this ceramic piece i've made a year ago. . . still alive
Today is the 17th day of 11th month of the lunar calendar
And the second day of the Winter Solstice so far
Under the power of the House constellation (fang),
A Lucky sign correlated with Sunday, the sun, rabbit. . .
Strictly speaking, this is the constellation which ought
To contain Antares, the Fire Star, but owing to the shift in heavens
Over two or three thousand years, the Fire Star no longer corresponds
To what is the constellation of the Spring Equinox.
It represents the stomach of the Dragon;
It is the opener of that which is closed.
Perhaps because of its association with the Fire Star
The House represents the chariot of the sun.
Connection of the Fire Star with the Equinox means
That it is also connected with the Great Sacrifice
Of burnt offerings. It was formerly regarded
As being the province of the planet Jupiter,
And therefore, the element of Wood.
Hence, to build today is very lucky action;
The happy proprietor of any building constructed
In the day of the House will be able to increase holdings,
Build extensions, and acquire gardens and surrounding land.
It presages luxuries, happiness, longevity, and health.
It is even lucky to bury one's ancestors being willing
To assist in finding promotion and official recognition
For the family. A heir, will be born ere three years are out
(This is regarded as a fortunate omen).
Speaking from the point of today’s stellar indication,
Which emerges from the ancient Book of Rites (Li ji),
It is Discard (chu) used to sweep away evil;
This is the day of cleansing. Wash and bathe; take purgatives;
Such are fortunate activities. But avoid wedding ceremonies,
Travel, and opening wells. It is not a good day
For organized activity at all. Spring cleaning, clearing out,
And general bodily maintenance are indicated so well.
A day to consider making an appointment to see the doctor,
Optician, dentist, and careful consideration about health.
Swimming, jogging, sports are all fortunate activities, as well.
At the day of the Winter Solstice the shadow produced of the gnomon (sundial) is the longest in the whole year to mark the beginning of a year called 'the yearly head.' The great celebration of the yearly beginning starts two days before the 'yearly head' and lasts two days after the day of the Winter Solstice to make five days of the greatest yearly holiday.
The First Half of the Day under the Wood Element
The Triad tells us of the dragon which comes out from within:
Its body, slow but sure, emerges, starting from the head. . .
There's a firm confidence that its tail will appear before too long.
Such a good trend can be considered as ‘a fitness for the due usage,’
That’s for sure. Yes, the dragon comes out from within —
Along with its emergence it is good to observe
How all things come into a creative phase.
The Second Half of the Day under the Metal Element
For the meanest subject of this phase
Who resides in the house of Water, his parent,
There's no cause to do business solely
And for a long run. He has to follow
His supervisor's order and submit to his lot
Because from now on all things are going
To turn back, running against his steps.
In a word, if he does not realize the imminence
Of reversal, he will be unapt to hold an office
And sustain well his family.