[Covering the Inauspicious Pattern]

如丁巳人不畏癸水為鬼，緣巳上有暗戊，合卻癸化，真火發用，名曰伏凶，一重癸水，化一重真火，更自是丁巳祿旺，切宜真水既清，得之者最貴，既用癸水為秀氣，則不可復【壞】去癸，譬如丁巳年癸丑月壬辰日辛亥時，辛生壬，壬助癸，作丁之發用，又身受水印，亥上臨官有氣，如丁巳見癸丑己卯，被己土克去癸水用神，縱得好時，亦無厚福也。

For example, a person born on a Dingsi day does not fear Gui water as their ghost, because Si contains hidden Wu earth, which combines with Gui water to form true fire, which then initiates the transmission. This is called "fuxiong" — the凶 is subdued. One Gui water produces one true fire; moreover, Dingsi itself is a day of strength and prosperity. The best is to have clear true water. Those who possess this pattern are most esteemed. Since Gui water has already been selected as the refined use, it should not be destroyed again. For instance, in the case of Dingsi year, Guichou month, Renchen day, and Xinhai hour: Xin generates Ren, Ren supports Gui, which is exactly what Dingsi needs for its initiation. The self is also nourished by the water's official seal. The hour of Hai is in the position of officialdom and has strength. However, if Dingsi meets Guichou and Jimao, the earth (Ji) will destroy the Gui water, which is the useful god. Even with a good hour, there will be no great fortune.

如癸巳不畏辛倒食，為巳間有丙合辛，變為真水，為喜神發用，李待制癸巳年辛酉月庚寅日辛巳時，兩辛為喜神，又就壬子胎，人庚辛壬癸，名干神連珠，故貴，餘準此推之。（天元變化書）

For example, in the case ofGuisi, it is not afraid of 辛 coming to form a倒食, because巳 contains 丙 fire which combines with 辛, transforming into true water, which becomes a favorable deity to initiate the transmission. Li DaiZhi's destiny isGuisi year, Xinyou month, Gengyin day, and Xinsi hour. Both 辛 are favorable deities, and they are combined with Renzi as the nurturing element. The entire destiny connects 庚, 辛, 壬, and 癸 in sequence, called dry deity chain, hence achieving high status. The rest should be inferred in the same way. This statement comes from the book《Tianyuan Biannian Shu》.

丙人怕二壬，壬人怕二戊，乙人怕二辛，餘彷此。歌曰：乙木生人怕二辛，不遭鞭配也遭刑，若能免得諸刑害，兩目盲盲不見人。（三命【纂】局）

People born on a Bing day are afraid of two Ren, those born on a Ren day are afraid of two Wu, and those born on a Yi day are afraid of two Xin. The rest follow the same pattern. The rhyme says: A person with a Yi wood destiny is most afraid of encountering two Xin. This does not mean being whipped or exiled, but also suffering from punishment. Even if they manage to avoid these punishments and misfortunes, they may still end up blind and unable to see people. This statement comes from the "Three Fate Compendium."

甲人見庚乙，乙人見辛丙，丙人見壬丁，丁人見癸戊，戊人見甲己，己人見乙庚，庚人見丙辛，辛人見丁壬，壬人見戊癸，癸人見己甲。以上官鬼相傷，公立庶幾。（廣信集）

The concept of "ghost combination" refers to a situation in a person's destiny where both the ghost (which is something that harms the self) and the one that can control or neutralize this ghost are present. For example, if someone is born with the day stem Jia, they see both Geng (the ghost) and Yi (the one that controls the ghost). Similarly, if someone is born with the day stem Yi, they see both Xin and Bing, and so on. These combinations show that the official (a beneficial force) and the ghost (a harmful force) are mutually restraining each other, which allows the person to still be able to achieve things in life. This statement is from the "Broad Trust Collection."

鬼嘯分明禍更加，設使以前逢富貴，定知日後厭年華。如甲人逢庚金克木，又值丙火克庚金，乃貧賤惡死之命，遇合干尤可，如丙見辛是也。若支神納音好，己前須主富貴，向後定不吉，更加刑殺鬼克，主惡死。

The song says: If one's destiny clearly involves "ghost howl," misfortune becomes even more severe; even if one has previously enjoyed wealth and honor, it can be predicted that one will eventually despise life and die an untimely death. For example, if a person with a Jia day stem meets a Geng metal to overcome wood, and also encounters a Bing fire to overcome Geng metal, this indicates poverty and a violent death; if one meets a harmonious stem instead, it is somewhat better, such as Bing meeting Xin. If both the earthly branches and the nayin sound element are favorable, one may be wealthy and prosperous in early years, but later life will certainly bring misfortune; if further complicated by punishments, crimes, and ghostly overcomings, it will lead to a violent death.

如王相公，己未年乙亥月，丙寅日，辛卯時，逢三合生，更遇寅卯為己人官鄉，丙與辛合大貴，奈犯鬼嘯格，己陰土逢乙陰木作鬼，又遇辛陰金作陰木鬼，變寅卯之官作己土鬼，在亥卯未三合位，又是鬼克，故主惡死也。

For example, the destiny of Wang Xianggong is: Jiwei year, Yihai month, Bingyin day, Xinmao hour. His destiny meets the Triple Harmony and thus gains life, and also encounters寅 and卯, which are the official star regions for Ji soil. Bing and Xin are in harmony, which should lead to great fortune. Unfortunately, he has the Ghost Cry pattern: Ji is yin soil, and meets Yi yin wood as its ghost; it also meets Xin yin metal as the ghost of Yi wood. This turns the original official stars of寅 and卯 into ghosts for Ji soil; and all of this occurs in the position of the Triple Harmony of Hai, Mao, and Wei. With ghosts coming to control, it indicates a death by misfortune.

三吞三耦未為惡，重耦傷怕逢著，若非夭壽父母凶，戶力雖高亦衰落。三吞者，如甲人逢三壬，三耦者，如甲人逢三己也。未為賤賤命，重耦者。如甲人逢兩己曰重耦。重傷者，如甲人逢兩庚曰重傷，乃夭壽退家之命。（沉芝源髓）

The rhyme says: encountering three壬 (three swallowing) and three己 (three coupling) is not yet considered evil, but the most dangerous are double coupling and double injury. If it is not the person's own short life, then it must be the parents' misfortune. Even if the family's power is great, it will eventually decline.所谓 three swallowing refers to a person with a Jia day stem encountering three Ren;所谓 three coupling refers to a person with a Jia day stem encountering three Ji. These are still not considered lowly fate.所谓 double coupling refers to a person with a Jia day stem encountering two Ji;所谓 double injury refers to a person with a Jia day stem encountering two Geng. This is a fate of short life and family decline. This statement comes from the "Shen Zhi Yuan Me" (Source of the Essence of Shen).

甲己化土乙庚化金丙辛化水丁壬化木戊癸化火天元變化書云：天干合，陽得陰合福慢，因得陽合福緊，故甲得己合為財，己得甲合為官，十干倣此。三命提要云：如陽干遇陰干合，只得干合之福，陰干遇陽干合，又得正官之輔，為兩重福。

Heavenly Stems combine in pairs to produce new Five Phases, a concept known as "huà qì" (change of qi). Jia combines with Ji to form earth, Yi combines with Geng to form metal, Bing combines with Xin to form water, Ding combines with Ren to form wood, and Wu combines with Gui to form fire. The "Tian Yuan Bi Hua Shu" states that when a Yang Heavenly Stem combines with a Yin Heavenly Stem, blessings come slowly; when a Yin Heavenly Stem combines with a Yang Heavenly Stem, blessings come quickly. Thus, Jia combining with Ji, where Ji earth is overcome by Jia, is considered "cái" (wealth); Ji combining with Jia, where Jia wood overcomes Ji earth, is considered "guan" (official). The rest of the Heavenly Stems follow this pattern. The "San Ming Ti Yao" explains that when a Yang Heavenly Stem combines with a Yin Heavenly Stem, it only brings the blessing of the combination; when a Yin Heavenly Stem combines with a Yang Heavenly Stem, it brings the blessing of the combination plus an additional blessing from the official, making it two blessings.

十干者，五行之精紀，甲陽木，乙陰木也，位旺東方，以比者為兄弟，則乙者甲之妹也。丙陽火，丁陰火也，位旺南方，丁者丙之妹也。戊陽土，己陰土也，位旺中央，己者戊之妹也。庚陽金，辛陰金也，位旺西方，辛者庚之妹也。壬陽水，癸陰水也，位旺北方，癸者壬之妹也。以我剋者為妻財，庚金以乙木為妻，故乙與庚合，壬以丁火為妻，故丁與壬合，丙火以辛金為妻，故丙與辛合，戊土以癸水為妻，故戊與癸合，甲木以己土為妻，故甲與己合。合者，常貴乎得中而不偏，否則亂。

The ten Heavenly Stems represent the essential principles of the Five Phases. Jia is Yang Wood, Yi is Yin Wood, both flourishing in the East; they are like siblings, with Yang as the elder brother and Yin as the younger sister, so Yi is the younger sister of Jia. Bing is Yang Fire, Ding is Yin Fire, both flourishing in the South; thus, Ding is the younger sister of Bing. Wu is Yang Earth, Ji is Yin Earth, both flourishing in the Center; so Ji is the younger sister of Wu. Geng is Yang Metal, Xin is Yin Metal, both flourishing in the West; hence, Xin is the younger sister of Geng. Ren is Yang Water, Gui is Yin Water, both flourishing in the North; thus, Gui is the younger sister of Ren. Those that are overcome by me are called "wife and wealth." The pairing of Heavenly Stems signifies the relationship of husband and wife: Geng Metal overcomes Yi Wood, so Yi Wood is the wife of Geng; thus Yi and Geng are paired. Ren Water overcomes Ding Fire, so Ding Fire is the wife of Ren; thus Ding and Ren are paired. Bing Fire overcomes Xin Metal, so Bing and Xin are paired. Wu Earth overcomes Gui Water, so Wu and Gui are paired. Jia Wood overcomes Ji Earth, so Jia and Ji are paired. The most valuable pairing is when both sides are balanced and not excessive; once imbalance occurs, it leads to confusion.

常貴乎得中，是各有所合，乃為得中，如兩戊得兩癸，是謂得中，偏者如一丁合三壬，或兩甲合一己是也。陽者夫也，陰者婦也，婦多夫少，夫多婦少，皆亂之道也。（燭神經）

The concept of "getting the middle" refers to the situation where each of the two matching sides has its own corresponding partner, matching one by one. For example, two Wu (戊) matching with two Gui (癸) is considered to be getting the middle. "Bias" refers to a situation where one dry branch is matched by multiple wet branches, such as one Ding (丁) being matched by three Ren (壬), or two Jia (甲) competing to match one Ji (己). Yang dry branches are like husbands, while Yin dry branches are like wives; having more wives than husbands or more husbands than wives leads to confusion. This statement is found in the "Zhu Shen Jing" (Candle Spirit Classic).

十干必隔六位一合，合也？希尹云：天地之數，各不過五，然上五位為生數，下五位為成數，生數與成數相遇然後合。天一生壬，地二生丁，天三生甲，地四生辛，天五生戊，地六成癸，天七成丙，地八成乙，天九成庚，地十成己，天一數，地見二數，然後合，所以必隔六也。故易曰：天數五，地數五，五位相得而各有合。

Why must the Ten Heavenly Stems be separated by six positions to form a harmonious pair? Xi Yin explains that the numbers of Heaven and Earth do not exceed five. The first five positions are called "birth numbers," and the next five are called "formed numbers." Only when birth numbers and formed numbers meet can they form a harmonious pair. Heaven begins with the first number, which is Ren, and Earth begins with the second number, which is Ding. Heaven begins with the third number, which is Jia, and Earth begins with the fourth number, which is Xin. Heaven begins with the fifth number, which is Wu; Earth forms the sixth number, which is Gui. Heaven's first number must meet Earth's second number to form a harmonious pair, so in sequence they must be separated by six positions. Therefore, the Great Treatise of the Zhou Changes states: Heaven has five numbers, Earth has five numbers. Each of the five directions matches with each other and thus has a harmonious pairing.

玉門關集云：壬癸北方亥子，生數一，成數六，丙丁南方巳午，生數二，成數七，甲乙東方寅卯，生數三，成數八，庚辛西方申酉，生數四，成數九，戊己居中辰戌丑未，生數五，成數十。五行要論云：天一生水，其於物為精，精者一所生也，第二生火，其於物為魂，魂從神者也。地四生金，其於物為體，體者精神魂魄具而後有者也。自天一至天五，五行之生數，自地六至地十，五行之成數，以奇生者成而耦，以耦生者成而奇，其成之者皆五，五天數之中，所以成於物也。道立於一，成於三，變於五，而天地之數具矣。其於十也偏之而已。

The *Yu Men Guan Ji* says: Ren and Gui belong to the north, associated with Hai and Zi, with a birth number of one and a completion number of six; Bing and Ding belong to the south, associated with Si and Wu, with a birth number of two and a completion number of seven; Jia and Yi belong to the east, associated with Yin and Mao, with a birth number of three and a completion number of eight; Geng and Xin belong to the west, associated with Shen and You, with a birth number of four and a completion number of nine; Wu and Ji reside in the center and are associated with Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei, with a birth number of five and a completion number of ten. The *Wu Xing Yao Lun* says: Heaven produces one, and water manifests in the world as "essence," which is generated from one; the second produces fire, which manifests as "soul," which moves with the spirit; the fourth produces metal, which manifests as "body," which only appears after essence, spirit, soul, and shadow are complete. From Heaven One to Heaven Five are the birth numbers of the Five Phases, and from Earth Six to Earth Ten are their completion numbers; odd numbers are generated by even numbers and vice versa, and the final shaping of all is "five," because five is in the center of the heavenly numbers and thus can shape all things. The great way begins with one, is completed with three, and changes with five; the numbers of heaven and earth are thus complete. As for ten, it is biased and not in the center.

何故甲與己合化土，乙與庚合化金，丙與辛合化水，丁與壬合化木，戊與癸合化火？希尹曰：此五行循環相生也。甲與己既為夫婦，得土之氣矣，土生金，故乙庚次之，金生水，故丙辛次之，水生木，故丁壬次之，木生火，故戊癸次之，火復生土，故曰循環相生也。

Why do Jia and Ji form a union to generate earth, Yi and Geng form a union to generate metal, Bing and Xin form a union to generate water, Ding and Ren form a union to generate wood, and Wu and Gui form a union to generate fire? Xi Yin answered: This is arranged according to the order of mutual generation among the Five Phases. Since Jia and Ji have formed a marital union, they first generate earth; earth can generate metal, so Yi and Geng follow to generate metal; metal can generate water, so Bing and Xin follow to generate water; water can generate wood, so Ding and Ren follow to generate wood; wood can generate fire, so Wu and Gui follow to generate fire; fire then returns to generate earth again, circling back to Jia and Ji, hence called mutual generation in a cycle.

甲於五行屬木，若於四干中見己，則化為土，雖不見己，而見午亦同，蓋己祿在午故也。又不見午而見未與寅戌，亦有五分之力，六合三合，得有己之氣故也。全不見己與午未寅戌，而見甲辰甲戌，便以甲為土斷之。蓋甲辰土位，木化而為土也。餘皆為木。乙於五行屬木，若於四干中見庚則化為金，雖不見庚，而見申，亦同，庚祿在申故也。又不見申而見巳與子辰，亦有五分之力，六合三合得有庚之氣故也。若全不見庚與申巳子辰，而見乙巳、乙酉、乙丑，便以以為金斷之，蓋乙居金位，木化而為金也。餘皆為木。

The Heavenly Stem Jia belongs to the Wood element in the Five Phases. If the heavenly stems in the four pillars contain Ji, Jia transforms into Earth; even if Ji is not present but the earthly branch Wu is seen, the effect is the same, because Ji's "Lushu" (favorable position) is in Wu. If Wu is also not present, but the earthly branches Wei and Yin or Xu are seen, there is still five parts of its power, because Wei forms a六合 (six harmonies) with Wu, and Yin-Wu-Xu form a triple harmony, all of which contain the energy of Ji. If Ji, Wu, Wei, Yin, and Xu are all absent, but Jia Chen and Jia Xu are present, then Jia is directly considered as Earth, because Jia Chen is in the Earth position and Wood has transformed into Earth; otherwise, it is still treated as Wood. The Heavenly Stem Yi also belongs to the Wood element. If the heavenly stems in the four pillars contain Geng, Yi transforms into Metal; even if Geng is not present but Shen is seen, the effect is the same, because Geng's "Lushu" is in Shen. If Shen is not present but Si, Zi, or Chen is seen, there is still five parts of its power, because Si and Shen form aLiu He, and Shen-Zi-Chen form a triple harmony, all of which contain the energy of Geng. If Geng, Shen, Si, Zi, and Chen are all absent, but Yi Si, Yi You, and Yi Chou are present, then Yi is directly considered as Metal, because Yi is in the Metal position and Wood has transformed into Metal; otherwise, it is still treated as Wood.

他干皆如此取，為辛壬癸三干，不得如甲以甲辰、甲戌，乙以乙巳、乙酉、乙丑取用，但辛見辛亥，則斷為水，壬見壬寅則斷為木，癸見癸巳則斷為火，蓋各居臨官之地而化也。若己自是土，庚自是金，更不必言也。（玉霄寶鑑）

The other heavenly stems are used in the same way. However, the stems Xin, Ren, and Gui do not follow the same pattern as Jia, Yi, or others. Xin is only considered as water when it appears in the combination Xin Hai, Ren is only considered as wood when it appears in Ren Yin, and Gui is only considered as fire when it appears in Gui Si, because these combinations each sit on their respective "officialdom" position to transform. As for Ji, which is originally earth, and Geng, which is originally metal, there is no need for further explanation. This passage is from the Yuzhao Baodian.

辛亥金人得丁巳土，有丁壬合，真木往來，有丙辛合，真水往來。丁巳土人得癸亥水，有戊癸合，真火往來，有丁壬合，真木往來，如戊戌年，癸亥月，丁巳日，辛亥時，交互真氣全，宰相命。戊午火見壬子木，中有丁壬真木，戊癸真火，丙申見乙酉，中有丙辛真水，乙庚真金，庚寅得己卯，中有甲己真土，乙庚真金，如庚寅年，己卯月，庚寅日，己卯時，交互全，兩府命。

A person with the Xinhai Nayin metal destiny who receives the Dingsi Nayin earth destiny will have the Dingsi and Renzi combining, with true wood coming and going, and also the Bingchen combining, with true water coming and going. A person with the Dingsi Nayin earth destiny who receives the Guihai Nayin water destiny will have the Wukui combining, with true fire coming and going, and also the Dingshen combining, with true wood coming and going. For example, a person born in the Wuxu year, Guihai month, Dingsi day, and Xinhai hour will have complete mutual energies, indicating a destiny of a prime minister. Similarly, a person with the Wufu Nayin fire destiny encountering the Renzi Nayin wood destiny will have hidden Dingshen true wood and Wukui true fire; a person with the Bingshen Nayin water destiny encountering the Yiyou Nayin metal destiny will have hidden Bingxinhui true water and Yigeng true metal; a person with the Gengyin Nayin metal destiny encountering the Jimao Nayin earth destiny will have hidden Jixi true earth and Yigeng true metal. For example, a person born in the Gengyin year, Jimao month, Gengyin day, and Jimao hour will have complete mutual energies, indicating a noble destiny of being in the two major government offices.

壬午丁祿在午壬與丁合；丁亥壬祿在亥丁與壬合；戊子癸祿在子戊與癸合；甲午己祿在午甲與己合；辛巳丙祿在巳辛與丙合；癸巳戊祿在巳癸與戊合。

The following six groups are columns where the heavenly stems are seated on their own harmonious god's luck position, and the heavenly stem and earthly branch form a harmonious relationship: Renwu, where Ding's luck is in Wu and Ren and Ding are harmonious; Dinghai, where Ren's luck is in Hai and Ding and Ren are harmonious; Wuzi, where Gui's luck is in Zi and Wu and Gui are harmonious; Jiawu, where Ji's luck is in Wu and Ji and Ji are harmonious; Xinsi, where Bing's luck is in Si and Xin and Bing are harmonious; and Guisi, where Wu's luck is in Si and Gui and Wu are harmonious.

以上壬午丁亥最為福深幽，戊子聰明，辛巳權謀，甲午在寅午戌月得地，癸巳貴中有酒色之疾，損壽，甲午亦主有小亨。

Among the six pillars listed, the Renwu and Dinghai pillars are most endowed with good fortune; the Wuzi pillar indicates a clever person; the Xinsi pillar suggests someone rich in strategy and cunning; the Jiawu pillar is only considered favorable if born in the寅, 午, or 戌 months; the Guisi pillar, although prestigious, often suffers from diseases related to alcohol and lust, leading to a shortened lifespan; and the Jiawu pillar also only brings minor success.

甲己化土，非辰戌丑未月不化，其次十月亦化。四柱有甲己，其間有乙字者不化，名曰妒合，隨水為受氣臨官。又云己亥是也。若論四季之月，各旺十八日，及穀雨大暑，霜降大寒前五日，至四節前三日，並可用甲己正化，餘不然。乙庚化金，非巳酉丑月不化，其次七月亦化，四柱有乙庚，其間帶丙字者不化，名曰妒合。凡巳酉丑命人，四柱中有庚申，名曰受氣臨官，晚年不佳，有官奪官，有財乏財。丙辛化水在申子辰月方化，其次十月亦化，四柱有丙辛，其間有丁字者不化，名曰妒合。凡申子辰生人，四柱有癸亥者為受氣臨官，主晚年不佳，有官奪官，有財乏財。

Jia and Ji combine, but they cannot form earth unless born in the months of Chen, Xu, Chou, or Wei. If born in the tenth month or the month of Hai, they can also form earth. If Jia and Ji are present in the four pillars but there is an Yi in between, they cannot form earth, which is called "du he." It follows water and forms "shou qi ling guan," which refers to the column Jihai. If considering the four seasons, each season's last month has earth strong for eighteen days, and the five days before Gu Yu, Da Shu, Shuang Jia, and Da Han, as well as the three days before Li Zhi, can be considered as the proper formation of Jia and Ji. At other times, it is not considered as formation. Yi and Geng combine, but they cannot form metal unless born in the months of Si, You, or Chou. If born in the seventh month or the month of Shen, they can also form metal. If Yi and Geng are present in the four pillars but there is a Bing in between, they cannot form metal, which is also called "du he." Those born in the years of Si, You, or Chou, and who have Geng Shen in their four pillars, are called "shou qi ling guan," indicating an unfavorable old age, loss of official position, and lack of wealth. Bing and Xin combine, but they can only form water if born in the months of Shen, Zi, or Chen, or in the tenth month. If Bing and Xin are present in the four pillars but there is a Ding in between, they cannot form water, which is also called "du he." Those born in the years of Shen, Zi, or Chen, and who have Gui Hai in their four pillars, are called "shou qi ling guan," indicating an unfavorable old age, loss of official position, and lack of wealth.

丁壬化木，非亥卯未月不化，其次正月亦化，凡四柱有丁壬，其間有戊字者不化，名曰妒合。凡亥卯未生人，四柱有甲寅者，為受氣臨官，主晚年不佳，有官奪官，有財乏財。戊癸化火，非寅午戌月不化，其次四月亦化，凡四柱有戊癸，其間有己字者不化，名曰妒合。凡寅午戌生人，四柱有丁巳者為受氣臨官，主晚年不佳，有官奪官，有財乏財（廣信集）

Ding and Ren combine to form a relationship, but if they are not born in the months of Hai, Mao, or Wei, they cannot transform into wood. If they are born in the first month of Yin, they can still transform. However, if there is a Wu in the middle of the four pillars when Ding and Ren are present, the transformation fails, which is called 'du he'. For those born in the years of Hai, Mao, or Wei, if their four pillars include Jiayin, it is called 'shou qi ling guan', indicating poor later years, losing official positions, and experiencing financial shortages. Wu and Gui combine to form a relationship, but if they are not born in the months of Yin, Wu, or Xu, they cannot transform into fire. If they are born in the fourth month of Si, they can still transform. However, if there is a Ji in the middle of the four pillars when Wu and Gui are present, the transformation fails, which is also called 'du he'. For those born in the years of Yin, Wu, or Xu, if their four pillars include Dingsi, it is called 'shou qi ling guan', indicating poor later years, losing official positions, and experiencing financial shortages. This is recorded in the 'Guangxinji'.

神白經有受氣臨官訣云：受氣臨官莫同穴，一時兩犯禍難說，官人到此應無祿，富澤殘年必貧缺，縱然橫得些名利，鋒刃之中化為血。後學消詳莫順情，此說陰陽幽微別。假令乙亥年乙酉月乙酉日戊寅時，時上有年臨官，月日上有年受氣，餘同，二氣在日時中亦然，雖犯諸吉象，富貴須有，只恐失多，不然死疾也。又論臨官云：四卦臨官官人不知，帶其類干日兼時，重重相犯還有剋，退即生兮進即危，亥卯未人甲寅，巳酉丑入庚申，寅午戌人丁巳，申子辰人癸亥。

The Shengbai Jing has a passage called "The Rule of Receiving Qi and Officialdom" which says: Receiving Qi and Officialdom should not be in the same position, if they appear twice within one hour, the calamity is hard to describe; officials who encounter this will lose their official position, and wealthy families in their later years will certainly become poor; even if theyby chance gain some fame and fortune, they will be cut down by a blade and turn into blood. Later learners should carefully examine this, not just say good words to please people, for the subtle yin and yang here make a great difference. For example, someone born in the year of Yihai, in the month of Yiyou, on the day of Yiyou, and at the hour of Wuyin, the hour pillar is the Officialdom of the year's heavenly stem, and the month and day pillars are the Receiving Qi of the year's heavenly stem, and so on; if these two energies appear in the day or hour pillars, the result is the same. Such a destiny may have many auspicious signs, and wealth and honor may come, but the loss may be greater, or there may be worries of death and illness. Another passage called "Discussing Officialdom" says: When the four pillars have Officialdom, officials often do not know about it, for it follows the same heavenly stem in the day and hour pillars, and repeated offenses will bring about harm, retreat brings life, but advance brings danger. Specifically, those born in Hai-Mao-Wei fear Jiayin, those born in Si-You-Chou fear Gengshen, those born in Yin-Wu-Xu fear Dingsi, and those born in Shen-Zi-Chen fear Guihai.

甲己化土，生在季月中，其土成象，不可見火，若見火則虛，逢火煉不生物是，季月有甲己日怕丙丁時是。（甲己日皆為丙寅丁卯時）孫子才云：甲己喜丙火大妙，怕木氣剋壞死絕，又木為官，寅亥卯為妙。乙庚為金，生在申酉月中，其金成象。此月有乙庚日怕子寅時，以示哀樂無寧之象也。（乙庚日皆丙子戊寅時）

Heavenly Stems Jia and Ji transform into earth, and this transformation is effective when they are born in the middle months of the four seasons. Only then can the earth element take form. Once the earth element has taken form, it is not suitable to see fire again, because fire would weaken the earth, as earth that has been refined by fire cannot support life. Therefore, the days of Jia and Ji born in the middle months of the four seasons are most afraid of the hours of Bingyin and Dingmao, which are the hours of Bingyin and Dingmao. Sunzi said: Jia and Ji are most favorable when they encounter Bing fire, but they fear the wood element to weaken them and fall into a dead or exhausted state. Wood is the official star of the transformation of Jia and Ji into earth, so the hours of Yin and Haimao are actually beneficial. Heavenly Stems Yi and Geng transform into metal, and this transformation is effective when they are born in the months of Shen and You. Only then can the metal element take form. For the days of Yi and Geng born in the months of Shen and You, they most fear the hours of Zi and Yin, which represent instability and disorder. These are the hours of Bingzi and Wuyin for the days of Yi and Geng.

孫子才云：乙庚喜戊土相生甲己為福，不喜死敗。丙辛為水，生在亥子月中，其水成象，此月有丙辛日怕卯巳時，多哀蹇時。（丙辛日皆辛卯癸巳時）孫子才云：丙辛愛庚子相生之氣，乙庚為福，怕壞氣。丁壬為木，生在寅卯月中，其木成象，此月有丁壬日怕午申時，木為灰化之時也。（丁壬日皆丙午戊申時）孫子才云：丁壬喜丙辛為福。

Sun Zi Cai said: Yi and Geng form metal, which likes Wu earth to generate it, with Ji and Wei as the gods of fortune, and it dislikes falling into the dead or broken positions. Bing and Xin form water, which can only take shape when born in the months of Hai and Zi; for Bing days and Xin days, the hours of Mao and Si are most dangerous, often leading to sorrow and obstacles, that is, the hours of Xin Mao and Gui Si for Bing days and Xin days. Sun Zi Cai said: Bing and Xin love the generating energy of Geng Zi, with Yi and Geng as the gods of fortune, and they dislike encountering destructive energies. Ding and Ren form wood, which can only take shape when born in the months of Yin and Mao; for Ding days and Ren days, the hours of Wu and Shen are most dangerous, as these are the times when wood turns to ashes, that is, the hours of Bing Wu and Wu Shen for Ding days and Ren days. Sun Zi Cai said: Ding and Ren take Bing and Xin as the gods of fortune.

戊癸為火，生在巳午月中，其火成象，致用日時犯戊己土之土，是大火見土，及暗伏之際也。（神白經）孫子才云：戊癸愛甲字相生，不喜卯酉無終始，丁壬為福。

The combination of Wu and Gui generates fire, which becomes evident in the months of Si and Wu. If the day or hour also involves Wu or Ji earth, then the fire meets earth, and its brilliance is concealed. This is mentioned in the Sheng Bai Jing. Sun Zi says: Wu and Gui prefer to see Jia to be generated, and they dislike the directions of Mao and You, which are beginning but not ending. They regard Ding and Ren as deities of fortune.

甲己切要木為官，故得寅卯亥丑為上，戊癸氣為福也。乙庚金切要火為官，故喜寅辰巳午也，甲己氣為福。丙辛水切要土為官，故喜子丑未申戌亥，甲己為官，乙庚為福。丁壬切要庚辛為官，申酉亦同，丙辛為福。戊癸火喜申亥子旺水為官，丁壬為福，於臨時消息。（天元變化書）鬼古遺文，丁壬喜遇丙辛，乙庚愛乎甲己，乃相生也。

The Heavenly Stem Jia and Ji generate Earth, and they most need Wood to serve as the official star, so they prefer the branches Yin, Mao, Hai, and Chou, with the energies of Wu and Gui considered as auspicious. The Heavenly Stem Yi and Geng generate Metal, and they most need Fire to serve as the official star, so they prefer the branches Yin, Chen, Si, and Wu, with the energies of Jia and Ji considered as auspicious. The Heavenly Stem Bing and Xin generate Water, and they most need Earth to serve as the official star, so they prefer the branches Zi, Chou, Wei, Shen, Xu, and Hai, with the energies of Jia and Ji as official stars and Yi and Geng as auspicious. The Heavenly Stem Ding and Ren generate Wood, and they most need Geng and Xin as official stars, and seeing Shen and You is equally good, with the energies of Bing and Xin considered as auspicious. The Heavenly Stem Wu and Gui generate Fire, and they prefer the branches Shen, Hai, and Zi, which are strong Water, as official stars, with the energies of Ding and Ren considered as auspicious, and specific cases should be considered on a case-by-case basis. The above is from the book "Tianyuan Biangu Shu." The "Guigu Yiwenshu" says: Ding and Ren prefer to meet Bing and Xin, and Yi and Geng prefer to meet Jia and Ji, and they all take the meaning of mutual generation.

甲己旺申子乙庚旺巳酉丙辛旺申子丁壬旺亥卯戊癸旺寅午；若人逢此旺地生者，十有九貴也。（廣信集）

The true flourishing places of the Five Phases are: Jia and Ji are strong in Shen and Zi, Yi and Geng are strong in Si and You, Bing and Xin are strong in Shen and Zi, Ding and Ren are strong in Hai and Mao, Wu and Gui are strong in Yin and Wu. If a person is born in these flourishing places, nine out of ten will achieve prominence. This statement is found in the "Guangxin Ji."

春丁壬夏戊癸秋乙庚冬丙辛四季甲己；真五行各旺其時也，若帶祿馬貴食之神，乃有福德人，無貴殺虛祿人也（鬼谷命格）

The "Fudogge" refers to: those born in spring have Ding and Ren as fortune virtue, those born in summer have Wu and Gui, those born in autumn have Yi and Geng, and those born in winter have Bing and Xin. This means that the true Five Phases are in their prime during their respective seasons. If they also have auspicious stars such as禄, 马, Nobleman, and 食神, they are considered to have fortune virtue. However, if they only have 贵杀 and 虚禄, they are not considered. This is mentioned in "Guigu Mengge."

丙寅辛卯、丙辰辛卯庚申乙酉、庚戌乙酉己亥甲子、己丑甲子；癸巳戊午、癸未戊午戊子癸丑、戊寅癸丑己酉甲戌、己亥甲戌；乙巳庚辰、乙卯庚辰壬午丁未、壬申丁未；以上正化，更合月令。

The following combinations are considered "zhenghua" (correct transformation), meaning the combination of heavenly stems and earthly branches results in a pure and proper transformation: Bingyin paired with Xinmao, Bingchen paired with Xinmao, Gengshen paired with Yiyou, Gengxu paired with Yiyou, Jihai paired with Jiazi, Jichou paired with Jiazi; Guisi paired with Wuwu, Guwei paired with Wuwu, Wuzi paired with Guichou, Wuyin paired with Guichou, Jiyou paired with Jiaxu, Jihai paired with Jiaxu; Yisi paired with Gengchen, Yimao paired with Gengchen, Renwu paired with Dingwei, Renshen paired with Dingwei. All these are considered zhenghua, but they should also conform to the monthly stem.

甲辰己巳丙寅辛卯戊戌癸亥庚申乙酉丁丑壬寅癸巳戊午；己亥甲子辛未丙申；以上須得日時遇之，成立功名，不至艱難，更合月令尤妙。假令丁巳年癸丑月戊戌日癸亥時，早年及第，官至太卿監，壽至八十九，尚康裕王徽獻倌命。

"Turnaround Evolution" refers to combinations where the heavenly stems are in harmony and the earthly branches follow each other in sequence: Jia Chen connects to Ji Si, Bing Yin connects to Xin Mao, Wu Xu connects to Gui Hai, Geng Shen connects to Yi You, Ding Chou connects to Ren Yin, Gui Si connects to Wu Wu, Ji Hai connects to Jia Zi, and Xin Wei connects to Bing Shen. These combinations must appear in the day pillar or the hour pillar, indicating that success in official positions can be achieved without great difficulty. If they also harmonize with the month pillar, the effect is even better. For example, someone born in the year of Ding Si, with the month of Gui Chou, the day of Wu Xu, and the hour of Gui Hai, achieved academic success at an early age, held a high official position, and lived to be eighty-nine years old. This is the type of birth chart seen in people like Shang Kangyu and Wang Huixian.

甲午己巳乙巳庚辰丁卯壬寅戊子癸亥壬申丁未辛酉丙申；己亥甲戌戊寅癸丑；以上須得日時遇之，主功名差晚到，好處有退減，歲運逢之，亦歇滅，月令得地，亦作貴人（此處缺字），假令丙子年、戊戌月、辛酉日、丙申時，五十二歲作殿科，五十九歲入參政，董德元命。（廣信集）

"Turnback degeneration" refers to combinations in heavenly stem harmony where the earthly branches are connected in reverse order: Jia Wu follows Ji Si, Yi Si follows Geng Chen, Ding Mao follows Ren Yin, Wu Zi follows Gui Hai, Ren Shen follows Ding Wei, Xin You follows Bing Shen, Ji Hai follows Jia Xu, and Wu Yin follows Gui Chou. This pattern must also appear in the day pillar and hour pillar, indicating that achievements in fame and status will come later, with reduced benefits; encountering it in the age and destiny cycles suggests decline and fading. If the month pillar is strong, it can still be considered as a nobleman. (The original text is missing here.) For example, someone born in Bing Zi year, Wu Xu month, Xin You day, and Bing Shen hour reached the imperial court at fifty-two and became a minister at fifty-nine, which was the case for Dong Deyuan. This entry is found in the "Broad Trust Collection."

甲己喜水乙庚喜木丙辛喜火丁壬喜土戊癸喜金。

The heavenly stems' preferred nayin wealth elements are: Jia and Ji favor water, Yi and Geng favor wood, Bing and Xin favor fire, Ding and Ren favor earth, and Wu and Gui favor metal. These are all the elements that overcome their respective qi transformations, hence they are called wealth.

甲己喜土四季生乙庚喜金秋生丙辛喜水冬生丁壬喜木春生；戊癸喜火夏生（神白經）

The Heavenly Stems prefer the Nayin sound element that is flourishing in the four seasons: Jia and Ji prefer the Nayin earth element when born in the months of the four seasons, Yi and Geng prefer the Nayin metal element when born in autumn, Bing and Xin prefer the Nayin water element when born in winter, Ding and Ren prefer the Nayin wood element when born in spring, and Wu and Gui prefer the Nayin fire element when born in summer. This is from the Shengbai Jing.

甲己人見乙乙庚人見丙丙辛人見丁丁壬人見戊戊癸人見己；以上又名妬合殺，謂合中見剋也，主好事被人破害。（廣信集）

"The 'Class of Broken Killing' refers to: those with Jia and Ji see Yi, those with Yi and Geng see Bing, those with Bing and Xin see Ding, those with Ding and Ren see Wu, and those with Wu and Gui see Ji. This is also known as 'Jealous Union Killing.' It means that within a harmonious relationship, there is an element of overcoming, indicating that good things are obstructed or ruined by others. This concept is mentioned in the 'Broad Trust Collection.'"

甲己人忌見丁壬日時；乙庚人忌見戊癸日時；丙辛人忌見甲己日時（官鬼有氣得地者富）；丁壬人忌見乙庚日時；戊癸人忌見丙辛日時（十分福失地無氣災也）（神白經）

"The term 'true ghost punishment and illness' refers to: those with the Heavenly Stem Jia and Ji should avoid days and hours with the Heavenly Stems Ding and Ren; those with the Heavenly Stem Yi and Geng should avoid days and hours with the Heavenly Stems Wu and Gui; those with the Heavenly Stem Bing and Xin should avoid days and hours with the Heavenly Stems Jia and Ji (if the official ghost is strong and has a proper position, it may instead indicate wealth); those with the Heavenly Stems Ding and Ren should avoid days and hours with the Heavenly Stems Yi and Geng; those with the Heavenly Stems Wu and Gui should avoid days and hours with the Heavenly Stems Bing and Xin (if the fortune is very good but lacks proper position and strength, it may lead to disaster). This is mentioned in the 'Shen Bai Jing'."

玉霄寶鑑云：假令甲己人不見丁壬全，而見壬寅或丁亥、丁卯、丁未者，亦是真鬼，若於福繁之地及貴人祿馬上見者，謂之變鬼為官，反為福，主凶中有吉。

The Yuzhao Baodian says: If someone with the Heavenly Stem Jia or Ji has the Earthly Branches Ding and Ren not both present in their four pillars, but instead sees Renyin, or Dinghai, Dingmao, or Dingwei, this is considered 'true ghost'; but if these characters appear in a place of abundant fortune, or on the positions of nobleman, official, or horse, it is called 'transforming ghost into official', which turns into good fortune, indicating a situation where misfortune is mixed with good fortune.

甲人戊癸本非殊，或加從革應相呼，四位土支逢一二，祿厚權清出帝都。用真火生其土，有戊無癸，以子代之，有癸無戊，以己代之，子巳乃土成實之地，巳酉丑福元旺水生焉，辰戌丑未四土，若逢一二位，為成實之格，子巳代戊癸，甲人有戊癸合戊子、癸巳、辰戌、丑未最貴也。

The song says: Those born on a Jia day are naturally close to Wu and Gui. If the Si-You-Chou Metal triad is added, it will correspond perfectly. Among the four earth branches, if two or more are present, the wealth will be abundant and the power clear, allowing one to serve in the imperial capital. This requires true fire to generate the earth: if Wu is present but Gui is not, use Zi to substitute for Gui; if Gui is present but Wu is not, use Si to substitute for Wu (the original text says 'Ji', which is likely a mistake for 'Si'). Zi and Si are actual earth positions, and within the Si-You-Chou Metal triad there is also strong water to generate it. If the four earth branches of Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei include one or two, it forms the 'Real Earth Pattern'. Using Zi and Si to substitute for Wu and Gui, if a Jia person has Wu and Gui in harmony, and combines this with Wu-Zi, Gui-Si, Chen-Xu, and Chou-Wei, it will be most prestigious and prominent.

甲人見火多孤獨，水若相逢卻至清，若見丙來加子午，定向初年達縉紳。木見火傷金，得水制也，丙子丙午乃水中有火，火中有水，木人得之，乃五行至精之氣，木得火多，則馳騁聰明，好學勤禮，立身孤獨，如得旺水主財薄清貴也。論曰，甲人以金為福，火盛則傷金，見水則火殄，五行要有所制抑，則轉禍為福，又甲會丙子丙午，旺水中合起辛未辛丑本家真官，天乙貴人，無中設象，乃五行清華之氣也。

The song says: A person with the heavenly stem Jia (甲) wood sees too much fire, which leads to loneliness; if water comes to balance it, it becomes very noble and esteemed. If the stem Bing (丙) fire is placed on the branches Zi (子) or Wu (午), he will certainly rise to the rank of the aristocracy in his early years. This is because wood meets fire, and fire harms metal; thus, water is needed to control fire. The two pillars Bingzi (丙子) and Bingwu (丙午) are cases where water contains fire and fire contains water. A person with the Jia wood destiny who has these pillars is endowed with the most refined energy of the Five Phases. When wood meets too much fire, it brings intelligence, a love for learning, and adherence to propriety, but leads to a solitary life. If strong water is present, it indicates a thin fortune but a noble and esteemed status. Commentators say: For a person with the Jia wood destiny, metal is considered a blessing. When fire is strong, it harms metal; the presence of water extinguishes the fire's energy. The Five Phases must be controlled and restrained to transform misfortune into good fortune. Moreover, when Jia meets Bingzi or Bingwu, it can combine with the true official position of Xinwei (辛未) and Xinchou (辛丑), as well as the Tianyi Nobleman, in an invisible way, creating a grand appearance. This is the refined and pure energy of the Five Phases.

甲己相逢土最精，不逢木屬足珍珠，辰戌兩位如逢火，少步清雲日益新。土能生金為木之官，無木傷土綠，自然渾厚，辰戌之位，即其中逢火，能生無窮之士，土既渾厚，金自然壯，乃無中之有也。論曰：辰戌乃魁罡之地，土既鍾毓，更得干音火神滋養，則氣數明爽，子子孫孫相為羽翼，福祿厚矣。

The song says: When Jia meets Ji, the earth generated is most pure; as long as there is no wood to disturb it, it will be as valuable as a pearl. If fire appears in Chen or Xu, the person will rise quickly in youth and continue to advance. This is because earth generates metal, and metal is the official star of wood; without wood to harm earth, the earth's energy becomes thick and solid. If fire appears in Chen or Xu, it can generate endless earth; with thick earth, metal naturally becomes strong, which is called creating something from nothing. Commentators say: Chen and Xu are "Kui Gang" places, where earth energy gathers; if the heavenly stem's Nayin fire nourishes it, the energy becomes clear and smooth, and descendants support each other, leading to deep blessings and wealth.

丁蛇己酉金偏慕，縱逢火盛不為凶，若見甲來加子午，雲路崢嶸早歲通。金生在巳，卻逢丁巳，金旺在酉，卻逢己酉，正胎中逢父母，轉見生旺，雖有火，卒未能奈何，蓋本源深厚也。以丁巳己酉二位土神，能化藏其毒，不傷於金也。然甲子甲午二金，帶一路死敗之氣，既有丁巳己酉，壯其本源，故陰陽得中，金神之氣挺轉可知，又何死敗之有。

The rhyme says: The pillars of Dingsi and Jiyou are most favored by the metal destiny, even if encountering strong fire it does not become harmful; if the stem Ji is placed on the branches Zi or Wu, the path is rugged and winding, but success can be achieved early in life. This is because metal's growth is in Si, yet it meets Dingsi; metal's prosperity is in You, yet it meets Jiyou. This is like meeting parents while still in the womb, then seeing birth and prosperity. Even if there is fire for a moment, it cannot harm metal, for its origin is deep. The two earth deities Dingsi and Jiyou can transform and conceal the fire poison, preventing it from harming metal. The metal in the pillars Jiazi and Jiawu originally carries a path of death and decline, but with Dingsi and Jiyou strengthening its origin, yin and yang are properly balanced, so the metal's energy naturally becomes strong and prosperous, leaving no room for death or decline.

甲辰甲戌皆炎火，木作干神本自全，重遇未神駢輔翼，虛名雖有不升遷。甲屬木，加辰戌上納音火，是干分帶木，即本位自能發揚，天地有餘之氣，不得外加木，若木多，則又傷辰戌之土，不能為福，五行中如此理，尤用消詳。

The song says: Jia Chen and Jia Xu both have the Nayin sound element of blazing fire. The heavenly stem carries wood, and its essence is already complete. If it meets Wei earth again, which acts as wings, although the reputation is there, it is difficult to achieve promotion. Jia belongs to wood, and when placed on Chen and Xu, the Nayin sound element is fire. This is because the heavenly stem itself brings the energy of wood, and its position allows it to flourish. This is a case of abundant energy from heaven and earth, which should not be supplemented by external wood. If there is too much wood, it will instead harm the earth of Chen and Xu, turning it into misfortune. Such principles in the Five Phases require particular care and consideration.