Military Preparations, Volume 152

Page 7

If beneath the sun there is white vapor shaped like raised banners original: 揭旗幟 (jiē qízhì). Banners were primary symbols of military authority and imperial presence., the Son of Heaven will experience joy, which will be shared with the people; the ruler himself will be pleased.

If beside the sun, in the middle, white vapor rises from the southeast and connects the East and West original: 卯酉 (mǎo yǒu). These refer to the earthly branches representing the directions due East and due West. positions, it portends that the ruler will pass away original: 升遐 (shēng xiá). A high-register euphemism for the death of an Emperor, literally meaning "ascending to the far distance.".

If white vapor rushes toward the sun from both above and below, the ruler will be burdened with worry.

If white vapor surrounds the sun, appearing like a city wall, This indicates a state of siege or a need for fortified defense.

If white clouds, two feet wide, appear to the left and right of the sun, war will break out in the lands below, and the nation will be filled with anxiety.

If white clouds surround the sun on three sides, with their "feet" (bases) hanging downward while the upper part remains clear and bright, it signifies a great defeat.

If at sunrise there are black clouds shaped like a canopy with four sides hanging down, there will be heavy wind and rain after three days. If it does not rain, there is a conspiracy against the commanding general original: 主將 (zhǔ jiàng)..

If there are black clouds on both sides of the sun, they represent hidden soldiers original: 伏兵 (fú bīng); an ambush. lying in wait along the road. One should be cautious; if the threat is anticipated, the subsequent battle will be highly auspicious.