Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 152

Section on Observation and Measurement: Solar Divination, Part 3

If red vapor follows the sun as it rises, the ruler will experience worry. If it follows the sun as it sets, urgent reports will arrive from the frontier original: 外告急 (wài gào jí). This specifically refers to emergency dispatches from border regions or foreign territories signaling an invasion or crisis..

If a red color pierces the sun, it represents the Broken Army star original: 破軍星 (pò jūn xīng). In Chinese astrology, this star—the seventh in the Big Dipper—is associated with destruction, upheaval, and the breaking of formations; its appearance "piercing" the sun signifies extreme military aggression.. Two nations will engage in mutual slaughter.

If above or below the sun there is blue-green or red vapor that curves outward and turns its back to the sun, it indicates that ministers are rebelling against the ruler, or that generals guarding the borders harbor divided loyalties original: 二心 (èr xīn), literally "two hearts," a classic idiom for harboring secret treachery or lacking single-minded devotion to the sovereign..

If blue-green and yellow vapor resembles a snake coiling around the sun, it signifies military chaos and plots of regicide original: 謀弒 (móu shì). This refers specifically to the murder of a superior, such as a king or a father..

If blue-green and red vapor resembles a rainbow and appears alongside the sun, the country upon which it shines will suffer great sorrow.

If below the sun there are clouds resembling blue-green or red horses, it indicates the enemy is plotting. One must be prepared in advance to remain free from harm.

If below the sun there are yellow and black clouds resembling crossed blades flanking the sun, with the edges pointing upward, it is an omen of great misfortune.