Volume Fifteen · On the Favorable Post (Lü)

甲祿在寅，乙祿在卯，丙戊祿在巳，丁己祿在午，庚祿在申，辛祿在酉，壬祿在亥，癸祿在子。

Each of the ten heavenly stems has its own "Lù" position, which is the earthly branch where the heavenly stem reaches its officialdom and strength: Jia's Lù is in Yin, Yi's Lù is in Mao, Bing and Wu share the same Lù in Si, Ding and Ji share the same Lù in Wu, Geng's Lù is in Shen, Xin's Lù is in You, Ren's Lù is in Hai, and Gui's Lù is in Zi.

凡命的一位者為衣食，或多見，更五行相生者為貴，若遇死絕有刑者，作無官閒冗之輩，猥賤之人。（林開五命）

If the Lu Spirit appears only once in a person's fate, it indicates that they will never lack food and clothing throughout their life. If there are multiple Lu Spirits and the Five Phases can generate each other, then they will achieve high status and prestige. However, if the Lu Spirit falls in a dead or绝地 position and is subject to punishment and conflict, then the person will be a low-ranking official at best, or even become a humble and despised individual. This statement is found in the "Lin Kai Wu Ming."

甲祿在寅，丑為祿庫，卯為羊刃，申為破祿，餘皆彷此。見丙寅為福星祿，甲土勊丙水為財，戊寅為伏馬祿，火土相生大吉，此帶刑杖，君子吉，小人凶，庚寅為之破祿，半凶半吉，壬寅謂之正祿，帶截路空亡，必為僧道，有福，甲寅謂之長生福星祿大吉。

The stem Jia's strength is in the branch Yin. The branch Chou before Yin is its strength storage, and the branch Mao after Yin is called Yangren. The branch Shen, which conflicts with Yin, is called Po Lu. The same pattern applies to other stems. The branch Yin is the same, but with different stems, the fortune varies. When Jia meets Yin, it is called Fu Xing Lu, which is very auspicious. According to the Nayin sound element, the earth of Jia can overcome the water of Bing, and the overcome element is considered wealth, so it indicates wealth. When Wu meets Yin, it is called Fu Ma Lu, which is very auspicious, but it carries the energy of punishment, so it is good for gentlemen and bad for villains. When Geng meets Yin, it is called Po Lu, which is half good and half bad. When Ren meets Yin, it is called Zheng Lu, but it carries the energy of Kongwang and Jie Lu, and such people often become monks or Taoists, yet they are fortunate. When Jia meets Yin, it is called Changsheng Fu Xing Lu, which is the most auspicious.

乙祿在卯，見丁卯為截路空亡，金本不相喜，凶象，己卯進神祿，有官不久，己土卯上死也。辛卯破祿，又為交神，乙祿會之凶，暫有資財不永。癸卯帶天乙死祿，雖貴終貧，乙卯旺祿喜神大吉。

The禄 of 乙 is in 卯. If Dingmao occurs, it is the Star of blockage and Kongwang, and since metal and wood are not compatible, it is an ominous sign. If Jimao occurs, it is the Advancing God's禄, though there may be an official position, it will not last long, because the earth element 己 reaches its dead place at 卯. If Xinmao occurs, it is a broken禄, also called the meeting God, and since the禄 of 乙 meets it, it is凶, even with wealth, it will only last a short time. If Guimao occurs, it brings the dead禄 of Tianyi, though the person may be of high status, in the end they will still become poor. If Yimao occurs, it is a prosperous禄 meeting the auspicious God, which is very吉利.

丙祿在巳，見己巳九天庫祿，有官，辛巳截路空亡祿，多是非，癸巳伏貴神祿，多成敗。（一雲半吉）乙巳旺馬祿有官，丁巳旺庫祿有官。

The heavenly stem 丙 has its fortune in the earthly branch 巳. If 丙 meets Jisi, it is called "Nine Heavens Treasury Fortune," indicating the possibility of holding an official position. If 丙 meets Xinsi, it is the "Star of Blockage and Empty Wasteland Fortune," leading to many disputes and conflicts throughout life. If 丙 meets Guisi, it is the "Hidden Noble God Fortune," resulting in many ups and downs in success and failure (another interpretation considers this as half good). If 丙 meets Yisi, it is the "Prosperous Horse Fortune," indicating the possibility of holding an official position. If 丙 meets Dingsi, it is the "Prosperous Treasury Fortune," also indicating the possibility of holding an official position.

丁祿在午，見庚午為截路空亡祿，多成敗，壬午為德，合祿有官短命，甲午為進神祿，有登科之喜，丙午喜神祿，交羊刃半吉，戊午伏羊刃祿，多凶災患。

The禄 of Ding is in Wu. If Wu is Gengwu, it is the禄 of the Star of blockage and Kongwang, leading to many successes and failures in life. If it is Renwu, the禄 of Ding and Ren combines as a virtuous harmony, allowing one to attain official positions but resulting in a short lifespan. If it is Jiawu, it is the禄 of the Advancing God, indicating joy from passing exams and achieving success. If it is Bingwu, it is the禄 of the Joyful God, but since it intersects with Yangren, it is only half good. If it is Wuwu, it is the禄 that conceals Yangren, often leading to misfortune and illness.

戊祿在巳，見己巳九天庫祿，有官司，辛苦巳截路空亡祿，有官，終失，多是非，癸巳貴神祿，有官位重，戊癸相合吉，乙巳驛馬同鄉祿，有官大吉，丁巳旺庫祿，有官。

The禄 of Wu is also in Si. If Si is encountered with Jisi, it is the禄 of the Nine Heavens' storehouse, indicating a position in government; if encountered with Xinsi, it is the禄 of the Star of blockage and Kongwang, although one may attain an official position, it will eventually be lost, and there will be much trouble; if encountered with Guisi, it is the禄 of the noble deity, indicating an important official position, and since Wu and Gui are compatible, it is even more auspicious; if encountered with Yisi, the禄 and the Post-horse are in the same locality, indicating an official position and great good fortune; if encountered with Dingsi, it is the禄 of the flourishing storehouse, also indicating an official position.

己祿在午，見庚午截路空亡祿，為凶象，壬午死鬼祿，凶，甲午進神德合祿，殊達之象，丙午喜神為羊刃祿，凶，戊午伏神羊刃凶。

The禄 of Ji is also in Wu. If Wu is paired with Gengwu, it becomes the Star of blockage and Kongwang, which is an ominous sign; if paired with Renwu, it is the禄 of the dead ghost, which is also ominous; if paired with Jiawu, it is the Advancing God combined with the harmonious combination, indicating extraordinary success; if paired with Bingwu, although it is a favorable deity, it becomes the禄 of the Yangren, which is still ominous; if paired with Wuwu, it is the Hidden God combined with the Yangren, which is also ominous.

庚祿在申，見壬申大敗祿，主貧賤，甲申截路空亡祿，凶（一雲小吉）丙申大敗祿，多成敗，招是非，戊申伏馬祿，多滯，（一雲戊申伏滯又值福星貴吉）庚申長生祿，大吉。

The禄 of Geng is in Shen. If Renshen (壬申) occurs, it is a great defeat禄, indicating poverty and low status; if Jiashen (甲申) occurs, it is a禄 of the Star of blockage and Kongwang, which is凶 (another interpretation says it is a minor good fortune); if Bingshen (丙申) occurs, it is also a great defeat禄, leading to frequent success and failure and causing disputes; if Wushen (戊申) occurs, it is a hidden horse禄, causing delays in affairs (another interpretation says that although Wushen is obstructed, it also meets the auspicious star, thus becoming prosperous and auspicious); if Gengshen (庚申) occurs, it is a growth禄, which is very auspicious.

辛祿在酉，見癸酉伏神祿，水火相犯凶，（一雲半吉）乙酉破祿，多成敗，丁酉空亡貴神祿，丁木受氣，辛水沐浴主姦淫之事，（一雲值喜神吉）己酉進神祿，有殊達之兆，辛酉正祿，吉在戌，六戊午羊刃相蝕，小人血光散財，婦人產難，君子赤眼病患，乙卯年大敗，戊戌年羊刃發見天災。

The禄 of 辛 is in 酉. When encountering Guiyou, it is the禄 of the hidden god, with water and fire conflicting, which is凶 (another view considers it half good); when encountering Yiyou, it is breaking the禄, leading to many successes and many failures; when encountering Dingyou, it is the禄 of the empty and noble god, with 丁 receiving the qi and 辛 sitting in bathing, indicating affairs of infidelity and improper behavior (another view considers it good if encountering the joyful god); when encountering Jiyou, it is the禄 of the advancing god, indicating a sign of special success; only when encountering Xinyou is it the true禄 of the heavenly stem. As for the fortune and misfortune, they should be considered at 戌: if the sixth戊 and 午's Yangren mutually attack, it brings misfortune to small people with bloodshed and loss, to women with difficult childbirth, and to gentlemen with red eyes and illness; when arriving at the year of Yimao, it is a great defeat; when arriving at the year of Wuxu, the Yangren is activated, causing heavenly calamities to appear.

壬祿在亥，見丁亥貴神祿，有官，乙亥天德祿，大吉，己亥旺祿，辛亥同馬鄉祿，大貴，癸亥大敗祿，貧薄。

The禄 of Ren is in Hai. If one meets Dinghai, it is the禄 of the noble spirit, indicating holding an official position; if one meets Yihai, it is the禄 of the Star of virtue and resolution, which is very auspicious; if one meets Jihai, it is a prosperous禄; if one meets Xinhai, the禄 and the Post-horse are in the same locality, indicating great wealth and status; if one meets Guihai, it is the禄 of Great Defeat, leading to a life of poverty.

癸祿在子，見甲子進神祿，主登科進達之喜，丙子交羊刃祿，帶福星貴，有權，戊子伏羊刃合貴祿，半吉，庚子應祿吉，壬子正羊刃祿凶。（金書命訣）

The禄 of癸 is in子. When encounteringJiazi, it is the禄 of the Advancing God, indicating joy from academic success and advancement; when encounteringBingzi, it is the禄 that meets the Yangren, but accompanied by the auspiciousness of the Nobleman, indicating authority; when encounteringWuzi, it is the禄 that is hidden by the Yangren and combines with the Nobleman, considered half good; when encounteringGengzi, it is the proper禄, which is auspicious; when encounteringRenzi, it is the禄 of the Yangren, which is inauspicious. The above is from《Gold Book of Fate and Destiny》.

命書云：陰死陽生，陽死陰生，人皆言之，未知其詳，今書以示將來，且甲生於亥，順數至寅，臨官為祿，至午而死，乙卻復生於午，逆數至卯，臨官為祿，蓋死於亥，而甲復生也，丙生寅，順數至巳，臨官為祿，至酉而死，丁卻復生於酉，逆數至午臨官為祿，蓋死於寅，而丙復生也，庚辛壬癸皆彷此，惟戊生申，逆數至巳上臨官為祿，己生於卯，順數至午上臨官為祿，此陰死陽生，陽死陰生之說也。（廣信集）

The book of destiny says "yin dies and yang is born, yang dies and yin is born," everyone talks about it but cannot explain why. Now I write it down for future generations to see. The yang stems, such as Jia, are born in Hai, and following the sequence to Yin is officialdom, which becomes the stem's strength. Continuing to Wu is the death place. The yin stem Yi, however, begins its growth in Wu, and counting backwards to Mao is officialdom, which becomes Yi's strength. Yi dies in Hai, while Jia is born in Hai. Bing is born in Yin, and following the sequence to Si is officialdom, which becomes its strength, and it dies in You. Ding is born in You, and counting backwards to Wu is officialdom, which becomes its strength, and Ding dies in Yin, while Bing is born in Yin. Geng and Xin, as well as Ren and Gui, follow the same principle. Only Wu earth is born in Shen, and counting backwards to Si is officialdom, which becomes its strength. Ji earth is born in Mao, and following the sequence to Wu is officialdom, which becomes its strength, which is slightly different. This is the saying of "yin dies and yang is born, yang dies and yin is born." This statement comes from the "Broad Trust Collection."

甲乙人得甲寅乙卯，丙丁人得丁巳戊午，戊己人得丁巳戊午，庚辛人得庚申辛酉，壬癸人得癸亥壬子。

The concept of "generated official" refers to a completed pillar formed by the heavenly stem and one's own official position. The heavenly stem and earthly branch are of the same nature: those born in the year of Jia or Yi have the pillar of Jiayin or Yimao, those born in the year of Bing or Ding have the pillar of Dingsi or Wuwu, those born in the year of Wu or Ji also have the pillar of Dingsi or Wuwu, those born in the year of Geng or Xin have the pillar of Gengshen or Xinyou, and those born in the year of Ren or Gui have the pillar of Guihai or Renzi.

凡祿上帶食神者是，如甲人見丙寅，謂之名位祿，皆為貴格，餘彷此。（林開五命）

If the food god is sitting on the position of the official star, it belongs to this category. For example, if the official star of Jia is in寅, and the heavenly stem on寅 is Bing, which is the food god of Jia, this is called 'famous position official star', and it is considered a noble pattern. The rest can be inferred in the same way. This statement is found in the book "Lin Kai Wu Ming".

甲人見丙或巳，乙人見巳或午，丙人見癸或子，丁人見丙或巳，戊人見丁或午，己人見庚或申，庚人見甲或寅，辛人見丁或午，壬人見辛或酉，癸人見甲或寅。大凡看貴命最要真祿馬、真官、真印、食神、天德、月德、歲德、月空，並月中秀氣。

The so-called "true luck" refers to when a person's birth chart contains a specific heavenly stem or the branch where that stem's luck resides; having either one qualifies. For those born in the year of Jia, they have true luck if they see Ding or Si (Ding's luck is in Si). For those born in the year of Yi, they have true luck if they see Wei or Wu (Ding's luck is in Wu). For those born in the year of Bing, they have true luck if they see Gui or Zi (Gui's luck is in Zi). For those born in the year of Ding, they have true luck if they see Bing or Si. For those born in the year of Wu, they have true luck if they see Ding or Wu. For those born in the year of Ji, they have true luck if they see Geng or Shen. For those born in the year of Geng, they have true luck if they see Jia or Yin. For those born in the year of Xin, they have true luck if they see Ding or Wu. For those born in the year of Ren, they have true luck if they see Xin or You. For those born in the year of Gui, they have true luck if they see Jia or Yin. In general, to determine if a person is of noble destiny, the most important factors are whether they have true luck, true horse, true official, true seal, food god, and the auspicious stars such as Star of Virtue and Resolution, Star of Virtue and Charity, Annual Virtue, and Monthly Void, along with the refined essence contained in their birth month.

戊辰丁巳，戊丁巳，丙辰癸巳，丙午癸巳，癸亥甲子，癸丑甲子，壬戌辛亥，壬子辛亥。以上戊見丁，丙見癸，癸見甲，壬見辛，皆真祿也，進則平易，退則艱難，更帶福神，可作貴顯科甲之格，如重見之，難作福，而為狡獪不堪福，福亦少減損，重迭之字，以後俱用，更不再書。

This sequence of heavenly stems and earthly branches pairs two columns that are mutually advancing and retreating. The original text has some missing characters in its transmission (for example, the second group "戊丁巳" should be "戊午丁巳"). The general meaning is:Wuchen pairs with Dingsi, Wuwu pairs with Dingsi, Bingchen pairs with Guisi, Bingwu pairs with Guisi, Guihai pairs with Jiazi, Guichou pairs with Jiazi, Renxu pairs with Xinhai, Renzi pairs with Xinhai. In all these cases, 戊 meets 丁, 丙 meets 癸, 癸 meets 甲, and 壬 meets 辛, which all belong to true禄. When the禄 position is in the previous earthly branch, it is called "进," indicating smooth and easy actions; when it is in the following earthly branch, it is called "退," indicating difficult actions. If combined with the blessing gods, it can form a pattern leading to high status and success in exams. However, if the same combination appears repeatedly, it fails to bring blessings and instead cultivates cunning and deceitful people who cannot bear the weight of good fortune, thus reducing the amount of good fortune. Whenever these repeated terms appear again in the following text, they should be interpreted in this way without further explanation.

甲人戊寅，乙人己卯，丙人辛巳，丁人庚午，戊人癸巳，己人壬午，庚人甲申，辛人乙酉，壬人丁亥，癸人丙子。以上乃祿頭是財，主人富有聲望，古詩云：祿生於因辱，因財反有名，君子榮顯祿，常人主豐盈。

People born in the year of Jia see Wuyin, those born in Yi see Jimao, those born in Bing see Xinsi, those born in Ding see Gengwu, those born in Wu see Guisi, those born in Ji see Renwu, those born in Geng see Jiashen, those born in Xin see Yiyou, those born in Ren see Dinghai, and those born in Gui see Bingzi. All these cases have the heavenly stem of their birth year sitting on the earthly branch of their fortune, which is exactly where their wealth star is located. This is called "the fortune head is wealth," indicating that the person has abundant wealth and high reputation. An old poem says: "Salary comes from what seems to be a humble place, and through wealth one gains fame; the virtuous person attains official honor and prominence, while an ordinary person attains family prosperity."

甲人庚寅，乙人辛卯，丙人癸巳，丁人壬年，戊人乙巳，己人甲午，庚人丙申，辛人丁酉，壬人己亥，癸人戊子。以上又名赤舌殺，君子主甲科，常人口舌刑責，若別有貴救，主家世超越，三代富有，行年太歲遇之，主有災。（廣信錄）

Those born in the year of Jia (甲) see Gengyin (庚寅), those born in the year of Yi (乙) see Xinmao (辛卯), those born in the year of Bing (丙) see Guisi (癸巳), those born in the year of Ding (丁) see Renwu (壬午), those born in the year of Wu (戊) see Yisi (乙巳), those born in the year of Ji (己) see Jiawu (甲午), those born in the year of Geng (庚) see Bingshen (丙申), those born in the year of Xin (辛) see Dingyou (丁酉), those born in the year of Ren (壬) see Jihai (己亥), and those born in the year of Gui (癸) see Wuzi (戊子). These are instances where the official ghost (官鬼) that harms the self sits on the dry branch (干头) of the禄 (lucky position). Therefore, they are called "Lùtóu Guǐ" (禄头鬼), also known as "Chìshé Shā" (赤舌杀). If a gentleman possesses this, it may lead to success in the imperial examinations and high rank. However, if an ordinary person has it, they may face disputes, lawsuits, and punishments. If there is another noble deity to rescue them, they may achieve high status and great wealth in three generations. If this appears in the flow year's Tai Su (太岁), it indicates disaster. This statement is found in the "Guǎngxìn Lù" (广信录).

假令六甲人見丙寅，復見巳字者為入格，甲祿在寅，遁得丙寅，丙祿在巳，再見丙祿，他皆彷此，入格者，福祿兼足，稍有福助之，五品之貴，一雲重重福祿主富盛。

For example, a person born in a year of Jia (甲) will be considered to fall into this pattern when they encounter Bingyin (丙寅). If the character Si (巳) also appears in their destiny, it is considered to fit this pattern. The reasoning is that Jia's strength lies in Yin (寅), and according to the Five Tigers遁 (Yi Wonder), the character Bing emerges on Yin. Since Bing's strength also lies in Si, the reappearance of Si is like strength upon strength. The same principle applies to the other heavenly stems. Those who fit this pattern will have both fortune and official rank sufficient. With a slight assistance from auspicious deities, they may attain the rank of fifth grade. Another interpretation is that the accumulation of strength indicates a prosperous family.

旬中祿為月中祿，定斷公卿無反覆，清華館見演絲綸，福慧昭昭兩俱足。如貴晃仲甲申年乙亥月丙辰日庚寅時，又如丁慶相公庚寅年甲申月壬寅日己酉時生月帶祿也。

The song says: If the Lu Spirit falls on the birth month within a ten-day cycle, it is called "Lu in the month," and the destiny is that of a high official, with no reversals; such people can serve in the palace, drafting imperial edicts for the emperor, with both fortune and wisdom fully realized. For example, the birth chart of Huang Zhong is Jiashen year, Yihai month, Bingchen day, Gengyin hour; another example is Ding Qingxiang's birth chart: Gengyin year, Jiashen month, Renyin day, Jiyou hour, both having the Lu Spirit in the birth month.

如甲祿在寅，見甲寅，己亥，乙祿在卯見乙卯庚戌，丙戊祿在巳，見辛巳丙申，丁己祿在午,見壬午丁未，餘彷次，凡值此主官職崇重，臺輔之命。（八字金書）

For example, Jia's luck is in Yin, and if the birth chart contains both Jia and Yin, as well as Ji and Hai, there is a double combination of the heavenly stem Jia with the earthly branch Ji, and the earthly branch Yin with Hai. Similarly, Yi's luck is in Mao, and if the chart contains Yi and Mao, as well as Geng and Xu, there is a double combination of Yi with Geng, and Mao with Xu. For Bing and Wu, whose luck is in Si, if the chart contains Xin and Si, as well as Bing and Shen, there is a double combination of Bing with Xin, and Si with Shen. For Ding and Ji, whose luck is in Wu, if the chart contains Ren and Wu, as well as Ding and Wei, there is a double combination of Ding with Ren, and Wu with Wei. The same applies to the rest. Whenever such a double combination of the heavenly stem and earthly branch occurs, it indicates a high and solemn official position, equivalent to that of a prime minister. This statement is from the "Eight Characters Golden Book."

甲人辛亥暗中祿，乙要隆昌甲戌推，丙見戊申尊重處，丁逢辛未福神威，戊人若見壬申好，己若繁華乙未隨，庚意多權須己巳，辛來喜合壬辰輝，壬公元用丙寅輔，癸命生未巳丑時，此是上清暗合祿，不因師指若何知。

The concept of "hidden official position" or "暗禄" refers to the branch that forms aLiu He (six harmonies) with the禄 branch. The official position is not clearly visible but is connected in a hidden way. A mnemonic states: For those born under Jia, the hidden official position is Xinhai (Jia's禄 is in寅, and寅 and亥 form a六合). For those born under Yi, to achieve prosperity, they should see Jiaxu (Yi's禄 is in卯, and卯 and戌 form a六合). For those born under Bing, seeing Wushen brings respect (Bing's禄 is in巳, and巳 and申 form a六合). For those born under Ding, encountering Xinwei brings the blessing of divine beings (Ding's禄 is in午, and午 and未 form a六合). For those born under Wu, encountering Renshen is favorable (Wu's禄 is also in巳). For those born under Ji, encountering Yiwei brings prosperity (Ji's禄 is in午). For those born under Geng, to hold power, they should see Jisi (Geng's禄 is in申, and申 and巳 form a六合). For those born under Xin, encountering Renchen brings brilliance (Xin's禄 is in酉, and酉 and辰 form a六合). For those born under Ren, they should rely on Bingyin for support (Ren's禄 is in亥, and亥 and寅 form a六合). For those born under Gui, being born at the hour of Chou is best (Gui's禄 is in子, and子 and丑 form a六合; the original text has some missing characters). This is the transmission of the hidden harmony for official position from the Shangqing school. Without guidance from a master, who could understand the subtleties of this practice.

上清活祿少人知，演去干頭轉取之，君子日時兼生命，榮華富貴一生奇。法曰：甲丁巳喜慶，乙辛戊午強，癸庚寅位上，丙丁己申鄉，壬人酉中取，官品至候王。

The song says: The "living fortune" of the Upper Clear School is rarely understood; it must be obtained by rotating and deducing from the heavenly stems. If a gentleman's day pillar, hour pillar, and birth stem all conform to this, he will have a life of great prosperity and extraordinary fortune. The method is: Jia and Ding take the Si position as auspicious, Yi and Xin take Wuwu as strongest, Gui and Geng take the Yin position, Bing, Ding, and Ji take the Shen direction, and Ren takes the You position. Those who conform to this method can attain the rank of marquis and king.

大凡陰陽天地之數，須至五位而後有成，天數五，地數五是也，且如申人數至戊是五數，不必求戊，戊祿在巳，見巳即名天雄祿，更正祿加之為入格。（馬子才命格）

In general, the numbers of yin and yang in the heavens and earth must be counted to the fifth position to be considered complete. This is what is meant by the saying that the heavenly numbers have five and the earthly numbers have five. For example, a person born in the year of Jia (Jia is mistakenly written as Shen in the original text) starts counting from Jia: Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu. Counting to Wu, which is the fifth position, is considered complete. At this point, one does not need to actually find the character Wu in the person's birth chart. Instead, one should know that Wu's official position (Lü) is in Si. If the person's birth chart contains Si, it is called "Tian Xiong Lu" (Heavenly Strength). If this is combined with the official position (Lü) of the person's heavenly stem, then it is considered qualified and part of the pattern. This statement comes from the "Ma Zicai Mingge" (Ma Zicai's Destiny Patterns).

太歲本干不見祿，取五虎元遁，至祿上看得何干，真干見天乙貴神，而貴人所坐之干，復得貴於祿上者是也。假令六丁人祿在午，至午上得丙字，丙貴在酉亥，而得辛酉或辛亥，則辛貴復見於午也，此為入格，又加六壬人至祿上得辛而見丙寅者是也，如更入格，貴極一品，常格得之，不下三品。（玉霄寶鑑）

If the heavenly stem of the year is not found in its own禄 position, then use the "Five Tigers Hidden" method to start from the heavenly stem of the year and determine which heavenly stem is hidden in the禄 branch. If this hidden heavenly stem can meet the Tianyi Nobleman, and the heavenly stem of the Nobleman is also in the禄 position, it becomes "Heavenly禄 Noble God." For example, those born in the year of Jindeng (六丁) have their禄 in Wu. Using the Five Tigers Hidden method, the stem hidden in Wu is Bing. Bing's Nobleman is You and Hai. If the person's chart includes Xinyou or Xinhai, and Xinhai's Nobleman is Wu, then the noble energy forms a loop back to the禄 position, which qualifies as a valid pattern. Another example is those born in the year of Ren (六壬), whose禄 position hides Xin. If the person's chart includes Bingyin, it follows the same principle. If the pattern is more complete, it can reach the highest rank of one prime minister; even if a common person has this pattern, they would be at least third rank. This statement comes from the "Yuzhao Baodian."

自來言祿，但知甲祿在寅之類，殊未知祿堂為最貴，甲人得甲戌是也，以其甲為歲干，則甲之本位遁在戌，若更得諸位福神助發，必須大貴，獨辛壬有二位，辛有辛卯辛丑，壬有壬寅壬子，餘皆一位。（李虛中書）

Those who talk about the benefits of the禄 (favorable position) only know that Jia's禄 is in寅, but they do not know that「禄堂」is actually the most valuable. For example, if a person born in the year of Jia has Jiaxu in their birth chart, this is considered a禄堂: since Jia is the heavenly stem of the year, starting from Jia, the fiveYi Wonder (tiger遁) method shows that the stem on寅 is Bing, on卯 is Ding, and so on until we reach戌, where the stem again returns to Jia, the original stem. If this is further supported by various auspicious deities, it will certainly lead to great fortune. Among the ten heavenly stems, only Xin and Ren each have two禄堂: Xin years have Xinmao and Xinchou, and Ren years have Renyin and Renzi. The other stems each have only one禄堂. This statement comes from the book《Li Xuzhong's Book》.

閻東叟云：切記三合六合上見刑見鬼，以甲戌言之，鬼在丑上則可畏，以丑刑戌也，鬼在未上則無意，以戌刑未也，以乙酉言之，鬼在巳上則為善，以三合相會也，鬼在辰上則減福，以合相親也，五行無勊，諸位相助，方為祿堂，理愚歌云：祿入都堂須大拜。

Yan Dongshou said: One must pay particular attention to the fact that the positions of Sanhe and Liuhe should not have punishments or official ghosts. Taking Jia Xu as the禄堂, if the official ghost falls on Chou, it is dangerous, because Chou will punish Xu; but if the official ghost falls on Wei, it is not so bad, because it is Xu punishing Wei in reverse. Taking Yi You as the禄堂, if the official ghost falls on Si, it is actually good, because Si, You, and Chou form a triple harmony, and the ghost becomes useful to me; but if the official ghost falls on Chen, it will reduce blessings, because Chen and You form a harmony, and the ghost is too close to the禄. In summary, the Five Phases should not have mutual punishments, and each position should be able to support each other, only then can it be considered a true禄堂. The "Li Yu Ge" says: If the禄 enters the position of the minister's hall, it will surely lead to being honored as a minister and receiving a marquis title.

祿九天者，取祿後一辰，謂如甲祿在寅，丑是也，主食天祿，常處廊廟之上。

The term "Lü Jiutian" refers to the next earthly branch following the禄 position. For example, if Jia's禄 is in Yin, then Chou is its Jiutian. People with this position in their fate are destined to enjoy official salaries and often remain in high positions within the government.

祿九地者，取祿後二辰，謂如甲祿在寅，子是也，戊己之人，寄旺於丙丁，無祿九地也，遇之者，主高官長壽，資產富饒。（三命鈴）

The term "Lù Jiǔ Dì" (L禄九地) refers to the second earthly branch following the禄 position. For example, the禄 of Jia (甲) is in Yin (寅), so Zi (子) is its Jiǔ Dì. The旺 of Wu (戊) and Ji (己) depends on Bing (丙) and Ding (丁), and they do not have an independent Jiǔ Dì. Those who encounter Jiǔ Dì in their fate are likely to hold high official positions, have long lifespans, and possess abundant wealth. This statement is from the "San Ming Ling" (三命铃).

本家祿者，甲為寅人之祿，乙為卯人之祿，丙戊為巳人之祿，丁己為午人之祿，庚為申人之祿，辛為酉人之祿，壬為亥人之祿，癸為子人之祿，辰戌丑未人無本家祿，若寅生人月日時遇甲，餘準此。若遇兩重以上，又在四貴華蓋之位，則極貴也，若在四平位或貴人上亦主貴，又曰：歲干為正干官正印尤佳，在四忌上則亦有官，常調之人也。（三命提要）

The concept of "original family fortune" refers to looking at the heavenly stems from the perspective of the earthly branches. The stem Jia is the fortune of those born in the year of Yin, Yi is the fortune of those born in the year of Mao, Bing and Wu are the fortune of those born in the year of Si, Ding and Ji are the fortune of those born in the year of Wu, Geng is the fortune of those born in the year of Shen, Xin is the fortune of those born in the year of You, Ren is the fortune of those born in the year of Hai, and Gui is the fortune of those born in the year of Zi. The four branches Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei belong to the earth warehouse and do not have their own original family fortune. For example, a person born in the year of Yin will have their original family fortune if their month, day, or hour stem is Jia. The same applies to the others. If the original family fortune appears more than once and falls in the four noble positions or the Huagai position, it indicates great fortune. If it falls in the four ordinary positions or on the nobleman's position, it also indicates a high status. The book also states that if this stem is the correct official or the correct teacher for the year stem, it is even better. Even if it falls in the four taboos, one can still hold an official position, but it would be a common official promoted by seniority. This statement comes from the book "Three Essentials of Destiny."

建祿者，主人肌厚氣實，韻格不清，一生安逸足財利，此生旺者然也。死絕則氣濁神慢，孜孜為生，吝嗇猥鄙，與元辰並，因樗蒲而得財，復因此敗，與官符並因公門得或多爭訟，與卻殺並好賤使小商不義橫財，與天中並多遺失破財，與祿鬼倒食並，多因賒貨牙販而得財，至死不通，惟財是念之人。

People with the "Jian Lu" (Established Wealth) in their destiny have a robust physique and abundant vital energy, but their demeanor and style lack refinement and elegance. They lead a comfortable life and are not lacking in wealth — this is the situation when the wealth is in a flourishing and active position. However, if the wealth is located in a dead or declining position, they become dull in spirit and slow in action, constantly struggling for a living, and tend to be stingy and vulgar in character. If "Jian Lu" is in the same column as "Yuan Chen" (Primordial Star), they gain wealth through gambling, but eventually lose their fortune due to gambling. If it is in the same column as "Guan Fu" (Official Symbol), they earn money through official channels or frequently get involved in lawsuits. If it is in the same column as "Que Sha" (Disaster), they enjoy managing small merchants and traders, gaining unjust wealth through unexpected means. If it is in the same column as "Tian Zhong" (Heavenly Center), which is also known as "Kong Wang" (Empty Wasteland), they often lose money through loss or misfortune. If it is in the same column as "Lu Gui" (Wealth Ghost) and "Dao Shi" (Reverse Eating), they mostly earn money by selling goods on credit or by acting as brokers, and they are always confused, only valuing money above all else.

庫者祿之緊也，破者祿之散也，空者祿之閒也，合者祿之橫也。

In summary: When the official star is in the warehouse, it is tightly held; when the official star is broken, it is scattered; when the official star falls into Kongwang, it is idle and unused; when the official star meets a harmonious combination, it comes from an unexpected source.

甲乙木庫在未，丙丁在戌，戊己壬癸在辰，庚辛在丑庫者，祿之所鍾也，如甲乙亥多而得未者，乃祿厚望足之人也。破為破祿也，如甲祿在寅而得申，惡沖而氣散也。貴者得此，停慶剝落，眾人衣食不瞻，祿落空亡，此為尤甚，古人云：資財聚散祿居空，胎裡生時怕遇逢，貧賤為奴為乞食，飄又身自泛西東。

The Heavenly Stems Jia and Yi belong to wood, and the repository of wood is in Wei; the Heavenly Stems Bing and Ding belong to fire, and the repository of fire is in Xu; the Heavenly Stems Wu and Ji, along with Ren and Gui, belong to earth and water, and their repository is in Chen; the Heavenly Stems Geng and Xin belong to metal, and their repository is in Chou. The repository is the place where the fortune of the stem is concentrated. For example, if a person born under Jia or Yi has many instances of Hai in their birth chart and also encounters Wei, they are people with deep fortune and great reputation. The term 'broken' refers to breaking the repository. For instance, if Jia's repository is in Yin but it meets Shen, Yin and Shen are opposing, and the fortune is scattered. If a person of high status meets broken repository, their good fortune will stop and their blessings will diminish; if an ordinary person meets it, they may not even be able to provide for their basic needs. If the repository falls into Kongwang, the situation becomes even worse. An old poem says: Wealth gathers and disperses again, all because the repository sits in Kongwang; the most feared occurrence is when it appears in the胎元 (fetal origin) and the birth time. If it does appear, one will be poor and lowly, serving as a slave, begging from door to door, and live a life of constant wandering and moving from place to place.

祿最喜合，如甲祿在寅，命中得亥，雖非見祿，亦曰見祿也，得之多者為意外倘來之福，門蔭流外有司達身者，往往得此也。（燭神經）

The禄 (favorable position) is most pleased when it meets a合 (harmony). For example, the禄 of Jia is in寅, and if in a person's fate there is亥, which forms a harmony with寅, even though the禄 is not directly seen, it is considered as having seen the禄. Those who frequently encounter such harmonized禄 often receive good fortune unexpectedly. People who attain official positions through ancestral influence or by starting from low-ranking positions and gradually rising are often of such a destiny. This statement comes from the《Zhu Shen Jing》.

古人云：祿前二辰為背祿，後二辰為向祿。沉芝取建，向，近，合四字為貴，若甲祿在寅，亦寅為建，丑為向，卯為近，亥為合，餘準此。又曰建不如向，近不如合，以為四字中，得兩字者發早，至於主貴惟建合兩字也。（三命提要）

Ancient people said that the second辰 before the禄 is called "back禄" (背禄), and the second辰 after the禄 is called "face禄" (向禄). To determine wealth, the method of Chén Zhī uses the four characters: 建, 向, 近, and 合. For example, for Jia, whose禄 is in寅,寅 itself is called 建, 丑 is called 向, 卯 is called 近, and 亥 (which is in harmony with寅) is called 合. The other heavenly stems are similarly analyzed. He also said that 建 is less important than 向, and 近 is less important than 合; among these four characters, those who can have two of them will achieve success earlier. However, the ones that truly indicate wealth are only 建 and 合. This statement comes from the book San Ming Ti Yao.

祿若會見則富貴，相合則奮迅，遇食神則福緊，值天牛力慢，切忌沖破。甲祿在寅而得己亥，乙祿在卯而得庚戌，丙戊祿在巳，而得辛巳癸巳，丁己祿居午，而得壬午甲午，庚祿居申，而得己巳，辛祿在酉，而得丙辰，壬祿在亥而得丁亥，癸祿在子，而得戊子，以上十位，謂之相合祿。

The presence of a禄 (favorable position) that meets and gathers together indicates wealth and honor. If the禄 is combined with another column, it signifies quick progress and success. When the禄 meets the food god (食神), it brings close and solid blessings. However, if it encounters a dull and sluggish deity like the heavenly ox (天牛), its power is slow to manifest. The most dangerous situation is when the禄 is broken by a conflicting force. For example, when the禄 of Jia (甲) is in寅 (Bing), and the chart contains Jihai (Jisi), which combines 甲己 (Jia and Ji) and 寅亥 (Bing and Hai), this is called a combined禄. Similarly, when the禄 of Yi (乙) is in卯 (Mao), and the chart contains Gengxu (Gengxu), which combines 乙庚 (Yi and Geng) and 卯戌 (Mao and Xu), this is also a combined禄. For Bing and Wu (丙戊), whose禄 is in巳 (Si), the chart contains Xinsi (Xinsi) or Guisi (Guisi). For Ding and Ji (丁己), whose禄 is in午 (Wu), the chart contains Renwu (Renwu) or Jiawu (Jiawu). For Geng (庚), whose禄 is in申 (Shen), the chart contains Jisi (Jisi). For Xin (辛), whose禄 is in酉 (You), the chart contains Bingchen (Bingchen). For Ren (壬), whose禄 is in亥 (Hai), the chart contains Dinghai (Dinghai). For Gui (癸), whose禄 is in子 (Zi), the chart contains Wuzi (Wuzi). These ten cases are all called combined禄.

壬食甲，甲祿在寅，從而得甲寅；癸食乙，乙祿在卯，從而得乙卯；戊食庚，庚祿居申，從而得庚申；己食辛，辛祿在酉，從而得辛酉。以上四位，謂之食神帶祿。甲食丙，從而得丙申或丙寅；乙食丁，從而得丁未或丁卯；丙食戊，從而得戊申；丁食己，從而得己未；庚食壬，從而得壬寅；辛食癸，從而得癸丑。以上八位，謂之食神合祿。丙戊祿居巳，丁巳祿居午，四干而得二支，謂之三見祿也。

Jin uses Jia as its food god, and Jia's luck is in Yin, so Jin people get Bingyin; Gui uses Yi as its food god, and Yi's luck is in Mao, so Gui people get Yimao; Wu uses Geng as its food god, and Geng's luck is in Shen, so Wu people get Wushen; Ji uses Xin as its food god, and Xin's luck is in You, so Ji people get Xinyou. In these four cases, the food god is sitting on its own luck, called 'food god with luck'. Now look at: Jia uses Bing as its food god, and can get Bingshen or Bingyin; Yi uses Ding as its food god, and can get Dingwei or Dingmao; Bing uses Wu as its food god, and can get Wushen; Ding uses Ji as its food god, and can get Jiwei; Geng uses Ren as its food god, and can get Renyin; Xin uses Gui as its food god, and can get Guichou. These are cases where the food god combines with luck, called 'food god combining with luck'. As for Bing and Wu, their luck is both in Si; Ding and Ji (the original text says 'Si' but should be 'Ji') have their luck in Wu. Four heavenly stems share only two earthly branches, this situation is called 'three seeing luck'.

甲寅乙卯庚申辛酉之命，與日上或時上干支同者，謂之本祿入鳳池，更遇天乙天官食神驛馬居其上，有氣而不犯空亡者文貴命也。本食甲寅，得乙卯為帝坐，本是庚申，得辛酉為帝坐，謂支順祿入鳳池，本是辛酉得庚申為帝坐，本是乙卯得甲寅為帝坐，謂之逆祿入鳳池。

If one's destiny pillar is among Jiayin, Yimao, Gengshen, or Xinyou, the heavenly stem and earthly branch themselves are considered to be in their own luck position. If the same heavenly stem and earthly branch appear again in the day pillar or hour pillar, it is called "Ben Lu Ru Feng Chi" (literally, "the native luck enters the Phoenix Pool"). If this is further accompanied by Tianyi Nobleman, Tian Guan (Star of officialdom), food god, and the post-horse, and the main energy is strong without encountering Kongwang (void), it indicates a destiny of prominent official rank. If the native pillar is Jiayin and the day or hour pillar has Yimao, it is called "Di Zuo" (Imperial Seat). If the native pillar is Gengshen and the day or hour pillar has Xinyou, it is also called "Di Zuo", with the earthly branches progressing in order, known as "Zhi Shun Lu Ru Feng Chi" (branch order luck entering the Phoenix Pool). Conversely, if the native pillar is Xinyou and the day or hour pillar has Gengshen, or the native pillar is Yimao and the day or hour pillar has Jiayin, with the earthly branches regressing, it is called "Nie Lu Ru Feng Chi" (reverse luck entering the Phoenix Pool).

丙寅得辛巳，戊寅得癸巳，丁人得壬午，己壬得甲午，壬人得丁亥，癸人得戊子，在於帝坐謂之合祿入鳳池。甲寅乙卯丙辰丁巳丙午己未庚申辛酉戊戌癸亥壬子癸丑十干在十二辰上，如五位中得之多或得之全，謂之祿氣專位。

In addition: Bingyin combines with Xinsi, Wuyin combines with Guisi, Ding combines with Renwu, Ji combines with Jiawu, Ren combines with Dinghai, Gui combines with Wuzi—when the heavenly stems combine with each other and the branches are also in their own禄 positions, and these combinations fall on the day branch or the hour branch, it is called 'He Lu Ru Feng Chi'. As for Jiayin, Yimao, Bingchen, Dingsi, Bingwu, Jiwei, Gengshen, Xinyou, Wuxu, Guihai, Renzi, Guichou, this sequence represents the ten heavenly stems each placed on the twelve earthly branches, forming combinations where the heavenly stem and earthly branch share the same nature; if these combinations appear in the year, month, day, hour, and fetal positions, especially if all of them are present, it is called 'Lu Qi Zhuan Wei'.

甲寅得己亥，乙卯得庚戌，戊辰得癸酉，丁巳得壬申，丙午得辛未，己未得甲午，庚申得乙巳，辛酉得丙辰，戊戌得癸卯，癸亥得戊寅，壬子得丁丑，己丑得甲子，在日上謂之祿氣乘本主，在時上謂之祿氣親帝坐也。（閻東叟書）

The following twelve pairs consist of a Heavenly Stem and an Earthly Branch that are compatible with each other, resulting in a close connection of fortune and destiny. The first pair is Jia Yin paired with Ji Hai (Jia and Ji are compatible, Yin and Hai are compatible). The other pairs are: Yi Mao with Geng Xu, Wu Chen with Gui You, Ding Si with Ren Shen, Bing Wu with Xin Wei, Ji Wei with Jia Wu, Geng Shen with Yi Si, Xin You with Bing Chen, Wu Xu with Gui Mao, Gui Hai with Wu Yin, Ren Zi with Ding Chou, and Ji Chou with Jia Zi. All these pairings follow the same principle as the first pair. If such a combination appears in the day pillar, it is called "Lü Qi Cheng Ben Zhu," meaning the fortune and destiny are closely connected to the main subject. If it appears in the hour pillar, it is called "Lü Qi Qin Di Zuo," meaning the fortune and destiny are closely connected to the imperial seat. This statement is from the "Yan Dong Sou Shu."

官崇位顯定知夾祿之鄉。王氏注云：癸祿在子，子前後辰遇癸四柱得之者曰夾祿，又謂之拱祿，祿得虛拱以待用，祿之所主者，官爵也，如此則官爵自然榮顯。

The Luolu Zi essay states: Those who attain high official positions and great success must have a destiny with a hidden official rank. Wang's commentary explains: The official rank of Gui is in Zi. If the four pillars contain Guihai or Guichou, they virtually enclose the Zi branch from both ends, which is called "hidden official rank" or "supporting official rank." The official rank is not actually present but is supported in the middle for future use. Since the official rank represents official rank and honor, such a destiny naturally leads to prominent official status and honor.

生月帶祿入居赫奕之尊。瑩和尚注云：本命祿元與生日同者是也，其祿元用日干求之，假令庚子人甲申月得乙庚之日使用五子推之，甲申是也。（珞琭子）

The text also states: those who have their fortune in the month of birth accompanied by their official position can attain a prominent and noble status. Ying和尚 explains: this refers to the official position of the native's destiny coinciding with the day of birth. To determine the official position, one uses the day stem: for example, a person born in the year Gengzi, if born in the month Jiashen, the official position of Geng is in Shen. For the month, using the Five Tiger遁 method, the month stem Jiashen corresponds to the month of Shen, so the official position falls on the birth month. This statement comes from the Luolu Zi.

甲好寅方庚好申，更將戊己附炎神，日時並有三重祿，須作清華職位人。此謂十干祿也，見生旺福神，則為貴祿，若遇死絕刑破則為絕祿。（鬼谷要訣）

The rhyme says: Jia favors the direction of Yin, Geng favors the direction of Shen, and Wu and Ji must be accompanied by Bing and Ding, the fire deities (fire and earth share the same palace); if there are three more instances of official luck in the day pillar and hour pillar, the person will certainly hold a prestigious and prominent official position. This refers to the official positions of the ten heavenly stems: if the official position is in a place of birth and prosperity along with the deities of fortune, it is called a noble official position; if it meets death and decline, or suffers from punishment and destruction, it becomes a ruined official position. This statement comes from the "Ghost Valley Essential Secrets."