《通占大象历星经》

Tongzhan Daxiang Li Xingjing (Star Classic of Comprehensive Divination of the Great Images), Upper Volume

Note on the original text: one sheet is missing here.

The four stars of the Four Assistants encircle the pivot star of the North Pole. They symbolize the rites between ruler and ministers, and they also symbolize the overall conduct of government and assistance in ordering the world. They assist Beichen (the North Star) and are charged with helping the sovereign carry out administrative commands.

The six stars of the Six Jia lie beneath the Huagai (Celestial Canopy) stars and beside the Kang stars. They govern the division of Yin-Yang and are coordinated with the seasonal nodes. Situated near the imperial throne, they symbolize the Son of Heaven promulgating political instruction and arranging the seasons of agriculture.

The six stars of Gouchen lie beneath the stars of the Five Emperors. They symbolize the principal consort of the Great Thearch in the inner palace, and they also symbolize the Son of Heaven, the general who commands the Six Armies, and the Three Dukes, important offices of antiquity. If their light is dim, this is taken as an omen that the sovereign is malevolent.

The Tianhuang star, that is, the Great Thearch of Heaven, is a single star at the center of Gouchen. The Jing (scripture) says that it is not included in the count of stars; it is one star in front of the Five Emperors, symbolizing the assistance of the myriad spirits and the recording of the registers of the celestial realm. Its divine name is Yaoguibao, and it presides over Yucaling, the numen of the imperial herbs.

The Zhuxia Shi (Historian beneath the Pillar) lies east of Beichen. It symbolizes the historians of the left and right who attend the sovereign and keep records, and it governs the recording of faults and of affairs of state.

The Five Shangshu lie in the southeastern corner. They symbolize the officials charged with offering counsel and deliberating on governmental affairs by day and by night.

The two stars of the Inner Kitchen lie in the northwestern corner. They govern food and drink for the Six Palaces, and they also symbolize the banquets and kitchens of the residences of the empress and consorts.

The six stars of the Celestial Bed lie outside the palace gate, in front of the place where government is heard. They symbolize chambers for rest and feasting, the reception of guests, and repose together with deliberation on affairs of state. If the Celestial Bed stars incline, this is regarded as an omen that the Son of Heaven will find no peace and may lose the imperial throne.

An astrological mnemonic says: when Mars enters the Ziwei Enclosure, the stellar region symbolizing the residence of the Celestial Emperor, all under heaven will fall into great disorder, and the sovereign may lose the throne.

The Big Dipper (Beidou), an asterism made up of seven principal stars, is also called the “Seven Administrations.” It is regarded as the feudal lords of Heaven and is likewise compared to the carriage in which the Celestial Emperor rides. The four stars of the bowl are called Xuanji, and the three stars of the handle are called Yuchong. The Big Dipper commands the Seven Administrations, symbolizing the sovereign issuing orders, carrying out the business of government, and ruling the four quarters of the world.

The first star is called Tianshu. It corresponds to Saturn, presides over yang De (Virtue/Power), and is also known as the “Star of Administration,” symbolizing the heir apparent. If this star grows dim and remains so for seven days, it foretells a great calamity. The second is called You. It presides over the punishments of Metal and the station of the yin woman, and also over the moon and statutory measures. If it stays dim for six days, it foretells a lunar eclipse. The third is called Ji. It presides over Wood and over disaster, and is also called the Metal Star. If the Son of Heaven does not care for the people, this star will grow dim. The fourth is called Quan. It presides over Fire and symbolizes punitive campaigns and the chastisement of Heaven’s principle. If the Son of Heaven is without the Dao (the Way) and issues decrees without following the four seasons, this star will grow dim.

The fifth is called Chong. It presides over Water and over killing and attack, and also assists the movement of the four seasons; baleful influences beside it signify guilt and punishment. If the Son of Heaven indulges in licentious pleasure, this star will grow dim. The sixth is called Kaiyang. It presides over Wood, and also over the storehouses of the realm and the five grains. The seventh is called Yaoguang. It presides over Metal and is also called the “Responding Star.”

The mnemonic of omen-reading says: when the sovereign possesses De and his virtuous conduct reaches up to Heaven, the stars of the Big Dipper shine bright and in good order, and the state prospers; if their light grows dim, calamity will befall the state. If the small attendant stars within the Big Dipper are few, it foretells widespread licentiousness and laws and decrees that are hard to enforce. If Jupiter lingers near the Noble Person star, it foretells disorder throughout the world; if Mars lingers there, it foretells the rise of military chaos and disaster for the ruler, so that the people cannot live in peace and can only abandon their homes and flee in every direction.

If Mars lingers west of the Big Dipper, it foretells a great famine, even to the point of people eating one another; if it lingers south of the Big Dipper, it foretells a poor harvest of the five fruits. If the five planets enter the Big Dipper, it foretells a change of regime in the Central Plains, the displacement of the sovereign, and great chaos throughout the world.

If a comet or a bo star—in ancient usage, a star of abnormal form regarded as a portent of disaster—enters the Big Dipper, it foretells that the world will be straitened and uneasy, and that large-scale slaughter may occur. The side that first sends out troops will meet with harm, while the side that sends troops later will gain the advantage; the sovereign of that state will suffer a great calamity, a misfortune even exceeding the baleful omen symbolized by the comet itself. If these phenomena halt beside the Big Dipper, the blame is heavier still, and their positions should be carefully distinguished.

Finally, the angular measures and distances among the lodges are recorded: from Tianshu to the Zhang lodge is one degree, and to Beichen, the pole star, eighteen degrees; “Heng” lies fifteen degrees from the celestial pole and eleven degrees from “Chen.”

The Canopy (Huagai), the star official symbolizing the imperial regalia, consists of sixteen stars and lies above the Seats of the Five Emperors. When the stars stand in proper alignment, the omen is auspicious and the Dao (the Way) of emperors flourishes; when their formation is tilted, the omen is one of great misfortune. The Kang stars consist of nine stars and guard the Canopy. The Pivot Star (Shuxing) reaches a position one degree within the Zhang lunar mansion (Zhangxiu) and lies eighteen degrees from the Northern Marker (Beichen); the Balance Star (Hengxing) lies fifteen degrees from the North Pole and eleven degrees from the Chen Star (Chenxing).

The Canopy consists of sixteen stars and lies above the Seats of the Five Emperors. When the stars stand in proper alignment, the omen is auspicious and the Dao of emperors flourishes; when their formation is tilted, the omen is one of great misfortune. The Kang stars consist of nine stars and form the handle of the Canopy. The seven stars above the Canopy symbolize the office of the shuzi, the lesser sons. When their light is bright, they signify assistance to the sovereign and the governing of all under Heaven; when their light is dim, they signify eight years of turmoil and a state without a ruler.

The Inner Seats of the Five Emperors (Wudi Neizuo), the constellation of the Five Emperors, lie below the Canopy, as though covering the imperial seat, with the Five Emperors dwelling together in a single seat. When the stars are bright and lustrous, they signify clear and enlightened governance and good fortune; when their color changes, they signify calamity and danger.

The four stars of the Imperial Attendants (Yunü) lie north of Gouchen, a star official in the Purple Forbidden Enclosure (Ziweiyuan), and symbolize the Son of Heaven’s eighty-one imperial attendants, together with the consorts, concubines, and officials of the inner palace. Bright starlight is auspicious; dimness is inauspicious.

The Celestial Pillar (Tianzhu) consists of five stars. It lies within the Purple Palace (Ziweigong), close to the eastern wall, and symbolizes such matters as the framing of teachings and commands; it is also connected with the twenty-four solar terms.

The Female Scribe (Nüshi)

Nüshi is a single star, lying below the Celestial Pillar and north of the Scribe Star (Shixing). It is charged with recording affairs within the palace precincts and with reporting the hours and the movements inside the palace, and it bears upon important matters of the inner court.

Hidden Virtue (Yinde) consists of two stars, located at the position of the Taiyin star to the west of the Shangshu stars. It symbolizes charge over the guiding principles of the realm, the secret accumulation of De (Virtue/Power), the bestowal of favor, and the relief of goods and wealth.

The Chief Judge (Dali) consists of two stars within the palace gate and symbolizes the affairs of punishment and the hearing of cases.

The fifty stars below the North Pole are distributed inside and outside the Purple Palace. Astrological interpretation holds that if a comet or a bo star (boxing, a bushy comet) enters the Central Palace, it portends the appearance of a king of a different surname; if the Fire Star (Mars) enters and remains near the North Pole, it portends that a subject will assassinate the ruler; if the Wood Star (Jupiter) enters and remains near the North Pole, it portends that the state will suffer a grave decline. If stars keep station separately at these positions, it portends that rebellious ministers will later rise in revolt. If the Earth Star (Saturn) encroaches upon or presses close to the royal star, it portends disaster for great personages, and the heir apparent may also incur guilt. If the Five Stars gather in the Central Palace, it portends a change of sovereign. If the Five Stars or a guest star (kexing) encroach upon or linger near Gouchen, it portends misfortune for high ministers; the asterisms that are encroached upon or kept under watch will likewise each suffer the corresponding calamity.

The Assistant Star (Fuxing).

The Assistant Star (Fuxing) symbolizes a close and trusted great minister who assists the sovereign and stands in mutual correspondence with him. When the Assistant Star is bright and as large as the Dipper, it means the prime minister is gathering power into his own hands and that military affairs are about to arise; when it is dim and small, it foretells that a great minister will die or be dismissed from office. If the Assistant Star lies one or two cun from the Northern Dipper (Beidou), it means ministers are pressing upon and coercing the sovereign; if it lies five or six cun away, or if guests from distant regions, together with comets and bo stars, enter the bowl of the Northern Dipper, it means the regional lords are contending for power and menacing the Son of Heaven. When the moon shrouds the Northern Dipper and forms a halo, it foretells that great floods will surge into the cities and that warfare will arise, and that the sovereign will issue an edict of amnesty. The points of the sixth and seventh stars of the Northern Dipper slant askew; the fourth, fifth, and sixth point toward the south, and the first and second point toward the Zui mansion (Zuixiu). The Northern Dipper comprises twenty-nine stars in all.

The Inner Steps (Neijie) consist of six stars and lie north of the Wenchang star official (the star group symbolizing the administration of the court). The Inner Steps are the foremost part of the Bright Hall (Mingtang), the place where the emperor deliberates policy and performs ceremonial rites.

The seven stars of Wenchang form the shape of a half-moon in front of the bowl of the Northern Dipper. They are called the Celestial Prefecture (Tianfu) and are charged with planning the governmental affairs of the realm. Six of the seven stars each have their own names and oversee judicial matters and the affairs of the Court of Judicial Review (Dali). When their color is yellow, bright, and lustrous, it means the realm is at peace and the myriad things grow and flourish; when they appear blue-black, or tiny and faint, it foretells much harm. If the stars shake or shift from their places, it means the Three Dukes (Sangong), the high officials of the court, will be put to death; if this is not the case, it foretells the death of the empress. Wenchang is prognosticated together with the star officials of the Three Dukes, Sheti, Xuanyuan, and others. When Jupiter or Saturn lingers in the Wenchang star official, it foretells peace throughout the realm; when Mars lingers there, it foretells disorder in the state and the rise of warfare; when Venus lingers there, it foretells warfare on a great scale. If a comet, a bo star, or a meteor enters the Wenchang star official, it foretells that a great general will rebel and raise disorder.

The Three Dukes stars consist of three stars lying east of the handle of the Northern Dipper. They symbolize assistance to the sovereign in harmonizing Yin-Yang (yinyang), coordinating the Seven Governors (the sun, the moon, and the five planets, as the ancients called them), and morally transforming the people of the realm. If one star disappears, the realm is in peril; if two disappear, the realm falls into disorder; if all three disappear, the affairs of government can no longer be administered.

Tianju consists of five stars and ordinarily ought not to be bright; if it is bright, it foretells that warfare will arise throughout the realm and that weapons such as axes, battle-axes, spears, and lances will be brought into use. The Bang stars consist of eight stars, and any anomaly among them is regarded as inauspicious. When this group enters one du of the Di mansion (Dixiu), it lies twenty-eight du from the Pole Star.

The Celestial Spear (Tianqiang) consists of three stars east of the handle of the Northern Dipper. It symbolizes the keen blades of heaven and military preparedness. Situated on the right side of the Purple Tenuity Palace (Zigong), the celestial region symbolizing the imperial residence, it bears the charge of defense and guardianship.

The Relay Lodges (Chuanshe) consist of nine stars. They lie north of the Canopy (Huagai) and Xizhong, close to the Heavenly River, and symbolize the guest houses that receive visitors. If a guest star lingers near the Relay Lodges, it foretells that warfare is about to arise and that lodgings must be arranged for guests coming from the four quarters.

The Celestial Kitchen (Tianchu) consists of six stars. It lies in the northeastern corner of the Palace of Purple Tenuity (Ziwei Gong), close to the north of the Guest House (Chuanshe) stars. It is the kitchen of the Celestial Emperor and also symbolizes the kitchens of the hundred officials; the Guanglu Kitchen of the present day corresponds to this asterism. If the stars of the Celestial Kitchen disappear, it portends that gentlemen will sell their clothing and the common people will sell their wives and children, and that a great famine will occur throughout the realm. If a guest star lingers in the Celestial Kitchen, it likewise portends a great famine.

The Guest Houses consist of nine stars. They lie north of the Canopy (Huagai) stars, near Xizhong, and close to the Heavenly River, and they govern the lodgings that receive guests. If a guest star lingers in the Guest Houses, it portends the outbreak of war, and the lodgings of the four quarters will be requisitioned.

The Tianyi star stands on the right outside the gate of the Palace of Purple Tenuity and is called “South.” It is a spirit (Shen) of the Celestial Emperor, governs warfare, and can portend good and ill fortune. When its light is bright, this signifies good fortune; when dim, it signifies danger. If it leaves its original position and moves behind the Northern Dipper (Beidou), a large-scale war is certain within ninety days. Brightness of the star further signifies that Yin-Yang is in harmony, the myriad things flourish, and the Son of Heaven enjoys good fortune. If the Tianyi star disappears, it portends turmoil throughout the realm and great calamity.

The Taiyi star lies half a degree south of the Tianyi star. It too is a spirit of the Celestial Emperor and governs the sixteen spirits, and it can portend wind and rain, flood and drought, war, famine, disease, and disaster. If the Taiyi star is located in the celestial field of the state it occupies, brightness is auspicious and dimness is inauspicious. If it leaves its original position and moves to the Northern Dipper, a large-scale war is certain within ninety days. The scripture (Jing) further records that when the Taiyi star enters ten degrees of “Han,” it is fifteen and a half degrees from the Pole Star (Beichen); another account says that the Taiyi star is eleven degrees from the Pole Star.

The Celestial Prison (Tianlao) consists of six stars. It lies below the bowl (Kui) of the Northern Dipper and is also called the Prison of the Nobles. Its omens are the same as those of the Coiled Thong (Guansuo). It governs imprisonment and symbolizes thoughts of treachery and wickedness. If Mars lingers in or enters the Celestial Prison, it portends that the common people will devour one another, and it also corresponds to an amnesty about to be proclaimed.

The Seven Mansions of the East comprise thirty-three stars in all, spanning seventy-five degrees, including the stars of the Central Palace, the Outer Palace, and the auxiliary seats.

The Horn mansion (Jiao) consists of two stars. It is known as the “Heavenly Gate” and the “Star of Longevity,” and it corresponds to Metal among the Five Phases (Wuxing: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water). In spring and summer it belongs to Fire, and in autumn and winter to Water; it is the horn of the Azure Dragon. Of this leading mansion of the East, the left horn on the southern side is named Tianjin and appears blue-green; it stands at the head of all the stellar mansions. The right horn on the northern side is named the Heavenly Gate (Tianmen) and appears yellow. The space between the two horns is called the Heavenly Pass (Tianguan): the left horn presides over the Heavenly Fields, and the right horn presides over the Heavenly Spirits. The Horn mansion spans thirteen degrees. In the eighth month the sun travels to the north, ninety-one degrees from the North Star (Beichen).

The sun, the moon, and the Five Planets all pass through the Heavenly Pass, and this path of their motion is called the Yellow Road (Huangdao), the ecliptic. The classic (Jing) holds that when a celestial body enters the region corresponding to the Yellow Road, drought follows; two degrees south of the Horn mansion is the solar path, and entry into the Yin path corresponds to floods; two degrees north of the Horn mansion is the Yin path.

When the Horn mansion stands directly opposite the Chen position, conditions are favorable for cultivation, and the star beside it is called the Agricultural Official. When the Horn mansion is bright, it signifies that the ruler governs in accordance with the Dao (the Way) and that the realm is at peace. When it is dim, or when the horn stars vanish or waver, it signifies that the ruler has failed in governance. If the stars are minute, it signifies that the state’s strength is waning and public affairs are in disorder, so that the ruler’s Dao cannot be put into practice. In spring, if the sun or the moon enters the Horn mansion and a halo appears, it signifies the ruler’s misgovernment; if the sun or the moon is eclipsed within the Horn mansion, it signifies unrest in that region.

The movements and changes of the various stars are likewise used to divine what is auspicious and what is inauspicious.

When the Wood Star (Jupiter) remains in the Horn mansion, it signifies that the ruler pardons the guilty and employs loyal ministers. When the Fire Star (Mars) remains there, it signifies that loyal ministers and worthy chancellors are executed, that the price of silk rises, and that war and armed disorder will break out; the classic further states that there may be thieves or internal turmoil within the palace. If the Fire Star remains upon the path of the Horn mansion and forms such shapes as a great ring or a distant hook, it signifies a great famine in the state; if the Fire Star encroaches upon the Horn mansion, it foretells war. If the Fire Star halts at the left horn, it signifies the death of the Taiwei (the high official in charge of military administration) and grave danger to the state; if it halts at the right horn, it signifies a poor harvest of the five grains and a great flood. If the Fire Star encroaches upon the left and right horns, it signifies drought, and that a minister’s scheme of war fails and he is put to death.

When the Earth Star (Saturn) remains in the Horn mansion, it signifies a joyful event within the palace; within sixty days, contention will arise inside the state. When the Metal Star (Venus) remains there, it signifies that warfare multiplies under heaven and that disputes break out among the states. If the Metal Star and the Fire Star remain together, and if Taibai (Venus) is behind, it signifies that a general in the army will be killed. When the Water Star (Mercury) remains there, it signifies that the ruler’s punishments are severe, together with floods and epidemic disease.

When a guest star, a comet, or a bo star (an ancient designation for certain anomalous celestial appearances) enters the Horn mansion and shows a white color, it signifies war and large-scale mourning within the state, and possibly the defeat of an army and the fall of cities. If a guest star remains for forty-five days, it signifies drought, the scorching of the five grains, disorder in wind and rain, and a plague of locusts. If a meteor flies out from the gate of the Horn, it signifies that the Son of Heaven is sending an envoy on a mission; if a meteor enters the gate of the Horn from another mansion, it signifies that a foreign envoy has arrived at the capital, and it may also foretell that a minister close to the throne will be killed or that a commanding general will die in battle.

When the moon obscures Yinghuo (Mars), it signifies that within the palace there is a minister stirring up disorder who, though not a bandit, commits theft. When the moon enters the Heavenly Market or the River of Heaven and a triple halo appears, it signifies that war arises, that the roads of the realm are blocked, and that the army’s commanders suffer defeat in battle.

The four stars of Tianli (Celestial Principle) lie within the handle of the Beidou (Northern Dipper). They govern noble persons and also symbolize officials who enforce the law. Their light ought not to be bright; if it is bright, it portends that noble persons will incur guilt.

The four stars of Zhifa (Law Enforcement) lie to the northwest of the Taiyang (Great Yang) star. They govern judicial and penal affairs and also symbolize the officials who administer punishments and governmental orders. These officials assist the ruler in promulgating commands and belong among the attendant officials of the palace. Their light ought not to be bright; if it is bright, it portends that noble persons will incur guilt.

When the Taiyang star is located in the northwest, it symbolizes great ministers and generals, who are charged with guarding against unexpected upheavals throughout the realm. Bright starlight is auspicious, and dimness is inauspicious. If the star shifts its position, it portends that armed disorder will arise throughout the realm and that the Central Plains will be unsettled. When this star enters the thirteenth degree of the Zhang lunar mansion, it stands forty-five degrees from the North Pole.

The Xiang (Minister) star lies south of the Pole Star and the Beidou. It commands the hundred officials, presides over the moral instruction of the state, and assists the sovereign in stabilizing the country and managing every kind of affair; it is the assisting star of the chief minister. Bright starlight is auspicious, and dimness is inauspicious. If the Xiang star disappears, it portends the death of the chief minister; otherwise, it portends that the chief minister will leave office and depart. When the Taiyang star enters the thirteenth degree of the Zhang lunar mansion, it stands forty-five degrees from Beichen (the celestial pole); when the Xiang star enters the first degree of the Yi lunar mansion, it stands thirty-one degrees from Beichen.

The two stars of Pingdao (Level Road) lie between the stars of the Jiao lunar mansion and govern the officials in charge of the roads leading to Luoyang.

Jinxian (Advancing the Worthy) is a single star, located in the stellar enclosure to the west of the Pingdao stars. It symbolizes such offices as high ministers and chief counselors, the recommendation of talented persons, recluses, and educational officials. When its light is bright, it portends that worthy and capable persons will be employed and promoted; when its light is dim, it portends that petty persons will gain power.

The two stars of Tianmen (Celestial Gate) lie south of the left star of Jiao. They symbolize the gate of heaven and are also the place where the Son of Heaven holds banquets and grants audiences and responses.

The two stars of Tiantian (Celestial Fields) lie north of the Jiao lunar mansion. They symbolize the fields within the Son of Heaven’s capital region and also correspond to boundaries, cities and towns, and frontier passes.

The three stars of Zhou Ding (the Zhou Tripod) are shaped like the feet of a tripod. They symbolize the configuration of a tripod’s feet and portend whether those who are employed are worthy or base: when the starlight is bright, worthy and capable persons are appointed; when the starlight is dim, petty persons gain power. The Zhou Ding stars lie west of the Sheti stars and the Dajiao (Great Horn) star and symbolize the sacred tripod.

Kulou consists of twenty-eight stars. Of these, the “tower” comprises fifteen stars, the “pillars” fifteen stars, and the “beam” four stars. It lies south of the Horn mansion (Jiaoxiu), southeast of the Chariot mansion (Zhenxiu), and east of Qifu (the Implement Storehouse), and is the star official (xingguan) in charge of war chariots and military formations. When the stars of Kulou are numerous and bright, this portends that a large-scale war is about to break out. If there are no stars within the storehouse, this portends that ministers will plot rebellion and armed disorder will spread throughout the realm, yet the common people will dwell in peace. If the pillar stars within the storehouse waver, this portends that troops will be sent to campaign against the Yi and Di peoples of the four quarters. If the pillar stars appear only halfway, this portends that the Son of Heaven will personally lead half his forces on campaign. When Jupiter lingers in Kulou, this portends famine among the people and a rise in the price of grain. The western end of Kulou enters the Chariot mansion by one degree and lies forty-nine degrees from the North Star; at dusk, when it stands at the meridian, it lies eighty-nine degrees west of the North Star.

Sheti consists of six stars and lies northeast of the Horn mansion and the Neck mansion (Kangxiu). It governs the Nine Ministers (senior officials of antiquity), arms and armor, fundamental order and discipline, the seasonal ordinances and solar terms, and auspicious omens. When Mars lingers in Sheti, this portends a change of dynasty and a succession of rulers throughout the realm; when Venus lingers in Sheti, this portends the rise of war.

Dajiao (the Great Horn) consists of a single star and lies between the stars of Sheti. It is the ridgepole of heaven and governs the seat of the emperor. When Venus lingers in Dajiao, this portends that a great war is about to arise; when the moon encroaches upon Dajiao, this is an inauspicious omen dreaded by the sovereign. When Mars lingers in Dajiao, this portends a change of rulers throughout the realm; when Venus lingers in Dajiao, this likewise portends the rise of war. Dajiao enters the Neck mansion by three and a half degrees and lies fifty-nine degrees from the North Star.

Dixi (the Imperial Mat) consists of three stars and lies north of Dajiao. When its starlight is faint, this portends peace throughout the realm; when its stars do not shine brightly, this portends calamity for kings and dukes.

Kangchi consists of six stars and lies north of the Neck mansion. It governs ferrying and transport, and the seeing-off and receiving of travelers.

Zhewei consists of seven stars and lies south of the Neck mansion. It governs imperial prisons established by the emperor’s decree, punishment and killing, and also portends such matters as the death of frontier generals.

Yangmen consists of two stars and lies northeast of Kulou. It governs passes and frontier fortifications, as well as incursions by foreign enemies and the affairs of bandits.

Zhenju (the Array Chariot) consists of three stars and lies south of the Root mansion (Dixiu). It governs battle chariots and military wagons.

The Neck mansion (Kangxiu) consists of four stars. It is called the “Celestial Treasury” (Tianfu), and also the “Celestial Court” (Tianting), and it has general charge of the Four Seas. It is associated with Mars: spring and summer correspond to flood disasters, and autumn and winter to disasters of metal weapons. If the stars are dim, this portends turmoil and weakness within the country; if their light is bright, it portends peace throughout the realm. A solar or lunar eclipse occurring in the Neck mansion portends that incidents will arise in the Central Plains. If the Five Planets encroach upon the Neck mansion, or move in retrograde, they portend, according to the season, floods in spring and summer and the calamity of war in autumn and winter. Dimness of the stars portends domestic turmoil and decline, while brightness portends peace under Heaven. A solar or lunar eclipse in the Neck mansion likewise portends trouble in the Central Plains. If the Five Planets invade the Neck mansion and travel retrograde, it portends that the ruler will be anxious and may lose the state, and that the great ministers will not be given office.

If Jupiter remains in the Neck mansion for more than thirty days, it portends an amnesty and a plentiful harvest; if it remains for a very long time, it portends that rice will be dear in that region, that disease will spread, and that there will be floods. When Jupiter and Mars are together in the Neck mansion, it portends a poor grain harvest, the death of great numbers of people, and floods. If Mars remains there, it portends heavy rain, and also that warfare throughout the realm, after subsiding, will rise again on a large scale. If Mercury remains there, it portends a rise in the local price of rice; if it stays for a long time, it portends disease and a great flood. If Saturn remains there, it portends that crops and all things will fail to grow as they should and that illness will increase. If Venus remains there, it portends blocked roads, the outbreak of war, rampant banditry, and floods that harm people. If Venus travels along the stellar path south of the Neck mansion, it portends damage to the five grains, drought, and the displacement of the common people.

If a comet or a bo star (boxing, the anomalous stellar apparition spoken of by the ancients) invades the Neck mansion, it portends war in that region and rebellion by the great ministers, lasting for one year. If a ring-shaped halo appears around the moon, it portends that the army will march out of its own accord, yet will be checked before it has gone a hundred li, and that soldiers will suffer casualties.

The Celestial Lance (Genghe) consists of three stars and lies north of the Great Horn (Dajiao) and the Emperor’s Seat (Dizuo). It portends drought that leaves the earth bare and the flight of the people. If a comet or a bo star invades it, it portends war in that region and rebellion by the great ministers, lasting for one year. If a ring-shaped halo appears around the moon, it portends that the army will march out of its own accord, yet will be checked before it has gone a hundred li, and that soldiers will suffer casualties.

Genghe lies north of the Great Horn and the Emperor’s Seat. It symbolizes the military spearhead of the Son of Heaven, and it is also connected with the armies of foreign peoples and with the dates of funerals and burials. When the stars of Genghe stand far apart from one another, it portends good fortune; when they stand opposite one another, it portends the outbreak of war. If a guest star (kexing) lingers near Genghe, it portends disorder in the world.

The Cavalry Officers (Qiguan) consist of twenty-seven stars and lie south of the Root mansion (Dixiu). They symbolize the cavalry and valiant warriors of the Son of Heaven, and also represent the sons and younger kinsmen of nobles and feudal lords serving in the palace guard, as well as the image of the Three Guards (Sanwei, the palace guard system). If the stars appear numerous, it portends peace throughout the realm; if they appear few, it portends the rise of war. If the Five Planets remain near the Cavalry Officers, it portends war in the northwest. The Cavalry Officers are positioned at one hundred and fifteen degrees from the Northern Pole (Beichen).

General of Chariots and Cavalry

The star of the General of Chariots and Cavalry (Cheqi Jiangjun) lies to the southeast of the Cavalry Officers and symbolizes the office of General of Chariots and Cavalry.

The three stars of Cheqi (Chariot and Cavalry) lie south of Qigong (the Riding Palace) and have overall charge of chariots and cavalry and of armies marching to war.

The four stars of Xixian lie east of the Di lunar mansion and govern the punishment of licentiousness and unrestrained excess. The southern star enters Di at five degrees and stands ninety-three degrees from the North Star.

The seven stars of Qigong (the Seven Excellencies) lie east of the star Zhaoyao and north of Di. They are the chancellor stars of Heaven, governing the Three Excellencies and the good and evil of affairs of state. When their light is bright, it means that deliberation at court is thorough and prudent. If the stars enter the Milky Way (Yinhe, the Silver River), it portends a rise in the price of grain, even a famine in which people eat one another. If Venus lingers near Qigong, it portends warfare throughout the realm. The western star enters Di at four degrees and stands forty-nine degrees from the North Star.

Farther on and below, the stars of Jizu (Accumulated Soldiers), twelve in all, lie southeast of Di. When their light is faint and minute, it is an auspicious omen; if their light is intense and brilliant, or if they waver, it portends that the court will send out armies. Faint, minute light is an auspicious omen. If one of the stars disappears, half the army has set out on campaign; if two disappear, the greater part of the army has set out; if three disappear, the entire army has set out. If the Five Planets linger here, it portends that there will be war. The western side of the group enters Di at thirteen degrees and stands one hundred twenty-four degrees from the North Star.

The Fang lunar mansion has four stars. It is called Tianfu (the Heavenly Storehouse) and governs the four quarters; it is also called Tianqi (the Heavenly Banner), Tiansi (the Heavenly Quadriga), Tianlong (the Heavenly Dragon), Tianma (the Heavenly Horse), Tianheng (the Heavenly Balance), and Mingtang (the Bright Hall). Fang belongs to Mars. In spring and summer it corresponds to Water; in autumn and winter it corresponds to Fire. Fang is the marker of the four directions and sets out three heavenly paths, that is, the courses traveled by the sun, the moon, and the Five Planets.

The first and uppermost star of Fang is called Youfu (the Right Inner Horse). It is the star of the deputy general and lies on the upper path of the Yang Ring. The second is called Youjiao (the Right Jiao). It is the star of the senior minister and lies on the middle path. The third is called Zuofu (the Left Inner Horse). It is the star of the deputy general and lies on the lower path. The fourth is called Zuojiao (the Left Jiao). It is the star of the senior minister and commands the Four Assistants (Sifu). According to the astrological reading given here, Zuoshan (the Left Shan) and Zuofu portend that troops may be used in the east and the south, while Youjiao and Youfu portend that it is not advisable to use troops in the west and the north.

Xuange (the Dark Dagger-Axe) ●

The single star Xuange lies north of the star Zhaoyao and is also called Chen’ge (“Minister’s Halberd”). When the Five Planets linger here, it portends the rise of war. If the star is bright and flickering, it portends fighting along the borders of the Hu lands. Xuange lies one degree east of the Di lunar mansion and forty-two degrees from Beichen (the celestial region near the Pole Star).

Zhaoyao

The star Zhaoyao lies north of the Genghe stars and governs warfare in the Hu lands. When its light shows pointed rays and flickers, it portends that war is about to break out. Zhaoyao lies two degrees east of the Di lunar mansion and forty-one degrees from Beichen.

Zhuanxu

The two stars of Zhuanxu lie southeast of the Zhewei stars. They govern judicial officials, the examination of prisoners, and the penal rod, and they are also used to distinguish truth from falsehood in a case.

Di

The Di lunar mansion consists of four stars. It is a celestial lodge—a mansion district among the stars of heaven—and is also called Tiangen (“Heaven’s Root”) or Tianfu (“Heaven’s Tally”). It belongs to Wood: in spring and summer, prognostications follow the signs of Jupiter; in autumn and winter, they follow the signs of Mercury. It governs the empress and the imperial consorts. The two large stars in front represent the principal consort, and the two behind represent the consorts of the left and the right.

When Di is bright, it indicates that ministers serve the ruler in peace; when dim, it indicates that the ministers’ power is waning; when the stellar aspect changes, it portends that ministers will leave their own state. When the sun or the moon travels into the space of Di, it indicates that the ruler will commit a fault.

When Jupiter lingers in Di, it portends joy for the empress. If it remains for twenty days, it indicates that a king will set out from some region; if undertakings are unfavorable and progress is slow, it indicates that governance is sluggish and ministers are remiss in their duties. Jupiter guarding Di also portends that someone among the feudal lords will rise and proclaim himself king in rivalry with others.

When Mars lingers in Di, it portends that great ministers will collude with one another and raise troops in rebellion. If Mars passes through Di and appears red, it portends the death of a great minister; if it remains for a long time, there will be a general amnesty after sixty days. When Mars enters Di, it portends disorder stirred up by treacherous ministers—if near, within one year; if distant, within two years.

When Venus lingers in Di, it portends the outbreak of war; a general may receive a noble title, in the manner symbolized by the position occupied by Mars. When Mercury lingers, it portends great floods inundating palaces and dwellings, so that crops and all things cannot ripen; when Mercury enters Di, it indicates anxiety among noble ministers and the possible occurrence of lawsuits. When a guest star lingers, it portends a rise in the price of cloth and silk.

When Saturn lingers in Di, it portends that a crown prince will be established; if it remains for more than eighty days, there will be war within the realm. When a comet or a bo star passes through and enters Di, it portends abnormality in the inner palace, possibly involving military affairs; after the stellar aspect changes, within no more than one hundred and eight days the realm will suffer flooding.

When the moon travels eastward and a circular halo appears around Di, it portends calamity for the great general, and many among the people will fall ill.

The two stars of Gouling preside over laws and regulations and lie seven cun beside the Fang lunar mansion (one of the ancient Chinese star offices). The first is called Tianjian and the second Tianguan; they symbolize the keys that open the storehouses. If the two stars draw close, husband and wife are of one mind; if they stand farther apart, husband and wife are at odds. When their light is bright, the ministers each fulfill their duties and the government of the realm proceeds smoothly; when their light is dim, the ministers disrupt affairs of state and the kingly Way cannot be carried out. If the sun or the moon is eclipsed within the bounds of Fang, it portends a benighted ruler and ministers who monopolize power.

If Jupiter stations here, the realm is at peace. Should it remain for forty days, the five grains will be abundant, the people tranquil, and disease absent; the Son of Heaven will issue ordinances, and the response of governance by De (Virtue/Power) falls in the fourth month.

If Mars stations here, it portends the outbreak of war; within seven days there will be a major bereavement, and an amnesty may also be proclaimed. If it stays ten days, the high officials meet with disaster; if after twenty days it still has not departed, the ministers will certainly rebel, the ruler will be anxious amid unrest, and the Son of Heaven will suffer military calamity and drought. A stay of only a single day likewise portends that ministers will rise in disorder.

If Saturn stations here, it portends matters concerning concubines, and also confusion in the ruler’s government together with drought or earthquake; if it remains a long time, there will be war as well.

If Venus stations beside Fang, the ruler will undertake great works of construction, the state will fall into turmoil, and the price of cloth and silk will rise; if it remains a long time, the people will go hungry and political power will change hands.

If Mars stations, it portends that treacherous ministers will plot against the ruler, that the great ministers will falsely accuse one another and suffer severe execution, and that the ministers who assist the ruler will also be implicated. If the configuration departs from its usual place and appears between Fang and the Xin lunar mansion, it portends an earthquake. If Mars lingers long, the people hunger and power changes hands; it also portends that treacherous ministers harm the ruler, that ministers accuse one another, and that the assisting ministers meet with disaster. If a guest star (a body that appears suddenly or moves abnormally) stations there, the price of rice will rise tenfold.

When the sun, the moon, and the five planets invade Fang, a blue-green color portends anxiety for the state, warfare, and deaths; a white color portends war on a great scale, with the dead piled up like hills.

When a comet or a bo star (what the ancients called an anomalous comet) enters Fang, it portends that the state is in crisis and the people are in turmoil, killing one another. When a meteor enters Fang and travels westward, it portends that someone behaves with wild disorder, that the ruler slays loyal ministers, that a subject assassinates the ruler, and that the assisting ministers die; the omen is fulfilled within three years and is ordinarily observed in the third month.

If the sun or the moon rises south of the boundary of Fang, it portends severe drought and bereavement; if it rises north of the boundary, it portends disaster within ten thousand li, with armed disorder and prolonged rain; if it rises through the middle, it is a sign of peace, fulfilled in the regions of Xu Prefecture (许州), Xu Prefecture (徐州), and Ying Prefecture (颍州).

When a lunar halo encircles Fang and Xin, it portends pestilence and baleful events; the disaster answers within five degrees, or in the ninth month, or at the time when the day and hour correspond. The star offices above lie one hundred and four and a half degrees from the North Star.

The three stars of Fa (Penalty) lie to the west of the Dongxian stars and a little below them, arranged in a north–south line. They govern the payment of ransom in lieu of punishment, together with the tax and rent on cloth in the marketplace.

Dongxian consists of four stars and lies northeast of the Fang lunar mansion, one hundred four and a half degrees from Beichen (the Pole Star). It governs the prevention of licentiousness and unrestrained excess. If Jupiter lingers on the north side of Dongxian and wavers there, it portends that the Son of Heaven has fallen into excessive licentiousness. If a star enters from the south into the second degree of the Xin lunar mansion, one hundred three degrees from Beichen, the matter is foretold to come about within one hundred eighty days, or at latest within three years, affecting the prefectures of Song, Bian, and others.

The star Tianru (Celestial Milk) lies north of the Di lunar mansion and governs the descent of sweet dew. It stands ninety-six degrees from Beichen, and the associated stellar position lies toward the mid-southwest at fifteen degrees and twelve fen. Farther north there is another group of Tianru stars, belonging to the separate item mentioned above.

Guansuo (the Coiled Cord) consists of nine stars and lies in front of Qigong (the Seven Excellencies), symbolizing the prison in which thieves are confined. The prison gate is represented by one of these stars: if the gate is open, it signifies a pardon; if the gate is closed and the star that represents the gate enters the prison, it portends that someone will hang himself. Observation should be made at night on the five zi days. The disappearance of one star indicates joyful news; the disappearance of two indicates that someone will receive noble rank and enfeoffment; the disappearance of three indicates a pardon. Reckoned according to the stem pairings Jia–Geng, Bing–Xin, and Wu–Ren, the periods of fulfillment are eighty days, seventy days, and sixty days respectively. If a star enters the Milky Way, it portends that people will devour one another, and also that someone may be strangled to death. When all nine stars of Guansuo are visible, prison cases and litigation are abundant. If Mercury lingers here, it portends flooding; if Mars lingers here, it portends a rise in the price of rice. If a large star appears in the stellar region of the prison, it portends a general amnesty; if a small star appears, it signifies petty disputes over right and wrong, and one should also be alert to quarrels and wrangling. Guansuo stands fifty-five degrees from Beichen, and the associated stellar position is at the first degree of the Wei lunar mansion.

The two stars of Wuguan (Shaman Officials) lie southwest of the Fang lunar mansion and govern the duties of physicians and shamans.

The three stars of Tianfu (Celestial Blessing) lie west of the Fang lunar mansion and govern the official posts concerned with imperial carriages, including the ceremonial cortege and the emperor’s conveyances.

Jianbi (the Bolt).

The Jianbi star lies northeast of the Room mansion (Fangxiu) and governs locks and keys. It should not be bright; if it is, this portends disorder within the palace and the failure of its gates, and women may violate ritual propriety.

The Heart mansion (Xinxiu) consists of three stars and lies at the center of the sky. By position, the star in front of the sovereign is called the Crown Prince star, and the one behind is called the Lesser Son star. The Heart mansion also belongs to Fire. In spring and summer it resonates with the Qi (vital energy) of Wood; in autumn and winter it resonates with the Qi of Water. It is also known as “Great Fire,” “Great Chen,” and “Quail Fire.”

When the central star of the Heart mansion is bright and deep red, the heavens manifest the De (Virtue/Power) of the Son of Heaven. If it is dim, diminished, or abnormal in color, the sovereign’s power is weak and he cannot readily decide for himself. The stars of the Heart mansion should not form a straight line; if they do, the sovereign’s decisions will go astray. If the stars tremble, the Son of Heaven will face distress.

When Jupiter lingers in the Heart mansion, the realm is at peace. If it remains long and moreover trespasses upon the Heart mansion, ministers will plot against the sovereign and a great war is about to begin. When Mars lingers there, earthquakes are portended; if it remains for twenty days, ministers will plot against the sovereign. If its color turns black, this is an omen of the sovereign’s death. When Saturn lingers there, an enlightened sovereign will appear, counselors of strategy will be employed, and the realm will be at peace. Another account holds that this portends an edict of amnesty; if the planet stays long and does not depart, troubles and banditry will multiply and a great drought will afflict the realm.

When Venus lingers there, mountains will collapse and warfare will arise in many regions. If it remains for more than twenty days and stands three cun from the Heart mansion, war will break out, armies will clash and press toward the palace, and the omen will be fulfilled within eighty days. Severe insect plagues and famine are also possible.

When Mercury invades the Heart mansion, flood or drought and the outbreak of war are portended, and the price of cloth and silk will rise. When a guest star lingers and invades the Heart mansion, a great drought is portended and the land will lie scorched and bare for a thousand li. When the sun, the moon, and the Five Planets pass through the Heart mansion, stores of grain will be lost. A red halo, a rainbow, or such signs as an averted arc or an eclipse portend famine, war, rebellion by ministers, a change of regime, or the death of the sovereign. When an envoy star or a guest star passes through the Heart mansion, disorder within the palace is portended. When a comet or a bo star enters the Heart mansion, the sovereign will face distress, mourning will occur, and high ministers will be dismissed. Anomalies in the Heart mansion are fulfilled within seven days at the latest.

The Heavenly Market Enclosure (Tianshiyuan) comprises fifty-six stars and lies north of the Room and Heart mansions. It governs weights and measures and is also called the “Heavenly Banner.” When the Heavenly Market Enclosure is bright, the price of rice will rise; when many stars appear at the center of the enclosure, the year’s harvest will be abundant. When the Five Planets enter the market gate, war will arise. If stellar rays are sharp and red, or if red Qi enters, a great disaster is portended. When Mars lingers there, the omen concerns rice and grain and portends a change in the price of rice.

The Heavenly Market Enclosure is made up of fifty-six stars. It lies north of the Room lunar mansion (Fang) and the Heart lunar mansion (Xin), has charge of authority and of weighing and measuring, and is also called the “Heavenly Banner.” When the starlight is bright, it portends that grain prices will be high; when the stars within the market enclosure gather together, it portends a plentiful harvest that year. When the five planets enter the market gate, it portends that war will arise. When the stellar rays are sharp and red, or when a red atmospheric phenomenon enters, it portends a great disaster. When Mars remains within the market enclosure, it portends high grain prices. If the positions in which the various stars reside are encroached upon, the calamities that answer to them all fall upon the corresponding gates. The leftmost star enters the position of one degree of the Tail lunar mansion (Wei) and lies ninety-four degrees from the North Star (Beichen).

The Hou star lies on the eastern side of the Heavenly Market Enclosure and has charge of assisting ministers and of officials of Yin-Yang and of laws and ordinances. When its light is bright, the assisting ministers are powerful; when it is somewhat dim, the assisting ministers are weak in influence. It enters the position of three degrees of the Winnowing Basket lunar mansion (Ji) and lies seventy-two degrees from the North Star.

The Huan stars (Eunuch stars) number four in all. They lie southwest of the Emperor’s Seat (Dizuo, the stellar position symbolizing the sovereign) and symbolize those who attend at the sovereign’s side. They enter the position of twelve degrees of the Tail lunar mansion.

The Dou stars number five in all. They lie southwest of the Huan stars and have charge of weighing and measuring. When the stars on the western side of the Dou shine brightly, a bumper harvest follows; if the Dou stars are not seen, and the grain asterisms observed when one looks up at the heavens appear unripe, it portends a poor year. The Dou stars enter the position of ten degrees of the Tail lunar mansion.

The Clan Kinsmen stars (Zongren) number four in all. They lie east of the Clan Administration stars and have charge of sacrifices to the ancestors. When the stellar configuration changes, the sovereign will personally worry over the matter.

The Clan Rectifier stars (Zongzheng) number two in all. They lie southeast of the Emperor’s Seat and symbolize officials such as the Minister of the Imperial Clan and the grand masters. When their light is dim, it indicates that there are affairs concerning the palace and the imperial clan.

End of the first fascicle of the Tongzhan Daxiang Li Xingjing (the Star Scripture [Jing] of Comprehensive Prognostication of the Great Images and the Calendar).

The second fascicle of the Tongzhan Daxiang Li Xingjing.

The Butcher’s Shop stars (Tusi) number two in all. They lie north of the Silk Measure stars (Bodu) and symbolize matters of slaughter and killing.

The Market Tower stars (Shilou) number six in all. They lie within the market gate, have charge of the administration of the marketplace, and symbolize the duties of market officials.

The Hu stars number four in all. They lie south of the Northern Dipper (Beidou) and have charge of grain and measuring vessels (the hu being an ancient unit of capacity). All of the stars above lie within the Heavenly Market Enclosure.

The Women’s Bed stars (Nüchuang) number three in all. They lie north of the Heavenly Discipline stars (Tianji) and have charge of childbirth among the women of the rear palace; they also symbolize those who attend the sovereign and the empress. When the starlight is bright, it indicates that people in the palace are wanton and self-willed. They enter the position of one degree of the Winnowing Basket lunar mansion and lie fifty-three degrees from the North Star.

The Emperor’s Seat.

The Imperial Seat consists of only a single star. It lies within the Heavenly Market Enclosure and is the star venerated by Shennong. When its color is bright and lustrous, it signifies that the Son of Heaven is awe-inspiring and that his conduct accords with the proper Way; when it is faint and small, it is an ill omen; and if the star vanishes, it portends great calamity. It stands at the fifteenth degree of the Tail lunar mansion, seventy-one degrees from the North Star.

The Clan Stars are two in number, lying east of the Watch Stars. They symbolize the imperial clan and are the stars that record the royal bloodline, kinship ties, and ranks within the family. When their light is bright, relations among members of the clan are orderly; when it is dim, the clan is beset by troubles.

The Row of Stalls consists of two stars, northwest of the Bushel star. They preside over goods, precious treasures, gold, jade, and the like.

The Eastern Stalls consist of two stars, west of the star on the left side of the palace-gate wall. They symbolize the officials who regulate prices in market transactions.

The Silk Measure consists of two stars, northeast of the Clan Stars. They preside over fair and impartial measurement.

The Celestial Regulator consists of nine stars, east of the Linked Cord. They symbolize the Nine Ministers and the guiding norms of all affairs, and they also preside over the settling of grievances and lawsuits. If the Celestial Regulator joins the Linked Cord so that the two form a cord-like shape, an earthquake is foretold, to occur about two years later. The Celestial Regulator should not be bright; otherwise resentment will arise throughout the realm. If its stars vanish, the administration of the state will fall into ruin. It lies five degrees west of the Tail lunar mansion, fifty-one degrees from the North Star.

The Celestial Club consists of five stars, northeast of the Woman’s Bed. It presides over anger, strife, and punishment, and serves to guard the ruler against misfortune and sudden upheaval. When its light is bright and large, there is cause for anxiety; when faint and small, the omen is auspicious, so it ought not to be bright. If Mars lingers near the Celestial Club, war is about to break out. The Celestial Club stands at the eighth degree of the Winnowing Basket lunar mansion, twelve degrees from the North Star. Spring and summer correspond to fire, autumn and winter to water; it presides over the arising of the eight winds, and it is also called Split Wood.

What is recorded after “the Celestial Cord Constant” is the same as the entry for the Celestial Club: when the light is bright and large, there is cause for anxiety; when faint and small, the omen is auspicious. If Mars lingers nearby, war is about to break out. Its position is the eighth degree of the Winnowing Basket lunar mansion, twelve degrees from the North Star; spring and summer correspond to fire, autumn and winter to water; it presides over the arising of the eight winds, and it is also called Split Wood.

The Celestial Cord consists of three stars, behind the handle of the Northern Dipper in the Tail lunar mansion. If the stellar pattern is scattered and disordered, it portends that throughout the realm there will be matters whose fame remains obscure and hard to bring to light.

The Celestial River consists of four stars, north of the Tail lunar mansion, and presides over Taiyin, the watery aspect. If its light is bright or its position shifts, great floods will overflow and be hard to contain, armies will rise while preparations remain inadequate, and ferries and bridges throughout the realm will be impassable. The southernmost star of the Celestial River stands at the sixth degree of the Tail lunar mansion, one hundred and eleven degrees from the North Star.

The Celestial Turtle (Tiangui) has six stars. Lying south of the Tail mansion (Weixiu), within the Milky Way, it symbolizes the divination of good and ill fortune and also bears on the proper order between ruler and minister. When Mars lingers near the Celestial Turtle, drought and flood are portended. The asterism of the Celestial Turtle enters the Tail mansion at the twelfth degree and stands one hundred forty-one degrees from the North Star.

The Celestial Fish (Tianyu) has only one star. It lies in the stretch of the Milky Way corresponding to the Tail mansion, symbolizes clouds and rain, regulates Yin-Yang, and also concerns rivers and the sea. When the star of the Celestial Fish wavers, the bursting forth of floods is portended. When Mars lingers near the Celestial Fish, drought in the south and flooding in the north are portended.

The Dragon’s Tail (Longwei) has nine stars and symbolizes the inner palace: the first represents the empress, the next three represent the principal consorts, the next nine represent the Nine Concubines, and those that follow represent the lesser consorts and concubines. The Dragon’s Tail is also called the “Consort Clan” and is associated with Mercury. The remaining star officials are called, in order, Fenghou, the Celestial Rooster (Tianji), the Celestial Dog (Tiangou), and the Imperial Ancestral Temple (Taimiao); for all of them, brightness is auspicious. When the stars are proportionate in size and orderly in arrangement, this symbolizes that the empress, the principal consorts, the Nine Concubines, and the lesser consorts each rest in their proper place, and it also portends a multitude of officials and flourishing descendants. The Commentary says that there is a star two cun to the east of the second star, and that the smaller one represents the elder. When the stars of the Dragon’s Tail are bright, it is portended that the ministers who assist the throne are loyal in affairs of state; when they are dim, it is portended that close courtiers will rise in disorder and the state will be thrown into turmoil.

When Jupiter lingers near the Dragon’s Tail, the installation of an heir apparent is portended; within thirty days the consort clan may raise troops in rebellion, a favored concubine may seize exclusive power, and subordinates may disrupt the state. When Mars lingers here, armies joining battle and fear and anxiety among the great ministers are portended. When Mars and Mercury appear together between the Winnowing Basket mansion (Jixiu) and the Tail mansion, the configuration is called the “Mouth of the Nine Rivers,” and it portends that the court will issue an amnesty. If the stellar signs leap violently, or if their radiance breaks off and vanishes, turmoil throughout the world and drought are portended.

When Saturn lingers here, an increase of bandits, drought, and the deposition of someone within the palace are portended. When Saturn enters this stellar region, a rise in the prices of fish and salt, the outbreak of war, and a great general marching forth on campaign are portended. If Saturn, Mars, or Venus lingers here, or if they gather in conjunction or enter this place, unrest in people’s hearts, the replacement of great ministers, and disorder in government affairs are portended. When Mercury lingers or enters here, floods throughout the world, rivers overflowing their banks, and a rise in the prices of fish and rice are portended. When a guest star (kexing) lingers, rampant banditry and high prices are portended; when a guest star enters here, great famine and upheaval throughout the world are portended, together with the wretched sight of people eating people, the spread of epidemic disease, the flight and scattering of the population, the halt of farming and weaving, the rich selling off their clothing, and the poor selling their wives and children.

When a solar or lunar eclipse occurs in the Tail mansion, disaster befalling noble ministers is portended. When a comet or a bushy comet (boxing) passes by and encroaches upon the Tail mansion, it is portended that noble ministers will be put to death and that favored persons within the palace will disrupt court government; these signs are fulfilled in Youzhou, Dingzhou, Jizhou, Liaodong, and related regions. If the lunar mansions inflict punishment and offense upon one another, if their positions are reversed, or if halos and rainbows appear with their backs turned toward the Tail mansion, anxiety among generals and ministers, turmoil in the court, and the death of the empress or of someone in the inner palace are portended.

The Ji mansion (one of the seven mansions of the Eastern Azure Dragon, composed of four stars) is regarded as the stellar official governing the queen. It symbolizes the separate residences within the inner palace, the twenty-seven ranks of royal consorts, and the eighty-one imperial ladies-in-waiting, and is also called the “Celestial Mouth Queen.” It further symbolizes the entrance to the nine rivers of the Celestial River, presides over the crossbeam, and lies beside the Milky Way. The Ji mansion corresponds to Metal among the Five Phases: spring and summer belong to Metal, while autumn and winter belong to Earth. If the latter two stars of the Ji mansion waver, a great wind is portended and will be fulfilled after three days; the former two stars symbolize the queen.

If the Ji mansion enters the river, severe famine is portended, even to the point of people eating one another. The stars in front of the Ji mansion are also called the “chaff stars”: when their light is bright, a bountiful harvest is portended; when their light is faint, famine throughout the realm and a lack of grain are portended.

If Jupiter lingers in the Ji mansion and then moves, a great wind is portended and will be fulfilled after three days; if Jupiter stands guard in the stellar palace occupied by the Ji mansion, disputes and quarrels will arise.

If Mars lingers in the Ji mansion, famine throughout the realm is portended. If it lingers for a long time, with the stellar configuration circling and extending until it finally forms a hook, the execution of high ministers is portended. If Mars stands guard in the Ji mansion, a great flood is also portended, with water covering level ground and marshlands overflowing; if this configuration appears in the tenth month, flooding is portended, together with the affliction of grain prices doubling and famine growing more severe.

If Saturn and Mercury linger together in the Ji mansion, poor yields of all things and the outbreak of famine are portended. If they linger for a long time, the rise of warfare is portended, and rice may also become costly or an amnesty may be proclaimed.

If Venus enters the Ji mansion and lingers there, the rise of warfare is portended, and an amnesty may be proclaimed or the sovereign may be replaced. If it lingers for a long time, wind disasters and drought are portended, and one must also guard against internal disorder, military mutiny, and assaults upon the regime.

If Mercury lingers in the Ji mansion, grain harvests and incoming revenues will not be abundant, and great personages will be anxious. If a guest star (a star that appears suddenly or is abnormally placed) lingers in the Ji mansion, a great famine throughout the realm is portended, with the price of rice rising tenfold, even to the point of people eating one another; the common people flee elsewhere, and the fields go uncultivated.

If the stars turn red, great wind and heavy rain are portended; foreign rebel forces appear in the south, and drought may also occur. If the sun, the moon, and the five planets enter the central celestial region of the Ji mansion, warfare is portended in the lands below at Cangzhou and Luoyang, and the omen will also be fulfilled in Xuantu, Guangling, and other places. Severe famine will also occur, with the price of rice rising tenfold, even to the point of people eating one another; the common people flee elsewhere, and the fields go uncultivated. If the stars turn red, great wind and heavy rain, rebel forces in the south, and possibly drought are then portended.

The six stars of the Jian lodge (Jianxiu) lie north of the Southern Dipper (Nandou). They are regarded as the place where the celestial capital opens the passage of the Three Luminaries—the sun, the moon, and the stars—and they are charged with observing the movements of the Seven Luminaries (the sun, the moon, and the five major planets) and the good or ill fortune these indicate. At the winter solstice on the jiazi day of the eleventh month, the Qi (vital energy) of the carrying out of governmental decrees and of governance begins from this lodge. If Jupiter remains here, it portends floods, a rise in the price of rice, and an increase in disease; if Venus remains, it portends that the myriad things will find it hard to grow; “prolonged malign stationing and the like” is also regarded as an ill omen; if Mercury remains, it portends hunger and hardship among the people. The Jian lodge enters the seventh degree of the Dipper lodge (Douxiu), 113 degrees from the Pole Star (Beichen).

Tianbian consists of nine stars. Near the Jian lodge and at the edge of the Milky Way, it is the stellar official in charge of markets. If the stars are dim, this is taken as an inauspicious sign, portending a poor harvest of the myriad things; if their light is bright and full, it portends that produce and population will flourish, and it also bears on market trade.

The Gou lodge (Gouxiu) has two stars, in front of the bowl of the Dipper (Doukui). It governs the relocation or transfer of high ministers; if the high ministers show some unusual movement, this may also portend disorder. The Gou lodge lies thirteen degrees from this point.

Tianbian consists of nine stars. Near the Jian lodge and at the edge of the Milky Way, it is the stellar official in charge of markets. If the stars are dim, this is taken as an inauspicious sign, portending a poor harvest of the myriad things; if their light is bright and full, it portends that produce and population will flourish, and it also bears on market trade.

The Gou lodge has two stars, in front of the bowl of the Dipper. It governs the relocation or transfer of high ministers, and it is also connected with omens that the high ministers will rebel.

Gouguo (the Dog Kingdom) has four stars, southeast of the Jian lodge. It governs frontier affairs concerning the Xianbei, drought, the Wuhuan, and the like. If the stars are bright, it portends that there will be warfare on the frontier.

Tianyao consists of seven stars, to the west of the second star of the Dipper’s handle (Doubiao). It governs the opening and closing of barrier gates and their keys. Bright starlight is auspicious; dimness portends inauspicious calamity.

Tianbie has fifteen stars, south of the Dipper lodge. It governs aquatic creatures and omens associated with Yin Qi. If the stars are not positioned within the Milky Way, flood or fire is portended; if their color turns white, this bears on clothing and food; if the bodies of the stars appear very large, funerals are portended. If Mars remains here, drought is portended; if Mercury remains, fire is portended. The right side of Tianbie enters the first degree of the Dipper lodge, 127 degrees from the Pole Star.

Jiantai consists of four stars, beside the eastern foot of the Weaver Girl (Zhinü). It governs the lülü (the ancient musical pitches), the harmonizing of Yin-Yang, and related affairs, and it is also connected with omens of calamity and anomaly.

Beidao consists of five stars, beside the western foot of the Weaver Girl. It is regarded as the road along which the Son of Heaven passes when he goes out on tour and takes his pleasure in traveling palaces.

The Chu lodge (Chuxiu) has three stars, south of the Winnowing-Basket lodge (Jixiu). It governs such matters as pounding rice with pestle and mortar. If the stellar configuration changes, it portends that people may lose their cooking utensils, and it is also related to the lülü and to Yin-Yang.

Beidao consists of five stars, beside the western foot of the Weaver Girl. It is regarded as the road along which the Son of Heaven passes when he goes out on tour and takes his pleasure in traveling palaces.

The Chu lodge has three stars, south of the Winnowing-Basket lodge. It governs the pounding of rice. If the stellar configuration changes, it portends that people will lose cooking vessels such as the fu cauldron and the zeng steamer, that the fields will lie waste, and that a great famine will occur; if a star remains in the Chu lodge, this likewise portends famine throughout the realm. The star on the northern side of the Chu lodge enters the first degree of the Winnowing-Basket lodge, 143 degrees from the Pole Star.

The Nongzhangren star is a single star. It lies south of the Nandou (Southern Dipper) lunar mansion and presides over agricultural officials, the rectification of government, and offices such as Minister of Agriculture (Sinongqing).

The seven lunar mansions of the north comprise thirty-five stars in all and occupy ninety-eight degrees, seventy-five minutes, and fifty seconds.

Nandou is formed of six stars. It governs the lifespan of the Son of Heaven and is also held to concern the noble rank and stipend of the chief minister. Wu Xian said that this star corresponds to Jupiter: in spring and summer it belongs to Wood, and in autumn and winter to Water. It is also called Tianfu (Heavenly Axe), Tianque (Heavenly Watchtower), and Tianji (Heavenly Mechanism). When its light is bright, it signifies that the royal way is clear and settled, that generals and ministers assist in governance with one mind, that the Son of Heaven enjoys long life, and that all under heaven is at peace. When its light is dim, it signifies that high ministers lose their positions and the realm falls into turmoil. When its rays waver, it signifies that the state loses loyal ministers and all under heaven is filled with anxiety.

If Jupiter lingers near Nandou for sixty days, it signifies an increase among high ministers, or that someone obtains noble rank and stipend because his lifespan has been lengthened. If Jupiter moves retrograde into Doukui (the star region at the front of the Northern Dipper), it signifies that ministers act in defiance. If Jupiter remains for a long time, it portends war, flood, and great famine, even the calamity of people eating one another.

If Mars lingers near Nandou, it signifies disorder within the realm, that ministers who assist in governance find no peace, and that there will also be war. If Mars moves retrograde and afterward proceeds in direct motion and lingers, passing a distant city wall and forming a hook, it portends the death of generals and ministers and disaster for the state. If Mars remains for a long time, it signifies that the state will be cut off without an heir.

If Saturn lingers and enters Nandou, it signifies that a ruler can ascend the supreme position without resort to arms; if it remains for ninety days, it portends war and flood.

If Venus lingers, it signifies that a minister charged with upholding the law plots rebellion, that the state falls into turmoil and war arises, though an amnesty may also be proclaimed. When Mars and Venus enter Nandou together, the configuration is called Shuo (“scorching”), and it portends that a subject plots rebellion. If the two stars linger long and move slowly, and Mars later passes swiftly and departs, it signifies that the calamity will soon subside.

If Mercury lingers, it signifies that ministers plot rebellion, that the state falls into turmoil and war arises, and that an amnesty may also be proclaimed. The Shuo configuration, in which Mars and Venus enter Nandou together, and the omen in which the two stars linger long before Mars swiftly departs, bear the same meaning as above. Mercury’s lingering also portends flood.

If Mars enters Nandou, it portends war and great famine in the Hao-Yue region. When a guest star (kexing, a star that suddenly appears or comes to a halt) takes up station, it portends that war will cut off the roads and that a great flood will burst forth without warning, that bandits will multiply and affairs fall into chaos; a younger brother may die, an elder brother may attack a younger brother, a son may kill his father, or the ruler may die, and the price of rice will rise. If a guest star lingers for a long time, it signifies that the state will be cut off without an heir. If a guest star halts near the second star, it portends a great flood and the calamity of people eating one another. If a red guest star enters near the first star of the Dipper mansion, it portends the outbreak of war and the death of generals.

When the sun or the moon enters Nandou, it signifies that high ministers lose their posts or are put to death. If the sun or the moon is eclipsed within the Dipper, these are interpreted respectively as the emperor or the empress incurring aversion. When a halo appears around the sun or the moon and envelops Nandou, it portends that people will be driven to wander a thousand li; the lands of Jiang, Chi, Zhou, Yang, Yue, Lu, and Hong will be affected.

Tianquan (Heavenly Spring) consists of ten stars and lies one day to the east of Ao, symbolizing the great sea. It is connected with irrigating the countryside and with the waterworks of ditches and canals. If the sun, the Emperor Star (Dixing), or an inauspicious month shows some anomaly, or if a halo encircles the Dipper mansion (Douxiu), a disaster of great flooding is foretold, and people may be driven to wander a thousand li from their homes; the regions of Jiang, Chi, Zhou, Yang, Yue, Lu, and Hong will be affected accordingly. Here “correspondence” means that what the stellar omens foretell will manifest in these places.

The ten stars of Tianquan also symbolize the great sea, together with such matters as irrigating the countryside and repairing ditches and canals.

Shinü (Recognizing Women) consists of three stars and lies east of the Heavenly Market Enclosure (Tianshi Yuan). Associated with Luntiannü, it governs the storage of wild-rice fruits, silk, and precious treasures, and it is also concerned with vicissitudes in the lives of women. When its light is bright and large, peace throughout the world is foretold. It can usually be seen in the east on the sixth or seventh day of the seventh month or of the first month. When its color is a vivid red and its radiance clear and bright, women are foretold to excel at needlework. If one of its stars presides over the outbreak of war, women will be conscripted for service. If it faces the Fukuang star, good fortune is indicated; if it does not face the Fukuang star, the price of silk will double. Should Mars (Huoxing) linger near the Shinü stars, cloth and silk will be costly and warfare will arise, subsiding only after ten years, and princesses will also be anxious and afraid. Should a guest star (kexing) linger among them, the prices of silk and similar goods will rise. When the Shinü stars enter the twenty-seven lodges, they stand fifty-one degrees from the North Star.

Qianniu (the Ox-Leader) consists of six stars and governs palaces and halls, bridges, and engineering works. Among them, one further star symbolizes the great road, and the middle star symbolizes the ox. When Jupiter (Muxing) appears, the stellar signs are comparatively vigorous in spring and summer, while in autumn and winter they take on the aspect of Mars. Mars at the center symbolizes the beginning of governmental affairs and also foretells that what the sun governs will be held in honor. When the Qianniu stars enter the twenty-seven lodges, they stand fifty-one degrees from the North Star.

The six stars of Qianniu (the Ox) oversee passes and barriers, bridges, and the affairs of craftsmen. When anomalies appear, they bear chiefly upon the Great Dao (the Way); the middle star governs oxen. Jupiter is bright and expansive in spring and summer, and in autumn and winter it resembles Mars. Central Mars is the sign that the business of government begins, and the sun, the moon, and the five planets all set out upon their courses from this place. When the Xie star lies far from the Milky Way, oxen throughout the realm grow costly; when the Xie star is bright, it likewise signifies high rank and distinction. When the Xie star is dim and small, thieves enter the Milky Way, those laboring in the wells die, the price of rice and grain rises, and oxen are cheap while rice is dear. When the color of the Xie star is abnormal, oxen die in great numbers and the grain harvest fails.

When Jupiter stations near Qianniu, all under heaven is at peace; if it remains for a long time, floods occur, people die of cold, the price of rice rises, sons and daughters are sold, tigers injure people, and ministers plot to harm the ruler. If Jupiter moves retrograde and lingers long, there are floods and the roads are impassable. When Mars stations there, senior ministers rebel, the price of oxen rises tenfold, people devour one another, warfare breaks out, generals die, and there are great floods, so that fords and bridges cannot be crossed. When Saturn stations there, ministers harm the ruler; the ruler loses his place, and a minister takes it in his stead. When Venus stations there, earthly Qi (vital energy) leaks outward, warfare spreads through the cities and towns, and the dead throughout the realm are many. When Mercury stations there, it should ordinarily face Qianniu at dawn around the winter solstice; if it does not face Qianniu, the five grains fail in the coming year, and there are great floods.

When a guest star (a temporarily appearing celestial body) stations near Qianniu, war breaks out after twenty days. When a comet passes level across Qianniu, armies cross the frontier and someone sets himself up as king. When a comet emerges from within Qianniu, the political situation changes after seventy days. When a rainbow appears in the region of Qianniu, cities and walls are sure to be destroyed, and calamity draws near the Huai River. A halo ten arm-spans around the moon harms younger brothers and is an omen of disastrous change.

The determinative star of Qianniu measures eight degrees. At dusk in the eighth lunar month it lies at the center of the Zhongshi star region, one hundred and ten degrees from the North Star.

The seven stars of Fukang lie east of the Tianzhu stars and oversee matters of mulberry and silkworms.

The two stars Tianxi and Tianji lie north of Gou Guo (the Dog Kingdom) and oversee strange birds. When Mars stations there, warfare occurs; when Saturn stations there, people grow so hungry that they devour one another and scatter in flight.

The three stars of Hegu (River Drum): the middle one is called the Great General, the one on the left the Left General, and the one on the right the Right General. When the three stars stand in a straight line, the sign is auspicious, and the army is able to resist foreign enemies; when their alignment is bent, the sign is inauspicious, pointing to faulty planning and a loss of power and authority.

The Left and Right Flags each comprise nine stars, lying north of Qianniu (the Oxherd) and resting as if pillowed on the Milky Way. They stand for the sound of the signal drums that pass orders in the army, and they also govern the posting of guards at strategic and dangerous places. Changes in the Flag stars can show whether the army is being moved and whether a campaign is being raised. When the Left Flag is dark in color, it signifies places that are shadowy and concealed, and it also bears on matters of urgent alert. When the stars of Hegu show pointed rays, the generals are strong and valiant, and military power is flourishing.

The four stars of Tianfu are ranged along the northern and southern sides of the Left Flag, governing the clepsydra—the ancient water clock—and the Celestial Drum. When their light is dim, timekeeping has gone awry; when they are bright, all runs as it should, which is an auspicious sign.

The nine stars of Jiukan (Nine Ditches) lie south of the Oxherd, signifying the digging of channels so that springs and waters may flow. When the stars are bright, calamity is about to arise; when they are dim, the sign is auspicious. If the Five Planets linger in or trespass upon this stellar region, flooding is foretold. Its position is four degrees west of the Dou lunar mansion, one hundred twenty-six degrees from the Pole Star (Beichen).

The nine stars of Tiantian (Celestial Fields) lie southeast of the Oxherd and govern the fields and grain seedlings of the capital region.

The two stars of Luoyan lie east of the Oxherd. When their light is indistinct and dim, the sign is auspicious; when they are excessively bright, horses may be overwhelmed by floodwaters.

The Xunü asterism consists of four stars. It governs the storehouses of cloth, silk, and precious treasures, and is also called Ponü or Tiannü. Its stellar aspect belongs to Water: spring and summer correspond to Water, and autumn and winter to Fire. When its light is bright, it indicates that women’s weaving and other female crafts succeed and that the five grains throughout the realm yield abundant harvests; when its light is dim, it indicates that supplies throughout the realm are insufficient and the storehouses stand empty. If a solar or lunar eclipse occurs in the region of Xunü, it indicates that the women workers of the realm cannot render service to the state, and that there will be distress.

When Jupiter remains near Xunü, it portends many floods in that year, together with joyful events; the woman who heads the household may freeze to death. When Mars remains, it portends many deaths in childbirth and a high price for cloth and silk. When Saturn remains, it portends that people grow jealous and resentful of one another, that the wealthy suddenly rise to eminence, and that women also die. When Venus remains, it portends that ministers plot against the ruler, that warfare breaks out and many people die, that many women become widows, and that the treasures, cloth, and silk in the official storehouses will be taken out. When Mercury remains, it portends floods, poor harvests of all things, and a rise in the price of cloth and silk. When a guest star remains, it portends that the feudal lords present singing and dancing women, that cloth and silk are costly, and that a woman may suddenly rise to eminence. When a comet or a bo star passes through and encroaches upon Xunü, it portends warfare within the realm and disorder among women, often extending to Haixi Commandery, Zizhou, Taizhou, and other places. When a halo appears around the moon, it portends the death of the ruler’s daughter or of a woman of the rear palace. In the twelfth month the sun travels here; on the first day of the second month, this lunar mansion lies one hundred and six degrees west of Beichen (the Northern Chronogram).

Lizhu consists of five stars and lies north of Xunü. It governs the stores of the palace offices and supplies the rear palace. When the positions of its stars shift, it symbolizes upheaval within the palace. The westernmost end of Lizhu enters one degree of Xunü and stands ninety-four degrees from Beichen.

Guahu consists of five stars and lies north of Lizhu and south of the five stars of Baigua. When its light is bright, it portends an abundant harvest of the five grains; it governs the secret schemes of the rear palace and also symbolizes the fruit garden of the Son of Heaven. If stars are missing or their motion wavers, it portends that bandits rise in disorder and that people come to harm. When Jupiter, Mercury, a guest star, or the like remains here, it portends a rise in the price of fish and salt. Guahu enters one degree of Xunü and stands seventy-one degrees from Beichen.

Liyu consists of three stars. It lies to the southeast of Qin, is arrayed in the north, and governs the sovereign’s hunger and clothing.

The second star in the Xu lunar mansion chiefly signifies weeping in the temple and at court. When Venus appears in Xu, spring and summer portend flooding, while autumn and winter portend the warfare symbolized by metal weapons. It is also called Xuan’gan, Zhuanxu, and Daqing. If the asterism draws near the stars of office and appears slanted, staggered above and below, and not aligned side by side, this indicates a lapse of propriety in sacrifice.

When Jupiter lingers in the Xu lunar mansion, it portends disorder in the zhaomu sequence of the ancestral temple (the order in which spirit tablets are arranged by generation), and the people suffer hunger and much illness. When Jupiter and Saturn linger together, this is called “Yin-Yang (yinyang) exhausted,” portending a great flood: fish swim onto the roads of men, and the people flee and cannot dwell in peace. Three years later there will be a great drought, and the land will wither for a thousand li. When Mars lingers, it likewise portends that the land withers for a thousand li, that many women die, that the crops fail to ripen, and that the people hunger and fall often ill; corvée labor in earthworks and timber will also arise, and the Son of Heaven will send out troops. If it lingers long, the people will starve, and the price of rice will rise to ten times the ordinary.

When Saturn lingers, it portends wind and rain out of season, severe drought with much wind, and a rise in the price of rice. When Venus lingers, it portends that ministers plot against the authority of the royal house, that the political situation grows tense, and that war breaks out with bloodshed and killing. When Mercury lingers, it portends drought, and the myriad things fail to ripen. When a guest star (a celestial body that appears temporarily) lingers in the region of the sky corresponding to the Xu lunar mansion, there will be calamity and corvée; if it encroaches upon, obscures, or hooks and links other stars, the state will fall into turmoil. When a comet or a bo star (an ancient name for comets and similar celestial phenomena) moves so as to invade Xu and lingers for a considerable time, it portends the outbreak of war and mutual slaughter, blood covering the ground, and corpses piled up like hills. If a great star lingers in the form of a half-moon, it is called the “Heavenly Thief,” and the sovereign should perform the suburban sacrifice and the rites of the ancestral temple in order to avert the calamity and pacify the territories. When a celestial phenomenon encircling the Xu lunar mansion appears about the sun, it portends the launching of war and famine among the people.

One star of the state of Yue lies south of the Wunü lunar mansion. One star of the state of Zheng lies south of the Yue star. Two stars of the state of Zhao lie south of the Zheng star. Two stars of the state of Qi lie south of the Yue star. The two stars of the state of Zhou, the sovereign should perform the suburban sacrifice and the rites of the ancestral temple in order to avert the calamity and pacify the territories. When a celestial phenomenon encircling the Xu lunar mansion appears about the sun, it portends the launching of war and famine among the people. One star of the state of Yue lies south of the Wunü lunar mansion. One star of the state of Zheng lies south of the Yue star. Two stars of the state of Zhao lie south of the Zheng star. Two stars of the state of Qi lie south of the Yue star. Two stars of the state of Zhou lie east of the Yue star. Two stars of the state of Chu lie south of the Wei star. One star of the state of Yan lies south of the Chu star.

The Qin stars number two and lie to the southeast of the Zhou stars. The Wei stars number two and lie to the north of the Han stars. The Han star is a single star, lying to the north of the Jin star. The Jin star is a single star, lying to the north of the Dai stars. The Dai stars number two and occupy the position of the Qin stars.

If these stars appear black, undergo abnormal changes, or if a meteor passes through them, the corresponding states are foretold to suffer calamity. If the Five Stars (the five planets) encroach upon these asterisms, this likewise means that the corresponding states will meet with disaster.

Siming (Controller of Lifespan), Silu (Controller of Emolument), Siwei (Controller of Peril), and Sifei (Controller of Right and Wrong) each consist of two stars, all lying north of the Xu lunar mansion (Emptiness). Silu lies north of Siming, Siwei north of Silu, and Sifei north of Siwei. They respectively govern the lifespans of all people under Heaven, official rank and salary, safety and danger, and affairs of right and wrong.

Tianjin (the Celestial Ford) has nine stars, set in the Milky Way north of the Xu lunar mansion. It oversees fords and bridges, together with the officials charged, in times of crisis, with giving relief and ferrying people across. If the Tianjin stars are bright and in motion, warfare will arise; if their positions are uneven and irregular, the price of rice will rise; if the stars appear enlarged, the fords will be impassable; if three stars are abnormal, the river waters will do harm; if ten stars are abnormal, the rivers will flood and bring disaster. When red cloud-Qi (vital energy) enters the region of the Tianjin stars, drought is portended; when yellow-white cloud-Qi enters, the Son of Heaven will issue an edict. If Mars lingers near the Tianjin stars, great disorder will prevail throughout the world, together with drought. When the Tianjin stars move westward and enter the second degree of the Niu lunar mansion (the Ox), they stand forty-nine degrees from Beichen (the North Star).

The Wei lunar mansion (Wēi, Rooftop) has three stars and governs the residences of officials and matters of sacrifice. When Saturn appears in the Wei mansion, spring and summer portend floods, while autumn and winter portend fires. If the stars of the Wei mansion shift and grow dim, civil engineering works will be undertaken in the palaces of the Son of Heaven.

The four Tomb stars lie beneath the Wei lunar mansion and govern tragic events concerning the imperial mausoleums. When their light grows dim, when they leave their original positions, or when their bodies shrink until they can no longer be seen, all these signs foretell the destruction of the mausoleums, and may also indicate that palace buildings will be dug up and ruined, or dismantled and cut apart.

When the sun or the moon is eclipsed near the Wei mansion, it portends the collapse of palaces, high ministers assassinating the ruler and raising rebellion, and turmoil throughout the realm. If Jupiter remains here, it indicates that sacrifices are offered without due reverence and that the Son of Heaven will build palace buildings elsewhere. If Saturn and Mars remain here, it foretells that the common people will die from corvée labor and, after death, have no one to bury them; the harvest will fail, and there will be warfare in the south. If Saturn stays for a long time in the east, it portends the outbreak of a great war, the ruin of the state’s political order, hunger among the people, drought, and a rise in the price of rice to ten times the ordinary level.

If Saturn remains here, it foretells the undertaking of construction works, the occurrence of drought, and losses brought by urgent military affairs. If Venus remains here, it indicates that warfare will subside and that the commanding general will have cause for celebration. If Mercury remains here, it foretells that ministers plotting rebellion will be exposed and subjected to punishment; officials charged with enforcing the law will be anxious, and the state will suffer flooding.

When the sun, the moon, and the five planets enter this region, they portend disorder throughout the realm and a great famine in the following year. If a guest star remains here, it indicates change in the affairs of the state and of kings and marquises, and a rise in the price of rice. If a comet appears and disturbs this stellar region, it foretells that plots of rebellion will be exposed and people punished, that law-enforcing officials will be anxious, and that the state will suffer flooding. When the sun, the moon, and the five planets enter this region, they portend disorder throughout the realm and a great famine in the following year; if a guest star remains here, it indicates change in the affairs of the state and of kings and marquises, and a rise in the price of rice. When a comet or a Bo star, in its course, encroaches upon this place, it portends rebellion within the state and the outbreak of war.

If a meteor enters this place, it portends unrest throughout the realm: if the influence is near, it lasts for half a year; if distant, it continues for three years. The places where the omen is fulfilled are Caizhou and Taiyuan Commandery. If a colored halo appears around the moon, it foretells that many people will fall ill.

Yingshi (the name of a lunar mansion, composed of two stars) has two stars and governs military provisions. Ligong (the name of a star official) has six stars and governs matters of concealment.

Jupiter is also known as the fire of spring and summer and the water of autumn and winter, and is likewise called “Guan” or “Shi.” When Jupiter is bright, it portends the prosperity of the state; when the body of the star wavers, it portends that war is about to arise. A solar eclipse of the sun while it is in the Yingshi mansion portends that the ruler will personally lead the army on campaign and will not withdraw the troops. A lunar eclipse of the moon while it is in the Yingshi mansion portends a poor harvest and the cutting off of the common people’s livelihood.

The six stars of Ligong govern the posts of the Six Offices, the consorts, and the empress, and are also concerned with the affairs of the side courts (Yeting) within the palace. If the Wei mansion (the name of a lunar mansion) draws near, halts at Ligong and enters its bounds, or forms a hook-and-ring configuration, appearing for a long time to the left or right of the mansion, or moves retrograde and travels back and forth between the palace walls, this portends that a consort or the empress will be deposed. It may also portend the death of the sovereign, the execution of the empress’s clan, or illicit relations between palace women and persons outside the palace. One should prognosticate according to the celestial signs of the time.

If Jupiter halts to the south or east of Ligong, it portends good fortune; if to the north, it portends distress. If it remains for four days, the price of rice will rise. If Mars halts, it portends peril for the general. If it remains for a long time and forms a hook-and-ring configuration, it portends that officials will lose their posts, that great ministers will plot in secret, that the state will suffer drought, that the price of rice will rise tenfold, and that great ministers will raise troops in rebellion. If it remains for more than twenty days, even as long as ninety days, it portends that subjects will rebel, assassinate the ruler, and usurp the throne, and that the Son of Heaven will therefore be filled with dread.

If Saturn halts, it portends the secret building of palaces and the undertaking of earthworks and construction, and it also portends that a general will receive further enfeoffment. If Venus halts, it portends that war will cease; if it remains for a long time, armies will spread across the plains. If Mercury halts, it portends floods and unrest among the people; if one is to judge whether the state will fall, the fulfillment should be observed within forty days.

If a guest star (a celestial body that is not among the ordinary fixed stars and whose course and position change) halts, it portends that armies will set out, yet that the use of troops will be ill judged; it also portends that the people will gain land, that grain prices will rise, and that the population will scatter. The appearance of a comet or a bo star portends turmoil throughout the realm and a change of regime in the state, and in the end the political situation will undergo a drastic transformation. Those who raise troops before a comet or bo star encroaches upon Yingshi will be weak in strength and will find it hard to hold their position; if they join battle they will certainly be defeated. Places such as Yinwei, Gan, and Qinzhou will also be affected.

If a halo appears around the moon and encircles Yingshi and the Bi lunar mansion, it portends that the schemes of people of lower station will succeed. If the schemes do not succeed, many women and children will sicken and die. These are the circumstances in which the celestial signs are fulfilled, and one should prognosticate according to the time at which they occur.

Xizhong (the name of a star official) has four stars. It lies north of the Tianjin star official and is a palace within the sovereign’s Eastern Palace.

Gou (the name of a star official) has nine stars. It lies west of the Zaofu star official, within the Milky Way. If the positions of the stars shift, it portends an earthquake.

Chefu (the name of a star official) has seven stars. It lies east of the Tianjin star official, close to the Milky Way, and is the star official that governs carriages for official use.

The Ku lodge (Kuxiu) consists of two stars, lying south of the Xu lodge (Xuxiu), and governs matters of death and weeping.

The Qi lodge (Qixiu) consists of two stars, lying east of the Ku lodge. Both the Ku and Qi lodges are associated with death, sorrow, and weeping; when their stellar positions shift, they portend earthquakes.

Chefu consists of seven stars, lying east of the Tianjin lodge and close to the Milky Way. It is the asterism in charge of official carriages and conveyances.

The Ku lodge consists of two stars, lying south of the Xu lodge, and governs matters of death and weeping.

The Qi lodge consists of two stars, lying east of the Ku lodge, and governs matters of death, sorrow, and weeping.

Zaofu consists of five stars, lying south of the Chuanshe lodge. It oversees the office responsible for driving carriages, and also portends a rise in the price of horses.

Gaiwu consists of two stars, lying south of the Wei lodge (Weixiu), and governs palaces and buildings.

Xuliang consists of four stars, lying south of the Wei lodge. It governs the state’s tombs, funerary chambers, and ancestral temples—places where the common people do not dwell.

Tianlei consists of thirteen stars, arranged like Guansuo (a rope-shaped star official), and lies south of the Ku and Qi lodges. It governs affairs concerning the northern Yi peoples, the Dingling, and the Xiongnu.

Baiyue consists of four stars, lying south of the Xu and Wei lodges. It is associated with inauspicious signs such as the collapse of government affairs, weeping, and death. It also portends people selling their cauldrons, cooking pots, and food and leaving their homes, or a visiting army taking up station, with disorder arising in the southwest. It lies thirteen degrees east of the Nü lodge (Nüxiu) and one hundred thirty-one degrees from the north celestial pole.

The Ren lodge (Renxiu) consists of five stars, lying north of the Wei lodge. It portends the death of the common people throughout the realm, officials practicing fraud and deceit, and errors in the issuing of edicts. “Ren” also refers to women, and portends inauspicious disorder.

The Chu lodge (Chuxiu) consists of three stars, lying beside the Ren lodge, and oversees the pounding of military grain. The Jiu lodge (Jiuxiu) consists of four stars, lying below the Chu lodge. When the positions of the Chu and Jiu lodges do not correspond, they portend military action and famine. If the mouth of the mortar faces upward, a plentiful year is foretold; if the mortar overturns, a great famine is foretold.

Tuli consists of three stars, lying southwest of the Shi lodge (Shixiu). It oversees the laying out and repair of existing installations, as well as the inspection of faults, agricultural affairs, and related matters.

Tianqian consists of ten stars, lying south of the Xuliang lodge. It governs treasuries of money and goods, gathers the wealth of the realm, and manages tax matters such as corvée labor and household levies; the functions of the left and right storehouses of the present day correspond to it.

Tianqian consists of ten stars, lying south of the Xuliang lodge. It governs treasuries of money and goods, gathers the wealth of the realm, and manages tax matters such as corvée labor and household levies; the functions of the left and right storehouses of the present day correspond to it.

Tengshe consists of twenty-three stars, lying north of the Shi lodge, as if pillowed upon the Milky Way, and governs creatures of the water. When the stars appear dim, the state is portended to be at peace; when they move south, a great drought is portended; when they move north, a great flood is portended, and there may also be foreign enemies stationed and flood disasters. When its head enters the Shi lodge by one degree, it stands fifty degrees from the north celestial pole.

The Great Sea (Dahai) consists of ten stars and lies southwest of the Wall mansion (Bixiu). When sacrifice is offered, a watch is kept, or this group of stars is observed, an abnormal appearance foretells floods that inundate cities and towns.

Thunder and Lightning (Leidian) consists of six stars, lying southwest of the Encampment mansion (Shixiu), and governs thunder and lightning.

Clouds and Rain (Yunyu) consists of four stars, lying east of the Thunder and Lightning group, and governs the moistening rains that bring all things to growth.

Thunderbolt (Pili) consists of five stars, lying north of the Clouds and Rain group. It symbolizes the awesome might of Heaven and can shatter all things.

North Gate of the Army (Beilu Shimen) consists of only a single star. It lies west of the Feathered Forest Army (Yulinjun), the asterism of the celestial military camp, and is charged with watching enemy movements and military conditions. If its light is bright and shows rays and pointed horns, the army will be secure; if its light is faint and dim, warfare will arise throughout the realm. If the Five Planets—Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth, namely Venus, Jupiter, Mercury, Mars, and Saturn—encroach upon it, war will break out. If Venus, Mercury, or Jupiter linger near it, the omen is especially baleful. If Jupiter or Saturn encroaches upon it, the sign is auspicious. If Mars lingers near it, the army will be unable to hold its ground, the state will decline, and the court will fall. It stands at the ninth degree of the Rooftop mansion (Weixiu), about one hundred twenty degrees from the North Star.

Celestial Rope (Tiangang) consists of two stars, lying southwest of North Gate of the Army. It symbolizes the cords of Heaven spread open and extended, and also indicates places of encampment in the wild.

Eight Chiefs (Bakui) consists of nine stars, lying southeast of North Gate of the Army, and is the asterism that governs wild beasts. If the Five Planets or a guest star—an anomalous body that appears suddenly—linger here, war will break out; if Venus or Mars linger here, the ill omen is especially grave.

Executioner’s Axe (Fuzuan) consists of three stars, lying northwest of Eight Chiefs. Also called Axe and Iron (Futie), it symbolizes beheading, the clearing away of those who act in disorder, and the execution of the deceitful and hypocritical. Dim light is auspicious; if the stars shift their positions, war will break out.

Eastern Wall (Dongbi) consists of two stars and governs literary writings and books. When Saturn travels here, spring and summer correspond to Venus, and autumn and winter correspond to Saturn. Eastern Wall is also called Celestial Art (Tianshu). If the stars’ colors are abnormal, or if they differ in size, it foretells that the Son of Heaven will grant distant lands in fief and will thereby lose all under Heaven. If a star passes the sun and grows dim, the sign is auspicious; if the stars shift their positions, war will break out.

The Eastern Wall (Dongbi) consists of two stars and governs literature and books. Saturn belongs to Metal in the spring and summer seasons and to Earth in the autumn and winter seasons; it is also called “Heavenly Art” (Tianshu). If the stars of the Eastern Wall lose their luster, or if the two stars differ in size, it portends that the Son of Heaven will enfeoff distant lands and will thereby lose the realm.

When a solar eclipse occurs as the sun passes the Eastern Wall, it portends that the state will not employ worthy scholars and that writings and classical texts will be scattered and lost. When the moon occults the Eastern Wall, it portends anxiety among the great ministers and the death of men of letters. When Jupiter stations in the Eastern Wall, it portends that scholars who study the Five Classics will be employed by the court and that the state will flourish. When Mars stations in the Eastern Wall, it portends that great ministers will plot harm against the ruler; in that year the crops will fail and grain will be dear, power within and without the government will fall out of balance, and warfare will arise.

When Saturn remains for a long time in the Eastern Wall, it portends that worthy ministers will be employed, that literature and the arts of the Dao (Dao) will flourish and spread, that the ruler’s life will be prolonged, and that the realm will enjoy abundant harvests and peace. When Mars enters the stellar region at the center of the Eastern Wall, it portends that the ruler will die; five days later the chancellor will also die. If they do not die, they will suffer exile or dispersal.

When Saturn, while stationed, retrogrades into the Eastern Wall, it portends that the myriad things cannot ripen. If it remains in the Eastern Wall for more than ninety days, it portends the outbreak of a great war, and someone among the common people will set himself up as king. When Venus stations in the Eastern Wall, it portends that communications throughout the realm will be cut off, that the ruler will apply punishments with harsh urgency, that warfare will arise, and that the great ministers will be anxious. When Mercury stations there, it portends floods and blocked communications. When a guest star stations there, it portends much wind and rain or flooding, and also that subordinates will plot harm against the ruler; the inner circumstances of government affairs and punishments will come to light. When the stellar aspect is bright and clear, it portends that government affairs will be lucid and orderly.

When a ring of light appears around the moon (that is, a lunar halo) and envelops the Eastern Wall for a long time, it portends disorder in the state. When a comet or a bushy star moves and encroaches upon the Eastern Wall, it portends the rise of warfare. When Mars stations there, it portends that the gate of the imperial ancestral temple will catch fire, and that the realm will have much wind and rain together with floods; it also portends that someone will annex the lands of the feudal lords and unify the realm, that the way of the ruler will be illustrious, and that gentlemen will occupy key positions. When the starlight is dim, it portends that the royal way will decline and that people will be able to resort to arms. The Eastern Wall corresponds to the field allocations of the provinces of Lan, Liang, Wei, and others (in antiquity, celestial regions were matched to terrestrial provinces and states as astrological zones).

The Yulin Army stars number forty-five in all, and the Leibei stars number twelve in all; both lie south of the Encampment lunar mansion (Shi), govern the armies that guard the Son of Heaven, and portend stability within the army. The Flying General star ought to be bright and majestic, portending peace throughout the realm; if its light is dim, it portends that the army will be utterly destroyed. The Yulin Army stars lie five degrees west of the Encampment lunar mansion and one hundred twenty-three degrees from the North Star.

The five stars of Wangliang (a star official associated with driving chariots and managing horses) lie in the river north of the Kui lunar mansion (Kuixiu) and are in charge of managing horses. Among the four stars in the midst of the Han, one star beside Tiansi (the Celestial Quadriga) is named Wangliang and presides over swift travel along the roads; it resembles a heavenly bridge and is also connected with urgent military operations. If the five stars of Wangliang are incomplete, this symbolizes that the fords and bridges for crossing the river are blocked. If the stars shift toward the four directions, warfare may occur in the corresponding direction.

The single star Ce (the Whip) lies in front of Wangliang. It is a servant who attends the Son of Heaven and is responsible for whipping the horses and driving the chariot. Astral prognostication holds that when Wangliang whips the horses, this symbolizes warhorses spread across the plains and the outbreak of large-scale war; whichever direction shows this omen foretells warfare in that direction.

The single star Ce lies in front of Wangliang. It is a servant who attends the Son of Heaven and is responsible for whipping the horses and driving the chariot. Astral prognostication holds that when Wangliang whips the horses, this symbolizes warhorses spread across the plains and the outbreak of large-scale war. When Mars draws near Wangliang, it foretells the outbreak of war. If the Whip star is bright, it symbolizes low prices for horses; if dim, it symbolizes high prices for horses. Moving westward, the Whip star enters the Bi lunar mansion (Bixiu) by half a degree and lies forty-two degrees from the North Star.

The two stars of Tugong (the Earth Lord) lie south of the Bi lunar mansion. They are official stars in charge of constructing palaces and halls, earthworks, and related undertakings.

The ten stars of Tianjiu (the Celestial Stable) lie north of the Bi lunar mansion and symbolize the officials in charge of the Son of Heaven’s stables and parks.