White Old Fifteen

白舊星（在奎宿中）出月左方，日在庚寅，太白將出而不出，其與日合十日，其未出一日，必有災雲，白赤黑色三物，厭日之光，白色之星，有兩白方，在其旁出，而生白舊之星，所指之國，亡地主死，政星變色而白，期一年。

The star White Old appears to the left of the moon. When the sun reaches the position of Gengyin and the planet Venus (Tai Bai) is supposed to appear but does not, the White Old star merges with the sun for ten days. When it is one day before it should appear, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, white, red, and black in color, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, two white square-shaped clouds appear beside the White Old star, thus forming the White Old star. The country pointed to by the tip of the star's light will lose its territory and its ruler will die. At the same time, the star of government will change color to white. This will occur within a year.

星（在婁宿中）出月左方，日在庚寅，太白將出而不出，其與日合二十日，其未出二日，必有災雲，白赤黑色三物，厭日之光，白色之星，有兩白方，在其旁出，而生　星，所指之國，亡，必有大喪，有水災，法星變色而白，期一年。

This star appears to the left of the moon. When the sun reaches the position of Gengyin and the bright star (Too Bai) should appear but does not, this star merges with the sun for twenty days. When it is two days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of white, red, and black colors, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, there are two white square-shaped clouds beside the white star, emerging from the side, thus forming this star (the original text has a missing star name here). The country pointed to by the tip of its light will perish, certainly experiencing great calamity along with flooding. At the same time, the "law star" changes color to white. This will occur within one year.

糞（一本：牆星）星（在胃宿中）出月左方，日在庚寅，太白將出而不出，其與日合三十日，其未出三日，必有災雲，白赤黑色三物，厭日之光，白色之星，有兩白方，在其旁出，而生糞星，長十餘丈，（一本：丈餘）所指之國，內亂，令星變色而白，期一年。

The star known as Fensheng (another version says "Qiangsheng") appears to the left of the moon. When the Sun reaches the position of Gengyin and the White Star is supposed to appear but does not, Fensheng merges with the Sun for thirty days. When it is three days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of white, red, and black colors, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, a white star has two white square-shaped clouds appearing beside it, from which Fensheng is formed, measuring more than ten zhang in length (another version says one zhang and more). The country pointed to by the tip of Fensheng's light will experience internal turmoil; at the same time, the "ling star" will change color to white. This will occur within a year.

林若（一本作彗）星（在昴宿中）出月左方，日在庚寅，太白將出而不出，其與日合四十日，其未出四日，必有災雲，白赤黑色三物，厭日之光，白色之星，有兩白方，在其旁出，而生林若之星，長十餘丈，（一本：七尺）所指之國，破亡死喪，煞星變色而白，期一年。

Lin Ruoxing (note: another version has "Ruoxing" as "Huixing"; it is located in the Hairy Head mansion) appears from the left side of the moon. When the sun reaches the position of Gengyin, and the bright star (Tai Bai) should appear but does not, it merges with the sun for forty days. When it is four days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of white, red, and black colors, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, the white star has two white square-shaped clouds beside it, emerging from the side, thus forming Lin Ruoxing, which is more than ten zhang long (note: another version says seven chi). The country pointed to by the tip of its芒 will break down and perish, with continuous deaths and calamities. At the same time, the "killer star" turns white. This will happen within one year.

若彗星（在畢宿中）出月左方，日在庚寅，太白將出而不出，其與日合五十日，其未出五日，必有災雲，白赤黑色三物，厭日之光，白色之星，有兩白方，在其旁出，而生若彗之星，長七八尺，所指之國，內亂亡地，伐星變色而白，期三年。

If a comet appears to the left of the moon, when the sun reaches the position of Gengyin and the bright star should appear but does not, it will merge with the sun for fifty days. When it is five days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of white, red, and black colors, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, a white star will have two square white clouds appearing beside it, generating a comet-like object about seven or eight feet long. The country pointed to by the tip of the comet's tail will experience internal turmoil and loss of territory; at the same time, the star of warfare will turn white. This will be fulfilled within three years.

帚星（在觜宿中）出月左方，日在庚寅，太白將出而不出，其與日合六十日，其未出六日，必有災雲，白赤黑色三物，厭日之光，白色之星，有兩白方，在其旁出，而生帚星，長四尺，所指之國，內亂亡地，危星變色而白，期六月。（一本：六年）

The comet known as "Broom Star" appears to the left of the moon. When the sun reaches the position of Gengyin and the bright star (Tai Bai) should appear but does not, the Broom Star combines with the sun for sixty days. When it is still six days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of white, red, and black colors, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, a white star has two white square-shaped clouds appearing beside it, from which the Broom Star is formed, measuring four feet in length. The country pointed to by the tip of the Broom Star will experience internal turmoil and loss of territory; at the same time, the "Danger Star" turns white. This omen will be verified within six months. (Another version states six years.)

若星（在參宿中）出月左方，日在庚寅，太白將出而不出，其與日合七十日，其未出七日，必有災雲，白赤黑色三物，厭日之光，白色之星，有兩白方，在其旁出，而生若星，所指之國，大敗、戰不勝，應星變色而白，期二年。

If the star (original note: located in the Three Stars mansion) appears to the left of the moon, when the sun reaches the position of Gengyin and the bright star should appear but does not, it combines with the sun for seventy days. When it is seven days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of white, red, and black colors, blocking the sunlight. At this time, two white square clouds appear beside the white star, emerging from the side, thus forming the star. The country pointed to by the tip of the star will suffer a great defeat, unable to win battles; at the same time, the 'response star' will change to a white color. This will be verified within two years.

蚩尤星（在井宿中）出月左方，日在丙寅，熒惑將出而不出，其與日合三十日，其未出三日，必有災雲，赤青黃色三物，厭日之光，赤色之星，有兩赤方，在其旁出，而生蚩尤之星，長十七丈，（一本：丈餘）其下有大戰，政星變色而赤，期二年。

The star Chiyou appears on the left side of the moon. When the sun reaches the position of Bingyin and the malefic of violence (Huo Xing) should appear but does not, it merges with the sun for thirty days. When it is three days away from appearing, there will certainly be abnormal clouds in the sky, of red, blue, and yellow colors, blocking the sunlight. At this time, there are two red square-shaped clouds beside the red star, emerging from the sides, thus forming the Chiyou star, which is seventeen zhang long (another version says more than one zhang). Below this star, there will be a great battle; at the same time, the star of government turns red. This will occur within two years.

赤若（在鬼宿中）出月左方，日在丙寅，熒惑將出而不出，其與日合四十日，其未出四日，必有災雲，赤青黃色三物，厭日之光，赤色之星，有兩赤方，在其旁出，而生赤若之星，其下有死亡、流血、戰敗，法星變色而赤，期二年。

The red star (Chì ruò xīng) appears on the left side of the moon. When the sun reaches the position of Bingyin and the planet Mars is supposed to appear but does not, it merges with the sun for forty days. When it is four days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of red, blue, and yellow colors, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, two red square-shaped clouds appear beside the red star, forming the red star. Below this star, there will be deaths, bloodshed, and defeat. At the same time, the "law star" changes color to red. This will occur within two years.

天雀（一本：赤雀。在柳宿中）出月左方，日在丙寅，熒惑將出而不出，其與日合五十日，其未出五日，必有災雲，赤青黃色三物，厭日之光，赤色之星，有兩赤方，在其旁出，而生天雀之星，所指之國，敗亡，令星變色而赤，期三年。

The star Tianque (Tian Que Star) (original note: another version says "Chique Star"; it is located in the middle of Liu Xu) appears to the left of the moon. When the Sun reaches the position Bing Yin and the planet Mars is supposed to appear but does not, the Tianque Star merges with the Sun for fifty days. When it is five days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of red, blue, and yellow colors, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, there are two red square-shaped clouds appearing beside the red star, thus forming the Tianque Star. The country pointed to by the tip of its light will be defeated and destroyed; at the same time, the "ling star" changes color to red. This will be verified within three years.

天惑（在星宿中）出月左方，日在丙寅，熒惑將出而不出，其與日合六十日，其未出六日，必有災雲，赤青黃色三物，厭日之光，赤色之星，有兩赤方，在其旁出，而生天惑之星，三角，（一本云：四角）長三尺，下旱，有兵起，所指之國亡，煞星變色而赤，期一年，遠二年。

The heavenly star Tian Huo Xing (original note: located among the star mansions) appears to the left of the moon. When the sun reaches the position of Bingyin and the planet Fluorescent Mars is supposed to appear but does not, it merges with the sun for sixty days. When it is still six days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, appearing in red, green, and yellow, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, a red star has two red square-shaped clouds beside it, emerging from the sides, thus forming Tian Huo Xing, which has three horns (another version says four horns), and is three feet long. Below it, there will be drought, military conflicts will arise, and the country pointed to by its tip will be destroyed; at the same time, the star 'Sha Xing' will change color to red. This will be verified within one year, or up to two years later.

官張星（在張宿中）出月左方，日在丙寅，熒惑將出而不出，其與日合七十日，其未出七日，必有災雲，赤青黃色三物，厭日之光，赤色之星，有兩赤方，在其旁出，而生官張之星，三角而勾，所指之國，主死，伐星變色而赤，期一年。

The official Zhang star (original note: located in the mansion of Zhang Xu) appears to the left of the moon. When the sun reaches the position of Bingyin and the planet Mars is supposed to appear but does not, the star combines with the sun for seventy days. When it is seven days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of red, blue, and yellow colors, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, a red star has two red square-shaped clouds forming beside it, emerging from the side, thus generating the official Zhang star, which has three horns and is curved like a hook. The country pointed to by the tip of its芒 will have its ruler die, and at the same time, the star of Fa turns red. This occurs within a year.

晉若之星（在翼宿中）出月左方，日在丙寅，熒惑將出而不出，其與日合八十日，其未出八日，必有災雲，赤青黃色三物，厭日之光，赤色之星，有兩赤方，在其旁出，而生晉若之星，所指之國，破亡，危星變色而赤，期三年，若四年。

The star named Jinruo appears to the left of the moon. When the sun reaches the position of Bingyin and the planet Mars is supposed to appear but does not, Jinruo combines with the sun for eighty days. When it is still eight days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of red, blue, and yellow colors, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, there are two red square-shaped clouds beside the red star, emerging from the sides, thus forming the star Jinruo. The country pointed to by the tip of its芒 will collapse and perish; at the same time, the star named "Wēixīng" turns red. This omen will be fulfilled in three years or four years.

天陰星（在軫宿中）出月左方，日在丙寅，熒惑將出而不出，其與日合九十日，未出九日，必有災雲，赤青黃色三物，厭日之光，赤色之星，有兩赤方，在其旁出，而生天陰之星，所指之國亡，應星變色而赤，期三年。

The star Tian Yin (Heavenly Yin) appears to the left of the Moon. When the Sun reaches the position of Bingyin and the planet Mars is supposed to appear but does not, Tian Yin combines with the Sun for ninety days. When it is nine days before Tian Yin is expected to appear, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of red, blue, and yellow colors, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, a red star has two red square-shaped clouds appearing beside it, thus forming Tian Yin. The country pointed to by the tip of Tian Yin's light will perish; at the same time, the 'response star' changes to red. This will come to pass within three years.

折若（一本云：彗）出月左方，日在戊寅，填星將出而不出，其與日合四十日，其未出四日，必有災雲，黃赤青色三物，厭日之光，黃色之星，有兩黃方，在其旁出，而生折若之星，長五尺，所指之國亡，政星變色而黃，期六年，遠九年。

A star called Zhéruò (another version says "Huì") appears to the left of the moon. When the Sun reaches the position of Wuyin and the planet Saturn (Tian Xing) is supposed to appear but does not, it merges with the Sun for forty days. When it is four days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of yellow, red, and blue, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, a yellow star has two yellow square-shaped clouds beside it, emerging from the side, thus forming the Zhéruò star, which is five feet long. The country pointed to by the tip of its light will perish; at the same time, the "Zheng Xing" changes color to yellow. This will occur within six years, or as far as nine years later.

天拂星出月左方，日在戊寅，填星將出而不出，其與日合五十日，其未出五日，必有災雲，黃赤青色三物，厭日之光，黃色之星，有兩黃方，在其旁出，而生天拂之星，所指之國兵，法星變色而黃，期三年。

The star Tianfu appears to the left of the moon. When the sun reaches the position of Wuyin and the star Tiansheng should appear but does not, it combines with the sun for fifty days. When it is five days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of yellow, red, and blue, blocking the sunlight. At this time, a yellow star has two square yellow formations beside it, emerging from the side, thus forming the star Tianfu. The country pointed to by the tip of its light will experience military calamity; at the same time, the star Fazheng changes color to yellow. This will be verified within three years.

天翟星出月左方，日在戊寅，填星將出而不出，其與日合六十日，其未出六日，必有災雲，黃赤青色三物，厭日之光，黃色之星，有兩黃方，在其旁出，而生天翟之星，四角而勾，中央有星，長四尺、五尺，所指之國，小敗，令星變色而黃，期二年，或三年。

The heavenly star Tianzha appears to the left of the moon. When the sun reaches the position of Wuyin and the planet Tianxingsheng is supposed to appear but does not, it combines with the sun for sixty days. When it is still six days away from appearing, there will certainly be abnormal clouds in the sky, appearing in yellow, red, and blue, blocking the sunlight. At this time, there are two square yellow clouds beside the yellow star, emerging from the sides, thus forming the star Tianzha, which has four horns curved like hooks, and a central star that is four to five feet long. The country pointed to by the tip of its light will suffer minor defeat; at the same time, the star Ling changes color to yellow. This will be verified within two or three years.

天樞星出月左方，日在戊寅，填星將出而不出，其與日合七十日，其未出七日，必有災雲，黃赤青色三物，厭日之光，黃色之星，有兩黃方，在其旁出，而生天樞之星，三角而勾，所指之國，戰敗，煞星變色而黃，期一年，或二年。

The star Tian Shu appears to the left of the moon. When the sun reaches the position of Wuyin and the star Tian Shen is supposed to appear but does not, it combines with the sun for seventy days. When it is seven days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of yellow, red, and blue colors, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, a yellow star has two square yellow formations beside it, emerging from the side, thus forming the star Tian Shu, which has three horns curved like a hook. The country pointed to by the tip of its芒 will suffer defeat in battle; at the same time, the "kill star" turns yellow. This will be fulfilled within one year or two years.

天從星出月左方，日在戊寅，填星將出而不出，其與日合八十日，其未出八十日，必有災雲，黃赤青色三物，厭日之光，黃色之星，有兩黃方，在其旁出，而生天從之星，長六七尺，（一本云：七八尺）所指之國亡，伐星變色而黃，期二年，或三年。

Heavenly Star follows the star of brightness and appears on the left side of the moon. When the sun reaches the position of Wuyin and the star of brightness should appear but does not, it combines with the sun for eighty days. When it is still eighty days away from appearing (the original text here reads 'eighty days,' which does not fit the pattern of 'combining for several days' or 'not appearing for several days' in the surrounding entries; it should be a mistake for 'eight days,' but we follow the original text), there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, appearing in yellow, red, and blue, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, two yellow square-shaped clouds appear beside the yellow star, and thus the star of brightness is formed, measuring six or seven feet in length (a note in the original text says another version states seven or eight feet). The country pointed to by the tip of the star's芒 will perish; at the same time, the star of warfare turns yellow. The fulfillment period is two years or three years.

天罰（或作伐）星出月左方，日在戊寅，填星將出而不出，其與日合九十日，其未出九日，必有災雲，黃赤青色三物，厭日之光，黃色之星，有兩黃方，在其旁出，而生天罰之星，所指之國中見大敗，危星變色而黃，期二年，或五年。

The heavenly punishment star appears to the left of the moon. When the sun reaches the position of Wuyin and the planet of filling does not appear, the punishment star combines with the sun for ninety days. When it is nine days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of yellow, red, and blue, blocking the sunlight. At this time, two yellow square-shaped clouds appear beside the yellow star, and thus the heavenly punishment star is formed. The country pointed to by the tip of the star's light will suffer a great defeat; at the same time, the star of danger turns yellow. This will be verified within two years or five years.

天社（一本：天上）星出月左方，日在戊寅，填星將出而不出，其與日合一百日，其未出十日，必有災雲，黃赤青色三物，厭日之光，黃色之星，有兩黃方，在其旁出，而生天社之星，天下大亂，所指之國亡，應星變色而黃，期一年。

The star Tian She appears on the left side of the moon. When the sun reaches the position of Wuyin and the star Tiancheng is supposed to appear but does not, it combines with the sun for a hundred days. When it is ten days away from appearing, there will certainly be ominous clouds in the sky, of yellow, red, and blue, blocking out the sunlight. At this time, a yellow star has two yellow square-shaped clouds forming beside it, from which the star Tian She is generated. Once it appears, the whole world will be in great chaos, and the country pointed to by its tip will be destroyed. At the same time, the star Ying will change color to yellow. This will be verified within a year.

《黃帝占》曰：“候彗星之法，當以五寅之日，視甕水中，見兩方氣在日旁，則彗將出矣。其與北斗之星各有所主，乃視氣之五色相象而定之。其彗星之出，以寅日見日旁，有青方氣在日旁，此歲星之精將欲為彗；以寅日見赤方氣在日旁，此熒惑之精將為彗；各以五色氣候之，是則五星將欲為彗之變，先見其氣，後見其彗，彗星見而長，天子死，五都亡，賤人昌，無道之君受其殃，期不出三年。”

The Yellow Emperor's Divination says: To observe the signs of a comet, one should look on the five days of Bingyin, Wuyin, Gengyin, Renyin, and Jiayin. On these days, observe the reflection of the sky in a jar of water. If one sees two square-shaped vapors near the Star of brightness and prestige, it indicates that a comet is about to appear. These vapors correspond to the various stars of the Big Dipper, and one should observe the color of the vapor, which may be one of the five colors, and which star it corresponds to, in order to determine the meaning. When a comet is about to appear, if on a day of Bingyin one sees a green square-shaped vapor near the Star of brightness and prestige, it indicates that the spirit of the planet Jupiter is about to transform into a comet. If on a day of Wuyin one sees a red square-shaped vapor near the Star of brightness and prestige, it indicates that the spirit of the planet Mars is about to transform into a comet. The same method applies to the other colors. This is the sign that the five planets will transform into comets. First, the vapor appears, and then the comet itself. When a comet appears with a long tail, it signifies the death of the emperor, the fall of the five capital cities, the rise of the lowly, and the tyrannical ruler suffering the calamity. This omen will be fulfilled within three years.

石氏曰：“候彗災應之法，各以十二辰所出之地，各屬相連，沖破之下，當有兵誅，假令彗星出室、壁而依戌地，奎本魯分，室、壁沖分，沖於寅尾，箕燕分，破於辰，角亢鄭分，明魯有兵，誅於此國，他皆仿此。”

Shi Shen said: The method of determining where a comet indicates calamity is to match each of the twelve earthly branches with their corresponding terrestrial regions. Then, arrange the relationships of mutual connection. If a comet appears in a position that is in opposition or conflict, there will be military disaster and execution. For example, if a comet appears in the Room Mansion and Wall Mansion and is associated with the戌 position: The Legs Mansion corresponds to Lu country. The Room and Wall Mansions are in opposition to the Legs Mansion. The position in opposition is the寅 position, which corresponds to the Tail and Winnowing Basket Mansions, which belong to Yan country. The position of destruction is the辰 position, which corresponds to the Horn and Neck Mansions, which belong to Zheng country. Thus, Lu country will suffer military disaster, and execution will occur in this country. Other examples follow the same pattern.

巫咸曰：“歲星行東、行南，六十日不還，以初去日，六月，彗星出；東北，六十日不還，以初去日，六月，棓星出；西北，六十日不還，以初出日，六月，攙星出；西南，六十日不還，以初去日，六月，槍星出；乍東乍西，乍南乍北，天狗出，必有兵革。”巫咸曰：“辰星出四季，彗星出。”郗萌曰：“太白與日共合同舍，七十日生彗星。”郗萌曰：“熒惑守箕，三月彗星出。”

Wu Xian said: When the star of brightness and prestige moves eastward and southward for sixty days without returning to its original position, from the day it first departs, a comet will appear six months later. If it moves northeast for sixty days without returning, from the day it first departs, the star of the scepter will appear six months later. If it moves northwest for sixty days without returning, from the day it first departs, the star of the pole will appear six months later. If it moves southwest for sixty days without returning, from the day it first departs, the star of the spear will appear six months later. If it moves erratically east and west, south and north, the Heavenly Dog will appear, and there will certainly be warfare and military conflict. Wu Xian also said: When the star of brightness and prestige appears in the last month of each season, a comet will appear. Xi Meng said: When the bright star and the star of brightness and prestige share the same mansion, a comet will appear seventy days later. Xi Meng also said: When the red star remains in the mansion of the winnowing basket for three months, a comet will appear.

《荊州占》曰：“歲星逆行過度宿者，則生彗星。一日，天棓；二日，天槍；三日，天攙；四日，茀星；此四者皆為彗。”《陳卓占》曰：“熒惑守心，期三十日，彗星出。”陳卓曰：“填星守熒惑，期三十日，彗星出。”齊伯曰：“填星出入以舍斗，五十日不下，彗星出。”

The *Jingzhou Divination* says: When the planet Jupiter moves retrograde and surpasses its proper constellation, a comet will appear. The first type is called Tianbang, the second Tianqiang, the third Tianchan, and the fourth Fuxing; these four all belong to the category of comets. The *Chen Zhuo Divination* says: When the planet Mars remains stationary in the Heart Mansion for thirty days, a comet will appear. Chen Zhuo also says: When the planet Venus remains stationary near Mars for thirty days, a comet will appear. Qi Bo says: When the planet Venus enters and exits the Dipper Mansion and stops there for fifty days without moving downward, a comet will appear.

《春秋文耀鉤》曰：“辰星散為茀。”《說苑》曰：“攙、槍、彗、棓，皆五星盈縮之所生。”《荊州占》曰：“彗星者，君臣失政，濁亂三光，五逆錯變，氣之所生也。”《呂氏通紀》曰：“彗星者，天地之之旗也。”《淮南鴻烈》曰：“彗星者，天之忌也。”

The Spring and Autumn Wen Yao Gou says: The essence of Chen Star disperses to form the star Fufu. The Sayings Garden says: Tianchan, Tianqiang, Comet, and Tianbang are all produced when the five planets move ahead or lag behind. The Jingzhou Divination says: Comets arise because the sovereign and ministers neglect their duties, disturb and confuse the brightness of the sun, moon, and stars, and five kinds of disorderly events occur together, generated by this perverse energy. The Lüshi Tongji says: Comets are the banners between heaven and earth. The Huainanzi Honglie (i.e., Huainanzi) says: Comets are omens of heaven's disfavor.

《春秋演孔圖》曰：“海精死，彗星出。”《春秋考異郵》曰：“鯨魚死，彗星合。”（《淮南子》曰：彗星出。宋均曰：是將有兵相煞之祥也。）《春秋考異郵》曰：“臣之恣，地動，星孛。”京房曰：“君為禍，則彗星出。”鄭玄曰：“彗星主掃除。”

The "Chunqiu Yanyongtu" says: When the spiritual creatures in the sea die, a comet will appear. The "Chunqiu Kaoyiyou" says: When a whale dies, comets will gather and appear. (Original note: The "Huainanzi" says, at this time comets will appear. Song Jun says, this is a sign that there will be warfare and mutual destruction.) The "Chunqiu Kaoyiyou" also says: When ministers act recklessly and independently, an earthquake will occur, and a comet will appear. Jing Fang says: When a ruler brings about chaos, a comet will appear. Zheng Xuan says: Comets indicate the removal of old things.

石氏曰：“凡彗星有四名：一名孛星，二名拂星，三名掃星，四名彗星，其狀不同，為殃如一。其出，不過三月，必有破國、亂君，伏死其辜，餘殃不盡，當為飢、旱、疾、疫之災。其星日行一尺，二十日而入，此彗星之行也。”

Shi Shen said: There are four names for comets: the first is Bo Star, the second is Fu Star, the third is Sao Star, and the fourth is Comet. Their shapes differ, but the calamities they bring are the same. When they appear, within three months, there must be the fall of a state, the madness of a ruler, and the death of the guilty. If the remaining calamity has not yet ended, further disasters such as famine, drought, disease, and plague will follow. This kind of star moves one chi per day, and disappears after twenty days, which is the movement of the comet.

文穎注《漢書》曰：“孛、彗、長三星，其占略同，然其形象小異。孛，芒短，其光四出，蓬蓬孛孛也；彗，其光芒長，參參如掃彗；長星，其光芒有一直指，或竟天，或十丈，或一二丈，無常也。大法，孛彗星多為除舊佈新，改易君上，亦為火災，長星多為兵革。”

Wen Ying's commentary on the "Han Shu" says: the star of孛, the star of彗, and the star of长 all have similar meanings in divination, but differ slightly in appearance. The star of孛 has a short bright tail, with light radiating in all directions, forming a dense cluster; the star of彗 has a long bright tail, flowing in a disorderly manner like a broom; the star of长 has a single straight beam pointing in a certain direction, some spanning the entire sky horizontally, some reaching ten zhang, some one or two zhang, with no fixed length. The general rule is: the stars of孛 and彗 often indicate the removal of the old and the establishment of the new, the replacement of the ruler, and also fires; the star of长 mostly indicates warfare and military conflict.

（《史記淮南王傳》曰：建元六年，彗星見，淮南王安心怪之，或說王曰：先吳軍起時，彗星長數尺然，尚流血千里，今彗星長竟天，天下兵當大起。王心以為上無子，天下有變，諸侯並爭，愈益治攻戰具，遂謀反。）《黃帝占》曰：“彗星出見，本類星，長可二三尺，其炎如氣，黃白孛孛然，名孛星，見則天下兵起，臣謀其主，必有亡國，期不出三年。”

(Original commentary: The "Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of Prince Liu An of Huainan" says that in the sixth year of Emperor Wu of Han's Jianyuan era, a comet appeared. Prince Liu An of Huainan felt that this was an ominous sign. Someone advised him: In the past, when Wu State raised an army, the comet was only a few feet long, yet blood flowed for thousands of li. Now the comet spans the entire sky, so great military actions across the land are certain. Prince Liu An thought that the emperor had no son, so there would be a change in the world, and the feudal lords would all contend with each other. Thus he became even more determined to manufacture weapons for war, eventually plotting rebellion.) The "Yellow Emperor's Divination" says: When a comet appears, its root looks like an ordinary star, and it is about two or three feet long. Its flame resembles a mass of gas, yellowish-white and spreading out in all directions, called a孛star. When it appears, warfare will break out across the land, ministers will plot against their sovereigns, and a country will surely perish. This prophecy will come true within three years.

《黃帝占》曰：“彗星出見，本類星，長可一丈，其炎頭散下垂，狀如毛拂，名曰拂星，見則天下亂，兵大起，強臣有謀，有走主，其君失地，近一年，中三年，遠五年。”《黃帝占》曰：“彗星出見，可二丈，至三丈，形如竹木枝條，名曰掃星，三丈已上至十丈，名曰彗星，彗掃同形，長短有差，殃災如一，見則掃除凶穢，必有滅國，臣弒其君，大兵起，國易政，無道之君當之，期三年，中五年，遠九年。”

The Yellow Emperor's Divination says: When a comet appears, the star itself looks like an ordinary star, with a light tail about one zhang long. Its fiery head spreads out and hangs downward, resembling a feathered flyswatter. This type is called "Fu Xing." When it appears, chaos will arise throughout the land, large-scale wars will break out, powerful ministers will plot secretly, a prince will flee, and the king will lose his territory. The effect will be seen within a year, in the middle case within three years, and the latest within five years. The Yellow Emperor's Divination also says: When a comet appears, if its tail is two or three zhang long, and its shape resembles bamboo or wooden branches, this type is called "Sao Xing." When the tail is more than three zhang long up to ten zhang, it is called "Hui Xing." Hui and Sao have the same shape, differing only in length, but the calamities they bring are the same. Its appearance is to sweep away evil and filth, and there will certainly be the fall of a state, a minister killing his sovereign, a great war, a change in state policies, and the tyrannical ruler will bear this calamity. The effect will be seen within three years, in the middle case within five years, and the latest within nine years.

石氏曰：“掃星者，逆氣之所致也，枝條長短如彗星之形，出居二十八宿及中外官三日、七日，或三十日，或五十日，常不滅，彗孛出而即滅，掃除凶穢，除故布新，故言掃星。”董仲舒曰：“孛星者，彗星之屬也，偏指曰彗，芒氣四出曰孛，孛者，孛孛然也，謂之孛者，言其闇昧不明之貌也。一說云：孛即彗也，彗星所敝為孛。春秋言：星孛者。皆彗敝也。”

The Shi school says: A sweeping star is caused by the accumulation of chaotic and disorderly energies in the heavens and earth. Its light extends like a branch, with length and shape similar to a comet. After its appearance, it remains among the twenty-eight constellations, as well as the constellations of Zhongguan and Wai guan, for three days, seven days, thirty days, or fifty days, often lingering for a long time without dispersing; whereas comets and孛stars usually appear and then vanish quickly. Its function is to sweep away evil and filth, remove the old, and bring about renewal, hence it is called the 'sweeping star'. Dong Zhongshu says:孛star is a kind of comet. A comet is called so because its light extends to one side, while a孛star is called so because its light spreads in all directions. The term '孛' refers to the appearance of surging and turbulent light; it is named thus to describe its dim and indistinct appearance. Another view holds that孛is the same as a comet, and the part of the comet's light that is obscured is called孛. The 'Spring and Autumn Annals' mentions 'star孛' whenever it refers to the obscuring of the comet's light.

（按《史記》曰：齊景公三十二年，彗星見，景公坐柏寢，嘆曰：“堂堂，誰有此乎。”群臣皆泣，晏子笑，公怒，晏子曰：“臣笑群臣諛甚。”景公曰：“彗星出東北，當齊分野，寡人以憂。”晏子曰：“君高臺深池，賦斂如弗得，刑罰恐弗勝，孛星將出，彗星何懼。”平公曰：“可禳否？”晏子曰：“使神可祝而來，亦可禳而去也。百姓苦怨以萬數，而君令一人讓之，安能勝眾口乎？”推此言則孛之為災，踰於此也。）

The original commentary says: According to the Records of the Grand Historian, in the thirty-second year of King Jing of Qi, a comet appeared. King Jing was sitting on the Baoren Terrace, sighing and saying, "Such a magnificent empire, who will possess it in the future?" All the ministers wept, but only Yan Ying laughed. King Jing was angry about this. Yan Ying said, "I laughed because the ministers flattered the king too much." King Jing said, "The comet appeared in the Northeast, which is the region corresponding to Qi, so I am worried." Yan Ying said, "You build high platforms, dig deep pools, and collect taxes and levies, fearing you take too little. You apply punishments, fearing you use them too sparingly. If this continues, a more ominous star, the孛 star, will soon appear. A mere comet is nothing to fear." The king then asked (the original text here says "Ping Gong," which should be a mistake for "Jing Gong"): "Can we perform a ritual to appease the heavens and eliminate the disaster?" Yan Ying replied, "If the spirits truly respond to prayers, they would also respond to rituals. The people's grievances number in the tens of thousands, yet you send only one person to apologize to heaven on your behalf. How can this outweigh the voices of millions of people?" From this, it can be inferred that the disaster caused by the孛 star is more severe than that caused by a comet.

劉向《鴻範傳》曰：“孛星者，非孛星，惡氣之所生也，內不有大亂，則外有大兵。其所以孛孛曖曖者，亂之象也，不明之表，又參然孛焉，兵之類也，故聖人名曰孛，孛者，猶有所妨蔽，有所傷害也。”《荊州占》曰：“彗星，其象如竹彗樹木，枝條長短無常。”

The Heavenly Stems are: Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui. The Earthly Branches are: Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai. The Trigrams are: Qian (Heaven), Dui (Lake), Li (Fire), Zhen (Thunder), Xun (Wind), Kan (Water), Gen (Mountain), Kun (Earth). Liu Xiang's "Hong Fan Zhuan" says: The comet is not a real celestial body, but rather a condensation of evil qi in the heavens and earth. When it appears, there will be no great chaos within the country, but there will be great wars abroad. The reason it appears as a flickering, dim and obscure light is precisely the sign of calamity and the external manifestation of obscure and unclear governance. Moreover, when its rays spread out in a disorderly and uneven manner, this is the sign of war. Therefore, ancient sages named it "Bo" — the meaning of "Bo" is to obstruct and block, to injure and harm. The "Jingzhou Zhan" says: The comet appears like a bamboo branch broom or the branches of trees, and the length of its light is not fixed.

《黃帝占》曰：“彗星出行犯守外舍，當先知逆順，入宿深淺，去之遠近、久速，觀其五色，察其動靜，及以喜、怒、揚、變色，皆為殃咎。守之，去速，災輕；守之久，災重；各隨所在之宿命其國，以占吉凶。”《黃帝占》曰：“彗孛所干，歷百日以上，期三年；百五十日以上，期五年；二百日以上，期七年。”

The Huangdi Zhan says: When a comet moves and conflicts with or remains in a star mansion outside its own, the person interpreting the omens must first determine whether its movement is in the forward or reverse direction, how deeply it enters a particular mansion, how far it leaves it, whether it moves quickly or slowly, and observe which of the five colors—green, red, yellow, white, and black—appears most prominently. It should also examine whether it is moving or stationary, and note its various appearances such as joy, anger, brightening, and changing colors—these all indicate calamity and misfortune. If the comet remains for a short time and departs quickly, the disaster will be minor; if it remains for a long time, the disaster will be severe. One should identify the corresponding state according to the star mansion where the comet is located, and thus predict good or bad fortune. The Huangdi Zhan also says: If a comet or a孛 star conflicts with a certain place and lasts for more than one hundred days, the fulfillment period is three years; if it lasts for more than one hundred and fifty days, the fulfillment period is five years; if it lasts for more than two hundred days, the fulfillment period is seven years.

《黃帝占》曰：“彗星出見，其國大人亡。見一旬，期三月十日；見三十日，將當之，期三年；見五十日，相當之，期五年；見七十日，人主當之，期七年，若九年，災必應。”《春秋緯》曰：“諸彗內官，皆為內謀，曝骨將將，死尸滿溪，血流千里，出外宿，不加內官，禍小起。”

The Yellow Emperor's Divination says: When a comet appears, the country corresponding to it will have the death of a prominent person. If the comet appears for ten days, the fulfillment period is three months and ten days; if it appears for thirty days, the general will bear the calamity, and the fulfillment period is three years; if it appears for fifty days, the prime minister will bear the calamity, and the fulfillment period is five years; if it appears for seventy days, the king himself will bear the calamity, and the fulfillment period is seven or nine years, and the calamity will certainly occur. The Spring Orbit says: Whenever a comet enters the constellations of the Central Palace, it indicates plots within the palace, with countless white bones exposed in the fields, corpses filling the streams and valleys, and blood flowing for thousands of li; if the comet only appears in the outer constellations and does not approach the Central Palace constellations, then the calamity will be less severe.

《巫咸占》曰：“彗星入列宿中外者，各以其所部舍官名，為其事所之者，為其謀，其下之國，皆受其禍，以所守之舍為其期，以五氣相賊者為其決。”《海中占》曰：“彗長五尺，以至一丈，期三月，若十月；一丈以至三丈，期三年；三丈以至五丈，期五年；五丈以至十丈，期七年；十丈以上，期九年。”《荊州占》曰：“彗星見久，災深大；其短淺，為災小。”

The Wu Xian Divination says: When a comet enters one of the Twenty-Eight Mansions or the constellations of the Central and Outer Officials, one should judge the events according to the name of the mansion or constellation it enters. The place where the comet's tail points is where the event will occur; the star official that the comet invades is the target of the conspiracy. All the countries under the jurisdiction of these star officials will suffer this calamity. Determine the time of the event based on the mansion it is stationed in, and use the relationships of mutual control and harm among the Five Phases to determine the final outcome. The Sea Divination says: If the comet's light is five feet to one zhang long, the event will occur within three months or ten months; if it is one zhang to three zhang long, the event will occur within three years; if it is three zhang to five zhang long, the event will occur within five years; if it is five zhang to ten zhang long, the event will occur within seven years; if it is more than ten zhang long, the event will occur within nine years. The Jingzhou Divination says: The longer the comet appears, the heavier the calamity; the shorter and fainter the light, the lighter the calamity.

《黃帝占》曰：“彗星者，所以除舊佈新，掃滅凶穢。其象若竹彗樹木，枝條長大而見，則災深期遠；短小而見，則災淺期近；皆為兵、飢、水、喪，亡國之殃。”（按班固《天文志》：始皇之時，十五年間彗星四見，久者八十日，長或竟天，後秦遂以兵內兼六國，外攘四夷，死人如亂麻。）

The Yellow Emperor's Divination says: Comets have the function of removing the old and establishing the new, sweeping away evil and impure energies. Their appearance resembles a bamboo broom or branches: if the branches are thick and long, the calamity will be severe and the year of its fulfillment will be far off; if they are short and small, the calamity will be mild and the year of its fulfillment will be near. In general, comets presage military disaster, famine, floods, and death, and are omens of national ruin. The original commentary notes: According to Ban Gu's Records of the Grand Historian, during the reign of Qin Shi Huang, comets appeared four times within fifteen years, with the longest lasting eighty days, its tail spanning almost the entire sky. Afterwards, Qin indeed conquered the six states internally with military force and expelled the surrounding barbarians externally, resulting in countless deaths, like scattered hemp fibers.

韋昭《洞紀》曰：《洛書兵鈐勢》曰：“彗星出，野骨捐。”《春秋演孔圖》曰：“彗星出則國樞蹶。”《演孔圖》曰：“彗星東出，長八丈，天下更政。”《春秋文曜鉤》曰：“彗星孛，填街塞路，九州粉擊。庶人為主。”

Wei Zhao's "Dong Ji" recorded the following divination texts. "The Luo Book Military Bell and Situation" says: when a comet appears, corpses should be abandoned in the wilderness. "The Spring and Autumn Yan Kong Tu" says: when a comet appears, the country's central authority will collapse. "Yan Kong Tu" also says: when a comet appears from the east, its tail is eight zhang long, and the whole country will change its government. "The Spring and Autumn Wen Yao Gou" says: when comets and孛stars appear, people seeking refuge fill the streets and block the roads, and throughout the nine provinces, mutual attacks and chaos prevail, with common people even becoming rulers.

《春秋運斗樞》曰：“彗星見，後曲象旗，則王者伐枉逆。”《春秋運斗樞》曰：“星之孛，臣威孳，兵粉擊，滅國謀。”《春秋保乾圖》曰：“星孛，備強國黜臣所欲。”又曰：“星孛，兵變。”

The *Chunqiu Yun Dou Shu* says: When a comet appears, its tail curves like a fluttering banner, indicating that the sovereign will soon attack wicked and rebellious people. The *Chunqiu Bao Qian Tu* says: When a star孛 appears, the ministers' power grows increasingly strong, and warfare occurs between armies, with some plotting to destroy other states. It also says: When a star孛 appears, the sovereign should beware of invasion by a powerful state and dismiss those ministers who harbor improper ambitions. It further states: The appearance of a star孛 signifies military chaos and sudden calamities.

石氏曰：“彗星出而長，名曰白旗，喪氣也，當視旗之所指、所掃，沖破之下，必有兵喪，其國滅亡，大人受殃，各以沖互為期。前互為近期，沖破為中期，後互為遠期，皆不過五七九，災必應。”

The Shi school says: When a comet appears with an especially long light tail, it is called "White Flag," and it signifies the aura of loss and death. When interpreting the omen, one should observe the direction the "flag" points to and the areas it sweeps over. Any region directly opposite or directly struck by this "flag" will surely experience warfare and calamity, and the country will be doomed, with prominent officials suffering misfortune. The time of fulfillment is determined by the "Chong" position and the "Hu" position: those falling in the front Hu position will come to pass soonest, those in the direct Chong position will occur in the middle, and those in the rear Hu position will be the furthest, but none will exceed five, seven, or nine years, and the calamity will certainly come to pass.

石氏曰：“掃出，狀如上有烏，赤色，此謂有憂；黑者，群臣有賊。掃所在之下，主亡國。”石氏曰：“掃出，狀如小木，長三丈，其本有黑，二三丈，其本有赤，見居四維，此謂為謀，其歲兵發。”

The Shi school says: When a sweeping star appears, shaped like a crow perched on its tip, with a red color, it indicates there will be calamity; if it is black in color, it indicates there will be a minister plotting rebellion. The country under the area of the sky associated with the sweeping star will suffer national destruction. The Shi school also says: When a sweeping star appears, shaped like a small tree three zhang high with black roots, or two or three zhang high with red roots, appearing in the Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, or Northwest directions, this is called plotting rebellion, and warfare will break out that year.

石氏曰：“掃出，狀如直竹，長二三丈，其尾銳，白色，此謂天下喪，天子死亡，國朝不慶，諸侯亡。”石氏曰：“掃出，狀如直竹，長二三丈，赤色尾銳，此謂出急令，兵戰，以見諸侯不德。”石氏曰：“掃出，諸侯誅，皆在其國受殃，指亦然。”

The Shi school says: When the star Sǎoxīng appears, it appears as a straight bamboo pole, two or three zhang long, with a sharp end and white in color, indicating that there will be loss in the world, the Son of Heaven dies, and the court cannot hold celebrations. The Son of Heaven and the feudal lords die. The Shi school also says: When the star Sǎoxīng appears, it appears as a straight bamboo pole, two or three zhang long, red in color with a sharp end, indicating that the state issues urgent orders, warfare occurs, and this reveals the loss of virtue among the feudal lords. The Shi school also says: When the star Sǎoxīng appears, it indicates that the feudal lords are executed. Any country under the influence of the star will suffer disaster, and the direction pointed to by the star's rays will also suffer similarly.

石氏曰：“蓬掃出見者，飢，有兵，亡地。四方蓬掃出，其狀如太白，蓬長三丈，指樂掃見，兵起大亂；渠掃見者，禾稼就；蒲掃見，兵起於境上，軍戰不勝；杵掃出，大將起，反，人主凶；竹掃見，為兵。”

The Shi school says: When a star resembling a蓬草 (a type of weed) called Saoxing appears, it indicates famine, warfare, and loss of territory. If such stars appear in all four directions, their light resembles that of Tai Bai (the bright star), and the light of the蓬扫 extends three zhang. Among them: the Lüe Sao indicates the outbreak of military conflicts and chaos throughout the land; the Qu Sao indicates that crops will instead mature and be bountiful; the Pu Sao indicates warfare occurring on the borders, where the army cannot achieve victory; the Chu Sao indicates that a general will raise troops in rebellion, bringing danger to the sovereign; the Zhu Sao indicates military affairs.

甘氏曰：“彗茀見，則女主有用事者，其本為主人。”甘氏曰：“彗掃，水之精，出則不過一年，天下水及有飢。星所在宿，其邦尤甚。”甘氏曰：“彗星春夏出為飢、水；秋冬出為人主自將兵，若大喪。又曰：冬春見為小凶，夏秋為大凶。”

The Gan school says: When a comet or a孛 star appears, there will be a female ruler taking charge of the government, and the star itself corresponds to the person in power. The Gan school also says: A comet sweeping across the sky is the manifestation of the essence of water; once it appears, within a year there will be floods and famine throughout the land. The country corresponding to the constellation where the star appears will suffer the most. The Gan school also says: If a comet appears in spring or summer, it indicates famine and floods; if it appears in autumn or winter, it indicates the ruler personally leading the army to campaign or the death of a ruler. It also says: If a comet appears in winter or spring, it is a minor calamity; if it appears in summer or autumn, it is a major calamity.

甘氏曰：“彗星，其枝條長，為兵、為喪；短，為水、為飢。其見一旬，期三月。”京房曰：“彗星出，為飢、兵，臣下失中和，故出彗掃除之。”

The Gan school says: A comet with a long, branch-like tail indicates military calamity and death; a comet with a short tail indicates flood and famine. If a comet appears for ten days, its fulfillment will occur within three months. Jing Fang says: The appearance of a comet indicates famine and military disorder, because the ministers have deviated from the middle and upright path, so heaven sends down comets to purge them.

（按韋昭《洞記》曰：漢安帝四年三月，彗星見。四年，渤海鮮卑磨懷反，掠遼東三縣地。平原賊起，攻宮寺長吏，西羌匈奴侵邊，又旱也。）劉向《鴻範傳》曰：“彗星者，天所以去無道而建有德也。”

The original commentary notes: According to Wei Zhao's "Dong Ji," in the fourth year of Emperor Han An Di's reign, a comet appeared in March. In the same year, the Xianbei people in the Bohai area rebelled, looting land in three counties of Liao Dong; bandits rose up in Pingyuan commandery, attacking government offices and killing local officials; the Western Qiang and the Xiongnu harassed the borders, and there was also a drought. Liu Xiang's "Hong Fan Zhuan" says: A comet is a means by which heaven removes tyrannical rulers and supports virtuous ones.

（按《春秋左氏傳》曰：昭公二十六年，齊有彗星，齊侯使禳之，晏子曰：無益也，只取誣焉。天道不諂，不貳其命，若之何禳之？且天之彗也，以除穢也，君無穢德，又何禳焉？若德之穢，禳之何損？乃止。）

The original commentary notes: According to the "Spring and Autumn Zhushu Annals," in the 26th year of Duke Zhuang of Lu, a comet appeared in the sky over the state of Qi. The Duke of Qi intended to send people to perform a ritual to appease the heavens and eliminate misfortune. Yan Ying advised against it, saying: This is useless and would only bring a reputation of deceiving heaven. The heavenly way does not change because of flattery, nor does it alter the commands it has already issued; how can one eliminate them? Moreover, the appearance of a comet is originally to sweep away corruption. If the ruler has no corrupt virtue, what is there to appease? If his virtue is indeed corrupt, what can the ritual remove? The Duke then abandoned the plan.

郗萌曰：“彗星短，為飢，為兵；向下，為土功，所見之邦當之。”《荊州占》曰：“彗星昏見，其國受兵。一曰：必亡國滅軍，不然必有死主。”

Xi Meng said: A comet with short light indicates famine and military disaster; if the light points downward, it signifies great construction projects, and these consequences will be borne by the country where the comet appears. The "Jingzhou Divination" states: If a comet appears in the evening, the corresponding country will suffer military disaster. Another account says: It will certainly result in the country's fall, the army's destruction, or else the death of the ruler.

（按《晏子春秋》曰：景公謂晏子曰：寡人聞彗星出，其所向之國當之。今彗星向吾國，我是以悲。晏子曰：君穿池欲深廣，為臺欲高大，誅戮如仇讐，又將出彗星，寧可拒乎。公乃填陂池，滅臺樹，薄賦斂，緩刑罰，三十七日，彗星亡矣。韋昭《洞紀》曰：周貞定王七年，彗星見。八年，貞定王崩。周元王二年，彗星見，其年魯哀公卒。《幽明錄》曰：晉太元末，長星見，孝武心惡之，夜在華林園中飲酒，因舉杯屬星曰：長星，勸爾一杯酒，自古又何時有萬歲天子耶？帝亦尋崩也。）

The original commentary states: According to the "Anzi Spring and Autumn," King Jing of Qi told An Yin: I have heard that a comet appearing indicates that the country it points to will suffer calamity. Now the comet is pointing at our country, so I am worried. An Yin replied: Your Majesty digs ponds only fearing they are not deep or wide, builds platforms only fearing they are not high or large, and kills the people as if they were enemies. If you continue like this, you will surely attract an even more terrible comet, how can you possibly resist it? King Jing then filled in the ponds, demolished the platforms, reduced taxes, and eased punishments. After thirty-seven days, the comet disappeared. Also according to Wei Zhao's "Dong Ji," in the seventh year of King Zhen Ding of the Zhou dynasty, a comet appeared, and in the following year, King Zhen Ding died. In the second year of King Yuan Wang of the Zhou dynasty, a comet appeared, and that year Duke Ai Gong of Lu died. The "You Ming Lu" records: In the late Ta Yuan period of the Eastern Jin dynasty, a long star appeared. Emperor Xiaowu was displeased with it. One night, while drinking wine in the Hua Lin Garden, he raised his cup towards the star and said: Long star, I offer you a cup of wine. Since ancient times, has there ever been an emperor who never died? Soon after, Emperor Xiaowu also died.

《荊州占》曰：“彗星出，必有反者，兵大起，其國亂亡。一曰：不出一歲，天下大水，其邦尤甚。”《荊州占》曰：“彗星見，則敵國兵起，得人者勝。”

The *Jingzhou Divination* says: When a comet appears, there will certainly be someone plotting rebellion, a large-scale war breaking out, and the country falling into chaos and eventual destruction. Another account says: Within a year, a great flood will occur throughout the world, and the state corresponding to the star will suffer especially severely. The *Jingzhou Divination* also states: When a comet appears, the enemy state will send troops to invade, leading to a battle between the two armies. The side that gains the people's support and secures the talents will prevail.

（按《尉繚子》曰：昔楚將軍城父、公子心與齊人未合戰。其日，夜彗星出，柄在齊，柄之所在勝，不可擊。子心曰：彗星何知？以彗斗者固倒而勝焉。而列之，明日與齊人戰，大破之。）

The original commentary notes: According to the "Wei Liao Zi," in the past, a general named Cheng Fu and Prince Xin of the state of Chu were facing the Qi army in a standoff, and had not yet engaged in battle. That night, a comet appeared, with its handle pointing toward the Qi army. According to divination methods, the side where the comet's handle points is expected to win, so they should not attack. However, Prince Xin said, "What does a comet know? Those who use a broom to fight must hold it upside down to gain an advantage." He then proceeded to arrange his troops as usual, and the next day fought the Qi army, achieving a great defeat of the Qi forces.

《玉曆》曰：“彗星出見，是謂天地相靡，其分受兵，必有亡國，若有死主，期不出三年。”（按韋昭《洞記》曰：周赧王十年、十二年、十九年，彗星見，後秦取周之地，彗星之應也。）

The "Yulu" says: When a comet appears, this is called the mutual agitation of the heavenly and earthly energies. The region under the star's influence will suffer from military calamity, and certainly there will be the downfall of a state or the death of a ruler, and this will be fulfilled within three years. The original commentary notes: According to Wei Zhao's "Dong Ji," during the tenth, twelfth, and nineteenth years of King Nan of Zhou, comets appeared three times. Later, the state of Qin seized the land of the Zhou dynasty, which was exactly the fulfillment of those comet omens.

《巫咸占》曰：“彗星有出者，皆是五星之象，以其所出宿，以命五行所屬之象。出於木宿，歲星之象；出於火宿，熒惑之象；出於土宿，填星之象；出於金星，太白之象；出於水宿，辰星之象；見於二十八宿中外官，變色、揚芒、怒而與五星合斗，此皆大兵之沖，破國之殃，臣凌其君，下不伏上，天下不順，故致此災，審以五色察之，決知存亡之事。”

The Wu Xian Divination says: Whenever a comet appears, it is the form of the qi of the five planets. One should determine which of the five phases it belongs to by observing the constellation in which it appears. If it appears in a constellation belonging to wood, it is the image of the year star; if it appears in a constellation belonging to fire, it is the image of the planet of Mars; if it appears in a constellation belonging to earth, it is the image of the planet of Filling Star; if it appears in a constellation belonging to metal, it is the image of the planet of Tai Bai; if it appears in a constellation belonging to water, it is the image of the planet of Chen Star. When it appears among the twenty-eight constellations, as well as the middle palace and outer palaces, it changes colors, shines brightly, and appears angry, meeting and fighting with the five planets. These are signs of great battles and omens of the destruction of a country. They indicate that ministers oppress the sovereign, the lower ranks disobey the higher ranks, and the world is not in order, thus bringing about such calamities. By carefully examining the five colors, one can determine the final outcome of the state's survival or demise.

《海中占》曰：“凡彗有色，白黑為男主，赤黃為女主，皆為人君、女主死之之殃。”《河圖》曰：“蒼彗，主滅不義，少陽之精，司徒之類，蒼龍七宿之域，有謀反，若恣虐為害，主失春政者，以出時沖為期，皆主君之敗也，大人滅。”

The Hai Zhong Zhan says: Whenever a comet appears with a color, white and black comets indicate calamity for a male sovereign, while red and yellow comets indicate calamity for a female sovereign. All such comets portend the death of the sovereign or the female ruler. The He Tu says: A green comet signifies the extermination of the unjust. It is formed from the essence of the young yang, and in human affairs it corresponds to the position of the Minister of Works. If it appears in the region of the Eastern Dipper and the seven stars of the Azure Dragon, it indicates rebellion in that area, or the existence of someone acting tyrannically and causing harm, or the sovereign neglecting the spring duties. The time of fulfillment is calculated according to the direction opposite to where the comet appears. In all cases, it portends the downfall of the sovereign and the destruction of prominent figures.

《春秋緯》曰：“蒼彗木精，出見而生芒，主逆陽，失天常，則日蝕明消，此星出，期三年，五侯破天子，若兵。”《春秋緯合誠圖》曰：“蒼彗破神明。”

The Spring and Autumn Wai (Chronicles of the Spring and Autumn Period) says: A green comet is the essence of the Wood element, appearing with a bright tail, indicating a violation of the Yang path and the loss of the heavenly order; once this occurs, an eclipse of the sun will take place, causing the sunlight to diminish. The appearance of this star will be verified after three years, during which time the five regional princes will attack the Son of Heaven, or there will be military conflicts. The Spring and Autumn Wai Hecheng Tu says: The appearance of a green comet will destroy the virtue of the divine.

《河圖》曰：“黑彗，主涿州，太陰之精，玄武七宿之域，有謀反，若恣虐為害，主失冬政者，期如上占，禍應之。入天子之宿，主滅諸侯位，五伯謀。”

The Yellow River Chart says: A black comet signifies an occurrence in the northern region corresponding to Zhuzhou. It is formed from the essence of the Wealth and Mother stars. When it appears in the area of the Black Tortoise seven constellations, it indicates that there will be rebellion in that region, or someone acting tyrannically and causing harm, or the sovereign neglecting the proper policies for winter. The time of fulfillment matches the previous divination method, and calamity follows. If it enters the constellation where the Son of Heaven resides, it signifies the loss of power by the feudal lords, and strong ministers like the Five Hegemons plot against the throne.

《春秋緯》曰：“彗水精，賊起則水決江河，期二年。其出赤，世以水害亡。水害者，以類發難也，近四，遠八，以其禍行。”《河圖》曰：“白彗，主斬強，少陰之精，大司馬之類，白如上占，禍應之。”《春秋緯》曰：“白彗金精，如鋒刃，長四丈，見則將軍逆，期二年，兵作。”

The Spring and Autumn Writings state: A comet is formed from the essence of water; whenever there is a bandit uprising, rivers and lakes will break their banks and flood, with the verification taking place within two years. When it appears red, that age will perish due to water calamity.the so-called water calamity refers to disasters caused by the mutual influence of similar energies, with near-term effects occurring within four years and distant ones within eight years, gradually manifesting as the disaster progresses. The Yellow River Chart states: A white comet signifies the execution of the powerful, formed from the essence of the lesser yin; in human affairs, it relates to the Grand Master of Military Affairs. The divination method for the white comet is the same as above, with the disaster gradually coming to pass. The Spring and Autumn Writings also state: A white comet is formed from the essence of metal, appearing like a blade or sword, measuring four zhang in length. Its appearance signifies rebellion by generals, with verification occurring within two years, and military conflicts ensuing.

《春秋合誠圖》曰：“白彗主臣權，一曰：專權。”《河圖》曰：“赤彗，主滅五卿，太陽之精也，朱鳥七宿之域，有謀反，若恣虐為害，主失夏政者，期如上占，皆類名之。”《河圖》曰：“赤彗火精，如火耀，長七尺，賊起強，圖恣虐。期三年。”《春秋合誠圖》曰：“赤彗滅五卿。”

The Spring and Autumn Concordance Diagram says: A white comet appearing indicates that ministers and subordinates will seize the power of the sovereign; another interpretation says it indicates that high ministers will monopolize authority. The Yellow River Chart says: A red comet signifies the extermination of five ministers, and it is formed from the essence of the Star of Brightness and Prestige. When it appears in the region of the Southern Bird's seven constellations, it indicates that there will be rebellion in the corresponding territory, or someone will act tyrannically and cause harm, or the sovereign will neglect the political duties due in the summer season, and the time of fulfillment is the same as the previous divination, and the naming and interpretation are based on the same category. The Yellow River Chart also says: A red comet is formed from the essence of fire, shining brightly like a flame, seven feet long, indicating the rise of fierce bandits who plot to act tyrannically, and the fulfillment period is three years. The Spring and Autumn Concordance Diagram says: The appearance of a red comet signifies the extermination of the five ministers.

《河圖》曰：“黃彗，主女亂，皆土精，斗七星之域，以張四方，八卦之內，司空之類，有謀反，若恣虐為害者，期如上占。”《春秋緯》曰：“黃彗如正見，（一本云：如重雲）則主女害妃嬪，有以色擢上，奪於后妃，期一年，彗星孛見於四方。”

The Yellow River Chart says: A yellow comet signifies disorder caused by women; they are formed from the essence of earth. When it appears in the area of the Big Dipper, its light spreads in all directions, encompassing the Eight Trigrams. In terms of human affairs, it relates to the Office of the Minister of Works; it indicates rebellion in a certain region or someone acting tyrannically and causing harm, and the time of verification is the same as mentioned earlier. The Spring Annals Commentary says: If a yellow comet appears upright (note: another version says 'like heavy clouds'), it signifies women harming consorts, someone being promoted to power due to beauty, and taking the place of the queen consort. The last sentence 'comet and forked star appear in all directions' should be the heading for the following discussion on comets and forked stars appearing in all directions, and was mistakenly included in the quotation by the scribe.