Today is the 25th day of 11th month of the lunar calendar
And the first day of the 4.5-day period called Initial Difficulties,
Submitted to the power of the Danger constellation (wei),
Monday, Moon, Swallow. . .

According to the Book of Rites,
This constellation means 'rooftop' caused by its three stars.
Yes, the Wei consists of three red stars and, sometimes,
Is named the 'Celestial Market' because of the three day markets
Held at the time of the Winter Solstice (from December 22nd).

It is the sign of fortifications and earthworks, building, property
And construction. The idea of Wei may come from the danger
Of being on a rooftop. The dangers portended by this sign
Are to travelers by land or water: for the former being attacked
By bandits on the way, for the latter's ship foundering.

Speaking from the point of today’s stellar indication,
Which emerges from the ancient Book of Rites (Li ji),
It is the Acceptance (shou) as the Emperor on High's
Precious treasures are received today thru distribution.
Opening the granaries, carrying on trade, entering college,
Arranging weddings, being active, digging the earth –
All these things will be fortunate. But avoid traveling,
Arranging funerals, acupuncture and moxibustion so long.
This is the day for trading and if necessary drawing on savings.
A good day for studying, thinking of school education, etc.
Not a good day for visiting a doctor, a dentist, or clinic.

According to the Canon of Triad (Tai Xuan Jing)
This 4.5-day period correlates with the Wood phase,
Reflecting the image of hexagram Zhun (3), a symbol
Of internal fracture and first difficulties at sprouting
Formed by Water for clouds and that of Thunder below it.
Now, the vivid Yang just gets into the motion.
Despite some progress, it goes with initial difficulties.
Truly, all things come into being in the throes of birth.

As a rule, every initiative encounters resistance
From the side of associates. The question is about the charge,
An initial impulse, by the aid of which the starting obstacles
Can be overcome to get a proper rate of development.
This is a hard way of a pathfinder who, despite the obstacles
And initial difficulties, is still devoted to the aim,
Trying to arrive safely at the place of one's destination.

The First Half of the Day under the Water Element

The yellow is purely yellow now,
As it is hidden deeply in the ground.
Though its roots are unseen and concealed,
They come from one single source,
The famously known Yellow Spring –
The womb of Life itself.
Since the roots of things are never seen,
All transformations break out suddenly,
In a twinkling of an eye.

By definition, the yellow has respect at least to three
Main terms: the Yellow Spring, the yellow earth
Which gives life and nourishes the future crops,
And the Center, the proper place of a worthy ruler
Who poises the adverse situation prior the action.

The Second Half of the Day under the Fire Element

The yellow is not truly yellow any more,
As it has been mixed up with the redness of Fire
Placed beneath the next coming Wood of tomorrow,
The matter of breeding is blocked at the root.
Since the yellow is impure now, all what is associated
To the Center is failed because of the hostile relationship
To all the new. On the other hand, the damaged by Fire roots
Become incapable to feed and support growing,
As well as the further blossom and fecundity of Wood,
Which is assigned as the phase element of this 4.5-day period.
As is well-known, once the base is weak in one single aspect,
The whole further progress is under a big question.

To cut a long story short, I wish you all the best
In the coming year of the Yellow Pig which starts
On February 4th, 2019, bringing full satisfaction!