Flying Horse and the Heavenly Stem Pattern

太陽清氣日中看，土馬飛來要共干，只看生朝如點入，照臨方定作高官。如陳侍郎壬申年甲辰月庚辰日丁亥時，庚辰日為土馬從庚遁至午得壬，壬年與天馬同干。

The song says: The clear energy of the Star of brightness and prestige should be observed at noon; when the Star of movement comes, it must share the same character as the heavenly stem of the year. Only by looking at the day of birth can we see if a single clear light shines upon it, illuminating the body, thus determining high official status. For example, the birth chart of Chen Shilang is Renshen year, Jiachen month, Gengchen day, Dinghai hour. The Gengchen day belongs to earth, making it the Star of movement. Starting from Geng and using the five rats' method, we count to the hour of Wu, arriving at Renwu. This Ren matches the heavenly stem of the year, Ren, so the Star of movement and the year's heavenly stem share the same character, thus qualifying.

丁己天元注祿星，本宮永鎮日時明，生日土龍如飛入，吉照人身玉食清。如歐陽永叔，丁未年，丁未月，丙辰日，庚寅時，且丙辰日馬在午，遁得甲午，甲祿在寅是也。（紫虛局）

The rhyme says: The heavenly stems Ding and Ji are destined to have the star of fortune (Luxing) in their heavenly stems, and they reside long in the positions of day and hour, shining brightly without being obscured. If the earthly branch Chen (the "earth dragon") enters the birth day, auspicious energy shines upon the person, and they will enjoy a life of refined and noble comfort. For example, Ouyang Xiu's birth chart is Dingwei year, Dingwei month, Bingchen day, Gengyin hour. The horse (horse) of Bingchen day is in Wu, and when it is hidden in Wu, it meets Jiawu, and the stem Ji's fortune is in Yin. The hour branch is exactly Yin, so the fortune and the horse correspond with each other, which is this pattern. This saying comes from the "Zi Xu Ju."

驛馬同貴神位，閻東叟謂之貴馬同科。

The Post-horse and the Noble God are in the same position, and Yan Dongshou called this situation "Noble God and Post-horse in the same category."

寅午戌馬在申，乙己鼠猴鄉，戌為華蓋，巳上若見甲己乙庚合者，定建殊利名，名振四海，若單有乙己無合者，武侯高貴。申子辰馬在寅，六辛逢馬虎，又云：甲丙相邀入虎鄉，辰為華蓋，以上若見甲己丙辛合者，當有清華崇重之貴，若單有甲丙，而無合字者為右職清貴也。

For those born in the Yin-Wu-Xu triad, the horse is in Shen. The nobleman of the Yi and Ji heavenly stems is in Zi (rat) and Shen (monkey), so the nobleman and the horse both fall in Shen. Xu is the Huagai of this group. If in the Si position, one also sees Ji and Ji combining, or Yi and Geng combining, they will certainly achieve remarkable fame and prestige that shakes the four seas. If only Yi and Ji are present without the combining characters, they can still be as noble as Wu Hou. For those born in the Shen-Zi-Chen triad, the horse is in Yin. The nobleman of the Ji heavenly stem is in Wu and Yin, so it is said 'meeting the horse in the tiger'. Another saying is that Ji and Bing combine and enter Yin, the tiger's territory. Chen is the Huagai of this group. If one also sees Ji and Ji combining, or Bing and Xin combining, they will attain high and important positions. If only Ji and Bing are present without the combining characters, they will still hold a clear and honorable official position.

巳酉丑馬在亥，丙丁豬是貴，且為華蓋，以上見丙辛丁壬合者，翰苑詞林之貴，若單有丙丁無合字者，為武官之清職矣。亥卯未馬在巳，壬癸兔蛇鄉，又云：辛到巳，未為華蓋，以上見戊癸、丙辛、丁壬合者，文資高貴，若見辛壬癸無合字者，武官重爵矣。

For those born in the years of Si, You, and Chou, the horse is located in Hai. The nobleman of Bing and Ding is also in Hai (Pig). The noble and horse share the same position, and Hai also serves as Huagai. If this group also sees Bing and Xin combining, or Ding and Ren combining, it indicates a high-ranking official in the Hanlin Academy and literary circle. If only Bing and Ding are present without any combination, it signifies a prestigious position among military officials. For those born in the years of Hai, Mao, and Wei, the horse is located in Si. The nobleman of Ren and Gui is in Mao (Rabbit) and Si (Snake), with the noble and horse sharing the same origin. Another interpretation suggests that the noble aura of Xin also reaches Si. Wei serves as Huagai for this group. If this group also sees Wu and Gui combining, or Bing and Xin combining, or Ding and Ren combining, it indicates a high-ranking civil official. If only Xin, Ren, and Gui are present without any combination, it signifies a prestigious military official with noble rank.

馬貴同窠之位，若不犯空亡、大敗、交退伏神，一生清貴，如有上件，神夾在月日時上者，若非守職有違，亦必因事移徙，祇如蕭昭學士壬寅六月丁未乙酉日庚辰時，其庚祿在申與乙合寅為馬在申，前云：乙己鼠猴鄉是也，其庚辰是大敗，丁未為退神，所以二遭降點經略廣東。（金書命訣）

A horse and a noble are in the same enclosure. As long as they do not conflict with Kongwang, Great Defeat, intersecting gods, Retreating God, or Hidden God, the person will remain noble and upright all his life. However, if any of these bad heavenly stems and earthly branches appear in the month, day, or hour, the person will either make mistakes in his official duties or be forced to move due to some incident. For example, the birth chart of Xiao Zhao, the learned scholar, is Renyin year, June Dingwei, Yiyou day, Gengchen hour. The禄 of Geng is in Shen, and Geng combines with Yi. The horse of the Renyin year is in Shen, which is the same as the phrase "Yi Ji mouse and monkey land." Unfortunately, Gengchen is Great Defeat, and Dingwei is Retreating God, so he was twice demoted and sent to oversee Guangdong. This statement comes from the "Jin Shu Ming Jue."

玉門關集云：驛馬為天使，長為喜事媒，欲其馬蹄發，且提貴人催。閻東叟云：歲運行年更與貴馬相合者，大亨快也。

The Yumenguan Ji says: The Post-horse is like a heavenly messenger, usually a medium for good fortune; if one wants the horse's hooves to run fast, one must have the Nobleman urging from behind. Yan Dongsiu says: When the great destiny and the current year align with the Nobleman and the Post-horse, then everything will go smoothly and happily.

驛馬主人氣韻清峻，通變趨時，平生多聲望，此生旺者然也。死絕則為性有頭無尾，或是或非，一生少成，飄泊不定，與祿同鄉，主福力優遊，與殺相沖併，或孤神弔客喪門併者，離鄉背井之人，或為僧道，或為商賈，帶倒食祿鬼者，一生慳吝，機倖遇人，賤心塵態，與食神併者，聲譽人也。（燭神經）

People whose destiny is accompanied by the Post-horse (驿马) have a clear and lofty demeanor, are good at adapting to circumstances, and can keep up with the times. They are well-known throughout their lives—this describes a horse in a favorable and vigorous state. If the Post-horse is in a dead or exhausted position, their nature will be incomplete, their affairs uncertain, and they will achieve little in life, often drifting from place to place. If the Post-horse and the official star (禄) are in the same native place (乡), their fortune is abundant and their life is at ease. However, if the Post-horse conflicts or joins withInauspicious Sha (violent death), or if it is accompanied by 孤神 (solitary spirit), 吊客 (mourning guest), or The Mourning-and-Condolence spirit (mourning-and-condolence spirit), then they are people who leave their hometown, either becoming monks or Taoists or traveling for business. Those who carry 倒食 (reverse food) and 禄鬼 (official ghost) are stingy, relying on chance and luck to deal with others, with a mean heart and vulgar manners. Those who have 食神 (food god) accompanying the Post-horse are people of reputation. This statement comes from the "Zhu Jing Jing" (Candle Classic).

驛馬者之命中，發用喜慶之神也，若人遇之，君子常居榮位，小人亦主豐瞻，大小運行年至此，主得官及遷改之喜，若小運及行年太歲與驛馬合併主遷官得祿，如甲子人驛馬在寅，小運及太歲至亥，亥與寅合之類也。（三命鈐）

The Post-horse in one's destiny is a divine being that initiates action and brings good fortune. When a person encounters it, a gentleman often attains honor and prominence, while a commoner may experience family prosperity. If one's big destiny year, small destiny year, or current year reaches the position of the Post-horse, it signifies the possibility of obtaining an official position or experiencing a promotion or change in duty. If the small destiny year and the current year's sovereign are in harmony with the Post-horse, it further indicates promotion and gain of official salary. For example, a person born in the Jiazi year has the Post-horse in the Yin position. If the small destiny year and the current year's sovereign reach the Hai position, and Hai and Yin are in harmony, this is exactly such a case. This statement is from the "Three Fate Bell."

文曲天星是福神，若逢貴地最堪親，尋論納音歸去就，絕病相逢賤薄人。

The song says: The star of talent and eloquence is originally a god of fortune. If it falls in the land of the nobleman, it is most approachable. However, one must also consider the nayin sound element to determine its destiny and direction. If it encounters a place of decline or illness, it becomes merely a lowly and shallow person.

假令甲辰人見丙寅，是為食神見長生馬，若見戊寅則為財庫之馬，若見甲寅火被水所剋，作遇如不遇之論也。（珞琭貴賤格）指迷賦云：拜命無啕蓋生逢於鬼馬。

For example, a person born in the year of Jiachen (甲辰) who encounters Bingyin (丙寅), Bing is the food god of Jia, and Yin is the long life place of the horse, so it is called food god meeting long life horse; if encountering Wuyin (戊寅), Wu is the wealth of Jia, and Yin has the wealth warehouse, so it is called wealth warehouse horse; if encountering Jiayin (甲寅), Jiayin belongs to water according to nayin sound element, which can overcome fire, so it can only be discussed as 'meeting as if not meeting'. This saying comes from the "Luolu Guijian Ge". The "Zhimifu" also says: those who do not receive official appointment are mostly born meeting ghost horse (horse being overcome by official ghost).

如亥生人以巳為馬，看如何馬，但用長生處推，便見，若癸亥至巳，亦自無氣，水絕故也，然今人但知此正馬，而不知有從馬，癸亥亦巳為馬，是以火為馬，凡遇火辰，亦是從馬，命中有之，亦濟事，若癸亥人遇戌亦是，蓋戌火庫也，更看得何干，若得水乾則減力也，餘彷此。（李靈中書）

For example, a person born in the year of亥 (Hai) takes巳 (Si) as their horse. To understand exactly what kind of horse this is, one should refer to the position of growth. When a person ofGuihai (Guihai) reaches巳 (Si), the horse itself has no strength, because water is extinguished in巳 (Si). However, modern people only know about this direct horse, but they do not know about the 'following horse' (从马). For a person ofGuihai (Guihai), although巳 (Si) is considered their horse, since巳 (Si) belongs to fire, any position of辰 (Chen) that belongs to fire also counts as a following horse, and it is equally effective in the person's destiny. Similarly, a person of癸亥 (Guihai) encountering戌 (Xu) is also considered a following horse, because戌 (Xu) is the fire repository. In addition, one should also look at the heavenly stem in this column. If it is a water stem, the strength of the horse will be weakened. The rest can be inferred in the same way. This explanation comes from the book "Li Xuzhong's Book" (the original text says "Li Lingzhong's Book").

凡驛馬下生者，若月日時支干及衡策全並勊身者，定貴，馬前一辰為沖，後一辰為策，假令甲子金命正月辛丑日卯時生必貴，以甲子人馬在寅，又逢祿，又本命子與生日丑在馬後為策，又卯時在馬前一辰為沖，又馬是丙寅火，能勊甲子金必貴也。

Anyone born under theThe Post-horse (Post-horse) will achieve great status if the month, day, and hour stems and branches, along with the concepts of「冲」(opposition) and「策」(support), are all complete, and if the horse can overcome the person's own destiny. The辰 before the horse is called「冲」, and the辰 after the horse is called「策」. For example, someone born in the year of Jiazi with aNayin sound element (Nayin) element of metal, born on the day of Xinchou in the month of January at the hour of Mao, will certainly achieve high status. This is because the horse for Jiazi is in the branch of Yin. Yin is also the禄 (favorable position) of Jia. The person's birth year branch Zi and the day branch Chou are both after the horse, which is the「策」. The hour branch Mao is the辰 before the horse, which is the「冲」. The horse here is Bingyin with aNayin sound element element of fire, which can overcome the metal of Jiazi. Since the horse overcomes the person's destiny, the person will certainly achieve high status.

有驛有馬者，主位至公候，乾為馬，支為驛，如戊戌人，驛馬在庚申，庚申支干屬金，金到申上臨官，戊戌支干俱屬土，到申上長生，本命及驛馬，支干皆為有氣，是有驛有馬也，

Those who have both the Post-horse and the Horse in their destiny can attain high official positions such as marquises and dukes. Here, the Heavenly Stem represents the Horse and the Earthly Branch represents the Post-horse. For example, a person born in the Wuxu year has the Post-horse located at Gengshen: both Gengshen Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch belong to metal, and metal reaches its officialdom position at Shen; both Wuxu Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch belong to earth, and earth reaches its growth position at Shen. The destiny and the Post-horse's Heavenly Stem and Earthly Branch are all strong, which is called 'having both the Post-horse and the Horse'.

又如壬午人驛馬在戊申，戊土與本命壬水到申長生，以午火到申為衰鄉，本命干旺支衰，是有馬無驛也，又如丁丑人驛馬在辛亥，金臨亥為病鄉，本命丁火到亥為絕鄉，以丑土到亥為臨官，本命干衰支旺，驛馬乾亦衰，是有驛無馬也，大小二運行年並準此推之，

For example, a person born in the year Renwu has theirThe Post-horse (Post-horse) at Wushen: Wutu and the person's Ren water both reach Shen and are in the state of growth, but the person's Wuhuo fire reaches Shen and is in a declining state. Thus, the heavenly stem is strong while the earthly branch is weak, which is called 'having a horse but no post.' Another example is a person born in the year Dingchou whoseThe Post-horse is at Xinhai: Xinguan reaches Hai and is in a sickly state, the person's Ding fire reaches Hai and is in a dead state, while the person's Chou earth reaches Hai and is in the state of officialdom. Thus, the heavenly stem is weak while the earthly branch is strong, and theThe Post-horse's heavenly stem is also weak, which is called 'having a post but no horse.' The same method applies to the ten-thousand years, the ten-thousand months, and the current year.

馬勊身者，取驛馬之辰能制生月也，如寅午戌人，馬在申，申屬金，能制寅卯月木也，假令甲子人在辰戌丑未月生是也，主官祿易求，仕宦無滯，常人遇之主小富。（三命鈴）

The concept of "Ma Ke Shen" refers to the hour of the post-horse that can control the qi of the month of birth. For example, for those born in the triad of Yin, Wu, and Xu, the post-horse is in Shen, which belongs to metal and can control the wood of the months of Yin and Mao. Similarly, for those born in Jiazi, if the post-horse is in Chen, Xu, Chou, or Wei, which are earth months, the post-horse can also control the body. Such a destiny is favorable for official positions, with smooth career progression; for ordinary people, it indicates small wealth. This statement is from the "San Ming Ling."

音動而使星明五行真氣之長生處曰英靈氣，下遇驛馬者，乃是英靈貫馬格，凡人遇之必為持節按部之使。（壺中子）

Nayin sound element moves, causing the stars to become evident. The birthplace of the true energy of the Five Phases is called "Ying Ling Qi". If beneath this energy there is also a meeting of the Post-horse, it is called "Ying Ling Guan Ma Pattern". Anyone who encounters this pattern is certainly destined to become an envoy who holds a seal and inspects a region. This statement comes from "Hu Zhong Zi".

凡命時坐年馬日馬，皆主清貴，然少年主孤又主跋涉，多作監司往來之位，難久君側也。（廣信集）

If the time pillar is occupied by the horse of the year pillar or the horse of the day pillar, it indicates a person of high moral character and noble status. However, in youth, they are prone to loneliness and must travel extensively, often taking posts such as inspectors or officials responsible for patrolling and inspecting, and it is difficult for them to remain long in the king's court. This statement is from the "Guangxin Ji."

甲子得丙寅為祿馬同鄉，為食神乘長生馬，丁丑人得丁亥為天乙天官乘旺官馬，又巳酉丑馬在亥，則丁亥土，癸亥水皆為臨官馬，己亥木長生馬。辛亥金，病馬，乙亥火，絕馬，

A person born in the Jiazi year who receives Bingyin has both officialdom and horse in the same locality. Bing is the food god of Jia, so it is the food god riding a horse of growth. A person born in the Dingchou year who receives Dinghai has the Tianyi Nobleman and the Star of Officialdom in Hai. This is a horse of officialdom riding on strong energy. Furthermore, for those born in the Si-You-Chou triad, their horse is in Hai. Dinghai belongs to the earth element in nayin, and Guihai belongs to the water element. Both reach their officialdom in Hai, so it is an officialdom horse. Jihai belongs to the wood element, and wood is born in Hai, so it is a growth horse. Xinhai belongs to the metal element, and metal is in the disease state in Hai, so it is a sick horse. Yihai belongs to the fire element, and fire is in the dead state in Hai, so it is a dead horse.

若乘長生臨官馬或帶祿食貴氣，則遇一當百，馬勊身則少年亨快，為官清顯，若乘病絕空亡者，更值破敗交退伏神，則遇如不遇，縱為官則粗濁卑賤，非清要之職，又申子辰馬在寅干得甲，乙支得亥卯未，納音得木，雖無寅皆馬氣也，五命中時為上，日為中，月為下，三命中庫為上，旺為中，生為下。（閻東叟書）

If one rides a horse of growth or officialdom, and also carries the fortune of wealth, food god, and noble energy, then one horse is worth a hundred; the horse can even overcome the self, leading to smooth and satisfying success in youth and officialdom, with clear and prominent achievements. Conversely, if one rides a sick horse, a dying horse, or a horse that falls into kongwang, and also encounters broken fortune, intersecting gods, retreating gods, and hidden gods, it is as if nothing has happened; even if one holds office, it will be coarse and lowly, not a prestigious position. Additionally, for those born in the years of shen, zi, and chen, their horses are in yin. As long as the heavenly stem is jia or yi, and the earthly branch is hai, mao, or wei, and the nayin sound element is wood, even if the birth chart does not contain the character yin, these are still considered horse energy. In terms of the five positions, the horse in the hour pillar is the highest, the day pillar is in the middle, and the month pillar is the lowest. In terms of the three destinies, the horse sitting in the repository is the highest, sitting in the strong position is in the middle, and sitting in the growth position is the lowest. This statement comes from the "Yan Dongshou Book."

世之言命者多矣，至於驛馬，皆以月胎日時帶馬則為貴，無馬則為賤，是不知得一分三之說，蓋天有五行，馬有五種：曰水，曰火，曰木，曰金，曰土，馬若來勊命者，早年榮達，命去勊馬者，順則得，逆則否，卯生馬，巳運逆行則為無馬也。

There are many people who talk about fate, but when it comes to the Post-horse, they generally believe that if the horse appears in the month, the foster parent, the day, or the hour, then one is prosperous, and if not, then one is poor. This is not understanding the principle of "one thing having three aspects." Heaven has the Five Phases, so the horse also has five types: water horse, fire horse, wood horse, metal horse, and earth horse. If the horse comes to overcome the person's fate, it indicates early success and prominence. Conversely, if the person's fate overcomes the horse, then one must look at the fortune's direction—when it moves in the right direction, one can gain; when it moves in the wrong direction, one cannot. For example, a person born in the year of卯, with the horse in巳, if the big fortune moves in the opposite direction away from巳, it is as if there is no horse at all.

馬有十二：一曰欵假。巳酉丑人得壬，亥卯未人得丙，申子辰人得甲，寅午戌人得庚。二曰蹶蹄。謂四柱雖帶驛馬，而生日值空亡亡神者是也，一生多主失而復起。

The Post-horse is further divided into twelve types. The first type is called 「Kuanjia」, which refers to false horse energy. Those born in the years of Si, You, and Chou only receive Ren (the inherent energy of Hai) but not Hai; those born in the years of Hai, Mao, and Wei only receive Bing but not Si; those born in the years of Shen, Zi, and Chen only receive Jia but not Yin; and those born in the years of Yin, Wu, and Xu only receive Geng but not Shen. If there is the heavenly stem but not the earthly branch, the horse is considered false. The second type is called 「JueTi」, which refers to the situation where although the four pillars contain the Post-horse, the birth year falls directly on Kongwang or Wangshen. It is like a horse losing its front hoof, indicating that throughout life, one often loses something and then regains it.

三曰折足。胎月日時帶驛馬，而月日時中帶沐浴者是也，遇此者用不得發也。四日無糧。生日值馬，馬食太歲，如甲子人得人寅日，而時更落空在空亡者是也。

The third type is called 「folded leg」, which refers to having theThe Post-horse in the birth year, month, day, and hour, while the month, day, and hour also contain theBathing position. This is like a horse's leg being broken, so even if one has ability, it cannot be fully utilized. The fourth type is called 「no food」, which refers to the birth day being directly occupied by theThe Post-horse, and the horse consuming the year pillar instead. For example, a person born inJiazi hasBingyin as the day (the original text says 「人寅」, which should be 「丙寅」), and the hour falls intoKongwang, so the horse has no food to eat.

五曰不出廳廄。胎月帶馬不見貴，及不見祿堂，及入空亡者是也，得此者不歷任所。六曰嘶風。寅申人得己亥，己亥人得寅申者是也，一生只有虛名。

The fifth type is called 「不出厅厩」, which refers to having a horse in the month and year of birth, but not seeing a nobleman or a place of official duty, and falling into kongwang; the horse is kept in the stable and cannot come out; those who have this condition never actually take up their posts. The sixth type is called 「嘶风」, which refers to those born in the years of yin or shen who have si or hai, or those born in the years of si or hai who have yin or shen (the original text says 「ji」 instead of 「si」), the horse only neighs at the wind, and the person's life is filled with empty reputation.

七曰趨途。謂驛馬雖有，祿在空亡，不見驛也，何謂驛，甲丙庚壬為四陽驛也，寅申巳亥為四陰馬也，得此者謾勞求祿也。

The seventh is called "Qutu," which refers to having the Post-horse but the official salary falling into Kongwang. It is like having a horse but no place to rest. What is the Post? The four yang stems, Jia, Bing, Geng, and Ren, are the four yang Post-horse. The four yin branches,寅, 申, 巳, and 亥, are the four yin horses. Those who have this condition travel continuously, expending effort in vain to seek official salary.

八曰馱尸。十二驛馬中惟馱尸馬為最凶，見祿即死，甲子旬中，巳酉丑生人馬在亥，乙丑人丁亥，己巳人乙亥，癸酉人癸亥，乙丑人得亥馬，忌寅月日時金絕故也，己巳人得亥馬，忌申月日時，癸酉人得亥馬，亦忌寅月日時，有一在此，名曰馱尸，亦如亥卯未是甲午旬中者乙未己亥癸卯，乙未人得巳馬，忌寅月日時，己亥人得巳馬忌申月日時，癸卯人得巳馬，亦忌寅月日時，皆馱尸也，餘皆準此。

The eighth type is called "Tuoshi," which is the most dangerous among the twelve Post-horse. Once it appears with a benefit, it means death. Taking the Jiazi decade as an example, those born in the years of Si, You, and Chou have their horse in Hai. For Yichou people, their horse is paired with Dinghai; for Jisi people, their horse is paired with Yihai; for Guiyou people, their horse is paired with Guihai. Yichou people have the Hai horse, which is most dangerous in the month, day, or hour of Yin, because metal is destroyed in Yin. Jisi people have the Hai horse, which is dangerous in the month, day, or hour of Shen. Guiyou people have the Hai horse, which is also dangerous in the month, day, or hour of Yin. If any of these occur, it is called Tuoshi. For example, in the Jiawu decade, the combination of Hai-Mao-Wei (Wood triad) includes Yiwu, Jihai, and Guimao. Yiwu people have the Si horse, which is dangerous in the month, day, or hour of Yin; Jihai people have the Si horse, which is dangerous in the month, day, or hour of Shen; Guimao people have the Si horse, which is also dangerous in the month, day, or hour of Yin—all of these belong to Tuoshi. The rest can be inferred in the same way.

九曰食蒭。謂驛馬勊其時者是也，假令驛馬屬金，生時得木，此類謂之食，得此者朝宦以上命也。十曰乘軒。謂胎月生日帶祿馬，名曰乘軒，宰相命也，假令甲申人得庚寅甲寅時，及庚寅胎月也。

The ninth type is called "Shi Chu" (eating fodder), which refers to the Post-horse being able to overcome the birth time: for example, if the Post-horse is of the metal element and the birth time is of the wood element, metal overcoming wood is like a horse eating fodder. Those who have this are destined to be officials at the level of the prime minister or higher. The tenth type is called "Cheng Xuan" (riding in a carriage), which refers to the fetal position, the month, and the birth day all carrying the fortune of a noble title and the Post-horse. It is like riding in the carriage of a high-ranking official, indicating a destiny of becoming a chancellor. For example, a person born in the year of Jiashen (甲申) who has the day of Gengyin (庚寅), the hour of Jiayin (甲寅), and the fetal position and month also of Gengyin (庚寅).

十一月乘貂。有天地得合，見太歲生月日時見貴人驛馬，假令丁亥生人，四月壬寅日己酉時，月生馬，酉繫貴人也。十二曰無轡。

The twelfth type is called "No Bridle," which means there is a horse but no bridle to control it. For example, if someone is born in the year of Dinghai, and in the fourth month, on the day of Renyin, at the hour of Jiyou, the horse appears in the month, while You is the nobleman of Ding, so the head resembles wearing a sable ornament. The twelfth type is called "No Bridle," which means there is a horse but no bridle to control it.

以上十二驛馬，當以意消息，災福自見，驛馬款假，則平生坎坷，只作選人。無糧，不食天俸。不出廄，則不歷任所。折足則永失蹶蹄則有失復起，無轡則一生孤貧。食芻則官可六品，嘶風徒有虛聲，趨途則謾勞求祿。乘貂則帶職，乘軒則三公。馱尸則得官即亡。（神白經）

The twelve kinds ofThe Post-horse depend on one's own contemplation and careful consideration; calamity and fortune will naturally become clear. If the horse is slow and weak, one's life will be full of hardships and can only be a candidate waiting for an appointment; without food, one cannot receive the salary from the government; without leaving the stable, one cannot reach the official post; if the horse breaks a leg, one will forever lose an opportunity; if it stumbles, one will lose something but regain it later; without a bridle, one will live a lonely and poor life; if it eats hay, one can attain the rank of sixth grade; if it whinnies in the wind, one will only gain a hollow reputation; if it runs towards the road, one will waste effort seeking official rank; if it rides a sable, one can obtain an official title; if it rides a carriage, one can reach the position of the Three Grand Ministers; if it carries a corpse, it is the worst, for one will obtain an official position and then die immediately. This saying comes from the "Shen Bai Jing."

寅午戌人見壬申，申子辰人見丙寅，巳酉丑人見乙亥，亥卯未人見己巳，馬中支生干也，主平生奔走不定，財帛歇滅，汩沒無成，徒自聰明耳。（廣信集）

Those born in the Yin-Wu-Xu years see Renshen, those born in the Shen-Zi-Chen years see Bingyin, those born in the Si-You-Chou years see Yihai, and those born in the Hai-Mao-Wei years see Jisi—these are all cases where the earthly branch of the horse column goes against to generate the heavenly stem, with strength leaking outward. The person will have a life of constant movement, with wealth coming and going, unable to achieve success, only gaining empty cleverness. This statement comes from the "Broad Trust Collection."

寅午戌人見丙寅，申子辰人見壬申，巳酉丑人見丁巳，亥卯未人見癸亥，馬對沖一辰是也，若時遇之有日祿德貴同行支干旺相，可作有福斷之，五行衰敗，乃常人也。（鬼谷命訣）

People born in the years of Yin, Wu, and Xu see Bingyin, those born in the years of Shen, Zi, and Chen see Renshen, those born in the years of Si, You, and Chou see Dingsi, and those born in the years of Hai, Mao, and Wei see Guihai — these are all the exact opposing trines of the Post-horse. If these appear in the hour pillar and there is also the day's wealth, the Star of Virtue and Resolution, and the Nobleman accompanying them, and if both the heavenly stem and earthly branch are in a prosperous and strong position, it can still be considered as having good fortune. However, if the Five Phases themselves are weak, then it is just an ordinary person. This statement comes from the "Ghost Valley Destiny Manual."

至若人疲馬劣，尤托財旺之鄉，或乃財旺祿衰，建馬何邂。瑩和尚注云：人疲馬劣者，如戊午火命，驛馬在申，申中金旺火衰，故曰人疲馬劣，尤托財旺之鄉，財旺祿衰者，其甲戌火命，月建壬申，甲祿既絕，馬主財鄉，故云財旺祿衰，建馬何邂，馬是扶身之本，運財而獲富。

Luolu Zi says: As for lives where both the person and the horse are exhausted, they must rely entirely on the place where wealth is strong to support them; if wealth is strong but the official position is weak, then what can be expected from the post-horse? Ying和尚 explains: When they say the person and the horse are exhausted, it is like someone born in the year Wuwu with a nayin sound element of fire, whose post-horse is in Shen. In Shen, the metal energy is strong while the fire energy is weak, so both the person and the horse lack strength, and thus they need the place where wealth is strong to support them. When wealth is strong but the official position is weak, it is like someone born in the year Jiaxu with a nayin sound element of fire, whose month builder is Renshen. The official position of Jia is weak in Shen, and the post-horse also falls in the place of wealth, so it is said that wealth is strong but the official position is weak, and thus the post-horse is not reliable. However, the post-horse is the fundamental support for the life, capable of moving wealth and achieving prosperity.

王氏注云：本命支曰人元兼驛馬，皆在五行衰財無氣之地，則曰人疲馬劣，其所以不為災者，以財旺，故曰尤托財旺之鄉，祿在驛馬，兼得之則富貴兩全，偏得之，則又次焉，或天祿雖衷，則身財尤旺，兼遇驛馬來乘，又何邂之有。

Wang's commentary says: If the hidden heavenly stems in the person's earthly branch and the post-horse are both located in areas of the Five Phases where they are weak and the wealth energy is ineffective, this is called exhausted person and poor horse. However, this does not lead to disaster because the wealth is strong, so it is said that one should rely on the area where wealth is strong. If both the禄 and the post-horse are obtained, then both wealth and honor will be achieved. If only one of them is obtained, then it is of a lower rank. Sometimes even if the heavenly禄 is weak, as long as the person's body and wealth are exceptionally strong and the post-horse comes to carry them, there is nothing to worry about.

馬劣財微，遇之則流而不返。瑩和尚注云：驛馬微劣，財命休囚，則辛勤無成，飄蕩無歸。（珞錄子）

Luolu Zi also says: If the horse is weak and the wealth is slight, encountering such a destiny makes a person like water flowing out and unable to return. Ying和尚 explains: If the post-horse is weak and inferior, and both wealth and destiny are in a state of being weak and confined, then one will suffer all one's life without achievement, wandering around without a place to settle.

馬中無限玄微事，切須一一心中記，四專名位旺兼生，值病移去多失意。

The song says: The Post-horse contains endless subtle principles, which must be remembered one by one; one must distinguish between the four special positions, names and positions, and the difference between being in a旺 position and a生 position; once the horse encounters a sickly position and moves away, it is likely to experience many disappointments in affairs.

四專者如申子辰馬在寅，逢甲寅，申遇庚申，巳遇丁巳，亥遇癸亥也，名位者乃馬中逢食神也，自生者辛巳甲申己亥丙寅也，或值空亡駁雜，皆不達之士也，病馬者，乃自死自絕，日時犯多，則主離祖失業，道途失意人也。

The term "four special" refers to when the heavenly stem and earthly branch share the same element and are unified, for example, a person born in the years of Shen-Zi-Chen (Water triad) with a horse in Yin and encountering Jiayin, a person born in the years of Yin-Wu-Xu (Fire triad) with a horse in Shen and encountering Gengshen, a person born in the years of Hai-Mao-Wei (Wood triad) with a horse in Si and encountering Dingsi, and a person born in the years of Si-You-Chou (Metal triad) with a horse in Hai and encountering Guihai. The term "name and position" refers to when the horse meets the food god. The term "self-birth" refers to the pillars of Xinsi, Jiashen, Jihai, and Bingyin, where the heavenly stem is born in the earthly branch. If these conditions encounter Kongwang or conflicting Five Phases, they are all people who cannot achieve success. The term "sick horse" refers to when the heavenly stem dies and is cut off in the horse branch, and if the day or hour is afflicted, the person will leave the family business, lose property, and spend their whole life traveling in frustration.

馳寶馬者，乃納音克馬為財，加食神之類，如甲寅人見丙申日時，又如甲申見丙寅，亦富商多產業，餘彷此。

The so-called "galloping fine horse" refers to the sound element overcoming the post-horse, transforming the horse into wealth, and adding a beneficial god such as the food god. For example, a person born in the year of Jiayin who encounters the day or hour of Bingshen, or a person born in the year of Jiashen who encounters the day or hour of Bingyin, will become a wealthy merchant with extensive property. Other cases follow the same pattern.

銜花馬者，乃納音臨官遇馬也，如庚申壬子戊辰，納音皆木，遇寅馬木人桃花也，更值庚寅尤重，或乙亥見乙巳，丁卯見丁巳，己未見己巳之類，男多淫蕩，女多私惑娼妓命，如丁卯見乙巳尤重，不徙則配，餘皆彷此。

The term "衔花马" refers to when the nayin sound element falls in the position of the horse, and at the same time is in the officialdom position. For example, in the pillars of Gengshen, Renzi, and Wuchen, the nayin sound element is wood, and when encountering the horse position of寅 (Yin), which is the officialdom position for wood, and if it is Gengyin, the effect is even stronger. Similarly, in cases like Yihai meeting Yisi, Dingmao meeting Dingsi, and Jiwei meeting Jisi, men tend to be lustful, while women are often involved in private affairs and confusion, even becoming prostitutes. Cases like Dingmao meeting Yisi are particularly severe, leading to exile or punishment. Other cases can be judged in the same way.

亦看生旺怕干神倒食也。

This point also requires checking whether the horse is in a prosperous and vital position, and it is most feared that a heavenly stem with the power to steal food appears in the sky to compete for sustenance.

如辰人馬在寅，或太歲在申，沖動寅即是，太歲為鞭策，小運在申，即小運如鞭策，多主動，如申與寅須看互換如何，兩皆和乃吉，凡遇互換之年，如庚申遇甲寅，庚申木之類，寅則臨官，甲寅水之類，申則長生皆吉，如兩互換無氣則空動，或失意，有氣即主再動，皆彷此。

For example, if a person was born in the Year of the Dragon (辰), and their horse (representing their destiny) is in the Year of the Tiger (寅), and the current year's heavenly stem and earthly branch (流年太岁) arrives at the Year of the Monkey (申), then the Monkey (申) will stir up the Tiger (寅). The current year's heavenly stem and earthly branch becomes the whip on the horse. If the small age (小运) is also in the Year of the Monkey (申), then the small age is the whip. A horse that is whipped tends to experience change. The relationship between the Year of the Monkey (申) and the Year of the Tiger (寅) should also be examined in terms of their mutual exchange. Both sides must be harmonious for good fortune. Whenever there is an exchange of years, such as Gengshen (庚申) meeting Jiayin (甲寅), Gengshen has the nayin sound element of wood, and wood in the Year of the Tiger (寅) is in its official position; Jiayin has the nayin sound element of water, and water in the Year of the Monkey (申) is in its growth stage. Both sides have vitality, so it is auspicious. If after the exchange both sides lack vitality, then it is just a useless movement, or a movement that ends in disappointment. If there is vitality, then it indicates further movement. This principle applies in the same way in all such cases.