Treatise on Military Preparedness

...its ruler.

If red vapor like a woven mat original: 布席 (bù xí). A mat made of cloth or straw; the imagery suggests a wide, flat coverage obscuring the sun's light. covers the sun, it signifies a great battle.

If there is red vapor beside the sun shaped like a leafless tree, war will arise, and the Guest original: 客 (kè). In military divination, the "Guest" is the invading or attacking army, while the "Host" (zhǔ) is the defending or local force. Knowing which side the heavens favor was crucial for a commander's timing. will be victorious.

If there are red clouds beside the sun shaped like a forest of trees, war will arise, and the Guest will be victorious.

If red clouds shaped like a broom flank the sun, it is unfavorable to be the first to mobilize troops.

If there is red vapor above the sun, the Guest general will die.

If the sun is surrounded by red vapor, within three days there will be heavy rain; if not, then high-ranking ministers will rebel.

If a single band of red cloud passes through the center of the sun, it signifies that the people will be scattered, war will break out, and the populace will flee from legal strife original: 訟 (sòng). Refers to litigation or legal disputes; here it implies a total breakdown of civil order where people can no longer seek justice through the courts..