by An Liu
When accretion is in the south, there is birth;
When recision is in the south, there is death.
Thus,
at the meeting [in the Gate] at the second month, the myriad creatures come to life.
At the meeting [in the Gate] in the eighth month, the herbs and trees begin to die. [3/22/6–9]
3.18
Between the two binding cords is a span of . The sun’s daily motion being 1d, fifteen days makes one node [jie ]. Thus are produced twenty-four seasonal alterations.
When the [handle of the] Dipper points to zi [at midnight], it is the Winter Solstice [node]. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Yellow Bell.28
After fifteen days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to gui. This is the Lesser Cold node. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Responsive Bell.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to chou. This is the Greater Cold node. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Tireless.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to the binding cord of Returning Accretion, and there is a surplus of yin in the land. Thus it is said that the forty-sixth day from the winter solstice marks the Beginning of Spring [node], when the yang qi dispels the cold. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Southern Regulator.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to yin. This is the Rain node. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Tranquil Pattern.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to jia. This is the Awakening of Insects node. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Forest Bell.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to mao. Thus it [is said that the forty-sixth day after the Beginning of Spring]29 is called the Spring Equinox [node]. Thunder is abroad. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Luxuriant.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to yi. This is the node of the Clear Bright wind-maximum. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Median Regulator.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to chen. This is the Grain Rain node. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Maiden Cleanliness.
After fifteen more days [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to the binding cord of Perpetual Ocean, and the portion [of the year allotted to] spring reaches its limit. Thus it is said that that the forty-sixth day [after the spring equinox] is the Beginning of Summer [node]. The great winds end. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Pinched Bell.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to si. This is the Lesser Fullness node. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Great Budding.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to bing. This is the Grain in Ear node. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Great Regulator.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to wu. Yang qi reaches its maximum. Thus it is said that the forty-sixth day [after the beginning of summer] marks the Summer Solstice [node]. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Yellow Bell.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to ding. This is the Lesser Heat node. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Great Regulator.
After fifteen more days [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to wei. This is the Great Heat node. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Great Budding.
After fifteen more days [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to the binding cord of Reverting Yang. Thus it is said that forty-six days after [the summer solstice] is the Beginning of Autumn [node]. This is the node of the Cool Wind wind-maximum. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Pinched Bell.
After fifteen more days [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to shen. This is the End of Heat node. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Maiden Cleanliness.
After fifteen more days [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to geng. This is the Descent of White Dew node. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Median Regulator.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to you, on the central marking line. Thus it is called the Autumn Equinox [node]. Thunder ceases, and swarming insects turn toward the north. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Luxuriant.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to xin. This is the Cold Dew node. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Forest Bell.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to xu. This is the Descent of Hoarfrost node. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Tranquil Pattern.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to the binding cord of Perpetual Cleft. Thus the portion [of the year allotted to] autumn comes to its end. Thus it is said that the forty-sixth day [after the autumn equinox] is the Beginning of Winter [node]. Herbs, trees, and flowers die. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Southern Regulator.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to hai. This is the Lesser Snow node. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Tireless.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight] points to ren. This is the Great Snow node. Its sound is like [the pitch pipe] Responsive Bell.
After fifteen more days, [the handle of the Dipper at midnight again] points to zi.
Therefore it is said that
yang is born in zi;
yin is born in wu.
Yang is born in zi. Therefore in the eleventh month, the sun is at the winter solstice; magpies begin to nest; and human qi accumulates in the head.
Yin is born in wu. Therefore in the fifth month lesser punishments are carried out. Shepherd’s purse and wheat stop growing and wither. The herbs and trees that sprouted in the winter must die. [3/22/11–29]
3.19
The handle of the Dipper makes the Lesser Year. In the first [civil] month [the Dipper] is established in yin. The months move from the left through the twelve chronograms.30
The Pool of Xian makes the Greater Year. The second month is established in mao. The moon moves from the right through the four quadrants. When it finishes, it begins again.
As for the Greater Year:
one who faces is it humiliated;
one who turns away from it is strong;
one who is on its left is in decline;
one who is on its right attains glory.
When the Lesser Year is in the southeast, there is birth;
when it is in the northwest, there is death.
This is what is meant by the saying
It must not be met, but it may be turned away from;
it must not be to the left, but it may be to the right.31 [3/23/1–4]
The Great Season is [governed by] the Pool of Xian. The Lesser Season is that of the month establishments. The binding cords of Heaven establish the Epoch, which always begins with yin. Arising, [taisui] moves to the right for one year and then shifts. After twelve years, it [completes] a heavenly circuit and then begins again. [3/23/6–7]
In the winter of the first year of [the King of] Huainan, the Grand One32 was in [the cyclical year] bingzi. The winter solstice was on [the cyclical day] jiawu; [the node] Beginning of Spring [began] on [the cyclical day] bingzi. [3/23/9]
3.20
One yin and one yang make two qi.
Two yang and one yin make three qi.
Combining these qi makes the [pentatonic] notes.
Combining the yin makes yang.
Combining [this number with] the yang makes the pitch pipes.
Thus there are five notes and six pitch pipes.
The notes double to produce the number of the days.
The pitch pipes double to produce the earthly branches.
Thus there are ten days and twelve branches. [3/23/11–12]
3.21
The moon’s daily motion is A lunar month is twenty-nine and 499/940 days. Twelve months make a year. The [tropic
] year is ten and 827/940 days longer [than the lunar year]. Hence in nineteen years there are seven intercalary months. [3/23/12–14]
3.22
The days of the winter solstice take the branches zi and wu.
The days of the summer solstice take the branches mao and you.
Adding three days to the [branches of] the winter solstice yields the days of the summer solstice. The whole year shifts by six days and begins again with renwu.
At the winter solstice, [the cyclical day] jiazi receives control. [The phase] wood is used in all affairs, and the smoke of fires is bluegreen.
After seventy-two days, bingzi receives control. [The phase] fire is used in all affairs, and the smoke of fires is vermilion.
After seventy-two days, wuzi receives control. [The phase] earth is used in all affairs, and the smoke of fires is yellow.
After seventy-two days, gengzi receives control. [The phase] metal is used in all affairs, and the smoke of fires is white.
After seventy-two days, renzi receives control. [The phase] water is used in all affairs, and the smoke of fires is black.
After seventy-two [more] days, the year comes to an end, and gengwu takes control. The year shifts by six days so that the number may extend [to the full count of 366]. After ten years, [the sequence] begins again with jiazi.
When jiazi is in control, act gently and graciously, and relax the many prohibitions. Open doors and covers, and penetrate barriers. It is prohibited to cut down trees.
When bingzi is in control, promote the worthy and the good, and reward the meritorious. Enfeoff nobles and distribute wealth. When wuzi is in control, nourish the old and the widowed, distribute food alms, and bestow grace and favor.
When gengzi is in control, improve walls and enclosures, strengthen city walls and fortifications, scrutinize prohibitions [with a view toward strengthening them], refurbish the armor of the troops, admonish officials, and punish the lawless.
When renzi is in control, shut doors and gates, investigate strangers, execute punishments, kill the condemned, [command the people to] rest within their gates and under the beams of their roofs, and prohibit wandering outside [the city walls]. [3/23/16–23]
The qi of jiazi is dry and turbid.
The qi of bingzi is dry and bright.
The qi of wuzi is damp and turbid.
The qi of gengzi is dry and cold.
The qi of renzi is clear and cold. [3/23/25]
3.23
When [the day designated] bingzi opposes [the “season” governed by] jiazi, hibernating insects hatch forth prematurely, and there is [unseasonably] early thunder.
When wuzi opposes jiazi, the pregnant suffer calamities, eggs are infertile, and birds and insects suffer great injuries.
When gengzi opposes jiazi, there will be military operations.
When renzi opposes jiazi, there will be spring frosts.
When wuzi opposes bingzi, there will be claps of thunder.
When gengzi opposes bingzi, there will be bolts of lightning.
When renzi opposes bingzi, there will be hail.
When jiazi opposes bingzi, there will be earthquakes.
When gengzi opposes wuzi, the five grains will suffer calamities.
When renzi opposes wuzi, there will be cold spells in summer, with rain and frost.
When jiazi opposes wuzi, silkworms will not mature.
When bingzi opposes wuzi, there will be great drought; aquatic grasses will dry out entirely.
When renzi opposes gengzi, fish will not grow.
When jiazi opposes gengzi, herbaceous plants and trees die and then sprout again.
When bingzi opposes gengzi, herbaceous plants and trees bloom for a second time [out of season].
When wuzi opposes gengzi, some of the annual harvest will preserved and some lost.
When jiazi opposes renzi, [creatures] will not hibernate [as they should].
When bingzi opposes renzi, there will be meteors.
When wuzi opposes renzi, in winter insects depart from their places.
When gengzi opposes renzi, there will be thunder in winter. [3/23/25–3/24/5]
3.24
In the third [and final] month of spring, abundant thunder sounds forth, bringing in the rains.
In the third [and final] month of autumn, the qi of Earth has not yet become [completely] quiescent, and one gathers in the killed things.33 All crawling things become torpid and hide away, and country dwellers shut their gates. Gray Woman34 comes out and brings down frost and snow.
Thus the qi of the twelve times of the year progress until they reach an end [again] in the second month of spring, when what has been stored away is received forth [again] and the cold is shut away. Then Tranquil Woman drums and sings to regulate the harmony of Heaven and to make grow the hundred kinds of cereals, the beasts and birds, and the herbs and trees.
In the first month of summer the crops ripen; the cries of pheasants and pigeons become prolonged, causing the emperor to look forward to the annual harvest.
Thus,
if Heaven does not give forth yin, the myriad things cannot be born;
if Earth does not give forth yang, the myriad things cannot grow to maturity.
Heaven is round;
Earth is square;
the Way is exactly in the middle.
The sun [produces] accretion;
the moon [produces] paring away.
When the moon reverts [in its course], the myriad creatures die.
When the sun attains its apogee, the myriad creatures are born.
Separated from mountains, the qi of mountains is hidden away.
Separated from water, aquatic insects become dormant.
Separated from trees, leaves wither.
When the sun is not seen for five days, [the ruler] will lose his throne. Even a [ruler who is a] sage cannot withstand this. [3/24/7–12]
3.25
The sun rises up from the Bright Valley, bathes in the Pool of Xian, and rests in the Fusang Tree. This is called Dawn Light.
Ascending the Fusang Tree, it thereupon commences its journey. This is called Emergent Brightness.
[When the sun] reaches the Bent Slope, this is called Dawn Brilliance.
[When the sun] reaches the Steaming Spring, this is called the Morning Meal.
[When the sun] reaches the Mulberry Field, this is called the Late-Morning Meal.
[When the sun] reaches the Balance Beam of Yang, this is called Within the Angle.
[When the sun] reaches Kun Wu, this is called the Exact Center.
[When the sun] reaches the Bird Roost, this is called the Lesser Return.
[When the sun] reaches the Valley of Grief, this is called the Dinner Hour.
[When the sun] reaches Woman’s Sequence, this is called the Great Return.
[When the sun] reaches the Angle of the Abyss, this is called the Raised Pestle.
[When the sun] reaches Carriage Stone, this is called the Descending Pestle.
[When the sun] reaches the Fountain of Grief, it halts; its female attendant rests her horses. This is called the Suspended Chariot.
[When the sun] reaches the Abyss of Anxiety, this is called Yellow Dusk.
[When the sun] reaches the Vale of Obscurity, this is called Definite Dusk.
The sun enters the floodwaters of the Abyss of Anxiety; sunrise emerges from the drainage stream of the Vale of Obscurity. [The sun] travels over the nine continents, [passing through] seven resting places, [covering a distance of] 507,309 li. The divisions [of its journey] make dawn, daylight, dusk, and night. [3/24/14–22]
3.26
At the summer solstice, yin [begins to be] ascendant over yang. For this reason, the myriad creatures come to an end and die.
At the winter solstice, yang [begins to be] ascendant over yin. For this reason, the myriad creatures lift up their heads and come to life.
Daylight is the portion of yang;
night is the portion of yin.
Thu
s when the yang qi dominates, days are long and nights are short.
When the yin qi dominates, days are short and nights are long.
Appearing in mao and you [at the equinoxes], yin and yang divide day and night equally. [3/24/24–3/25/2]
Thus it is said that
when the compass is born, the square dies;
when the balance beam35 is [being] set up, the weight36 is hidden away;
when the marking cord occupies the center, it [marks out] the foundation of the four seasons.37 ([3/25/14–15])
3.27
The Celestial Thearch stretches out the four binding cords of Heaven, and employs the Dipper to revolve [through] them. In a month it shifts by one chronogram, its location being successively displaced. In the first [civil] month, it points to yin; in the eleventh month it points to zi. It completes a circle in one year; finishing, it begins again.
[In the first civil month, the Dipper] points to yin. The myriad creatures stir like earthworms underground. The pitch pipes take the note Great Budding. Great Budding means that there are buds but they have not yet emerged.38
[In the second civil month, the Dipper] points to mao. Mao means “burgeoning,” thus [living things] burgeon forth. The pitch pipes take the note Pinched Bell. Pinched Bell means that seeds first begin to swell.
[In the third civil month the Dipper] points to chen. Chen means “to stir up.” The pitch pipes take the note Maiden Cleanliness. Maiden Cleanliness means that what is withered is done away with and the new comes forth.
[In the fourth civil month the Dipper] points to si [fetus]. There being a fetus, there is sure to be birth in consequence. The pitch pipes take the note Median Regulator. Median Regulator means that the center grows large.
[In the fifth civil month the Dipper] points to wu. Wu means “to oppose.” The pitch pipes take the note Luxuriant. Luxuriant means that all is tranquil and fitting.
[In the sixth civil month the Dipper] points to wei. Wei means “flavor.” The pitch pipes take the note Forest Bell. Forest Bell means to extend forth and then stop.
[In the seventh civil month the Dipper] points to shen. Shen means “chanting.” The pitch pipes take the note Tranquil Pattern. Tranquil Pattern means that the pattern is changed. The [force of] accretion is expunged [from the annual cycle].
