Twelfth Volume

立春正月節，雨水正月中。正月丁為天德，丙為月德，辛為月合，壬為月空。甲乙丙丁為月中秀氣，支宜亥卯未寅午戌，畏見癸庚二干，損內之德。正月火木主事，如秀在丙丁寅午戌及納音諸火，若見壬癸申子辰，及納音諸水，是損火之秀也。如秀在甲乙亥卯未，及納音諸木，若見庚辛巳酉丑與納音諸金，是損木之秀也。

The beginning of spring is the first solar term of the first month, and rain water is the first lunar term of the month. In the first month, the heavenly stem 'Ding' is associated with the Star of Virtue and Resolution, 'Bing' with the Star of Virtue and Charity, 'Xin' with the monthly conjunction, and 'Ren' with the monthly void. These four stems are considered the deities of virtue for the month. The stems Jia, Yi, Bing, and Ding together are called the 'excellent qi of the month'. For the earthly branches, the best combination is the wood trinity of Hai, Mao, and Wei, and the fire trinity of Yin, Wu, and Xu. The stems Gui and Geng should be avoided, as they damage the internal virtue of the month. In the first month, wood and fire are the dominant energies. If the excellent qi falls on Bing, Ding, Yin, Wu, Xu, or stems with a fire nayin sound, and at the same time there are Ren, Gui, Shen, Zi, Chen, or stems with a water nayin sound, then water will damage the fire's excellent qi. If the excellent qi falls on Jia, Yi, Hai, Mao, Wei, or stems with a wood nayin sound, and at the same time there are Geng, Xin, Si, You, Chou, or stems with a metal nayin sound, then metal will damage the wood's excellent qi.

以上火木二氣全無損傷者，主文科之命。如單逢木及水，亦主文科；如帶旺氣，及諸貴神祿馬之類，而見十大休廢兼損月中秀氣者，為武臣也。分文武格，餘月俱彷此例。（廣信集）

Those who have both fire and wood in good condition in their fate are destined to follow the path of scholarly pursuits. If only wood and water are present in the four pillars, it still indicates success in scholarly matters. However, if they possess the strong and timely energy, along with auspicious deities such as 'Nobleman' and 'Lusha', but simultaneously encounter the 'Ten Declining and Wasting' deities, which signify decline, and damage the refined energy of the current month, they will instead become officials in military positions. The distinction between a scholarly fate and a military fate is determined this way; other months should be judged similarly. This statement is from the "Broad Trust Collection."

見丁輕重以衰旺言之，丁巳丁亥日顯有不同，須引用之地。如丁亥日見壬寅時，此得之輕，卻引用重厚也。如丁巳日得己酉時，雖丁巳之火，引至酉地，乃死而無氣，不及丁亥也。

In a person's destiny, when seeing "Ding" fire, its strength depends on whether it is in a weak or strong position. The difference between Ding Si day and Ding Hai day is significant, and the key lies in where it is referred to by the earthly branches. For example, if someone is born on Ding Hai day and encounters Ren Yin hour, although Ding fire itself gets very little energy, it is referred to the Yin wood's growth position, thus becoming strong and powerful. Another example is someone born on Ding Si day encountering Ji You hour. Although Ding Si is fire, when referred to You metal, it becomes dead fire with no life energy, and is even worse than Ding Hai day.

丁乃為德藏，壬為德合，其壬在寅午戌火位之上，是既濟作福之地。如壬子壬申，此二種水盛火滅，必疾厄而形體不足。壬辰者各持其德，墓水不能制克其火，此乃為既濟之地。

In the first lunar month, the heavenly stem 'Ding' is considered the place where the virtue god resides. When 'Ren' combines with 'Ding', it is called 'De He', meaning harmony of virtue. If 'Ren' is located on fire positions such as寅, 午, or 戌, water and fire complement each other, forming a beneficial environment. However, if 'Ren' appears in combinations like Renzi or Renshen, the water is too strong and extinguishes the fire, leading to illness and physical decline for the person. As for Renchen, water and earth each occupy their own virtuous positions. 辰 is a water reservoir, and the water in the tomb lacks the strength to control fire, so it is also considered a favorable configuration of water and fire harmonizing.

丙亦正月秀氣，如丙午月、甲午時者，發而脫也，為正月之節，木成火生，都引於二旺之地，此火出木盡，福不能久也。如丙戌日庚寅時，正是火藏於木，木氣盛而火不繼，福漸充實而常久也。

"Jia" fire is also the refined energy of the first lunar month. If a Bingwu month is paired with a Jiawu hour, the fire energy becomes excessive and dissipates quickly; because in the first lunar month, the wood is just growing and the fire is newly born, now both wood and fire are brought to the fire旺 place of Wu, the fire bursts out and the wood is completely burned, so the good fortune cannot last long. Conversely, if a Bingxu day is paired with a Gengyin hour, the fire is hidden within the wood, the wood energy is abundant and the fire does not urgently need to release itself outward, the good fortune accumulates gradually and can last longer.

如丙申日丙申時，或歲月俱在丙在申子辰上，為化從水，是陽極丙化為陰，如臨日時者，此伎術從道閒薄之人也，況丙火衰而在申，水生之地，不能成福。

For example, if the day is Bingshen and the hour is also Bingshen, or if the stem of the year or month is also Bing and falls in the water trinity of Shen, Zi, and Chen, then the Bing fire will follow the water, and the yang reaches its extreme and turns into yin. Such combinations, if found in the day and hour pillars, usually indicate that the person's livelihood depends on a single skill or that they are a person who leads a quiet and simple life, possibly even becoming a monk or a hermit. Moreover, Bing fire is already weak in Shen, and Shen is the growth position of water. When water is strong and fire is extinguished, it is natural that no blessings will result.

如干不遇，更以納音言之。如甲戌之火，在正月亦為秀氣，甲木逢旺，陰火藏生，帶五行印庫為德亦非薄矣。如甲戌日丙寅時生，奇福之人也，丙寅引用合造化之性也。如甲戌日庚午時，為火出木死，乃柴薪也，因物得氣不能久，亦不能顯達也。

If the heavenly stems do not meet these refined and delicate elements, then we use the "Nayin" sound element to determine it. For example, the Nayin of Jiaxu belongs to fire, and in the first lunar month it is also considered refined and delicate: Jia wood is at its prosperous and strong stage, with hidden fire within it that generates life, and it also carries the earth's repository of the Five Phases as a virtue, so its fortune is not thin. If someone is born on a Jiaxu day and has a Bingyin hour, they are a special and fortunate person, because the Bingyin element exactly matches the nature of creation and generation. However, if someone is born on a Jiaxu day and has a Gengwu hour, the fire emerges but the wood is burned up, like firewood that burns out quickly. It relies on external elements to gain strength, and thus cannot last long, nor can it achieve great success.

戊子之火寒薄，發而得濟，五行窮極而變，如冬至之氣，水極化火，陰極為陽，類乎乃戊子之火也。正月三陽之氣，木大成而能育其火，如辛巳日戊子時生者，自薄而厚也。辛與丙合，須是辛巳，為巳上有丙，既見辛，故能正和，辛得戊子，是陰金不死，隨火之功，遇此必自孤寡而獲厚福也。

The nayin sound element of Wuzi belongs to fire, but this fire is cold and weak, needing external support to flourish. This illustrates the principle of the Five Phases: when one reaches its extreme, it transforms into another. Just as at the moment of Winter Solstice, water reaches its extreme and fire is born, and yin reaches its extreme and turns into yang, the fire of Wuzi is of this kind. In the first lunar month, the energy of three yangs begins to emerge, and the wood has grown strong enough to nourish this weak fire. Therefore, those born on a day of Xinsi but with a time of Wuzi have a destiny that moves from weakness to strength. The metal of Xin needs to combine with the fire of Bing, and this can only happen with Xinsi, because the fire of Bing is already hidden within the branch of Si. When both Xin metal and Bing fire are present, the combination is proper and harmonious. If Xin also receives the fire of Wuzi, the dead and exhausted metal is revived and becomes useful through the function of fire. People with this configuration often experience hardship and isolation first, but later attain great fortune.

如丙寅日戊子時生者為破甲敗族，終身蹇塞之人，為丙寅之火，自乘生胚之氣，卻於旺水滅壞其德，故不能用戊子，須以巧拙言之。如一丙之火，更須太歲支干分其輕重，如庚寅人得之，鬼化為官，鬼氣不絕，盛而生福，辛人得之為官，癸人得之為財也。更須分其輕重，詳其所歷之地，行年太歲扶合推之。（神但經）

But a person born on a Bingyin day who is paired with a Wuzi hour will suffer the downfall of their family and the destruction of their clan, remaining all their life in hardship and unable to succeed. The reason is that the fire of Bingyin was originally riding on the initial embryonic energy, but now it is extinguished by the strong water of the Zi hour, causing damage to its virtue and thus making it incompatible with Wuzi. Here it is essential to distinguish between skillful and clumsy combinations. Although it is the same Bing fire, one must consider the heavenly stem and earthly branch of the year's master to determine its strength and weakness. For example, a person born in a Gengyin year encountering this will transform the 'ghost' that controls them into an official, and the ghost energy will not be cut off but instead become stronger and bring more blessings; a person born in a Xin year encountering it is considered to have obtained an official star, and a person born in a Gui year encountering it is considered to have obtained a wealth star. In summary, one still needs to distinguish between strength and weakness, carefully examine the earthly branches it has passed through, and combine this with the assistance and conjunction of the current year's master for a comprehensive judgment. This statement comes from the "Shen Bai Jing," originally inscribed as "Shen Dan Jing."

驚蟄二月節，春分二月中。二月坤為天德，甲為月德，己為月合，庚為月空，甲乙丙丁為月中秀氣，支宜寅午戌亥卯未，畏見壬辛二干，申酉二位，損時之德。二月秀在甲乙亥卯未，及納音木；丙丁寅午戌及納音火。

Jingzhe is the solar term of February, and Chunfen is the lunar node of February. In February, the position of Kun is 'Heavenly Virtue', the heavenly stem 'Jia' is 'Monthly Virtue', 'Ji' is 'Monthly Harmony', and 'Geng' is 'Monthly Void'. The heavenly stems Jia, Yi, Bing, and Ding are considered the 'Middle Month's Excellent Qi' of this month. The earthly branches should ideally see the fire trinity of Yin-Wu-Xu and the wood trinity of Hai-Mao-Wei. The stems Ren and Xin, and the branches Shen and You should be avoided as they damage the virtue of the birth time. The excellent qi of February first falls on Jia, Yi, Hai-Mao-Wei, and the branches with Nayin sound element of wood. Next comes Bing, Ding, Yin-Wu-Xu, and the branches with Nayin sound element of fire.

二月卯木正旺，若逢申金，木絕其氣，酉又破卯，有此者，不惟無貴，尤破祖業，多為貧下之人。凡稟月中秀氣，卻有損壞時日者，最緊切，蓋日為引，時為用也。又須看中氣，如中氣後五日，即使將來者進，功成者退，此說十二月中氣極要審詳之。

In the second lunar month, the Wood of the second branch (Mao) is at its peak and strong. If it meets the Metal of the seventh branch (Shen), the Wood will lose its vitality. The Metal of the eighth branch (You) further weakens the Wood of Mao. Those with such a combination in their birth chart will not achieve high status or wealth, but instead will lose the family's ancestral property and often end up in poverty. Those who receive the refined energy of this month but have their day pillar or hour pillar damaged are particularly important to consider, because the day pillar is the 'guide' and the hour pillar is the 'use'. In addition, one must examine the middle qi: after five days past the middle qi, the principle of 'those that come later advance, those that have succeeded retreat' should be applied. The direction that is currently growing receives new energy, while the direction that has already matured loses its energy. The middle qi of each of the twelve months must be carefully examined.

二月甲寅甲辰己亥己卯乙亥乙卯乙未俱為秀氣，宜審酌用之。（廣信集）遇甲乙居寅辰未亥之上尤美也。如己在亥卯未上，亦為秀氣，何也？如妻在夫家隨夫之姓也。

In the second month, the combinations of heavenly stems and earthly branches Jia-Yin, Jia-Chen, Ji-Hai, Ji-Mao, Yi-Hai, Yi-Mao, and Yi-Wei are all considered refined and elegant, and should be carefully selected, as mentioned in the "Broad Trust Collection." Among these, Jia and Yi stems resting on the branches Yin, Chen, Wei, and Hai are especially favorable. As for Ji earth resting on the wood trinity of Hai, Mao, and Wei, why is it also considered refined? This is like a wife taking her husband's surname after marriage—Ji earth combines with Jia wood. When Jia wood is strong, Ji earth also gains strength.

若遇辛酉癸酉為破家之厄，緣金木之氣，忌全金沖剋，若時日遇之，遭刑不賤，從有其德，終身不立。若遇丙丁，為和氣通明之時，在木為花，輕盈而容，不能久也。如丙寅日，辛卯時，此從木之性，其氣實而華，必為明達身容之士；如甲午日丁卯時，此木弱火虛，遇時而不通，乃伎術工巧近貴之人，福不能久也。

If one encounters Xinyou or Guiyou, it signifies a calamity that may lead to the decline of family fortune. This is because the second month is a time of conflict between metal and wood, and it is especially unfavorable for pure metal to clash with the wood of Maowu. If this occurs in the day pillar or hour pillar, even without punishment, one is likely to be in a lowly position. Even if one possesses virtue, it is difficult to achieve success throughout one's life. If one encounters Bing and Ding fire, it is a time of harmonious climate and the flourishing of wood and fire. In the case of wood, it is like flowers blooming, appearing light and beautiful but unable to bear fruit, leading to a temporary display of prosperity that does not last. For example, if the day pillar is Bingyin and the hour pillar is Xinmao, this follows the natural nature of wood, with a full and refined energy and literary talent, making one a person of wisdom and distinguished appearance. Another example is when the day pillar is Jiawu and the hour pillar is Dingmao. The wood is weak and the fire is feeble, and even though the hour pillar is present, it cannot fully connect with the energy, resulting in someone who relies on a particular skill or craft for a living and can gain the favor of noblemen, but whose fortune does not last long.

若遇壬癸沖注其木，兆能生養，常有不安，二月之候，死水浸活木故也。遇之安閒漸亨，不及富貴之地。若更其中藏土，必為疾厄之人。如水在甲申之納音，壬辰之干，猶有位之人也。

If壬 or癸 water confronts wood, although it seems to nourish the wood, it still brings instability. In the month of February, it is like using a stagnant pond to soak a living tree. People encountering this combination will have a peaceful life and gradually achieve success, but they will not reach great wealth and honor. If there is also earth mixed in the water, they will surely suffer from many illnesses and misfortunes. However, if the water is the "Nayin" water of Jiashen or the heavenly stem Renchen water, they may attain an official position.

二月己酉日癸酉時，此水土俱遇死敗之上，乃水土渾濁，如癸酉之金，損時之德，不惟下賤，更多殘疾也。壬辰之水秀氣不濁，甲申之水，隱金木交會，藏於陰而寄於甲，故不得為死水推之，遇此之時，巧拙須詳引用言其輕重也。（神白經）

Someone born in February with a birth day of Jiyou and a birth time of Guiyou has water and earth both in the state of death and decline, resulting in a turbid mixture of water and earth. Furthermore, the Guiyou hour has a nayin element of metal, which damages the virtue of the birth day. Such a person is not of high status and often suffers from disabilities. In contrast, the water in Renchen is clear and not turbid; the water in Jiashen contains an opportunity for the meeting of metal and wood, hidden in the yin and relying on the wood of Ji. Therefore, it cannot be regarded as dead water. Whether the combination is skillful or clumsy must be carefully examined according to the branches of 'reference' to determine the degree of influence. This statement comes from the Shengbai Jing.

清明三月節，穀雨三月中。三月壬為天德，又為月德，丁為月合，丙為月空，壬戊為月中秀氣，支宜寅午戌辰丑未，畏見辛申二干。三月水土主事，秀在壬癸申子辰戊己辰戌丑未，大畏甲木損時之德，此月見甲己則凶，丁壬則吉。（廣信集）

Clear Weather is the solar term of the third lunar month, and Grain Rain is the seasonal node of the same month. In the third lunar month, the heavenly stem 'Ren' is both the Star of Virtue and Resolution and the Star of Virtue and Charity. The stem 'Ding' is the Monthly Harmony, and 'Bing' is the Monthly Void. The stems 'Ren' and 'Wu' are considered the superior qi of the month. The earthly branches should ideally include Yin, Wu, and Xu (Fire triad) or Chen, Chou, and Wei. The branches should avoid seeing Xin and Shen. In the third lunar month, water and earth are in charge. The superior qi is located on 'Ren', 'Gui', and the water trinity of Shen, Zi, and Chen, as well as on 'Wu', 'Ji', and the earth trinity of Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei. The month is most afraid of the stem 'Jia' wood coming to damage the virtue and qi of the hour of birth. Therefore, seeing 'Jia' and 'Ji' in this month is ominous, while seeing 'Ding' and 'Ren', which are harmonious pairs of virtue, is auspicious. This statement is from the "Broad Trust Collection."

壬重癸輕，中藏陽土，戊己無地，而散於四時，陽從妻墓，陰從夫墓，而旺更在專位之上，更為高崇顯達之士也，戊午得之者輕，戊子大貴，詳其巧拙，守魁罡有將相之權，臨傳送得詞館之顯。

In the third month, water is emphasized by Ren and considered lighter by Gui, while the earth hidden in Chen also contains yang earth. The two earths, Wu and Ji, do not have fixed positions but are scattered at the end of each season. Yang earth follows the wife star into its tomb, and Yin earth follows the husband star into its tomb. If they are strong in their own positions, they indicate a person of high status and prominence. For the same Wu earth, Wuwu is lighter, while Wuzi indicates great fortune, and the difference between skill and clumsiness needs careful discernment. Those who hold the position of 'Kui Gang' at Chen and Xu can hold the power of generals and ministers. Those who appear at Shen, the 'transmission' position, can attain the clear and honorable position of a literary official.

如壬子之水，並聚非清，雖有福祿，定虧於壽，緣物太過即不能久，壬申之水，如井中之泉，汲而旋生，壬辰之水，所歸有地，皆為月中精當，癸亥癸酉，亦作其福，禍福輕重，不可不詳引用。

For example, the water of Renshen is like a well spring, where drawing one measure immediately replenishes another; the water of Renzi is turbid and gathers in mass without clarity, although it may bring fortune and official rank, its lifespan is inevitably shortened, because anything that is excessive cannot last long. The water of Renchen has a resting place, and these two are considered the most appropriate configurations in the month. Guihai and Guiyou are also capable of producing blessings. As for the degree of fortune and misfortune, it is still necessary to carefully examine the branch of the "reference."

三月之氣，土水濟會，如戊遇甲，為損德之甚，如戊午日甲寅時，此土輕木重，卻為少立而多失，如戊戌日甲寅時，此為土氣稍重，得失多，終略有其福也。

In the third month, the energy is the meeting and mutual support of earth and water. When the earth element Wu meets the wood element Jia, it is the most severe case of damaging the moral energy. For example, on a Wuwu day paired with a Jiayin hour, the earth is light and the wood is heavy; such people can establish their careers at a young age, but often lose what they gain. On a Wuxu day paired with a Jiayin hour, the earth energy is slightly stronger, although there are still ups and downs, they will ultimately retain some fortune.

三月壬戌同行，各持其德，水土衰旺，亦常同行，更不以克傷言之，如己酉及己卯日癸酉時，此雖水土清而加於休敗之地，必不能進達，衣食雖足，而多艱辛也。

In the third month, the壬water and 戌earth move together, each maintaining their own virtue and position; the decline and strength of water and earth often change in sync, so there is no need to discuss them in terms of mutual control or harm. For example, on a Jiyou day or Jimao day paired with a Guiyou hour, although the water and earth are pure, they both fall into weak and confined positions, and such people are certainly unable to achieve success or prominence. Although their basic needs may not be lacking, they will face many hardships throughout their lives.

如壬申日戊申時，此福安厚也，其中遇戊申土濁水之氣，常憂疾厄纏身，如戊寅日，甲寅時，土氣虛浮，遇木剋制，戊寅之土，乃火土也，甲木刑而陰水漂之，然甲寅乃火之木也，非能損戊，卻為相助起，自艱辛有權柄，居顯位也。如己未日戊辰時，乃顯達貴人，為造化之功多也。（神白經）

On a Renshen day paired with a Wushen hour, fortune is stable and substantial; however, the Wushen pillar carries the energy of earth mixing with turbid water, causing the person to often worry about illness. For example, on a Wuyin day paired with a Jiayin hour, the earth energy is weak and floating, and it meets wood that restrains it—Wuyin is earth with fire, which is harmed by Jiayin wood and also washed away by yin water; yet Jiayin is wood that can generate fire, so it does not actually harm the earth, but instead becomes a helping force. Thus, although such people rise from hardship, they gain power and hold important positions. Another example is on a Jiwei day paired with a Wuchen hour, which is a nobleman who receives the most assistance from fate. This is mentioned in the Shengbai Jing.

立夏四月節，小滿四月中。四月辛為天德，庚為月德，乙為月合，甲為月空，丙丁戊癸為月中秀氣，支宜巳酉丑寅午戌，畏見甲壬二干。又云：四月秀在丙丁戊癸庚辛三氣。（廣信集）

The beginning of summer is the solar term of the fourth lunar month, and the small fulfillment is the climactic point of the fourth lunar month. In the fourth lunar month, the heavenly stem 'Xin' is considered 'Star of Virtue and Resolution', 'Geng' is 'Star of Virtue and Charity', 'Yi' is 'Monthly Harmony', and 'Jia' is 'Monthly Void'. The heavenly stems Ji, Ding, Wu, and Gui are regarded as the 'Middle Month's Excellent Qi' of this month. The earthly branches should ideally see the metal triad of Si-You-Chou or the fire triad of Yin-Wu-Xu, and should avoid seeing the stems Jia and Ren. Another view states that the excellent qi of the fourth lunar month lies in the fire of Ji and Ding, the fire generated by the combination of Wu and Gui, and the metal of Geng and Xin. This view is from the 'Broad Trust Collection'.

秀在庚辛，氣雄丙丁之火，通明壬癸之津，甲乙傷殘，勾陳失地，更詳所落匹配之情。如辛巳遇壬癸之上，秀氣殊麗，皆得其地，主文學多智，官崇漸貴，火金各持其勢，發跡迅而或在邊疆。如辛巳日，丁酉時，皆金火持爭；丁巳日，乙巳時，遇貴而成器也。

In the fourth month, the refined quality of the heavens is found in the metal of Geng and Xin, while the powerful and vigorous energy is found in the fire of Bing and Ding. The water of Ren and Gui can make a person clear-minded and intelligent. The wood of Jia and Yi is already damaged by this time, and the Gou Chen Wu earth has lost its place to stand. One must carefully examine the mutual relationship between these heavenly stems and earthly branches. For example, if Xin Si is seated upon Ren or Gui, the refined quality becomes especially beautiful, each element occupying its proper position, resulting in a person who is talented in literature, wise, and gradually attains high official rank. If fire and metal each assert their own strength, success may come quickly, but achievements are often limited to the border regions. For instance, when Xin Si is paired with Ding You, it is a case of metal and fire clashing. When Ding Si is paired with Yi Si, it is a case of encountering a nobleman's support and eventually achieving great success.

如壬戌日辛亥時，隨水之氣，辛金不顯，然有引用不為精當，此雖有富貴之福，不實而虛也。癸巳日丁巳時，及丙辰時，從火之性，雖無引用，卻為精當之福，引用之理，該詳主客所宜也。

On a Renxu day paired with an Xinhai hour, the Xin metal follows the water energy and does not manifest clearly, although there is some 'reference' or connection. However, the pairing is not precise. Such a person may have the fortune of wealth and status, but it is hollow and not substantial. Another example is a Guisi day paired with a Dingsi hour or a Bingchen hour, which follows the nature of fire. Although it seems there is no 'reference' or connection, it is actually a precise and appropriate fortune. This shows that the principle of 'reference' depends on whether the main element (day pillar) and the guest element (hour pillar) are compatible with each other.

乙亥之木，初生氣嫩，從火得亨，不可獨用，如乙亥月丙戌時，及丁亥時者，火雖衰，得乙亥木能育也。如乙亥日乙酉時，不惟木落無氣之地，更日月之節，金生之時，遇此之人，平生蹇塞，四肢見疾也。

The wood of Yi Hai is just beginning to sprout, with very weak Qi, and must follow fire to achieve success; it cannot be used alone. For example, if the month is Yi Hai and the hour is Bing Xu or Ding Hai, although the fire is weak, it can nourish the wood of Yi Hai. However, if the day is Yi Hai and the hour is Yi You, the wood falls into You, which is a place without life Qi, and during the fourth month, which is the time when metal begins to grow, this combination leads to a life of hardship and blockage, and also causes illness in the limbs.

丙午之火，剛而損德，先須得進，後必遭重厄也。庚寅辛卯之木，不為衰弱，庚辛金德旺之時，下有火木初生之金，未能害也。已成之物，不能相剋，分輕重矣。（神白經）

The fire of Bingwu is too fierce and strong, which actually harms the moral energy. The person's destiny starts with the ability to strive forward, but later will certainly face great difficulties. The Nayin sound element of Gengyin and Xinmao belongs to wood, and in the fourth month, it is not weak, because the metal energy of Geng and Xin is at its peak, and there is also newly born metal within the fire, which cannot harm it. Once something is formed, it cannot simply be discussed in terms of mutual control; only the degree of strength and weakness is considered. This statement comes from the Shengbai Jing.

芒種五月節，夏至五月中。五月亥為天德，丙為月德，辛為月合，壬為月空，丙丁為月中秀氣，支宜寅午戌辰丑未，畏見庚壬。神白經作壬癸二干，甲亦不見也。又云：五月秀在乙丙丁。（廣信集）

Mangzhong is the solar term of the fifth lunar month, and Xiazh至 is the governing solar term of the same month. In the fifth month, the position of Hai is considered "Heavenly Virtue," the heavenly stem "Bing" is "Monthly Virtue," "Xin" is "Monthly Harmony," and "Ren" is "Monthly Void." The stems "Bing" and "Ding" are regarded as the "excellent qi of the month." For the earthly branches, the best combination is the fire trinity of Yin, Wu, and Xu, along with Chen, Chou, and Wei. The stems Geng and Ren are most feared. The Shengbai Jing mentions fear of the stems Ren and Gui, and also states that the stem Jia is not suitable. Another view, from the Guangxin Ji, suggests that the excellent qi of the month lies in the stems Yi, Bing, and Ding.

火氣太盛，金囚木死，壬癸胎生之時，此月甲木死，乙木生，庚囚辛旺，乃辛與丙為濟合隨夫而旺，庚辛金剛，厄於火，甲木死，乙木生，中藏天庭之氣，兄死之後，隨子而亨，乙能生而丙得其時，木厄在午，利在納音水，壬癸遇之，損時之德，納音藏之，陽極漸通也。

In the fifth lunar month, the fire energy is excessively strong, causing the metal to be confined and the wood to be dead. This is precisely the time when the water of Jinni and Guipi is beginning to be born. In this month, the wood of Jia dies while the wood of Yi is born, the metal of Geng is confined while the metal of Xin is strong. Because Xin combines with Bing to form the hexagram Ji Ji (Water and Fire in Harmony), it is like a wife following her husband's prosperity and becoming strong. The metal of Geng and Xin, though naturally hard, is trapped by fire. Although the wood of Jia is dead, the wood of Yi is still alive, and within this there is hidden life energy. It is like the elder brother Jia dying first, and the younger brother Yi relying on his own son, Bing fire, to achieve success. The wood of Yi is able to be born, and the fire of Bing is at the right time. The wood is confined at the position of Wu, but it is beneficial that the dry branches with the 'Nayin' water element are present. If Ren and Gui water appear in the heavenly stems, it would damage the virtue of the birth time. Only when they are hidden within the Nayin is it good. This is because the yang energy has reached its peak and is gradually becoming unblocked.

五月遇丙午丙寅日壬辰時，此水火既濟，陰陽配合也，遇之則聰明位顯。如辛亥乙亥為陰陽道合發生之理，遇此之人，多作門中之瑞。丙戌丁巳丙寅，皆為奇特之辰，引用之法，不可不詳，立官之妙，消息其有用無用，或在壬子癸亥則凶矣。（神白經）

Those born in May who have a day of Bingwu or Bingyin paired with a time of Renchen form a pattern of Ji Ji (Hexagram 63), where water and fire are in harmony, yin and yang are balanced, and such people are intelligent and achieve high status. Pairings like Xinhai and Yihai conform to the principle of yin and yang harmonizing and generating all things, and those who have such combinations are often considered auspicious within their families. Bingxu, Dingsi, and Bingyin are also extraordinary combinations of heavenly stems and earthly branches. Regarding the method of reference, it is necessary to examine it carefully; the subtlety of establishing an official pattern lies in determining whether it is beneficial or not. If instead, one falls into times like Renzi or Guihai, which are places of excessive water, it becomes a turn for misfortune. This statement is from the Shengbai Jing.

小暑六月節，大暑六月中。六月甲為天德，又為月德，己為月合，庚為月空，戊己甲乙為月中秀氣，支宜亥卯未辰戌丑，畏見丙癸二干，此月土木用事。又云：六月秀在甲乙己。（廣信集）

The Minor Heat is the solar term of June, and the Great Heat is the lunar node of June. In June, the heavenly stem 'Jia' is both the Star of Virtue and Resolution and the Star of Virtue and Charity. The stem 'Ji' is the Monthly Harmony, and 'Geng' is the Monthly Void. The stems 'Wu', 'Ji', 'Jia', and 'Yi' are considered the refined qi of the month. The earthly branches should ideally see the wood trinity of Hai-Mao-Wei or the earth branches Chen, Xu, Chou. The stems Bing and Gui are to be avoided, as this month is ruled by earth and wood. Another view suggests that the refined qi of June lies in the stems Jia, Yi, and Ji, as mentioned in the "Broad Trust Collection."

甲己為秀，乙亦輔之，丙火弱滅丁火未衰，如丁未日甲辰時，為有福之人也。乙獨遊亥卯未上者，為因貴人用之漸亨，若見己，不可見乙，損其德，必福不能久也。如乙不得地者，輕而如己之福也。如己在亥卯未上，更旁見甲者為奇顯之命。

In June, Jia and Ji are considered to have refined energy, with Yi wood assisting from the side. Bing fire is already weak and fading, but Ding fire has not yet lost its strength. Therefore, a day of Dingwei paired with a time of Jiachen indicates a person with good fortune. If Yi wood is alone moving within the wood triple of Hai, Mao, and Wei, it can gradually become prosperous with the support of a nobleman. However, if Ji soil is already present, it is not advisable to see Yi wood again, because Yi wood harms Ji soil, damaging its virtue and ensuring that good fortune will not last long. If Yi wood does not have a strong position or is weak, then its fortune is almost the same as that of Ji soil alone. As for Ji soil located on top of the wood triple of Hai, Mao, and Wei, with Ji wood coming to combine with it, this is a rare and distinguished destiny.

如六月見金木相剋，而金勝者，為損德招刑；如木土之氣遇之，供乘衰敗之氣者，亦主平生厄滯不立也。丙申日庚寅時者，火衰藏木，從木之性，引用在火長生之地，庚金窮絕，為丙火之制，惟只有木也，遇此者亦為有福之人也。

If in June there is a mutual control between metal and wood with metal prevailing, it indicates damage to virtue and the risk of punishment; if wood and earth energies meet but both are in a state of decline, it also signifies a life full of obstacles and stagnation. As for the combination of the day of Bingshen and the hour of Gengyin, fire is already weak and hidden within wood, following the nature of wood, and the 'reference' falls on寅, which is the place of growth for fire; when Geng metal reaches寅, it has already reached its end and is further restrained by Bing fire, leaving only wood to be used, so those who encounter this combination are considered to be fortunate.

如庚寅日甲申時者，雖然庚金而生日祿，卻木有氣，引用無氣之上，然見一甲及納音木，皆不為精當，遇此之人不能大成，雖有其福必失，乃遇如不遇也。（神白經）

For example, on a day of Gengyin, when paired with a time of Jiashen, although Geng metal gains the day's strength because it is in the position of the hour, wood also has its own strength, yet the 'reference' falls in a place where it has no vitality. Therefore, even if one encounters a Jia wood or a branch with the nayin sound element of wood, the pairing is not precise. Those who encounter such combinations cannot achieve great success; even if they have fortune, they will surely lose it, as if they had never encountered it. This statement comes from the Shengbai Jing.

立秋七月節，處署七月中。七月癸為天德，壬為月德，丁為月合，丙為月空，壬庚為月中秀氣，支宜巳酉丑申子辰，納音金水土三氣，畏見甲丙二干。又云：七月秀在壬癸庚辛，及納音金水。（廣信集）

The beginning of autumn is the solar term of the seventh month, and the heat-lapse is the seasonal node of the seventh month. In the seventh month, the heavenly stem 'Gui' is the Star of Virtue and Resolution, 'Ren' is the Star of Virtue and Charity, 'Ding' is the Monthly Union, and 'Bing' is the Monthly Void. The heavenly stems 'Ren' and 'Geng' are considered the refined qi of the month. For the earthly branches, it is best to see the metal triad of Si-You-Chou or the water triad of Shen-Zi-Chen. The Nayin sound element should be of the qualities of metal, water, and earth, and it is most undesirable to see the heavenly stems 'Jia' and 'Bing'. Another saying states that the refined qi of the seventh month is found in the heavenly stems 'Ren', 'Gui', 'Geng', and 'Xin', as well as in the heavenly stems and earthly branches whose Nayin sound element belongs to metal or water. This saying is from the 'Broad Trust Collection'.

壬癸秀氣，金氣剛利，火厄木弱，陰土隨時而亨，如壬子日然，清而極不為厚福也。壬辰壬申，其氣至秀，更得中藏金氣，方為出格，壬辰日辛亥時，引用主客，皆得其道，合必位顯崇也。辛巳日癸巳時者，從金言之，絕水之德，此伎術近貴，九流僧道，無權之人也。

In July, the water of Jia and Yi is considered refined and excellent. The metal is strong, sharp, and piercing, while fire is restricted and wood is weak. The yin earth, however, is in harmony with the season and thus prosperous. For example, on a Renzi day, the water is extremely clear, but this does not indicate great fortune. The days of Renchen and Renshen have the clearest and most refined energy. If there is also hidden metal energy within them, it becomes an exceptional fate. On a Renchen day paired with an Xinhai hour, both the day pillar and the hour pillar have proper mutual support, and their compatibility ensures a high and prominent status. As for a Xinsi day paired with a Guisi hour, from the perspective of metal, it cuts off the water's virtue. Such people rely on skills to gain the favor of the powerful, belonging to the category of those without real authority, such as those in the nine streams of heretical arts or monks and Taoists.

如丙子甲申，從水言之。七月木絕火厄，不得其水，隨旺之性言也。如丙午日丙申時，丙子日丙申時者皆從水之用，丙子壬子日甲申時生，引用於長生之地也。如甲申日乙亥時，此甲申之水，引於亥上，而申合其旺，皆又福貴。丙子日癸巳時，引在丙火旺處不為有福之人，只作近貴閒人，雖能引用日碌，不能合主客造化也。（神白經）

For instance, in the case of Bingzi and Jiashen, we should consider the aspect of water. In July, wood is exhausted and fire is restrained; if it does not receive the support of water, it can only follow the direction where it is currently strong. For example, when Bingwu day is paired with Bingshen hour, or when Bingzi day is paired with Bingshen hour, water is taken as the useful element. When Jiashen day or Renzi day is paired with Yihai hour, the 'reference' is placed in Shen, the growth place of water. Again, when Jiashen day is paired with Yihai hour, the water of Jiashen's nayin is directed to Hai, and Shen combines with Hai to enhance its strength, which indicates a person with both fortune and status. However, when Bingzi day is paired with Guisi hour, the 'reference' falls in the strong place of Bing fire, which does not indicate a person with fortune, but rather someone who is a dependent of the powerful. Even if the day pillar can produce a禄, it is not harmonious between the main and the guest elements. This statement is from the Shengbai Jing.

白露八月節，秋分八月中。八月寅為天德，庚為月德，乙為月合，甲為月空，壬癸寅辛為月中秀氣，支宜巳酉丑申子辰，及納音金水，畏見丙己二干。（廣信集）

White Dew is the solar term of the eighth month, and Autumn Equinox is the governing solar term of the eighth month. In the eighth month, the position of Yin is considered 'Heavenly Virtue', the heavenly stem 'Geng' is 'Monthly Virtue', 'Yi' is 'Monthly Harmony', and 'Jia' is 'Monthly Void'. The heavenly stems Ren, Gui, Yin, and Xin are regarded as the 'Monthly Splendor'. The earthy branches should ideally see the metal triad of Si-You-Chou and the water triad of Shen-Zi-Chen, as well as heavenly stems and earthly branches with 'Nayin' sound elements belonging to metal or water. The stems Bing and Ji should be avoided. This statement is from the 'Broad Trust Collection'.

秀在庚辛壬癸，乃通明之氣，木殘水死，土濁水清，八月庚辛金木交平，俱藏秀氣，己丑秀墓之金，遇之皆顯達之人也。辛巳辛丑若癸巳時，從金得貴，壬辰時秀麗通仙，名冠世間，才清容廣也，若丙午戊午之辰，如犯之，遭刑殘疾，下賤之命，吉凶貴賤不可一見而言之，更分主客，引用巧拙而言也。

In August, the refined and delicate qi is found among the heavenly stems Geng, Xin, Ren, and Gui, representing clear and bright energy. At this time, wood is already weakened, water is near death, earth appears turbid, and water appears pure. In August, the metal of Geng and Xin is balanced with wood, with both sides hiding refined energy. The pillar Jichou signifies refined energy entering the metal storehouse, and those encountering it are destined for success. If on a day of Xinsi or Xinchou, the hour is Guisi, following the metal leads to high status; if the hour is Renchen, it results in a refined and elegant appearance, like a sage, with a reputation surpassing the world, clear intellect, and a broad-minded character. However, if encountering the stems Bingwu or Wuwu, one immediately suffers injuries or disabilities, leading to a lowly fate. Whether fortune or misfortune, nobility or lowliness cannot be judged solely by one element; one must distinguish between the main and the guest, and assess whether the combination of 'reference' is skillful or clumsy.

如乙木不衰，從庚之德，在巳酉丑上，乙化為金，乃從其庚性，與庚同行此不衰也。丁火不死，古法云：陽死之氣陰生，又乃金中火氣不絕，而藏於金，丁火是也。若居巳酉丑之位，亦為小通也。（神白經）

For example, the wood of Yi is not considered weak in the eighth month, because it follows the virtue of Geng metal. When it falls on the positions of Si, You, and Chou, which are the metal triad, Yi transforms into metal, aligning with the nature of Geng and moving together with it, so it is said not to be weak. Similarly, the fire of Ding is not considered dead in the eighth month. According to ancient methods, 'the yang dying gives rise to yin', and moreover, the fire within metal is not entirely extinguished, but hidden within the metal. Ding fire is exactly like this. If it falls on the positions of Si, You, and Chou, it can have some success. This statement comes from the Sheng Bai Jing.

寒露九月節，霜降九月中。九月丙為天德，又為月德，辛為月合，壬為月空，戊癸丁壬為月中秀氣，支宜申子辰寅午戌，畏見甲乙二干。又云：九月秀在丙辛丁，丙辛化水，故宜金水火三氣，為得其地也。（廣信集）

Cold Dew is the solar term of the ninth month, and Frost Descent is the lunar node of the ninth month. In the ninth month, the heavenly stem 'Bing' is both the Star of Virtue and Resolution and the Star of Virtue and Charity. 'Xin' is the Monthly Union, and 'Ren' is the Monthly Void. The stems Wu, Gui, Ding, and Ren are considered the 'Middle Month Qi' of this month. The earthly branches should ideally see the water trinity of Shen-Zi-Chen or the fire trinity of Yin-Wu-Xu, and should avoid seeing the stems Jia and Yi. Another saying states that the refined qi of the ninth month is in the stems Bing, Xin, and Ding, because Bing and Xin combine to form water, so the qi of metal, water, and fire all find their place. This statement comes from the "Broad Trust Collection."

秀在丙辛、丁亦輔之，丙居寅午戌，辛在己酉丑位之上遇金者，乃貴顯之人，九月辛酉辛丑辛巳日皆位德金，若居癸巳時引用在金長生之地，為人中之奇，福壽之人也。如壬辰時，遇與不遇，壬辰水與時不和，制時之德金水，然秀不為貴顯，乃閒慢之祿，或九流近貴之人也。若生甲申日及引用在壬申時者，為疾苦殘失，多不立之人也。

In September, the refined quality is found in Bing and Xin. Ding fire supports from the side. When Bing is in the fire triple (Yin-Wu-Xu) and Xin is in the metal triple (Si-You-Chou) and meets metal, it indicates a person of high status. For the days of Xin You, Xin Chou, and Xin Si in September, the metal is in its virtuous position. If paired with the time of Guisi, the reference falls exactly on the growth position of Si, the metal, making it a rare talent with fortune and longevity. However, if paired with the time of Renchen, the water of Renchen is not in harmony with the season, and instead suppresses the metal and water of birth, although there is refined quality, it cannot achieve high status, resulting in a simple and leisurely salary, or a position among the unrefined who are close to the powerful. If born on the day of Jiashen or with the reference falling on the time of Renshen, one will suffer from illness and be incomplete, mostly unable to achieve success.

如戊午日，丙辰時，世之厚福人也，戊午之火旺而藏，在九月火墓藏，明為德之時，丙辰時得造化之秀氣多，乃顯達之士也。如丁巳時者然，建日祿，不及丙辰時，此火輕土弱，又不帶印，乃富貴而不顯達也。

For example, on a Wuwu day paired with a Bingchen hour, there are people in the world who have great blessings: Wuwu's nayin sound element belongs to fire, which is strong and capable of storage, and September is precisely the time when fire enters the storage, and the virtue of the element becomes evident. The Bingchen hour also brings more refined and fortunate qualities, so such a person is likely to achieve prominence. If instead it is a Dingsi hour, although the Si is built upon the day's禄 (favorable position), it is not as good as the Bingchen hour, because in this case the fire is weak and the earth is weak, and there is no印绶 (imperial seal), so although one may attain wealth and status, one cannot achieve prominence.

如己未己丑甲戌甲辰，此四者皆納音火也，其中甲戌己未勝，如辰丑二位，戌為火地，未為火盛藏火在其中，德福重矣，生丙寅時者顯達之人也。如己巳日庚午時，然引用在臨官旺地，卻虛而不實，然近貴，頗有其福，終不能久也。居丁卯時者，引用在虛敗處，主福祿慢而近貴，九流聰明而不實，福終不久也。（神白經）

For example, the groups of Ji Wei, Ji Chou, Jia Xu, and Jia Chen all belong to the fire Nayin sound element. Among them, Jia Xu and Ji Wei surpass Ji Chou and Jia Chen. Compared to Chen and Chou, Xu is the burial ground of fire, while Wei is where fire is at its peak. Fire is hidden within them, and their virtue and fortune are substantial. If such people are born at Bing Yin hour, they will become prominent and successful. However, for Ji Si day paired with Geng Wu hour, although the "reference" falls in the Officialdom and Prosperity positions, it is empty and not substantial, allowing only proximity to power, with some fortune, but not lasting. If it falls at Ding Mao hour, the "reference" reaches a place of emptiness, exhaustion, decline, and termination, indicating that fortune and status come slowly, relying only on power, with people being clever but lacking in solid skills, and their fortune ultimately not enduring. This statement is from the "Shen Bai Jing."