Four Treasuries Complete Catalogue Summary

臣等謹案《禽星易見》一卷，明池本理撰。本理贛州人，《明義·藝文志》載所著有《禽遁大全》四卷，《禽星易見》四卷。此本僅作一卷，蓋傳抄者所合併也。禽星之用不一，此專取七元甲子局用翻禽倒將之法，推時日吉凶，以利於用。

We have carefully examined: "The Bird Stars Made Easy to See" is a single volume written by Chi Benli of Ganzhou, Jiangxi during the Ming dynasty. The "Ming Yi · Art and Literature Catalogue" (which should be "Ming Shi · Art and Literature Catalogue") records his works as "The Complete Collection of Bird Stars" in four volumes and "The Bird Stars Made Easy to See" in four volumes. However, the version that has been passed down today is only one volume, probably because later copyists merged the four volumes into one. The methods used in the art of bird stars are not limited to one, but this book specializes in the "Seven Yuan Jiazi System." It uses the methods of "Flipping the Bird Stars" and "Reversing the General" to deduce auspiciousness and inauspiciousness from the day and hour, for practical use. The "Seven Yuan" refers to dividing the sixty Jiazi into seven cycles, each cycle of sixty days having a leading star. "Flipping the Bird Stars" calculates one's own bird stars, while "Reversing the General" calculates the opponent's bird stars.

或以為其法始於張良，本風后神樞鬼藏之旨為兵家秘傳。蓋好事者附會之說，其實於一切人事得失趨避，無所不占。

Some people believe this method originated from Zhang Liang in the early Han dynasty, based on the principles of the Yellow Emperor's minister Feng Hou's works, the "Shen Shu" and "Gui Cang," and that it is a secret transmission among generations of military strategists. This is actually a fabrication by enthusiasts. In terms of practical application, this method can be used to predict and assess all aspects of human affairs, including gains and losses, advancement and retreat, choices and decisions, and avoiding misfortune and seeking good fortune. It is not exclusive to the military.

凡條營立寨吉時特問一及之而已，所論禽官性情喜好、吞啖、進退取化之理，較他書為簡明，而以時日禽為彼我公用之禽，專用翻禽為我，倒將為彼，乃其獨得之解，尤為可採。

As for choosing a favorable time to set up a camp, the text only mentions it briefly. It explains the duties, temperaments, preferences, mutual consumption, and changes of the various bird stars more clearly than other books on the method of divination by birds. It treats the daily bird and the hourly bird as shared bird stars between both sides, using 'fanning the bird' to represent our side and 'reversing the general' (i.e., 'arriving at the general') to represent the enemy. This is its unique insight and particularly worth recording.

惟不載制曜，較異於他書。至以斗木為□，故其性最弱靜而安閒，非□豸之□，亦足訂星家之訛異，存之與壬遁諸書參覽，由不失為古之遺法也。

But the book does not include the method of "zhi yao," differing slightly from other books on divination. As for its designation of the "Dou Mu" asterism as a bird, the character is missing in the original text, but according to the following passage, "it is a water bird, that is, a crab," so it says this bird has a weak and quiet nature, rather than the "xie zhi" (a mythical独角神兽, a horned divine beast capable of detecting evil and distinguishing right from wrong), which is actually "xie zhi" as mentioned in ancient texts. This point alone is sufficient to correct a long-standing error among star and fate scholars. Keeping this book and comparing it with works like Liu Ren and Dun Jia still remains a valuable ancient method left by our ancestors.

乾隆四十六年十月恭校上 總纂官 臣 紀昀 臣 陸錫熊 臣 孫士毅 總校官 臣 陸費墀

In the 46th year of Qianlong (1781 AD), in the tenth lunar month, the work was carefully compiled and presented for the emperor's inspection. The chief editors were three officials: Ji Yun, Lu Xixiong, and Sun Shiye. The chief proofreader was Lu FeiChi. The above information refers to the date and the official titles of the compilers of the Siku Quanshu who submitted their work for the emperor's review.

課以象推，事因星驗。 凡占人事吉凶，以二十八宿於掌演之，觀彼我之禽何者得地？於是以禽變爻象推之，以□成敗。

Lesson patterns rely on star divination, while human affairs are verified by the response of the bird stars. The original text notes: when divining the fortune or misfortune of human affairs, one arranges the twenty-eight constellations on the palm to perform the divination. One then examines which bird star of the opposite direction is "in its proper place"—meaning that it falls into a palace position suitable for its nature. Then, one proceeds further by examining the hexagram images transformed by the bird star, in order to distinguish success from failure. ("□" is a missing character in the original text, and according to the meaning, it should be "distinguish.")

推十二位之迭興，虛、奎、畢、鬼、翌、氐、箕是申子辰日上星，危、婁、觜、柳、軫、房、斗是巳酉丑上星，室、胃、參、星、角、心、牛是寅午戌日上星，壁、昴、井、張、亢、尾、女是亥卯未日上星。

To calculate the animal stars that take turns ruling each of the twelve earthly branches, the distribution is as follows: the seven star groups 「Xu」, 「Kui」, 「Bi」, 「Gui」, 「Yi」, 「Di」, and 「Ji」 are assigned to the three days of Shen, Zi, and Chen; the seven star groups 「Wei」, 「Lou」, 「Zui」, 「Liu」, 「Zhen」, 「Fang」, and 「Dou」 are assigned to the three days of Si, You, and Chou; the seven star groups 「Shi」, 「Wei」, 「Can」, 「Xing」, 「Jiao」, 「Xin」, and 「Niu」 are assigned to the three days of Yin, Wu, and Xu; and the seven star groups 「Bi」, 「Mao」, 「Jing」, 「Zhang」, 「Kang」, 「Wei」, and 「Nv」 are assigned to the three days of Hai, Mao, and Wei. The twenty-eight star groups are divided into four groups of triple harmony, each containing seven stars. When making a divination, first determine which group of triple harmony the earthly branch of the day belongs to, then find the ruling star among the seven stars of that group.

演四七禽之行用。 二十八宿之禽，各所有司，如角木蛟、亢金龍之類，各有所屬。凡於十二宮演之，以占人事禍福。

To deduce the specific use of the twenty-eight stars of the constellations, the original text notes that each of the twenty-eight constellations has its own governing affairs. For example, 'Jiao Mu Jiao' (the Horn mansion, belonging to the Wood element, with the bird Jiao), and 'Kang Jin Long' (the Neck mansion, belonging to the Metal element, with the bird Long). Each constellation has its own element and bird. When divining, these are placed into the twelve palaces for deduction, used to predict human affairs and their fortune or misfortune.

角軫周天，佈列丑寅之分； 自角及軫一周天也。角始寅，軫始丑。

Starting from the "Horn mansion" and counting to the "Chariot mansion" completes a full circle around the sky. The twenty-eight mansions are arranged on the palm, beginning at the positions of Chou and Yin. The original text notes: starting from the Horn mansion and ending at the Chariot mansion constitutes a full circle of the sky. When arranging the mansions on the palm diagram, the Horn mansion begins from the Yin position, and the Chariot mansion begins from the Chou position—these are the two reference points for positioning the twenty-eight mansions.

蚓蛇直日，飛嗚春夏之時。 蛇遇春夏則飛躍，蚓到秋冬則鳴吟。

On the days when "Chariot Mansion Water Earthworm" (Chariot Mansion, belonging to the Water element, with the animal being an earthworm) and "Next Mansion Fire Snake" (Next Mansion, belonging to the Fire element, with the animal being a snake) are in charge, it coincides with the time when these animals are active in spring and summer, and vocal in autumn and winter ("wu" should be "ming"). The original commentary notes: snakes become active and leap about in spring and summer, while earthworms lie underground and make sounds in autumn and winter. This shows that the animals associated with the stars have periods of prosperity and decline. When judging fortune and misfortune, one should first check whether the animal corresponding to the current star is in harmony with the current season.

方其推七元甲子之旬，定四時進將之位。 凡七元起例，皆甲子所值之宿為『將頭』。如一元，又以虛、張、室、軫之類為『氣將』。凡七元禽星，各以甲子直宿為『首將』。

Then calculate the seven cycles of Jiazi to determine the positions of the generals in the four seasons. The original text notes: the starting method for the seven cycles is to take the host corresponding to the Jiazi day of the original cycle as the "general's head." For example, the first cycle uses the hosts "Xu," "Zhang," "Shi," and "Zhen" in turn as the "Qi General." The禽stars of the seven cycles each take the host corresponding to the Jiazi day of the original cycle as the "first general." In other words, to calculate the禽, one must first determine which cycle the day falls into among the seven cycles, and then determine who the "general's head" of that cycle is.

先於子午卯酉之上，但分甲己以順求，凡七元二十八將。皆以甲子、己卯、甲午、己酉直宿為『氣將』。

First calculate from the positions of Zi, Wu, Mao, and You. Only use the heavenly stems Jia and Ji in sequence to determine them. Seven units combined result in twenty-eight general stars. The original text notes: all use the hosts corresponding to the days Jiazi, Jimao, Jiawu, and Jiyou as "qi jiang." That is, sixty days form one unit, within which each of the four days Jiazi, Jimao, Jiawu, and Jiyou govern fifteen days, and the four general stars exactly divide the sixty days.

又於虛奎畢鬼翌氐箕而循次。 凡七元皆以甲子直宿為『進神將頭』，且如一元虛、二元奎、三元畢、四元鬼，五元翌、六元氐、七元箕，各元皆以其首將為例，每一元有四個將星，所以七元共二十八將。

Following the order of 「Xu」, 「Kui」, 「Bi」, 「Gui」, 「Yi」, 「Di」, and 「Ji」 in a cyclic manner. The original text notes: seven elements all take the mansion corresponding to the Jiazi day of their original element as the 「Advancing God's Head」. Specifically, the first element's head is Xu mansion, the second is Kui mansion, the third is Bi mansion, the fourth is Gui mansion, the fifth is Yi mansion, the sixth is Di mansion, and the seventh is Ji mansion. Each element takes its own initial general as the standard; within one element there are four generals, so seven elements total twenty-eight generals, exactly matching the number of the twenty-eight mansions.

星有進有退，所以知□弱之機； 進者，以將星之前十五星為進星。如一元虛宿為將，則自虛宿逆數至星宿十五星為進星；其退者，則自虛宿下危宿起，順數到柳宿十三星為退星，其次氣將又從前之將星下先退者數起，至先進第二星為進星。危宿先是退星，今以危順數至張十五星為進星，則星張二星是先進者，今又為進，是進中之進也。凡占人事得此，其吉可勝言哉！循環常見十五星進，十三星退，才無遺失。

The stars known as 'qin xing' are divided into 'jin xing' and 'tui xing'. From the distinction between advancing and retreating stars, one can discern the key to strength and weakness. ('□' is a missing character in the original text, and according to the meaning, it should be 'strong'; throughout the text, wherever the term 'strong' is used in the context of comparing strength between two sides, the original text often has missing characters, and this is the same here). The original text notes: 'Jin xing' refers to the fifteen mansions before the general star. For example, if the first general star is the mansion of Xu, then count backwards from Xu to the mansion of Xing, which is fifteen mansions in total, and all of these are considered 'jin xing'. 'Tui xing' refers to the thirteen mansions starting from the mansion of Wei, counting forward to the mansion of Liu, which are all considered 'tui xing'. When it comes to the next general star, the counting starts again from the mansion that was previously considered 'tui xing' under the previous general star, and counts forward to the second mansion that was previously considered 'jin xing', which becomes the new 'jin xing'. The mansion of Wei, which was originally a 'tui xing', is now counted forward from Wei to Zhang, which is fifteen mansions, and all of these are now considered 'jin xing'. Therefore, the mansions of Xing and Zhang, which were originally 'jin xing', are now again 'jin xing', which is called 'jin zhong zhi jin'. If a divination concerning human affairs results in such a configuration, it is extremely auspicious and there is no end to the good fortune. Following this cycle continuously, it is always fifteen mansions for 'jin xing' and thirteen for 'tui xing', ensuring there is no omission or error.

又如七元第二將，以卯位井宿為將星，則自井宿逆數至斗宿十五星為進星，自鬼宿順數至箕宿十三星為退星。其退星許入未申酉戌亥子，進星位為退中進。占病得退中進者，則主病尚未退。如進星入午巳辰卯寅丑，退星位為進中退，占求財、謀望得進中退，今雖許，後來反悔不成，由是□弱已分，而勝負可□矣。

Another example: the second star of the seventh element is seated at the卯 position, which is the Well mansion. From the Well mansion, count backward fifteen mansions to reach the Dipper mansion; these fifteen mansions are advancing stars. From the Ghost mansion, count forward thirteen mansions to reach the Winnowing Basket mansion; these thirteen mansions are retreating stars. If retreating stars fall into positions that should belong to advancing stars, such as 未, 申, 酉, 戌, 亥, and 子, this is called 'retreating among advancing'; if this occurs in a divination about illness, it indicates that the illness has not yet subsided. Conversely, if advancing stars fall into positions that should belong to retreating stars, such as 午, 巳, 辰, 卯, 寅, and 丑, this is called 'advancing among retreating'; if this occurs in a divination about seeking wealth or planning matters, it means that although something is agreed upon now, it will later be regretted and not completed. In this way, strength and weakness are clearly distinguished, and victory or defeat can be determined (the last two characters '□' are missing in the original text, but according to the meaning, the first should be 'strong' and the second 'seen').

禽或伏或飛，於此□吉凶之事。 上擒下曰『飛』，番禽也。下擒上曰『伏』，到將也。入本官曰『進』，背本宮曰『退』。對本宮曰『□』，合本宮曰『合』，在本官曰『廟』。故好宮欲得飛，惡宮欲得伏，不犯本宮曰『利』。又曰：不飛、不伏、不進、不退、不□、不合曰『逆』。

Some of the禽星 are "hidden" (伏) and some are "active" (飞). By distinguishing between flying and hidden, one can discern whether an event is auspicious or inauspicious (the original text is missing a character here, which should be "辨"). The original commentary explains: when the upper position captures the lower position, it is called "flying" (飞), referring to the capture of our own禽星; when the lower position captures the upper position, it is called "hidden" (伏), referring to the capture of the opponent's禽星. When the禽星 enters its own native palace, it is called "advancing" (进); when it moves away from its native palace, it is called "retreating" (退); when it is opposite to its native palace or in opposition six positions away, it is called "clash" (冲); when it harmonizes with its native palace, it is called "harmony" (合); and when it is exactly in its native palace, it is called "temple" (庙). Therefore, when the禽星 falls into a fortunate palace, one hopes it will "fly"; when it falls into a malevolent palace, one hopes it will "hide". If it does not clash with its native palace, it is called "favorable" (利). It is also said that if the禽星 neither flies nor hides, neither advances nor retreats, neither clashes nor harmonizes, this state of being without a clear position is called "reverse" (逆).

觀其亢在亥井，亥子，江湖蛟龍所樂之鄉，水禽興旺之地，故曰亢泊亥格，取困龍出井。

Now looking at the section where 「亢金龙」falls in the亥 position:亥 and子 are great waters of rivers and lakes, which are the native lands where dragons delight to dwell and where water birds flourish. Therefore, the section ofNeck mansion in亥 is taken as the image of 「困龙出井」—a dragon long confined escapes a dry well and reaches great water, indicating a transformation frompredicament to通畅, and a situation where the oppressed finds relief.

尾逢卯林。 寅卯，山林虎豹得地之宮，山禽所樂之位，謂尾泊於卯格，取猛虎出林，乃雲龍風虎之象。

"The Tail Mansion (尾宿) of fire, whose animal is the tiger, meets the卯 position of mountain forest. The original text notes: the寅 and卯 positions are mountain forests, which are the proper grounds for tigers and leopards, and also the favored positions for mountain animals. Therefore, the configuration of Tail Mansion at卯 is taken as the image of 'a fierce tiger emerging from the forest.' This represents a situation where the phenomena of cloud following the dragon and wind following the tiger occur, indicating a strong sense of mutual influence and great prestige."

寅其心胃之遊好，心泊寅而變虎，故課曰狐假虎威。胃泊寅為天宮，乃變化之地，課曰『斬關』。凡事當以謀勝，不可以力勝。

The position of寅 is the place where 「Heart Mansion」 (Heart mansion, belonging to the Five Phases of Moon, with the animal being a fox) and 「Stomach Mansion」 (Stomach mansion, belonging to the Five Phases of Earth, with the animal being a wild chicken) enjoy themselves. The Heart mansion resides in寅, and the fox uses the tiger's position to transform into a tiger, so the name of this divination is 「Fox Borrowing Tiger's Authority」. The Stomach mansion residing in寅 is the heavenly palace, a place of transformation, so the name of this divination is 「Cutting the Gate」. If one obtains these two divinations, all matters should be won through strategy rather than by force.

子乃箕奎之所欣。 箕泊子乃旺地，為喜宮，豹變之象。奎泊子為樂宮，□和萬事，故課曰『鏡掛妝臺』。

The position of the Zi branch is a favorable place for both "Ji Shui Bao" (Ji mansion, belonging to the Water phase, with the animal豹) and "Kui Mu Lang" (Kui mansion, belonging to the Wood phase, with the animal狼). The original commentary states: the Zi branch in the Ji mansion is a thriving position, belonging to a favorable palace. It takes the image from the "Gai" hexagram in the I Ching, "A gentleman transforms like a leopard," indicating a transition from hidden to revealed affairs. The Zi branch in the Kui mansion is a joyful palace, capable of harmonizing all matters (the missing character in the original text should be "harmonize"). Therefore, the name of this divination is "Mirror Hanging on the Makeup Stand," indicating that all matters are clear, secure, and appropriate.

觜軫丑，虛翌辰，四時興旺以有象； 觜泊丑課曰『猴在高林』，秋冬得祿，作事平穩。軫泊丑課曰『斷輪』，此禽惟六月占之吉。虛泊辰課曰『遙望有氣』，謀事有成，出行吉。翌泊辰課曰『魚躍龍門』，乃蛇入龍窩之象，此時化龍，百謀如願，利應試。

"The Monkey of the Fire (Zi Host, belonging to the Fire element, with the animal monkey) falls in the position of Chou, the lesson is called 'Monkey in the High Forest,' which brings good fortune in autumn and winter, and affairs proceed smoothly. The Worm of the Water (Zhen Host, belonging to the Water element, with the animal snake) falls in the position of Chen, the lesson is called 'Broken Wheel,' and this animal is only auspicious in June. The Emptiness Mansion of the Day (Xu Host, belonging to the Day element, with the animal mouse) falls in the position of Chen, the lesson is called 'Distant View with Vitality,' which brings success in planning and auspicious travel. The Snake of the Fire (Yi Host, belonging to the Fire element, with the animal snake) falls in the position of Chen, the lesson is called 'Fish Leaping over the Dragon Gate,' symbolizing a snake entering a dragon's nest. At this time, the snake can transform into a dragon, and all plans will be fulfilled, especially favorable for taking exams."

星參午，房危酉，百謀成就而稱心。 星泊午為樂宮，故課曰『三光普照』，又曰『紅光貫日』，凡占得此，作事有光明之象。參泊午為好合之地，課曰『順水行舟』，謀事順，如有神助也。

The Star Mansion (Star Host) at the position of the Sun, with its animal being a horse, and the Three Stars Mansion (Three Stars Host) at the position of Water, with its animal being a monkey, both fall in the position of the Horse. The Room Mansion (Room Host) at the position of the Sun, with its animal being a rabbit, and the Rooftop Mansion (Rooftop Host) at the position of the Moon, with its animal being a swallow, both fall in the position of the Rooster. All endeavors will be successful and things will go as desired. The original commentary states: The Star Mansion at the position of the Horse is a joyful palace, so the lesson is called 'Three Lights Illuminating All,' also known as 'Red Light Piercing the Sun'; whoever receives this lesson will have a clear and bright appearance in their affairs. The Three Stars Mansion at the position of the Horse is a favorable and harmonious place, the lesson is called 'Sailing with the Current,' meaning that plans will proceed smoothly, as if aided by a deity.

龍居尊位，富貴得所； 亢泊巳為喜宮，泊亥為樂宮，是為落泊得地，故謂富貴得所。

The dragon occupies a noble position, thus wealth and honor are properly placed. The original commentary states: "The mansion of the dragon (亢金龙)" falls in the巳 position as a favorable palace, and in the亥 position as a joyful palace. These two positions are considered suitable for the dragon to rest, hence it is said that wealth and honor are properly placed. The巳 position is the original land of the dragon and snake, while the亥 position represents a vast body of water. The dragon residing in these places can fully display its abilities. When this is involved in divination, it indicates that the subject's position is stable and their wishes are smoothly realized.

兔狡狐疑，致事當詳。 房泊酉曰『守株待兔』，占者宜變，不宜守舊，惟秋月吉，餘月不利。心泊午曰『貯疑』，作事猶豫。如演泊天宮化麒麟，能降犴宿，故曰致事當詳。

The rabbit is cunning and the fox is suspicious, so when these two animals appear, one should carefully examine matters repeatedly. The original text notes: "The Room Mansion" falls in the酉 position, and the lesson is called "Waiting by the Stalk," meaning the diviner should be flexible and not stick to old methods. Only in the third month of autumn is it favorable, while other months are unfavorable. "The Heart Mansion" falls in the午 position, and the lesson is called "Holding Doubt," indicating hesitation in decision-making. If the calculation leads to the heavenly palace, the fox can transform into a qilin, which can subdue the "Well Wood Ostrich." Therefore, one should carefully consider matters—since the same animal falling into different palaces results in completely different fortune outcomes.

婁入巳宮，赴任喜遷於貴爵。 婁泊巳為自得長生之地，為喜宮，課曰『鑄印御廚』，占得此數，百事稱心，利科舉、遠行、赴任。

"The娄金狗" (Lour mansion, belonging to the Metal element, with the animal dog) enters the Si palace, indicating taking office and promotion with joy from receiving a noble title. The original text notes: WhenBond mansion is in Si, it is its native palace, a favorable palace, and the lesson is called "Casting the Seal and Managing the Imperial Kitchen" — casting the seal symbolizes receiving an official position, and managing the imperial kitchen symbolizes abundantofficial stipend and sustenance. Those who draw this number will have all affairs go smoothly, especially benefiting those taking the imperial examinations, traveling far, and taking office.

犴行未廟，刻舟有待於佳音。 井泊未為庫地、為廟，課曰『刻舟傳佳音』。泊亥曰『刻舟求劍』，泊卯曰『孤雁銜蘆』，為天宮、月宮、風位，能吞龍食虎，占者百福亨臻，求官貴顯。

"The Well Mansion" (Well Host) belongs to the Wood element, with the animal form of the犴, a fierce beast resembling a tiger. When it reaches the position of Wei, it is in its temple position, like waiting by a boat and eventually receiving good news. The original text notes: the Well Mansion resting in Wei is a repository position and also a temple position, with the lesson name "Waiting by the Boat to Receive Good News." If it rests in Hai, it is called "Waiting by the Boat to Find a Sword," and if it rests in Mao, it is called "Solitary Goose Carrying a Reed." The position of Mao also serves as the Heaven's Palace, the Moon's Palace, and the Wind position. In this case, the Well Mansion's犴 can swallow dragons and eat tigers, and the fortune-teller will receive a hundred blessings, and those seeking official positions will certainly attain high status.

茲蓋龍入鑊湯，豈無鱗甲之損害 凡蛟泊午，龍泊未，皆曰『湯火』。凡於五月、六月占之，未利必有損傷。

This is like a dragon falling into a boiling cauldron, how could its scales and armor remain unharmed (the final character 「□」 is missing in the original text, but according to the meaning, it should be a sentence-ending particle, hence 「哉」). The original commentary states: whenever 「角木蛟」is in the position of午, or 「亢金龙」is in the position of未, it is called 「汤火」. If such a configuration appears in the months of May or June, it is not only unfavorable but certain to cause damage. The hours of巳and午 belong to fire, which is the most dreaded place for dragons and snakes.

虎遭陷□，未免皮毛之破傷。 箕泊辰為忌宮，故課曰『虎遇陷□』，占者中有小人作難，必致傷財物，肢體有傷。

A tiger falling into a trap inevitably suffers injuries to its skin and fur. The original text notes: "Ji Shui Bao" falling into the Chen position is a forbidden palace, hence the name of the divination is "Tiger Meets Trap." Among those involved, there will be small people causing trouble, inevitably leading to loss of property and potential injuries to the limbs and joints.

謀多虛，而猿困寅鄉； 參泊寅為忌宮，課曰『猿狐失伴』，作事如月影波心，捉摸不定。

Planning affairs often ends in failure because the monkey is trapped in the寅 position. The original commentary states: "Water monkey" falling in the寅 position is a forbidden place, and the lesson is called "Monkey and fox lose their companions." Doing things is like the moon's reflection on water, uncertain and hard to grasp.

事難成，而羊行夜路。 鬼泊申為忌宮，課曰『羊行夜路』，言其前進危難，作事虛險。

The matter is difficult to accomplish because the sheep is walking on a night path. The original commentary states: "Ghost mansion, metal, sheep" (Ghost mansion, belonging to the metal phase, with the sheep as its animal) falling in the position of Shen is a forbidden place. The name of the divination is "sheep walking on a night path," indicating danger and difficulty ahead. Although it seems there is hope, in reality it is empty and dangerous.

犀喪角者，傷嗟耕石之良難； 牛泊戌，而丑刑戌也。故課曰『犀失牛角』，占者得此，必有失脫之患。

A rhinoceros loses its horn, lamenting the hardship of plowing fields and breaking stones, which it cannot bear. The original commentary states: "Ox mansion" (Niuxiu, the Ox mansion, belonging to the Metal element, with the animal being an ox) falls in the position of Xu. Since Chou and Xu are in mutual conflict, the name of this divination is "Rhinoceros Losing Its Ox Horn." When one receives this divination, they are certain to suffer from loss or omission.

鳳折翅乎，感嘆失巢之可懼。 昴泊未宮，乃難為情合之地，課曰『飛鳳失巢』。泊亥曰『鳳凰折翅』，占者防折傷手足之虞。

The phoenix breaks its wings, evoking a lament for the fear of losing its nest. The original commentary states: "The mansion of昴宿, which belongs to the element of the sun, has the bird as a chicken; the missing character in the original text should be 'chicken,' as this character is often missing in the original text wherever昴宿's bird is mentioned." When this occurs in the position of Wei, it is a place difficult for harmony, and the lesson is called "Flying Phoenix Losing Its Nest." When it falls in the position of Hai, it is called "Phoenix Breaking Its Wings," and the person seeking the divination should beware of injuries to their hands or feet.

弄波入暗，豈□所宜？ 斗泊丑為忌宮，乃出明入暗，課曰『游魚弄波』，謀望得此者，凶□則損身傷命。

In the water, playing and moving from bright to dark places, is this suitable for crabs? (The missing character in the original text is inferred from the entry on "Dipper mansion" which reads "that is crabs," so it should be "crab.") The original commentary notes: "Dipper mansion belongs to wood, its animal is crab," and when it falls in the position of Chou, it is a forbidden position, which symbolizes moving from bright to dark, and the lesson is called "fish playing in waves." If one seeks to take action and comes across this lesson, it indicates a severe misfortune that may lead to harm to the body and life. (The missing character in "severe misfortune" is inferred to be "very.")

災失伏歲，非狳所務。 狳泊亥為忌宮，占宅得此，百怪在門，必主勞傷損耗。

Disaster arises from losing the hidden annual position. This is not something a mink should do. The original commentary states: "Wall mansion (Wall mansion, belonging to the Water phase, its animal is the mink)" falling in the亥 position is an inauspicious palace. When this lesson is obtained in divination of a dwelling, it indicates that the family will face many strange occurrences at the gate, inevitably leading to hardship and injury, and the family's fortune will be depleted.

燕壘南枝，逆風忌朱口之蛇； 危泊巳為朱口，謂燕入翌蛇之穴，必被蛇擒，故課曰『燕壘南枝』。泊丑曰『船下危灘』，原夫泊不得地，乃危險之甚也。觜泊巳為逆宮，課曰『逆風打火』，事若逆行，反為身害。泊酉曰『朱口破石』，為蟲口喃喃，則主是非迭迭。

The swallow builds its nest on the southern branch, and going against the wind is most dangerous if it encounters the red mouth snake. The original commentary states: "The swallow in the month of Wei" falls on the position of Si, which is the red mouth, equivalent to the swallow falling into the den of the fire snake "Yi Huo She", inevitably being captured, so the name of the lesson is "Swallow's Nest on the Southern Branch." When it falls on the position of Chou, it is called "Ship Below the Dangerous Shoal"; fundamentally, it is about lacking a proper place to rest, thus danger reaches its peak. "Zui Huo Hou" falling on the position of Si is in the reverse palace, the lesson name is "Against the Wind to Light a Fire," meaning if things are done in reverse, it will harm oneself. When it falls on the position of You, it is called "Red Mouth Breaking Stone," symbolizing the sound of insects, indicating continuous disputes and verbal conflicts.

室楫囚禁，隔岸射空房之兔。 室泊寅為忌宮，格取『暗室思明』。泊午乃旺甚之地，曰『小舟失掉』。泊戌為囚禁，占者謀望有阻，作事主闇昧不明。房泊丑為畏宮，格取『隔江射兔』。泊巳為『燈照空房』，占者妻妄不利，謀望不成。此二禽不宜用，□則招咎，守舊則安。

The boat oar is trapped in a confined place, just like shooting a rabbit in an empty room from across the river. The original text notes: "Room mansion (房日兔) and Encampment mansion (室宿) belong to the fire element (五行属火), with their animals being pigs (豕). The character here is missing in the original text and should be '豕'. In the entire text, the animal for Encampment mansion is often missing." When this falls in the寅 position, it is a forbidden palace, taking the pattern "thinking of brightness in darkness." When it falls in the午 position, it is a very strong position, called "losing the oar" (the character '掉' should be '棹', meaning losing the oar). When it falls in the戌 position, it indicates being confined, and the person's affairs will face obstacles, and their actions will be obscure and unclear. When "Room mansion" falls in the丑 position, it is a position of fear, taking the pattern "shooting a rabbit across the river." When it falls in the巳 position, it is called "a lamp lighting an empty room," indicating that the person will have difficulties with their wife or concubine and their affairs will not succeed. These two animals should not be used; any reckless action will bring misfortune, but maintaining tradition will ensure safety. The missing character in "if one acts recklessly, misfortune will follow" should be "动" or "妄" based on the parallelism with "if one maintains tradition, safety will follow."

大底氐虛嫌耗，防失物以喪身；女軫自刑，恐驚心而駭汗。 氐泊申曰『自帶空亡』，謀望破財失脫。虛泊申入觜位曰『鼠被猴擒』，占者錢財耗散，六畜損傷。女泊卯為伏斷之宮，元子宮乃子刑卯，故曰『自刑』。軫泊卯為畏宮，占者事宜斟酌，此數大凶。

In general, 「Dishi Tuhè」 (Dishi mansion, belonging to the Earth element, with the animal貉) and 「Xu Rishu」 (Xu mansion) are most prone to loss and dispersion, and one should be cautious of losing property or even danger to oneself. 「Nü Tuofu」 (Nü mansion, belonging to the Earth element, with the animal bat) and 「Zhen Shui Yun」 (Zhen mansion, belonging to the Water element, with the animal earthworm) mutually harm each other, possibly causing great shock and cold sweats. The original text notes: When Dishi mansion falls in the position of Shen, it is called 「self-emptiness」, leading to failure in affairs and loss of wealth. When Xu mansion falls in the position of Shen, it enters the position of 「Zhi Huohou」 (Fire Monkey), called 「mouse captured by monkey」, resulting in loss of wealth and damage to livestock. When Nü mansion falls in the position of Mao, it is a position of being cut off, as its original position is in the position of Zi (which harms Mao), so it is called 「self-harm」. When Zhen mansion falls in the position of Mao, it is a position of fear, and the person involved must consider matters carefully, as this lesson is very凶.

異刑露角，立見敗蹤，虎豹宜居山林，蛟龍宜泊湖海，若演于田野，則露形角，為不得地矣。故云『勞碌敗□』。

If the position falls into a place of mutual harm, the form and horns become exposed, immediately showing signs of failure. Tigers and leopards should dwell in mountains and forests, and dragons should reside in lakes and seas; if the calculation leads to a position in the fields, the body and horns have nowhere to be concealed, and thus the location is not suitable, hence it is said 'toil and failure' (the last character is missing in the original text, but according to the meaning, it should be 'qu', meaning labor in vain and ultimately losing out).

星入元宮，應難害汝。 元宮者，本宮也。凡蛟龍狼犴虎豹之類，雖云尊而且貴，若泊得地，故助身□，故能降服諸禽。若泊不得地，反為卑禽所制。

The entering of the禽 star into its own original palace makes it difficult for external forces to harm you. The original commentary states: the term 'original palace' refers to one's own palace. As for creatures such as dragons, wolves, tigers, and leopards, although they are powerful, they must find a proper place to rest in order to enhance their strength and subdue other creatures. If they cannot find a proper place to rest, they may instead be subdued by weaker creatures. This shows that the hierarchy of strength and weakness is not fixed; it depends entirely on the palace where they are stationed.

蝠懷陰險以宜夜，蚓畏鋤鍬豈在春？ 女軫皆夜禽，皆日藏夜動，占者得此，諸率不宜，防詐。若泊湯火、刀砧，必主目足之患。

Bats are deceitful and only act at night; earthworms fear hoes and plows, not just in spring. The original text notes: the Girl Mansion and Chariot Mansion are both night birds, hiding during the day and active at night. If one draws these two birds, nothing is suitable for various affairs, and one should beware of being deceived. If they fall into evil mansions such as those of soup and fire, or knife and mortar, it indicates illness in the eyes and feet.

猴多奸，孤多疑，事猶豫而不□；鹿無心，獐無膽，又欺詐而下卑。 此數禽卑弱不可用事，占事得此，內有小人作難，頻見口舌。

Monkeys are cunning and deceitful, foxes are suspicious and hesitant, and they lack the ability to make decisions. Deer have no firm will, and wild boars lack courage, and they are also deceitful and of low status. The original text notes: these animals are all weak and incapable of being entrusted with tasks. If this is drawn in a divination, it indicates internal small people causing trouble and frequent disputes and gossip.

馬見草則奔，星泊寅為祿庫，故課曰『陸地行車』。泊戌曰『升殿朝元』，占者見機而動。

The Star Mansion sees green grass and must gallop. When the Star Mansion falls in the寅 position, it is considered the禄库, so the lesson is called "Traveling on Land." When it falls in the戌 position, it is called "Ascending the Hall to Pay Homage to the Supreme," and the diviner should seize the opportunity and advance promptly.

兔望蟾而孕。 兔泊酉為喜宮，遇月旬占之吉。

The rabbit looks at the moon to become pregnant. The original commentary states: "The Room mansion" (Fang Ri Tu) falling in the You position is a favorable palace. When encountering the Month Builder or the current month's ten-day period, it is auspicious. Ancients believed that the rabbit becomes pregnant by looking at the moon, hence they took You as the western direction where the moon rises, allowing the rabbit to receive the vital energy here.

猿喜變通，又主是非之入耳； 此禽作事遲滯，縱泊得地，亦不宜用，占者防詐及是非。

The monkey's nature is inclined towards adaptability, yet it tends to bring about disputes and gossip. The original commentary states: this bird acts slowly and carelessly; even if it finds a suitable place to rest, it is not suitable for use. Those who divinate should beware of being deceived and involved in disputes over words.

烏能反哺，常招口舌以臨身。 此禽能泊得地變化，能服諸禽。泊子課曰『狂鴉啄噪』，泊辰曰『翅遮明月』，泊申曰『靈雀捕蟾』，占者必主田地交爭，死亡之象也。

Crows can feed their mothers, yet they often bring disputes upon themselves. The original commentary states: "The Bird of the Mansion of Bi (Bi宿), which belongs to the Moon in the Five Phases, is the crow. If it can settle properly and bring about change, it can subdue other birds. If it lands on the Zi position, the lesson is called 'Crows Screech Noisily'; if it lands on the Chen position, it is called 'Wings Covering the Bright Moon'; if it lands on the Shen position, it is called 'Spirited Crows Catching the Toad'; the diviner must interpret this as disputes over fields, even possibly indicating death.