Records of the Heavenly Mansion, Volume 21

Records of Divination Measurements: Divining the Sun, Part 3

If within the sun there is black vapor that flickers between green, black, yellow, and red, appearing in groups of three or five—sometimes numbering as many as several dozen—and these vapors surround the four sides of the sun: it signifies that there will be a plot of rebellion throughout the land.

If within the sun there is black vapor in the shape of a The "melon" shape likely refers to an oval or oblong sunspot.melon: it signifies that troops will rise in war.

If within the sun there is black vapor that is incompleteoriginal: 闕 (quē). This suggests a broken or crescent-shaped anomaly within the solar disc.: great armies will attack one another throughout the land. In the specific regions corresponding to those celestial coordinates, cities will rebel. Within two years, a great famine will occur.

If a black object appears within the sun shaped like a flying swallow: the sovereign will be deposed or removed from power.

If the sun turns black during the fourth month: Yin is prevailing over YangThe fourth month of the lunar calendar marks the beginning of summer, a time when Yang (heat/light/ruler) should be at its peak. A black sun suggests the subordinate Yin forces are unnaturally strong.. Treacherous ministers will seize control of the government and plot rebellion in secret.

If the sun turns black during the tenth month: Yang cannot overcome Yin. The ruler's mind will become clouded and confused, and slandering, evil men will plot rebellion.

If there is black vapor beside the sun that appears to be grinding or oscillating against it: the state will change its master meaning a change in the ruling dynasty or the death of the emperor. When two armies face each other in battle, the high general will die beneath the sun's gaze.