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Chapter 29 of 30
奇门遁甲秘笈大全
Winter Solstice and Jingzhe use patterns 1, 7, 4; Minor Cold patterns 2, 8, 5 follow the same calculation; Spring Equinox and Major Cold use patterns 3, 9, 6; Beginning of Spring follows with 8, 5, 2; Grain Rain and Lesser Fullness use patterns 5, 2, 8; Rain Water uses 9, 6, 3 for its term; Pure Brightness and Beginning of Summer use patterns 4, 1, 7; Grain in Ear uses 6, 3, 9 as appropriate. The twelve solar terms have their fixed times, with the division of Upper, Middle, and Lower Primaries serving as the foundation.
Summer Solstice and White Dew use patterns 9, 3, 6; Minor Heat falls between patterns 8, 2, 5; Major Heat and Autumn Equinox use patterns 7, 1, 4; Beginning of Autumn cycles through 2, 5, 8; Frost Descent and Lesser Snow use patterns 5, 8, 2; Major Snow relates to patterns 4, 7, 1; End of Heat is arranged as patterns 1, 4, 7; Beginning of Winter and Cold Dew use patterns 6, 9, 3. These are the established rules for Yin Dun, and the solar term calculations should be examined with care.
Yi Qi with Assistant Star at Xiu Gate, titled "Flying Dragon in the Heavens" 🐉. The general shall be honored at the capital a thousand li away, and it is favorable to advance troops and set camp in the west. When leaving the gate, if two birds cry in unison, extraordinary merit may be achieved.
Embedded chart
| Pillars | Year | Month | Day | Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ten Gods | 比肩 | 比肩 | Self (M) | 比肩 |
| Stem | 甲 | 甲 | 甲 | 甲 |
| Branch | 子 | 子 | 子 | 子 |
| Hidden Stems | 癸印 | 癸印 | 癸印 | 癸印 |
| Stage | 沐浴 | 沐浴 | 沐浴 | 沐浴 |
Yi Qi with Nine Heavens and Pillar Star at Sheng Gate, titled "Azure Clouds Attain the Path" ☁️. Deploying troops brings major victory, obtaining five thousand heads and a hundred li of territory. When leaving the gate, if an old woman meets you from the left side, and after five hundred li of marching the people greet you with wine and provisions, it is auspicious.
Yang Pattern Five, Jia Day Yi Hai Hour, but without the Nine Earth spirit — verify later. Yang Pattern Three, Yi Geng Day Bing Xu Hour, but without the Dark Warrior spirit. Yin Pattern Three, Bing Xin Day Wu Zi Hour. Yang Pattern Three, Jia Day Yi Hai Hour has the Heavenly Assistant Star.
Yi Qi with Ren Star and Greater Yin at Shang Gate, titled "Greater Yin Holds Power" 🌙. The main general will emerge victorious in battle, seizing supplies and provisions. When the army marches five hundred li through the Kan palace, clouds will spread across the sky above, and music from the west will be heard — greatly auspicious.
Yi Qi with Value Talisman and Ying Star at Du Gate, titled "Clap of Thunder Complete" ⚡. It is fitting for the deputy general to go to battle while the main general stays in camp; obtaining forty li of territory and over five thousand heads. The army should march through the Dui palace. If a Daoist is met when leaving camp, and flags in the camp show signs of breaking — greatly auspicious.
Yi Qi with Six Harmonies at Jing Gate, titled "Heavenly Horse Galloping Star" 🐎. The army should march out from the Dui palace and camp in the Xun palace. An extraordinary person will offer strategic advice, and war horses will be obtained at the capital. When leaving the gate there will be strong wind; marching five hundred li, sudden heavy rain arrives — auspicious.
Yi Qi with White Tiger and Heart Star at Si Gate, titled "Five Tigers at the Gate" 🐅. It is fitting to depart from the Si palace and camp at the Wu palace. The main general will achieve great victory, obtaining cities, heads, chariots and horses, and riches. When the army leaves the gate, purple clouds appear; after three li, a person holding a yellow umbrella arrives — greatly auspicious.
Yi Qi with Greater Yin and Bird Star at Jing Gate, titled "Moon Emerges on the Heavenly Path" 🌕. The army should march out from the Qian palace and camp at the Si palace. Attacking cities is favorable in the northwest; seizing ground is favorable in the southeast. When leaving the gate, three riders arrive on horseback with intelligence reports, and the cry of an eagle is heard — greatly auspicious.
Yi Qi with Nine Heavens and Heavenly Assistant Star at Kai Gate, titled "Greater Yin Gains Command" 👑. When the Son of Heaven personally leads an expedition, he may pacify the four barbarian tribes and eliminate all who defy the law.
Yi Qi with Pillar Star and Value Talisman at Xiu Gate, titled "White Tiger Displays Might" 🐯. It is fitting to raid enemy camps, seize their provisions, and achieve great victory. One should deploy from the Kan palace and camp at the Xun palace; the main general will earn merit. Three li after leaving camp, green magpies fly overhead chattering; encountering fire on the way — greatly auspicious.
Yi Qi with Nine Heavens and Pillar Star at Sheng Gate, titled "Heaven's Net and Earth's Snare" 🕸️. The main general will emerge victorious in a hundred battles, acquiring a thousand li of territory and over ten cities — every direction is favorable. When the army departs, strong winds arise from the northwest, answered by thunder from the northeast — greatly auspicious.
Yi Qi with Greater Yin and Pillar Star at Shang Gate, titled "Six Harmonies Share Spring" 🌱. Deploying troops brings losses in battle; beware of the enemy setting bow and crossbow ambushes in the east and west. When departing, yellow clouds rise in four directions; the Chen and Si hours are favorable.
Yi Qi with Six Harmonies and Pillar Star at Du Gate, titled "Jade Maiden Returns to the Pass" 🚪. In battle the main general risks injury; favorable in the northeast, unfavorable in the southwest. If it drizzles when the army departs — unfavorable.
Yi Qi with Nine Heavens and Bird Star at Jing Gate, titled "Magpies Contend for the Nest" 🐦. Use fire attacks, then raid the enemy camp, seizing their weapons, spears, and shields. The army should depart at the Wu hour; when troops have marched three li by the Wei hour and encounter a rabbit — greatly auspicious.
Yi Qi with Vermilion Bird and Ren Star at Si Gate, titled "Bird Perches on Withered Branch" 🦅. Deploying troops will see soldiers scattered and lost, efforts unfulfilled, and battle unsuccessful. If wild geese fly in from the south when the army departs — inauspicious.
Yi Qi with Flying Serpent and Assistant Star at Jing Gate, titled "Yellow Dragon Ascends to Heaven" 🐲. In battle, water warfare is favorable; land warfare is not. In water battles, an east wind arrives as heavenly aid, favoring fire attacks. After five hundred li of marching, purple clouds appear — greatly auspicious.
Yi Qi with Greater Yin and Peng Star at Kai Gate, titled "Heavenly Tiger Holds the Balance" ⚖️. Defense is favorable; attack is not. The main general going to war brings worry. It is favorable to depart from the Xun palace; writing the Jia-Ding talisman and burning it can avert disaster. If clouds obscure the red sun along the way — unfavorable.
Yi Qi with Nine Earth and Rui Star at Xiu Gate, titled "Heavenly Pivot on Duty" ☀️. The army should march out from the Qian palace and camp at the Wei palace; attacking cities is unfavorable. However, during the Major Cold solar term, attacking cities becomes favorable. When a person of five colors arrives as the army departs — greatly auspicious.
Yi Qi with Greater Yin and Chong Star at Sheng Gate, titled "White Dew Spans the River" 🌫️. It is fitting to depart from the Kan palace or the Wu palace, sprinkling talisman water; favorable for water battles, obtaining two thousand heads and several hundred boats and chariots. When a white fish enters the boat upon departure — greatly auspicious.
Yi Qi with Six Harmonies and Bird Star at Shang Gate, titled "Wind Scatters a Hundred Flowers" 🌬️. Do not deploy troops; unfavorable for the main general, with perils of losing soldiers and capsizing boats. If a west wind — an evil wind — blows when departing, it is unfavorable. If the campaign is urgent and unavoidable, depart from the Xun palace; first write the Six Jia talisman, sprinkle and burn it — this can ward off the calamity.
Yi Qi with Assistant Star and White Tiger at Du Gate, titled "Tiger's Roar Gives Birth to Wind" 🌀. The army should march out from the Yin palace and camp at the Si palace; land warfare is favorable. Fifty li ahead lies an ambush — retreat is preferable to advance. If a blind person arrives upon departure — minor profit indicated.
Yi Qi with Nine Heavens and Ren Star at Jing Gate, titled "Moth Flies into the Flame" 🦋. Unfavorable for defending cities; one must fight to the death to hold the city. Breaking the enemy is possible, but if the enemy employs espionage and deception, do not be swayed. If a white dog blocks the road upon departure — unfavorable.
Yi Qi with Vermilion Bird and Pillar Star at Si Gate, titled "Corpses Blanket the Wilderness" 💀. Do not deploy troops; instead firmly defend the camp, be vigilant against enemy raids from the west and northwest — the Wu hour is unfavorable.
Yi Qi with Flying Serpent and Ren Star at Jing Gate, titled "Insects Undergo Transformation" 🐛. Departing from the west is favorable; both water and land routes are advantageous; cities may be breached and enemy generals captured. When white clouds fill the sky upon departure, and a light rain falls after three li — greatly auspicious.
Yi Qi with Ren Star entering the Talisman at Kai Gate, titled "Heaven's Gate Opens Wide" 🚪. When the main general leads the army forth, cities and several hundred heads are obtained. The army should march via the Kan palace; the sound of drums and music will be heard, and a wild person will offer counsel — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Six Harmonies and Rui Star at Xiu Gate, titled "Assembly of Five Stars" ⭐. When the main general leads forces forth, it is fitting to depart from the Kun palace and camp at the Xun palace, obtaining five thousand heads and capturing a great general versed in astronomy and geography — he may be recruited. Heavy snow is favorable for deployment; in spring, light rain is favorable. Two dogs approach from the west.
Bing Qi with Vermilion Bird, Ren Star at Sheng Gate, titled "As a Fish Loses Water" 🐟. Deploying the main general's army is unfavorable, with soldiers wounded by fire arrows. If urgency demands departure from the Kan palace, write the Ding-Jia talisman and use water to counter it — thereby reversing misfortune into fortune. Beware of meeting a person carrying colored objects upon departure — unfavorable.
Bing Qi with Value Talisman and Heart Star at Shang Gate, titled "Escaping Heaven's Net" 🕊️. The main general should depart from the south and camp due north. The initial phase is unfavorable, but at the Wu hour great quantities of supplies and weapons are captured. If a person in dark robes bearing a letter of strategy comes to welcome you along the way — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Value Talisman and Rui Star at Du Gate, encountering Jia Ji Day, titled "Six Jia Meet Their Hour" ⏰. Deploying troops brings minor injuries, with soldiers wearing worried looks. Departing at the Wu hour brings great advantage: gaining territory, breaching cities, and winning the people's allegiance. Five hundred li out, a woman in colorful garments approaches from the west — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Gou Chen and Peng Star at Jing Gate, titled "Fish and Dragon Transform" 🐠. The main general rides alone to break the enemy, capturing dozens of heads. Camp in the Kun palace. If a person of immortal bearing is met upon departure — greatly auspicious.
In Yang Dun, Gou Chen corresponds to White Tiger in Yin Dun.
Bing Qi with Gou Chen and Ying Star at Si Gate, encountering Wu and Wei hours, titled "Precious Mirror Polished Anew" 🪞. When the main general goes to war, defeat comes first but victory follows, obtaining five thousand li of territory. The Zhen palace is favorable. If a person in yellow robes riding a white horse appears upon departure — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Greater Yin at Jing Gate, titled "Serpent Enters Dragon's Lair" 🐍. The main general may enter enemy cities and obtain tens of thousands in gold and treasure. Upon departure, drums sound from the west, white clouds pierce the Dipper and Ox constellations, and yellow clouds crown the sky — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Nine Heavens and Six Harmonies at Kai Gate, titled "Swan Soars to the Heavens" 🦢. The main general achieves great victory, seizing enemy territory, beheading their generals and tearing down their banners. A general returns to camp; in the southeast, a red rainbow shoots toward the Heavenly Market enclosure — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Flying Serpent and Rui Star at Xiu Gate, encountering Ren Zi Day, titled "Celestial Pili Chooses the Ground" 🌠. The main general experiences initial ill fortune that turns auspicious; there will be arrow wounds, but victory comes at the blessed hour, gaining territory and slaying enemies across the fields. Department with light drizzling rain after three li — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Nine Earth and Ren Star at Sheng Gate, titled "Serpent Enters Swallow's Nest" 🐦. Do not deploy troops; the enemy's hidden soldiers will infiltrate the camp and wound the deputy general. Three li out, drum sounds from the south signal fire breaking out within the camp — unfavorable.
Bing Qi with Six Harmonies and Assistant Star at Shang Gate, titled "Heaven's Gate Opens Wide" 🚪. If the main general departs from the Zhen palace, enemy leaders may be bound; achievements in capturing kings and beheading generals are possible. When black clouds rise from the Zhen palace upon marching — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Six Harmonies and Ren Star at Du Gate, encountering Geng Shen Day, titled "Withered Wood Encounters Spring" 🌳. Troops who have already been scattered by battle can reform their ranks and return to the fray, ultimately achieving great success. If the cawing of crows is heard passing overhead three li after departure — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Nine Heavens and Rui Star at Jing Gate, titled "Flood Dragon Loses Water" 🌊. Deploying troops is unfavorable: chariots and horses are lost, supplies damaged. In urgent circumstances, depart toward the Dui palace and dissolve the crisis with running water — this yields half-auspicious results. If the sun blazes upon departure, and drums are heard ten li out — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Vermilion Bird and Assistant Star at Si Gate, titled "Heavenly Chong Faces the Battle Array" ⚔️. Depart from the Zhen direction; the enemy will retreat thirty li, forty heads are captured, and one great general is taken. When thunder rumbles in the northwest upon departure, and at twenty li — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Value Talisman and Rui Star at Jing Gate, encountering Mao Wei Day Hour, titled "Wind and Clouds Assemble" ☁️. The main general should abandon the northwest and depart from the southeast; ambushing troops can capture five hundred heads. When wild birds fly in three li after departure — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Nine Heavens and Rui Star at Kai Gate, titled "Flock of Sheep Battles the Tiger" 🐑. Departing on Chen Xu days and hours brings total defeat, losing three thousand horsemen; battle is not advisable. Encountering a tiger — unfavorable.
Bing Qi with Greater Yin, Peng Star at Xiu Gate, titled "Heavenly Sun Shines Down" 🌞. Troops will achieve victory — auspicious. One great general is bound, thirty li of territory obtained, and cities may be breached. The army should depart from the Gen palace and camp at the Kun palace. Marching five hundred li there will be great fire; at ten li, wind and rain.
Bing Qi with Six Harmonies and Chong Star at Sheng Gate, titled "Autumn Winds Rise from All Sides" 🍂. The army should depart from the Gen palace and camp at the Dui palace. Hidden troops on four routes rout five hundred enemy riders; all water operations are unfavorable. If a person presents a map upon departure — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Vermilion Bird at Shang Gate, encountering Wu Wei Days, titled "Heavenly Authority Seizes the Soul" 👻. The main general should depart from the Li palace and camp at the Kan palace; water warfare is favorable and enemy boats may be seized. When fire breaks out in the west upon departure — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Nine Earth and Heart Star at Du Gate, encountering Shen Zi Chen Days, titled "Heavenly Supporter Governs the Charge" 🏹. The army should depart from the Dui palace and camp at the Zhen palace, obtaining five thousand li of territory. When a person in yellow robes arrives from the south with intelligence upon departure — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Greater Yin and Ying Star at Jing Gate, titled "Fire Burns the Kunlun Mountain" 🔥. The main general marches a hundred li, breaks the enemy camp, and takes seven hundred heads. When a person in yellow robes approaches from the west upon departure — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Six Harmonies and Pillar Star at Si Gate, encountering Mao Wei Day Hour, titled "Heavenly River Shifts Its Course" 🌌. Deploying troops is unfavorable, with casualties among soldiers, chariots, and horses. If it drizzles upon departure, and after three hundred li flocks of birds fly north — unfavorable.
Bing Qi with Vermilion Bird and Ren Star at Jing Gate, titled "Grand Unity Obtains Command" ✨. Upon taking the field, cities may be captured; battle brings certain victory, attack brings certain conquest. If during the Jingzhe season yellow clouds rise from the Xun palace when marching — greatly auspicious.
Bing Qi with Gou Chen and Heart Star at Kai Gate, before Rain Water, titled "Heavenly Authority Rules the Hour" ⏳. Water warfare is favorable, and enemy leaders may be bound. When drums are heard from the west while marching — greatly auspicious.
Ding Qi with Value Talisman and Ren Star at Xiu Gate, encountering Chou Wei Day Hour, titled "Rain Clears over the Azure River" 🌧️. Depart from the Kan palace and camp at the Kun palace; raiding camps, burning provisions, employing stratagems, and setting ambushes all bring great victory. Deptarting in light rain with a west wind after three li — greatly auspicious.
Ding Qi with Greater Yin and Bird Star at Sheng Gate, titled "Victorious Light Contends for Position" 💥. Deploying troops is unfavorable; the main general faces calamity and soldiers face many perils. Retreating is preferable to advancing. When a great north wind rises upon departure — unfavorable.
Ding Qi with Six Harmonies and Ren Star at Shang Gate, titled "Flock of Chickens Transforms into Phoenix" 🐔. The main general should depart from the Zhen palace and camp at the Li palace, able to rout five hundred enemy riders; victory is even greater at Wu Wei hours. When an old man comes with his son to pay respects upon marching — greatly auspicious.
Ding Qi with Vermilion Bird at Du Gate, encountering Yin Mao Day Hour, titled "Fire Refines the Golden Elixir" 🔥. When the main general departs through the Dui direction, the initial phase brings misfortune but later brings fortune. When a woman holding a child approaches upon departure, and flocks of crows cry overhead — greatly auspicious.
Ding Qi with Gou Chen and Bird Star at Jing Gate, titled "Rat Falls into the Chaff Tray" 🐭. Deploying troops brings initial victory that turns into failure, ruining great achievement. When fire rises in the west upon departure — unfavorable.
When Ding Qi aligns with Nine Heavens, the Hero Star, and faces the Death Gate on Zi or Wu days and hours, it is called "Lone Boat Crossing the River" 🚣. It signifies that the Grand General should depart from the Kan Palace, establish camp facing East, and may decapitate three enemy generals and three thousand heads. If the Son of Heaven launches a campaign, he can subdue all nations. When troops march South, five-colored clouds will appear — greatly auspicious.
When Ding Qi aligns with Six Harmonies, the Heart Star, and faces the Surprise Gate, it is called "Tai Sui Encamped" 🏕️. It is favorable to dispatch a large army in all eight directions; one may gain thousands of li of territory and sweep away all enemy forces. When troops march South, a strong wind rises and white clouds appear overhead — greatly auspicious.
When Ding Qi aligns with the Supreme Commander, the Assistant Star, and faces the Open Gate, it is called "Leopard Transforms on South Mountain" 🐆. The main general will achieve a great victory on campaign. The army should depart from the Si Palace and camp in the Zhen Palace. Upon leaving camp, if two children are seen approaching from the North — greatly auspicious.
When Ding Qi aligns with Great Yin, the Canopy Star, and faces the Rest Gate on Chou or Wei days and hours, it is called "Thunder Shakes a Hundred Li" ⚡. It greatly benefits the Grand General to launch a campaign; one should depart from the Zhen Palace, gain two hundred li of territory, and take five hundred heads. If upon leaving camp one encounters a woman in red approaching from the West — greatly auspicious.
When Ding Qi aligns with Six Harmonies, the Assistant Star, and faces the Birth Gate, it is called "Six Harmonies Form Battle Line" 🤝. The main general will achieve a great victory. The army should depart from the Li Palace and camp in the Zhen Palace, striking directly at the enemy's head rather than attacking their tail. If a rooster crows upon departure — greatly auspicious.
Ding Qi aligns as in the previous game. [Translator's note: The pattern name and judgments are the same as the preceding game, with only slight variations in the star-gate combination. Due to the brevity of the original text, later transmissions often contain omissions.]
When Ding Qi aligns with Six Harmonies, the Heart Star, and faces the Blockade Gate, it is called "Jade Maiden Turned Away" 🚫. The main general will find the campaign unfavorable. Departing from the Xun Palace and camping offers slight benefit. If the army marches five li and encounters light rain, and at ten li the enemy comes to battle — unfavorable.
When Ding Qi aligns with the Vermilion Bird, the Task Star, and faces the Scenery Gate, it is called "Six Ding Charge the Formation" 🔥. The army should march toward the West and camp there. An enemy ambush lies in the North; one may gain three territories. Upon departure, five-colored clouds appear in the sky. If one encounters a herd of pigs at three li — greatly advantageous.
When Ding Qi aligns with Great Yin, the Task Star, and faces the Death Gate, it is called "Vajra Sweeps the Ground" 🧹. The campaign should be directed South, and one should also camp in the Zhen Palace. This portends initial misfortune followed by good fortune; one may take five thousand heads. If one encounters a strategist offering counsel upon departure — greatly advantageous.
When Ding Qi aligns with Nine Heavens, the Assistant Star, and faces the Surprise Gate, it is called "River Falls Present Auspicious Signs" 🌠. Favorable to march troops South and camp in the East. If besieging a city, one should also approach from the Zhen Palace; victory will be reported within three days. If auspicious vapor is seen coming from the Southeast at three li from camp — greatly auspicious.
When Ding Qi aligns with Nine Heavens, the Minister Star, and faces the Open Gate, it is called "Venus Shines Its Radiance" 🌟. The campaign will be victorious with much gold and treasure gained. The army should march from the Zhen Palace and camp in the Qian Palace. If a falcon cries at five li, and men capture implements at two hundred li — greatly advantageous.
When Ding Qi aligns with the Canopy Star facing the Rest Gate on Chen or Xu days, it is called "Mars Emits Light" 🔴. Favorable to march from the Li Palace and camp in the Kan Palace; fire attacks are appropriate. One may breach enemy capitals and capture high-ranking generals. If upon departure one sees a person in yellow coming from the North — unfavorable.
When Ding Qi aligns with the Supreme Commander, the Assistant Star, and faces the Birth Gate, it is called "The Monkey Crosses Over" 🐒. Favorable to launch from the Kan Palace and camp in the Kun Palace. This breaks thirty enemy riders, gains a hundred li of territory, and takes three thousand heads. If a sudden gust of wind arises during the march — unfavorable.
When Ding Qi aligns with the Vermilion Bird, the Heart Star, and faces the Injury Gate, it is called "The Dark Moon at Zenith" 🌑. The campaign is unfavorable; if compelled by urgency, one may sprinkle ghost-sign charm water toward the North before departing. If a lame person approaches from the Northwest to report at three li — greatly advantageous.
When Ding Qi aligns with the Hooked Snake, the Minister Star, and faces the Blockade Gate, it is called "Moon Virtue at the Gate" 🌙. Favorable for the deputy general to take the field; one may gain five thousand li of territory. Camp in the Dui Palace, march Eastward, then turn West. Thunder-and-cannon sounds will echo — greatly auspicious.
When Ding Qi aligns with Nine Heavens, the Heavenly Task Star, and faces the Scenery Gate, it is called "Heavenly Virtue Illuminates the Gate" ☀️. Favorable for the deputy general to launch a campaign. If the army encounters an ambush at five li, do not engage. If firelight appears in the East at two li — unfavorable.
When Ding Qi aligns with Nine Earths, the Pillar Star, and faces the Death Gate, it is called "Yin and Yang Do Not Interact" ☯️. The Grand General faces disaster from bows and arrows on campaign. The army should not march North; the Southwest is favorable. Camp in the Gen Palace to avert the calamity. If one encounters an official on horseback at three li — greatly auspicious.
When Ding Qi aligns with Nine Heavens, the Task Star, and faces the Surprise Gate, it is called "Three Terraces Attain Their Positions" 🏛️. Great victory on campaign. Favorable to march from the Gen Palace and camp in the Kan Palace; one may command a thousand chariots and a thousand li of territory. Light rain upon departure — greatly auspicious.
When Ding Qi aligns with the Hooked Snake, the Assistant Star, and faces the Open Gate, it is called "Auspiciousness Born in the Nine Cauldrons" 🔔. The main general will achieve great victory; all directions are favorable. One gains cities, territory, and the heads of enemy generals. If white clouds approach from the Northwest at three li, and wind rises in the East — all greatly auspicious.
The essence of Master Huangshigong's Seventy-Two Games of Qi Men lies in systematically combining the Three Marvels (Yi, Bing, Ding) with the Nine Stars, Eight Gates, and Eight Spirits to form a complete military decision-making reference system. The core concepts include:
Re-examining this system in a contemporary context reveals that its structural value far exceeds its literal divinatory function:
Environmental Analysis Model: The Seventy-Two Games are essentially a multivariate decision matrix. Viewing "Marvels" as core resources, "Stars" as execution capabilities, "Gates" as timing windows, and "Spirits" as external environmental variables, this system can be analogized to a combined application of SWOT analysis and PEST analysis in modern management science.
Precision-Oriented Temporal Thinking: The solar-term formulas for Nine Yang Dun and Nine Yin Dun games essentially divide the year into more refined decision periods, adjusting strategic emphasis according to the ebb and flow of yin and yang. This resembles modern finance's grasp of seasonal cycles.
De-Mystified Operational Methods: The original text's numerous descriptions of "encountering X upon departure brings fortune/misfortune" can be understood from a modern perspective as training in heightened sensitivity to omens — strengthening observation of subtle environmental signals (wind direction, cloud formations, animal behavior, etc.) to rapidly assess situations, similar to the concept of "situational awareness" in modern military intelligence.
| Ancient Context | Modern Transformation |
|---|---|
| Military deployment strategy | Timing and direction selection for business project launches |
| Raiding enemy camps and supplies | Competitive resource-grabbing strategies |
| Holding fast while awaiting change | Defensive corporate strategy and risk control |
| Land and naval warfare | Online/offline business line selection and switching |
| Ambush and surprise attacks | Market surprise tactics (product launches, pricing strategies) |
| Recruiting and subduing generals | Talent acquisition and team building |
Operational Recommendations (Transformative Thinking):
Behind the Seventy-Two Games lies a profound philosophical question: the dialectical relationship between "certainty" and "uncertainty."
Qi Men Dun Jia attempts to harness the uncertainty of warfare through a rigorous rule system (season-based game determination, yin-yang sequence, star-gate-spirit configurations) — a grand epistemological endeavor. It acknowledges that the cosmos operates according to discernible laws (the certainty of Heaven's Way), while simultaneously recognizing that human success or failure is governed by countless variables (the uncertainty of human affairs). The Qi Men chart serves as the conversion interface connecting the two.
From this perspective, the Seventy-Two Games are not merely military divination but a plain expression of ancient complexity science. Through symbolic language, they attempt structured modeling of highly complex combat scenarios. This paradigm of "governing complexity through simplicity" retains methodological inspiration in today's age of big data and artificial intelligence.
| Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Three Marvels and Six Instruments | Yi, Bing, Ding are the "Three Marvels," symbolizing supporting and transforming power; Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui are the "Six Instruments," symbolizing normal functioning |
| Nine Stars | Canopy, Rein, Charge, Assistant, Minister, Heart, Pillar, Task, Hero — each with its own Five Elements attribute and auspicious/inauspicious character |
| Eight Gates | Rest, Birth, Injury, Blockade, Scenery, Death, Surprise, Open — representing different timing and action channels |
| Eight Spirits | Supreme Commander, Flying Snake, Great Yin, Six Harmonies, White Tiger (Hooked Snake), Dark Warrior (Vermilion Bird), Nine Earths, Nine Heavens — representing different external forces |
| Nine Yang Dun Games | Period from Winter Solstice to Grain in Ear, when yang energy gradually grows; Yang Dun is used |
| Nine Yin Dun Games | Period from Summer Solstice to Great Snow, when yin energy gradually grows; Yin Dun is used |
Contemporary scholars' research on Qi Men Dun Jia mainly focuses on: