Volume 37 · Eight Doors and Flying Addition · Dui Palace Jing Door

七、赤兌宮，正西方、天柱星、驚門屬金，旺於秋冬庚辛申酉年月日時，金能殺物，剛強橫行，乃日入下弦，四九之數。少女妓妾、詭言巫語、琢削補器、毀拆破損、房門損破、缺地廢井、溪泉屋舍、邪妖不正、陰人非厄、口舌咽喉、雞首雉肉、羊羔腿蹄、猿鷺野味、澤中之物、刀針銅器。

Seventh, the Seven Red Stars in the Dui Palace, located in the direction of due west, are associated with the Tian Zhu star and the Jing Door. They belong to the metal element, which is strong in autumn and winter, as well as in years, months, days, and hours of Geng, Xin, Shen, and You. Metal is capable of cutting down and killing all things, being strong and dominant, symbolized by the waning moon and the number four and nine. The categories associated with this are: young women and concubines, deceitful words and the speech of witches and fortune tellers, carving and repairing objects, destroying and dismantling broken things, broken doors, defective places and abandoned wells, streams and ponds, houses and sheds, evil spirits and improper things, and troubles and calamities related to women. The position is associated with the mouth, tongue, and throat; the objects are the meat of the rooster and the wild chicken, the legs and hooves of lambs, the flesh of monkeys and herons, aquatic products, and items such as knives, needles, and copperware.

易曰：兌者，悅也。因對宮雷震而憾動之，故謂驚門，驚之為言駭也。宜祭風、祈雨、詭言、破敵、剖白對詞、攻擊、劫寨、漁獵、博戲、修築城營、訓練士卒、養威蓄鋭。

The Zhou Changes say: Dui represents joy. Because the thunder of the Zhen trigram shook it, this trigram is called the Jing Door—"Jing" means terror. The Jing Door is suitable for worshiping the wind, praying for rain, using deceitful words, breaking through the enemy's forces, confronting and questioning in court, attacking and raiding camps, fishing and hunting, gambling, building fortifications and camps, training soldiers, and cultivating strength and vigor.

驚加兌，乃門宮比和，若合吉格，或上下奇儀比和生合，主客皆利，諸事大吉；如合凶格，諸事不宜。若天柱星同臨，為伏吟格，宜守舊、埋藏、積糧、訓練。克應：有陰人之非，或家眷不和，口舌相干，或誣言之災。在物主純金之器，或有聲音多嘴之物，或破金損器，茶壺酒器之屬。

The Jing Door flying to the Dui Palace indicates that the door and palace are like and harmonious. If it forms a favorable pattern or if the upper and lower odd instruments are harmonious and mutually generating, both the host and guest will be beneficial, and all matters will be highly auspicious. However, if it forms an unfavorable pattern, all matters will be unsuitable. If the Tian Zhu star is also present, it forms the Hidden Chant pattern: it is favorable for maintaining the status quo, storing grain, and training soldiers. Its corresponding effects are: disputes arising from women, domestic discord, involvement in verbal conflicts, or disasters from false accusations. The corresponding objects are pure metal vessels, or items that make noise and have many mouths, broken metal vessels, and tea pots and wine vessels alike.

驚加乾，乃門宮比和，若合吉格，或上下相生，戰利主客，凡為諸事皆吉；若合凶格，或上克下，諸事有阻，而不利於後。克應：主老少不和，宅合生非，陰人為禍，但雖有不凶。在物主空鳴鐘磬之聲，或金銀人物、鴛鴦、鳥獸之物。

The Jing Door flies into the Qian Trigram, which is also a case of the door and trigram being like and harmonious. If it forms a favorable pattern or if there is mutual generation between upper and lower, then both the commander and the enemy will benefit, and all matters will be auspicious. However, if it forms an unfavorable pattern or if the upper overcomes the lower, all affairs will encounter obstacles and later developments will be unfavorable. The manifestation of the overcoming is: the master and the younger generation will not get along, disputes will arise within the family, and misfortune will be brought about by the woman's side. Although such events may occur, they are not considered extremely ominous. The sign of this is the sound of an empty bell or gong, or images made of gold and silver such as figures, mandarin ducks, birds, and beasts.

驚加坎，乃門生宮，若天上奇儀生合地下奇儀，戰利為主，諸事大吉，所為皆利；若上克下，或下生上，吉。克應：有陰人之利，或陰人有私之喜，或得美吉之益。在物主盛水盆、水桶之屬，或銅鉤、銅杓。

The Jing Door flies to the Kan Palace, indicating that the door generates and harmonises with the palace; if the heavenly plate odd instruments harmonise with the earthly plate odd instruments, it is advantageous for the main side, and all matters will be very auspicious, with benefits in everything done. If the upper overcomes the lower, or the lower generates the upper, it is also auspicious. The overcoming effect is: benefiting from the side of a woman, or having private happiness from a woman, or receiving good and auspicious benefits. The things that indicate the effect are a basin or bucket filled with water, or a copper hook and a copper spoon.

驚加艮，乃宮生門，若合吉格，或上下奇儀生合，戰利主客，凡事得意，所為如心；若上下沖克，再分賔主用之。克應：有婚姻之喜，夫妻相得，有妻財之助，因口舌得財。在物主金石相兼之物，或古器，或當用財寶之物。

The Jing Door flying to the Gen Palace indicates that the Palace generates the Door; if it forms a favorable pattern or the upper and lower odd instruments mutually generate and harmonize, then both the commander and the enemy will benefit, and all matters will go smoothly according to one's wishes. However, if the upper and lower elements mutually clash and control, one must first distinguish between the guest and the host before using them. Its controlling effect is: there will be joy from marriage, harmony between husband and wife, financial assistance from the wife's family, or gaining wealth through verbal disputes. The things that will manifest are objects made of metal and stone, ancient artifacts, or valuable treasures that are actually needed.

驚加震，乃門克宮，若天上奇儀克地下奇儀，戰利為客，諸事大凶；若下克上，凡事雖凶稍可。若天柱星同臨，為反吟格，宜入山伐木、散糧賞眾、擊打賊窠。克應：陰人之非，或砍伐之害，鬪殺之害，反情爭敗。在物多動之物，或金木相兼、形短破缺、有口之物。

The Jing Door flies into the Zhen Palace, which is a case of the door being in a position of weakness against the palace; if the heavenly plate's odd instruments are able to overcome the earthly plate's odd instruments, it is favorable for the guest side, and all matters will be greatly ominous; if the lower overcomes the upper, although the matter is still ominous, it is somewhat better. If the Tian Zhu star is also present, it forms the reverse rhyme pattern: it is suitable for entering the mountains to log, distributing grain to reward the troops, and attacking the bandits' lair. Its omen is: disputes arising from the side of women, or harm from cutting down trees, harm from fighting and injury, disputes over affection leading to failure in conflict; the omen is represented by constantly moving objects, or metal and wood combined, small and broken objects, or things with mouths.

驚加巽，乃門克宮，若合吉格，或上克下，或下生上，戰利為客大勝，諸事不吉；若上生下，諸凶減半。克應：主妻妾不和，陰人之厄，或重娶之憂，口舌虛驚，男女病厄。在物缺損之器，或形長有口眼風箱、火盆，或簪鑽、風扇之類。

The Jing Door flies into the Xun Palace, which is also a case of the door overcoming the palace. If it forms a favorable combination, or if the upper overcomes the lower, or the lower generates the upper, it is advantageous for the guest side and leads to a great victory, but all other matters are unfavorable. If the upper generates the lower, various dangers are reduced by half. Its overcoming effect is: the master's wife and concubines are not harmonious, there is misfortune from the female side, or the worry of remarrying, as well as disputes and false alarms, and illness for both men and women. The things that indicate this are broken or damaged vessels, or long and narrow objects with a mouth and an eye such as a bellows, a fire basin, a hairpin, a drill, or a fan.

驚加離，乃宮克門，若地下奇儀克天上奇儀，戰利為主、大勝，求名、官訟大吉，餘事有耗散之憂；若上生下，諸事迪吉。克應：有陰人持權，寡婦當家，文書為靠，房屋之利，不成口舌，時常爭鬪。在物為不全舊器、缺損之物，或鑄造未成之器。

The Jing Door is attacked by the Li Palace, indicating that the palace overcomes the door. If the Earth Plate's odd instruments overcome the Heaven Plate's odd instruments, it is advantageous for the main party and results in a great victory. It is very auspicious for seeking fame and winning lawsuits, but other matters may involve loss and dispersion. If the upper overcomes the lower, all matters are auspicious. The manifestation of this overcoming is that a woman holds power, a widow manages the household, decisions are based on documents, and there is benefit from property. Although it does not lead to disputes, there is frequent contention. The things that indicate the outcome are broken or incomplete old objects, damaged items, or unfinished tools.

驚加坤，乃宮生門，若地盤生天盤，戰宜為客大利，諸事破費遲緩；若上生下合吉格，諸事最吉，以小利而獲大利。克應：主陰人退耗，或母為其女，因婚娶費財，或田產之益。在物主土金有用之物，或鋤鏟之器，或瓦壺古井美器，或墳塋內所得者。驚加中，乃宮生門，斷意同驚加坤。

The Jing Door flies to the Kun Palace, which is a case of the Palace generating the Gate; if the Earth Plate generates the Heaven Plate, it is advantageous to act as the guest party in warfare, being highly favorable. However, various matters will involve expenses and delays. If the upper generates the lower and also forms a favorable combination, all matters will be most auspicious, capable of gaining great benefits through small expenses. Its adverse effects are: the mistress of the house may lose wealth and suffer losses, or the mother may incur expenses due to her daughter's affairs or marriage, but there may also be benefits from land or property. The things that will manifest are useful items made of earth and metal, or farming tools like hoes and shovels, or beautiful vessels such as earthenware jars and ancient wells, or items obtained from graves. The Jing Door flying to the Central Palace is also a case of the Palace generating the Gate, and the interpretation is the same as when the Jing Door flies to the Kun Palace.

八、白艮宮，東北方、天任星、生門屬土，旺於四季戊己辰戌丑未年月日時，土能生物，四時運行，任意循環，造化無盡矣。少男山岡、村居阻隔、徑路岸石、山村寺觀、動止不常、生滅有時、堅硬多節、剛柔進退、土石瓦塊、鼻背手指、氣血結積、瘡皰腫毒、色黃味甘、虎豹豺狼、狗鼠土物。

Eighth, the Eight White Gen Palace, located in the Northeast direction, is paired with the Tian Ren star and the Life Gate. It belongs to the Earth element, thriving in the four seasonal months and in years, months, days, and hours of Wu, Ji, Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei. Earth can give birth to all things, with the continuous cycle of the four seasons, endless transformations. The phenomena it governs include: young males and hills, villages with obstructions, small paths and riverbanks with rocks, mountain villages and temples, unpredictable movement and change, birth and death occurring at specific times, hardness with knots, flexibility and rigidity, and stones, bricks, and tiles. It is located on the nose bridge and back, and when ill, it manifests as stagnation of qi and blood, sores, boils, and swellings. Its color is yellow and its taste is sweet. The animals associated with it are tigers, leopards, jackals, wolves, dogs, and rats, which are creatures of the earth.

易曰：艮者止也。前乎此則震巽木生離火，離火生坤土，坤土又生兌金，金又生坎水，水畏艮土在前克之，陷而不能生乾，故曰艮為止也。天地生物之化，不能終止，終則復始，生生而不息，故謂生門，生之為言育也。宜選將、興師、上官、赴任、更改、入宅、造塟、請謁、嫁娶、求謀、入山、耕種、商賈、出入，萬事大吉。

The Zhou Changes say: "Gen means to stop." Before this sequence, the order is Zhen and Xun wood generating Li fire, Li fire generating Kun earth, Kun earth generating Dui metal, and Dui metal generating Kan water. Water here fears the coming of Gen earth to overcome it, becoming trapped and unable to generate Qian heaven. Therefore, Gen is called stopping. However, the creative power of heaven and earth in nurturing all things does not cease here. When it ends, it begins again, continuing endlessly. Therefore, this palace is called the Life Gate—"life" meaning generation and nurturing. The Life Gate is favorable for selecting generals, mobilizing troops, taking office, changing old matters, moving in, building, burying, visiting, marriage, seeking opportunities, entering mountains, farming, and commerce; all things go smoothly.

生加艮，乃門宮比和，若合吉格，或上下奇儀比和生合，戰則主客皆利，諸事遲吉。若天任星同臨，為伏吟格，宜收貨積糧，砌牆填塞等事均吉。克應：主山林田產之交，或墳塋有益，水路不通。在物主多節剛柔性偏之物，或可仰可覆止斷之物。生加震，乃宮克門，若地下奇儀克天上奇儀，戰利為主，諸事雖吉，必多破費而後有益；若上生下，百事尤佳。克應：主兄弟不和，或爭產是非，或因山林有厄，動止不決。在物主土木相兼之物，或筍菜、菓品、土產、鮮味。

The Life Gate flies to the Gen Palace, which indicates that the gate and palace are like and harmonious. If they form a favorable pattern or if the upper and lower odd instruments are harmonious and mutually generating, it is advantageous for both the main and guest forces in warfare, and all matters are favorable but will come about later. If the Tian Ren star is also present, it forms the Hidden Chant pattern: it is favorable for acquiring goods, storing grain, building walls, and filling in gaps. The response is that there will be transactions involving mountains, forests, and fields, or benefits for burial grounds, but waterways will be blocked. The things that will manifest are those with many joints, or those that are either rigid or flexible, or objects that can be placed upright or inverted, and can stop or cut off. The Life Gate flies to the Zhen Palace, which indicates that the palace overcomes the gate. If the Earth Plate odd instrument overcomes the Heaven Plate odd instrument, warfare is advantageous for the main force, and although all matters are favorable, there will certainly be initial losses before gaining benefits. If the upper generates the lower, all matters will be even better. The response is that there will be disputes among brothers, or conflicts over property, or difficulties arising from matters concerning mountains and forests, and indecision in movement and rest. The things that will manifest are objects made of earth and wood, or bamboo shoots, fruits, and local delicacies.

生加巽，乃宮克門，若奇儀下克上、合吉格，戰利為主、大勝，求謀諸事吉；若上克下，諸事先吉後敗，戰勝勿追。克應：有山林之財，或合婚之費，或偏藏阻隔，事逢暗害。在物主內土外木，或風爐火櫃，或帶土連根之物，或園圃花木。生加離，乃宮生門，若地下奇儀生合天上奇儀，戰利為客、大勝，凡事破費，先難後易；若上生下，百事尤多光彩。克應：主文書有益，陰人相助，田產之利，婚姻之喜。在物主煆煉之器，或瓦盆、土灶之類。

The Life Gate flies to the Xun Palace, indicating the Palace overcomes the Gate; if the odd instrument below overcomes the one above and coincides with a favorable configuration, it is advantageous for the main party in battle and results in a great victory, and all endeavors are favorable. If the one above overcomes the one below, all matters start off favorable but end in failure, and although victory is achieved in battle, there is no need to pursue further. The manifestation of this overcoming is: there may be wealth from mountains and forests, or expenses related to marriage, or being hindered by concealment and suffering secret harm. The verifying objects are things with earth inside and wood outside, or wind stoves and fire cabinets, or objects with earth and roots, or flowers and trees in a garden. The Life Gate flies to the Li Palace, indicating the Palace generates the Gate; if the Earth Plate odd instrument generates and harmonizes with the Heaven Plate odd instrument, it is advantageous for the opposing party in battle and results in a great victory, and affairs require expenditure and are difficult at first but easy later. If the one above generates the one below, all matters are exceptionally prosperous. The manifestation of this generating is: there may be benefits from official documents, assistance from a woman, gain from land, and joy from marriage. The verifying objects are tools used for metalworking, or earthenware pots and earth stoves.

生加坤，乃門宮比和，若合吉格，或上下奇儀生合比和，行兵大勝，主客均利，諸事皆吉；若上克下，諸事先成後敗，且主反覆。若天任星同臨，為反吟格，宜穵井、開河、拆牆、賞賜。克應：主田產反覆之疑，或行止不定，母子不和。在物為土塊、石器、山水景物，或墳向差錯，或牆路倒塞。

The Life Gate falls into the Earth Trigram, indicating harmony between the gate and the palace. If it forms a favorable pattern or the upper and lower odd instruments are mutually generating and harmonious, military campaigns will be victorious, benefiting both the commander and the enemy, with all affairs auspicious. However, if the upper overcomes the lower, all matters will initially succeed but eventually fail, and the commander will be indecisive. If the Tian Ren star also occupies the same palace, it forms the reverse echo pattern, which is favorable for digging wells, opening rivers, tearing down walls, and distributing rewards. Its adverse effects are: the commander doubting property repeatedly, or being indecisive in actions, with mother and child discord. The verifying objects are earth blocks, stone tools, mountain and water scenery, or possibly incorrect orientation of tombs or blocked paths.

生加兌，乃門生宮，若合吉格相生，戰則主客均利，諸事皆吉；若上克下，諸事雖吉，恐美中生憂。克應：有喜事重重而有進益，或因房產山岡得利，或因戀色而敗，或因和事而得。在物為美器、金玉、瓦石之類。生加乾，乃門生宮，若天上奇儀生合地下奇儀，戰宜為主、大勝，諸事大吉；若上克下，吉事減半，先成後敗。克應：主山林田產進益，而有好子孫，父子顯達如心。在物為首飾、戒指、金玉之器，或圖書璽印之屬。

The Life Gate flies to the Dui Palace, which means the gate generates the palace; if they form a favorable pattern and mutually generate, both the attacking and defending sides will benefit, and all matters will be auspicious; if the upper overcomes the lower, although all matters are auspicious, there may still be worries arising from the midst of good fortune. Its overcoming response is: there will be many joyful events with gains, or profit from property and hills, or failure due to indulgence in women, or success in mediating disputes; the things that will manifest are beautiful objects, gold and jade, tiles and stones. The Life Gate flies to the Qian Palace, which also means the gate generates the palace; if the heavenly plate odd instruments generate and harmonize with the earthly plate odd instruments, it is favorable to be the main side in battle and can achieve a great victory, and all matters will be very auspicious; if the upper overcomes the lower, auspicious matters will be reduced by half, and there will be initial success followed by failure. Its overcoming response is: there will be gains in mountains, forests, and fields, and there will be good descendants, sons and fathers achieving success as desired; the things that will manifest are jewelry, rings, gold and jade vessels, or books, seals, and official seals.

生加坎，乃門克宮，若天上奇儀生合地下奇儀，戰利為客，以機取勝，諸事先憂後吉；若上克下，或下生上，戰亦利客，凡事大凶。克應：主田產山林之厄，或同類相欺，或墳水阻滯，骨肉不親。在物為積水之物，或瓦罐、石缸、水中之物，或溝港閉塞相礙。生加中，乃門宮比和，若諸星奇儀相生相合，主客均利，凡事皆吉；若上生下，諸事尤吉，此謂之土成山嶽、得高厚之勢。克應：主田產山林之益，或母子重會，六親和合，宅舍光輝。在物為四方之物、多鎮靜之器，或花瓶、石床、石鼓、石虎、土牛。

The Life Gate flies to the Water Palace, indicating that the gate overcomes the palace; if the Heaven Plate and the odd instruments generate and harmonise with the Earth Plate and the odd instruments, it is advantageous for the guest side in battle, and one can win by relying on quick thinking and adaptability, with initial worries followed by good fortune; if the upper overcomes the lower, or the lower generates the upper, it is also advantageous for the guest side in battle, but affairs will be extremely disastrous. Its overcoming indicates: difficulties in fields, forests, or mountains, or being oppressed by similar beings, or blocked water flow around the tomb, or lack of affection among family members; the verifying objects are things with accumulated water, or earthenware jars, stone cisterns, or things in water, or blocked ditches and canals. The Life Gate flies to the Central Palace, indicating that the gate and the palace are like and harmonious; if each star and odd instrument mutually generate and harmonise, it is advantageous for both the host and the guest, and all affairs will be auspicious; if the upper generates the lower, all affairs will be even more auspicious, this is called earth accumulating into mountains and hills, achieving a grand and heavy momentum. Its overcoming indicates: benefits in fields, forests, or mountains, or reunion between mother and child, harmony among the six relations, and brilliance of the dwelling; the verifying objects are square objects, stable and quiet utensils, or flower vases, stone beds, stone drums, stone tigers, and earth oxen.

九、紫離宮，正南方、天英星、景門屬火，旺於春夏丙丁巳午年月日時，火能實物，而為父母，乃南方既望明之象、二七之數。神聖公像、閃電熒烈、丙午朱雀、煩燥性熱、緊急薰蒸、勞苦冤結、祖宗先廟、宮觀院館、焚爐場灶、文章詞賦、眼目心血、膏末焙炎、房舍火災、帶殼味苦、煎炒紅物。

Ninth, the Nine Purple Fire Palace is located in the direction of Due South, paired with the Heavenly Star Tianying and the Jing Gate. It belongs to the element of Fire, which is strong in spring and summer, as well as in years, months, days, and hours of Bingwu and Dingsi. Fire enables things to become solid and mature; in the Six Relations, it represents parents. It is symbolized by the bright moon after the full moon in the south. Its number is two and seven. The categories it governs include sacred statues, lightning and intense flames, Bingwu and the Vermilion Bird, irritability and heat, sudden heat and steam, labor and委屈, ancestral temples and shrines, monasteries and halls, burning stoves and their sites, and literary works and writings. It relates to the eyes and heart blood, and objects such as ointment powder and baked items. It also governs house fires, shell-bearing bitter-tasting things, and red foods that are fried or stir-fried.

易曰：離者麗也。因對宮坎水涵太陽日精重明，麗上於中天，化化生生，功德最大，故謂之景門，景之為言大也。宜上書獻策、求士招賢、選將練兵、覓職求名、拜師受業、造葬婚嫁，諸事迪吉；若征伐，宜用火攻、徑搗巢穴。

The Zhou Changes say: "Li (Fire) means attachment. Because the water of the Kan palace nourishes the essence of the sun, the sunlight shines brightly and is high up, attached in the middle sky, constantly generating and never ceasing, thus achieving the greatest merit. Therefore, this palace is called Jing Gate—'Jing' means vastness. The Jing Gate is suitable for submitting memorials and strategies, seeking scholars and recruiting talents, selecting generals and training soldiers, seeking employment and seeking fame, seeking a teacher and studying, building and burying, and marriage. All these affairs are auspicious. If used for warfare, it is suitable to use fire attacks, directly attacking the enemy's stronghold."

景加離，乃門宮比和，若合吉格，或上下奇儀比和生合，戰利主客，凡為皆吉；若上生下，凡事尤吉。若遇天英同臨，為伏吟格，只宜積糧收貨，諸事宜靜而不動。克應：有婚姻喜事，家宅興隆，文書得意。在物為空明之器，或有囊腹、甲冑、弓矢、燈籠、紅盒、紙帳之屬。

The Jing Gate flying into the Li Palace indicates that the gate and palace are like and harmonious. If this forms a favorable configuration or if the upper and lower odd instruments are harmonious and mutually generating, it is advantageous for both the attacking and defending forces, and all affairs will be auspicious. If the upper generates the lower, all matters will be even more favorable. If the Tianying Star also arrives together, it forms the Hidden Chant pattern: it is most suitable for storing grain and gathering harvests, and all affairs should be static rather than active. The response is: there will be marriages and happy events, the family house will flourish, and documents will be handled smoothly. The things that will manifest are hollow and transparent vessels, or items with a bag and a belly, as well as armor, bows and arrows, lanterns, red boxes, paper tents, and similar objects.

景加坤，乃門生宮，若天上奇儀生合地下奇儀，戰利為主，諸事如心，所為皆順；若上克下，吉事減半，戰勝勿追。克應：有文書之益，或有女夫之靠，房產之喜。在物為文彩精器，或煆煉之器，或燈盞火櫃、瓦石寶貴有腹之物。景加兌，乃門克宮，若天上克地下奇儀，或下生上，戰利為客、大勝，凡為諸事凶；若上生下，其事稍可，但亦不吉。克應：有文書之厄，或產業之害，或煉燒破家，或火災驚恐，或妻妾姊妹參商。在物瓦瓶、石舂、古器缺損、首飾，並有口腹之物。

The Jing Gate flying to the Kun Palace indicates that the gate is in harmony with the palace; if the heavenly plate's odd instruments generate and harmonise with the earthly plate's odd instruments, it is advantageous for the main party in warfare, and all matters proceed smoothly. If the upper overcomes the lower, auspicious events will be reduced, and even if victorious in battle, there should be no pursuit. The manifestation of overcoming is: there may be benefits in documents, or a son-in-law to rely on, or joy from property. The things that indicate this are refined and elegant articles with literary merit, or tools for forging, or lamps and chests, as well as valuable items with a belly such as tiles and stones. The Jing Gate flying to the Dui Palace indicates that the gate overcomes the palace; if the heavenly plate's odd instruments overcome the earthly plate's odd instruments, or if the lower generates the upper, warfare is advantageous for the opposing party and results in a great victory, but all other affairs are unfavorable. If the upper generates the lower, the situation is slightly better, but still not auspicious. The manifestation of overcoming is: there may be difficulties in documents, or damage to property, or ruin due to burning or smelting, or fire and fear, or conflicts among wives, concubines, and sisters. The things that indicate this are earthenware bottles, stone mortars, broken ancient vessels, jewelry, and items with a mouth and a belly.

景加乾，乃門克宮，若天上奇儀克地下奇儀，戰宜為客、大勝，諸事大凶，所圖皆敗；若下克上，或上生下，吉凶各半。克應：主有奏章之厄，夫妻不和，或宅舍火災，驚憂飛禍。在物為文具美器，或書籍拜匣，或火盆鑪灶。景加坎，乃宮克門，若合吉格，或地下奇儀克天上奇儀，戰利為主，求名、官事得勝，凡為他事，先耗後益；若上克下，事多反覆。若天英星同臨，為反吟格，宜散糧賞眾，更改宅舍，文書有失。克應：主陰陽不和，或龍飛水走，事不同心，家女相爭。在物為水桶、石匣，或無用漏洩之物，或無底花盆、瓦石之器。

The Jing Gate flying to the Qian Palace also represents a case where the gate is overcome by the palace; if the heavenly plate odd instrument overcomes the earthly plate odd instrument, it is favorable for the guest side in warfare and can lead to great victory, but all other matters will be extremely unfavorable and any endeavor will fail. If the lower overcomes the upper, or the upper generates the lower, then the fortune is half good and half bad. Its overcoming indicates that the ruler will encounter difficulties in submitting a memorial, have marital discord, or suffer a fire in the house, with unexpected troubles and sudden misfortunes. The things that will be affected are writing tools and fine objects, or books and incense boxes, or fire basins and stoves. The Jing Gate flying to the Kan Palace represents a case where the palace overcomes the gate; if it forms a favorable pattern or the earthly plate odd instrument overcomes the heavenly plate odd instrument, it is favorable for the main side in warfare, and seeking fame or engaging in legal matters will result in victory. Other matters will first suffer loss and then gain benefit. If the upper overcomes the lower, affairs will be full of reversals. If the Tianying Star is also present, it forms the reverse echo pattern: it is favorable for distributing grain to reward troops and renovating the house, but documents may be lost. The indications are that there will be disharmony between yin and yang, or signs of water flowing away and people not being in agreement, with female members of the family quarreling. The things that will be affected are water buckets, stone boxes, or useless and leaking objects, or flower pots without bottoms and earthenware vessels.

景加艮，乃門生宮，若天上奇儀生合地下奇儀，戰利為主，凡為一切等事大吉；若上克下，吉事減半。克應：主圖書、古畫、大廈、樓臺、墳山、吉地、寺觀、來脈，或有貴人扶持，家多光彩，婚姻喜悅，或有火災虛驚、文書憂喜，但無害耳。

The Jing Gate flying into the Gen Palace indicates that the gate is harmonious with the palace. If the heavenly plate odd instruments generate and harmonise with the earthly plate odd instruments, it is advantageous for the main party, and all affairs will be very auspicious. If the upper overcomes the lower, the benefits of good fortune will be halved. The effects of this overcoming are: favorable for books, ancient paintings, large buildings, towers, hilltops for tombs, temples and shrines, and the coming dragon qi, or support from a nobleman, bringing glory to the family, and joy in marriage. It may also bring about fire accidents or worries and joys related to documents, but these will not cause major harm.

景加震，乃宮生門，若天上奇儀克地下奇儀，戰則客勝，凡為諸事不吉；若上生下，謀為有成。克應：主光彩木屬。景加巽，乃宮生門，若地下奇儀生合天上奇儀，戰利為客，凡謀為一切均吉，但恐有始無終。克應：主有陰人相合，或重婚之喜。在物有羽毛文彩華麗懸掛之屬，或野雞雀鳥之味。

The Jing Gate flying to the Zhen Palace indicates that the Palace generates the Gate; if the Heaven Plate odd instrument overcomes the Earth Plate odd instrument, it is advantageous for the attacking side, and all affairs will be inauspicious; if the upper generates the lower, then plans can be successful. Its overcoming response is: the main party will have something bright and wooden in appearance — the text below this entry is missing. The Jing Gate flying to the Xun Palace also indicates that the Palace generates the Gate; if the Earth Plate odd instrument generates and harmonises with the Heaven Plate odd instrument, it is advantageous for the attacking side, and all plans will be auspicious, but there is a fear of beginning well but ending badly. Its overcoming response is: the main party will have matters concerning women or the joy of remarriage; the verifying object is something with feathers, splendid and hanging, or the taste of wild chickens and pheasants.

占驗課。一、咸豐癸丑九月初三申時【粵匪寇興國州城課】：陰四局、乙巳日甲申時，符使同泊坤宮，天庚加地庚。夫庚為太白、為賊，天地同臨，應主賊勢倡狂，城為所踞，數定故也。二、乙卯五月初九辰時【賊陷義寧州城課】：陽三局、庚午日庚辰時，值符泊中，客也，加地庚為飛宮格，凶不可當。

Here is an example of a divination case that has been verified over the years. The first case was on the third day of the ninth lunar month in theGuichou year of Xianfeng, at the hour of申. It was used to predict the Taiping Army's attack on Xingguo County. At that time, it was a Yin Dun fourth division, with the day being乙巳 and the hour甲申. The Chief Symbol and Duty Gate both fell into the Central Palace, and the Heaven Plate's Geng was placed on the Earth Plate's Geng. Geng represents the White Tiger metal, symbolizing the rebels. Since both the Heaven and Earth plates had Geng in the same palace, it was predicted that the rebels would be rampant and would occupy the city; this was destined by numbers. The second case was on the ninth day of the fifth lunar month in the乙卯 year, at the hour of辰. It was used to predict the rebels' capture of Yining County. At that time, it was a Yang Dun third division, with the day beingGengwu and the hourGengchen. The Chief Symbol fell into the Central Palace, representing the opposing side, and the Heaven Plate's Geng was placed on the Earth Plate's Geng, forming the Flying Palace pattern, which was extremely凶 and could not be resisted.

值使泊坎，我也，受中宮土克，又臨以杜門，主閉塞不通；又伏天庚加地丙，犯太白入熒凶格。經曰：白入熒兮賊即來。又是日是時為夏至，正陽極陰生、交戰時也，無可制伏。合觀主宮不吉如此，故城為賊陷，屠戮一空，亦數定也。

The Duty Gate falls into the Kan Palace, representing our side, which is then attacked by the Earth Plate's Central Palace earth, causing it to be overcome. It also coincides with the Du Gate, indicating obstruction and blockage. Additionally, there is an hidden combination of the Heaven Plate's Geng and the Earth Plate's Bing, which violates the ominous pattern of "Tai Bai entering Ying." The classic text states, "Tai Bai entering Ying signifies the arrival of the thief." Moreover, on this day and hour, it is exactly the Summer Solstice, a time when yang reaches its peak and yin begins to rise, leading to a struggle between the two energies, making it impossible to control. Considering all these factors, the palace of our side is extremely unfavorable, resulting in the city being captured by the enemy and completely destroyed. This is all destined by fate.

三、光緒乙亥十二月十七巳時【援黔毅新蘇軍由施洞口繞赴湖南靖通邊境防剿四腳牛六洞亂苗出軍課】：陽二局、庚辰日辛巳時，天值符泊中，我也，坐太陰吉神，天丙又飛來暗伏，且中五為主宰之宮，八宮皆聽其統率，故吉無不利。值使同傷門泊坎，敵也，受我宮中五土克，應主戰勝攻取，出門有功。

Third example, in the year Yihai of the Guangxu era, on the 17th day of the twelfth lunar month at the hour of Xinsi, a divination was made regarding the deployment of the Yixin Su army from Shidong Pass to the border areas of Hunan's Jingzhou and Tongdao, to prevent and suppress the rebellion of the Sijiao Niu and Liudong Liangmiao. This time was Yang Dun, second formation, on the day of Gengchen and hour of Xinsi. The Heaven Plate Chief Symbol fell in the Central Palace, representing our side, sitting on the Taiyin auspicious deity, with the Heaven Plate Bing Qi also flying and lying hidden. Moreover, the Central Palace is the master of the nine palaces, and the eight palaces all obey its command, so it is auspicious and favorable in all directions. The Duty Gate and Shang Men both fell in the Kan Palace, representing the enemy side, which was subdued by our Central Palace's earth, thus determining that we could defeat and conquer, and the military campaign would be successful.

四、丙子正月十四申時【蘇軍進攻九厥砦，乘勢夜襲蠟樹口溝要卡，連破水口大塞，出軍課】：陽二局、丙午日丙申時，天值符泊離，我也，得辛加丙為天地合，又喜戊來飛伏加丙，成青龍回首吉格。地值符同傷門泊中，敵也，飛乙加辛而成龍逃走凶格。此利客、不利主課也，拔塞攻卡，往無不利。故蠟樹口溝堅卡，竟以數十人襲而破之。

The fourth example, on the 14th day of the first lunar month in the year Bingzi, at the hour Shen, divining the military campaign of the Su army attacking Jiujue寨, seizing the opportunity to attack the Wax Tree Mouth Gully checkpoint by night, and continuously breaking through the Water Mouth Great Camp: this time is Yang Dun two sectors, on the day Bingwu and the hour Bingshen. The Heaven Plate Chief Symbol falls in the Li Palace, representing our side, with Xin added to Bing forming the Heaven and Earth union, which is a good omen. It is also pleasing that Wu arrives secretly and is hidden on Bing, forming the Azure Dragon looking back good pattern. The Earth Plate Chief Symbol and Shang Men fall together in the Central Palace, representing the enemy, with Yi added on Xin, forming the Azure Dragon fleeing bad pattern. This is a favorable situation for the guest side and unfavorable for the host side. The army moved camp and attacked the checkpoint, and wherever they went, they encountered smooth sailing. Therefore, that strong checkpoint at Wax Tree Mouth Gully was unexpectedly captured by dozens of people in a surprise attack.

五、丙子正月二十一卯時【蘇軍進拔古邦，乘勝襲取高青，出軍課】：陽八局、癸丑日乙卯時，天值符泊兌，合太公應驗神符經第五十六局，丁奇同輔星臨開門，號曰豹變南山，出師大勝捷，無往不利。六、丙子正月二十二酉時【蘇軍進攻高巖，出軍課】：陽五局、甲寅日癸酉時，天值符同禽星、戊儀泊坎宮，坐太常神。夫天禽為主宰之星，戊儀為十干之首，同值符主帥在天，故攻克無不利。

The fifth example, on the twenty-first day of the first lunar month in the year Bingzi, at the卯 hour, the military situation was consulted regarding the Chinese army's attack on Gubang and their subsequent attack on Gaoqing. At this time, it was Yang Dun (Yang遁) with the eighth layout. On the day Guichou, at the hour Yimao, the Heaven Plate Chief Symbol fell into the Dui (Lake) palace, which exactly matches the fifth十六th layout of Jiang Taigong's "Verification Divine Symbol Classic". The Ding Qi and the Tian Fu Star were both in the Open Door palace. This pattern is known as "Bao Bian Nan Shan" (Leopard Transformation in the Southern Mountains), indicating a great and decisive victory in the military campaign, with nothing failing. The sixth example, on the twenty-second day of the first lunar month in the year Bingzi, at the酉 hour, the military situation was consulted regarding the Chinese army's attack on Gaoyan. At this time, it was Yang Dun with the fifth layout. On the day Jiayin, at the hour Guiyou, the Heaven Plate Chief Symbol, along with the Tian Qin Star and the Wu instrument, fell into the Kan (Water) palace, sitting on the Taichang God. The Tian Qin Star is the ruling star of the nine stars, and the Wu instrument is the first among the ten heavenly stems. It also shared the same palace as the Chief Symbol, which is the image of the commander-in-chief sitting in the heavens. Therefore, the enemy fortifications were easily captured, and there was no failure in any endeavor.

七、甲申四月初四辰時【統領湖南毅新全軍、蘇子熙軍門元春由永州出軍赴粵課】：陽八局、戊申日丙辰時，符使同杜門、天輔星泊乾宮，坐丙奇、太陰，又得天丙飛伏，惜癸儀飛臨加地丙克入，故丙丁月均不利，臘月丁丑尤甚。以丁為燈燭之火，正受癸水剋制也，已應為法夷所敗，過此則無不吉矣。

The seventh example: In the year Jiashen, fourth month of the fourth day,辰 hour, divination was made about General Su Zixi (whose name is Yuanchun), who commanded the entire army of Yixin, departing from Yongzhou to Guangdong. At this time it was Yang Dun with eight trigrams. On the day Wushen and hour Bingchen, the Chief Symbol and Duty Gate, along with the gate Du Men and the star Tianfu, all fell into the Qian Palace. Sitting there were Bing Qi and Taiyin. There was also the Tianpan Bing flying in and secretly resting. Unfortunately, the癸 instrument flew to the place, added to the Diban Bing and thus overcame it. Therefore, during the month of Bing and the month of Ding, it was not favorable. The month of Dingchou was most serious. Because Ding is the fire of lamp and candle, which is exactly overcome by the癸 water. This has already been verified in the defeat by the French. After this period, everything will be auspicious.

蓋武官專以杜門為官星，符使同臨，應其原為統帥也。乾為八卦之首，為坐宮，應補授廣西提督、督辦廣西邊防也。天輔為文星，應太子少保文銜也。太陰為至吉之神，同丙奇坐地盤，丙為南方卦，故利南關也。又法夷西人屬金，畏丙奇太陽火克，故利南關坐鎮也。合觀符使星門奇儀神宮，吉者應吉，凶者應凶，均無不驗，而均定出軍之一時，出軍選時誠不可不慎也。管帶毅新中軍陳一山都督，桂林同時出軍，後充分統，旋授南寧協，故亦吉。

Military officials regard Du Men as the official star. In this case, the Chief Symbol and Duty Gate both arrive at Du Men, which exactly corresponds to his status as a commander. The Qian hexagram is the first among the Eight Trigrams and also his ruling hexagram, indicating that he later was appointed as the Commander of Guangxi and in charge of the border defense of Guangxi. Tian Fu is a literary star, indicating that he received the title of Deputy Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. Tai Yin is the most auspicious deity, sitting together with Bing Qi on the Earth Plate. Bing belongs to the Southern hexagram, so it is favorable for guarding the southern pass. Furthermore, the French belong to the Western metal, which fears the fire of Bing Qi and Tai Yang to overcome, so it is even more suitable to hold the southern pass. Considering the Chief Symbol and Duty Gate, the Nine Stars, Eight Doors, Three Marvels, Six Instruments, and Nine Deities together, what should be auspicious is indeed auspicious, and what should be inauspicious is indeed inauspicious, without a single instance failing to come true. All of this depends on the particular hour of departure, showing clearly that the selection of the right time for military action is indeed of great importance. Note: At the same time, Chen Yishan, the commander of the Yixin Middle Army, also launched an attack from Guilin. Later, he was appointed as a deputy commander and soon received the position of assistant commander in Nanning, which was also auspicious.

八、甲申四月初四卯時【毅新全軍營務處、陳慶餘鎮軍嘉由永州出軍赴粵課】：陽八局、戊申日乙卯時，值符泊兌宮，坐六合、乙奇，天癸加臨生之。值使同杜門、芮星泊中，得九地加螣蛇，辛儀加丁，又得乙奇飛伏。夫地丁奇，火也，坐以生宮而克辛金；法夷西人屬金，故主戰有功也。天九地屬坤土，為土地之象，應補授貴州安儀鎮也。

The eighth example: On the fourth day of the fourth month in the year Jiashen, at the hour Yimao, a divination was made about the military affairs of Yi Xin's entire army, and General Chen Qingyu (whose name is Jia) departing from Yongzhou to Guangdong. This time is Yang Dun (Yang movement) of the eighth chart. On the day Wushen and hour Yimao, the Chief Symbol falls in the Dui (Lake) palace, sitting with Liu He (Six Harmonies) and Yi Qi (Yi odd). The Heaven Plate has癸 (Gui) added to it, which comes to generate it. The Duty Gate, along with Du Men (Located in the Southeast Xun) and Tian Rui star, falls in the Central Palace. The Nine Earth (Jiudi) is added with Tan Sha (Tang Snake), and Xin Qi is placed on Ding. There is also Yi Qi flying in and hidden. The Ding Qi on the Earth Plate belongs to fire, sitting here it generates the soil of its own palace and overcomes Xin metal. The French belong to western metal, so it is determined that he will have military achievements. The Nine Earth on the Heaven Plate belongs to Kun soil, which is the image of land, indicating that he will later be appointed as the commander of the Anyi Town in Guizhou.

惜地螣蛇屬火，為虛花耗散之神，雖能生宮而不實，加以中五為陰陽分寄宮，故甫報捷乃傷發而卒于軍，不得履其任也。乙為日奇，伏於局外，雖能暗生丁火以克辛金，究嫌坐宮土受木克，故聖眷雖隆，不克生享其榮也。合觀課局，吉凶已定，應驗無差，亦先定於出軍之一時。奇門首重時，不誠然哉。

Unfortunately, the Earth Plate has the螣蛇 which belongs to fire, a spirit of illusion and dispersion, though it can generate the native palace, it is not substantial. Moreover, the center five palace is a palace where yin and yang are shared, so he just reported a victory when his old injury flared up and he died in the military camp, without being able to take up his post. 乙 is the day oddity, hidden outside the chart, though it can secretly generate 丁 fire to overcome 辛 metal, ultimately it is still lacking because the earth of the palace where it sits is overcome by wood. Although the emperor's favor is thick, he could not live to enjoy this honor. When we look at this lesson as a whole, the fortune and misfortune have already been determined, and the outcome is exact without any difference. All of this depends on the specific hour of the military campaign. The main concern in the Qi Men is the hour, is it not indeed so?

九、甲申四月初二辰時【毅新全軍幫辦營務處、馬仲平鎮軍盛治由永州出軍赴粵課】：陽八局、丙午日壬辰時，此時干剋日干為五不遇，奇門最忌之格，故出軍兩載，未遇敵接仗。所喜者，值符同杜門泊震屬木，地坐壬水生之，又坐太陰神照之，又得天蓬飛臨來生，木宮之旺極矣。雖天庚飛臨，然生地壬水以生宮，氣洩已盡，故但須防堵而不必交鋒也。更喜天丙暗伏，得門宮生之。丙，南方卦也，南關自是其旺地，初雖暗伏不見，其終則吉也。後接充總統，旋授柳慶鎮，均驗不爽。

The ninth example: In the year Jiashen, fourth month, second day,辰 hour, the military affairs of Yi Xin's entire army, and General Ma Zhongping (whose name is Shengzhi), who was departing from Yongzhou to Guangdong, were divined. At this time, it was Yang Dun with the eighth layout, on the day of Bingwu and the hour of Renchen. The hour stem overcame the day stem, which was the "five not meeting" time, the most disliked pattern in the Qimen system. Therefore, he did not actually engage in battle with the enemy for two years. Fortunately, the Chief Symbol and the Du Gate were both in the Zhen Palace, which belongs to wood. The Earth Plate was sitting on the壬 water to generate it, and also had the Taiyin God shining upon it. Moreover, the Tianpeng Star was flying in to generate it, so the wood palace was extremely strong. Although the Heaven Plate had the Geng stem arriving, since Geng generated the Earth Plate's壬 water, and the壬 water generated the palace itself, the Geng energy had already been exhausted. Therefore, only defense and blocking were needed, not actual combat. Even more fortunate was that the Heaven Plate's Bing Qi was hidden, and was also generated by the gate and palace. Bing belongs to the Southern卦, so the southern gate was its strong position. Although it was initially hidden and not visible, in the end it was still auspicious. Later, when he took over the presidency, he was immediately appointed as the commander of Liu Qing's town, and all these events were accurately fulfilled.

十、甲申十月初三申時【督辦閩浙軍務、楊厚庵宮保嶽斌由辰州招軍至湖南入城課】：陰三局、甲戌日壬申時，壬為時干、為值符，主也，泊艮宮；乙為時支、為值使，兵也，泊巽宮。巽木克艮土，為奴宮克主宮，不吉。又值符為統帥，天沖星為武士，甲子戊為十干之首，同飛入艮，顯是為大帥之象。惜驚門同臨剋星，星又克宮，迴環相剋，又白虎凶神坐地，應主驚疑、反覆、口舌、凶殘之事，均不能免。

The tenth example, on the third day of the tenth lunar month in the year Jiashen, at the hour of Shen, divining about General Yang Hou'an (Yuebin), who was in charge of military affairs in Fujian and Zhejiang, and his recruitment of soldiers from Chenzhou to Hunan: this hour belongs to the Yin Dun third division, on the day Jiaxu and hour Renshen. The heavenly stem of the hour, Renshen, is the value symbol, representing the commander, located in the Gen palace; the earthly branch of the hour, Shen, is the duty gate, representing the soldiers, located in the Xun palace. Xun wood controls Gen earth, which is the subordinate palace controlling the main palace, indicating an inauspicious situation. The value symbol represents the commander, Tianchong star represents the soldiers, and Jiazi Wu, the first of the ten stems, together fly into the Gen palace, clearly indicating the image of a great commander. Unfortunately, the Jing door coincides with the controlling star, and the star turns back to control the palace, forming a circular mutual control; additionally, theInauspicious Spirit White Tiger is seated on the earth plate, thus predicting inevitable troubles such as doubts, reversals, disputes, and cruelty.

加以巽宮值使，天白虎又與傷門同臨，決其不能無凶。所幸壬干主帥明暗飛來，又得地九天神到。夫九天屬金，主飛揚，當是因揚散而見之象，且其凶當不在外人，而在主帥飛臨之象。至十四日乙酉，馬廠兵勇果以遣散滋事，宮保於五更親出城鎮壓，殺十四人始定。蓋時支值使臨乙，故應乙酉日；自壬申順數至乙酉恰是一十四，故應十四日殺十四人。合觀課格，天白虎加地九天，其應因遣散而凶固妙，其應十四日殺十四人則尤妙。宮保於是日午刻已抵湘省，分統營官未刻均已入城，宮保以龐省三中丞出城迎接，遲至申刻始入。後之無不應驗，亦數定也。

In addition, the duty gate at the Xun palace coincides with the Heaven Plate White Tiger and the Shang Men, so it is determined that there must be some misfortune. Fortunately, the Renshen stem represents the commander, with help coming both openly and secretly. There is also the Earth Plate Jiu Tian deity present. Jiu Tian belongs to metal, which advocates dispersion and flight, indicating the image of dispersing soldiers. Moreover, this misfortune is not on outsiders, but on the commander's position. On the fourteenth day, Yiyou, the soldiers at the horse factory indeed caused a disturbance due to being dispersed. Yang Guobiao personally went out of the city at the fifth watch to suppress the situation, killing fourteen people before it was quelled. Because the hour branch duty gate is on Yi, it should be on the Yiyou day. Counting from Renshen to Yiyou is exactly fourteen days, so it should be on the fourteenth day, killing fourteen people. Considering this divination, the Heaven Plate White Tiger added to the Earth Plate Jiu Tian indicates the misfortune caused by dispersing soldiers is precise, and the killing of fourteen people on the fourteenth day is even more precise. On that day, the governor-general arrived at the provincial capital by noon, and the subordinates and camp officials had all entered the city by the late afternoon. The governor-general was late until the seventh watch because the governor Peng Xingsan had gone out to meet him. Later, everything came true as predicted, which is also destined by numbers.

十一、乙酉正月三十日酉時【前湖南靖州直隸州知州、盛錫吾太守慶黻占次日上院謁中丞龐課】：陽七局、庚午日乙酉時，值符同中門天英星泊乾，天庚加地乙克入，不吉。值使同景門、天輔星坎泊，門受克宮，亦不吉。又天勾陳加地螣蛇，勾絞驚疑之事應主不免。雖得天丁飛臨加地辛，然丁為朱雀神，亦只口舌虛花耳。

The eleventh example: On the thirtieth day of the first lunar month in the year Yiyou, in the酉 hour, the former governor of Jingzhou, Hunan, and magistrate Sheng Xiwu (whose name was Qingfu) cast a divination for the next day's visit to the provincial capital to see the governor Peng. At this time, it was a Yang Dun seventh formation, with the day being Gengwu and the hour Yiyou. The Chief Symbol and the central gate, along with the Tianying star, all fell into the Qian palace. The Heaven Plate's Geng added to the Earth Plate's Yi and thus overcame it, which is not auspicious. The Duty Gate, along with the Jing Gate and the Tianfu star, all fell into the Kan palace, and the gate was overcome by the palace, which is also not auspicious. Furthermore, the Heaven Plate's Gou Chen added to the Earth Plate's Tengshe, indicating matters of entanglement and uncertainty that are likely to occur. Although the Heaven Plate's Ding Qi flew to the Earth Plate's Xin, Ding is also the Vermilion Bird deity, and this is merely verbal confusion without real substance.

更可畏者，乙奇從局外飛來暗伏，加地辛成龍逃走凶格，縱有天輔文星受宮生，秉令持權，決其暗傷不能免。至二月初三癸酉日辛酉時，果奉諭旨：據湖南巡撫龐甄別屬員一折，湖南候補知府盛慶紱，前在善後局，信任私人，擅發鉅款，應行革職，惟文理尚優，著降為教授，歸部銓選，欽此。其應酉日時者，以值使在辛暗伏，龍逃走凶格亦在辛也。

What is even more alarming is that the Yi Qi (Yi Odd) comes from outside the palace and secretly lies on the Earth Plate at Xin, forming the ominous pattern of the Azure Dragon fleeing; even though the Tian Fu (Heavenly Assistant) Wenqu Star is supported by the native palace and is in its proper season to hold power, it is still certain that hidden injuries are unavoidable. On the third day of the second lunar month at the time of Guiyou (Gui You), an imperial decree was indeed received: According to a report by the governor of Hunan, Pang Mou, on the examination of subordinate officials, Shen Qingfu, a candidate for the position of prefect in Hunan, had previously worked in the aftermath bureau, trusted his private friends, and擅自 spent large sums of money, and should be dismissed from office; however, his writing is still somewhat good, so he is ordered to be demoted to the position of professor and to be selected by the Ministry of Personnel. Thus, it should be on the day and hour of You (Shen You) because the Duty Gate is secretly hidden on Xin, and the ominous pattern of the Azure Dragon fleeing is also on Xin.

十二、乙酉二月初三午時【湖南候補知縣、江海門司馬渤占補缺課】：陽七局、癸酉日庚午時，符使同泊兌，得癸加戊為天地合，吉。最可喜者，開門官星同天心星、辛儀泊坎生宮，吉。又加以六合旺神、乙木旺奇同臨，受宮生，是謂得奇、得門、得星、得神，允為全吉。更喜坎為內界，應主最速，決其逢午日時必應。後二十四日甲午，果得藩臺牌示，補授安仁縣。應午，值使也；應甲午者，遁在開門辛儀也。以上二課均犯乙加辛龍逃凶格，然盛占上院謁見，客也；江自占補缺，主也，故應一凶一吉。經云：龍逃凶格，為主者不害。故奇門看格，總以先定主客為緊要，凡例已辨，此明徵也。

The twelfth example: On the third day of the second lunar month in the year Yiyou, at the hour of Wu, Jiang Haimen (a name Bo), a candidate for a county magistrate and assistant historian in Hunan, cast a divination for a position. This time was Yang Dun (Yang movement) with seven phases. On the day of Guiyou and the hour of Gengwu, the Chief Symbol and Duty Gate both fell into the Dui (Lake) palace. The combination of Gui and Wu formed the Heaven and Earth mutual support, which is auspicious. Most pleasing was the Open Door (door) star, along with the Tianxin star and the Xin symbol, all falling into the Kan (Water) palace and generating the native palace, which is also auspicious. Furthermore, the Liu He (Six Harmonies) strong god and the Yi wood strong oddity were both present, and they were also supported by the native palace. This is called having both the oddity, the door, the star, and the god, which is indeed a fully auspicious chart. It is even more pleasing that the Kan palace belongs to the internal realm, and its effect will be realized quickly. Therefore, it was concluded that the day and hour of Wu would definitely bring results. Twenty-four days later, on the day of Jiawu, the candidate indeed received an official notice from the provincial government appointing him as the magistrate of Anren County. The result should occur at Wu because the Duty Gate was at Wu; it should occur on the day of Jiawu because the moving heavenly stem was on the Open Door star with the Xin symbol. In both cases, the pattern of Yi adding to Xin, known as the Azure Dragon fleeing, is a凶 (adverse) pattern. However, Sheng was casting the divination for a visit to the provincial capital, which is the guest side; Jiang was casting it for his own appointment, which is the host side. Therefore, one case was adverse and the other was auspicious. The classic text says: the Azure Dragon fleeing is an adverse pattern, but the host side is not affected. Therefore, in the study of the Qimen (Mysterious Gate) patterns, it is most important to first determine the host and guest sides. This has already been explained in the general rules, and this is a clear example.

十三、丙戌九月十六午時【湖北候補知府、徐稚生太守家干占委署課】：陰三局、丙午日甲午時，符使同泊離宮，本命日干辛加辛又同臨，已為至吉。又喜開門官星泊乾，得天六合加地六合、天丁奇加地丁奇同到，尤為至吉。乾西北方卦，應得西北方缺；又為內界，決其應最速也；丁奇應丁日時也。次日十七丁未，藩臺牌示署荊州府，正鄂垣西北，果驗。此課初看伏吟，亦似不動之象，故人皆以為原有保甲差事定伏不動，未為吉也；及見應之速，始服其妙。

The thirteenth example: On the sixteenth day of the ninth lunar month in the year Bingxu, a candidate for the position of magistrate and prefect in Hubei, Xu Zisheng (a well-known scholar named Ganshan), cast a divination to determine his appointment to an official post. This time was Yin Dun, the third division, with the day stem Bingwu and the hour stem Jiawu. The Chief Symbol and Duty Gate both fell into the Li Palace. His daily stem, Xin, also coincided with Xin in the chart, indicating an extremely auspicious situation. Moreover, the official star, Open Door, was located in the Qian Palace. The Heaven Plate Liu He was combined with the Earth Plate Liu He, and the Heaven Plate Ding Qi was combined with the Earth Plate Ding Qi, which was especially favorable. The Qian Palace represents the Northwest, so it indicated that he would be appointed to a position in the Northwest. Since Qian also represents the inner realm, the result would be quick. The Ding Qi would be effective on the day or hour of Ding. The next day, the seventeenth, Dingwei, the provincial government issued an official notice appointing him to the position of acting magistrate of Jingzhou Prefecture, which was located in the Northwest of Hubei Province, confirming the prediction. At first, this divination appeared to be a Hidden Chant, suggesting a static situation, so people thought he would remain in his existing position as a local official and that the result would not be favorable. However, when the appointment came so quickly, everyone was amazed at the accuracy of the divination.

十四、丁亥四月十七巳時【荊州道廣觀察署外旗杆風折課】：陽七局、甲戌日己巳時，值符同傷門泊兌，門受宮克，又坐螣蛇。值使同驚門泊震宮為門迫，天勾陳又飛臨，雖得天壬加地癸可以生宮，而天已又飛伏暗克，應主暗中多勾絞驚疑。所喜地坐太常吉神，本年應平安無恙，但恐終難全吉耳。次年四月丁巳，果奉開缺送部引見之命。以天壬與丁合化，又巳為值使故也。

The fourteenth example: In the year Ding Hai, fourth lunar month, seventeenth day, at the hour of Si, a divination was made about a flagpole outside the official residence of the governor of Jingzhou being broken by the wind. At this time, it was a Yang Dun seventh division, on the day of Jia Xu and the hour of Ji Si. The Chief Symbol and Shang Men both fell into the Dui Palace, with the door being controlled by the palace, and the palace was also occupied by the snake. The Duty Gate and Jing Door both fell into the Zhen Palace, forming a door pressure, and the Heaven Plate Gou Chen also arrived. Although the Heaven Plate Ren was able to generate the native palace, the Heaven Plate Ji also secretly arrived and secretly controlled, so it was determined that there would be many hidden connections and suspicions. Fortunately, the Earth Plate was occupied by the Tai Chang, a good deity, so this year should be safe, but it is feared that it will not be entirely fortunate. In the next year, fourth lunar month, Ding Si, the order was indeed received to transfer the position and submit to the ministry for recommendation. This was because the Heaven Plate Ren combined with Ding to form a mutual generation, and the Duty Gate was exactly on Si.

十五、丁亥又四月初八巳時【徐稚生太守占其封翁疾病吉凶課】：陽五局、乙未日辛巳時，天芮病神泊巽，病神受宮克，應減。惜天辛飛來暗伏，加地乙而成虎倡狂凶格；又嫌年命日干庚同死門飛入離宮，庚被火克，門受火生，恐終不吉。果於初八至十一數日病已大減，至十二日子時病忽加重，酉時竟逝。

The fifteenth case: In the year Dinghai, on the leap fourth month eighth day of the fourth month, at the hour of Si, the governor Xu Zhi was divining the fortune of his father's illness. This hour was Yang Dun, the fifth division. The day was Yiwei, and the hour was Xinsi. The Tian Rui is the god representing the illness, located in the Xun palace. The illness god is overcome by the palace itself, so the illness should improve. Unfortunately, the Tian Pan Xinsi is hidden and added to the Di Pan Yi, forming the凶格 of Bai Hu Changkuang. Also, the day stem, which represents the person's age, is Geng, and it flies into the Li palace together with the death door. Geng is overcome by fire, while the door is nourished by fire, so it is feared that the outcome will not be favorable. Indeed, from the eighth to the eleventh day, the illness greatly improved, but on the twelfth day at the hour of Zi, the condition suddenly worsened, and the person died at the hour of You.

十六、戊子九月初三酉時【占義寧州鄉榜課】：陰七局、辛亥日丁酉時，值符為主考，值使為簾官，辛日干為士子，丁奇為文章，同聚坎一宮，又得杜門、天輔星同臨，全美格也。杜門屬四，又受坎生，決其應中四人，亦且大旺。榜發果中四人，一中第二亞魁，一中第六，開榜外中散榜二人。

The sixteenth example: On the third day of the ninth lunar month in the year Wuzi, at the酉 hour, divination was made about the results of the local examination in Yining Prefecture. This time belongs to the seventh Yin Dun, with the day stem Xinhai and the hour stem Dingyou. The Chief Symbol represents the chief examiner, the Duty Gate represents the examiners inside the curtain, the day stem Xin represents the examinee, and the Ding qi represents the essay. They all gather in the Kan one palace, with the Du gate and the Tianfu star together present, forming a perfect and complete pattern. The Du gate is the fourth position among the eight gates, and it is nourished by the Kan palace, so it is determined that four people will pass, and they will be very prosperous. After the list was published, indeed four people passed: one ranked second as the runner-up, one ranked sixth, and two others passed in the supplementary list outside the main list.

十七、戊子九月初七戌時【占興國州鄉榜課】：陰九局、乙卯日丙戌時，值符主考泊坤，庚加丙犯太白入熒、伏干格，不吉。幸值使簾官泊中，坐太陰吉神，乙奇士子同之，又得丙值符主考飛來暗伏，決其中則定有；但恐中五為半陰半陽之宮，只中副榜。人皆以為未必驗也，榜發果僅中副榜一人，中五半應亦奇哉。

The seventeenth example: In the year Wuzi, on the seventh day of the ninth lunar month at the hour of Xu, divination was made about the results of the local examination in Xingguo State. At this time it was Yin Dun nine sections, with the day being Yimao and the hour Bingxu. The Chief Symbol representing the chief examiner fell into the Kun Palace, with Geng added on top of Bing, which violated the pattern of Tai Bai entering Ying and the pattern of Fu Gan, indicating an unfavorable situation. Fortunately, the Duty Gate representing the examination officials fell into the Central Palace, sitting on Tai Yin, a favorable deity. The Yi Qi representing the examinees was also here. Moreover, the Bing Chief Symbol representing the chief examiner came flying and was hidden here, so it was concluded that someone would definitely pass. However, since the Central Palace was half Yin and half Yang, it was feared that only a second-place candidate would pass. At that time, people thought it would not come true, but after the results were published, indeed only one person passed as a second-place candidate. The Central Palace verified half of it, which was truly remarkable.

十八、己丑三月初七巳時【鄂垣萬壽宮建升官樓上樑課】：陽四局、壬子日乙巳時，值符泊震，坐乙奇升殿得祿，又得天壬飛臨生之。又乙為日奇，應得太陽高照；又為君象，應得聖眷優隆，升遷不次。值使泊離，得天乙奇暗伏生宮，又得值符宮震木來生，此為符使相生、木火通明之象，官星顯耀，其曷有涯。是年二三兩月陰雨連綿，是日寅時仍雨，辰時少住，巳時則太陽大現，至酉戌時復雨。日奇既驗，後應不爽。

Eighteenth example, on the seventh day of the third lunar month in the year Jichou, at the hour Yisi, divination was performed for the raising of the beam of the official building of the Wanshou Palace in Hubei Province. At this time, it was Yang Dun with the fourth division. The day was Renzi, and the hour was Yisi. The Chief Symbol fell in the Zhen (Thunder) Palace, with Yi Qi sitting there. Yi reaching Zhen indicates ascending the hall and receiving a good fortune, and also receiving the Heaven Plate Ren coming to generate it. Yi is the day Qi, which indicates a bright sun; Yi is also the image of the ruler, indicating receiving the emperor's generous favor and promotion beyond the usual. The Duty Gate fell in the Li (Fire) Palace, with the Heaven Plate Yi Qi hidden and coming to generate the palace, and also receiving the wood from the Zhen Palace where the Chief Symbol was located. This is the image of the Chief Symbol and Duty Gate generating each other, and the wood and fire shining clearly. The official star is prominent, with an endless future. During the second and third lunar months, there was continuous rain. At the hour Yin, it was still raining, at the hour Chen it slightly stopped, and at the hour Yisi the sun shone brightly. At the hours You and Xu, it rained again. The image of the day Qi has already been fulfilled, and the subsequent fulfillment was accurate without error.

十九、庚寅十月初一辰時【前護江蘇巡撫、調補湖北藩臺、黃子壽方伯彭年接印課】：陰六局、丁酉日甲辰時，甲辰遁壬，符使同伏坤宮。符為印綬，即其人壬水為符使，同伏坤土宮，受死門、芮星重重土克，應主人卒於官之象。十二月初四日戊辰時果卒於署。時之所遇，亦數定也。

Example nineteen: On the first day of the tenth lunar month in the year Gengyin, at the hour of Chen, the divination was made for Huang Zishou Fangbo (named Pengnian), who was about to take office as the governor of Jiangsu and later appointed as the commissioner of Hubei. This time belonged to the sixth Yin Dun chart, with the day being Dingyou and the hour Jiachen. In the Jiachen cycle, the hidden stem was Ren. The Chief Symbol and Duty Gate were both hidden in the Kun palace. The Chief Symbol represents the seal and thus represents himself; the water stem Ren, as the Chief Symbol and Duty Gate, were both hidden in the earth element Kun palace, being heavily restricted by the Death Door and Tian Rui star, which are both earth elements. Therefore, it was concluded that he would die in office. On the fourth day of the twelfth lunar month at the hour of Wu Chen, he indeed died in the official residence. The time encountered was thus determined by fate.

二十、庚寅十二月初四辰時【新授湖北臬臺陳右銘廉訪寶箴接印課】：陽八局、己亥日戊辰時，值符泊艮居內界，又得戊加戊助之，最吉；值使泊震亦內界，得壬加壬生之，亦最吉。更可喜者，開門官星泊坎居內界，秉令又得太陰加太陰。夫太陰為至吉之神，天地均得，其為福固有難預擬而預量者。又得庚加庚比助開門官星以生宮，坐宮愈旺，官星遇顯。局外又飛丙奇暗伏，丙為月奇，與太陰會合，其福力當更猛而更速矣。是日黃藩臺即於是時病故出缺，次日即升署藩篆。

The twentieth example, on the fourth day of the twelfth lunar month in the year Gengyin, at the hour of Chen, divination was performed to determine the auspiciousness of Chen Youming, newly appointed Inspector of Hubei Province (named Baozhen), taking office. This time was Yang Dun, the eighth layout, with the day being Jihai and the hour Wuchen. The Chief Symbol fell in the Gen palace, which is internal, and also received the assistance of Wu added to Wu, which is most favorable. The Duty Gate fell in the Zhen palace, also internal, and received the assistance of Ren added to Ren, which is also most favorable. More importantly, the Open Door star, which is the official star, fell in the Kan palace, also internal, and was in its proper position, with the addition of Taiyin added to Taiyin. Taiyin is the most auspicious deity, and both the heavens and earth disks received it, bringing a fortune that is truly hard to predict. Also, the addition of Geng to Geng, of the same type, assisted the Open Door official star in generating the palace, making the palace even more vigorous, and thus the official star became prominent. Additionally, a hidden丙奇 (Jing Qi) was flying from outside, with 丙 being the monthly deity, combining with Taiyin, making the fortune even stronger and faster. On this day, Huang Fanchai happened to die at this hour, leaving the position vacant, and the next day he was promoted to serve as the acting governor.

二一、壬辰七月初七酉時【包雲浦刺史占孕何時生並男女喜課】：陰七局、壬辰日己酉時，值使泊兌，得辛加壬，天辛正秉令，決辛亥時必生。又天芮為胎神泊中，天盤得癸儀、螣蛇神同臨，癸屬陰乾，螣蛇屬陰神，應是女喜，果於十點鐘亥正生女。二二、壬辰七月初九卯時【潛幕占徐稚生觀察在河口土稅總局聞計晉省，何日過潛課】：陰一局、甲午日丁卯時，值使泊兌，得壬加辛，天庚在坤加乙，應於初十乙未日辛巳時必過。以庚格臨乙，值使在辛也。初十巳正果到。

Example twenty-one: On the seventh day of the seventh month in the year Renchen, at the hour of You, the governor Cai Yunpu divined the time of childbirth and the gender of the child. This hour was Yin Dun seven, on the day of Renchen and the hour of Jiyou. The duty gate fell in the Dui palace, with the combination of Xin and Ren. The heavenly plate had Xin in its proper position, so it was determined that childbirth would occur at the hour of Xinhai. Also, Tianrui, the god of the fetus, was in the central palace, and the heavenly plate had the癸 instrument and the Shénguāng deity together. Since癸 is yin and Shénguāng is also a yin deity, it was concluded that a daughter would be born. Indeed, the daughter was born at exactly ten o'clock at night, the hour of Xinhai. Example twenty-two: On the ninth day of the seventh month in the year Renchen, at the hour of Mao, in the military tent of Qianjiang, the divination was made about Xu Zhi's journey through the river mouth tax office to the provincial capital. The question was about which day he would pass through Qianjiang. This hour was Yin Dun one, on the day of Jiawu and the hour of Dingmao. The duty gate fell in the Dui palace, with the combination of Ren and Xin. The heavenly plate had Geng in the Kun palace adding to Yi, so it was predicted that on the tenth day, the hour of Yiwei, the person would pass through. Because Geng was in the position of Yi, and the duty gate was on Xin. Indeed, he arrived at exactly four o'clock in the afternoon, the hour of Xinsi, on the tenth day.

以上兩課局法，羅氏通書於初七壬辰注超處暑下陰四局，於初九甲午注超白露上陰九局，均偽不可遵，不驗。初七必須用陰七局，初九必須用陰一局方準。超接局法首卷凡例已辨，此尤明徵也。

The method of determining the fixed structure for these two lessons, as noted by Luo Shi's "Tongshu," is incorrect. On July 7th,壬辰, it is stated as "superior to the beginning of the second period of Yin Dun four structures," and on the ninth day,甲午, it is stated as "superior to the beginning of the first period of Yin Dun nine structures." Both are wrong and should not be followed, as they will not be effective. On the seventh day, Yin Dun seven structures must be used, and on the ninth day, Yin Dun one structure must be used for accuracy. The method of "superior deity connecting the qi" has already been clarified in the general preface, and this is further evidence.

二三、乙酉八月初八辰時【占書信何時到課】：陰九局、己卯日戊辰時，值符在離，值使同景門書信泊中，得太陰神照，吉。庚格在兌，天地同臨，與宮比和，最為旺相，決本日庚午時必到。至午時果到，驗。二四、乙酉三月二十未時【克應覆物課】：陽八局、己未日辛未時，值使泊乾，生門飛臨，乾體圓色白，生門艮土色黃，應主外白內黃之物。又勾陳神加九地，並應物有相連者。開視之，碗蓋盛雞卵，門宮神儀均應。

Example 23: On the eighth day of the eighth lunar month in the year Yiyou, at the hour of Chen, a divination was made to determine when a letter would arrive. This hour belongs to the ninth Yang Dun layout, with the day being Ji Mao and the hour Wuchen. The Chief Symbol is in the Li Palace, and the Duty Gate, along with the Jing Gate representing letters, both fall in the Central Palace, with the Tai Yin deity overseeing, which is auspicious. The Geng Grid is in the Dui Palace, with both the Heaven and Earth disks aligning, and the Five Phases of the palace harmonizing with the Grid, which is most prosperous and strong. Therefore, it was predicted that the letter would arrive at the hour of Wu. Indeed, the letter arrived at the hour of Wu, confirming the prediction. Example 24: On the twentieth day of the third lunar month in the year Yiyou, at the hour of Wei, a divination was made to determine the object covered in the guessing game. This hour belongs to the eighth Yang Dun layout, with the day being Ji Wei and the hour Xin Wei. The Duty Gate falls in the Qian Palace, and the Life Gate is present. The shape of Qian is round and its color is white, while the Life Gate belongs to Gen Earth and its color is yellow. Therefore, it was predicted that the object would be white on the outside and yellow on the inside. Additionally, the Gou Chen deity is combined with Jiudi, indicating an object connected to another. When the cover was lifted, it was found to be a bowl covering eggs. All elements, including the Gate, Palace, Deity, and the odd instruments, were accurately predicted.

二五、光緒庚辰九月十四日寅時【時餘小住湘省，適江華猺亂，初九夜起事後，警報連至省中，咸有戒心，因拈時演遁以決吉凶】：陰三局、己卯日丙寅時，值符泊中，主也，得戊加丙為青龍回首吉格，地盤又坐九地神，全吉象也。值使泊坎，賊也，宮受我克，地盤坐庚，天白虎同傷門飛臨，賊象不利已甚顯然。又加丙值符飛來暗伏，加臨地庚為熒入白格。經云：熒入白兮賊即去。決其大兵一到即平。毅新各軍至，賊首果自縊，餘黨悉降。

In the twenty-fifth example, on the fourteenth day of the ninth month in the year Geng Chen of the Guangxu era, at the hour of Yin. At that time I was staying temporarily in the provincial capital of Hunan, and I happened to encounter a rebellion by the Jianghua Yao people. After the initial disturbance on the ninth day, alarms kept coming to the provincial capital, and everyone was on alert. I therefore randomly selected this moment to perform a Dun Jia calculation to determine auspiciousness and inauspiciousness. This moment was Yin Dun, the third formation, on the day of Ji Mao and the hour of Bing Yin. The Chief Symbol fell in the Central Palace, representing our side, and the combination of Wu over Bing formed the auspicious pattern of the Azure Dragon turning back. The Earth Plate also had the God of Jiudi, indicating a completely auspicious situation. The Duty Gate fell in the Kan Palace, representing the enemy side, and this palace was being overcome by our side. The Earth Plate had Geng, while the Heaven Plate had the White Tiger, which together with the Shang Men arrived, clearly indicating an inauspicious situation for the enemy. Furthermore, Bing, as the Chief Symbol, flew secretly and overlaid on the Earth Plate's Geng, forming the pattern of the Fluorescent entering the White. The classic text says, "When the Fluorescent enters the White, the enemy will depart." Therefore, I concluded that the arrival of the army would quickly quell the rebellion. Later, the armies of Yi Xin arrived, and the rebel leader indeed committed suicide, while the remaining rebels all surrendered.