Treatise on Military Preparedness

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Yi Meng? Observations of Vapors at the Celestial Gates, Section 2, Record of Divinations: Divination 3

If black clouds like leopard skin original: 狸皮 (lí pí). Literally "raccoon dog skin," referring to mottled or spotted cloud patterns resembling a leopard's coat. cover the sun, the army will suffer from disharmony, and there will be a massacre in the city 屠城 (tú chéng): The systematic slaughter of a population after a city is captured..

When the sun first rises, if black clouds pierce through it—whether there be one, two, or three clouds—then within three days, if there is no torrential rain, there will be someone who harms the lord.

If the sun rises with black clouds appearing like a partition, there are troops stationed beneath it. If it rains, the military situation will be dissolved The rain was often viewed as a "cleansing" force that could neutralize the negative energy of a military confrontation..

If there is black vapor like clouds on all four sides of the sun, the siege of the city will not be successful.

If red vapor original: 赤氣 (chì qì). In traditional Chinese five-element theory, red is the color of Fire and is frequently associated with blood and active combat. shaped like an ox guards the sun, there is a battle occurring below. If it is shaped like a horse guarding the sun, there will be bitter fighting, and soldiers will be wounded.

If the sun is accompanied by red clouds in the shape of a tiger, within three days a royal command original: 王命 (wáng mìng). An official order from the sovereign or central government. will arrive. Rebels will come of their own accord to surrender. This is auspicious original: 吉 (jí). A standard term for good fortune or a positive outcome..