The six Xiao Liu Ren signs

When the body remains still, this sign belongs to Wood and the Azure Dragon; plans are associated with the numbers 1, 5 and 7. The judgment says: With Da An, affairs prosper. Seek wealth in the Kun direction. A lost object has not gone far. The household remains safe and well. The traveler has not yet set out. The text says the sick person faces no hindrance. The general returns to the fields. Examine the matter carefully and in detail.

1896 Chinese source: 身不動時，屬木青龍，凡謀事主一五七。斷曰：大安事事昌，求財在坤方，失物去不遠，宅舍保安康，行人身未動，病者主無妨，將軍回田野，仔細與推詳。

When the awaited person has not yet returned, this sign belongs to Water and the Black Tortoise; plans are associated with the numbers 2, 8 and 10. The judgment says: With Liu Lian, matters are difficult to complete and plans remain unclear. Official or legal affairs should proceed slowly. The person who left has not started the return journey. A lost object may be found to the south; search quickly for the desired result. Guard against verbal disputes. The people of the household remain in an ordinary condition for now.

1896 Chinese source: 卒未歸時，屬水玄武，凡謀事主二八十。斷曰：留連事難成，求謀日未明，官事只宜緩，去者未回程，失物南方見，急討方稱心，更須防口舌，人口且平平。

When the awaited person will soon arrive, this sign belongs to Fire and the Vermilion Bird; plans are associated with the numbers 3, 6 and 9. The judgment says: With Su Xi, happiness swiftly arrives. Seek wealth toward the south. For a lost object, the text lists Shen, Wei and Wu without stating whether they refer to times or directions. Look for the person on the road. Official matters carry good fortune. The text says calamity does not afflict the sick person. The farming household and its livestock are auspicious. News comes from the traveler.

1896 Chinese source: 人便至時，屬火朱雀，凡謀事主三六九。斷曰：速喜喜來臨，求財向南行，失物申未午，逢人路上尋，官事有福德，病者無禍侵，田家六畜吉，行人有信音。

When official affairs are ill-fated, this sign belongs to Metal and the White Tiger; plans are associated with the numbers 4, 7 and 10. The judgment says: Chi Kou governs verbal disputes, and official or legal trouble must especially be guarded against. Search quickly for a lost object. The traveler is alarmed. Chickens and dogs behave strangely. The line about a sick person refers to 'going out to the west,' but its precise meaning is unclear. The final lines warn of curses and epidemic illness. These are historical folk beliefs, not medical or factual guidance.

1896 Chinese source: 官事凶時，屬金白虎，凡謀事主四七十。斷曰：赤口主口舌，官非切要防，失物急去尋，行人有驚慌，雞犬多作怪，病者出西方，更須防咒咀，恐怕染瘟癀。

When someone comes bearing welcome news, this sign belongs to Wood and the Six Harmonies; plans are associated with the numbers 1, 5 and 7. The judgment says: Xiao Ji is most auspicious. Matters can be discussed favorably on the road. A woman comes with good news; the original uses the historical term 'yin person.' A lost object is in the Kun direction. The traveler will arrive very soon. Trade and exchange are strong. All affairs tend toward harmony. The sick person prays to Heaven. The final sentence records a historical religious practice, not medical advice.

1896 Chinese source: 人來喜時，屬木六合，凡謀事主一五七。斷曰：小吉最吉昌，路上好商量，陰人來報喜，失物在坤方，行人立便至，交關甚是強，凡事皆和合，病者禱上蒼。

When news is scarce, this sign belongs to Earth and Gou Chen; plans are associated with the numbers 3, 6 and 9. The judgment says: With Kong Wang, affairs do not last. A woman is somewhat contrary; the original uses the historical term 'yin person.' Seeking wealth brings no benefit. The traveler meets misfortune. A lost object cannot be found. Official or legal affairs may bring punishment or injury. The sick person encounters hidden spirits, and a ritual is prescribed to preserve well-being. The final lines record historical folk beliefs, not medical or factual guidance.

1896 Chinese source: 音信稀時，屬土勾陳，凡謀事主三六九。斷曰：空亡事不長，陰人小乖張，求財無利益，行人有災殃，失物尋不見，官事有刑傷，病人逢暗鬼，禳解保安康。