Seven Elements of the Time Animals in Summary

七曜禽星會者稀，日虛月鬼火從箕，水畢木氐金奎位，土宿還從翼上推。常將日禽尋時禽，但向禽中索取時，會者一元倒一指，不會七元七首詩。

The combination of the Seven Stars and the禽星 is rarely understood: the Sun pairs with the Emptiness mansion, the Moon with the Ghost mansion, the Mars starts from the Winnowing Basket mansion; the Water Star pairs with the Net mansion, the Wood Star with the Root mansion, the Metal Star with the Legs mansion; the Earth Star requires counting from the Wings mansion (i.e., the next mansion after Wings). Usually, one finds the time star by sequentially selecting the mansion corresponding to the hour. Those who can calculate it can determine it by turning a finger on their palm within one cycle; those who cannot, have to memorize the seven songs for the seven cycles.

一元禽星會者稀，日虛月鬼火從箕，水畢木氐金奎位，土宿還從翼上推。

The method for determining the time animals in the first yuan is rarely understood. Its application is as follows: first, observe which of the seven luminaries the daily animal belongs to, then start the子 (child) hour from the mansion specified in the rhyme. In the first yuan, if the daily animal belongs to the sun, the子 hour starts from the mansion of Xū (Emptiness); if it belongs to the moon, the子 hour starts from the mansion of Guǐ (Ghost); if it belongs to fire, the子 hour starts from the mansion of Jī (Winnowing Basket); if it belongs to water, the子 hour starts from the mansion of Bì (Net); if it belongs to wood, the子 hour starts from the mansion of Dī (Root); if it belongs to metal, the子 hour starts from the mansion of Kuí (Legs); if it belongs to earth, the子 hour starts from the mansion of Yì (Wings). After determining the mansion for the子 hour, proceed in the order of the twenty-eight mansions for twelve steps to determine the time animals for each of the twelve hours of the day.

二元時禽會者稀，日鬼月箕火畢之，水氐木奎金翼位，土宿還從虛上推。

The method for calculating the time animals in the second element is rarely understood. In the second element, if the day animal belongs to the sun, it starts from the Ghost mansion at the first hour; if it belongs to the moon, it starts from the Winnowing Basket mansion; if it belongs to fire, it starts from the Net mansion; if it belongs to water, it starts from the Root mansion; if it belongs to wood, it starts from the Legs mansion; if it belongs to metal, it starts from the Wings mansion (i.e., the Next mansion); if it belongs to earth, it starts from the Emptiness mansion and proceeds backward. It can be seen that the starting mansions for each element are shifted one position backward from the previous element, and after seven elements, the cycle completes and repeats.

三元時禽會者稀，日箕月畢火氐依，水奎木翼金虛上，土宿還從鬼位推。

The third element's time禽 calculation is difficult to understand. In the third element, if the day禽 belongs to the sun, it starts from the箕 mansion at the子 hour; if it belongs to the moon, it starts from the毕 mansion; if it belongs to fire, it starts from the氐 mansion; if it belongs to water, it starts from the奎 mansion; if it belongs to wood, it starts from the翼 mansion; if it belongs to metal, it starts from the虚 mansion; if it belongs to earth, it starts from the鬼 mansion.

四元時禽會者稀，日畢月氐火從奎，水翼木虛金鬼位，土宿還從箕上推。

The method for calculating the time禽 in the fourth element is rarely understood. In the fourth element, if the day禽 belongs to the sun, it starts from the Net mansion at the first hour; if it belongs to the moon, it starts from the Root mansion; if it belongs to fire, it starts from the Legs mansion; if it belongs to water, it starts from the Wings mansion; if it belongs to wood, it starts from the Emptiness mansion; if it belongs to metal, it starts from the Ghost mansion; if it belongs to earth, it starts from the Winnowing Basket mansion and proceeds upward.

五元時禽會者稀，日氐月奎火翼宜，水虛木鬼金箕位，土禽還從畢上推。

The example for the fifth element's time禽 starts with the Root mansion for the子 hour when the day禽 belongs to the sun; it starts with the Legs mansion when it belongs to the moon; it starts with the Wings mansion (i.e., the next day's Wings mansion) when it belongs to fire; it starts with the Emptiness mansion when it belongs to water; it starts with the Ghost mansion when it belongs to wood; it starts with the Winnowing Basket mansion when it belongs to metal; and it starts with the Net mansion when it belongs to earth.

六元禽星會者稀，日奎月翼火虛追，水鬼木箕金畢位，土宿還尋氐上推。

The method for calculating the time animal (时禽) in the sixth element is rarely understood. In the sixth element, if the day animal belongs to the sun, it starts from the Legs mansion (奎宿) at the子 hour; if it belongs to the moon, it starts from the Wings mansion (翼宿) at the子 hour; if it belongs to fire, it starts from the Emptiness mansion (虚宿); if it belongs to water, it starts from the Ghost mansion (鬼宿); if it belongs to wood, it starts from the Winnowing Basket mansion (箕宿); if it belongs to metal, it starts from the Net mansion (毕宿); if it belongs to earth, it starts from the Root mansion (氐宿).

七元禽星會者稀，日翼月虛火鬼居，水箕木畢金氐位，土宿還從奎上推。

The method for calculating the seventh element's time禽 (time animal) is rarely understood. In the seventh element, if the day禽 belongs to the sun, it starts from the mansion of the following day; if it belongs to the moon, it starts from the Emptiness mansion; if it belongs to fire, it starts from the Ghost mansion; if it belongs to water, it starts from the Winnowing Basket mansion; if it belongs to wood, it starts from the Net mansion; if it belongs to metal, it starts from the Root mansion; if it belongs to earth, it starts from the Legs mansion. The seven elements cycle through this pattern, and the next round begins again with the first element, continuing endlessly.

查自弘治十七年，是上元甲子，箕水豹直年；至正德十六年辛巳歲，是柳土獐直年，再年具前皆以日、月、火、水、木、金、土七宿循環直之。

When traced back, starting from the year of Jiazi (甲子) in the 17th year of the Hongzhi era of the Ming Xiaozong (1504 AD), which was the first Jiazi year, known as the year of Ji Shui Bao; the next year, the 16th year of the Zhengde era of the Ming Wuzong (1521 AD), known as Xinsi (辛巳), was the year of Liu Tu Zhang. After that, each year followed the same pattern, cycling through the seven luminaries—Sun, Moon, Fire, Water, Wood, Metal, and Earth—according to their corresponding constellations, with each year assigned to a different constellation, completing a cycle of seven luminaries, continuing without interruption.

詩曰：會得年禽月易求，日角月室火星流，水箕木參金心位，土胃循環十二月州。其法若太陽直年，正月是角。太陰直年，正月是室。順數十二月，每月直一星，餘仿此。

There is a poem that says: Once the annual animal is understood, the monthly animal becomes easy to determine. If the annual animal belongs to the sun, the first month begins with the Horn mansion; if it belongs to the moon, the first month begins with the Encampment mansion; if it belongs to fire, the first month begins with the Star mansion and proceeds through the mansions in order; if it belongs to water, the first month begins with the Winnowing Basket mansion; if it belongs to wood, the first month begins with the Three Stars mansion; if it belongs to metal, the first month begins with the Heart mansion; if it belongs to earth, the first month begins with the Stomach mansion—thus cycling through the twelve months. The method is: if the sun is the annual ruler, the first month begins with the Horn mansion; if the moon is the annual ruler, the first month begins with the Encampment mansion; then proceed in order through the twenty-eight mansions for twelve months, each month corresponding to one mansion; the other celestial bodies are treated in the same way.

其法：如一元甲子，虛日鼠直日，則子時起虛，丑時起危，寅時起室，卯時起壁，至井十二宿為終，一日之十二時。如乙丑日，危月燕直日，則子時起鬼，丑時起柳，至尾十二宿為終，乙丑日十二時宿矣。如丙寅日，室火□直日，子時起箕，至昴十二宿終，丙寅日十二時宿矣。

This method is used as follows: For example, on the first day of the cycle, the Jiazi day, the Xu mansion is in charge on the Xu day. Then, the Zi hour begins with the Xu mansion, the Chou hour begins with the Wei mansion, the Yin hour begins with the Shi mansion, the Mao hour begins with the Bi mansion, and so on, counting in order until the Jing mansion, making a total of twelve mansions, which exactly match the twelve hours of a day. Another example is the Yichou day, which is in charge of the Wei mansion. Then, the Zi hour begins with the Gui mansion, the Chou hour begins with the Liu mansion, and so on, counting in order until the Wei mansion, making a total of twelve mansions, which are the mansions corresponding to the twelve hours of the Yichou day. Similarly, on the Bingyin day, which is in charge of the Shi fire pig mansion, the Zi hour begins with the Ji mansion, and counting in order until the Mao mansion, making a total of twelve mansions, which are the mansions corresponding to the twelve hours of the Bingyin day.

如壁水狳直日，子時起畢。奎木狼直日，子時起氐。婁金狗直日，子時起奎。胃土雉直日，子時起翌。此日、月、水、火、木、金、土七曜畢，又繼以昴日□為太陽星直日，則子時又是起虛。畢月烏直日，子時起鬼。觜火猴直日，子時起箕。如二元奎木狼直日，子時起奎。三元畢月烏直日，子時起畢。

Following this pattern: when "Wall Water Armadillo" is the day ruler, the hour begins at the Net mansion at the first hour; when "Kui Wood Wolf" is the day ruler, the hour begins at the Root mansion at the first hour; when "Lou Metal Dog" is the day ruler, the hour begins at the Kui mansion at the first hour; when "Wei Earth Peacock" is the day ruler, the hour begins at the next mansion at the first hour. In this way, the seven luminaries—sun, moon, water, fire, wood, metal, and earth—complete their cycle. Then, "Mao Sun Chicken" serves as the sun star, and the first hour begins again at the Emptiness mansion; when "Bi Moon Bird" is the day ruler, the first hour begins at the Ghost mansion; when "Zi Fire Monkey" is the day ruler, the first hour begins at the Winnowing Basket mansion. As for the second cycle, when "Kui Wood Wolf" is the day ruler, the first hour begins at the Kui mansion; in the third cycle, when "Bi Moon Bird" is the day ruler, the first hour begins at the Net mansion—each cycle starts at a different mansion, and the starting mansion should follow the rule of its respective cycle.

凡起時禽，皆以日禽為主，看其所直在何元下所管？即照掌圖節節數去，自一元起至七元終。每時有到將、番將禽，以到將為他人，番禽為自己。自己要高，他人要低，惟請求人幹事，自己要低，若自己禽高，則人不理我，主謀望不成。

When determining the animal (禽) for the starting time, the daily animal is the main reference. First, check which of the seven trigrams the day's star (宿) belongs to, then count through the seven trigrams one by one according to the palm diagram, starting from the first trigram to the seventh. For each hour, two animals can be determined: the "to-arrive animal" (到将) representing others, and the "turning animal" (番将) representing oneself. Generally, it is favorable for oneself to be in a higher position and others to be in a lower position. However, when seeking help from others or entrusting someone with a task, the opposite is true; at such times, oneself should be in a lower position. If one's animal is too high, others will not pay attention, leading to failure in one's plans.

夫到將番禽者，乃反覆番到之義。每每以氣將於本宮順數至時將之宮，看得何宿？即他人之副將也。就時將之宮逆回氣將之位，看得何宿？便是他人正將，謂之到將。

The terms "to jiang" and "pan qin" refer to the meaning of repeatedly turning and moving back and forth. The method involves: first, using the qi jiang to count clockwise from the original palace to the palace where the time jiang is located, and seeing which star it falls on; that star is the deputy jiang of the other party. Then, starting from the palace of the time jiang, count counterclockwise back to the position of the qi jiang, and see which star it falls on; that star is the main jiang of the other party, and this is called "to jiang."

其自己之禽，□從時將之宮順尋日將泊在何宿？就從日將之宮逆轉時將之位，看得何宿？便是自己，謂之番禽。凡選用兵，須要高□而能吞啖擒制他人為好，凡百動作吉。若自己將被他人將吞啖擒制者，□不可用，凶。

As for the禽 of one's own side, one should start from the palace of the time general and follow it to find where the day general falls; then, from the palace of the day general, reverse back to the position of the time general, and see which mansion it falls on; that is one's own禽, called 「番禽」 (the missing character in 「□从」 should be read as 「则」). When selecting a time for military action, one must ensure that the general of one's own side is strong and powerful enough to swallow and control the enemy's general, which will bring good fortune in all actions (the missing character in 「高□」 should be read as 「强」). If one's general is instead swallowed and controlled by the enemy's general, then it must absolutely not be used, as it will lead to misfortune (the missing character in 「□不可用」 should be read as 「切」).

亥子江湖水最深，水禽泊之為樂宮，角、亢、斗、壁、翌泊之得地。 寅山青翠卯為林。山禽泊之為喜宮，尾、箕、心、胃、犴、畢、女、危得地。

The positions亥 and子 are considered the rivers and lakes, where water is deep and vast. When water fowl are placed here, it is considered the "Joyful Palace." If the following are placed here, they are considered to be in a favorable position: "The Horn Mansion," "The Neck Mansion," "The Crab Mansion," "The Armadillo Mansion," and "The Snake Mansion." The position寅 is a lush mountain, and卯 is a forest. When mountain fowl are placed here, it is considered the "Happy Palace." If the following are placed here, they are considered to be in a favorable position: "The Tiger Mansion," "The Leopard Mansion," "The Heart Mansion," "The Earth Chicken Mansion," "The Ox Mansion," "The Owl Mansion," "The Bat Mansion," and "The燕 Mansion."

辰岡戊嶺高千丈，箕泊辰為忌宮，尾、奎、犴、張、柳、房泊之得地。 丑未田園直萬金。此為田宅宮，虛、室、牛、鬼、星、婁、胃、昴、軫泊之得地。

The position of Chen is a high mountain peak, reaching thousands of feet in height; the "Ji Shui Bao" falling into Chen becomes a "Ji Gong," whereas "Wei Hu Hu," "Kui Mu Lang," "Jing Mu An," "Zhang Yue Lu," "Liu Tu Zhang," and "Fang Ri Tu" falling into Chen are considered to be in a favorable position. The positions of Chou and Wei are fields and farmlands, worth ten thousand gold pieces, which are the fields and residences palace. The "Xu Ri Shu," "Shi Hu Shi," "Niu Jin Niu," "Gui Jin Yang," "Xing Ri Ma," "Liu Jin Gou," "Wei Tu Zhizhi," "Mao Ri Ji," and "Zhen Shui Yin" falling into these positions are considered to be in a favorable position.

惟有巳湯午是火，此為惡逆之宮，諸禽忌之，惟婁、尾、翌泊之吉。 申是刀兮酉是砧。此是刑害之宮，諸禽忌之，惟亢、婁、犴泊之吉。

Only the Si position is rolling hot water and the Wu position is fierce fire, which form an evil and rebellious palace; all birds and animals avoid these positions, but only the 'Lou Jin Gou', 'Wei Hu Hu', and 'Yi Hu She' are beneficial when they fall into these positions. The Shen position is a knife and the You position is a砧, forming a palace of punishment and harm; all birds and animals avoid these positions, but only the 'Kang Jin Long', 'Lou Jin Gou', and 'Jing Mu An' are beneficial when they fall into these positions. The first step in determining the fortune or misfortune of a bird falling into a palace is to consult this table of favorable and unfavorable positions.

山水田園井，刀天草岸風，火月周流轉，七曜長生宮。 日午月未上，水土俱申中，木害火寅地，金生與巳同。

The twelve positions of "Lock and Anchor" are sequentially named: mountain, water, field, garden, well, blade, sky, grass, shore, wind, fire, and moon, cycling repeatedly. The starting point is determined by the long life palace of each of the seven luminaries. The long life positions of the seven luminaries are: the sun's long life is in the hour of Wu, the moon's long life is in the hour of Wei, the water star and the earth star both have their long life in the hour of Shen, the wood star is harmed in the hour of Yin, and the metal star's long life is in the hour of Si.

其法以本禽於長生位起山字，順數至用時住，看彼我之禽，何者得地變化，遇吉則吉，遇凶則凶。如以巳時用事，番得我禽井木犴，到（倒）得他將張月鹿，遂將我禽於長生位亥起山，子位起水，丑位起田，至用時巳位為天宮，犴化麒麟為我禽得地。又以他將於長生未位起山，申位起水，酉位起田，至用時巳位為湯火，乃惡宮，為他禽不得地。我□彼弱，出戰大勝。

The specific method is: place the own animal at the long life position of its corresponding seven stars, and start with the character "mountain". Then count sequentially until reaching the hour used. Next, observe whether each side's animal is in a favorable position or can change; if it falls on a good position, it is favorable, and if it falls on a bad position, it is unfavorable. For example: using the hour of巳, the own animal is revealed as "Well Wood Omen", and the opponent's general is revealed as "Zhang Moon Deer". Well belongs to wood, and wood's long life is in亥, so place the own animal at亥 and start with "mountain". The position of子 is "water", 丑 is "field", and so on, counting until reaching the hour of巳, which is "heavenly palace". The Omen in heavenly palace transforms into a qilin, indicating the own animal is in a favorable position. Now observe the opponent's general, Zhang belongs to moon, and moon's long life is in未, so place the opponent's animal at未 and start with "mountain". The position of申 is "water", 酉 is "field", and so on, counting until reaching the hour of巳, which is "hot water", an evil position, indicating the opponent's animal is not in a favorable position. The own side is strong and the opponent is weak, so fighting will certainly result in a great victory.

山：蛟不化，龍化蛇，狳化蛤。兔星張柳入此吉，□羊軫泊此凶。 水：角亢入此興雲佈雨，為極樂貴位，翌泊此得地。諸禽入此不化。

It falls on the 'Mountain' position: the dragon cannot change, the dragon turns into a snake, and the water otter turns into a clam; the rabbit, 'Star Mansion', 'Zhang Moon Deer', and 'Willow Earth Beast' entering here bring good fortune, while the rooster, sheep, and 'Zhen Water Worm' falling here bring misfortune (the missing character in '□Sheep' should be 'Rooster'). It falls on the 'Water' position: 'Horn Mansion' and 'Neck Mansion' entering here can summon clouds and rain, making it a very auspicious position; 'Yi Fire Snake' falling here also gains a favorable position; other animals entering here do not undergo transformation.

田：角化龜，亢化蛇。胃昴為得祿，星鬼泊之吉。諸禽入此不變。 園：觜參入此為祿庫之地，房尾箕奎牛泊之吉。諸禽入此各有宜，蛇忌之。

Landing in the 'Field' position: 'Jiao Mu Jiao' becomes a turtle, 'Kang Jin Long' becomes a snake; 'Wei Tu Zhi' and 'Mao Ri Ji' gain fortune here, 'Xing Ri Ma' and 'Gui Jin Yang' entering here is auspicious; other animals entering do not change. Landing in the 'Garden' position: 'Zi Hu Hou' and 'Can Shui Yuan' entering is a place of fortune storage, 'Fang Ri Tu', 'Wei Hu Hu', 'Ji Shui Bao', 'Kui Mu Lang', and 'Niu Jin Niu' entering here is auspicious; other animals entering have their own suitable places, except for snakes which are taboo here.

井：角亢犴泊之吉，蚓為閒樂，畢入此平平，諸禽入此惡弱不出凶。 刀：犴入此食祿富貴。此為刑害之宮，飛禽走獸並皆忌之，極凶。

Falling into the 'Well' position: The 'Horn mansion' (Jiao Mu Jiao), 'Neck mansion' (Kang Jin Long), and 'Well Wood Ox' (Jing Mu An) entering here are auspicious. The 'Zhen Water Worm' (Zhen Shui Yin) finds comfort and ease here. The 'Bi Moon Owl' (Bi Yue Wu) entering here is average. All other birds entering here are in weak and evil positions; even avoiding misfortune is considered fortunate. Falling into the 'Knife' position: Only the 'Well Wood Ox' (Jing Mu An) entering here can bring official rank and wealth. This position is a palace of punishment and harm; all flying creatures and beasts are to be avoided, which is extremely凶.

天：心尾箕奎井入此化麒麟，蛇蛟化龍，亢昇天，牛化象，狗化鱉，□與雉化鳳，此為極樂之地，諸禽入此皆化。 草：牛羊張柳星泊此為得祿之地，奎室為房舍，角亢泊此凶，餘禽有得失。

Fallen into the 'Heaven' position: 'Heart Mansion', 'Tail Fire Tiger', 'Ji Water豹', 'Kui Wood Wolf', and 'Well Wood Ox' all transform into qilin. Snakes and dragons transform into dragons. 'Neck Mansion' ascends to heaven. 'Ox Golden Ox' transforms into an elephant. 'Lou Golden Dog' transforms into an ao. Chickens and pheasants transform into feng. ('□ and pheasant' has a missing character in the original text, which should be 'chicken'). This position is a place of supreme happiness, where all birds and beasts undergo transformation. Fallen into the 'Grass' position: 'Ox Golden Ox', 'Ghost Golden Sheep', 'Zhang Moon Deer', 'Willow Earth Beast', and 'Star Sun Horse' are in a position of gaining official rank. 'Kui Wood Wolf' and 'Room Fire Pig' are like having a proper dwelling here. 'Heart Mansion' and 'Neck Mansion' in this position are considered凶. The other birds and beasts each have their own gains and losses.

岸：翌軫入此得地，尾箕畢井心星牛鬼吉，水禽入此不利。 風：角亢尾箕奎井畢入此為極樂之地，諸禽入此隨風變化無窮。

Landing in the 'shore' position: 'Yi fire snake' and 'Zhen water worm' gain strength, while 'Wei fire tiger', 'Ji water leopard', 'Bi moon bird', 'Jing wood ox', 'Xin moon fox', 'Xing sun horse', 'Niu gold ox', and 'Gui gold sheep' are all auspicious. However, water birds entering are not favorable. Landing in the 'wind' position: 'Jiao wood dragon', 'Kang gold dragon', 'Wei fire tiger', 'Ji water leopard', 'Kui wood wolf', 'Jing wood ox', and 'Bi moon bird' entering are extremely favorable. All birds entering can change with the wind, endlessly.

婁入此化獅，諸禽入此不利，天禽無妨。此為日宮惡弱之主，不可用事。一雲火曜，惟尾宿泊之化獅子。

It falls in the position of 'Fire Soup': only the 'Liu Jin Gou' can enter and transform into a lion; other animals entering here are not beneficial, and only the heavenly bird is acceptable. This position is the worst and weakest part in the day palace, and should not be used for affairs. There is another saying called 'Fire Planet', which states that only the 'Wei Hu Hu' can fall here and transform into a lion.

猴猿入此折桂榮極樂，□化象，雉入此化鳳，婁泊此化龍為天宮。此宮號折桂之宮，惡星入此化為吉曜，惟角亢畢翌軫不宜。

Fallen in the 'Moon' position: monkeys and apes enter like picking the ginkgo fruit to achieve success in the imperial examination, reaching the peak of honor and prominence; oxen transform into elephants, and pheasants enter and transform into phoenixes. The 'Lou Jin Gou' (House of the Dog) falling here transforms into a dragon and becomes part of the heavenly palace. The missing character in '□化象' (transformation into an image) is presumed to be '牛' (ox) based on the previous mention of '天' position '牛化象' (ox transforming into an elephant). This palace is known as the 'Palace of Picking the Ginkgo Fruit'. Even malevolent stars that fall here can be transformed into auspicious stars; however, 'Jiao Mu Jiao' (Horn Mansion), 'Kang Jin Long' (Neck Mansion), 'Bi Yue Wu' (Spear Mansion), 'Yi Huo She' (Snake of Fire), and 'Zhen Shui Yun' (Worm of Water) are not suitable to fall here.

詩曰：角到平園化作龜，龍逢湯火化魚兒，胃泊江湖化蛟走，□入卯宮作鳳飛，壁臨於巳如龍見，虛來申位化貓兒，參星到戌聲聲拂，軫臨丑變綠毛龜。

There is a poem that records: "The Horn mansion (Jiao Mu Jiao) turns into a turtle when it reaches a flat garden position; the Neck mansion (Kang Jin Long) becomes a small fish when it meets the position of boiling fire; the Stomach earth chicken (Wei Tu Zhi) transforms into a dragon and flees when it falls into rivers and lakes; the chicken enters the卯宫 (Mao Palace) and turns into a phoenix that flies high (the missing character in '□入Mao Palace' should be 'chicken', referring to the昴日鸡 (Mao Ri Ji) and the 'Phoenix spreading its wings' in the卯宫); the Wall water armadillo (Bi Shui Yu) appears as a dragon when it reaches the巳 position; the Xu day rat (Xu Ri Shu) turns into a cat when it arrives at the申 position; the参 water ape (Can Shui Yuan) remains only with mournful cries when it reaches the戌 position; the Zhěn water worm (Zhen Shui Yin) transforms into a green-haired turtle when it reaches the丑 position. These eight lines summarize the principle of how the禽星 (animal stars) change forms according to their positions: when their forms change, their strength and weakness switch, and thus fortune and misfortune also change."

『角』禽在天號「華蓋：星」，其宿只二星，位居天秤，兗州鄭國分野。在地為水中獨角龍，常□湖海深潭，好閒性靜，四時興雲佈雨，吐露番波，非人所見。其狀是蛇而四足，細頸白嬰，其性難動，犯之則嗷物，喜風、雨、霧、露、黑雲。遇五元甲午為將星，宜用四水時吉。

The celestial beast of the Horn mansion is known in the heavens as the "Star of the Auspicious Cover." This mansion has only two stars, located in the twelfth sign of the Yellow Path, the Libra constellation. On earth, it corresponds to the territory of Yanshao and Zheng state in Yanzhou. On earth, it is a single-horned dragon in water, living quietly in deep pools of rivers and seas all year round (the character in the original text is missing; according to the meaning, it should be "to dwell" or "to hide"). It likes to be idle, is quiet in nature, and causes clouds and rain, and breathes waves throughout the four seasons, but is not usually seen by ordinary people. Its shape resembles a snake but has four legs, a long neck, and white under the chin. It does not act easily, and once it is provoked, it will devour other things. It likes wind, rain, mist, dew, and dark clouds. On the fifth heavenly stem day, Jiawu, it is considered a general star, and it is auspicious to use the time of water (the water hours of Shen, Zi, and Chen) for activities.

元：辰宮。合：昴、參、亢。食：女、虛、危，降諸禽。畏：井、畢、牛。春夏旺，秋冬午後衰。華蓋：在卯，泊江湖極尊貴，泊山林田野凶，泊寅曰「龍虎爭珠」，泊午曰「龍奔枯井」，泊戌曰「蛟龍失水」。

The original essence of the Horn mansion is in the Chen palace; it harmonizes with the 'Amber Day Rooster', 'Shen Water Monkey', and 'Kang Metal Dragon'; it consumes the 'Nu Earth Bat', 'Xu Day Rat', and 'Wei Moon Swallow', and can subdue all birds. It is afraid of the 'Well Wood Ox', 'Bi Moon Bird', and 'Niu Metal Bull'. Its strength is prominent in spring and summer, but declines after noon in autumn and winter. The Huagai is located in the卯 position. If it falls in the position of rivers and lakes, it is very noble; if it falls in mountains, forests, or fields, it is ominous. If it falls in the寅 position, it is called 'Dragon and Tiger Contending for a Pearl'; if it falls in the午 position, it is called 'Dragon Rushing into a Dry Well'; if it falls in the戌 position, it is called 'Jiao Dragon Losing Water'.

『亢』金在天曰「武昌星」，其宿只四星，位居天秤，兗州鄭國分野。為水中八爪雙角金龍。金宿之尊，水族之貴，四時興雲致雨，潤澤萬物，變化昇天。藏於大海之中，或隱深潭淨處。聾不能聽，只鼻聞，喜猛風細雨雲霧，宜壬癸鄉。遇二元為己卯將星，宜用四土時吉。

The mansion of Kangle belongs to the metal element and is called "Wuchang Star" in the sky. This mansion consists of only four stars, located in the constellation of the Balance. On earth, it corresponds to the region of Yanzhou and Zheng State. It is a golden dragon with eight claws and two horns in water, being the most respected among metal mansions and the most esteemed among aquatic creatures. It brings clouds and rain throughout the four seasons, moistening all things. It can transform and ascend to the sky. It hides in the sea or resides in clean deep pools. It is deaf and cannot hear sounds, but it senses things through its nose. It prefers strong winds, light rains, and clouds and mists. It is suitable for water regions belonging to the Jini and Gui elements. On the second day of the Ji Mao stem, it becomes the general star, and it is auspicious to use the four earth hours.

元：辰宮。合：角、牛。吞食：女、危、虛、室，降諸禽。畏：井、畢。春夏旺，秋冬午後衰。華蓋：在卯，泊亥曰「困龍出井」，泊卯曰「龍居淺水」，泊未曰「龍入鑊湯」。

The original essence of Kangle is in the Chen palace; it harmonizes with "Jiao Mu Jiao" and "Niu Jin Niu"; it consumes "Nu Tu Fu", "Wei Yue Yan", "Xu Ri Shu", and "Shi Hu Shi", and can subdue all birds; it fears "Jing Mu An" and "Bi Yue Wu". It is strong in spring and summer, and weakens after noon in autumn and winter. The Huagai is located in the卯 position. If it falls in the亥 position, it is called "Confined Dragon Emerging from the Well"; if it falls in the卯 position, it is called "Dragon in Shallow Water"; if it falls in the未 position, it is called "Dragon Entering the Pot of Boiling Water".

『氐』禽在天曰「天儒星」，其宿只四星，位居天竭，豫州宋國分野。為地禽，生在谷之中，其形似犬，乃千年狐精化而成貉。營曲穴以避風雨，亦以防患，此亦鳥獸之智也。日伏夜遊，喜天陰，怕日出。遇六元甲子為將星，宜用四火時吉。

The celestial beast of theRoot mansion is called "Tian Ru Star" in the sky. This mansion has only four stars, located in the constellation Scorpio (the original text refers to it as "Tian Jie"), and corresponds to the region of Yu State in Song Country on earth. It is a terrestrial beast, living in mountain valleys, shaped like a dog. It is said to be transformed from a thousand-year-old fox spirit into a貉. It digs curved burrows to avoid wind and rain, and also to guard against calamities, which is considered a kind of wisdom among animals. It hides during the day and goes out at night, preferring cloudy weather and fearing the sun. On the sixth Jiazi day, it becomes a general star, and it is auspicious to use the fourth fire hour.

元：卯宮。合：婁。吞：胃、昴。忌泊湯火。畏：尾、箕、奎、婁、井、畢。華蓋：卯，春夏旺，秋冬午後衰，宜出乾坤方吉，泊申曰「自帶空亡」，泊子「古鏡重磨」，泊辰「龍大隱」。

The root mansion is located in theMao Palace; its compatible is 「Lou Jin Gou」; it consumes 「Wei Tu Zhi」 and 「Mao Ri Ji」; it is inauspicious when falling in the巳 or午 positions, which are associated with fire; it fears 「Wei Hu Hu」, 「Ji Shui Bao」, 「Kui Mu Lang」, 「Lou Jin Gou」, 「Jing Mu An」, and 「Bi Yue Wu」. The Huagai is located in the卯 position. Its strength increases in spring and summer, but declines after noon in autumn and winter. It is auspicious to travel towards the乾 direction (northwest) or the坤 direction (southwest). If it falls in the申 position, it is called 「Zi Dai Kong Wang」; if it falls in the子 position, it is called 「Gu Jing Chong Mo」; if it falls in the辰 position, it is called 「Long Da Yin」.

『房』禽在天曰「悍狡星」，其宿只四星，位居天竭，豫州宋國分野。為地禽，生在茆岡土穴之中，其口缺目圓，視月舐尾受胎，吐而生子，故謂之兔。兔，吐也。日伏夜遊，喜泊山林平地，乃東方太陽火星，寄太陰宮中為氣也。遇二元己酉為將星，宜用四木時吉。

The celestial animal of the House of Fang is called "Hanjiao Star" in the sky. This constellation consists of only four stars, located in the constellation Scorpio, and corresponds to the region of Yu State in Song Kingdom on earth. It is a terrestrial animal, living in holes in grassy hills. It has a split lip and round eyes. Ancients said that it can become pregnant by looking at the moon and licking its tail, and it gives birth to young rabbits by spitting them out, hence it is called "rabbit" — "rabbit" means "spit." It hides during the day and comes out at night, preferring to rest in mountains and plains. It belongs to the sun and fire of the east, and resides in the palace of the great yin to obtain energy. On the second heavenly stem earth酉 day, it becomes a general star, and it is auspicious to use the fourth wood hour.

元：卯宮。合：奎。無吞啖。畏：尾、箕、婁、畢、犴。華蓋：壬。春夏午前旺，秋冬衰。泊巳曰「燈照空房」，泊酉曰「守株待兔」，泊丑曰「隔江射兔」。

The original mansion of Fang Su is in the Mao palace; its compatible is "Kui Wood Wolf"; it has no object to consume; it fears "Wei Fire Tiger", "Ji Water Leopard", "Lou Metal Dog", "Bi Moon Owl", and "Jing Wood Ox". The Huagai is located in the Ren position. It is strong in the spring and summer before noon, but declines in autumn and winter. If it falls in the Si position, it is called "lamp illumination of an empty room"; if it falls in the You position, it is called "waiting for a rabbit by a tree"; if it falls in the Chou position, it is called "shooting a rabbit across the river".

『心』禽在天曰「文章星」，其宿只三星，位居天竭，豫州宋國分野。為地禽，生茆岡近人村之所。日伏夜遊，多疑好睡，善變化。其為物妖淫，乃東方太陰水星也。傳曰：狐狼知虛實，虎豹知沖破，天寒則威。遇六元甲午為將星，宜用四金時吉。

The animal of the Heart Mansion is called "Wen Zhang Star" in the sky. This mansion consists of only three stars, located in the Scorpio constellation, and corresponds to the region of Yu State in Song Kingdom on earth. It is a terrestrial animal, born on a grassy hill near human villages. It hides during the day and roams at night, is suspicious and sleepy, and is good at changing forms. This creature has a cunning and lustful nature, belonging to the Eastern Taiyin Water Star. Ancient legends say that foxes and wolves can discern truth and falsehood, while tigers and leopards can detect directions for breakthroughs; they become especially fierce when the weather is cold. On the sixth heavenly stem Jiawu day, it is considered a general star, and it is auspicious to use the four metal hours.

元：卯宮。合：壁。吞：胃、昴。畏：奎、婁、尾、箕。華蓋：在幹。春夏旺，秋冬衰。泊寅曰「狐假虎威」，泊午曰「貯疑」，泊戌曰「陰陽不破載」。

The original essence of the Heart Mansion is in the Mao palace; it combines with the Wall Water Armadilla; it consumes the Stomach Earth Peacock and the昴 Day Rooster; it fears the Kuai Wood Wolf, the Lou Metal Dog, the Wei Fire Tiger, and the Ji Water Leopard. The Huagai is located in the Qian direction. It is strong in spring and summer, but weakens in autumn and winter. When it falls in the寅 position, it is called "fox borrowing the tiger's authority"; when it falls in the午 position, it is called "suspending doubt"; when it falls in the戌 position, it is called "yin and yang not breaking the cycle."

『尾』禽在天號「威烈星」，其宿只九星，位居人馬，幽州燕國分野。為地禽，在深山岩谷之中，威降百獸，動則以爪畫地，觀奇偶而卜食。蛇蟠向壬，鵲巢面歲，燕伏戊己，虎奮沖破。故兵法曰：將之衙門，背建向破，其以此歟。此亦鳥獸之所以靈也。畏日出，天寒則威勇，日伏夜遊，乃火星之精也，虎嘯風生。遇三元己卯為將星，宜用四木時吉。

The animal of the Tail Mansion is called "Wēilì Star" in the sky. This mansion has nine stars and is located in the constellation of the Horse. On earth, it corresponds to the region of Youzhou Yan State. It is a terrestrial animal that lives in deep mountains and rocky valleys. Its power can subdue all beasts. When it moves, it scratches the ground with its claws, and by looking at whether the marks form an odd or even number, it can predict whether food will be available that day. Ancient people observed the nature of creatures and said: snakes coil towards the direction of Ren, magpies build their nests towards the direction of the Sovereign Star, swallows nest on the days of Wu and Ji, and tigers become fierce facing the direction of the breaking point. Therefore, the military strategy says: the general's headquarters should be placed with its back to the Month Builder and its face towards the breaking point, which is probably based on this. This is also why birds and beasts have spirit. It fears the sun, and becomes especially fierce in cold weather. It hides during the day and comes out at night, being the spirit of the fire star. When a tiger roars, it produces wind. On the third element day of Ji Mào, it is the general star, and it is auspicious to use the fourth wood hour.

元：寅宮。合：室。吞啖：牛、婁、鬼、柳、張、狳，降諸禽。畏：畢、井、奎。華蓋：戌。四季旺。泊亥曰「虎嘯高峰」，泊卯曰「猛虎出林」，泊未曰「二虎爭巖」。

The original mansion of Wei Xu is in the寅 palace; it harmonizes with "Shi Fire Pig"; it consumes "Niu Metal Cow", "Lou Metal Dog", "Gui Metal Sheep", "Liu Earth Badger", "Zhang Moon Deer", "Bei Water Armadillo", and can subdue all birds; it fears "Bi Moon Bird", "Jing Wood Ox", and "Kui Wood Wolf". The Huagai is located in the戌 position. It is strong in all four seasons. When it falls in the亥 position, it is called "Tiger Roaring on a High Peak"; when it falls in the卯 position, it is called "Mighty Tiger Emerging from the Forest"; when it falls in the未 position, it is called "Two Tigers Struggling over a Rock".