On the first day of the first month of 26 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at 8 degrees of Wei. "The Explanation of Solar Eclipses" states: the sun symbolizes supreme yang energy, representing the monarch. If the monarch's virtue is lacking, it will be taken advantage of by yin energy, resulting in a solar eclipse. A solar eclipse signifies the suppression of yang energy. Various divination explanations are recorded in the "Book of Han · Records of the Five Elements." Confucianism believes that if the feudal lords wield excessive power, solar eclipses will occur more frequently in the countries where these feudal lords are located. If other celestial phenomena also occur, it is mostly related to major events concerning the emperor. If the ruler reforms, disasters can be averted. At that time, Emperor Guangwu had just established his regime, and the chaos of bandits and rebels had not yet been suppressed. Wei and Xu are neighboring constellations, and the bandit leader Zhang Bu had taken control of the Qi region. Emperor Guangwu sent Fu Long to persuade him to surrender, promising him rewards. As a result, Zhang Bu reneged on the deal and declared himself king, and was not eliminated until five years later.
On the last day of May in 28 AD, another solar eclipse occurred at 14 degrees of Liu. Liu 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 secretly plotting a rebellion, which went undetected until July, when all were executed. On the last day of September in 30 AD, another solar eclipse occurred, not observed by official historians but reported by various counties. This solar eclipse occurred at 8 degrees of Wei. On the last day of March in 31 AD, another solar eclipse occurred at 5 degrees of Bi. Bi corresponds to the border military forces. That autumn, Kui Xiao rebelled and invaded Anding County; in the winter, the governors appointed by Lu Fang in Shuofang and Yunzhong counties surrendered their territories to the court.
On the last day of March, 42 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at seven degrees in the Pleiades constellation. Pleiades represents prisons and jails. Many county officials were punished due to inaccurate land measurements, which angered Emperor Guangwu, leading him to execute over ten people, only to regret his actions later. On the last day of February, 43 AD, another solar eclipse occurred at nine degrees in the Stomach constellation. Stomach represents granaries. At that time, after the collection of taxes in various counties, the people were anxious about food shortages, making it the primary concern, which may explain the occurrence of this celestial phenomenon. Some also say that Stomach represents offerings and support. In October of that year, Emperor Guangwu deposed Empress Guo, stating in his decree, "She is unable to fulfill her duties of offering." On the last day of the fifth month, 22 BC, a solar eclipse occurred at seven degrees in the Willow constellation. Willow represents the upper granary in ancient astrological beliefs, overseeing the grains used for sacrifices, near the constellation of Carriage and Ghost, which is associated with ancestral temples. Nineteen years prior, someone suggested to the emperor to build four temples near the imperial palace to worship ancestors, but the emperor replied, "The locations for the temples have not been decided yet; let’s worship together at the Gao Temple in the meantime." Three years passed, and the temples were still not built. Some believed the emperor felt guilty for neglecting the worship of his ancestors, so the solar eclipse served as a warning from heaven. On the last day of the third month, 19 BC, another solar eclipse occurred at fifteen degrees in the Net constellation. Net represents the border defense army. In the winter of October that year, barbarians in the Wuxi region rose in rebellion, and General Ma Yuan led troops to suppress the rebellion. This suggests that heaven was issuing a warning about border conflicts.
On the first day of the second month of the Ding Si year in 17 BC, a solar eclipse occurred at five degrees on the eastern wall. The eastern wall symbolizes literature, also referred to as the "mouth of Juzi." Prior to this, the princes and various kings were recruiting literati to discuss political affairs. Some individuals submitted a memorial saying, "The individuals recruited by the princes are of varying quality, and even descendants of criminals should be distinguished." The emperor was very angry and ordered the arrest of the guests recruited by the princes, all of whom were dealt with harshly by strict laws, leading to numerous deaths. Emperor Shizu did not establish clear legal provisions in time and dealt with the matter too harshly, so heaven once again signaled with a solar eclipse. Emperor Shizu repented and sent people to investigate and rectify the wrongful cases.
On the last day of the Gui You month in 5 BC, a solar eclipse occurred again at five degrees in the Liu constellation, which is over the capital. From the warning from heaven in the 21st year BC to this event, ten years later, that is, two years later, the emperor passed away.
On the last day of the Jia Zi month in AD 1, a solar eclipse occurred at twenty degrees in the Dou constellation. The Dou constellation represents temples and is responsible for titles and salaries. According to Confucian beliefs, the last day of November in the year of Jia Zi is the day of emperors and kings, as well as the star calendar, responsible for titles and salaries, so the omen of this solar eclipse is very serious.
On the last day of the Ren Shen month in the 58th year of AD, a solar eclipse occurred at two degrees in the Di constellation. The Di constellation represents palaces. At that time, Emperor Ming was building the Northern Palace.
On the last day of the Ren Yin month in the 66th year of AD, a solar eclipse occurred at eleven degrees in the Dou constellation. The Dou constellation also represents the land of Wu. Guangling belongs to the land of Wu astronomically. Two years later, King Jing of Guangling committed suicide for treason.
On the last day of October in the years BC, known as Jia Chen, a solar eclipse occurred at seventeen degrees in the Wei constellation. On the last day of May in the sixteenth year, which is the day of Wu Wu, another solar eclipse occurred at fifteen degrees in the Liu constellation. Confucian scholars assert that Wu Wu in May is as significant as Jia Zi in November, and this solar eclipse occurred over the capital, signaling ominous signs. Two years later, the emperor passed away. On the last day of November in the eighteenth year, the day of Jia Chen, a solar eclipse occurred at twenty-one degrees in the Dou constellation. At this time, Emperor Ming had already passed away, and Empress Matilda was in charge of titles and salaries, so the positive energy was weak, and the realm was in turmoil.
During the reign of Emperor Zhang, on the second month, first day of the fifth year of Jiànchū, a solar eclipse occurred on Gengchen day, eight degrees in the eastern wall. This situation was similar to that of the 29th year of Jianwu. At that time, court ministers debated the classics, attacking and slandering one another. On the last day of the sixth month of the sixth year, on Xīnwèi day, a solar eclipse occurred at six degrees in the Yì constellation, representing distant guests. That winter, Prince Dongping Cang and others visited the court, and in the second year of the first month, Prince Dongping Cang passed away. On the last day of the eighth month of the first year of Zhānghé, on Yǐwèi day, a solar eclipse occurred at four degrees in the Dīxiù constellation. On the Rénwǔ day of the second month of the second year of Yǒngyuán, a solar eclipse occurred, which the court historians failed to observe, but was reported by officials from Zhuō commandery. The eclipse occurred at eight degrees in the Kuíxiù constellation. On the first day of the sixth month of the fourth year, on Wùxū day, a solar eclipse occurred at two degrees in the Qiānxīng constellation, signifying issues related to clothing. Some also said that the eclipse occurred near Xuānyuán, at Zuǒjiǎo, which was related to the Empress Dowager's family. On the nineteenth of that month, the Emperor dismissed the official positions of the Empress Dowager's brothers, including Dòu Xiàn, and sent them back to their fiefdoms. He harshly selected capable officials, and Dòu Xiàn, oppressed in his fiefdom, ultimately took his own life. On the first day of the fourth month of the seventh year, on Xīnhài day, a solar eclipse occurred in the Zuǐxī constellation, symbolizing military matters and restraint. Confucian scholars believed that this foreshadowed the occurrence of greedy and jealous individuals in the palace. That year, Lady Deng started to rise in favor. In the second year of the third month, Lady Yin was made Empress; Lady Deng was favored, and Lady Yin became jealous of her, which ultimately led to Lady Yin's deposition. Others claimed this solar eclipse foreshadowed military campaigns, as the stars Can and Fá both represent cutting down and reaping. In the seventh month of the second year, Yueqi Cavalry Officer Feng Zhu killed the Xiongnu king Wūjū of Wènyú.
On the first day of the seventh month of autumn in the twelfth year, the Xinhai day, a solar eclipse occurred at eight degrees in the Yi Star, corresponding to Jingzhou. In the winter of the second year, the barbarians in Nanjun rebelled and turned to banditry. On the last day of April in the fifteenth year, the Jiazi day, a solar eclipse occurred at twenty-two degrees in the Dongjing Star. The Dongjing Star represents food and drink. The duty of women is to maintain decorum and be faultless, and food and drink are important topics. Last winter, Empress Deng was crowned empress; she exhibited a strong, masculine character and took an active role in political affairs, so this celestial phenomenon appeared. That year, floods damaged crops. On March 2, 107 AD, which was a Guiyou day, a solar eclipse occurred at two degrees in the Wei Star. The Wei Star is in charge of the warehouse. At that time, Empress Dowager Deng held power; the previous year, a flood devastated the crops, leaving the national treasury nearly empty. On the first day of the first month of the year 112 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at eight degrees in the Xu Star. The first month is a crucial time for the emperor to conduct government affairs, and the Xu Star represents emptiness. At that time, Empress Dowager Deng was in power; Emperor An could not do anything, and everything was not in order, as if the emperor's seat were vacant. Thus, the yang energy of the first month could not operate normally, which was a sign of celestial phenomenon. The yin energy seized the opportunity presented by the weakened yang energy, leading to invasions by border barbarians, leaving several western counties unguarded. At the end of the fourth month of the year 114 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at one degree in the Dongjing Star.
In the year 118 AD, on the new moon of the tenth month, there was a solar eclipse with the position at ten degrees in the Constellation of Wei. The Constellation of Wei represents the imperial harem, where the heir resides. At that time, the emperor was particularly fond of Lady Yan and intended to elevate her to empress, hence the appearance of this ominous celestial event, signaling a disaster related to the heir. In the following year, in the fourth month, Lady Yan was indeed made empress. Later, she conspired with Jiang Jing, Geng Bao, and others to frame the crown prince and have him removed from power. In the year 120 AD, on the last day of the ninth month, there was a solar eclipse with the position at four degrees in the Constellation of Xin. The Constellation of Xin represents the emperor, indicating the emperor's position had been unstable for a long time. On March 2, 121 AD, there was a solar eclipse with the position at five degrees in the Constellation of Lou. The official historians overlooked it, but it was reported from Liaodong. In the year 122 AD, on the first day of the second month, there was a solar eclipse with the position at nine degrees in the Constellation of Kui. The official historians overlooked it, but reports came from seven counties. The Constellation of Kui oversees the arsenal. On the eighteenth day of that month, a fire broke out in the arsenal, destroying many weapons. In the year 123 AD, on the first day of the eighth month, there was a solar eclipse with the position at eighteen degrees in the Constellation of Yi. The official historians overlooked it, but reports came from Zhangye. In the year 124 AD, on the first day of the twelfth month, there was a solar eclipse that nearly obscured the entire sun, causing darkness all around, with the position at eleven degrees in the Constellation of Xu. The Constellation of Xu represents the empress, signaling that the empress was destined for misfortune. In the third month of the following year, Empress Dowager Deng died. In the year 126 AD, on the first day of the seventh month, there was a solar eclipse with the position at fifteen degrees in the Constellation of Zhang. The official historians overlooked it, but reports came from Jiuquan. In the year 130 AD, at the end of the ninth month, there was a solar eclipse with the position at fifteen degrees in the Constellation of Di. The Constellation of Di represents the palace, referring to the imperial palace. At that time, the emperor believed the slander of the eunuchs Jiang Jing, Fan Feng, and Wang Sheng, and deposed the crown prince. In the year 131 AD, on the first day of the third month, there was a solar eclipse with the position at twelve degrees in the Constellation of Wei. Reports came from Longxi, Jiuquan, and Shuofang, but the official historians failed to take note. In the year 142 AD, on the first day of the seventh month, there was a solar eclipse with the position at nine degrees in the Constellation of Yi.
In the year 144 AD, on the first day of the intercalary month, a solar eclipse occurred at the position of the star Zeta Tauri. The astronomical official responsible for recording did not see it, but it was reported by the Lingling commandery.
In the year 150 AD, on the first day of the twelfth month, a solar eclipse occurred specifically at the position of the star Xiù Nǚ at eleven degrees. The official did not see it, but it was reported by the Kuaiji commandery. The following year, the Grand Commandant Zhang Kui and others falsely accused the Empress's father, Liang Shang, of planning a rebellion. After investigation, Zhang Kui and others were executed. On the last day of May in the year 151 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at the position of the star Epsilon Hydrae at thirty-three degrees. Epsilon Hydrae belongs to the Three Fu, near the star Yù Guǐ, which represents ancestral temples. That autumn, the Western Qiang people rebelled and reached the burial grounds in the Lingyuan area of the Three Fu.
On the last day of September in the year 152 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at the position of the star Delta Scorpii at eleven degrees, which was seen as a bad omen for the royal succession.
On the first day of the first month in the year 157 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at the position of the star Gamma Arietis at three degrees. The official did not see it, but all commanderies reported it. During this time, Empress Liang served as regent. On the last day of April in the year 159 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at the position of the star Epsilon Hydrae at twenty-three degrees, mirroring the situation in 97 AD. Epsilon Hydrae is in charge of the law, and Empress Liang, influenced by her brother Ji's slander, unjustly executed ministers, violating divine laws. The following year, Empress Liang passed away.
On the second day of July in the year 422 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at the position of the star Delta Cygni at four degrees. The astronomical official did not observe it, but it was reported by the Guangling commandery. Delta Cygni is in charge of music and entertainment. At that time, the emperor was excessively indulging in pleasure.
On the first day of September in the year 426 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at the position of the star Zeta Tauri at five degrees, which belongs to the Zheng star. In November, thieves ran rampant in the Mount Tai region, robbing and killing officials. Mount Tai falls under the jurisdiction of the Zheng star in astronomy.
On the last day of the intercalary month in the year 429 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at the position of the star Ursa Minor at two degrees. The official did not see it, but all commanderies reported it, mirroring the situation in 96 AD. Two years later, Empress Liang passed away, and the Yi brothers were executed.
On the last day of May in the year 168 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at the Liu constellation at seven degrees, which is the constellation of Kyoto. On the last day of January in the year 175 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at the Ying constellation at thirteen degrees. The center of the Ying constellation symbolizes a female ruler. In February of that year, Empress Deng was sent to a cell by the emperor due to alcohol abuse, forced to commit suicide, and her family was also executed, similar to the circumstances surrounding Empress Lu's death. On the first day of January in the year 176 AD, a solar eclipse occurred at the Ying constellation at three degrees. The historians did not observe it, but all the provinces reported the event. Gu Yong interpreted this as a bad omen for the three dynasties. The following year, Emperor Huan of Han passed away.
On the last day of May in the first year of Yong Kang, in the year of Ren Zi, the sky turned dark, signaling a solar eclipse! It is said that Ren Zi is a water day, with insufficient yang energy, indicating a flood. Sure enough, in August, several provinces were hit by severe floods, and the sea water from the Bohai Sea overflowed! This truly fulfilled the prophecy!
On the first day of May in the first year of Jian Ning, in the year of Ding Wei, another solar eclipse occurred. On the last day of October of the same year, in the year of Jia Chen, there was a solar eclipse! On the last day of October the following year, in the year of Wu Xu, another solar eclipse occurred! This was reported by Prime Minister Zhao. On the last day of March in the third year, in the year of Bing Yin, there was a solar eclipse! This was reported by the prime minister of Liang. On the first day of March in the fourth year, in the year of Xin You, another solar eclipse occurred! These solar eclipses are occurring far too frequently!
On the last day of December in the second year of Xi Ping, in the year of Gui You, there was a solar eclipse, occurring at the position of the star cluster Xu Su at two degrees. At that time, eunuchs like Cao Jie and Wang Fu wielded significant power and behaved tyrannically. On the first day of October in the sixth year, in the year of Gui Chou, another solar eclipse occurred! This was reported by Prime Minister Zhao. On the first day of February in the first year of Guang He, in the year of Xin Hai, there was a solar eclipse! On the last day of October, in the year of Bing Zi, there was a solar eclipse, occurring at the position of the star cluster Ji Su at four degrees. Ji Su represents the gossip and intrigue within the harem. In that month, the emperor fell for slander and deposed Empress Song. On the first day of April in the following year, in the year of Jia Xu, there was a solar eclipse! On the first day of September in the fourth year, in the year of Geng Yin, there was a solar eclipse, occurring at the position of the star cluster Jiao Su at six degrees.
On the last day of May in the third year of Zhong Ping, in the year of Ren Chen, there was a solar eclipse. On the first day of April in the sixth year, in the year of Bing Wu, there was a solar eclipse. In that month, the emperor died.
In the first month of the fourth year of the Chuping era of Emperor Xian, on the first day of the first month, a solar eclipse occurred in the camp. At that time, Li Jue and Guo Si controlled the court, causing chaos.
A solar eclipse occurred on the last day of the sixth month of the first year of the Xingping era. On the first day of the ninth month of the fifth year of the Jian'an era, a solar eclipse occurred. On the first day of the second month of the sixth year, a solar eclipse occurred.
On the first day of the tenth month of the thirteenth year, a solar eclipse occurred, twelve degrees in the Wei constellation. On the first day of the second month of the fifteenth year, a solar eclipse occurred. On the last day of the sixth month of the seventeenth year, a solar eclipse occurred.
On the first day of the fifth month of the twenty-first year, a solar eclipse occurred. On the last day of the second month of the twenty-fourth year, a solar eclipse occurred.
During the Han Dynasty, there were twelve emperors, totaling one hundred and ninety-six years, with a total of seventy-two solar eclipses! Among them, thirty-two occurred on the first day of the month, thirty-seven occurred at the end of the month, and three occurred on the second day of the month.
In the seventh year of the Jianwu era of Emperor Guangwu, on the day of Bingyin in the fourth month, a halo appeared around the sun, and a white rainbow crossed the halo, occurring in the Pi constellation. The Pi constellation represents the border military. In the autumn, Wei Xiao rebelled and attacked Anding Commandery.
During the reign of Emperor Ling of the Han Dynasty, the sun rose several times in the east, red like blood, not bright at all, casting a shadow only when it was over about 6 meters above the ground. When it set in the west, it was also red and about 6 meters above the ground. It was said that this was because of disrespect to the heavens, causing the sun and moon to turn red. At that time, the moon also rose and set at about 6 meters above the ground, often as red as blood.
On the day of Jisi in the fourth year of Guanghe, a yellow haze appeared around the sun, and there were yellow and white sunspots next to the sun. On the day of Bingshen in the fourth year of Zhongping, a large black gas appeared in the middle of the sun, about the size of a melon. In the first month of the fifth year, the sun was red and yellow, with a black gas resembling a flying magpie in the middle, which took several months to disappear.
On the day of the second month of the sixth year of the Yimao era, a white rainbow appeared in the sky, crossing directly through the sun - a "white rainbow piercing the sun"! On the day of the second month in the first year of the Chu Ping era, another occurrence of "white rainbow piercing the sun" was observed. Going further back, on the day of the Renxu in the twelfth month of the third year of the Yongshou era, a lunar eclipse occurred, but it was completely out of season for a lunar eclipse. On the day of the Xinsi in the first month of the eighth year of the Yanxi era, an unexpected lunar eclipse occurred as well.
In conclusion: all of this is because the emperor did not pay attention to the important affairs of the country, resulting in abnormal celestial phenomena! Various disasters and abnormalities have followed one after another, truly embodying the saying "fire rises, water boils, wood weakens, metal corrodes"! These strange phenomena do not occur randomly; they are all caused by the wrath of heaven and the grievances of the people, leading to arrogant behavior!
