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(Su Wen · Yi Pian Ben Bing Lun)

The Yellow Emperor asked: Regarding the "Nine Obstructions of Tian Yuan," I already understand them. I wish to hear about Qi intersection (Qi Jiao, the interaction between Heaven and Earth Qi). What is meant by "loss of adherence" (Shi Shou)?

Qibo replied: It refers to the ascending and descending, moving into position (Qian Zheng, taking over the main role), and retiring from position (Tui Wei, yielding the main role) of the Six Qi. Each has its specific principles. If the upper and lower Qi do not advance as scheduled, it is called loss of adherence. (This chapter continues from the previous one, detailing the obstruction of the ascending and descending of the left and right interstitial Qi. The *Tian Yuan Yu Ce* states: Of the Six Qi, three are usually in Heaven and three on Earth. For each Qi, one ascends to Heaven to become the left interstitial Qi, one descends to Earth to become the left interstitial Qi, one moves into position to become the Si Tian (Chief of Heaven), one moves into position to become the Zai Quan (Chief of Earth), one retires from position to become the Right Interstitial Qi of Heaven, and one retires from position to become the Right Interstitial Qi of Earth. When Qi intersects and combines, occupying their proper positions, when the time comes, Heaven and Earth Qi intersect, leading to smooth transformation; if Heaven and Earth do not intersect, diseases arise.) Therefore, when the positions of Qi intersection are exchanged or misplaced, Qi intersection changes. This change deviates from the norm, causing the four seasons to lose order, the hundred transformations to become unstable, and thus inducing diseases among the people. (When what should be normal does not occur, and when migration should happen but does not, Qi intersection undergoes variation. If Heaven and Earth lose their regular governance, the myriad people will suffer illness.)

The Yellow Emperor said: I wish to hear the reasons for the failure to ascend and descend. How can we clearly identify the variations in Qi intersection?

Qibo said: Your question is profound! You have understood the Dao. Variations in Qi intersection are referred to as the mechanisms of Heaven and Earth. (Variations in Qi intersection are omens of auspiciousness or inauspiciousness, hence called the mechanisms of Heaven and Earth.) If a Qi wishes to descend but cannot, it is because the Earth obstructs and penalizes it. (Earthly stars' excessive influence prevents descent; see below for details.) Furthermore, if the Five Yun (Five Movements) are excessive and arrive before their time, intersection will fail to proceed. (In years of Yang Yun with excess, the excessive movement can also suppress the ascending and descending Qi.) If a Qi wishes to ascend but cannot, it is suppressed by the Central Yun (Zhong Yun); if it wishes to descend but cannot, it is also suppressed by the Central Yun. (In Jia years, Earth Yun is excessive and can suppress Water's ascent and descent. In Bing years, Water Yun is excessive and can suppress the Two Fires' ascent and descent. In Wu years, Fire Yun is excessive and can suppress Metal's ascent and descent. In Geng years, Metal Yun is excessive and can suppress Wood's ascent and descent. In Ren years, Wood Yun is excessive and can suppress Earth's ascent and descent.) Thus, there are cases where ascent fails, descent fails, descent fails while ascent reaches Heaven, and both ascent and descent fail. Distinguishing these situations constitutes the variation of Qi intersection. The forms of variation differ, each being unique, and disasters vary in severity. (There are obstructions by Heavenly stars above, obstructions by Earthly Qi below, and suppression by Central Yun in the middle. These three distinctions cause different variations in Qi intersection, resulting in varying degrees of disaster.)

The Yellow Emperor said: I wish to hear the causes of encounters, meetings, overcoming, and suppression in Qi intersection, and how severe the resulting diseases among the people are.

Qibo said: When victorious and subordinate Qi meet, suppression occurs, which is the cause. (Six Qi encounter and meet; there is victory and suppression. The suppressed Qi generates variation.)

Therefore, in Chen-Xu years, Wood Qi wishes to ascend [to become the left interstitial Qi of Si Tian], but encounters Tian Zhu (Jupiter/Venus context implies Metal overcoming Wood here, traditionally Tian Zhu is associated with Metal/Jupiter in some contexts or specifically Venus/Metal in this specific textual tradition regarding "Tian Zhu"). Let us follow the text's explanation: Tian Zhu represents Metal overcoming Wood. Wood Qi is overcome and cannot advance. (In Chen-Xu years, Taiyang Cold Water should move into position as Si Tian. Ju Yin Wind Wood, as the right interstitial Qi of the previous year's Zai Quan, should ascend to become the left interstitial Qi of this year's Si Tian. Thus, it fears Tian Zhu, as Metal star overcomes it.) Additionally, if Geng Xu Metal Yun arrives early (Xian Tian), the Central Yun overcomes it, and suddenly Wood Yun fails to ascend, with Metal suppressing Wood. (Geng represents Yang Metal with excess; its Qi arrives before its time. Encountering this in the annual Yun, it again overcomes Wood. Geng Xu and Geng Chen are the same.) When ascent fails, clear Qi arises while wind is scarce; desiccating energy acts in spring; dew and frost fall again, causing grass and trees to wither. People suffer from early-onset warm epidemics, dry throat and pharynx, fullness in the four limbs, and pain in all joints. (Clear Qi arising with little wind indicates Metal overcoming Wood and Wood declining. Metal's desiccating energy acts in spring; Yin excess suppresses Yang, so people suffer from warm epidemics and joint pain.) If depression lasts long and erupts, great winds destroy and break branches, with falling sounds chaotic; people suffer from apoplexy and hemiplegia, with numbness in hands and feet. (Wood depression, once prolonged, must eventually erupt, causing great winds and destruction, and people suffer from stroke-like conditions.)

Therefore, in Si-Hai years, Jun Huo (Ministerial Fire/Emperor Fire) wishes to ascend to Heaven, but is blocked by Tian Peng (Water Star), overcome and unable to advance. (In Si-Hai years, Ju Yin should move into position as Si Tian. Shao Yin Jun Huo, as the right interstitial Qi of the previous year's Zai Quan, should ascend to become the left interstitial Qi of this year's Si Tian. Thus, it fears Tian Peng, as Water star overcomes it.) Also, if Ju Yin has not yet moved into position, then Shao Yin cannot ascend to Heaven. (Si-Hai are Yin years, where Qi is often insufficient. Thus, if the Si Tian Ju Yin does not move into position, the left interstitial Shao Yin also cannot take its place; this is not the case for Yang years. The following examples follow this pattern.) If Water Yun arrives in the middle, Jun Huo desires to ascend but is suppressed by the Central Water Yun. (In Xin Si and Xin Hai years, Water Yun is insufficient, yet it can still restrain and suppress Jun Huo. Because Si-Hai are Yin years, Qi is inherently insufficient, so weakness can control weakness. Whether blocked by Tian Peng or suppressed by Water Yun, either condition allows Water to overcome Fire and prevent ascent. The following examples follow this pattern.) When ascent fails, clear cold returns, and cold arises morning and night. People suffer from latent Yang, internal irritability and heat, heart-spirit palpitations and fright, and alternating cold and heat. (Tian Peng Water overcomes, Fire ascent fails, so climate is clear and cold. People's disease involves heat stagnation not dispersing.) If depression lasts long, sudden heat arrives; red wind brings swelling and cataracts, transforming into epidemics; warm plagues and warmth arise; red miasma transforms into fire epidemics, all presenting with irritability, restlessness, and thirst. Severe thirst can be stopped by draining methods. (Fire depression eruption causes sudden heat, and people suffer from epidemic fevers, warm miasmas, etc. Draining the fire-heat stops the disease.)

Therefore, in Zi-Wu years, Tai Yin Shi Tu (Taiyin Damp Earth) wishes to ascend to Heaven, but is blocked by Tian Chong (Jupiter/Wood context implies Wood overcoming Earth), overcome and unable to advance. (In Zi-Wu years, Shao Yin should move into position as Si Tian. Tai Yin Damp Earth, as the right interstitial Qi of the previous year's Zai Quan, should ascend to become the left interstitial Qi of this year's Shao Yin. Thus, it fears Tian Chong, as Wood star overcomes it.) Or if Ren Zi Wood Yun arrives early, the Central Wood Yun suppresses it. (Ren represents Yang Wood with excess; its Qi arrives before its time. Encountering this in the annual Yun, it overcomes Earth. Ren Zi and Ren Wu are the same.) When ascent to Heaven fails, wind and dust rise everywhere, frequent dust storms occur, and rain/dampness fails to transform. People suffer from wind-jue with salivary flooding, hemiplegia and inability to move, and abdominal fullness. (Earth depression failing to ascend is due to Wood overcoming. In Heaven, wind rises and rain/dampness fails to transform; in people, Liver becomes strong and Spleen suffers.) If depression lingers and festers, yellow dust transforms into epidemics; people suffer premature death, yellowing of face and limbs, gallbladder fullness and closure; damp commands fail to spread, and rain-transformations become weak. (Earth governs Spleen and Stomach; Stomach Qi is suppressed, leading to premature death. The face is the channel of Yangming; limbs are governed by Spleen; fu organs refer to Large and Small Intestines, belonging to Stomach, hence jaundice, fullness, and closure. Dampness failing to spread is the transformation of Earth depression.)

Therefore, in Chou-Wei years, Shao Yang Xiang Huo (Ministerial Fire) wishes to ascend to Heaven, but is blocked by Tian Peng (Water Star), overcome and unable to advance. (In Chou-Wei years, Tai Yin should move into position as Si Tian. Shao Yang Xiang Huo, as the right interstitial Qi of the previous year's Zai Quan, should ascend to become the left interstitial Qi of this year's Tai Yin. Thus, it fears Tian Peng, as Water overcomes it.) Or if Tai Yin has not yet moved into position, then Shao Yang cannot ascend to Heaven. (Chou-Wei are Yin years of insufficiency. Thus, if Tai Yin Si Tian has not moved into position, the left interstitial Shao Yang also cannot take its place.) If Water Yun arrives, ascent to Heaven fails. Clear cold returns, mist spreads, biting cold like winter; water dries up, ice forms again; warmth suddenly appears, then cold spreads again; cold and warmth are irregular. People suffer from latent Yang inside, irritability and heat generated within, heart-spirit fright and horror, and alternating cold and heat struggles. (Xin Chou and Xin Wei are Water Yun years. Encountering Tian Peng, Ministerial Fire is suppressed, ascent fails. Its qi causes illness more severely than the Si-Hai year's Emperor Fire non-ascent.) If depression lasts long, sudden heat arises; red wind causes pupil cataracts, transforming into depressed plagues, then into latent heat causing internal irritability, bi syndrome with jue, and even blood hemorrhage. (This is Ministerial Fire depression erupting into disease, largely similar to the previous Emperor Fire depression.)

Therefore, in Yin-Shen years, Yang Ming Zao Jin (Yangming Dry Metal) wishes to ascend to Heaven, but is blocked by Tian Ying (Fire Star), overcome and unable to advance. (In Yin-Shen years, Shao Yang should move into position as Si Tian. Yang Ming Dry Metal, as the right interstitial Qi of the previous year's Zai Quan, should ascend to become the left interstitial Qi of this year's Si Tian. Thus, it fears Tian Ying, as Fire overcomes it.) Or if Wu Shen and Wu Yin Fire Yun arrive early, Metal desires to ascend but is suppressed by Fire Yun. (Wu represents Yang Fire with excess; its Qi arrives before its time. Encountering this in the annual Yun, it also suppresses Yangming.) When ascent fails, timely rain does not fall, west winds blow frequently, saline dryness arises. People suffer from upper heat, wheezing cough, and blood hemorrhage. (Dry Metal Qi depresses on Earth, so timely rain does not fall, saline/white signs appear, and dryness arises. Fire overcomes above, so Lung Metal is injured, causing wheezing, cough, and blood hemorrhage.) If depression lasts long and erupts, white dust obscures fog, clear Qi generates killing energy. People suffer from hypochondriac fullness and sorrow, cold nasal congestion, sneezing, dry throat, and cracked, dry skin on hands. (Metal depression eruption, desiccating killing energy acts. People suffer from hypochondriac fullness and sorrow, Metal evil attacking Liver. Metal Qi is cold, contracting, and dry, hence cold nasal congestion, sneezing, and dry throat.)

Therefore, in Mao-You years, Tai Yang Han Shui (Taiyang Cold Water) wishes to ascend to Heaven, but is blocked by Tian Rui (Earth Star), overcome and unable to advance. (In Mao-You years, Yang Ming should move into position as Si Tian. Tai Yang Cold Water, as the right interstitial Qi of the previous year's Zai Quan, should ascend to become the left interstitial Qi of this year's Si Tian. Thus, it fears Tian Rui, as Earth overcomes it.) Or if Yang Ming has not yet moved into position, then Tai Yang cannot ascend to Heaven. (Mao-You are Yin years with Qi insufficiency. Thus, if Si Tian Yang Ming has not moved into position, the left interstitial Tai Yang also cannot take its place.) If Earth Yun arrives, Water desires to ascend but is suppressed by Earth Yun. (Ji Mao and Ji You are Earth Yun years, which can also suppress Taiyang.) When ascent fails, dampness steams with heat, cold arises in the intervals. People suffer from diarrhea, food undigested. (Dampness overcomes above, cold depresses below, so the climate causes such illnesses.) If depression lasts long, cold comes to occupy heat, hailstones arrive suddenly. People suffer from jue逆 (rebellious cold/limb cold) and hiccups, heat generated internally, Qi bi (obstruction) externally, painful calves and shins, palpitations, internal restlessness and heat, sudden irritability followed by jue. (Water depression eruption, Cold Qi acts. People suffer from cold binding outside, heat generating inside, causing Qi bi, jue, etc.)

The Yellow Emperor said: I have fully understood the principle of ascent failure. I wish to hear about descent failure. Can you clarify it?

Qibo said: Your question is thorough! This is called the subtle purport of Heaven and Earth. We can fully expound this Dao: what ascends must eventually descend. (Of the Six Qi movements, those on the right ascend, and those on the left descend.) After spending three years in Heaven, the next year it must descend. Descending and entering Earth, it becomes the left interstitial Qi. (Each Qi spends three years in Heaven: one year as left interstitial, one year as Si Tian, one year as right interstitial. After three years cycle complete, in the next year it descends and enters Earth to become the left interstitial of Zai Quan, cycling three years before ascending to Heaven again.) Such ascending and descending cycles are called the Six Periods (Liu Ji). (These are the periods of the Six Qi.)

Therefore, in Chou-Wei years, Ju Yin Feng Mu (Ju Yin Wind Wood) wishes to descend to Earth, but is blocked by Di Jing (Metal Star), overcome and unable to advance. (In Chou-Wei years, Taiyang should move into position as Zai Quan. Ju Yin Wind Wood, as the right interstitial Qi of the previous year's Si Tian, should descend to become the left interstitial Qi of this year's Zai Quan. Thus, it fears Di Jing, as Metal Qi obstructs it.) Or if Shao Yin has not yet retired from position, then Ju Yin cannot descend. (If the previous year Zi-Wu had excess Qi, and Si Tian Shao Yin did not retire, then the right interstitial Ju Yin also cannot descend.) If Metal Yun arrives in the middle, Metal Yun succeeds it, descent fails, suppression leads to depression. (These are Yi Chou and Yi Wei years, which can also suppress Ju Yin, causing depression and disease.) Wood desires to descend, Metal succeeds and suppresses, descent fails. Pale dust is seen afar, White Qi follows. Wind raises dust haze, clear dryness acts with killing energy, frost and dew fall again, desiccating commands spread. (Wood depression, Metal overcomes, so pale dust appears and killing commands spread.) If descent fails for long, suppression transforms into depression. Wind and dryness lie hidden together; warmth turns to cold. Grass and trees sprout, but killing frost falls. Hibernating insects are not seen. Fear that clear cold injures the Zang organs. (Clear cold overcomes Wood, so grass/trees sprout, frost kills them, hibernating insects hide. In people, fear that Clear Qi injures the Liver. Old texts lack "lower insects," likely a missing slip; now added.)

Therefore, in Yin-Shen years, Shao Yin Jun Huo (Shao Yin Emperor Fire) wishes to descend to Earth, but is blocked by Di Xuan (Wood/Water context implies Wood overcoming Fire here, text says "Mu Sheng Zhi" - Wood overcomes), overcome and unable to enter. (In Yin-Shen years, Ju Yin should move into position as Zai Quan. Shao Yin Jun Huo, as the right interstitial Qi of the previous year's Si Tian, should descend to become the left interstitial Qi of this year's Ju Yin. Thus, it fears Di Xuan, as Wood overcomes it.) Or if Bing Shen and Bing Yin Water Yun is excessive and arrives early. (Bing represents Yang Water; its Qi arrives before its time, also suppressing Jun Huo, preventing descent.) Jun Huo desires to descend, Water Yun succeeds and suppresses, descent fails. Red clouds appear briefly, Black Qi generates instead. Warmth feels comfortable, but cold often spreads snow, biting cold returns, sky clouds look grim. (All are transformations of Cold Water overcoming Fire. Tong means red.) If descent fails for long, suppression transforms into depression. Cold overcomes then heat returns; red wind transforms into epidemics. People suffer from red face, irritability, headache, and dizziness. Red Qi manifests, and warm diseases are about to arise. (Heat depresses above, fails to descend for long, so people often suffer warm diseases.)

Therefore, in Mao-You years, Tai Yin Shi Tu (Taiyin Damp Earth) wishes to descend to Earth, but is blocked by Di Cang (Wood Star), overcome and unable to enter. (In Mao-You years, Shao Yin should move into position as Zai Quan. Tai Yin Damp Earth, as the right interstitial Qi of the previous year's Si Tian, should descend to become the left interstitial Qi of this year's Shao Yin. Thus, it fears Di Cang, as Wood overcomes it.) Or if Shao Yang has not yet retired from position, then Tai Yin cannot descend. (If the previous year Yin-Shen had excess Qi, and Si Tian Shao Yang did not retire, then the right interstitial Tai Yin also cannot descend.) Or if Wood Yun arrives. (Ding Mao and Ding You years.) Wood Yun succeeds and suppresses, descent fails. Yellow clouds appear, green rosy clouds manifest. Depressive steaming causes great winds, fog, haze, and dust prevail, damage occurs. (All are transformations of Wind Wood overcoming Earth.) If descent fails for long, suppression transforms into depression. Sky dusts with yellow Qi, Earth spreads damp steaming. People suffer from inability to move limbs, dizziness, joint pain, abdominal fullness filling the chest. (Earth Qi depressed long without descending, so Sky is yellow Qi, Earth is damp steaming. Human disease is in Spleen/Stomach, hence inability to move limbs, fullness filling chest.)

Therefore, in Chen-Xu years, Shao Yang Xiang Huo (Ministerial Fire) wishes to descend to Earth, but is blocked by Di Xuan (Water Star), overcome and unable to enter. (In Chen-Xu years, Tai Yin should move into position as Zai Quan. Shao Yang Xiang Huo, as the right interstitial Qi of the previous year's Si Tian, should descend to become the left interstitial Qi of this year's Zai Quan. Thus, it fears Di Xuan, as Water overcomes it.) Or if Water Yun is excessive and arrives early. (Bing Chen and Bing Xu years.) Water Yun succeeds and suppresses, descent fails. Red clouds appear briefly, Black Qi generates instead. Warmth wants to arise, cold qi arrives suddenly, sometimes hailstones. (All are transformations of Cold Water overcoming Fire. Same meaning as Shao Yin non-descent in Yin-Shen years above.) If descent fails for long, suppression transforms into depression. Cold qi returns to heat, red wind transforms into epidemics. People suffer from red face, irritability, headache, dizziness. Red Qi manifests, and heat diseases are about to arise. (Ministerial Fire depression disease is same as Shao Yin non-descent above.)

Therefore, in Si-Hai years, Yang Ming Zao Jin (Yangming Dry Metal) wishes to descend to Earth, but is blocked by Di Tong (Fire Star), overcome and unable to enter. (In Si-Hai years, Shao Yang should move into position as Zai Quan. Yang Ming Dry Metal, as the right interstitial Qi of the previous year's Si Tian, should descend to become the left interstitial Qi of this year's Zai Quan. Thus, it fears Di Tong, as Fire overcomes it.) Or if Tai Yang has not yet retired from position, then Yang Ming cannot descend. (If the previous year Chen-Xu had excess Qi, and Si Tian Tai Yang did not retire, then the right interstitial Yang Ming also cannot descend.) Or if Fire Yun arrives. (Gui Si and Gui Hai years.) Fire Yun succeeds and suppresses, descent fails. Sky is clear and austere, Red Qi manifests. Warmth and heat act inversely. People are all lethargic, sleep poorly at night, throat dry, desire drinking, internal restlessness and heat. Early morning to dusk, warmth returns. (Metal desires to descend, Fire succeeds it, so clear/austere acts but heat reverses. Heat injures Lung Qi, so people suffer lethargy, dry throat, etc.) If descent fails for long, suppression transforms into depression. Sky is clear with thin cold, distant White Qi arises. People suffer from tremors and dizziness, stiff and numb hands/feet, bilateral hypochondriac pain, blurred vision. (Metal Qi depressed above for long, so clear/cold arises and White Qi starts. In people, Liver Wood is affected, hence tremors, dizziness, hypochondriac pain, eye issues.)

Therefore, in Zi-Wu years, Tai Yang Han Shui (Taiyang Cold Water) wishes to descend to Earth, but is blocked by Di Fu (Earth Star), overcome, descent fails to enter. (In Zi-Wu years, Yang Ming should move into position as Zai Quan. Tai Yang Cold Water, as the right interstitial Qi of the previous year's Si Tian, should descend to become the left interstitial Qi of this year's Zai Quan. Thus, it fears Di Fu, as Earth overcomes it.) Or if Earth Yun is excessive and arrives early. (Jia Zi and Jia Wu years, years of Yang Earth excess.) Earth Yun succeeds and suppresses, descent fails to enter. Sky shows Black Qi, darkness and gloom just begin, Yellow Dust spreads dampness, Cold Transformation command Qi, steaming dampness returns. (Water is overcome by Earth, so Black Qi begins, Yellow Dust spreads, Cold Transformation wants to act but steaming dampness returns.) If descent fails for long, suppression transforms into depression. People suffer from major jue (fainting/cold extremities), heavy and lazy limbs, impotence and lack of strength. Sky spreads heavy Yin, steaming dampness alternates. (Cold depresses above and is controlled by Damp, so Spleen/Kidney are affected. Hence people suffer cold jue, heavy limbs, impotence, and heavy Yin/steaming dampness alternate.)