The essence generates the functional deity; it requires prosperity and manifestation to give rise to the functional deity. There are five instances where the essence can generate the functional deity: when the essence is prosperous and manifested, or when it is present with the sun or moon, or when it moves with and supports changing lines. Secondly, when the essence moves and transforms, thereby giving birth to the advancing deity. Thirdly, when the essence is in its vital stage and thrives in the day and hour. Fourthly, when the essence moves in conjunction with the adverse deity. Lastly, when the essence is prosperous and moves in alignment with an empty space, transforming the void. It is deemed erroneous to consider alignment with an empty space as futile; indeed, all movements, whether filled or empty, resonate with auspicious energy, rendering them efficacious. Hence, these five instances are potent manifestations of the functional deity, ensuring favorable outcomes in all divinations.
For example: In the month of You (Rooster), on the day of Xin Hai, when seeking wealth, the hexagram transforms from Ze (Marsh) to Lei Shui (Thunder over Water). The father represented by Wei (Ram) is the self-line, and the father represented by Xu (Dog) is the applied-line. The siblings represented by You (Rooster) move, and the siblings represented by Shen (Monkey) correspond. The offspring represented by Hai (Pig) is the self-line, and the official or adversary represented by Wu (Horse) is the moving-line. The father represented by Chou (Ox) corresponds, and the official or adversary represented by Wu (Horse) corresponds. The spouse represented by Mao (Rabbit) is the moving-line, and the father represented by Chen (Dragon) is the self-line. The official or adversary represented by Si (Snake) moves, and the spouse represented by Yin (Tiger) corresponds. The divination concludes: Wealth is acquired when Yin (Tiger) is visible on the day, akin to the mind. Others question: How can the spouse represented by Mao (Rabbit) be considered prosperous when the wealth line is vacant and the month is broken, further hindered by metal’s restraint? Although the initial line of fire, represented by Si (Snake), supports the self-line, Hai (Pig), the void caused by the clash with the day and the transformation of the decade brings uncertainty. I reply: The signs of the deity manifest through movement; I have never mentioned dissolution. It is precisely because of the transformation of fire into emptiness that the current situation appears obscured. Yet, when Jia Yin (Wood Rabbit) emerges from the void, they will converge. The wealth represented by Yin (Tiger) gives rise to the official, fostering prosperity, as the official supports the self-line, eventually encountering wealth on the day of Jia Yin (Wood Rabbit). On the auspicious day of the Wood Rabbit, illness found solace in the amplifying winds, greatly surpassing the influence of fiery agitation. The Cauldron hexagram, emblematic of transformation, manifested.
The wife’s wealth in the Earth of Virgo, in motion, while the offspring’s Fire of Snake remained steadfast.
Authorities and adversaries in the Metal of Rooster, in motion, while the wife’s wealth in the Earth of Virgo held sway as expected.
The parents in the Water of Pig, taking the forefront, with authorities and adversaries in the Metal of Rooster.
Authorities and adversaries in the Metal of Rooster repeated twice, while the parents in the Water of Pig took the lead.
The wife’s wealth in the Earth of Ox, prevailing, with the wife’s wealth in the Earth of Ox receiving due attention.
The ailing self, governed by the Water of Pig, acted as the pivotal deity, countered by the unfavorable influence of the Wood of Virgo in motion, restraining the water element. Yet, the fortuitous Metal of Rooster, as the primordial deity, was also in motion, mitigating the adverse effects of the Wood of Virgo, thereby nurturing the Water of Pig. This reciprocal nourishment transformed calamity into fortune. However, if the Water of Pig were to be overwhelmed by the Metal of Rooster, akin to a tree without roots or a barren valley devoid of spring, the outcome would remain bleak. Ultimately, succumbing to the day of Water Rabbit, symbolically clashing with the primordial deity, signified the precariousness of a deity lacking roots, unable to harness the power of the primordial deity.
