Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 139

Divination of the Sun (Part II)

Page 8

The Jasper Ring original: Qiong (璚); a sash-like atmospheric arc or ring-like phenomenon is shaped like a sash. If Jasper Rings appear on all four sides of the sun, or if five colors shimmer and sparkle beside the sun on a single day, this is defined as a Jasper Ring.

This omen signifies that the state will have joyful celebrations, yet the wilderness will suffer from wind and rain. When two armies face one another, the side where this phenomenon is positioned will suffer defeat. On a single day, it may also signify the presence of a rebel, or that a minister is plotting treason, leading to the deaths of ten thousand people beneath him. If four or five Jasper Rings appear, the number of rebels will correspond to the number of rings observed.

When blue and red vapors are long and stand vertically beside the sun, this is called a Straight Pillar original: Zhi (直); likely referring to parhelia or sun pillars. Alternatively, if mixed vapors resemble the character for "river" original: chuan (川); a character composed of three vertical lines leaning against the sun, this is also a Straight Pillar. This portends military chaos and the fragmentation of the national territory.

If there is one Straight Pillar beside the sun, it indicates an enemy on that side who desires to declare independence. If there are Straight Pillars on all four sides, it indicates that in all four directions there are those who wish to declare themselves independent rulers. The side that launches an attack from the direction where the pillar is located will be victorious.

If there are three Straight Pillars and three Embraces original: Bao (抱); tangent arcs that curve toward the sun, usually seen as a protective or favorable sign beside the sun, those who wish to declare independence will not succeed. The side that follows the direction of the Embrace will be victorious and will kill the enemy general.