The Ziwei Palace, where the Heavenly Emperor lives, has the brightest star, Taiyi Star. Next to it are three stars representing the Three High Ministers, or, some say, the Crown Prince. Four stars follow; the brightest is the Empress, the others her consorts. Twelve stars surround them, representing the ministers. This whole constellation is the Ziwei Palace.
Three stars precede the Dipper's mouth, following the Northern Duoxiu, flickering in and out of view, also called the Tianyi Star. The three stars on the left of the Ziwei Palace are called Tianqiang Star, the five stars on the right are called Tianpao Star, and the six stars behind extend from Hanxiu to Yingshi, known as the Gekou Star.
The Big Dipper, or the "Seven Luminaries" of the *I Ching*, points to the Dragon's Horn, the Dipper Balance points to the Southern Dipper, and the Dipper Leader faces the Canxiu. At night, the Dipper Ladle points southwest, indicating the time. At midnight, the Dipper Balance points between the Yellow River and the Ji River. In the early morning, the Dipper Leader points to Shandong and Hebei. The Big Dipper, the Heavenly Emperor's celestial chariot, reigns over the cosmos. It governs the yin and yang, dictates the seasons, and regulates the five elements, thus shaping the calendar.
Above the Dipper Leader are six stars, called the Wen Chang Palace: the first is the General, the second the Lieutenant General, the third the Noble, the fourth the Fate Master, the fifth the Central Master, and the sixth the Fortune Master. The Dipper Leader contains the prison of the nobility. Below the Dipper Leader are six stars, paired up, called the Three Abilities Star. Matching colors in the Three Abilities stars signify harmony between ruler and subject; mismatched colors, discord. A bright, close Assistant Star signifies a powerful and influential minister; a dim, distant one, a weak and marginalized one.
At the end of the Big Dipper's handle are two stars: the one inside is called the Spear Star, also known as the Wandering Star; the one outside is called the Shield Star, also known as the Celestial Blade Star. There are fifteen stars surrounding the Dipper, belonging to the Dipper, which is the prison of the lowly. Bright stars signify a large prison population; dim stars, a decrease in prisoners.
If the stars *Tianyi*, *Tianqiang*, *Tianbiao*, *Mao*, and *Dun* waver, and their light is very bright, it indicates that a war is about to happen.
In the eastern Azure Dragon's Seven Mansions, there are the Room Asterism and the Heart Asterism. The Heart Asterism is the Palace of Light, and the brightest star is the Heavenly King Star, with the stars in front and behind it being its attendant stars. A straight alignment of the Heart Asterism is an ill omen for the Heavenly King. The Room Asterism is the mansion, called the Heavenly Horse Star. Its dark stars are the right and left riding horses. Beside them are two stars called the Collar Stars; to the north is a star called the Dal Star. The twelve stars in the northeast direction that curve are called the Flag Asterism. The four stars in the middle of the Flag Asterism are called the Heavenly Market Stars; the six stars in the middle are called the Market Tower Stars. If the Heavenly Market Stars shine brightly, it means abundant resources; if they shine dimly, it means scarce resources. To the south of the Room Asterism are many stars called the Riding Official Stars.
In the upper left corner is Li, and in the upper right corner is Jiang. The largest star is called the Heavenly King Emperor's Court, with three stars on each side, arranged like tripods, called the She Stars. Oh, the She Stars, they directly face the direction pointed by the Dipper handle, used to determine the solar terms, so they are called the "Sheti indicator." The Kang Asterism represents the Scattered Temple, in charge of diseases. There is a large star on the north and south sides, called the South Gate. The Di Asterism is the root of heaven, in charge of plagues.
The Tail Asterism has nine stars, symbolizing the relationship between ruler and subjects; if the star patterns are scattered and disharmonious, it indicates discord between ruler and subjects. The Winnowing Asterism symbolizes the slanderer, representing gossip and disputes.
If Mars invades the Horn Asterism, war will break out. The Room and Heart Asterisms are considered inauspicious for emperors and kings.
The Southern Palace of the Vermilion Bird contains the Weighing and Heng asterisms. The Heng asterism, also known as Tai Wei, is the palace of the sun, moon, and stars. It is guarded by twelve stars surrounding it, representing vassals: to the west are generals, to the east are ministers; the four stars to the south are judges; in the center is the main gate; to the left and right of the main gate are side entrances. Inside the gates are six stars representing princes. There are also five stars representing the seats of the Five Emperors. Behind them are fifteen bright stars, known as the ranks of the officials; next to them is a large star representing the general's position. The moon and five planets move through Tai Wei Palace, their orbits determining their influence, guarding the places of the emperor's pronouncements of life and death. If they enter retrograde and deviate from their orbits, predictions of good or bad fortune will be made based on the constellations they have violated; if they form in the center of the palace, it indicates there is courtly intrigue. Venus and Mars are especially like this. To the west of Tai Wei Yuan are five stars, known as the Little Tai Wei, representing scholars. The Weighing asterism is Xuanyuan, shaped like a yellow dragon. The large star in front represents the empress; the small stars next to it are palace ladies and officials. The moon and five planets guard or violate these asterisms, with results similar to those of the Heng asterism. The Eastern Well asterism governs water matters. The curved star to its west is called Yue. To the north of the Yue star is the North River, and to the south is the South River; between the two rivers and the Tianque is the Gualiang. The Chariot and Ghost asterisms are in charge of ancestral rites; the white star in the middle is called Zhi. If Mars guards the North and South Rivers, war and poor harvests will occur. Therefore, when morality decays, the Heng asterism is threatened; watching the situation will lead to damage of the Huang asterism; harming others will jeopardize the Yue asterism; and tyranny will endanger the Zhi asterism. The Willow asterism, shaped like a bird, governs vegetation. Seven stars make up the neck of the Willow asterism, representing high-ranking officials handling urgent matters. The Zhang and Su asterisms are kitchen asterisms, responsible for entertaining guests. The Wing asterism represents wings and feathers, in charge of welcoming distant guests.
The Zhen Constellation is associated with wind. Next to it is a small star called Changsha, which is usually not very bright; if Changsha brightens to match the other four, and all five stars align within Zhen, it foretells major warfare. South of Zhen lies Tiankulou (the Heavenly Storehouse), containing five stars associated with chariots. Changes in the configuration of these five stars indicate disruptions to transport.
The Western Palace of Xianchi (also known as Tianwuhuang, the Five Imperial Waterways) was believed to be the celestial stables of the Five Emperors. When Mars enters, there will be drought; when Venus enters, there will be war; when Mercury enters, there will be floods. In Xianchi, there are also three pillar stars; if the three pillar stars are incomplete, war will occur.
Kui is associated with canals and waterways; Lou with gatherings of people; and Wei, located in the south, represents the heavenly granary. South of Wei are many stars called "Ji."
Mao, resembling a fuzzy head, is known as the Hu star and is associated with the Baiyi Society; Bi resembles a fishing net, symbolizing border troops and hunting. Near Bi is Fu'er, a small star whose movement indicates court intrigue. Between Mao and Bi lies Tianjie, with Yin Guo on the shaded side and Yang Guo on the sunlit side.
The constellation Canis Major (参宿) is represented by the White Tiger, with three stars in the middle forming a line called "Heng Shi," and three stars below called "Fa," which are responsible for punishing rebels; the four stars on the periphery of Canis Major represent the left and right shoulders and legs of the White Tiger. Three small stars in the corner, known as "Zǐ Xī" (the White Tiger's beak), are the head of the White Tiger, overseeing military affairs. To the south of Canis Major are four stars called "Tian Ce" (celestial toilet); below Tian Ce is a star called "Tian Shi," and if the Tian Shi star is yellow, it's a good omen, while blue, white, and black are ominous. To the west of Canis Major are nine stars, divided into three groups named "Tian Qi," "Tian Yuan," and "Jiu You." To the east of Canis Major is a large star called "Lang," and when the Lang star's color changes, it foretells an increase in thieves; below the Lang star are four stars called "Hu," which form a straight line with the Lang star. To the south of the Lang star is a large star called "Nan Ji Lao Ren" (Southern Polar Old Man), and when this star appears, there will be peace in the world; if the Southern Polar Old Man star is invisible, war will occur, and people usually go to the southern suburbs to worship it during the autumn equinox. When the Fu Er star enters the Bi Su, war will break out.
The Black Tortoise of the Northern Heavens is composed of Xu Su and Wei Su. Wei Su represents the roof, while Xu Su signifies weeping. To the south of Wei Su are many stars called "Yu Lin Tian Jun," with the army camp to the west, also known as "Yue." Next to it is a large star called "Bei Luo Shi Men." If Bei Luo Shi Men fades away, or if the army star loses its corners, or if five stars align unfavorably with Bei Luo Shi Men, the army will be in turmoil, with Mars portending military anxieties, Mercury causing floods, while Jupiter and Saturn are auspicious for the army. To the east of Wei Su are six stars facing each other in pairs, called "Si Kong."
The Camp Su is a Qingsi (clearing temple), also known as "Li Gong" and "Ge Dao." The four stars in Hanzhong (asterism) are called "Tian Si," with a star next to it called "Wang Liang," who rides a horse, with chariots and horses spreading across the plains. Next to it are eight stars running through Hanzhong, called "Tian Huang" (Celestial River); next to Tian Huang is "Jiang," and if the Jiang star moves, it foretells people traveling by water.
The pestle and mortar stars are located to the south of Wei (危宿); near the calabash star, a dark greenish star is associated with rising fish and salt prices. The Southern Dipper constellation represents a temple, with the North being the Establishing Star, representing a flag; the Cowherd Star represents a constellation associated with sacrificial offerings; to the North of it is the River Drum; the large celestial body of the River Drum is the General, with the stars on the left and right being the Left and Right Generals; to the North of the Weaver Star is the Weaver, who is the granddaughter of the Heavenly Emperor.
We calculate the retrograde motion of the Year Star (Jupiter) based on the movements of the sun and moon. The East belongs to wood, ruling over spring, corresponding to the first and second Heavenly Stems (甲乙, Jiǎ Yǐ). If there is an error, the country associated with the Year Star's position will face adversity. The Year Star's motion is sometimes fast and sometimes slow, and the situation of the country is judged based on the speed of its motion. Forward motion is interpreted as "winning," indicating that although the country may be at war, it will ultimately prevail; backward motion is called "shrinking," indicating that the country is in trouble and on the brink of destruction. When the Year Star is in a certain position, the other five stars will gather together, and the country can use righteousness and benevolence to command the world.
According to the Sheti Ge calendar system: the Year Yin (Sun) moves to the left in the Tiger position, while the Year Star moves to the right in the Ox position. In the first month, it appears in the east along with the Dipper and Cowherd stars in the early morning, known as "Monitoring Virtue." It appears bluish-green, shining brightly. If it moves out of position, abnormal phenomena will appear near the Willow Residence. In that year, early occurrences of flooding or late occurrences of drought may happen.
After the Year Star appears, it travels east for twelve degrees, stops after one hundred days, then reverses its motion; it moves backward for eight degrees, and after another one hundred days, it continues eastward. The Year Star travels approximately thirty-six and two-thirds degrees in a year, moving one-twelfth of a degree each day, taking twelve years to orbit the sky. It rises in the east in the morning and sets in the west in the evening.
Dan Ya Sui: the Year Yin is in the Rabbit position, while the Year Star is in the Rat position. In the second month, it appears in the early morning along with the Weaver, Void, and Dangerous stars, known as "Descending." The light is very strong. If it moves out of position, abnormal phenomena will appear near the Zhang Residence. This year will see major flooding.
The Zhixu (执徐) year is a Rooster year, with the constellation in the Wu position. In August, the Liu, Qi, and Zhang constellations appear together in the eastern sky, indicating that this year will be ruled by a powerful ruler, leading to the country's prosperity and abundant harvests. However, if the stars are out of alignment, watch out—drought, death, and sickness could be on the way.
In the Da Huang Luo (大荒骆) year, the constellation is in the Si position, and the star is in the Xu position. In April, it appears with the Kui and Lou constellations in the morning, called "Danzhong." The fiery red glow is striking. If it runs out of alignment, there will be unusual phenomena near the Kang constellation.
In the Dun Zang (敦牂) year, the constellation is in the Wu position, and the star is in the You position. In May, it appears with the Wei, Mao, and Bi constellations in the morning, called "Kaiming." The heat is intense, and the light is radiant. This year is suitable for ceasing wars and is favorable for the feudal lords, but not for starting conflicts. If it runs out of alignment, there will be unusual phenomena near the Fang constellation. This year, if it starts early, there will be drought; if late, there will be floods.
In the Ye Qia (叶洽) year, the constellation is in the Wei position, and the star is in the Shen position. In June, it appears with the Zhi and Shen constellations in the morning, called "Changlie." The brightness is dazzling, and the light is radiant. This year is favorable for initiating wars. If it runs out of alignment, there will be unusual phenomena near the Ji constellation.
In the Zun Tan (涒滩) year, the constellation is in the Shen position, and the star is in the Wei position. In July, it appears with the Dongjing and Yugu constellations in the morning, called "Dayin." The brightness is stunning, and the color is pure white. If it runs out of alignment, there will be unusual phenomena near the Qian Niu star.
At some point in the past, people predicted the good and bad fortune of the year based on celestial phenomena. Look at this first year, called "E-sui," a Rooster year, with the stars in the Wu position. In August, the Liu, Qi, and Zhang constellations appear together in the eastern sky, indicating that this year will be ruled by a powerful ruler, leading to the country's prosperity and abundant harvests. However, if the stars are out of alignment, watch out—drought, death, and sickness could be on the way.
Next is "The Year of the Severed and the Flourishing," the year of the Dog, with the constellation in the Snake position. In September, the Wing and Chariot constellations appear together, indicating that this year is called "Tian Sui" (meaning "Celestial Sui"), and the sky will show a bright white color. If the celestial order is disrupted, pay attention to disasters in the east. This year, there may be floods, and there will be female deaths.
Next is "The Year of the Great Abyss Offering," the year of the Pig, with the constellation in the Dragon position. In October, the Horn and Ascendant constellations appear together; this year is called "Da Zhang" (meaning "Great Chapter"), and the sky shows a deep blue color, with the stars seeming to jump. The Yin energy dissipates at dawn, indicating a "Zhengping" (meaning "upright peace") era. If the country is going to war, the leader must have military power; if the country has virtue, it will rule the world. If the stars are misaligned, pay attention to the Lou constellation.
"The Year of Hardship and Integrity," the year of the Rat, with the constellation in the Rabbit position. In November, the Earth and Room constellations, along with the Heart constellation, appear together; this year is called "Tian Quan" (meaning "Celestial Spring"), and the sky shows a deep, luminous black. The water level of rivers and lakes will be high this year, but it is not conducive to going to war. If the stars are misaligned, pay attention to the Mao constellation.
"The Year of Red Passion," the year of the Ox, with the constellation in the Tiger position. In December, the Tail and Basket constellations appear together; this year is called "Tian Hao" (meaning "Celestial Brightness"), and the sky shows a deep, luminous black. If the stars are misaligned, pay attention to the Can constellation.
If a star does not appear in its expected position, or if its position is unstable, if it does not move when it should, but instead converges with other stars, the country will encounter misfortune. However, if this star stays in the correct position for a long time, it indicates that the country has virtue. If this star fluctuates in size, with changing colors and numbers, the rulers will have worries.
If the stars are in disorder, deviating from their normal positions and moving northeast, a "celestial mace" will appear four zhang (approximately 13 feet) long with a sharp end after three months; moving southeast will result in a comet appearing two zhang (approximately 6.5 feet) long, shaped like a broom after three months; moving northwest will bring a "celestial glaive" four zhang long with a sharp end after three months; moving southwest will result in a "celestial lance" appearing several zhang long with sharp ends after three months. Keep a close eye on any country where these signs appear; avoid rash military action. If these celestial phenomena manifest intermittently, resembling floating and sinking, it indicates that the country will undertake large-scale construction; if they sink and then resurface, the fields of the country will become barren. If the celestial phenomena are red and angular, the country will prosper; engaging in battle facing its angle will surely lead to failure. If the celestial phenomena are reddish-yellow and sinking, the region will experience a bountiful harvest. If the celestial phenomena are bluish-white with gray, the region will face troubles. When Jupiter enters the moon, the region will experience internal turmoil; if Jupiter and Venus engage in battle, the region will suffer military defeats.
Jupiter, also known as She Ti, Chong Hua, Ying Xing, Ji Xing. The Camp was where they offered sacrifices to the yearly star. Ancient astrology is quite complex! Let's discuss the "heavenly wanderer," which refers to Mars. When its position changes, it signifies significant consequences. The south represents fire, correlating with summer and the Bing and Ding days (specific days in the Chinese calendar). If there are disruptions in rituals, Mars goes astray, signifying societal upheaval. When it appears, it suggests that war is imminent; when it retreats, the war will end. Mars' erratic movements presaged national disaster: death, disease, famine, and war—calamities of all kinds.
If it retrogrades and moves more than two stations, there will be a big problem! Disaster in March, war in May, losing half of the territory in July, and losing the other half in September! If you keep following it, it will mess with the state rituals! Even if the disaster passes, it will come back again, either starting small and getting worse, or starting big and tapering off; it’s unpredictable. Mars in the south is said to bring misfortune to men, while in the north, to women. If it erratically wanders, the disaster will be even greater! If it encounters other stars, if their paths cross, there will definitely be trouble; if they don't, it’s fine. If all five stars gather together, the countries below can govern the world with rituals—a truly auspicious outcome.
This Mars stops after sixteen degrees heading east, then goes back two degrees; after sixty days, it continues east, travels several more degrees, arrives in the west after ten months, stays there for five months, then comes out again, emerging from the east. Coming out from the west is called "Fanming" (反明), and those in power fear this the most. It moves east at a very fast speed, covering one and a half degrees a day. It runs east and west, coming from the south and going to the north; military campaigns are heavily influenced by its position. In battle, following it leads to victory, going against it leads to defeat. When Mars follows Venus (太白星), the army worries; when it’s far away, the army is at ease. If Mars is on the dark side of Venus, the army needs to divide; if it’s on the bright side, the generals will go to war. If Mars is running and Venus catches up with it, there will be significant military defeats. If Mars runs to the territories of stars like Taiwei (太微), Xuanyuan (轩辕), and Yingshi (营室), those in power will definitely be afraid. Xinsi (心宿) is the bright hall, Mars is the temple; careful observation is crucial.
Let's talk about Tianxing (填星). To determine its position, you need to use the Dou Su constellation. It is the central earth, governing the end of summer and beginning of autumn, the days ruled by Wu and Ji (戊己日), the Yellow Emperor, the main virtue, and the feminine principle. It resides in a single constellation each year, bringing good fortune to the nation. If it shouldn't be there but stays, or leaves and comes back, that country will gain territory and prosperity. If it should be there but doesn't stay, or stays and then leaves, that country will lose land, lose women, and nothing important will be accomplished. If it stays for a long time, the country will be wealthy; if it stays for a short time, the country will be poor.
The filling star, also known as Di Hou, governs for a year. It travels thirteen degrees, one hundred twelve minutes, and one-fifth, moving twenty-eight minutes each day, completing one circle in twenty-eight years. Wherever it is, all five stars gather there, and the country below can govern the world. If there is no ritual propriety, morality, justice, military action, or law, the Tianxing will be shaken.
This ancient text is quite complex; let's analyze it section by section. Firstly, Ying and Suo are two astrological omens related to military and national affairs. When the Ying star appears, it's like losing a battle and the army falling apart; when the Suo star appears, there will be problems in the rear, leading to chaos in the country, possibly even earthquakes or landslides. The Ying star is associated with the yellow color and the Yellow Bell note (a musical tone in ancient Chinese cosmology).
In traditional Chinese astrology, Dou Su is associated with the Wen Chang star (literary brilliance), while Tianxing is considered the emperor's star. When Jupiter and Saturn are in conjunction, there will be chaos in the country; in warfare, Jupiter signifies defeat, while Mercury suggests a change in strategy. Mars represents drought, and Venus in the south presages a bountiful harvest; in the north, a poor one. When Mars and Mercury are in conjunction, it signifies conflicts; Mars and Venus in conjunction represent funerals, indicating unfavorable conditions for warfare. Saturn represents sorrow, corrupt officials in power, and the possibility of famine, leading to defeat in battle. When Saturn and Mercury are in conjunction, it signifies the army being trapped, and national affairs cannot be accomplished. The appearance and disappearance of constellations signify gaining or losing territory. The appearance or disappearance of Venus is often associated with outbreaks of disease, internal conflict, and territorial losses.
If three stars are in conjunction, there will be wars and deaths at home and abroad, and even a change of dynasty. If four stars are in conjunction, wars and funerals will occur simultaneously, causing worry among officials and displacement among the common people. If five stars are in conjunction, the outcome depends on whether the ruler is virtuous - those with virtue will be rewarded, leading to a change of dynasty and prosperity for the country; those without virtue will face misfortune, even destruction. The size of the five stars also represents the scale of events.
The early appearing stars are called "win," which symbolizes the guest army, while the late appearing stars are called "shrink," representing the host. These names reflect the roles of the armies in the celestial context. Celestial changes will be reflected in the Dipper stars. Stars within the same grouping are said to be in conjunction, while those in opposition are referred to as fighting, with a close proximity indicating potential conflict.
The different colors of the five stars indicate varying disasters: white circular stars signify widespread death and drought; red circular stars represent internal strife and warfare; blue circular stars denote sorrow and floods; black circular stars indicate diseases and death; yellow circular stars symbolize good fortune. A red corner star in the city signifies war; a yellow corner star represents land disputes; a white corner star indicates weeping; a blue corner star denotes war and sorrow; a black corner star signifies floods. In short, these star signs all indicate the outcome of war. If the colors of the five stars are the same, there will be peace in the world. The changing of the seasons is also influenced by these celestial signs.
The filling star moves westward for 120 days, then eastward for another 120 days, is visible for 330 days, and reappears in the east after 30 days. The Grand Duke is in Jia Yin, which refers to a specific astrological position; the Town Star is located in the eastern wall, thus it is situated in the camp.
As for Tai Bai Jin Xing, its trajectory determines the fortune of the country. When it appears in the west, it is autumn, with Geng Xin days in charge, signifying military action. If it deviates from its course, any deviation portends disaster for the nation under its protection. It travels through eighteen constellations, taking 240 days to reach the east. After reaching the east, it will hide and move through eleven constellations for 130 days; if it appears in the west, it will hide and move through three constellations, reappearing sixteen days later.
If it does not appear when it should, or enter when it should, this celestial misalignment is called "losing one's place." If there is no army to quell the chaos, the country's ruler will surely be dethroned.
Venus's celestial path, using the She-Ti-Ge constellation as a reference point, rises in the morning from the east, reaching the Jiao (角) constellation before setting; it rises in the evening from the west, reaching Jiao before setting; it rises in the morning from Jiao, reaching the Bi (毕) constellation before setting; it rises in the evening from Jiao, reaching Bi before setting; it rises in the morning from Bi, reaching the Ji (箕) constellation before setting; it rises in the evening from Bi, reaching Ji before setting; it rises in the morning from Ji, reaching the Liu (柳) constellation before setting; it rises in the evening from Ji, reaching Liu before setting; it rises in the morning from Liu, reaching Ying-Shi (营室) before setting; it rises in the evening from Liu, reaching Ying-Shi before setting. This cycle, traversing five constellations east and west, takes eight years. After two hundred and twenty days, it will rise from the east in the morning again along with the Ying-Shi star. Generally, it completes one cycle in a year.
When it first rises from the east, its movement is slow, moving about half a degree per day. After one hundred and twenty days, it may retrograde one or two constellations; after reaching its highest point, it will reverse and move eastward, traveling about one and a half degrees per day, and will set after one hundred and twenty days. When it is close to the sun, it is called the "morning star" and has a gentle nature; when it is far from the sun, it is referred to as the "great commotion" and has a fierce nature. When it rises from the west, it moves quickly, about one and a half degrees per day for one hundred and twenty days; after reaching the highest point, its speed slows down, moving about half a degree per day, and will set in the morning after one hundred and twenty days. It will also retrograde one or two constellations before setting. When it is close to the sun, it is called the "great white" and has a gentle nature; when it is far from the sun, it is known as the "great manifestation" and has a fierce nature. It rises from the Chen (辰) and Xu (戌) constellations and sets from the Chou (丑) and Wei (未) constellations.
If what should appear does not, and what should not enter does, everything will go strangely calm, and armies will pull back; if what should not appear does, and what should enter does not, there'll be a rebellion, and nations will fall. If it shows up when it's supposed to, that country will boom. Rising in the east means it's an eastern thing; setting in the east points to the north; rising in the west means it's a western thing; setting in the west points to the south. The longer it hangs around, the richer the place; the shorter its stay, the faster it falls. West to east is good news for the West; east to west helps the East. If it misses the zenith, peace reigns; if it hits it, expect a political shakeup.
They say that the slightest stir can spark a war. Start strong, end weak, and your army's toast; start weak, finish strong, and you'll conquer. Deep strikes are lucky; shallow ones are deadly. When the sun's in the south and metal's south of the sun, that's "winning." The big boys are sweating bullets; attacking with troops is good news, but retreating is risky. When the sun's in the south and metal's north of it, that's "shrinking." The big boys are worried; retreating is good news, but attacking is risky.
Using troops should be like a fast-moving comet: if it speeds up, march fast; if it slows down, march slow. The horn represents daring to fight; unrest means instability; a circle means calm. Follow the horn's point for luck; defy it, and you're doomed. Attack: send in the troops. Defend: bring them home.
Red horn? War's on. White horn? Funeral. Black circular horn? Worry and potential flooding. Blue small circular horn? Worry and potential wood-related accidents. Yellow gentle circular horn? Earth-related disasters and a bountiful harvest.
Three days out, then a little pull back, then BAM! Full-scale attack. That's "weakening," and it means your allies are gonna get crushed. If you withdraw for three days, then send out a few troops, and then pull back in force after three days, your allies will face troubles; the army may have food and weapons, but they'll be used by others; even if the soldiers are numerous, the generals will be captured.
If you attack westward and lose your way, foreign countries will be defeated; if you attack eastward and lose your way, your home country will be defeated. Big yellow circle? Good things happen. Big red circle? Mighty army, sitting on its hands.
Venus, fiercer than a wolf; when red, it resembles a human heart; when yellow, like the left shoulder of the constellation Orion (Shen Xiu); when green, like the right shoulder of Orion; when black, like the bright star of the constellation Aquila (Kui Xiu). These five stars gather near Venus, and the nations under its influence can conquer the world with military power. Seize the high ground, and you'll prosper; attack a weak point, and you'll fail. Action is key, followed by positioning, and finally, advantageous circumstances.
If Venus appears in the evening, it will attack the nations under its influence. If it appears during the day, before noon, passing through Orion, it will attack the country opposite it. It rises and falls, changes repeatedly, with signs of a counterattack. If it conjuncts the moon, there will be slaughter. When Venus and Jupiter align, their radiance shines brightly, and if the nations below do not engage in war, even if the army rises, there will be no battle; if Venus and Jupiter separate after aligning, there will be military defeat in the wilderness.
When Venus appears from the west, coming out in the evening, the dark forces are strong; appearing at dusk, the strength is weaker; appearing at midnight, moderate strength; appearing at cockcrow, very weak: this is when the dark's power is weakened by the light. If it appears in the east, emerging at dawn, the light forces are strong; appearing at cockcrow, the strength is weaker; appearing at midnight, moderate strength; appearing at dusk, very weak: this is when the light's power is weakened by the dark. If Venus hides and then appears, disaster will follow if troops are sent out.
If it appears south of Orion, the south will defeat the north; if it appears north of Orion, the north will defeat the south; if it appears directly on Orion, the eastern countries will benefit. If it appears north of Aquila, the north will defeat the south; if it appears south of Aquila, the south will defeat the north; if it appears directly on Aquila, the western countries will win.
If the planet Venus collides with other celestial bodies, a small-scale war will occur; if it collides with the five planets, a large-scale war will ensue. If they collide and Venus appears to the south, southern nations will suffer defeat; if it appears to the north, northern nations will face hardship. Rapid movement signifies war; slow movement signifies peace. If it appears pale and emits a five-pointed glow, appearing in the morning predicts a lunar eclipse; appearing in the evening predicts natural disasters, comets, and impending catastrophes.
Emerging from the east symbolizes auspiciousness, and following it will bring success; emerging from the west symbolizes punishment, and going against it will also bring success. The opposite is not auspicious. The light of Venus can illuminate objects, predicting victory in war. If it appears during the day and outshines the sun, strong countries will weaken, small countries will strengthen, and female rulers will prosper.
Regulus is considered Venus's auspicious position, with Venus as a minister, holding the title of "Supreme Minister." It is also known as Yin Star, Grand Regent, Camp Star, Observation Star, Palace Star, Bright Star, Great Decline, Great Marsh, Final Star, Great Appearance, Heavenly Vastness, Order Star, and Lunar Latitude. The position of Grand Marshal must be carefully observed.
Observing the movements of the sun, moon, and stars helps determine their positions. The north belongs to water, the essence of the moon, ruling over winter, corresponding to the days of Ren and Gui. Punishment for crimes was determined by the stars' influence.
So, about these stars and what they mean, there are specific significances for all four seasons. During the spring equinox, in the evening you can see the stars of Kui (奎), Lou (娄), and Wei (胃) appearing in the east, meaning a boom for the Qi State; during the summer solstice, in the evening you can see the stars of Dongjing (东井), Yuguai (舆鬼), and Liu (柳) appearing in the east, boding well for the Chu State; during the autumn equinox, in the evening you can see the stars of Jiao (角), Kang (亢), Di (氐), and Fang (房) appearing in the east, meaning prosperity for the Han State; during the winter solstice, in the morning you can see stars in the east, along with Wei (尾), Ji (箕), Dou (斗), and Qian Niu (牵牛) in the west, which signifies that our China will thrive. These star sightings usually happen around the Chen (辰), Xu (戌), Chou (丑), and Wei (未) hours.
If these stars appear early, that means a lunar eclipse; if they appear late, that means a comet might show up or something bad is coming. If they don’t show up when they should, it’s an ominous sign, like being caught with your pants down. If the stars of a season don’t appear, it will lead to a poor harvest for that season; if the stars of all four seasons don’t show up, there will be a massive famine.
If these stars appear on time, their colors can also predict certain events: white means drought, yellow means a bumper harvest, red means war, and black means flooding. If the stars appear in the east, large and white, that means foreign invaders are coming, but it'll all blow over. If the stars frequently appear in the east and are red, it indicates victory for China; if they appear in the west and are red, it indicates gains for foreign countries. If there is no war domestically, but red stars appear, it predicts that internal war is imminent. If Venus and those stars simultaneously appear in the east, all red and shining brightly, big win for us! If they appear simultaneously in the west, not so much.
If the five stars gather in the sky, gathering in the east is favorable for China; gathering in the west is favorable for foreign powers. If all five stars follow the Morning Star (Venus) and gather near a constellation, the nation associated with that constellation will be able to rule the world. If the Morning Star does not appear, the Evening Star (Venus) becomes more important; if the Morning Star appears, the Evening Star becomes secondary. If the Morning Star and the Evening Star appear at the same time but do not accompany each other, large-scale battles would be avoided, even during wartime. If the Morning Star appears in the east and the Evening Star appears in the west, or vice versa, this situation, called "Ge" (meaning "pattern" or "configuration"), indicates that large-scale battles would not occur. If these constellations don't show up on time, abnormal weather will occur, such as unusually warm winters or unusually cold summers. If they fail to appear when they should, this is referred to as "Ji Zhu" (indicating an impending military conflict), suggesting that a large-scale war is imminent.
If the constellation enters the range of Venus and then emerges from above, it indicates that the army will be routed, the general slain, and the enemy victorious; if it emerges from below, the enemy will lose ground. If Mercury approaches Venus and Venus does not move, it indicates that the power behind Venus will fall. If the constellation appears from above the flag, it indicates that the army will be routed, the general slain, and the enemy victorious; if it appears from below, the enemy will lose ground. The flag's direction indicates the losing side. If the constellation rotates around Venus, seemingly battling, it indicates that there will be a large-scale war, and the enemy will be victorious. If the constellation passes quickly through Venus, it indicates that there will be a small-scale war, and the enemy will win. If the constellation is in front of Venus, it indicates that the war will end; if it appears on the left side of Venus, it indicates that there will be a small-scale war; if it touches Venus, it indicates that there will be a war involving tens of thousands of people, and the master and officials will die; if it appears on the right side of Venus, three feet away, it indicates that the army will urgently seek battle. A blue star foretells army anxieties; a black star portends a flood; a red star indicates the end of a war.
The rabbit is known by seven names: Xiaozheng, Chenxing, Tianzhan, Anzhouxing, Xishuang, Nengxing, and Gouxing. It's small and yellowish, and its easy appearance foretells societal unrest. The five colors of the rabbit are as follows: a blue ring portends misfortune, a white ring signifies a funeral, a red ring indicates internal unrest, and a black ring foretells good fortune. A red horn star invading our city, a yellow horn star indicates land disputes, and a white horn star signifies the sound of weeping.
It rises in the east, traverses four constellations over 48 days, returning east after 20; it appears from the west, moves through four constellations for 48 days, and returns to the west after 20 days. The constellations visible in a single season are Ying, Jiao, Bi, Ji, and Liu (constellations). Its appearance between the Fang and Xin constellations heralds an earthquake.
The color of the Morning Star: in spring, it is bluish-yellow; in summer, it is reddish-white; in autumn, it is green-white, and there is a bountiful harvest of grains; in winter, it is yellow but not bright. A color change portends misfortune. Spring's absence means strong winds; autumn's absence means the harvest will fail; summer's absence brings sixty days of drought and a lunar eclipse; if it cannot be seen in autumn, there will be war, and springtime will be barren; if it cannot be seen in winter, there will be continuous rain for sixty days, leading to floods, so summer will not be lush.
The three mansions of Jiao, Kang, and Di belong to Yanzhou; those of Fang and Xin belong to Yuzhou; Wei and Ji belong to Youzhou; the Dou mansion is associated with the Jianghu region; Qian Niu and Wu Nu belong to Yangzhou; Xu and Wei belong to Qingzhou; Ying Shi to Dong Bi belongs to Bingzhou; the three mansions of Kui, Lou, and Wei belong to Xuzhou; Mao and Bi belong to Jizhou; Zi Xi and Shen belong to Yizhou; Dong Jing and Yu Gui belong to Yongzhou; Liu, the Seven Stars, and Zhang belong to the Sanhe region; Yi and Zhen belong to Jingzhou.
The Seven Stars represent the officials of the court; the Morning Star is a symbol of the emperor and is also associated with barbarian tribes.
The two armies faced off, and a sun halo appeared; the size of the halo represents the balance of power between the two sides. A thick and long-lasting halo indicates a chance of victory, while a thin and short halo indicates no chance of victory. If halos overlap and surround each other, it means a definite defeat; surrounding represents harmony, while departure represents discord, separation, and alienation. A straight-line halo represents independence and the rise of a prince; a broken halo signifies the killing of a general. If the halo arches up and down, it indicates a happy event. If the halo is in the center, the middle side wins; if the halo is on the periphery, the outer side wins. A green halo outside, a red one inside represents a peaceful separation; a red halo outside, a green one inside represents a violent separation. If the halo shows up, then fades, the stationed army will win; if it appears and disappears at the same time, it’s favorable early on but unfavorable later. If it appears later and fades later, it’s unfavorable early on but favorable later; if it shows up later and fades first, it’s unfavorable both times, and the stationed army won’t win. If it disappears upon sighting, you’ll win, but get no glory; if it’s seen for more than half a day, there will be great credit. A short, curved white rainbow intersecting vertically means there will be large-scale bloodshed in the downstream area. Sun halos predict wins and losses; accurate for 30 days, and up to 60.
This old text uses sun halos and other sky signs to predict good or bad luck. It discusses the relationship between food and position, as well as how celestial phenomena can be used to predict a country's fate. "What it eats hurts it, but when it grows back, that's good. When it runs out of food, it's in charge. Based on its direct exposure and daily position, combined with the date and time, one can speculate on the fate of a country." It's saying everything follows a pattern, and the sky can show you what's coming for the country.
The second paragraph explains in detail the relationship between the moon's position and human fortune. "When the moon's in the middle, the world will be peaceful and calm. In the underworld, there is more water and darkness. When the moon reaches three feet north, it is the Yin star; another three feet north is the Tai Yin, representing floods and wars. In the human world, there is extravagance and debauchery. The Yang star represents chaos and prisons. The sun represents droughts and death. The Horn Mansion (角宿) and the Heavenly Gate Star (天門星) indicate that in October, it is like April; in November, it is like May; and in December, it is like June. During these times, floods will occur, with water levels rising three feet nearby and five feet further away. If the Four Auxiliary Stars are offended, the ministers will be executed. When the moon reaches the area of the Southern and Northern Rivers, from a yin-yang perspective, it signifies droughts, floods, wars, and death." This passage connects the moon's different positions with various disasters on Earth and reflects ancient astronomical and divinatory beliefs.
The third paragraph discusses the omens of other celestial bodies. "When the moon obscures the Year Star (Jupiter) in its mansion, famine and death will occur. Mars is malefic, and the filling stars are inauspicious, indicating that a powerful country will be defeated in battle. Mercury signifies rebellion led by women. If the moon obscures the Great Angle Star, rulers will have bad luck; if it obscures the Heart Mansion, internal rebellion will occur; if it obscures other stars, disasters will befall that region." This passage links the abnormal phenomena of different planets with events on Earth, such as war, famine, and internal strife.
The fourth paragraph explains the cycle and significance of lunar eclipses, as well as the corresponding relationship between different regions and celestial phenomena. "A lunar eclipse cycle begins on the sixth of May, followed by the fifth of June, then the sixth of May again, the first of June, and the fifth of May once more. This cycle repeats after one hundred and thirteen months. Therefore, lunar eclipses are common occurrences; solar eclipses are considered bad omens. The Jia and Yi years are associated with regions beyond the four seas, unaffected by the movements of the sun and moon; the Bing and Ding years correspond to the regions of Jiang, Huai, Hai, and Dai; the Wu and Ji years correspond to the regions of Zhongzhou, He, and Ji; the Geng and Xin years are associated with areas west of Mount Hua; and the Ren and Gui years correspond to regions north of Mount Heng. A solar eclipse foretells disaster for the ruler, while a lunar eclipse foretells disaster for the generals." This paragraph links geographical regions with celestial phenomena, providing a more specific basis for divination.
The fifth paragraph to the last paragraph describes the appearance and omens of various special celestial phenomena. "The Emperor Star, large and red, shaped like the Polar Star. Where it appears, uprisings will occur, with strong military forces; its movements are unfavorable. The Bright Star (Venus), large and white, without corners, appears intermittently. In the country where it appears, there will be uprisings and unpredictable changes. The Five Remnants Star appears in the wilderness to the east... The Great Thief Star appears in the wilderness to the south... The Minister of Danger Star appears in the wilderness to the west... The Prisoner Star appears in the wilderness to the north... When these four wild stars appear in directions they do not usually appear, there will be war below, and unfavorable outcomes from conflict. The Four Filling Stars appear in the four corners... The Earthly Venerable Light also appears in the four corners... Where they are seen, there will be unrest below; the instigators of unrest will be destroyed, while the virtuous will thrive. The Candle Star, shaped like Venus, does not move when it appears. Its appearance signifies destruction. Where it shines, cities will experience unrest." This paragraph details the characteristics of various celestial phenomena and the disasters they foretell, further demonstrating the meticulous observation and interpretation of ancient astronomers regarding celestial phenomena.
An ominous sign called *Gui Ye*, appearing as neither star nor cloud, portends the downfall of a nation. Stars are the radiant energy of scattered gold, fundamentally fire. The more stars there are, the more prosperous a country will be; the fewer stars there are, the more it will decline.
Hanxing, a celestial body associated with the energy of gold, is fundamentally water-based. When there are many Hanxing, there is abundant water; when there are few, there is drought. This is its main characteristic.
Tian Gu sounds like subterranean thunder – a rumbling from below that reaches the surface. Its appearance presages war below.
Tian Gou resembles a shooting star, making a sound as it falls to earth like a dog. Its impact creates a glowing, circular crater, several acres in size, and within a thousand miles, armies are routed and generals slain.
Geze Star, like a burning flame, is yellow-white in color, rising from the ground. Broad at the base, tapering to a point. Its appearance signifies bountiful harvests without tilling, but neglect of public works brings catastrophe.
The flag of Chi You, like a comet, but curved like a flag. When it appears, kings will wage war across the land.
Xunshi Star, appearing next to the Big Dipper, shaped like a rooster. When enraged, it turns a dark, greenish hue, resembling a hidden turtle.
Wangshi Star, a huge, serpentine shooting star, gray-black and seemingly feathered.
Changgeng Star, hanging in the sky like a length of cloth. When this star appears, war will break out.
Fallen stars become stones. Between the Yellow River and the Ji River, stars fall frequently.
The Jing Star appears when the sky's essence condenses. The Jing Star is an auspicious omen. Its shape is not fixed and often appears in the sky of a righteous country.
From the ground, cloud cover is visible for three to four hundred miles; from a flat horizon, twelve hundred miles; and from an elevation, up to three thousand miles, where the clouds often appear to touch the ground. Animal shapes in the clouds are auspicious.
Ancient Chinese military strategists believed that battlefield clouds held clues to the outcome of a battle. From south of Mount Hua, the cloud formations below are black, and above are a vivid red. Outside the suburbs of Songshan and Sanhe, the clouds are a fiery red. North of Mount Heng, the clouds below are black and blue. Between Bo Hai, Jieshi, the ocean, and Mount Tai, the clouds are all black. Between the Yangtze River and the Huai River, the clouds are all white.
The infantry clouds are white. The civil engineering clouds are yellow. The clouds of chariots fluctuate, often gathering together. The cavalry clouds are low and scattered. Infantry clouds appear in dense clusters. If the front is lower, trailing behind, the speed is very fast; if both the front and back are high, it indicates an advance; if the back is high and the front is low, it signifies a retreat; flat clouds move slowly; if the front is high and the back is low, they will stop and then retreat. When cloud formations meet, the lower ones prevail, and the attacker overcomes the defender. Low clouds moving along with chariots will cover five or six miles in just three or four days; clouds seven or eight feet high will stretch more than ten miles in five or six days; clouds one to two yards high will cover fifty or sixty miles in just thirty to forty days.
Now, they say that if the clouds in the sky are bright white and sharply defined, it indicates that the enemy is strong, and our soldiers are a bit timid; but if the clouds have deep roots and stretch far ahead, then we should prepare for battle. Pale green clouds hanging low indicate that we can win the battle; if the front turns red and curls upwards, then it is a bad omen. The sky signs on the battlefield, some look like tall city walls, some like weaving shuttles, some like cart axles with both ends raised, some like ropes extending from the front to the sky, even occupying half of the sky, and some resemble tattered flags. Some formations are curved like hooks. You need to look at both shape and color to figure out what's coming. If the sky signs are dense and appear very active, a major clash is imminent.
Wang Shuo once said that the key to judging the outcome of a war lies in observing the clouds next to the sun. The clouds around the sun are a sign of the emperor's fortune, and you can tell if things will go well or badly based on their shape. For example, the clouds of the northern barbarians look like a group of livestock gathered in a pen; the clouds of the southern barbarians resemble ships and flags. Waterlogged areas usually mean a defeated army. Places where countries are destroyed often have large amounts of hidden wealth underground; you'll see special clouds above buried treasure. Coastal clouds look like skyscrapers; over the plains, they look like palaces. Basically, the clouds show you what the land is like.
So, to read the skies, you have to get to know the capital. Check how clean the city walls, houses, and gates are, and see if the vehicles, horses, clothing, and livestock products are well-maintained. If things are good, it's a good sign; if they're bad, it's a bad sign. Then there's *qingyun*, a hazy, wispy cloud that means good luck is coming. There's also a kind of mist that doesn't even get your clothes wet, and that means war's coming.
Thunder, lightning, rainbows, shooting stars—these are all signs of *yang* energy, stronger in spring and summer, weaker in fall and winter. Therefore, those who observe celestial phenomena must carefully watch for these signs.
The sky cracks, the earth splits, mountains crumble, rivers are blocked, and swamps dry up; the land cracks, water levels drop, revealing the ground below; city walls, gates, and houses are in ruins; palaces, temples, and residences are deserted. Everything must be carefully observed: clothing, food, crops, plant growth, storage, livestock, and even the smallest creatures. If there are ghostly cries and howls, it means that someone is about to encounter misfortune. This was ancient wisdom, and there's some truth to it.
If you want to know whether it will be a year of abundance or a year of poor harvest, you have to start observing from the beginning of the year. Some say the year starts at the winter solstice, when life begins to stir; others say it is the second day of the twelfth month, when everyone gathers to eat, and the yang energy begins to rise, so it is called "the beginning of the year." The first day of the first month marked the New Year for the Emperor; the day of the start of spring marks the beginning of the four seasons. These four days were key for watching the skies.
In the Han and Wei dynasties, people watched the winds on these days. A south wind meant drought, a southwest wind a light drought, a west wind war, a northwest wind light rain signaling war, a north wind an average harvest, a northeast wind a good harvest, an east wind a flood, and a southeast wind a plague indicating a year of disaster. These winds from the eight directions balanced each other, with the direction with the most wind having the advantage. Strong winds overpowered weak ones; persistent winds, fleeting ones; fast winds, slow ones.
From morning to around noon is the growth period of wheat; from around noon to the afternoon is the growth period of millet; from the afternoon to late afternoon is the growth period of sorghum; from late afternoon to night is the growth period of soybeans; from night to sunset is the growth period of hemp. Ideally, there should be clouds, wind, and sunshine throughout the day. If there is sufficient sunshine, the grains will grow deep and strong; if there is only wind and sunshine without clouds, the grains will still grow deep and strong, but with a slightly lower yield; if there are only clouds and wind without sunshine, the grains will grow deep but with a lower yield; if there is only sunshine without clouds and wind, the grains will suffer a poor harvest. If this situation only occurs in the morning, it will result in a small-scale crop failure; if it continues until harvest time, it will lead to a large-scale crop failure. However, if the wind picks up again and there are clouds, the grains may still recover. People will tell the harvest of various crops based on the color of the clouds at that time. Excessive rain or cold weather suggests a disaster year.
On this day, it is also important to listen to the voices of the people in the capital city. If the music heard is in the Gong mode, it means a good harvest and auspiciousness; if it is in the Shang mode, it means war; if it is in the Zhi mode, it means drought; if it is in the Yu mode, it means flood; if it is in the Jiao mode, it means disaster.
Another method is to count rainy days starting from the first day of the first month. Each day is counted as one "sheng" (a unit of measurement for rainfall), with a maximum count of seven "sheng." If it exceeds seven, it is no longer counted. On the twelfth day, if it coincides with the day's astrological sign, the water and drought situation can be suggested. By observing the situation within a radius of thousands of miles, you can tell the situation of the whole country. After the end of the first month, the situation of each country can be inferred based on the constellations where the moon is located, along with the sun, wind, and clouds. However, the position of the Tai Sui (a concept in Chinese astrology) must be determined first. If the Tai Sui is in metal, there will be a good harvest; if it is in water, there will be damage; if it is in wood, there will be famine; if it is in fire, there will be drought. These are the main forecasting methods.
Finally, concerning silkworm cultivation, on the first day of the first month, if the east wind blows on the day of Jia Zi, it is beneficial for silkworm breeding; if the west wind blows and yellow clouds appear in the morning, it suggests a disaster year.
The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year. People observe various phenomena to determine its arrival, such as: buried charcoal shows signs of activity, deer shed their antlers, orchid roots begin to grow, and springs start to flow. These were all signs that the Winter Solstice had arrived, but the main method is still to measure the length of the shadow with a sundial. Jupiter's position was believed to influence the harvest. If Jupiter clashed with other stars, it foretold a disastrous year. Sima Qian said: Since the birth of mankind, which ruler has not experienced the changes of the sun, moon, and stars? By the time of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, they inherited and elucidated these laws, ruling the heartland and the borders, dividing China into twelve provinces. Observing heavenly phenomena above and imitating geography below. Heaven mirrored the sun and moon, earth mirrored yin and yang; the five stars above corresponded to the five elements below; the constellations matched the provinces. The sun, moon, and stars were seen as the essence of yin and yang, with sages tasked with understanding and managing this earthly energy. Divination really took off after the reigns of Kings You and Li. They saw that the changes in heavenly phenomena were related to the rise and fall of the country and the fortune of individuals, used to predict good and bad luck. Their records detailed auspicious omens and calamities, but their methods lacked any real scientific basis. Therefore, Confucius recorded these strange events in the "Six Classics," but did not explain them in detail. Confucius didn't explicitly teach about the Mandate of Heaven; his teachings focused on people, and he knew that such wisdom would only be appreciated by the right audience. Among those who studied celestial events were Zhong and Li (before the Gaoxin clan), Xihe (under Yao and Shun), Kunwu (Xia), Wuxian (Yin and Shang), Shi Yi and Chang Hong (Zhou), Zi Wei (Song), Bi Zao (Zheng), Gan Gong (Qi), Tang Mei (Chu), Yin Gao (Zhao), and Shi Shen (Wei).
The law of celestial changes is as follows: a minor change every thirty years, a moderate change every hundred years, and a major change every five hundred years; three major changes make up a cycle, and three cycles complete a major cycle, which is the big picture of how the heavens change. Rulers need to keep their eye on the numbers three and five. Only after thousands of years can the relationship between heaven and man be fully realized.
Sima Qian examined ancient celestial changes and found no evidence that could be corroborated with the present. In general, during the 242 years of the Spring and Autumn Period, there were thirty-six solar eclipses, three comets, and even a meteor shower during the time of Duke Xiang of Song. The emperor lost his clout, the lords did their own thing, and five hegemonic powers emerged successively, constantly changing the rulers of the world. From that time on, strong states gobbled up the weak ones, and regions like Qin, Chu, Wu, and Yue—once backwaters—became powerful states. The Tian family replaced Qi, three families divided Jin, ultimately leading to the Warring States period. The states all fought for the top spot, wars were incessant, and cities fell again and again, leading to famines, plagues, and other disasters. The people and rulers both suffered greatly, prompting them to pay more attention to divination and observing celestial phenomena. By the Warring States period, the twelve feudal lords and seven states vied for kingship, attacking each other. Diviners like Gan Gong, Tang Mei, Yin Gao, and Shi Shen wrote up their predictions, but the Warring States period was so chaotic, their records are a mess.
And speaking of stars, the twenty-eight constellations matched up with twelve states—an old system. The Qin state? That was Venus, between Sirius and Arcturus. Wu and Chu? Mars, between Altair and Libra. Yan and Qi? Mercury, between Virgo and Scorpio. Song and Zheng? Saturn, between Orion and Regulus. And Jin? That was also Mercury, between Canopus and Fomalhaut. That's how the ancients divided up the land, based on the stars.
Later, the Qin state annexed the three Jin states (Han, Zhao, and Wei), Yan, and Dai, and the area south of the Yellow River became the central region of China. Within China's borders, it is located in the southeast, which was considered yang; the stars associated with yang energy are the Sun, Jupiter, Venus, and a star referred to as "Filling," with the astrological position in the southern celestial sector, governed by the Pleiades. In the northwest are the Xiongnu and other nomadic tribes, who wear leather clothing and excel in archery, associated with yin; the stars corresponding to yin are the Moon, Venus, and the Chen star, with the astrological position in the northern celestial sector, governed by the Miao constellation. Therefore, most of China's rivers flow from the northeast to the southeast, originating from the Longshan and Shu areas, ultimately flowing into the Bohai Sea and Jieshi. Consequently, the Qin and Jin states often clashed, interpreting the portents of Venus, as it was believed to influence China's fate; while the Xiongnu and other tribes frequently raided, seeking omens from the Chen star, which is known for its rapid and unpredictable movement and was thought to govern the barbarian lands. This is the so-called "guest-host" theory. The appearance of Venus in a comet-like form signifies war externally and political changes internally. Thus, the ancients said, "Even a wise ruler had to watch out for it." As for the shifting power dynamics among the vassal states and the various strange omens recorded, there are too many to list one by one.
During the reign of Qin Shihuang, a comet appeared four times in fifteen years, with the longest lasting for eighty days, its light even crossing the sky. Afterwards, the Qin army crushed the six states, unified China, and conquered the four barbarians, resulting in countless deaths. This led to the uprising of Chen Sheng and Wu Guang, the establishment of the Zhang Chu regime, and thirty years of continuous warfare that was difficult to quantify. Since the era of Chiyou, there has never been such a fierce war.
In the Battle of Julu, Xiang Yu rescued the state of Zhao, and their advance was directed westward. As a result, the vassals in the Shandong region united and attacked the Qin state to the west, ultimately leading to the sack of Xianyang.
During the establishment of the Han Dynasty, a conjunction of five planets appeared in the asterism Dongjing. When Pingcheng was besieged, a lunar halo appeared, and the light of the Big Dipper and Pleiades overlapped. During the rebellion of the Zhu family, a solar eclipse occurred, causing darkness during the day. When the seven states of Wu and Chu rebelled, a comet several zhang long appeared, and the star Tiangou passed through Liangye; after the outbreak of war, the battlefield was covered with corpses, and blood flowed like rivers. During the Yuanguang and Yuanshou periods, the flag of Chi You appeared again, stretching for half the length of the sky. Afterwards, troops were sent from the capital to fight everywhere, and the suppression of the frontier tribes continued for several decades, with particularly intense campaigns against the Xiongnu. When the state of Yue fell, Mars was in conjunction with Antares; when Korea was invaded, the stars' light shone upon the River Fortress; when troops were sent to conquer Dawan, the stars' light shone upon the Zhangyao star: these were all significant astronomical phenomena. As for the subtle changes, there were countless.
It can be seen that in history, no major event has occurred without celestial signs serving as precursors. From the Han Dynasty onward, celestial phenomena were interpreted as follows: star patterns were seen as omens for the imperial capitals of the Tang Dynasty, and the interpretation of atmospheric phenomena related to the prophecies of Wang Shuo. Additionally, the divination of the annual stars corresponded to the calculations of Wei Xian. Therefore, the Ganshi calendar records in detail the movement patterns of the five stars, with only Mars showing retrograde motion; the positions where Mars retrogrades, as well as the retrograde motion of other stars and occurrences of solar and lunar eclipses, are all used to divine the future.
I have read "Records of the Grand Historian" and verified historical events. Within a hundred years, the five planets have never failed to exhibit retrograde motion, and when they do, they often appear unusually bright and display unusual colors. Solar and lunar eclipses occur, and their paths sometimes deviate to the south or north; these are significant patterns. Therefore, the Purple Palace (Zǐgōng), the Room (Fáng), the Heart (Xīn), the Power (Quán), the Balance (Héng), the Xian Pool (Xiánchí), the Void (Xū), and the Perilous Constellation (Wēi) are the celestial officials' seats, akin to meridians, which do not move and vary in size, having regular widths and narrowness. Mercury, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn are the five celestial assistants, whose appearance and disappearance, along with their speed, are all governed by predictable patterns.
Changes in the sun indicate that virtue must be cultivated, changes in the moon indicate that punishments should be reduced, and changes in the stars indicate unity and reconciliation. In short, when celestial phenomena change beyond a certain limit, there will be omens. A strong country with a virtuous ruler will prosper; a weak country led by a deceitful ruler will perish. The best method is to cultivate virtue, followed by good government, repairs, sacrifices, prayers, and the worst is to do nothing. The changes in those fixed stars are rare, while observations of the sun, moon, and stars were frequently used for divination. Halos around the sun and moon, along with clouds and wind, indicate changes in the weather; their appearance also signifies major trends. However, their connection to national events is the closest and most in line with the laws of heaven and man. These five celestial phenomena are warnings from heaven. Those engaged in astronomical divination must understand fundamental numerological principles. They must be well-versed in both ancient and modern knowledge, carefully observe current events, assessing their importance and urgency, in order to become qualified astronomers.
If the heavens do good and accumulate virtue, the heavenly gates will open wide, the heavenly prison will be empty, and disasters in the sky will be eliminated. When the northwest wind blows, it must be a day of Geng (庚) or Xin (辛). In the autumn of a year, if all five seasonal markers show auspicious signs, it is a general amnesty; if three seasonal markers show auspicious signs, it is a partial amnesty.
When the White Emperor does good deeds and accumulates virtue, around the 20th or 21st of January, a halo will appear around the moon, and there'd be a general pardon, bright as the sun. Another saying is that when the White Emperor does good deeds and accumulates virtue, the stars of the Plough and the Seven Sisters will surround it. It has to circle for three nights to complete the virtuous cycle; if it does not last for three nights, or the surrounding is incomplete, virtue cannot be complete. Another saying is that if the Dragon constellation surrounds it, it will not exceed ten days.
When the Black Emperor does good deeds and accumulates virtue, the heavens will open up. When the Jade Emperor does good deeds and accumulates virtue, the emperor will change his reign; if the Jade Emperor does not accumulate virtue, there will be fierce winds and storms, and even stones will be destroyed. The Three Abilities and Three Weights are symbols of the heavenly court. If a guest star shows up in the heavens, expect some big pronouncements.
