1
凡天文在圖籍昭昭可知者，經星常宿中外官凡百一十八名，積數七百八十三星，皆有州國官宮物類之象。 其伏見蚤晚，邪正存亡，虛實闊骥，及五星所行，合散犯守，陵歷鬥食，彗孛飛流，日月薄食，暈適背穴，抱珥鸶蜺，迅雷風祅，怪雲變氣：此皆陰陽之精，其本在地，而上發于天者也。 政失於此，則變見於彼，猶景之象形，鄉之應聲。 是以明君睹之而寤，飭身正事，思其咎謝，則禍除而福至，自然之符也。
As for celestial patterns that can be clearly known from charts and records: fixed stars and regular lodges, inner and outer offices, number 118 names in all, totaling 783 stars, all corresponding to provinces, states, officials, palaces, and categories of things. Their hidden and visible phases, early and late rising, obliquity and correctness, survival and extinction, fullness and emptiness, broad and narrow spacing; and the motions of the Five Planets - conjunction, dispersion, encroachment, stationing, overstepping, crossing, eclipse; comets and broom stars, meteoric streams; sun and moon occultations; halos, crowns, backs, cavities, embraces, ear-like rays, rainbows; thunderbolts, demon-winds, strange clouds, and changing vapors - all are essences of yin and yang, rooted on earth and manifesting above in heaven. When governance fails here, anomalies appear there, like a shadow reflecting form or an echo answering sound. Therefore enlightened rulers, seeing these, awaken, discipline themselves and correct affairs, reflect on faults and make amends; then disaster is removed and blessing arrives - this is nature's own sign.
2
中宮天極星，其一明者，泰一之常居也，旁三星三公，或曰子屬。 後句四星，末大星正妃，餘三星後官之屬也。 環之匡衛十二星，藩臣。 皆曰紫宮。
In the central palace, the Celestial Pole star: its one bright star is Taiyi's constant abode; nearby three stars are the Three Excellencies, or, some say, royal sons. Behind, in a four-star hook, the terminal great star is the principal consort; the other three belong to consorts and harem offices. Around them are twelve guarding stars, the frontier ministers. All are called the Purple Palace.
3
前列直斗口三星，隨北耑銳，若見若不見，曰陰德，或曰天一。 紫宮左三星曰天槍，右四星曰天棓。 後十七星絕漢抵營室，曰閣道。
Before it, lined straight at the Dipper mouth, are three stars tapering northward, sometimes seen, sometimes unseen, called Yin Virtue, or, some say, Heavenly One. Three stars to the left of the Purple Palace are called Heavenly Spear; four to the right are called Heavenly Baton. Behind them, seventeen stars crossing the Milky River to Ying chamber are called Pavilion Road.
4
北斗七星，所謂「旋、璣、玉衡以齊七政」。 杓攜龍角，衡殷南斗，魁枕參首。 用昏建者杓； 杓，自華以西南。 夜半建者衡； 衡，殷中州河、濟之間。 平旦建者魁； 魁，海岱以東北也。 斗為帝車，運于中央，臨制四海。 分陰陽，建四時，均五行，移節度，定緒紀，皆繫於斗。
The Northern Dipper's seven stars are what is meant by "the rotating pivot, armillary, and jade balance by which the seven regulations are aligned." Its handle draws the Dragon Horn; its balance meets the Southern Dipper; its bowl rests by Orion's head. What is established at dusk is the handle. The handle points to southwest from Hua westward. What is established at midnight is the balance. The balance points to the central plains between the Yellow and Ji rivers. What is established at dawn is the bowl. The bowl points to the northeast beyond sea and Tai. The Dipper is the emperor's chariot, revolving at the center and overlooking and commanding the four seas. Dividing yin and yang, establishing four seasons, balancing five phases, shifting seasonal measures, and fixing chronology - all are tied to the Dipper.
5
斗魁戴筐六星，曰文昌宮：一曰上將，二曰次將，三曰貴相，四曰司命，五曰司祿，六曰司災。 在魁中，貴人之牢。 魁下六星兩兩而比者，曰三能。 三能色齊，君臣和； 不齊，為乖戾。 柄輔星，明近，輔臣親彊； 斥小，疏弱。
On the Dipper bowl, six stars like a basket are called the Wenchang palace: first Upper General, second Next General, third Noble Chancellor, fourth Controller of Fate, fifth Controller of Emoluments, sixth Controller of Calamities. Within the bowl is the enclosure of nobles. Below the bowl, six stars paired two by two are called Three Capacities. If the Three Capacities are uniform in color, ruler and ministers are harmonious. If not uniform, there is estrangement and disorder. If the handle's auxiliary star is bright and near, supporting ministers are intimate and strong. If faint and small, they are distant and weak.
6
杓端有兩星：一內為矛，招搖； 一外為盾，天蜂。 有句圜十五星，屬杓，曰賤人之牢。 牢中星實則囚多，虛則開出。
At the handle tip are two stars: inner one is Spear, called Zhaoyao. The outer one is Shield, called Heavenly Bee. There is a hooked circle of fifteen stars attached to the handle, called the enclosure of lowly people. If stars in the enclosure are full, there are many prisoners; if sparse, prisons open and release.
7
天一、槍、棓、矛、盾動搖，角大，兵起。
If Heavenly One, Spear, Baton, Spear-tip, or Shield shake or swell at the horns, warfare rises.
8
東宮蒼龍，房、心。 心為明堂，大星天王，前後星子屬。 不欲直； 直，王失計。 房為天府，曰天駟。 其陰，右驂。 旁有兩星曰衿。 衿北一星曰鳜。 東北曲十二星曰旗。 旗中四星曰天市。 天市中星眾者實，其中虛則耗。 房南眾星曰騎官。
Eastern Palace Azure Dragon: Fang and Xin. Xin is the Bright Hall; its great star is the Heavenly King, with front and rear stars as royal offspring. It should not be aligned straight. If straight, the king miscalculates. Fang is Heavenly Treasury, also called Heavenly Team of Four. Its yin side is the right trace horse. Beside it are two stars called Collar. North of Collar one star is called Gui. To the northeast, a bent set of twelve stars is called Banner. Within the Banner, four stars are Heavenly Market. If stars in Heavenly Market are numerous, it is full; if empty, there is depletion. South of Fang are many stars called Cavalry Office.
9
左角，理； 右角，將。 大角者，天王帝坐廷。 其兩旁各有三星，鼎足句之，曰攝提。 攝提者，直斗杓所指，以建時節，故曰「
Left Horn signifies governance. Right Horn signifies military command. The Great Horn is the Heavenly King's imperial court seat. On both sides are three stars each, hooked like tripod legs, called Sheti. Sheti aligns with where the Dipper handle points to establish seasonal terms, therefore called
10
攝提格」。 亢為宗廟，主疾。 其南北兩大星，曰南門。 氐為天根，主疫。 尾為九子，曰君臣； 斥絕，不和。 箕為敖客，后妃之府，曰口舌。 火犯守角，則有戟。 房、心，王者惡之。
Sheti-ge. Kang is the ancestral temple and governs illness. Its two great stars to south and north are called Southern Gate. Di is Heavenly Root and governs epidemics. Wei is the nine sons, called ruler and ministers. If severed or broken off, there is discord. Ji is the arrogant guest, treasury of empress and consorts, called mouth-and-tongue. If Mars encroaches and stations at Horn, there are halberds, i.e. war. Fang and Xin are ominous for rulers.
11
南宮朱鳥，權、衡。 衡、太微，三光之廷。 筐衛十二星，藩臣：西，將； 東，相； 南四星，執法； 中，端門； 左右，掖門。 掖門內六星，諸侯。 其內五星，五帝坐。 後聚十五星，曰哀烏郎位； 旁一大星，將位也。 月、五星順入，軌道，司其出，所守，天子所誅也。 其逆入，若不軌道，以所犯名之； 中坐，成形，皆群下不從謀也。 金、火尤甚。 廷藩西有隨星四，名曰少微，士大夫。 權，軒轅，黃龍體。 前大星，女主象； 旁小星，御者後宮屬。 月、五星守犯者，如衡占。
Southern Palace Vermilion Bird: Balance-beam and scale. Balance and Taiwei are the court of the Three Luminaries. Twelve guarding stars form the court-fence: west are generals, east are chancellors, four southern stars are law enforcers, center is Main Gate, left and right are side gates. Within side gates are six stars: the feudal lords. Inside them are five stars: seats of the Five Thearchs. Behind is a cluster of fifteen stars called Ailang positions; beside them one great star is the general's seat. If moon and five planets enter in proper order along the track, governing their emergence and station, it signifies those the Son of Heaven will punish. If they enter against order or off the track, the omen is named by what they violate. If they strike the central seats and form patterns, it means subordinates are not following plans. This is especially severe with Venus and Mars. West of the court-fence are four attendant stars called Shaowei, representing scholar-officials. Balance belongs to Xuanyuan, body of the Yellow Dragon. Its front great star symbolizes the female ruler. Nearby small stars are imperial attendants and harem affiliates. Moon and five planets in guarding or encroaching are interpreted as with the Balance.
12
東井為水事。 火入之，一星居其左右，天子且以火為敗。 東井西曲星曰戉； 北，北河； 南，南河； 兩河、天闕間為關梁。 輿鬼，鬼祠事； 中白者為質。 火守南北河，兵起，穀不登。 故德成衡，觀成潢，傷成戉，禍成井，誅成質。
Eastern Well governs water affairs. If Mars enters it and one star stays to either side, the Son of Heaven will soon be defeated by fire. The west-curving star of Eastern Well is called Axe. To the north is Northern River. To the south is Southern River. Between the two rivers and Heavenly Gate is passes and bridges. Carriage Ghosts govern ghost-sacrifice matters. Its central white star is called Hostage. If Mars stations at Southern or Northern River, war rises and grain fails. Thus virtue is completed at Balance, observation at Moat, injury at Axe, disaster at Well, and punishment at Hostage.
13
柳為鳥喙，主木草。 七星，頸，為員宮，主急事。 張，嗉，為廚，主觴客。 翼為羽翮，主遠客。
Liu is the bird's beak and governs trees and grasses. Qixing is the neck, the circular palace, governing urgent affairs. Zhang is the crop, functioning as kitchen, governing banquets and guests. Yi is the wings and governs distant guests.
14
軫為車，主風。 其旁有一小星，曰長沙，星星不欲明； 明與四星等，若五星入軫中，兵大起。 軫南眾星曰天庫，庫有五車。 車星角，若益眾，及不具，亡處車馬。
Zhen is the chariot and governs wind. Beside it is one small star called Changsha; this star should not be bright. If bright equal to the four stars, or if five planets enter Zhen, great war rises. South of Zhen, many stars are Heavenly Storehouse, and in the storehouse are five chariots. If the chariot stars are angular, or increase excessively, or are incomplete, there will be nowhere for chariots and horses.
15
西宮咸池，曰天五潢。 五潢，五帝車舍。 火入，旱； 金，兵； 水，水。 中有三柱； 柱不具，兵起。
Western Palace Xianchi is called Heavenly Five Moats. The Five Moats are carriage houses of the Five Thearchs. If Mars enters, drought. If Venus enters, war. If Mercury enters, flood. Within are three pillar stars. If the pillars are incomplete, war rises.
16
奎曰封豨，為溝瀆。 婁為聚眾。 胃為天倉。 其南眾星曰廥積。
Kui is called Sealed Boar and signifies channels and ditches. Lou signifies gathering the masses. Wei is Heavenly Granary. Its many southern stars are called storehouses.
17
昴曰旄頭，胡星也，為白衣會。 畢曰罕車，為邊兵，主弋獵。 其大星旁小星為附耳。 附耳搖動，有讒亂臣在側。 昴、畢間為天街。 其陰，陰國； 陽，陽國。
Mao is called Banner-Head, a Hu star, and signifies assemblies in white clothing. Bi is called Hunting Chariot, signifying frontier troops and governing hunting and archery. Small stars beside its great star are Attached Ears. If Attached Ears shake, slanderous and disorderly ministers are at the ruler's side. Between Mao and Bi is Heavenly Street. Its shaded side is yin states. Its lit side is yang states.
18
參為白虎。 三星直者，是為衡石。 下有三星，銳，曰罰，為斬艾事。 其外四星，左右肩股也。 小三星隅置，曰觜觿，為虎首，主葆旅事。 其南有四星，曰天廁。 天廁下一星，曰天矢。 矢黃則吉； 青、白、黑，凶。 其西有句曲九星，三處羅列：一曰天旗，二曰天苑，三曰九斿。 其東有大星曰狼，狼角變色，多盜賊。 下有四星曰弧，直狼。 比地有大星，曰南極老人。 老人見，治安； 不見，兵起。 常以秋分時候之南郊。
Shen is the White Tiger. Its three straight stars are called Weighing Stone. Below are three sharp stars called Punishment, governing beheading and execution. Its outer four stars are left and right shoulders and thighs. A small set of three stars set at an angle is called Beak-and-Talon, the tiger's head, governing military encampment affairs. To its south are four stars called Heavenly Latrine. Below Heavenly Latrine one star is called Heavenly Arrow. If Arrow is yellow, auspicious. If blue, white, or black, inauspicious. To its west is a hooked curve of nine stars in three rows: first Heavenly Banner, second Heavenly Park, third Nine Streamers. To its east is a great star called Wolf; if Wolf's horns change color, there are many bandits. Below are four stars called Bow, aligned with Wolf. Near the horizon is a great star called Southern Pole Elder. If Elder appears, governance is stable. If not, war rises. It is normally watched at southern suburb around autumnal equinox.
19
北宮玄武，虛、危。 危為蓋屋； 虛為哭泣之事。 其南有眾星，曰羽林天軍。 軍西為壘，或曰戉。 旁一大星，北落。 北落若微亡，軍星動角益稀，及五星犯北落，入軍，軍起。 火、金、水尤甚。 火入，軍憂； 水，水患； 木、土，軍吉。 危東六星，兩兩而比，曰司寇。
Northern Palace Black Tortoise: Xu and Wei. Wei is roof-covering house. Xu governs weeping and mourning affairs. To its south are many stars called Feathered Forest Heavenly Army. West of the army is Rampart, or, some say, Axe. Beside it one great star: Northern Fall. If Northern Fall is faint or absent, and army stars shift, horn, or thin out, and if five planets encroach Northern Fall and enter Army, war rises. This is especially severe with Mars, Venus, and Mercury. If Mars enters, army has anxiety. If Mercury enters, there is flood calamity. If Jupiter or Saturn enters, army is favorable. East of Wei are six stars in pairs called Minister of Justice.
20
營室為清廟，曰離宮、閣道。 漢中四星，曰天駟。 旁一星，曰王梁。 王梁策馬，車騎滿野。 旁有八星，絕漢，曰天橫。 天橫旁，江星。 江星動，以人涉水。
Yingshi is the clear temple, also called separated palace and pavilion road. In the Milky River, four stars are called Heavenly Team of Four. Beside them one star is called Wangliang. When Wangliang drives the horses, chariots and cavalry fill the fields. Beside are eight stars crossing the Milky River, called Heavenly Crossbar. Beside Heavenly Crossbar is River Star. If River Star moves, people ford waters.
21
杵、臼四星，在危南。 匏瓜，有青黑星守之，魚鹽貴。
Pestle and Mortar, four stars, are south of Wei. Bottle Gourd: if guarded by blue-black star, fish and salt become expensive.
22
南斗為廟，其北建星。 建星者，旗也。 牽牛為犧牲，其北河鼓。 河鼓大星，上將； 左，左將； 右，右將。 婺女，其北織女。 織女，天女孫也。
Southern Dipper is the temple; to its north is Jian star. Jian star is the banner. Altair is sacrificial cattle; to its north is River Drum. The great River Drum star is Upper General. Left is Left General. Right is Right General. Wu Maiden, and north of it Weaving Maiden. Weaving Maiden is Heaven's granddaughter.
23
歲星曰東方春木，於人五常仁也，五事貌也。 仁虧貌失，逆春令，傷木氣，罰見歲星。 歲星所在，國不可伐，可以伐人。 超舍而前為贏，退舍為縮。 贏，其國有兵不復； 縮，其國有憂，其將死，國傾敗。 所去，失地； 所之，得地。 一曰，當居不居，國亡； 所之，國昌； 已居之，又東西去之，國凶，不可舉事用兵。 安靜中度，吉。 出入不當其次，必有天祅見其舍也。
Jupiter is eastern spring wood; in humans it is the constant of benevolence and the affair of appearance. If benevolence declines and appearance is lost, spring ordinances are violated, wood qi is harmed, and punishment appears through Jupiter. Where Jupiter is, that state cannot be attacked, but may attack others. Skipping a lodge forward is called advance; retreating a lodge is called contraction. On advance, that state has troops that do not return. On contraction, that state has anxiety; its general dies, and state inclines to defeat. Where it departs, land is lost. Where it goes, land is gained. One saying: if it fails to stay where it should stay, state perishes. Where it goes, state prospers. If after staying it again moves east or west away, the state is inauspicious and must not undertake affairs or use troops. If calm and centered in proper measure, auspicious. If entering and leaving out of proper sequence, heavenly anomaly must appear in its lodge.
24
歲星贏而東南，石氏「見彗星」，甘氏「不出三月乃生彗，本類星，末類彗，長二丈」。 贏東北，石氏「見覺星」，甘氏「不出三月乃生天棓，本類星，末銳，長四尺」。 縮西南，石氏「
If Jupiter advances to southeast, Shi school says "a comet appears"; Gan school says "within three months Heavenly Broom is born, root like a star and tail like a broom, two zhang long." If it advances northeast, Shi says "a Jue star appears"; Gan says "within three months Heavenly Baton is born, root like a star and sharp tail, four chi long." If it contracts southwest, Shi says
25
見欃雲，如牛」，甘氏「不出三月乃生天槍，左右銳，長數丈」。 縮西北，石氏「見槍雲，如馬」，甘氏「不出三月乃生天欃，本類星，末銳，長數丈」。 石氏「槍、欃、棓、彗異狀，其殃一也，必有破國亂君，伏死其辜，餘殃不盡，為旱、凶、飢、暴疾」。 至日行一尺，出二十餘日乃入，甘氏「其國凶，不可舉事用兵」。 出而易，「所當之國，是受其殃」。 又曰「祅星，不出三年，其下有軍，及失地，若國君喪」。
"a can cloud appears, like an ox"; Gan says "within three months Heavenly Spear is born, sharp on both sides, several zhang long." If it contracts northwest, Shi says "a spear cloud appears, like a horse"; Gan says "within three months Heavenly Can is born, root like a star and sharp tail, several zhang long." Shi says: "Spear, Can, Baton, and Broom differ in form but their calamity is one: state-breaking and ruler-disordering, hidden deaths for crimes; remaining disaster not exhausted becomes drought, famine, hunger, and sudden disease." When it reaches one chi per day and only enters after more than twenty days, Gan says: "that state is inauspicious and must not undertake affairs or use troops." If it emerges and changes, "the state it points to receives that calamity." Also: "If anomalous star does not emerge for three years, below it there will be armies, territorial loss, or ruler's death."
26
熒惑曰南方夏火，禮也，視也。 禮虧視失，逆夏令，傷火氣，罰見熒惑。 逆行一舍二舍為不祥，居之三月國有殃，五月受兵，七月國半亡地，九月地太半亡。 因與俱出入，國絕祀。 熒惑為亂為
Mars is southern summer fire; ritual and sight. If ritual declines and sight fails, summer ordinances are violated, fire qi is harmed, and punishment appears through Mars. Retrograde one or two lodges is inauspicious; if it dwells three months the state suffers, at five months it receives warfare, at seven months the state loses half its land, at nine months more than half. If it enters and exits together with another body, the state cuts off its sacrifices. Mars signifies disorder and
27
成，為疾為喪，為飢為兵，所居之宿國受殃。 殃還至者，雖大當小； 居之久殃乃至者，當小反大。 已去復還居之，若居之而角者，若動者，繞環之，及乍前乍後，乍左乍右，殃愈甚。 一曰，熒惑出則有大兵，入則兵散。 周還止息，乃為其死喪。 寇亂在其野者亡地，以戰不勝。 東行疾則兵聚于東方，西行疾則兵聚于西方； 其南為丈夫喪，北為女子喪。 熒惑，天子理也，故曰雖有明天子，必視熒惑所在。
completion, disease and mourning, hunger and war; the state of the lodge where it dwells suffers calamity. If calamity returns immediately, though great it should be read as small. If it dwells long and calamity arrives later, what seems small reverses into great. If after leaving it returns and dwells again, or while dwelling it horns, or moves, or circles around, or suddenly goes forward and back, left and right, the calamity is ever more severe. One saying: when Mars emerges, there are great armies; when it enters, armies disperse. Only when it completes a circuit and comes to rest do deaths and mourning occur. Where invasion and disorder are in its field, land is lost and war is not won. If it moves east swiftly, armies gather in the east; if it moves west swiftly, armies gather in the west. To its south means mourning of men; to its north mourning of women. Mars is the Son of Heaven's principle of governance; therefore it is said: even with an enlightened Son of Heaven, Mars's position must be watched.
28
太白曰西方秋金，義也，言也。 義虧言失，逆秋令，傷金氣，罰見太白。 日方南太白居其南，日方北太白居其北，為贏，侯王不寧，用兵進吉退凶。 日方南太白居其北，日方北太白居其南，為縮，侯王有憂，用兵退吉進凶。 當出不出，當入不入，為失舍，不有破軍，必有死王之墓，有亡國。 一曰，天下匽兵，野有兵者，所當之國大凶。 當出不出，未當入而入，天下匽兵，兵在外，入。 未當出而出，當入而不入，天下起兵，有至破國。 未當出而出，未當入而入，天下舉兵，所當之國亡。 當期而出，其國昌。 出東為東方，入為北方； 出西為西方，入為南方。 所居久，其國利； 易，其鄉凶。 入七日復出，將軍戰死。 入十日復出，相死之。 入又復出，人君惡之。 已出三日而復微入，三日乃復盛出，是為耎而伏，其下國有軍，其眾敗將北。 已入三日，又復微出，三日乃復盛入，其下國有憂，帥師雖眾，敵食其糧，用其兵，虜其帥。 出西方，失其行，夷狄敗； 出東方，失其行，中國敗。 一曰，出蚤為月食，晚為天祅及彗星，將發於亡道之國。
Venus is western autumn metal; righteousness and speech. If righteousness declines and speech fails, autumn ordinances are violated, metal qi is harmed, and punishment appears through Venus. If the sun is south and Venus is south of it, or the sun is north and Venus north of it, this is advance: feudal rulers are unsettled; in warfare, advancing is auspicious and retreating inauspicious. If the sun is south and Venus north of it, or the sun is north and Venus south of it, this is contraction: feudal rulers have anxiety; in warfare, retreat is auspicious and advance inauspicious. If it should emerge but does not, or should enter but does not, this is losing its lodge; if there is no shattered army, there will be tombs of dead kings and ruined states. One saying: under heaven armies are halted; if there are field armies, the state it points to is greatly inauspicious. If it should emerge but does not, and enters before it should, armies under heaven are halted; troops in the field return inward. If it emerges before it should, and when it should enter it does not, armies rise under heaven, and some states are broken. If it emerges before due and enters before due, armies are raised under heaven; the state it points to perishes. If it emerges on schedule, that state prospers. Emerging east corresponds to east; entering corresponds to north. Emerging west corresponds to west; entering corresponds to south. If it dwells long, that state benefits. If it shifts, its region is inauspicious. If it enters and re-emerges within seven days, the general dies in battle. If it enters and re-emerges within ten days, the chancellor dies. If it enters and again re-emerges, rulers abhor it. If after emergence, by day three it faintly re-enters, and by another three days re-emerges bright, this is called soft-and-submerged: in the state below there is war, its forces are defeated and its generals routed. If after entry, by day three it faintly re-emerges, and by another three days enters brightly again, in the state below there is anxiety; even with many troops, enemies eat its grain, use its troops, and capture its commander. If it emerges in west and loses its path, the barbarians are defeated. If it emerges in east and loses its path, the central states are defeated. One saying: early emergence means lunar eclipse; late means heavenly anomaly and comet, soon to arise in a state that has lost the Way.
29
太白出而留桑榆間，病其下國。 上而疾，未盡期日過參天，病其對國。 太白經天，天下革，民更王，是為亂紀，人民流亡。 晝見與日爭明，彊國弱，小國彊，女主昌。
If Venus emerges and lingers between mulberry and elm stars, the state below suffers illness. If it rises and moves swiftly, before due term passes beyond Shen culmination, the opposing state suffers illness. If Venus crosses the sky, the realm changes regime; people replace kings. This is disorder of chronology, with people displaced and scattered. If seen by day competing in brightness with the sun, strong states weaken, small states strengthen, and female rule prospers.
30
太白，兵象也。 出而高，用兵深吉淺凶； 埤，淺吉深凶。 行疾，用兵疾吉遲凶； 行遲，用兵遲吉疾凶。 角，敢戰吉，不敢戰凶； 擊角所指吉，逆之凶。 進退左右，用兵進退左右吉，靜凶。 圜以靜，用兵靜吉趮凶。 出則兵出，入則兵入。 象太白吉，反之凶。 赤角，戰。
Venus is the emblem of war. If it emerges high, deep offensives are auspicious and shallow ones inauspicious. If low, shallow offensives are auspicious and deep ones inauspicious. If it moves fast, rapid operations are auspicious and slow ones inauspicious. If it moves slowly, slow operations are auspicious and rapid ones inauspicious. If it horns, daring battle is auspicious and avoiding battle inauspicious. Striking where its horns point is auspicious; opposing that direction is inauspicious. If it advances, retreats, shifts left or right, matching those maneuvers in war is auspicious; staying still is inauspicious. If it is round and still, stillness in war is auspicious and haste inauspicious. When it emerges, troops go out; when it enters, troops come in. To imitate Venus is auspicious; to reverse it is inauspicious. If its horns are red, there is battle.
31
太白者，猶軍也，而熒惑，憂也。 故熒惑從太白，軍憂； 離之，軍舒。 出太白之陰，有分軍； 出其陽，有偏將之戰。 當其行，太白還之，破軍殺將。
Venus is like an army, while Mars is anxiety. Therefore when Mars follows Venus, the army is anxious. When it separates from Venus, the army relaxes. If it emerges on Venus's shaded side, armies divide. If it emerges on Venus's lit side, there is battle by detached commanders. When on its path Venus turns back against it, armies are broken and generals killed.
32
辰星，殺伐之氣，戰鬥之象也。 與太白俱出東方，皆赤而角，夷狄敗，中國勝； 與太白俱出西方，皆赤而角，中國敗，夷狄勝。
Mercury is the qi of killing and cutting, emblem of combat. If it and Venus both emerge in east, both red and horned, barbarians lose and central states win. If both emerge in west, both red and horned, central states lose and barbarians win.
33
五星分天之中，積于東方，中國大利； 積于西方，夷狄用兵者利。
If five planets divide the middle sky and cluster in east, central states have great advantage. If clustered in west, those using arms among barbarians gain advantage.
34
辰星不出，太白為客； 辰星出，太白為主人。 辰星與太白不相從，雖有軍不戰。 辰星出東方，太白出西方。 若辰星出西方，太白出東方，為格，野雖有兵，不戰。 辰星入太白中，五日乃出，及入而上出，破軍殺將，客勝； 下出，客亡地。 辰星來抵，太白不去，將死。 正其上出，破軍殺將，客勝； 下出，客亡地。 視其所指，以名破軍。 辰星繞環太白，若鬥，大戰，客勝，主人吏死。 辰星過太白，間可椷劍，小戰，客勝； 居太白前旬三日，軍罷； 出太白左，小戰； 歷太白右，數萬人戰，主人吏死； 出太白右，去三尺，軍急約戰。
If Mercury does not emerge, Venus is guest. If Mercury emerges, Venus is host. If Mercury and Venus do not move together, even with armies there is no battle. If Mercury emerges east and Venus west. Or if Mercury emerges west and Venus east, this is obstruction: though armies are in the field, no battle occurs. If Mercury enters within Venus and emerges after five days, or enters and emerges above, armies are broken and generals killed; the guest side wins. If it emerges below, guest loses territory. If Mercury comes up against Venus and Venus does not withdraw, the general dies. If it emerges directly above, armies are broken, generals killed, and guest wins. If it emerges below, guest loses territory. Judge by where it points to name the army break. If Mercury circles Venus as if fighting, there is great battle, guest wins, and host officials die. If Mercury passes Venus at a gap no wider than a sheathed sword, there is small battle and guest wins. If it stays before Venus for ten days and three, armies withdraw. If it emerges left of Venus, small battle. If it passes Venus's right, tens of thousands fight and host officials die. If it emerges right of Venus and departs by three chi, armies urgently agree to battle.
35
凡太白所出所直之辰，其國為得位，得位者戰勝。 所直之辰順其色而角者勝，其色害者敗。 太白白比狼，赤比心，黃比參右肩，青比參左肩，黑比奎大星。 色勝位，行勝色，行得盡勝之。
In general, on the day-stem aligned with where Venus emerges or points, that state obtains position; the side with position wins battle. If the day-stem Venus points to accords in color and horns, it wins; if color is harmed, it loses. Venus white corresponds to Wolf; red to Heart; yellow to Shen's right shoulder; blue to Shen's left shoulder; black to Kui's great star. Color overcomes position, movement overcomes color, and if movement gains full advantage it overcomes all.
36
辰星曰北方冬水，知也，聽也。 知虧聽失，逆冬令，傷水氣，罰見辰星。 出蚤為月食，晚為彗星及天祅。 一時不出，其時不和； 四時不出，天下大饑。 失其時而出，為當寒反溫，當溫反寒。 當出不出，是謂擊卒，兵大起。 與它星遇而鬥，天下大亂。 出於房、心間，地動。
Mercury is northern winter water: knowledge and hearing. If knowledge declines and hearing fails, winter ordinances are violated, water qi harmed, and punishment appears through Mercury. If it emerges early, lunar eclipse; if late, comet and heavenly anomaly. If in one season it does not emerge, that season is disharmonious. If in all four seasons it does not emerge, the world suffers great famine. If it emerges out of season, when cold should prevail it turns warm, when warm should prevail it turns cold. If it should emerge but does not, this is called striking the ranks; great armies arise. If it meets and fights other stars, there is great disorder under heaven. If it emerges between Fang and Xin, there is earthquake.
37
填星曰中央季夏土，信也，思心也。 仁義禮智以信為主，貌言視聽以心為正，故四星皆失，填星乃為之動。 填星所居，國吉。 未當居而居之，若已去而復還居之，國得土，不乃得女子。 當居不居，既已居之，又東西去之，國失土，不乃失女，不，有土事若女之憂。 居宿久，國福厚； 易，福薄。 當居不居，為失填，其下國可伐； 得者，不可伐。 其贏，為王不寧； 縮，有軍不復。 一曰，既已居之又東西去之，其國凶，不可舉事用兵。 失次而上一舍三舍，有王命不成，不乃大水； 失次而下二舍，有后慼，其歲不復，不乃天裂若地動。
Saturn is central late-summer earth: trustworthiness and thought-heart. Among benevolence, righteousness, ritual, and wisdom, trust is the master; among appearance, speech, sight, and hearing, heart-mind is the standard; therefore when four stars all fail, Saturn moves in response. Where Saturn resides, that state is auspicious. If it resides where it should not, or after leaving returns to reside, the state gains land, and may also gain women. If it should reside but does not, or after residing then departs east or west, the state loses land, and may lose women, or have land disputes or women's worries. If it stays long in one lodge, that state's blessings are deep. If it shifts, blessings are thin. If it should reside but does not, this is loss of Saturn; states below may be attacked. Those that have position may not be attacked. Its advance means the king is unsettled. Its contraction means armies do not return. One saying: if after residing it departs east or west, that state is inauspicious and must not undertake affairs or use troops. If it misses sequence and rises one to three lodges, royal commands fail, or there is great flood. If it misses sequence and drops two lodges, there is distress among consorts; that year things do not recover, or there is sky-rift or earthquake.
38
凡五星，歲與填合則為內亂，與辰合則為變謀而更事，與熒惑合則為飢，為旱，與太白合則為白衣之會，為水。 太白在南，歲在北，名曰牡牡，年穀大孰。 太白在北，歲在南，年或有或亡。 熒惑與太白合則為喪，不可舉事用兵； 與填合則為憂，主孽卿； 與辰合則為北軍，用兵舉事大敗。 填與辰合則將有覆軍下師； 與太白合則為疾，為內兵。 辰與太白合則為變謀，為兵憂。 凡歲、熒惑、填、太白四星與辰鬥，皆為戰，兵不在外，皆為內亂。 一曰，火與水合為淬，與金合為鑠，不可舉事用兵。 土與金合國亡地，與木合則國饑，與水合為雍沮，不可舉事用兵。 木與金合鬥，國有內亂。 同舍為合，相陵為鬥。 二星相近者其殃大，二星相遠者殃無傷也，從七寸以內必之。
In general for five planets: if Jupiter and Saturn join there is internal disorder; if Jupiter and Mercury join there are plots and policy changes; if Jupiter and Mars join there is famine and drought; if Jupiter and Venus join there are assemblies in white clothing and floods. If Venus is south and Jupiter north, this is called mu-mu; the year's grain greatly ripens. If Venus north and Jupiter south, the year may have harvest or may fail. If Mars joins Venus, there is mourning, and no affairs or military action should be undertaken. If it joins Saturn, there is anxiety, chiefly among high ministers. If it joins Mercury, there is northern-army omen, and military enterprises suffer great defeat. If Saturn joins Mercury, there will be overturned armies and lost divisions. If it joins Venus, there is sickness and internal warfare. If Mercury joins Venus, there are plot changes and military anxiety. In general, when Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and Venus each contend with Mercury, all signify war; if troops are not abroad, all signify internal disorder. One saying: when Mars joins Mercury it is quenching; when Mars joins Venus it is melting - no affairs or military action should be undertaken. When Saturn joins Venus, states lose territory; when it joins Jupiter, states suffer famine; when it joins Mercury, there is blockage and stagnation - no affairs or military action should be undertaken. When Jupiter joins Venus in contention, the state has internal disorder. Sharing one lodge is called conjunction; mutually overstepping is called contention. If two planets are close, the calamity is great; if far apart, harm is slight. Within seven cun, it certainly manifests.
39
凡月食五星，其國必亡：歲以飢，熒惑以亂，填以殺，太白彊國以戰，辰以女亂。 月食大角，王者惡之。
Whenever moon eclipses one of five planets, that state must perish: Jupiter means famine, Mars disorder, Saturn killing, Venus means strong states making war, Mercury means disorder through women. If the moon eclipses Great Horn, rulers should dread it.
40
凡五星所聚宿，其國王天下：從歲以義，從熒惑以禮，從填以重，從太白以兵，從辰以法。 以法者，以法致天下也。 三星若合，是謂驚立絕行，其國外內有兵與喪，民人乏飢，改立王公。 四星若合，是謂大湯，其國兵喪並起，君子憂，小人流。 五星若合，是謂易行：有德受慶，改立王者，掩有四方，子孫蕃昌； 亡德受罰，離其國家，滅其宗廟，百姓離去，被滿四方。 五星皆大，其事亦大； 皆小，其事亦小也。
Whenever five planets cluster in one lodge, that state's ruler will rule all under Heaven: following Jupiter by righteousness, Mars by ritual, Saturn by gravity, Venus by military force, Mercury by law. By law means winning all under Heaven through law. If three stars seem conjoined, this is called startled stand and broken movement: inside and outside that state there are armies and mourning, people are hungry and destitute, and kings or nobles are replaced. If four stars seem conjoined, this is called great boiling: warfare and mourning arise together in that state; gentlemen are anxious and commoners drift away. If five stars conjoin, this is called changed movement: one with virtue receives blessing, a new ruler is established, and the four quarters are brought under cover, with descendants flourishing. One without virtue receives punishment, is separated from his state and house, has ancestral temples destroyed, and people scatter to the four directions. If all five stars are large, the matter is large. If all are small, the matter is small.
41
凡五星色：皆圜，白為喪為旱，赤中不平為兵，青為憂為水，黑為疾為多死，黃吉； 皆角，赤犯我城，黃地之爭，白哭泣之聲，青有兵憂，黑水。 五星同色，天下匽兵，百姓安寧，歌舞以行，不見災疾，五穀蕃昌。
In general, five-star colors: all round - white means mourning and drought; red with uneven center means war; blue means anxiety and flood; black means illness and many deaths; yellow is auspicious. If all are horned: red means attack on our city, yellow means land disputes, white means sounds of weeping, blue means military anxiety, black means flood. If the five stars share one color, armies under heaven cease, people are peaceful, song and dance proceed, no disasters or epidemics appear, and the five grains flourish.
42
凡五星，歲，緩則不行，急則過分，逆則占。 熒惑，緩則不出，急則不入，違道則占。 填，緩則不建，急則過舍，逆則占。 太白，緩則不出，急則不入，逆則占。 辰，緩則不出，急則不入，非時則占。 五星不失行，則年穀豐昌。
For five planets: with Jupiter, if slow and not moving, or fast and overshooting divisions, or retrograde, interpret omen. For Mars, if slow and not emerging, fast and not entering, or off its path, interpret omen. For Saturn, if slow and not establishing, fast and overshooting lodges, or retrograde, interpret omen. For Venus, if slow and not emerging, fast and not entering, or retrograde, interpret omen. For Mercury, if slow and not emerging, fast and not entering, or out of season, interpret omen. If the five stars do not lose their proper motion, yearly grain is abundant.
43
凡以宿星通下之變者，維星散，句星信，則地動。 有星守三淵，天下大水，地動，海魚出。 紀星散者山崩，不即有喪。 龜、鱉星不居漢中，川有易者。 辰星入五車，大水。 熒惑入積水，水，兵起； 入積薪，旱，兵起； 守之，亦然。 極後有四星，名曰句星。 斗杓後有三星，名曰維星。 散者，不相從也。 三淵，蓋五車之三柱也。 天紀屬貫索。 積薪在北戍西北。 積水在北戍東北。
In general, for changes below inferred from lodge stars: if Wei stars scatter and Gou star confirms, there is earthquake. If a star stations at the Three Abysses, there is great flood under heaven, earthquake, and sea fish coming out. If Tianji stars scatter, mountains collapse; if not, there is mourning. If Turtle and Turtle-shell stars do not remain in the Milky River center, rivers and streams will alter course. If Mercury enters Five Chariots, there is great flood. If Mars enters Stored Waters, there is flood and war rises. If it enters Stored Firewood, drought and war rise. If it stations there, the same. Behind the Pole are four stars called Hook Star. Behind the Dipper handle are three stars called Dimensional Stars. Scattered means they do not follow each other. Three Abysses likely means the three pillars of Five Chariots. Heavenly Cord attaches to Coiled Rope. Stored Firewood is northwest of northern garrison. Stored Waters is northeast of northern garrison.
44
角、亢、氐，沇州。 房、心，豫州。 尾、箕，幽州。 斗，江、湖。 牽牛、婺女，揚州。 虛、危，青州。 營室、東壁，并州。 奎、婁、胃，徐州。 昂、畢，冀州。 觜觿、參，益州。 東井、輿鬼，雍州。 柳、七星、張，三河。 翼、軫，荊州。
Jiao, Kang, Di correspond to Yan province. Fang and Xin correspond to Yu province. Wei and Ji correspond to You province. Dou corresponds to Jiang and Hu regions. Altair and Wu Maiden correspond to Yang province. Xu and Wei correspond to Qing province. Yingshi and East Wall correspond to Bing province. Kui, Lou, Wei correspond to Xu province. Mao and Bi correspond to Ji province. Beak-and-Talon and Shen correspond to Yi province. Eastern Well and Carriage Ghosts correspond to Yong province. Liu, Qixing, Zhang correspond to the Three Rivers. Yi and Zhen correspond to Jing province.
45
甲乙，海外，日月不占。 丙丁，江、淮、海、岱。 戊己，中州河、濟。 庚辛，華山以西。 壬癸，常山以北。 一曰，甲齊，乙東夷，丙楚，丁南夷，戊魏，己韓，庚秦，辛西夷，壬燕、趙，癸北夷。 子周，丑翟，寅趙，卯鄭，辰邯鄲，巳衛，午秦，未中山，申齊，酉魯，戌吳、越，亥燕、代。
Jia and Yi are overseas; sun and moon are not used for those divinations. Bing and Ding correspond to Jiang, Huai, sea, and Tai regions. Wu and Ji correspond to central plains between Yellow and Ji rivers. Geng and Xin correspond to west of Mount Hua. Ren and Gui correspond to north of Mount Chang. Another scheme: Jia=Qi, Yi=eastern barbarians, Bing=Chu, Ding=southern barbarians, Wu=Wei, Ji=Han, Geng=Qin, Xin=western barbarians, Ren=Yan and Zhao, Gui=northern barbarians. Zi=Zhou, Chou=Di, Yin=Zhao, Mao=Zheng, Chen=Handan, Si=Wei, Wu=Qin, Wei=Zhongshan, Shen=Qi, You=Lu, Xu=Wu and Yue, Hai=Yan and Dai.
46
秦之疆，候太白，占狼、弧。 吳、楚之疆，候熒惑，占鳥衡。 燕、齊之疆，候辰星，占虛、危。 宋、鄭之疆，候歲星，占房、心。 晉之疆，亦候辰星，占參、罰。 及秦并吞三晉、燕、代，自河、山以南者中國。 中國於四海內則在東南，為陽，陽則日、歲星、熒惑、填星，占於街南，畢主之。 其西北則胡、貉、月氏旃裘引弓之民，為陰，陰則月、太白、辰星，占於街北，昴主之。 故中國山川東北流，其維，首在隴、蜀，尾沒於勃海碣石。 是以秦、晉好用兵，復占太白。 太白主中國，而胡、貉數侵掠，獨占辰星。 辰星出入趮疾，常主夷狄，其大經也。
At Qin's frontier, watch Venus and divine from Wolf and Bow. At Wu and Chu frontiers, watch Mars and divine from Bird-Balance. At Yan and Qi frontiers, watch Mercury and divine from Xu and Wei. At Song and Zheng frontiers, watch Jupiter and divine from Fang and Xin. At Jin frontier, also watch Mercury and divine from Shen and Punishment. After Qin swallowed the three Jin and Yan-Dai, lands south of Yellow River and mountains were the central states. Within the four seas, the central states lie to southeast and are yang; thus sun, Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn are divined at south of Heavenly Street, governed by Bi. To northwest are Hu, He, Yuezhi, and fur-clad bow-drawing peoples, as yin; thus moon, Venus, and Mercury are divined north of Heavenly Street, governed by Mao. Therefore rivers of the central states flow northeastward; their main cord begins in Long and Shu and ends submerged at Jieshi in Bohai. Hence Qin and Jin favored military use and repeatedly divined by Venus. Venus governs the central states, while Hu and He repeatedly raided, so they uniquely divined by Mercury. Mercury's rapid entries and exits usually govern the barbarians; this is its major principle.
47
凡五星，早出為贏，贏為客； 晚出為縮，縮為主人。 五星贏縮，必有天應見杓。
For five planets in general, early emergence is advance, and advance is guest. Late emergence is contraction, and contraction is host. With advance and contraction of the five planets, a heavenly response must appear at the Dipper handle.
48
太歲在寅曰攝提格。 歲星正月晨出東方，石氏曰名監德，在斗、牽牛。 失次，杓，早水，晚旱。 甘氏在建星、婺女。 太初曆在營室、東壁。
When the Great Year is in Yin, it is called Sheti-ge. When Jupiter emerges at dawn in first month eastward, Shi school names it Jiande, in Dou and Altair. If out of sequence: at handle, early floods, late droughts. Gan school places it in Jian and Wu Maiden. Taichu calendar places it in Yingshi and East Wall.
49
在卯曰單閼。 二月出，石氏曰名降入，在婺女、虛、危。 甘氏在虛、危。 失次，杓，有水災。 太初在奎、婁。
When in Mao it is called Dan'e. Emerging in second month, Shi school names it Jiangru, in Wu Maiden, Xu, and Wei. Gan school places it in Xu and Wei. If out of sequence: at handle, there is flood disaster. Taichu places it in Kui and Lou.
50
在辰曰執徐。 三月出，石氏曰名青章，在營室、東壁。 失次，杓，早旱，晚水。 甘氏同。 太初在胃、昴。
When in Chen it is called Zhixu. Emerging in third month, Shi school names it Qingzhang, in Yingshi and East Wall. If out of sequence: at handle, early drought and late flood. Gan school agrees. Taichu places it in Wei and Mao.
51
在巳曰大荒落。 四月出，石氏曰名路踵，在奎、婁。 甘氏同。 太初在參、罰。
When in Si it is called Dahuangluo. Emerging in fourth month, Shi school names it Luzhong, in Kui and Lou. Gan school agrees. Taichu places it in Shen and Punishment.
52
在午曰敦牂。 五月出，石氏曰名啟明，在胃、昴、畢。 失次，杓，早旱，晚水。 甘氏同。 太初在東井、輿鬼。
When in Wu it is called Dunzang. Emerging in fifth month, Shi school names it Qiming, in Wei, Mao, and Bi. If out of sequence: at handle, early drought and late flood. Gan school agrees. Taichu places it in Eastern Well and Carriage Ghosts.
53
在未曰協洽。 六月出，石氏曰名長烈，在觜觿、參。 甘氏在參、罰。 太初在注、張、七星。
When in Wei it is called Xieqia. Emerging in sixth month, Shi school names it Changlie, in Beak-and-Talon and Shen. Gan school places it in Shen and Punishment. Taichu places it in Yi, Zhang, and Qixing.
54
在申曰涒灘。 七月出。 石氏曰名天晉，在東井、輿鬼。 甘氏在弧。 太初在翼、軫。
When in Shen it is called Tuntan. It emerges in seventh month. Shi school names it Tianjin, in Eastern Well and Carriage Ghosts. Gan school places it in Bow. Taichu places it in Yi and Zhen.
55
在酉曰作詻。 爾雅作作噩。 八月出，石氏曰名長壬，在柳、七星、張。 失次，杓，有女喪、民疾。 甘氏在注、張。 失次，杓，有火。 太初在角、亢。
When in You it is called Zuoe. Erya writes it as Zuo'e. Emerging in eighth month, Shi school names it Changren, in Liu, Qixing, and Zhang. If out of sequence: at Dipper handle there is mourning of women and illness among people. Gan school places it in Yi and Zhang. If out of sequence: at handle there is fire. Taichu places it in Jiao and Kang.
56
在戌曰掩茂。 九月出，石氏曰名天睢，在翼、軫。 失次，杓，水。 甘氏在七星、翼。 太初在氐、房、心。
When in Xu it is called Yanmao. Emerging in ninth month, Shi school names it Tiansui, in Yi and Zhen. If out of sequence: at handle there is flood. Gan school places it in Qixing and Yi. Taichu places it in Di, Fang, and Xin.
57
在亥曰大淵獻。 十月出，石氏曰名天皇，在角、亢始。 甘氏在軫、角、亢。 太初在尾、箕。
When in Hai it is called Dayuanxian. Emerging in tenth month, Shi school names it Tianhuang, beginning in Jiao and Kang. Gan school places it in Zhen, Jiao, and Kang. Taichu places it in Wei and Ji.
58
在子曰困敦。 十一月出，石氏曰名天宗，在氐、房始。 甘氏同。 太初在建星、牽牛。
When in Zi it is called Kundun. Emerging in eleventh month, Shi school names it Tianzong, beginning in Di and Fang. Gan school is the same. Taichu places it in Jian star and Altair.
59
在丑曰赤奮若。 十二月出，石氏曰名天昊，在尾、箕。 甘氏在心、尾。 太初在婺女、虛、危。
When in Chou it is called Chifenruo. Emerging in twelfth month, Shi school names it Tianhao, in Wei and Ji. Gan school places it in Xin and Wei. Taichu places it in Wu Maiden, Xu, and Wei.
60
甘氏、太初曆所以不同者，以星贏縮在前，各錄後所見也。 其四星亦略如此。
Why Gan school and Taichu calendar differ is that planetary advance and contraction are recorded ahead of time, each recording what was later observed. The other four planets are roughly similar in this respect.
61
古曆五星之推，亡逆行者，至甘氏、石氏經，以熒惑、太白為有逆行。 夫曆者，正行也。 古人有言曰：「天下太平，五星循度，亡有逆行。 日不食朔，月不食望。」 夏氏日月傳曰：「日月食盡，主位也； 不盡，臣位也。」 星傳曰：「日者德也，月者刑也，故曰日食修德，月食修刑。」 然而曆紀推月食，與二星之逆亡異。 熒惑主內亂，太白主兵，月主刑。 自周室衰，亂臣賊子師旅數起，刑罰失中，雖其亡亂臣賊子師旅之變，內臣猶不治，四夷猶不服，兵革猶不寢，刑罰猶不錯，故二星與月為之失度，三變常見； 及有亂臣賊子伏尸流血之兵，大變乃出。 甘、石氏見其常然，因以為紀，皆非正行也。 《詩》云：「彼月而食，則惟其常； 此日而食，于何不臧？」 詩傳曰：「月食非常也，比之日食猶常也，日食則不臧矣。」 謂之小變，可也； 謂之正行，非也。 故熒惑必行十六舍，去日遠而顓恣。 太白出西方，進在日前，氣盛乃逆行。 及月必食於望，亦誅盛也。
In ancient calendrical methods for five planets, there was no retrograde motion; by the canons of Gan and Shi schools, Mars and Venus are treated as retrograde. Now calendrics concerns proper motion. An ancient saying says: "When all under heaven is at peace, the five planets follow their degrees, with no retrograde motion. The sun does not eclipse at new moon, the moon does not eclipse at full moon." Xia school Sun-Moon tradition says: "If eclipse is total, it is ruler's station. If not total, it is minister's station." Star traditions say: "Sun is virtue, moon is punishment; therefore with solar eclipse one cultivates virtue, with lunar eclipse one rectifies punishments." Yet when calendrical records compute lunar eclipses, they are not different from the retrograde behavior of these two planets. Mars governs internal disorder, Venus governs war, moon governs punishment. Since Zhou house declined, rebellious ministers, traitorous sons, and armies repeatedly arose; punishments lost balance. Even when there were no such upheavals, inner ministers were still ungoverned, border peoples unsubdued, warfare unceasing, punishments uncorrected. Therefore the two planets and moon lost proper measure, and these three changes were commonly seen. When there are rebellious ministers and bloody warfare with corpses, then great anomalies appear. Gan and Shi schools saw this as common and took it as rule, yet none of it is proper motion. The Odes says: "That moon being eclipsed - that is ordinary enough. But this sun being eclipsed - how is this not disastrous?" The ode tradition says: "Lunar eclipse is not ordinary, yet compared with solar eclipse it is still relatively ordinary; solar eclipse is truly harmful." Calling it a minor anomaly is acceptable. Calling it proper motion is not. Thus Mars must travel sixteen lodges, and when far from sun becomes arbitrary. Venus emerging in west advances ahead of sun; when qi is strong it then retrogrades. And the moon must eclipse at full moon; this too is punishing excess.
62
國皇星，大而赤，狀類南極。 所出，其下起兵。 兵彊，其衝不利。
State-Sovereign Star is large and red, resembling Southern Pole. Where it appears, troops rise below. If troops are strong, colliding against it is unfavorable.
63
昭明星，大而白，無角，乍上乍下。 所出國，起兵多變。
Radiant Star is large and white, without horns, rising and sinking abruptly. In the state where it appears, troops rise and many changes occur.
64
五殘星，出正東，東方之星。 其狀類辰，去地可六丈，大而黃。
Five-Remnant Star emerges due east, an eastern star. Its form resembles Mercury, about six zhang above ground, large and yellow.
65
六賊星，出正南，南方之星。 去地可六丈，大而赤，數動，有光。
Six-Bandit Star emerges due south, a southern star. About six zhang above ground, large and red, frequently moving, with light.
66
司詭星，出正西，西方之星。 去地可六丈，大而白，類太白。
Controller-of-Deceit Star emerges due west, a western star. About six zhang above ground, large and white, resembling Venus.
67
咸漢星，出正北，北方之星。 去地可六丈，大而赤，數動，察之中青。
Salty-River Star emerges due north, a northern star. About six zhang above ground, large and red, moving frequently; on close inspection green at center.
68
此四星所出非其方，其下有兵，衝不利。
If these four stars emerge outside their proper directions, there is war below; collision with them is unfavorable.
69
四填星，出四隅，去地可四丈。 地維臧光，亦出四隅，去地可二丈，若月始出。 所見下，有亂者亡，有德者昌。
Four-Fill Stars emerge from the four corners, about four zhang above ground. Earth-Cord Hidden-Light also emerges from four corners, about two zhang above ground, like the moon's first rise. Where they are seen, the disorderly perish and the virtuous prosper.
70
燭星，狀如太白，其出也不行，見則滅。 所燭，城邑亂。
Torch Star resembles Venus; when it appears it does not move, and vanishes once seen. Where it shines, city-states fall into disorder.
71
如星非星，如雲非雲，名曰歸邪。 歸邪出，必有歸國者。
Something like a star but not a star, like cloud but not cloud, is called Returning Evil. When Returning Evil appears, there must be those returning to their state.
72
星者，金之散氣，其本曰人。 星眾，國吉，少則凶。 漢者，亦金散氣，其本曰水。 星多，多水，少則旱，其大經也。
Stars are scattered qi of metal; their root corresponds to humans. Many stars: state auspicious; few: inauspicious. The Milky River is also scattered qi of metal; its root corresponds to water. If many stars then much water; if few then drought - this is the main rule.
73
天鼓，有音如雷非雷，音在地而下及地。 其所住者，兵發其下。
Heavenly Drum has a sound like thunder but not thunder; the sound is in the air yet falls to earth. Where it halts, armies arise below.
74
天狗，狀如大流星，有聲，共下止地，類狗。 所墜及，望之如火光炎炎中天。 其下圜如數頃田處，上銳見則有黃色，千里破軍殺將。
Heavenly Dog resembles a great shooting star, with sound, falling together and stopping on ground, shaped like a dog. Where it falls, viewed from afar it blazes like fire in mid-sky. Its lower part is round like several qing of farmland, upper part sharp; when seen it has yellow color, and within a thousand li armies are broken and generals killed.
75
格澤者，如炎火之狀，黃白，起地而上，下大上銳。 其見也，不種而穫。 不有土功，必有大客。
Gezhe appears like blazing fire, yellow-white, rising from ground upward, broad below and sharp above. When it appears, crops are reaped without sowing. If there is no major earthwork, there will be a great visitor force.
76
蚩尤之旗，類彗而後曲，象旗。 見則王者征伐四方。
Chiyou's Banner resembles a comet with curved rear, like a banner. When seen, the ruler campaigns and subdues the four directions.
77
旬始，出於北斗旁，狀如雄雞。 其怒，青黑色，象伏鱉。
Xunshi emerges beside Northern Dipper, shaped like a rooster. When enraged it is blue-black, like a crouching turtle.
78
枉矢，狀類大流星，蛇行而倉黑，望如有毛目然。
Bent Arrow resembles a great shooting star, snakelike in motion and dark-black; seen from afar it seems to have hairy eyes.
79
長庚，廣如一匹布著天。 此星見，起兵。
Long Geng is as broad as one bolt of cloth spread across sky. When this star appears, armies rise.
80
星蕴至地，則石也。
When star vapors condense to ground, they become stones.
81
天蛲而見景星。 景星者，德星也，其狀無常，常出於有道之國。
When heaven is clear, a Beneficent Star appears. Beneficent Star is a Virtue Star; its form is inconstant, and it regularly appears in states with the Way.
82
日有中道，月有九行。
The sun has one central path; the moon has nine courses.
83
中道者，黃道，一曰光道。 光道北至東井，去北極近； 南至牽牛，去北極遠； 東至角，西至婁，去極中。 夏至至於東井，北近極，故晷短； 立八尺之表，而晷景長尺五寸八分。 冬至至於牽牛，遠極，故晷長； 立八尺之表，而晷景長丈三尺一寸四分。 春秋分日至婁、角，去極中，而晷中； 立八尺之表，而晷景長七尺三寸六分。 此日去極遠近之差，晷景長短之制也。 去極遠近難知，要以晷景。 晷景者，所以知日之南北也。 日，陽也。 陽用事則日進而北，晝進而長，陽勝，故為溫暑； 陰用事則日退而南，晝退而短，陰勝，故為涼寒也。 故日進為暑，退為寒。 若日之南北失節，晷過而長為常寒，退而短為常燠。 此寒燠之表也。 故曰為寒暑。 一曰，晷長為潦，短為旱，奢為扶。 扶者，邪臣進而正臣疏，君子不足，姦人有餘。
The central path is the yellow path, also called the bright path. The bright path reaches north to Eastern Well, closest to the North Pole. Southward it reaches Altair, far from North Pole. Eastward to Horn, westward to Lou, midway from the Pole. At summer solstice it reaches Eastern Well, near the Pole, therefore the gnomon shadow is short. With an eight-chi gnomon, the shadow length is one chi five cun eight fen. At winter solstice it reaches Altair, far from the Pole, therefore the shadow is long. With an eight-chi gnomon, the shadow length is one zhang three chi one cun four fen. At spring and autumn equinox it reaches Lou and Horn, midway from Pole, and the shadow is medium. With an eight-chi gnomon, the shadow length is seven chi three cun six fen. These are the differences in sun's distance from Pole and the standards of shadow length. Distance from Pole is hard to know directly; one relies on shadow. Shadow is how one knows whether the sun is north or south. The sun is yang. When yang is in action, the sun advances north, daylight advances and lengthens; yang prevails, thus warmth and heat. When yin is in action, the sun retreats south, daylight retreats and shortens; yin prevails, thus coolness and cold. Therefore sun's advance brings heat, retreat brings cold. If the sun's north-south rhythm loses season, over-advance with long shadow gives persistent cold; over-retreat with short shadow gives persistent heat. This is the indicator of cold and heat. Hence it is said to govern cold and heat. One saying: long shadow means flood, short means drought, excess means support-faction. Support-faction means crooked ministers advance and upright ministers are estranged, gentlemen insufficient and traitors in excess.
84
月有九行者：黑道二，出黃道北； 赤道二，出黃道南； 白道二，出黃道西； 青道二，出黃道東。 立春、春分，月東從青道； 立秋，秋分，西從白道； 立冬、冬至，北從黑道； 立夏、夏至，南從赤道。 然用之，一決房中道。 青赤出陽道，白黑出陰道。 若月失節度而妄行，出陽道則旱風，出陰道則陰雨。
The moon has nine courses: two black paths, emerging north of yellow path. Two red paths, emerging south of yellow path. Two white paths, emerging west of yellow path. Two blue paths, emerging east of yellow path. At start of spring and spring equinox, moon goes east along blue path. At start of autumn and autumn equinox, west along white path. At start of winter and winter solstice, north along black path. At start of summer and summer solstice, south along red path. Yet in application, one decisive standard is the central course through Fang. Blue and red emerge from yang route; white and black emerge from yin route. If moon loses proper rhythm and moves erratically, emerging on yang route brings drought-wind; on yin route brings continuous rain.
85
凡君行急則日行疾，君行緩則日行遲。 日行不可指而知也，故以二至二分之星為候。 日東行，星西轉。 冬至昏，奎八度中； 夏至，氐十三度中； 春分，柳一度中； 秋分，牽牛三度七分中：此其正行也。 日行疾，則星西轉疾，事勢然也。 故過中則疾，君行急之感也； 不及中則遲，君行緩之象也。
In general, if ruler acts hastily, sun moves swiftly; if ruler acts slowly, sun moves slowly. Sun's motion cannot be pointed out directly, so stars of two solstices and two equinoxes are used as markers. Sun moves east, stars rotate west. At winter solstice dusk, Kui at 8 degrees culminates. At summer solstice, Di at 13 degrees culminates. At spring equinox, Liu at 1 degree culminates. At autumn equinox, Altair at 3 degrees 7 fen culminates: this is proper motion. If sun moves fast, stars rotate west fast; this is natural tendency. So if it passes culmination, it is fast: response to ruler's haste. If it fails to reach culmination, it is slow: sign of ruler's slowness.
86
至月行，則以晦朔決之。 日冬則南，夏則北； 冬至於牽牛，夏至於東井。 日之所行為中道，月、五星皆隨之也。
For moon's motion, judge by new and full moons. In winter sun is south, in summer north. At winter solstice it is at Altair; at summer solstice at Eastern Well. The sun's route is central path, and moon and five planets all follow it.
87
箕星為風，東北之星也。 東北地事，天位也，故易曰「東北喪朋」。 及巽在東南，為風； 風，陽中之陰，大臣之象也，其星，軫也。 月去中道，移而東北入箕，若東南入軫，則多風。 西方為雨； 雨，少陰之位也。 月去中道，移而西入畢，則多雨。 故詩云「月離于畢，俾滂沱矣」，言多雨也。 星傳曰「月入畢則將相有以家犯罪者」，言陰盛也。 書曰「星有好風，星有好雨，月之從星，則以風雨」，言失中道而東西也。 故星傳曰「月南入牽牛南戒，民間疾疫； 月北入太微，出坐北，若犯坐，則下人謀上。」
Ji star governs wind; it is a northeastern star. Northeastern terrestrial affairs correspond to heavenly position; therefore the Changes says "In northeast one loses companions." And Xun in southeast is wind. Wind is yin within yang, image of high ministers; its star is Zhen. If moon leaves central path and shifts northeast into Ji, or southeast into Zhen, there is much wind. The west corresponds to rain. Rain is the position of lesser yin. If moon leaves central path and shifts west into Bi, there is much rain. Therefore the Odes says, "When moon departs to Bi, then downpour follows," meaning heavy rain. Star tradition says, "When moon enters Bi, among generals and chancellors some will commit crimes by household," meaning yin is excessive. The Book says, "There are stars favoring wind, stars favoring rain; when moon follows stars, then by wind and rain," meaning it loses central path and shifts east or west. Therefore star tradition says, "When moon enters south of Altair, beware: among people there are epidemics. When moon enters Taiwei and exits from the northern seat, or encroaches the seat, those below plot against those above."
88
一曰月為風雨，日為寒溫。 冬至日南極，晷長，南不極則溫為害； 夏至日北極，晷短，北不極則寒為害。 故書曰「日月之行，則有冬有夏」也。 政治變於下，日月運於上矣。 日出房北，為雨為陰，為亂為兵； 出房南，為旱為夭喪。 水旱至衝而應，及五星之變，必然之效也。
One saying: moon governs wind and rain, sun governs cold and warmth. At winter solstice sun is at southern extreme and shadow long; if not reaching the extreme south, excessive warmth causes harm. At summer solstice sun is at northern extreme and shadow short; if not reaching extreme north, excessive cold causes harm. Therefore the Book says, "In the movement of sun and moon, there is winter and summer." When governance changes below, sun and moon motions change above. If sun rises north of Fang, there is rain and overcast, disorder and war. If it rises south of Fang, there is drought and untimely death. Flood and drought strike and respond, and with changes of five planets effects are inevitable.
89
兩軍相當，日暈等，力均； 厚長大，有勝； 薄短小，亡勝。 重抱大破亡。 抱為和，背為不和，為分離相去。 直為自立，立兵破軍，若曰殺將。 抱且戴，有喜。 圍在中，中勝； 在外，外勝。 青外赤中，以和相去； 赤外青中，以惡相去。 氣暈先至而後去，居軍勝。 先至先去，前有利，後有病； 後至後去，前病後利； 後至先去，前後皆病，居軍不勝。 見而去，其後發疾，雖勝亡功。 見半日以上，功太。 白鸶屈短，上下銳，有者下大流血。 日暈制勝，近期三十日，遠期六十日。
When two armies face each other, if solar halos are equal, strength is equal. If thick, long, and large, there is a winner. If thin, short, and small, there is no clear winner. Multiple enclosing halos mean great defeat and destruction. Encircling means harmony; backing means disharmony, separation and distancing. A straight halo means self-assertion: armies are broken or generals killed. Encircling and covering means joy. If the ring is in the center, center side wins. If outside, outer side wins. Blue outside and red inside means parties withdraw in harmony. Red outside and blue inside means parties withdraw in hostility. If vapor-halo arrives first and departs later, the army that holds position wins. If it arrives first and departs first, the front gains advantage, rear suffers. If it arrives later and departs later, front suffers and rear gains. If it arrives later and departs first, both front and rear suffer, and holding army does not win. If seen then gone, disease breaks out afterward; even if victorious, no merit. If seen for more than half a day, merit is great. White rainbow bent and short, sharp above and below: where it appears below, there is major bloodshed. Solar-halo victory signs apply near term thirty days, far term sixty days.
90
其食，食所不利； 復生，生所利； 不然，食盡為主位。 以其直及日所躔加日時，用名其國。
Its eclipse: what is eclipsed is disadvantaged. Its reemergence: what reemerges is advantaged. Otherwise, total eclipse signifies the host position. Using where it points and sun's current lodge, plus day and hour, one names the state concerned.
91
凡望雲氣，仰而望之，三四百里； 平望，在桑榆上，千餘里，二千里； 登高而望之，下屬地者居三千里。 雲氣有戰居上者，勝。
In observing cloud-qi, look upward: three to four hundred li. On level view near mulberry-elm height: over one thousand to two thousand li. From high elevation, what extends down to ground reaches three thousand li. In cloud-qi warfare, the side above wins.
92
自華以南，氣下黑上赤。 嵩高、三河之郊，氣正赤。 常山以北，氣下黑上青。 勃、碣、海、岱之間，氣皆黑。 江、淮之間，氣皆白。
South of Mount Hua, qi is black below and red above. In Songgao and Three Rivers suburbs, qi is fully red. North of Mount Chang, qi is black below and blue above. Between Bo, Jieshi, sea, and Tai, qi is all black. Between Jiang and Huai, qi is all white.
93
徒氣白。 土功氣黃。 車氣乍高乍下，往往而聚。 騎氣卑而布。 卒氣摶。 前卑而後高者，疾； 前方而後高者，銳； 後銳而卑者，卻。 其氣平者其行徐。 前高後卑者，不止而反。 氣相遇者，卑勝高，銳勝方。 氣來卑而循車道者，不過三四日，去之五六里見。 氣來高七八尺者，不過五六日，去之十餘二十里見。 氣來高丈餘二丈者，不過三四十日，去之五六十里見。
Infantry qi is white. Earthwork qi is yellow. Chariot-qi rises and falls abruptly, often clustering. Cavalry qi is low and spread out. Infantry qi is compact and clumped. Low in front and high in rear means swift advance. Square in front and high behind means sharp striking force. Sharp behind and low means retreat. If qi is level, movement is slow. High in front and low behind means it will not stop and will turn back. When qi masses meet, low defeats high, sharp defeats square. If incoming qi is low and follows chariot roads, within three or four days it is seen five or six li away. If incoming qi is seven or eight chi high, within five or six days it is seen ten to twenty li away. If incoming qi is over one or two zhang high, within thirty or forty days it is seen fifty or sixty li away.
94
捎雲精白者，其將悍，其士怯。 其大根而前絕遠者，戰。 精白，其芒低者，戰勝； 其前赤而卬者，戰不勝。 陳雲如立垣。 杼雲類杼。 柚雲摶而耑銳。 杓雲如繩者，居前竟天，其半半天。 蜺雲者，類鬥旗故。 銳鉤雲句曲。 諸此雲見，以五色占。 而澤摶密，其見動人，乃有占； 兵必起。 占鬥其直。
If skimming clouds are bright white, the commander is fierce but troops are timid. If cloud has broad root with far-cut front, there is battle. If bright white and low-pointing rays, battle is won. If front is red and raised, battle is not won. Array-clouds are like standing walls. Shuttle-clouds resemble a shuttle. Yuzu-clouds are compact with sharp tips. Dipper-clouds, like ropes, stretch before the army across sky, sometimes half the sky. Rainbow clouds resemble battle flags. Hooked-sharp clouds curve and bend. All these clouds are interpreted by five colors. If their luster is dense and compact, and their appearance stirs people, then there is an omen. War will certainly rise. In divining battle, read where it points.
95
王朔所候，決於日旁。 日旁雲氣，人主象。 皆如其形以占。
What Wang Shuo observed was judged by the sun's side. Cloud qi beside the sun symbolizes the ruler. All are divined according to their forms.
96
故北夷之氣如群畜穹閭，南夷之氣類舟船幡旗。 大水處，敗軍場，破國之虛，下有積泉，金寶上，皆有氣，不可不察。 海旁蜃氣象樓臺，廣野氣成宮闕然。 雲氣各象其山川人民所聚積。 故侯息秏者，入國邑，視封疆田疇之整治，城郭室屋門戶之潤澤，次至車服畜產精華。 實息者吉，虛秏者凶。
Thus qi of northern barbarians is like herds and domed tents; qi of southern barbarians resembles boats, ships, and banners. At great-water sites, battlefields of defeated armies, empty lands of ruined states, places with underground springs, and places above buried treasure, all have qi and must be observed. By the sea, mirage-qi forms images of towers and terraces; over broad fields, qi forms palace-tower shapes. Each cloud-qi takes the shape of its local mountains, rivers, and human concentrations. Therefore in judging waxing and waning, one enters towns and cities and observes order of borders and fields, moisture and vitality of walls, houses, and gates, then chariots, dress, livestock, and material brilliance. Substantial thriving is auspicious; emptiness and depletion are inauspicious.
97
若煙非煙，若雲非雲，郁郁紛紛，蕭索輪囷，是謂慶雲。 慶雲見，喜氣也。 若霧非霧，衣冠不濡，見則其城被甲而趨。
If like smoke yet not smoke, like cloud yet not cloud, thickly clustered and tangled, sparse and rolling, this is called Auspicious Cloud. When Auspicious Cloud appears, it is joyful qi. If like mist yet not mist, and clothes and caps are not dampened, then when it appears, that city's armored troops will rush out.
98
夫雷電、赮鸶、辟歷、夜明者，陽氣之動者也，春夏則發，秋冬則藏，故候書者亡不司。
Thunder, lightning, sunset glows, rainbows, thunderbolts, and night-bright lights are movements of yang qi: they arise in spring and summer, are stored in autumn and winter; therefore omen manuals always account for them.
99
天開縣物，地動坼絕。 山崩及鲶，川塞谿垘； 水澹地長，澤竭見象。 城郭門閭，潤息槁枯； 宮廟廊第，人民所次。 謠俗車服，觀民飲食。 五穀草木，觀其所屬。 倉府廄庫，四通之路。 六畜禽獸，所產去就； 魚鱉鳥鼠，觀其所處。 鬼哭若謼，與人逢槞。 訛言，誠然。
Heaven opens and hangs forth objects; earth shakes and splits apart. Mountains collapse and landslides occur; rivers are blocked and streams buried. Waters recede and land extends; marshes dry and forms are exposed. City walls, gates, and alleys are moist and thriving or dry and withered. Palaces, temples, corridors, and mansions are where people reside. Songs, customs, chariots, and clothing reveal people's living habits. Five grains and plants reveal what they are attached to. Granaries, depots, stables, armories, and roads in four directions. Six livestock and wild beasts show where production goes and comes. Fish, turtles, birds, and rats show where they dwell. Ghostly cries and howls, and chance encounters with uncanny beings. Rumors, whether true or not.
100
凡候歲美惡，謹候歲始。 歲始或冬至日，產氣始萌。 臘明日，人眾卒歲，壹會飲食，發陽氣，故曰初歲。 正月旦，王者歲首； 立春，四時之始也。 四始者，候之日。
In predicting year's good or bad, carefully observe at year's beginning. Year's start may be winter solstice day, when generating qi first sprouts. The day after La festival, people conclude old year and gather for common feast, releasing yang qi, therefore called year's beginning. First day of first month is ruler's year-start. Beginning of spring is start of four seasons. These four beginnings are days for observation.
101
而漢魏鮮集臘明正月旦決八風。 風從南，大旱； 西南，小旱； 西方，有兵； 西北，戎叔為，小雨，趣兵； 北方，為中歲； 東北，為上歲； 東方，大水； 東南，民有疾疫，歲惡。 故八風各與其衝對，課多者為勝。 多勝少，久勝亟，疾勝徐。 旦至食，為麥； 食至日跌，為疾； 跌至晡，為黍； 晡至下晡，為叔； 下晡至日入，為麻。 欲終日有雲，有風，有日，當其時，深而多實； 亡雲，有風日，當其時，淺而少實； 有雲風，亡日，當其時，深而少實； 有日，亡雲，不風，當其時者稼有敗。 如食頃，小敗； 孰五斗米頃，大敗。 風復起，有雲，其稼復起。 各以其時用雲色占種所宜。 雨雪，寒，歲惡。
In Han and Wei practice, they particularly gathered observations at La-next-day and first-month daybreak to determine the eight winds. Wind from south: great drought. From southwest: lesser drought. From west: warfare. From northwest: Rong and Shu disturbances, light rain, and rapid mobilization. From north: average year. From northeast: superior year. From east: great flooding. From southeast: epidemics among people, and bad year. Thus each of eight winds is assessed against its opposite; the side occurring more often is stronger. More beats less, long-lasting beats sudden, rapid beats slow. From dawn to breakfast-time corresponds to wheat. From breakfast to sun decline corresponds to disease. From decline to mid-afternoon corresponds to millet. From mid-afternoon to late afternoon corresponds to beans. From late afternoon to sunset corresponds to hemp. If all day there are clouds, wind, and sun, and each appears in its proper time, crops root deep and bear much grain. If no cloud but wind and sun at their proper times, roots are shallow and yields low. If cloud and wind but no sun at proper times, roots are deep but yields low. If sun without cloud and no wind at proper times, crops suffer failure. If only for one mealtime, minor failure. If for as long as ripening five-dou rice, major failure. If wind rises again and clouds appear, crops recover. Use cloud colors at each time to divine which seeds are suitable. Rain, snow, and cold mean a bad year.
102
是日光明，聽都邑人民之聲。 聲宮，則歲美，吉； 商，有兵； 徵，旱； 羽，水； 角，歲惡。
On this day, with clear light, listen to sounds of city and populace. If in gong tone, year is good and auspicious. If in shang, there is war. If in zhi, drought. If in yu, flood. If in jue, year is bad.
103
或從正月旦比數雨。 率日食一升，至七升而極； 過之，不占。 數至十二日，直其月，占水旱。 為其環域千里內占，即為天下候，竟正月。 月所離列宿，日、風、雲，占其國。 然必察太歲所在。 金，穰； 水，毀； 木，飢； 火，旱。 此其大經也。
Or from first day of first month onward count rainfall days. At rate of one sheng per day, up to seven sheng is limit. Beyond that, do not divine. Count to twelve days; align directly with that month to predict flood or drought. Use this within a thousand-li circuit; if used for all under heaven, continue through full first month. For the lunar lodge where the moon departs, and for sun, wind, and cloud, divine that state. Yet one must certainly inspect where the Great Year is. If in metal, abundant harvest. If in water, ruin. If in wood, famine. If in fire, drought. This is the major canon.
104
正月上甲，風從東方來，宜蠶； 從西方來，若旦有黃雲，惡。
On first jia day of first month, if wind comes from east, silkworm rearing is favorable. If it comes from west, and yellow cloud appears at dawn, it is inauspicious.
105
冬至短極，縣土炭，炭動，麋鹿解角，蘭根出，泉水踊，略以知日至，要決晷景。
At winter solstice, when day is shortest, suspend earth and charcoal; when charcoal stirs, elk and deer shed antlers, orchid roots sprout, springs surge - these roughly indicate solstice, but final judgment relies on gnomon shadow.
106
夫天運三十歲一小變，百年中變，五百年大變，三大變一紀，三紀而大備，此其大數也。
Heaven's cycle has a minor change every 30 years, medium change every 100 years, major change every 500 years; three major changes make one epoch, three epochs complete the great cycle - this is its grand number.
107
春秋二百四十二年間，日食三十六，彗星三見，夜常星不見，夜中星隕如雨者各一。 當是時，禍亂輒應，周室微弱，上下交怨，殺君三十六，亡國五十二，諸侯奔走不得保其社稷者不可勝數。 自是之後，眾暴寡，大并小。 秦、楚、吳、粵，夷狄也，為彊伯。 田氏篡齊，三家分晉，並為戰國，爭於攻取，兵革遞起，城邑數屠，因以飢饉疾疫愁苦，臣主共憂患，其察禨祥候星氣尤急。 近世十二諸侯七國相王，言從橫者繼踵，而占天文者因時務論書傳，故其占驗鱗雜米鹽，亡可錄者。
In the 242 years of the Spring and Autumn period, there were 36 solar eclipses, 3 comets, once when regular night stars disappeared, and once when stars fell like rain at night. At those times calamity and disorder always corresponded: Zhou house weakened, upper and lower resentful, 36 rulers killed, 52 states destroyed, and countless lords fled unable to preserve their altars. After that, many oppressed few, great annexed small. Qin, Chu, Wu, and Yue, though once regarded as barbarians, became strong hegemons. The Tian clan usurped Qi, three houses divided Jin, making the Warring States; they contended in conquest, warfare rose in succession, cities repeatedly slaughtered, bringing famine, epidemic, and hardship; ruler and ministers shared anxieties, and observation of omens and star-qi became especially urgent. In later times, twelve feudal houses and seven kings proclaimed themselves rulers; theorists of horizontal and vertical alliances followed one after another, and celestial diviners wrote according to current affairs, so their verified predictions became mixed like fish scales and grains of salt, with little worth recording.
108
項羽救鉅鹿，枉矢西流，枉矢所觸，天下之所伐射，滅亡象也。 物莫直於矢，今蛇行不能直而枉者，執矢者亦不正，以象項羽執政亂也。 羽遂合從，阬秦人，屠咸陽。 凡枉矢之流，以亂伐亂也。
When Xiang Yu rescued Julu, Bent Arrow streamed westward; where Bent Arrow strikes is where the realm is attacked and shot, symbolizing destruction. Nothing is straighter than an arrow; now if it moves snakelike and bent, the one holding arrows is also not upright, symbolizing Xiang Yu's disorderly rule. Yu then formed a coalition, buried Qin troops alive, and massacred Xianyang. In general, Bent Arrow's flow means using disorder to attack disorder.
109
三年秋，太白出西方，有光幾中，乍北乍南，過期乃入。 辰星出四孟。 是時，項羽為楚王，而漢已定三秦，與相距滎陽。 太白出西方，有光幾中，是秦地戰將勝，而漢國將興也。 辰星出四孟，易主之表也。 後二年，漢滅楚。
In autumn of third year, Venus emerged in west, with light nearly central, shifting north and south, entering only after due period. Mercury emerged at the four Meng positions. At that time Xiang Yu was king of Chu, while Han had already settled the Three Qins and faced him at Xingyang. Venus emerging west with nearly central light meant warfare in Qin lands would be won and Han state would rise. Mercury emerging at four Meng was a sign of changing rulership. Two years later, Han destroyed Chu.
110
七年，月暈，圍參、畢七重。 占曰：「畢、昴間，天街也； 街北，胡也； 街南，中國也。 昴為匈奴，參為趙，畢為邊兵。」 是歲高皇帝自將兵擊匈奴，至平城，為冒頓單于所圍，七日乃解。
In year seven, lunar halo encircled Shen and Bi in seven layers. The divination said: "Between Bi and Mao is Heavenly Street. North of the street is Hu. South of the street is the central states. Mao is Xiongnu, Shen is Zhao, Bi is frontier troops." That year Gao Emperor personally led troops against Xiongnu; at Pingcheng he was surrounded by Modun Chanyu and only escaped after seven days.
111
十二年春，熒惑守心。 四月，宮車晏駕。
In twelfth year spring, Mars stationed at Heart. In fourth month, the imperial carriage was mournfully stilled.
112
孝惠二年，天開東北，廣十餘丈，長二十餘丈。 地動，陰有餘； 天裂，陽不足：皆下盛彊將害上之變也。 其後有呂氏之亂。
In Emperor Hui year two, heaven opened in northeast, over ten zhang wide and over twenty zhang long. Earthquake means excess yin. Sky-rift means insufficient yang: both are signs that forces below are becoming too strong and will harm above. Afterward came the Lü clan disorder.
113
孝文後二年正月壬寅，天欃夕出西南。 占曰：「為兵喪亂。」 其六年十一月，匈奴入上郡、雲中，漢起三軍以衛京師。 其四月乙巳，水、木、火三合於東井。 占曰：「外內有兵與喪，改立王公。 東井，秦也。」 八月，天狗下梁野，是歲誅反者周殷長安市。 其七年六月，文帝崩。 其十一月戊戌，土、水合於危。 占曰：「為雍沮，所當之國不可舉事用兵，必受其殃。 一曰將覆軍。 危，齊也。」 其七月，火東行，行畢陽，環畢東北，出而西，逆行至昴，即南乃東行。 占曰：「為喪死寇亂。 畢、昴，趙也。」
In Emperor Wen, later year two, first month renyin day, Heavenly Can appeared at dusk in southwest. Divination said: "It means warfare, mourning, and disorder." In year six, eleventh month, Xiongnu entered Shang and Yunzhong commanderies; Han raised three armies to defend the capital. On yimao day of fourth month, Mercury, Jupiter, and Mars conjoined at Eastern Well. Divination said: "Inside and outside there are armies and mourning, with replacement of kings and nobles. Eastern Well corresponds to Qin." In eighth month, Heavenly Dog fell in Liang territory; that year rebels Zhou Yin were executed at Chang'an market. In seventh year sixth month, Emperor Wen died. In eleventh month wuxu day, Saturn and Mercury conjoined at Wei. Divination said: "This means blockage and stagnation; the state concerned must not undertake affairs or military action, and will certainly suffer calamity. One interpretation says armies will be overturned. Wei corresponds to Qi." In seventh month, Mars moved east through Bi's yang side, circled northeast of Bi, emerged and went west, retrograded to Mao, then turned south and moved east again. Divination said: "This means mourning, deaths, and invading disorder. Bi and Mao correspond to Zhao."
114
三年，填星在婁，幾入，還居奎。 奎，魯也。 占曰：「其國得地為得填。」 是歲魯為國。
In year three, Saturn was in Lou, nearly entering, then returned to reside in Kui. Kui corresponds to Lu. Divination said: "Its state gains land; this is called gaining Saturn." That year Lu became a state.
115
四年七月癸未，火入東井，行陰，又以九月己未入輿鬼，戊寅出。 占曰：「為誅罰，又為火災。」 後二年，有栗氏事。 其後未央東闕災。
In year four, seventh month guimei day, Mars entered Eastern Well and moved on the shaded track; then in ninth month jiwei day entered Carriage Ghosts and on wuyin day emerged. Divination said: "This means executions and also fire disaster." Two years later, there was the Li clan affair. After that, the eastern tower of Weiyang suffered fire.
116
中元年，填星當在觜觿、參，去居東井。 占曰：「亡地，不乃有女憂。」 其三年正月丁亥，金、木合於觜觿，為白衣之會。 三月丁酉，彗星夜見西北，色白，長丈，在觜觿，且去益小，十五日不見。 占曰：「必有破國亂君，伏死其辜。 觜觿，梁也。」 其五月甲午，金、木俱在東井。 戉，金去木留，守之二十日。 占曰：「傷成於戉。 木為諸侯，誅將行於諸侯也。」 其六月壬戌，蓬星見西南，在房南，去房可二丈，大如二斗器，色白； 癸亥，在心東北，可長丈所； 甲子，在尾北，可六丈； 丁卯，在箕北，近漢，稍小，且去時，大如桃。 壬申去，凡十日。 占曰：「蓬星出，必有亂臣。 房、心間，天子宮也。」 是時梁王欲為漢嗣，使人殺漢爭臣袁盎。 漢桉誅梁大臣，斧戉用。 梁王恐懼，布車入關，伏斧戉謝罪，然後得免。
In Zhongyuan year one, Saturn should have been in Beak-and-Talon and Shen, but moved to Eastern Well. Divination said: "Loss of territory, or else anxiety over women." In year three, first month dinghai day, Venus and Jupiter conjoined at Beak-and-Talon, meaning assembly in white clothing. On dingyou day of third month, a comet appeared at night in northwest, white, one zhang long, at Beak-and-Talon, and as it moved away grew smaller, disappearing after fifteen days. Divination said: "There must be state-breaking and ruler-disordering, with hidden death for crimes. Beak-and-Talon corresponds to Liang." On jiamao day of fifth month, Venus and Jupiter were both at Eastern Well. At Axe, Venus departed and Jupiter remained, guarding there for twenty days. Divination said: "Injury is completed at Axe. Jupiter signifies feudal lords; executions will be carried out among feudal lords." On renxu day of sixth month, a fluffy star appeared in southwest, south of Fang, about two zhang from Fang, as large as a two-dou vessel, white. On guihai day it was northeast of Heart, about one zhang long. On jiazi day it was north of Tail, about six zhang long. On dingmao day it was north of Basket, near Milky River, somewhat smaller, and when departing was as large as a peach. On renshen day it disappeared, ten days in all. Divination said: "When fluffy star appears, there must be rebellious ministers. Between Fang and Heart is the Son of Heaven's palace." At that time the King of Liang wanted to become Han heir and sent men to kill Han minister Yuan Ang. Han investigated and executed Liang's great ministers, using axe punishment. The King of Liang was terrified, rode in plain carriage into the passes, submitted under axe and apologized, and only then was pardoned.
117
中三年十一月庚午夕，金、火合於虛，相去一寸。 占曰：「為鑠，為喪。 虛，齊也。」
In Zhong year three, eleventh month gengwu evening, Venus and Mars conjoined at Xu, one cun apart. Divination said: "This is melting and mourning. Xu corresponds to Qi."
118
四年四月丙申，金、木合於東井。 占曰：「為白衣之會。 非，秦也。」 其五年四月乙巳，水、火合於參。 占曰：「國不吉。 參，梁也。」 其六年四月，梁孝王死。 五月，城陽王、濟陰王死。 六月，成陽公主死。 出入三月，天子四衣白，臨邸第。
In year four, fourth month bingshen day, Venus and Jupiter conjoined at Eastern Well. Divination said: "This is an assembly in white clothing. Not so - it corresponds to Qin." In year five, fourth month yisi day, Mercury and Mars conjoined at Shen. Divination said: "The state is inauspicious. Shen corresponds to Liang." In year six, fourth month, King Xiao of Liang died. In fifth month, Kings of Chengyang and Jiyin died. In sixth month, Princess Chengyang died. For three months entering and leaving, the Son of Heaven wore white mourning garments in four layers and visited mansions.
119
孝武建元三年三月，有星孛於注、張，歷太微，干紫宮，至於天漢。 春秋「星孛於北斗，齊、魯、晉之君皆將死亂」。 今星孛歷五宿，其後濟東、膠西、江都王皆坐法削黜自殺，淮陽、衡山謀反而誅。
In Emperor Wu Jianyuan year three, third month, a broom star appeared in Yi and Zhang, passed through Taiwei, brushed the Purple Palace, and reached the Milky River. The Spring and Autumn says: "When a broom star appears at Northern Dipper, rulers of Qi, Lu, and Jin will all die in turmoil." Now this broom star passed five lodges; afterward kings of Jidong, Jiaoxi, and Jiangdu were all stripped, deposed, or killed by law, and Huaiyang and Hengshan plotted rebellion and were executed.
120
三年四月，有星孛於天紀，至織女。 占曰：「織女有女變，天紀為地震。」 至四年十月而地動，其後陳皇后廢。
In year three, fourth month, a broom star appeared at Tianji and reached Weaving Maiden. Divination said: "At Weaving Maiden there is female disorder; at Tianji there is earthquake." By year four, tenth month, there was earthquake; afterward Empress Chen was deposed.
121
六年，熒惑守輿鬼。 占曰：「為火變，有喪。」 是歲高園有火災，竇太后崩。
In year six, Mars stationed at Carriage Ghosts. Divination said: "This is fire anomaly and mourning." That year there was fire disaster at Gao park, and Empress Dowager Dou died.
122
元光元年六月，客星見于房。 占曰：「為兵起。」 其二年十一月，單于將十萬騎入武州，漢遣兵三十餘萬以待之。
In Yuanguang year one, sixth month, a guest star appeared at Fang. Divination said: "War will arise." In year two, eleventh month, the Chanyu led one hundred thousand cavalry into Wuzhou; Han dispatched over three hundred thousand troops to await them.
123
元光中，天星盡搖，上以問候星者。 對曰：「星搖者，民勞也。」 後伐四夷，百姓勞于兵革。
In Yuanguang period, all heavenly stars shook, and the emperor asked star-watchers about it. They replied: "When stars shake, the people are overworked." Later, in campaigns against the four barbarians, the people were indeed exhausted by war.
124
元鼎五年，太白入于天苑。 占曰：「將以馬起兵也。」 一曰：「
In Yuanding year five, Venus entered Heavenly Park. Divination said: "Troops will rise through horses." Another reading says:
125
馬將以軍而死秏。」 其後以天馬故誅大宛，馬大死於軍。
"Horses in the army will die off." Afterward, because of the Heavenly Horses, Dayuan was attacked and many horses died in the campaign.
126
元鼎中，熒惑守南斗。 占曰：「熒惑所守，為亂賊喪兵； 守之久，其國絕祀。 南斗，越分也。」 其後越相呂嘉殺其王及太后，漢兵誅之，滅其國。
In middle Yuanding, Mars stationed at Southern Dipper. Divination said: "Where Mars stations, there are rebels, mourning, and war. If it stations long, that state's sacrifices are cut off. Southern Dipper belongs to Yue division." Afterward Yue Chancellor Lü Jia killed his king and queen mother; Han troops executed him and destroyed his state.
127
元封中，星孛于河戍。 占曰：「南戍為越門，北戍為胡門。」 其後漢兵擊拔朝鮮，以為樂浪、玄菟郡。 朝鮮在海中，越之象也； 居北方，胡之域也。
In Yuanshi period, a broom star appeared at River Garrison. Divination said: "Southern garrison is Yue gate; northern garrison is Hu gate." Afterward Han troops attacked and took Joseon, establishing Lelang and Xuantu commanderies. Joseon lies by the sea, thus has Yue characteristics. Yet it is in the north, thus within Hu domain.
128
太初中，星孛于招搖。 傳曰：「客星守招搖，蠻夷有亂，民死君。」 其後漢兵擊大宛，斬其王。 招搖，遠夷之分也。
In Taichu period, a broom star appeared at Zhaoyao. Tradition says: "If a guest star guards Zhaoyao, among distant barbarians there is disorder, and people kill their ruler." Afterward Han troops attacked Dayuan and beheaded its king. Zhaoyao belongs to distant barbarian division.
129
孝昭始元中，漢宦者梁成恢及燕王候星者吳莫如見蓬星出西方天市東門，行過河鼓，入營室中。 恢曰：「蓬星出六十日，不出三年，下有亂臣戮死於市。」 後太白出西方，下行一舍，復上行二舍而下去。 太白主兵，上復下，將有戮死者。 後太白出東方，入咸池，東下入東井。 人臣不忠，有謀上者。 後太白入太微西藩第一星，北出東藩第一星，北東下去。 太微者，天廷也，太白行其中，宮門當閉，大將被甲兵，邪臣伏誅。 熒惑在婁，逆行至奎，法曰「當有兵」。 後太白入昴。 莫如曰：「蓬星出西方，當有大臣戮死者。 太白星入東井、太微廷，出東門，漢有死將。」 後熒惑出東方，守太白。 兵當起，主人不勝。 後流星下燕萬載宮極，東去，法曰「國恐，有誅」。 其後左將軍桀、票騎將軍安與長公主、燕剌王謀亂，咸伏其辜。 兵誅烏桓。
In Emperor Zhao's Shiyuan period, the Han eunuch Liang Chenghui and Wu Moru, a star-watcher for the King of Yan, saw a fluffy star emerge west at the east gate of Heavenly Market, pass River Drum, and enter Yingshi. Hui said: "A fluffy star that appears sixty days, and not reappearing within three years, means below it there will be rebellious ministers executed in market." Afterward Venus appeared in west, moved down one lodge, then up two lodges and down again. Venus governs war; rising then falling means there will be those executed. Later Venus appeared east, entered Xianchi, then descended east into Eastern Well. This means ministers are disloyal and someone plots against the ruler above. Later Venus entered first star of west fence in Taiwei, emerged north from first star of east fence, then moved down northeast. Taiwei is the heavenly court; when Venus moves within it, palace gates should be shut, great generals armored, and wicked ministers secretly executed. Mars at Lou retrograded to Kui; the rule says "there should be war." Afterward Venus entered Mao. Moru said: "Fluffy star appearing in west means there will be high ministers executed. Venus entering Eastern Well and Taiwei court, emerging by east gate, means Han will lose a general." Later Mars emerged in east and guarded Venus. War should rise, and host side will not win. Later a meteor fell at Yan's Wanzai Palace pole and went east; the rule says "the state is in peril; there will be executions." Afterward Left General Jie and Cavalry General An, with the Eldest Princess and Prince of Yan, plotted disorder and all paid the penalty. Troops then punished the Wuhuan.
130
元鳳四年九月，客星在紫宮中斗樞極間。 占曰：「為兵。」 其五年六月，發三輔郡國少年詣北軍。 五年四月，燭星見奎、婁間。 占曰「有土功，胡人死，邊城和。」 其六年正月，築遼東、玄菟城。 二月，度遼將軍范明友擊烏桓還。
In Yuanfeng year four, ninth month, a guest star was in Purple Palace between Dipper pivot and Pole. Divination said: "War." In year five, sixth month, youths from Three Auxiliaries and commanderies were conscripted to northern army. In year five, fourth month, Torch Star appeared between Kui and Lou. Divination said: "There will be earthworks, Hu people die, and frontier cities become pacified." In year six, first month, Liaodong and Xuantu cities were built. In second month, General Crossing Liao, Fan Mingyou, attacked Wuhuan and returned.
131
元平元年正月庚子，日出時有黑雲，狀如焱風亂鬊，轉出西北，東南行，轉而西，有頃亡。 占曰：「有雲如眾風，是謂風師，法有大兵。」 其後兵起烏孫，五將征匈奴。
In Yuanping year one, first month gengzi day at sunrise, there was black cloud shaped like blazing wind and tangled hair, turning out to northwest, moving southeast, then turning west, and vanishing after a while. Divination said: "Cloud like many winds is called Wind Master; by rule there is major military action." Afterward warfare arose in Wusun, and five generals campaigned against Xiongnu.
132
二月甲申，晨有大星如月，有眾星隨而西行。 乙酉，牂雲如狗，赤色，長尾三枚，夾漢西行。 大星如月，大臣之象，眾星隨之，眾皆隨從也。 天文以東行為順，西行為逆，此大臣欲行權以安社稷。 占曰：「太白散為天狗，為卒起。 卒起見，禍無時，臣運柄。 牂雲為亂君。」 到其四月，昌邑王賀行淫辟，立二十七日，大將軍霍光白皇太后廢賀。
On jiashen day of second month at dawn, there was a great star like moon, with many stars following westward. On yiyou, a can-cloud like a dog, red, with three long tails, flanking the Milky River and moving west. A great star like moon signifies a high minister; many stars following mean many followers obey him. In celestial rule, eastward motion is regular and westward reverse; this means the high minister seeks to wield power to stabilize the altars. Divination says: "Venus scattered becomes Heavenly Dog, meaning sudden uprising. When sudden uprising appears, calamity has no fixed time, and ministers hold the handle of power. Can-cloud means ruler-disorder." By that fourth month, King He of Changyi behaved licentiously and perversely; after 27 days on throne, Grand General Huo Guang petitioned the Empress Dowager and deposed He.
133
三月丙戌，流星出翼、軫東北，干太微，入紫宮。 始出小，且入大，有光。 入有頃，聲如雷，三鳴止。 占曰：「流星入紫宮，天下大凶。」 其四月癸未，宮車晏駕。
On bingxu day of third month, a meteor emerged northeast of Yi and Zhen, brushed Taiwei, and entered Purple Palace. It began small and grew larger as it entered, with light. Shortly after entry, its sound was like thunder, roaring three times then stopping. Divination said: "A meteor entering Purple Palace is great inauspice under heaven." On guiwei day of fourth month, the imperial carriage was mournfully stilled.
134
黃龍元年三月，客星居王梁東北可九尺，長丈餘，西指，出閣道間，至紫宮。 其十二月，宮車晏駕。
In Huanglong year one, third month, a guest star was northeast of Wangliang by about nine chi, over one zhang long, pointing west, emerging between Pavilion Roads and reaching Purple Palace. That twelfth month, the imperial carriage was mournfully stilled.
135
元帝初元元年四月，客星大如瓜，色青白，在南斗第二星東可四尺。 占曰：「為水飢。」 其五月，勃海水大溢。 六月，關東大飢，民多餓死，琅邪郡人相食。
In Emperor Yuan Chuyuan year one, fourth month, a guest star as large as a melon, blue-white, appeared four chi east of the second star of Southern Dipper. Divination said: "Flood and famine." In fifth month, Bohai waters greatly overflowed. In sixth month, Guandong had great famine; many people starved; in Langya people ate one another.
136
二年五月，客星見昴分，居卷舌東可五尺，青白色，炎長三寸。 占曰：「天下有妄言者。」 其十二月，鉅鹿都尉謝君男詐為神人，論死，父免官。
In year two, fifth month, a guest star appeared in Mao division, five chi east of Coiled Tongue, blue-white, with a three-cun glowing tail. Divination said: "There are people under heaven spreading false words." That twelfth month, Commandant Xie Junnan of Julu falsely posed as a spirit-man; he was sentenced to death and his father dismissed.
137
五年四月，彗星出西北，赤黃色，長八尺所，後數日長丈餘，東北指，在參分。 後二歲餘，西羌反。
In year five, fourth month, a comet emerged northwest, red-yellow, about eight chi long; after several days over one zhang, pointing northeast, in Shen division. Over two years later, Western Qiang rebelled.
138
孝成建始元年九月戊子，有流星出文昌，色白，光燭地，長可四丈，大一圍，動搖如龍蛇形。 有頃，長可五六丈，大四圍所，詘折委曲，貫紫宮西，在斗西北子亥間。 後詘如環，北方不合，留一合所。 占曰：「文昌為上將貴相。」 是時帝舅王鳳為大將軍，其後宣帝舅子王商為丞相，皆貴重任政。 鳳妒商，譖而罷之。 商自殺，親屬皆廢黜。
In Emperor Cheng Jianshi year one, ninth month wuzu day, a meteor emerged from Wenchang, white, illuminating the ground, about four zhang long, one encirclement thick, swaying like dragon-snake form. After a while it lengthened to five or six zhang, about four circles thick, bent and winding, passed through west of Purple Palace, between Zi and Hai northwest of the Dipper. Then it bent like a ring, unclosed in north, leaving one gap. Divination said: "Wenchang signifies upper generals and noble chancellors." At that time the emperor's maternal uncle Wang Feng was Grand General; later another uncle's son Wang Shang became chancellor; both were highly honored and held government power. Feng envied Shang, slandered him, and removed him. Shang killed himself; his relatives were all deposed and dismissed.
139
四年七月，熒惑隃歲星，居其東北半寸所如連李。 時歲星在關星西四尺所，熒惑初從畢口大星東東北往，數日至，往疾去遲。 占曰：「熒惑與歲星鬥，有病君飢歲。」 至河平元年三月，旱，傷麥，民食榆皮。 二年十二月壬申，太皇太后避時昆明東觀。
In year four, seventh month, Mars overtook Jupiter, residing half cun northeast of it, like linked plums. At that time Jupiter was four chi west of Guan star; Mars first moved east-northeast from the great star at Bi mouth, reached it after several days, with fast approach and slow departure. Divination said: "When Mars contends with Jupiter, there is ruler illness and famine year." By Heping year one, third month, drought damaged wheat and people ate elm bark. In year two, twelfth month renshen day, Grand Empress Dowager avoided the season at eastern pavilion of Kunming.
140
十一月乙卯，月食填星，星不見，時在輿鬼西北八九尺所。 占曰：「月食填星，流民千里。」 河平元年三月，流民入函谷關。
On yimao day of eleventh month, moon eclipsed Saturn; Saturn was unseen, then at about eight or nine chi northwest of Carriage Ghosts. Divination said: "When moon eclipses Saturn, migrants flow a thousand li." In Heping year one, third month, migrants entered Hangu Pass.
141
河平二年十月下旬，填星在東井軒轅南耑大星尺餘，歲星在其西北尺所，熒惑在其西北二尺所，皆從西方來。 填星貫輿鬼，先到歲星次，熒惑亦貫輿鬼。 十一月上旬，歲星、熒惑西去填星，皆西北逆行。 占曰：「三星若合，是謂驚位，是謂絕行，外內有兵與喪，改立王公。」 其十一月丁巳，夜郎王歆大逆不道，牂柯太守立捕殺歆。 三年九月甲戌，東郡莊平男子侯母辟兄弟五人群黨為盜，攻燔官寺，縛縣長吏，盜取印綬，自稱將軍。 三月辛卯，左將軍千秋卒，右將軍史丹為左將軍。 四年四月戊申，梁王賀薨。
In late tenth month of Heping year two, Saturn was over one chi south of the great southern tip star of Xuanyuan in Eastern Well; Jupiter was about one chi northwest of it; Mars about two chi northwest; all came from west. Saturn crossed Carriage Ghosts, reaching Jupiter's lodge first; Mars also crossed Carriage Ghosts. In early eleventh month, Jupiter and Mars moved west away from Saturn, both retrograding northwest. Divination said: "If three stars seem conjoined, this is called startled station, called broken movement; there are armies and mourning within and without, and kings and nobles are replaced." On ding-si day of that eleventh month, King Xin of Yelang committed great rebellion and lawlessness; governor of Zangke set up pursuit and killed Xin. In year three, ninth month jiaxu day, men of Dong commandery led by Hou Mubi and his five brothers formed a gang as bandits, attacked and burned offices, bound county officials, seized seals and cords, and called themselves generals. On xinmao day of third month, Left General Qianqiu died; Right General Shi Dan became Left General. In year four, fourth month wushen day, King He of Liang died.
142
四夫閏月庚午，飛星大如缶，出西南，入斗下。 占曰：「漢使匈奴。」 明年，鴻嘉元年正月，匈奴單于雕陶莫皋死。 五月甲午，遣中郎將楊興使弔。
In intercalary month gengwu day, a flying star as large as a jar emerged southwest and entered below Dipper. Divination said: "Han will send an envoy to Xiongnu." In following year, Hongjia year one first month, Xiongnu Chanyu Diaotao Mogao died. On jiamao day of fifth month, Central Gentleman General Yang Xing was sent as envoy of condolence.
143
永始二年二月癸未夜，東方有赤色，大三四圍，長二三丈，索索如樹，南方有大四五圍，下行十餘丈，皆不至地滅。 占曰：「東方客之變氣，狀如樹木，以此知四方欲動者。」 明年十二月己卯，尉氏男子樊並等謀反，賊殺陳留太守嚴普及吏民，出囚徒，取庫兵，劫略令丞，自稱將軍，皆誅死。 庚子，山陽鐵官亡徒蘇令等殺傷吏民，篡出囚徒，取庫兵，聚黨數百人為大賊，踰年經歷郡國四十餘。 一日有兩氣同時起，並見，而並、令等同月俱發也。
On guimei night of second month, Yongshi year two, in the east there was red qi, three to four circumferences broad and two to three zhang long, rustling like trees; in the south another was four to five circumferences broad, descending over ten zhang; both vanished before reaching ground. Divination said: 'This is anomalous qi from eastern guests, shaped like trees; by it one knows the four directions are about to stir.' In the next year's twelfth month, jimao day, Fan Bing of Weishi and others plotted rebellion, murdered Chenliu governor Yan Pu and officials and civilians, released prisoners, seized arsenal weapons, kidnapped magistrates and assistants, called themselves generals, and were all executed. On gengzi day, escaped convicts from Shanyang iron office under Su Ling killed and wounded officials and people, broke out prisoners, seized arsenal weapons, gathered hundreds as major bandits, and over more than a year moved through over forty commanderies and kingdoms. That one day two qi phenomena arose together and were seen together, matching that Bing and Ling also launched in the same month.
144
元延元年四月丁酉日餔時，天蛲晏，殷殷如雷聲，有流星頭大如缶，長十餘丈，皎然赤白色，從日下東南去。 四面或大如盂，或如雞子，燿燿如雨下，至昏止。 郡國皆言星隕。 春秋星隕如雨為王者失勢諸侯起伯之異也。 其後王莽遂顓國柄。 王氏之興萌於成帝，是以有星隕之變。 後莽遂篡國。
At feeding time on dingyou day of fourth month, Yuanyan year one, heaven was darkened; booming sounds like thunder, and a meteor with a head as large as a jar and over ten zhang long, bright red-white, flew southeast from below the sun. On all sides, some fragments were as large as basins, some like eggs, glittering like rain, and stopped by dusk. All commanderies and kingdoms reported falling stars. In Spring and Autumn interpretation, stars falling like rain is anomaly that ruler loses power and feudal lords rise as hegemons. Afterward Wang Mang gradually seized the state's handles of power. The rise of the Wang clan began under Emperor Cheng; therefore there was this meteor-fall anomaly. Later Mang usurped the state.
145
綏和元年正月辛未，有流星從東南入北斗，長數十丈，二刻所息。 占曰：「大臣有繫者。」 其年十一月庚子，定陵侯淳于長坐執左道下獄死。
In Suihe year one, first month xinwei, a meteor entered the Northern Dipper from southeast, tens of zhang long, and ceased after about two ke. Divination said: 'A great minister will be arrested.' That year in eleventh month gengzi, Marquis of Dingling Chunyu Zhang was imprisoned for heterodox practices and died in prison.
146
二年春，熒惑守心。 二月乙丑，丞相翟方進欲塞災異，自殺。
In spring of year two, Mars stationed at Heart. On yichou day of second month, Chancellor Zhai Fangjin, seeking to block ominous portents, killed himself.
147
二月丙戌，宮車晏駕。
On bingxu day of second month, the imperial carriage was mournfully stilled.
148
哀帝建平元年正月丁未日出時，有著天白氣，廣如一匹布，長十餘丈，西南行，讙如雷，西南行一刻而止，名曰天狗。 傳曰：「言之不從，則有犬禍詩妖。」 到其四年正月、二月、三月，民相驚動，讙譁奔走，傳行詔籌祠西王母，又曰「從目人當來」。 十二月，白氣出西南，從地上至天，出參下，貫天廁，廣如一疋布，長十餘丈，十餘日去。 占曰：「天子有陰病。」 其三年十一月壬子，太皇太后詔曰：「皇帝寬仁孝順，奉承聖緒，靡有解怠，而久病未瘳。 夙夜惟思，殆繼體之君不宜改作。 春秋大復古，其復甘泉泰畤、汾陰后土如故。」
At sunrise on dingwei day of first month, Jianping year one under Emperor Ai, a white qi band attached to heaven appeared, as broad as one bolt of cloth and over ten zhang long, moving southwest with thunder-like roar; after one ke it stopped, called Heavenly Dog. Tradition says: 'When words are not heeded, there are canine calamities and poetic prodigies.' By first, second, and third months of year four, the people panicked and ran noisily, spreading forged edicts and tally notices to sacrifice to Queen Mother of the West, and saying 'the one with vertical eyes will come.' In twelfth month, white qi emerged southwest, rising from ground to heaven, beneath Shen, piercing Heavenly Latrine, as broad as one bolt and over ten zhang long; it remained over ten days and departed. Divination said: 'The Son of Heaven has hidden illness.' In third year, eleventh month renzi, the Grand Empress Dowager issued edict: 'The emperor is broad and benevolent, filial and compliant, carrying on sacred succession without slackness, yet long unhealed from illness. Day and night I think only this: perhaps a ruler inheriting the body should not alter institutions. The Spring and Autumn greatly values restoring antiquity; restore Ganquan Tai altar and Fenyin Houtu as before.'
149
元壽元年十一月，歲星入太微，逆行干右執法。 占曰：「大臣有憂，執法者誅，若有罪。」 二年十月戊寅，高安侯董賢免大司馬位，歸第自殺。
In Yuanshou year one, eleventh month, Jupiter entered Taiwei and retrograded, striking Right Enforcer of Law. Divination said: 'A great minister has anxiety; the law enforcer will be executed, or one guilty will be punished.' In year two, on wuyin day of tenth month, Marquis of Gao'an Dong Xian was removed from Grand Marshal post, returned to his residence, and killed himself.