Treatise on Military Preparedness

...a great displacement of the people and exile for ninety days; the Altars of Soil and Grainoriginal: 社稷 (shèjì). These altars represented the state itself; their "imprisonment" suggests the loss of sovereignty or the capture of the capital. will be "imprisoned" for one hundred and twenty days, and the state will be [in peril].

If the sun is obscured by black clouds and lacks light, an army will suddenly charge out from within the city; it is auspicious to maintain a defensive posture.

If the sunlight is dim, red mists gather, and there is deep gloom with heavy wind and rain and intense heat—or if there is intense heat without wind and rain—it indicates our army will be victorious.

If the sun is hazy and lacks light, there will be internal mutiny among the troops. The general should follow established lawsoriginal: 法度 (fǎdù). Standard regulations or the proper code of military conduct. and identify those with merit to clarify his own standing. If a revolt breaks out from within, the leader who uses strict punishments and stays vigilant against traitors will be victorious.

If the sun is completely without light, the king’s lineage will be severed.

If the sun is dark and lacks light, the Way of Yangoriginal: 陽道 (yángdào). The cosmic principle of light, heat, and masculine authority associated with the Emperor; its decline signifies a weak or failing ruler. is in decline. The ruler believes in slander and wickednessoriginal: 讒邪 (chánxié). Refers to corrupt officials or deceptive advisors who mislead the monarch., and there will be grief over secret conspiracies.

If the sun is dark and lacks light, foreign tribesoriginal: 夷狄 (Yídí). A traditional term for ethnic groups outside the central Chinese cultural sphere. will enter and rule the Central Plains.