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Huangdi asked: "Regarding the 'Nine Obstructions of Tian Yuan' (Tian Yuan Jiu Zhi, nine types of atmospheric obstruction), I already understand them. I wish to hear about Qi Jiao (the intersection of Heaven and Earth Qi). Under what circumstances is it called 'Shi Shou' (Loss of Position)?" Qibo replied: "It refers to the ascending and descending movements of Qi, as well as the 'Qian Zheng' (Assuming Office) and 'Tui Wei' (Retiring from Office) of the ruling energies. Each has its own canonical principles. If both the upper and lower energies fail to arrive on time, it is named 'Shi Shou' (Loss of Position). Therefore, when the positions in Qi Jiao change, Qi Jiao undergoes transformation. Abnormal transformations lead to disorder in the four seasons, instability in the myriad processes of growth and development, and consequently, diseases among the people."

Huangdi said: "I wish to hear the reasons why the ascending and descending energies fail to arrive on time. Since Qi Jiao has changed, how can one clearly know this?"

Qibo said: "Your question is insightful! It shows you have understood the Dao. Changes in Qi Jiao represent the mechanism of Heaven and Earth. When Qi desires to descend but cannot, it is because of obstructions in the Earth that punish/restrict it. Furthermore, if the Five Yun (Five Phases Movements) are excessive and arrive ahead of schedule, the transition cannot proceed normally. When Qi desires to ascend but cannot, it is suppressed by the Central Yun (Zhong Yun); when it desires to descend but cannot, it is also suppressed by the Central Yun. Thus, there are cases where ascent is blocked and descent does not occur; cases where descent does not occur but ascent reaches the Heaven level; and cases where both ascent and descent are blocked. By distinguishing these situations, we see that changes in Qi Jiao vary greatly, and disasters range from mild to severe."

Huangdi said: "I wish to hear about the causes of mutual victory and suppression in Qi Jiao encounters, and how these transform into diseases among the people, varying in severity." Qibo said: "This is caused by the meeting of victorious energies and their subsequent suppression. For example, in Chen and Xu years, Wood Qi should ascend to become the ruling Heaven energy, but it is obstructed by Tian Zhu (Metal energy), so it advances victoriously but cannot ascend. Additionally, if Geng Xu year occurs with Metal Yun arriving prematurely (excessive), the Central Yun suppresses it, causing sudden stagnation. Wood Yun attempts to ascend to Heaven but is inhibited by Metal, so ascent is blocked. Consequently, clear/cold Qi arises while Wind Qi is scarce; desiccating/autumnal Qi manifests in Spring; dew and frost fall again, causing grass and trees to wither. The people suffer from early-onset warm epidemics, dry throat and pharynx, limb fullness, and joint pain. Over time, this stagnation transforms, leading to violent winds breaking branches, falling debris, and chaotic sounds. The people suffer from stroke and hemiplegia, numbness in hands and feet."

Therefore, in Si and Hai years, Jun Huo (Minister Fire) should ascend to Heaven, but is obstructed by Tian Peng (Water energy), so it advances victoriously but cannot ascend. Additionally, if Jue Yin (Wind Wood) assumes the position of Earth, then Shao Yin (Minister Fire) cannot ascend to Heaven, and Water Yun arrives in the middle. Jun Huo desires to ascend but is suppressed by the central Water Yun, so ascent is blocked. Consequently, clear cold Qi returns, with cold prevailing morning and night. The people harbor latent Yang, experiencing internal irritability and heat, palpitations, and alternating chills and fever. After a long time, this becomes stagnation, leading to sudden heat, red wind, eye nebulae, and the formation of epidemics. Warm plagues arise, red Qi manifests transforming into Fire Epidemics, characterized by irritability, restlessness, and thirst. Severe thirst can be stopped by draining methods.

Therefore, in Zi and Wu years, Tai Yin (Damp Earth) should ascend to Heaven, but is obstructed by Tian Chong (Wood energy), so it advances victoriously but cannot ascend. Additionally, if Ren Zi year occurs with Wood Yun arriving prematurely, the central Wood Yun suppresses it. Ascent is blocked, leading to wind and dust rising, frequent haziness, and failure of rain and dampness to transform. The people suffer from wind jue with salivary flooding, hemiplegia, and abdominal fullness. Over time, latent stagnation transforms into yellow haze epidemics. The people die prematurely, suffering from facial and limb yellowing, jaundice, abdominal fullness and closure. Damp commands do not spread, and rain transformation becomes weak.

Therefore, in Chou and Wei years, Shao Yang (Minister Fire) should ascend to Heaven, but is obstructed by Tian Peng (Water energy), so it advances victoriously but cannot ascend. Additionally, if Tai Yin has not yet assumed the position of Earth, then Shao Yang cannot ascend to Heaven, and Water Yun arrives. Ascent is blocked, so cold Qi spreads instead, biting like winter. Water dries up, ice forms again, warmth appears suddenly then cold returns, with irregular cold and warmth. The people harbor latent Yang internally, experiencing internal irritability and heat, mental fright, and alternating chills and fever. Long-term stagnation leads to sudden heat, red wind, eye nebulae, and the formation of Yu Plague. This transforms into latent heat causing internal irritability, bi syndrome leading to jue, and in severe cases, blood extravasation.

Therefore, in Yin and Shen years, Yang Ming (Dry Metal) should ascend to Heaven, but is obstructed by Tian Ying (Fire energy), so it advances victoriously but cannot ascend. Additionally, if Wu Shen or Wu Yin years occur with Fire Yun arriving prematurely, Metal desires to ascend but is suppressed by Fire Yun, so ascent is blocked. Rain fails to descend, west winds blow frequently, and saline dryness arises. The people suffer from upper body heat, coughing, wheezing, and blood extravasation. Over time, this transforms into white haze obscuring vision, clear Qi generating killing energy. The people suffer from rib fullness and sorrow, nasal congestion, sneezing, dry throat, and cracked, dry skin on hands.

Therefore, in Mao and You years, Tai Yang (Cold Water) should ascend to Heaven, but is obstructed by Tian Rui (Earth energy), so it advances victoriously but cannot ascend. Additionally, if Yang Ming has not yet assumed the position of Earth, then Tai Yang cannot ascend to Heaven, and Earth Yun arrives. Water desires to ascend but is suppressed by Earth Yun, so ascent is blocked. Consequently, dampness and heat steam together, with cold arising between them. The people suffer from diarrhea and undigested food. Over time, this becomes stagnation. Cold comes to invade heat, hailstones arrive suddenly. The people suffer from jue and hiccups, heat generated internally, qi bi externally, leg and shin pain, palpitations, internal heat, sudden irritability followed by jue.

Huangdi said: "I fully understand the principle of ascent being blocked. I wish to hear about descent failing to reach the bottom; can this be clarified?" Qibo said: "You ask in detail! This is called the subtle purpose of Heaven and Earth. It can be fully explained by this Dao: after ascending, one must descend. Reaching Heaven for three years, the next year must descend. Descending and entering the Earth, it becomes the Left Jian (intermediate) Qi. Such ascending and descending cycles are called the Six Ji (Six Periods). Therefore, in Chou and Wei years, Jue Yin (Wind Wood) should descend into the Earth, but is obstructed by Di Cang, so it advances victoriously but cannot descend. Additionally, if Shao Yin has not retired from its position, then Jue Yin cannot descend, and Metal Yun arrives in the middle. Metal Yun receives/controls it, so descent does not occur. Suppression transforms into stagnation. Wood desires to descend, but Metal controls it, so it descends but does not enter. Distantly, greenish haze is seen, white Qi follows. Wind raises dust, clear/dry Qi exercises killing, frost and dew fall again, desiccating commands spread. Over time, failure to descend and suppression transforms into stagnation, creating wind and dryness lying dormant. Warmth turns to cold. Grass and trees sprout, frost falls, hibernating insects are not seen. Fear of cold damaging the zang organs."

Therefore, in Yin and Shen years, Shao Yin (Minister Fire) should descend into the Earth, but is obstructed by Di Xuan, so it does not enter victoriously. Additionally, if Bing Shen or Bing Yin years occur with Water Yun being excessive and arriving prematurely, Jun Huo desires to descend, but Water Yun receives/controls it, so it descends but does not enter. Red clouds appear briefly, black Qi arises instead. Warmth seems to relax, but cold often brings snow, biting cold returns, sky clouds are bleak. Over time, failure to descend and latent storage transforms into stagnation. Cold victory is followed by heat, red wind creates epidemics. The people suffer from red face, heart irritability, headache, and dizziness. Red Qi manifests, and warm diseases are about to arise.

Therefore, in Mao and You years, Tai Yin (Damp Earth) should descend into the Earth, but is obstructed by Di Cang, so it does not enter victoriously. Additionally, if Shao Yang has not retired from its position, then Tai Yin cannot descend, or Wood Yun arrives. Wood Yun receives/controls it, so it descends but does not enter. Yellow clouds appear, blue mist shines. Stagnant steaming causes great wind, fog, nebulae, and dust prevail, leading to damage and loss. Over time, failure to descend and latent storage transforms into stagnation. Sky haze is yellow, Earth spreads damp steaming. The people suffer from inability to move limbs, dizziness, joint pain, abdominal fullness filling the chest.

Therefore, in Chen and Xu years, Shao Yang (Minister Fire) should descend into the Earth, but is obstructed by Di Xuan, so it does not enter victoriously. Additionally, if Water Yun is excessive and arrives prematurely, Water Yun receives/controls it, so water does not descend. Red clouds appear briefly, black Qi arises instead. Warmth is about to arise, but cold qi arrives suddenly, even causing hail. Over time, failure to descend and latent storage transforms into stagnation. Cold qi turns to heat, red wind creates epidemics. The people suffer from red face, heart irritability, headache, and dizziness. Red Qi manifests, and heat diseases are about to arise.

Therefore, in Si and Hai years, Yang Ming (Dry Metal) should descend into the Earth, but is obstructed by Di Tong, so it does not enter victoriously. Additionally, if Tai Yin has not retired from its position, then Shao Yang cannot descend, and Fire Yun arrives. Fire Yun receives/controls it, so it descends but does not enter. The sky is clear and austere, red Qi manifests. Warmth and heat arise instead. The people are lethargic, sleep poorly at night, have dry throats and desire to drink, internal heat and irritability. Morning and evening the sky is clear, warmth returns. Over time, failure to descend and latent storage transforms into stagnation. Sky is clear with thin cold, distant white Qi arises. The people suffer from tremors and dizziness, stiff and insensate hands and feet, bilateral rib pain, and blurred vision.

Therefore, in Zi and Wu years, Tai Yang (Cold Water) should descend into the Earth, but is overcome by Di Fu, so it descends but does not enter. Additionally, if Earth Yun is excessive and arrives prematurely, Earth Yun receives/controls it, so it descends but does not enter. The sky displays black Qi, dark and bleak. Just as yellow haze is applied and dampness spreads, cold transformation commands, and steaming dampness repeats. Over time, failure to descend and latent storage transforms into stagnation. The people suffer from major jue, heavy and lazy limbs, impotence and lack of strength. Sky spreads deep yin, steaming dampness occurs intermittently.

Huangdi said: "I understand the root of ascent and descent being blocked. I wish to hear about 'Qian Zheng' (Assuming Office); can this be clarified?" Qibo said: "The official occupying the central position is called Qian Zheng. If the Si Tian (Heaven Ruler) cannot assume office, it is because the previous Si Tian has passed the exchange day. If the previous Si Tian had excess days due to excessiveness, it continues to govern according to the old heavenly numbers, and the new Si Tian cannot assume office. If Jue Yin does not assume office, wind and warmth are irregular, flowers and plants wither. The people suffer from strangury, twisting of the eye tendons, convulsions, irritability, and red urine. Wind wants to command, but cold does not depart; warmth is incorrect, losing the Spring timing. If Shao Yin does not assume office, cold air does not retreat, spring cold follows with cold, warmth is irregular. The people suffer from chills and fever, limb pain, and stiff waist/spine. Although Wood Qi remains, its position does not exceed Jun Huo. If Tai Yin does not assume office, clouds and rain lose their command, myriad things wither, those that should grow do not. The people suffer from swelling of limbs and joints, large abdominal edema, chest fullness, anorexia, loose stools with undigested food, rib fullness, and inability to move limbs. Rain command wants to act, but heat still governs, warming the qi, becoming hyperactive without moisture. If Shao Yang does not assume office, scorching heat does not command, seedlings and weeds do not flourish. Severe heat persists into Autumn, desiccating/autumnal Qi arrives late, frost and dew are irregular. The people suffer from malaria and bone heat, palpitations, fright, and in severe cases, blood extravasation. If Yang Ming does not assume office, summer heat transforms first, desiccating Qi later, grass and trees flourish inversely. The people suffer from chills, fever, nasal congestion, sneezing, brittle skin and hair, withered nails, and in severe cases, wheezing, high-pitched breathing, sadness, and unhappiness. Heat transformation spreads, but dryness command has not acted, so clear and strong Qi does not move, and Lung Metal suffers disease. If Tai Yang does not assume office, winter clarity turns to cold, changing commands in Spring. Killing frost comes before, solid ice after, sunlight governs again, biting cold does not arise, clouds wait for time. The people suffer from warm plagues, throat closure, overflow and dryness, irritability, thirst, and wheezing with sound. Cold transformation waits for dryness, still governing Heaven Qi. Loss of order brings disaster to the people."

Huangdi said: "The early and late timing of assuming office defines its principle. I wish to hear about 'Tui Wei' (Retiring from Office); can this be clarified?" Qibo said: "What is called 'not retiring' is when the heavenly number is not finished, meaning there is excess heavenly number. This is called 'Fu Bu Zheng' (Repeating Administration), hence 'Zai Zhi Tian' (Ruling Heaven Again), meaning the heavenly command remains as before and does not retire. If Jue Yin does not retire, great wind rises early, timely rain does not fall, damp command does not transform. The people suffer from warm epidemics, paralysis-causing wind generation, joint pain, head and eye pain, latent internal heat and irritability, and dry throat with desire to drink. If Shao Yin does not retire, warmth arises in Spring and Winter, hibernating insects arrive early, grass and trees sprout. The people suffer from diaphragmatic heat, dry throat, blood extravasation, fright, red and scanty urination, dan liu (red swellings), sores, ulcers, and retained toxins. If Tai Yin does not retire, cold and heat are irregular, haze and darkness spread, damp command does not depart. The people suffer from weak limbs, inability to eat or drink, diarrhea, strangury, fullness, cold legs and shins, impotence, closure, urinary incontinence, and frequent urination. If Shao Yang does not retire, heat arises in Spring, summer heat transforms later, winter is warm and not frozen, flowing water does not ice, hibernating insects appear. The people suffer from shortness of qi, alternating chills and fever, hematochezia, upper body heat, hard and full lower abdomen, red and abundant urination, and in severe cases, blood extravasation. If Yang Ming does not retire, spring generation is cold and clear, grass and trees flourish late, chills and fever alternate. The people suffer from vomiting and sudden diarrhea, inability to eat or drink, dry stool, inability to move limbs, closed eyes, tremors, and dizziness."

Huangdi said: "I know the early and late timing of Heaven Years. I wish to hear about Earth Numbers; can this be heard?" Qibo said: "The methods of Earth's Qian Zheng, ascending to Heaven, and retiring or failing to advance refer to the production and transformation of Earth's produce, and the loss of seasonal timing in myriad things."

Huangdi said: "I have heard of the two Jiazi cycles of Heaven and Earth, the Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches. They weave through Heaven and Earth above and below. Numbers shift, and positions are lost. Can this be clarified?" Qibo said: "Losing shifted positions means that although one obtains the correct year stem, one does not obtain the correct position ruler. Thus, the four seasons are irregular, and great epidemics arise. Note from *Xuan Zhu Mi Yu*: In Yang years, thirty years minus six years of Heavenly Punishment equals twenty-four years of Excess. Except for these six years, all are treated as Excess. However, the current teaching states that shifted branches and positions can all be treated as Deficiency.

For example, in Jia Zi, a Yang year, if Earth Yun is too obstructed, such as when Gui Hai year had excess days: although the year transitions to Jia Zi, Jue Yin still governs Heaven. Earth has assumed office, with Yang Ming in Quan (Earth). Last year's Shao Yang serves as the Right Jian. Thus, Jue Yin's Earth and Yang Ming do not harmonize. Gui and Si meet, Earth Yun is excessive, but deficiency is actually controlled by Wood victory, so it is not truly excessive. Why speak of Earth Yun excess? Moreover, Huang Zhong tube does not respond to excessive obstruction. Once Wood wins, Metal returns to revenge. Once Metal revenges, Shao Yin arrives. If Wood victory is like fire and Metal revenge is weak, then Jia and Ji lose their guard. Three years later, Earth Epidemic forms. Late arrival in Ding Mao, early arrival in Bing Yin. The severity and nature of Earth Epidemic are deduced from Heaven and Earth, detailed in Tai Yi. Also, in Jia Zi year, when Jia meets Zi, it should exchange offices to govern Heaven. But if below, Ji Mao has not assumed office, and Wu Yin Shao Yang has not retired, there is also a combination of Jia and Ji below. Thus, Earth Yun is not excessive, but Wood takes advantage of deficiency to conquer Earth. Metal then performs revenge victory, reversing evil transformation. Heaven and Earth differ in Yin and Yang, so their severity and nature follow the laws of Heaven and Earth.

For example, in Bing Yin, a Yang year of Excess, if Yi Chou year had excess days: although transitioning to Bing Yin, Tai Yin still governs Heaven. Earth has assumed office, with Jue Yin ruling Earth. Last year's Tai Yang serves as the Right Jian. Thus, Heaven is Tai Yin and Earth is Jue Yin, so Earth does not serve Heaven's transformation. Yi and Xin meet, Water Yun is too deficient, actually receiving Earth victory, so it is not excessive. The Tai Cu tube, Tai Yu note does not respond. Earth victory brings rain transformation, Water revenge brings wind. This is Bing and Xin losing their meeting. Three years later, Water Epidemic forms. Late arrival in Ji Si, early arrival in Wu Chen. Severe cases are fast, mild cases slow. Severity and nature are deduced from Heaven and Earth numbers, relating to Tai Yi's wandering palace. Also, in Bing Yin year, when Bing meets Yin, it should exchange offices to govern Heaven. But if Xin Si has not assumed office, and Geng Chen Tai Yang has not retired, Bing and Xin do not combine virtue. Water Yun is slightly deficient and slightly victorious, possibly with revenge. Three years later, plague forms, named Water Plague, resembling Water Epidemic, treated as before.

For example, in Geng Chen, a Yang year of Excess, if Ji Mao year had excess days: although transitioning to Geng Chen, Yang Ming still governs Heaven. Earth has assumed office, with Tai Yin ruling Earth. Last year's Shao Yin serves as the Right Jian. Thus, Heaven is Yang Ming and Earth is Tai Yin, so Earth below serves Heaven. Yi and Si meet, Metal Yun is too deficient, actually receiving Fire victory, so it is not excessive. The Gu Xian tube, Tai Shang note does not respond. Fire victory brings heat transformation, Water revenge brings cold punishment. This is Yi and Geng losing their guard. Three years later, Metal Epidemic forms. Fast arrival in Ren Wu, slow arrival in Gui Wei. Severity and nature are deduced from the current year's heavenly numbers and Tai Yi. Also, in Geng Chen year, when Geng meets Chen, it should exchange offices to govern Heaven. But if Yi Wei below has not assumed office, and Jia Wu Shao Yin below has not retired, Yi and Geng do not combine virtue. Yi Wei below, the stem loses firmness, Metal Yun is also slightly deficient. There may be slight victory or no revenge. Three years later, plague forms, named Metal Plague, resembling Metal Epidemic, treated as before.

For example, in Ren Wu, a Yang year of Excess, if Xin Si year had excess days: although transitioning to Ren Wu, Jue Yin still governs Heaven. Earth has assumed office, with Yang Ming in Quan. Last year's Bing Shen Shao Yang serves as the Right Jian. Thus, Heaven is Jue Yin and Earth is Yang Ming, so Earth does not serve Heaven. Ding and Xin meet, Wood Yun is too deficient, actually receiving Metal victory, so it is not excessive. The Rui Bin tube, Tai Jue note does not respond. Metal movement brings dry victory, Fire transformation brings heat revenge. Severe cases are fast, mild cases slow. Severity and nature of epidemic arrival are deduced from the year's numbers and Tai Yi. Also, when Ren meets Wu, it should exchange offices to govern. But if Ding You below has not assumed office, and Bing Shen Shao Yang below has not retired, Ding and Ren do not combine virtue. Ding, soft stem loses firmness, Wood Yun is also slightly deficient. There is slight victory and slight revenge. Three years later, plague forms, named Wood Plague, resembling Wind Epidemic, treated similarly.

For example, in Wu Shen, a Yang year of Excess, if Ding Wei year had excessive days: although transitioning to Wu Shen, Tai Yin still governs Heaven. Earth has assumed office, with Jue Yin in Quan. Last year's Ren Xu Tai Yang retires to serve as Right Jian. Thus, Heaven is Ding Wei, Earth is Gui Hai, so Earth does not serve Heaven. Ding and Gui meet, Fire Yun is too deficient, actually receiving Water victory, so it is not excessive. The Yi Ze tube, Upper Tai Zheng note does not respond. This is Wu and Gui losing their meeting. Three years later, epidemic forms. Fast arrival in Geng Xu. Severity and nature are deduced from the epidemic year's numbers and Tai Yi. Also, in Wu Shen year, when Wu meets Shen, it should exchange offices to govern Heaven. But if Gui Hai below has not assumed office, and Ren Xu Tai Yang below has not retired, Wu and Gui do not combine virtue. Gui below, soft stem loses firmness, Fire Yun is slightly deficient. There is slight victory or no revenge. Three years later, plague forms, named Fire Plague, treated as before, using cooling and draining methods.

Huangdi said: "When human Qi is insufficient and Heaven's Qi is empty, when Human Spirit loses its guard and Spirit Light does not gather, when evil ghosts interfere with humans causing premature death, can this be heard?" Qibo said: "Of the five Zang organs, if one is deficient, and combined with Heavenly Deficiency, pathogenic factors arrive. Worry and overthinking injure the Heart. Or, if Shao Yin governs Heaven and Heavenly Number is deficient, Tai Yin acts as the connecting intermediate arrival, called Heavenly Deficiency. This is simultaneous Human and Heavenly Deficiency. Additionally, if startled and essence is stolen, sweat issues from the Heart, resulting in Triple Deficiency. Spirit and Ming lose their guard. The Heart is the Monarch Official, from which Spirit and Ming emerge. If Spirit loses its position, Spirit wanders to the Upper Dantian, below the Emperor Taiyi in the Newan Palace. Once Spirit is lost and Spirit Light does not gather, encountering a year of Fire Deficiency, Black Corpse Ghost appears, causing sudden death. Diet and fatigue injure the Spleen. Or, if Tai Yin governs Heaven and Heavenly Number is deficient, Shao Yang acts as connecting intermediate arrival, called Deficiency. This is Human Qi Deficiency and Heavenly Qi Deficiency. Additionally, if eating until very full, sweat issues from the Stomach; drinking and having sex while full, sweat issues from the Spleen, resulting in Triple Deficiency. Spleen Spirit loses guard. The Spleen is the Advisory Official, from which wisdom emerges. Once Spirit is lost and Spirit Light loses position and does not gather, encountering a year of Earth Deficiency, or Ji or Jia year losing guard, or Tai Yin Heavenly Deficiency, Green Corpse Ghost appears, causing sudden death. Sitting long in damp places or forcing entry into water injures the Kidney. The Kidney is the Official of Strength, from which skill emerges. Resulting in Triple Deficiency, Kidney Spirit loses guard, spirit and will lose position, Spirit Light does not gather. Encountering a year of Water Deficiency, or Xin not matching symbol, or Bing year losing guard, or Tai Yang Heaven Deficiency, Yellow Corpse Ghost arrives, appearing causes sudden death. Anger causes Qi to reverse upward and not descend, injuring the Liver. Or, if Jue Yin governs Heaven and Heavenly Number is deficient, Shao Yin acts as connecting intermediate arrival, called Heavenly Deficiency. This is Heavenly and Human Deficiency. Additionally, running fast and fearing causes sweat from the Liver. The Liver is the General Official, from which strategy emerges. Spirit position loses guard, Spirit Light does not gather. Encountering a Wood Deficiency year, or Ding year not matching, or Ren year losing guard, or Jue Yin Heaven Deficiency, White Corpse Ghost appears, causing sudden death. These five losses of guard involve Heavenly Deficiency and Human Deficiency. Spirit wanders and loses its position, allowing five Corpse Ghosts to interfere, causing sudden death, called Shi Jue (Corpse Jue). Humans violating the Five Spirits' positions..."