way. Additionally, if the "Heavenly" (Chief Symbol) generates or assists the "Earthly" (Duty Gate), one should also consider its Five Phases: if it belongs to earth, it signifies an increase in land; if it belongs to metal, it signifies an increase in wealth; if it belongs to wood, it signifies an increase in housing; if it belongs to fire, it signifies success in literary endeavors; if it belongs to water, it signifies a person in the family who excels in reading.

問：“八詐一盤緣何把十二天將折去幾位，又把九天九地貴人直符插入內中，是何主見乎？”傳曰：“十二天將所以配十二地支也，八詐所以配八宮也。”問曰：“假如星門直符詐得白虎，可無妨否？”曰：“有害。其中吉凶當隨八詐配以六壬所落宮位斷之。”又曰：“傷門直符詐得九天可有害否？”曰：“最吉九天、九地，前賢未曾分剖。總之所到皆吉，大抵九天、九地則天地於我不大，其覆載有何不吉？”

Question: In the "Eight Deceptions" chart, why are some of the twelve Heavenly Generals of Liu Ning removed, and the "Nine Heavens," "Nine Earths," and the Nobleman "Chief Symbol" inserted into the chart? What is the purpose of this arrangement? The text says that the twelve Heavenly Generals are used to match the twelve Earthly Branches, while the Eight Deceptions are used to match the eight palaces, so the numbers naturally differ. Another question: if the stars, gates, and Chief Symbol are located in a place where the Eight Deceptions show "White Tiger," can it be considered harmless? Answer: It is harmful. The fortune should be judged by combining the Eight Deceptions with the palace where the corresponding deity in Liu Ning is located. Another question: if the "Shang Men" is the Chief Symbol and the Eight Deceptions show "Nine Heavens," will it be harmful? Answer: That is the most auspicious. The "Nine Heavens" and "Nine Earths" were not carefully distinguished by previous sages. In general, wherever they are located, they are auspicious. Basically, the "Nine Heavens" and "Nine Earths" are heaven and earth themselves, and they contain everything. How could heaven covering and earth bearing be inauspicious?

又曰：“倏為吉，倏為凶，倏為我用，倏為彼用，人不知，神不測，天地莫能窺，其微乃謂之詐。蓋八詐之中，惟九天、九地、太陰、六合為吉，於皆凶，然詐凶而星吉奇到者，不妨。又一等詐雖凶，我星門克彼者，異不妨，彼不居旺令者，亦不妨，如不得星門，又逢凶詐剋星門者，乃為大凶。”假如我坐天任生門，詐得元武，宜防小人盜賊，然土能克水，雖有小人，不足為害，彼居旺令者，若我居囚死，稍畏之。星門克主門得地者，吉。又八詐之生克，須以我星門同敵之門宮合看。

It is also said that something may suddenly be auspicious, then suddenly ominous, suddenly be useful to me, and suddenly be useful to the enemy. Humans cannot see through it, and even ghosts and spirits cannot accurately predict it, and heaven and earth cannot glimpse its subtleties. Therefore, it is called "deceit." Among the eight deceptions, only "Nine Heavens," "Nine Earths," "Tai Yin," and "Liu He" are auspicious, while the rest are ominous. However, even if the deception is ominous, as long as the stars are favorable and the Three Marvels are in the palace, it will not be a problem. There is another situation: although the deception is ominous, if my stars and gates can overcome it, it will not be a problem. If the enemy is not in its favorable period, it will also not be a problem. But if we do not get favorable stars and gates, and the ominous deception turns around to overcome our stars and gates, that is a great misfortune. For example, if I am sitting on the "Tian Ren" star and the "Sheng Men" gate, and the deception obtained is "Yuan Wu," which belongs to water, I should be cautious of small people and thieves. However, both "Tian Ren" and "Sheng Men" belong to earth, and earth can overcome water, so even if there are small people, they will not be a threat. If the enemy is in its favorable period, while I am in a state of imprisonment or death, I should be slightly afraid of it. In general, if the stars and gates can overcome the main gate and are in their proper positions, it will be auspicious. In addition, the interactions between the eight deceptions must be considered together with my stars and gates and the enemy's gates and palaces to make an accurate judgment.