Celestial Insights: Understanding Chinese Astrological Contexts

In the southern skies, there are four stars known as “Tian Ze” (Heaven’s Lavatory).

Interpretation: Tian Ze, situated in Pingdong, represents the main cesspool. According to divination: yellow is auspicious; green and white, both are ominous; their absence predicts illness during sleep.

Below Tian Ze is one star, known as “Tian Shi” (Heavenly Arrow).

Interpretation: Tian Shi, a single star located south of the cesspool, shares similar omens with Tian Ze. Yellow is favorable, while green, white, or black are inauspicious.

To the west lies “Ju Qu” (Curved Sentence), with nine stars, grouped in three rows. The first is “Tian Qi” (Heavenly Flag).

Interpretation: Tian Qi, nine stars located west of Ju, also known as the Heavenly Flag, directs commands from the distant to the nearby. When the ruler’s actions align with justice, the Heavenly Flag remains straight; otherwise, it indicates external military movements, bringing potential concerns. If dim and sparse, border bandits may stir; otherwise, tranquility prevails.

The second is “Tian Yuan” (Heavenly Garden).

Interpretation: Tian Yuan, sixteen stars arranged in a ring, south of the Plow, is where the emperor raises birds and beasts. If these stars are sparse and dim, death rates increase.

The third is “Jiu You” (Nine Tours).

Interpretation: According to Xu Guang, it refers to “the sound of flowing water.” Jiu You, nine stars located southwest of Yujing, are military banners of the emperor, guiding the army’s movements and the states’ alignment. They should not be agitated; if they are, the Nine States will scatter, causing unemployment and a breakdown in communication with the divine. Protecting them with metal or fire leads to chaos.

In the east, a major star called “Lang” (Wolf).

Interpretation: Lang, a single star southeast of Can, signifies a wild general who leads invasions and looting. Prediction: if absent from its position, people will resort to cannibalism. Yellow or white colors are favorable; red or angular shapes indicate military action. Guarding with metal, wood, or fire results in similar outcomes.

When Lang changes color or angle, thefts and banditry increase. Below Lang, there are four stars called “Hu” (Bow).

Interpretation: Hu, nine stars southeast of Lang, represents the celestial bow used to suppress rebellion and identify traitors. If the bow and arrow move towards Lang, thefts increase; if the bow isn’t straight towards Lang, there are also more thefts. When fully drawn, it signifies mobilization of forces across the realm.

Adjacent to Lang, close to the earth, is a major star named “Nan Ji Lao Ren” (Southern Pole Old Man).

Interpretation: Nan Ji Lao Ren, a single star south of Hu, is also known as the Southern Pole, indicating an extended lifespan. It appears at dawn during the autumn equinox and at dusk during the spring equinox. Its visibility indicates the ruler’s long life and peace in the realm; its absence signifies concern for the ruler.

The presence of Nan Ji Lao Ren signifies peace and stability; its absence forewarns of military conflict. It usually appears during the autumn equinox at the southern outskirts.

Turning toward the center of the Great Plow, armies rise.

To the north is “Guan Xuan Wu” (Northern Palace Black Emperor), representing “blackness and mystery.”

Interpretation: Xuan, the second star above Guan, is associated with the celestial road. Sun Yan said: “Lu, center; the northern constellation center.” Interpretation: The two stars below Guan, known as Zha and Wei, are similar to the stars of a house. Predictions: When gold or fire guards enter, the country will rebel.

Wei is used to build houses.