【Hai Tenth Month】

立冬十月節，小雪十月中。十月乙為天德，甲為月德，己為月合，庚為月空，壬癸甲乙丁為月中秀氣，支宜亥卯未申子辰，畏見庚辛二干。（廣信集）

The winter solstice is the solar term of the tenth month, and the minor snow is the seasonal node of the tenth month. In the tenth month, the heavenly stem 'Yi' is considered 'Star of Virtue and Resolution', 'Jia' is 'Star of Virtue and Charity', 'Ji' is 'Monthly Harmony', and 'Geng' is 'Monthly Void'. The stems 'Ren', 'Gui', 'Jia', 'Yi', and 'Ding' are regarded as the 'Middle Month's Auspicious Qi'. For the earthly branches, the best combination is the wood trinity of Hai-Mao-Wei and the water trinity of Shen-Zi-Chen. The stems 'Geng' and 'Xin' should be avoided. This statement is from the 'Broad Trust Collection'.

秀在甲乙，精火藏形，木盛水清而火藏土虛，金病之時，己土隨夫不窮，更須居亥卯未之正，方得用也，戊土受制而濁，丙火藏木而有進，丁火合壬而化木，丁火絕滅而化也。乙亥之木藏火而秀。甲寅乙卯，皆為氣勝，庚寅辛卯俱為精當，甲申乙酉，遇德而損福也，乙丑逢干木為德，在金位受制，不能清顯，乙丑日逢戊寅己卯時為木盛金衰，蓋引用巧也。

In October, the refined quality is associated with Jia and Yi. At this time, the essence of fire is concealed and hidden, while wood is strong, water is clear, and fire is subdued with earth weak. This is precisely when metal begins to decline. The earth element Ji follows the husband star Jia wood, so it does not reach destitution, but it still needs to be in the proper positions of Hai, Mao, and Wei to be effective. Wu earth is restrained by wood and appears turbid; Bing fire, hidden within wood, gains strength; Ding fire combines with Ren water to transform into wood, because Ding fire itself is extinguished, so it transforms along with it. Yihai has the nayin sound element of fire, with fire hidden beneath wood, hence it is refined. Jiayin and Yimao both have strong wood energy; Gengyin and Xinmao are also well matched. Jiashen and Yiyou, although encountering a virtuous position, lose some fortune. Yichou, although encountering wood in the heavenly stem, is restrained by being seated on a metal position, thus unable to achieve noble status and prominence; if Yichou day is combined with Wuyin hour or Jimao hour, the wood becomes strong and the metal weak, which is a well-matched combination.

十月之節，遇甲辰甲戌，皆為藏明之木，立冬之候，火氣絕滅，而木氣生養，甲為月德之位，中藏陰火不絕，必生奇達英顯之士也，如庚寅日己卯時及丁亥時者，皆為有福之人也，卻甲申乙酉時，從金言之，失主客也，若癸未時生，乃帶印人，福壽殊異也，戊寅時者然，引用在木旺之地，遇戊寅灰火之土，其木雖秀，不能顯也，比之申酉時，無非禍之災耳。

In the tenth lunar month, if the Heavenly Stem is Jia Chen or Jia Xu, they both belong to wood that holds its brightness within. At the beginning of winter, the fire element is extinguished while the wood element is in its growing phase. The Jia stem is also in the position of the Star of Virtue and Charity. The hidden yin fire has not yet ceased, and thus remarkable and outstanding individuals are sure to emerge. For instance, if someone is born on the day of Geng Yin with the hour of Ji Mao or Ding Hai, they are destined to be blessed and prosperous. However, if the hour is Jia Shen or Yi You, from the perspective of metal, it is not favorable for the interaction between the main and guest elements. If born at Gui Wei hour, one is considered to carry the seal of authority, with extraordinary fortune and longevity. As for those born at Wu Yin hour, although the reference falls in a place where wood is strong, the Wu Yin is earth of ash and fire, so even if the wood is beautiful, it cannot be fully displayed. However, compared to the hours of Shen and You, it is not as likely to bring misfortune.

戊子之火窮困而有小成，十月之氣，陰極卦合，純坤乃為陽火欲生之地，旁逢水氣而得亨也。丁巳之火氣強，不能絕滅通旺之性，為邊武之官，遇一木之秀，無刑剋，而得造化之美也。（神白經）

The fire of Wuzi is poor and destitute, yet it can achieve some minor success. In the tenth month, the yin energy reaches its peak, which corresponds to the pure yin hexagram of Kun. At the point where yin reaches its extreme, it is precisely where yang fire is about to emerge. If there is also water energy nearby, it can lead to smooth progress. The fire of Dingsi is strong and vigorous, not destined to be extinguished, and retains its open and flourishing nature, indicating a position in military office at the border. If it meets the subtle quality of wood and there is no punishment, clash, or conflict, then one would seize the favorable opportunity. This statement comes from the Shengbai Jing.

大雪十一月節，冬至十一月中。十一月己為天德，壬為月德，丁為月合，丙為月空，乙癸為月中秀氣，支宜寅午戌申子辰，畏見已庚二干。又云：十一月秀在丁壬乙辛癸。（廣信集）

The major solar term of November is Da Xue (Great Snow), and the solar zenith is Dong Zhi (Winter Solstice). In November, the heavenly stem 'Ji' is considered 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 stems 'Yi' and 'Kui' are regarded as the 'Middle Month's Noble Qi'. For the earthly branches, the best combination is the fire trinity of Yin-Wu-Xu and the water trinity of Shen-Zi-Chen. The stems 'Ji' and 'Geng' should be avoided. Another source says that the noble qi of November is found in the stems 'Ding', 'Ren', 'Yi', 'Xin', and 'Kui'. This statement is from the 'Guang Xin Ji'.

秀在丁壬，癸亦助之，金死火滅，木敗土虛之候，庚死辛生，丁榮丙從，甲敗乙莘，乃陰陽各遂其性也。十一月辛巳之金秀而有壽，逢引用須詳命源，遇與不遇，引巧而命源遇所遇者，人中奇特富貴之人也。辛巳日丙申時，此乃引用巧，是月中旺氣，戊人得之，乃顯達之福，辰人得之，遇而不遇也。

In the eleventh month, the refined quality comes from Ding and Ren. The癸 water supports from the side. At this time, metal is dead, fire is extinguished, wood is weak and earth is empty. The庚 metal is dead while the辛 metal is born, the Ding fire is flourishing while the Bing fire is in decline, the甲 wood is weak while the乙 wood still remains. This is the natural rise and fall of yin and yang according to their own nature. In the eleventh month, the Xinsi (辛巳) belongs to metal, which is refined and indicates longevity. When encountering 'reference' (引用), one must carefully examine the original root of the birth chart. Whether or not one encounters it, if the reference is well matched and the original root of the birth chart is exactly connected, then it is a person of extraordinary wealth and status. For example, the day of Xinsi paired with the hour of Bingshen (丙申) is a well-matched reference, exactly in line with the strong energy of the month. Those born in the year of Wu (戊) will gain the blessing of success and prominence, while those born in the year of Chen (辰) will find it as if they had not encountered it at all.

乃寅午為得用，子申為廢物推之。如壬子壬申壬辰，乃四時精當至清之氣，若辛巳日壬辰時，為得道通仙奇達之士；若丙寅日壬辰時，乃水火既濟，亦為高明奇福，位厚而虛也。若甲申日不可遇壬申時，若月干又帶旺，此水極而溢，然引用巧而榮，後破敗狼狽之士也。

This passage treats the寅 (Bingyin) and午 (Wu) as favorable positions, while considering the子 (Renzi) and申 (Renshen) as wasted opportunities. For instance, the combinations ofRenzi (Renzi), Renshen (Renshen), and Renchen (Renchen) represent the most refined and clear energies among the four seasons. If a day ofXinsi (Xinsi) is paired with a time ofRenchen (Renchen), it signifies a person of extraordinary talent and spiritual attainment, like one who has achieved enlightenment. On the other hand, if a day ofBingyin (Bingyin) is paired with a time ofRenchen (Renchen), it represents the harmony of water and fire (水火既济, Ji Ji), which is also a rare and commendable fortune, though the status may be substantial but somewhat superficial. However, for a day ofJiashen (Jiashen), it is not advisable to pair it with a time ofRenshen (Renshen). If the month's heavenly stem also carries strong energy, it indicates excessive water, leading to overflow. Although such a combination may bring temporary success and glory, in the long run, it will inevitably result in decline and hardship.

若戊戌之木，不可遇之，損時之德，遭刑下賤。如戊子之火，宜中氣後逢之，陽氣將生，水極從火之精，先厄而後達也。如辛丑日癸巳時生，引用雖巧，乃辛所宜也，立客為用，乃癸臨死地，有祿而不能顯也，或九流近貴，性不實福終不堅也。如壬申日辛亥時生，引用主客得其宜，此為殊常福達之命。（神白經）

If the Wuxu dry branch, which belongs to the wood nayin sound element, is encountered, it is even more inauspicious, as it damages the virtue of the birth hour, leading to suffering from injuries and a low social status. As for the Wuzi dry branch with fire nayin sound, it is advisable to meet it after the Winter Solstice solar term, for at that time the yang energy begins to rise, and when water reaches its extreme, it yields to the essence of fire and transforms accordingly. The person's fate will first undergo hardships and then achieve success. For example, someone born on Xinchou day and Guisi hour, although the method of calculation seems clever, it is indeed suitable for the Xinh metal. However, once the hour pillar is taken as the useful element, the癸 water is precisely in its dying place, so they may have official rank but not achieve prominence, or only be a person close to the powerful among the nine streams, with an unstable character and ultimately unstable fortune. Another example is someone born on Renshen day and Xinhai hour, where both the main and guest elements are in their favorable positions, making this an extraordinary fate of great fortune and success. This statement is from the "Shen Bai Jing."

小寒十二月節，大寒十二月中。十二月庚為天德，又為月德，乙為月合，甲為月空，戊癸辛為月中秀氣，支宜亥卯未巳酉丑，畏見丙丁壬三干。又云：十二月秀在庚辛，納音土，為吉利之神。（廣信集）

The Minor Cold is the solar term of the twelfth lunar month, and the Great Cold is the governing solar term of the same month. In the twelfth month, the heavenly stem 'Geng' is both the Star of Virtue and Resolution and the Star of Virtue and Charity. The stem 'Yi' is the Monthly Harmony, and the stem 'Jia' is the Monthly Void. The stems Wu, Gui, and Xin are considered the refined qi of the month. The earthly branches should ideally form the Wood triad of Hai-Mao-Wei or the Metal triad of Si-You-Chou, and should avoid the stems Bing, Ding, and Ren. Another saying states that the refined qi of the twelfth month is found in the stems Geng and Xin, and the dry branches with Nayin sound element belonging to earth are considered auspicious deities. This statement is from the "Broad Trust Collection."

秀在庚辛，乙乃從之，木相火虛，水衰土利之時，若遇乙巳乙酉乙丑，此從無氣而旺，得貴而成器，內乙丑最為精當，辛在巳酉丑上，若有庚申，皆為月中精當也。壬申癸酉其氣清而福厚，庚辰得之尤厚，庚戌得之虛薄，庚子庚午遇之，雖薄而卻有氣。

The refined quality of the twelfth month is found in Geng and Xin, with Yi wood following closely. At this time, wood is in the phase position, fire is weak, water has declined, and earth is flourishing. If Yi Si, Yi You, or Yi Chou appear, they transform from a state of no strength to one of prosperity, relying on noble influence to become refined. Among these, Yi Chou is most appropriate. When Xin is in Si, You, or Chou, and is paired with Geng Shen, these combinations are considered the most suitable for this month. Renshen and Guiyou possess pure and thick fortune; Geng Chen has especially deep fortune, while Geng Xu has a more superficial and thin quality. When Geng Zi or Geng Wu appear, although they are weak, they still have some strength.

若庚子日丙子時，遭刑下賤，聾殘之人；甲申時遇之雖薄，引用巧也。更有攝助之秀，乃殊常之福，能自微至顯也。庚寅日引居丁丑辛巳甲申時者，得造化之全美，顯達奇福之人，生於富貴之門，長而身榮，清顯之福也。如庚申日丙戌時或丙子時者，然遇而不遇也。

If on a Gengzi day the hour is Bingzi, one would suffer punishment and disgrace, have a lowly status, and even become deaf or disabled. But if the hour is Jiashen instead, although the weight is still light, the pairing is skillfully matched. If there is further assistance from a refined and helpful influence, it becomes an extraordinary blessing, allowing one to rise from obscurity to prominence. On a Gengyin day, if the hour is Dingchou, Xinsi, or Jiashen, one attains the full blessings of fate, becoming a prosperous and fortunate person: born into a wealthy family, growing up to hold a prestigious position, enjoying a noble and illustrious fortune. However, on a Gengshen day, if the hour is Bingxu or Bingzi, it is as if no blessing has been received at all.

若十二月中有戊辰戊戌已丑已未在專位上，是曰季中所宜之辰，戊辰已未得之尤厚，該詳引用主客月中衰旺，明其命源之福有無，四象三元，不可失於消息，舉此十二月節中憎愛得用衰敗秀氣，察其輕重，推之可無失矣。（神白經）

If in the twelfth month the stems and branches Wuchen, Wuxu, Jichou, and Jiwei appear in their respective positions, this is called the most suitable combination of heavenly stems and earthly branches for the four seasons' months. Among these, Wuchen and Jiwei are considered the most harmonious. When making a prediction, one should carefully examine the relationship between the "references" of the subject and the guest, as well as the strength and decline of the current month. It is essential to determine whether the native's root has fortune or not. The four images of the Sun, the Moon, the Lesser Yang, and the Lesser Yin, along with the three elements of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity, must not be overlooked in the consideration. The above discussion on the favorable and unfavorable qualities of the qi in the twelve lunar months' festivals, as well as their use and decline, should be clearly distinguished in terms of their importance. This method is from the "Shen Bai Jing."

珞琭子言將來者進，功成者退，是月令之奧旨，神白經說中氣後五日行建旺，如十二月大寒節五日後生，有庚辛者為功成，有甲丙者為將來，蓋十二月以金為立事，又庚為天德，卻前有立春甲旺丙相，火木有將來之福，如庚辛是功成者也，他宜詳此。

The saying in "Luolu Zi" that "those who are coming will advance, and those who have achieved success will retreat" precisely captures the profound essence of the lunar calendar. The "Shen Bai Jing" explains that after five days past the middle solar term, one should determine the strength of the elements based on the established旺 (prosperous) period. For example, if someone is born five days after the major cold in the twelfth lunar month, those with the heavenly stems of Geng and Xin in their destiny belong to the "success achieved" category, while those with Jia and Bing belong to the "coming" category. This is because the twelfth lunar month is associated with metal, and Geng is the heavenly virtue of this month. However, spring is about to arrive, when Jia wood is the dominant element and Bing fire is the auxiliary. Therefore, fire and wood are enjoying the coming fortune, while Geng and Xin are the elements that have already achieved success. The same principle applies to all other months, and they should be carefully analyzed in this manner.

大凡月令中干神全備天月德全，秀氣足，不居破廢之上為清格，主有祿。若更支神合干，不脫太歲月建即為榮顯之命，更帶神白中貴殺，則又為超卓特達之格。若無干支秀德，而獨納音有者為富有之人，若重之有納音秀者亦有祿，而不至顯擢也。若傷損時德，鬼氣太甚，有破害衛廢多者濁之其也，是無祿貧下之命。若損德不多，或為官格，終是君子中隱小人也，或有引無用，有用無引，卻分中末限有無也。

In general, if the heavenly stems in the month's command are complete, both the Star of Virtue and Resolution and the Star of Virtue and Charity are present, there is abundant refined energy, and it does not fall into broken, ruined, or cut-off positions, then it is called a 'clear pattern,' and the person will have a salary. If the earthly branches also harmonize with the heavenly stems, and do not go beyond the range of the sovereign and the month builder, then it is a destiny of honor and success. If it also includes the auspicious deities and malevolent spirits mentioned in the "Shen Bai Jing," it is an extraordinary and outstanding pattern. If there is no refined energy or virtuous deities in the heavenly stems and earthly branches, but only in the "Nayin" sound element, then the person is wealthy. If the heavenly stems and earthly branches are already heavy and the "Nayin" also has refined energy, they can have a salary, but they cannot reach a prominent position. If the virtue of the birth time is damaged, the ghostly energy that harms the person is too strong, and there are many broken, harmed, ruined, or cut-off elements, then the destiny becomes turbid, and it is a poor and lowly life without a salary. If the damage to virtue is not too much, or if it can still form an official pattern, it is ultimately only a situation where a ruler hides a petty person. As for having 'guidance' without 'use' or having 'use' without 'guidance,' this determines the presence or absence of fortune in the middle and later years of life.

大凡看命須詳引用，以知中末立成實不成實，蓋日為引，時為用也。假令庚辛人，四柱見乙庚巳酉丑在四八十二月，不在中氣五月後，乃月中秀氣全，卻看引用為何，引用得地，則終始享富貴也。有引無用，則晚年不佳，有用無引，則中年奔馳，如或廢脫，太歲引用無地，則必不再言功名也。（廣信集）

In general, when judging a person's destiny, one must carefully examine the "yin" and "yong" (support and utilization), in order to determine whether the achievements in middle and later years are solid. This is because the day pillar represents the yin, and the hour pillar represents the yong. Suppose someone has a day stem of Geng or Xin, and their four pillars contain Yi, Geng, and the metal triad of Si-You-Chou, and they are born in the fourth, eighth, or twelfth month, and not after the middle qi of the month, then they have the full essence of the month. Then one should further examine the yin and yong. If the yin and yong are well established, then throughout their life they will enjoy wealth and honor. If there is yin but no yong, their later years will be unsatisfactory. If there is yong but no yin, they will be busy and劳累 in their middle years. If the branches are weak and detached, and even the heavenly stem has no place to rest, then there is no need to talk about fame and success. This statement comes from the "Guangxin Ji."

凡看貴命，須看本月德神喜合在日時，有干涉者為妙，更看輕重言之。（寸殊尺璧）

When examining a person's destiny, one must check whether the current month's beneficial deity and the favorable deity are present in the day pillar or the hour pillar, and whether there is a connection or mutual support between the day and hour pillars. This is most ideal. Then, one should judge based on the relative importance. This statement is from the text "寸珠尺璧".

正月丙丁辛日時加午未，二月庚乙甲日時加申巳，三月丁壬戊日時加辰亥，四月辛乙庚日時加戌巳，五月壬辛丙日時加亥戌，六月甲乙已日時加寅未，七月丁壬癸日時加丑子，八月甲乙庚日時加丑寅，九月丙辛丁日時加巳午，十月甲乙丁日時加卯辰，十一月丁壬丙日時加巳子，十二月乙庚辛日時加丑申。五行生旺德神日時全見者，十有九貴。

The method of selecting the "Five Phases Generating, Prosperous, and Virtuous Spirits" varies each month: in the first month, take the heavenly stems Jia, Yi, and Xin, and place them on the branches Wu and Wei; in the second month, take Geng, Yi, and Jia, and place them on Shen and Si; in the third month, take Ding, Ren, and Wu, and place them on Chen and Hai; in the fourth month, take Xin, Yi, and Geng, and place them on Xu and Si; in the fifth month, take Ren, Xin, and Jia, and place them on Hai and Xu; in the sixth month, take Jia, Yi, and Ji, and place them on Yin and Wei; in the seventh month, take Ding, Ren, and Ji, and place them on Chou and Zi; in the eighth month, take Jia, Yi, and Geng, and place them on Chou and Yin; in the ninth month, take Jia, Xin, and Ding, and place them on Si and Wu; in the tenth month, take Jia, Yi, and Ding, and place them on Mao and Chen; in the eleventh month, take Ding, Ren, and Jia, and place them on Si and Zi; in the twelfth month, take Yi, Geng, and Xin, and place them on Chou and Shen. Anyone who sees all these generating, prosperous, and virtuous spirits in their day pillar and hour pillar is likely to achieve high status, with nine out of ten such people becoming prominent.

寅午戌月辛丙丁，巳酉丑月辛乙庚，申子辰月壬癸丁，亥卯未月甲乙已。日時犯者或歲運逢之，定主興發財祿。

"True energy" is determined by the Triple Harmony month cycle: those born in the months of寅, 午, 戌 take 辛, 丙, 丁; those born in the months of 巳, 酉, 丑 take 辛, 乙, 庚; those born in the months of 申, 子, 辰 take 壬, 癸, 丁; and those born in the months of 亥, 卯, 未 take 甲, 乙, 己. If this appears in the day pillar or hour pillar, or if it is encountered in the big years or major cycles, it indicates prosperity in wealth and official salary.

正月癸庚日時，二月辛壬日時，三月甲辛日時，四月壬癸日時，五月甲癸日時，六月丙癸日時，七月甲丙日時，八月丙已日時，九月甲乙日時，十月辛庚日時，十一月已庚日時，十二月丁壬日時。

"The Five Phases of Decline and Decay" refers to two heavenly stems that are avoided each month. If these stems appear in the day pillar or the hour pillar, it is considered an offense. In January, the avoided stems are癸 and 庚; in February, 辛 and 壬; in March, 甲 and 辛; in April, 壬 and 癸; in May, 甲 and 癸; in June, 丙 and 癸; in July, 甲 and 丙; in August, 丙 and 己; in September, 甲 and 乙; in October, 辛 and 庚; in November, 己 and 庚; in December, 丁 and 壬.

寅午戌月怕酉時，巳酉丑月怕子時，申子辰月怕卯時，亥卯未月怕午時。（神白經）

The time of birth should most avoid conflicting with the month's branch: those born in the寅, 午, or 戌 months should avoid the 酉 hour; those born in the巳, 酉, or 丑 months should avoid the 子 hour; those born in the申, 子, or 辰 months should avoid the 卯 hour; and those born in the亥, 卯, or 未 months should avoid the 午 hour. This is because the Five Phases generated by the Triple Harmony Formation are exactly in a state of death or decline during these hours—fire dies at 酉, metal dies at 子, water dies at 卯, and wood dies at 午. This statement comes from the "Shen Bai Jing."

古法云：驚占五時三（此月取日目氣），二時六刻收（此訣取月中氣）。假令正月甲子日寅時一刻立春，即從乙丑日數至甲午計三十日，克退寅時不數，卻有時數至未是五時，至未時三刻得驚蟄節，故謂之驚蟄占五時三也。又如正月甲子日寅時一刻立春，而從乙丑日數至辰，是二時，至辰六刻，此二時六刻得雨水節也，餘月皆彷此推之。

There is an old method with a mnemonic saying "jīng zhàn wǔ shí sān" (the time of the start of the season is five hours and three parts), which is used to determine the time of the next month's solar term transition. Another saying is "èr shí liù kè shōu" (two hours and six parts), which is used to determine the time of the current month's lunar term. For example, if the beginning of the year's first month starts at the first hour of the first watch on the day of Jiazi, then from the next day, Yichou, count down to Jiawu, which is thirty days. The starting hour of寅 (Yin) is excluded, and then count forward five hours to the hour of未 (Wei), at the third part of the hour, which is the time of the start of Jingshe, hence called "jīng zhè zhàn wǔ shí sān." Another example: if the beginning of the year's first month starts at the first hour of the first watch on the day of Jiazi, then from the next day, Yichou, count down to the third hour of the third watch, which is exactly two hours, and then to the sixth part of the third watch, which is the time of the start of Yuzhong, hence called "èr shí liù kè shōu." The same method is used for the other months.

一歌云：兔執龍開巳止平，五收六滿七危傾，八建九破十閉戶，鼠定牛收一歲成。並以立春為始，看立春在甚時，於時上起建順行，逢執是二月節氣，開是三月節氣，餘依此數之。假定申時立春，即申時起建，除加酉，滿加戌，平加亥，定加子，執加丑，時交二月節也，餘月皆彷此推之。

There is another mnemonic verse that says: "The rabbit holds the dragon, the snake stops at flat, five collects, six fills, seven tilts, eight builds, nine breaks, ten closes the door, the rat settles, the ox collects, and one year is completed." This means that February is associated with the rabbit and the term "hold," March with the dragon and "open," April with the snake and "flat," May with "collect," June with "fill," July with "tilt," August with "build," September with "break," October with "close," November with the rat and "settle," and December with the ox and "collect," thus completing the twelve months. The calculation always starts from the beginning of spring (Lichun): determine which hour the beginning of spring falls into, and then count from that hour according to the order of "build," "remove," "fill," "flat," "settle," "hold," "break," "tilt," "complete," "collect," "open," and "close." When you reach "hold," that is the beginning of February; when you reach "open," that is the beginning of March, and so on. Suppose the beginning of spring falls in the hour of Shen (申), then from that hour, "build" begins, the hour of You (酉) is "remove," the hour of Xu (戌) is "fill," the hour of Hai (亥) is "flat," the hour of Zi (子) is "settle," and the hour of Chou (丑) is "hold," marking the beginning of February. The rest of the months are calculated in the same way.

功曹寅木，太衡卯木，天罡辰土，太乙巳火，勝光午火，小吉未土，傳送申金，從魁酉金，河魁戌土，登明亥水，神后子水，大吉丑土。

The twelve Month Generals each have their own names and are paired with the Earthly Branches and the Five Phases: Gongcao is寅, belonging to Wood; Taiheng is卯, belonging to Wood; Tian Gang is辰, belonging to Earth; Taiyi is巳, belonging to Fire; Shengguang is午, belonging to Fire; Xiaojí is未, belonging to Earth; ChuanSong is申, belonging to Metal; Congkui is酉, belonging to Metal; Heqiu is戌, belonging to Earth; Dengming is亥, belonging to Water; Shenhou is子, belonging to Water; and Daji is丑, belonging to Earth.

歌曰：天罡一神屬破軍，太乙勝光是祿存，小吉傳送貪狼位，從魁河魁文曲星，登明神后加武曲，大吉功曹是巨門，太衡獨愛廉貞位，一一從頭為曉分。（廣錄、三曆會同云：正月用亥，二月用戌，逐月逆行，用一辰為將。）

The song verse pairs the twelve month generals with the stars of the Big Dipper: Heavenly Gang (Chen) is paired with the Expenditure Star; River Chief (Si) and Victory Light (Wu) are paired with the Wealth-Salary Star; Minor Auspicious (Wei) and Message Carrier (Shen) are paired with the Star of Romance and Desire; Following Chief (You) and River Chief (Xu) are paired with the Star of Talent and Eloquence; Ascending Brightness (Hai) and Divine Consort (Zi) are paired with the Wealth Star and General Star; Great Auspicious (Chou) and Merit Official (Yin) are paired with the Dark Star and Star of Speech; Great Balance (Mao) is paired alone with the廉贞 Star. By clearly distinguishing these twelve, one can understand. The "Broad Record" and "Three Calendars in Harmony" state that for the first month, Hai is used as the month general, and for the second month, Xu is used, proceeding month by month in reverse order, selecting one earthly branch as the month general each month.

甲戊庚牛羊，乙庚鼠猴鄉，丙丁豬雞位，壬癸兔蛇藏，六辛逢馬虎，此是貴人強。

This is the formula for determining "Tianyi Nobleman": For the heavenly stems Jia, Wu, and Geng, the Nobleman is found in Chou (ox) and Wei (sheep); for the stems Yi and Geng, the Nobleman is in Zi (rat) and Shen (monkey); for the stems Bing and Ding, the Nobleman is in Hai (pig) and You (rooster); for the stems Ren and Gui, the Nobleman is hidden in Mao (rabbit) and Si (snake); and for the six days of Xin, the Nobleman is in Wu (horse) and Yin (tiger). When these branches appear in the four pillars, they indicate the Nobleman is effective.

甲戀金雞乙愛猴，丁豬丙鼠己寅頭，戊尋玉兔庚壬馬，辛癸逢蛇官未休。

The method for determining "Yin Official Wealth" is as follows: Jia (甲) is attached to You (酉, the Rooster), Yi (乙) loves Shen (申, the Monkey); Ding (丁) takes Hai (亥, the Pig), Bing (丙) takes Zi (子, the Rat), Ji (己) takes Yin (寅, the Tiger); Wu (戊) seeks Mao (卯, the Rabbit), Geng (庚) and Ren (壬) both take Wu (午, the Horse); Xin (辛) and Gui (癸) meet Si (巳, the Snake). If one's fate includes this one position, the momentum of holding an official position will continue without end.

三命鈴云：若人遇之，主官爵崇高，聲華顯赫。天官貴以五虎六遁謂為甲用，辛為官，未上遁見辛，餘彷此，又名官貴堂，有訣在友神類。天官遁官遁甲入羊群，乙守青龍丁虎奔，丙向蛇頭庚逐亥，辛猴己狗戊牛存，壬人本向酉位上，六癸即隨入馬村，別有兩般為貴處，再將壬癸季交輪。

The Three Mandates Seal says: When a person meets this noble deity, it indicates high official rank and great fame. The noble deity of officialdom is derived using the Six Jia Concealment method of the Five Tiger Concealment. For example, on a Jia day, the proper official is Xin, and when the heavenly stem is concealed in the position of Wei, it is exactly Xin, so Jia takes Wei as its noble deity of officialdom. The rest of the heavenly stems are similarly deduced. It is also called the "Hall of Official and Noble Deities," and its mnemonic is included in the category of friendly deities. The song of the Tiger Concealment for the noble deity of officialdom says: Jia conceals into Wei (sheep), Yi guards Chen (Azure Dragon), Ding faces Yin (Tiger) and moves towards it, Bing faces Si (Snake's head), Geng chases Hai, Xin meets Shen (Monkey), Ji meets Xu (Dog), and Wu resides in Chou (Ox); for Ren days, one should originally go to You (Rooster), but for the six Gui days, they follow into Wu (Horse). In addition, there are two other places considered noble locations, and the heavenly stems Ren and Gui are alternately taken on the last earthly branches of each season.

三命鈴云：若人遇之，主名望高貴，三命皆乘旺相之位，行年至此，亦主遷升。

The San Ming Qian says: If a person meets this noble deity, it indicates high reputation and status; if the year, month, and day 'three destinies' are all in prosperous and strong positions, then when the current year's fortune arrives here, it also indicates promotion and advancement in official rank.

甲丙相邀入虎鄉，更遊鼠穴最高強，戊猴己未丁宜亥，乙癸逢牛卯祿昌，庚趕馬頭辛到巳，壬騎龍背喜非常。

The method for determining "Fuxing Gui" (auspicious stars) is as follows: Jia and Bing should be combined and placed in the寅 (Tiger) position; if they further move to the子 (Rat) site, the formation is most excellent. Wu should be taken from the申 (Monkey) position, Ji from the未 (Goat), and Ding is suitable to meet the亥 (Pig) position. Yi and Gui should meet the丑 (Ox) and卯 (Rabbit) positions, leading to prosperity in official rank and fortune. Geng should pursue the午 (Horse) position, and Xin should move to the巳 (Snake) position. Ren should ride on the辰 (Dragon) position, which is especially favorable.

閻東叟云：文星純，秉天之清氣，主科名巍峨，官職高崇，在天蓋紫薇之垣，值文昌之館，在人將絲綸之職，專文翰之美，以十干加九支，分十二位，或互相往來，為文星貴。

Yan Dongshou said: The Wen star is most pure, receiving the clear energy from Heaven, governing high academic achievement and reputation, and lofty official rank. In the sky, it belongs to the Purple Micro constellation, precisely in the Wen Chang pavilion; when it descends to the human world, it oversees the drafting of imperial edicts, specializing in the beauty of literary composition. The method of calculation involves adding the ten heavenly stems to the twelve earthly branches, dividing them into twelve positions, or having them intermingle. Any combination that matches is called 'Wen star dignity'.

甲見寅，己見未，癸見丑，皆祿氣也；丙見寅，戊見申，皆學堂也；乙見丑，壬見辰，皆正印也；庚見午，丙見子，辛見巳，丁見亥，同天官也。如甲人見甲寅或甲子，乙人得乙丑，丙人得丙寅或丙子，丁人得丁亥，戊人得戊申，己人得己未，庚人得庚午，辛人得辛巳，壬人得壬辰，癸人得癸丑，為文星如華館。

The Heavenly Stem Jia sees the Earthly Branch Yin or Zi, and the Heavenly Stem Ji sees Wei or Chou, all indicating the location of the nourishing energy for the stem; the Heavenly Stem Bing sees Yin, and the Heavenly Stem Wu sees Shen, both belong to the 'Xuetang' (Academy); the Heavenly Stem Yi sees Chou, and the Heavenly Stem Ren sees Chen, both belong to the 'Zhengyin' (Correct Seal); the Heavenly Stem Geng sees Wu, the Heavenly Stem Bing sees Zi, the Heavenly Stem Xin sees Si, and the Heavenly Stem Ding sees Hai, all correspond to the 'Tian Guan Gui' (Star of Officialdom) mentioned earlier. Therefore, for those born in the year of Jia, seeing Jia Yin or Jia Zi; for those born in the year of Yi, seeing Yi Chou; for those born in the year of Bing, seeing Bing Yin or Bing Zi; for those born in the year of Ding, seeing Ding Hai; for those born in the year of Wu, seeing Wu Shen; for those born in the year of Ji, seeing Ji Wei; for those born in the year of Geng, seeing Geng Wu; for those born in the year of Xin, seeing Xin Si; for those born in the year of Ren, seeing Ren Chen; and for those born in the year of Gui, seeing Gui Chou, all these are considered literary stars, like living in a beautiful hall.

甲乙生人子午中，丙丁卯酉定亨通，戊己兩干臨四季，庚辛寅亥祿盈豐，壬巳癸申（一作壬癸巳申）偏喜美，封侯萬戶即三公。

The "Taiji Gui" is also known as the Ke Xing Gui. The method of calculation is as follows: those born on Jia or Yi days should take Zi and Wu; those born on Bing or Ding days should take Mao and You, and they will certainly achieve success. Those born on Wu or Ji days should have their heavenly stems resting on the branches of Chen, Xu, Chou, or Wei, the four seasonal branches. Those born on Geng or Xin days should take Yin and Hai, which will bring abundant fortune. Those born on Ren should take Si, and those born on Gui should take Shen (another way of writing is that both Ren and Gui take Si and Shen). This is especially favorable and beautiful. If a person's destiny includes this, they can be made a marquis with a thousand households and hold a position among the Three Excellencies.

甲人蛇口乙豬頭，丙狗丁龍戊向猴，己午庚寅辛未貴，六壬卯位癸逢牛。

The method for determining "Wen Chang Gu" is as follows: those born on Jia day take Si (Snake's mouth), those born on Yi day take Hai (Pig's head); those born on Bing day take Xu (Dog), those born on Ding day take Chen (Dragon), those born on Wu day take Shen (Monkey); those born on Ji day take Wu (Dragon), those born on Geng day take Yin (Tiger), those born on Xin day take Wei (Goat) as noble; for the six days of Ren, take Mao (Rabbit), and for Gui day, take Chou (Ox).

祿前祿後一般神，必作公卿冠世人，主性天聰名譽播，富貴榮華事業新。（三命纂局）

The term "Wen Yu Gui" refers to the Heavenly Stems immediately before and after the position of the original Heavenly Stem that receives official salary. These two stems are associated with the same divine entity. Those who possess this in their fate will certainly attain high official rank, surpassing others of their time; they are naturally intelligent, their reputation spreading far and wide, and they will enjoy wealth, honor, and a constantly renewing career. This statement is from the "San Ming Zuan Ju."

甲馬乙蛇丙戊猴，酉抬丁己亥辛求，庚逢戊狗壬逢虎，十位文星癸兔遊。（林開五命）

Another set of the "Wen Xing Gui" (literary star of wealth) mnemonic is: Jia takes Wu (horse), Yi takes Si (snake), Bing and Wu take Shen (monkey); You (rooster) position elevates Ding and Ji, Hai (pig) position honors Xin; Geng meets Xu (dog), Ren meets Yin (tiger); among the ten positions of Wen Xing, Gui wanders through Mao (rabbit). This comes from "Lin Kai Wu Ming."

甲在子寅中，乙逢亥亦聞，丁酉戊申位，丙戊己羊宮，庚辛馬蛇是，癸卯與壬龍，此號天印貴，榮達受皇封。（預知子貴格）

The method of determining "Tianyin Nobleman" is as follows: Jia takes Zi and Yin, Yi takes Hai; Ding takes You, Wu takes Shen; Bing and Wu also take Wei (the Sheep's Palace); Geng takes Wu (the Horse), Xin takes Si (the Snake); Gui takes Mao, Ren takes Chen (the Dragon). This person is known as Tianyin Nobleman, and those born with this characteristic are prosperous and successful, capable of receiving imperial rewards. This pattern comes from "Yu Zhishi Zi."

甲己先從鼠穴遊，乙庚便向兔邊求，丙辛解策花聰馬，丁壬雞樹迎皇洲，戊癸兩神為伏日，人生值此主淹留，此是五行見優劣，念者方知進退頭。（金書命訣）

The rhyme "The Advancement and Retreat of the Favorable Deity" says: On Jia day and Ji day, start from Zi (Rat's hole); on Yi day and Geng day, seek at Mao (Rabbit's side); on Bing day and Xin day, solve the saddle and gallop at Wu position; on Ding day and Ren day, face the court at You (Rooster's position); on Wu day and Gui day, these two days are considered hidden days, and encountering them in a person's life indicates stagnation and delay. This clearly shows the strengths and weaknesses of the Five Phases. Only those who can repeatedly ponder this rhyme will understand when to advance and when to retreat. This saying comes from The Golden Book of Destiny.

春戌夏丑逢天喜，秋辰冬未三三指，卦中遇此必歡欣，官事無由終得理。（廣錄）

"The Heavenly Deity's Favor" is determined according to the four seasons: in spring take Xu, in summer take Chou, in autumn take Chen, and in winter take Wei. Each season has a specific designation. When encountering this in divination or in fate analysis, there will certainly be joyful matters; even if involved in legal disputes, it will ultimately clarify the truth and conclude peacefully. This statement comes from "The Broad Record."

大殺者貴神之輔助也，歌云：大殺子生人在猴，丑雞寅犬逐蹤由，卯蛇辰馬巳羊位，午號未兔，申龍頭，酉豬戌須尋見鼠，循環亥地必逢牛，此殺若叫逢旺氣，福神同貴天乙定封侯。

"The Great Killer" is a deity that assists the Nobleman. A rhyme lists its position each year: for those born in the Year of the Rat, the Great Killer is in the Year of the Monkey; for those born in the Year of the Ox, it is in the Year of the Rooster; for those born in the Year of the Tiger, it is in the Year of the Dog; following this pattern. For those born in the Year of the Rabbit, it is in the Year of the Snake; for those born in the Year of the Dragon, it is in the Year of the Horse; for those born in the Year of the Snake, it is in the Year of the Goat. For those born in the Year of the Horse, it is in the Year of the Rabbit; for those born in the Year of the Goat, it is in the Year of the Dragon. For those born in the Year of the Rooster, it is in the Year of the Pig; for those born in the Year of the Dog, it is in the Year of the Rat; and the cycle returns to the Year of the Pig, where the Great Killer meets the Year of the Ox. If this Killer is in its strong season, and shares the same position as the Auspicious Deity and the Nobleman, the person's fate will surely lead to a high official position.

其神生旺，壬重大器，公正嚴肅，或更並刑破沖剋，即持威尚武，為事暴戾，與貴人並，走譽馳聲，文武兼全，與建祿並，則一生多得賂遺，或私橫闇昧之財。（燭神經）

If this divine factor is in a prosperous and vigorous position, the person can shoulder great responsibilities, have a grand outlook, and be fair and strict. But if it is also accompanied by punishment, destruction, conflict, or subjugation, it transforms into a tendency to show off power, favoring military strength, and acting violently and erratically. When it shares the same pillar with a nobleman, it indicates widespread reputation and proficiency in both literature and martial skills. When it shares the same pillar with 'Jian Lu' (Established Wealth), the person often receives many gifts from others or gains wealth from secret, indirect, or ambiguous sources. This statement is from the "Zhujing Jing."

廣信集云：亦可以月取之。金書命訣，作飛廉相殺云：君子值之吉，小人凶，若扶大德貴人，本音墓合殺同其位，官居廊廟，單有其殺，羊刃相夾，祿命身無氣，謂之小人須惡死。

The Guangxin Collection says: The great killer can also be determined by the month's branch. The Jinshu Mingjie writes it as "Feilian Xiangsha," and says: A gentleman encountering it is auspicious, while a petty person encountering it is inauspicious. If it is supported by a great virtue nobleman, and is with the nayin sound element's storage, combination deity, and killing deity in the same position, the person's destiny can lead to an official position in the court. If only this killer exists, and is sandwiched between yangren on both sides, and the禄, 命, and 身 positions all lack vitality, then a petty person encountering it will certainly meet a sudden death.

壺中子云：大殺若見喜神，藩垣坐鎮。注云：如正月大殺在戌，喜神亦在戌，大殺乃專權柄用之殺喜神，乃化治一方之神，正月大殺遇戌，是謂大殺見喜神。三命鈐云：主有武勇或掌刑戮之任，小人逢之，多有非命，而終主對防害。

The Hu Zhong Zi says: If the Big Killer meets the auspicious deity, it indicates holding a position of authority and governing a region. The commentary explains: For example, in the first lunar month, the Big Killer is in Xu, and the auspicious deity is also in Xu; the Big Killer is a killing deity in charge of authority, while the auspicious deity is a benevolent deity responsible for governing and educating the people. When the Big Killer in the first lunar month falls exactly on Xu, this is called the Big Killer meeting the auspicious deity. The San Ming Qian states: If a person's destiny includes this killer, they are brave and may hold a position responsible for punishment and execution; for wicked people, it often leads to a bad end and they should always be cautious of being harmed by others.