The Palace of Heaven's Mandate

常在命前一辰，如子生人在丑，遇之者主職在天庭，長得陰貴人力，小人逢之，亦主遊歷四方，得人扶助。（三命鈐）

The "Ming Tian Ting" is always located at the first position counted forward from the person's birth branch. For example, if someone was born in the Year of the Rat (Zi), then "Ming Tian Ting" falls on the Year of the Ox (Chou). Those who encounter this are likely to hold positions within the imperial court and often receive assistance from a hidden nobleman. Ordinary people who meet this also tend to travel widely and receive support wherever they go. This statement comes from the "San Ming Qian."

生時前五辰為天奇，後五辰為天寶，主富貴，在四旺上尤妙。（廣錄）

The fifth stem counted backward from the time of birth is called "Tian Qi," and the fifth stem counted forward is called "Tian Bao." A person's destiny with these two stems indicates wealth and honor. If these two stems also fall in the four strong positions of Zi, Wu, Mao, and You, it becomes even more favorable. This statement comes from the "Guang Lu."

天乙貴人者，十干之秀氣在紫微宮門外，乃天皇大帝，其神為最貴，所至六害、一切凶殺，隱然而避，形貌軒昂，性靈穎悟，理烈分明，不喜雜術，純粹大器，身蘊道德，眾人欽愛，此生旺者然也，死絕則執拗自是，喜遊近貴，與劫殺倂，則貌厚有威，多謀足計，與官符倂則文翰飄逸，高談雄辯，與建錄倂則文翰純實，濟惠廣施也。（燭神經）

The "Tianyi Nobleman" is the gathering of the refined essence of the ten Heavenly Stems, located outside the gate of the Purple Micro Palace, which is the Heavenly Emperor. This deity is the most esteemed; wherever he goes, the "Six Harmful Influences" and all evil killings quietly retreat. Those whose destiny includes this deity have an imposing appearance, a sharp and intelligent mind, clear and logical speech, and dislike esoteric and miscellaneous practices. They possess a pure nature and a broad-minded disposition, cultivating morality throughout their lives, and are respected by others. This refers to the Nobleman being in a prosperous and flourishing position. If the Nobleman is in a dead or exhausted position, the person becomes stubborn and insists on their own views, preferring to associate with and flatter the powerful. When the Nobleman is combined with "Jiesha" (Sudden Harm), the person has a solid and dignified appearance with authority; they are shrewd and skilled in planning. When combined with "Guanfu" (Official Symbol), the person's writings are elegant and free-flowing, with eloquent speech and the ability to debate effortlessly. When combined with "Jianlu" (Established Wealth), the writings are pure and solid, and they can also widely benefit and help others. This statement comes from the "Zhu Jing Jing."

甲木陽也，乘少陽之氣，而生乎東，至巳而陽用事畢矣，故藏於未而為貴。庚陽金也，乘少陰之氣，而生乎西，至亥而陰用事畢矣，故藏於丑而為貴。戊陽土也，沖和中央，播於四時，甲因之而萬物生，庚因之而萬物成，則生成之理備矣，此陽木陽土陽金，喜於印庫也。

Jia belongs to Yang Wood, which arises in the East with the energy of the Lesser Yang. By the time it reaches the Si position, the Yang energy has been fully exerted, so it is hidden in Wei, making Wei its valuable position. Geng belongs to Yang Metal, which arises in the West with the energy of the Lesser Yin. By the time it reaches the Hai position, the Yin energy has been fully exerted, so it is hidden in Chou, making Chou its valuable position. Wu belongs to Yang Earth, which is harmonious and resides in the center, spreading throughout the four seasons: Jia relies on it to bring forth all things, and Geng relies on it to complete all things. The principles of generation and completion are thus complete. This is why Yang Wood, Yang Earth, and Yang Metal all favor the two repositories, Chou and Wei.

丙丁之火，盛夏則其性至酷而害物，惟息於酉，藏於亥，而豬雞所以為貴者，和之以西北方之氣也。壬癸之水窮冬則其性至嚴而殺物，惟嗇於卯，潛於巳，而蛇兔所以為貴者，和之以東南方之氣也，此水火不嫌於死絕。

Jing and Ding belong to fire, and during the height of summer, their nature is most fierce and harmful to all things. They only subside at You (chicken) and stop at Hai (pig), so using You and Hai as noblemen is to use the cold air from the northwest to moderate them. Ren and Gui belong to water, and during the severe winter, their nature is most severe and destructive to all things. They only subside at Mao (rabbit) and hide at Si (snake), so using Mao and Si as noblemen is to use the warm air from the southeast to moderate them. This is the reason why water and fire are not afraid of being in dead or extinct places.

六辛陰金，執方而不能自化，乙陰木，己陰土，失類而無居，故六辛必假寅午戌之火，乙己必假申子辰之水土，此陰金不嫌鬼盛，陰木陰土喜於財旺也。

Six days of Xin metal are yin metal, fixed in one place and unable to change on their own; Yi is yin wood and Ji is yin earth, both losing their kind and having nowhere to rest. Therefore, Xin must rely on the fire of Yin-Wu-Xu to thrive, while Yi and Ji must rely on the water and earth of Shen-Zi-Chen. This explains why yin metal does not fear strong ghost killing and why yin wood and yin earth prefer strong wealth stars.

如甲子人有戊有庚，得癸未乙丑遇二吉而帶印也，甲人遁見丁丑辛未者次之，乃三陽喜在印庫也。乙人得戊申庚子生旺之土，己人得甲申丙子生旺之水，此陰木陰土喜於財旺也。丙丁得丁酉乙亥，壬癸得乙卯癸巳，此水火不嫌死絕也。六辛得丙寅戊午，此陰金不嫌鬼盛也，得二者為上，得一次之。（關東叟雲）

For example, if someone is born in the year of Jiazi, and their destiny includes Wu and Geng, along with the pillars of Guiwei and Yichou, then they encounter two auspicious deities along with the repository of the seal; if someone born in the year of Jia encounters Dingchou and Xinwei, it is of a lower grade, which reflects the idea that three yang stems prefer to sit on the repository of the seal. Those born in the year of Yi who have Wu shen and Geng zi, which are thriving earth, and those born in the year of Ji who have Jiashen and Bingzi, which are thriving water, this shows that yin wood and yin earth prefer the wealth star to be strong. Those born in the years of Bing and Ding who have Dingyou and Yihai, and those born in the years of Ren and Gui who have Yimao and Guisi, this indicates that water and fire do not mind being in death or decline. For the six days of Xin, those who have Bingyin and Wuwu, this shows that yin metal does not fear strong ghost and killing energies. All these categories, those who have two places are considered top grade, while those who have only one place are of a lower grade. This statement is from Guan Dong Shou.

紫虛格有貴人入廟格歌云：甲戊須尋癸未時，戊庚乙丑細窮推，丙丁丁酉乙亥是，壬癸乙卯癸巳奇，乙得戊申並庚子，己居丙子甲申時，辛遇丙寅兼戊午，遇者重金掛紫緋。

In the Zixu pattern, there is another called "The Nobleman in His Temple Pattern." The rhyme says: Jia and Wu should seek Guiwei time, and Wu and Geng paired with Yichou must be carefully examined; Bing and Ding take Dingyou and Yihai, while Ren and Gui take Yimao and Guisi, which are most unusual; Yi takes Wushen and Gengzi, Ji resides at Bingzi and Jiashen; Xin meets Bingyin and Wuwu. Those who have these combinations can wear heavy gold and don purple-red official robes.

玉霄寶鑑云：有貴人入廟格，取五虎元遁之貴人本位上，見所遁之干者是也。假令六甲人得辛未丁丑者為入廟，餘皆準此，若不犯空亡駁雜者清貴，安逸之人也。

The Yuzhao Baojian says: The "Nobleman in Temple" pattern refers to the situation where, according to the Five Tigers遁 method, the nobleman's position coincides exactly with the heavenly stem that is遁 out. For example, if someone born on a Jia day encounters Xinwei or Dingchou, it is considered as entering the temple. The same rule applies to others. If such a destiny does not encounter "Kongwang" and is not mixed or impure, then the person is considered to have a clear and noble fate, enjoying peace and comfort.

李虛中云：本家貴人全者，如甲人有戊、有庚、有丑、有未是也，大貴。如甲人得丁丑辛未，又得次也，蓋甲年丑上遁得丁，未上遁得辛也，更有一種貴人，亦為福甚，重得者必貴，甲戊庚得乙丑癸未，乙得庚子戊申，己得丙子甲申，丙丁得丁酉乙亥，壬癸得乙卯癸巳，六辛得丙寅戊午是也。

Li Xuzhong said: If a person born in the year of Jia has in his destiny the heavenly stems Wu and Geng, and the earthly branches Chou and Wei, then he is of great fortune. If a person born in the year of Jia has Dingchou or Xinwei, that is of the next level of importance, because the heavenly stem hidden in Chou for the year Jia is Ding, and the heavenly stem hidden in Wei for the year Jia is Xin. There is also another type of nobleman, who has great fortune, and if he receives this twice, he will certainly achieve high status. For example, those born in the year of Jia with Wu, Geng, and Yichou or Guiwei; those born in the year of Yi with Gengzi or Wushen; those born in the year of Ji with Bingzi or Jiashen; those born in the year of Bing or Ding with Dingyou or Yihai; those born in the year of Ren or Gui with Yimao or Guisi; and those born on the sixth day of Xin with Bingyin or Wuwu, are all of this type.

甲陽木，戊陽土，庚陽金，皆喜土位，而未者土之正位，丑者土之安靜之地，故以牛羊為貴。然細分之，則甲尤喜未，庚尤喜丑，各歸其庫也。戊子戊寅戊午喜丑，丑者火人胎養之鄉；戊辰、戊申、戊戌喜未，未者木人入庫，土人生旺之位也。

Jia is yang wood, Wu is yang earth, and Geng is yang metal, all of which prefer earth positions. Chou is the proper position of earth, and Chou is also a quiet place for earth, so Chou (ox) and Wei (sheep) are considered noblemen. However, when examined more closely, Jia especially prefers Wei, and Geng especially prefers Chou, each returning to their own storage. Wu Zi, Wu Yin, and Wu Wu prefer Chou, because Chou is the place where fire is born and nurtured; Wu Chen, Wu Shen, and Wu Xu prefer Wei, because Wei is both the place where wood is stored and the position where earth is strong and flourishing.

乙者陰木，巳者陰土也，陰土喜生旺，陰木愛陽水，所以鼠猴為貴，然乙尤喜申者，木之絕鄉也，巳尤喜申，申者坤之正位也。丙丁屬火，火墓在戌，壬癸屬水，水墓在辰，辰戌為魁罡之地，貴人所不臨，故尋寄火，貴於酉亥，寄水貴於卯巳，皆歸靜復之鄉。

Yi is yin wood, Ji is yin earth; yin earth prefers to be in a strong and flourishing position, and yin wood prefers yang water. Therefore, Zi (rat) and Shen (monkey) are considered noblemen. However, Yi especially favors Shen, because Shen is the place where wood reaches its decline. Ji also especially favors Shen, because Shen is the proper position of the Earth Trigram. Bing and Ding belong to fire; the burial place of fire is Xu. Ren and Gui belong to water; the burial place of water is Chen. However, Chen and Xu are places of 'Kui Gang' (a term indicating a strong and decisive position), and noblemen do not wish to be present there. Therefore, fire is instead associated with You (rooster) and Hai (pig) as noblemen, and water is instead associated with Mao (rabbit) and Si (snake) as noblemen, all returning to quiet and restored places.

六辛陰金，喜陽火生旺之地，故以馬虎為貴，雖然宜以納音互換推尋，須比和則其貴為福，若丙寅火得酉，則火至此死，焉足為貴哉。（廣錄）

There are six days of Xin metal which belong to yin metal, and they prefer a place where yang fire is strong and flourishing, so the horse (午) and the tiger (寅) are taken as noblemen. However, one should also examine the 'nayin sound element' in mutual interaction: it is necessary for them to be like and harmonious, so that this noble quality can bring about good fortune. For example, if the nayin sound element of Bingyin is fire and it meets You (酉), fire is in its dead or extinct phase in You, so how can it be considered noble? This statement comes from the 'Broad Record'.

天乙貴人者，三命中最吉之神也，若人遇之，主榮名早達，官祿易近，若更三命皆乘旺氣，終登將相公卿之位，大小運行年至此，亦主遷官進財，一切加臨至此，皆為吉兆。（三命指掌）

Tianyi Nobleman is the most auspicious deity among the three destinies of year, month, and day. When a person encounters Tianyi Nobleman, it signifies early fame and recognition, and easy attainment of official positions and salaries. If all three destinies are also in a flourishing state, one may ultimately reach the rank of general, prime minister, or high official. When one's great destiny, small destiny, and current year destiny align with Tianyi Nobleman, it also indicates promotion in official position and increase in wealth. Any other deities or astrological influences accompanying Tianyi Nobleman are considered auspicious. This statement is from the "San Ming Zhi Zhang."

乙丑文星貴神，丁丑退氣貴神，乙丑大敗貴神，辛丑武星貴神，癸丑羊刃貴神，乙未華蓋貴神、載路空亡，丁未退氣羊刃貴神（一雲半吉），巳未羊刃貴神（一雲半吉），辛未華蓋貴神（一雲空亡大敗），癸未伏神華蓋貴神。以上甲戊庚人月日時貴神。

The nobleman for the heavenly stems Jia, Wu, and Geng falls in Chou and Wei, and although they are all noblemen, they have different qualities: Yichou is a literary star nobleman, Dingchou is a retreating qi nobleman, Jichou is a great defeat nobleman (the original text mistakenly says Yichou), Xinchou is a military star nobleman, Guichou is a yang ren nobleman; Yiwei is a huagai nobleman and also incurs the "zailu kongwang" (carriage path void); Dingwei is a retreating qi plus yang ren nobleman (another view considers it half good); Jiwei is a yang ren nobleman (the original text mistakenly says Siwei, another view considers it half good); Xinwei is a huagai nobleman (another view considers it kongwang and great defeat); Guiwei is a hidden god plus huagai nobleman. These are the noblemen seen by the stems Jia, Wu, and Geng in the month, day, and hour.

甲子進神貴神，丙子交神貴神，戊子福神貴神，庚子得合貴神，壬子羊刃貴神，甲申截路空亡貴神（一雲半吉），丙申大敗貴神，戊申伏馬貴神，庚申建祿貴神，壬申大敗貴神。以上乙巳人月日時貴神。

For the heavenly stems 乙 and 己, the nobleman (贵人) falls on 子 and 申 respectively. Specifically, Jiazi is the advancing god nobleman (进神贵神), Bingzi is the intersecting god nobleman (交神贵神), Wuzi is the fortune god nobleman (福神贵神), Gengzi is the harmonizing nobleman (得合贵神), and Renzi is the sheep's blade nobleman (羊刃贵神). For 申, Jiashen is the blocking star and void nobleman (截路空亡贵神, another interpretation considers it half good), Bingshen is the great defeat nobleman (大败贵神), Wushen is the hidden horse nobleman (伏马贵神), Gengshen is the established official nobleman (建禄贵神), and Renshen is the great defeat nobleman (大败贵神). These are the noblemen seen by the stems 乙 and 己 in the month, day, and hour.

乙酉破祿貴神，丁酉喜神貴神、大敗，己酉進神貴神，辛酉建祿交貴神，癸酉伏神貴神（一雲吉），乙亥天德貴神，丁亥文星貴神，己亥臨官貴神，辛亥正祿馬貴神，癸亥大敗貴神。以上丙丁人月日時貴神。

For the Heavenly Stems Jia and Yi, the Nobleman is located in You and Hai. Specifically, Yiyou is the Break禄 Nobleman, Dingyou is the Joyful God Nobleman and also the Great Defeat, Jiyou is the Advancing God Nobleman, Xinyou is the Established禄 and Nobleman, and Guiyou is the Hidden God Nobleman (another interpretation considers it auspicious); Yihai is the Star of Virtue and Resolution Nobleman, Dinghai is the Literary Star Nobleman, Jihai is the Officialdom Nobleman, Xinhai is the Proper禄 and Horse Nobleman, and Guihai is the Great Defeat Nobleman. These are the Noblemen seen by the Heavenly Stems Jia and Yi in the month, day, and hour.

甲午進神貴神，丙午交羊刃貴神（一雲半吉），戊午伏羊刃貴神，庚午文星截路貴神（一雲半吉），壬午祿旺氣貴神，甲寅文星建祿貴神，丙寅文星貴神，戊寅伏馬貴神，庚寅破祿馬貴神，壬寅截路貴神。以上六辛人月日時貴神。

For the day stem Xin, the nobleman is located in Wu and Yin. Specifically, Jiawu is the advancing god nobleman, Bingwu is the intersecting god nobleman with the star of yangren (another interpretation considers it half good), Wuyin is the hidden yangren nobleman, Gengwu is the literary star blocking path nobleman (another interpretation considers it half good), Renwu is the fortune and strength nobleman. Jiayin is the literary star establishing fortune nobleman, Bingyin is the literary star nobleman, Wuyin is the hidden horse nobleman, Gengyin is the breaking fortune and horse nobleman, Renyin is the blocking path nobleman. These are the noblemen seen by the six days of Xin in the month, day, and hour.

乙卯天喜貴神，丁卯截路貴神（一雲半吉），己卯進神貴神，辛卯交破祿貴神，癸卯旺祿貴神，乙巳正祿馬貴神，丁巳九天祿庫貴神，己巳九天祿馬庫貴神，辛巳截路貴神（一雲半吉），癸巳伏馬貴神。以上壬癸人月日時貴神。

The nobleman for the heavenly stems Jia and Gui falls on the branches Mao and Si. Specifically, Yimao is the Star of Celebration, Dingmao is the Star of Blockage (another interpretation considers it half auspicious), Jimao is the Advancing God, Xinmao is the Intersecting God breaking the禄, and Guimao is the Prosperous禄. Yisi is the Correct禄 and Horse God, Dingsi is the Jiu Tian禄 and Repository God, Jisi is the Jiu Tian禄 and Horse Repository God, Xinsi is the Star of Blockage (another interpretation considers it half auspicious), and Guisi is the Hidden Horse God. These are the noblemen seen by the heavenly stems Jia and Gui in the month, day, and hour.

凡如此以上貴神，若於祿馬同窠，不犯交退伏神支干相合者，定須官高職清，若無德，更值空亡交退伏神，五行無氣，至老不貴，緊要在月日時支干相合，則為吉，不然乃庸常流也。（同金書命訣）

The above mentioned noble deities, if they share the same position with "Lu" (Wealth) and "Yi Ma" (Post-horse), and do not conflict with "Jiao Shen" (Meeting God), "Tui Shen" (Retreating God), and "Fu Shen" (Hidden God), and if the heavenly stem and earthly branch are compatible, the person will certainly hold a high official position and be in an important position. If there is no "De Shen" (Deity of Virtue), and if one encounters "Kong Wang" (Empty Wasteland) along with "Jiao", "Tui", and "Fu" deities, and the Five Phases lack "Sheng Qi" (Life Qi), then even in old age, one will not achieve status or prominence. The key lies in whether the heavenly stem and earthly branch of the month, day, and hour columns are compatible: if they are compatible, it is auspicious; if not, one will be an ordinary person. This statement is consistent with the "Jin Shu Ming Jue" (Golden Book of Destiny).

此格有三，干合為上，支合次之，無合者又次之。如甲子己未，此為上格，蓋甲己合也，若無死絕沖破空亡，更有福神佐之，當極一品之貴達，有死絕為鄙吝殺故也。如有死絕沖破空亡之類，只作正郎員郎，然多難無福耳。

"The Heavenly Ethereal Noble God Mutual Harmony Pattern" is divided into three levels: the highest level is when the heavenly stems are compatible, the next is when the earthly branches are compatible, and the lowest is when neither the heavenly stems nor the earthly branches are compatible. For example, Jiazi paired with Jiwei is the highest level, because Jia and Ji are compatible. If the fate does not contain death and decline, collision and rupture, or Kongwang, and is supported by auspicious deities, one can attain the highest rank and achieve unparalleled prestige. The emphasis on these factors is because death and decline areInauspicious Sha that lead to meanness and stinginess. If one carries death and decline, collision and rupture, or Kongwang, they can only attain the rank of Zhenglang or Yuanlang, and will face many difficulties and lack good fortune.

如戊子己丑，此為次格，若無死絕沖破空亡，須作兩制兩省，少年登科，常居清要，華近之選，更有福神相助，為兩府矣。有死絕即減作正郎員郎，亦須有職名，若有沖破空亡，只作一多難州縣官，晚年得至朝官極矣。

For example, the combination of Wuzi and Jichou is a secondary level of pattern. If there are no dead, absolute, broken, or Kongwang elements, one should attain positions of two departments and two provinces, achieve success in the imperial examinations at a young age, and hold important and clean official posts, receiving appointments as a selected official in the court. If further aided by the gods of fortune, one may even be appointed to the two grand councils. If the pattern includes dead or absolute elements, one would be reduced to the position of a regular official or a junior official, but still hold an official title. If the pattern includes broken or Kongwang elements, one would only be able to serve as a local official in a troubled area, and in old age, at most, reach the rank of a court official.

如辛未庚寅，此為第三等，若無死絕沖破空亡，即作正郎卿監，少達歷清要差遣，更有福神為之助，往往為兩制矣。若有死絕，即作員郎京朝官，更有沖破空亡，平生多難，只作州縣卑冗之官，縱得政官，則壽不永矣。（林開五命）

For example, Xinwei paired with Gengyin is of the third rank. If there are no dead ends, critical periods, clashes, or Kongwang, one can attain the position of Zhenglang or Qingjian, achieving success at a young age and holding important official posts; if further aided by the gods of fortune, one may even reach the level of Liangzhi. If there is a dead end, one becomes Yuanlang or Jingchao official; if further accompanied by clashes, Kongwang, and critical periods, one will face many misfortunes and difficulties throughout life, only able to serve as a low-ranking, redundant official at the county level. Even if one obtains an official position, one's lifespan will be short. This statement is from "Lin Kai Wu Ming."

紫虛局云：貴人交互人多貴，旺氣相乘館殿資，切莫五行傷著主，令人閒地冷清虛。寸珠尺璧云：凡月日時互換見貴，太歲不帶者不貴。

The Purple Void Bureau says: Those who see the Tianyi Nobleman in their year, month, day, and hour pillars often achieve high status. If they also have the prosperous and strong energy, they are qualified for positions in the imperial academy and important literary offices. However, one must avoid the Five Phases' punishment, clash, and control that harm the day master. If the day master is injured, even with noblemen, one can only end up in idle and cold positions. The Inch Jewel and Foot Treasure says: If the month, day, and hour pillars mutually see the nobleman, but the year pillar, which represents the sovereign, does not have the nobleman, then it is not considered genuine nobility.

有貴合則官位穹崇，所作契合；有貴食，則財祿豐足，所成遇望。如甲戊庚貴在丑未，甲得己丑己未，戊德癸丑癸未，庚得乙丑乙未；乙己貴在申子，乙得庚子庚申，己得甲子甲申；丙丁貴在亥酉，丙得辛酉辛亥，丁得壬寅壬辰。如此之類，謂之貴合。甲食丙，乙食丁，丙丁貴在酉亥，甲得丙寅丙辰，乙得丁酉丁亥；庚食壬，辛食癸，壬癸貴在卯巳，庚得壬申壬戌，辛得癸卯癸巳。如此之類，謂之貴食。有貴合則官多稱意，二者兼之，官高祿重，無往不利。（閻東叟書）

When a person's destiny includes "Guīhé" (Nobleman Harmony), their official position becomes prominent and distinguished, and their affairs are always in harmony with people's wishes. When "Guīshí" (Nobleman Food) appears, their sources of wealth and salary become abundant, and their endeavors are mostly successful. The so-called "Tianyi Guiren" (Heavenly Nobleman) is the most auspicious deity derived from the Heavenly Stems. For the stems Jia, Wu, and Geng, their noblemen are located in the branches Chou and Wei. The stem Jia pairs with the branches Jichou and Jiwei, Wu pairs with Kuichou and Kuiwei, and Geng pairs with Yichou and Yiw ei (all these pairings are when the stem and nobleman's branch form a harmonious combination). For the stems Yi and Ji, their noblemen are located in the branches Shen and Zi. The stem Yi pairs with Gengzi and Gengshen, and Ji pairs with Jiazi and Jiashen. For the stems Bing and Ding, their noblemen are located in the branches You and Hai. The stem Bing pairs with Xinyou and Xinhai, and Ding pairs with Renyin and Renchen. Whenever the heavenly stem of the nobleman's branch harmonizes with the original stem, it is called Guīhé. As for Guīshí (Nobleman Food): Jia uses Bing as its "Shi Shen" (Food God), Yi uses Ding as its Food God. Since the noblemen of Bing and Ding are located in You and Hai, Jia encounters Bingyin and Bingchen, and Yi encounters Dingyou and Dinghai. Geng uses Ren as its Food God, and Xin uses Gui as its Food God. Since the noblemen of Ren and Gui are located in Mao and Si, Geng encounters Renshen and Renxu, and Xin encounters Guimao and Guisi. Whenever the Food God and the nobleman meet together, it is called Guīshí. If a person's destiny includes Guīhé, they are likely to achieve their desires in official positions. If both Guīhé and Guīshí are present, they will have high rank and abundant salary, and everything they do will be smooth and successful. This statement comes from the "Yan Dongshou Book."

天乙貴神合者，謂天乙在貴神六合上是也，甲戊庚在子午，乙己在丑巳，丙丁在寅辰，壬癸在甲戌，辛在亥未，皆主大福，遇兩合以上者主貴。（三命提要）

The concept of "Tianyi Nobleman and the Heavenly God in Harmony" refers to the earthly branch that forms a "Liu He" (六合) relationship with the branch where the Tianyi Nobleman resides. Liu He means that Zi (子) combines with Chou (丑), Yin (寅) combines with Hai (亥), Mao (卯) combines with Xu (戌), Chen (辰) combines with You (酉), Si (巳) combines with Shen (申), and Wu (午) combines with Wei (未). Following this rule, the positions of the harmonious branches are as follows: Jia (甲) and Wu (戊) and Geng (庚) Nobleman reside in Chou (丑) and Wei (未), so their harmonious positions are Zi (子) and Wu (午); Yi (乙) and Ji (己) Nobleman reside in Hai (亥) and Shen (申), so their harmonious positions are Chou (丑) and Si (巳); Bing (丙) and Ding (丁) Nobleman reside in Hai (亥) and You (酉), so their harmonious positions are Yin (寅) and Chen (辰); Ren (壬) and Gui (癸) Nobleman reside in Mao (卯) and Si (巳), so their harmonious positions are Shen (申) and Xu (戌) (the original text writes "Jiaxu", but according to Liu He, it should be Shen and Xu); Xin (辛) Nobleman resides in Yin (寅) and Wu (午), so their harmonious positions are Hai (亥) and Wei (未). If a person's fate includes these harmonious positions, it indicates great fortune; if they include more than two, it indicates prominent status. This concept is mentioned in the "San Ming Ti Yao" (三命提要).

貴人挾擁太歲者是也，假令壬寅人得甲寅日時，壬貴在卯，甲貴在丑是也，丙申人得戊申，準此，若入貴格，別無刑沖，乃清貴之命也，又主一生少病，早年享福，常格得之，一生無刑獄官府之災。（玉宵寶鑑）

"The Heavenly Stem supports the body" means that the Nobleman supports the year pillar from both front and back. For example, a person born in the year of RENYIN (壬寅) who has the day or hour of JIAYIN (甲寅): the Nobleman of REN is in MAO (卯), and the Nobleman of JIA is in CHOU (丑). The year pillar YIN (寅) is exactly between CHOU and MAO, with the Nobleman positions on both sides. Similarly, a person born in the year of BINGSHEN (丙申) who has the day or hour of WUSHEN (戊申): the Nobleman of BING is in YOU (酉), and the Nobleman of WU is in WEI (未). The branch SHEN (申) is exactly between WEI and YOU, with the Nobleman positions on both sides. The principle is the same. If a person's four pillars conform to this pattern and there are no punishments or clashes to disrupt it, they will have a noble and distinguished destiny, and will also have few illnesses and enjoy happiness in their early years. Even if a person with an ordinary pattern receives this, they will not suffer from legal troubles throughout their life. This statement comes from the "Yuzhao Baodian."

如甲戊庚年生人，得丑日或未時上卻帶甲戊庚中一字主顯異。

For example, those born in the years of Jia, Wu, or Geng, if their day branch falls on Chou or their hour branch falls on Wei—Chou and Wei are precisely the positions of Tianyi Nobleman for the three heavenly stems Jia, Wu, and Geng—while the heavenly stem of this column is exactly one of Jia, Wu, or Geng, with the upper stem being a noble stem and the lower branch being a noble branch, this is called 'dry stem enclosing noble god'. Such people are destined to achieve prominence in life and stand out from ordinary people.

如己丑人丙子月乙卯日丙子時，兩子夾一卯，雖帶無禮刑，官居使節。又如丁巳人壬子月乙丑日丙子時，兩子夾一乙，官亞相輔。（三命提要）

For example, a person born in the year of Jichou, with a month of Bingzi, a day of Yimao, and an hour of Bingzi: the Tianyi Nobleman of Jia is in Zi and Shen. Both the month and hour branches are Zi, which are Noblemen, enclosing the day branch Mao in the middle. Although Zi and Mao conflict, bringing about the Punishment of Impropriety, this person still rises to the position of a minister holding the seal of authority. Another example is a person born in the year of Dingsi, with a month of Renzi, a day of Yichou, and an hour of Bingzi. The two Zi branches enclose the central Yichou wood pillar. This person attains a position second only to the prime minister. This statement is found in the "Three Essentials of Destiny."

蓋取前後各有天乙官貴神也，謂壬癸人天乙貴神在卯巳，辰為夾貴窠也；丙丁人在戌，主官位崇顯。（三命指南）

This pattern involves having a Tianyi Nobleman and a Nobleman on both sides, with the branch in the middle being the nest of the Nobleman. For example, if the Tianyi Nobleman of Jia and Gui are located in Mao and Si, then Chen, which is in between, is called the "夹贵窠"; similarly, if the Nobleman of Bing and Ding are located in You and Hai, then Xu, which is in between, is also called the "夹贵窠", indicating a high and prominent official position. This statement is from the "San Ming Zhi Nan".

夾貴兼逢六合神，更須時日墓相親，臨身祿馬重重貴，祿馬金龍極富人。

The rhyme says: If a person's destiny forms the pattern of being surrounded by noble influences, and if they also meet the deity of Liu He, it is even better; however, it is still necessary for the day pillar and hour pillar to be close and connected with the storage place. Only when the deity of禄 and the deity of驿马 appear repeatedly on the person's chart can they truly be considered noble. And if both禄 andThe Post-horse come together at the position of Chen, which is the Golden Dragon, then the person will be extremely wealthy.

夾貴中逢六合，如癸酉見壬辰是也，須要日時胎位見土水同類來辰上作庫墓，乃是貴人。（鬼谷要訣）

The concept of "夹贵" refers to when the nobleman is flanked by two other elements. For example, a person born in the year Guiyou sees Renchen: the nobleman of Gui is in卯 and巳, with辰 in between, forming a nest. Additionally,辰 is in harmony with the person's native branch酉. It is also necessary to see earth and water, which are similar to辰, in the day pillar, hour pillar, and fetal chart, so that the position of辰 forms a repository. Only then can it be considered true nobleman. This idea is found in the "Ghost Valley Essential Secrets."

貴人乾上轉干支，再就生時胎月奇，好去君門榮畫錦，不應窮巷久低眉。法曰：六甲逢寅午，乙辛丑未強，丙從雞亥地，丁申鼠位藏，戊癸求申子，庚壬卯巳鄉，己尋蛇兔穴，名為活祿堂，君子日時兼命坐，必定櫃堂佐帝王。如薛相戊戌年甲子月辛巳日丙申時是也。

The song says: The so-called "living nobleman" is determined by taking the heavenly stem of the nobleman's position and then deriving the heavenly stem and earthly branch step by step. Then, combining this with the birth time and the month of birth, one can see the remarkable significance. Those who possess this pattern can rise to high positions in the court, achieve honor and prosperity, and avoid being trapped in poverty and enduring humiliation. The method is as follows: For those born under the Jiazi stem, take the stems of Yin and Wu. For those born under the Yi and Xin stems, take the branches of Chou and Wei, which are most powerful. For Bing, take You (the chicken) and Hai. For Ding, take Shen (the rat) and Zi. For Wu and Gui, take Shen and Zi. For Geng and Ren, take Mao and Si. For Ji, seek Si (the snake) and Mao (the rabbit). These positions are collectively known as the "living fortune hall." If a person's day pillar, hour pillar, and birth stem all sit on these positions, they are certain to enter the court and assist the emperor. For example, the birth chart of the prime minister Xue: Wuxu year, Jiazi month, Xinsi day, Bingshen hour, exactly fits this pattern.

格局更加入福星，聰明才秀顯官身，術人若要知奇異，東嶽儲精治世人。如蔡君謨壬子年癸卯月庚戌日庚辰時，壬騎龍背，又貴在卯巳得辰，是謂福星扶貴人。（紫虛局）

A rhyme says: if a person's destiny is already in a good pattern, and then the "Fuxing" (Star of Good Fortune) is added, the person will be intelligent and talented, and will achieve fame in officialdom. If a practitioner wants to know the special aspect of this, he must know that this is the talent of a virtuous ruler, born from the accumulation of essence by the Eastern Mountain. For example, the birth chart of Cai Junmo (i.e., Cai Xiang, a famous minister of the Song Dynasty) is: Renzi year, Guimao month, Gengxu day, Gengchen hour. The Ren water meets Chen, forming the pattern of "Ren riding a dragon's back." The nobleman of Ren is in Mao and Si. In the birth chart, both Mao and Chen are present. Chen is exactly between Mao and Si, which is called Fuxing assisting the nobleman. This saying comes from the "Zixuju."

天乙之名是貴星也，須逢旺氣相親，無旺又兼無福祿，只是胥徒府吏人。（林開五命）

The name Tianyi is originally a noble star, but it must be in harmony with strong vitality to be effective. If the nobleman is in a place where there is no vitality at all, and does not carry the blessings of a divine being or the fortune of a prosperous position, then he cannot achieve great success and can only be a minor clerk in an official office. This statement is found in the "Lin Kai Wu Ming."

天元變化書有富貴格云：如丁卯火人丙午月乙巳日丁亥時，丁酉胎，乃集貴於酉亥，清貴也，若火不經巳午者，不可用，雖坐貴星，而無旺氣，不可也。餘彷此。

In the "Heavenly Origin Transformation Book," there is a fortune pattern called the Wealth and Honor Pattern which says: someone born in the year of Dingmao, with a Nayin sound element of fire, in the month of Bingwu, on the day of Yisi, and at the hour of Dinghai, with a fetal element in Dingyou—Ding's Tianyi Nobleman is located in You and Hai. This destiny gathers noble energy in You and Hai, making it a clear and honorable fate. However, one must be cautious: if the person's fire element has not passed through fire旺 places like Si or Wu, this pattern cannot be used; even if sitting on a noble star, without the support of旺 energy, it remains empty. The rest can be inferred in the same way.

乃天乙貴人也，如晝生仍遇晝貴人，夜生仍遇夜貴人者為得力。凡晝夜之分，在於子無時，子後為晝，午後為夜。（壺中子）

This still refers to Tianyi Nobleman. Those born during the day encounter the Day Nobleman, and those born at night encounter the Night Nobleman, which is considered favorable. The division between day and night is at the Zi and Wu hours (the original text says "Zi wu shi," which should be a mistake for "Zi Wu shi"): after the Zi hour it is considered day, and after the Wu hour it is considered night. This statement comes from the "Hu Zhong Zi."

指迷賦云：天乙貴最吉，而有晝夜之分。三曆會同云：貴人分晝夜者，甲戊庚旦丑暮未，乙己者旦子暮甲，丙丁旦亥暮酉，壬癸旦巳暮卯，六辛旦午暮寅，在日出後，日入前者用旦貴人，在日入後日出前者用暮貴人法推之。

The "Zhi Mi Fu" says: Tianyi Nobleman is the most auspicious, but it must be divided into daytime Nobleman and nighttime Nobleman. The "San Li He Hui" says: the method of determining daytime and nighttime Nobleman is as follows: for the heavenly stems Jia, Wu, and Geng, use Chou in the daytime and Wei at night; for the heavenly stems Yi and Ji, use Zi in the daytime and Shen at night (the original text writes "Jia," which should be "Shen"); for the heavenly stems Bing and Ding, use Hai in the daytime and You at night; for the heavenly stems Ren and Gui, use Si in the daytime and Mao at night; for the heavenly stem Xin, use Wu in the daytime and Yin at night. If one is born after sunrise and before sunset, use the daytime Nobleman; if born after sunset and before sunrise, use the nighttime Nobleman. Follow this method for calculation.

貴人主官爵高貴，若見胎月，必受祖蔭，有祿馬不見天乙，必無科名，生時見貴，有祿有馬，位極人臣，惟忌無氣，如貴人屬火，而生冬月，雖有如無。（玉霄寶鑑雲）

The Nobleman signifies high official rank and honor. If both the fetal origin and the month of birth also have the Nobleman, the person is certainly benefiting from ancestral blessings. If the birth chart contains only the Lu Spirit and the Post-horse but not the Tianyi Nobleman, it is likely that the person will not achieve academic success or official titles. If the birth time includes the Nobleman along with both the Lu Spirit and the Post-horse, the person may attain the highest official position. The most dangerous situation is when the Nobleman lacks strength, for example, if the Nobleman is of the fire element but the person is born in winter when fire is weak, then it is as if the Nobleman is absent. This statement comes from the "Yuzhao Baodian."

貴人臨祿上，將相之徵。與馬同宮，必作公卿，與太歲相食，貴神無氣，又是空亡，則無力，貴人入墓，不好，貴人擁馬而前視羊刃者必貴顯。（廣錄）

The Nobleman is exactly on the position of the official rank, indicating a sign of becoming a general or a high official; when the Nobleman and the Post-horse are in the same palace, one is sure to reach the rank of a minister. However, if the Nobleman interacts with the year pillar in a way that consumes or depletes each other, and the Nobleman itself lacks strength, and falls into 'Kongwang' (the two empty branches in a set of ten), then it will be ineffective. If the Nobleman enters the 'Storage' (m墓库), it is not considered favorable. As for when the Nobleman is accompanied by the Post-horse and the 'Yangren' (sheep blade) is visible in front, then one will certainly achieve great status. This statement is found in the 'Broad Record'.

陳希烈疏曰：乾為天乙之將，支為貴神之帥，是乾為天乙，支為貴神也，假如丑未生人，月日時得甲戊庚是遇正天乙也，甲子人十二月生，是遇貴神，己巳日乙亥時，是遇兩天乙，予合貴

Chen Xilie wrote: The Heavenly Stems are like the generals of Tianyi, and the Earthly Branches are like the commanders of the Nobleman. Therefore, when considering the Heavenly Stems, we discuss Tianyi, and when considering the Earthly Branches, we discuss the Nobleman. For example, those born in the year of Chou or Wei, if their month, day, or hour Heavenly Stems are Jia, Wu, or Geng, they have encountered the correct Tianyi. A person born in the year of Jiazi, if born in the twelfth month, which is the month of Chou, has encountered the Nobleman. If further encountering the day of Jisi or the hour of Yihai, then two Tianyis appear at the same time. Below, he continues to explain his observations of combining the auspicious combinations with the Nobleman's influence (the original text here is at a page break, and the meaning continues to the next paragraph).

人之命觀之，若在太歲本干四貴華蓋之上，遇兩天乙者，臺輔之命也，若在四平之位，遇兩天乙者，亦為侍從清華之命，若在四忌上遇兩天乙者，常調之官也。又云：予觀貴人之命，若丑未人甲戊庚申，惟得兩字子申人得乙己全，酉亥人得丙丁全之類，更與太歲干祿為正官正印者，其福加倍也。

Chen Xilie said: Looking at the birth charts with the nobleman's influence, if the nobleman falls in the heavenly stem of the year pillar, the four noble positions, or Huagai, and also encounters two layers of Tianyi, it indicates a minister-level destiny; if it falls in the four level positions and encounters two layers of Tianyi, it indicates a position of clear dignity and service; if it falls in the four taboos and encounters two layers of Tianyi, it indicates a common official who progresses by seniority. He also said: I have observed those birth charts with the nobleman's influence. For instance, those born in the year Chou or Wei who have the characters Jia, Wu, and Geng all present, even if only two of them are present; those born in the year Zi or Shen who have the characters Yi and Ji all present; those born in the year You or Hai who have the characters Bing and Ding all present, and if these characters are in harmony with the heavenly stem of the year and are the proper official or official's teacher, their fortune will be even greater.

沉芝論凡生月日時遇天乙貴人相四字全者，為一品之命，若有酉亥，又有丙丁者之類是也。說者引會魯公命：己亥年丙寅月，乙酉日，丁丑時，是相間四字全，予謂時不值忌神，所以至宰相，若酉時生己祿，則酉為敗忌，雖四全必不至於宰相也。

Chen Zhi discussed the matter, saying that if the month, day, and hour of birth all contain Tianyi Nobleman, and the four characters are complete, then it is a first-class destiny. For example, if the destiny includes both You and Hai branches, and also Bing and Ding stems, this would be such a case. Someone cited the example of the Duke of Lu's destiny: Jihai year, Bingyin month, Yiyou day, Dingchou hour. This exactly completes the four characters in sequence. Liao Zhong said that this destiny could reach the position of prime minister because the hour did not meet the Hostile God. If he were born at You hour, the Jiu earth's strength would fall on You, making You a place of failure andHostile God. Even if the four characters were complete, it would not be possible to attain the position of prime minister.

古人皆以貴人主福，不分福力厚薄，今各隨位次約為厚薄也。若甲人遇丑，庚人遇未，各在祿庫，主貴；戊人遇丑未是土支，己人遇子申是貴神與生旺同位，主貴。以上四神生日生時遇之，又帶正官正印上下合正，天乙本家祿、天乙貴神合者，福力加倍。

Ancient people generally believed that the Nobleman brings good fortune, without distinguishing the thickness of the fortune; nowadays, according to the position of the Nobleman, we roughly divide the thickness of the fortune. For example, if a person born in the year of Jia meets the branch of Chou, or a person born in the year of Geng meets the branch of Wei, the Nobleman is sitting on their own禄库, which indicates great fortune; if a person born in the year of Wu meets the branch of Chou or Wei, that is exactly the branch of the original qi of Wu earth; if a person born in the year of Ji meets the branch of Zi or Shen, the Nobleman is in the same position as the birth and prosperity place, which also indicates great fortune. The above four cases, if encountered in the birth day or birth time, and accompanied by the proper official and the proper seal, with the upper and lower parts properly combined, or sitting on the禄 of Tianyi's own house, or combined with Tianyi's Nobleman, the fortune will be doubled.

乙人遇甲絕，忌，卻有暗合，遇子敗，忌，丙丁人遇亥絕，忌，丁有暗合，遇酉死，忌，壬癸人遇巳絕，忌，癸有暗合，遇卯死，忌，六辛人遇午敗，忌，遇寅絕，忌，以上六貴神，皆與忌神同位，生月日時遇之，可得三二分福分，若與驛馬同位，及帶正天乙本家祿，正官正印干合，有輔助者，得五分六分福力也。（三命提要）

In reverse, for a person born in the year of Yi, encountering Shen (originally written as Jia) is problematic, as Shen is the place where Yi wood is at its end, which is considered aHostile God (hostile god). However, there is a hidden harmony between Shen and Yi, which can somewhat alleviate the issue. When encountering Zi, Zi is the place where Yi wood is at its decline, also considered aHostile God. For people born in the years of Bing and Ding, encountering Hai is problematic, as Hai is the place where fire is at its end, considered aHostile God. Among them, Ding has a hidden harmony with Hai. When encountering You, You is the place where fire is at its death, also considered aHostile God. For people born in the years of Ren and Gui, encountering Si is problematic, as Si is the place where water is at its end, considered aHostile God. Among them, Gui has a hidden harmony with Si. When encountering Mao, Mao is the place where water is at its death, also considered aHostile God. For people born in the year of Xin, encountering Wu is problematic, as Wu is the place where Xin metal is at its decline, considered aHostile God. When encountering Yin, Yin is the place where Xin metal is at its end, also considered aHostile God. The above six noble gods are all in the same position as theHostile God. If they appear in the month, day, or hour of birth, one can only receive two or three parts of fortune. If they are in the same position as theThe Post-horse (post-horse), or if they carry the original family's禄 (favor) of the 正天乙, and are in harmony with the 正官 (correct official) and 正印 (correct seal) heavenly stems, and are assisted by other auspicious gods, then one can receive five or six parts of fortune. This statement is found in the "Three Essentials of Destiny."