1
十煇《周禮》,眡祲氏掌十煇之法,以觀妖祥,辨吉凶。 一曰祲,謂陰陽五色之氣,昆淫相侵。 或曰,抱珥背璚之屬,如虹而短是也。 二曰象,謂雲如氣,成形象,雲如赤烏,夾日以飛之類是也。 三曰鐫,日旁氣刺日,形如童子所佩之鐫也。 四曰監,謂雲氣臨在日上也。 五曰暗,謂日月蝕,或日光暗也。 六曰曹,謂瞢瞢不光明也。 七曰彌,謂白虹彌天而貫日也。 八曰序,謂氣若山而在日上。 或曰,冠珥背璚,重疊次序,在於日旁也。 九曰U,謂暈氣也。 或曰,虹也。 《詩》所謂「朝U於西」者也。 十曰想,謂氣五色,有形想也,青饑,赤兵,白喪,黑憂,黃熟。 或曰,想,思也,赤氣為人獸之形,可思而知其吉凶。 自周已降,術士間出,今采其著者而言之。
According to the Rites of Zhou's account of the Ten Splendors, the Officer of Omens oversaw the methods for reading the ten kinds of atmospheric phenomena, watching for portents and telling good fortune from bad. The first is called jin—when the five-colored vapors of yin and yang press upon and seep into one another. Some identify it with formations such as "embracing ears" or "back jades"—rainbow-like arcs, only shorter. The second is xiang, when cloud-vapor takes shape, as when clouds form a red bird flying on either side of the sun. The third is juan—vapor beside the sun that seems to pierce it, shaped like the small pendant boys wore at their belts. The fourth is jian, when cloud-vapor appears to press down upon the sun from above. The fifth is an—eclipses of the sun or moon, or a dimming of sunlight. The sixth is cao, a hazy, indistinct glow without clear brightness. The seventh is mi—a white rainbow spanning the sky and running through the sun. The eighth is xu, when vapor rises beside the sun like a mountain peak. Others describe it as crown, ear-pendants, and back-jades stacked in order around the sun. The ninth is yun—the halo-like vapor surrounding the sun or moon. Some simply call it a rainbow. This is the phenomenon meant in the Odes by "a morning rainbow in the west." The tenth is xiang—five-colored vapors with recognizable shapes: green foretells famine, red war, white mourning, black grief, and yellow a ripe harvest. Others explain xiang as "imagined form": when red vapor shapes itself into human or animal figures, the observer can read the omen. Since the Zhou dynasty, one diviner after another has appeared; here I collect the most authoritative accounts.
2
日,君乘土而王,其政太平,則日五色。 又曰,或黑或青或黃,師破。 又曰,遊氣蔽天,日月失色,皆是風雨之候也。 若天氣清靜,無諸遊氣,日月不明,乃為失色。 或天氣下降,地氣未升,厚則日紫,薄則日赤,若於夜則月白,皆將雨也。 或天氣未降,地氣上升,厚則日黃,薄則日白,若於夜則月赤,將旱且風。 亦為日月暈之候,雨少而多陰。 或天氣已降,地氣又升,上下未交則日青,若於夜則月綠色,將寒候也。 或天地氣雖交而未密,則日黑,若於夜則月青,將雨不雨,變為雺霧,暈背虹蜺。 又曰,沉陰,日月俱無光,晝不見日,夜不見星,皆有雲鄣之,兩敵相當,陰相圖議也。 日曚曚光,士卒內亂。 日薄赤,見日中烏,將軍出,旌旗舉,此不祥,必有敗亡。 又曰,數日俱出若斗,天下兵大戰。 日斗下有拔城。
The sun represents the ruler, who reigns through the element earth; when governance is tranquil, the sun displays all five colors. Some also say that if the sun turns black, green, or yellow, armies will be broken. It is also said that drifting vapors shrouding the sky and the sun and moon losing their luster are all harbingers of wind and rain. When the sky is clear and still, with no drifting vapor, yet the sun and moon appear dull, that alone counts as loss of color. If heavenly vapor has fallen while earthly vapor has not yet risen, a thick layer turns the sun purple and a thin one red; at night a white moon means the same—rain is approaching. If earthly vapor has risen before heavenly vapor descends, a thick layer makes the sun yellow and a thin one white; a red moon at night signals drought and wind. These conditions also precede halos around the sun and moon—scant rain but prolonged cloud cover. If both vapors are present but have not yet joined, the sun turns green—or the moon green at night—heralding cold. If the two vapors meet but remain loose, the sun turns black and the moon green at night; rain threatens without falling, giving way to haze, halos, back-jades, and secondary rainbows. Some call this "sunken yin": sun and moon alike lose their light, the day sun invisible and night stars hidden behind clouds—two matched foes scheming in the dark. When the sun glows dim and murky, soldiers mutiny within their own army. A pale red sun with a crow visible inside it means a general takes the field and raises his banners—an ill omen promising defeat and death. Some also say that when several suns appear together as though fighting, the empire faces war on a vast scale. When suns appear to clash, a city below will be taken by storm.
3
日戴者,形如直狀,其上微起,在日上為戴。 戴者德也,國有喜也。 一云,立日上為戴。 青赤氣抱在日上,小者為冠,國有喜事。 青赤氣小,而交於日下,為纓。 青赤氣小而圓,一二在日下左右者,為紐。 青赤氣如小半暈狀,在日上為負。 負者得地為喜。 又曰,青赤氣長而斜倚日傍為戟。 青赤氣圓而小,在日左右為珥。 黃白者有喜。 又曰有軍。 日有一珥為喜,在日西,西軍戰勝,在日東,東軍戰勝。 南北亦如之,無軍而珥,為拜將。 又日旁如半環,向日為抱。 青赤氣如月初生,背日者為背。 又曰,背氣青赤而曲,外向為叛象,分為反城。 璚者如帶,璚在日四方。 青赤氣長,而立日旁,為直。 日旁有一直,敵在一旁欲自立,從直所擊者勝。 日旁有二直三抱,欲自立者不成。 順抱擊者勝,殺將。 氣形三抱,在日四方,為提。 青赤氣橫在日上下為格。 氣如半暈,在日下為承。 承者,臣承君也。 又曰,日下有黃氣三重若抱,名曰承福,人主有吉喜,且得地。 青白氣如履,在日下者為履。 日旁抱五重,戰順抱者勝。 日一抱一背為破走。 抱者,順氣也,背者,逆氣也。 兩軍相當,順抱擊逆者勝,故曰破走。 日抱且兩珥,一虹貫抱,至日,順虹擊者勝。 日重抱,內有璚,順抱擊者勝; 亦曰軍內有欲反者。 日重抱,左右二珥,有白虹貫抱,順抱擊勝,得二將。 有三虹,得三將。 日抱黃白潤澤,內赤外青,天子有喜,有和親來降者。 軍不戰,敵降,軍罷。 色青,將喜; 赤,將兵爭; 白,將有喪; 黑,將死。 日重抱且背,順抱擊者勝,得地,若有罷師。 日重抱,抱內外有璚,兩珥,順抱擊者勝,破軍,軍中不和,不相信。 日旁有氣,圓而周市,內赤而外青,名為暈。 日暈者,軍營之象。 周環匝日無厚薄,敵與軍勢齊等。 若無軍在外,天子失禦,民多叛。 日暈有五色,有喜; 不得五色,有憂。
"Sun-wearing" takes the form of a straight rod, slightly lifted at the top, standing above the sun. Wearing signifies virtue—the realm may expect good fortune. Another account simply says that anything standing atop the sun is "wearing." When green and red vapor encircles the sun, the smaller arc is a crown, and the state will know happy events. Small green and red arcs crossing below the sun form a tassel. One or two small, round green and red patches to either side beneath the sun are called knots. Green and red vapor shaped like a small half-halo above the sun is called "bearing." For "bearing," gaining territory brings rejoicing. Some add that long green and red vapor slanting beside the sun forms a halberd. Small, round green and red patches flanking the sun are ear-pendants. Yellow and white colors portend good fortune. Some also read them as signs of mobilized armies. A single ear-pendant on the sun is auspicious: west of the sun, the western force wins; east of the sun, the eastern force wins. The same rule holds for north and south; if no army is in the field but ear-pendants appear, a general will be commissioned. A half-ring beside the sun, turned toward it, is called "embracing." Green and red vapor like a crescent moon behind the sun is called "back." Some say that green and red back-vapor, curved and turned outward, signals rebellion and the rise of rival strongholds. "Jade-belt" resembles a sash encircling the sun on all four sides. Long green and red vapor standing upright beside the sun is called "straight." When a single straight line stands beside the sun, an enemy on one flank seeks independence; the side that attacks along the line of the straight mark wins. Two straight lines and three embraces together mean that any force trying to break away will fail. The side that attacks in the direction of the embrace wins and slays the enemy general. Vapor forming three embraces on all four sides of the sun is called "lifting." Green and red vapor crossing above and below the sun forms a "frame." Vapor like a half-halo beneath the sun is called "support." "Support" signifies a minister upholding the ruler. Some also describe three layers of yellow vapor beneath the sun, embracing like a ring, called "receiving blessing"—the sovereign will know good fortune and gain land. Green and white vapor shaped like a shoe beneath the sun is called "footgear." When five embraces ring the sun, in battle the side that attacks along the embrace prevails. One embrace and one back together on the sun mean rout and flight. Embrace is compliant vapor; back is opposing vapor. When two armies face each other, the side that attacks along the embrace against the back wins—hence "rout and flight." If the sun is embraced with two ear-pendants and a rainbow runs through the embrace to the sun, the side that attacks along the rainbow wins. When the sun is doubly embraced with a jade-belt inside, the side attacking along the embrace wins; some also read this as rebellion brewing within the ranks. A doubly embraced sun with two ear-pendants and a white rainbow through the embrace: attack along the embrace and win, capturing two generals. Three rainbows mean three generals taken. An embrace of lustrous yellow and white, red inside and green outside, brings the Son of Heaven joy—marriage alliances and submissions follow. Armies need not fight; enemies surrender and forces stand down. Green color: the general will rejoice; red: generals clash; white: the general faces mourning; black: the general will die. A doubly embraced sun with a back formation: attack along the embrace, win, gain ground, and perhaps see armies withdraw. A doubly embraced sun with jade-belts inside and outside and two ear-pendants: strike along the embrace to win, shatter the enemy host, and sow discord within their ranks. Round vapor encircling the sun like a market ring, red inside and green outside, is called a halo. A solar halo mirrors an army in camp. A complete ring of even thickness around the sun means enemy and army are evenly matched. If no army is abroad when this appears, the Son of Heaven loses his grip and the people rise in rebellion. A halo showing all five colors brings rejoicing; if the five colors are incomplete, sorrow follows.
4
凡占兩軍相當,必謹審日月暈氣,知其所起,留止遠近,應與不應,疾遲大小,厚薄長短,抱背為多少,有無實虛久亟,密疏澤枯。 相應等者勢等。 近勝遠,疾勝遲,大勝小,厚勝薄,長勝短,抱勝背,多勝少,有勝無,實勝虛,久勝亟,密勝疏,澤勝枯。 重背大破,重抱為和親,抱多親者益多,背為不和。 分離相去,背於內者離於內,背於外者離於外也。
When reading omens for two matched armies, one must scrutinize the halos around sun and moon: where the vapor rises and stops, whether near or far, whether it responds, its speed and size, thickness and length, the number of embraces and backs, presence or absence, solidity and duration, density and moisture. When the signs correspond and match, the forces are equal. Near beats far, swift beats slow, large beats small, thick beats thin, long beats short, embrace beats back, many beats few, presence beats absence, solid beats hollow, lasting beats brief, dense beats sparse, moist beats dry. A double back signals crushing defeat; a double embrace, marriage alliance—the more embraces, the more alliances; a back means estrangement. For separation and parting: a back turned inward means division within; a back turned outward, division without.
5
凡占分離相去,赤內青外,以和相去; 青內赤外,以惡相去。 日暈明久,內赤外青,外人勝; 內青外赤,內人勝; 內黃外青黑,內人勝; 外黃內青黑,外人勝; 外白內青,外人勝; 內白外青,內人勝,內黃外青,外人勝; 內青外黃,內人勝。 日暈周匝,東北偏厚,厚為軍福,在東北戰勝,西南戰敗。 日暈黃白,不鬭兵未解; 青黑,和解分地; 色黃,土功動,人不安; 日色黑,有水,陰國盛。 日暈七日無風雨,兵大作,不可起,眾大敗。 不及日蝕,日暈而明,天下有兵,兵罷; 無兵,兵起不戰。 日暈始起,前滅而後成者,後成面勝。 日暈有兵在外者,主人不勝。 日暈,內赤外青,群臣親外; 外赤內青,群臣親內其身,身外其心。 日有朝夕暈,是謂失地,主人必敗。
When reading separation and parting: red inside and green outside means a harmonious parting; green inside and red outside means a hostile parting. A bright, long-lasting halo, red inside and green outside: the outside force wins; green inside and red outside: the inside force wins; yellow inside and green-black outside: the insider wins; yellow outside and green-black inside: the outsider wins; white outside and green inside: the outsider wins; white inside and green outside: the insider wins; yellow inside and green outside: the outsider wins; green inside and yellow outside: the insider wins. A full halo thicker in the northeast favors that quarter: victory in the northeast, defeat in the southwest. A yellow-white halo: armies hold back from battle and the conflict remains unsettled; green-black: truce and a partition of land; yellow: public works on earth ramp up and the people grow restless; When the sun turns black, floods follow and the northern states grow strong. A halo lasting seven days without wind or rain foretells major war—do not take the field, or the army will be shattered. Short of an actual eclipse, a bright solar halo means war across the realm, then armies stand down; if no army is abroad, forces mobilize but never clash. When a halo first appears, the forward edge fading as the rear takes shape, the side where the rear forms wins. If armies are in the field when a halo appears, the defending force will not prevail. A halo red inside and green outside means courtiers lean toward outsiders; red outside and green inside means ministers favor their own faction—their bodies at court, their loyalty elsewhere. Halos at both dawn and dusk on the same day signal lost territory—the home force is doomed.
6
日暈而珥,主有謀,軍在外,外軍有悔。 日暈抱珥上,將軍易。 日暈而珥如井幹者,國亡,有大兵交。 日暈上西,將軍易,兩敵相當。 日暈兩珥,平等俱起而色同,軍勢等,色厚潤澤者賀喜。 日暈有直珥為破軍,貫至日為殺將。 日暈員且戴,國有喜,戰從戴所擊者勝,得地。 日暈而珥背左右,如大軍輞者,兵起,其國亡城,兵滿野而城複歸。
A halo with ear-pendants means the ruler schemes, armies are abroad, and the expeditionary force will rue its mission. An embrace and ear-pendant stacked above a halo means the commanding general will be changed. Ear-pendants shaped like a well-curb on a halo mean the state falls and great armies collide. A halo rising in the western sky means a change of general and two evenly matched foes. Two ear-pendants of equal size and color rising together mark equal forces—the side with the thicker, moister color wins favor. Straight ear-pendants on a halo foretell breaking the enemy host; if they reach the sun, the enemy general dies. A full halo with "wearing" above brings national rejoicing; in battle, attack from the wearing and win land. A halo with back and ear-pendants like a chariot rim means war, lost cities, armies swarming the countryside—and yet cities may be retaken.
7
日暈,暈內有珥一抱,所謂圍城者在內,內人則勝。 日暈有重抱,後有背,戰順抱者勝,得地有軍。 日暈有一抱,抱為順,貫暈內,在日西,西軍勝,有軍。
One embrace inside the halo means the besieger is within—the inside force prevails. A double embrace with a back behind: attack along the embrace, win, gain ground, and armies take the field. One compliant embrace piercing the halo: west of the sun, the western force wins and armies mobilize.
8
日暈有一背,背為逆,在日西,東軍勝。 余方放此。 日暈而背,兵起,其分,失城。 日暈有背,背為逆,有降叛者,有反城。 在日東,東有叛。 余方放此。 日暈背氣在暈內,此為不和,分離相去。 其色青外赤內,節臣受王命有所之。 日暈上下有兩背,無兵兵起,有兵兵入。 日暈四背在暈內,名曰不和,有內亂。 日暈而四背如大車輞者四提,設其國眾在外,有反臣。 日暈四提,必有大將出亡者。 日暈有四背璚,其背端盡出暈者,反從內起。
One contrary back on the halo: west of the sun, the eastern force wins. The same rule applies to the other directions. A halo with a back means war and lost cities in the affected quarter. A contrary back on a halo signals surrender, rebellion, and rival strongholds. East of the sun, rebellion rises in the east. The same holds for the other directions. Back-vapor inside the halo means discord, separation, and estrangement. Green outside and red inside means a minister sets out on royal business. Two backs above and below a halo: without armies in the field, war begins; with armies abroad, enemy forces invade. Four backs inside the halo, called "discord," mean civil strife. Four backs like chariot rims and four "liftings" mean that if the people are abroad, a minister will rebel. Four liftings on a halo guarantee that a senior general will desert. Four back-jades whose tips extend beyond the halo mean revolt from inside the court.
9
日暈而兩珥在外,有聚雲在內與外,不出三日,城圍出戰。 日暈有背珥直,而有虹貫之者,順虹擊之,大勝得地。 日暈,有白虹貫暈至日,從虹所指戰勝,破軍殺將。 日暈,有虹貫暈,不至日,戰從貫所擊之勝,得小將。 日暈,有一虹貫暈內,順虹擊者勝,殺將。 日暈,二白虹貫暈,有戰,客勝。 日重暈,有四五白虹氣,從內出外,以此圍城,主人勝,城不拔。 又日重暈,攻城圍邑不拔。 日暈二重,其外清內濁不散,軍會聚。 日暈三重,有拔城。 日交暈無厚薄,交爭,力勢均,厚者勝。 日交暈,人主左右有爭者,兵在外戰。 日在暈上,軍罷。 交暈貫日,天下有破軍死將。 日交暈而爭者先衰,不勝即兩敵相向。 交暈至日月,順以戰勝,殺將。 一法日在上者勝。 日有交者,赤青如暈狀,或如合背,或正直交者,偏交也,兩氣相交也,或相貫穿,或相向,或相背也。 交主內亂,軍內不和。 日交暈如連環,為兩軍兵起,君爭地。 日有三暈,軍分為三。 日方暈而上下聚二背,將敗人亡。 日暈若井垣,若車輪,二國皆兵亡。 又曰有軍。
Two outer ear-pendants with clouds massed inside and outside the halo: within three days a besieged city breaks out to fight. Back, ear-pendants, and straight lines pierced by a rainbow: attack along the rainbow for a crushing victory and captured land. A white rainbow running through the halo to the sun: fight where it points—win, break the host, slay the general. A rainbow through the halo that stops short of the sun: attack along its line, win, and capture a subordinate commander. One rainbow piercing inside the halo: attack along it to win and kill the enemy general. Two white rainbows through the halo mean battle—and the invading force prevails. A double halo with four or five white rainbow arcs radiating outward: in a siege, the defender wins and the city holds. Some also say a double halo means sieges of cities and towns fail. A double halo, clear outside and murky inside, that does not fade means armies are massing. A triple halo foretells cities taken by assault. Interlocking halos of even thickness mean matched rivals—the thicker halo wins. Interlocking halos mean rivals flanking the throne and armies clashing in the field. When the sun sits above the halo, armies stand down. Interlocking halos running through the sun mean shattered armies and dead generals across the land. When interlocking halos contend, whichever side dims first loses, and the two foes stand locked in confrontation. Interlocking halos touching sun and moon: attack along the favorable arc to win and kill the general. One rule holds that whichever formation holds the sun above it wins. Solar "interlockings" appear as red and green halo-like rings, joined backs, or upright crossings—partial overlaps where two vapors meet, pierce, face, or turn away from each other. Interlocking formations signal internal disorder and discord in the ranks. Interlocking halos like chain links mean two armies mobilize and the ruler fights for land. Three halos around the sun mean armies split into three forces. A fresh halo with two backs massed above and below means defeated generals and dead soldiers. A halo shaped like a well-curb or wheel means both kingdoms lose their armies. Some also read this simply as armies taking the field.
10
日暈不匝,半暈在東,東軍勝,在西,西軍勝。 南北亦如之。 日暈如車輪半,軍在外者罷。 日半暈東向者,西夷羌胡來入國。 半暈西向者,東夷人欲反入國。 半暈北向者,南夷人欲反入國。 半暈南向者,北夷人欲反入國。
An incomplete halo: half in the east favors the eastern force; half in the west, the western force. The same rule applies north and south. A half-wheel halo means expeditionary forces withdraw. A half-halo turned eastward means western tribes, Qiang, and Hu invade the realm. A half-halo turned westward means eastern peoples rise in rebellion and pour into the country. A half-halo turned northward means southern peoples rebel and invade. A half-halo turned southward means northern peoples rebel and invade.
11
又曰,軍在外,月暈師上,其將戰必勝。 月暈黃色,將軍益秩祿,得位。 月暈有兩珥,白虹貫之,天下大戰。 月暈而珥,兵從珥攻擊者利。 月暈有蜺雲,乘之以戰,從蜺所往者大勝。 月暈,虹蜺直指暈至月者,破軍殺將。 雜氣天子氣,內赤外黃正四方,所發之處,當有王者。 若天子欲有游往處,其地亦先發此氣。 或如城門,隱隱在氣霧中,恆帶殺氣森森然,或如華蓋在氣霧中,或有五色,多在晨昏見。 或如千石倉在霧中,恆帶殺氣,或如高樓在霧氣中,或如山鎮。 蒼帝起,青雲扶日。 赤帝起,赤雲扶日。 黃帝起,黃雲扶日。 白帝起,白雲扶日。 黑帝起,黑雲扶日。 或日氣象青衣人,無手,在日西,天子之氣也。 敵上氣如龍馬,或雜色鬱鬱衝天者,此帝王之氣,不可擊。 若在吾軍,戰必大勝。 凡天子之氣,皆多上達於天,以王相日見。
Some also say that with armies in the field, a lunar halo above the host guarantees victory for its commander. A yellow lunar halo means the general wins promotion, pay, and office. Two ear-pendants on a lunar halo pierced by a white rainbow mean war on a vast scale. Ear-pendants on a lunar halo: attack from their direction and profit. Rainbow-clouds on a lunar halo: fight along their path for a great victory. A rainbow or secondary rainbow running straight through the halo to the moon means a shattered army and a dead general. The Son of Heaven's mixed vapor—red inside, yellow outside, aligned to the four quarters—marks wherever a true king will rise. If the Son of Heaven plans to visit a place, that region shows this vapor first. It may resemble a city gate half-seen in mist, always tinged with killing vapor; or a royal canopy in fog; or five colors, most often at dawn and dusk. It may look like a granary holding a thousand shi in the mist, always edged with killing vapor; or a tower in fog; or a mountain stronghold. When the Green Emperor ascends, green clouds brace the sun. When the Red Emperor ascends, red clouds brace the sun. When the Yellow Emperor ascends, yellow clouds brace the sun. When the White Emperor ascends, white clouds brace the sun. When the Black Emperor ascends, black clouds brace the sun. Or the sun's vapor takes the form of a handless man in green robes west of the sun—the Son of Heaven's own sign. Enemy vapor like dragon-steeds or many-colored surges reaching heaven is imperial qi—do not attack it. If it hangs over our own host, battle brings overwhelming victory. Imperial vapor generally ascends to heaven and appears on days when the throne is strong.
12
凡猛將之氣如龍。 兩軍相當,若氣發其上,則其將猛銳。 或如虎,在殺氣中。 猛將欲行動,亦先發此氣; 若無行動,亦有暴兵起。 或如火煙之狀,或白如粉沸,或如火光之狀,夜照人,或白而赤氣繞之,或如山林竹木,或紫黑如門上樓,或上黑下赤,狀似黑旌,或如張弩,或如埃塵,頭銳而卑,本大而高。 兩軍相當,敵軍上氣如囷倉,正白,見日逾明,或青白如膏,將勇。 大戰氣發,漸漸如雲,變作此形,將有深謀。
Fierce generals send up vapor shaped like dragons. When two hosts face each other, vapor rising above one marks a commander who is bold and keen. Or like a tiger wrapped in killing vapor. Before a fierce general moves, this vapor appears first; even without a planned campaign, sudden war may break out. It may look like smoke and flame, white froth, or firelight at night; white ringed with red; like bamboo groves on a hillside; purple-black like a gate-tower; black above and red below like a dark banner; like a strung bow; or dust with a sharp low front and a broad high base. When armies meet, enemy vapor like a white granary brighter than the sun, or green-white like ointment, marks a brave commander. Battle vapor rising slowly like clouds and shifting into these forms means the general is plotting deeply.
13
凡氣上與天連,軍中有貞將,或云賢將。
Vapor linking the host to heaven means a steadfast—or, as some say, a worthy—commander leads the army.
14
凡軍勝氣,如堤如阪,前後磨地,此軍士眾強盛,不可擊。 軍上氣如火光,將軍勇,士卒猛,好擊戰,不可擊。 軍上氣如山堤,山上若林木,將士驍勇。 軍上氣如埃塵粉沸,其色黃白,旌旗無風而颺,揮揮指敵,此軍必勝。 敵上有白氣粉沸如樓,繞以赤氣者,兵銳。 營上氣黃白色,重厚潤澤者,勿與戰。 兩敵相當,有氣如人持斧向敵,戰必大勝。 兩敵相當,上有氣如蛇舉首向敵者戰勝。 敵上氣如一匹帛者,此雍軍之氣,不可攻。 望敵上氣如覆舟,雲如牽牛,有白氣出,似旌幟,在軍上,有雲如鬭雞,赤白相隨,在氣中,或發黃氣,皆將士精勇,不可擊。 軍營上有赤黃氣,上達於天,亦不可攻。
Victorious army vapor rolls like an embankment or hillside, scraping the earth before and behind—a host too strong to assault. Firelight vapor above an army means a bold general and fierce troops hungry for battle—do not engage. Vapor like a wooded mountainside above the camp marks officers and men of exceptional valor. Yellow-white boiling dust above the host, banners rippling windless and pointing at the foe—that army will surely win. White frothing vapor like a tower above the enemy, circled with red, means razor-sharp troops. Yellow-white camp vapor, dense, thick, and glistening—avoid battle. When rivals are evenly matched, vapor like a man raising an axe at the foe promises a great victory in battle. When two foes face off, vapor like a snake lifting its head toward the enemy means victory for whoever strikes. Enemy vapor like a bolt of silk marks a disciplined host—do not attack it. Enemy vapor like an overturned boat, Lead-Ox clouds, white banners above the host, or red and white clouds like sparring cocks—even yellow bursts—all mean fierce, eager troops; do not engage. Red and yellow vapor above the camp rising to heaven is likewise a sign not to attack.
15
凡軍營上五色氣,上與天連,此天應之軍,不可擊。 其氣上小下大,其軍日增益士卒。 軍上氣如堤,以覆其軍上,前赤後白,此勝氣。 若覆吾軍,急往擊之,大勝。 天氣銳,黃白團團而潤澤者,敵將勇猛,且士卒能強戰,不可擊。 雲如日月而赤氣繞之,如日月暈狀有光者,所見之地大勝,不可攻。
Five-colored camp vapor linking to heaven marks a host heaven itself favors—do not strike it. Vapor narrow above and broad below means the army grows day by day. Embankment-like vapor covering the host, red in front and white behind, is victorious qi. If that vapor covers our own force, attack at once for a great victory. Sharp yellow-white heavenly vapor, round and glistening, means a bold enemy general and strong fighters—do not attack. Sun-and-moon clouds ringed with red light like halos mean the side beneath them wins overwhelmingly—do not assault.
16
凡雲氣,有獸居上者勝。 軍上有氣如塵埃,前下後高者,將士精銳。 敵上氣如乳武豹伏者,難攻。 軍上恆有氣者,其軍難攻。 軍上雲如華蓋者,勿往與戰。 雲如旌旗,如蜂向人者,勿與戰。 兩軍相當,敵上有雲如飛鳥,徘徊其上,或來而高者,兵精銳,不可擊。 軍上雲如馬,頭低尾仰,勿與戰。 軍上雲如狗形,勿與戰。 望四方有氣如赤鳥,在烏氣中,如烏人在赤氣中,如赤杵在烏氣中,如人十十五五,或如旌旗,在烏氣中,有赤氣在前者,敵人精悍,不可當。 敵上有雲如山,不可說。 有雲如引素,如陣前銳,或一或四,黑色有陰謀,赤色饑,青色兵有反,黃色急去。
Among cloud formations, whichever host has a beast-shaped vapor above it wins. Dust-like vapor above the army, low in front and high behind, marks sharp officers and men. Enemy vapor like a nursing leopard lying in wait is hard to assault. An army that constantly shows vapor above is difficult to attack. Canopy-shaped clouds over the host mean: stay out of battle. Banner-like clouds or bee-swarm clouds rushing toward men mean: do not fight. When armies meet, birds hovering or rising high above the enemy mark razor-sharp troops—do not attack. Horse-shaped clouds above the camp, head down and tail up, mean: do not fight. Dog-shaped clouds over the army mean: do not engage. Red birds in black vapor, black figures in red vapor, red pestles in black mist, men in clusters of ten or five, banners in dark qi—with red vapor in front, the foe is ferocious and unstoppable. Mountain-like vapor above the enemy means no talk will move them. Silk-like clouds, sharp in front like a battle line, one or four in number: black signals conspiracy, red famine, green mutiny, yellow flight.
17
凡氣,上黃下白,名曰善氣。 所臨之軍,欲求和退。 若氣出北方,求退向北,其眾死散。 向東則不可信,終能為害。 向南將死。 敵上氣囚廢枯散。 或如馬肝色,如死灰色,或類偃蓋,或類偃魚,皆為將敗。 軍上氣乍見乍不見,如霧起,此衰氣,可擊。 上大下小,士卒日減。
Vapor yellow above and white below is called "good qi." The army beneath it seeks peace and withdrawal. If the vapor rises from the north and the force tries to retreat north, the host dies and scatters. A turn eastward cannot be trusted; they will harm you in the end. A turn southward means the commander dies. Enemy vapor appears trapped, wasted, withered, and scattered. Horse-liver color, corpse gray, overturned canopy, or dead fish—all mean the general will fall. Vapor flickering in and out like rising mist is declining qi—attack it. Vapor broad above and narrow below means troops dwindle day by day.
18
凡軍營上十日無氣發,則軍必勝。 而有赤白氣乍出即滅,外聲欲戰,其實欲退散。 黑氣如壞山墮軍上者,名曰營頭之氣,其軍必敗。 軍上氣昏發連夜,夜照人,則軍士散亂。 軍上氣半而絕,一敗,再絕再敗,三絕三敗。 在東發白氣者,災深。 軍上氣中有黑雲如牛形,或如豬形者,此是瓦解之氣,軍必敗。 敵上氣如粉如塵者,勃勃如煙,或五色雜亂,或東西南北不定者,其軍欲敗。 軍上氣如群羊群豬在氣中,此衰氣,擊之必勝。 軍上有赤氣,炎降於天,則將死,士眾亂。 赤光從天流下入軍,軍亂將死。 彼軍上有蒼氣,須臾散去,擊之必勝。 在我軍上,須自堅守。 軍有黑氣如牛形,或如馬形,從氣霧中下,漸漸入軍,名曰天狗下食血,則軍破。 軍上氣或如群鳥亂飛,或如懸衣,如人相隨,或紛紛如轉蓬,或如揚灰,或雲如卷席,如匹布亂穰者,皆為敗徵。 氣乍見乍沒,乍聚乍散,如霧之始起,為敗氣。 氣如系牛,如人臥,如敗車,如雙蛇,如飛鳥,如決堤垣,如壞屋,如人相指,如人無頭,如驚鹿相逐,如兩雞相向,皆為敗氣。
If no vapor rises above a camp for ten days, that army will surely win. Red and white vapor that flashes and fades means they talk of battle but mean to flee and disperse. Black vapor like a collapsing mountain falling on the host is "camp-head qi"—certain defeat. Dim vapor above the camp glowing all night on the men means the ranks will break in disorder. Half-formed vapor that breaks off once means one defeat; twice, two defeats; thrice, three defeats. White vapor rising in the east signals deep disaster. Black ox- or pig-shaped clouds in the army's vapor mean disintegration and certain defeat. Enemy vapor like powder, churning smoke, chaotic five colors, or shifting without direction means their army is ready to collapse. Sheep and pig shapes in the army's vapor mark decline—attack and win. Red vapor above the host with blazing fire falling from heaven means the general dies and the troops mutiny. Red light streaming from heaven into the army means mutiny and the commander's death. Green vapor above the enemy that quickly fades away—strike and you will win. If it hangs over our own force, stand firm and defend. Black ox- or horse-shaped vapor descending from mist into the host is the "Heavenly Dog" come to drink blood—the army is shattered. Birds in chaotic flight, hanging garments, men trailing one another, tumbling thistledown, raised dust, rolled mats, or tangled bolts of cloth—all are signs of defeat. Vapor appearing and fading, gathering and breaking like fresh mist, is defeat-qi. Tethered ox, reclining man, broken cart, twin serpents, flying birds, breached dike, ruined house, men pointing at one another, headless figures, panicked deer, facing cocks—all are defeat-qi.
19
凡降人氣,如人十十五五,皆叉手低頭。 又云,如人叉手相向。 白氣如群鳥,趣入屯營,連結百餘里不絕,而能徘徊,須臾不見者,當有他國來降。 氣如黑山,以黃為緣者,欲降服。 敵上氣青而高漸黑者,將欲死散。 軍上氣如燔生草之煙,前雖銳,後必退。 黑氣臨營,或聚或散,如鳥將宿,敵人畏我,心意不定,終必逃背,逼之大勝。
Vapor of surrendering troops looks like men in clusters of ten or five, hands folded and heads bowed. Some also describe it as men with folded hands facing one another. White bird-like vapor rushing into camp, linking for a hundred li yet hovering and vanishing, means a foreign state will submit. Black mountain vapor edged with yellow means the foe wishes to surrender. Green enemy vapor rising high and turning black means the general will die and the army disperse. Vapor like smoke from burning grass looks fierce in front but promises retreat. Black camp vapor gathering and breaking like roosting birds means the enemy fears you, wavers, and will flee—press them for a great victory.
20
凡白氣從城中南北出者,不可攻,城不可屠。 城中有黑雲如星,名曰軍精,急解圍去,有突兵出,客敗。 城上白氣如旌旗,或青雲臨城,有喜慶。 黃雲臨城,有大喜慶,青色從中南北出者,城不可攻。 或氣如青色,如牛頭觸人者,城不可屠。 城中氣出東方,其色黃,此太一。 城白氣從中出,青氣從城北入,反向還者,軍不得入。 攻城圍邑,過旬雷雨者,為城有輔。 疾去之,勿攻。 城上氣如煙火,主人欲出戰。 其氣無極者,不可攻。 城上氣如雙蛇者,難攻。 赤氣如杵形,從城中向外者,內兵突出,主人戰勝。 城上有雲,分為兩彗狀,攻不可得。 赤氣在城上,黃氣四面繞之,城中大將死,城降。 城上赤氣如飛鳥,如敗車,及無雲氣,士卒必散。 城營中有赤黑氣,如狸皮斑及赤者,並亡。 城上氣上赤而下白色,或城中氣聚如樓,出見於外,城皆可屠。 城營上有雲如眾人頭,赤色,下多死喪流血。 城上氣如灰,城可屠。 氣出而北,城可克。 其氣出複入,城中人欲逃亡。 其氣出而覆其軍,軍必病。 氣出而高,無所止,用日久長。 有白氣如蛇來指城,可急攻。 白氣從城指營,宜急固守。 攻城若雨霧死風至,兵勝。 日色無光為日死。 雲氣如雄雉臨城,其下必有降者。 濛氛圍城而入城者,外勝,得入。 有雲如立人五枚,或如三牛,邊城圍。
White vapor issuing north and south from a city means do not attack—the city cannot be sacked. Black star-like clouds in the city, called "army essence," mean lift the siege at once—sortie troops will break the besiegers. Banner-like white vapor or green clouds over the city mean celebration within. Yellow clouds over the city bring great rejoicing; green vapor issuing north and south from within means the city cannot be taken. Green vapor like an ox head charging the besiegers means the city cannot be sacked. Yellow vapor rising eastward from the city is the sign of the Great One. White vapor from within and green vapor entering from the north and turning back mean the army cannot enter. If thunder and rain come after ten days of siege, the city has allies. Withdraw at once; do not assault it. Smoke-and-fire vapor above the city means the defenders mean to break out and fight. If the vapor shows no bounds, the city cannot be attacked. Twin serpent vapor above the city makes assault difficult. Red pestle-shaped vapor bursting outward from the city means defenders sally forth and win. Clouds splitting into two comet shapes above the city mean assault will fail. Red vapor on the walls and yellow vapor encircling the city mean the chief defender dies and the city submits. Red bird- or broken-cart vapor above the city, or no cloud-vapor at all, means the garrison will scatter. Red-black mottled vapor like raccoon pelts in the city camp means total destruction. Red-above-white-below vapor on the walls, or tower-like vapor within showing outside, means the city can be sacked. Red head-shaped clouds above the camp mean mass death, mourning, and bloodshed below. Ash-like vapor above the city means it can be sacked. Vapor issuing toward the north means the city can be captured. Vapor that rises and sinks back in means the people inside wish to escape. Vapor that rises and covers the besieging army means disease in the ranks. Vapor rising high with no end in sight means a long siege. White serpent vapor pointing at the city means attack at once. White vapor from the city pointing at the besiegers means dig in and defend urgently. Rain, fog, and killing winds during a siege mean victory for the besiegers. A sun drained of light is called "sun-death." Pheasant-shaped cloud-vapor over the city means surrender below. Haze wrapping the city and flowing inside means the besiegers win and enter. Clouds like five standing men or three oxen mean border cities face siege.
21
凡軍上有黑氣,渾渾圓長,赤氣在其中,其下必有伏兵。 白氣粉沸起,如樓狀,其下必有藏兵萬人,皆不可輕擊。 伏兵之氣,如幢節狀,在烏雲中,或如赤杵在烏雲中,或如烏人在赤雲中。
Long, round, turbid black vapor with red inside above the army means ambush below. White frothing tower-vapor means ten thousand hidden troops below—do not attack lightly. Ambush vapor appears as banners in black clouds, red pestles in black mist, or dark figures in red clouds.
22
凡暴兵氣,白如瓜蔓連結,部隊相逐,須臾罷而複出,至八九來而不斷,急賊卒至,宜防固之。 白氣如仙人衣,千萬連結,部隊相逐,罷而復興,如是八九者,當有千里兵來,視所起備之。 黑雲從敵上來,之我軍上,欲襲我。 敵人告發,宜備不宜戰。 壬子日,候四望無雲,獨見赤雲如旌旗,其下有兵起,若遍四方者,天下盡有兵。 若四望無雲,獨見黑雲極天,天下兵大起。 半天,半起。 三日內有雨,災解。 敵欲來者,其氣上有雲,下有氛零,中天而下,敵必至。 雲氣如旌旗,賊兵暴起。 暴兵氣,如人持刀楯,雲如人,赤色,所臨城邑,有卒兵至,驚怖,須臾去。 赤氣如人持節,兵來未息。 雲如方虹,有暴兵。 赤雲如火者,所向兵至。 天有白氣,狀如匹布,經醜未者,天下多兵。
Sudden-army vapor like linked melon vines, units chasing one another, stopping and returning eight or nine times without pause, means raiders are near—fortify at once. White vapor like immortal robes, endlessly linked, units pursuing one another in eight or nine cycles, means an army from a thousand li away—prepare where it rises. Black clouds moving from above the enemy toward our camp mean a surprise attack. The enemy has declared and mobilized—prepare, do not fight. On a renzi day, if the four horizons are clear except for red banner-clouds with troops rising beneath them—or spread in all directions—war engulfs the realm. If the four horizons are cloudless except for black vapor filling the sky, war rises on a vast scale. Half the sky covered means war in half the realm. Rain within three days lifts the omen. When foes approach, their vapor shows clouds above and scattered mist below descending from mid-heaven—the enemy will arrive. Banner-like cloud-vapor means bandit armies rise suddenly. Sudden-army vapor like shield-bearing men, red man-shaped clouds over a town, means raiders arrive, terrify the place, and quickly leave. Red vapor like a man bearing an insignia of office means war continues without end. Square-rainbow clouds mean sudden armies. Fire-red clouds mark wherever armies will march. White cloth-like vapor crossing the chou and wei quarters means war throughout the land.
23
凡戰氣,青白如膏,將勇。 大戰氣,如人無頭,如死人臥。 敵上氣如丹蛇,赤氣隨之,必大戰,殺將。 四望無雲,見赤氣如狗入營,其下有流血。
Green-white paste-like battle vapor marks a brave commander. Great-battle vapor shaped like headless or prostrate corpses. Cinnabar serpent vapor above the enemy, trailing red qi, means great battle and dead generals. Clear skies except for red dog-vapor entering camp mean bloodshed below.
24
凡連陰十日,晝不見日,夜不見月,亂風四起,欲雨而無雨,名曰蒙,臣謀君。 故曰,久陰不雨臣謀主。 霧氣若晝若夜,其色青黃,更相掩冒,乍合乍散,臣謀君,逆者喪。 山中冬霧十日不解者,欲崩之候。 視四方常有大雲,五色具者,其下有賢人隱也。 青雲潤澤蔽日,在西北為舉賢良。 雲氣如亂穰,大風將至,視所從來避之。 雲甚潤而厚,大雨必暴至。 四始之日,有黑雲氣如陣,厚重大者,多雨。 氣若霧非霧,衣冠不雨而濡,見則其城帶甲而趣。 日出沒時,有雲橫截之,白者喪,烏者驚。 三日內雨者各解。 有黑氣入營者,兵相殘。 有赤青氣入營者,兵弱。 有雲如蛟龍,所見處將軍失魄。 有雲如鵠尾,來廕國上,三日亡。 有雲如日月暈,赤色,其國凶。 青白色,有大水。 有雲狀如龍行,國有大水,人流亡。 有雲赤黃色,四塞終日,竟夜照地者,大臣縱恣。 有雲如氣,昧而濁,賢人去,小人在位。
Ten days of overcast with invisible sun and moon, wild winds, and promised rain that never falls is called meng—ministers plot against the throne. Hence the saying: prolonged cloud cover without rain means ministers conspire against their sovereign. Day-night fog shifting green and yellow, merging and breaking, means ministerial plots—and doomed rebels. Mountain winter fog lasting ten days signals imminent collapse. Great five-colored clouds always visible in the four directions mean a worthy man hides below. Moist green clouds veiling the sun in the northwest mean worthy men will be elevated. Tangled-hemp cloud-vapor means a great wind is coming—watch its origin and take shelter. Very moist, thick clouds promise a sudden downpour. On the four seasonal beginnings, heavy black battle-line clouds mean heavy rain. Fog-like vapor that wets clothing without rain means the city below arms and marches out. Clouds cutting across the sun at dawn or dusk: white means mourning, black alarm. Rain within three days clears each omen. Black vapor entering camp means armies turn on one another. Red and green vapor entering camp weakens the army. Dragon clouds wherever seen mean generals lose heart. Wild-goose-tail clouds shading the capital mean destruction within three days. Red halo-like clouds mean ill fortune for the state. Green-white color foretells great floods. Dragon-moving clouds mean great floods and wandering refugees. Red-yellow clouds sealing the four quarters day and night mean great ministers run unchecked. Dim, turbid cloud-vapor means worthy men leave and petty men take office.
25
凡白虹者,百殃之本,眾亂所基。 霧者,眾邪之氣,陰來冒陽。
White rainbows are the root of countless calamities and the seed of rebellion. Fog is the vapor of many evils—yin pressing down upon yang.
26
凡遇四方盛氣,無向之戰。 甲乙日青氣在東方,丙丁日赤氣在南方,庚辛日白氣在西方,壬癸日黑氣在北方,戊巳日黃氣在中央。 四季戰當此日氣,背之吉。 日中有黑氣,君有小過而臣不諫,又掩君惡而揚君善,故日中有黑氣不明也。
Never fight facing the flourishing qi of any quarter. On jia/yi days green qi fills the east; bing/ding, red in the south; geng/xin, white in the west; ren/gui, black in the north; wu/ji, yellow at the center. In seasonal battles on such days, fighting with your back to that qi is auspicious. Black vapor in the sun means the ruler errs slightly while ministers flatter instead of remonstrating, hiding faults and praising virtues—hence the sun dims.
27
凡白虹霧,奸臣謀君,擅權立威。 晝霧夜明,臣志得申,夜霧晝明,臣志不申。 霧終日終時,君有憂。 色黃小雨。 白言兵喪,青言疾,黑有暴水,赤有兵喪,黃言土功,或有大風。
White rainbows and fog mean treacherous ministers plot against the throne and seize power. Day fog with bright night lets ministers succeed; night fog with bright day blocks them. Fog lasting a full day or watch brings the ruler sorrow. Yellow color means light rain. White signals military losses; green, disease; black, sudden floods; red, military mourning; yellow, public works or great wind.
28
凡夜霧,白虹見,臣有憂。 晝霧白虹見,君有憂。 虹頭尾至地,流血之象。
Night fog with a white rainbow means sorrow for ministers. Day fog with a white rainbow means sorrow for the ruler. A rainbow whose head and tail touch the ground foretells bloodshed.
29
凡霧氣不順四時,逆相交錯,微風小雨,為陰陽氣亂之象。 從寅至辰巳上,周而復始,為逆者不成。 積日不解,晝夜昏暗,天下欲分離。
Season-defying fog with crossing winds and drizzle shows yin and yang in disorder. Fog cycling from yin through chen and si means rebels fail. Days of unbroken dim fog mean the realm is splitting apart.
30
凡霧四合,有虹各見其方,隨四時色吉,非時色凶。 氣色青黃,更相掩覆,乍合乍散,臣欲謀君,為逆者不成,自亡。
Fog on all sides with rainbows in each quarter: seasonal colors are lucky; unseasonal colors, ill. Green-yellow vapor merging and breaking means ministerial plots—and self-destructing rebels.
31
凡霧氣四方俱起,百步不見人,名曰晝昏,不有破國,必有滅門。
Fog on all four sides with visibility under a hundred paces is "day-darkness"—if no state falls, a clan is wiped out.
32
凡天地四方昏濛若下塵,十日五日以上,或一日,或一時,雨不沾衣而有土,名曰霾。 故曰,天地霾,君臣乖,大旱。
Haze like falling dust for days on end, rain that does not wet clothes yet leaves grit—this is mai. Hence: heaven and earth in mai mean estranged ruler and ministers and great drought.
33
凡海傍蜃氣象樓臺,廣野氣成宮闕,北夷之氣如牛羊群畜穹閭,南夷之氣類舟船幡旗。 自華以南,氣下黑上赤。 嵩高、三河之郊,氣正赤。 恆山之北,氣青。 勃、碣、海、岱之間,氣皆正黑。 江湖之間,氣皆白。 東海氣如圓簦。 附漢、河水,氣如引布。 江、漢氣勁如杼。 濟水氣如黑㹠。 滑水氣如狼白尾。 淮南氣如帛。 少室氣如白兔青尾。 恆山氣如黑牛青尾。 東夷氣如樹,西夷氣如室屋,南夷氣如闍台,或類舟船。 陣雲如立垣,杼軸雲類軸搏,兩端銳。 㣿雲如繩,居前亙天,其半半天,其蛪者類闕旗,故鉤雲勾曲。 諸此雲見,以五色占而澤摶密。 其見,動人及有兵,必起合鬭。 其直,雲氣如三匹帛,廣前銳後,大軍行氣也。 韓雲如布,趙雲如牛,楚雲如日,宋雲如車,魯雲如馬,衛雲如犬,周雲如車輪,秦雲如行人,魏雲如鼠,鄭、齊雲如絳衣,越雲如龍,蜀雲如囷。 車氣乍高乍下,往往而聚。 騎氣卑而布,卒氣摶。 前卑後高者疾,前方而高,後銳而卑者卻。 其氣平者,其行徐。 前高後卑者,不止而返。 校騎之氣正蒼黑,長數百丈,遊兵之氣如彗掃,一云長數百丈,無根本。 喜氣上黃下白,怒氣上下赤,憂氣上下黑,土功氣黃白,徙氣白。
Coastal mirages like towers, open-country vapor like palaces, northern barbarian vapor like herds and yurts, southern barbarian vapor like ships and banners. South of Mount Hua, vapor is black below and red above. At Mount Song and the Three Rivers region, vapor is pure red. North of Mount Heng, vapor is green. Between Bo, Jie, the coast, and Mount Tai, vapor is pure black. Between the great rivers and lakes, vapor is white. Eastern sea vapor resembles a round bamboo hat. At Fuhan and the Yellow River, vapor is like drawn silk. Along the Yangtze and Han, vapor is vigorous like a shuttle. Ji River vapor resembles a black pig. Hua River vapor looks like a wolf with a white tail. Huai River vapor is like silk. Mount Shaoshi vapor resembles a white rabbit with a green tail. Mount Heng vapor looks like a black ox with a green tail. Eastern barbarian vapor is tree-like; western, house-like; southern, tower- or ship-like. Battle-line clouds stand like walls; spindle clouds like axle hubs, sharp at both ends. Rope-like hooked clouds span heaven—half the sky at a time; their curves resemble gate banners. When these clouds appear, judge them by color, moisture, and density. When they appear with armies abroad, war and battle are certain. Straight cloud-vapor like three bolts of silk, broad in front and sharp behind, marks a great army marching. Han vapor is cloth-like, Zhao ox-like, Chu sun-like, Song chariot-like, Lu horse-like, Wei dog-like, Zhou wheel-like, Qin traveler-like, Wei rat-like, Zheng and Qi crimson-robed, Yue dragon-like, Shu granary-like. Chariot vapor rises and falls, often clustering. Cavalry vapor lies low and spread; infantry vapor is tightly massed. Low front and high back means speed; square high front and sharp low rear means retreat. Level vapor means slow movement. High front and low back means no advance—only return. Scout vapor is dark green, hundreds of zhang long; roaming-army vapor sweeps like a comet, hundreds of zhang without root. Joy-vapor is yellow above, white below; anger, red throughout; sorrow, black throughout; earthworks, yellow-white; migration, white.
34
凡候氣之法,氣初出時,若雲非雲,若霧非霧,仿佛若可見。 初出森森然,在桑榆上,高五六尺者,是千五百里外。 平視則千里,舉目望則五百里。 仰瞻中天,則百里內。 平望桑榆間二千里,登高而望,下屬地者,三千里。
To observe qi: when it first rises, neither quite cloud nor fog, barely visible. Dense vapor first appearing on mulberry and elm trees five or six chi high marks an army fifteen hundred li away. At eye level, a thousand li; looking upward, five hundred li. Vapor at mid-heaven means within a hundred li. Level sight between mulberry and elm marks two thousand li; from a height reaching to earth, three thousand li.
35
凡欲知我軍氣,常以甲巳日及庚、子、辰、戌、午、未、亥日,及八月十八日,去軍十里許,登高望之可見,依別記占之。 百人以上皆有氣。
To read our army's vapor, on jia/ji days and geng, zi, chen, xu, wu, wei, hai days—and the eighteenth of the eighth month—climb a height ten li from camp and judge by the manuals. Any force of a hundred men or more gives off vapor.
36
凡占災異,先推九宮分野,六壬日月,不應陰霧風雨而陰霧者,乃可占。 對敵而坐,氣來甚卑下,其陰覆人,上掩溝蓋道者,是大賊必至。 敵在東,日出候。 在南,日中候。 在西,日入候。 在北,夜半候。 王相色吉,囚死色凶。
To read calamities, first calculate the Nine Palaces, territorial divisions, and six ren cycles; only when fog appears contrary to weather may one interpret omens. Facing the enemy, vapor coming very low and covering men and roads means great raiders are near. Enemy to the east: observe at sunrise. Enemy to the south: observe at noon. Enemy to the west: observe at sunset. Enemy to the north: observe at midnight. Prosperous colors are lucky; imprisoned and dead colors, ill.
37
凡軍上氣,高勝下,厚勝薄,實勝虛,長勝短,澤勝枯。 我軍在西,賊軍在東,氣西厚東薄,西長東短,西高東下,凱撒東枯,則知我軍必勝。
Army vapor: high beats low, thick beats thin, solid beats hollow, long beats short, moist beats dry. Our force west, enemy east: thicker, longer, higher, moister vapor in the west means we will win.
38
凡氣初出,似甑上氣,勃勃上升。 氣積為霧,霧為陰,陰氣結為虹蜺姿暈珥之屬。
Fresh vapor rises like steam from a cauldron, surging upward. Accumulated vapor becomes fog; fog is yin; yin coalescing forms rainbows, halos, ear-pendants, and the like.
39
凡氣不積不結,散漫一方,不能為災。 必須和雜殺氣,森森然疾起,乃可論占。 軍上氣安則軍安,氣不安則軍不安。 氣南北則軍南北,氣東西則軍亦東西。 氣散則為軍破敗。
Vapor that never gathers and coalesces, scattered in one quarter, cannot bring disaster. It must mingle with killing vapor, rising dense and swift—only then may one interpret omens. Calm army vapor means a calm host; restless vapor, a restless host. Vapor to north and south means the army moves north and south; vapor east and west, the army moves likewise. Dispersed vapor means a broken, defeated army.
40
候氣,常以平旦、下晡、日出沒時處氣,以見知大。 占期內有大風雨久陰,則災不成。 故風以散之,陰以諫之,雲以幡之,雨以厭之。 五代災變應梁武帝天監元年八月壬寅,熒惑守南斗。 占曰:「糴貴,五穀不成,大旱,多火災,吳、越有憂,宰相死。」 是歲大旱,米鬭五千,人多餓死。 其二年五月,尚書范雲卒。
Observe vapor at dawn, late afternoon, and sunrise or sunset to read the larger omen. If great wind, rain, or prolonged cloud cover falls within the predicted period, the disaster fails to materialize. Wind disperses the omen, overcast warns against it, clouds signal it, and rain quells it. Calamities matching the omen of Mars in the Southern Dipper on renyin day, eighth month, first year of Liang Wudi's Tianjian reign: The reading says: "Grain grows costly, crops fail, drought and fire multiply; Wu and Yue face grief; the chief minister dies. That year brought severe drought; rice cost five thousand cash per dou and many starved. In the second year, fifth month, Fan Yun, Minister of the Secretariat, died.
41
二年五月丙辰,月犯心。 占曰:「有亂臣,不出三年,有亡國。」 其四年,交州刺史李凱舉兵反。 七月丙子,太白犯軒轅大星。
Second year, fifth month, bingchen: the moon crossed the Heart constellation. The reading says: "A rebellious minister appears; within three years a state falls. In the fourth year, Li Kai, Inspector of Jiaozhou, rebelled with an army. Seventh month, bingzi: Venus crossed the Chariot's great star.
42
四年六月壬戌,歲星晝見。 占曰:「歲色黃潤,立竿影見,大熟。」 是歲大穰,米斛三十。 又曰:「星與日爭光,武且弱,文且強。」 自此後,帝崇尚文儒,躬自講說,終於太清,不修武備。 八月庚子,老人星見。 占曰:「老人星見,人主壽昌。」 自此後,每年恆以秋分後見於參南,至春分而伏。 武帝壽考之象云。
Fourth year, sixth month, renxu: Jupiter appeared in daylight. The reading says: "Yellow, moist Jupiter with visible pole shadow means a great harvest. That year brought great abundance; rice cost thirty cash per hu. It also says: "When a star rivals the sun in brightness, military power weakens and civil power grows. From then on the emperor favored letters and Confucian learning, lecturing in person, and until the Taiping era neglected military readiness. Eighth month, gengzi: the Old Man star appeared. The reading says: "The Old Man star's appearance brings the ruler long life and prosperity. Thereafter it appeared south of Shen after each autumn equinox and vanished at the spring equinox. A sign of Emperor Wu's longevity.
43
七年九月巳亥,月犯東井。 占曰:「有水災。」 其年京師大水。
Seventh year, ninth month, jihai: the moon crossed the Eastern Well. The reading says: "Flood disaster follows. That year the capital region flooded severely.
44
十年九月丙申,天西北隆隆有聲,赤氣上至地。 占曰:「天狗也,所往之鄉有流血,其君失地。」 其年十二月,馬仙琕大敗魏軍,斬馘十余萬,克復朐山城。 十二月壬戌朔,日食,在牛四度。
Tenth year, ninth month, bingshen: thunder rolled in the northwest and red vapor reached the ground. The reading says: "The Heavenly Dog; blood flows where it passes; the ruler loses land. That year, twelfth month, Ma Xianbi crushed the Wei army, beheading over a hundred thousand and retaking Xiongshan. Twelfth month, renxu new moon: solar eclipse at four degrees of the Ox.
45
十三年二月丙午,太白失行,在天關。 占曰:「津梁不通,又兵起。」 其年填星守天江。 占曰:「有江河塞,有決溢,有土功。」 其年,大發軍眾造浮山堰,以堨淮水。 至十四年,填星移去天江而堰壞,奔流決溢。
Thirteenth year, second month, bingwu: Venus strayed from its course at the Celestial Gate. The reading says: "Crossings and bridges are blocked; armies also rise. That year Saturn stood in the Celestial River. The reading says: "Rivers clog, burst, and overflow; public earthworks follow. That year vast forces built the Floating Mountain weir to dam the Huai. By the fourteenth year Saturn left the Celestial River, the weir collapsed, and the waters burst forth.
46
十四年十月辛未,太白犯南斗。
Fourteenth year, tenth month, xinwei: Venus crossed the Southern Dipper.
47
十七年閏八月戊辰,月行掩昴。
Seventeenth year, intercalary eighth month, wuchen: the moon occulted the Pleiades.
48
普通元年春正月丙子,日有食之。 占曰:「日食,陰侵陽,陽不克陰也。 為大水。」 其年七月,江、淮、海溢。 九月乙亥,有星晨見東方,光爛如火。 占曰:「國皇見,有內難,有急兵反叛。」 其三年,義州刺史文僧朗以州叛。
Putong first year, spring, first month, bingzi: solar eclipse. The reading says: "Solar eclipse: yin invades yang; yang cannot overcome yin. Great floods follow. That year, seventh month, the Yangtze, Huai, and sea flooded. Ninth month, yihai: a star appeared at dawn in the east, blazing like fire. The reading says: "The National Sovereign star appears: internal turmoil and urgent rebellion follow. In the third year, Wen Senglang, Inspector of Yizhou, rebelled with his province.
49
四年十一月癸未朔,日有食之,太白晝見。
Fourth year, eleventh month, guiwei new moon: solar eclipse; Venus visible by day.
50
六年三月丙午,歲星入南斗。 庚申,月食。 五月己酉,太白晝見。 六月癸未,太白經天。 九月壬子,太白犯右執法。
Sixth year, third month, bingwu: Jupiter entered the Southern Dipper. Gengshen: lunar eclipse. Fifth month, jiyou: Venus visible by day. Sixth month, guiwei: Venus crossed the meridian by day. Ninth month, renzi: Venus crossed the Right Law-enforcer.
51
七年正月癸卯,太白歲星在牛相犯。 占曰:「其國君凶,易政。」 明年三月,改元,大赦。 大通元年八月甲申,月掩填星。 閏月癸酉,又掩之。 占曰:「有大喪,天下無主,國易政。」 其後中大通元年九月癸巳,上又幸同泰寺捨身,王公以一億萬錢奉贖。 十月己酉還宮,大赦,改元。 中大通三年,太子薨,皆天下無主、易政及大喪之應。
Seventh year, first month, guimao: Venus and Jupiter clashed in the Ox. The reading says: "The ruler is doomed; the regime changes. The following year, third month, the era name changed and a general amnesty followed. Datong first year, eighth month, jiashen: the moon occulted Saturn. Intercalary month, guiyou: it occulted Saturn again. The reading says: "Great mourning follows; the realm lacks a ruler; government changes. Later, Zhongdatong first year, ninth month, guisi, the emperor again "abdicated" at Tongtai Temple; princes paid a hundred million cash to ransom him. Tenth month, jiyou, he returned to the palace, amnestied the realm, and changed the era name. Zhongdatong third year the crown prince died—fulfilling the omens of a lordless realm, regime change, and great mourning.
52
中大通元年閏月壬戌,熒惑犯鬼積屍。 占曰:「有大喪,有大兵,破軍殺將。」 其二年,蕭玩帥眾援巴州,為魏梁州軍所敗,玩被殺。
Zhongdatong first year, intercalary month, renxu: Mars crossed the Ghost Heap of Corpses. The reading says: "Great mourning, great war, shattered armies, and slain generals follow. Second year, Xiao Wan led troops to relieve Bazhou, was beaten by Wei forces of Liang Province, and was killed.
53
四年七月甲辰,星隕如雨。 占曰:「星隕,陽失其位,災害之象萌也。」 又曰:「星隕如雨,人民叛,下有專討。」 又曰:「大人憂。」 其後侯景狡亂,帝以憂崩,人眾奔散,皆其應也。
Fourth year, seventh month, jiachen: stars fell like rain. The reading says: "Falling stars mean yang loses its place—the first sprouting of disaster. It also says: "Stars falling like rain: the people rebel and punitive campaigns follow." It also says: "The great man grieves." Afterward Hou Jing's rebellion, the emperor died of grief, and the people scattered—all as foretold.
54
五年正月己酉,長星見。
Fifth year, first month, jiyou: a long-tailed star appeared.
55
六年四月丁卯,熒惑在南斗。 占曰:「熒惑出入留舍南斗中,有賊臣謀反,天下易政,更元。」 其年十二月,北梁州刺史蘭欽舉兵反,後年改為大同元年。
Sixth year, fourth month, dingmao: Mars stood in the Southern Dipper. The reading says: "Mars entering, leaving, or dwelling in the Southern Dipper: a treacherous minister rebels; the realm changes rulers and era names. That year, twelfth month, Lan Qin, Inspector of Northern Liangzhou, rebelled; the next year the era became Datong.
56
大同三年三月乙丑,歲星掩建星。 占曰:「有反臣。」 其年,會稽山賊起。 其七年,交州刺史李賁舉兵反。
Datong third year, third month, yichou: Jupiter occulted the Establishment star. The reading says: "A rebellious minister appears. That year bandits rose on Mount Kuaiji. In the seventh year, Li Ben, Inspector of Jiaozhou, rebelled with an army.
57
五年十月辛丑,彗出南斗,長一尺余,東南指,漸長一丈餘。 十一月乙卯,至婁滅。 占曰:「天下有謀王者。」 其八年正月,安成民劉敬躬挾左道以反,党與數萬。 其九年,李賁僭稱皇帝于交州。
Fifth year, tenth month, xinchou: a comet issued from the Southern Dipper, over a chi long, pointing southeast, gradually stretching to more than a zhang. Eleventh month, yimao: it reached Lou and disappeared. The reading says: "Someone in the realm plots to become king. Eighth year, first month, Liu Jinggong of Ancheng rebelled through heterodox cults with tens of thousands of followers. Ninth year, Li Ben declared himself emperor in Jiaozhou.
58
太清二年五月,兩月見。 占曰:「其國亂,必見於亡國。」
Taiqing second year, fifth month: two moons appeared. The reading says: "The state falls into disorder; this omen appears as kingdoms collapse. (This closes the omen text cited above.)
59
三年正月壬午,熒惑守心。 占曰:「王者惡之。」 乙酉,太白晝見。 占曰:「不出三年,有大喪,天下革政更王,強國弱,小國強。」 三月丙子,熒惑又守心。 占曰:「大人易政,主去其宮。」 又曰:「人饑亡,海內哭,天下大潰。」 是年,帝為侯景所幽,崩。 七月,九江大饑,人相食十四五。 九月戊午,月在斗,掩歲星。 占曰:「天下亡君。」 其後侯景篡殺。
Third year, first month, renwu: Mars guarded the Heart. The reading says: "Kings dread this omen. Yiyou: Venus visible by day. The reading says: "Within three years: great mourning, regime change, strong states weaken and small states grow strong. Third month, bingzi: Mars again guarded the Heart. The reading says: "The sovereign changes regime; the ruler leaves his palace. It also says: "People starve; the realm weeps; the empire collapses." That year the emperor was imprisoned by Hou Jing and died. Seventh month, Jiujiang suffered famine so severe that fourteen or fifteen people in ten resorted to cannibalism. Ninth month, wuwu: the moon in the Dipper occulted Jupiter. The reading says: "The realm loses its ruler. Afterward Hou Jing usurped power and murdered the emperor.
60
簡文帝大寶元年正月丙寅,月晝光見。 占曰:「月晝光,有隱謀,國雄逃。」 又云:「月晝明,奸邪並作,擅君之朝。」 其後侯景篡殺,皆國亂亡君。 大喪更政之應也。
Emperor Jianwen, Dabao first year, first month, bingyin: the moon was visible by day. The reading says: "Daylight moon: hidden plots; the state's power flees. It also says: "A bright moon by day: villains seize the court." Afterward Hou Jing usurped and killed—all the chaos of a fallen state. Fulfillments of great mourning and regime change.
61
元帝承聖三年九月甲午,月犯心中星。 占曰:「有反臣,王者惡之,有亡國。」 其後三年,帝為周軍所俘執,陳氏取國,梁氏以亡。
Emperor Yuan, Chengsheng third year, ninth month, jiawu: the moon crossed the Heart's central star. The reading says: "A rebellious minister appears; kings dread it; a state falls. Within three years the emperor was captured by Zhou forces, Chen seized the realm, and the Liang dynasty ended.
62
陳武帝永定三年九月辛卯朔,月入南斗。 占曰:「月入南斗,大人憂。」 一曰:「太子殃。」 後二年,帝崩,太子昌在周為質,文帝立。 後昌還國,為侯安都遣盜迎殺之。
Chen Wudi, Yongding third year, ninth month, xinmao new moon: the moon entered the Southern Dipper. The reading says: "The moon in the Southern Dipper brings grief to the great man. Another account says: "The crown prince faces disaster." Two years later the emperor died; Crown Prince Chang remained a Zhou hostage while Emperor Wen took the throne. When Chang returned, Hou Andu sent assassins to kill him on the road.
63
三年五月丙辰朔,日有食之。 占曰:「日食君傷。」 又曰:「日食帝德消。」 六月庚子,填星鉞與太白並。 占:「太白與填合,為疾為內兵。」
Third year, fifth month, bingchen new moon: solar eclipse. The reading says: "Solar eclipse: the ruler is harmed. It also says: "Solar eclipse: imperial virtue wanes." Sixth month, gengzi: Saturn's Halberd and Venus conjoined. The reading: "Venus and Saturn conjoined mean plague and civil war. (This closes the omen text cited above.)
64
文帝天嘉元年五月辛亥,熒惑犯右執法。 占曰:「大臣有憂,執法者誅。」 後四年,司空侯安都賜死。
Emperor Wen, Tiancheng first year, fifth month, xinhai: Mars crossed the Right Law-enforcer. The reading says: "Great ministers face sorrow; law-enforcers are put to death. Four years later, Hou Andu, Minister of Works, was forced to kill himself.
65
九月癸丑,彗星長四尺,見芒,指西南。 占曰:「彗星見則敵國兵起,得本者勝。」 其年,周將獨孤盛領眾趣巴湘,侯瑱襲破之。
Ninth month, guichou: a four-chi comet with a tail appeared, pointing southwest. The reading says: "Comets bring enemy armies; the side where it rises wins. That year Zhou general Dugu Sheng marched on Ba and Xiang; Hou Tian ambushed and routed him.
66
二年五月己酉,歲星守南斗。 六月丙戌,熒惑犯東井。 七月乙丑,熒惑入鬼中。 戊辰,熒惑犯斧質。 十月,熒惑行在太微右掖門內。
Second year, fifth month, jiyou: Jupiter guarded the Southern Dipper. Sixth month, bingxu: Mars crossed the Eastern Well. Seventh month, yichou: Mars entered the Ghost. Wuchen: Mars crossed the Axe-sentence star. Tenth month: Mars moved inside the Supreme Palace's Right Crotch Gate.
67
三年閏二月己丑,熒惑逆行,犯上相。 甲子,太白犯五車、填星。 七月,太白犯輿鬼。 八月癸卯,月犯南斗。 丙午,月犯牽牛。 庚甲,太白入太微。 十一月丁丑,月犯畢左股。 辛巳,熒惑犯歲星。 戊子,月犯角。 庚寅,月入氐。
Third year, intercalary second month, jichou: Mars retrograded and crossed the Upper Minister. Jiazi: Venus crossed the Five Chariots and Saturn. Seventh month: Venus crossed the Chariot Ghost. Eighth month, guimao: the moon crossed the Southern Dipper. Bingwu: the moon crossed the Lead Ox. Gengjia: Venus entered the Supreme Palace. Eleventh month, dingchou: the moon crossed the left thigh of Net. Xinsi: Mars crossed Jupiter. Wuzi: the moon crossed Horn. Gengyin: the moon entered Dipper.
68
四年六月癸丑,太白犯右執法。 七月戊子,熒惑犯填星。 八月甲午,熒惑犯軒轅大星。 丁未,太白犯房。 九月戊寅,熒惑入太微,犯右執法。 癸未,太白入南斗。 占曰:「太白入斗,天下大亂,將相謀反,國易政。」 又曰:「君死,不死則廢。」 又曰:「天下受爵祿。」 其後安成王為太傅,廢少帝而自立,改官受爵之應也。 辛卯,熒惑犯左執法。 十一月辛酉,熒惑犯右執法。 甲戌,月犯畢左股。
Fourth year, sixth month, guichou: Venus crossed the Right Law-enforcer. Seventh month, wuzi: Mars crossed Saturn. Eighth month, jiawu: Mars crossed the Chariot's great star. Dingwei: Venus crossed Room. Ninth month, wuyin: Mars entered the Supreme Palace and crossed the Right Law-enforcer. Guiwei: Venus entered the Southern Dipper. The reading says: "Venus in the Dipper: realm-wide chaos, ministerial rebellion, regime change. It also says: "The ruler dies—or if not, is deposed." It also says: "The realm receives ranks and salaries." Later the Prince of Ancheng became Grand Tutor, deposed the young emperor, and took the throne—fulfilling the omen of new offices and ranks. Xinmao: Mars crossed the Left Law-enforcer. Eleventh month, xinyou: Mars crossed the Right Law-enforcer. Jiaxu: the moon crossed the left thigh of Net.
69
五年正月甲子,月犯畢大星奎。 丁卯,月犯星。 四月庚子,太白歲星合在奎,金在南,木在北,相去二尺許。 壬寅,月入氐,又犯熒惑,太白歲星又合,在婁,相去一尺許。 癸卯,月犯房上星。 五月庚午,熒惑逆行二十一日,犯氐東南、西南星。 占曰:「月有賊臣。」 又曰:「人主無出,廊廟間有伏兵。」 又曰:「君死,有赦。」 後二年,少帝廢之應也。 六月丙申,月犯亢。 七月戊寅,月犯畢大星。 閏十月庚申,月犯牽牛。 丙子,又犯左執法。 十一月乙未,月食畢大星。
Fifth year, first month, jiazi: the moon crossed Net's great star and Kui. Dingmao: the moon crossed a star. Fourth month, gengzi: Venus and Jupiter conjoined in Kui, metal south and wood north, about two chi apart. Renchen: the moon entered Dipper and crossed Mars again; Venus and Jupiter conjoined again in Bond, about one chi apart. Guimao: the moon crossed the upper star of Room. Fifth month, gengwu: Mars retrograded twenty-one days, crossing Dipper's southeast and southwest stars. The reading says: "The moon marks a treacherous minister. It also says: "The ruler must not leave the palace; hidden troops lurk in the corridors." It also says: "The ruler dies; amnesty follows." Two years later came the deposing of the young emperor. Sixth month, bingshen: the moon crossed Neck. Seventh month, wuyin: the moon crossed Net's great star. Intercalary tenth month, gengshen: the moon crossed the Lead Ox. Bingzi: it crossed the Left Law-enforcer again. Eleventh month, yiwei: lunar eclipse of Net's great star.
70
六年正月己亥,太白犯熒惑,相去二寸。 占曰:「其野有兵喪,改立侯王。」 三月丁卯,日入後,眾星未見,有流星白色,大如斗,從太微間南行,尾長尺餘。 占曰:「有兵與喪。」 四月丁巳,月犯軒轅。 占曰:「女主有憂。」 五月丁亥,太白犯軒轅。 占曰:「女主失勢。」 又曰:「四方禍起。」 其後年,少帝廢,廢後慈訓太后崩。 六月己未,月犯氐。 辛酉,有彗長可丈餘。 占曰:「陰謀奸宄起。」 一曰:「宮中火起。」 後安成王錄尚書、都督中外諸軍事,廢少帝而自立,陰謀之應。 八月戊辰,月掩畢大星。 丙子,月與太白並,光芒相著,在太微西蕃南三尺所。 九月辛巳,熒惑犯左執法。 癸未,太白犯右執法。 辛卯,犯左執法。 乙巳,月犯上相,太白犯熒惑。 其夜,月又犯太白。 占曰:「其國內外有兵喪,改立侯王。」 明年,帝崩,又少帝廢之應也。
Sixth year, first month, jihai: Venus crossed Mars, about two cun apart. The reading says: "War and mourning in that quarter; marquis-kings are replaced. Third month, dingmao: after sunset, before stars appeared, a white meteor the size of a dou shot south from the Supreme Palace, tail over a chi long. The reading says: "War and mourning follow. Fourth month, dingsi: the moon crossed the Chariot. The reading says: "The chief consort faces sorrow. Fifth month, dinghai: Venus crossed the Chariot. The reading says: "The chief consort loses power. It also says: "Disaster rises on all sides." The next year the young emperor was deposed; afterward Empress Dowager Cixun died. Sixth month, jiwei: the moon crossed Dipper. Xinyou: a comet over a zhang long appeared. The reading says: "Secret plots and treachery arise. Another account says: "Fire breaks out in the palace." Later the Prince of Ancheng, as chief minister and commander, deposed the young emperor and seized the throne—the fulfillment of secret plotting. Eighth month, wuchen: the moon occulted Net's great star. Bingzi: the moon and Venus conjoined, lights touching, three chi south of the Supreme Palace's western rampart. Ninth month, xinsi: Mars crossed the Left Law-enforcer. Guiwei: Venus crossed the Right Law-enforcer. Xinmao: it crossed the Left Law-enforcer. Yisi: the moon crossed the Upper Minister; Venus crossed Mars. That night the moon crossed Venus again. The reading says: "War and mourning at home and abroad; marquis-kings are replaced. The next year the emperor died—again fulfilling the omen of the young emperor's deposition.
71
七年二月庚午,日無光,烏見。 占曰:「王者惡之。」 其日庚午,吳、楚之分野。 四月甲子,日有交暈,白虹貫之。 是月癸酉,帝崩。
Seventh year, second month, gengwu: the sun lost its light and crows appeared. The reading says: "Kings dread this omen. That gengwu day fell in the Wu-Chu territorial division. Fourth month, jiazi: the sun showed interlocking halos pierced by a white rainbow. That month, guiyou, the emperor died.
72
廢帝天康元年五月庚辰,月犯軒轅女禦大星。 占曰:「女主憂。」 後年,慈訓太后崩。 癸未,月犯左執法。
Deposed Emperor, Tiankang first year, fifth month, gengchen: the moon crossed the Chariot Woman Attendant's great star. The reading says: "The chief consort grieves. The next year Empress Dowager Cixun died. Guiwei: the moon crossed the Left Law-enforcer.
73
光大元年正月甲寅,月犯軒轅大星。 占曰:「女主當之。」 八月戊寅,月食哭星。 占曰:「有喪泣事。」 明年,太后崩,臨海王薨,哭泣之應也。 壬午,鎮星辰星合於軫。 九月戊午,辰星太白相犯。 占曰:「改立侯王。」 己未,月犯歲星。 占曰:「國亡君。」 十二月辛巳,月又犯歲星。 辛卯,月犯建星。 占曰:「大人惡之。」
Guangda first year, first month, jiayin: the moon crossed the Chariot's great star. The reading says: "The chief consort will suffer for it. Eighth month, wuyin: lunar eclipse of the Weeping star. The reading says: "Mourning and weeping follow. The next year the empress dowager and the Prince of Linhai died—the fulfillment of weeping omens. Renwu: Saturn and the Chronos star conjoined in Chariot Shaft. Ninth month, wuwu: Mercury and Venus crossed each other. The reading says: "Marquis-kings are replaced. Jiwei: the moon crossed Jupiter. The reading says: "The state loses its ruler. Twelfth month, xinsi: the moon crossed Jupiter again. Xinmao: the moon crossed the Establishment star. The reading says: "The great man dreads this omen. (This closes the omen text cited above.)
74
二年正月戊申,月掩歲星。 占曰:「國亡君。」 五月乙未,月犯太白。 六月丙寅,太白犯右執法。 壬子,客星見氐東。 八月庚寅,月犯太微。 九月庚戌,太白逆行,與鎮星合,在角。 占曰:「為白衣之會。」 又曰:「所合之國,為亡地,為疾兵。」 戊午,太白晝見。 占曰:「太白晝見,國更政易王。」 十一月丙午,歲星守右執法,甲申,月犯太微東南星。 戊子,太白入氐。 十二月甲寅,慈訓太后廢帝為臨海王,太建二年四月薨,皆其應也。
Second year, first month, wushen: the moon occulted Jupiter. The reading says: "The state loses its ruler. Fifth month, yiwei: the moon crossed Venus. Sixth month, bingyin: Venus crossed the Right Law-enforcer. Renzi: a guest star appeared east of Dipper. Eighth month, gengyin: the moon crossed the Supreme Palace. Ninth month, gengxu: Venus retrograded and conjoined Saturn in Horn. The reading says: "This marks a gathering of mourners in white. It also says: "The state where they meet loses land and faces plague armies." Wuwu: Venus appeared in daylight. The reading says: "Daylight Venus means regime change. Eleventh month, bingwu: Jupiter guarded the Right Law-enforcer; jiashen, the moon crossed the Supreme Palace's southeast star. Wuzi: Venus entered Dipper. Twelfth month, jiayin: Empress Dowager Cixun deposed the emperor as Prince of Linhai; he died in Taijian second year, fourth month—all as foretold.
75
宣帝太建七年四月丙戌,有星孛於大角。 占曰:「人主亡。」 五月庚辰,熒惑犯右執法。 壬子,又犯右執法。
Emperor Xuan, Taijian seventh year, fourth month, bingxu: a broom star appeared at the Great Horn. The reading says: "The ruler perishes. Fifth month, gengchen: Mars crossed the Right Law-enforcer. Renzi: it crossed the Right Law-enforcer again.
76
十年二月癸亥,日上有背。 占曰:「其野失地,有叛兵。」 甲子,吳明徹軍敗于呂梁,將卒並為周軍所虜。 來年,淮南之地,盡沒于周。 十月癸卯,月食熒惑。 占曰:「國敗君亡,大兵起,破軍殺將。」 來年三月,吳明徹敗于呂梁,十三年帝崩,敗國亡君之應也。
Tenth year, second month, guihai: back-vapor appeared above the sun. The reading says: "Territory is lost; rebel armies rise. Jiazi: Wu Mingche's army was crushed at Lüliang; officers and men were captured by Zhou. The next year the entire Huai region fell to Zhou. Tenth month, guimao: lunar eclipse of Mars. The reading says: "State defeated, ruler dead, great war, shattered armies, slain generals. Next year, third month, Wu Mingche fell at Lüliang; thirteenth year the emperor died—fulfilling defeat and dynastic collapse.
77
十一年四月己丑,歲星太白辰星合于東井。
Eleventh year, fourth month, jichou: Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury conjoined in the Eastern Well.
78
十二年二月壬寅,白虹見西方。 占曰:「有喪。」 其後十三年帝崩。 十月戊午,月犯牽牛吳越之野。 占曰:「其國亡,君有憂。」 後年帝崩。 辛酉,歲星犯執法。 十二月癸酉,辰星在太白上。 甲戌,辰星太白交相掩。 占曰:「大兵在野,大戰。」 辛巳,彗星見西南。 占曰:「有兵喪。」 明年帝崩,始興王叔陵作亂。
Twelfth year, second month, renyin: a white rainbow appeared in the west. The reading says: "Mourning follows. Afterward, thirteenth year, the emperor died. Tenth month, wuwu: the moon crossed the Lead Ox in the Wu-Yue region. The reading says: "That state falls; the ruler grieves. The next year the emperor died. Xinyou: Jupiter crossed the Law-enforcer. Twelfth month, guiyou: Mercury stood above Venus. Jiaxu: Mercury and Venus occulted each other. The reading says: "Great armies in the field; great battle. Xinsi: a comet appeared in the southwest. The reading says: "War and mourning follow. The next year the emperor died and Prince Shiling of Shixing rebelled.
79
後主至德元年正月壬戌,蓬星見。 占曰:「必有亡國亂臣。」 後帝於太皇寺捨身作奴,以祈冥助,不恤國政,為施文慶等所惑,以至國亡。
Chen Last Ruler, Zhide first year, first month, renxu: the Wandering star appeared. The reading says: "A fallen state and rebellious ministers are certain. Later the emperor "sold himself" as a temple slave at Taichang, neglected government, was led astray by Shi Wenqing and others, and lost the realm.
80
魏普泰元年十月,歲星熒惑填星太白聚於觜參,色甚明大。 占曰:「當有王者興。」 其月,齊高祖起于信都,至中興二年春而破爾硃兆,遂開霸業。
Wei, Putai first year, tenth month: Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and Venus gathered at Beak and Three Stars, bright and large. The reading says: "A true king is about to rise. That month Northern Qi's founder rose at Xindu; by Zhongxing second year he broke Erzhu Zhao and began his rise.
81
魏武定四年九月丁未,高祖圍玉壁城,有星墜于營,眾驢皆鳴。 占曰:「破軍殺將。」 高祖不豫,五年正月丙午崩。
Wei Wuding fourth year, ninth month, dingwei: besieging Yubi, a star fell in camp and every donkey brayed. The reading says: "Armies shattered, generals slain. The Grand Ancestor fell ill and died fifth year, first month, bingwu.
82
齊文宣帝天保元年十二月甲申,熒惑犯房北頭第一星及鉤鈐。 占曰:「大臣有反者。」 其二年二月壬辰,太尉彭樂謀反,誅。
Northern Qi Wenxuan, Tianbao first year, twelfth month, jiashen: Mars crossed Room's north head star and the Hooked Clasp. The reading says: "Great ministers rebel. Second year, second month, renchen: Grand Marshal Peng Le plotted rebellion and was executed.
83
八年二月己亥,歲星守少微,經六十三日。 占曰:「五官亂。」 五月癸卯,歲星犯太微上將。 占曰:「大將憂,大臣死。」 其十年五月,誅諸元宗室四十餘家,乾明元年,誅楊遵彥等,皆五官亂,大將憂,大臣死之應也。
Eighth year, second month, jihai: Jupiter guarded Lesser Supreme for sixty-three days. The reading says: "The Five Offices fall into disorder. Fifth month, guimao: Jupiter crossed the Supreme Palace's Upper General. The reading says: "Great generals grieve; great ministers die. Tenth year, fifth month, forty Yuan clans were executed; Ganming first year Yang Zunyan and others were killed—fulfilling the omen of court chaos and ministerial death.
84
八年七月甲辰,月掩心星。 占曰:「人主惡之。」 十年十月,帝崩。
Eighth year, seventh month, jiachen: the moon occulted the Heart star. The reading says: "The ruler dreads this omen. Tenth year, tenth month, the emperor died.
85
九年二月,熒惑犯鬼質。 占曰:「斧質用,有大喪。」 三月甲午,熒惑犯軒轅。 占曰:「女主惡之。」 其十年五月,誅魏氏宗室,十月帝崩,斧質用,有大喪之應也。
Ninth year, second month: Mars crossed the Ghost Sentence. The reading says: "The executioner's axe is used; great mourning follows. Third month, jiawu: Mars crossed the Chariot. The reading says: "The chief consort dreads this omen. Tenth year, fifth month, the Wei clan was executed; tenth month the emperor died—fulfilling the axe and mourning omens.
86
十年六月庚子,填星犯井鉞,與太白並。 占曰:「子為玄枵,齊之分野,君有戮死者,大臣誅,斧鉞用。」 其明年二月乙巳,太師常山王誅尚書令楊遵彥、右僕射燕子獻、領軍可硃渾天和、侍中宋欽道等。 八月壬午,廢少帝為濟南王。
Tenth year, sixth month, gengzi: Saturn crossed the Well Halberd and conjoined Venus. The reading says: "Zi marks Qi's division—the ruler loses men to the axe; great ministers are executed. Next year, second month, yisi: Grand Preceptor Constant Mountain Wang executed Yang Zunyan, Yan Zixian, Kezhuhun Tianhe, Song Qindao, and others. Eighth month, renwu: the young emperor was deposed as Prince of Jinan.
87
廢帝乾明元年三月甲午,熒惑入軒轅。 占曰:「女主凶。」 後太寧二年四月,太后崩。
Deposed Emperor, Ganming first year, third month, jiawu: Mars entered the Chariot. The reading says: "The chief consort faces ill fortune. Afterward, Taining second year, fourth month, the empress dowager died.
88
肅宗皇建二年四月丙子,日有食之。 子為玄枵,齊之分野。 七月乙丑,熒惑入鬼中,戊辰,犯鬼質。 占曰:「有大喪。」 十一月,帝以暴疾崩。
Emperor Suzong, Huangjian second year, fourth month, bingzi: solar eclipse. Zi marks Dark Eminence—Qi's territorial division. Seventh month, yichou: Mars entered the Ghost; wuchen, it crossed the Ghost Sentence. The reading says: "Great mourning follows. Eleventh month, the emperor died suddenly.
89
武成帝河清元年七月乙亥,太白犯輿鬼。 占曰:「有兵謀,誅大臣,斧質用。」 其年十月壬申,冀州刺史平秦王高歸彥反,段孝先討擒,斬之於都市,又其二年,殺太原王紹德,皆斧質用之應也。 八月甲寅,月掩畢。 占曰:「其國君死,大臣有誅者,有邊兵大戰,破軍殺將。」 其十月,平秦王歸彥以反誅,其三年,周師與突厥入并州,大戰城西,伏屍流血百餘里,皆其應也。
Emperor Wucheng, Heqing first year, seventh month, yihai: Venus crossed the Chariot Ghost. The reading says: "Military plots; great ministers executed; the axe is used. That year, tenth month, renshen, Gao Guiyan rebelled; Duan Xiaoxian captured and beheaded him in market—fulfilling the axe omen. Eighth month, jiayin: the moon occulted Net. The reading says: "The ruler dies; ministers executed; border war; shattered armies and slain generals. Tenth month Gao Guiyan was executed; third year Zhou and Turks fought at Bingzhou with corpses for a hundred li—all as foretold.
90
四年正月己亥,太白犯熒惑,相去二寸,在奎。 甲辰,太白、熒惑、歲星合在婁。 占曰:「甲為齊。 三星若合,是謂驚立絕行,其分有兵喪,改立侯王,國易政。」 三月戊子,慧星見。 占曰:「除舊佈新,有易王。」 至四月,傳位於太子,改元。
Fourth year, first month, jihai: Venus crossed Mars in Kui, two cun apart. Jiachen: Venus, Mars, and Jupiter conjoined in Bond. The reading says: "Jia marks Qi. Three-star conjunction means alarm and severed movement—war, mourning, replaced marquis-kings, and regime change in that quarter. Third month, wuzi: a comet appeared. The reading says: "Old order removed, new order spread; kings change. By fourth month he abdicated to the crown prince and changed the era name.
91
後主天統元年六月壬戌,彗星見於文昌,長數寸,入文昌,犯上將,然後經紫微宮西垣入危,漸長一丈餘,指室壁。 後百餘日,在虛危滅。 占曰:「有大喪,有亡國易政。」 其四年十二月,太上皇崩。
Last Ruler, Tiantong first year, sixth month, renxu: a comet at Literary Refinement, entered it, crossed the Upper General, passed the Purple Palace's western wall, entered Rooftop, grew to over a zhang pointing toward Room and Wall. After a hundred-odd days it vanished in Void and Rooftop. The reading says: "Great mourning, fallen state, and regime change follow. Fourth year, twelfth month, the retired emperor died.
92
三年五月戊寅,甲夜,西北有赤氣竟天,夜中始滅。 十月丙午,天西北頻有赤氣。 占曰:「有大兵大戰。」 後周武帝總眾來伐,大戰,有大兵之應也。
Third year, fifth month, wuyin, first watch: red vapor filled the northwest sky until midnight. Tenth month, bingwu: red vapor repeatedly filled the northwest sky. The reading says: "War on a vast scale follows. Later Zhou Wudi invaded at the head of a great host—fulfilling the omen of vast war.
93
四年六月,彗星見東井。 占曰:「大亂,國易政。」 七月,孛星見房心,白如粉絮,大如斗,東行。 八月,入天市,漸長四丈,犯瓠瓜,曆虛危,入室,犯離宮。 九月入奎,至婁而滅。 孛者,孛亂之氣也。 占曰:「兵喪並起,國大亂易政,大臣誅。」 其後,太上皇崩。 至武平二年七月,領軍庫狄伏連、治書侍御史王子宜,受琅邪王儼旨,矯詔誅錄尚書、淮南王和士開于南台,伏連等即日伏誅,右僕射馮子琮賜死。 此國亂之應也。
Fourth year, sixth month: a comet appeared at the Eastern Well. The reading says: "Great disorder and regime change follow. Seventh month: a broom star at Heart, white as cotton, dou-sized, moving east. Eighth month: it entered the Celestial Market, grew to four zhang, crossed Gourd, Void, Rooftop, and Room, violating the Detached Palace. Ninth month: it entered Kui, reached Bond, and vanished. A broom star is vapor of sweeping disorder. The reading says: "War and mourning together; state chaos, regime change, and executed ministers follow. Afterward the retired emperor died. By Wuping second year, seventh month, Kudi Fulian and Wang Ziyi, obeying Prince Langya Yan, forged an edict and executed He Shikai at the Southern Terrace; they were executed the same day and Feng Zicong was forced to kill himself. This fulfilled the omen of national disorder.
94
五年二月戊辰,歲星逆行,掩太微上將。 占曰:「天下大驚,四輔有誅者。」 五月甲午,熒惑犯鬼積屍。 甲,齊也。 占曰:「大臣誅,兵大起,斧質用,有大喪。」 至武平二年九月,誅琅邪王儼,三年五月,誅右丞相、咸陽王斛律明月,四年七月,誅蘭陵王長恭,皆懿親名將也。 四年十月,又誅崔季舒等,此斧質用之應也。
Fifth year, second month, wuchen: Jupiter retrograded, occulting the Supreme Palace's Upper General. The reading says: "The realm is greatly alarmed; one of the Four Supports is executed. Fifth month, jiawu: Mars crossed the Ghost Heap of Corpses. Jia marks Qi. The reading says: "Ministers executed, vast armies, the axe used, great mourning. By Wuping second year, ninth month, Prince Langya Yan was executed; third year fifth month Hulu Yueguang; fourth year seventh month Gao Changgong—all royal kin and famed generals. Fourth year, tenth month, Cui Jishu and others were executed—fulfilling the axe omen.
95
武平三年八月癸未,填星、歲星、太白合于氐,宋之分野。 占曰:「其國內外有兵喪,改立侯王。」 其四年十月,陳將吳明徹寇彭城,右僕射崔季舒,國子祭酒張雕,黃門裴澤、郭遵,尚書左丞封孝琰等,諫車駕不宜北幸并州。 帝怒,並誅之,內外兵喪之應也。 九月庚申,月在婁,食既,至旦不復。 占曰:「女主凶。」 其三年八月,廢斛律皇后,立穆後。 四年,又廢胡後為庶人。 十一月乙亥,天狗下西北。 占曰:「其下有大戰流血。」 後周武帝攻晉州,進兵平并州,大戰流血。
Wuping third year, eighth month, guiwei: Saturn, Jupiter, and Venus conjoined in Dipper, Song's division. The reading says: "War and mourning at home and abroad; marquis-kings replaced. Fourth year, tenth month, Wu Mingche invaded Pengcheng; Cui Jishu, Zhang Diao, Pei Ze, Guo Zun, and Feng Xiaoyan urged the emperor not to go north to Bingzhou; he executed them all—fulfilling war and mourning at home and abroad. Ninth month, gengshen: the moon in Bond; total eclipse until dawn. The reading says: "The chief consort faces ill fortune." Third year, eighth month, Empress Hulu was deposed and Empress Mu enthroned. Fourth year, Empress Hu was deposed to commoner status. Eleventh month, yihai: the Heavenly Dog descended in the northwest. The reading says: "Great battle and flowing blood follow below." Later Zhou Wudi attacked Jinzou and pacified Bingzhou—great battle and bloodshed. Third year, twelfth month, xinchou: solar eclipse of Jupiter.
96
三年十二月辛丑,日食歲星。 占曰:「有亡國。」 至七年,而齊亡。
The reading says: "A state falls." By the seventh year, Qi fell. Fourth year, fifth month, guisi: Mars crossed the Right Law-enforcer.
97
四年五月癸巳,熒惑犯右執法。 占曰:「大將死,執法者誅,若有罪。」 其年,誅右丞相斛律明月,明年,誅蘭陵王長恭,後年,誅右僕射崔季舒,皆大將死,執法誅之應也。
The reading says: "Great generals die; law-enforcers executed for guilt." That year Hulu Yueguang was executed; next year Gao Changgong; the year after Cui Jishu—all fulfilling the omen of dead generals and executed law-enforcers. Zhou, Emperor Min first year, fifth month, guimao: Venus crossed the Chariot.
98
周閔帝元年五月癸卯,太白犯軒轅。 占曰:「太白行軒轅中,大臣出令。」 又曰:「皇后失勢。」 辛亥,熒惑犯東井北端第二星。 占曰:「其國亂。」 又曰:「大旱。」 其年九月,塚宰護逼帝遜位,幽于舊邸,月餘殺崩,司會李植、軍司馬孫恆及宮伯乙弗鳳等被誅害。 其冬大旱。 皆大臣出令、大臣死、旱之應也。
The reading says: "Venus in the Chariot: great ministers issue orders." It also says: "The empress loses power. Xinhai: Mars crossed the second star at the Eastern Well's north end. The reading says: "That state falls into disorder." It also says: "Great drought follows. That year, ninth month, Regent Hu forced abdication, confined the emperor, and killed him after a month; Li Zhi, Sun Heng, and Yifu Feng were executed. That winter brought great drought—fulfilling ministers seizing power, ministerial deaths, and drought. Emperor Ming second year, third month, jiawu: Mars entered the Chariot. The reading says: "Kings dread it; the chief consort is doomed."
99
明帝二年三月甲午,熒惑入軒轅。 占曰:「王者惡之,女主凶。」 其月,王后獨孤氏崩。 六月庚子,填星犯井鉞,與太白並。 占曰:「傷成於鉞,君有戮死者。」 其年,太師宇文護進食,帝遇毒崩。
That month Empress Dowager Dugu died. Sixth month, gengzi: Saturn crossed the Well Halberd and conjoined Venus. The reading says: "The halberd completes the killing; the ruler loses men to execution." That year Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu was poisoned at a meal and the emperor died. Emperor Wu, Baoding first year, ninth month, yisi: a guest star appeared at Wings. Tenth month, jiaxu: solar eclipse.
100
武帝保定元年九月乙巳,客星見於翼。 十月甲戌,日有食之。 戊寅,熒惑犯太微上將,合為一。
Wuyin: Mars crossed the Supreme Palace's Upper General and merged with it. Second year, intercalary first month, guisi: Venus entered the Hairy Head. Second month, renyin: Mars crossed the Supreme Palace's Upper Minister.
101
二年閏正月癸巳,太白入昴。 二月壬寅,熒惑犯太微上相。 三月壬午,熒惑犯左執法。 七月乙亥,太白犯輿鬼。 九月戊辰,日有食之,既。 十一月壬午,熒惑犯歲星于危南。
Third month, renwu: Mars crossed the Left Law-enforcer. Seventh month, yihai: Venus crossed the Chariot Ghost. Ninth month, wuchen: total solar eclipse. Eleventh month, renwu: Mars crossed Jupiter south of Rooftop. Third year, third month, yichou new moon: solar eclipse. Ninth month, jiazi: Mars crossed the Supreme Palace's Upper General.
102
三年三月乙丑朔,日有食之。 九月甲子,熒惑犯太微上將。 占曰:「上將誅死。」 十月壬辰,熒惑犯左執法。
The reading says: "The upper general is executed." Tenth month, renchen: Mars crossed the Left Law-enforcer. Fourth year, second month, gengyin new moon: solar eclipse. Jiawu: Mars crossed Room's right side-horse.
103
四年二月庚寅朔,日有食之。 甲午,熒惑犯房右驂。 三月己未,熒惑又犯房右驂。 占曰:「上相誅,車馳人走,天下兵起。」 其年十月,塚宰晉公護率軍伐齊。 十二月,柱國、庸公王雄力戰死之,遂班師。 兵起將死之應也。 八月丁亥,朔,日有蝕之。
Third month, jiwei: Mars again crossed Room's right side-horse. The reading says: "Upper minister executed; chariots flee; war engulfs the realm." That year, tenth month, Duke of Jin Hu led an army against Qi. Twelfth month, Wang Xiong, Prince of Yong, died fighting; the army withdrew. Fulfillment of war rising and generals dying. Eighth month, dinghai new moon: solar eclipse. Fifth year, first month, xinmao: a white rainbow pierced the sun. The reading says: "War and mourning follow."
104
五年正月辛卯,白虹貫日。 占曰:「為兵喪。」 甲辰,太白、熒惑、歲星合于婁。 六月庚申,慧星出三台,入文昌,犯上將,後經紫宮西垣入危,漸長一丈餘,指室壁,後百餘日稍短,長二尺五寸,在虛危滅,齊之分野。 七月辛巳,朔,日有食之。
Jiachen: Venus, Mars, and Jupiter conjoined in Bond. Sixth month, gengshen: a comet from the Three Platforms crossed Literary Refinement and the Upper General, passed the Purple Palace's western wall into Rooftop, grew to over a zhang pointing at Room and Wall, then shrank and vanished in Void and Rooftop—Qi's division. Seventh month, xinsi new moon: solar eclipse. Tianhe first year, first month, jimao: solar eclipse. Tenth month, yimao: Venus visible by day, crossing the meridian.
105
天和元年正月己卯,日有食之。 十月乙卯,太白晝見,經天。
Second year, first month, guiyou new moon: solar eclipse. Fifth month, jichou: Jupiter and Mars conjoined at Well, five chi apart.
106
二年,正月癸酉朔,日有食之。 五月己丑,歲星與熒惑合在井宿,相去五尺。 並為秦分。 占曰:「其國有兵,為饑旱,大臣匿謀,下有反者,若亡地。」 閏六月丁酉,歲星、太白合,在柳,相去一尺七寸。 柳為周分。 占曰:「為內兵。」 又曰:「主人凶憂,失城。」 是歲,陳湘州刺史華皎率眾來附,遣衛公直將兵援之,因而南伐。 九月,衛公直與陳將淳于量戰於沌口,王師失利。 元定、韋世衝以步騎數千先度,遂沒陳。 七月庚戌,太白犯軒轅大星,相去七寸。 占曰:「女主失勢,大臣當之。」 又曰:「西方禍起。」 其十一月癸丑,太保、許公宇文貴薨,大臣當之驗也。 十月辛卯,有黑氣一,大如杯,在日中。 甲午,又加一,經六日乃滅。 占曰:「臣有蔽主之明者。」 十一月戊戌朔,日有食之。 庚子,熒惑犯鉤鈐,去之六寸。 占曰:「王者有憂。」 又曰:「車騎驚,三公謀。」
Both marked Qin's territorial division. The reading says: "Armies, famine, drought, ministerial plots, rebels below, lost territory." Intercalary sixth month, dingyou: Jupiter and Venus conjoined at Willow, one chi seven cun apart. Willow marks Zhou's division. The reading says: "Internal warfare follows." It also says: "The ruler grieves; cities are lost." That year Chen's Xiangzhou inspector Hua Jiao surrendered; Duke of Wei Zhi marched south to aid him. Ninth month, Duke of Wei Zhi lost to Chunyu Liang at Dunhou. Yuan Ding and Wei Shichong crossed ahead with thousands of troops and were lost in Chen. Seventh month, gengxu: Venus crossed the Chariot's great star, seven cun apart. The reading says: "The chief consort loses power; great ministers suffer for it." It also says: "Disaster rises in the west." Eleventh month, guichou, Grand Guardian Yuwen Gui died—fulfilling the omen of ministers bearing calamity. Tenth month, xinmao: black vapor the size of a cup appeared in the sun. Jiawu: another appeared; after six days both vanished. The reading says: "Ministers obscure the ruler's light." Eleventh month, wuxu new moon: solar eclipse. The reading says: "Ministers obscure the ruler's light. Eleventh month, wuxu new moon: solar eclipse. Gengzi: Mars crossed the Hooked Clasp, six cun away. The reading says: "Kings face sorrow. It also says: "Chariots and cavalry alarmed; the Three Dukes plot." (This closes the omen text cited above.)
107
三年三月己未,太白犯井北轅第一星。 占曰:「將軍惡之。」 其七月壬寅,隋公楊忠薨。 四月辛巳,太白入輿鬼,犯積屍。 占曰:「大臣誅。」 又曰:「亂臣在內,有屠城。」 六月甲戌,彗見東井,長一丈,上白下赤而銳,漸東行,至七月癸卯,在鬼北八寸所乃滅。 占曰:「為兵,國政崩壞。」 又曰:「將軍死,大臣誅。」 七月己未,客星見房心,白如粉絮,大如斗,漸大,東行; 八月,入天市,長如匹所,複東行,犯河鼓右將; 癸未,犯瓠瓜,又入室,犯離宮; 九月壬寅,入奎,稍小; 壬戌,至婁北一尺所滅。 凡六十九日。 占曰:「兵起,若有喪,白衣會,為饑旱,國易政。」 又曰:「兵犯外城,大臣誅。」
Third year, third month, jiwei: Venus crossed the Well's north axle first star. The reading says: "Generals dread this omen. Seventh month, renyin: Duke of Sui Yang Zhong died. Fourth month, xinsi: Venus entered the Chariot Ghost and crossed the Heap of Corpses. The reading says: "Great ministers are executed. It also says: "Rebels within; a city is sacked." Sixth month, jiaxu: a comet at the Eastern Well, one zhang, white above and red below, moved east; seventh month, guimao, it vanished north of the Ghost. The reading says: "War; government collapses. It also says: "Generals die; ministers executed." Seventh month, jiwei: a guest star at Heart, white as cotton, dou-sized, growing, moving east; Eighth month: it entered the Celestial Market, cloth-length, moving east, crossing the Drum's Right General; Guiwei: it crossed Gourd, entered Room, violating the Detached Palace; Ninth month, renyin: it entered Kui and shrank; Renxu: it vanished one chi north of Bond. It lasted sixty-nine days in all. The reading says: "Armies rise; mourning, white-robed gatherings, famine, drought, regime change. It also says: "Armies breach outer walls; ministers executed." (This closes the omen text cited above.)
108
四年二月戊辰,歲星逆行,掩太微上將。 占曰:「天下大驚,國不安,四輔有誅,必有兵革,天下大赦。」 庚午,有流星,大如斗,出左攝提,流至天津滅,有聲如雷。 五月癸巳,熒惑犯輿鬼。 甲午,犯積屍。 占曰:「午,秦也。 大臣有誅,兵大起。」 後三年,太師、大塚宰、晉國公宇文護以不臣誅,皆其應也。
Fourth year, second month, wuchen: Jupiter retrograded, occulting the Supreme Palace's Upper General. The reading says: "Realm alarmed, state unsettled, Four Supports executed, war certain, great amnesty. Gengwu: a dou-sized meteor from Left Sheti flowed to Celestial Ford and vanished with a thunderous roar. Fifth month, guisi: Mars crossed the Chariot Ghost. Jiawu: it crossed the Heap of Corpses. The reading says: "Wu marks Qin. Great ministers are executed; armies rise on a vast scale. Three years later Grand Preceptor Yuwen Hu was executed for treason—all as foretold.
109
五年正月乙巳,月在氐,暈,有白虹長丈所貫之,而有兩珥連接,規北斗第四星。 占曰:「兵大起,大戰,將軍死于野。」 是冬,齊將斛律明月寇邊,於汾北築城,自華谷至於龍門。 其明年正月,詔齊公憲率師禦之。 三月己酉,憲自龍門度河,攻拔其新築五城,兵起大戰之應也。
Fifth year, first month, yisi: the moon in Dipper with a halo; a one-zhang white rainbow pierced it with two linked ear-pendants encircling the Big Dipper's fourth star. The reading says: "Vast armies, great battle, generals dead in the field. That winter Qi general Hulu Yueguang raided the border and built a wall north of the Fen from Huagu to Longmen. Next year, first month, Duke of Qi Xian was ordered to lead troops against him. Third month, jiyou, Xian crossed at Longmen and took five new fortresses—fulfilling war and great battle.
110
六年二月己丑夜,有蒼雲,廣三丈,經天,自戌加辰。 四月戊寅朔,日有蝕之。 己卯,熒惑逆行,犯輿鬼。 占曰:「有兵喪,大臣誅,兵大起。」 其月,又率師取齊宜陽等九城。 六月,齊將攻陷汾州。 六月庚辰,熒惑太白合,在張宿,相去一尺。 占曰:「主人兵不勝,所合國有殃。」
Sixth year, second month, jichou night: green cloud three zhang wide spanned heaven from xu through chen. Fourth month, wuyin new moon: solar eclipse. Jimao: Mars retrograded and crossed the Chariot Ghost. The reading says: "War, mourning, executed ministers, vast armies. That month troops again took nine Qi cities including Yiyang. Sixth month, a Qi general captured Fenzhou. Sixth month, gengchen: Mars and Venus conjoined at Extended Net, one chi apart. The reading says: "The home army cannot win; the conjoined state suffers calamity. (This closes the omen text cited above.)
111
建德元年三月丙辰,熒惑、太白合壁。 占曰:「其分有兵喪,不可舉事,用兵必受其殃。」 又曰:「改立侯王,有德者興,無德者亡。」 其月,誅晉公護、護子譚公會、莒公至、崇業公靜等,大赦。 癸亥,詔以齊公憲為大塚宰,是其驗也。 七月丙午,辰與太白合于井,相去七寸。 占曰; 「其下之國,必有重德致天下。」 後四年,上帥師平齊,致天下之應也。 九月己酉,月犯心中星,相去一寸。 占曰:「亂臣在傍,不出五年,下有亡國。」 後周武伐齊,平之,有亡國之應也。
Jiande first year, third month, bingchen: Mars and Venus conjoined at Wall. The reading says: "That quarter faces war and mourning; do not act; armies will suffer. It also says: "Marquis-kings replaced; the virtuous rise, the wicked fall." That month Duke of Jin Hu and his sons were executed; general amnesty followed. Guihai: Duke of Qi Xian was appointed Grand Regent—the fulfillment. Seventh month, bingwu: Chronos and Venus conjoined at Well, seven cun apart. The reading says: "The state below will win the realm through heavy virtue. Four years later the emperor conquered Qi—fulfilling the omen of winning the realm. Ninth month, jiyou: the moon crossed the Heart's central star, one cun apart. The reading says: "Rebels at the ruler's side; within five years a state falls. Later Zhou Wudi conquered Qi—fulfilling the fallen-state omen.
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二年二月辛亥,白虹貫日。 占曰:「臣謀君,不出三年。」 又曰:「近臣為亂。」 後年七月,衛王直在京師舉兵反。 癸亥,熒惑掩鬼西北星。 占曰:「大賊在大人之側。」 又曰:「大臣有誅。」 四月己亥,太白掩西北星,壬寅,又掩東北星。 占曰:「國有憂,大臣誅。」 六月丙辰,月犯心中後二星。 占曰:「亂臣在傍,不出三年,有亡國。」 又曰:「人主惡之。」 九月癸酉,太白犯左執法。 占曰:「大臣有憂,執法者誅,若有罪。」 十一月壬子,太白掩填星,在尾。 占曰:「填星為女主,尾為後宮。」 明年皇太后崩。
Second year, second month, xinhai: a white rainbow pierced the sun. The reading says: "Ministers plot against the ruler; within three years. It also says: "Close ministers raise disorder." Next year, seventh month, Prince of Wei Zhi rebelled in the capital. Guihai: Mars occulted the Ghost's northwest star. The reading says: "Great bandits stand beside the great man. It also says: "Great ministers are executed." Fourth month, jihai: Venus occulted the northwest star; renyin, the northeast star. The reading says: "The state grieves; ministers executed. Sixth month, bingchen: the moon crossed the second and third stars behind the Heart. The reading says: "Rebels at the side; within three years a state falls. It also says: "The ruler dreads it." September guiyou: Venus crossed the Left Law-enforcer. The reading says: "Ministers grieve; law-enforcers executed for guilt. Eleventh month, renzi: Venus occulted Saturn in Tail. The reading says: "Saturn is the chief consort; Tail is the inner palace. Next year the empress dowager died.
113
三年二月戊午,客星大如桃,青白色,出五車東南三尺所,漸東行,稍長二尺所; 至四月壬辰,入文昌; 丁未,入北斗魁中,後出魁,漸小。 凡見九十三日。 占曰:「天下兵起,車騎滿野,人主有憂。」 又曰:「天下有亂,兵大起,臣謀主。」 其七月乙酉,衛王直在京師舉兵反,討擒之,廢為庶人。 至十月,始州民王鞅擁眾反,討平之。 四月乙卯,星孛于紫宮垣外,大如拳,赤白,指五帝座,漸東南行,稍長一丈五尺; 五月甲子,至上臺北滅。 占曰:「天下易政,無德者亡。」 後二年,武帝率六軍滅齊。 十一月丙子,歲星與太白相犯,光芒相及,在危。 占曰:「其野兵,人主凶,失其城邑。 危,齊之分野。」 後二年,宇文神舉攻拔陸渾等五城。 十二月庚寅,月犯歲星,在危,相去二寸。 占曰:「其邦流亡,不出三年。」 辛卯,月行在營室,食太白。 占曰:「其國以兵亡,將軍戰死。 營室,衛也,地在齊境。」 後齊亡入周。
Third year, second month, wuwu: a peach-sized green-white guest star three chi south of the Five Chariots moved east, growing to two chi; By fourth month, renchen, it entered Literary Refinement; Dingwei: it entered the Dipper's handle, exited, and shrank. It was visible ninety-three days in all. The reading says: "War engulfs the realm; cavalry fills the fields; the ruler grieves. It also says: "Realm-wide disorder, vast armies, ministers plot against the throne." Seventh month, yiyou, Prince of Wei Zhi rebelled in the capital, was captured and deposed. By tenth month Wang Yang of Shizhou rebelled and was suppressed. Fourth month, yimao: a fist-sized red-white broom star outside the Purple Palace wall pointed at the Five Emperors' Seat, moving southeast to one zhang five chi; Fifth month, jiazi: it vanished north of the Upper Platform. The reading says: "Regime change; the wicked perish. Two years later the emperor destroyed Qi with the Six Armies. Eleventh month, bingzi: Jupiter and Venus clashed, lights touching, in Rooftop. The reading says: "Armies in that quarter; the ruler doomed; cities lost. Rooftop marks Qi's division. Two years later Yuwen Shenju took five cities including Luhun. Twelfth month, gengyin: the moon crossed Jupiter in Rooftop, two cun apart. The reading says: "That state's people wander in exile; within three years. Xinmao: the moon in Encampment eclipsed Venus. The reading says: "That state falls by war; generals die in battle. Encampment is Wei; the territory lies in Qi's border. Afterward Qi fell and was absorbed into Zhou.
114
四年三月甲子,月犯軒轅大星。 占曰:「女主有憂,又五官有亂。」
Fourth year, third month, jiazi: the moon crossed the Chariot's great star. The reading says: "The chief consort grieves; the Five Offices fall into disorder. (End of this section of omen records.)
115
五年十月庚戌,熒惑犯太微西蕃上將星。 占曰:「天下不安,上將誅,若有罪,其止。」
Fifth year, tenth month, gengxu: Mars crossed the Supreme Palace western rampart's Upper General. The reading says: "Realm unsettled; upper general executed for guilt, then it ends. (This closes the omen text cited above.)
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六年二月,皇太子巡撫西土,仍討吐谷渾。 八月,至伏俟城而旋。 吐谷渾寇邊,天下不安之應也。 六月庚午,熒惑入鬼。 占曰:「有喪旱。」 其七月,京師旱。 十月戊午,歲星犯大陵。 又己未、庚申,月連暈,規昴、畢、五車及參。 占曰:「兵起爭地。」 又曰:「王自將兵。」 又曰:「天下大赦。」 癸亥,帝率眾攻晉州。 是日虹見晉州城上,首向南,尾入紫宮,長十餘丈。 庚午,克之。 丁卯夜,白虹見,長十餘丈,頭在南,尾入紫宮中。 占曰:「其下兵戰流血。」 又曰:「若無兵,必有大喪。」 至六年正月,平齊,與齊軍大戰。 十一月稽胡反,齊王討平之。
Sixth year, second month: the crown prince toured the west and attacked Tuyuhun. Eighth month: he reached Fuqi city and returned. Tuyuhun raided the border—fulfilling the omen of realm-wide unrest. Sixth month, gengwu: Mars entered the Ghost. The reading says: "Mourning and drought follow. Seventh month, the capital region suffered drought. Tenth month, wuwu: Jupiter crossed Great Tomb. Also jiwei and gengshen: the moon showed consecutive halos around the Pleiades, Net, Five Chariots, and Three Stars. The reading says: "Armies rise fighting for land. It also says: "The king leads armies in person." It also says: "General amnesty throughout the realm." Guihai: the emperor led the host against Jinzhou. That day a rainbow arched above Jinzhou, head south and tail entering the Purple Palace, over ten zhang long. Gengwu: the city was taken. Dingmao night: a white rainbow over ten zhang long, head south and tail in the Purple Palace. The reading says: "Battle and bloodshed follow below. It also says: "Without armies, great mourning is certain." By sixth year, first month, Qi was pacified after great battles. Eleventh month the Ji-hu rebelled; the Prince of Qi suppressed them.
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六年四月,先此熒惑入太微宮二百日,犯東蕃上相,西蕃上將,句已往還。 至此月甲子,出端門。 占曰:「為大臣代主。」 又曰:「臣不臣,有反者。」 又曰:「必有大喪。」 後宣、武繼崩,高祖以大運代起。 十月癸卯,月食,熒惑在斗。 占曰:「國敗,其君亡,兵大起,破軍殺將。 斗為吳、越之星,陳之分野。」 十一月,陳將吳明徹侵呂梁,徐州總管梁士彥出軍與戰,不利。 明年三月,郯公王軌討擒陳將吳明徹,俘斬三萬餘人。 十一月甲辰,晡時,日中有黑子,大如杯。 占曰:「君有過而臣不諫,人主惡之。」 十二月癸丑,流星大如月,西流有聲,蛇行屈曲,光照地。 占曰:「兵大起,下有戰場。」 戌辰平旦,有流星大如三斗器,色赤,出紫宮,凝著天,乃北下。 占曰:「人主去其宮殿。」 是月,營州刺史高寶甯據州反。 其明年五月,帝總戎北伐。 後年,武帝崩。
Sixth year, fourth month: before this Mars had spent two hundred days in the Supreme Palace, crossing eastern Upper Minister and western Upper General. This month, jiazi: it exited the End Gate. The reading says: "Great ministers replace the ruler. It also says: "Ministers rebel; traitors appear." It also says: "Great mourning is certain." Afterward Emperors Xuan and Wu died in turn; Sui Gaozu rose to power. Tenth month, guimao: lunar eclipse; Mars in the Dipper. The reading says: "State defeated, ruler dead, great war, shattered armies, slain generals. The Dipper marks Wu and Yue—Chen's division. Eleventh month, Chen general Wu Mingche invaded Lüliang; Xuzhou inspector Liang Shiyan was defeated. Next year, third month, Wang Gui captured Wu Mingche and beheaded over thirty thousand. Eleventh month, jiachen, afternoon: black spots cup-sized appeared in the sun. The reading says: "The ruler errs while ministers stay silent—the ruler dreads this omen. Twelfth month, guichou: a moon-sized meteor flowed west with sound, serpent-like, lighting the ground. The reading says: "Vast armies rise; battlefields spread below. Xuchen dawn: a red three-dou meteor issued from the Purple Palace, hung in heaven, then fell north. The reading says: "The ruler leaves his palace. That month, Gao Baoning, Inspector of Yingzhou, rebelled holding his province. Next year, fifth month, the emperor led a northern campaign in person. The year after, Emperor Wu died.
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宣政元年正月丙子,月食昴。 占曰:「有白衣之會。」 又曰:「匈奴侵邊。」 其月,突厥寇幽州,殺略吏人。 五月,帝總戎北伐。 六月,帝疾甚,還京,次雲陽而崩。 六月壬午,癸丑,木火金三星合,在井。 占曰:「其國霸。」 又曰:「其國外內有兵喪,改立侯王。」 是月,幽州人盧昌期據范陽反,改立王侯,兵喪之驗也。 七年辛丑,月犯心前星。 占曰:「太子惡之,若失位。」 後靜帝立為天子,不終之徵也。 丙辰,熒惑、太白合,在七星,相去二尺八寸所。 占曰:「君憂。」 又曰:「其國有兵,改立王侯,有德興,無德亡。」 後年,改署四輔官,傳位太子,改立王侯之應也。 己未,太白犯軒轅大星。 占曰:「女主凶。」 後二年,宣帝崩,楊後令其父隋公為大丞相,總軍國事。 隋氏受命,廢後為樂平公主,余四後悉廢為比丘尼。 八月庚辰,太白入太微。 占曰:「為天下驚。」 又曰:「近臣起兵,大臣相殺,國有憂。」 其後,趙、陳等五王為執政所誅,大臣相殺之應也。 九月丁酉,熒惑入太微西掖門,庚申,犯左執法,相去三寸。 占曰:「天下不安,大臣有憂。」 又曰:「執法者誅若有罪。」 是月,汾州稽胡反,討平之。 十一月,突厥寇邊,圍酒泉,殺略吏人。 明年二月,殺柱國、郯公王軌。 皆其應也。 十二月癸未,熒惑入氐,守犯之三十日。 占曰:「天子失其宮。」 又曰:「賊臣在內,下有反者。」 又曰:「國君有系饑死,若毒死者。」 靜帝禪位,隋高祖幽殺之。
Xuanzheng first year, first month, bingzi: lunar eclipse of the Hairy Head. The reading says: "A gathering of mourners in white follows. It also says: "The Xiongnu invade the border." That month Turks raided Youzhou, killing and capturing officials and people. Fifth month: the emperor led a northern campaign in person. Sixth month: the emperor fell gravely ill, returned, stopped at Yunyang, and died. Sixth month, renwu and guichou: Wood, Fire, and Metal stars conjoined at the Well. The reading says: "That state achieves hegemony. It also says: "War and mourning at home and abroad; marquis-kings replaced." That month Lu Changqi of Youzhou rebelled at Fanyang and enthroned a rival king—fulfilling war and mourning. Seventh year, xinchou: the moon crossed the Heart's front star. The reading says: "The crown prince dreads it; he may lose his place. Later Emperor Jing was enthroned—a sign his reign would not last. Bingchen: Mars and Venus conjoined at Seven Stars, two chi eight cun apart. The reading says: "The ruler grieves. It also says: "Armies rise; marquis-kings replaced; the virtuous rise, the wicked fall." Next year the Four Supports were reorganized and the throne passed to the crown prince—fulfilling replaced marquis-kings. Jiwei: Venus crossed the Chariot's great star. The reading says: "The chief consort is doomed. Two years later Emperor Xuan died; Empress Yang made her father Yang Jian Grand Chancellor and regent. Sui took the Mandate; the empress became Princess Leping; the other four empresses became nuns. Eighth month, gengchen: Venus entered the Supreme Palace. The reading says: "Alarm throughout the realm. It also says: "Close ministers rebel; ministers slay one another; the state grieves." Afterward Princes Zhao, Chen, and others were executed by the regent—fulfilling ministerial slaughter. Ninth month, dingyou: Mars entered the Supreme Palace's western crotch gate; gengshen, it crossed the Left Law-enforcer, three cun apart. The reading says: "Realm unsettled; great ministers grieve. It also says: "Law-enforcers executed for guilt." That month Ji-hu rebelled in Fenzhou and were suppressed. Eleventh month, Turks besieged Jiuquan and killed and captured officials and people. Next year, second month, Wang Gui, Duke of Teng, was executed. All were fulfilled as foretold. Twelfth month, guiwei: Mars entered Dipper and guarded it for thirty days. The reading says: "The Son of Heaven loses his palace. It also says: "Traitors within; rebels below." It also says: "The ruler is imprisoned, starves, or is poisoned." Emperor Jing abdicated; Sui Gaozu had him secretly killed.
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宣帝大成元年正月丙午、癸丑,日皆有背。 占曰:「臣為逆,有反叛,邊將去之。」 又曰:「卿大夫欲為主。」 其後,隋公作霸,尉迥、王謙、司馬消難各舉兵反。
Emperor Xuan, Dacheng first year, first month, bingwu and guichou: both days the sun showed back-vapor. The reading says: "Ministers rebel; rebellion rises; border generals defect. It also says: "Ministers and grandees seek the throne." Afterward Duke of Sui seized power; Wei Cong, Wang Qian, and Sima Xiaonan rebelled.
120
大象元年四月戊子,太白、歲星、辰星合,在井。 占曰:「是謂驚立,是謂絕行,其國內外有兵喪,改立王公。」 又曰:「其國可霸,修德者強,無德受殃。」 其五月,趙、陳、越、代、滕五王併入國。 後二年,隋王受命,宇文氏宗族相繼誅滅。 六月丁卯,有流星一,大如雞子,出氐中,西北流,有尾跡,長一丈所,入月中,即滅。 占曰:「不出三年,人主有憂。」 又曰:「有亡國。」 靜帝幽閉之應也。 己丑,有流星一,大如斗,色青,有光明照地,出營室,抵壁入濁。 七月壬辰,熒惑掩房北頭第一星。 占曰:「亡君之誡。」 又曰:「將軍為亂,王者惡之,大臣有反者,天子憂。」 其十二月,帝親禦驛馬,日行三百里。 四皇后及文武侍衛數百人,並乘馹以從。 房為天駟,熒惑主亂,此宣帝亂道德,馳騁車騎,將亡之誡。 八月辛巳,熒惑犯南斗第五星。 占曰:「且有反臣,道路不通,破軍殺將。」 尉迥、王謙等起兵敗亡之徵也。 九月己酉,太白入南斗魁中。 占曰:「天下有大亂,將相謀反,國易政。」 又曰:「君死,不死則疾。」 又曰:「天下爵祿。」 皆高祖受命、群臣分爵之徵也。 十月壬戌,歲星犯軒轅大星。 占曰:「女主憂,若失勢。」 周自宣政元年,熒惑、太白從歲星聚東井。 大象元年四月,太白、歲星、辰星又聚井。 十月,歲星守軒轅。 其年,又守翼。 東井,秦分,翼,楚分,漢東為楚地,軒轅後族,隋以後族興于秦地之象,而周之後妃失勢之徵也。 乙酉,熒惑在虛,與填星合。 占曰:「兵大起,將軍為亂,大人惡之。」 是月,相州段德舉謀反,伏誅。 其明年三月,杞公宇文亮舉兵反,擒殺之。
Daxiang first year, fourth month, wuzi: Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury conjoined at the Well. The reading says: "Alarmed establishment, severed movement—war and mourning at home and abroad; kings and dukes replaced. It also says: "That state may hegemonize; the virtuous grow strong, the wicked suffer." Fifth month, the five princes Zhao, Chen, Yue, Dai, and Teng all entered the capital. Two years later Sui received the Mandate; the Yuwen clan was systematically executed. Sixth month, dingmao: an egg-sized meteor from Dipper flowed northwest with a one-zhang tail, entered the moon, and vanished. The reading says: "Within three years the ruler grieves. It also says: "A state falls." Fulfillment of Emperor Jing's confinement. Jichou: a green dou-sized meteor with bright ground-light issued from Encampment, reached Wall, and entered Turbid Waters. Seventh month, renchen: Mars occulted Room's north head first star. The reading says: "Warning of a doomed ruler. It also says: "Generals rebel; kings dread it; ministers betray; the Son of Heaven grieves." Twelfth month, the emperor drove relay horses at three hundred li per day. Four empresses and hundreds of attendants rode relays in pursuit. Room is the Heavenly Team; Mars governs disorder—Emperor Xuan's reckless racing was the warning of a falling throne. Eighth month, xinsi: Mars crossed the Southern Dipper's fifth star. The reading says: "Rebel ministers appear; roads are cut; armies shattered and generals slain. Omens of Wei Cong and Wang Qian raising armies and dying in defeat. Ninth month, jiyou: Venus entered the Dipper's handle. The reading says: "Realm-wide chaos, ministerial plots, regime change. It also says: "The ruler dies—or if not, falls ill." It also says: "Ranks and salaries spread across the realm." All omens of Gaozu taking the Mandate and ministers receiving fiefs. Tenth month, renxu: Jupiter crossed the Chariot's great star. The reading says: "The chief consort grieves; she may lose power. From Zhou Xuanzheng first year, Mars and Venus followed Jupiter gathering at the Eastern Well. Daxiang first year, fourth month, Venus, Jupiter, and Mercury again gathered at the Well. Tenth month: Jupiter guarded the Chariot. That year: it again guarded Wings. The Eastern Well is Qin, Wings is Chu, the Chariot the consort clan—Sui rising through in-laws in Qin while Zhou's empresses lost power. Yiyou: Mars stood in Void, conjoined with Saturn. The reading says: "Vast armies rise; generals rebel; the great man dreads it. That month Duan Degao of Xiangzhou plotted rebellion and was executed. Next year, third month, Yuwen Liang, Duke of Qi, rebelled and was captured and killed.
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二年四月乙丑,有星大如斗,出天廚,流入紫宮,抵鉤陳乃滅。 占曰:「有大喪,兵大起,將軍戮。」 又曰:「臣犯上,主有憂。」 其五月,帝崩,隋公執國政,大喪、臣犯主之應。 趙王、越王以謀執政被誅。 又荊、豫、襄三州諸蠻反,尉迥、王謙、司馬消難各舉兵畔,不從執政,終以敗亡。 皆大兵起、將軍戮之應也。 五月甲辰,有流星一,大如三斗器,出太微端門,流入翼,色青白,光明照地,聲若風吹幡旗。 占曰:「有立王,若徙王。」 又曰:「國失君。」 其月己酉,帝崩,劉昉矯制,以隋公受遺詔輔政,終受天命,立王、徙王、失君之應也。 七月壬子,歲星、太白合于張,有流星,大如斗,出五車東北流,光明燭地。 九月甲申,熒惑、歲星合於翼。
Second year, fourth month, yichou: a dou-sized star from the Celestial Kitchen flowed into the Purple Palace, reached Hooked Array, and vanished. The reading says: "Great mourning, vast armies, executed generals. It also says: "Ministers rebel against superiors; the ruler grieves." Fifth month the emperor died; Duke of Sui seized power—fulfilling mourning and ministerial rebellion. Princes Zhao and Yue were executed for plotting against the regent. Barbarians of Jing, Yu, and Xiang rebelled; Wei Cong, Wang Qian, and Sima Xiaonan revolted against the regent and were destroyed. All fulfilling vast armies and executed generals. Fifth month, jiachen: a three-dou meteor from the Supreme Palace End Gate flowed into Wings, green-white, lighting the ground, sounding like wind in banners. The reading says: "A king is enthroned or transferred. It also says: "The state loses its ruler." That month, jiyou, the emperor died; Liu Fang forged an edict making Duke of Sui regent—he took the Mandate—fulfilling enthronement and loss of ruler. Seventh month, renzi: Jupiter and Venus conjoined at Extended Net; a dou-sized meteor northeast from the Five Chariots lit the ground. Ninth month, jiashen: Mars and Jupiter conjoined at Wings.
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靜帝大定元年正月乙酉,歲星逆行,守右執法,熒惑掩房北第一星。 占曰:「房為明堂,布政之宮,無德者失之。」 二月甲子,隋王稱尊號。
Emperor Jing, Dading first year, first month, yiyou: Jupiter retrograded guarding the Right Law-enforcer; Mars occulted Room's north first star. The reading says: "Room is the Bright Hall of governance—the unvirtuous lose it. Second month, jiazi: Sui Wang assumed the imperial title.
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高祖文皇帝開皇元年三月甲申,太白晝見。 占曰:「太白經天晝見,為臣強,為革政。」 四月壬午,歲星晝見。 占曰:「大臣強,有逆謀,王者不安。」 其後,劉昉等謀反,伏誅。 十一月己巳,有流星,聲如隤牆,光燭地。 占曰:「流星有光有聲,名曰天保,所墜國安有喜。」 其九年,平陳,天下一統。 五年八月戊申,有流星數百,四散而下。 占曰:「小星四面流行者,庶人流移之象也。」 其九年,平陳,江南士人,悉播遷入京師。
Emperor Wen, Kaihuang first year, third month, jiashen: Venus visible by day. The reading says: "Daylight Venus on the meridian: ministers grow strong; government changes. Fourth month, renwu: Jupiter visible by day. The reading says: "Great ministers grow strong; treachery plots; kings are unsettled. Afterward Liu Fang and others plotted rebellion and were executed. Eleventh month, jisi: a meteor roared like a collapsing wall, lighting the ground. The reading says: "A bright, sounding meteor is Heavenly Protection; where it falls the state rejoices. Ninth year, Chen was pacified and the realm unified. Fifth year, eighth month, wushen: several hundred falling stars scattered in four directions. The reading says: "Small stars scattering in four directions—common people displaced. Ninth year, Chen fell and Jiangnan scholars were relocated to the capital.
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八年二月庚子,填星入東井。 占曰:「填星所居有德,利以稱兵。」 其年大舉伐陳,克之。 十月甲子,有星孛於牽牛。 占曰:「臣殺君,天下合謀。」 又曰:「內不有大亂,則外有大兵。 牛,吳、越之星,陳之分野。」 後年,陳氏滅。
Eighth year, second month, gengzi: Saturn entered the Eastern Well. The reading says: "Where Saturn dwells virtue gathers; raising armies is favorable. That year a great campaign conquered Chen. Tenth month, jiazi: a broom star appeared at the Lead Ox. The reading says: "Ministers kill rulers; the realm plots together. It also says: "If not great internal disorder, then great external war. The Ox marks Wu and Yue—Chen's division." The next year the Chen dynasty fell.
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九年正月己巳,白虹夾日。 占曰:「白虹銜日,臣有背主。」 又曰:「人主無德者亡。」 是月,滅陳。
Ninth year, first month, jisi: a white rainbow flanked the sun. The reading says: "White rainbow gripping the sun—ministers betray their lord. It also says: "Rulers without virtue perish." That month Chen was destroyed.
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十四年十一月癸未,有彗星孛於虛危及奎婁,齊、魯之分野。 其後魯公虞慶則伏法,齊公高熲除名。
Fourteenth year, eleventh month, guiwei: a comet broomed at Void, Rooftop, and Kui-Bond—Qi and Lu's divisions. Afterward Yu Qingze, Duke of Lu, was executed and Gao Jiong, Duke of Qi, was disgraced.
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十九年十二月乙未,星隕於渤海。 占曰:「陽失其位,災害之萌也。」 又曰:「大人憂。」 二十年十月,太白晝見。 占曰:「大臣強,為革政,為易王。」 右僕射楊素,熒惑高祖及獻後,勸廢嫡立庶。 其月乙丑,廢皇太子勇為庶人。 明年改元。 皆陽失位及革政易王之驗也。
Nineteenth year, twelfth month, yiwei: stars fell in Bohai. The reading says: "Yang loses its place—the first sprouting of disaster. It also says: "The great man grieves." Twentieth year, tenth month: Venus visible by day. The reading says: "Great ministers grow strong; government changes; kings replaced. Right Vice Director Yang Su, with Mars alarming Gaozu and Empress Xian, urged deposing the heir for a lesser son. That month, yichou, Crown Prince Yong was deposed. Next year the era name changed—all fulfilling yang displaced and regime change. Renshou fourth year, sixth month, gengwu: a star entered the moon.
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仁壽四年六月庚午,有星入於月中。 占曰:「有大喪,有大兵,有亡國,有破軍殺將。」 七月乙未,日青無光,八日乃複。 占曰:「主勢奪。」 又曰:「日無光,有死王。」 甲辰,上疾甚,丁未,宮車晏駕。 漢王諒反,楊素討平之。 皆兵喪亡國死王之應。
The reading says: "Great mourning, great armies, fallen state, shattered armies, slain generals." Seventh month, yiwei: the sun turned green and dim; after eight days it recovered. The reading says: "The ruler's power is seized." It also says: "A sun without light means a dead king. It also says: "A sun without light means a dead king." Jiachen: the emperor fell gravely ill; dingwei, the imperial carriage halted forever. Prince of Han Liang rebelled; Yang Su suppressed him. All fulfilling war, mourning, fallen state, and dead king.
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煬帝大業元年六月甲子,熒惑入太微。 占曰:「熒惑為賊,為亂入宮,宮中不安。」
Emperor Yang, Daye first year, sixth month, jiazi: Mars entered the Supreme Palace. The reading says: "Mars is rebellion entering the palace—unrest within. (This closes the omen text cited above.)
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三年三月辛亥,長星見西方,竟天,幹曆奎婁、角亢而沒; 至九月辛未,轉見南方,亦竟天,又幹角亢,頻掃太微帝座,干犯列宿,唯不及參、井。 經歲乃滅。 占曰:「去穢布新,天所以去無道,建有德,見久者災深,星大者事大,行遲者期遠。 兵大起,國大亂而亡。 余殃為水旱饑饉,土功疾疫。」 其後,築長城,討吐谷渾及高麗,兵戎歲駕,略無寧息。 水旱饑饉疾疫,土功相仍,而有群盜並起,邑落空虛。 九年五月,禮部尚書楊玄感于黎陽舉兵反。 丁未,熒惑逆行入南斗,色赤如血,如三斗器,光芒震耀,長七八尺,於斗中句巳而行。 占曰:「有反臣,道路不通,國大亂,兵大起。」 斗,吳、越分野,玄感父封于越,後徙封楚地,又次之,天意若曰,使熒惑句巳之,除其分野。 至七月,宇文述討平之。 其兄弟悉梟首車裂,斬其党與數萬人。 其年,硃燮、管崇亦于吳郡擁眾反。 此後群盜屯聚,剽略郡縣,屍橫草野,道路不通,齎詔敕使人,皆步涉夜行,不敢遵路。
Third year, third month, xinhai: a long-tailed star in the west spanned heaven, crossing Kui-Bond, Horn, and Neck and vanishing; By ninth month, xinwei, it reappeared in the south, again spanning heaven, sweeping the imperial seat and most lodges, stopping short of Three Stars and the Well. A full year passed before it vanished. The reading says: "Heaven removes the wicked and raises the worthy; long visibility means deep disaster; large size, great events; slow motion, distant timing. Vast armies rise; the state collapses in great disorder. Aftermath brings floods, drought, famine, public works, and plague. Afterward came the Great Wall, campaigns against Tuyuhun and Goguryeo, and armies abroad every year without rest. Floods, drought, famine, plague, and public works followed; bandits rose and towns emptied. Ninth year, fifth month, Yang Xuangan, Minister of Rites, rebelled at Liyang. Dingwei: Mars retrograded into the Southern Dipper, blood-red and blazing like a three-dou vessel, seven or eight chi long, hooked within the Dipper. The reading says: "Rebel ministers, blocked roads, state chaos, vast armies. The Dipper is Wu-Yue; Xuangan's father held Yue then Chu—heaven seemed to sweep his division with Mars. By seventh month Yuwen Shu suppressed him. His brothers were torn by chariots; tens of thousands of followers were beheaded. That year Zhu Can and Guan Chong rebelled in Wu commandery. Afterward bandits plundered counties; corpses filled the wilds; roads were cut; edict-bearers walked by night, avoiding the highways.
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十一年六月,有星孛于文昌東南,長五六寸,色黑而銳,夜動搖,西北行,數日至文昌,去宮四五寸,不入,卻行而滅。 占曰:「為急兵。」 其八月,突厥圍帝於雁門,從兵悉馮城禦寇,矢及帝前。 七月,熒惑守羽林。 占曰:「衛兵反。」 十二月戊寅,大流星如斛,墜賊盧明月營,破其衝輣,壓殺十餘人。 占曰:「奔星所墜,破軍殺將。」 其年,王充擊盧明月城,破之。
Eleventh year, sixth month: a black sharp broom star southeast of Literary Refinement moved northwest to the palace edge, retreated, and vanished. The reading says: "Urgent armies follow. Eighth month, Turks besieged the emperor at Yanmen; soldiers defended the walls as arrows fell before the throne. Seventh month: Mars guarded the Feathered Forest. The reading says: "Imperial guards rebel. Twelfth month, wuyin: a hu-sized meteor fell on bandit Lu Mingyue's camp, smashing his chariot frame and crushing ten men. The reading says: "Where a falling star strikes, armies break and generals die. That year Wang Chong stormed Lu Mingyue's city and destroyed him.
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十二年五月丙戌朔,日有食之,既。 占曰:「日食既,人主亡,陰侵陽,下伐上。」 其後宇文化及等行殺逆。 癸巳,大流星隕于吳郡,為石。 占曰:「有亡國,有死王,有大戰,破軍殺將。」 其後大軍破逆賊劉元進于吳郡,斬之。 八月壬子,有大流星如斗,出王良閣道,聲如隕牆; 癸丑,大流星如甕,出羽林。 九月戊午,有枉矢二,出北斗魁,委曲蛇形,注於南斗。 占曰:「主以兵去,天之所伐。」 亦曰:「以亂伐亂,執矢者不正。」 後二年,化及殺帝僭號,王充亦於東都殺恭帝,篡號鄭。 皆殺逆無道,以亂代亂之應也。
Twelfth year, fifth month, bingxu new moon: total solar eclipse. The reading says: "Total eclipse: the ruler dies; yin overwhelms yang; inferiors overthrow superiors. Afterward Yuwen Huaji and others murdered the emperor. Guisi: a great meteor fell in Wu commandery as stone. The reading says: "A state falls; a king dies; great war; shattered armies and slain generals. Afterward the imperial army broke rebel Liu Yuanjin in Wu commandery and beheaded him. Eighth month, renzi: a dou-sized meteor from Wang Liang's Skyway roared like a falling wall; Guichou: a vat-sized meteor issued from the Feathered Forest. Ninth month, wuwu: two Crooked Arrows issued from the Dipper's handle, serpent-winding toward the Southern Dipper. The reading says: "The ruler is driven out by armies—heaven's punishment. It also says: "Disorder punishes disorder; the archer himself is unjust." Two years later Huaji murdered the emperor and usurped power; Wang Chong killed Emperor Gong in the eastern capital and seized the title of Zheng. All fulfilling murderous usurpation and replacing disorder with disorder.
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十三年五月辛亥,大流星如甕,墜于江都。 占曰:「其下有大兵戰,流血破軍殺將。」 六月,有星孛於太微五帝座,色黃赤,長三四尺所,數日而滅。 占曰:「有亡國,有殺君。」 明年三月,宇文化及等殺帝也。 十一月辛酉,熒惑犯太微,日光四散如流血。 占曰:「賊入宮,主以急兵見伐。」 又曰:「臣逆君。」 明年三月,化及等殺帝,諸王及幸臣並被戮。
Thirteenth year, fifth month, xinhai: a vat-sized meteor fell at Jiangdu. The reading says: "Great battle, bloodshed, shattered armies, and slain generals follow below. Sixth month: a yellow-red broom star three or four chi long appeared at the Supreme Palace's Five Emperors' Seat and faded after several days. The reading says: "A state falls; the ruler is murdered. Third month next year, Yuwen Huaji and others murdered the emperor. Eleventh month, xinyou: Mars crossed the Supreme Palace; sunlight scattered like flowing blood. The reading says: "Bandits enter the palace; the ruler is attacked by urgent armies. It also says: "Ministers rebel against the ruler." Third month next year, Huaji and others murdered the emperor; princes and favored ministers were all slaughtered.