Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 249: Divination and Omens—Sun and Moon

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The method for establishing governance states: One phenomenon is called an Obstruction original: Ge (格). It is a sign of clashing and combat, and its divination portends the outbreak of military conflict.

Vapor resembling a curved halo beneath the sun resembling the shape of a cow's yoke is called a Support original: Cheng (承). This "support" signifies a minister upholding and serving the ruler. It is also said: if there are three layers of yellow vapor beneath the sun, it is named Receiving Blessings original: Chengfu (承福). This indicates the sovereign will experience auspicious joy and will acquire new territory.

Blue and white vapor appearing like a shoe beneath the sun is called a Tread original: Lu (履). Another interpretation says: if red and black vapor appears like a shoe, the Son of Heaven will experience joy, and foreign nations will come to submit to his rule. However, it is also said: if vapor hangs down in a pair beneath the sun, it is also called a Tread; in this case, military conflict and deaths will cause disaster, and the sovereign will be forced into exile.

Solar Eclipses

When the sun or moon appears damaged or diminished, it is called an Eclipse original: Shi (蝕). In such an event, the direction or region where the eclipse begins suffers misfortune, while the direction where the light returns literally "is reborn" receives benefits. Otherwise, a total eclipse reflects the status of the Sovereign’s position. By calculating the specific time and the solar mansion original: Chan (躔) — the specific point in the sun’s celestial path where the event occurs, one can identify which specific state or kingdom the omen concerns.