Libo

The planet Chen Xing (Morning Star) invaded the central official position of the Gan school.

Tang (唐) · Qutan Xida (瞿曇悉達) · Volume 58 / 119

Charting guides: Chinese Almanac, Chinese Perpetual Calendar

The planet Chen Xing (Saturn) invades one of the four ministers.

《荊州占》曰:“辰星中犯乘守四輔星,君臣失禮,輔臣有誅者。”

The four auxiliary stars surround the pole star, symbolizing four ministers who assist the emperor. The "Jingzhou Divination" states: if the planet Mercury approaches, invades, or occupies the four auxiliary stars from the center, it indicates that the relationship between the sovereign and ministers has lost propriety, and there will be ministers who are executed.

The planet Chen Xing (Saturn) has entered the second position of Ping Dao.

甘氏曰:“辰星入守平道,天下兵亂。”

Two stars of Ping Dao are located between the two stars of Jiaoxu, indicating the path traveled by the emperor when he goes on a journey. Gan De said: When the planet of water enters and occupies Ping Dao, it signifies military calamities and disturbances throughout the realm.

The star Chen Star invades the flag of wine three times.

《荊州占》曰:“辰星守酒旗,天下大酺,有肉財物賜;若爵宗室。”

The three stars of the wine flag are located south of Xuan Yuan, and they presage banquets and feasting. The "Jingzhou Divination" states: When the water star occupies the wine flag, it signifies that the whole world will hold grand banquets and drinking sessions, with rewards of wine, meat, and wealth; or it may indicate the granting of titles to the royal descendants.

The planet Chen Xing (Saturn) has approached the region of Tian Gao Si.

郗萌曰:“辰星舍入天高,有奇令。”

Heaven is high with four stars located to the south of the Net mansion, indicating a high platform for observing distant clouds and phenomena. Xi Meng said: When the water star stops and enters the high heaven, it signifies that the court will issue extraordinary edicts.

The planet Chén Xīng (Morning Star) has approached the cluster of stars Jī Shī Wǔ (Accumulated Corpse Five).

石氏曰:“辰星守積尸,大人當之。”

Accumulated corpses refer to the white vapor in the center of the Ghost Mansion. The Gan school classifies it as a separate star official, governing death and worship. Shi Shen says: When the water star occupies Accumulated Corpses, its effect manifests on the nobleman.

The planet Chen Xing (Saturn) invades the Tian Huang Liu (the Six Heavenly Streams).

《黃帝占》曰:“辰星入天潢中者,為起軍道不通,天下大亂,國易政;一曰貴人死,若中犯乘守之,皆期二十日,兵起。”郗萌曰:“辰星失度,留天潢中,為人主以水為害;若以井為害,以日入占其國;若出乘天潢,赦;期百二十日內。”

The five stars of the Heavenly River are located among the Five Carriages, representing a celestial pond and ferry, governing bridges and crossings. The Yellow Emperor's Divination states that when the water star enters the Heavenly River, it signifies the mobilization of troops with blocked roads, great chaos throughout the realm, and changes in state policies; another interpretation suggests the death of a nobleman. If the star intrudes, dominates, or remains in the Heavenly River from the center, the period is twenty days, during which military actions will arise. Xi Meng says that when the water star deviates from its normal position and remains in the Heavenly River, it indicates the ruler suffering from water-related disasters; or harm caused by well water, which can be predicted by the day branch on which it occurs, to determine which state will be affected. If the star emerges and dominates the Heavenly River, it signifies a great amnesty, with the expected outcome occurring within a period of one hundred twenty days.

The planet Chen Xing (Morning Star) has entered Xianchi (the Celestial Pool).

郗萌曰:“辰星入咸池,為有迷惑人主者。”《荊州占》曰:“若入咸池,天下大亂,人君死,易政;以入日占國。”甘氏曰:“有兵喪,天子且以大敗,失忠臣,若旱;一曰大水,道不通,貴人死;以入日占國。”《文曜鉤》曰:“大水。”郗萌曰:“大人憂,若出乘之,赦;期百二十日內。”

Xianchi has three stars located south of Tianhuang, which is the water pool where fish and turtles dwell. It is also said to be the place where the sun sets. Xi Meng said: When the water star enters Xianchi, it indicates that someone will deceive the sovereign. The "Jingzhou Divination" says: If the water star enters Xianchi, it signifies great chaos throughout the land, the death of the king, and changes in government policies; use the day branch when the star enters to determine which country the omen will be fulfilled. Gan De said: It indicates military calamities and misfortunes, the Son of Heaven will suffer a great defeat, lose loyal ministers, or experience drought; another interpretation says it indicates great flooding, roads blocked, and the death of a nobleman; use the day branch when the star enters to determine which country the omen will be fulfilled. The "Wenyao Gou" says: It indicates great flooding. Xi Meng said: It indicates that noblemen will have worries; if the star rises above them, it indicates a great amnesty; the fulfillment of the omen will occur within 120 days.

The planet Chen Xing (Saturn) invades the celestial street at the eighth position.

郗萌曰:“辰星不從天街者,為政令不行,不出其年,有兵;當天街者,為諸侯自立為王;一曰大水;若留止逆行天街中,為兵革起。”石氏曰:“犯守天街,徘徊亂行,主弱臣強,道路隔絕,天下不通。”

The two stars of Tianjie are located between Bi宿 and Mao宿, forming the great path through which the sun, moon, and five planets travel. It is also the boundary between Huaxia and Yidi. Xi Meng said: if the planet Water does not follow the path of Tianjie, it indicates that government orders cannot be implemented, and the predicted time will not occur in the same year, indicating military affairs; if a planet is exactly at the position of Tianjie, it signifies that the feudal lords will establish themselves as kings; another interpretation suggests it indicates a great flood; if a planet stays or moves backward along the Tianjie path, it indicates the outbreak of military conflicts. Shi Shen said: if a planet violates and occupies the Tianjie path, wandering back and forth and disrupting the normal course, it indicates the ruler is weak and the ministers are strong, roads are blocked, and the whole world cannot communicate.

The planet Chen Xing (Saturn) has invaded the outer official stars of the Gan school.

The planet Chen Xing (Saturn) invades the Eight Kui (a group of stars associated with the military and punishment).

《荊州占》曰:“辰星犯守八魁,兵大起。”

The Eight Superior Officials and Nine Stars are located west of Tianyuan, symbolizing a net used for hunting and capturing animals, indicating the capture of fugitives. The "Jingzhou Divination" states that if the Water Star encroaches upon and occupies the Eight Superior Officials, it signifies a great outbreak of military conflict.

The planet Chen Xing (Saturn) has approached the weapons of Fu Yue.

《荊州占》曰:“辰星犯守鈇鉞,兵起。”《黃帝》曰:“入鈇鉞,為大臣誅。”

The three stars of the axe and halberd are located north of the Southern Dipper, representing the weapons used for execution, presiding over matters of killing. The "Jingzhou Divination" states: When the planet Mercury encroaches upon and occupies the position of the axe and halberd, it indicates the outbreak of war. The "Yellow Emperor's Divination" states: If something enters the position of the axe and halberd, it signifies the execution of a high-ranking official.

The star Chen is in the position of the stalks of straw and hay.

《黃帝占》曰:“辰星入芻藁中,主財寶出,憂臣在內。”

A cluster of six stars called Chú Gǎo is located west of Tian Yuan, symbolizing the storage of livestock feed. The Yellow Emperor's Divination states that when the water star enters the area of Chú Gǎo, it indicates the loss of wealth, and the ruler will be anxious about the presence of corrupt ministers within the court.

The planet Chén Xīng (Morning Star) invades the Nine Regions and affects the four different mouths.

《荊州占》曰:“守九州殊口、九州兵起。”

The nine provinces have different dialects, and six stars are located to the southeast of the Wolf Star, indicating the ability to translate the diverse dialects of the nine provinces. The "Jingzhou Divination" states: guarding the nine provinces' different dialects indicates the outbreak of military conflicts in various regions of the nine provinces.

The planet Chen Xing (Saturn) is said to be in conflict with the military well and the number five.

《荊州占》曰:“辰星入軍井三日以上,其歲大水。”

Four stars forming the military well are located southeast of the Jade Well, representing the well for drawing water in the military. The "Jingzhou Divination" states that when the Water Star enters the military well for more than three days, it indicates a major flood in the same year.

The planet Chen Xing (a star) invades the Water Palace, the sixth one.

《荊州占》曰:“辰星守水府,臣謀主,入之,水流入邑。”

Four stars of the water palace are located west of the Well mansion, and they are officials in charge of water conservancy and embankments. The "Jingzhou Divination" says: if the water star occupies the water palace, it indicates that ministers plot against the sovereign; if it enters the palace, it signifies a great flood entering towns and cities.

The planet Chén Xīng (Morning Star) has invaded the Heavenly Dog (Tian Gou).

《荊州占》曰:“入天狗,北夷大飢,來鄰國,多士功;若守之,為兵謀。”

The Heavenly Dog and the Seven Stars are located north of the Wolf Star, governing defense against thieves and surveillance of unusual events. The "Jingzhou Divination" states: When the planet Water enters the Heavenly Dog, it indicates a great famine among the northern barbarians, who will come to neighboring countries in search of food, and there will be much construction work. If the planet remains stationed there, it suggests military schemes.

The planet Chen Xing (Saturn) has entered the celestial temple (Tian Miao) in the eighth position.

《黃帝占》曰:“入若守,為廟有事;一曰為凶、憂。”《荊州占》曰:“為有廟殘之事,吏不去則死。”

The fourteen stars of the Heavenly Temple are located south of the Zhang Xu mansion. They represent the ancestral temple where the Son of Heaven worships his ancestors. The Yellow Emperor's Divination states: if the stars are entered into or lingered upon, it indicates that there will be matters concerning the ancestral temple. Another interpretation suggests it signifies misfortune, calamity, or worries. The Jingzhou Divination says: it indicates the destruction of the ancestral temple, and the officials in charge who do not resign will die.

The planet Chen Xing (Star of the Hour) has entered the area of Wu Xian in the outer officials' section.

Chen Star invades the Earthly Officer of the Earthly Branches

《荊州占》曰:“守入土司空,有土徭之事;一曰守之,有兵。”

The star official Tu Sikuang established by Wu Xian is the same as the Tu Sikuang in the outer officials of the Shi school, and it also governs matters related to earthworks. The "Jingzhou Divination" states: if the star Tu Sikuang is occupied and entered, it indicates there will be earth and wood labor; another interpretation says if it is occupied and retained, it indicates there will be military action.

The planet Chen Xing (Saturn) approaches the star Jian Bi (the Key and the Lock).

郗萌曰:“犯乘大臣,有謀天子不尊事;王者不宜出宮下殿,有匿兵於宗廟中者。”

A single star called Jian Bi is located in the northeast of the Room Mansion, representing the key to the gate and governing closure and defense. Xi Meng says: This indicates an offense and oppression against the position of a minister, suggesting someone is plotting against the emperor, preventing him from properly carrying out his duties. The king should not leave the palace or descend from the hall, as weapons are hidden within the ancestral temple.

The planet Chen Xing (Saturn) has entered the position of Tian Quan San (Heavenly Well Three).

《荊州占》曰:“守之,海水出,江河決溢,若海魚出。”

The Ten Stars of Tianquan are located east of the Bie star, also known as "Dahai," and they govern irrigation ditches and canals. The "Jingzhou Divination" states: guarding Tianquan indicates that seawater will surge, rivers will break their banks and overflow, or fish from the sea will swim out.

The planet Chen Xing (Saturn) approaches the weapon of execution.

《荊州占》曰:“犯之五日以上,臣有謀者。”郗萌曰:“犯守,為鈇鑕用;一曰兵將有憂。”

The weapons of execution, 鈇 and 锧, along with the five planets, are located in the Southwest direction of the Heavenly Granary, indicating the use of decapitation as a punishment, which signifies extermination. The "Jingzhou Divination" states that if they are violated for more than five days, it indicates that there are subordinates plotting rebellion. Xi Meng says that if they are violated and remain there, it indicates the use of the execution weapons; another interpretation suggests that generals leading troops will face calamity.

The planet Chen Xing (Saturn) invades the celestial stable, the fifth of the five.

《荊州占》曰:“入之十日以上,廄馬有食變。”郗萌曰:“守之三十日,騎馬出。”《黃帝占》曰:“守之,為災廄之事,人主以馬為憂,不即為疾。”

The constellation Tianjiu consists of ten stars located north of Dongbi, representing the royal stable for horses, governing carriages and postal relays. The "Jingzhou Zhuan" states that if the stars are observed for more than ten days, it indicates trouble with the feed in the stable. Xi Meng says that if the stars are observed for thirty days, it signifies the mobilization of cavalry. The "Huangdi Zhuan" states that if the stars are observed, it indicates disaster in the stable, the ruler worries about the horses, or the horses fall ill.

The Kaiyuan Treatise on Astrology, Volume Sixty · Divination of the Seven Eastern Mansions, Part One

Corner one of the horn (star) cluster.

《春秋緯》曰:“列宿二十八,是日月五星之所由,吉凶之所由兆也。故石氏薄贊皆始於角,而終於軫,今如舊次。東方七神之宿,為少陽,攝提建節,青華葉流,蒼帝靈威仰,協助所因乘也。角二星,天關也;其間,天門也;其內,天庭也。故黃道經其中,日月五星之所行也。

The Spring and Autumn Writings say: The twenty-eight mansions are the positions through which the sun and moon, along with the five planets, pass, and they are also the places where omens of good fortune, misfortune, and calamity appear. Therefore, the star divination commentaries of the Shi school all begin with the Horn mansion and end with the Chariot mansion, and the order remains as it was originally. The seven mansions in the East belong to the position of "Less Yang," established by the star Shetí to mark the seasons, with a green glow spreading like branches and leaves. The spirit of the苍帝 Lingweiyang assists in the timing associated with this position. The two stars of the Horn mansion are the heavenly gate; between the two stars is the heavenly gate, and within the heavenly gate is the heavenly court. Therefore, the Yellow Path passes through the middle, which is the path of the sun and moon and the five planets.

角主兵;一曰維首;一曰天陳;一曰天相。左角為天田,為獄、為理,主刑;南三度曰太陽道。右角為尉、為將,主兵;北三度曰太陰道。右角蓋天之三門,獨房之四表也;萬理之所由,禍福之源始也;故三光軌道,從之則吉,干僻牴觸則凶也。”

The Horn mansion governs military affairs; it is also known as "Wei Shou," "Tian Chen," and "Tian Xiang." The left angle is called Tian Tian, and also represents the prison and the court, governing punishment and justice; the three degrees south of it are called the "Sun Star Path." The right angle represents the commander and general, governing military affairs; the three degrees north of it are called the "Too Yin Path." The right angle covers the three gates of heaven and exclusively occupies the four extremes of the Room mansion; it is the source of all order and the beginning of fortune and misfortune. Therefore, the paths of the sun, moon, and stars, if they follow it, bring good fortune, but if they violate it, bring calamity.

石氏曰:“角二星,十二度。”(劉向《洪範傳》曰:與古度同。)度距左角先,去極九十一度,在黃道外度,金星也;(《巫咸占》同)春夏為木,秋冬為金。兩角之間是中道。鄭之分野,角,一名天田;一名天根。右角為尉,左角為獄。角者,天之府庭者也,天門者,左右角之間,天道之所治也;陽氣之所升也;臣之象也。”郗萌曰:“右角為天庭,左角為天田。又曰角亢秋獄,角為龍角。”

Shi Shen said: The two stars of Jiao Xu are located over twelve degrees. (Original note: Liu Xiang's "Hong Fan Zhuan" says that the degrees correspond to those of ancient times.) The degrees are counted starting from the left star of Jiao Xu. The distance from the North Pole is ninety-one degrees. It is located outside the Yellow Path, belonging to the category of the planet Venus; (Original note: "Wu Xian Zhàn" says the same.) In spring and summer, it belongs to wood; in autumn and winter, it belongs to metal. The area between the two stars of Jiao Xu is the central path. Jiao Xu is the territory corresponding to the state of Zheng. Jiao, also called "Tian Tian" and "Tian Gen." The right star of Jiao Xu is the position of the Commander of the Capital, while the left star is the position of the Prison. Jiao Xu is the heavenly court; the so-called heavenly gate is located between the left and right stars of Jiao Xu, which is the place under the control of the heavenly path; it is also the passage for the rising of yang energy; and it is the symbol of ministers. Xi Meng said: the right star of Jiao Xu is the heavenly court, and the left star is the heavenly field. He also said that Jiao Xu and Kangleg are the heavenly rulers of autumn's legal punishments, and Jiao is the horn of the Azure Dragon.

《二十八宿山經》曰:“角山與亢山相連、在韓金門山中;山中有憂變,則星應於上;星若有變,則山應於下;角亢星神,常居其上。”(君臣和同,山星無異,麒麟、鳳凰、芝草、醴泉,四時降矣。)

The *Classic of the Twenty-Eight Mansions and Mountains* says: The mountain corresponding to the Horn Mansion, Jiao Mountain, and the mountain corresponding to the Neck Mansion, Kang Mountain, are connected and located within the Jinyu Mountain range in the state of Han. If there are troubling and ominous changes in the mountains on earth, the stars in the sky will respond accordingly; if the stars in the sky change first, the mountains on earth will respond in kind. The star spirits of Jiao and Kang Mansions reside permanently on these two mountains. This is an explanation that pairs the celestial mansions with the earthly mountains, establishing that they influence each other. The original text's marginal note adds: When the ruler and ministers are in harmony and unity, neither the mountains nor the stars will show abnormalities. Instead, auspicious phenomena such as qilin, phoenixes, lingzhi mushrooms, and sweet springs will appear on earth throughout the four seasons.

《黃帝占》曰:“視兩角星明,王道大治;其星微小,不明,王道失政、輔臣不言。角星左蒼、右黃正色也,吉;其色白也,凶;王者大行,百八十日,災應,遠不出一年、二年。角星明而潤澤,朝臣有次第;兩角微小而不明,天下有兵,德令不行;亂,角垂芒。角星明大,王道太平。

The Huangdi Zhan says: Observe the two stars on either side of the Jiaoxu mansion. If both are bright, it indicates that the Way of the King is widely practiced and the world is well governed. If both stars are small and dim, it signifies that the Way of the King has lost its standard, and the ministers assisting the ruler dare not speak out. If the left star of Jiaoxu appears bluish-green and the right star yellow, these are their proper colors and indicate good fortune. If they turn white, it is an omen of misfortune, and the king will take great action. Within 180 days, calamity will occur, and at the furthest, not more than one or two years later. If the Jiaoxu star is bright and has a moist, luminous glow, the ministers in the court will each hold their proper positions in an orderly manner. If both stars are small and dim, there will be military affairs in the world, and the king's virtue and commands will not be effectively implemented. When the world becomes chaotic, the Jiaoxu star will 'hang a芒'—a light like a downward-pointing芒 appears beside the star, which is the sign of disorder. If the Jiaoxu star is bright and large, then the Way of the King will be peaceful and harmonious.

角為天將之官,兩角之間,三光之道也;南三度,太陽道;北三度,太陰道;日月五星,出入中道,天下太平。出陽,多旱;多陰,多雨;有陰謀。乘左角,法官謀;南三尺,獄理多冤。兩角不明,天下有兵;右角赤明,天下有兵;左角赤明,天下平。

The Horn mansion is the celestial official in charge of generals. The passage between the left and right horns is the path along which the sun, moon, and five planets, known as the 'three bright lights,' travel. Three degrees to the south of this path is called the 'Sun's path,' and three degrees to the north is called the 'Moon's path.' The sun, moon, and five planets enter and exit through the central path; when they do so, the world is peaceful. If they deviate to the southern path, droughts often occur; if they deviate to the northern path, there is often excessive rain and much intrigue among people. When a planet passes over the left star of the Horn mansion, meaning it passes over it from above, officials responsible for law and punishment may plot against the state. If a planet travels three feet south of the Horn mansion, there will be many wrongful convictions in court cases. If neither the left nor the right horns are bright, war will break out. If the right horn is red and bright, war will break out. If the left horn is red and bright, the world will instead be peaceful.

日月五星,天之三明也,皆從角所行;行陽道,道其陽;不從其行,歲大水,有兵;二十八宿皆同。角星明大潤澤,賢者在朝廷,蒼帝德行,天門為開。角主為兵;動內五寸,國中兵起;動外五寸,邊兵起,左右動搖,非其常;人主憂,臣弒君,各以日占。”

The sun, moon, and five wandering stars are collectively known as the "Three Bright Ones" in the heavens. When they move, they all pass through the Horn Mansion, which serves as a gateway. If they travel along the southern yang path, their movement is interpreted according to the imagery of the yang path. If they do not follow the usual path, there will be a great flood in that year, as well as military conflicts—this general rule applies to all twenty-eight mansions. A bright and moist angle star indicates that virtuous officials are serving in the court, signifying the flourishing virtue of the Eastern苍帝 (Blue Emperor), and the heavenly gate is opened. The Horn Mansion also governs military affairs: if the star moves inward by five inches, there will be internal military action; if it moves outward by five inches, there will be military action at the borders; if it sways left and right unpredictably and deviates from its normal state, the sovereign will face troubles, possibly even being killed by his ministers. As for when the effects will manifest, it should be predicted according to the stem-branch combination of the day when the anomaly occurs.

Kang Er (second)

石氏曰:“亢四星,九度,(在黃道內五度半)春夏為火,秋冬為水;(《五星占》曰:亢火也。)亢北四尺是中道。”(鄭之分野。)石氏曰:“亢者,廟也;亢者,天帝廟宮,亢為天府。”

Shi Shen said: The Kangle mansion consists of four stars, spanning nine degrees across the celestial sphere. The original commentary notes: these four stars are located five and a half degrees north of the Yellow Path. The Five Phases attribute of Kangle varies with the seasons, matching fire in spring and summer, and water in autumn and winter; the original commentary cites the "Five Stars Divination" which says that Kangle belongs to fire. Four chi north of Kangle is the "middle path" where the sun, moon, and five planets travel. The original commentary notes: the territorial division of Kangle corresponds to the State of Zheng—meaning "territorial division" refers to matching celestial mansions with earthly states and regions, and when a mansion shows variation, it foretells the fortune or misfortune of the corresponding region. Shi Shen also said: Kangle is the ancestral temple, the temple of the heavenly emperor, also called "Treasury Star and Command Star," meaning the heavenly treasury.

《海中占》曰:“亢,三光也;三公之事。下者,地也;中央者,丞相也;主享祠。一曰亢為疏廟;一名天庭,主火與疾;故亢龍多疾。亢星齊明,宗廟有敬,朝廷有序;星不明,則輔臣失次,君令不行。亢星不明,王者內亂;星明大,輔臣納忠,天下平安。”郗萌曰:“亢星明大,民無疾疫。”

The Hai Zhong Zhan says: The Kangle mansion is associated with the sun, moon, and stars, the three luminaries, and governs the affairs of the three high ministers. Among the four stars, the one lower down symbolizes the land, the one in the center symbolizes the prime minister, and is responsible for worship and offerings. Another interpretation says that Kangle is "Shu Miao," meaning a temple established outside the main temple; it is also called "Tian Ting," which governs fires and epidemics. Therefore, the "Kang" in the "Shang Ji" of the Zhou Yi's Qian hexagram, "Kang Long You Hui," is often connected with illness. When the four stars of Kangle are "Qing Ming," meaning equally bright and shining together, the ancestral temples are honored and the court is orderly. If the stars are dim, the ministers assisting the ruler will be out of order, and the sovereign's commands will not be carried out. If the Kangle star is dim, there will be disorder in the royal court; if the star is bright and large, the ministers will offer loyal advice, and the world will be peaceful. Xi Meng says: When the Kangle star is bright and large, the people will not suffer from epidemics.

石氏曰:“亢星垂芒,為亂錯。亢星離落位,有天子動旗,而卒戰于野;亢為疾,國有疾,占在亢。秋分,視亢不見,五穀盡傷,糴將二倍。”石氏曰:“亢為朝廷,總領四海,故置平星以統理。”《海中占》曰:“亢為朝廷布政宮。”

Shi Shen said: The Kangle star 'dangling light' refers to a light-like projection extending from the star, which indicates disorder in the system. The Kangle star 'leaving its position' means that the stars are scattered and have departed from their proper places, indicating that the emperor will raise banners and mobilize troops, with soldiers fighting in the outskirts. Kangle mansion governs diseases; if an epidemic breaks out in the country, it is divined from the Kangle star's appearance. By the autumn equinox, if the Kangle mansion is not visible when it should be, then all five grains will be damaged, and grain prices will rise by double. Shi Shen also said: Kangle is the court, overseeing the four seas, so the star official 'Ping Star' is set near it to assist in governance. The "Sea Divination" says: Kangle mansion is the palace where the court issues decrees.

Root mansion three

石氏曰:“氐四星,十五度。(古十七度)距西南星先至,去極九十四度。(在黃道內一度)春夏為金,秋冬為水。(《五星入宿占》:氐,木也。)氐南二尺是中道。(宋之分野)氐,天子行宮也,一名天廟;一名天府。

Shi Shen said: The Dishi mansion consists of four stars spanning fifteen degrees. The original commentary notes that the ancient measurement was seventeen degrees. Measure the distance of this mansion from the southwest star, which reaches the meridian first; this star is located ninety-four degrees from the north celestial pole. The original commentary notes that it is one degree north of the Yellow Path. The Dishi mansion corresponds to metal in spring and summer, and to water in autumn and winter; the original commentary cites the "Five Stars Entering the Mansions" to say that Dishi belongs to wood. Two chi to the south of Dishi is the central path where the sun, moon, and five planets travel. The original commentary notes that the territory of Dishi corresponds to the State of Song, which is now the area around Shangqiu in Henan Province. Dishi is the palace where the Son of Heaven stays during his travels, also known as "Heavenly Temple" and "Treasury Star."

前二大星,嫡;後二星,妾;前星,皇后貴族府;其星欲明,臣奉法度,邦君安寧;當大而小,其位臣失勢;其星動,其臣出。”《海圖》曰:“氐,宿宮,後女之貴府,出入路寢之宿。氐星發,即在土功事;氐為天庭,氐主疫。”

Among the four stars, the two bright stars in front symbolize the嫡妻 and the main wife, while the two behind symbolize concubines and secondary wives. The stars in front also represent the palace of the empress and the residences of the noble families. These stars are favorable when they are bright; brightness indicates that ministers will follow the laws and the king will be secure. If the stars should be large but are small, the minister in that position will lose power. If the stars move restlessly, the minister will leave his post. The "Sea Map" says: "The star of the氐 is the 'hostel,' which is the palace where the emperor rests, the residence of the empress and the imperial concubines, and the star that presides over the main hall when the Son of Heaven enters or leaves." If the氐 star "emerges" (i.e., its light spreads outward), it indicates that there will be construction activities. The氐 star is also called the "Heavenly Court," and it governs epidemics.

《二十八宿山經》曰:“氐山在鄭白馬山東,氐星神,常居其上。氐星明大,則民無出門之徭,馬無汗勞。氐主徭役,氐動者,徭役起。氐為宿,路寢所止,故置庫樓,以捍咎,氐為宿宮,休解之房。”

The "Classic of the Twenty-Eight Mansions and Mountains" says: The mansion of Dishi corresponds to Dishi Mountain, located east of Baima Mountain in the State of Zheng. The star deity of Dishi resides on the mountain year-round. The Dishi star is bright and large, so the people do not suffer from distant conscription service, and horses do not need to run and sweat. Dishi governs conscription and labor service; when the Dishi star moves, conscription and labor service will arise. Dishi is the place where the emperor rests and sleeps, the main chamber for his residence, so "Kulu" and other stars are set beside it to ward off calamities. Since Dishi is the palace for rest and sleep, it is also the dwelling for undressing and resting.

Fang Su Si

石氏曰:“房四星,鉤鈐二星,五度。(古七度)距房西南第二星,去極一百八度。(在黃道外一度弱)春夏為水,秋冬為火。(又曰:房,土星也。)房兩服之間是中道。(宋分野)房為天府;一曰天馬;或曰天駟;一名天旗;一名天廄;一名天市;一名天街;一名天燕;一名天倉;一名天表;一名天龍。

Shi Shen said: The House of Fang consists of four stars, with two additional stars called "Gou Qian." This constellation spans five degrees. The original commentary notes that in ancient measurements, it was seven degrees. The measurement takes the second star to the southwest of the House of Fang as the reference star; this star is located 108 degrees from the north celestial pole. The original commentary notes that it is slightly less than one degree south of the Yellow Path. The House of Fang is associated with water in spring and summer, and with fire in autumn and winter; the original commentary also states that the House of Fang belongs to earth. The four stars of the House of Fang are arranged in a line, like horses drawing a chariot. The two central stars are called "Liang Fu," and the space between the two "Liang Fu" stars is exactly the central path along which the sun, moon, and five planets travel. The original commentary notes that the territory corresponding to the House of Fang is the State of Song. The House of Fang is also called "Tian Fu," or "Tian Ma," "Tian Si," or has many other names such as "Tian Qi," "Tian Jiu," "Tian Shi," "Tian Jie," "Tian Yan," "Tian Cang," "Tian Biao," and "Tian Long."

房為天子明堂,王者歲始佈政之堂;房為天馬,主車驚;房為四表,表者桀也。”石氏曰:“天道,四表之間,三光之正路,人天之定位也。”(天廟者,房也:房者,關也,日月之行,常出其中,不出其中,為不道;不道者,政令不行。石氏曰:房主宿,街南二星,君位也;北二星,夫人之位也;房主財寶;房動外,財寶出;動內,財寶入。)

Fang Xu is the Bright Hall of the Son of Heaven, meaning the hall where the monarch issues decrees at the beginning of each year; Fang Xu is also the Star of Movement, governing matters of horses and carriages running away; Fang Xu is also the "Four Standards," where "standard" refers to upright markers. Shi Shen said: the so-called heavenly way lies between the four standards, which is the proper path for the sun, moon, and five stars, as well as the standard for the proper positions of heaven and earth. The original book's note says: the Heavenly Temple is Fang Xu. Fang is also a passageway; the sun and moon usually pass through the middle of this passageway. If they do not pass through the middle, it is called "not following the way," and not following the way would mean that the royal decrees cannot be effectively implemented. The note also quotes Shi Shen saying: Fang Xu governs the security of the emperor's rest. The two stars to the south of the Heavenly Street are the emperor's position, while the two stars to the north are the empress's position; Fang Xu also governs treasures. If the stars move outward, treasures will flow out; if they move inward, treasures will come in.

《二十八宿山經》曰:“房山在宋地,與心山相連;房心星神,常居其上;房心二宿動搖。則房心之山崩;國有走主。填星色黑,出入七十日以上,房心山崩,下伐上也;其星不明,則山有音聲,人民擾擾,五穀貴。

The "Book of the Twenty-Eight Mansions and Mountains" says: The mountain corresponding to the Room Mansion (Fang Xu) is located within the State of Song, connected to the mountain corresponding to the Heart Mansion (Xin Xu). The deities of the Room and Heart Mansions reside permanently on these two mountains. If the stars of the Room and Heart Mansions fluctuate unpredictably, the mountains of Room and Heart will collapse, and the king will flee the country. If the planet Saturn (anciently called "Fill Star") turns black and stays in this area for more than seventy days, it also indicates that the mountains of Room and Heart will collapse, and in human affairs, there will be rebellion from below and subordinates attacking the ruler. If the stars of Room and Heart are dim, the two mountains will emit strange sounds, causing the people to be anxious and unsettled, and grain prices will rise sharply.

房心星暗黑,火星守之二百日,房心山則音聲,萬民相驚,大水,魚鹽五穀貴,百姓愁;若星色赤,赤地千里;房心不見,帝無教;房星欲明,群臣奉忠,天下道興。鉤鈐,天子御也。鉤鈐相去疏者,天下且赦,相去數者,天子急,多暴令關閉。鉤鈐去房,不驚;鉤鈐離房,法令。王者至孝,則鉤鈐明。昆弟有親親之思,則鉤鈐不離房;鉤鈐去房,欲其近也;近則天下同心,遠則天下不和;房主開閉,以其蓄藏之所由也。”

The stars of Fáng and Xīn appear dark and black, and if the Malefic of violence (Fēngmò) remains in this area for two hundred days, the mountains of Fáng and Xīn will emit sounds, causing the people to be disturbed and alarmed. There will be great floods, and the prices of fish, salt, and five grains will rise, bringing hardship to the people. If the color of the stars turns red, it indicates a great drought covering thousands of miles. The disappearance of the Fáng and Xīn constellations signifies that the ruler does not promote moral education. Brightness of the Fáng star is favorable; when it is bright, the ministers will be loyal and virtuous, and the governance of the state will flourish. The two stars Gōu and Qián symbolize the tools used by the Son of Heaven to drive his chariot. If Gōu and Qián are far apart, the country will soon issue a general amnesty; if they are close together, the Son of Heaven will issue urgent decrees, often with strict prohibitions and closures. If Gōu and Qián are slightly deviated from Fáng, it is not a cause for alarm; but if they are clearly separated from Fáng, it relates to changes in laws and regulations. When the king shows extreme filial piety, Gōu and Qián will shine brightly; when brothers have affection for each other, Gōu and Qián will not leave Fáng. When Gōu and Qián depart from Fáng, people always hope they will come closer: if they are near, the whole country will be united; if they are far, the whole country will be in discord. The Fáng constellation governs the opening and closing of border passes, as the storage and movement of goods must pass through this pass.

Heart Mansion Five

石氏曰:“心三星,五度。(古十二度)距前第二星,去極一百八度半。在黃道外三度半。春夏為木,秋冬為水。”(又曰:心星,火也。)北四尺是中道。(宋之分野)心為天相;一名大辰;一名大火;一名天司空。心者,宣氣也;心為大丞相。”

Shi Shen said: The Heart Mansion consists of three stars and spans five degrees. The original commentary notes that the ancient degree was twelve degrees. Taking the second star as the reference star, this star is located one hundred and eight and a half degrees south of the northern celestial pole, and lies three and a half degrees south of the Yellow Path. The Heart Mansion corresponds to wood in spring and summer, and to water in autumn and winter. The original commentary further notes that the Heart Star belongs to fire. Four chi to the north of the Heart Mansion is the central path along which the sun, moon, and five planets move. The original commentary also states that the territory corresponding to the Heart Mansion is the State of Song. The Heart Mansion is a heavenly official position, also known as "Great Morning," "Great Fire," and "Heavenly Minister of the Void." The term "Heart" refers to the function of announcing and dispersing yang energy; the Heart Mansion symbolizes the great prime minister.

石氏曰:“心三星,帝座;大星者,天子也。心者,木中火;故其色赤,為天關梁。心三星,星當曲,天下安;直南昌,天子失計。心為明堂,中大星天王位,前後小星,子屬;以開德發陽。不欲直,直王失勢,期九十日,地動,主客,天子以弱亡。”

Shi Shen said: The three stars of the Heart Mansion are the seat of the emperor, with the largest one representing the Son of Heaven. The Heart belongs to the fire element contained within the wood position of the east, hence its red color, and it serves as a gateway and bridge in the heavens. Normally, the three stars of the Heart Mansion form a curved shape; when they are curved, the world is at peace. If the three stars are aligned in a straight line and extend southward, then the emperor's plans will be flawed. The Heart Mansion is the Bright Hall, with the central star representing the position of the emperor, and the two smaller stars before and after representing the prince and the younger sons, used to open up virtue and promote the yang energy. The three stars should not be aligned in a straight line; once they are, the emperor will lose power, and this will occur within ninety days, accompanied by an earthquake, indicating warfare between the country and its rival, and the emperor's weakening leading to his downfall.

《爾雅》曰:“大火,謂之大辰;房心尾也。主天下之賞罰;主天下之急;故天下變動,則心星見不詳。明堂旁多小星,天子憂弱子未處,天子威令不出閣,天下乖爭無君,伯八九。心星直,心星變,色黑,大人有憂,民血流。心星滅,則主泣血,後奔逃,強國起。

The "Erya" says: "Big Fire" is also called "Big Chen," referring to the constellation of Fang, Xin, and Wei. The Star Mansion of Xin controls the rewards and punishments of the world and handles the urgent difficulties of the people. Therefore, when there is any change in the human world, the star of Xin shows an ominous sign. The Bright Hall, which refers to the Star Mansion of Xin, if surrounded by many small stars, indicates that the Son of Heaven is anxious about his young son not being properly placed, and the Son of Heaven's authority and commands cannot go beyond the palace gates. The world becomes disorderly and contentious, as if there is no ruler, with many feudal lords, up to eight or nine, dominating their own regions. If the star of Xin forms a straight line, and the star pattern changes with a dark color, it indicates that the Nobleman will suffer misfortune, and the people will suffer bloodshed. If the star of Xin disappears and is not visible, the monarch will weep until his tears are blood, the concubines will flee, and powerful neighbors will take advantage of the situation to rise.

心星消,江河為害;期九年,天子滅。心星動,國有急,心星動搖,若角芒者,天下大兵。心星離移,有流民;心前後星皆光明赤黃者,太子、庶子,各有賜賀之事。心三星明大,則天下同慶,鄉風被澤。”太史公曰:“心三星,上星太子星,星不明,太子不得代;下星庶子星,星明,庶子代後,心動者,國有憂。”

The Heart Star's light diminishes, and rivers and streams will cause floods; this omen occurs in nine years, and the emperor will perish. If the Heart Star moves restlessly, the country will face urgent difficulties; if the Heart Star wavers and emits sharp, spiky lights, there will be great warfare across the land. If the Heart Star departs from its proper position and moves away, there will be people fleeing and becoming homeless. If the two stars before and after the Heart Mansion are bright and appear red-yellow, the crown prince and the younger sons will each receive rewards and celebrate with joy. If the three stars of the Heart Mansion are bright and large, the whole world will rejoice, and all directions will be influenced and benefit. Sima Qian, the Grand Historian, said: among the three stars of the Heart Mansion, the upper one is the crown prince star; if this star is dim, the crown prince cannot ascend the throne; the lower one is the younger son star; if this star is bright, the younger son will replace the crown prince. If the Heart Star moves restlessly, there will be troubles in the country.

The original text is in the public domain. The English is a machine-assisted translation of this library’s own Chinese paraphrase, checked against a fixed glossary so that technical terms match the definitions used elsewhere on this site. It is a reading aid and does not replace the original.