The ancients had three main explanations for celestial bodies: the theory of Xuan Ye, the theory of Gai Tian, and the theory of Hun Tian. However, previous texts offered little detail on the true shape of celestial bodies, which was not clearly addressed in the "Book of Documents" or Ban Gu's "Han Shu."
During the reign of Emperor Ling of Han, the imperial courtier Cai Yong, from Shuofang, wrote to the emperor, saying, "There are three schools of thought regarding celestial bodies. The theory of Xuan Ye lacks a solid foundation. Although the 'Zhou Bi Suan Jing' records methods for calculating celestial bodies, there are many errors when used to verify celestial phenomena. Only the theory of Hun Tian is closer to the actual situation. The celestial globe used by historians today, made of bronze for observing the movements of the sun, moon, and stars, is based on the theory of Hun Tian. It is a sphere with a diameter of eight feet, representing the shape of the heavens and earth, with the path of the sun marked on it. It is a very ingenious and timeless method. However, although there is the celestial globe, there are no relevant written records, and previous historical books did not provide detailed explanations. I originally wanted to study it carefully next to the celestial globe, understand its principles, and then write an article about it. But due to various reasons, I was exiled to the north, where the harsh conditions prevented me from continuing my research. Therefore, it is necessary to ask the court ministers and even knowledgeable people in society to grasp the principles of the theory of Hun Tian and document their findings." Unfortunately, eunuchs held power at that time, and Cai Yong's suggestion was not adopted.
During the late Han Dynasty, Lu Ji, a man from Wu, excelled in astronomy and conducted extensive research on the theory of Hun Tian. Wang Fan, a man from Lujiang and a middle attendant in the Wu Kingdom, was skilled in mathematics and inherited Liu Hong's "Qianxiang Li." Using this knowledge, he created a celestial globe and offered a detailed explanation of the principles of the Hun Tian theory, stating:
In the past, scholars believed that the shape of heaven and earth was like an egg, with the sky surrounding the earth, just like an eggshell surrounds the yolk. Celestial bodies rotate endlessly, with a round shape, hence called the celestial sphere. The celestial sphere is divided into 365 degrees and 589 minutes, with 245 degrees above the ground and 245 degrees below the ground. The two ends of the celestial sphere are called the North Pole and the South Pole. The North Pole is 36 degrees above the ground, while the South Pole is 36 degrees below the ground, with a distance of just over 182 degrees between the two poles. With the North Pole as the center, a circle with a radius of 72 degrees, known as the upper circle, is always visible; with the South Pole as the center, a circle with a radius of 72 degrees, known as the lower rule, is always invisible. The equator is the center line of the celestial sphere, 91 degrees away from each pole. The ecliptic is the path of the sun's movement, with half outside the equator and half inside, intersecting near the constellation Jiao Su Five and near the constellation Kui Su Fourteen. The farthest point of the ecliptic from the equator is approximately 24 degrees, such as the star Dubhe at 21 degrees; the farthest point of the ecliptic inside the equator is also approximately 24 degrees, such as Jing Su at 25 degrees.
It is said that on the day of the winter solstice, the sun reaches 21 degrees in the constellation Dubhe, about 115 degrees away from the North Pole. At this time, the sun is at its southernmost point, farthest from the North Pole, which results in the longest shadow. The sun is at 21 degrees of Dubhe on the ecliptic, rising at Chen o'clock and setting at Shen o'clock, making it a day with sunrise at Chen o'clock and sunset at Shen o'clock. During the day, the sun travels just over 146 degrees above the ground, resulting in a shorter day; at night, it travels just under 219 degrees below the ground, resulting in a longer night.
After the winter solstice, the sun gradually moves northward, getting closer to the North Pole, so the shadow also gradually grows shorter. The angle of the sun's path on the ground during the day gradually increases, so the day becomes longer; the angle of the sun's path below the horizon at night gradually decreases, so the night becomes shorter. The position of the sun gradually shifts northward, and the positions of sunrise and sunset also move northward until the summer solstice. On the day of the summer solstice, the sun reaches 25 degrees in the constellation of Crater, about 67 degrees from the North Pole, which is the day when the sun is at its northernmost position of the year, closest to the North Pole, hence the shortest shadow. The sun is positioned at 25 degrees in the ecliptic, which means sunrise occurs in Chenshi and sunset in Xushi. The sun travels just under 219 degrees across the sky during the day, so the day is longer; it moves just over 146 degrees below the horizon at night, so the night is shorter.
After the summer solstice, the sun gradually moves southward, getting farther from the North Pole, so the shadow gradually becomes longer again. The angle of the sun's path on the ground during the day gradually decreases, so the day becomes shorter; the angle of the sun's path below the horizon at night gradually increases, so the night becomes longer. The position of the sun also gradually shifts southward, and the positions of sunrise and sunset also move southward until it returns to the winter solstice, repeating the cycle. The constellation of Ursa Major (Dipper) is at 21 degrees, and the constellation of Crater is at 25 degrees, which represents a 48-degree difference in latitude.
On the day of the spring equinox, the sun is positioned at approximately 14 degrees in the constellation Boötes; on the day of the autumn equinox, the sun is positioned at around 5 degrees in the constellation Libra. These points mark the intersection of the ecliptic and the equator. On these two days, the sun is approximately 91 degrees from the North Pole, positioned between 21 degrees in the constellation of Ursa Major at the winter solstice and 25 degrees in the constellation of Crater at the summer solstice, which means the length of the shadow is intermediate between those at the winter and summer solstices. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun is at 14 degrees in the constellation Boötes and 5 degrees in the constellation Libra, rises in Maoshi, and sets in Youshi, making these two days with sunrise in Maoshi and sunset in Youshi. The sun moves approximately 182.5 degrees on the ground and underground during both day and night, resulting in day and night being nearly equal, each lasting about 50 ke, a traditional time unit.
However, day and night in the sky are measured by sunrise and sunset, while people perceive day and night based on dawn and dusk. It gets bright before the sun rises, roughly two and a half quarters early; and it is still bright after the sun has set, about two and a half quarters late. As a result, actual nighttime is shortened by five quarters, while daytime is extended by five quarters; thus, the duration of daytime around the spring and autumn equinoxes is approximately fifty-five quarters.
In ancient times, scholars studied the movement of celestial bodies, leading to various opinions and a lack of unified standards. Astronomers arrived at differing results, resulting in a chaotic array of calendars. For instance, both "Luoshu Zhen Yaodu" and "Chunqiu Kaoyi You" state that the circumference of the celestial sphere is one million seven hundred thousand miles, and one degree equals two thousand nine hundred and thirty-two miles, seventy-one steps, two feet, seven inches, four minutes, and four hundred eighty-seven seconds out of three hundred sixty-two. Lu Ji had a differing view, stating that the diameter of the celestial sphere from east to west and north to south is thirty-five thousand seven hundred miles, implying that the diameter was one-third of the circumference. However, upon closer calculation, the ratio of the diameter to the circumference is not one-third at all. It should actually be that when the circumference is one hundred forty-two, the diameter is forty-five. Therefore, the diameter of the celestial sphere should be thirty-three thousand nine hundred and forty-one miles, one hundred twenty-two steps, three feet, two inches, one minute, and seventy-one seconds.
The "Book of Rites" says: "When the sun shines directly, the shadow measures one foot five inches; this is referred to as 'the ground center'." Zheng Zhong explained: "The gnomon (instrument measuring the shadow of the sun) is one foot five inches long. On the day of the summer solstice, erect a pole eight feet high; its shadow is the same length as the gnomon. This is referred to as 'the ground center', and today, Yangcheng in Yingchuan is considered 'the ground center'." Zheng Xuan also said: "For every inch difference in the length of the shadow, it represents a difference of one thousand miles in distance. If the shadow is one foot five inches long, it means the sun is fifteen thousand miles directly below Nandai (the South Pole)." According to this calculation, the sun is calculated to be eighty thousand miles away from the surface. If the sun shines obliquely on Yangcheng, it is at half the diameter of the celestial sphere. Assuming celestial bodies are perfectly round, with the earth at the center of the celestial sphere and Yangcheng also at the center, then throughout the four seasons, day and night, the sun is always the same distance from Yangcheng, without any change. Therefore, we know that when the sun shines obliquely on Yangcheng, it is at half the diameter of the celestial sphere.
It is said that applying the Pythagorean theorem to determine the hypotenuse length, the distance from the ground to the sun is 15,000 miles; this represents the base. The distance from the sun to the zenith is 80,000 miles; this represents the perpendicular. The sun's light obliquely shining on Yangcheng represents the hypotenuse. Using the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the length of the hypotenuse, it is 81,394 miles, 30 steps, 5 feet, 3 inches, and 6 minutes, which represents half the diameter of the celestial body, equivalent to the distance from the ground to the zenith. Multiplying by two, we get 162,788 miles, 61 steps, 4 feet, 7 inches, and 2 minutes, which represents the diameter of the celestial body. Next, multiplying the diameter by pi and simplifying, we get 513,687 miles, 68 steps, 1 foot, 8 inches, and 2 minutes, which is the circumference of the celestial body. This differs from the recorded figure of 557,312 miles in "Zhenyaodu" and "Kaoyiyou". Ancient calculations estimated the length of one degree to be approximately 146 miles, 224 steps, 6 inches, and 4 minutes, and the current calculations of degrees differ from those of the past. The ecliptic and equator intersect at a difference of 24 degrees. According to the calculations of Yin and Yang, the ecliptic and equator are both approximately 365 degrees, so it is known that the celestial body is round, just like a bullet. The celestial sphere created by Lu Ji, which is shaped like an egg, suggests that the ecliptic must be longer than the equator. Lu Ji said the north-south-east-west diameter of the celestial body is 357,000 miles, suggesting that he believed the celestial body to be a perfect sphere. However, the egg-shaped celestial sphere presents a contradiction.
In ancient times, the armillary sphere was once divided into two sections, with a circumference of 7 feet 3 inches. Zhang Heng's redesigned armillary sphere was divided into four sections, with a circumference of 1 zhang, 4 feet, and 6 inches. Some people said that the ancient armillary sphere was too small, making the stars appear too densely packed; Zhang Heng's armillary sphere was too large and difficult to move. Therefore, he made another armillary sphere, divided into three sections, with a circumference of 1 zhang, 9 inches, and 5 minutes plus 1/3.
He Chengtian, the Chief Censor, said the following when discussing the shape of the armillary sphere: "I have carefully studied previous theories, observed the armillary sphere, and deeply pondered its principles, and only then did I understand that the sky is a perfect circle, with water surrounding it below. When we refer to the 'four corners,' 'east yong valley' refers to where the sun rises, and 'west misty pool' refers to where the sun sets. Zhuangzi also said: 'The fish in the Northern Sea will transform into birds and migrate to the Southern Sea.' This can also be interpreted as ancient records, proving that all four corners are water. Since all four corners are water, they are called the Four Seas. Various elements nurture each other; water is generated from metal, so all rivers originate from mountains and flow from high to low, ultimately merging into the ocean. The sun is the essence of yang energy, shining brightly and with abundant heat; it enters the water every evening, evaporating the places it passes through, but the rivers provide enough water, so there won't be significant fluctuations in droughts or floods. Regarding the laws of celestial bodies' movements, various theories align closely with this idea."
Xu Yuan said, "As for the armillary sphere, it's really unclear when it was invented. Wang Fan mentioned that in the 'Book of Documents' it says 'in the Xuanji Jade Heng, to align the seven policies,' referring to the armillary sphere that features the sun, moon, and five planets. Zheng Xuan explained, 'Movement is the mechanism, holding steady is the balance,' all made of jade. By observing their trajectories, one can determine whether the emperor's abdication is in accordance with the will of heaven. The armillary sphere has been an ancient artifact since the time of Xihe, passed down from generation to generation, known as the mechanism and balance, with a traceable origin. However, this instrument is placed on the observation platform, strictly controlled by historians, and scholars seldom have the opportunity to see it. Those who make tenuous connections do not understand the true meaning of the mechanism and balance. When they see 'seven policies' in the book, they think it refers to the Big Dipper, fabricating theories and even invoking divination, almost deceiving historians like Sima Qian and Ban Gu. Zheng Xuan's scholarship is profound, his thoughts are subtle, with a unique insight, correcting their mistakes. If the sage were to return, he would not change Zheng Xuan's explanation." This is what Wang Fan said.
If you want to understand the laws of the seven luminaries, you have to study the trajectories of their movements and create an instrument to simulate it, rather than just observing its size changes. In my opinion, I believe this inference is flawed. Even if there was an armillary sphere in the Tang and Yu periods, once it reached the Han dynasty, it was considered the standard and continued to be used in later generations. Who would dare to make changes so easily? However, there is now a bewildering array of astronomical instruments. It wasn't until Yang Xiong that the celestial sphere was truly understood. Only after Zhang Heng became the Chief Astronomer did he cast a bronze armillary sphere. His biography says, "The armillary sphere he made was used to calculate the movement of yin and yang, with remarkable precision." Therefore, before Zhang Heng, there should not have been such an instrument.
Wang Fan also said: "The theory of Hun Tian was lost during the chaotic times of the Qin Dynasty. The masters have all died, the documents have all been lost, only the Hun instrument remains on the observatory platform." However, this is neither the Xuanji Yuheng from the era of Emperor Shun, nor does it record who made this Hun instrument now. Accepting the Wei Shu's interpretation as correct while dismissing Zheng Xuan's, this argument lacks sufficient evidence and cannot be trusted. 'Xuanji Yuheng' is a term that is both precious and beautiful; 'Ji Heng' is the specific name of the Hun instrument. Therefore, scholars in the past believed that the 'Seven Politicians' referred to the Big Dipper, the movement of stars in the sky, which the sages observed to judge the changes of their times.
Historical records indicate that designing and manufacturing the Hun instrument, determining its size and specifications, if it meets the standards, it's considered auspicious; if not, it's deemed dangerous, using it for divination and observation, why not? The theory of Hun Tian was later lost, which led to debates between the Xuan Ye and Gai Tian theories. These methods were rather crude, so later generations stopped documenting them in detail. Yang Xiong said in "Fa Yan": "Someone asked Yang Xiong about the Hun instrument. Yang Xiong said: Luo Xiaohong designed and manufactured it, Xian Yu, the reckless one, measured its size, Geng Zhongcheng made it into a model; few could surpass them." If he were asked about the shape of celestial bodies and the density of the Hun instrument, Yang Xiong should have used the Hun instrument to answer, but he cited these three individuals in response, which indicates their involvement in making the Hun instrument used for star mapping. The question was about the density of the Hun instrument, not its depth. From this, we can infer that the Hun instrument existed in Chang'an during the Western Han Dynasty. Perhaps it was lost in the wars, which is why Zhang Heng had to recreate it? Wang Fan also documented the dimensions of ancient Hun instruments and Zhang Heng's improvements to them, clearly showing that the Hun instrument was not originally invented by Zhang Heng.
The armillary sphere made by Zhang Heng was handed down through the Wei and Jin dynasties. Later, with frequent wars in the Central Plains region, the armillary sphere fell into the hands of the enemy along with the collapse of the country. The armillary spheres made by Zhang Heng and Wang Fan no longer existed. In the fourteenth year of Emperor Yixi of the Jin Dynasty, Liu Yu captured Chang'an and obtained the armillary sphere that Zhang Heng had previously made. Although the instrument was intact, it did not have the components representing the fixed stars and the seven celestial bodies.
In the thirteenth year of Emperor Yuanjia of the Song Dynasty, the Imperial Astronomer Qian Lezhi was ordered to recast the armillary sphere, with a diameter of approximately six feet eight inches and a circumference of about one zhang, eight chi, and two fen, with the Earth positioned at the center of the celestial sphere, marked with the ecliptic, equator, north and south poles, twenty-eight constellations, the Big Dipper, and the North Star. Five minutes equal one degree, aligning the sun, moon, and five planets along the ecliptic, and installing a water clock mechanism to accurately display the positions of stars at dusk and dawn in accordance with celestial phenomena. In the seventeenth year, a small armillary sphere was also made, with a diameter of two feet and two inches, a circumference of six feet and six inches, with five minutes equaling one degree, representing the twenty-eight constellations both inside and outside the celestial sphere, using black and white beads and yellow beads to represent the stars of the three enclosures, and positioning the sun, moon, and five planets on the ecliptic.
Regarding the "Covering the Sky Theory," it was said to have been inquired by the Duke of Zhou from the Shang Dynasty, but in reality, it is merely a theoretical concept. This book is called the "Zhou Bi Suan Jing." "Bi" refers to a measuring instrument, which pertains to the method of measuring the celestial sphere. This theory states: the sky resembles a lid that covers the Earth, with the Earth being like an inverted basin, higher in the middle and lower around the edges. The sun and moon rotate together with the sky, hidden at the highest point of the Earth, forming day and night. The distance between heaven and Earth is approximately eighty thousand li, with the center of heaven and Earth being six thousand li above the Earth's surface; the Earth's surface is two thousand li above the outer edge of the celestial sphere.
Someone asked Yang Xiong about the concept of "Gai Tian Shuo," and Yang Xiong said, "What a remarkable idea! What a remarkable idea!" He then raised eight points of skepticism. Zheng Xuan also raised two points of doubt. Therefore, those who study the "Gai Tian Shuo" find it difficult to grasp. Liu Xiang stated in the "Five Records" that the "Xia Calendar" states that the stars, sun, and moon all move westward, with the stars moving the fastest, followed by the sun, and the moon being the slowest. Therefore, the sun and stars both set in the west in the evening; ninety-one days later, these stars moved to the north; another ninety-one days later, they moved to the east; and another ninety-one days later, they moved to the south. This indicates that the sun moves more slowly than the stars. As for the moon, on the third day of the month, when the sun sets, the moon rises in the west; by the fifteenth day, when the sun sets, the moon appears in the east; as the end of the month approaches, the moon appears in the east before the sun rises. This shows that the moon moves slower than the sun, but they both move westward. Liu Xiang used the "Hong Fan Zhuan" to refute this, saying, "At the end of the month, the moon appears in the west, meaning 'Tao,' which means 'fast'; on the first day, the moon appears in the east, meaning 'Ce Ni,' meaning 'slow' and hesitant to move forward. The stars move westward, which historians refer to as retrograde." All three of these explanations contradict the "Xia Calendar." Upon careful reflection, it's clear that these ideas were concocted by those who enjoy being unconventional.
During the Xiankang period of Emperor Cheng of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Yu Xi from Kuaiji wrote a book called "On Heavenly Peace." The book states: "The sky reaches infinite heights, while the earth plunges to immeasurable depths. The earth has a characteristic of stillness, while the sky has an eternal and stable form. In general, heaven and earth should mutually cover and envelop each other. Heaven is both square and round, just as the earth is; there is no claim that they have different shapes." Yu Xi's ancestor, Yu Song, the Administrator of Hejian, also wrote a book called "On the Vault of Heaven," in which he said: "The shape of the sky is like an arched dome, similar to an eggshell, with its edges encircling the four seas, floating above the primordial essence." Yao Xin, the Grand Minister of State for Wu, also wrote a book called "Discussion on the Xin Heaven," in which he said: "I once read the 'Han Shu,' which states that during the winter solstice, the sun is near the Oxherd Star and far from the North Star; during the summer solstice, the sun is near the Eastern Well Star and close to the North Star. People attempt to use this to calculate the sun's movement distance. Yao Xin believes the North Star lies at the center of the twenty-eight lunar mansions. Although there is a difference in the distance of the sun from the North Star, the difference will not be double."
Now let's take a look at Yao Xin's remarks in "Xin Tian Lun." He said, "During the winter solstice, the North Star is at its lowest position, the celestial sphere shifts toward the south, so the sun is farther away, while the Big Dipper is nearer; the cold air from the north sets in, so the weather is cold. During the summer solstice, the North Star is at its highest position, the celestial sphere moves closer to the north, so the Big Dipper is far from people, and the sun is close; the hot air from the south arrives, so the weather is hot. When the North Star reaches its highest point, the sun occupies a higher position in the sky, so the nights are short and the days are long; the sky is at a greater distance from the earth, so the days are long. When the North Star reaches its lowest point, the sun moves in a deep position at the center of the earth, so the nights are long and the days are short; the sky is close to the earth, so the days are short. Therefore, the sky's movement in winter resembles a circular canopy like a car cover, and in summer, it resembles a circular canopy like a car canopy." I believe that when he refers to the character "Xin," it should actually be "Xuan," referring to a car cover, but this is just my speculation, and I am not very certain. These three theories seem rather odd and deviate significantly from reality. In fact, historical records have thoroughly documented astronomical phenomena such as the twenty-eight mansions and palaces. Now we only record the changes in astronomical phenomena since the reign of Emperor Wen of Wei, compiled into the "Astronomical Records," to complement Sima Biao's records. In the third year of Huangchu in the reign of Emperor Wen of Wei, on the Jia Chen day in September, a guest star appeared inside the Left Gate of Taiwei. The divination indicated: "A guest star appeared in the Taiwei Wall; the nation will face military disasters and loss." In October, Sun Quan defied orders, and Emperor Wen of Wei personally led a southern expedition, with the vanguard troops reaching the Yangtze River and defeating Sun Quan's generals such as Lv Fan. Thereafter, the battles continued. In May of the seventh year, Emperor Wen of Wei passed. In March of the year 223 AD, on the day of Gui Mao, the moon obscured the star Xi Xiu II. In the same year in December, on the day of Bing Zi, the moon again obscured the star Xi Xiu II. The divination revealed: "Xi Xiu represents the celestial king; if an emperor faces such a situation, it's a bad omen." As a result, in May of the seventh year, Emperor Wen of Wei, Cao Pi, passed.
In June of the year 223 AD, on the day of Jia Shen, the daytime unexpectedly saw Venus! In the following year, in November, on the day of Xin Mao, the daytime saw Venus again! According to Liu Xiang's "Wu Ji Lun": "Venus is the star of Shaoyin, with relatively weak power, unable to move independently, thus restricted by the Ji Wei day from crossing the sky. If it crosses the sky, it can be seen during the day, signifying war, funerals, rebellions, and changes of dynasty. Strong countries will weaken, weak countries will become strong." At that time, Sun Quan accepted the title and seal of Wei country, but secretly built up his strength and prepared for action. As anticipated, in May of the seventh year, Emperor Wen passed away; in August, Wu country besieged Jiangxia, invaded Xiangyang, and Wei country's Jiangxia Prefect Wen Pin defended the city and saved it. General Sima Yi went to rescue Xiangyang and even defeated the Wu general Zhang Ba.
In November of the year 223 AD, the moon was positioned near the Big Dipper. The divination revealed: "A great funeral is forthcoming, and a general amnesty will be declared." In May of the seventh year, Emperor Wen passed away, and Emperor Ming Cao Rui succeeded to the throne, indeed ordering a general amnesty for the world. In October of the year 224 AD, the planet Jupiter entered the Taiwei constellation, remaining in retrograde for one hundred thirty-nine days before re-emerging. The divination result said: "When the five stars enter the Taiwei constellation and stay on the right side for more than thirty days, the ruler will encounter significant troubles." Another interpretation suggested: "A general amnesty is forthcoming." Consequently, in May of the seventh year, Emperor Wen passed away, and Emperor Ming Cao Rui ascended the throne, declaring a general amnesty.
On May 16, 225 AD, a Ren Xu day, Mars entered the Taiwei Palace. It wasn't until May 26, a Ren Shen day, that Mars encountered Jupiter, together committing a violation of the Right Execution Star. Mars only left on May 27, a Gui You day. The divination result stated: "When Mars enters the Right Execution Star and stays for more than thirty days, the emperor will face a great disaster." Another interpretation suggested: "When the sun, moon, and five planets violate the Left and Right Execution Stars, the ministers will face troubles." Yet another interpretation was: "Violation of the Execution Star implies execution, with Mars and Venus causing particularly severe consequences." In the same year, in November, Cao Jian, the son of Emperor Wen of Wei, died. In the following year (226 AD), in January, General Cao Hong was dismissed and demoted to a commoner. In April, General Xiahou Shang died. In May, Emperor Cao Pi of Wei died. The "Records of Shu" recorded that Emperor Ming Cao Rui asked Huang Quan: "With the three kingdoms currently vying for power, which one is the rightful ruler?" Huang Quan replied: "It depends on celestial signs. When Mars guarded the Heart Star in the past, Emperor Wen died, but the states of Wu and Shu were unharmed. There's a deeper mystery at play here." However, historical records do not mention Mars guarding the Heart Star; it should be Mars entering the Taiwei Palace. On October 1, 225 AD, a comet appeared near the Shao Wei star, then passed by the Xuan Yuan star. Divination indicated that the appearance of the comet and the broom star foretold similar disasters, including military disasters, funerals, and renewal, but the disaster would not end all at once and would also include droughts, famines, and plagues. The bigger the comet, the longer and more severe the disaster; the smaller the comet, the quicker and shallower the disaster. At that time, Emperor Wen of Wei was inspecting his troops in Guangling. On the day of Xin Chou, he donned armor, mounted his horse, and reviewed his troops. In the following year, in May, Emperor Wen died.
In the year 232 AD, on Renxu Day in November, Venus was in conflict with Jupiter. Divination said: "When Venus is in conflict with five stars, there will be a major war; when it is in conflict with the Pleiades, there will be a minor war." In March of the year 233 AD, Zhuge Liang led a large army to attack Tianshui, and Wei Mingdi sent the Grand General Sima Yi to resist, forcing Zhuge Liang to retreat. In May of the year 233 AD, Mars was in conflict with the Fang constellation. Divination indicated: "The four stars of the Fang constellation symbolize the roles of ministers and generals. When the sun and moon are in conflict with it, there will be troubles for the generals." In July, Zhang He, the General of Chariots and Cavalry of Wei, pursued Zhuge Liang and was killed by him. In December, the Grand Commandant Hua Xin passed away. On the day of Yixu in November of the year 233 AD, the moon was in conflict with the Xuan Yuan Star. Divination indicated: "The empress will face troubles." On the day of Jiachen in December, the moon was in conflict with the Zhen star. Divination said: "The empress will suffer disasters." On the day of Yihai in March of the year 234 AD, the moon once again clashed with the Xuan Yuan Star. In November of the year 235 AD, on the day of Yichou, the moon once again clashed with the Zhen star. In January of the year 236 AD, Wei Mingdi's mother, Empress Dowager Guo, passed away.
In November of the year 232 AD, for several days, Jupiter was visible near the Big Dipper during the day, a situation that lasted for more than eighty days. Diviners said: "The Wu country will face war." The next year, Sun Quan dispatched Zhang Mi and a force of ten thousand troops to enfeoff Gongsun Yuan as the King of Yan. However, Gongsun Yuan killed Zhang Mi and his men and captured their forces.
Also in November of the year 232 AD, a comet appeared near the Yi constellation, close to the Shangjiang Star in the Taiwei Palace. Diviners said: "There will be war and death." Gan De (Gan Shi) said: "The countries pointed to by the comet will all face disasters." The Yi constellation is associated with the Chu country, and Sun Quan harbored ambitions for expansion. The following year, Sun Quan was defeated in Liaodong. He also attacked Xincheng in Hefei and sent Quan Cong to attack Liuan, but both attempts failed, and he returned in disgrace.
A year later, Zhuge Liang led his troops into Qinchuan, occupying the Weinan area, while Sima Yi mobilized his forces to resist. Sun Quan sent Lu Yi, Zhuge Jin, and others to guard Jiangxia, and Sun Shao, Zhang Cheng, and others to guard Guangling and Huaiyang. He personally led a large army to besiege the new city of Hefei in order to support Zhuge Liang. As a result, Emperor Ming of Wei personally led his troops on an eastern expedition, which forced Sun Quan and his generals to retreat.
In December of the year 232 AD, King Chen Zhi died. In the summer of 233 AD, Prince Rui of Beihai died. In January of 235 AD, Empress Dowager Guo died.
In February of 234 AD, according to the old almanac, the planet Jupiter was in conjunction with Mars. The fortune teller warned, "This is not good; there will be war!" In April of that year, Zhuge Liang led his troops to Weinan, and Sun Quan also responded by raising troops. The Wei kingdom was in turmoil, scrambling to respond to various crises. In September, Zhuge Liang died, the Shu army retreated, the generals turned against each other, and ultimately were defeated by the Wei kingdom. Looking back, the fortune teller said that when Jupiter is in conjunction with Mars to the south, the southern country loses; when it is to the north, the northern country loses. This time, with Jupiter in conjunction with Mars to the south, it was no surprise that Shu lost.
In the year 234 AD, in the month of March, the moon passed near the Yu and Gui stars. The Gui star represents slaughter. The fortune teller warned that the common people would fall ill, the country would suffer misfortune, and the ministers would too! That summer, a great plague broke out, followed by another severe illness in winter, lasting until the following spring. In the first month of the year, Empress Dowager Guo passed away. By May of 236 AD, the Minister Du Zhou also died. In May of 234 AD, the planet Venus was visible during the day for over thirty days! According to celestial omens, either the Qin, Wei, or Chu states would face trouble. At that time, Zhuge Liang was facing off against Sima Yi in Weinan, Sun Quan was attacking Hefei, and Lu Yi and Sun Shao were sent to the Huai River and Mian River basins, with the Emperor personally leading troops eastward to fight. Shu was originally Qin's territory, so the Qin, Jin, and Chu troops were all mobilized, fulfilling the celestial predictions. In July of 234 AD, the moon passed near the Jianbi star. The fortune teller warned that the Emperor would die, and that a fire would occur! As a result, in the third year of July, the Chonghua Palace did indeed catch fire. In the third year of the Jingchu reign, in the first month, Emperor Ming really died. In October of 234 AD, the moon once again aligned with Venus. The fortune teller warned that the Emperor would die, and there would be war! In the first year of Jingchu, Gongsun Yuan rebelled. In the second year, the court dispatched Sima Yi to quell the rebellion. In the third year of Jingchu, Emperor Ming died.
In the year 234 AD, Zhuge Liang led a large army to attack Wei, stationed in Weinan. At that time, a red comet with sharp angles appeared in the sky, flying from the northeast to the southwest, flying over Zhuge Liang's camp three times, then flying back, each time smaller than before. The fortune teller said: when two armies face off, if a large meteor flies over the camp or falls into the camp, it is a sign of impending failure! In September, Zhuge Liang succumbed to illness while in the army, and the Shu army set fire to their tents and retreated. The generals fought each other, and many were killed.
In the year 235 AD, on a day in June, Zhenxing entered the Jing constellation, which was a bad omen. In April of the following year, it entered the Jing constellation again. In the same year, the Taibai star also entered the Jing constellation. The fortune teller said that if all five stars enter the Jing constellation, there will definitely be a war. Another interpretation is that this foretells the execution of high officials. Consequently, in 238 AD, Gongsun Yuan rebelled, and Sima Yi led troops to crush him.
In July of the year 235 AD, Zhenxing entered the Dongjing. In March of the following year, it moved into the Can constellation, then returned to enter the Dongjing. The divination indicated that when Zhenxing enters the Jing constellation, those in power will face misfortune. If its trajectory is close, it foretells floods and poor harvests. Indeed, in the summer of 238 AD, a flood occurred, ruining the crops. In the autumn, Empress Mao died. By January of the year 238 AD, Emperor Wei Ming also passed away.
In October of the year 235 AD, the Taibai star appeared in Weisu during broad daylight, shining for over 200 days. The fortune teller said that Weisu represents the Yan Kingdom, and the influence of Yan Kingdom officials has grown stronger, indicating an upcoming war. In March of the following year, the Taibai star and the moon appeared together in the Bing constellation, visible during the day, with the moon even eclipsing the Taibai star. In July of the year 238 AD, the Taibai star appeared again during the day, shining for over 280 days. The divination result was the same as before. By this time, Gongsun Yuan had declared himself the King of Yan, establishing various government positions, recruiting soldiers, and fortifying the city, which drew the attention of Sima Yi.
In December of the year 235 AD, the moon eclipsed the Goujian star. The divination result was that the emperor should be concerned. In January of the year 240 AD, Emperor Wei Ming indeed passed away.
On the day of Renyin in May of the year 234 AD, the Taibai star entered the left thigh of the first star in the Bi constellation. The diviner said, "The Bi constellation represents border soldiers and also oversees punishments." As a result, in September of the same year, the Hu people, led by Abishi from the Liangzhou border, invaded, troubling several nations. Colonel Zhang from the Western Regions led his troops into battle, capturing and executing over ten thousand enemies.
In the seventh month of the same year, on the day of Jiayin, the planet Jupiter once again confronted the star Xuanyuan. The diviners said, "This prediction foretells trouble for the empress." This prediction proved true with the death of Empress Mao in the first year of Jingchu. On the tenth day of Jia Shen in the same year, a comet appeared in the sky near the Tai Chen star, extending three feet! The next day, on the day of Yi You, this comet shifted eastward. On the day of Ji Hai in November, the comet appeared again, offending the Tianji star, which represents the eunuch's constellation. The diviners said, "The Tai Chen star represents the heavenly king, and there will be a great mourning in the world." Liu Xiang said in "Five Records," "The 'Spring and Autumn Annals' recorded a comet in the east, but did not say which mansion it was in, which means it did not enter any mansion." The eunuch's constellation is in the Tian Shi, representing internal and external warfare; the Tianji star represents earthquakes. The appearance of a comet usually predicts war and mourning. Sure enough, in the sixth month of the first year of Jingchu, an earthquake occurred; in September, Wu general Zhu Ran besieged Jiangxia, and Hu Zhi, the Governor of Jingzhou, successfully repelled him; Empress Mao also passed away. In the first month of the second year of Jingchu, the court launched a campaign against Gongsun Yuan; in the first month of the third year of Jingchu, Emperor Ming passed away.
On the day of Yi You in February 234 AD, the moon offended the second star of the Fang mansion. The diviners said, "This foretells trouble for generals." In the same year, in July, the Minister of Works, Chen Jiao, passed away. In April of the second year of Jingchu, Minister Han Ji also died. On the day of Ding Wei in October of the first year of Jingchu, the moon offended the planet Mars. The diviners said, "This foretells the death of a nobleman." In April of the second year of Jingchu, Minister Han Ji passed away; in August, Gongsun Yuan was defeated.
In the year 238 AD, in the second month of the Chinese lunar calendar, on the Gui Chou day, the moon obscured Xīn Xiù Èr and Xīn Xiù Yī (the moon obscures the stars, and also obscures the central big star). On the day of Jǐ Hài in May, the moon again obscured Xīn Xiù Èr and Xīn Xiù Yī (in May Jǐ Hài, it obscures the stars and the central big star). In the leap month on the day of Gui Chou, the moon once again obscured Xīn Xiù Èr and Xīn Xiù Yī (in the leap month of Gui Chou, the moon obscures Xīn and the central big star). According to astrology, "The big star represents the heavenly king, the one in front is the crown prince, and the one behind is the king's younger son. If the moon obscures the big star, it is unfavorable for the king; if it obscures the star in front, the crown prince will have disasters; if it obscures the star behind, the king's younger son will have disasters." As a result, in the first month of the third year, the emperor passed away, the crown prince ascended the throne but was soon deposed and demoted to the title of King of Qi. In the year 243 AD, King Qin Xún also died. In August of the year 238 AD, a comet appeared in Zhāng Xiù, three feet long, moving against the west, and disappeared forty-one days later. The astrologers predicted, "This is a sign of military disaster. Zhāng Xiù is the boundary of the Zhou Dynasty, and Luoyang will suffer." Sure enough, in October of that year, Gongsun Yuan was killed. In the second year of the first month, Emperor Ming also died. On the day of Jiǎ Wǔ in October of the year 238 AD, the moon obscured Jī Xiù (obscuring Jī). The astrologers predicted, "There will be military generals who will die." In April of the year 241 AD, General Chē Qí Huáng Quán died. In the year 238 AD, Sima Yi besieged Gongsun Yuan in Xiangping City. On the night of Bǐng Yín in August, a huge meteor, tens of yards long, white in color, shining brightly, streaked across the northern side of Shǒu Mountain and fell in the southeast of Xiangping City. The astrologers said, "When a meteor appears above the besieged city and then falls into the city, the city will be breached." They also said, "Where the meteor falls, there will be a battlefield." They further said, "Whenever a meteor falls, the country will undergo a change of dynasty." In September, Gongsun Yuan broke out of the siege, fled to the place where the meteor fell, and was subsequently killed. Xiangping City was subjected to a massacre, and his army was slaughtered.
In the year 238 AD, on the Gui Si day in October, a guest star appeared in the constellation of Wei, moving retrograde north of Li Gong and flying south like a soaring snake. On the day of Jia Chen, the guest star obscured the ancestral star. On the day of Ji You, the guest star disappeared. Astrologers predicted: "Where the guest star appears, there will be military disasters. Xu and Wei represent ancestral temples and graves. The guest star's proximity to Li Gong signals a major funeral in the palace, and sacrifices at the ancestral temple of the late emperor are signs of the emperor's death." In the third year of his reign, Emperor Ming died. In the year 242 AD, in May, Wu general Zhu Ran besieged Fan Cheng, and Sima Yi led the army to repel them.
In April of the year 240 AD, on the day of Wu Wu, the moon collided with the easternmost star of Miao Su. By October of the same year, on the day of Geng Yin, the moon collided with the northernmost star of Miao Su. The diviners said: "The moon's offense against Miao Su, the Hu people will stir restlessly!" Indeed, in June of the following year, the Xianbei, led by A Miao'er, came from the west to raid. The Dunhuang prefect Wang Yan defeated them, killing over two thousand people. In the third year, Wang Yan killed the Xianbei general and over a thousand Xianbei soldiers.
On the Yi You day in October of the year 240 AD, a comet appeared in the west with a long tail, sweeping past the Cowherd Star and colliding with Venus. On the Jia Zi day in November, the comet moved to the position of the Imperial Guards. The diviners said: "The comet's tail symbolizes the Yan and Wu states, the Cowherd Star also represents the Wu and Yue states, Venus represents the general, and the Imperial Guards represent the central army. This foreshadows defeats for Wu and Yue, along with movements by the central army." Indeed, in May of the following year, Wu general Quan Cong attacked Shao Bi, Zhu Ran besieged Fan Cheng, and Zhuge Jin entered Ju Zhong. Wu's Crown Prince, Deng, also died. In June, Sima Yi went to Wan Cheng against Zhuge Ke, who burned the military supplies before fleeing the city. In the third year, the Grand Commandant Man Chong passed away.
In the year 241 AD, on the Guiyou day in September, the moon aligned with a star in the northwest direction of the constellation of Yǔ Guǐ. The northwest star symbolizes metal. In the year 242 AD, on the Dingwei day in February, the moon aligned with a star in the southwest direction. The southwest star symbolizes cloth and silk. The diviners said, "There will be decrees concerning wealth." Others remarked, "The ministers will have worries." Interestingly, in the third month of that year, General Man Chong passed away. In the following year, in the first month, the emperor held a coronation ceremony, came of age, and rewarded his ministers with varying amounts of wealth.
In the year 243 AD, in October and November, the moon aligned twice with the stars of Jingxiu and Yuesu. That same month, Sima Yi attacked Zhuge Ke, who fled the city once again. In March of 244 AD, Cao Shuang led his troops against the Kingdom of Shu. On the Guisi day in November of 244 AD, the town star aligned with the stars of Kàng and Jù. The diviners said, "Among the feudal lords, there will be those who lose their countries." Indeed, in the first year of Jiaping (249 AD), the Cao Shuang brothers were executed.
In the year 245 AD, one day in August, a comet appeared in the sky, aligning with the seven stars, measuring two feet in length, white in color, eventually moving to Zhang Su (one of the twenty-eight constellations), and disappeared after 23 days. In the following year in November, another comet appeared in Zhen Su (one of the twenty-eight constellations), measuring one foot in length, lasting for 156 days before disappearing. In March of the year 247 AD, the comet appeared again, this time in Mao Su (one of the twenty-eight constellations), measuring six feet in length, bluish-white in color, with its light pointing southwest. In July, the comet appeared in Yi Su (one of the twenty-eight constellations), measuring two feet in length, moving all the way to Zhen Su, and disappearing after 42 days. According to divination, "The seven stars and Zhang Su belong to the Zhou Dynasty, Yi Su and Zhen Su belong to the Chu Kingdom, and Mao Su belongs to the Zhao and Wei Kingdoms. The appearance of a comet signifies renewal, heralding war and death." In the year 249 AD, Sima Yi eliminated Cao Shuang and his followers, completely wiping out their clan, imposing martial law in the capital, signaling the Sima family's rise and the Wei Kingdom's decline. In the year 251 AD, Sima Yi killed Cao Biao, the King of Chu, and also attacked Wang Ling in Huainan, which was the former territory of East Chu. He also placed several vassal kings of the Wei Kingdom under house arrest in Ye City.
In the year 246 AD, one day in July, the moon obscured Zuo Jiao Xing (one of the twenty-eight constellations). It was foretold, "There will be war in the world, and a general will die." In January of the year 247 AD, the moon obscured a star to the south of Kang Su. It was foretold, "There will be an outbreak of war." Others claimed, "A general will die." In July, Mars obscured Bi Su and Ju Xing (one of the twenty-eight constellations). It was foretold, "There will be a border war." Others claimed, "Punishment will be imposed." In the year 249 AD, Cao Shuang and others were killed. In the year 251 AD, Wang Ling and others were also killed.
In the year 247 AD, one day in July, Mercury obscured Jian Bi Xing (one of the twenty-eight constellations). It was foretold, "The ruler should not leave the palace or come down from the hall." The following year, the Emperor of Wei went to make sacrifices at the tomb, and Sima Yi took the opportunity to request the execution of Cao Shuang and others. The Wei Emperor spent the night outside, marking the beginning of his loss of power.
In June of the year 249 AD, Venus eclipsed the Eastern Well and Juxing (距星) (one of the twenty-eight constellations). In March of the following year, Venus once again eclipsed the Eastern Well and Juxing. Divination said, "The nation will face misrule, and the ministers will rise in rebellion." In April, Venus eclipsed the Carriage and Ghost Star (one of the twenty-eight constellations). Divination said, "The ministers will be put to death." Some also said, "There will be a war outbreak." In July of the year 251 AD, Wang Ling and Sima Biao, the King of Chu, conspired to rebel and were both killed. From then on, the emperor's authority waned.
When Sun Quan was in power, in May of the thirteenth year of the Chiwu era, the sun reached its northernmost point, while Mars moved in the opposite direction, heading towards the Southern Dipper constellation. In July, Mars ran near the second star of the Kuei (魁) constellation, moving east. "Han-Jin Chunqiu" records this as Mars retrograde. According to ancient astrology, when Mars enters the Southern Dipper, the King of Wu is destined to die within three months. Another saying is, "When Mars retrogrades, the ruler of the corresponding place will die." Sun Quan died in the second year of Taiyuan, fulfilling this prophecy. Thus, "Guozhi" only documents this event in the history of Wu, omitting it from the history of Wei.
At this time, Wang Ling of Wei was contemplating backing Sima Biao, the King of Chu, for the throne. He believed that the appearance of specific stars in the Dipper constellation foretold the rise of a powerful figure, so he went to consult the famous astrologer Guan Lu. Guan Lu found this situation suspicious and wanted to hint to Wang Ling, but dared not directly say that someone in Wu would die, so he vaguely referred to the positions of Huainan and Chu, noting that Wu and Chu in the astrological chart were close, possibly signaling the emergence of a new king. Upon hearing this, Wang Ling became more confident and proceeded with his plan more firmly.
In the second year of Jiaping, on the day of Bing Shen in October, the moon aligned with the Guifu star system. The divination revealed: "The country will face disaster." Another interpretation suggested: "The ministers will be in danger." By the day of Wu Yin in April of the third year, the moon moved towards the Dong Jing star system. The divination revealed: "A general will die." Another interpretation suggested: "The country will face disaster." In May, Wang Ling and others, including Chu Wang Sima Biao, were killed. In July, Empress Zhen Shi died.
In the fifth month of the third year of Jiaping, the moon obscured the Ju star. The divination revealed: "A general will die." Another interpretation suggested: "There will be war." That month, Wang Ling was killed. In March of the fourth year, the Wu generals Zhu Ran and Zhu Yi launched an invasion, but General Zhuge Dan successfully repelled them.
In the seventh month of the third year of Jiaping, the moon obscured the Yu Gui star. In the ninth month, the moon obscured the Yu Gui star once more. On a day in the eleventh month of the fourth year, the moon obscured the Gui Ji Shi star. On a day in the seventh month of the fifth year, the moon obscured the Gui Xi Bei star. The divination revealed: "The country will face disaster." In the first year of Zhengyuan, Li Feng and others were executed, Empress Zhang Shi was deposed, and in September, the emperor was also deposed and reduced to the rank of Qi Wang.
During the reign of Qi Wang, on a day in October of the third year of Jiaping, Mars transgressed against the Kang Xiu Nan star. The divination revealed: "The ministers will rebel." In February of the first year of Zhengyuan, Li Feng and others indeed conspired to rebel and were all executed. On a day in November of the third year of Jiaping, a star appeared near the Ying Shi star and moved west for ninety days before disappearing. The divination revealed: "There will be war and casualties. The Ying Shi symbolizes the harem, and there will be unrest in the harem." On a day in February of the fourth year, a comet appeared in the west, situated in the Wei Xiu, measuring five to six zhang in length, white in color, and its light directed towards the southern Can Xiu, before disappearing after twenty days. In November of the fifth year, the comet reappeared, situated in the Zhen Xiu, five zhang long, to the west of the Tai Wei Zuo Zhi Fa star, with its light directed southeast, and disappeared after one hundred and ninety days.
According to the interpretation of divination, "The Stomach constellation is within the realm of Yanzhou, Can is associated with the White Tiger, representing the army; Taiwei represents the emperor's court, and the Law Star represents the ruling ministers; Comet represents war, signifying a time of change." In the second month of the first year of the Zhengyuan era, Li Feng, his brother Yanzhou Governor Li Yi, and Li Feng's father-in-law Guanglu Daifu Zhang Ji conspired; all of them were killed, and the empress was deposed as well. In September, the emperor was deposed as the Prince of Qi, and the Duke of Gaoqiu succeeded to the throne.
On a day in June of 250 AD, the moon was in the Ji constellation. The divination indicated, "A general will die." Sure enough, in the first month of the following year, General Zhendong Guan Qiu Jian rebelled and died in defeat. On another day in June of the same year, Venus was in the Jiao constellation. The divination said, "The conspiracy of the ministers will not succeed." As a result, the conspiracy orchestrated by Li Feng and his associates was uncovered, leading to their execution. In July of 250 AD, the moon was in the Jing and Yue constellations. In the second month of the following year, Li Feng and others were executed. Meanwhile, Jiang Wei from Shu launched an attack on Longxi, and Guo Huai, the General of Chariots and Cavalry of Wei, defeated him. On a day in November 250 AD, the moon was in the Dongjingju star. The divination said, "A general will die." In the first month of the following year, General Zhendong Guan Qiu Jian, concurrently the Governor of Yuzhou, and former General and concurrently the Governor of Yangzhou, Wen Qin, rebelled once more, and both were executed.
In the eleventh month of the first year of Zhengyuan in the noble estate of Weigao, a white mist several zhang wide appeared in the sky, rising straight into the clouds next to the Big Dipper. Wang Su said, "This is the banner of Chi You; trouble is likely brewing in the southeast!" In the second year of the first month, Guanqiu Jian and others occupied Huainan in rebellion, and Grand General Sima Shi led his forces to suppress the rebellion. "When the banner of Chi You appears, the king will campaign in all directions." Later, the Wei Kingdom also pacified the Huainan and Bashu regions. In the same year, during the reign of Sun Liang of the Wu Kingdom, the Ox constellation appeared in the sky, resulting in a split in the Wu and Yue regions. "The appearance of soldiers and losses signifies a transition from the old to the new." In the third year of Taiping, Sun Chen besieged the imperial palace, deposed Sun Liang as King of Kuaiji, and Sun Xiu succeeded to the throne, fulfilling the earlier prophecy. "Guozhi" also recorded this event in the Wu Kingdom. Because Huainan and Jiangdong both belonged to Yangzhou, the turmoil reflected the rift between Wu and Chu. The Huainan region of the Wei Kingdom often suffered the same disasters as the Wu Kingdom, so Guanqiu Jian regarded the ominous celestial signs as his own bad omen, leading to the failure of his uprising, confirming the divination. Three years later, in 260 AD, Zhuge Dan rebelled in Huainan again, and the Wu Kingdom sent Zhu Yi to rescue. After the city fell, tens of thousands of soldiers from Zhuge Dan's army and the Wu Kingdom died in battle, confirming the emergence of the ominous star. On a day in February in 251 AD, the planet Yinghuo transited the first star at the eastern end of the Big Dipper. The divination said, "Among the ministers, there will be family members implicated due to guilt." In 256 AD, Zhuge Dan's entire family was annihilated. On a day in September in 256 AD, the celestial phenomenon indicated that Venus transited the Southern Dipper, as recorded in "Wu Zhi." The divination indicated that Venus transits the Dipper, the country will experience war, and ministers may rebel. Sure enough, the next year, Zhuge Dan staged a rebellion. The year after that, Sun Lin deposed the Wu ruler Sun Liang, and both the Wu and Wei Kingdoms went to war.
During the reign of the noble Duke of Gaogui of the Wei dynasty, on a day in July of the year 260 AD, the planet Mars entered the constellation of Well; on another day of the same month, the moon also entered the constellation of Well. In the following year in August, the planet Saturn entered the constellation of Well; in September, Saturn retrograded and re-entered the constellation of Well. In the third year, Zhuge Dan was defeated. In August of the year 260 AD, the moon entered the constellation of the Winnowing Basket, and divination predicted "a military general will die"; in September, the moon again entered the constellation of Eastern Well, and the divination continued to predict "a military general will die." In the second year, Zhuge Dan was killed.
In June of the year 261 AD, the moon entered the central star of the Heart constellation. By May of the year 261 AD, the noble Duke of Gaogui met his demise. In October of the year 261 AD, the planet Venus entered the star of Neck, and divination said: "The court ministers will rebel, the emperor will be in danger." Indeed, the Cheng Ji Rebellion took place in 261 AD. In November of the year 261 AD, a comet appeared in the constellation of Horns, with a white hue. The divination said: "The comet appearing in the Horns constellation, with a white hue, indicates the outbreak of war without actual combat, and a great national mourning." As a result, in the year 261 AD, the noble Duke of Gaogui led his guards to attack King Wen of Jin, and was killed by Cheng Ji before any battle took place.
In March of the year 262 AD, Venus entered the Eastern Well, and divination said: "The country will be misgoverned, the court ministers will rebel." That same night, Saturn also entered the Eastern Well, and divination said: "War is about to break out!" By the year 261 AD, the noble Duke of Gaogui ultimately faced defeat. In August of the year 262 AD, Saturn entered the star of Carriage and Ghost, and divination said: "The axe is related to the quality of the situation; the court ministers will be executed." In April of the year 263 AD, Saturn again entered the southeastern star of Carriage and Ghost, and divination said: "The southeastern star of Carriage and Ghost signifies war; with Jupiter entering Carriage and Ghost, the court ministers will be executed." In the year 261 AD, the noble Duke of Gaogui failed, and the Minister Wang Jing was also killed.
In October of the year 263 AD, a guest star appeared in the Taiwei Palace, moving towards the southeast, passing through the constellation of Dipper, and disappearing seven days later. Divination said: "The guest star appearing in the Taiwei Palace indicates war and mourning." In the year 261 AD, the noble Duke of Gaogui was ultimately assassinated.
In February of the year 260 AD, the moon crossed the Jianxing star. The divination result was: "The moon and five stars crossing the Jianxing star means that the ministers will betray one another." Later, Zhong Hui and Deng Ai attacked the Shu Kingdom; Zhong Hui falsely accused Deng Ai, and as a result, both were executed.
In April of the year 261 AD, Mars entered the Taiwei Palace and crossed the Right Executioner star. The divination said: "The monarch will encounter great calamity." It also said: "The ministers will face troubles." Four years later, Deng Ai and Zhong Hui were both executed. Five years later, Wei Yuan Emperor Sima Yan abdicated.
On the Renyin day of November in the year 262 AD, a comet appeared in the Kang constellation, white in color, five inches long, moving northward, lasting for forty-five days before disappearing. Divination considered this a sign of military disaster. Another saying was: "A comet appearing in the Kang constellation signifies the emperor's immoral behavior." The following year, Zhong Hui and Deng Ai attacked the Shu Kingdom, but then rebelled and were both executed, and the Wei Kingdom lost its dominion.
In June of the year 263 AD, two huge meteors appeared, resembling the Big Dipper, appearing in the west, veering off in opposite directions, heading south and north, shining brightly and emitting a rumbling sound. Divination said that meteors represent messengers of nobility, with larger meteors representing important messengers. That year, Zhong Hui and Deng Ai conquered the Shu Kingdom, and the two meteors represented the two great generals. After Zhong Hui rebelled, the army was furious, rumbling loudly, signifying the soldiers' fury! In October of the year 263 AD, Saturn lingered in the Fang constellation. Divination said: "Generals will face troubles." Another saying was: "There will be a sweeping amnesty." In the first month of the following year, Minister Deng Ai and Prime Minister Zhong Hui were both executed, and the court issued a decree of amnesty for the people of Yizhou. In the autumn of the second year of Xianxi, another sweeping amnesty was granted.
In May of the year 264 AD, a comet appeared near the star Wangliang, with a length of over ten feet, white in color, pointing southeast, and lasting for twelve days before disappearing. The divination stated: "Wangliang is the four horses used by the emperor, and the comet passing by symbolizes abdication, signifying the end of the old era and the dawn of a new one. The white color represents funerals. Wangliang is located in the Dongbi constellation, which is also associated with Bingzhou." In August, Jin Wenwang Sima Zhao died. In December, Wei Yuandi Sima Yan abdicated in favor of the Jin Dynasty.
In January of the year 268 AD, on the day of Bingxu according to the lunar calendar, a comet appeared in the sky, with a bluish-white color, flying first to the northwest, then turning to the east. The soothsayers stated: "This is a sign of military disasters and funerals! The 'Zhen' constellation is also the territory of the Chu state." Sure enough, in March, Empress Wang died. In October, Wu general Shi Ji launched an attack on Jiangxia, while Wan Yu targeted Xiangyang, but later our generals Tian Zhang and Hu Lie, the Governor of Jingzhou, managed to defeat them.
In July of the same year, stars rained down from the sky, all falling to the west. The soothsayers stated: "The falling stars indicate that the populace will rise up; falling to the west, this is a sign that the people of Wu will surrender to the Jin Dynasty!" Two years later, the Wu general Sun Xiu, with over two thousand soldiers, surrendered to us.
In September of the year 269 AD, a star exhibited unusual behavior near the Purple Palace, yielding the same divination results as the earlier comet sighting. "Purple Palace," the residence of the emperor. Ten years later, Empress Wuyang died.
In December of the year 274 AD, a comet appeared in the sky, positioned in the Zhen constellation. The soothsayers stated: "War is about to break out in the world. The Zhen constellation is also the domain of the Chu state."
In June of the year 276 AD, a comet appeared in the Di star. The diviners proclaimed, "The emperor has lost virtue, and there will be a change of dynasty. The Di star is also the boundary of Yan Province." In July, the comet appeared near the Great Horn star. The Great Horn star is the seat of the Heavenly Emperor. In August, the comet appeared again in the Taiwei constellation, followed by the Yi constellation, the Big Dipper, and the Three Officials star. The diviners proclaimed, "The Taiwei constellation is the palace of the emperor, and nobles will face calamity." Another interpretation was, "There will be a change of dynasty. The Yi constellation is also the boundary of Chu." "The Big Dipper controls warfare, and the Three Officials star represents the three dukes."
In the year 277 AD, the comet appeared in the Wei star. The Wei star is the boundary of Xuzhou. In April, the comet appeared near the Empress star. The Empress star represents the emperor's harem. In May, the comet appeared in the east. In July, the comet appeared in the Purple Palace. The diviners proclaimed, "There will be a change of rulers." In March of the year 279 AD, the comet appeared in the Willow constellation. The diviners proclaimed, "Foreign ministers will surpass the monarch. The Willow constellation is also the boundary of Sanhe. The Great Horn, Taiwei, Purple Palace, and Empress, these constellations are all related to kings."
The following year, the state of Wu fell, which was the omen of the comet's appearance. The comet heralded war and death, and in the war to conquer Wu, armies from Sanhe, Xuzhou, and Yan Province all mobilized, engaging in fierce battles in the Wu and Chu regions. Several officials below Wu's Prime Minister and generals were killed, with tens of thousands of common soldiers being slaughtered, all results of the comet's prediction.
In the "Spring and Autumn Annals," it is recorded that when a comet appears in the north, the rulers of the states of Qi, Lu, Jin, Zheng, Chen, Song, and Ju will all face slaughter and turmoil. When a comet appears in the east, the state of Chu will destroy the state of Chen, and the Sanjia and Tian clans will seize power in the states of Qi and Jin. In the later years of Emperor Wen of Han, when a comet appeared in the west, the seven states of Wu and Chu were ultimately subdued.
Careful analysis from the end of the Tai period to the beginning of the Taikang period shows that various disasters and anomalies frequently occurred, but the Jin Dynasty thrived more and more. The state of Wu ultimately perished, suggesting that celestial changes were fully manifested in Wu. During the Han Dynasty, a comet appeared near the constellation of the Big Dipper within three years, and Xiang Yu met his demise as a result, while the Han Dynasty remained unscathed, as Xiang Yu's fate was predetermined. During the periods of Wu and Jin, the realm was divided, and when a comet appeared near the constellation of the Big Dipper, Wu perished, similar to Xiang Yu's situation. Scholars later believed that the disasters during the Xianning period foretold the decline of the Jin Dynasty, which was incorrect. In the fourth year of Emperor Jin Wudi's Xianning reign, in the month of April, the Chiyou banner appeared in the sky. According to the "Star Records," the Chiyou banner looked like a comet, with a curved shape resembling a flag. During Emperor Han Wudi's reign, it also appeared, soaring to the zenith! It was also seen during Emperor Xian's reign, stretching over ten zhang, all extraordinarily long celestial bodies. During the Wei Gao period, it turned into white gas. After consulting various records, there were no reports of long stars that year, so it must have been a different anomaly. Two years later, the Jin Dynasty launched an attack on Wu, confirming the previous omens. When Emperor Wudi passed away, chaos erupted in the realm, ultimately leading to the decline of the various states. In the same year, in September, when the planet Venus was supposed to appear, it did not. Diviners said, "This phenomenon is referred to as 'loss of residence,' either indicating a military defeat or the king's imminent passing, or even a sign of the country's downfall." At that time, Yang Hu submitted a memorial requesting approval for an attack on Wu, which the emperor granted. In November of the fifth year, the army set out, and Venus finally appeared in the western sky in the evening. In the third month of the first year of Taikang, the Jin army decisively defeated the Wu army, and Sun Hao surrendered, requesting execution, resulting in the fall of Wu.
In the second year of the reign of Emperor Wu of Jin, in the eighth month of the Tai Kang era, a star appeared near the Zhang Star with unusual signs, and diviners said, "This is a sign of military disaster." During the Zhou Dynasty, disaster was foretold in Luoyang. In the eleventh month, this star moved close to Xuan Yuan, and diviners said, "There will be calamity in the imperial harem." On the day of Wushen in the third month of the fourth year, the star reappeared in the southwest. On the day of Guichou in the third month of the fourth year, Prince Qi You died. On the day of Wuyin in the fourth month, Prince Rencheng Ling died. On the day of Jihai in the fifth month, Prince Langye Zhu died. On the day of Wuwu in the eleventh month, Prince Xindu Gai died. In the third month of the eighth year of the Tai Kang era, Mars was in the heart. Diviners said, "This is an ominous sign for the king." On the day of Jiyou in the fourth month of the first year of the Tai Xi era, Emperor Wu died. In the ninth month of the eighth year of the Tai Kang era, a star appeared near the Southern Dipper abnormally, extending for several tens of zhang, disappearing only after more than ten days. Diviners said, "The Southern Dipper governs ranks and fortunes; the country will face great disasters." Another interpretation suggested, "The star appearing abnormally in the Dipper constellation foretells that the king will become ill, ministers will kill their fathers, the world will change rulers, chaos will ensue, and wars will break out." In the fourth month of the first year of Tai Xi, a comet appeared in the Purple Palace. Diviners said, "This is a sign of military disaster." In the later years of the Tai Kang era, Emperor Wu became obsessed with pleasure and play, often falling ill. On the day of Yichou in the fourth month of that year, the emperor died. In the first year of Yongping, Empress Jia executed Yang Jun and his followers, wiping out three entire families; Empress Yang was also killed. That year, Ruanan Prince Liang, Grand Guardian Wei Guan, and Prince Wei of Chu were also executed, fulfilling the earlier prophecy of impending military disaster for the royal family.
