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7. In the Zi and Wu years, Shaoyin Junhuo (Ministerial Fire ruling Heaven) governs the upper position (Si Tian), while Yangming Zaojin (Dry Metal ruling Earth) governs the lower position (Zai Quan). In the Chou and Wei years, Taiyin Shitu (Damp Earth) and Taiyang Hanshui (Cold Water) alternate in charge; in the Yin and Shen years, Shaoyang Xianghuo (Ministerial Fire) and Jueyin Fengmu (Wind Wood) are jointly in charge. The situation in Mao and You years is reversed compared to Zi and Wu years, and this pattern also applies to Chen-Xu and Si-Hai years. Each year, the four interstitial Qi positions of Si Tian (Heavenly Ruler) and Zai Quan (Earthly Ruler) respectively dominate the first half and the second half of the year.

[Note] Heavenly Stems initiate Yun (Five Movements), and Earthly Branches initiate Qi (Six Qi). This passage discusses the Yin-Yang of the Earth, including Zhenghua (Direct Transformation) and Duihua (Opposite Transformation), as well as the added Zhuqi (Principal Qi) and Keqi (Adventitious Qi) of the six positions. For instance, in Zi and Wu years, Shaoyin Junhuo presides, occupying the Si Tian position. Yangming Zaojin is below, occupying the Zai Quan position. Qi ascends from below to above; therefore, calculation begins with Yangming below. Yangming belongs to Er Yang (Two Yangs); Er Yang generates San Yang (Three Yangs), and San Yang is Taiyang. Thus, Taiyang Hanshui is the First Adventitious Qi, which corresponds to the Left Interstitial Qi of the Earth. When San Yang reaches its extreme, it generates Yi Yin (One Yin), which is Jueyin. Thus, Jueyin is the Second Adventitious Qi, corresponding to the Right Interstitial Qi of Heaven. Yi Yin generates Er Yin (Two Yins), which is Shaoyin. Thus, Shaoyin is the Third Adventitious Qi, which is the Si Tian Qi. Er Yin generates San Yin (Three Yins), which is Taiyin. Thus, Taiyin is the Fourth Adventitious Qi, corresponding to the Left Interstitial Qi of Heaven. When San Yin reaches its extreme, it generates Yi Yang (One Yang), which is Shaoyang. Thus, Shaoyang is the Fifth Adventitious Qi, corresponding to the Right Interstitial Qi of the Earth. Yi Yang generates Er Yang, which is Yangming. Thus, Yangming is the Sixth Adventitious Qi, which is the Zai Quan Qi. The years of Chou, Wei, Yin, and Shen follow this method of calculation. However, Mao and You years are reversed relative to Zi and Wu years; Chen and Xu years are reversed relative to Chou and Wei years; Si and Hai years are reversed relative to Yin and Shen years. This means: in Mao and You years, Yangming Zaojin rules Si Tian and Shaoyin Junhuo rules Zai Quan; in Chen and Xu years, Taiyang Hanshui rules Si Tian and Taiyin Shitu rules Zai Quan; in Si and Hai years, Jueyin Fengmu rules Si Tian and Shaoyang Xianghuo rules Zai Quan; these are mutual reversals. The Si Tian, Zai Quan, and their four interstitial Qi positions each year represent the Six Qi dividing and dominating the upper and lower halves; the current year's Si Tian dominates the first half, and Zai Quan dominates the second half (Figure 10).