Treatise on Military Preparedness

If the sun is deathly white and a chilling wind forms whirlwinds, there will be acts of slaughter. If a city is being besieged, those within The original woodblock text is slightly fragmented here, but implies the defenders or residents. will suffer, and the city will be put to the sword.

When the sun is red like ochreoriginal: 赭 (zhě). This refers to a reddish-brown earth pigment, often associated with the parched earth of drought or the dust of marching armies., the Great General will engage in a field battle; another interpretation suggests the commanding officer faces an urgent military crisis.

If the sun is red like blood, the Ruler will be filled with anxiety as his ministers turn their backs in betrayal. Natural disasters, pestilence, and bandits will all arise at once.

If the sun is red like fire or blood, the high officials will fall into collective disorder and there will be a drought.

When sunlight scatters in all directions, red like flowing blood, staining the earth crimson: the Way of the RulerThe "Way of the Ruler" (君道) refers to the moral and administrative integrity required of an Emperor to maintain the Mandate of Heaven. has been clouded. Another interpretation: bandits will infiltrate the government and be struck down by sudden military force. Yet another: officials will rebel against their Sovereign.

If the sun is red like glowing charcoal, it portends an urgent call to arms.

If the sun appears blue-green, or flickers like the light of a fire, the state will suffer a great calamityoriginal: 灾 (zāi). In this context, it refers to a disaster that is seen as a divine punishment or a natural consequence of political disharmony..