Treatise on Military Preparedness (1621) - Page 5

⚠The right edge of the image contains partial characters from a border or previous folio. Text is transcribed from right to left as per traditional format.

If the sun's color turns black, the Son of Heavenoriginal: 天子 (Tiānzǐ). The Emperor, who was believed to rule by the Mandate of Heaven; a change in the sun's "natural" state directly threatened his legitimacy. will face imminent danger, and the fate of the realm will be scattered to the four directions.

If the sun emits a black light, many soldiers will die. Within sixty days there will be a great flood, damaging the five grainsoriginal: 五穀 (wǔgǔ). A collective term for the staple crops of ancient China, traditionally including broomcorn millet, foxtail millet, rice, wheat, and beans.. In the land where this omen is seen, the price of goods will increase tenfold.

If the bright sun becomes dark and obscured, armies will rise across the world, leading to great chaos.

If the sun appears yellow, accompanied by white clouds and red vaporsoriginal: 氣 (qì). In this context, atmospheric "emanations" or mists believed to reveal the hidden state of cosmic balance., it is advisable to withdraw the troops and take careful precautions.

If the sun's color turns a turbid yellow and a black light flickers within it, the state will issue commands in a fit of violent rage, portending a great disaster.

If the sun's color is a mixture of yellow and red, there will be disasters and pestilence; if the sun appears white, many people will die.

If the sun's color contains a jade-green hue, the Yin energyoriginal: 陰氣 (yīnqì). The dark, cold, or passive principle. An excess of Yin in the sun—the ultimate symbol of Yang—suggested that subordinates or "dark" forces were overcoming the Ruler. is overly dominant. The Eastern Barbariansoriginal: 東夷 (Dōngyí). A historical term used by ancient Chinese dynasties to refer to various ethnic groups located to the east of the Central Plains. will cause trouble, and treacherous ministers will rebel against their superiors.

If the sun’s color shifts uncertainly between blue-green, yellow, and white, it portends that princes, marquises, and high ministers will incite rebellion and war will break out.