Divination on the Timing of the Addition for the Situation of a Crow, Number 193

登明方鳴者，凶；神后、大吉、功曹等方者，大沖、天罡太乙方者，勝光、小吉、傳送方者，吉；從魁、河魁方者，凶。更看神與月將相剋。假令登明是凶神，在寅卯申酉即相生為吉也。假令傳送是吉神，在寅卯巳午即相剋為凶也。他皆仿此。宜細認方位，辯其吉凶。

A crow calling at the "Dengming" (Hai) direction is ominous; however, it is auspicious when it calls at the "Shenhou" (Zi), "Daji" (Chou), "Gongcao" (Yin), "Da chong" (Mao), "Tian Gang" (Chen), "Taiyi" (Si), "Shengguang" (Wu), "Xiaoji" (Wei), and "ChuanSong" (Shen) directions. It is ominous when it calls at the "Congkuai" (You) and "Heqiu" (Xu) directions. One should also examine the relationship of the twelve divine generals with the month's general, considering mutual generation and mutual control. For example, Dengming is a malevolent spirit, but if it is located at the positions of Yin, Mao, Shen, or You, it becomes favorable due to mutual generation. Similarly, ChuanSong is a favorable spirit, but if it is located at Yin, Mao, Si, or Wu, it becomes unfavorable due to mutual control. The rest should be judged in the same way. One should carefully discern the directions and determine their auspicious or ominous nature.

（六甲自圖在第八卷，但以圖按其方可也）（圖缺）

The diagrams for each of the six Jia are included in Volume Eight of this book; simply check them against the corresponding directions. (There was an illustration here originally, but it has since been lost.)

烏在上鳴者，賊聞不來，與戰大吉。鳴者，合有吉音，無他戰陣。鳴者，喜信之兆也。鳴者，防慎，在內當有細人潛為賊應，不然有謀叛者，察防之。鳴者，軍無他戰。鳴者，有賊信者，當有戰陣。鳴者，聞賊不來，急備之，不利戰，凶兆也。鳴者，亦慎之，或有小盜，必殺之，不然當有大驚。鳴者，防吏士亡遁。鳴者，將有戰之事，主吉。鳴者，有賊信者。鳴者，防內有奸人潛為賊應，謹備之。

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). (Each of the following statements originally had a name of a Heavenly Stem preceding it, but these names, along with the accompanying illustrations, have been lost. Now only the phrase "the bird cries here" remains.) When a crow cries here, it indicates that bandits will not come, and fighting them is favorable. When a crow cries here, there will be good news, and no other military actions. When a crow cries here, it is a sign of good news. When a crow cries here, one should be cautious: there may be spies acting as secret agents for the enemy, or someone may be plotting rebellion, so one should investigate and be vigilant. When a crow cries here, there will be no other military actions in the army. When a crow cries here, there will be news about the bandits, and there will be a battle. When a crow cries here, although it is said that the bandits will not come, one should still be prepared, as it is unfavorable for battle and a bad omen. When a crow cries here, one should be cautious, as there may be a small group of bandits that must be eliminated, otherwise there will be a major disturbance. When a crow cries here, one should be on guard against the escape of officials and soldiers. When a crow cries here, there will be military action, which is favorable. When a crow cries here, there will be news about the bandits. When a crow cries here, one should be cautious of internal spies acting as secret agents for the enemy and be vigilant.

夫占烏之法，立營之地，非烏所巢而有烏來鳴，方可論占。若聚林群烏之所棲泊，而嘲囂無常者，不足占也。

In general, the method of divination using crows involves observing them at a campsite where they are not normally nesting, and only when crows fly in and call out can one use this for divination. If the crows are merely gathering and noisy in a forest area, their clamor is natural and not suitable for divination.

有虞氏戒於國，夏后氏誓於軍，殷人誓於軍門之外，周人將反刃而誓。所誓不同，吾從周誓之誓曰：惟天至仁，亭毒萬物，其有逆於道德者，激霆以震之；惟神至幽，遊息六氣，其有淫於禍亂者，潛靈以殛之；惟王至明，順恤九服，其有悖於教化者，興師以察之。此四者同條而共貫也。

The Xia dynasty had its generals sworn in within the capital city, the Shang dynasty swore their soldiers in the military camp, and the Yin dynasty swore them outside the military gate. The Zhou dynasty swore their soldiers at the moment of turning their weapons in battle. Each dynasty had a different place for swearing, but I follow the Zhou method. The oath says: Heaven is most benevolent, nurturing and cultivating all things. Those who defy morality will provoke thunder to intimidate them. Spirits are most profound, wandering and resting among the six climatic influences. Those who indulge in chaos will be secretly punished by divine beings. The king is most wise, governing and caring for the people within the nine regions. Those who deviate from moral teachings will be sent troops to investigate. These three principles are all part of the same continuous tradition.

是知軍（一作君）天下者，揮長戈以賓不臣，未為不善也；滌穢滓以廣王化，未為不嘉也。今孽虜不庭，亂常反德，吾為天子恭行天討，誓翦大憝，決垂元功。即出（一作即）凶門，已即敵境，諮爾眾士：用命賞於祖，弗用命戮於社。生死榮辱在是，一舉勿使自躓，為邦之羞爾。其勉之，勉之。

From this, we can see that the one who leads the army to govern the world (the term "軍" in the original text is sometimes interpreted as "君"), using a long spear to make those who refuse to submit bow, cannot be considered bad; cleansing filth and promoting the king's moral teachings cannot be considered unbecoming. Now, the rebellious bandits do not come to pay homage, they disrupt the principles of propriety and abandon righteousness. I carry out the king's command and carry out heaven's punishment, vowing to eliminate these principal villains and determined to achieve the first merit. Now we have already passed through the "凶门" (a temporary gate dug by the army for marching out), and have reached the enemy's territory. I warn you all the soldiers: those who obey the military orders will be rewarded before the ancestral temple; those who disobey will be executed before the earth altar. Life and death, honor and disgrace all depend on this battle. In this battle, you must not stumble yourselves and bring disgrace to the country. Strive, strive.

維年月日，某宮謹以香火蔬果祭於毘沙門天王：惟天王神靈通暢，威德奮震，據大陰之正位，降普天之妖魔。左手擎塔，尊神顯於西土；右手仗戈（一作戟），赫天威於北方。一舉而群魔駭，再舉而沙界裂。目激電以日暗，髮聚藍而雲委。卓犖萬古，鬱稱亢神。

On a certain year, month, and day, a certain official respectfully used incense and fruits to worship Vaisravana, the Heavenly King: the Heavenly King's spirit is fully enlightened and unobstructed, his power and virtue are vigorous and shaking, occupying the proper position of Taiyin. He subdues all demons throughout the world. With his left hand he holds a pagoda, and the revered deity manifests his power in the west; with his right hand he holds a halberd (or spear), displaying heavenly authority in the north. A single movement of his hand causes all demons to be terrified, and a second movement causes the worlds as numerous as the sands of the Ganges to crack open. His eyes emit rays like lightning, darkening the daylight; his hair gathers into a deep blue, like clouds hanging down. He is outstanding and surpassing all ages, and the great earth reveres him as the supreme deity.

今妖孽未除，生靈塗地，凶聲逆氣，溢天而浮。皇帝命某領雄師權剿戳群黨，大勛未立，壯心徒奮。天王受佛敕印，廣揚通尚，能卷大地於掌中，納須彌於芥子。今此小醜，豈不能祛？伏惟降慈悲心，救眾生苦，開大神力神兵，右回左旋，翦滅賊眾，脫苦惱於刀兵之劫，發濟投於風火之輪，則某也處心歸依，實在此日。尚饗。

Now the evil spirits have not yet been eradicated, the people are suffering, and the sounds of cruelty and the rebellious energies are rising up to the heavens. The emperor has ordered me to lead the elite troops to temporarily suppress this gang of bandits. However, great achievements have not yet been made, and my aspirations remain unfulfilled. The heavenly king has received the imperial mandate and seal from the Buddha, widely propagating the lofty teachings. He can roll up the earth in his palm and contain Mount Meru within a mustard seed. Now these few villains, can they not be expelled? I earnestly beg the heavenly king to show compassion, relieve the suffering of all beings, display great power, dispatch divine troops, turning left and right, to eliminate the bandits, freeing the people from the suffering of war and weapons. Then I will wholeheartedly take refuge, precisely today. Please accept this offering.

年月日具官某，謹以牲牢（一作羊）香酒之奠祭於風伯、雨師之神：惟神箕、畢之精，陰陽之粹也，動息無間，遊潛大虛。大塊噫氣，鼓天地以發籟；飛龍在天，合雲雷而作解。茫茫禹跡，民其賴之。

On a certain year, month, and day, the official respectfully offered sacrifices (the text says "sacrifice" in one version, but "sheep" in another) and fragrant wine to worship the deities of wind and rain: the two deities are the vital energies of the mansion of the Winnowing Basket (Ji Xu) and the mansion of the Net (Bi Xu). The ancients believed that the star Ji governs wind and the star Bi governs rain. They are the essence of yin and yang energies, continuously moving and resting without interruption, wandering and moving secretly in the vast void. The earth exhales its breath, stirring the heavens and earth to produce myriad sounds; flying dragons soar in the sky, gathering clouds and thunder to transform into sweet rain that relieves drought. Vastly across the nine provinces, wherever the great Yu walked, the people relied upon these two deities.

今某出師有期，惟靈是丘，冀神陰嘉（一作佳），以贊我師旅。或則駕舟楫、濟巨川，神其施九竅之怒號；或則陟岑、厲險阻，神其減十期之滂霈。然後扇腥羶之氣，如塵揚空，抽凶奴（一作妖）之血，為波註海。大事茍濟，敢忘元貺？尚饗。

Now that I have set a definite time for my military campaign, I rely solely on the divine spirits. I hope the gods will secretly bless me and assist my troops. Sometimes I need to travel by boat across great rivers, so I beg the gods to send strong winds like the roaring of a thousand holes; sometimes I need to climb mountains and cross dangerous terrain, so I ask the gods to reduce the continuous heavy rains. Then I will drive away the foul stench of the enemy, making it scatter like dust in the air; I will drain the blood of the wicked and ruthless invaders, turning it into waves flowing into the sea. If great things are accomplished, how could I ever forget the generous gifts of the gods? Please enjoy this offering.

年月日具官某，謹以牲牢香酒之奠祭於山川當境之神：始疏山浚川，所以應天文，裂地紀，限夷夏，宣風雨，惟神者必靈，有祈者必應。蓋山川為之府，人為神之主也。禍淫福善，神其掌之。

On a certain year, month, and day, the official named so respectfully offered sacrifices and fragrant wine to worship the spirits of the mountains and rivers in this region: originally, the mountains were opened and the rivers were dredged in order to correspond with the celestial phenomena and the great principles of the earth, to distinguish between the Huaxia and the Yidi, and to announce the seasons of wind and rain. Any being that can be called a spirit must be efficacious, and any request made must be fulfilled. Because mountains and rivers are the abodes of the spirits, and humans are the subjects under their care. The spirits bestow calamity upon the wicked and blessings upon the virtuous, which is precisely within their domain.

故聖人列於典禮，國家配於群望，所冀發善者之福神，殲不善之尸骨。惟神景天地之命，為山川之靈，監我懇誠，贊我兵力，使收功於須臾，馘元惡於頃刻。尚饗。

Therefore, the sages included the worship of mountains and rivers in the rituals, and the state ranked them among the various offerings of distant worship. What they hoped for was to enable the virtuous to be protected by the deities of fortune, and to ensure that the wicked meet their demise. The spirits, obeying the commands of heaven and earth, serve as the spiritual masters of the mountains and rivers. Please examine my sincere intentions, strengthen my military strength, so that I may achieve military success in an instant and behead the chief villain in a moment. Please accept this offering.

年月日具官某，謹致祭於黃帝之神：惟神天資懿睿，首弄兵戎（一作戌），敷演三才，披攘九極，陶精頤（一作積）粹，嶷立古。雖蹈之不腆，（一作實）伊聖之有作。

On a certain year, month, and day, the official of a certain position respectfully offered a sacrifice to the spirit of the Yellow Emperor: The Yellow Emperor was naturally endowed with beauty and wisdom, and was the first to create and employ military weapons (the character '戎' is sometimes written as '戌'). He spread and elaborated on the principles of heaven, earth, and humanity, eliminating dangers at the nine extreme borders. He refined the vital energies and cultivated purity and integrity, standing majestically in the distant past. Although later people followed his methods but could not fully complete them, this was still the pioneering achievement of a sage (this sentence originally had some errors; the character '不腆' is followed by an additional '实' in some versions).

方今天人合發，夷夏稱忠，隱幽於黃屋之尊，告廟起白旄之命。惟神素章元聖，開闢往世，驅（一作馳）逐凶慝（一作逆），揄揚天功，綿歷千載（一作祀），光靈不泯。陰垂嘉，以贊我師旅，收闢土地，誅鋤鯨鯢，幽明合誠，幸享多福。尚饗。

At present, heaven and human affairs are both flourishing. The Huaxia and the Yidi all praise loyalty and righteousness. The Son of Heaven resides in his exalted position with the yellow canopy, offers sacrifices to his ancestors, and issues the white flag and the sword of command to appoint generals. The Yellow Emperor has long been renowned as the primordial sage king, opening up the ancient world, driving away wicked people, promoting the achievements of heaven, and his virtue has endured for thousands of years. May the divine spirits kindly descend their blessings to assist my military forces, recover and expand the land, eliminate and destroy the evil leaders, and bring sincere harmony between the underworld and the human world, thus enjoying abundant blessings. Please partake of this offering.

年月日具官某，謹致祭於蚩尤之神：惟神雄材（一作才）自任，命世特立，卓絕萬古，鬱為人豪。在昔（一作官）炎靈不禦，土（一作禦）德丕熾，公鄙自天之職，纂即戎之緒，足蹴九土，手掉五兵，而奮臂一呼，四溟飛水，瞑目再顧，兩曜暗色，籲氣而煙霧蒸，吹蠡（一作角）而風雨作，金虎亦病，神龍亦屠。然公之丙靈，實（一作寶）萬萬世不泯。冀垂嘉，贊衛我師，獲虜樹勛，戴答（戴一作以）神貺。尚饗。

On a certain year, month, and day, the official respectfully offered a sacrifice to the spirit of Chiyou: Chiyou took upon himself great talent, emerged in accordance with the times, stood out independently, surpassed all previous generations, and became a hero among men. At that time, the spirit of the Yellow Emperor was no longer able to govern the world, and the earth's virtue was at its height. You despised the duties bestowed by heaven, took up the cause of military campaigns, and walked across the nine provinces. With your hands wielding the five weapons—swords, spears, halberds, and arrows—you raised your arms and called out, causing the waters of the four seas to rise. By closing your eyes and looking back, the sun and moon dimmed. A single breath caused mist to rise, and a blast on the horn brought sudden storms. Even the golden tiger became weak, and the divine dragon was slain. Yet your spirit is truly eternal, never to be extinguished. Please descend and bestow your blessings, protecting and aiding our army, capturing the enemy and establishing great achievements. I will surely offer rich rewards for your favor. Please partake of this offering.

年月日具官某，謹致祭於八方之神：兩儀設象，八卦成文，中含粹氣，結為神靈。聖君則之，以奠萬民。悠悠奸醜，敢有不賓，逆天反道，罹殃道。吾今有告，神順所聞。天門地戶，人門鬼戶，震靈（一作雷）洞洞，火靈郭郭。水澤之神，聚類合鮮，沱沱大極，靈氣詵詵。掃殄凶，廓清妖氛（一作氣）。神靈之，神靈之。尚饗。

On a certain year, month, and day, the official respectfully offers sacrifices to the deities of the four directions: the Heaven and Earth established their forms, the Eight Trigrams formed the principles of culture, containing refined energy, which condensed into the spirits. The wise sovereigns took inspiration from this, using it to pacify the people. Those who do not restrain themselves, the wicked and evil, dare to refuse submission, opposing the will of Heaven and abandoning the righteous path, and thus deserve calamity. Now I have something to report, and I earnestly appeal to the spirits. The four gates, Heaven's gate, Earth's gate, Human's gate, and Ghost's gate, the Thunder deity of the Zhen trigram roars loudly (the character 'ling' is sometimes written as 'le'), the Fire deity of the Li trigram burns brightly. The deities of water and marshes gather their kind, collect bright energy, flowing vast and mighty towards the Taiji, with abundant spiritual energy. They will sweep away and destroy the wicked, clearing away the evil spirits (the character 'fen' is sometimes written as 'qi'). May the spirits grant their will, may the spirits grant their will. Please accept this offering.

年月日具官某，謹備酒牢奠祭於當境山川之神：惟神受天明命，辯位司民。禍淫福善，神之恆德。今奸醜肆暴，聚謀不軌，汙瀆我境土，虜掠我生（一作士）庶，尚未伏鎖授（一作誅報）首。豈神禍淫之道耶？

On a certain year, month, and day, the official respectfully prepared wine and sacrificial offerings, and offered a sacrifice to the spirits of the mountains and rivers in this locality: The divine spirits receive the clear mandate of Heaven, determine directions, and oversee the people. They bring calamity upon the wicked and bestow blessings upon the virtuous; this is the constant virtue of the divine spirits. Now, wicked and evil people have acted with violence, gathering together to plot rebellion, defiling my territory, and plundering my people (the text says "soldiers" in another version), and they have not yet surrendered themselves, been captured, or received their punishment (the text says "execution and report" in another version). How can this be in accordance with the divine spirits' punishment of the wicked?

俾我元戎，肅壇命將，提戈遠征，大憝未誅，元勛未輯。豈神福善之道耶？今某虔統大軍，以涉靈境，固當饗我血薦，潛勃其力，贊應天之兵，誅悖道之虜，則神正直之方是乎在。尚饗。

Therefore, the court has ordered me, as the supreme commander, to purify the altar, appoint generals, raise the spear for a distant campaign, yet the principal villains have not been eliminated and the first merit has not been achieved. How can this be in accordance with the principle of the divine blessing the virtuous? Now, I sincerely lead a great army into the territory under the divine's jurisdiction. The divine should naturally accept my blood and food offerings, secretly exert its power to assist this army that follows the heavenly will in exterminating the rebels who have strayed from the righteous path. Thus, the divine's upright character is demonstrated here. Please accept this offering.

年月日具官某，謹丘於牙旗之神：昊天有命，澤元王，純精播祉，元德勝光。蕞爾醜虜，取（一作敢）謀亂常，麈驚黔首，鼠嚙邊疆。天子命我仗鉞專徵，耀厥威武，討彼不庭。

On a certain year, month, and day, the official of a certain rank respectfully offered worship to the deity of the banner flag (the ceremony of "cǎ" is a ritual for sacrificing to the banner flag when the army goes to war): Heaven has bestowed a clear command, its grace reaching the sovereign king, spreading pure vital energy to bring blessings, and the original virtue surpassing brightness. Those petty villains dared to plot to disrupt the principles of propriety, disturbing the people like a herd of deer, and nibbling at the borders like rats. The Son of Heaven has ordered me to hold the scepter and the halberd, in charge of military campaigns, to display the glory of our army's might, and to attack those who refuse to come to court.

嘗聞天地福謙，鬼神害盈，善終其，惡殄其生。諮爾（一作示）陰，固將效靈。召太乙，呼雷公，馳白虎，走青龍，玄龜鎮後，朱雀沖前，濯蕩蛟日，掃除妖虹，兵不血刃，告厥成功。神其知之，鑒於尚饗。

It is said that heaven bestows blessings upon the humble and the gods bring calamity upon the arrogant. The virtuous may attain a peaceful end, while the wicked will meet their demise. I implore you, divine spirit, in the unseen realm, to surely manifest your power: summon Taiyi, call upon Leigong, drive away Baihu, summon Qinglong, have Xuanwu guard the rear, and have Zhuque lead the charge. Purge the harm of the dragon spirits, eliminate the strange phenomenon of the demon rainbow, and achieve victory without shedding blood. May the divine spirit be aware of all this, and with clear insight, accept this offering.

年月日具官某，謹丘於門旗之神：惟神奠兵作元，揚靈戎首，闢向方之正位，立凶器之寵規。指顧師徒，予實賴汝。今醜黨尚肆，長氛未清，是致伐鼓建牙，聲唬秉律，藉神陰，俾建殊功。誠宜磨五兵之虛，比三軍之氣，納羊犬之地，載扇華風，鎖鯨鯢之尸，盡為京觀。神其聽之，尚饗。

In the year, month, and day, the official respectfully offered a sacrifice to the gate flag deity: The deity establishes military affairs and lays the foundation, leading the army with divine power, establishing the correct direction, and setting the law for the "dangerous weapon." The command and control of all soldiers entirely depend on you. Now, evil bandits still run rampant, and long-standing evil influences have not been cleared away. Therefore, we beat the drums and raise the banner, with great prestige and strict military discipline, relying on the divine protection to achieve special merits. It is appropriate to sharpen the five weapons: sword, spear, halberd, dagger, and arrow, to unify the morale of the three armies, to subdue the foreign lands like sheep and dogs, and to spread the teachings of the Huaxia civilization; to capture the corpses of the great bandits and pile them up as a memorial mound. May the deity hear these words, and please enjoy this offering.

年月日具官某，謹丘於五方旗之神：惟神稟命昊穹，實同所識。體國經野，正位辯方。前指則摧撲兇頑，當位則表列師旅。伊靈有用，由古賴諸。我國家自奠丕基，遐宣惠正，鯨霄鰲柱，總八極以天臨；木口金鈐，震九疆而雷動。方資廣被，孰敢不賓？

On a certain year, month, and day, the official respectfully offered a sacrifice to the spirits of the five banners: The spirits receive the command of the heavens and are in harmony with the will of heaven. They plan the capital city, manage the outskirts, correct the directions, and distinguish the four directions. When the banner points forward, it can break the wicked and turbulent; when each banner is in its proper place, it marks the formation of the army. This spiritual power has great use, and since ancient times, it has relied upon it. Since our dynasty established a great foundation, spreading its grace and decrees far and wide, like a whale rising into the clouds and an eel supporting the heavenly pillar, it encompasses the farthest corners of the world as if the heavens were covering it. Holding the wooden seal and the golden key, such military credentials, it shakes the entire realm like thunder. At this time, when we widely extend our benevolent protection, who dares not submit and obey?

何羊犬之游魂，釁腥羶而背惠。鈐宗既興於嘯聚，在予載掌於車徒。戎有徵事，馘元無爽。冀神垂，陰贊六師。奮朱雀以前驅，命玄龜以後殿，青旆鼓蒼龍之氣，素旌宣白虎之威，黃龍鎮中，為我軍主。誠宜內順指顧，外威奸雄，一揮而龍塞生塵、窮虜罄覆，載鼓而狼居破膽、敗虜磨驚，掃大憝於陬隅，耀殊勛於簡牘，廓清萬里。藉神之靈，尚饗。

Why are there such creatures like sheep and dogs, emitting a foul smell and abandoning kindness? Since the leader of the bandits has gathered his followers to rise in rebellion, I shall command the chariots, horses, and infantry to march forth for the campaign. In military operations, cutting off the ears of the principal villain will never be in vain. I humbly beg the gods to bless and assist the six armies: let the Vermilion Bird lead the way, command the Black Tortoise to guard the rear, let the blue banners stir the energy of the Azure Dragon, and let the white banners proclaim the might of the White Tiger. The Yellow Dragon shall guard the center, serving as the emblem of my entire army's commander. Within, we must obey orders and coordinate our movements; outside, we must intimidate the villains. With one flag raised, the dust will rise from the Dragon City fortress, and the desperate enemies will be utterly defeated. With one drumbeat, the enemies on Wolf Mountain will be terrified and flee in panic, and the villains will be scattered to the remote corners. The great merit will be recorded in history. All of this depends on the power of the divine. Please accept this offering.

年月日，某謹丘於六纛之神：夫行殺氣者北方，表戎事者大纛。是故以黑於飾，順其位也；為君之表，嚴其令也。師徒撙節，右在於誠。宣我大用，威彼元兇。所當者皆摧，所指者皆靡。則神順成之功，斯亦至矣。尚饗。

In the year, month, and day, I, respectfully offer this sacrifice to the Six Great Standards. The north is where the solemn and destructive power is exerted, and the great standard is the symbol of military affairs. Therefore, it is adorned with black, in accordance with the position of the north; it serves as the emblem of the commander in chief, to clearly establish orders. The entire army's discipline and obedience depend crucially on the character of 'sincerity'. To proclaim the great use of our forces and to intimidate the enemy's chief villain: whatever is opposed is crushed, whatever is directed to is cleared away. Thus, the divine accomplishment of success reaches its peak. Please accept this offering.

年月日具官某，謹丘於五兵之神：天道不訁舀，助厥元王。我作五兵，以徵四方。靈星為眾，刃名大房。角星示本，弓名曲張。二宿主弩，曰遠望。熒惑主矢，曰傍徨。彼長戟名大將，賴參星而抑揚。

On a certain year, month, and day, the official named Su respectfully offered a sacrifice to the spirits of the five weapons: The heavenly way is not uncertain, it certainly supports the sovereign king. I made the five weapons to conquer the four directions. The spirit star commands the army, and the blade is called "Da Fang." The angle star indicates the foundation, and the arrow is called "Qu Zhang." The constellations Jiao and Kang oversee the crossbow, and the crossbow is called "Yuan Wang." The planet Mars oversees the arrows, and the arrow is called "Pang Wang." The long spear is called "Da Jiang," and it rises or falls according to the constellation Shen.

今則羶腥聚臭，孛彗騰光，流血如水，傷骨成岡。茍不翦滅，孰為忠良？諮爾五兵，為天大刑，大玄之垂象，方子之淳精，順我動使，以撲不庭。神靈之，尚饗。

Nowadays, foul and odorous people have gathered into a single foul mass, with wandering stars and comets rising with妖 light, blood flowing like water, and broken white bones piling up into hills. If we do not eliminate them, what are we but loyal and virtuous? Tell you of five weapons: you are the great punishment enacted by heaven, the celestial signs revealed by the great mystery, and the concentrated vital energy gathered from the four directions; obey my command and drive away those who refuse to pay homage. May the spirits grant success, and please partake of this sacrifice.

年月日具官某，謹丘於馬神：東方蒼龍，實曰天駟。考星史而立象垂休，觀大易則乾文取譬。懿伊馬之用功，為邦家之大利。何倥傯之邊陬，聚羶腥之黨類？列旗幟而星蕃，掉戈矛而蝟起，將耀武於三軍，當載揚於六轡。所賴者，穹昊儲禎，明神效祉。茍芻飲之葉宜，庶陰口之不昧。尚饗。

On a certain year, month, and day, the official respectfully offered a sacrifice to the Horse God: Among the seven stars of the Eastern Azure Dragon, there is a star named "Tian Si" (Heavenly Courser), which belongs to the House of Room. By examining historical star charts, we know that it symbolizes auspicious signs; by observing the Zhou Changes, the Qian hexagram uses the horse as a metaphor. The function of the horse is indeed admirable, being of great benefit to the state. Why do distant regions remain turbulent, gathering those foul-smelling factions? They raise their banners as numerous as the stars, and wield spears and halberds as dense as bristling hares. I intend to display my might among the three armies, relying on the warhorses controlled by the six reins to demonstrate my prowess. What I rely upon is the auspiciousness stored by Heaven and the blessings bestowed by the enlightened deities. As long as the fodder and water are properly provided, I hope that the unseen protection will not be obscured. Please partake of this offering.

年月日，某謹釁於鼓之神：三軍之威，職在鼓旗之用。靈為鬼神，塗血致誠。古之常典，以聲為度。兵之令儀，進退周旋，實在於爾。今則五兵暴露，群醜維橫（缺）。

On a certain year, month, and day, I solemnly offered animal blood on the drum and paid homage to the Drum God (the ritual of 'xìn' involves sacrificing an animal, taking its blood, and applying it to an object as part of a sacrifice): the power of the army depends entirely on the use of drums and banners. The drum relies upon spirits and deities, and the application of animal blood expresses sincerity, which has been a traditional practice since ancient times. The drum's sound serves as the standard for commands. The military orders and movements, advancing and retreating, all depend upon you. Now the five weapons have been arranged outside, and numerous villains are acting unlawfully. (The original text is incomplete from here.)

回兵，建五方旗，依色配方位。中央土位不動，故大將軍以黃旗為四旗之主，常使諸軍準望，知大將軍所在處回兵。

When the army is withdrawing, five flags should be erected, each assigned to a corresponding direction according to their colors. The center belongs to earth and remains fixed, so the general uses a yellow flag as the main flag, which serves as a reference for the other four flags. The troops should use it to determine the general's position, so they can gather accordingly.

南方有賊，大將軍舉赤旗以應之；東方有賊，舉青旗應之；西方有賊，舉白旗應之；北方有賊，則舉黑旗應之。無賊常偃之。舉旗者令諸軍知賊所來也，旗卻偃即回。

In the south, if there are bandits, the general raises a red flag to respond; in the east, a blue flag; in the west, a white flag; and in the north, a black flag. When there are no bandits, these flags are often laid down. Raising the flags is to inform the troops of the direction from which the enemy comes; when the flags are laid down, the troops immediately retreat to their camps.