Ji Shen (God of Calculation)

計神（陽遁起寅，陰遁起申，逆行十二辰位，不入乾坤艮巽，因所求局十二除之不盡者，命起寅，曰逆輪，一寅、二丑、三子，即知計神所在。歲計萬曆戊子，陽遁在寅，陰遁在申。）計神者，歲星之使，太乙之燭龍，所司幽冥而能獨照也。

The method of determining the position of the Counting God: For Yang Dun, it starts from the position of Yin and moves backward through the twelve Earthly Branches, avoiding the four cardinal directions of Qian, Kun, Gen, and Xun. For Yin Dun, it starts from the position of Shen and also moves backward through the twelve Earthly Branches, avoiding the same four directions. The required Structure Number is divided by twelve, and the remainder is used. For Yang Dun, count from Yin, and for Yin Dun, count from Shen, which is called "reverse rotation." That is, one counts Yin, two counts Chou, three counts Zi, and so on until the remainder is reached. This determines the position of the Counting God. For example, in the year Wuzi of the Wanli era, the Counting God for Yang Dun is at Yin, and for Yin Dun, it is at Shen. In terms of nature, the Counting God is the messenger of the Year Star (Jupiter), and it is the Dragon Lantern of Taiyi, specializing in overseeing hidden and subtle matters and being able to illuminate them alone. Therefore, any hidden and unmanifested situations must rely on it for observation.

始擊（陰陽二遁俱以和德加計神，視文昌所臨之下，即知始擊所在。歲計萬曆戊子，陰陽二遁俱在辰）始擊者，熒惑之精，南方，屬火，禮虧、視失、逆夏令、傷火氣，罰見熒惑行度無常，出則有兵，入則兵散，次舍命國為亂，為戰，為喪，為飢，為兵，為疾，所居國受殃，芒角動搖破色，乍前乍後，乍左乍右，其殃愈甚，南丈夫，北女人，周旋止息，為死喪寇亂，其分野之地，色赤而行速，兵聚其下，順之戰勝。

The method of determining the starting point (始击) is as follows: both yin and yang divination methods use the virtue (德) added to the counting god (计神). Then, look at the position beneath the star where Wen Chang is located; that is where the starting point (始击) is. For example, in the year Wuzi of the Wanli era, the starting point for both yin and yang divination methods is in the position of Chen. In terms of its nature, the starting point is the essence of the planet Mars (荧惑), belonging to the south and the element fire (五行属火). When the ruler's ceremonial regulations are violated, his hearing and sight are improper, he goes against the summer season, and harms the fire element, the heavens' punishment is manifested through the planet Mars: when Mars moves abnormally, there will be military conflicts; when it disappears, military conflicts subside. The star position where Mars stops corresponds to a country, which will experience turmoil, warfare, mourning, famine, military disaster, and disease. The country where Mars resides will suffer misfortune. If Mars has a flickering light, a broken color, or moves unpredictably forward and backward, left and right, the calamity will be more severe. In the south, it affects men; in the north, it affects women. Where Mars hovers and stops, there will be deaths and banditry. In any region corresponding to Mars' domain, if Mars appears red and moves quickly, a large number of soldiers will gather beneath it, and fighting in the direction of Mars will result in victory.

又曰，熒惑主大鴻臚，主死喪，主司空，又為司馬，主楚越以南，又司天下群臣驕奢世、亂侯、嬖，主歲成歲。又曰，熒惑不動，兵不戰，有誅將，其色出赤怒、逆行、成釣匕鉤，凶，國有災，鉤匕有芒角如鋒刃，人主死，無出宮下也。

Another account says that the planet Mars governs the position of the Grand Minister of the Court, matters of death and mourning, the Office of the Minister of Works, and the Office of the Minister of War. It also oversees the southern regions of Chu and Yue, and is responsible for matters concerning the extravagance of officials, rebellions by the feudal princes, and the influence of favorites in power. It also determines the abundance or scarcity of the harvest in a year. Another account says that when Mars is stationary, there will be no warfare, but generals may be executed. If Mars appears red and angry, and moves retrograde forming a hook like a dagger, it is an ominous sign, indicating disaster in the country. If the hook has a sharp edge like a blade, the ruler will die, and one should not go out of the palace gates. These different accounts offer various perspectives; when making a divination, one should consider them together: first observe the movement and color of Mars, then its direction and the palace it occupies, and finally determine the location and severity of the calamity.

故明天子必視熒惑下，在守犯室房心，主命惡之；若犯太乙宮為掩，必有掩盜襲奪篡弒之禍，仍遇曆數太陽、陰主下者，其驗明矣；若在太乙左右宮間之神，名擊，有兵逼廢戮奔敗之禍，人君將相皆畏之，若與文昌同宮，為關，乘旺相宮者，勝始擊，在四九二六之宮，客勝主，在一八三七之宮，主勝客；若掩主大失將者，不論四宮，必死敗也，其所加臨變化，歲有五行，生克應各不同，行有一十八舍，事各異主，審其輕重，察其淺深消息而預備之，可以掩干戈致太平矣。

Therefore, an enlightened sovereign must pay close attention to where the planet Mars (荧惑) appears. If Mars remains or invades the constellations of Zi, Fang, and Xin, it indicates that the sovereign will detest it. If it invades the palace of Taiyi (太乙), this is called "covering" (掩), and there will certainly be calamities such as ambushes, theft, usurpation, and assassination of the sovereign. If it simultaneously appears in the positions of the sun and moon in the calendar, the omen will be even more evident. If it appears in the palaces adjacent to Taiyi's left and right, this is called "striking" (击), indicating military threats, removal from power, massacre, flight, and defeat. The sovereign and his ministers will all fear it. If Mars is in the same palace as Wen Chang (文昌), this is called "blocking" (关). At this time, the side that is in a prosperous and strong position will overcome the other. If the palace is in the positions of four, nine, two, or six, the guest side will overcome the host; if in the positions of one, eight, three, or seven, the host will overcome the guest. If the one being covered is the main general and leads to the loss of the general, then regardless of which palace it is in, there will certainly be defeat and death. The changes caused by the initial strike (始击) vary throughout the year, with different interactions of the Five Phases. Its journey spans eighteen mansions, each governing different affairs. The diviner must weigh the importance, discern the depth, and observe the signs to prepare in advance, thus achieving peace and ending warfare.

金為始擊，西戎兵起，東百敗亡。水為始擊，北狄兵起，算和則冬有和親歲稔大熟。木為始擊，東夷兵起，船車爭興，歲豐。火為始擊，南蠻變動，夏旱大熱，民流亡、疾病，所臨分野，有失暑兵，若太乙在丙丁下者，其城必有大旱之變及異兵、火災。土為始擊，中宮兵動，如與太乙格迫掩者，主臣下謀上，亦主廢將輔及土工興作。

Whenever the heavenly stem of the year is Jia or Yi, there are five different interpretations based on the Five Phases associated with the beginning of the year. If the beginning of the year belongs to metal, it indicates that the Western戎 people will start a military campaign, and the Eastern regions will suffer many losses and defeats. If the beginning of the year belongs to water, it indicates that the Northern狄 people will start a military campaign; if the calculation is harmonious, there will be peace talks in winter and a good harvest. If the beginning of the year belongs to wood, it indicates that the Eastern夷 people will start a military campaign, with ships and carriages being built in great numbers, and a bountiful harvest. If the beginning of the year belongs to fire, it indicates that the Southern蛮 people will cause disturbances, with a severe drought and extreme heat in summer, leading to the migration of the people and the spread of diseases. In the regions affected by this, there will be military conflicts caused by the heat. If Taiyi is located under Bing or Ding, the city will certainly experience a severe drought, along with unusual military actions and fires. If the beginning of the year belongs to earth, it indicates that military campaigns will be launched from the Central Palace. If Taiyi forms a conflicting, pressing, or coveringInauspicious Pattern with it, it indicates that ministers may plot against the sovereign, or that generals and ministers may be dismissed, or that there will be large-scale construction projects.

水為始擊，東北兵起息，大水，民流亡。土為始擊，東京兵起後中宮。木為始擊，春又東京周人有和親之事。金為始擊，西戎有兵，金銀貴，重臣被誅。火為始擊，正南蠻兵動，大旱，民飢病，兵革。

Whenever the heavenly stem of the year is Bing or Ding, the method of divination is as follows. If the initial strike belongs to water, it indicates military action starting in the northeast and then ceasing, as well as major flooding disasters and the migration of people. If the initial strike belongs to earth, it indicates military action in the eastern capital area, followed by events in the central palace. If the initial strike belongs to wood, it indicates friendly relations and marriages between people from the eastern capital and the surrounding regions in spring. If the initial strike belongs to metal, it indicates military conflicts with western barbarians, rising prices of silver and gold, and the execution of high-ranking officials in the court. If the initial strike belongs to fire, it indicates military action by southern barbarians, severe drought, hardship and illness among the people, and further military conflicts. The above five cases all begin by determining the Five Phases of the initial strike, then using the directions and disasters associated with each Phase for interpretation.

木為始擊，東夷兵動。火為始擊，南方有兵及蝗，生米大貴，大旱，民流移。土為始擊，主中宮憂，土工興，山崩地動。金為始擊，西戎兵起，與北狄交爭。水為始擊，主徵北狄，大臣誅，夏旱，冬大雨雪。

Whenever the heavenly stem of the year is Wu or Ji, the divination method is as follows. If the initial strike belongs to wood, it indicates military actions by the eastern夷people. If the initial strike belongs to fire, it signifies military conflicts in the south, along with locust plagues, high grain prices, severe drought, and people migrating. If the initial strike belongs to earth, it suggests troubles in the central palace, the commencement of earth and wood construction projects, and mountain collapses and earthquakes. If the initial strike belongs to metal, it indicates military actions by the western戎people and warfare with the northern狄people. If the initial strike belongs to water, it suggests the court sending troops to suppress the northern狄, the execution of ministers, drought in summer, and heavy rain and snow in winter. Since Wu and Ji belong to central earth, all matters related to earth will be most accurate in that year.

木為始擊，東夷兵起，民流移，及西戎兵動。火為始擊，南蠻兵動，中國火災，必有掩捕襲奪之事，歲旱，金銀貴。土為始擊，中國兵興，民豐，粟貴，夏大水。金為始擊，西戎兵動。水為始擊，北狄兵起。

Whenever the heavenly stem of the year is Geng or Xin, the method of divination is as follows. If the initial strike belongs to wood, it indicates that the eastern夷people will start a military campaign, with common people migrating and moving about, while the western戎people also have military movements. If the initial strike belongs to fire, it indicates that the southern蛮people will start a military campaign, with fires in the central plains, and certainly there will be ambushes, killings, robberies, and conflicts, along with a dry year and high prices for silver and gold. If the initial strike belongs to earth, it indicates that there will be military campaigns in the central plains, with the people being well-fed but grain prices high, and there will be major floods in summer. If the initial strike belongs to metal, it indicates that the western戎people will start a military campaign. If the initial strike belongs to water, it indicates that the northern狄people will start a military campaign. Since Geng and Xin belong to western metal, military actions of the year are mostly initiated from the western frontier.

木為始擊，東夷兵疲。火為始擊，南蠻多災，夏旱，赤地千里，秋冬大水，冬霜雪。土為始擊，中國有兵。金為始擊，西戎獻寶，大豐，民和。水為始擊，西北兵侵，冬大寒，霜雪殺物。

Whenever the heavenly stem of the year is Ren or Gui, the divination method is as follows. If the initial strike belongs to wood, it indicates the eastern夷people have exhausted their military strength. If the initial strike belongs to fire, it suggests the southern barbarian lands suffer many disasters, with drought in summer leading to vast areas of dry land, and heavy rains in autumn and winter, along with severe frost and snow in winter. If the initial strike belongs to earth, it indicates military conflicts in the central plains. If the initial strike belongs to metal, it suggests the western戎people come to present treasures, the harvest is abundant, and the people are harmonious. If the initial strike belongs to water, it indicates an invasion from the northwest, with an unusually cold winter, frost and snow destroying all living things. Since Ren and Gui belong to northern water, special attention should be paid to changes in water, drought, cold, and heat during this year.

角—大人有憂，兵出。亢—民有疾疫之災。氏—內有叛臣，宮中防火。房—人君將相有憂。心—太子、諸王有憂。尾—後宮有驚，后妃有災。箕—兵起，士卒流亡。

The divination verses for the Seven Stars of the Eastern Azure Dragon are as follows. If the Horn mansion is in charge, there will be worries for great persons and military forces will be mobilized. If the Neck mansion is in charge, the common people will suffer from epidemic diseases. If the Root mansion is in charge, there will be traitors within the court and the palace must be on alert for fire hazards. If the Room mansion is in charge, the sovereign and his ministers will have worries. If the Heart mansion is in charge, the crown prince and the princes will have worries. If the Tail mansion is in charge, the imperial harem will be alarmed and the empresses will suffer misfortune. If the Winnowing Basket mansion is in charge, military affairs will arise and soldiers will scatter and flee. When making a divination, first determine which mansion is being attacked, then refer to the affairs associated with that mansion for the interpretation.

斗—臣失爵祿，關縣門塞。牛—糴貴，民飢餓，牲多死。女—后妃疾病，憂大災。虛—諸侯有憂，政平，令行赦宥。危—歲多病，土工，兵起。室—大人匿謀，歲不收。壁—文章興，兵發。

The divination verses for the seven stars of the Black Tortoise in the northern direction are as follows. If the Dipper mansion is in charge, then ministers and officials will lose their ranks and titles, and gates and county towns will be closed and on alert. If the Ox mansion is in charge, then grain prices will rise sharply, common people will suffer from hunger, and many livestock will die. If the Girl mansion is in charge, then the queen consort will fall ill and worry about great calamities. If the Emptiness mansion is in charge, then the feudal lords will have worries, but government affairs will remain peaceful, and an amnesty will be issued to pardon criminals. If the Rooftop mansion is in charge, then there will be many illnesses in the coming year, construction projects will be started, and military actions will resume. If the Encampment mansion is in charge, then important people will secretly plot, and the harvest will be poor. If the Wall mansion is in charge, then literary activities will flourish, and military actions will be launched.

奎—臣下為擊。婁—山林寇盜，道路不通。胃—五穀不發，有兵。昂—胡人疾病，燕趙兵起。畢—邊兵刑罰征伐。觜—將教司馬急行。參—宮室有移動事，將有憂。

The divination verses for the seven stars of the White Tiger in the western direction are as follows. If the Kuixu is the dominant star, ministers and officials will suffer from attacks. If the Loushu is the dominant star, there will be bandits in the mountains and forests and roads will be blocked. If the Weixu is the dominant star, grain will not grow properly and there will be military conflicts. If the Maoshu is the dominant star, the people of Hu will fall ill, and armies will be raised in Yan and Zhao regions. If the Bishu is the dominant star, there will be military actions on the borders, and punishments and wars will occur together. If the Zisu is the dominant star, generals will urgently order the military commanders to advance quickly. If the Canshu is the dominant star, there will be movements and changes in palaces and buildings, and generals will face worries. The western direction belongs to metal, which governs punishment and killing, so these seven stars often indicate omens related to military and legal matters.

井—川瀆滿溢，兵動。鬼—后妃失勢，民多疾病。柳—民飢荒，多流亡。星—憂人災。張—禮義多變異。翼—陰陽失序，多雨水。軫—有大喪死亡之事。

The divination verses for the seven stars of the Vermilion Bird in the south are as follows. If the Well mansion is in charge, there will be flooding in rivers and streams, and military forces will be mobilized. If the Ghost mansion is in charge, the queen consort will lose power, and the people will suffer from many illnesses. If the Willow mansion is in charge, the people will face famine and many will flee. If the Star mansion is in charge, there will be worries about disasters caused by human affairs. If the Extended Net mansion is in charge, there will be many changes in rites and regulations. If the Wings mansion is in charge, yin and yang will be out of order, and there will be excessive rain. If the Chariot mansion is in charge, there will be great mourning and deaths. The south belongs to fire and is associated with rites, so these seven mansions mostly relate to changes in rites and the transformations of water and fire.

以上隨歲計所遷加臨，次金於歲中，各有所主之事。又法，以計加和德，視始擊所臨之下，以察休咎，其理尤明。又推歲計太乙所遷入宮之年淺深為辨，如太乙理天，則當第一宿；理地，則當第二宿；理人，則當第三宿，其或始擊不在子午卯酉四正之宮，止臨一宿者，則本宿當之，臨二宿者，中分則轄一年矣。

The twenty-eight mansions all move to different positions according to the year and are used to determine outcomes. In one method, the counting god is placed above the virtue, and the starting point is observed to see which mansion it falls upon, thus determining fortune or misfortune more clearly. It is also necessary to consider the depth of the Taiyi's movement into a particular palace according to the year: in the year when Taiyi governs heaven, it is the first mansion; in the year when it governs earth, it is the second mansion; and in the year when it governs people, it is the third mansion. If the starting point is not in the four cardinal directions of Zi, Wu, Mao, or You, and only falls on one mansion, then that mansion takes responsibility. If it spans two mansions, they are divided equally, each governing one year.

主客算（陰陽二遁同論，主目、客目落何宮間，正宮依宮數數，間神起本位作一數，續依宮數數，至太乙宮後住算，即知主、客算多少。歲計萬曆戊子，陽遁，主算二十四，客算二十五；陰遁，主算十六，客算單一。十四、十八，為上和；二十三、二十九、三十二、三十六為次和；十二、十六、二十一、二十七、三十四、三十八，為下和；十一、十三、十七、十九、三十一、三十三、三十七、三十九為重陽；二十二、二十四、二十六、二十八，為重陰；三十三、三十九為純陽；二十二、二十六，為純陰；十一、十七，為陰中重陽；十三、十九、三十一、三十七，為雜重陽；四十四、四十八，為陽中重陰；二十四、二十八，為雜重陰；一十、三十，為單陽；二十、四十，為孤陰；自一至九，為無天；自一至四，為無地；一、十、二十、三十、四十，為無人；十六、二十六、三十六、十七、二十七、三十七、十八、二十八、三十八，為三才具足之算；五、十五、二十五、三十五，為八門杜塞。）

The method of calculating the main and guest numbers is the same for both Yang Dun and Yin Dun: first determine which palace or between which two spirits the main and guest numbers fall. If they fall in the central palace, count from the palace number. If they fall between two spirits, start counting from the original position as one, then continue counting according to the palace numbers until you pass the Taiyi Palace, and the number you arrive at is the main or guest number. For example, in the year Wuzi of the Wanli era, the main number for Yang Dun is twenty-four and the guest number is twenty-five; for Yin Dun, the main number is sixteen and the guest number is one. These numbers have specific names: fourteen and eighteen are upper harmony; twenty-three, twenty-nine, thirty-two, and thirty-six are middle harmony; twelve, sixteen, twenty-one, twenty-seven, thirty-four, and thirty-eight are lower harmony; eleven, thirteen, seventeen, and nineteen, as well as thirty-one, thirty-three, thirty-seven, and thirty-nine are heavy yang; twenty-two, twenty-four, twenty-six, and twenty-eight are heavy yin; thirty-three and thirty-nine are pure yang; twenty-two and twenty-six are pure yin; eleven and seventeen are yang-heavy heavy yang; thirteen, nineteen, thirty-one, and thirty-seven are mixed heavy yang; forty-four and forty-eight are yang-heavy heavy yin; twenty-four and twenty-eight are mixed heavy yin; ten and thirty are single yang; twenty and forty are single yin; one to nine are no heaven; one to four are no earth; one, ten, twenty, thirty, and forty are no man; sixteen, twenty-six, thirty-six, seventeen, twenty-seven, thirty-seven, eighteen, twenty-eight, and thirty-eight are complete three elements; five, fifteen, twenty-five, and thirty-five are closed eight gates. When making a judgment, first calculate the number, then refer to this list to determine its auspicious or inauspicious nature. This list can actually be divided into four groups for use: the first group is 'harmony,' with upper harmony, middle harmony, and lower harmony decreasing in order, all being auspicious; the second group is 'pure, heavy, mixed,' with pure yang, pure yin, heavy yang, heavy yin, mixed heavy yang, and mixed heavy yin all being discordant, indicating imbalance between yin and yang; the third group is 'single, isolated,' with single yang and isolated yin indicating an excess of yang or yin, making it difficult to achieve success; the fourth group is 'deficient,' with no heaven, no earth, and no man indicating a lack of ten, five, or one, meaning that one of the three elements—heaven, earth, and man—is missing, leading to a lack of favorable conditions. In addition, there are two most important numbers: if the calculation results in complete three elements, meaning heaven, earth, and man are all present, it is the most comprehensive; if the number is five, fifteen, twenty-five, or thirty-five, the eight gates are all closed, and the general and assistant generals are trapped in the central palace with no way out, so military actions should not be taken lightly.

子房曰：「陰陽和不和者，謂太乙主客二目就所在宮辰命算數以相配，視陰陽之數和與不和也。」陽無獨立，陰無獨成，一陰陽之謂道，算和氣順而為祥，不和氣逆而為咎，自然之理也。太乙在八三四九為陽宮，算停奇為重陽；二七六一為陰宮，算並偶為重陰。二目在乾離艮震兌坤坎巽為陽宮，算得奇為重陽；在亥丑寅辰巳未申戌為陰神，算得偶為重陰，皆不和之算也。若太乙、二目在陽算得偶，在陰得奇，是謂算和。

Zhang Zifang said: The concept of yin and yang being in harmony or not refers to the Taiyi and the two main elements each determining their numerical calculations based on their respective palace and hour positions. These calculations are then compared to see if the yin and yang numbers are in harmony. Yang cannot exist alone, nor can yin be generated by itself; the alternation of one yin and one yang is called the Dao. When the numerical calculations are in harmony, the qi flows smoothly and brings auspiciousness; when they are not in harmony, the qi becomes chaotic and brings misfortune. This is a natural principle. Specifically, Taiyi in the palaces eight, three, four, and nine are considered yang palaces. If the numbers associated with these palaces remain odd, it is called double yang. Taiyi in the palaces two, seven, six, and one are considered yin palaces. If the numbers associated with these palaces become even, it is called double yin. If the main and secondary elements fall in the eight main palaces—Qian, Li, Gen, Zhen, Dui, Kun, Kan, and Xun—and result in odd numbers, it is considered double yang. If they fall in the eight intermediate palaces—Hai, Chou, Yin, Chen, Si, Wei, Shen, and Xu—and result in even numbers, it is considered double yin. These are all examples of disharmonious calculations. Conversely, if Taiyi and the two elements are in a yang position but result in an even number, or in a yin position but result in an odd number, then it is called harmonious calculation.

太乙天固立陽宮算得純陰，立陰宮算得純陽，為不及；立陽宮算得純陽，立陰宮算得純陰，為大過，大凶之算也；若立陽宮算得雜重陽，立陰宮算得雜重陰，為次凶，主內外有謀。當視二目在陰陽之位得算多少沙河，為勝須考氣數淺深而知成敗，然雜重陰災尤甚也，

Dividing into excess and deficiency: When Taiyi is placed in a yang palace but receives entirely yin numbers, or placed in a yin palace but receives entirely yang numbers, this is called 'deficiency'; when Taiyi is placed in a yang palace and receives entirely yang numbers, or placed in a yin palace and receives entirely yin numbers, this is called 'excess', which is a major凶 omen. If Taiyi is placed in a yang palace and receives mixed heavy yang numbers, or placed in a yin palace and receives mixed heavy yin numbers, this belongs to a lesser degree of凶, indicating that there are people plotting both inside and outside. When making a judgment, one should look at the number of calculations obtained when the two eyes fall on yin or yang positions, to determine who will win; one must also examine the depth of the qi numbers in order to know the success or failure. Among all the凶 omens, the disaster caused by mixed heavy yin is the most severe.

蓋以算論之，一三七九為奇，二四六八為耦，以宮配之，八三四九為陽，二七六一為陰，三九奇數也，而配在陽宮，為純陽，其數自臨為重陽；二六耦數也，而配在陰宮，為純陰，其數自臨為重陰；一七亦奇數也，而配在陰宮，為雜陽，其數自臨為陰中重陽，與陽奇之數並，為雜重陽；四八亦偶數也，而配在陽宮，為雜陰，其數自臨為陽中重陰，與陰偶之數並，為雜重陰。

Even in terms of numbers, one, three, seven, and nine are odd numbers, while two, four, six, and eight are even numbers. In terms of palace positions, eight, three, four, and nine are yang palaces, while two, seven, six, and one are yin palaces. Three and nine are odd numbers and are placed in yang palaces, so they are called pure yang; their numbers are adjacent to each other, forming double yang. Two and six are even numbers and are placed in yin palaces, so they are called pure yin; their numbers are adjacent to each other, forming double yin. One and seven are odd numbers but are placed in yin palaces, so they are called mixed yang; their numbers are adjacent to each other, forming double yang within yin, and when combined with yang odd numbers, they form mixed double yang. Four and eight are even numbers but are placed in yang palaces, so they are called mixed yin; their numbers are adjacent to each other, forming double yin within yang, and when combined with yin even numbers, they form mixed double yin. By mastering this method of pairing odd and even numbers with palace positions, the four categories of calculations—pure, mixed, double, and harmonious—can be clearly distinguished.

十與一同，雖奇數而配在陰宮，四八偶數，而配在陽宮，故一四八為陰陽自和之算，其相配為和中之和；二六偶數也，而配在陰宮，三九奇數也，而配在陽宮，是謂陰陽獨立之數，二數相併為次和；其陽獨立之數與陰自和之數相配，亦為下和矣。上和，國有禎祥，更利為將；次和，四塞息兵，天下豐樂；下和，九野人安，衣食樂足。陽多利為客，陰多利為主。陰和，其政濁；陽和，其政清。算和，其政平；不和，其政乖。純陽，其君暴；純陰，其臣縱；重陽，厄火；重陰，厄水；雜陰、雜陽，其氣雜錯，陰陽失節，雨雪愆期，災咎所由生也。

Ten and one belong to the same category; although they are odd numbers, they are paired in the yin palace. Four and eight are even numbers, yet they are paired in the yang palace. Therefore, the numbers one, four, and eight are calculations that harmonize yin and yang. When they are paired with each other, they form a harmony within harmony. Two and six are even numbers but are paired in the yin palace; three and nine are odd numbers but are paired in the yang palace. These are called numbers that are independent of yin and yang. When two such numbers are combined, they form a secondary harmony. When the independent yang number is paired with the self-harmonizing yin number, it forms a lower harmony. If one attains the upper harmony, the state will have auspicious signs, especially benefiting those who command armies. If one attains the secondary harmony, the borders will be at peace and the world will be prosperous and peaceful. If one attains the lower harmony, the people of the nine provinces will be at ease, with sufficient food and clothing. If the number of yang elements is greater, it is favorable for being a guest; if the number of yin elements is greater, it is favorable for being the host. Those with harmonious yin will have murky governance, while those with harmonious yang will have clear governance. If the calculation is harmonious, government affairs will proceed smoothly; if not, they will be discordant. If one attains pure yang, the ruler will be tyrannical; if one attains pure yin, the ministers will be unrestrained. If one attains heavy yang, there will be calamity from fire; if one attains heavy yin, there will be calamity from water. If one attains mixed yin and mixed yang, the vital energies will be confused, yin and yang will be out of balance, and rain and snow will be out of season, leading to calamities. In summary, the order of using calculations is: first distinguish between harmony and disharmony, then divide them into three levels—upper, secondary, and lower—based on their degree. Then determine whether yin or yang is more dominant, to decide whether it is favorable for the host or the guest. Finally, according to the categories of pure, heavy, and mixed, infer the clarity or turbidity of governance, the calamities from fire or water, and the irregularities in rain and snow.

算中無十，號無天；無五，號無地；無一，號無人。太乙理天，得無天之算，則二曜虧蝕，五緯失行，慧孛飛流，霜雹為沴；太乙理地，得無地之算，則地震山崩，河竭海湧，飛蝗竟天，人民相食；太乙理人，得無人之算，則口舌妖言，更相殘害，疾疫兵革，遷徙流亡，更遇掩迫關囚格擊提挾相併，為失信尤甚矣。

In arithmetic, if there is no ten, it is called "no heaven"; if there is no five, it is called "no earth"; if there is no one, it is called "no person." If Taiyi governs the year of heaven but the calculation of "no heaven" is used, then the sun and moon will be eclipsed, the five stars will lose their normal paths, comets and strange stars will appear, and frost and hail will cause disasters. If Taiyi governs the year of earth but the calculation of "no earth" is used, then earthquakes and mountain collapses will occur, rivers will dry up, seawater will surge backward, swarms of locusts will block the sky, and people will eat each other. If Taiyi governs the year of person but the calculation of "no person" is used, then false words will spread, people will kill each other, diseases and wars will occur together, and migration and exile will never cease. If this is combined with other calculations such as concealment, pressure, restriction, imprisonment, obstruction, attack, lifting, and restraint, then the loss of trust will be greater and the disasters will be more severe.

主客大小將（二將俱依式算去，十用零，二參將又用零數，三因之，五為門杜。萬曆戊子歲，陽遁，主大四宮，主參二宮，客將杜；陰遁，主大六宮，主參八宮，客大一宮，客參三宮）

The method of calculating the main and guest generals: both generals are calculated according to the format. If the resulting number is over ten, only the units digit is taken. The two assistant generals are then multiplied by three based on this units digit. If the number obtained is five, it means the eight gates are all blocked, and the general cannot move out of the central palace. For example, in the Wanan Wuzi year, in Yang Dun, the main general is in the fourth palace and the main assistant general is in the second palace, while the guest generals are all blocked. In Yin Dun, the main general is in the sixth palace and the main assistant general is in the eighth palace, the guest main general is in the first palace and the guest assistant general is in the third palace.

主大將者，太白之精，秋、金、義也、言也，義虧、言失、逆秋令、傷金氣，罰見太白。太白進退以候兵革高卑、遲速、靜躁、見伏，用兵皆象之。其出，西方失行，夷敵敗；東方失行，中國敗，若經天，天下兵革，民更主，是謂亂犯，人民流亡。與太乙爭明，大國弱，小國強，女主昌。

The main general is the spirit of Tai Bai (the planet of metal), corresponding to autumn and the Five Phases of metal. It governs righteousness and speech. When the ruler loses righteousness, speaks improperly, violates the seasonal order of autumn, and harms the energy of metal, the heavens will manifest punishment through Tai Bai. The movement of Tai Bai is used to predict the scale, speed, activity, and visibility of military actions. All military affairs take their image from it. If Tai Bai appears moving irregularly in the west, it indicates the defeat of the barbarians; if it moves irregularly in the east, it indicates the defeat of the central states. If Tai Bai crosses the sky, there will be great military upheaval throughout the land and a change of ruler, which is called 'chaos invading', leading to the migration of the people. If Tai Bai competes with Taiyi in brightness, then the great states will weaken and the small states will grow stronger, and female rulers will rise to power.

又曰，太白主大臣，號上公卿司馬位，故曰主大將若算在太乙中者，名囚，又曰爭名，必有篡弒之災，若在太乙陽絕之地者，君主之災；若乘四九二七，而與太乙同者，輔相之災；若在死傷杜驚門下，而與天蓬、天柱、天英、天芮、天衡之下者，大將死；若與客大將、始擊囚關在凶門下者，客大將死。

There is another view: Taiyi governs the ministers, known as the upper officials, such as the Grand Commandant. Therefore, in the divination board, it is used to represent the main general. If the calculation of the main general falls within the Taiyi palace, it is called 'imprisonment' or 'struggle for power', indicating a disaster of usurpation and regicide. If it falls in the yang decline position of Taiyi, it signifies a disaster for the sovereign. If it is in the palaces of four, nine, two, or seven together with Taiyi, it indicates a disaster for the prime minister. If it falls under the gates of death, injury, secrecy, and alarm, and also under the malevolent stars Tianpeng, Tianzhu, Tianying, Tianrui, and Tianheng, the main general will die in battle. If the main general, along with the guest general and the initial attacker, are all imprisoned and confined, and also fall under the evil gates, then the guest general will die in battle.

凡出軍征伐，不可關囚於凶門、凶星之下，亦不可在丙丁下，主大將災也，不可與太乙對宮，名曰格，格者，隔絕杜塞之謂，若格，則上下格絕，君不敬於臣，臣不忠於君也，若在太乙前後一宮一辰者，名曰迫，主臣下罔上也。

Whenever sending out troops for military campaigns, the main general must not be positioned under a凶门 (dangerous gate) or under a凶星 (dangerous star), nor should he be located under 丙 (Bing) or 丁 (Ding), as these positions indicate misfortune for the general. The main general must also not be in opposition to Taiyi, which is called 「格」 (block). 「格」 means obstruction and blockage; once it occurs, there will be a separation between superior and inferior, with the sovereign not showing respect to the minister and the minister not being loyal to the sovereign. If the main general is located within one palace or one hour of Taiyi's front or back, it is called 「迫」 (pressure), indicating that subordinates will deceive their superiors. These types of ominous formations must be carefully examined before the military campaign begins.

參將在大將宮前，故三因之入宮護大將，為參副囚金而生，其神屬水，若與主目大將同宮，名曰關，如一林二虎，一泉二蛟，乘旺相宮者勝，若值死絕之地，而又在凶門、凶星或庚辛下者，出軍定損，參將必死，主大吉而參將凶也。又不可犯太乙宮，名無禮迫。歲計過之，後宮有陰謀事，若與客參同宮，邊方兵動，在太乙宮下，為兵起之方也。

The deputy general is positioned before the main general's palace, so the number of the main general is multiplied by three and placed into the palace to guard the main general and serve as a counselor. It is generated by the metal element being restrained, and its spirit belongs to the water element. If the deputy general shares the same palace with the main objective and the main general, it is called "guan," like two tigers in a forest or two dragons in a spring. When in a palace of prosperity and strength, it will achieve victory. If the deputy general is in a dead or doomed position, and also in a凶门 (evil gate) or under the stars 庚 or 辛, the military campaign will certainly suffer losses, and the deputy general will surely die — this is a pattern where the main general is greatly auspicious while the deputy general is doomed. The deputy general must not encroach upon the Taiyi palace, which is called "wu li po" (impolite pressure); if this occurs in the annual calculation, there will be conspiracies in the rear palace. If the deputy general shares the same palace with the guest deputy general, warfare will break out on the border; if it is located beneath the Taiyi palace, that is the direction where warfare will occur.

客大將者，辰星之精，北方、冬、水、智也、聰也，智虧、聰失、逆冬令、傷水氣，罰見辰星。辰星主刑、主廷尉、主燕趙代北戎狄蠻夷與客宰相之象，亦為殺氣、戰鬥之象。又曰，軍於野，辰星為客，偏將之象。

The guest general is the essence of the planet Chén Xīng (Water Star), corresponding to the north and winter, belonging to the Five Phases of water, governing wisdom and acuteness. When a ruler loses wisdom, suffers hearing impairment, or violates the seasonal order of winter, thereby injuring the water energy, the heavens will manifest punishment through Chén Xīng. Chén Xīng governs punishment, the office of the Grand Judge, the regions of Yān, Zhào, Dài Běi, and the Rong, Di, and Man tribes, symbolizing the guest's prime minister, as well as representing killing energy and warfare. Another view states that when an army is stationed in the outskirts, Chén Xīng represents the guest force, symbolizing a deputy general.

無軍為刑，陰陽算和，應動；而不動，不和。出，失其時，寒暑失其節，邦國大飢，當出不出，是謂擊，卒兵大起，在房心間，地動；若臨太乙在三宮、七宮，及與大小將同者，亦動；若同太乙在一宮、八宮，大水；若近太乙宮者，名曰迫，宮迫災危，辰迫主外國來覘，甲乙，東國；丙丁，南國；庚辛，西國；壬癸，北國，戊己，中國自起兵也。

If there is no military action, the planet of the hour (Chen Xing) indicates punishment. When yin and yang calculations are in harmony, it should act accordingly; if it should act but does not, then there is disharmony. When the planet of the hour appears out of its proper season, cold and heat lose their regularity, and the country suffers great famine. If it should appear but does not, it is called "ji" and indicates a large military campaign. If the planet of the hour is between the Room mansion and the Heart mansion, it indicates an earthquake; if it is near Taiyi in the third or seventh palace, or shares the palace with the great general or the small general, it also indicates an earthquake; if it shares the palace with Taiyi in the first or eighth palace, it indicates a great flood. If the planet of the hour is close to the palace of Taiyi, it is called "po": if the palace is pressed, there will be disaster; if the planet is pressed, it indicates foreign countries secretly observing. The direction from which the observers come is determined by the heavenly stems: Jia and Yi indicate the eastern country, Bing and Ding indicate the southern country, Geng and Xin indicate the western country, Ren and Gui indicate the northern country, and Wu and Ji indicate the central country itself mobilizing its forces.

與文昌同者，名曰提，主臣下與外國有謀，與主大將同者，名曰關。視太乙在天內，主人勝，天外，客勝。與計神同者，名曰謀，主臣下有篡襲之變也。三因之，有參將，為水所生，故屬木，如值囚也。格挾之年，參將不利。與主大小將關旺者，勝。與主參同宮，邊兵亂起在太乙宮下。客將總忌在凶門、凶星、庚辛之下，皆不利為客也。

The guest general and the Wen Chang star being in the same palace is called "Tie," indicating that ministers and foreign forces conspire together. If the guest general is in the same palace as the main general, it is called "Guan." At this time, we look at the position of Taiyi: if Taiyi is within the heavens, the host side will win; if it is outside the heavens, the guest side will win. If the guest general is in the same palace as the Ji Shen star, it is called "Mou," indicating that ministers may have rebellious attacks. Multiply the number of the guest general by three to get the number of the guest assistant general; it is generated by water, so it belongs to the Wood element. If it is in a state of captivity, it will be restrained. In years of "Ge" and "Xie," the assistant general is unfavorable. If the guest's two generals relate to the main generals and gain strength, they will win. If the guest assistant general and the main assistant general are in the same palace, there will be disturbances in the border areas in the direction corresponding to the Taiyi palace. The guest's generals should avoid being in凶门 (evil gates), 凶星 (evil stars), or under 庚 (Geng) and 辛 (Xin), as these are unfavorable for the guest side.

定計目計算大將參將（陰陽二目俱以合神加太歲，並月日時之辰，視文昌下即計目也。合神者，子丑、午未、寅亥、申巳、酉辰、卯戌。計算與主客算同，分正間，數過太乙一宮而止，視得幾何，去十用零為定計大將之宮，三因之為定計參將之宮。萬曆戊子歲，陽遁，定計辰宮，計算三十四，大將四宮，參將二宮；陰遁，定計戌宮，計算二十五，二將杜）定計目者，續火之餘，熒惑之使，度量先動，明休咎之機。太公慮兵家先事最難，故以此為客重審之神，行次無常，要屬於客，其對格提挾固杜，與主客大小將同論。

The method of determining the objective of a plan involves using the "He Shen" (coinciding deity) in both Yang Dun and Yin Dun, placing it on the Tai sui (year stem), then combining it with the earthly branches of the month, day, and hour. Then, observe what is beneath the Wen Chang (literary virtue), which is the objective of the plan. The "He Shen" refers to the six pairs of earthly branches that are in mutual relationship: Zi and Chou, Wu and Wei, Yin and Hai, Shen and Si, You and Chen, and Mao and Xu. The calculation method is the same as that used in the main and guest calculations, and it also requires distinguishing between the main palace and the intermediate deity. Count sequentially through the Taiyi palace until reaching one palace; observe the number obtained, take the remainder after dividing by ten, which determines the palace of the main general of the plan. Multiply this number by three to determine the palace of the assistant general. For example, in the year Wuzi of the Wanli period, in Yang Dun the plan's objective is in the Chen palace, with a calculation of thirty-four, the main general is in the fourth palace, and the assistant general in the second palace; in Yin Dun, the plan's objective is in the Xu palace, with a calculation of twenty-five, and both generals encounter Du Ce (blockage). In terms of meaning, the objective of the plan is the residual energy after the fire and the messenger of the planet Mars, acting before the measurement, thus revealing the initial signs of good or bad fortune. Tai Gong believed that the most difficult aspect for military strategists is predicting the enemy's situation before the event occurs, so he established this deity to serve as a secondary review by the guest side. Its sequence of movement has no fixed pattern, but it belongs to the guest side. Its relationships of opposition, mutual destruction, lifting, restraint, firmness, and blockage are the same as those of the main and guest generals.

立式有掩迫擊關囚格對提挾執提固杜，三門具不具，五將發不發，以占四計之休咎。始擊臨太乙宮，為掩，掩者，陰勝陽微，掩襲劫殺之義，歲計遇之，王綱失序，君弱臣強，身死國亡，水旱霜雹，盜賊疾疫，若在易絕之宮，人君大凶，在絕陰、絕陽之位，臣誅。掩主大將，主算不和，凶；大將算和，大將雖凶，參將發利，以小將擊之勝，若參將被掩，則小將凶也。

After setting up the Taiyi chart, there are several ominous patterns to examine, including Yan, Po, Ji, Guan, Qiu, Ge, Dui, Ti, Jie, Zhi Ti, Gu, Du. In addition, one should check whether the three gates are present and whether the five generals are active, to determine the fortune or misfortune of the year, month, day, and hour. First, we explain 'Yan': when the initial strike falls into the palace where Taiyi is located, it is called Yan. Yan means that the yin energy overpowers the yang energy, and the yang energy becomes weak, implying an ambush or attack with a sudden and destructive force. If the year's calculation encounters Yan, then the state's laws and order will be disrupted, the ruler will be weak while the ministers will be strong, leading to possible death of the ruler and the country's downfall, along with disasters such as droughts, floods, hail, bandits, and epidemics. If Yan falls into the palace of easy decline or complete decline, the ruler will suffer great misfortune. If it falls into the position of absolute yin or absolute yang, the ministers will be executed. If the one being covered by Yan is the main general, and the main calculation is not harmonious, then it is a disaster. If the main general's calculation is harmonious, even though the main general is in a bad position, if the deputy general can be mobilized, it is still possible to counterattack and win with the minor general. However, if the one being covered by Yan is the deputy general, then the minor general will also be in a bad position.

文昌主客大小將及定計目在太乙左右為迫，前曰外迫，後曰內迫，宮曰宮迫，辰曰辰迫，迫者，逼迫脅持之義，外迫主大臣逆命，內迫主同姓逆謀，內臣后妃懷貳，若內外俱迫，則內外合謀，算和者，謀成；算不和者，謀敗，若在易絕之宮，先勝後敗，如大小四將迫太乙，有謀臣在朝，若戰大利，辰迫災急，宮迫災緩，如太歲在太乙前，陽年災深，陰年災淺，；如太歲在太乙後，陰年災深，陽年災淺，用兵主客俱敗也。

Now discussing "迫" (pressure): When the Wen Chang star, the main and secondary generals, and the counting number fall on either side of Taiyi, it is called "迫". If it is before Taiyi, it is called external pressure; if it is after Taiyi, it is called internal pressure. If judged by the palace position, it is called palace pressure; if judged by the hour position, it is called hour pressure. "迫" means to press or threaten. External pressure indicates ministers opposing the king's orders; internal pressure suggests the royal family plotting against the throne or inner officials and concubines having ulterior motives. If both internal and external pressures are present, it indicates a conspiracy between inside and outside. At this time, we look at the calculation: if the calculation is harmonious, the plan will succeed; if not, the plan will fail. If pressure falls on a palace in the stage of easy decline or absolute decline, the initial victory will be followed by defeat. If the four generals together press upon Taiyi, it indicates the presence of a strategist in the court, which is advantageous for military campaigns. Hour pressure brings sudden disaster, while palace pressure brings gradual disaster. Also, we consider the order of Tai sui and Taiyi: if Tai sui is before Taiyi, disaster is heavier in yang years and lighter in yin years; if Tai sui is after Taiyi, disaster is heavier in yin years and lighter in yang years. Whenever a year of pressure occurs, both the host and the guest will suffer losses.

始擊在太乙左右為擊，前曰外擊，後曰內擊，宮曰宮擊，辰曰辰擊，擊者，奮縱搏擊，上下相凌之義，外擊主諸侯臣子生逆，外國侵伐；內擊主進臣同姓親王后妃廢弒之禍，宮擊災緩，辰擊災急，校算利鈍，絕易有無，以占勝負。

Now regarding 'strike' (击): When the strike falls on either side of Taiyi, it is called a strike. If it is in front, it is called external strike; if it is behind, it is called internal strike. If it is discussed in terms of the palace positions, it is called palace strike; if it is discussed in terms of the hour positions, it is called hour strike. Strike signifies a vigorous attack, with upper and lower forces confronting each other. External strike indicates rebellion by vassals and ministers, and invasion by foreign states. Internal strike indicates danger from close ministers, relatives of the same surname, and the imperial concubines and empresses, such as removal or assassination. Palace strike brings disaster gradually, while hour strike brings disaster suddenly. As for the outcome of victory or defeat, it still depends on comparing the strength and weakness of both sides' numbers, checking for the presence of absolute death or change of energy, and thus determining the result.

主客大小將自相同宮為關，客大小將犯文昌宮，為客關主；主大小將犯始擊宮，為主關客，若一林二虎，一泉二蛟，關防守禦隄備之義，歲計遇之，占在將相，自相關忌，不利，氣有勝衰，勢不兩立，則主客目所臨之神旺相者勝，休囚者負；多算者勝，少算者負；算和者勝，不和者負。或曰四將同宮，客能關主，主不能關客，當此之時，師宜先舉，以應客，後起為主者，大凶。

Now discussing 'guan' (enclosure): when the main and guest generals of both sides are in the same palace, it is called 'guan'. If the guest's generals invade the palace of Wen Chang, it is called 'guest guan main'; if the main's generals invade the palace of Shi Ji, it is called 'main guan guest'. 'Guan' is like two tigers in a forest or two dragons in a spring, symbolizing defense, preparation, and strict vigilance. When the year encounters 'guan', it affects the generals on both sides, causing mutual restraint and adverse outcomes. Since the energy has waxing and waning, and the forces are incompatible, one should look at the deities observed by the main and guest sides. The side with prosperous and strong energy prevails; the side with weak and confined energy is defeated. The side with more calculations prevails; the side with fewer calculations is defeated. The side with harmonious calculations prevails; the side with discordant calculations is defeated. There is another saying: when all four generals are in the same palace, the guest can enclose the main, but the main cannot enclose the guest. In such a case, one should first send troops to respond to the guest's position, and then move to the main position, which is a great misfortune.

文昌主客大小將與太乙同宮為囚，或曰主客將同太乙為囚，文昌同太乙為關。囚者，以下犯上，拘擊而執正之義，四計遇之，有奔亡篡弒悲泣之禍，若在易氣、絕氣之地，大凶；在絕陰、絕陽之地，自敗。又云，諸將與太乙同宮，或同類自謀，則視二目，算和者成，不和者敗。

Now discussing 'prison' (囚): When Wen Chang and the main and guest generals are in the same palace as Taiyi, it is called prison. Some say that only when the main and guest generals and Taiyi are in the same palace is it called prison, while Wen Chang and Taiyi in the same palace should be called 'gate' (关). Prison signifies a situation where subordinates attack superiors and are captured and punished. If the four calculations of year, month, day, and hour encounter prison, there will be calamities such as fleeing, death, usurpation, and murder, along with sorrow and crying. If it falls in a place of easy decline or complete decline, it is extremely凶. If it falls in a place of absolute yin or absolute yang, it leads to self-destruction. It is also said that when all the generals are in the same palace as Taiyi, it may indicate mutual plotting among similar forces. In such cases, one should look at the numerical calculations of the main and guest generals. If they are in harmony, the plot succeeds; if not, it fails.

始擊大小將與太乙相望，曰格，格者，改易格變之義，文昌大小將與太乙相沖，曰對，對者，沖突相對之義。歲計遇格，上下格易，政令不行。又云，客目大小將俱格，太乙以戰，客勝；主人格客關以戰，則主人勝；主人關客格以戰，則客人勝。

Now discussing "ge" and "dui": When the initial strike, the two generals, and Taiyi are far apart and opposite each other, it is called "ge"; "ge" means change and transformation. When Wen Chang and the two generals are in opposition to Taiyi, it is called "dui"; "dui" means conflict and resistance. If the year's calculation encounters "ge", there will be separation between upper and lower, leading to changes and the inability to implement orders. It is also said that if the enemy's two eyes and the two generals form "ge" with Taiyi and fight, the enemy wins; if the host forms "ge" and the enemy forms "guan" and fight, the host wins; if the host forms "guan" and the enemy forms "ge" and fight, the enemy wins. This shows that when "ge" and "guan" meet, the side that forms "ge" is in the advantageous position.

主客二目或一目而共太乙挾主客二目及大小將，在正宮者為提挾；若二目在間神，主客二將共太乙挾二目於間神者，為挾閉，主客相閉，算長和者勝，二目在正宮與間神，總名為挾也，若客主目或兩將或一將而共太乙挾大小將或客主目者，皆為君臣同謀，共誅不義不道也；若二目與大小將挾太乙者，政由大臣，臣下專權之象，算和有格對太乙者為凶，算不和而無格對者，先勝後敗。

Now discussing 'tijia' (encirclement): When the main and guest eyes, or one of them, together with Taiyi, enclose both the main and guest eyes and the general and deputy general, and if they are all in the main palace, it is called tijia. If the two eyes are in the intermediate positions, and the main and guest generals together with Taiyi enclose the two eyes in the intermediate positions, it is called jiebi. When the main and guest are mutually enclosed, the side with longer calculation and harmonious numbers wins. Whether the two eyes are in the main palace or the intermediate positions, the general term is called 'jie'. If the guest eye or the main eye, or the two generals, or one general, together with Taiyi enclose the general or the enemy's eye, it indicates the king and ministers working together in unity to attack the unjust and tyrannical. If the two eyes and the generals enclose Taiyi instead, it signifies that the government is controlled by the ministers, and the ministers are monopolizing power. In this case, if the calculation is harmonious and there is a confrontation with Taiyi, it is ominous. If the calculation is not harmonious and there is no confrontation, the side will first win but eventually lose.

又云，客目大將挾主目在宮間之神，則客勝；如挾太乙者，先勝後敗；若客目大將囚太乙宮亦客勝；若主客二目四將兩相互挾為兩敵相謀，若偏挾一將一目，所挾者敗。主雖值提挾，而在內者，猶可戰，自一至四為內也；客雖值提挾，而在外者，猶可戰，自九至六為外也，仍關囚死絕氣值之，亦凶。凡客在內外值迫而挾者，皆不利先起；若文昌囚迫，客大小將挾之，皆不利為主也。

It is also said that if the enemy's eyes and the general's eye enclose the deity in the palace, the enemy will win; if the deity is enclosed, the outcome will first be favorable then unfavorable; if the enemy's eyes and general enclose Taiyi within the palace, the enemy will also win. If both sides' eyes and the four generals mutually enclose each other, it indicates mutual plotting between the two sides; if only one general or eye is enclosed by the other side, the side that is enclosed will lose. Although the main side encounters an encirclement, as long as it is still within the 'inner' area, it can still fight—palaces from one to four are considered inner; although the enemy side encounters an encirclement, as long as it is still within the 'outer' area, it can also fight—palaces from nine to six are considered outer; but if it also encounters closure, imprisonment, and dead or exhausted energy, it will still be ominous. Whenever the enemy is within or outside and encounters pressure along with encirclement, it is unfavorable for the first to act; if Wen Chang is imprisoned and pressured, and also enclosed by the enemy's large and small generals, it will be unfavorable for the main side to take the initiative.

太乙與開生二門合曰執提，與開生二門合曰提格，執提者，操持握執之義，謂太乙雖在，吉門不在，開門與杜門對，生門與死門對，大小將在凶門下來合格之，所以為凶也。歲計遇之，不可舉事，戰兵亦同。

Now discussing "zhí tí" and "tí gé": Taiyi combines with the Gate of Opening and the Gate of Life, called "zhí tí"; similarly, when it combines with the Gate of Opening and the Gate of Life but the general is in a凶门, it is called "tí gé". "Zhí tí" means to hold and control, indicating that although Taiyi is in the right position, the auspicious gates are not in the right position. The Gate of Opening opposes the Gate of Du, and the Gate of Life opposes the Gate of Death. The general is in a凶门 to match with them, thus resulting in misfortune. If the annual calculation encounters "zhí tí", major affairs should not be undertaken, and military campaigns are also the same.

文昌囚太乙宮，主大小將相關或始擊臨之，或客大小將相關，或主大小將相關，總名四郭固。歲計遇之，主有篡弒之禍。

Now discussing "Four Enclosures" or "Si Guo Gu": The Wen Chang star confines Taiyi within the palace, indicating that the main and guest forces' generals are related to each other, either the main force's generals are attacking, or the guest force's generals are related, or the main force's generals are related. These situations are collectively called "Four Enclosures," meaning the four surrounding walls are sealed. If the annual calculation encounters "Four Enclosures," it signifies a calamity of usurping the throne and murdering the sovereign.

客參將與文昌相併，主參將與客大將相併，兼之掩迫關格為四郭杜。歲計遇之，不利出兵，皆掩塞不通，諸事不成，大凶之算也。

Now regarding the "Four Enclosures and Du": the guest general and the Wen Chang star are in the same palace, the main general and the guest general are in the same palace, and in addition, the phenomena of concealment, pressure, gate, and obstruction are all present. This combination is called the "Four Enclosures and Du". When the annual count encounters the "Four Enclosures and Du", it is unfavorable for military campaigns, because all four sides are blocked and obstructed, and nothing can be accomplished, which is a great凶 omen.

太乙、天目不在開休生三門之下為門具。太乙、二目、主客大小將分屬五行，謂之五將。始擊無掩擊，文昌無囚迫，主客大小將無格對，為將發，主將發利主，客將發利客。三門具，五將發，八門開通，路道清虛，出兵征戰，無不勝矣。

Finally, we discuss the auspicious combinations. If Taiyi and the heavenly eye are not positioned under the three favorable gates, namely Kai, Xiu, and Sheng, it is called "men ju." Taiyi, the host and guest eyes, and the host and guest major generals each belong to one of the Five Phases, collectively known as "wu jiang." If the initial strike has no cover or strike, if Wen Chang has no imprisonment or pressure, and if the host and guest major generals have no conflict or opposition, it is called "jiang fa." If the host's generals are active, it is favorable for the host to take the initiative; if the guest's generals are active, it is favorable for the guest to take the initiative. If all three gates are complete and the five generals are active, with all eight gates open and the paths clear and unobstructed, then going to war will surely result in victory. This is the complete opposite of all the ominous combinations. By understanding this, the diviner can determine when it is appropriate to mobilize troops.