Liuren Daquan: Juan 5 -- Divination Judgments, Part I

Juan 5 begins the practical application chapters with methods for divining official career matters (占官). Topics include: predicting examination success, timing promotions and demotions, assessing the likelihood of appointment to specific posts, interpreting signs of imperial favor or disfavor, and determining whether to accept or decline an offered position. The analysis focuses on the Officer star's position in the divination board relative to the Day Master and the Heavenly Generals.

Methods for divining marriage and family matters (占婚姻). The analysis examines the Six Harmonies general, the Heavenly Rear general, and the Peach Blossom positions to assess compatibility, timing, and the likelihood of a successful match. Special attention is given to: reading the bride's character from the chart, predicting whether the marriage will produce children, identifying potential obstacles (parental opposition, rival suitors, inauspicious timing), and determining the optimal date for the ceremony.

Methods for divining pregnancy and childbirth (占產育). The divination determines: whether the woman is pregnant, the sex of the child, the expected date of delivery, potential complications during labor, and the child's future prospects. The analysis centers on specific spirit stars associated with fertility and childbirth, combined with the condition of the Day Branch (representing the home and family domain).

Methods for divining illness and medical treatment (占疾病). The divination identifies: the organ or body system affected (using Five Phase correspondences), the severity and likely duration of the illness, whether the patient will recover, which medical treatments are most appropriate, and which days are favorable for administering medicine. The Heavenly Physician star and the Death/Illness spirit stars are primary indicators.

Methods for divining lawsuits and legal disputes (占訟事). The analysis determines: which party will prevail, the likely verdict, whether settlement is possible, the optimal timing for filing or defending, and potential dangers (imprisonment, exile, corporal punishment). The Official Talisman and Hooked Array generals are the primary indicators for legal matters.