Treatise on Armament Technology

The West is favorable the number six corresponds to the "Dui" trigram, which represents the West. When engaging the enemy, it is favorable to have one's back to the direction indicated by the calculation, while the battle itself will be advantageous if fought toward the East. To position sentries:

The method for raising banners depends on the Host and Guest calculationsCalculations derived from the Taiyi cosmic clock that represent the defensive (Host) and offensive (Guest) positions.. If the results are One or Eight, they belong to the element of Water; it is advantageous to use black banners and deploy in a curved formation.
A calculation of Three belongs to Wood; it is advantageous to use a straight formation and green banners.
Four or Nine belong to Fire; it is advantageous to use a sharp formation and red banners.
Two or Five belong to Earth; it is advantageous to use a circular formation and yellow banners.
Six or Seven belong to Metal; it is advantageous to use a square formation and white banners.

For instance, if the Host calculation is Sixteen, one should utilize a square formation and raise white banners In this system, the last digit—six—determines the element; six corresponds to Metal, which is represented by the color white and the square shape.. If, while the two armies are clashing, the clouds and vapors come from the direction indicated by the calculation, this is considered "favorable" and signifies victory. For example, if the Host calculation is sixteen and the clouds and vapors come from the direction of Six which is the Dui trigram in the West, the Host will be victorious.

When the Heavenly EyeA symbolic marker in the Taiyi system used to locate the enemy's presence or "sight." is at the Si position The direction of the Snake, roughly South-Southeast. and the Great Spirit is "open," one should prepare for the enemy in the Southeast. If the calculation is Thirty-One, the Wenchang star is in a hidden position; this governs unconventional troops Also known as "ambush" or "surprise" units., which should be stationed in the Northwest. The Wenchang star is the sector where the Host’s Eye resides; the "Great Killer" [star]...