The bright star (Tai Bai) invades the nine regions and enters the unusual mouth of the eighth.

《荊州占》曰：“太白守九州殊口，九州兵起。”

The "Jingzhou Divination" says: When the planet Venus stops at the Nine States' different mouths, it indicates that armies will rise simultaneously in all nine states. The Nine States' different mouths six stars are located north of the Wolf Star, and they are in charge of interpreting the diverse dialects of the four directions' foreign tribes, so their changes will manifest between the nine states and the outer barbarians.

《荊州占》曰：“太白守天節，大將以兵出。”

The "Jingzhou Divination" says: When the planet Venus stops at Tianjie, it indicates that a general will hold a banner and lead troops to campaign. Tianjie consists of eight stars located beneath Bi Xu, symbolizing the banners held by envoys, representing the mandate for diplomatic missions and exclusive military campaigns.

《荊州占》曰：“太白入軍井三日以上，其歲大小。”

The *Jingzhou Divination* says: When the planet Venus enters the Military Well and stays for more than three days, it is used to predict the abundance or scarcity of the harvest that year. This passage from the original divination text is incomplete, with missing characters. The four stars of the Military Well are located southeast of the Jade Well and beneath the left foot of the Three Stars mansion, indicating the use of water for military purposes.

《荊州占》曰：“太白入天狗，北夷大飢，來歸；鄰國多土功。”

The "Jingzhou Divination" states: When the planet Venus enters the Heavenly Dog, it indicates that the northern barbarians will suffer a great famine and come to submit and become subjects. The neighboring states will then undertake large-scale construction projects. The Heavenly Dog and the Seven Stars are located north of the Wolf Star, indicating the need for defense and vigilance, as well as the pursuit and capture of thieves.

《荊州占》曰：“太白守天紀，天下兵悉。”

The *Jingzhou Divination* says: When the planet Venus stops at Tianji, it indicates that all military forces throughout the realm will emerge. The final character "悉" is likely a mistake and should be "起," meaning the military affairs will arise. This Tianji belongs to the Gan school's outer officials, and it is not the same as the Tianji nine stars in the Stone school's middle officials, which are located east of the Gansuo constellation.

《黃帝》曰：“太白入一廟，若守之，為廟有事；一曰為凶，憂。”又曰：“太白入守天廟，有廟殘之事；吏不去死。”

The Yellow Emperor says: When the planet Venus enters the heavenly temple or stays there, it indicates that there will be affairs concerning the ancestral temple; another interpretation says it signifies calamity and worry—the original text says 'one temple' but should be 'heavenly temple'. It also says: When Venus enters and stays in the heavenly temple, it indicates that the ancestral temple will suffer damage; the officials in charge of temple affairs will inevitably die. The fourteen stars of the heavenly temple are located south of the mansion of Zhang, which is the place where the Son of Heaven sacrifices to his ancestors.

《感精符》曰：“太白入長垣，三公九卿主，兵大起，天下亂，王者有憂。”

The "Gan Jing Fu" says: When the planet Venus enters Chang Yuan, it indicates that the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers will take over the affairs of the sovereign, there will be a large-scale military campaign, and chaos will occur throughout the realm, causing worry for the ruler. The four stars of Chang Yuan are located to the west of Shaowei, resembling a wall at the border, and they signify disturbances by the Hu Yi tribes.

《荊州占》曰：“太白入土司空，有大徭之事。”

The *Jingzhou Divination* says: When the planet Venus enters the position of the Earth Official, it indicates that the court will have a great mobilization of labor. This Earth Official belongs to the outer official of Wu Xian, who is in charge of organizing construction projects and conscripting labor, so the change should manifest as an increase in forced labor.

郗萌曰：“太白犯乘鍵閉星，大臣有悞天子不尊事天者，致大災於宗廟，天子崩；一曰王者不宜出宮下殿，有匿兵於宗廟中者。”

Xi Meng said: The planet Venus has offended and overshadowed the star of the key and lock, indicating that among the ministers there is someone who causes mistakes to the Son of Heaven and prevents the Son of Heaven from reverently worshiping Heaven, thus bringing great calamity upon the ancestral temple and the death of the Son of Heaven. Another interpretation is that the ruler should not leave the palace or descend from the throne, because someone has hidden weapons inside the ancestral temple. The star of the key and lock is located in the northeast of the Room Mansion, representing the lock and latch of a door, governing matters of security and opening and closing.

《荊州占》曰：“太白守天桴，兵鼓起。”

The *Jingzhou Divination* says: When the planet Venus stops at Tian Fu, it indicates the sound of war drums and the commencement of military actions. The four stars of Tian Fu are located below He Gu and at the end of the left flag. Fu refers to the wooden mallet used for striking drums, and it pairs with He Gu to command military orders within the army.

《荊州占》曰：“太白守天淵，海水出，江河決；若海魚出。”

The book Zhongzhou Zhan says: When the planet Venus stops at Tianyuan, it indicates that seawater will rise and overflow, causing rivers and canals to break their banks; or deep-sea fish will appear on the surface. The ten stars of Tianyuan are located southeast of the Bie star and below the Southern Dipper, indicating irrigation ditches and deep reservoirs for storing water.

郗萌曰：“太白中犯乘守斧鑕，為斧鑕用；一曰兵將有憂。”《黃帝》曰：“太白入斧鑕，為大臣用。”《荊州占》曰：“太白犯守斧鑕，兵起。” 郗萌曰：“太白入斧鑕，大將誅。”《荊州占》曰：“太白犯斧鑕，誅執法之臣。”

Xi Meng said: When the planet Venus is seen to shoot at, offend, dominate, and stop at the position of the axe and block, it indicates that the punishment of the axe and block will be frequently applied; another interpretation suggests that the general in command will face worries. The Yellow Emperor said: When Venus enters the position of the axe and block, it indicates that punishment will be inflicted upon the ministers. The Jingzhou Divination said: When Venus offends and stops at the position of the axe and block, it indicates the outbreak of military affairs. Xi Meng said: When Venus enters the position of the axe and block, it indicates that the great general will be executed. The Jingzhou Divination said: When Venus offends the position of the axe and block, it indicates that the official in charge of punishment will be executed. The axe and block and the outer official's axe and block of the Gan school are the same object with different names, both referring to the axe and the block used for execution.

《荊州占》曰：“太白入天廄，十日以上，廄馬有食變。太白守天廄，為廄災之事，人主以馬為憂；不則馬疾。”郗萌曰：“太白守天廄三十日，騎馬出。”

The book Zhongzhou Zhan says: When the planet Venus enters Tianjiu and stays there for more than ten days, it indicates that there will be problems with the fodder and food supply for the horses in the stable. If Venus remains in Tianjiu, it signifies disaster in the stable, and the ruler will worry about the horses; otherwise, it suggests that the horses will be sick. Xi Meng says: If Venus stays in Tianjiu for thirty days, it indicates that cavalry horses will be deployed. The ten stars of Tianjiu are located to the north of Ge dao, and they are responsible for matters related to carriages, horses, and the relay system of messengers.

郗萌曰：“辰星七名：小、武星、天兔、安周、細爽星、能星、鉤星。”《荊州占》曰：“辰星一曰句星；一曰鼎星；一曰小霜；一曰音黃；一曰歲咸，吳龍。”《天官星占》曰：“辰星、北方之位，黑帝之子，宰相之象。一名安調；一名細極；一名能星；一名鉤星，一名伺星。辰主德，常行四種。”張楫《廣雅釋天篇》曰：“謂之爨星。”

Xi Meng said: The planet Water Star has seven names, namely Xiao, Wu Star, Tian Tu, An Zhou, Xi Shuang Star, Neng Star, and Gou Star. The "Jingzhou Divination" says: Water Star is also called Ju Star, Ding Star, Xiao Shuang, Yin Huang, Sui Xian, and Wu Long. The "Tian Guan Star Divination" says: Water Star is located in the northern position, being the son of the Black Emperor, symbolizing the prime minister. Its other names include An Tiao, Xi Ji, Neng Star, Gou Star, and Ci Star. Water Star governs virtue and usually appears and moves during the four zhong months — the original text says "four kinds" but should be "four zhong," meaning Zhong Spring, Zhong Summer, Zhong Autumn, and Zhong Winter. Zhang Yi's "Guangya · Xi Tian Chapter" says: Water Star is also called Cuan Star.

《鴻範五行傳》曰：“辰星者，北方水精也；於五常為智，揚攉貪道；於五事為聽，不惑是非，智虧、聽失，逆冬令，則辰星為變怪，為水災，為四時不和。”（班固《天文志》曰：逆冬令，傷水氣，則罰見辰星。）《淮南子》曰：“北方水也，其帝顓頊，其佐玄冥，執權而治冬，其神為辰星，其獸玄武，其音羽，其日壬癸。”

The *Hóngfàn Wǔxíng Zhuàn* says: The planet Mercury represents the essence of northern water vapor; in the five constants, it corresponds to 'wisdom,' and in general, if wisdom is lacking, it leads to greed and recklessness. In the five affairs, it corresponds to 'hearing,' and if hearing is sharp, one is not misled by right and wrong. If wisdom is lacking and hearing is impaired, it violates the regulations of winter, causing Mercury to display abnormal phenomena, leading to floods and disrupting the harmony of the four seasons. The original commentary cites Ban Gu's *Tianwen Zhi*: violating the winter regulations and harming the water vapor results in punishment from heaven manifested through Mercury. The *Huainanzi* says: The north belongs to water, and the heavenly emperor there is Zhuanyu, with the assisting deity Xuanming, who hold the scales of justice to govern winter, with Mercury as their star deity, the accompanying beast being the Black Tortoise, the five tones being Yu, and the day branches being Ren and Gui.

《荊州占》曰：“辰星者，太陰之精，黑帝之子，立冬主北維，其國燕趙；於日壬癸；其位卿相。”又曰：“人君之象；天子執政，主刑；刑失者，罰出辰星之易是也。”《合誠圖》曰：“星主正常。”巫咸曰：“辰星主調和陰陽，節四時，效其萬物。辰星修，順之則喜，逆之則怒。”班固《天文志》曰：“辰星殺伐之氣，斗之象也。”《五行志》曰：“辰星為蠻夷。”

The *Jingzhou Divination* says: The water star is the essence of the Taiyin energy, the son of the Black Emperor, and during the beginning of winter it governs the northern direction, and the country associated with it is Yan and Zhao. It corresponds to the day branches of Ren and Gui. In the court position, it symbolizes ministers and high officials. It also says: it is also a symbol of the sovereign; the Son of Heaven holds power, and the water star governs punishment. When punishment is misapplied, the heavens' punishment is revealed through the variation of the water star. The *Hecheng Tu* says: this star governs the proper way. Wu Xian says: the water star governs the harmonization of yin and yang, the regulation of the four seasons, and the verification of all things. The virtue of the water star lies in order and regulation; if it is followed, it is pleased, but if it is violated, it becomes angry. Ban Gu's *Astronomical Records* says: the water star carries a martial and punitive nature, and is the symbol of the Big Dipper. The *Five Elements Records* says: the water star corresponds to the four barbarian regions.

《荊州占》曰：“辰星主內謀，天下有急，一時憂出。辰星主刑罰，王者殺無辜，好暴逆，簡宗廟，重徭役，逆天時，則辰星伏而不效。主恩寬，赦有罪，輕徭役、賦斂；賑貧窮，調陰陽，和四時，則星效於四仲，天下和平，災害不生。”

The *Jingzhou Divination* says: The planet of water governs internal deliberations within the palace. When there is an urgent matter in the world, within a season, calamity will become evident. The planet of water also governs punishment; if the sovereign kills the innocent, indulges in cruelty and rebellion, neglects the worship of ancestors and deities, increases labor and taxes, and violates the natural order, the planet of water will hide and not appear at the proper time. If the sovereign is benevolent, pardons criminals, reduces labor and taxes, relieves the poor, regulates yin and yang, and harmonizes the four seasons, the planet of water will appear at the proper time during the four mid-months, and the world will be peaceful with no disasters.

《荊州占》曰：“辰星主刑獄；法官及廷尉人君宰相之治，重刑罰，惰法令，殺無罪，戮不辜，棄正法，貨賂上流；則辰星不效度，不時節，法官憂。”《荊州占》曰：“有軍於野，辰星為偏將之象；無軍於野，辰星為刑事之象。辰星主德，燕趙代以北，宰相之象。”石氏贊曰：“辰星效四時，和陰陽。”

The *Jingzhou Divination* says: The planet Water governs legal punishments and judicial matters. When judges, the Minister of Justice, and even the sovereign and prime ministers govern with harsh punishments, lax laws, killing the innocent, executing the virtuous, abandoning proper legal principles, and bribery prevails in the court, the planet Water will not appear according to its usual course, appearing and disappearing out of season. Officials responsible for law and order will thus experience worry. The *Jingzhou Divination* also says: When there is military conflict in the fields, the planet Water represents subordinate generals; when there is no military activity, it represents legal matters. The planet Water symbolizes virtue and is associated with the regions of Yan, Zhao, and Dai to the north. In human affairs, it represents the prime minister. The *Shi School* commentary says: The planet Water appears in accordance with the four seasons, harmonizing the energies of yin and yang.

《洪範五行傳》曰：“辰星以上元甲子歲，十一月甲子朔旦，冬至夜半甲子時，與日月五星俱起牽牛前五度，右行，迅疾，常與日月相隨，見於四仲，以正四時，歲一周天。（案《曆法》：辰星夕見西方，三十日而伏，二十二日而晨見東方，而伏，伏入三十三日，一千五百四十分日之一千一百六十八奇六十六，復夕見西方，如初；一終凡一百一十五日一千一百七十八奇六十六，星行度數亦如之，是七十七年而二百四十九終也，星平行日一度，一年周天，舊說皆云辰星效四仲，以為謬矣。）

The *Hóngfàn Wǔxíng Zhuàn* says: In the first era's Jiazi year, on the morning of the new moon in the eleventh month, on the Jiazi day, the planet Mercury appeared at five degrees before the constellation Niúxiù, moving rightward swiftly, together with the sun, moon, and five stars. It often accompanied the sun and moon in their movement, appearing in the four middle months to correct the four seasons, completing one full orbit around the sky in a year. The original commentary notes, based on the *Lìfǎ* (calendar system), state that Mercury appears in the west in the evening, then disappears after thirty days; twenty-two days later, it appears in the east in the morning, then disappears again; after disappearing, it remains hidden for thirty-three days and one thousand five hundred forty parts of one thousand one hundred sixty-eight days, and then reappears in the west in the evening, just as before. A complete cycle totals one hundred fifteen days and one thousand one hundred seventy-eight parts, and the degrees Mercury travels through correspond to this. Therefore, seventy-seven years exactly complete two hundred forty-nine cycles. If calculated as a constant rate, Mercury moves one degree per day, completing one full orbit around the sky in a year. The old view that Mercury only appears in the four middle months is incorrect.

丞相之象，一歲一周，出以四仲，天下和平；不出四仲、災變生；人民大飢，谷不榮；陰陽錯亂，國家傾；冬溫夏寒，害傷人。”《洛書》曰：“春分二日，辰星在奎，晨見東方，十八日而晨入東方；夏至二日，辰星在井，晨見東方，十八日而晨入東方；秋分二日，辰星在氐，昏出西方，十九日而昏入西方；冬至二日，辰星在女，昏出西方，十九日而昏入西方。”

The planet Venus symbolizes the Prime Minister. It orbits the heavens once a year. If it appears according to the four mid-months, the world will be peaceful and harmonious. If it does not appear according to the four mid-months, calamities will occur: the people will suffer from great famine, grain will not flourish, yin and yang will be out of balance, the state will be in peril, winter will be warm and summer will be cold, harming human bodies. The Luo Writing says: after the spring equinox, on the second day, Venus is in the Legs mansion, appearing in the east in the morning, and disappearing in the east in the morning eighteen days later; after the summer solstice, on the second day, Venus is in the Well mansion, appearing in the east in the morning, and disappearing in the east in the morning eighteen days later; after the autumn equinox, on the second day, Venus is in the Root mansion, appearing in the west in the evening, and disappearing in the west in the evening nineteen days later; after the winter solstice, on the second day, Venus is in the Girl mansion, appearing in the west in the evening, and disappearing in the west in the evening nineteen days later.

《春秋緯》曰：“辰星出四仲，為初紀春分，夕出；夏至，夕出；秋分，夕出；冬至，晨出；其出常自辰戌入丑未。”《淮南子》曰：“辰星正四時，常以二月春分效奎、婁；（效，見也）以五月夏至，效東井、輿鬼；以八月秋分，效角、亢；以十一月冬至，效斗、牛；出以辰戌，入以丑未；出二旬，而復入；晨候之東方，夕候之西方。”

The Spring and Autumn Writings say: The planet Mercury appears during the four central months, marking the beginning of a cycle: it appears in the evening at the time of the vernal equinox, in the evening at the summer solstice, in the evening at the autumnal equinox, and in the morning at the winter solstice; its appearance is usually in the directions of Chen and Xu, and its disappearance is usually in the directions of Chou and Wei. The Huainanzi says: Mercury regulates the four seasons, and it appears at the time of the vernal equinox in the second month, manifesting in the mansion of Kui and Lou; the original commentary notes: '效' means manifestation; at the summer solstice in the fifth month, it manifests in the mansion of Dongjing and Yugui; at the autumnal equinox in the eighth month, it manifests in the mansion of Jiao and Kang; and at the winter solstice in the eleventh month, it manifests in the mansion of Dou and Niu. It appears from the directions of Chen and Xu and disappears from the directions of Chou and Wei; after appearing for twenty days, it reappears; in the morning, one should look for it in the east, and in the evening, one should look for it in the west.

石氏曰：“辰星仲春春分，暮出奎、胃東五舍，為齊；仲夏夏至，暮出東井、輿鬼、柳東七舍，為楚；仲秋秋分，暮出角、亢、氐、房東四舍，為漢中；仲冬冬至，晨出東方，與尾、箕、斗、牛俱出西方，為中國。”甘氏曰：“辰星是正四時；春分效婁；夏至效輿鬼；秋分效亢；冬至效牽牛。其出東方也，行星四舍，為日四十八日，其數二十日，而反入於西方。”

The Shi school says: When the water star appears in the evening during the middle of spring, within the five mansions east of Kuí and Wèi, its territory corresponds to the state of Qi; during the middle of summer, when it appears in the evening within the seven mansions east of Dōngjǐng, Yúguǐ, and Liǔ, its territory corresponds to the state of Chu; during the middle of autumn, when it appears in the evening within the four mansions east of Jiao, Kàng, Dī, and Fáng, its territory corresponds to Hanzhong; during the middle of winter, when it appears in the morning in the east and also appears in the west together with the mansions Weì, Jī, Dòu, and Niú, its territory corresponds to China. The Gan school says: The water star's duty is to correct the four seasons; at the vernal equinox it appears in Lóu, at the summer solstice in Yúguǐ, at the autumnal equinox in Kàng, and at the winter solstice in Niú. When it appears in the east, it travels through four mansions, lasting forty-eight days, of which twenty days are visible, and then it turns westward—this number is originally incorrect, but we retain the old version.

皇甫謐《年曆》曰：“辰星春分立卯之月，夕效於奎、婁；（宋均曰：常以二月春分見婁）夏至立午之月，夕效於東井；秋分立酉之月，夕效於角、亢；（宋均曰：見角亢）冬至立子之月，晨效於斗牛；出以辰戌，入以丑未。（宋均曰：二旬入，晨候之東，夕候之西。）其星將出，必先陰風，辰之情也。”

The book "Nian Li" by Huangfu Mi says: The planet Mercury appears in the evening during the month of Mao, which is the month of the Ram, at the mansion of Kui and Lou, as noted in the commentary of Song Jun: it usually appears in the mansion of Lou in February at the time of the Spring Equinox. During the month of Wu, which is the month of the Horse, at the time of the Summer Solstice, Mercury appears in the evening at the mansion of Dongjing. During the month of You, which is the month of the Rooster, at the time of the Autumn Equinox, Mercury appears in the evening at the mansion of Jiao and Kang, as noted in the commentary of Song Jun: it appears at Jiao and Kang. During the month of Zi, which is the month of the Rat, at the time of the Winter Solstice, Mercury appears in the morning at the mansion of Dou and Niu. It appears from the position of Chen and Xu, and disappears from the position of Chou and Wei, as noted in the commentary of Song Jun: twenty days later it disappears, and one should observe it in the east in the morning and in the west in the evening. Before this star appears, there must first be dark clouds and wind, which is the nature of Mercury.

巫咸曰：“辰星出四仲，以正四時；出孟，天下大亂，更王。（班固《天文志》曰：漢高之時，辰星出四孟，後二年，漢滅楚也。）出四季，彗星出，有敗國；一曰諸侯不反命。”《尚書緯》曰：“文政失於冬，辰星不效其節。”《孝經援神契》曰：“辰星出仲，德和柔。”

Wu Xian said: When the water star appears in the fourth month of the four middle months, it is used to correct the four seasons; if it appears in the first month of the four beginning months, it indicates great chaos and a change of ruler. The original book's marginal note cites Ban Gu's "Astronomical Records": During the time of Han Gaozu, the water star appeared in the first month of the four beginning months, and two years later, Han overthrew Chu. If the water star appears in the fourth season month, a comet will follow, indicating the downfall of a country; another view is that the feudal lords will no longer report to the Son of Heaven. The "Book of Documents Weave" says: In the winter season, if the governance is not proper, the water star will not appear at its proper time. The "Xiao Jing Yuan Shen Qi" says: When the water star appears in the fourth month of the four middle months, it indicates that virtue and education are harmonious and gentle.

巫咸曰：“辰星出，常不見，山海且有聚卒，辰星受制，則閉門合，無通客，斷罰殺當罪，節關梁，禁流徙。”郗萌曰：“太白不出，辰星獨出西方，兵起不戰，辰星入，兵罷。”《荊州占》曰：“太白不出，辰星獨出東方，天下有兵，罷；無兵，有德令。”

Wu Xian said: When the water star should appear but does not, it indicates that there will be gathering of soldiers in mountainous areas and remote coastal regions. When the water star is restrained, human affairs should involve closing doors and gates, refusing visitors, deciding punishments and executions for those who deserve them, controlling the movement across passes and bridges, and prohibiting the migration of common people. Xi Meng said: When the metal star does not appear and only the water star appears in the west, it indicates the mobilization of troops without actual combat, and when the water star disappears, the military actions will cease. The "Jingzhou Divination" says: When the metal star does not appear and only the water star appears in the east, if there is already warfare in the world, the warfare will cease; if there is no warfare, then edicts of benevolent governance will be issued.

《荊州占》曰：“辰星之相也，從立秋以至秋之盡，其色即當精明，無芒角，不搖光。辰星之王也，從立冬以至冬之盡，其色則當比奎大星，而青白有精光，冬至之時有芒角。辰星之休也，從立春以至春之盡，其色則當無精光，微小而蒼黃。辰星之囚也，從立夏以至夏之盡，其色即當赤黑而不明。

The *Jingzhou Divination* says: The planet Water belongs to the element Water, and Metal generates Water, so from the Beginning of Autumn until the end of autumn is its "phase" period. At this time, its color should be pure and bright, withoutpointed rays, and its light should not flicker. In winter, when the water qi is dominant, from the Beginning of Winter until the end of winter is its "sovereign" period. At this time, its color should be able to compare with the great star of the Legs mansion, appearing blue-white with a refined glow. By the Winter Solstice, it will also showpointed rays. Water generates Wood, and the mother qi retreats, so from the Beginning of Spring until the end of spring is its "rest" period. At this time, it should have no refined glow, appear small, and show a苍黄 color. In summer, when fire is strong and water is overcome, from the Beginning of Summer until the end of summer is its "captivity" period. At this time, its color should be reddish-black but not bright.

辰星之死也，從仲夏以至夏之盡，及四季，其色則當赤，細小，微不明；又辰星之死也，從仲夏以至夏之盡，及四季，不行，有囚色；秋不下霜，有死色；禾稼不成，雷電不藏；其留守也，其國破亡；其進舍也，與五星舍，其下有殃；其退舍也，五星及之，不可舉事用兵。”

Earthly Stem controls Water, so from midsummer until the end of summer and during the months of the Earthly Branches Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei, it is the "death" time for the Water Star. At this time, its color should appear red, the star body should be small, weak, and dim. It is also said that when the Water Star is in its death time, from midsummer until the end of summer and during the months of Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei, if it stops moving, it shows the color of being captured; if there is no frost in autumn, it shows the color of death; thus the crops cannot mature, and thunder and lightning continue beyond the time they should be collected. If the Water Star remains stationary at this time, the country corresponding to its position will suffer defeat and destruction; if it moves forward one constellation and shares the same constellation with the five stars, the country below will suffer calamity; if it retreats one constellation and the five stars overtake it, then great undertakings and military actions should not be undertaken.

甘氏曰：“當其王也，而有相色，大臣專政，令不行；有休色，冬不水；有囚色，冬無霜雪；有死色，冬有霧，日不明，雷電行；其留守也，其國不詳；其進舍也，與五星合，天下有謀；其退舍也，五星及之，不可舉事，用兵。

The Gan school says: When the water star is in its ruling position but shows the color of a minister, it indicates that ministers are acting independently and the king's orders cannot be carried out; when it shows the color of a minister in retirement, it indicates that there will be no rain or snow in winter; when it shows the color of being captured, it indicates that there will be no frost or snow in winter; when it shows the color of death, it indicates that there will be much fog in winter, dim sunlight, and abnormal thunder and lightning. If it remains stationary, the country corresponding to its position will be unfavorable; if it moves forward by one constellation and joins the five planets, it indicates that there are people secretly plotting; if it retreats by one constellation and the five planets catch up, then it is not advisable to undertake major projects or use military force.

當其休也，而有王色，是謂不祥，人主弊，臣下縱橫；有相色，將相君臣不和；有囚色，夏不雨，天旱；有死色，六月大疫，傷貴人，有土功；其留守也，其國多小兒喪；其進舍也，五星合，其下有水災；其退舍也，五星及之，不可舉事，用兵。

The planet of Water is in the state of rest but shows the color of sovereignty, which is ominous, indicating the ruler is obscured and in distress, while ministers act without restraint. If it shows the color of a minister, it indicates discord between ministers and the ruler. If it shows the color of captivity, it signifies drought in summer. If it shows the color of death, it indicates a major epidemic in June, harming the nobleman, and there will be construction projects. If it remains stationary, many young children in the corresponding region will die prematurely. If it moves forward by one mansion and joins the five planets, there will be flooding in the corresponding region. If it retreats by one mansion and the five planets catch up, great undertakings and military actions should not be initiated.

當其囚也，而有王色，則夏雨雪霜，蟄蟲生，雷電行；有相色，秋有暴兵；有休色，流水湯湯；有死色，有暴獄，大臣受殃；其進舍也，與五星合，有德令；其退舍也，五星及之，其下之國，不可舉事，用兵。

When the planet Water is in the state of 'captivity' but displays the color of 'sovereignty', it indicates snow and frost in summer, abnormal emergence of insects from hibernation, and frequent thunder and lightning. If it shows the color of 'minister', it foretells sudden military conflicts in autumn. If it shows the color of 'rest', it signifies the overflowing of rivers and streams. If it shows the color of 'death', it indicates excessive lawsuits and calamities befalling ministers. If the planet Water moves forward by one constellation and joins with the five planets, it signifies the issuance of benevolent policies. If it retreats by one constellation and the five planets catch up, the country beneath will not be able to undertake great undertakings or engage in warfare.

當其死也，而有王色，貴人疾疫；有相色，臣下疾疫；有休色，庶人疫；有囚色，大旱；其進舍也，與五星合，其年不登，政令重，使者相望；其退舍也，五星及之，其下之國，有兵不成。”

The planet of Water is in the state of "death" but shows the color of "sovereign," indicating that the nobleman will contract an epidemic. If it shows the color of "minister," it indicates that the officials will contract an epidemic. If it shows the color of "rest," it indicates that common people will suffer from an epidemic. If it shows the color of "imprisonment," it indicates a severe drought. If it moves forward one night and joins with the five planets, it signifies a poor harvest that year, harsh and burdensome government policies, and a constant flow of messengers traveling along the roads. If it retreats one night and the five planets catch up, the country under it will be unable to achieve success even if it launches an army.

甘氏曰：“候辰星以冬壬癸，此王氣色，當如其常，色變則失所也。”《荊州占》曰：“辰星色比織女大星，為正色；青比左角，赤比參右肩，黑比亢，此辰星之常色也。”《禮斗威儀》曰：“居水而王，辰星揚光。”

The Gan school says: Observing the water star, it should be observed on the days of Ren and Gui in winter, for that is when it is in its ruling position. Its color should be in accordance with its normal state; if it changes color, it has lost its position. The "Jingzhou Divination" says: The proper color of the water star is one that can be compared to the bright star of the Weaver Girl; if it turns blue, it should be compared to the left star of the Horn mansion; if it turns red, it should be compared to the right shoulder of the Three Stars mansion; if it turns black, it should be compared to the Kangle mansion—these are the normal colors of the water star. The "Rituals of the Celestial Pole and Rituals" says: When the water virtue is in its proper time and the water star is in its ruling position, the water star will shine brightly.

《春秋緯》曰：“辰星之效也，其色春青黃；夏赤白若赤黃；秋青白，國有德令；冬黃而不明，皆無傷也。則變厥也，其時不昌；辰星當效而出，色白為旱；黃為福，又為五穀熟；赤為兵；黑為水；青為疫。”

The Spring and Autumn Annals Commentary says: When the planet Venus appears at the proper time, in spring it appears bluish-yellow, in summer reddish-white or reddish-yellow, in autumn bluish-white and the state has virtuous government and commands, in winter yellow but not very bright—these are all auspicious. If the color is abnormal or changes, that season will not flourish. When Venus appears at the proper time, if it appears white, it indicates drought; if yellow, it indicates blessing and abundant harvest of grain; if red, it indicates warfare; if black, it indicates flooding; if blue, it indicates plague.

石氏曰：“其國失刑，失冬政，則辰星易色。辰星在東方，其色赤，中國勝；其出西方而赤，倍海國勝；天下無兵於外而赤，則兵起。辰星其色黃而小，出而易處，天下之災變而不義美矣。辰星之制也，仲夏五月而出，則當赤黑色；今反青黑，其時多水；晚出為帚星，必有空國。”巫咸曰：“辰星四時皆變其色，不出其年，君以女憂亡；一曰以女樂亡。”《荊州占》曰：“辰星正旗而出，破軍殺將，視旗所指，順而擊之，大勝。”石氏曰：“辰星芒角為毀，則君蔽，期九年，奸與三九二十七年，亂不禁。”

The Shi school says: If a country's punishments are unjust and the winter policies are inappropriate, the water star will change its color. If the water star appears in the east and turns red, it indicates the Central Plains will achieve victory; if it appears in the west and turns red, it indicates the coastal countries will achieve victory; if there are no military conflicts in the world but the water star turns red, then military conflicts will arise. If the water star turns yellow but its body is small and then changes position, it indicates that calamities in the world will turn towards misfortune. According to the usual pattern of the water star, it should appear in midsummer May with a black-red color; if it appears instead as a dark blue-black color, there will be much flooding in that season; if it appears late and resembles the broom star, a country will be left empty. Wu Xian says: If the water star changes its color in all four seasons, it will not be accurate for the current year, and the ruler will perish due to female indulgence; another interpretation is that the ruler will perish due to indulgence in music and women. The "Jingzhou Divination" says: If the water star appears upright like a flag, it indicates the destruction of the army and the death of generals. Observe the direction pointed by the flag's tip, and attack in that direction to achieve a great victory. The Shi school says: If the water star shows apointed rays, it is a sign of destruction, indicating the ruler is being misled, lasting for nine years; wickedness grows threefold, reaching twenty-seven years, when chaos will be impossible to stop.

《春秋緯》曰：“辰星其時宜效而不效，為失律，天下有兵不出，兵在外不戰。辰星三時不出，兵甲大起；四時不出，天下更政。”《元命包》曰：“刑失，則簡宗廟，廢祭祀，故辰星不以時出，當寒反溫，四時錯政。”

The Spring and Autumn Writings say: When the planet Water does not appear at the proper time, this is called losing the regular order, indicating that although there are armies in the world, they do not move, and even if they are outside, they do not fight. If the planet Water does not appear for three seasons, it indicates great military activity; if it does not appear for four seasons, it indicates a change of government. The Spring and Autumn Original Mandate says: Once punishment is misapplied, it will neglect the ancestral temples and neglect worship, so the planet Water does not appear at the proper time, and when it should be cold, it becomes warm, and the commands of the four seasons become disorderly.

《春秋緯》曰：“辰星失其時而出，當寒反溫，當溫反寒，政反清濁、同倫也。”《考靈曜》曰：“政失於冬，辰星不效其鄉。”《孝經鉤命》曰：“失信則辰星縮，天下大水，歲不豐熟。”

The Spring and Autumn Writings say: If the planet Mercury appears out of season, then when it should be cold it will be warm, and when it should be warm it will be cold. This is due to the reversal of clear and turbid governance and the failure to distinguish between good and evil, treating them as equal. The Book of Documents: Examination of the Celestial Signs says: If the government's decrees are improper in winter, Mercury will not appear in its proper position. The Book of Filial Piety: Hook of Destiny says: If the ruler loses his virtue and faith, Mercury's movement will retreat, indicating great flooding and failure of the harvest.

石氏曰：“辰星當出而不出，謂之擊；卒伏而待，兵大起，豪傑發。”甘氏曰：“辰星政緩則不出，急則不入，非時則占。邦將大飢，辰星出不以時。”

The Shi school says: When the water star should appear but does not, this situation is called "ji"; it suddenly hides and waits for an opportunity, indicating a large-scale military campaign, with heroic men rising up in response. The Gan school says: When government policies are lenient, the water star does not appear; when policies are strict, it hesitates to disappear; any appearance or disappearance not in season should be used for divination. When a country is about to suffer a great famine, the water star does not appear at the proper time.

巫咸曰：“辰星一時不出，其時不和，兵起；二時不出，二時不和，一曰名水大出；三時不出，三時不和，兵甲大起；四時不出，天下大飢，有決水流，殺人民；一曰有孛星出於東方。

Wu Xian said: If the water star does not appear in one season, that season will have disharmonious weather and military conflicts will arise; if it does not appear in two seasons, those two seasons will be disharmonious, another interpretation says there will be great floods in famous rivers and streams; if it does not appear in three seasons, those three seasons will be disharmonious, and large-scale military campaigns will occur; if it does not appear in four seasons, there will be great famine across the land, embankments will break, floods will overflow, drowning the people; another interpretation says there will be a comet appearing in the east.

辰星春不見，期百八十日，大風發屋折木，秋不實，不見婁，長稼傷，乃見彗星。辰星夏不見，期百六十日，旱；冬則不藏，不見輿鬼，中稼傷，乃見月食。

When the planet Water does not appear in spring, it will be absent for a period of 180 days, indicating a great wind that will overturn roofs and snap trees, and crops in autumn will not bear fruit. If the planet Water is expected to appear in the mansion of Bond but does not, then mature crops will be damaged, followed by the appearance of a comet. When the planet Water does not appear in summer, it will be absent for a period of 160 days, indicating drought. In winter, when the planet should be hidden, it will not be hidden. If the planet Water is expected to appear in the mansion of Ghost but does not, then mid-season crops will be damaged, followed by an eclipse of the moon.

辰星秋不見，期百八十日，有兵不見亢，稚稼傷。辰星冬不見，期百八十日，陰雨六十日，有流民，夏則不長，不見牽牛，民大流；辰星上出四孟，天下亂；一曰天下更王。”

The planet of water does not appear in autumn, for a period of one hundred and eighty days, indicating military conflicts; if it should appear in the mansion of Kangle but does not, then late-maturing crops will be damaged. The planet of water does not appear in winter, for a period of one hundred and eighty days, indicating continuous rain for sixty days, with people wandering and displaced, and crops failing to grow by summer; if it should appear in the mansion of Qian Niu but does not, then the people will suffer great migration. If the planet of water appears beyond its proper position during the first month of each season, it indicates great chaos in the world; another interpretation is the change of a ruler.

《洪範五行傳》曰：“辰星出孟，易王之表也；漢高三年，辰星出四孟；後二年，漢滅楚也。”

The Hongfan Wuxing Zhuan says: When the water star appears in the first month of each season, it is a sign indicating a change of the ruler. In the third year of Han Gaozu, the water star appeared in the first month of each season, and after two years, the Han dynasty overthrew Xiang Yu's Chu state.

“辰星一時而再見，兵起；其行右，兵右行，行左，兵左行；有兵兵罷；一曰辰星一時再出，色赤而角。不出其年中而兵起。辰星亂行，流水湯湯，兵革搶搶；使之不殺，治溝渠，通水道；如此則止。辰星出天南，大潦；出北，大旱。”

The planet Water Star appears twice within a season, indicating the outbreak of military actions. If it moves to the right, the army will march to the right; if it moves to the left, the army will march to the left. If there was already military action, it will cease. Another interpretation says that if the Water Star appears twice within a season and appears red with a sharp edge, war will break out within the same year. If the Water Star moves erratically, there will be great flooding and chaos, leading to warfare. To prevent casualties, one should repair ditches and clear waterways, thus stopping the disaster. If the Water Star appears in the southern sky, it indicates major flooding; if it appears in the northern sky, it indicates major drought.

《海中占》曰：“辰星出四孟，為月食；出四季，彗星。主好破壞名山，雍塞大川，通谷，名水，則辰星不出；歲大旱，草木不長，禽獸牛馬不蕃，五穀不滋，民多病，體癰疽。辰星逆行一舍，以其時水出。”

The "Sea Divination" says: When the water star appears in the first month of each season, it indicates an eclipse of the moon; when it appears in the fourth month of each season, it indicates the appearance of a comet. If the ruler likes to destroy famous mountains, block great rivers, and obstruct famous waterways, the water star will not appear; then there will be a severe drought, with grass and trees unable to grow, animals and cattle unable to breed, grains unable to flourish, and people suffering from many diseases, with sores and boils appearing on their bodies. If the water star moves retrograde for one constellation, there will be a great flood during that season.

《京房對災異》曰：“人君內無仁義，外多華飾，則辰星失度，不救，必有逆主之謀；其救也，明刑、慎罰、審法，心中無縱，功治城郭；可以聘士來賢，廣恩行惠，則災消矣。”

Jing Fang's "Discourse on Portents and Anomalies" says: If the ruler lacks the substance of benevolence and righteousness within, yet displays excessive superficial ornamentation on the outside, the planet of water will deviate from its normal course. If this is not corrected, there will certainly be someone plotting rebellion against the ruler. The method of correction is to clarify the penal code, use punishment cautiously, examine the laws and regulations thoroughly, restrain one's inner desires, and carry out construction and repair of city walls and fortifications. Furthermore, if the ruler can recruit scholars and attract virtuous men, widely distribute kindness and implement benevolent policies, the portents will dissipate.

《荊州占》曰：“辰星出，不待其時；當水反旱，當旱反水。辰星不以時效者，用刑罰不中，辰星一時不效，其時不和；二時不效，風雨不適；三時不效，水旱不調；四時不效，王者憂綱紀，天下饑荒，人民流亡，去其鄉。

The book "Jingzhou Divination" says: When the water star appears but not at the proper time, there will be drought when there should be much water, and excessive water when there should be drought. If the water star does not appear at the right time, it is because punishment is not properly applied. If the water star does not appear for one season, the climate of that season will be out of harmony; if it does not appear for two seasons, the winds and rains will not be in season; if it does not appear for three seasons, the balance between water and drought will be lost; if it does not appear for four seasons, the ruler should worry about the breakdown of the rules and regulations, leading to famine across the land, and the people will flee, abandoning their homes.

辰星不效四仲，則春多苦雨，夏多悽風；當溫反寒，當寒反溫；陰陽不和，五穀不成。辰星出四季，有破軍。”巫咸曰：“辰星出四季，敗國。”

"The planet 'Chen Xing' is Mercury, which is closest to the Sun. It always appears near the horizon at dawn or dusk, hidden within the sunlight all year round. Therefore, ancient people regarded whether it appears when it should or hides when it should as the first important omen. Mercury presides over punishment, the north and winter, and the empress and庶 sons. This passage continues from the previous one: if Mercury does not appear on time during the 'four central' months corresponding to the equinoxes and solstices, then spring will have excessive cold and rainy weather, and summer will have fierce cold winds. When it should be warm, it becomes cold; when it should be cold, it becomes warm. The balance of yin and yang is disrupted, and thus the five grains cannot mature. If Mercury appears in the 'four seasonal' months of辰, 未, 戌, and 丑, it indicates the defeat of the army. Wu Xian said: if Mercury appears in the four seasonal months, it is a sign of the country's downfall."

《荊州占》曰：“辰星春不見，期百日，必有暴風疾雨，而傷苗稼；夏不見，為旱、飢，期九十日，有流民；秋不見，期六十日，大水；冬不見，五穀不藏，人民流亡；四時俱不見，河海決波。仲女為妖彗，見於二十八宿；各以其舍，命其國。辰星縮，天子失卒，臣害作。辰星亂行，甲兵鏘鏘，上見四孟，改政易王；見於四仲，陰陽和，五穀成；下見四季，寇賊相望，政失綱。辰星變色而逆，其國殃；留守環繞不去，其國大凶，無道。水星一南一北，寒於禾稷，侯王有憂。辰星行諸列宿，失道；乘陽為水，乘陰為旱。”

The *Jingzhou Divination* says: If the water star appears in spring when it should not, the calamity will occur in one hundred days, and there will certainly be violent storms and heavy rains that damage the grain and crops; if it does not appear in summer, there will be drought and famine, and the calamity will occur in ninety days, with people fleeing and abandoning their homes; if it does not appear in autumn, the calamity will occur in sixty days, and there will be great flooding; if it does not appear in winter, the five grains will not be harvested and stored, and the people will scatter and flee; if it does not appear in any of the four seasons, the rivers, lakes, and seas will break their banks and cause great waves. The water star is originally associated with the image of the queen and her concubines, representing the soft and yielding aspect of yin. Once it becomes an abnormal comet-like form and appears among the twenty-eight star mansions, the calamity will be determined according to the territory corresponding to the mansion where it stays. If the water star moves slowly or retreats, the emperor will lose his soldiers, and ministers will rebel and cause chaos. If the water star moves erratically, there will be the sound of armor and weapons, indicating the outbreak of military conflict; if it appears in the months of the first quarters (寅, 巳, 申, 亥), there will be changes in government and a change of ruler; if it appears in the months of the middle quarters (丑, 辰, 未, 戌), there will be harmony between yin and yang and a bountiful harvest of the five grains; if it appears in the months of the last quarters (子, 丑, 午, 未), there will be bandits appearing everywhere on the roads, and the government will lose its order. If the water star changes color and moves retrograde, the territory corresponding to its position will suffer calamity; if it stays and circles around a star mansion for a long time, the country will face great misfortune, which is a sign of the ruler's wrongdoing. If the water star moves back and forth, the millet and rice will be harmed by cold, and the feudal princes will have worries. If the water star moves among the star mansions but deviates from its normal path, and it presses upon the northern "yang path," there will be flooding; if it presses upon the southern "yin path," there will be drought.

石氏曰：“辰星出孟月，天子尊師習兵，有殺謀。”郗萌曰：“辰星出西丁未間，天下大旱，赤地千里。”

Shi Shen said: When the water star appears in the four 'beginning months' of Yin, Si, Shen, and Hai, it indicates the emperor will show respect to his military advisor and conduct military exercises, while secretly planning to execute someone. Xi Meng said: When the water star appears between the western Ding position and the Wei position, it indicates a great drought across the land, with the earth cracked and no grass growing within a thousand li.