Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 139

Divination of the Sun (Part II)

Page 9

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If the sun has Yellow Straight Pillars original: Zhi (直); vertical atmospheric phenomena resembling pillars of light, it indicates that the ruler is properly establishing his ministers. However, if the Straight Pillars appear blue or red, it signifies that ministers are attempting to establish themselves as independent rulers.

If a Straight Pillar is red in the center and blue on the outside, those seeking to declare independence will not succeed. However, if the phenomenon appears yellow or white and looks moist and lustrous, their bid for power will be successful.

When blue and red vapors take the shape of two straight lines intersecting—whether positioned above, below, to the left, or to the right of the sun—this is called an Intersection original: Jiao (交). Such Intersections are omens of Excess original: Yin (淫); referring to licentiousness, social imbalance, or transgressive behavior.

This vapor primarily governs the presence of licentious actions. If intersecting red clouds appear beside the sun, there will be military conflict literally "there are soldiers/weapons" in the lands below.

If two vapors on either side of the sun intersect, pierce through one another, or face away from each other, it signifies that great armies will rise across the world. It also portends internal rebellion and discord within the military. Another interpretation states: if there is an Intersection beside the sun, the army that attacks from the direction of that intersection will emerge victorious.

When various vapors form the shape of the character for "mouth" original: kou (口); a simple square shape in Chinese script near the edge of the sun, it is called a Solar Mouth. The appearance of one or two such "mouths" indicates that treacherous and evil people are causing harm. If three, four, or five Solar Mouths appear, it signifies that princes and marquises are plotting to seize power and establish themselves as independent sovereigns.