Heavenly Virtue

正丁二坤宮，三壬四辛同，五亥六是甲，七癸八艮宮，九丙十乙處，子巳必有功，庚居丑月內，值此必興隆。（神白經）

The position of the Star of Virtue and Resolution varies each month: in the first month it is at Ding, in the second month at the Kun palace (between Wei and Shen), in the third month at Ren, in the fourth month also at Xin, in the fifth month at Hai, in the sixth month at Jia, in the seventh month at Gui, in the eighth month at the Gen palace (between Chou and Yin), in the ninth month at Bing, in the tenth month at Yi; in the eleventh month, the Zi month falls on Si with certain achievements, and in the twelfth month, the Chou month, Geng resides within. If one's destiny aligns with the Star of Virtue and Resolution, the family fortune will certainly flourish and prosper. This statement is from the "Shen Bai Jing."

三命鈐云：天德者五行福德之辰，若人遇之，主登臺輔之位，更與月德並者貴，縱遇凶殺，亦主清顯。三曆會同有天德合日，正壬三丁四丙六己七戊九辛十庚十二乙，雲萬事大吉。

The San Ming Qian says: Tiande is the stem-branch where the Five Phases and Fortune Virtue converge. If a person encounters it, they will attain high official positions. If it is also combined with the Moon's Virtue, their status will be even more distinguished. Even if they meet with malevolent forces, they will still achieve noble and prominent success. The San Li He Jing lists the days of Tiande He as follows: in the first month take Ren, in the third month take Ding, in the fourth month take Bing, in the sixth month take Ji, in the seventh month take Wu, in the ninth month take Xin, in the tenth month take Geng, and in the twelfth month take Yi. It says that encountering these days brings great good fortune for all matters.

甲己年甲，乙庚年庚，丙辛年丙，丁壬年壬，戊癸年寄戊。此方萬福存焉，千殃遠避，具注歷名歲德。

The "Year Stem's Virtue" is determined by the heavenly stem of the year: for Jia years and Ji years, it is Jia; for Yi years and Geng years, it is Geng; for Bing years and Xin years, it is Bing; for Ding years and Ren years, it is Ren; and for Wu years and Gui years, it is Wu. This direction holds myriad blessings and keeps all kinds of misfortunes at a distance. The official almanac refers to it as "Year Virtue."

寅午戌年巳，巳酉丑年申，申子辰年亥，亥卯未年寅。集正曆云：此方百事大吉。

The "Year Virtue" is determined by the Triple Harmony Formation of the Earthly Branch of the year: for years of寅, 午, and 戌, it is in巳; for years of巳, 酉, and 丑, it is in申; for years of申, 子, and 辰, it is in亥; and for years of亥, 卯, and 未, it is in寅. The "Collected Correct Calendar" says that doing anything in this direction is extremely auspicious.

甲己月甲，乙庚月庚，丙辛月丙，丁壬月壬，戊癸月寄戊。（三曆會同）集正曆云：按蕭吉五行論月干德者，陰陽配匹之德，天地會合之辰，其神所在，眾福皆臻。

The "Monthly Heavenly Stem Virtue" is determined based on the Heavenly Stem of the month: for the month of Jia and Ji, take Jia; for the month of Yi and Geng, take Geng; for the month of Bing and Xin, take Bing; for the month of Ding and Ren, take Ren; for the month of Wu and Gui, take Wu. This is mentioned in the "Three Calendars in Harmony." The "Collected Correct Calendar" states: according to Xiao Ji's "Great Meaning of the Five Phases," the virtue of the monthly Heavenly Stem is the virtue of mutual matching between yin and yang, and the hour when heaven and earth meet and combine. This is the dwelling place of the deity, where all kinds of blessings gather.

正五九月在丙，二六十月在甲，三七十一月在壬，四八十二月在庚。（神白經）三命鈐云：月德者，陰陽同類，異位之德也，若人遇之，主學超升，仕官清顯。

The "Star of Virtue and Charity" is determined according to the Triple Harmony of the month: in January, May, and September it is Bing; in February, June, and October it is Jia; in March, July, and November it is Ren; in April, August, and December it is Geng. This is mentioned in the "Shen Bai Jing." The "San Ming Qian" states that the Star of Virtue and Charity is a deity of virtue and charity that shares the same yin and yang nature but occupies different positions. If a person encounters this deity, it signifies outstanding academic achievement and promotion, and if in official service, it indicates integrity, clarity, and success.

李九萬云：犯天月德者災危處定有救助，婦人不與此說。又云：女命帶天月德者，非吉殺也。月合者五行相氣之辰相合為德也，如月德在甲，則己是主，諸事諧合，官祿崇厚。月空者陰陽之辰，吉慶之位也，如德在甲則庚是，在丙則壬是，互換取之，主資產富有，職任玉庭。（三命鈐）

Li Jiowan said: Those whose fate is afflicted by the Star of Virtue and Resolution (Tian De) or the Star of Virtue and Charity (Yue De) will certainly receive help when facing calamity or danger; however, this statement does not apply to women. He also said that for female destinies carrying Tian De or Yue De, they are not considered auspicious deities. The term "Yue He" refers to the virtue formed by the harmonious conjunction with the hour of the current month. For example, if Yue De is in Jia, then the character that harmonizes with Jia, which is Ji, is called Yue He, indicating harmony in all affairs and high official rank. The term "Yue Kong" refers to the hour where yin and yang interact, and it is the position of auspicious celebration. For instance, if the virtue is in Jia, then the void is in Geng; if the virtue is in Bing, then the void is in Ren. These pairs are taken alternately, indicating wealth in the household and holding a high and clean position in the court. This statement is from the "San Ming Qian."

春戊寅，夏甲午，秋戊申，冬甲子。集正曆云：經曰天之生育萬物，而乃宿罪，甲戊為陽之干位，子午為陰陽之成，寅申為陰陽之立，以甲戊配成，主為赦也，總聖云：百事吉。（三曆會同）

The Tianshe Day is determined according to the four seasons: in spring it is the Wuyin day, in summer the Jiawu day, in autumn the Wushen day, and in winter the Jiazi day. The "Collected Correct Calendar" states: the classics say that Heaven nurtures all things, yet also retains punishment; Jia and Wu are the positions of yang stems, Zi and Wu are the places where yin and yang are completed, and Yin and Shen are the places where yin and yang are established. Using the stems Jia and Wu combined with these branches, it signifies pardon. The general sage's saying states: on this day, doing anything is auspicious. This entry is found in the "Three Calendars in Harmony."

正酉二卯三居戌，四辰五亥六巳方，七子八午九丑上，十未寅申要相當。（廣錄）三曆會同引總聖集云：百事吉。

The "Fushengri" (Day of Favor for Birth) varies each month: in January it is in You, February in Mao, March in Xu; April in Chen, May in Hai, June in Si; July in Zi, August in Wu, September in Chou; October in Wei, and November and December require pairing with Yin and Shen respectively. This statement comes from the "Guanglu" (Comprehensive Records). The "Sanli Heijiong" (Triple Calendars in Harmony) cites the "Zongshengji" (Collection of Divine Methods) saying that on this day, all affairs are auspicious.

寅午戌月丙日時，巳酉丑月庚日時，申子辰月壬日時，亥卯未月甲日時。

"Jing De" determines the heavenly stem based on the triple harmony formation of the birth month: those born in the months of寅, 午, or 戌 take 丙 as the day or hour stem; those born in the months of 巳, 酉, or 丑 take 庚 as the day or hour stem; those born in the months of 申, 子, or 辰 take 壬 as the day or hour stem; and those born in the months of 亥, 卯, or 未 take 甲 as the day or hour stem. These four groups correspond exactly to the yang heavenly stems that are in charge of the five phases generated by each triple harmony formation.

寅午戌人寅時，巳酉丑人巳時，申子辰人申時，亥卯未人亥時。一神主旌德，五世不貧窮，內有旌鋮殺，將相及三公。旌鉞殺犯之者，十有九貴，不貴即富，更與旌德相會，不將即相也。（神白經）

The "Jingyue" (banner and scepter) are determined by the triple harmony formation of the person's birth year branch: those born in the Year of the Tiger (Yin), Horse (Wu), or Dog (Xu) take the hour of Yin; those born in the Year of the Snake (Si), Rooster (You), or Ox (Chou) take the hour of Si; those born in the Year of the Monkey (Shen), Rat (Hai), or Dragon (Chen) take the hour of Shen; and those born in the Year of the Pig (Hai), Rabbit (Mao), or Goat (Wei) take the hour of Hai. These hours correspond to the growth position of each triple harmony formation. The rhyme says: if one possesses only the Jingde (banner virtue) deity, the family will not be poor for five generations; if there is also Jingyue killing (a malevolent influence), then generals, ministers, and high officials will emerge. Those who are afflicted by Jingyue killing, nine out of ten will achieve high status, and if they are not esteemed, they will certainly be wealthy; if they also combine with Jingde, they will become either a general or a prime minister. This saying comes from the "Shenbai Jing."

寅午戌人見辛，巳酉丑人見乙，申子辰人見丁，亥卯未人見己。主生英俊，生時犯之，更在太歲三六合上，更中氣後尤緊。

Another type of "Jing De" is determined by finding the heavenly stem that harmonizes with the yang stem derived from the Triple Harmony Formation. Those born in the years of Yin, Wu, and Xu should see Xin (which harmonizes with Bing), those born in the years of Si, You, and Chou should see Yi (which harmonizes with Geng), those born in the years of Shen, Zi, and Chen should see Ding (which harmonizes with Ren), and those born in the years of Hai, Mao, and Wei should see Ji (which harmonizes with Jia). A person with this deity in their fate is considered handsome. If this appears in the birth time and falls in the Triple Harmony or Liu He position of the current year's stem, and if the person is born after the middle solar term, the effect is particularly significant.

寅卯辰人見癸酉，巳午未人見癸卯，申酉戌人見戊子，亥子丑人見戊午。乃四時專主誅戮之神，庶人主徙配，克本命主惡死。又云：二殺若更與三公殺會同一位者，尤佳，主殊貴。

Another type of "Jingyue" is determined according to the seasonal directions: those born in the years of Yin, Mao, and Chen see Guiyou; those born in the years of Si, Wu, and Wei see Guimao; those born in the years of Shen, You, and Xu see Wuzi; and those born in the years of Hai, Zi, and Chou see Wuwu. These are deities in the four seasons specifically responsible for execution and punishment. If a common person encounters this, they are likely to be exiled or sent away. If this also harms their birth year, it indicates a death by misfortune. Another view says: if these two killing deities combine with the "San Gong Sha" at the same position, it is actually better, indicating extraordinary prestige and honor.

寅午戌人壬子，巳酉丑人丙午，申子辰人已卯，亥卯未人辛酉。三合中見支干來克是也，惟申子辰水土同位，故取己土卯木之克，乃陰陽鬼極之神，五行毒氣宰輔之殺，庶人切忌犯之，主非橫刑獄而死。

The method of determining "San Gong Sha" is as follows: those born in the years of Yin, Wu, and Xu take Renzi; those born in the years of Si, You, and Chou take Bingwu; those born in the years of Shen, Zi, and Chen take Jimao; and those born in the years of Hai, Mao, and Wei take Xinyou. It involves selecting the pillar in the Triple Harmony Formation that is capable of overcoming the original formation both in the heavenly stems and earthly branches. However, in the water formation of Shen-Zi-Chen, since water and earth share the same position, it instead selects Jimao, which is earth overcoming water and Mao, which is wood overcoming water. This is a divine entity representing the extreme of yin and yang's ghostly energy, formed from the condensed poison of the Five Phases. Common people must absolutely avoid this, as committing it leads to death by sudden misfortune or imprisonment.

寅午戌人丙寅，巳酉丑人辛巳，申子辰人壬申，亥卯未人乙亥。乃天地喜樂聚會之神，君子多權柄，仍多倉廩，庶人招橫財之福，刑破者非，又主壽長，有美妻好子，淫奢不離心，子孫亦淫蕩。

The "Azure Dragon Kill" is also known as the Elder Star. Its method is as follows: those born in the years of寅, 午, 戌 take Bingyin; those born in the years of巳, 酉, 丑 take Xinsi; those born in the years of申, 子, 辰 take Renshen; and those born in the years of亥, 卯, 未 take Yihai. These positions all fall into the long life position of the Five Phases generated by the Triple Harmony Formation. It is a divine entity representing joyous gatherings in heaven and earth. A gentleman who possesses it tends to hold power and have abundant resources; a common person who possesses it may attract unexpected wealth. However, if it is subjected to punishment, clash, or damage, it cannot be interpreted in this way. It also signifies longevity, a beautiful wife, and an outstanding son. However, the person is often unable to resist indulgence and luxury, and their descendants tend to be prone to licentiousness.

寅午戌人丁卯，巳酉丑人庚辰，申子辰人癸酉，亥卯未人甲子。以上殺只恐忌刑沖破害，在生時主人歇滅福淺，無破則為人間之瑞。（廣信集）神白經云：寅午戌生及生月得丁卯日忌癸乙時，巳酉丑生及生月得庚辰日忌丙戊時，申子辰生及生月得癸酉日忌已辛時，亥卯未生及生月得甲子日忌庚壬時。

The method of determining "Liang Hui Sha" is as follows: those born in the years of Yin, Wu, and Xu take Ding Mao; those born in the years of Si, You, and Chou take Geng Chen; those born in the years of Shen, Zi, and Chen take Gui You; and those born in the years of Hai, Mao, and Wei take Jia Zi. As the title suggests, the wood of Mao can generate the fire of Ding in Yin, Wu, and Xu. The other three groups follow the same pattern. These sha spirits are feared when they encounter punishment, conflict, destruction, or harm. If they fall in the birth hour and are conflicted or destroyed, the person will have shallow fortune and a fading destiny. If there is no destruction, it is considered a blessing. This statement comes from the "Guang Xin Ji." The "Shen Bai Jing" states: those born in the years or months of Yin, Wu, and Xu who have Ding Mao as their day are to avoid the hours of Gui and Yi; those born in the years or months of Si, You, and Chou who have Geng Chen as their day are to avoid the hours of Bing and Wu; those born in the years or months of Shen, Zi, and Chen who have Gui You as their day are to avoid the hours of Ji and Xin; and those born in the years or months of Hai, Mao, and Wei who have Jia Zi as their day are to avoid the hours of Geng and Ren.

甲乙申，丙丁亥，戊己寅，壬癸巳。一如壬癸生屬水，金生水，金生在巳，又為天印天綬殺，彷此對宮取之。

The method of determining "Heavenly Seal Kill" is: for Jia and Yi days, take Shen; for Bing and Ding days, take Hai; for Wu and Ji days, take Yin; and for Ren and Gui days, take Si. For example, people born on Ren or Gui days belong to the Water element in the Five Phases. Metal generates Water, and Metal is in its growth phase in Si, so Ren and Gui take Si. This position is also called "Heavenly Seal Heavenly Cord Kill." The other heavenly stems are determined in the same way, by taking the position opposite to their respective elements.

甲乙申，丙丁巳，戊己申，庚辛亥，壬癸寅。一如甲乙生屬木，木克土，土生申是也。（洞微經）

The method of determining "活禄杀" is: for Jia and Yi days, take Shen; for Bing and Ding days, take Si; for Wu and Ji days, take Shen; for Geng and Xin days, take Hai; and for Ren and Gui days, take Yin. For example, people born on Jia or Yi days belong to the Wood element in the Five Phases, and Wood overcomes Earth. Earth's growth is in Shen, so Jia and Yi take Shen. This method is from the "Dongwei Jing."

甲在子宮中，乙逢亥亦同。陽支生陽干，陰支生陰干，餘八干同。

The method for determining "Heavenly Seal Noble Pattern" is: Jia takes Zi (the first earthly branch) in the month as noble, and Yi takes Hai as noble for the same reason. The principle is that a yang branch generates a yang heavenly stem, and a yin branch generates a yin heavenly stem. The remaining eight heavenly stems are also determined by this rule.

謂五行旺氣會於日辰上，主建工立事，入貴格則多為元帥魁眾。（五行要訣）

The term "Jingqi Sha" refers to the gathering of the Five Phases' vigorous energy on the day pillar, indicating that the person is capable of establishing achievements and creating significant accomplishments. If this is further combined with a noble pattern, they are likely to become a general leading troops or a leader respected by all. This explanation comes from the "Five Elements Essential Rules."

貴窠神者，陰陽福德之位，蓋取前逢驛馬，後遇太歲，或前遇太歲，後逢驛馬，若人生月遇之，凡吉月者時日俱同，下皆彷此，主官致公侯，位登臺輔。假令甲子生人，驛馬在寅，子為本命太歲，後逢驛馬也，餘命彷此，行年至此，亦主稱遂。

The "Guikēshén" is the position where yin and yang and fortune virtue reside. Its method of selection is when the "Yimashu" (Post-horse) is encountered ahead and the Tai Su (Great Age) is met behind, or when the Tai Su is encountered ahead and the Yimashu is met behind. If a person encounters this in their birth month, then for all auspicious months, the day pillar and hour pillar are also selected in the same way. The following entries are all treated similarly. A person with this deity in their fate will attain high official positions such as marquises and dukes, and reach high government ranks. For example, the Yimashu of a person born in the Jiazi year is in the寅 (Yin) position, and the Zi (子) is the Tai Su of their birth year, which exactly fits the meaning of Tai Su behind and Yimashu in front. The same applies to other birth years. When this position is encountered in the current year or during a journey, it also indicates smooth and fulfilling outcomes.

凡遇貴命神下生者，不可一概論之，但以三命財祿有氣無氣，凶神貴神，多少折除消息。設如遇貴神三命，卻值墓絕休囚，或財祿無氣，或落在空亡，似此之人，合主有官而無位，或有名而不立，或為僧道，或攻藝術，下等小人，或衣食不充，或一生孤獨，所謂有名而無實也。凡諸貴神下生者，皆彷此推之。（三命指掌）

Anyone born under these noble deities should not be judged as a whole, but rather one must examine the wealth and official rank in the three lifetimes of year, month, and day, whether they have vitality or not. One should also consider how manyInauspicious Spirit and noble deities are present, and balance them accordingly. If someone encounters noble deities in the three lifetimes, but at the same time is in the positions of墓, 绝, 休, or 囚, or if their wealth and official rank have no vitality, or if they fall into 「空亡」, then such a person may have an official position but no real status, or may have a reputation but fail to establish themselves, or may become a monk or Taoist, or specialize in a particular skill. As for lower-class people, they may suffer from lack of food and clothing, or live a lonely life all their lives. This is what is meant by having a name but no reality. All those born under various noble deities should be judged in this way. This statement comes from the book 「Three Lifetimes Pointing the Palm」.

名福者，謂太歲是陽干，得陰干月生，歲干後生祿干者是也，陰干生人得陽干月亦然。假如甲人在寅，丙為祿干，生在八月，月建癸酉，水生甲木，甲木生丙火，己人祿在午，寅為祿干，生在正月，月建丙寅，丙火生己土，己土生庚金，餘依此取之。

The concept of "name fortune" refers to a situation where the heavenly stem of the Tai Su is a yang stem, but the person is born in a month governed by a yin stem, and the year stem can sequentially generate the heavenly stem of the person's destiny position. The principle is the same when a yin stem is born in a month governed by a yang stem. For example, a person born in the year of Jia has his destiny position in寅. The heavenly stem derived from寅 is Bing, which is the destiny stem. If born in the eighth month, the month builder is Guiyou, and the water in you generates the wood of Jia, which in turn generates the fire of Bing, continuing the cycle of mutual generation. Another example is a person born in the year of Ji, whose destiny position is in午. The heavenly stem derived from寅 is the destiny stem. If born in the first month, the month builder is Bingyin, and the fire of Bing generates the earth of Ji, which in turn generates the metal of Geng. The same method applies to all other destinies.

又如甲人得酉，乙人得午，丙人巳，丁人辰，戊人巳，巳人寅，庚人卯，辛人戌，壬人亥，癸人申，若人生月遇之，主有科名祿位。（三命鈴）

For example, someone born in the year of Jia (甲) benefits from the branch You (酉), someone born in the year of Yi (乙) benefits from the branch Wu (午), someone born in the year of Bing (丙) benefits from the branch Si (巳), someone born in the year of Ding (丁) benefits from the branch Chen (辰), someone born in the year of Wu (戊) benefits from the branch Si (巳), someone born in the year of Ji (己) benefits from the branch Yin (寅), someone born in the year of Geng (庚) benefits from the branch Mao (卯), someone born in the year of Xin (辛) benefits from the branch Xu (戌), someone born in the year of Ren (壬) benefits from the branch Hai (亥), and someone born in the year of Gui (癸) benefits from the branch Shen (申). If a person encounters these branches in their birth month, they are likely to achieve academic success, official rank, and salary. This statement is from the book Sanming Qian (三命钤).

丙辰日土印，忌壬辰時。天元變化書云兩辰名勾陳，廣信集雲忌見壬子壬辰尤緊。庚戌日金印，忌丁亥丁丑時，與丙同。天元變化書云庚戌名白虎，廣信集雲丁亥稍得，丁丑不佳，無丙字。己亥日木印，忌乙亥乙丑日時。天元變化書云己亥名青龍，廣信集雲有乙未時。

The "Heavenly Seal" has three days. On the Bingchen day, which belongs to the earth seal, it is forbidden to pair with the Renchen hour. The "Tianyuan Changes Book" states that when two Chens appear together, it is called "Gou Chen." The "Guangxin Collection" adds that it is especially bad to see Renzi and Renchen. On the Gengxu day, which belongs to the metal seal, it is forbidden to pair with the Dinghai and Dingchou hours, which is the same as the case with Bing. The "Tianyuan Changes Book" says that Gengxu is called "Bai Hu." The "Guangxin Collection" says that pairing with Dinghai is somewhat acceptable, but pairing with Dingchou is not good, and the character Bing must not be missing. On the Jihai day, which belongs to the wood seal, it is forbidden to pair with the Yihai or Yichou day or hour. The "Tianyuan Changes Book" says that Jihai is called "Qinglong." The "Guangxin Collection" says that it can still pair with the Yiwu hour.

天定印者，文官福相，武做管軍，餘人犯之，不貴即富，若失天定者祿出艱辛，餘者貧薄也。又云：庚戌日見丙時，己亥日見乙時，丙辰日見壬時，為真官印，犯之主富貴。（神白經）

People who have the "Tian Ding Yin" in their destiny can enjoy the blessings of high official rank if they pursue a scholarly path, or lead an army if they take up a military career. Others who have this are not necessarily wealthy, but they will certainly be prosperous. If one loses this Tian Ding Yin, their salary must be earned through hardship and toil, and those of a lower rank will be poor and meager. There is another saying: on Geng Xu days with Bing Shi, on Jihai days with Yi Shi, and on Bing Chen days with Ren Shi, this is called "Zhen Guan Yin." Having this in one's destiny signifies wealth and honor. This saying comes from the "Shen Bai Jing."

李九萬云：天定印在日上，見之大好，見所忌則壞破印，福出艱辛，貧薄之人也。正犯不破者，十有九貴。

Li Jiowan said: When the heavenly stem of Tian Ding falls on the day pillar, it is very favorable. However, if it also encounters the forbidden hour at the same time, the official star will be damaged and broken, and happiness can only be obtained through hardship, resulting in a poor and meager life. Those who are directly afflicted but not broken, among ten people, nine will achieve high status and prominence.

甲日丙寅時，丙丁壬人上，辛癸人次之；乙日己卯時，乙癸丁人上，甲庚人次之；庚日甲申時，乙庚戊人上，壬癸人次之；辛日丁酉時，甲丙辛人上，丁巳人次之。若主本旺相有貴同行，文為宰輔，武為建節，無用即主衣祿豐也。（鬼谷命格）

The Four Great Fortune Deities refer to four fixed combinations of day and hour: on a Jia day paired with Bingyin hour, those born in the years of Bing, Ding, or Ren are of the highest rank, while those born in the years of Xin or Gui are of the next rank; on a Yi day paired with Jimao hour, those born in the years of Yi, Gui, or Ding are of the highest rank, while those born in the years of Jia or Geng are of the next rank; on a Geng day paired with Jiashen hour, those born in the years of Yi, Geng, or Wu are of the highest rank, while those born in the years of Ren or Gui are of the next rank; on a Xin day paired with Dingyou hour, those born in the years of Jia, Bing, or Xin are of the highest rank, while those born in the years of Ding or Si are of the next rank. If the person's day ruler is also in a prosperous and strong position and is accompanied by a noble deity, they can achieve high official positions in government, or even hold military commands as regional governors. Even if they are not appointed to such high positions, they will have sufficient food, clothing, and俸禄. This statement is from the "Ghost Valley Destiny Pattern."

祿前第六位是也，如甲申生人，至癸酉是也。（三命纂局）

The "Jianjie Star" is determined by counting six positions forward from one's native禄位. For example, for someone born in the year Jiashen, counting sequentially leads to Guiyou. This method is mentioned in the text Sanming Zuanju.

蓋取與見祿對沖也，如甲人在申，乙人在酉之類，主多藝能，有智識，居官食祿，即在清要之地。（三命鈴）

"The 'Thousand Pairs with the Noble God' is also called the 'Lucky Position Opposite the God.' It refers to the earthly branch that is directly opposite the native's lucky position: for Jia (甲), the lucky position is寅 (Yin), and its opposite is申 (Shen), so people born in the year of Jia take Shen; for Yi (乙), the lucky position is卯 (Mao), and its opposite is酉 (You), so people born in the year of Yi take You; the rest follow the same pattern. Those who have this god in their destiny are usually talented, knowledgeable, and intelligent, and when they hold official positions, they always occupy clean and important posts. This statement comes from the 'Three Destiny Keys' (《三命钤》)."

戊午年月日時同，餘彷此。（三命纂局）鬼谷要訣云：支干一路鳳凰池，祿馬相逢實更奇，君子定為國樑棟，女人多是做皇妃。如戊午年月日時，乃高職方命，固貴，卻胎在死絕，壽不長，如辛卯年月日時，乃楊太后命。

"The Phoenix Pool" refers to the year, month, day, and hour pillars having exactly the same heavenly stem and earthly branch. For example, if all four pillars are Wuwu, the same applies to other combinations. This concept originates from the "Three Fate Compendium." The "Essential Secrets of Ghost Valley" states that if the heavenly stem and earthly branch are the same throughout all pillars, it forms a Phoenix Pool. If such a person also encounters "Lü" (favorable position) and "Yimash" (post-horse), it becomes even more remarkable. A man with such a fate is destined to become a national pillar, while a woman is likely to become an imperial concubine. For instance, if all four pillars are Wuwu, it indicates a high-ranking official's fate, which naturally signifies prestige, but since the month of conception falls in a dead or declining position, the lifespan is short. Another example is when all four pillars are Xinmao, which is said to be the fate of Yang太后 (Empress Dowager Yang).

四個壬寅最上，為壬居寅上，有變化氣，俱顯貴命也。四個辛卯，納音自旺，貴格。四個庚辰金大凶，金盛刑強。四個己巳木，貧困，三才俱無好氣象。四個戊午火，干化納音，俱顯貴，然有刑支干，有俱不用凶。四個丁未大凶，軍徒命。四個丙申賊敗命，貧下之人。四個己酉為真土，旺酉不可用，沐浴顯貴。

The "Four Pillars of the Same Dry Branch" pattern, where all four pillars are the same heavenly stem and earthly branch, can be either good or bad. Four Renyin pillars are the best, as the water of Ren is in the position of Yin, containing the energy of change, and these are destined for high status. Four Xinmao pillars have a strong "Nayin" sound element, and are also considered a noble pattern. Four Gengchen pillars belong to metal, which is very凶, as the metal energy is too strong and the punishment energy is harsh. Four Jisi pillars have a Nayin element of wood, leading to poverty, with no good signs in heaven, earth, and humanity. Four Wuwu pillars belong to fire, where the heavenly stem and Nayin element form a unified energy, also indicating high status, but there is a conflict between the heavenly stem and earthly branch, making some cases凶 and not advisable. Four Dingwei pillars are very凶, indicating a sentence of military service and labor. Four Bingshen pillars are the fate of thieves and failures, belonging to the poor and lowly. Four Jiyou pillars have a true earth Nayin element, although You is in its旺 position, it is not advisable to use, and only slightly shows noble qualities in the bathing position.

甲戌火印顯貴，四個癸亥水中貴，雖俱旺俱是水太過，故得中貴。（天元變化書）

Four Jiaxu Nayin elements belong to fire and carry the印 (seal), indicating prominent status and high rank; four Guihai Nayin elements belong to water, and although they all receive strong vitality, the water is excessive, so they can only achieve moderate prestige. This statement comes from the Tianyuan Biangu Shu.

謂年月日時納音同，惟戊午丁未並是自刃，不宜全見，午乃帶自刑，如丙申年，月日時全見，即金人弱火強，亦不能為福，不可不消息也。（玉簫寶鑑）

The "De Star Converging Pattern" refers to the situation where the "Nayin sound element" of the year, month, day, and hour pillars are the same. However, the combinations of Wuwu and Dingwei both carry the Self-Blade characteristic, so it is not advisable for all four pillars to be the same. Additionally, the presence of Wu (午) also brings about Self-Punishment. For example, if the year is Bingshen and the month, day, and hour are also Bingshen, then the metal is weak and the fire is strong, resulting in an inability to achieve good fortune. These points must be carefully considered. This statement is from the "Yuzhao Baodian."

年月日時同一如鳳凰池。（三命纂局）

"The 'Gongsun Tonglei Pattern' refers to the situation where the heavenly stems and earthly branches of the year, month, day, and hour pillars are exactly the same. This is actually the same concept as the 'Fenghuang Chi' mentioned earlier. This theory originates from the 'Sanming Zuanju'."

公孫同類年與時，生成祿貴最為奇，自生自旺元無此，乃是鄉財積穀兒。公孫同類者年與時也，胎於月也。（珞琭貴賤格）

The song says: "所谓公孙同类" refers to the year pillar and the hour pillar being the same, resulting in naturally formed luck and prestige, which is most remarkable; if it is only self-generative and self-healthy without this relationship, then it is merely a wealthy person in a village who stores grain. The following explanation states: "公孙同类" refers to the year pillar and the hour pillar, while the胎元 (fetal origin) falls on the month pillar. This statement comes from the "Luo Lu Gui Jian Ge."

順生首尾相宜，重重回視順干支，若臨貪武兼權殺，詔入朝廷輔萬歲。如蕭清卿大夫是丙寅生見丙寅時是也。（鬼谷要訣）玉霄寶鑑作族繫重光格云：此類家族昌盛門閥增光。

There is another rhyme which says: if the four pillars follow each other in mutual generation and the beginning and end are compatible with each other, then when repeatedly reviewing the heavenly stems and earthly branches, they all make sense. If further the stars of Tanlang and Wuge are present along with authority and killing stars, then one can be summoned to court and assist the sovereign. For example, the destiny of the scholar-official Xiao Qingqing is that he was born in the year of Bingyin and also appears in the hour of Bingyin. This statement comes from the "Ghost Valley Essential Secrets." The "Juyao Baojian" refers to this as the "Family Rejuvenation Pattern," saying that such destinies are characterized by the prosperity of their families and the enhancement of their family's prestige.

兩甲合一己，兩己合一甲之類。

"The Phoenix Dry" refers to two identical heavenly stems combining with another heavenly stem, such as two Jia combining with one Ji, or two Ji combining with one Jia, which all fall into this category.

兩子合一丑，兩丑合一子之類。（林開五命）

"The Phoenix Branch" refers to two identical earthly branches combining with one earthly branch. For example, two Zi branches combining with one Chou branch, or two Chou branches combining with one Zi branch, all fall into this category. This concept is mentioned in the text "Lin Kai Wu Ming."

如甲子人甲子日生，乙丑人乙丑日生，餘倣此。（三命纂局）

Another "Phoenix Branch" refers to a person whose birth year pillar and day pillar are exactly the same, for example, someone born in the Jiazi year who is also born on a Jiazi day, or someone born in the Yichou year who is also born on a Yichou day, and so on. This concept is mentioned in the "San Ming Zuan Ju."

金書命訣云：鳳凰支常以本命為主，於生月日時或胎月逢太歲，即是鳳凰支，皆主聰明慧達，為官尊貴。亦如呂相國命，己卯年十一月生，得己卯日，戊辰時，其己卯鳳凰支，甲戌日入胎合本生歲，天官在胎月中，所以官居相府也。

The *Jin Shu Ming Jue* says: The Phoenix branch is always based on the person's birth year pillar. As long as the birth month, birth day, birth time, or the month of conception has the same heavenly stem and earthly branch as the current year's stem and branch, it is considered a Phoenix branch, indicating a person is intelligent and talented, and will attain high official rank. For example, the fate of Lu the Chancellor was that he was born in the Ji Mao year, in the 11th lunar month. His day pillar was Ji Mao, and his hour pillar was Wu Chen. Since the day pillar Ji Mao was the same as the year pillar, it formed the Phoenix branch. Moreover, the day of conception, Jia Xu, matched the birth year, and the Star of Officialdom was located in the month of conception, so he was able to hold a high official position in the chancellor's court.

八字金書云：凡命有吉，鳳凰支者，不拘祿馬，定是貴人，更有祿馬，此間世之命，或二干凶，下得雙吉，更有吉神，亦主富貴，俱凶主貧薄短命，縱有祿馬，終是尋常，如見單鳳凰大段有貴人祿馬，亦作貴命。

The Eight Characters Golden Book says: If a person's destiny includes auspicious deities and also has the Phoenix branch, there is no need to consider the禄 and 马, for it is certainly a sign of a nobleman. If there are also禄 and 马, then it is a rare and excellent destiny. Alternatively, if there are two凶 deities in the heavenly stems and two auspicious deities in the earthly branches, along with other auspicious deities assisting, it also indicates wealth and honor. If both the heavenly stems and earthly branches are凶, then it indicates poverty and a short life, even if there are禄 and 马, one will remain an ordinary person. As for those who only have a single Phoenix branch, as long as there are generally noblemen and禄 and 马, it is still considered a noble destiny.

鬼谷要訣云：鳳凰四位更為尊，擲地文章筆下分，縱值空亡皆有力，青雲直上立功勳。如韓學士戊戌年丁巳月戊戌日丁巳時是也。又歌云：生居四位鳳凰星，死氣窮寒露體冰，值祿值馬並有氣，定為勐將坐專城。又云：四正之中四鳳凰，定言刑尅勐凶亡，縱然吉將來扶助，若是刑多死法場。如子午卯酉人，不用鳳凰支，有則反為災也。

The "Ghost Valley Essentials" says: When all four pillars are in the positions of the Phoenix, it is even more esteemed. One's writings will be forceful and clear, with natural discernment of high and low. Even if encountering "Kongwang," it still retains strength, enabling one to rise swiftly to prominence and achieve great accomplishments. For example, the fate of Han Xueshi was: born in the year of Wuxu, month of Dingsi, day of Wuxu, and hour of Dingsi, exactly such a case. There is also a rhyme that says: Being born with the four Phoenix stars in the four pillars, if encountering "Death Qi," one will be destitute, like being naked and lying on ice. If one has the luck of the official position and the horse, and all are strong, then one is certainly a powerful general governing a major city. Another rhyme says: If among the four main directions of Zi, Wu, Mao, and You, one sees the four Phoenix branches, it is certain to have conflicts and fierce death. Even if there are auspicious generals to assist, as long as there are too many conflicts, one will ultimately die on the scaffold. Therefore, people born in the years of Zi, Wu, Mao, and You should not take the Phoenix branches; having them instead brings disaster.