Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 220

Page 10

Great Fortune for Encampments

This section provides a guide for selecting the most auspicious days to establish military camps (Yingzhai), ensuring the safety of the troops and the success of the mission through cosmic alignment.

Days of Yin and Yang Harmony
In traditional Chinese cosmology, Yin and Yang must be in balance for an undertaking to succeed. These specific "Stem and Branch" days are calculated based on the cardinal direction the army is facing or moving toward.

The "Snake" (Si) is one of the twelve Earthly Branches. Yi, Xin, and Ding are "Heavenly Stems" associated with specific elemental phases: Wood, Metal, and Fire respectively.

White Tiger Harmony Days
Continuing from the previous page's discussion of the White Tiger (the celestial guardian of the West), these specific dates in the lunar month are considered harmonious for military work.

Azure Dragon Harmony Days
The Azure Dragon (Qinglong) is the guardian of the East and represents spring and wood. Its influence is generally considered benevolent and protective.

Auspicious Days for Marching East
The text begins a new list for specific directions of travel. In Chinese military theory, the direction of movement must harmonize with the day's presiding element.