Military Preparation Records original: Wubeizhi (武備志), Volume 249

Category of Omen Changes: Solar Omens, Part 1

Page 3

...[the state] will have joy. One source says: a vapor standing atop the sun is called a Diadem original: Dai (戴); a vaporous arc appearing to rest on the head of the sun. If it is pure red, it signifies war.

When blue and red vapors embrace the top of the sun, the smaller ones are called Crowns original: Guan (冠). These signify that the state will have joyous events. However, if they are pure red, it signifies war.

If there is a Crown above the sun with three vertical lines, and a vertical rainbow appears below the sun, then within one year the world will experience minor warfare and unrest.

If there is a Crown above the sun and the sun also has a Tether original: Ying (纓); refers to vapors resembling the chin-straps or tassels of a formal hat, appearing to uphold or support the sun, there will be joyous celebrations.

When small blue and red vapors intersect below the sun, they are called Tethers. This signifies that the Barbarians of the Four Directions original: Siyi (四夷); a historical term for non-Chinese tribes surrounding the central Ming state will seek diplomacy through Multiple Translations original: Zhongyi (重譯); literally "repeated translation," implying those from lands so distant that their language requires multiple interpreters to be understood. This indicates that the Sovereign will accept their surrender.

When blue and red vapors surround the sun above and below, it is called a Sequence original: Xu (序). This signifies that treacherous nations are practicing deception and obscuring the truth, conspiring together for rebellion.

When the blue and red vapors are small and round, with one or two located to the left or right below the sun, they are called Knots original: Niu (紐); also translated as "buttons," likely referring to small, bright spots of light like parhelia. Another interpretation says: when blue and red vapors scatter and hang down below the sun, these are called Knots. These signify that the Sovereign’s Virtuous Grace original: Deze (德澤); the metaphorical "moisture" or "bounty" of a ruler's kindness is spreading to reach all under heaven. Another version says that if they appear outside...