Correct Meanings, Volume 101

Fang says: original: "Fang Yi Yun" (方以雲). This refers to Fang Yizhi, a prominent 17th-century scholar and polymath who often wrote on the intersection of science and philosophy.

When high officials original: Bo Zheng (伯正) — those holding the highest executive ranks exceed the boundaries of their office, this is called Dividing Authority original: Fenwei (分威). During such an eclipse, the sun will appear to be split down the middle.

When feudal lords compete for prestige and glory above their proper rank, this is called Arrogance original: Tai (泰). During such an eclipse, the sun appears damaged, the moon is half-eclipsed, and the celestial camp the stars and constellations will resonate with a humming sound.

When taxes and levies cannot be collected or are handled improperly, leading to the depletion of the state, this is called Exhaustion original: Jie (竭). During such an eclipse, the stars will seem to follow the sun and fall downward.

When ministers who have been entrusted with the Mandate the "Mandate of Heaven," the divine right to rule or assist in ruling monopolize the government, this is called Usurpation original: Shi (試) — here implying a "test" or "encroachment" on the ruler's power. In such an eclipse, though the darkness encroaches, the light remains bright. This is like the ministers of King Wen the cultured progenitor of the Zhou Dynasty when they alone were tasked with the execution of the tyrant Zhou.

When base men original: Xiaoren (小人) — people of low moral character or social standing follow those who hold the Mandate to attack their own ruler, this is called Regicide original: Sha (殺). During such an eclipse, five colors will appear, followed by a period of Great Cold and falling frost. This is like when the ministers of the tyrant Zhou the last ruler of the Shang Dynasty, known for his cruelty followed King Wu the first king of the Zhou Dynasty to execute Zhou.