On the first day of the first month in the 26th year of Emperor Guangwu's reign, there was a solar eclipse which occurred at the eighth degree of the Wei constellation. According to "Records of Eclipses," the sun represents the essence of the emperor, symbolizing the monarch. If the monarch has shortcomings, negative forces will exploit this and cause a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse signifies a failure of positive energy. Other explanations are detailed in the "Book of Han·Treatise on the Five Elements." According to Confucian beliefs, if feudal lords abuse their power, solar eclipses are more likely to occur in their states. If other signs appear along with the eclipse, it is likely related to major events involving the emperor. If the monarch rectifies their mistakes, disasters can be avoided. At that time, Emperor Guangwu had just established his rule, and the chaos in the country had not yet been quelled. The Xu and Wei constellations are adjacent, with the rebel leader Zhang Bu who had occupied Qi territory and was amassing troops. The emperor sent Fu Long to persuade Zhang Bu to surrender with generous terms. However, Zhang Bu went back on his word, declared himself king, and was not subdued until five years later.
On the last day of May in the 28th year, another solar eclipse occurred at the fourteenth degree of the Liu constellation, which corresponds to the Henan region. At that time, Emperor Guangwu was in Luoyang, and the defected general Fan Chong of the Red Eyebrow Army was plotting rebellion, which was discovered in July, leading to the execution of all involved. On the last day of September in the 30th year, another solar eclipse occurred at the eighth degree of the Wei constellation, as reported by various counties. On the last day of March in the 31st year, another solar eclipse occurred at the fifth degree of the Bi constellation, which represented the border defense forces. That autumn, Kui Xiao rebelled and invaded Anding Commandery; in winter, the governors appointed by Lu Fang in the Shuofang and Yunzhong commanderies surrendered their troops.
On the last day of March 42 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at the seventh degree of the constellation Pleiades, which symbolizes prisons and punishment. At that time, many county officials were punished for inaccurate land measurements, leading Emperor Guangwu to anger and execute more than ten officials, which he later deeply regretted. On the last day of February 43 AD, another solar eclipse occurred at the ninth degree of the constellation Stomach, which is associated with food supply. At that time, after the completion of tax collection in various counties, the populace was anxious, primarily about food shortages, hence the appearance of this celestial phenomenon. Some also say that the Stomach constellation is associated with food supply. In October of that year, Emperor Guangwu deposed Empress Guo, stating in the decree that "she is not fit to bear the responsibility of providing for the family."
On May 27th, 61 BC, a solar eclipse occurred at the seventh degree of the constellation of Willow, near the capital city, responsible for the upper granary and grain offerings, close to the location of ancestral temples. Nineteen years earlier, relevant departments had suggested building four ancestral temples near the imperial palace to worship the previous emperors, but the emperor ordered at the time, "The location of the ancestral temples has not been decided; let us worship together at the Gaomiao temple first." After three years of delay, the ancestral temples had still not been built. Some felt uneasy, thinking there was a lack of ancestral worship, hence the appearance of this omen.
On March 27th, 58 BC, another solar eclipse occurred at the fifteenth degree of the constellation Net, which represents border defense troops. In the winter of that year, in October, barbarians in the Wuxi region revolted, and General Ma Yuan was dispatched to quell the rebellion.
On February 1st, 55 BC, there was another solar eclipse at the end of the month, this time at five degrees of the Eastern Wall. The Eastern Wall represents literature, also known as the mouth of Juzi, the legendary figure associated with literature. Before this, the princes and kings had recruited many literati and scholars. However, someone reported that "the individuals recruited by the kings are of varying quality, and even descendants of criminals should be distinguished." The emperor was furious and ordered the arrest of the guests recruited by the kings, all of whom were dealt with harshly by the law, resulting in numerous deaths. The Emperor did not establish clear laws and regulations early on, so the handling of this matter was too severe, leading to the appearance of this omen. The Emperor repented and sent people to investigate and correct the wrongful cases.
On May 26th, 53 BC, there was another solar eclipse at the end of the month, at five degrees of the Willow constellation, near the capital. From the appearance of celestial phenomena in 63 BC until this time, ten years later, the emperor passed away two years later.
On November 1st, 52 BC, there was another solar eclipse at the end of the month, at twenty degrees of the Dipper. The Dipper represents temples and is in charge of titles and salaries. According to Confucian beliefs, November 1st is the Emperor's Day, and it is also where the star is located, in charge of titles and salaries, so the omen of this solar eclipse is very serious.
On August 26th, 48 BC, there was a solar eclipse at the end of the month, at two degrees of the Chariot constellation. The Chariot constellation represents palaces. At that time, Emperor Ming was building the Northern Palace. On October 26th, 44 BC, there was another solar eclipse at the end of the month, at eleven degrees of the Dipper. The Dipper also represents the historical land of Wu. Guangling belongs to the historical land of Wu in astronomy. Two years later, Prince Liu Jing of Guangling committed suicide after being accused of plotting rebellion.
In the previous years, on the last day of October, known as Jia Chen day, a solar eclipse occurred at seventeen degrees of the Tail constellation. On the last day of May in the sixteenth year, known as Wu Wu day, another solar eclipse occurred at fifteen degrees of the Willow constellation. According to Confucian beliefs, the month of May in the year of Wu Wu is similar to November in the year of Jia Zi, and since this solar eclipse occurred in the capital, the omen is very serious. Two years later, the emperor passed away. On the last day of November in the eighteenth year, known as Jia Chen day, another solar eclipse occurred at twenty-one degrees of the Dipper. By this time, Emperor Ming had already passed away, and Empress Dowager Ma held the power of titles and salaries, so the positive energy was weak.
On the first day of the second month in the fifth year of Emperor Zhang's reign, a solar eclipse occurred on the day of Gengchen, at eight degrees in the eastern sky, similar to the one that occurred in the twenty-ninth year of Emperor Jianwu. At that time, the ministers debated the classics and slandered one another. On the last day of the sixth month of the sixth year, on the day of Xinwei, another solar eclipse occurred, at six degrees in the Yixiu constellation, representing distant guests. That winter, the King of Dongping and others came to pay their respects, and in the second year of the first month, the King of Dongping passed away.
On the last day of the eighth month of the first year of Emperor Zhanghe, on the day of Yiwei, a solar eclipse occurred, which went unobserved by the court historian, but was reported by other officials. The solar eclipse was at four degrees in the Daxiu constellation. In the second month of the second year of Emperor He, on the day of Renwu, a solar eclipse occurred, which went unobserved by the court historian, but was reported by officials in Zhuojun. The solar eclipse was at eight degrees in the Kui constellation. On the first day of the sixth month of the fourth year, on the day of Wuxu, a solar eclipse occurred, at two degrees in the Big Dipper constellation, symbolizing clothing. Some also suggested that being near Xuanyuan, in the left corner, foreshadowed changes in the Empress Dowager's family. On the nineteenth day of that month, the emperor dismissed the positions of the Empress Dowager's brothers, including Dou Xian, allowing them to return to their fiefs and appointing strict officials to oversee them. Dou Xian faced oppression in the country and ultimately committed suicide.
On the first day of the fourth month of the seventh year, on the day of Xinhai, a solar eclipse occurred, at Zuichu, symbolizing restraint. Confucian scholars interpreted Zuichu as a scene in the palace, symbolizing jealousy. That year, Lady Deng began to rise in favor. In the second year of the third month, Consort Yin was made Empress, Lady Deng was favored, and Empress Yin became jealous of her, which eventually led to the deposition of Empress Yin. Some also said that the eclipse's location foreshadowed a "participatory attack" (implying beheading). In the seventh month of the second year, Colonel Feng Zhu of the Yuezhi beheaded the Xiongnu King Wujvuyu.
On the first day of the seventh month of the twelfth year of the autumn season, known as Xin Hai, a solar eclipse occurred, with its position at the eighth degree of the Jingzhou constellation. In the second year of winter, the rebellious tribes in Nanjun revolted, causing trouble. On the last day of the fourth month in the fifteenth year, on the day of Jia Zi, a solar eclipse occurred, with its position at the twenty-second degree of the Dong Jing constellation. The Dong Jing constellation pertains to women's responsibilities, where there are no right or wrong judgments, and food and drink are often subjects of discussion. In the previous winter, Empress Deng was elevated to empress; she exhibited a strong personality and was actively involved in political affairs, so the heavens showed this omen. In that year, floods and rain damaged the crops. On March 2nd, 107 AD, on the day of Gui You, a solar eclipse occurred, with its position at the second degree of the Wei Su constellation. The Wei Su constellation is in charge of the warehouse; at that time, Empress Dowager Deng held all power. The previous year there was a great flood, the crops failed, and the national treasury was severely depleted. Therefore, this solar eclipse foreshadowed an empty national treasury. On the first day of the first month of the year 111 AD, on the day of Geng Chen, another solar eclipse occurred, with its position at the eighth degree of the Xu Su constellation. The first month is traditionally when the emperor engages in political affairs; Xu Su represents emptiness. At that time, Empress Dowager Deng held court, and Emperor An of Han could not do anything; it felt as though the emperor's throne was vacant, so the yang energy was unable to function properly in the first month. This serves as an omen of celestial events! With the yang energy weakening, the minority ethnic groups along the borders seized the opportunity to invade, and several counties in the west were severely undermanned. On the last day of April in the year 114 AD, on the day of Bing Shen, another solar eclipse occurred, with its position at the first degree of the Dong Jing constellation.
In the year 118 AD, on the first day of the tenth month, there was a solar eclipse on Wuzi day, at ten degrees in the Tail constellation. The Tail constellation represents the imperial harem, home to the heir. At that time, Emperor An of Han favored Lady Yan and planned to make her the empress, so this solar eclipse foretold bad omens that would bring disaster to the heir. The following year, Lady Yan was indeed made empress in April. Subsequently, Empress Yan conspired with Jiang Jing, Geng Bao, and others to frame the crown prince, resulting in his deposition. On the last day of September 119 AD, there was a solar eclipse on Rengwu day, located at four degrees in the Heart constellation. The Heart constellation represents the emperor, indicating that the emperor had not genuinely held power for some time. On March 2nd in the year 120 AD, there was a solar eclipse on Xinhai day, located at five degrees in the Lou constellation. The official historians missed it, but it was reported from Liaodong. On the first day of February in the year 121 AD, there was a solar eclipse on Yisi day, located at nine degrees in the Kui constellation. The official historians overlooked it, but it was reported by seven counties. The Kui constellation governs the arsenal; on the 18th of that month, there was a fire in the arsenal that destroyed many weapons. On the first day of August in the year 122 AD, there was a solar eclipse on Bingshen day, located at eighteen degrees in the Yi constellation. The official historians did not see it, but it was reported from Zhangye. On the first day of December in the year 123 AD, there was a solar eclipse on Wuwu day, almost a total eclipse, turning the sky dark like dusk. It was located at eleven degrees in the Xu Nu constellation, which symbolizes women, foretelling disaster for them. In March two years later, Empress Dowager Deng passed away. On the first day of July in the year 125 AD, there was a solar eclipse on Yiyu day, located at fifteen degrees in the Zhang constellation. The official historians missed it, but it was reported from Jiuquan. On the last day of September in the year 128 AD, there was a solar eclipse on Gengshen day, located at fifteen degrees in the Di constellation, representing the palace. At that time, Emperor An of Han, influenced by the slander spread by the eunuchs Jiang Jing, Fan Feng, and Wang Sheng, deposed the crown prince. On the first day of March in the year 129 AD, there was a solar eclipse on Wuwu day, located at twelve degrees in the Stomach constellation. It was reported from Longxi, Jiuquan, and Shuofang, but the official historians failed to notice. On the first day of July in the year 132 AD, there was a solar eclipse on Jiaxu day, located at nine degrees in the Yi constellation.
In the year 145 AD, on the first day of the intercalary month, a solar eclipse occurred with the sun at five degrees in the constellation Jiao Su. The imperial astronomers did not witness this, but was reported by the Lingling commandery. In the year 150 AD, on the first day of the twelfth month, another solar eclipse occurred with the sun at eleven degrees in the Xu Nu constellation. Once again, the astronomers missed it, but all the commanderies and states reported it. The following year, Zhang Kui, the eunuch, and others falsely accused Liang Shang, the queen's father, of planning a rebellion. After an investigation, Zhang Kui and the others were executed. On the last day of May in the year 151 AD, another solar eclipse occurred with the sun at thirty-three degrees in the Dong Jing constellation, as it is close to the San Fu region and also near the Yu Gui constellation, which represents ancestral temples. That autumn, the Western Qiang people rebelled and invaded the Lingyuan area of San Fu. On the last day of September in the year 152 AD, another solar eclipse occurred with the sun at eleven degrees in the Wei Xiu constellation, symbolizing the imperial harem and royal heirs. People interpreted this as an omen of the imperial family lacking successors. On the first day of the first month in the year 157 AD, a solar eclipse occurred with the sun at three degrees in the Ying Shi constellation. The astronomers failed to observe it, but it was reported by all the commanderies and states. At that time, Empress Liang was in power. On the last day of April in the year 159 AD, another solar eclipse occurred with the sun at twenty-three degrees in the Dong Jing constellation, mirroring the solar eclipse of 96 AD. Dong Jing is associated with the law, and Empress Liang once again believed the slander of her brother Ji, leading to the indiscriminate killing of ministers, violating divine laws. The following year, Empress Liang died. On the second day of July in the year 422 AD, a solar eclipse occurred with the sun at four degrees in the Yi Xiu constellation. The imperial astronomers failed to observe it, but it was reported by the Guangling commandery. Yi Xiu represents music and entertainment. At that time, the emperor was immersed in pleasure. On the first day of September in the year 426 AD, a solar eclipse occurred with the sun at five degrees in the Jiao Su constellation, also known as Zheng Xiu. In the same year in November, banditry surged in the Mount Tai region as robbers looted and killed officials. Mount Tai is under the jurisdiction of Zheng Xiu in astronomy. On the last day of the intercalary month in the year 429 AD, a solar eclipse occurred with the sun at two degrees in the Qi Xing Xiu constellation. The imperial astronomers failed to observe it, but it was reported by all the commanderies and states, similar to the solar eclipse in the year 96 AD. Two years later, Empress Liang died, and the Yi brothers were executed.
On the last day of May 156 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at seven degrees in the Liu Su constellation, located in the capital. On the last day of January 163 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at thirteen degrees in the Ying Shi constellation, which represents the astrological sign associated with a female emperor. In the second month of that year, Empress Deng was sent to a violent chamber by the emperor due to alcoholism and was forced to commit suicide, with her family also being executed. Under similar circumstances, the same situation occurred when Empress Lu passed away. On the first day of January 164 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at three degrees in the Ying Shi constellation. Historians did not witness this event, but it was reported by various counties and states. Gu Yong believed this to be a bad omen for the three elder statesmen. The following year, the emperor died.
On the last day of May in the first year of Yong Kang, a solar eclipse occurred on the day of Ren Zi at one degree in the Yu Gui constellation. At that time, scholars said that Ren Zi was a day of pure water, suggesting weak yang energy and foretelling a flood. Indeed, in August of that year, there was a major flood in six provinces, with the sea water overflowing into the Bohai Sea. This was a clear fulfillment of the ancient saying!
On the first day of May in the first year of Jian Ning, a solar eclipse occurred on the day of Ding Wei. On the last day of October in the same year, another solar eclipse occurred on the day of Jia Chen. On the last day of October in the second year, a solar eclipse occurred on the day of Wu Xu, which was reported by the Right Fu Feng. On the last day of March in the third year, a solar eclipse occurred on the day of Bing Yin, reported by the Liang Xiang. On the first day of March in the fourth year, a solar eclipse occurred on the day of Xin You. These solar eclipses were occurring far too frequently during these years!
On the last day of December in the second year of Xi Ping, a solar eclipse occurred on the day of Gui You at two degrees in the Xu constellation. At that time, the eunuchs Cao Jie, Wang Fu, and others wielded power and dominated the court. On the first day of October in the sixth year, another solar eclipse occurred on the day of Gui Chou, reported by Zhao Xiang. Might these solar eclipses be connected to the actions of those in power?
On the first day of February in the first year of Guang He, a solar eclipse occurred on the day of Xin Hai. On the last day of October in the same year, another solar eclipse occurred on the day of Bing Zi at four degrees in the Ji constellation. Ancient texts indicate that the Ji constellation symbolizes the imperial harem, predicting trouble in the harem. Indeed, that month, the emperor, swayed by slander, deposed Empress Song. On the first day of April in the second year, a solar eclipse occurred on the day of Jia Xu. On the first day of September in the fourth year, a solar eclipse occurred on the day of Geng Yin at six degrees in the Jiao constellation. Is this emperor's luck running low?
On the final day of the fifth month of the third year of Zhongping, on Renchen Day, a solar eclipse occurred. On the first day of the fourth month of the sixth year, on Bingwu Day, a solar eclipse occurred. That month saw the emperor's passing. Ah, it truly aligns with the saying, "Heaven has its unpredictable changes, and fortunes can shift for people from day to day." On the first day of the first month of the fourth year of Xian Emperor's reign, on Jiayin Day, a solar eclipse occurred, located at four degrees in the barracks. At that time, Li Jue and Guo Si held great power, and the realm was thrown into chaos. On the last day of the sixth month of the first year of Xingping, on Yisi Day, a solar eclipse occurred. On the first day of the ninth month of the fifth year of Jian'an, on Gengwu Day, a solar eclipse occurred. On the first day of the second month of the sixth year, on Dingmao Day, a solar eclipse occurred. On the first day of the tenth month of the thirteenth year, on Guiwei Day, a solar eclipse occurred, located at twelve degrees in the tail. On the first day of the second month of the fifteenth year, on Yisi Day, a solar eclipse occurred. On the last day of the sixth month of the seventeenth year, on Gengyin Day, a solar eclipse occurred. On the first day of the fifth month of the twenty-first year, on Jihai Day, a solar eclipse occurred. On the last day of the second month of the twenty-fourth year, on Renshi Day, a solar eclipse occurred. During the Han Dynasty, there were a total of twelve emperors, ruling for a total of one hundred and ninety-six years, with a total of seventy-two solar eclipses recorded: thirty-two occurred on the first day, thirty-seven occurred on the last day, and three occurred on the second day of the month. Isn't the number of solar eclipses excessive? In the seventh year of Guangwu Jianwu, on Bingyin Day in the fourth month, there was a solar halo, and a white rainbow pierced through the solar halo, located at eight degrees in the Pi constellation. The ancients said that the Pi constellation is said to represent border troops, and indeed, in the autumn, Wei Xiao rebelled and invaded Anding. This truly aligns with the saying, "When celestial phenomena behave unusually, significant events are bound to occur." It is said that during the reign of Han Lingdi, one day the sun rose in the east, blood-red in color, dull and dim, only starting to cast a shadow when it was about twenty feet above the ground. By evening, when it set in the west, it was only about two zhang (approximately six meters) above the ground, still the same blood-red color. Fortune tellers claimed this was due to the emperor's lack of reverence for the heavens. During that time, when the moon rose and set, it was also only two or three zhang above the ground, and several times it was blood red in color.
In the second month of the fourth year of Guanghe, on the day of Jisi, yellowish gas appeared around the sun, and there were yellow and white interlaced solar prominences next to the sun. In the third month of the fourth year of Zhongping, on the day of Bingshen, a large black gas appeared at the center of the sun, as big as a watermelon. In the first month of the fifth year, the sun was red and yellow, with black gas swirling like magpies within, taking several months to disappear.
In the second month of the sixth year, on the day of Yiwei, a white rainbow appeared in the sky, directly arching through the sun. "A white rainbow arching through the sun!" In the second month of the first year of Xiandi, on the day of Renshen, another "white rainbow arching through the sun" appeared.
In the twelfth month of the third year of Emperor Huan of Han, on the day of Renxu, a solar eclipse occurred, which was unexpected. In the first month of the eighth year of Yanxi, another lunar eclipse occurred at an unexpected time.
Finally, someone summarized: Although imperial power was established, all five issues were poorly managed, leading to disasters and increasingly severe rebellions. It is like fire burning below, water boiling above, wood weakening, and metal rusting. These aren’t just random oddities, but arise from the anger of the heavens and the grievances of the people!
