Will the thief come?

此時天上奇儀星門克宮，賊得猖狂；如地盤坐於旺祿得令之宮，賊雖來而我以計勝。若我居失令，逢其相剋，謹防所失；如我克他，賊雖見而無害；若上下諸星比和，干支相生，主不進不退，恐賊暗來，宜埋伏之。

To determine whether the thief will come, if the strange symbols on the Heaven Plate and the star gates are in a controlling relationship with the palace, the thief's force will be rampant. If our side is in a flourishing position, sitting on the auspicious position of wealth and luck, and in the proper season and time, then even if the thief comes, we can use strategies to win. If our side is in a declining season and is also controlled by the opponent, we should be cautious to avoid losses. If we control the opponent, even though the thief appears, he will not harm us. If the stars above and below are in a harmonious relationship, and the heavenly stems and earthly branches are in a generating relationship, it indicates that both sides are not advancing or retreating, and at this time, the thief may secretly approach, so it is advisable to set up ambushes in advance.

又法以月將加正時，看天罡所在孟仲季，則知其來否。月將即正月雨水後登明亥將之類是也。

There is another method: using the Month General to start the chart based on the correct hour, and observing where the Heavenly Gang (Chen) falls, whether it is in one of the four beginning positions, the four middle positions, or the four end positions. According to this, one can determine whether a thief will come. The Month General referred to here is the deity used after the middle solar term of each month. For example, after the Rain Water solar term in January, the deity used is Dengming with the hour of Hai, and the other months follow in a similar manner.

臨孟 臨仲 臨季 來不來 不來 半路半來 全來 去不去 尚在 半去 全去 出不去 不出 半出 全出 戰不戰 來戰 已戰 欲戰 罷不罷 已罷 欲罷 未罷 利不利 主利 兩傷 利客 何道近 左道 中道 右道 兵被圍 可待 相撞 急去 行不行 未行 欲行 已行

This is a reference table used to determine military matters based on the position of the Heavenly Gang. The table has three columns as vertical headings: "Claw of the First," "Claw of the Second," and "Claw of the Third." Each row first lists the question being asked, followed by the answers corresponding to the three positions of the Heavenly Gang. To use the table, first locate the question, then determine where the Heavenly Gang falls, and take the answer in the corresponding column. The entries in the table are as follows: If asking whether the enemy will come, the answer is "will not come" for the Claw of the First, "halfway there, has come halfway" for the Claw of the Second, and "has fully arrived" for the Claw of the Third. If asking whether the enemy will go, the answer is "still there" for the Claw of the First, "has gone halfway" for the Claw of the Second, and "has fully gone" for the Claw of the Third. If asking whether the enemy can go out, the answer is "cannot go out" for the Claw of the First, "halfway out" for the Claw of the Second, and "fully out" for the Claw of the Third. If asking whether there will be a battle, the answer is "will come to fight" for the Claw of the First, "has already fought" for the Claw of the Second, and "is about to fight" for the Claw of the Third. If asking whether peace will be made, the answer is "has already made peace" for the Claw of the First, "is about to make peace" for the Claw of the Second, and "has not yet made peace" for the Claw of the Third. If asking whether it is favorable or unfavorable, the answer is "the main side is favorable" for the Claw of the First, "both sides suffer losses" for the Claw of the Second, and "the opposing side is favorable" for the Claw of the Third. If asking which road is closer, the answer is "take the left road" for the Claw of the First, "take the middle road" for the Claw of the Second, and "take the right road" for the Claw of the Third. If asking how to deal with troops surrounded, the answer is "wait" for the Claw of the First, "break through directly" for the Claw of the Second, and "quickly retreat" for the Claw of the Third. If asking whether it is favorable to march, the answer is "has not yet moved" for the Claw of the First, "is about to move" for the Claw of the Second, and "has already moved" for the Claw of the Third.

凡占兩家對敵，當定主客。以值符為主，以六庚為客，以所落之宮生克論虛實。如賊人會戰和降等情未知虛實，看主客所落之宮。如庚落宮克值符落宮，則其情虛詐；如相生、相比，定是實情，來意不敢為惡。如伏吟，則以六庚本宮與值符本宮生克看之；如返吟，則來意反覆不定。

When divining a battle between two armies, first determine whether the forces are host or guest. The Chief Symbol represents our side, and the six Gengs represent the enemy. Then, according to the relationship of generation and control between the two positions where the Chief Symbol and the Gengs fall, judge whether the enemy's intentions are real or false. For example, if the enemy proposes a battle or offers surrender, and it is unclear whether it is genuine or not, examine the positions of the host and guest. If the Geng falls into a position that controls the position of the Chief Symbol, it indicates a false show of strength and deception. If the two positions generate or harmonize with each other, then it is genuine and the enemy's intention is not harmful. If "Hidden Chant" occurs, meaning the Heaven and Earth plates are in the same position and do not move, then use the relationship of generation and control between the native position of the Geng and the native position of the Chief Symbol. If "Return Chant" occurs, meaning the Heaven and Earth plates are opposing, then the enemy's intention is unstable and their words are unreliable.

凡占伏兵，當以干支、值符、值使，用巳申子卯決之。先看值使在何宮分之，又以月將加本時看值使上有子卯巳申，定有伏兵；再看旺相帶刑，必有大戰。如空亡、休廢，雖來不戰。如申巳子卯不在值使宮上，必定無伏兵。如值使宮有子卯申巳一字（一雲值符，未知孰是，存疑）加在本時之干，賊在前；加在本時之支，賊在後。以月將加本時支干，相覆賊當在路之險處邀戰。

In determining whether there are hidden troops, one must use the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, along with the Chief Symbol and Duty Gate, to examine the four branches:巳, 申, 子, and 卯. First, check where the Duty Gate falls in the palace. Then, using the Month General added to the current hour to set up the chart, look to see if there is a 子, 卯, 巳, or 申 on top of the Duty Gate. If there is, there must be hidden troops. Next, check whether it is in a prosperous and strong condition and whether it is accompanied by a conflict. If so, there will certainly be a major battle. If it falls in an empty or weakened condition, even though there are hidden troops, they will not come to fight. If none of the four characters 申, 巳, 子, and 卯 appear on the Duty Gate palace, then there are certainly no hidden troops. To determine the direction of the hidden troops: if one of the characters 子, 卯, 申, or 巳 appears on the Duty Gate palace (another view suggests looking at the Chief Symbol, but it is unclear which is correct, so we will keep both views in mind), then the enemy is hidden in front. If it appears on the Earthly Branch of the current hour, the enemy is hidden behind. By using the Month General added to the current hour's Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch to see which one covers the other, one can know that the enemy will ambush the army at a dangerous pass along the way.

假如大暑中元陰一局戊癸日戊午時，天禽為值符，死門為值使，俱加一宮，巳申子卯不在符宮上，定無伏兵。

Take an example. During the Major Heat and the Middle Yuan, using Yin Dun one layout, on a Wu-Wei day at Wu-Wu time: Tian Rui Star serves as the Chief Symbol, and the Death Door serves as the Duty Gate, both added to the Kan one palace. Checking the Chief Symbol's palace, there are no characters of Si, Shen, Zi, or Mao, so it is determined that there are no hidden troops. This example clearly illustrates the use of the previous rule: 'If the four characters are not present in the Duty Gate palace, then there are no hidden troops.'

以干支分主客。 以值符加時干為動為客，以值使加時支為靜為主。如值符落宮克時支宮，再乘六庚、玄武，此地不可居；或值使落宮下克上，亦主不可居（即被本宮地盤克是也）。或值符宮與值使宮相生比和，可居；或相刑剋（值符宮受克），敵來不能取勝，亦可居。或值使宮神相生、比和者，可居；犯門迫者不可居。

When determining whether the city can still be inhabited when enemy troops are approaching, use the heavenly stems and earthly branches to distinguish between the main and the guest forces. The chief symbol is placed on the stem of the hour, representing the active guest force attacking. The duty gate is placed on the branch of the hour, representing the passive main force defending the city. The method of judgment is as follows: if the chief symbol falls into a palace and attacks the palace of the hour branch, and is accompanied by the six geng and the black tortoise, then the place is no longer suitable for habitation. Alternatively, if the palace of the duty gate is attacked by the earth plate, meaning the lower palace attacks the upper one, it also indicates that the city cannot be inhabited. Conversely, if the palace of the chief symbol and the palace of the duty gate are in a mutually generating or harmonious relationship, the city can still be inhabited. Even if they are in a mutual conflict or mutual control relationship, as long as the palace being attacked is the chief symbol's palace, it means the enemy has arrived but cannot achieve victory, so the city can still be inhabited. If the god in the palace of the duty gate is in a mutually generating or harmonious relationship with the chief symbol, the city can be inhabited. However, if there is a door constraint, the city cannot be inhabited.

以六庚主之，太白兵象也，主攻者，天禽在中為受攻者。 看六庚乘旺相，得開門加中五宮，其城可克；又看地盤天禽所落之宮，得旺相吉門者，其將守可擒得；休囚廢沒及凶門者，其守必死。

When predicting the outcome of a siege, the main useful god is the sixth heavenly stem, Geng. This is because Geng represents Tai Bai Star, which symbolizes military forces and represents the attacking side. The Tian Rui Star is located in the central five palace, representing the defending side of the city. The method of interpretation is: if the sixth Geng stem is supported by prosperous and strong energy and is accompanied by the Open Door gate affecting the central five palace, then the city can be captured. Then examine the palace where the Tian Rui Star falls on the earth plate: if it is supported by prosperous and strong energy and is paired with a favorable gate, the defending general can be captured alive; if it falls on weak and confined energy and is paired with an unfavorable gate, the defending general will certainly die in battle.

以天禽為守，天蓬乘六庚為攻者。 看天禽落宮，得生、休、景三門，得旺相又有六丙，其城可守。如無吉門旺相，並再犯天蓬，六庚加中宮，城不可守。

Divining the defense of a city uses the Tian Qin star to represent the defending side and the Tian Peng star combined with the six Geng stars to represent the attacking side. The method of interpretation is: look at which palace the Tian Qin star falls into. If it falls into one of the three favorable gates—Sheng Men, Xiu Men, or Jing Men—and is supported by the prosperous and strong energy, and also assisted by the six Bing stars, then the city can be defended successfully. Conversely, if there are no favorable gates and no prosperous energy, and if the Tian Peng star is present, with the six Geng stars directly attacking the defending side by occupying the central palace, then the city cannot be defended.

以生我克彼論之。 凡被攻日久，以六庚開門為敵人，以六丙景門為守者，必天禽、六丙合生門，或在守者左右之宮，必有援兵，近而且速。若離禽宮遠則遲。如六丙景門休囚受剋制，援兵不至（亦無力援我）。如天蓬乘六庚敗氣，攻者不克，守者可守（以兵威在天禽故也）。

When predicting the arrival of reinforcements, we consider those that can benefit us or defeat the enemy. If a force has been besieged for a long time, use the six Geng stems paired with the Open Door to represent the enemy, and the six Bing stems paired with the Jing Gate to represent the defending force. The method of judgment is: if the Tian Rui Star combines with the six Bing stems above the Life Gate, or falls in the adjacent palace of the defending force, reinforcements will definitely arrive, and they will come quickly and closely. If the Tian Rui Star is far from the palace of the defending force, the reinforcements will arrive later. If the six Bing stems and the Jing Gate fall in a weak and confined condition and are further restricted, reinforcements will not come, and even if they do, they will be powerless to help. If the Tian Wang Star is combined with the six Geng stems and is in a defeated condition, the attacking force will not be able to advance, and the defending force will be able to hold its ground—because the military strength lies in the Tian Rui Star, and if the Tian Rui Star does not fail, the defensive position will not collapse.

假如清明上元陽四局乙庚日丙子時，天禽值符加丙在坤，天英作援兵加離生禽，則火生土。六庚在乾六宮，受天英之克，必援兵大張聲勢，有整兵慎戰之意。攻者有緩攻畏敵之意，可守無虞。

Take an example. On the Qingming Upper Yuan day using Yang Dun four layouts, on an Ethereal Metal day with Bingzi hour: The Tian Rui Star serves as the Chief Symbol, with Bing falling in the second Kun palace. The Tian Ying Star acts as the reinforcement, added to the ninth Li palace to generate Tian Rui—Fire generates Earth, and the reinforcement is strong. The sixth Geng falls in the sixth Qian palace, where fire overcomes metal, and is directly overcome by Tian Ying. Thus, it is determined that the reinforcement will make a great show of force, indicating the mobilization of troops and cautious engagement; the attacking side will have a slow offensive and fear of our army, so the city is secure.

占陣以景驚二門主之，曰景宜破陣，又曰亂之，要法視驚門。 以值符落宮為主，以六庚落宮為客。如值符宮克庚宮，主勝；庚克值符宮，客勝。又旺相則勝，休囚則敗。如值符宮得景門、驚門或二門與值符宮相生，主勝；庚宮得景驚二門，或二門與庚宮相生，客勝。如值符與主客相生，必來講和；如值符與庚主客俱乘旺相，景門反相刑剋，其勢相等，兩相恐懼，不戰而退。若六庚為值符，即為主客同宮，不分勝敗。又日干加庚，主勝；庚加日干，客勝。

When predicting the outcome of a battle between two armies and their formations, the focus should be on the Jing Gate and Jing Door. The Jing Gate is suitable for breaking through the enemy's formation and causing confusion among the enemy troops. The key lies in examining the Jing Door. The Useful God is determined by the position of the Chief Symbol (值符) representing the main force and the position of the sixth Geng (六庚) representing the opposing force. The method of interpretation is as follows: if the Chief Symbol's palace overcomes the Geng's palace, the main force wins; if the Geng overcomes the Chief Symbol's palace, the opposing force wins. Additionally, the force that is in a prosperous and strong state will win, while the one in a weak and confined state will lose. If the Chief Symbol's palace has the Jing Gate or the Jing Door, or if these two gates are in a mutual generation relationship with the Chief Symbol's palace, the main force will win. If the Geng's palace has these two gates, or if these two gates are in a mutual generation relationship with the Geng's palace, the opposing force will win. If the Chief Symbol and the Geng, as well as the main and opposing forces, are all in a prosperous and strong state, both sides will likely negotiate. If the Chief Symbol and the Geng, as well as the main and opposing forces, are all in a prosperous and strong state, but the Jing Gate instead causes conflict, both sides will be evenly matched, each hesitating to attack, and both will retreat without fighting. If the sixth Geng itself is the Chief Symbol, then the main and opposing forces are in the same palace, and the outcome is uncertain. There is also a simplified method: if the Day Stem is placed on the Geng, the main force wins; if the Geng is placed on the Day Stem, the opposing force wins. When the Geng is placed on the Day Stem, it is referred to as the "hidden stem" (伏干) pattern, indicating that both sides attack the main force, so the opposing force is predicted to win. When the Day Stem is placed on the Geng, it indicates that the main force suppresses the enemy, so the main force is predicted to win.

當以時干決其真偽。 看甲乙壬癸四時，聞事皆虛，憂喜俱無；逢戊丙二時，聞憂則虛，聞喜則實；逢丁時，則憂無大憂，喜無大喜；逢己庚二時，聞喜則無，聞憂則實；逢六辛時，憂喜平二。

To determine the truth of a military report, one should use the heavenly stem of the time. If the news is heard during the hours of Jia or Yi, it is false, neither causing worry nor joy. If heard during the hours of Wu or Bing, worries are false and joys are true. If heard during the hour of Ding, worries are not serious and joys are not great. If heard during the hours of Ji or Geng, joys are empty and worries are true. If heard during the hour of Xin, both worries and joys are moderate, neither light nor heavy.

六壬以月將加時，看日辰與上神之生克。如相生為實信，相剋主虛信。如朱雀、天空臨時臨辰尤不可信。

Here is another method used in Liu Neng divination: use the Month General to start the chart based on the current hour, and examine the relationship between the Day Branch and the deity governing it. If they mutually generate, the information is reliable; if they mutually control, it is unreliable. If the Vermilion Bird or the Sky God, which are deities associated with speech and deception, are governing the hour or the Day Branch, then the information should not be taken lightly. Using both Qi Men and Liu Neng methods together leads to more reliable judgments.

六壬以月將加時，神后落處斷之。寅申巳亥良人，子午卯酉商客，辰戌丑未□惡細作。

To determine whether the person coming is good or evil, we also use the Six壬 method: take the Month General and add it to the current time to start the chart, then see where the God of Following (Zi) falls. If the God of Following falls in the four young positions, which are寅, 申, 巳, and 亥, then the person is good. If it falls in the four central positions, which are子, 午, 卯, and 酉, then the person is a merchant traveler. If it falls in the four old positions, which are辰, 戌, 丑, and 未, then the person is a wicked spy (the original text here is missing a character). In the military, when checking people, this can provide a general judgment.

兩家對壘，久無動靜，使人探其消息，既分主客，又當以值使決之。如值使落宮生主宮，去則得力；克主宮生客宮，去必向彼；若克客宮，必探得的實。主生值符宮，雖洩主氣亦吉；客生值使宮，克值使宮，雖洩客氣亦主彼吉。值使宮自相剋制，必不敢去，或途路有阻，旺則稍可，休囚大凶。

Two armies have been facing each other for a long time without any movement. If someone is sent to gather intelligence, it is necessary to distinguish between the host and the guest, and to use the duty gate to make a decision, because the duty gate represents the person being sent. The method of judgment is: if the duty gate falls into a palace that generates the host's palace, the person sent will be effective; if it overcomes the host's palace but generates the guest's palace, the person sent will definitely side with the other side; if it goes on to overcome the guest's palace, then the person will certainly obtain accurate information. If the host's palace generates the duty gate's palace, although it leaks the host's strength, it is still considered auspicious; if the guest's palace generates or overcomes the duty gate's palace, although it leaks the guest's strength, it indicates that the other side will be fortunate. If the duty gate's palace is itself overcome, the person will certainly be too afraid to go, or will encounter obstacles on the way; at this time, if the duty gate is in a strong state, it can still bewith difficulty (勉强 means勉强, which is a term used to indicate something is勉强, which is a bit difficult but can be done), but if it is in a weak and confined state, it is a great凶 (凶 means凶, which is a term used to indicate something is凶, which is a bit dangerous).

兩國兵爭，或應間謀行不以法占之，以值使為彼國，丙為自己，庚為所間之人。以月將加本時，看丙與值使所得何支相沖，則動；不沖，則不動。既已沖動，又看庚值使之乘星。庚旺間人無益；庚星克值使之星者，無益；相生者，無益。必值使乘星克庚乘星者，其術得行也。

When two countries are at war and wish to carry out a reverse strategy, whether it will be effective can be determined by this method: use the Duty Gate to represent the enemy country, use Bing to represent oneself, and use Geng to represent the person to be manipulated. First, use the Month General to start the chart based on the current time, and check whether the branch of Bing and the Duty Gate are in opposition: if they are in opposition, the plan can be set in motion; if not, it cannot. Once opposition has occurred, look at the stars that each of Geng and the Duty Gate are riding on. If Geng is riding on a strong star, the person cannot be controlled, and the reverse strategy will be ineffective; if the star that Geng is riding on is able to overcome the star that the Duty Gate is riding on, it will also be ineffective; if they are in mutual generation, it will also be ineffective. The reverse strategy will only be effective if the star that the Duty Gate is riding on can overcome the star that Geng is riding on.

敵國相攻，兵不厭詐，以六丙為己，以六庚為敵，朱雀為謠言。必朱雀為落宮旺相為地，又要六丙落宮克六庚，或丙生六庚，其詐得行。如庚雖被丙克在旺相之鄉，或生六丙不在休囚廢沒之地，主半疑半信。丙被庚克，或生六庚而不旺相者，其術能行。

When two countries are at war, military tactics do not shy away from deception. To determine whether the enemy will fall for our deception, use the hexagram Jia (六丙) to represent ourselves and the hexagram Geng (六庚) to represent the enemy. Use Zhuque (朱雀) to symbolize the spread of rumors. For the deception to succeed, Zhuque must be in a palace where it is prosperous and strong, and Jia must be able to overcome Geng, or Jia must approach Geng to show closeness. If Geng is overcome by Jia but is itself in a prosperous and strong position, or if Geng approaches Jia but is not in a weak or unfavorable position, the enemy will be only half-believing. If Jia is instead overcome by Geng, or if Jia approaches Geng but itself is not prosperous, the deception may still work, but with much caution.

如常人爭訟私鬥類，亦欲行詐誘之法者，日為自己，年為長輩，月為類，時為晚幼，其占法同。

In ordinary cases such as common people going to court or settling private disputes, if they also want to use deceptive methods, the selection of the useful god differs slightly. Here, the day represents oneself, the year represents elders, the month represents peers, and the hour represents younger generations. As for the judgment of generation, overcoming, strength, and decline, it is exactly the same as the method used in divination for military affairs. This shows that this method is not limited to warfare between two countries; it can be applied wherever there is a conflict between parties.

出軍討賊，以天輔為餉司，天沖為將領，青龍為餉神。若天輔落宮克天沖宮，有餉不發；天沖剋天輔，亦不吉。必兩相生比者，發。又看青龍旺相，比、生天沖者，其餉必多；落休囚廢沒，其餉不足。

To launch an army against rebels, the treasury department is represented by the Tianfu Star, the military commander by the Tianchong Star, and the military funds themselves by the Qinglong. The method of interpretation is: when the Tianfu Star falls into a palace and attacks the palace of the Tianchong Star, there are funds but they are not released; when the Tianchong Star attacks the Tianfu Star, it is also not auspicious. It is necessary for both to be in a state of mutual generation or harmonious relationship for the funds to be released. Now look at the Qinglong: if the Qinglong is in a prosperous and strong state, and is harmonious with the Tianchong Star or generates the Tianchong Star, the military funds will certainly be abundant; if the Qinglong is in a weak and confined state, the military funds will be insufficient.

欲知何處有水，以休門下定之。見申為江河，小吉為井，太沖為池塘（六壬以月將加時）。

When marching in the field and encountering a lack of water, to find where water is, look at the branch under the Xiu Men (Rest Gate): if it is Shen, there is a river; if it is Xiao Ji (Minor Auspicious) which corresponds to Wei, there is a well; if it is Tai Chong (Great Momentum) which corresponds to Mao, there is a pond. The method of determining these branch deities comes from the Six Rats (Liu Ren). It must be used after placing the disk with the Month General added to the current time. This passage is the same as the one on "Divination for Boarding a Boat" regarding the method of finding water, and they can be cross-referenced.

凡行兵遇深山大林，暮夜迷路，以三定其去向。因三有生然，又為破軍、天馬之象，故云：之三避五，八方無阻。或以天罡所落處行百步外自遇大路。

When an army enters deep mountains and forests and becomes lost in the dark, they use the three palaces to determine the direction of movement. Because the three palaces have the energy of growth and the image of breaking the army star and the Heavenly Horse, there is a mnemonic that says "go towards the three palaces, avoid the five palaces, and there will be no obstacles in all eight directions." Another method is to walk in the direction where the Heavenly Gang falls, and after walking more than a hundred paces, one will naturally come across a main road.

天罡加孟在左，加季向右，加仲中行，自得大路。六壬以月將加時。

The specific use of the Heavenly Gang is: when the Heavenly Gang is placed on the four beginning positions of寅, 申, 巳, and 亥, it moves to the left; when placed on the four middle positions of 辰, 戌, 丑, and 未, it moves to the right; when placed on the four central positions of 子, 午, 卯, and 酉, it moves straight toward the center—thus naturally following the main path. The position where the Heavenly Gang is placed still follows the method of the Six Rats, using the Month General added to the current hour to start the disk.

假令冬至上元陽一局甲己日夜半為甲子時，至平旦為丙寅時，得此三時為生氣，和百事，故曰之三；至食時為戊辰時，此五時為害氣，故凶宜避。

This section explains the origin of the four characters "之三避五." For example, on the first day of the winter solstice, using the Yang Dun method with one layout, on the night of a Jia or Ji day, the midnight hour is Jiazi, and by morning it becomes Bingyin. Counting from Jiazi to Bingyin, there are exactly three hours, and during this hour, life qi is present, which brings harmony to all affairs, hence it is called "之三," meaning to go to the third place. Continuing to count, the hour when breakfast is eaten is Wuchen, which is the fifth hour and belongs to harmful qi, thus it is considered凶 (unfavorable), and should be avoided, which is why it is called "避五."

甲日丙辰時，丙火乃甲子孫，是日生時干，為生氣，又合吉格，大利主；至戊辰時，甲木克戊土，而甲木主為戊土為官克於時，為死氣，右上干克下干，門克宮，故大利客兵。

From the perspective of the Five Phases generation and overcoming, on a Jia day, at the Bingchen hour, the Bing fire is generated by the Jia wood, like the Jia's offspring, which is the day stem generating the hour stem, belonging to life qi; if further combined with a favorable pattern, it greatly benefits the main party. However, at the Wuchen hour, the Jia wood overcomes the Wu earth: Jia wood is the main party, and Wu earth here is the official ghost, which is overcome by the hour stem, thus becoming death qi; at this time, the upper heavenly stem overcomes the lower heavenly stem, and the gate also overcomes the palace, so it greatly benefits the guest party's troops. This shows that 'three' and 'five' are not just fixed numbers to be memorized; the principle actually lies in the generation and overcoming in the order of the Five Phases.

斷鴉鵲鳴方吉凶，看此十二神將所主。 凡出軍、行道、住宅聞鴉鳴鵲噪者，看其從何方來，就占其吉凶而趨避之。

This section discusses "Five Symbols Forming the Celestial Gate," used to determine the auspiciousness of crows and magpies calling from different directions. The method involves examining the twelve divine generals and the matters each oversees. Whenever there is an expedition, military movement, travel, or one hears a crow or magpie call at home, one should determine from which direction the sound comes. Then, according to the divine general associated with that direction, one should assess its auspiciousness and decide whether to proceed in that direction or avoid it.

遇五符星方噪酉上癸：主人送信，諸事吉又宜駐兵動眾、晉謁、求財。 遇天曹星方噪戌上甲：主行征往來出入吉一說外出平平，若戰鬥主氣力弱。 遇地符星方噪亥上甲：主出征有神助，女人報信吉又主驚虛，三軍憂失不宜，征戰並罡魁煞入弔客。

The first of the five symbols is the Five Symbols Star, paired with the You position and the癸 stem. When this position is activated, it indicates that someone will come to deliver a message, and all matters are auspicious. It is also favorable for驻兵, moving troops, visiting superiors, and seeking wealth. The second is the Heaven Court Star, paired with the Xu position and the甲 stem. When this position is activated, it indicates that military campaigns and movements are auspicious. Another interpretation suggests that going out is merely average, and if used for battle, it indicates insufficient strength. The third is the Earth Symbol Star, paired with the Hai position and the甲 stem. When this position is activated, it indicates that military campaigns will be aided by divine forces, and the arrival of a woman with news is auspicious. However, another interpretation suggests it brings false alarms, and the entire army may suffer losses and worry. It is not favorable for battle, especially when the Heavenly Gang and River Chief evils, along with the吊客, are present.

遇風伯星方噪子上甲：宜出舊、遠出、行兵必中虛詐又主出入憂惶，大風虛驚、闇昧、失物。 遇雷公星方噪丑上乙：不宜興兵遠出，必有二人報信又必有風雨、陰私、計謀、怪夢、驚憂。 遇雨師星方噪寅上丙戊：宜守，水戰大吉又路逢陰雨或狂風驟雨。

The fourth star is Feng Bo, paired with the Zi position and Jia. In this direction, there is a call, which is favorable for traveling far away; however, if military actions are taken, they will surely fall into the enemy's deception, and there will be worries and fears about entering and exiting, great wind scares, ambiguous matters, and loss of property. The fifth star is Lei Gong, paired with the Chou position and Yi. In this direction, there is a call, which is unfavorable for military campaigns far away, and there will be two people coming to report; it also indicates rain and wind, private matters, schemes, strange dreams, and worries. The sixth star is Yu Shi, paired with the Yin position and Bing Wu. In this direction, there is a call, which is favorable for holding firm, and it is very auspicious for fighting on water; it also indicates encountering rain and wind on the road, or sudden heavy rain and wind.

遇風雲星方噪卯上丙戊：主有錢財、吉慶，不宜先動兵又宜喚客迎賓，心不定。 遇唐符星方噪辰上丁己：主人送財伏兵大吉。又人馬大勝，一可勝十，凡所營求無不吉利。 遇國印星方噪巳上丁己：主文書報信，出兵大勝又主有遷進、改除之事，無不吉。

The seventh star is Fengyun (Storm and Cloud), paired with the卯 position and the stems 丙 and 戊. In this direction, there is a call, indicating wealth and auspicious events, but it is not advisable to take the initiative in military action. It is more suitable for summoning guests and welcoming visitors, though the mind may be unsettled. The eighth star is Tangfu (Tang Symbol), paired with the辰 position and the stems 丁 and 己. In this direction, there is a call, indicating that wealth will come from others, and setting ambushes is highly auspicious. It also signifies that the army will achieve great victory, overcoming ten enemies with one, and all endeavors will be favorable. The ninth star is Guoyin (National Seal), paired with the巳 position and the stems 丁 and 己. In this direction, there is a call, indicating that messages will arrive from documents, and military campaigns will be victorious. It also signifies promotion and changes in position, all of which are favorable.

遇天關星方噪午上丁己：主門戰，行兵大凶又路逢阻滯，因訟遺物，門訟征行凶。 遇地軸星方噪未上壬：主陰人惱亂殺之事又主人馬不勝，值囚錢穀散失。 遇天賊星方噪申上壬：主口舌爭競，官司告事凶又路逢盜賊，暴風來處是賊方位。

The tenth heavenly gate star is paired with the午 position and丁 and己. When it sounds in this direction, it indicates warfare at the gate, which is extremely dangerous for military campaigns; it also suggests obstacles on the road, loss of property due to lawsuits, and misfortune for all matters concerning lawsuits, gate affairs, and distant travels. The eleventh earthly axis star is paired with the未 position and壬. When it sounds in this direction, it indicates disturbances caused by women's anger leading to deaths; it also suggests that horses will not win battles, and if there is a period of imprisonment, money and grain will be lost. The twelfth heavenly thief star is paired with the申 position and壬. When it sounds in this direction, it indicates disputes and lawsuits, all of which are ominous; it also suggests encountering thieves on the road, and the direction from which the strong wind comes is where the thieves are located.

每日定三門，遇五符、唐符、國印三位大吉，或出入等事不避凶殺，但得三位者，無不吉利，於祿上起五符、二天曹、三地符，照上式順排至天賊止。

Each day, three gates should be determined for use. Among the twelve divine generals, the three most auspicious are Wu Fu, Tang Fu, and Guo Yin; whenever one goes out or engages in any activity, even if one does not avoid theInauspicious Sha (malevolent influences), as long as one obtains one of these three, there will be no inauspiciousness. The method of arrangement is: starting from the禄位 (favorable position) of the day stem, the first is Wu Fu, the second is Tian Cao, the third is Di Fu, and they are arranged in the order mentioned above, continuing sequentially until the twelfth, which is Tian Zei.

如甲祿在寅，乙卯，丙戊巳（一雲戊祿辰），丁己午（一雲己祿戌），庚祿申，辛酉，壬亥，癸子。天曹、地符宜守，風伯消息凶，雷公大凶，雨師憂賊至，天關宜追捕，天賊必占賊，遇地軸多逃遁，風雲宜避。

Each day stem's luck position is: Jia's luck is in Yin, Yi's luck is in Mao, Bing and Wu's luck is in Si (another saying says Wu's luck is in Chen), Ding and Ji's luck is in Wu (another saying says Ji's luck is in Xu), Geng's luck is in Shen, Xin's luck is in You, Ren's luck is in Hai, and Gui's luck is in Zi. Starting from this luck position, one can arrange the twelve divine generals in order. Finally, a summary of each divine's usage is given: encountering Tian Cao and Di Fu is suitable for holding firm; encountering Feng Bo, the information received is ominous; encountering Lei Gong, it is extremely ominous; encountering Yu Shi, one should worry about enemy troops coming; encountering Tian Guan, it is suitable for pursuit; encountering Tian Zei, one must definitely guard against thieves and bandits; encountering Di Zhou, there will be many people fleeing and escaping; encountering Feng Yun, one should be suitable for avoiding. The entire text ends here.