Ancient Chinese Star Lore Part 1

Adromeda In Chinese, Andromeda is written 仙 女 座. In Chinese astronomy, the constellation forms eight asterisms, belonging to six Lunar Mansions, located in the quadrants of the White Tiger of the West and the Black Tortoise of the North.

Chinese asterisms in Andromeda Map based on seasky.org

Chinese Lunar Mansions in Andromeda Map based on seasky.org

Centered around ο Andromedae is Chēfǔ, a Big Yard for Chariots, part of the Twelfth Lunar Mansion, which is called Wēi, the Rooftop. The asterism extends into the constellation Lacerta. Téngshé, the Flying Serpent covers λ, ψ, κ and ι Andromedae and a number of fainter stars. The Serpent is part of the Thirteenth Lunar Mansion, called Shì, the Encampment and extends into the constellation Lacerta. Bì, the Wall is the name of the Fourteenth Lunar Mansion. It is also the name of an asterism formed by α Andromedae and the stars around γ, ψ and φ Pegasi, representing the eastern wall of the Emperor’s palace grounds and the Emperor’s private reference library. Also part of the Fourteenth Lunar Mansion is an asterism called Tiānjiù, the Celestial Stable, consisting of θ, ρ and σ Andromedae and some other faint stars.

Flying Serpent; Source Chinese Bestiary Palace Walls; Source 123rf.com

The 12th, 13th and 14th Lunar Mansions mentioned above are part of the Black Tortoise of the North; the following Lunar Mansions are located in the White Tiger of the West. The Fifteenth Lunar Mansion is called Kuí. Wikipedia translates Kuí as "Legs." Ian Ridpath adds that "... its shape resembles that of a foot or sandal; perhaps it is the rear legs or feet of the White Tiger. ... Alternatively, Kuí was said to represent a wild boar." In the wild boar interpretation, ζ Andromedae is seen as Tiānshǐmù (天豕目), the Celestial pig's eye. Kuí is also the name of an asterism. Its primary star is η Andromedae. It is joined by β, δ, ε, ζ, μ, ν and π Andromedae and extends into the constellation Pisces. Wikipedia identifies φ Andromedae as Jūnnánmén, the southern gate to the headquarters of Tiāndà jiāngjūn (see below), also located in the 15th Lunar Mansion. However, Ian Ridpath argues that "... this star is too far north to be described as a southern gate," and suggests α Trianguli for this position. Tiāndà jiāngjūn, Heaven's Great General, is an asterism in the Sixteenth Lunar Mansion, called Lóu, Bond. Primary star in the Great General is γ Andromedae. The General is surrounded by ten subordinate officers, including ξ, τ, υ, χ and ω Andromedae as well as φ Persei. The faint stars 63, 64, 65 and 66 Andromedae are part of Dàlíng, the Mausoleum, which extends into Perseus and is part of the Seventeenth Lunar Mansion, called Wèi, the Stomach. Sources: Wikipedia, Ian Ridpath.

Ming Dynasty Black Tortois Beijing Capital Museum White Tiger of the West; © Tamara

Antlia In Chinese, Antlia is written 唧 筒 座. The stars of Antli are visible in China. They are part of two Lunar Mansions, both located in the quadrant of the Vermilion Bird of the South. ι Antliae together with some of the stars of Vela was part of an asterism called Dōngoū. This formation belonged to the 27th Lunar Mansion, called Yì (翼宿), the Wing.

Chinese asterisms in Antlia; Map based on seasky.org

Dōngoū was an ancient kingdom in southeastern China, an area said to be inhabited by barbarians. Sources: Wikipedia, Ian Ridpath The coast of Dōngoū; source: Preussischer Kulturbesitz Berlin

ε, η and θ Antliae were part of Tiānmiào, the Celestial Temple, a temple dedicated to the Emperor’s ancestors. Most of this asterism lies in the constellation Pyxis. The asterism is part of the 26th Lunar Mansion, called Zhāng (张宿), the Extended Net. Sources: Wikipedia, Ian Ridpath

Temple of the Heavens in Beijing Source: Wikipedia

Apus In Chinese, Apus is written 天燕座. The stars of Apus are not visible from China and are therefor not part of ancient Chinese mythology. They are, however, part of the Southern Asterisms, a group of 23 formations around the southern pole that were introduced in the mid 17th century by German Jesuit astronomer Johann Adam Schall von Bell and Chinese astronomer Xu Guangqi.

Exotic birds on a Chinese plate Source: WorthPoint

In this system, the stars of Apus and some of the stars of Oktans are called Yì Què (異雀) - the Exotic Bird. Source: Wikipedia

Aquarius In Chinese, Aquarius is written 寶 瓶 座. In Chinese astronomy, the constellation forms fifteen asterisms, belonging to four Lunar Mansions, all located in the quadrant of the Black Tortoise of the North. The stars around ε and μ Aquarii form the asterism Nǚ (Girl) which gave its name to the Tenth Lunar Mansion. According to Ian Ridpath, the "girl" is a maidservant. A single very faint star, 1 Aquarii is pearls on the girl's Wear.

Lunar Mansions in Aquarius Map based on seasky.org

The stars around β Aquarii, together with α Equulei (the brightest star in the neighboring Equuleus constellation), form Xū or Emptiness, an asterism that lend its name to the Eleventh Lunar Mansion. Ian Ridpath tells us that the 11th lunar mansion symbolizes a place of desolation and darkness connected with funerals and mourning. Fittingly there are two faint asterisms called Kū (Crying) and Qì (Weeping) nearby.

Also part of the 11th lunar mansion are two small asterisms called Sīmìng and Sīlù, centered around 25 Aquarii, the small star that in Greek astronomy formed the water carrier's head. Sīlù represents a Deified Judge, while Sīmìng is something that is hard to translate. Wikipedia describes it as "Master of Fate" or "Controller of Fate", Ian Ridpath calls it "a deity governing punishment, life, and death." Then, still in the 11th lunar mansion, there is the beginning of a construction that will stretch all across the next, the 12th lunar mansion. Tiānlěichéng, the "Celestial Ramparts" protect a large complex of buildings that we will visit in the next mansion. The asterism centers around ξ and ν Aquarii. The rooftop of the whole complex is formed by a V-shaped asterism that combines α Aquarii with θ and ε Pegasi. The formation is called Wēi (Rooftop), which is also the name of the 12th Lunar Mansion. The roof continues with the stars around ο Aquarii, an asterism called Gàiwū (Roofing).

Siming Temple; Source: Wikipedia Chinese castle with earthwork ramparts Source: britannica.com

The star κ Aquarii is called Sāngōng (三公), meaning Three Leaders. At this star, we enter Xūliáng, which Wikipedia translates as temple, while Ian Ridpath calls it a mausoleum for departed Emperors. The latter seems more likely, considering that next to it is Fénmù, a tomb, consisting, among others of γ ζ η and π Aquarii. We leave the tomb entering the 13th Lunar Mansion, called Shì, the Encampment.

Tomb in Shengong Temple Source: China Tombs

First, there is Lěibìzhèn, a line of ramparts, consisting among others of ι, σ, λ and φ Aquarii and extending into Aquarius. Also in the 13th mansion is the very faint asterism Fūyuè, the Axe. According to Ian Ridpath, not only the location of Fūyuè is disputed, but also the question whether Fūyuè is an axe used for executions or one for cutting crops. Undisputed is Yǔlínjūn, the Imperial Guard, an asterism consisting of δ, υ, τ1, τ2, ψ1, ψ2, ψ3, χ, ω1 and ω2 Aquarii and 35 other stars, extending all the way to Piscis Austrinus. It is the largest number of stars in any Chinese constellation!

Imperial Guards Source: dragonsarmory.com

YaWL tells a story about the Black Tortoise: Xuanwu was a king of the north. He gave up his throne and left to search for enlightenment, in order to eventually become a god. During his search, he was told by the gods that he must cleanse himself. Taking the message literally, he had his stomach and intestines removed an cast into a river, which then turned muddy. With this action, he became a god. However, his wayward guts transformed into a snake (the intestines) and a tortoise (the stomach). The two creatures became wicked, and began to terrorize the land. As a deity, Xuanwu returned and defeated his old intestines and stomach. Instead of killing the snake and tortoise, he led them to enlightenment. The became his two most trusted generals, and it is said that he rode them into battles. Sources: Wikipedia and Ian Ridpath, YaWL

Black Turtle of the North Source: China Tombs

Aquila In Chinese, Aquila is written 天 鷹 座 In Chinese astronomy, almost the entire constellation is located in the quadrant of the Black Tortoise of the North. Here, it stretches across three Lunar mansions, covering six asterisms. The very northern part is part of the Heavenly Market Enclosure. Here, ζ and ε Aquilae, together with a number of fainter stars form a part of Tiānshìzuǒyuán, the Left Wall of the Market Enclosure. Individually, ε and ζ Aquilae are named Woo and Yuë, respectively, representing the old Chinese states Wú and Yuè Source: Wikipedia In the 8th Lunar Mansion, called Dǒu, the Dipper, λ Aquilae and a number of fainter stars are seen as Market Officers, called Tiānbiàn, just outside the Wall.

Chinese constellations in Aquila Map based on seasky.org

The 9th Lunar Mansion is called Niú, the Ox. Here, Altair and its two flanking stars, β and γ Aquilae form the asterism Hegu, the Drum at the River. Ian Ridpath calls it "a large battle drum." South of the drum, θ and η Aquilae, together with a number of fainter stars form Tiānfú, the Celestial Drumstick. δ and ι Aquilae, together with fainter stars form Yòuqí, a banner flying on the right side of the drum; ρ Aquilae and a group of stars from Sagitta are Zuǒqí, the banner flying on the left side.

Chinese Battle Drums Source: youtube

The 10th Lunar Mansion is Nǚ, the Girl. Four very faint stars, 69, 70 and 71 and 1 Aquarii form an asterism called Lízhū, representing four pearls worn by the girl. Ian Ridpath also tells us, that "Altair and its attendant stars were also known as the Three Generals, the commanding officer in the center flanked by two subordinates." In this capacity, α Aql is called Dàjiāngjūn, the Great General, while β and γ Aql are called Zuǒjiāngjūn (Left-Side General) and Yòujiāngjūn (Right-Side General), respectively. Sources:Wikipedia and Ian Ridpath

Chinese Pearls Source: GemWise Blog

In a popular Chinese folk tale, Altair is called Niú Láng Xīng (meaning Star of the Cowherd) or Qiān Niú Xīng (Star of cows). Niú Láng is the husband of Zhīnǚ, the "Weaving Girl", represented by an asterism in the constellation Lyra, containing Vega (α Lyr), the fifth-brightest star in the night sky. Weaving Girl was also called Celestial Granddaughter, as in Chinese legends, she was the granddaughter of the celestial emperor. Hong Kong Space Museum tells the story of Weaving Girl and Cowherd: "Weaving Girl worked hard year in year out, weaving colorful brocade for the gods and goddesses. However, she stopped weaving after she married Niulang. Outraged, the celestial emperor ordered the couple to be separated by the celestial river (the Milky Way) and only allowed them to meet once a year. On the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, the magpies would spread their wings together to form a bridge, enabling the tragic lovers in heaven to meet that night." Source:Hong Kong Space Museum, Wikipedia

Cowherd and Weaving Girl Source: Hong Kong Space Museum

All Things Chinese provides an extensive, illustrated version of the tale. The tale of The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl is considered one of China's greatest folk tales. The Qixi Festival, commemorating the two lovers has been celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month for the last 2,000 years, dating back to the Hab Dynasty. Source: Wikipedia

Cowherd and Weaving Girl Source: All Things Chinese

Similar festivals take place in Japan (Tanabata Festival) and Korea (Chilseok Festival). Source: Wikipedia, japan-suite.com

Ara In Chinese, Ara is written 天 壇 座. In Chinese astronomy, the stars of Ara belong to two asterisms, both located in the quadrant of the Azure_Dragon of the East.. Located in the Seventh Chinese Lunar Mansion, called Ji, the Winnowing Basket, is the asterism Chǔ, a pestle for pounding rice, formed by α, β and θ and by the faint σ Arae. Ian Ridpath explains, that in a a procedure known as hulling, pounding of the rice removed the husks. Later, the rice was separated from the chaff in a winnowing basket called Ji, which is located further north in Sagittarius. the chaff was represented by the asterism Kāng in Ophiuchus. Part of the Sixth Chinese Lunar Mansion, called Wěi, the Tail, is Guī, a tortoise living in the river of the Milky Way. The asterism is formed by γ, δ, ε1, η and ζ Arae. Ian Ridpath notes, that "... tortoises are actually land animals, so Guī is better thought of as a turtle." Sources: Wikipedia, Ian Ridpath

Chinese asterisms in Ara Map based on seasky.org Dragon-Turtle in the Forbidden City Source: Wikimedia

Aries In Chinese, Aries is written 白羊座. In Chinese astronomy, the constellation forms seven asterisms, belonging to three Lunar Mansions. Hamal (α Ari), together with β, γ and λ Arietis and some fainter stars forms Lóu which translates to "Bond." Ian Ridpath explains one interpretation of "Bond" can be "...the rearing and gathering of cattle for sacrifice. ... According to one story, the Emperor sacrificed a cow or ram just after the equinox, and the lunar mansion Lóu was said to be where animals were assembled prior to the sacrifice.

Lunar Mansions in Aries Map based on seasky.org

The Lóu asterism gave its name to the 16th Lunar Mansion. The faint stars in the center of Aries (including ν, μ and ο Arietis form an asterism called Zuǒgēng, meaning "Forest Manager." Together with the even fainter Yòugèng (Pasturing Manager), these two asterisms are also part of the 16th Lunar Mansion. The asterism Wèi, meaning "Stomach" gave its name to the 17th Lunar Mansion. It is centered around 41 Arietis (Bharani). Also part of the 17th Lunar Mansion is an asterism called Tiānqūn, which is centered around barely visible ξ Arietis. Tiānqūn translates to "Circular Celestial Granary " Located in the 18th Lunar Mansion, which is called Mǎo or the "The Hairy Head" (of the White Tiger) is an asterism called Tiānyīn (The Yin Force). North of Tiānyīn is the faint star Tiānhé 62 Ari, which means "Celestial River." It got its name because it stands alone in the celestial river. all three Lunar Mansions are located in the quadrant of the White Tiger of the West. Sources: Wikipedia and Ian Ridpath

White Tiger of the West © AtmaFlare

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