《靈臺經》

The Lingtai Jing (Scripture of the Spiritual Platform) in Plain Interpretation:

This section explains the method of divining fate through celestial configurations, primarily by examining the relationship between one's birth hour and the positions of the sun and moon.

For those born during daylight hours, their fate is determined by the solar mansion (the sun's position among the constellations), while nighttime births are judged by the lunar mansion. If a daytime birth occurs with the sun in a yang palace (position of brightness) or a nighttime birth has the moon in a yin palace (position of darkness), this is called "not opposing the three directional lords" - indicating great wealth and nobility. The opposite configuration is termed "opposing the three directional lords," suggesting potential lifelong poverty.

However, the Simen Jing (Four Gates Scripture) supplements this by stating: even with unfavorable positions, if the three directional lords occupy advantageous locations or reside in the royal temple palace (auspicious position), one cannot simply conclude the absence of fortune - and vice versa. Yet these interpretations lack definitive standards and should only serve as references.

When calculating life's phases:

• The Mao (5-7am), Chen (7-9am), and Si (9-11am) hours represent youth
• The Wu (11am-1pm) and Wei (1-3pm) hours signify middle age
• The Shen (3-5pm) and You (5-7pm) hours denote old age

If the primary lord star occupies the youth position, the middle lord the midlife position, and the final lord the elderly position, this constitutes "not opposing the three lords," foretelling distinction. Reversed sequences indicate "opposing the three lords."

Specific directional divisions:

• Northwest (Xu and Hai) represents early years
• True North (Zi) signifies middle age
• Northeast (Chou and Yin) denotes later years

When judging auspicious or inauspicious signs, even if the lord stars retrograde or dwell in royal temple palaces, precise calculations require case-by-case adjustments. Special consideration is needed when primary and middle lords remain in their proper positions while the final lord moves ahead of the middle lord.

(Note: The "three directional lords" refer to the primary stars in three key astrological positions; "royal temple palace" indicates an auspicious celestial sector; "retrograde motion and stationary periods" describe special planetary movements)

The Lingtai Jing primarily discusses methods for astrological fate calculation, which can be understood in modern terms as follows:

There are three key periods in fate determination (early, middle, and late phases) with specific judgment rules:

1. If the late phase appears before the early phase and is positioned north of Mao (east direction), disregard its auspicious or inauspicious nature; if south of Mao, full calculation effort is required. In this case, neither the early nor late phases participate in judgment.

2. When the middle phase precedes the early phase and lies north of Mao, the middle phase is entirely excluded from calculation while the early phase's influence is halved. If the middle phase is south of Mao, the early phase is completely disregarded, and the middle phase becomes primary—making midlife fortune most significant.

3. If the early phase follows the middle phase, its influence is halved; if the early phase trails the late phase's directional position, it is entirely excluded from judgment.

Specific calculations must integrate:

• The dominant star of the fate palace and the strength of other celestial bodies
• The stars' conditions of exaltation (temple), prosperity, or debilitation
• Auspicious/inauspicious timing determined through triangular (trine) and square (opposition) aspects
• Division of life into three major periods for longevity assessment

Methods for calculating the "body palace":

1. Correlate the twenty-eight lunar mansions with twelve monthly generals, counting from the new moon (first day of the month)

2. Due to the moon's variable speed, directly determine the body palace as the moon's zodiac position per the calendar

3. The lunar mansion corresponding to the birth hour becomes the fate mansion

4. From the fate mansion, count: first seven mansions mark the first "critical day" (jue), then ten more for the second, and another ten for the third (totaling 25 mansions apart)

• Example: If the fate mansion is Bi (Net), counting seven reaches Xing (Star) for the first critical day, ten more to Wei (Tail) for the second, then Kui (Stride) for the third

5. Illnesses occurring on these three critical days will prove extremely difficult to treat

Criteria for celestial influence:

• Stars in debilitated positions (fallen palaces) or five weakened states (wu ruo) are exempt if conjoined with the moon (since sun/moon have no fallen positions)
• Opposition or trine aspects with the moon reduce influence by 30%
• In natal exaltation positions (temple palaces), they exert full power
• Particular emphasis is placed on the sun and Jupiter's importance in the birth chart

(Note: "Temple" indicates a star's exalted state, "fallen" means debilitated, and "trine" refers to 120-degree angular relationships between celestial bodies)

The Lingtai Jing primarily discusses predicting human fortune and misfortune through stellar positions, divided into two sections: "Physical Palace Misfortunes & Blessings" and "Life Palace."

Regarding Physical Palace Misfortunes & Blessings:

• When the Fire phase is dominant (Fire obstructing the mother): It depletes the energy of the sun and moon, requiring timely adjustment.
• When the Earth phase is dominant (Earth present): Endeavors face obstacles, making it an opportune time for Daoist cultivation.
• When the Metal phase is dominant (Metal present): One possesses striking appearance but excessive desires, easily attracting feminine favor.
• When the Water phase is dominant (Water present): Literary talent flourishes, and wisdom surpasses ordinary limits.
• When the Tianyi Star (a major Daoist stellar deity) appears in minor years: Opportunities to associate with noble individuals arise.
• When the Taiyi Star (another significant stellar deity) manifests: Vulnerability to poison-related calamities occurs, though scars, insect bites, or burns may paradoxically bring good fortune.

Methods for Calculating the Life Palace:

1. Take the lunar mansion where the sun resides as the first Life Mansion.

2. Count four mansions forward to determine the second Will Mansion.

3. Count seven mansions further to locate the third Affairs Mansion.

4. Proceed another four mansions to identify the fourth Overcome Mansion.

5. Count four more mansions to find the fifth Gather Mansion.

6. Finally, count five mansions to establish the sixth Companion Mansion.

Different effects occur when malevolent stars suppress these mansions:

• Life Mansion suppressed: Frequent disasters and hardships.
• Will Mansion suppressed: Obstacles in all undertakings.
• Affairs Mansion suppressed: Sudden, unexpected calamities.
• Overcome Mansion suppressed: Encounters with thieves.
• Gather Mansion suppressed: Potential fatality.
• Companion Mansion suppressed: Separation from kin and friends.

Calculating Virtue and Fortune:

• For daytime births, observe the sun; for nighttime births, observe the moon.
• Begin calculations from the eastern ascension point.
• If positioned among the Seven Strong Palaces (auspicious positions), blessings and prosperity abound.
• If among the Five Weak Positions (inauspicious locations), fortune remains meager.
• Additional considerations include stellar trajectories, positional influences, and the strength of wealth sectors.
• Should daytime births coincide with weakened Three Ruling Stars (primary fate-determining stars), prospects diminish.

Special Note: Wealth calculations disregard day/night distinctions—always commence eastward from the Wealth Palace's ruling star.

The Lingtai Jing primarily explains how to calculate human destiny through celestial phenomena, divided into two sections: "Wealth and Property Position" and "Palace of Longevity."

Regarding Wealth Fortune:

This is determined by observing the positions and interactions of various celestial bodies in the astrological chart. The sun represents oneself, the moon symbolizes one's mother or maternal relatives, Jupiter signifies official career, Mars relates to military conflicts and theft, Saturn corresponds to servants and land property, Mercury governs documents, and Venus oversees marital relationships. Auspicious stars appearing in these positions indicate favorable outcomes in corresponding areas, while inauspicious stars portend misfortunes. For instance, Mars in specific configurations may predict military disasters, whereas the appearance of the Tianyi Star (a revered Daoist deity) suggests receiving assistance from noble individuals.

Concerning Lifespan:

For those born during daylight hours, longevity is primarily determined by the positions from Jupiter to the moon, while nighttime births follow the opposite pattern. If the astrological chart shows protective auspicious stars like Jupiter or the moon, it indicates long life; encountering malefic stars may suggest a shortened lifespan. The specific calculation methods are intricate: Jupiter's retrograde motion or conjunction with the moon may reduce longevity, while Saturn overcoming the sun or Mars overcoming the moon weakens vital energy. The text also describes a complex formula using celestial remainders to calculate exact lifespan, with the maximum reaching 108 years (nine cycles), extendable to 120 years through accumulated virtue (De) and good deeds. Finally, it records special celestial patterns for determining a newborn's gender: if the moon reaches Mars' position on the third or ninth day after a boy's birth, or Saturn's position on the seventh day for a girl, it indicates susceptibility to "lockjaw" (neonatal tetanus), with nighttime births showing stronger correlations.

This passage from the Lingtai Jing primarily discusses ancient astrological divination (predicting human affairs through celestial observations) concerning omens of death. The text meticulously records correspondences between various stellar positions and different modes of demise:

1. Stellar correspondences with causes of death:

• The sun, moon, and Jupiter govern deaths from illness
• Mars presides over bloodshed (warfare, violence, etc.)
• Venus indicates deaths related to women (possibly referring to crimes of passion or gynecological diseases)
• Mercury governs text-related deaths (likely legal disputes or document-induced calamities)
• Saturn rules falling deaths (such as from cliffs or buildings)
• Comets (Bo stars) cause fatal fright
• The Tianyi star (an asterism in the Purple Forbidden Enclosure) signifies death by noble persecution
• The Taiyi star indicates deaths from military chaos or banditry

2. Special emphasis on Mars' lethality:

• Mars appearing at different degrees (1-30°) corresponds to distinct death methods: flogging, sword wounds, hanging, drowning, etc.
• Its position among the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions also determines specific causes—for example, drowning when in the Jiao and Kang mansions, or fox-spirit afflictions when in the Di, Fang, and Xin mansions

3. Yin-Yang palace divisions:

• Yang palaces are calculated clockwise from Leo, covering the first six degrees of Zhang, Yi, and other mansions
• Yin palaces are calculated counterclockwise from Cancer, encompassing the first seven degrees of Gui, Jing, and similar mansions
• Different palace natures intensify particular death patterns

4. Key warnings:

• The Shen and You directions (southwest and due west) are especially perilous when Mars appears there
• Even the immensely wealthy and noble cannot escape such malignant astral configurations
• By calculating Mars' palace position and the native's birth stars, one may predict the precise timing of death

(Note: This reflects a unique epistemological system of ancient astral fatalism. The "deaths" described generally indicate unnatural demise or major calamities—not views recognized by modern science.)

This scripture discusses the ancient astrological division of celestial palaces and their corresponding omens. The content is divided into three main sections:

First is the division of Yin-Yang palaces: Counting sequentially from Leo (Shizi) through the lunar mansions of Zhang, Yi, Zhen, Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, Ji, Dou, Niu, Nü, and the first six degrees of Xu - these belong to Yang palaces. Counting inversely from Cancer (Juxie) through Liu and the first seven degrees of Xu - these belong to Yin palaces.

Next is the method for determining the calamity palace: Regardless of day or night, count eight positions from the Moon's current location. If Mars or Saturn (Fire and Earth stars) occupy this position, misfortune will occur. However, if Mars or Saturn happen to be the ruling stars of one's destiny (zhuixing), they won't bring calamity - in such cases, only eclipse phenomena (rishiyueshi) or the Tianyi star (a Daoist deity) can cause misfortune. Further examination should consider which constellation corresponds to this palace and what kind of people it affects.

The third section explains illness palace determination: Count six positions from the Sun's location. Different planets correspond to different ailments: Sun and Moon govern eye problems, Jupiter (Wood Star) governs wind-related illnesses (like stroke), Mars governs sores and wounds, Saturn governs swellings and pains, Mercury governs cold-related disorders, and Venus governs coughs. If these signs appear in one's birth chart (shengshi), they indicate lifelong issues; if appearing in annual transits (xingnian), they signify yearly problems.

Finally, the text explains sibling count prediction: Counting from Saturn to Jupiter's corresponding palace - if positioned in Leo, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius or Virgo, few siblings are indicated; if in Pisces, Aries, Scorpio or Cancer, many siblings are predicted. Additional factors include the aspect between Mercury and Jupiter, and whether Mars occupies a favorable position. Through these celestial configurations, one can determine both the number of siblings and the dynamics of these relationships.

The Lingtai Jing (Scripture of the Spiritual Platform) describes ancient astrological methods for interpreting celestial configurations to deduce familial relationships. Here’s a modern explanation:

Siblings Palace (Brothers and Sisters)

By day, observe stars in the southern sky; by night, those in the northern sky. The number of visible stars corresponds to the number of siblings—bright stars signify brothers, dimmer ones sisters. The strength and reliability of siblings are determined by the auspicious or inauspicious nature of the corresponding stars.

Spouses Palace (Wives and Concubines)

Regardless of day or night, begin calculations from Saturn’s position to Venus’s. Celestial signs appearing in the east determine fortune. The Spouses Palace is most favorable when Venus is present and least favorable when Mars appears. Auspicious stars can mitigate harm, but if afflicted by malefic stars, the wife may be unfaithful or bring disgrace to the family. Specific manifestations include:

• Venus in the Lou constellation (one of the 28 Lunar Mansions) indicates promiscuity.
• Combined with Mars, the situation worsens—potentially leading to prostitution.
• Jupiter’s presence may bring two wives or wealth from women.
• The Sun and Moon together signify an excellent wife.
• Saturn suggests marital difficulties or a large age gap.
• Mercury indicates a talented wife.
• The Eclipse Star (Shen) portends a vicious wife.
• The Tianyi Star suggests marrying a noblewoman.
• The Taiyi Star foretells an unattractive spouse.

Final judgments must also consider the stars’ relative positions in the sky.

Union Palace (Marriage)

This palace dreads the presence of Saturn and Mars, indicating marital strife, low-status spouses, or few offspring. Specifics:

• Saturn with Venus: a sickly or flawed wife.
• Mars with Venus: a wife of poor character.

Husband Palace

The method resembles that of the Spouses Palace, calculated from Venus to Saturn, with similar auspicious/inauspicious criteria.

Offspring Palace

Calculated from Jupiter to Saturn, eastern celestial signs determine children’s fortunes:

• Auspicious stars signify virtuous offspring; malefic stars, harmful influences.
• A Yin (feminine) star appearing first predicts a firstborn daughter; a Yang (masculine) star, a son.
• Auspicious stars indicate filial children; malefic stars, unruly ones.
• Retrograde motion suggests harm to children.

(Note: Ancient astronomy categorized planetary motion as Fu (direct/obedient) or Ni (retrograde/rebellious).)

These methods follow the principle of "Dong Chu Pei Zhi" (Eastern Rising Matching)—observing celestial bodies’ ascension from the east and correlating them with the annual positions of Venus and Jupiter (Liu Nian or yearly fate) for comprehensive divination.

(Key terms preserved in pinyin: Lou constellation, Yin-Yang, Fu/Ni motion, Liu Nian.)

This passage from the Lingtai Jing primarily discusses astrological predictions concerning childbirth and parental circumstances. I'll explain it section by section:

On Childbearing (Childbearing Palace):

When Jupiter (Wood), Mars (Fire), and Venus (Metal) move to specific positions, offspring may be conceived. Fewer children are indicated when Saturn (Earth) opposes Venus and Mercury (Water). If Venus coincides with maleficent stars in the "Turning Palace" (Fanfu Gong), this may portend no descendants. When celestial signs appear in yang palace positions but the birth hour belongs to yin, and these are located in the "Twin Maidens Body Palace" (Shuangnü Shen Gong), twins may be born. Venus positioned in the second division of yin-yang palaces suggests potential difficulties in conceiving or raising children.

On Sons (Male Palace):

When the sun reaches Jupiter's position during daytime, auspicious stellar influences indicate virtuous sons, while maleficent stellar oppression suggests fewer offspring or difficult child-rearing.

On Daughters (Female Palace):

When the moon reaches Venus' position during daytime, the interpretation method resembles that for sons - the quantity of stellar signs determines fortune or misfortune, with yin-yang stars determining gender.

On Father (Father Palace):

When the sun reaches Saturn's position during daytime (reversed at night), auspicious stars indicate an honorable father. Solar conjunction with the "Eclipse Deity" (Shen) may bring paternal misfortune.

On Mother (Mother Palace):

When Venus reaches the moon's position during daytime (reversed at night), stellar configurations determine outcomes. The moon in Saturn's lower palace suggests maternal misfortune. Sun and moon together in the "Turning Palace" (Fanfu Gong) in eastern positions may indicate parental discord. Certain stellar combinations predict a mother's potential low status or short lifespan.

On Official Positions:

The prominence of official posts is determined by the high or low position of the governing star in the Official Palace - elevated positions indicate distinguished appointments while lower positions suggest minor offices.

(Note: Terms like "Turning Palace" [Fanfu Gong] and "Twin Maidens Body Palace" [Shuangnü Shen Gong] are ancient astrological terminology referring to specific celestial configurations.)

Interpretation of the Lingtai Jing

Palace of Rank and Fortune

If a person holds a high position but the ruling star (the dominant star in their astrological chart) is not prominent, and no malefic stars suppress it, they may occupy an official post without real blessings. Conversely, if someone is in a lowly position but the ruling star shines brightly or resides in a royal temple (an auspicious astrological position), they may attain high office, though their reputation may lack nobility. For example, when Jupiter, the Sun, Mercury, and the Tianyi star converge, it indicates high civil office; when Saturn, Mars, Venus, and the Moon’s Node (Yuebo) align in the Tail constellation, it signifies military rank. The exact level of officialdom depends on the strength of the stars, whether they are ruling stars, and whether they occupy royal temples. A combination from Saturn to the Moon in the east favors military officials, while a grouping from Jupiter to Mercury in the east favors civil officials—the method of judgment remains the same.

Palace of Social Connections

For those born during the day, calculations proceed from the Moon to Mercury; for night births, the opposite applies. In eastern star configurations, the most inauspicious encounters involve the Eclipse Spirit (Shishen), the Taiyi star, or conjunctions with Saturn and Mars—these signify betrayal by those one has helped. If these malefic stars oppose or form certain angles (panghe), the outcome is equally unfavorable. However, if the malefic stars occupy royal temples, misfortune may transform into fortune, making it suitable to associate with martial figures for support. Mars in the Tenth House (Minor Tenth Palace) increases the risk of treachery; when the Sun is afflicted by Mars or the Moon is afflicted by Saturn, deep friendships should be avoided.

Palace of Spiritual Cultivation

For daytime births, calculations proceed from the Moon to the Sun; for night births, the reverse applies. This palace governs one’s inclinations toward self-cultivation: encountering auspicious stars (jixing) indicates a preference for moral refinement; the Sun suggests Daoist leanings; Jupiter points to alchemical pursuits (Neidan); the Moon indicates Buddhist tendencies; Mars emphasizes ritual propriety; Saturn signifies a quest for longevity techniques; Venus denotes lust; Mercury indicates literary talent; Mars also signifies martial valor; the Tianyi star reflects a craving for power and connections; and the Taiyi star suggests tendencies toward deceit or theft. The same principles apply when stars oppose or form angles.

Palace of Desires

For daytime births, calculations proceed from the Palace of Appearance to the Palace of Spiritual Cultivation; for night births, the reverse applies. If star configurations fall into constellations symbolizing desire (such as Ox, Sheep, Fish, or Mill palaces), carnal passions are strong—especially when Venus is present. Mercury in the Sheep-Scorpio Palace or Mars in the Flower-Tree or Mandarin Duck Palace indicates same-sex inclinations. Venus and the Moon together in the Fourth House suggest promiscuity in both sexes, often leading to shamanistic tendencies. When Venus lingers, sexual relationships become chaotic; if afflicted by Saturn or Jupiter, bestial urges arise. Mars combined with Venus signifies unbridled lust. Venus in the Eighth House indicates a love of beauty, as does its presence in the Ninth House. Venus in Leo may lead to stealing others’ spouses, while in the Crab-Mill Palace, it suggests depraved acts. The Moon in the Zhang or Jiudi constellations also signifies licentiousness.

This passage from the Lingtai Jing primarily explains ancient astrological divination methods concerning the "Palace of Desire," "Palace of Servants," "Palace of Hardship," and "Palace of Heavenly Thoughts":

Palace of Desire

When Venus appears in the seventh celestial palace or when Saturn and Mars occupy the same palace, it signifies illicit romantic affairs. If aligned with the Palace of Children, it suggests inappropriate relationships with younger generations; if aligned with the Palace of Servants, it may indicate affairs with subordinates. Should Venus appear in the Palace of Official Rank while the Moon resides in the Palace of Property, one might marry a relative. A strong planetary position here brings auspicious outcomes.

Palace of Servants

By day, observe from Mercury to the Moon; by night, the reverse applies. If benefic stars occupy high positions, one will receive assistance from servants; if malefic stars occupy low positions, servants will prove unreliable. The simultaneous appearance of Mars and Saturn warns of rebellious tendencies among subordinates.

Palace of Hardship

By day, observe from the Palace of Desire to Mercury; by night, the reverse applies. Wherever this palace manifests, difficulties arise—for example, appearing in the Palace of Children foretells troubles concerning offspring.

Palace of Heavenly Thoughts

From the Sun in the Palace of Heavenly Thoughts to the Moon marks the Palace of Earthly Thoughts; the reverse defines the Palace of Heavenly Thoughts. Each palace is further divided into three sections, with each spanning ten degrees. The specific judgment methods are complex and require cross-referencing with the Wuxing Dingfen Jing (Scripture on the Five Phases' Determinations).

Strength and Influence of the Scale Stars

To assess a person's fortune or misfortune, first examine the Life Palace, then the three ruling stars of its trine (120-degree angles). If the Life Palace's ruling star is weak but the trine stars are well-positioned, one may still attain moderate prosperity. Conversely, if all trine stars are weak but the Life Palace's ruling star is strong, minor prosperity remains possible. Jupiter in the third palace alongside the Moon does not count as a debilitation, while the Sun and Moon never suffer debilitation in any palace—their presence mitigates inauspicious omens.

(Note: "Debilitation palace" refers to an unfavorable position for a celestial body; "trine rulers" denote the three ruling stars forming 120-degree angles with the Life Palace—both are terms from classical astrology.)

This passage from the Lingtai Jing (Spirit Platform Scripture) details methods for assessing the relative strength of various astral deities (Daoist stellar deities and malefic influences) in different celestial palaces:

Regarding official positions and auspicious/ominous signs: When the primary star (life ruler) and tail star (calamity star) in a horoscope occupy the four cardinal palaces (the crucial zi, wu, mao, and you directions), the primary star generally indicates auspiciousness while the tail star portends danger. For instance, even when celestial bodies like Taiyi (Polaris), Saturn, or Mars occupy official positions, they may trigger fatal illnesses such as malignant sores.

The power grading system classifies stellar influences on a 3-10 point scale based on positional strength:

• When both the body palace ruler (representing physical condition) and directional ruler occupy weak positions while other stars are in strong positions: 3 points
• If positioned in the "royal temple" (a star's most powerful location): 6 points
• When body/life rulers and directional rulers are weak while other stars are both strong and in royal temple positions: 7 points
• If other stars lack strength: only 4 points

The most potent configuration occurs when body/life rulers occupy strong positions while other stars are weak yet in royal temple positions, yielding 9 points. Additional sightings of the sun and moon (specific angular relationships with these luminaries) grant 2 bonus points per star.

Specific point values for celestial bodies in different positions include:

• Jupiter: 8 points in Chamber constellation (Shi), 10 in Ghost constellation (Gui)
• Mars: 10 in Heart constellation (Xin), 6 in Dipper constellation (Dou)
• Saturn: 10 in Dipper (Dou), 8 in Neck constellation (Kang)
• Venus: 10 in Neck (Kang), 9 in Stomach constellation (Wei)
• Mercury: 10 in Wings constellation (Yi), 9 in Chariot constellation (Zhen)
• Sun: 10 in Star constellation (Xing), 8 in Bond constellation (Lou)
• Moon: 8 in Stomach (Wei), 7 in Hairy Head constellation (Mao)

Special stellar influences: The Tianyi star in Maiden constellation (Nü) scores 10 points, while Yuebo in Willow constellation (Liu) earns 6. When body/life rulers simultaneously occupy royal temple positions and strong locations with solar/lunar sightings, they achieve maximum 10-point potency.

This passage explains the ancient astrological method for calculating the relative strength of celestial bodies (various stars and planets):

1. Basic strength calculation:

• When a celestial body occupies an advantageous position (its temple or exaltation), its power doubles. If it remains there longer, it can double again, reaching a maximum of thirty points of power.
• In secondary positions (lesser dignity), it gains seven points of power.
• When visible with the sun and moon, it gains an additional seven points.

2. Influence of other celestial bodies:

• Stars not in their temple but in strong positions gain eight points when visible with the sun and moon, but have no effect when not visible.
• Stars in elevated positions but not in their temple gain five points when not visible with the sun and moon, but reduce the primary star's power by two points.

3. Effects of orbital motion:

• During direct motion (normal forward movement), when the temple lies ahead ("facing"), subtract two points.
• During retrograde motion, when the temple lies behind ("facing"), also subtract two points.
• During direct motion with the temple behind or retrograde with the temple ahead ("turning away"), subtract four points.
• When approaching the temple (within three days' travel), subtract one point.

4. Special position bonuses:

• Exact alignment with the temple's corresponding lunar mansion grants ten points.
• When in one's destiny-corresponding position, the power doubles.
• Prolonged residence in that mansion can double it again.

5. Auspicious/inauspicious judgments:

• Direct motion governs civil fortune, retrograde governs military fortune. In the seven strong positions, this indicates great nobility.
• If one's life-ruling star falls in the five weak positions, it indicates poverty and low status.
• When an auspicious star is overcome by a malefic one, even if they share the same palace, any encroachment (celestial infringement) counts as overcoming. If the malefic star leads and the sun/moon/five planets don't leave that palace, the effect intensifies.

Note: "Temple" refers to each planet's corresponding exaltation position, while the seven strong and five weak positions represent astrological divisions of auspicious and inauspicious directions. This passage primarily explains how to comprehensively judge a celestial body's influence through factors like position, direction of movement, and other considerations.

This scripture primarily discusses the influence of celestial phenomena on human affairs and how to determine auspicious or inauspicious events based on astrological observations. In essence:

1. Judging misfortunes:

• When malevolent stars (inauspicious stars) appear behind and other celestial bodies retrograde and clash, the resulting calamity will be severe
• When benevolent stars (auspicious stars) appear ahead but malevolent stars retrograde and clash, the misfortune will also be grave
• If celestial bodies clash while positioned high in the sky, the misfortune will be lighter; if they clash in lower positions, the disaster will be serious
• Solar or lunar eclipses occurring at one's birth may cause physical deformities

2. Influences of different celestial bodies:

• Mars in retrograde harms the eyes, and failure to counteract this may lead to death
• Jupiter governs important official positions, while Saturn presides over significant affairs
• Venus relates to feminine matters, Mercury governs literary talent, and Mars dominates military strategy
• The sun symbolizes the emperor, while the moon represents the empress

3. Personality and destiny:

• Venus makes people decisive but self-centered
• Mars causes impatience and difficulty in social relations
• Saturn fosters generosity and benevolence
• Mercury grants intelligence and understanding
• Jupiter inspires kindness and integrity

4. Physical health and illnesses:

• Saturn correlates with abdominal diseases
• Mercury relates to cold-related ailments
• Mars connects to legal disputes
• Venus associates with feminine troubles
• Jupiter links to wind-related disorders

5. Methods for calculating fortune:

• Begin from the eastern palace (astrological house), moving one palace each year
• The transition to the next palace occurs only after one's birthday
• Determine good or bad fortune based on the ruling star of the current palace
• When the sun transits through one's natal palace, it's favorable to seek connections with influential people

(Note: The term "clashing" refers to celestial opposition and conflict; "annual fortune" indicates yearly运势; "palace" denotes the twelve houses in an astrological chart)

The Lingtai Jing (Scripture of the Spiritual Terrace) primarily explains how to calculate personal fortune and misfortune through celestial observations. The core concept revolves around each individual's "life-ruling star" (benming xing), whose movements through different positions can predict blessings and calamities. For example:

• When Jupiter (Wood Phase) serves as the ruling star, initial misfortune may precede great joy.
• When Mars (Fire Phase) moves retrograde, it brings illness and disaster—but if positioned favorably as the ruling star, it may grant land or authority.
• Saturn (Earth Phase) presiding over affairs leads to obstacles and financial loss, though commoners may instead reap bountiful harvests.
• Venus (Metal Phase) entering specific lunar mansions heralds joyful events.

The text meticulously details the omens associated with each of the five planets (Jupiter/Suixing, Mars/Yinghuo, Saturn/Zhenxing, Venus/Taibai) entering one's life palace:

1. Jupiter in the life palace: Wealth and noble encounters in the Yin position; sibling discord in the Chou position; livestock losses in the Zi position.

2. Mars in the life palace: Bloodshed calamities within 60 days, with directions corresponding to financial loss, legal disputes, or family worries.

3. Saturn in the life palace: Nighttime disasters, with positions signaling financial ruin, distant travel, offspring conflicts, or official promotions.

4. Venus in the life palace: Prone to litigation, with directions indicating new possessions, illness and gossip, or meetings with benefactors.

The passage concludes by emphasizing the precision of using birth-hour constellations (particularly the "Three Severities and Six Harm" lodgings) to calculate annual fortunes. This reflects classical astrological techniques that correlate celestial movements with human affairs.

The Lingtai Jing (Scripture of the Celestial Platform) elucidates methods for predicting human affairs through celestial observations (the "Lingtai" refers to elevated platforms for astronomical observation). Its core teachings reveal how the movement of the celestial "Taiyi" (Polaris, the North Star) through different sectors influences worldly events:

When Taiyi enters specific positions, it triggers corresponding effects - its arrival heralds misfortunes, while eclipses ("Eclipse Deities") entering one's destiny palace invite slander. Each compass direction governs distinct human affairs:

• The Yin position (northeast) governs financial loss
• The Chou position (north) governs fraternal discord
• The Zi position (true north) governs parental illness
• The Hai position (northwest) governs loss of descendants
• The Xu position (northwest) attracts noble assistance
• The You position (true west) brings both financial ruin and harm to wives
• The Shen position (southwest) facilitates noble connections
• The Wei position (southwest) ensures general auspiciousness
• The Wu position (true south) begins with worry but ends in joy
• The Si position (southeast) gains noble patronage
• The Chen position (southeast) causes mental unrest and vulnerability to牵连 (entanglement)

The Five Phases (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) manifest varying fortunes in cyclical years:

• Fire phase brings luck in years 3, 6, and 11
• Wood phase favors years 2, 5, 7, and 9
• Countercurrent entry into a 60-year cycle brings death when fire arrives
• Encountering fire on water-element days endangers life

Different destiny origins (one's innate elemental affinity) interact with celestial phenomena:

• Earth-destined individuals prosper in years 3, 6, and 11
• Metal-destined individuals thrive in years 3, 4, 5, 10, and 12
• Earth years afflicted by fire signs diminish blessings
• Wood years suffering fire-earth combinations bring calamity
• Metal years favor marriage and childbirth
• Water years endure disasters from earth-fire but remain unharmed by wood
• Month-destinies (birth month elements) suffer severely from fire-earth afflictions
• Day-destinies (birth day elements) should seek official appointments
• Metal-destiny meeting fire presages feminine-related misfortunes
• Wood-destiny encountering fire indicates offspring
• Fire-destiny encountering earth heralds joyous events
• Metal-destiny meeting earth brings great fortune, but wood causes financial loss through women
• Metal-destiny afflicted by fire causes heart ailments, while water brings literary success
• Water-destiny encountering wood warns against theft, but metal brings luck
• Fire-destiny meeting wood risks official disputes

The text concludes by noting these are but essential principles, with detailed prognostications recorded elsewhere. This system exemplifies the Daoist integration of astronomical observation with Five Phases (Wuxing) destiny theory for divinatory practice.