On the Good and Bad of the Division of the Five Elements in Time and Place - 1

Original Text

按王氏所谓二气者，阴阳也；五行者，金、木、水、火、土也，时者，春、夏、秋、冬也；地者，冀、青、兖、徐、扬、荆、梁、雍、豫也。盖天有阴阳，行于四时；地有五行，具于九州，正朱子所谓五行质具于地、气行于天，故天有春夏秋冬，地有金木水火，皆以时地相为用也。今之谈命者，但知论阴阳五行而不知兼论方隅与昼夜阴晴，所以有年日月时同而贵贱寿夭迥异，便谓五行无据，启世人不信命之疑，亦诬点。嗟夫，人生天地，莫逃五行；九州分疆，风气异宜，阴晴寒暖，理难一律。人禀天地灵气以生一时，得气各自不同，所以贵贱寿夭难以八字拘也。且以甲乙寅卯属木，生于兖、青为得地，春令为得时。丙丁巳午属火，生于徐、扬为得地，夏令为得时。戊己辰戌丑未属土，生于豫州为得地，四季月为得时。庚辛申酉属金，生于荆梁为得地，秋冬为得时。壬癸亥子属水，生于冀、雍为得地，冬令为得时。况昼夜阴晴之间有寒有暖，阴阳造化之内有喜有忌，生克制化，抑扬轻重，妙在识其通变，不可执一论也。

论木

正春木，令木也，晴则花叶敷荣，雨则寒其萌蘖。正月生者，虽三阳交泰，寒气未除，见火则生意蔼然，富贵无敌。火多泄其元气，徐、扬人昼生者疾。火土问躔，富而且贵；有土无火，仅足衣资而己。逢金折伤之患，得火制之为福。见水不为子母相生，盖初春之木，才有生意，见水则寒，反不为吉。冀，雍生者，贫寒，男滥而女淫也。

二月之木，生意畅茂，遇土培植为佳。火土同行，富贵而寿。火盛亦泄其气，盖花木始含英而真阳发散故。兖、青人富贵无虞，徐、扬人美中不足。干支有壬、癸、亥、子者，咎也，水生之，太过，性情流荡，离祖迁居。土金水会，夭折无疑，贱贫而寿。逢金伐之，旺处遭伤，┥其生意，岂天地生物之至仁耶？先正有云，春木虽旺，不宜逢金者，此也。

三月之木，正条达长茂之时，春阳和煦，万紫千红。雨水浸淫，根株摇动。见土则根深蒂固，福寿绵延。见火则木通火明，文章秀发。逢金伐木，荆、梁生者凶，徐、扬之人富贵。喜火土，忌金水，运喜东南，西北不利。夏木病巳死午墓未者，盖南方火盛，泄其真气故也。阴雨则吉，亢晴则忌。

四月木未甚衰，火未甚旺，见微火则枝叶茂繁，荫庇发福。值盛水则水神飘荡，男女淫奔。见土利就名成。火土同躔，干支有壬、癸、亥、子者、富贵。逢金克之，灾讼不免，徐、扬人反吉。

五、六月之木，喜雨水、夜生九奇，值此者富贵而寿。火盛无水者贫夭。夏令炎威火盛，烁石流金，木有枯槁之患，徐、人干火多者，有疯痨荧燎之凶，或水制，或夜生，或阴雨天，化凶为吉矣。得土以培其根，得水以达其枝，若水土同行，非惟富贵，且寿考康宁矣。见金不能克木，火旺金柔，有子复仇故也。若小暑以后土多，亦忌，盖衰木不能克旺土也。兖、青生者，为财。大抵夏木喜水，与他时不类。

秋三月之木，惟欲晴雨得宜，亢旱则物皆枯槁，淫雨则物不收成。

初秋之时，炎威未退，不宜与火同行，阴雨生者最妙。见金虽有剥刻之嫌，然火气尚炎，金气未盛，不为害也，处暑以后荆、梁生者忌之。金水同行，化凶为吉；逢土培植，利就名成。水盛无土，冀、雍飘荡无居，徐、扬人反凶成吉。

八、九月之木，正凋零之时，昼火同躔者，贫夭，盖秋阳燥烈，木皆枯落故也。或夜生，或阴雨，或水解之，方吉。兖、青人文章富贵，见水有漂流之患，盖秋水非滋木之时也，冀、雍人尤忌。得土栽培，根基稳厚。见金反吉，盖金司令，则万物摧落，既无长养以遂其生，又未归根以复其命，所可借者，在一金耳，茍无金制以成其器，则为天地间一朽木，此所以仗斧斤之力斫削成器而为栋梁之用，正所谓斧斤以时入山林，木不可胜用也。气运宜往东方、南方。冬木正肃杀之时，复命归根，微有小春生意，以见造化无终穷之理，︽易︾曰：「硕果不食」者，此也。生于晴明者最佳，值阴雨则凝冰积雪也。

十月之木，遇火贵而有寿，盖冰寒土冻，仗火以温暖其根故也。火土辅运，富贵双全。见金虽无害其根本，未免骨肉参商。得水则有滋助之意，徐、扬人利就名成，冀、雍人贫寒孤克。

若子丑月之木，喜火融之，与土同躔，位登台鼎。见水凶克，盖冬水，令也，木寒，木也，冬木遇水而寒，无火温之，则冰凝冻合，而生意摧折矣，贫贱者寿，富贵者夭。见金虽伤不寒，盖木任冬令归根者，斧斤无所施，凋零者，斫削可成器，所以见金而无咎也，徐、扬、兖、青生者有陨自夭，荆、梁、豫人虽忌，亦不过枝叶之伤耳，其本根则自若也。干支得丙丁相制者，却能富贵，岂独免祸而巳。气运宜往南方，冬木喜南奔也，东方次之。

论火

三春之火，其气温然而始著也；晴则借木而明，雨则湿木而晦。

正月微阳之火，隐于木中，虽有可亲可爱之意，但冰霜之气未消，遇木生之，则阳气发挥矣。逢金为财，徐、扬人富而好礼。金木同行，官居鼎鼐。逢金值水，夭折无疑，荆、梁、冀、雍之人尤甚。见土盗泄微阳，浮薄卑贱。

二月见木，败处逢生，木秀火明，文章富贵人也，但不宜有水，盖湿木不生无陷火也。谷雨以后生者，微水无凶，盖土司时、木主令，化凶为吉也。兖、青、徐、扬生者富贵何疑。土与金，正月同论，但辰月土差旺耳。夏令之火，阳气之极，草木为之焦枯，江河为之枯涸。晴则流金烁石，真阳尽泄；雨则水济其威，方得中和，反应荫庇发福。

四月火势渐盛，逢日争光，未能全其忠爱，虽富贵亦主夭亡，贫寒者寿而多子，孤独艰辛。见金名成利就，逢土有权有谋，遇木富而好礼；微水济木，其贵不可言也。

五、六月生者，火炎之极，得水制之，则都将相，惟冀、雍生人水不宜盛，盖旺火投于盛水，不能不伤故也，得土制木解，则富贵过人矣。见土略泄其盛而有权衡之贵，又好施惠及人，但施恩反怨耳。盖火能生土，亦能燥土故也。见木生，过反伤青、兖、徐、扬人根基，虽富贵难免夭亡，冀、雍、荆、梁人富而益富。遇金为财，火烁金流，反有破财荡家之患。水土同行，名成利就。日战月刑，忠孝有亏，凶祸孤克，夜生减轻。气运宜往西北南，东大忌。

秋初之火，炎威未退，土传生气，水不能克，反主贵荣。见木助之，徐、扬、兖、青人干支火多者，虽富贵而寿不永。见金为财，富贵豪侈。逢土则息，显达非常。

Interpretation

According to what Wang said, the two qi refer to yin and yang; the five elements are metal, wood, water, fire, and earth; the seasons are spring, summer, autumn, and winter; and the regions on earth are Ji, Qing, Yan, Xu, Yang, Jing, Liang, Yong, and Yu. There are yin and yang in the sky, which operate through the four seasons; there are the five elements on earth, which are present in the nine states. This is exactly what Zhu Xi meant when he said that the essence of the five elements is on earth while their qi operates in the sky. Therefore, there are spring, summer, autumn, and winter in the sky, and there are metal, wood, fire, and water on earth. They all function in relation to time and place. Nowadays, those who talk about fate only know how to discuss yin, yang, and the five elements, but they don't know how to also consider the directions, day and night, and cloudy or sunny weather. That's why people with the same year, month, day, and hour of birth can have very different fates in terms of wealth, status, longevity, and early death. Then they claim that the theory of the five elements is unreliable, which makes people doubt the theory of fate and is also a slander. Alas! People are born between heaven and earth and cannot escape the influence of the five elements. The nine states are divided into different regions with different climates and customs. It is difficult to apply the same principle to all situations regarding cloudy or sunny weather and cold or warm temperatures. People are born with the spiritual qi of heaven and earth at a certain moment, and the qi they receive is different from each other. So, it is difficult to determine one's fate of wealth, status, longevity, and early death simply based on the eight characters of one's birth. Moreover, Jia, Yi, Yin, and Mao belong to wood. Those born in Yan and Qing are in a favorable place, and those born in spring are in a favorable time. Bing, Ding, Si, and Wu belong to fire. Those born in Xu and Yang are in a favorable place, and those born in summer are in a favorable time. Wu, Ji, Chen, Xu, Chou, and Wei belong to earth. Those born in Yu are in a favorable place, and those born in the four seasons' last months are in a favorable time. Geng, Xin, Shen, and You belong to metal. Those born in Jing and Liang are in a favorable place, and those born in autumn and winter are in a favorable time. Ren, Gui, Hai, and Zi belong to water. Those born in Ji and Yong are in a favorable place, and those born in winter are in a favorable time. Furthermore, there are cold and warm conditions between day and night, and cloudy or sunny weather. There are preferences and taboos within the creation of yin and yang. The interactions of generation, restriction, transformation, and suppression, as well as the emphasis and de - emphasis, are all about understanding the flexibility and change. One cannot stick to a single theory.

On Trees

In the first month, wood is in its proper season. It is the time for trees to thrive. On sunny days, the flowers and leaves will flourish, while on rainy days, the buds will be chilled. For the wood born in the first month, although the three yang forces are in harmony, the cold air has not completely receded. When it meets fire, the vitality will be abundant, and one will enjoy great wealth and honor. However, if there is too much fire, it will drain the vital energy. For those born in the daytime in the Xu and Yang regions, they may suffer from diseases. When fire and earth are in conjunction, one will be both rich and noble; if there is earth but no fire, one can only have enough for clothing and daily necessities. Meeting metal will bring the risk of damage, but if it is controlled by fire, it will be a blessing. Encountering water is not a case of the mother - child relationship bringing good fortune. Since the wood in early spring has just started to show vitality, seeing water will make it cold, which is actually not a good sign. For those born in the Ji and Yong regions, they will lead a poor life, with men being promiscuous and women being lascivious.

In the second lunar month, the wood element thrives with abundant vitality. It is most beneficial when accompanied by the earth element for cultivation. When the fire and earth elements appear together, one can attain wealth, honor, and a long life. However, an overly strong fire element can also deplete the energy of the wood, as at this time, the flowers and trees are just budding and the true yang energy is dispersing. People from Yanzhou and Qingzhou can enjoy wealth and honor without worry, while those from Xuzhou and Yangzhou may find some imperfections in their good fortune. If the heavenly stems and earthly branches contain Ren, Gui, Hai, or Zi, it brings trouble. Excessive water nourishment makes one's personality unrestrained and may lead to leaving one's hometown and relocating. When the earth, metal, and water elements combine, there is no doubt of an early death, and one will live in poverty but with a long life. When the wood is attacked by the metal element, it gets damaged at its prosperous stage, hindering its growth. Is this in line with the supreme benevolence of nature in nurturing life? As the former sages said, even though the wood in spring is prosperous, it is not suitable to encounter the metal element, and this is the reason.

In March, trees are in the prime time of thriving and flourishing. The spring sun is warm and gentle, and all kinds of colorful flowers are in bloom. With the soaking of rainwater, the roots and trunks of the trees sway. When they encounter soil, their roots will take firm hold in the ground, bringing long - lasting good fortune and longevity. When they meet fire, the wood can make the fire burn brightly, symbolizing the outpouring of excellent literary talent. When encountering metal, which cuts down the wood, it is inauspicious for those born in Jing and Liang regions, but can bring wealth and honor to people in Xu and Yang regions. Trees in March favor fire and earth, and avoid gold and water. They prefer the fortune in the southeast and are disadvantaged by the northwest. For trees in summer, they are in a state of decline in the fourth, fifth, and sixth lunar months. This is because the fire in the south is extremely strong, which drains their vital energy. Rainy and overcast weather is auspicious, while extremely sunny weather is to be avoided.

In April, the wood is not yet greatly withered, and the fire is not yet extremely prosperous. When there is a slight fire, the branches and leaves will be lush and flourishing, bringing blessings and protection. When encountering abundant water, the water god will be unstable, and both men and women may engage in promiscuous behavior. Meeting with earth will lead to the achievement of fame and success. When fire and earth are in the same position, and there are Ren, Gui, Hai, and Zi in the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, one will be wealthy and noble. If it is attacked by metal, disasters and lawsuits are inevitable, but it is actually auspicious for people from Xu and Yang regions.

For trees in the fifth and sixth lunar months, they prefer rainwater. Those that grow at night are considered to have nine special qualities. Those who encounter such trees will be wealthy, honored, and long - lived. If there is an excessive amount of fire and no water, one will be poor and die young. In summer, the heat is intense, with the fire element being strong enough to melt stones and metals. Trees are at risk of withering. If there is too much fire in the Xu and Ren heavenly stems, there will be the misfortune of madness, tuberculosis, and fire disasters. However, if there is water to control the fire, or if one is born at night, or on a cloudy and rainy day, the misfortune can be turned into good fortune. If there is earth to nurture the roots and water to nourish the branches, especially when both earth and water are present, one will not only be wealthy and honored but also enjoy a long - lived, healthy, and peaceful life. When metal appears, it cannot overcome wood because the fire is strong and the metal is weak, as if the "offspring" (wood can produce fire) is taking revenge. If there is too much earth after the Lesser Heat, it is also unfavorable because the weakened wood cannot overcome the prosperous earth. For those born in the regions of Yanzhou and Qingzhou, it represents wealth. Generally speaking, trees in summer prefer water, which is different from other seasons.

During the three months of autumn, the trees only desire a proper balance of sunny and rainy days. If there is a severe drought, all things will wither and dry up; if there is excessive rain, the crops will not yield a good harvest.

In the early autumn, the scorching heat has not subsided. It is not advisable to be associated with the element of fire. Those born during rainy and cloudy days are the most fortunate. Although there is a risk of being eroded when encountering the element of metal, the fire energy is still strong while the metal energy is not yet prosperous, so it does no harm. However, those born in Jing and Liang regions after the End of Heat should beware. When the elements of gold and water co - exist, it can turn bad luck into good. If accompanied by the element of earth for cultivation, one can achieve both fame and fortune. When water is in excess without the presence of earth, people from Ji and Yong regions will drift about without a fixed abode, while those from Xu and Yang regions can turn misfortune into good luck.

In the eighth and ninth lunar months, trees are in the season of withering. For those born during the daytime when the sun (symbolizing fire) is in conjunction, they will be poor and have a short life. This is because the autumn sun is scorching and the trees are all withered and fallen. However, if one is born at night, or during rainy days, or when there is the influence of water to resolve the situation, it will be auspicious. People from Yanzhou and Qingzhou can achieve literary fame and wealth. But if they encounter water, they may face the risk of being drifted away, as autumn water is not the time to nourish trees. People from Jizhou and Yongzhou should especially avoid this. If the wood is cultivated with the support of earth, its roots will be stable and firm. Meeting with metal is actually a good thing. Since metal is in control during this time, all things are withered and fallen. There is neither the nourishment for growth nor the return to the root for rejuvenation. The only thing it can rely on is metal. If there is no metal to shape it into an instrument, it will just be a decaying wood in the world. That's why it needs the power of axes to be carved into useful tools like pillars and beams, just as the saying goes in the Analects, "When the axes enter the mountain forests in the proper season, there will be more than enough wood." The favorable qi and fortune are in the east and south directions. In winter, trees are in the time of being killed off. They return to their roots, but there is still a slight hint of spring-like vitality, which shows the principle of the endless cycle of nature. As the Book of Changes says, "The great fruit is not eaten." Those born on clear and sunny days are the best. If born during rainy days, it is like being in a world of ice and snow.

For the wood in the tenth month, encountering fire is auspicious and leads to a long life. This is because when the ice is cold and the earth is frozen, it relies on fire to warm its roots. With the support of fire and earth in the fortune, one can achieve both wealth and honor. When meeting metal, although it won't harm the root fundamentally, it may cause estrangement among family members. Getting water has the meaning of nourishment. People from Xu and Yang regions can achieve fame and success, while those from Ji and Yong regions may face poverty, loneliness, and adversity.

If a person is born in the months corresponding to the Ox (Chou) or the Rat (Zi) and their element is Wood, they should hope for the Fire element to warm them up. When Wood and Earth are in a harmonious position, they can reach high - ranking official positions. However, if Water appears, it brings bad luck. In winter, Water is the dominant element, and Wood is cold. When Wood in winter meets Water, it becomes even colder. Without the warmth of Fire, it will be like ice and frost, and the vitality of Wood will be destroyed. For the poor and humble, they may have a long life, while for the rich and noble, it may lead to an early death. When Wood meets Metal, although Metal can damage Wood, it doesn't make Wood colder. In winter, Wood has returned to its roots. For strong and healthy Wood, an axe has no effect; for withered Wood, it can be carved into useful tools. So, the encounter with Metal is not a disaster. People born in the regions of Xu, Yang, Yan, and Qing may have premature deaths, while those from Jing, Liang, and Yu, although they should be cautious, will only suffer minor damages to their "branches and leaves", and their "roots" will remain intact. If the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches have the Fire elements of Bing and Ding to counteract the negative effects, they can achieve wealth and honor, not just avoid disasters. In terms of the luck cycle, it is advisable to move towards the South, as Wood in winter likes to "run" south. The East is the second - best choice.

On Fire

In the three months of spring, the fire's warmth begins to be noticeable. On sunny days, it borrows the wood to shine brightly, and on rainy days, it gets the wood wet and becomes dim.

In the first lunar month, the gentle yang fire is hidden within the wood. Although it has an amiable and lovable nature, the chill of frost and ice has not yet dissipated. When it meets the wood, the yang qi will be fully released. When it encounters metal, it represents wealth. People in the Xu and Yang regions will be wealthy and respectful of etiquette. When metal and wood co - exist with it, one can hold high - ranking official positions. When it meets both metal and water, an early death is inevitable, especially for people in the Jing, Liang, Ji, and Yong regions. When it sees earth, the earth steals and drains the gentle yang, resulting in a person being superficial and of low status.

In the second lunar month, when wood is seen, it means emerging from adversity. With the flourishing of wood and the brightness of fire, such a person is destined for wealth and honor through literary achievements. However, water is not suitable, for wet wood cannot generate unconstrained fire. For those born after the Grain Rain, a little water brings no misfortune, because at this time, earth is in charge of the season and wood is in command, thus turning misfortune into good fortune. There is no doubt that those born in the regions of Yanzhou, Qingzhou, Xuzhou, and Yangzhou will be wealthy and noble. Regarding earth and metal, the situation is the same as that in the first lunar month, except that earth is a bit more prosperous in the third lunar month. In summer, fire represents the extreme of yang energy. Grass and trees are scorched and rivers dry up. In sunny days, metals melt and stones burn, and the true yang energy is completely dissipated. In rainy days, water helps to moderate its power, achieving a state of balance and bringing blessings and good fortune.

In April, the fire element's influence gradually intensifies, competing with the sun's glory. Those who fail to fully express their loyalty and love will face premature death even if they are wealthy and noble. The poor will live long and have many children, but they will endure loneliness and hardships. When there is the metal element, one will achieve fame and fortune. When encountering the earth element, one will have power and strategies. When meeting the wood element, one will be wealthy and polite. With a little water to nourish the wood, one's nobility is indescribable.

Those born in the fifth and sixth lunar months are under the extreme heat of fire. If water restrains this fire, they can become high - ranking officials. However, for those born in the regions of Ji and Yong, water should not be overly strong. This is because when extremely strong fire is thrown into overly strong water, it's inevitable to cause harm. If earth restrains water and wood resolves the conflict, they will enjoy extraordinary wealth and honor. When earth appears, it slightly drains the excessive strength of the fire, endowing them with the dignity of having power. They are also kind - hearted and like to help others, but sometimes their kindness may be repaid with ingratitude. This is because fire can generate earth, but it can also dry up earth. When wood appears, if it is excessive, it will damage the foundation of those born in the regions of Qing, Yan, Xu, and Yang. Even if they are wealthy, they may still face premature death. For those born in Ji, Yong, Jing, and Liang, their wealth will increase. When metal appears, it represents wealth. But fire can melt metal, which may lead to the risk of losing property and ruining the family. When water and earth come together, one can achieve fame and fortune. If there are conflicts between the sun and the moon in the birth chart, it indicates a lack of loyalty and filial piety, bringing misfortunes, loneliness, and hardships. The situation is less severe for those born at night. It is advisable for them to move towards the northwest and south, while the east is highly unfavorable.

In the early autumn, the fire still retains its fierce heat. The earth conveys the vital energy, and water cannot subdue it. Instead, it brings nobility and prosperity. If wood appears to assist it, for people in the regions of Xu, Yang, Yan, and Qing whose stems and branches in the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches have a lot of fire elements, although they may be wealthy and noble, their lifespan will not be long. When metal appears, it represents wealth, and they will be rich, noble, and extravagant. When it meets earth, it will come to rest, and they will achieve extraordinary prominence and success.