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紫微垣
The Purple Forbidden Enclosure.
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紫微垣東蕃八星，西蕃七星，在北斗北，左右環列，翊衛之象也。 一曰大帝之坐，天子之常居也，主命、主度也。 東蕃近閶闔門第一星爲左樞，第二星爲上宰，三星曰少宰，四星曰上弼一曰上輔，五星爲少弼一曰少輔，六星爲上衛，七星爲少衛，八星爲少丞或曰上丞。 其西蕃近閶闔門第一星爲右樞，第二星爲少尉，第三星爲上輔，第四星爲少輔，第五星爲上衛，第六星爲少衛，第七星爲上丞。 其占，欲均明，大小有常，則內輔盛； 垣直，天子自將出征； 門開，兵起宮垣。 兩蕃正南開如門，曰閶闔。 有流星自門出四野者，當有中使御命，視其所往分野論之； 不依門出入者，外蕃國使也。 太陰、歲星犯紫微垣，有喪。 太白、辰星犯之，改世。 熒惑守宮，君失位。 客星守，有不臣，國易政。 國皇星，兵。 彗星犯，有異王立。 流星犯之，爲兵、喪，水旱不調。 使星入北方，兵起石氏云：東西兩蕃總十六星，西蕃亦八星，一右樞，二上尉，三少尉，四上輔，五少輔，六上衛，七少衛，八少丞。 上宰一星，上輔二星，三公也。 少宰一星，少輔二星，三孤也。 此三公、三孤在朝者也。 左右樞、上少丞，疑丞輔弼，四鄰之謂也。 尉二星，衛四星，六軍大副尉，四衛將軍也。
The Purple Forbidden Enclosure comprises eight stars in its eastern rampart and seven in its western rampart. Lying north of the Northern Dipper and arrayed in a ring to left and right, it embodies the figure of guardian attendants. It is also called the Seat of the Great Thearch—the Son of Heaven's usual dwelling—and it governs fate and the gradations of the heavens. In the eastern rampart nearest to the Gate of Heaven: the first star is the Left Pivot; the second, the Supreme Steward; the third, the Lesser Steward; the fourth, the Supreme Assistant (also called the Supreme Aide); the fifth, the Lesser Assistant (also called the Lesser Aide); the sixth, the Supreme Guard; the seventh, the Lesser Guard; and the eighth, the Lesser Chancellor—also called the Supreme Chancellor. In the western rampart nearest to the Gate of Heaven: the first star is the Right Pivot; the second, the Lesser Commandant; the third, the Supreme Aide; the fourth, the Lesser Aide; the fifth, the Supreme Guard; the sixth, the Lesser Guard; and the seventh, the Supreme Chancellor. In prognostication, when the stars are evenly bright and their sizes remain constant, the inner aides prosper; when the enclosure wall stands straight, the Son of Heaven will personally lead an expedition; when the gate opens wide, war arises at the palace walls. Where the two ramparts open toward due south like a gate is called the Gate of Heaven. When a meteor issues from the gate into the four quarters, an imperial envoy bearing commands is at hand; interpret the omen according to the territorial division toward which it travels; those that do not pass through the gate are envoys from foreign border states. When the Moon or the Year Star transgresses the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, mourning follows. When Venus or Mercury transgresses it, the age turns over. When Mars stations itself in the palace, the ruler loses his throne. When a guest star stations itself there, a disloyal minister arises and the state changes its regime. The State Sovereign star presages war. When a comet transgresses, a usurper king rises. When a meteor transgresses it, war and mourning follow, and floods and droughts fall out of balance. When the envoy star enters the north, war arises. Master Shi says that the eastern and western ramparts together comprise sixteen stars; the western rampart likewise has eight—the Right Pivot, the Supreme Commandant, the Lesser Commandant, the Supreme Aide, the Lesser Aide, the Supreme Guard, the Lesser Guard, and the Lesser Chancellor. The Supreme Steward is a single star; the Supreme Aides are two stars—the Three Excellencies. The Lesser Steward is a single star; the Lesser Aides are two stars—the Three Solitaries. These represent the Three Excellencies and Three Solitaries at court. The Left and Right Pivots and the Supreme and Lesser Chancellors—presumably chancellors, aides, and assistants—are what is meant by the four neighbors. The Commandants are two stars and the Guards four—the great deputy commandants of the Six Armies and the four guard generals.
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北極五星，在紫微宮中，北辰最尊者也，其紐星爲天樞，天運無窮，三光迭耀，而極星不移，故曰「居其所而衆星共之」。 樞星在天心，四方去極各九十一度。 賈逵、張衡、蔡邕、王蕃、陸績皆以北極紐星之樞，是不動處。 在紐星末猶一度有餘。 今清台則去極四度半。 第一星主月，太子也； 二星主日，帝王也，亦太一之坐，謂最赤明者也； 第三星主五行，庶子也。 《乾象新星書》曰：「第三星主五行，第四星主諸王，第五星爲後宮。」 閎云：「北極五星，初一曰帝，次二曰後，次三曰妃，次四曰太子，次五曰庶子。」 四曰太子者，最赤明者也。 後四星勾曲以抱之者，帝星也。 太公望以爲北辰，以爲耀魄寶，以爲帝極者是也。 或以勾陳口中一星爲耀魄寶者，非是。 北極中星不明，主不用事； 右星不明，太子憂； 左星不明，庶子憂； 明大動搖，主好出遊； 色青微者，凶。 客星入，爲兵、喪。 彗星入，爲易位。 流星入，兵起地動。
The Five Stars of the North Pole lie within the Purple Forbidden Palace; the North Star is the most exalted. Its pivot star is the Celestial Pivot. Though the heavens turn without end and the three luminaries shine in turn, the pole star does not stir—hence the saying, 'Remaining in its place, the myriad stars revolve about it.' The Pivot star stands at the heart of heaven; from the pole each of the four quarters lies ninety-one degrees distant. Jia Kui, Zhang Heng, Cai Yong, Wang Fan, and Lu Ji all identified the pivot of the North Pole's pivot star as the unmoving point. It lies at the tip of the pivot star, still more than one degree beyond. At the present Clear Terrace observatory it stands four and a half degrees from the pole. The first star governs the moon—the Heir Apparent; the second star governs the sun—the emperor; it is also the Seat of the Great Unity, the most red and brilliant of them; the third star governs the Five Phases—the secondary sons. The New Star Book of the Qianxiang says: 'The third star governs the Five Phases; the fourth governs the various princes; the fifth is the rear palace.' Hong says: 'Of the Five Stars of the North Pole, the first is the Emperor; the second, the Empress; the third, the Consort; the fourth, the Heir Apparent; the fifth, the secondary son.' The fourth, called the Heir Apparent, is the most red and brilliant. The four stars behind curve inward to embrace it—this is the Emperor star. Taigong Wang identified the North Star, the Radiant Soul Treasure, and the Imperial Pole with this star. Some identify the single star in the mouth of the Hook Array as the Radiant Soul Treasure—this is incorrect. When the central star of the North Pole is dim, the ruler neglects his duties; when the right star is dim, the Heir Apparent is in distress; when the left star is dim, the secondary sons are in distress; when it shines large and trembles, the ruler is fond of travel; when its color turns bluish and faint, the omen is dire. When a guest star enters, war and mourning follow. When a comet enters, the throne changes hands. When a meteor enters, war arises and the earth trembles.
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北斗七星在太微北，杓攜龍角，衡殷南斗，魁枕參首，是爲帝車，運於中央，臨制四海，以建四時、均五行、移節度、定諸紀，乃七政之樞機，陰陽之元本也。 魁第一星曰天樞，正星，主天。 又曰樞爲天，主陽德，天子象。 其分爲秦，《漢志》主徐州。 《天象占》曰：「天子不恭宗廟，不敬鬼神，則不明，變色。」 二曰璿，法星，主地。 又曰璿爲地，主陰刑，女主象。 其分爲楚，《漢志》主益州。 《天象占》曰：「若廣營宮室，妄鑿山陵，則不明，變色。」 三曰璣，爲人，主火，爲令星，主中禍。 其分爲梁，《漢志》主冀州。 若王者不恤民，驟征役，則不明，變色。 四曰權，爲時，主水，爲伐星，主天理，伐無道。 其分爲吳，《漢志》主荊州。 若號令不順四時，則不明，變色。 五曰玉衡，爲音，主土，爲殺星，主中央，助四方，殺有罪。 其分爲燕，《漢志》主兗州。 若廢正樂，務淫聲，則不明，變色。 六曰闓陽，爲律，主木，爲危星，主天倉、五穀。 其分爲趙，《漢志》主揚州。 若不勸農桑，峻刑法，退賢能，則不明，變色。 七曰搖光，爲星，主金，爲部星，爲應星，主兵。 其分爲齊，《漢志》主豫州。 王者聚金寶，不修德，則不明，變色。 又曰一至四爲魁，魁爲璿璣； 五至七爲杓，杓爲玉衡：是爲七政，星明其國昌。 第八曰弼星，在第七星右，不見，《漢志》主幽州。 第九曰輔星，在第六星左，常見，《漢志》主并州。 《晉志》，輔星傅乎闓陽，所以佐鬥成功，丞相之象也。 其色在春青黃，在夏赤黃，秋爲白黃，冬爲黑黃。 變常則國有兵殃，明則臣強。 鬥旁欲多星則安，鬥中星少則人恐。 太陰犯之，爲兵、喪、大赦。 白暈貫三星，王者惡之。 星孛于北斗，主危。 彗星犯，爲易主。 流星犯。 主客兵。 客星犯，爲兵。 五星犯之，國亂易主。
The Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper lie north of the Supreme Palace Enclosure: the ladle reaches toward the Dragon's Horn, the Balance presses upon the Southern Dipper, and the Chief rests upon the head of Shen. This is the Emperor's chariot, turning at the center to govern the four seas—establishing the four seasons, balancing the Five Phases, shifting the nodes and degrees, and fixing the celestial reckonings. It is the pivot of the Seven Regulators and the primal root of yin and yang. The first star of the Chief is called the Celestial Pivot—the principal star, governing Heaven. It is also said that the Pivot is Heaven, governing yang virtue—the image of the Son of Heaven. Its territorial division is Qin; the Han Treatise assigns it to Xuzhou. The Prognostication of Celestial Appearances says: 'If the Son of Heaven is not reverent toward the ancestral temple and does not honor ghosts and spirits, the star grows dim and changes color.' The second is called Xuan—the law star, governing Earth. It is also said that Xuan is Earth, governing yin punishment—the image of the chief consort. Its territorial division is Chu; the Han Treatise assigns it to Yizhou. The Prognostication of Celestial Appearances says: 'If one extravagantly builds palaces and recklessly excavates mountain tombs, the star grows dim and changes color.' The third is called Ji—it governs humanity and fire; it is the command star and presides over mid-level calamities. Its territorial division is Liang; the Han Treatise assigns it to Jizhou. If the ruler neglects the people and suddenly imposes corvée labor, the star grows dim and changes color. The fourth is called Quan—it governs the seasons and water; it is the punitive star, upholding heavenly principle and punishing the wayless. Its territorial division is Wu; the Han Treatise assigns it to Jingzhou. If commands and edicts fail to accord with the four seasons, the star grows dim and changes color. The fifth is called the Jade Scepter—it governs sound and earth; it is the killing star, presiding over the center, assisting the four quarters, and executing the guilty. Its territorial division is Yan; the Han Treatise assigns it to Yanzhou. If one abandons orthodox music and pursues licentious sounds, the star grows dim and changes color. The sixth is called Kaiyang—it governs pitch pipes and wood; it is the peril star, presiding over the Heavenly Granary and the five grains. Its territorial division is Zhao; the Han Treatise assigns it to Yangzhou. If one fails to encourage agriculture and sericulture, makes punishments harsh, and dismisses the worthy and capable, the star grows dim and changes color. The seventh is called Yaoguang—it governs stars and metal; it is the division star and the responding star, presiding over warfare. Its territorial division is Qi; the Han Treatise assigns it to Yuzhou. If the ruler hoards gold and treasures but neglects virtue, the star grows dim and changes color. It is also said that stars one through four form the Chief; the Chief comprises Xuan and Ji; stars five through seven form the Ladle; the Ladle is the Jade Scepter—these are the Seven Regulators; when the stars shine bright, the state prospers. The eighth is called the Assisting Star, to the right of the seventh star and invisible; the Han Treatise assigns it to Youzhou. The ninth is called the Aide Star, to the left of the sixth star and always visible; the Han Treatise assigns it to Bingzhou. The Jin Treatise states that the Aide Star adjoins Kaiyang, thereby assisting the Dipper in its work—the image of the Chancellor. Its color in spring is bluish-yellow; in summer, red-yellow; in autumn, white-yellow; in winter, black-yellow. When it changes from its normal appearance, the state suffers military disaster; when bright, ministers grow powerful. Many stars beside the Dipper betoken peace; few stars within the Dipper and the people live in fear. When the Moon transgresses it, war, mourning, and a great amnesty follow. A white halo piercing three stars is an ill omen for the king. When a broom star appears at the Northern Dipper, peril is at hand. When a comet transgresses, the ruler is replaced. When a meteor transgresses: host and guest armies clash. When a guest star transgresses, war follows. When the Five Planets transgress it, the state falls into disorder and the ruler is replaced.
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按：北斗與輔星爲八，而《漢志》云九星，武密及楊維德皆採用之。 《史記索隱》云：「北斗星間相去各九千里。 其二陰星不見者，相去八千里。」 而丹元子《步天歌》亦云九星，《漢書》必有所本矣。
Note: the Northern Dipper together with the Aide Star makes eight, yet the Han Treatise speaks of nine stars; Wu Mi and Yang Weide both adopted this reckoning. The Shiji Hidden Glosses says: 'Between the stars of the Northern Dipper the distance is nine thousand li each. Of its two yin stars that are not visible, the distance between them is eight thousand li.' Yet Master Danyuan's Song of Pacing the Heavens also speaks of nine stars—the Book of Han must have had authority for this.
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勾陳六星，在紫宮中，五帝之後宮也，太帝之正妃也，大帝之帝居也。 《樂緯》曰：「主後宮。」 巫咸曰：「主天子護軍。」 《荊州占》：「主大司馬。」 或曰主六軍將軍。 或曰主三公、三師，爲萬物之母。 六星比陳，象六宮之化，其端大星曰元始，餘星乘之曰庶妾，在北極配六輔甘氏曰：勾陳在辰極左，是爲鉤陳衛六軍將軍。 或以爲後宮，非是。 勾陳口中一星爲陽德，天皇大帝內坐。 或即以爲天皇大帝，非是。 其占，色不欲甚明，明即女主惡之。 星盛，則輔強； 主不用諫，佞人在側，則不見。 客星入之，色蒼白，將有憂； 白，爲立將； 赤黑，將死。 客星出而色赤，戰有功； 守之，後宮有女使欲謀。 彗星犯之，後宮有謀，近臣憂。 流星入，爲迫主。 青氣入，大將憂。
The six stars of the Hook Array lie within the Purple Palace—the rear palace of the Five Thearchs, the principal consort of the Great Thearch, and the imperial dwelling of the Great Thearch. The Music Apocrypha says: 'It governs the rear palace.' Wu Xian says: 'It governs the Son of Heaven's guard army.' The Jingzhou Prognostication: 'It governs the Grand Marshal.' Some say it governs the generals of the Six Armies. Some say it governs the Three Excellencies and Three Preceptors—the mother of the myriad things. The six stars are arrayed in formation, imaging the transformations of the six palaces. The great star at the head is called the Primal Beginning; the remaining stars attendant upon it are called the secondary consorts, paired with the Six Aides at the North Pole. Master Gan says that the Hook Array lies to the left of the celestial pole at Chen—this is the Hook Array guarding the generals of the Six Armies. Some identify it with the rear palace—this is incorrect. The single star in the mouth of the Hook Array is Yang Virtue—the inner seat of the Celestial Thearch. Some directly identify it with the Celestial Thearch—this is incorrect. In prognostication, the color should not shine too brightly; if it does, the chief consort takes it as a bad omen. When the star flourishes, the aides grow powerful; If the sovereign ignores counsel and sycophants crowd his side, the star vanishes from sight. When a guest star enters it, wan and ashen, trouble is at hand; A white hue signifies the elevation of new generals; Red streaked with black portends the death of generals. When a guest star emerges red, warfare wins success; If it stations itself there, a woman of the inner palace plots treason. When a comet transgresses it, conspiracy stirs in the inner palace and close ministers are anxious. When a meteor enters, the ruler is pressed upon. When green vapor enters, the commander-in-chief is in distress.
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天皇大帝一星，在勾陳口中，其神曰耀魄寶，主御群靈，執萬神圖，大人之象也。 客星犯之，爲除舊佈新。 彗、孛犯，大臣叛。 流星犯，國有憂。 雲氣入之，潤澤，吉。 黃白氣入，連大帝坐，臣獻美女； 出天皇上者，改立王。
The Celestial Thearch Great Emperor is a single star set in the mouth of the Hook Array. Its numen is called the Radiant Soul Treasure; it commands the host of spirits and bears the register of ten thousand gods—the celestial image of the supreme ruler. When a guest star transgresses it, the old is swept away and the new established. When a comet or broom star transgresses it, high ministers rebel. When a meteor transgresses it, the state faces calamity. When cloud vapor enters it, rich and glistening, the omen is auspicious. When yellow-white vapor enters and links to the Great Emperor's throne, ministers present beauties to the court; Emerging above the Celestial Thearch portends deposing one king and raising another.
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四輔四星，又名四弼，在極星側，是曰帝之四鄰，所以輔佐北極，而出度授政也。 去極星各四度。 閎云：「四輔一名中鬥。」 或以爲後宮，非是。 武密曰：「光浮而動，凶； 明小，吉； 暗，則不理。」 客星犯之，大臣憂。 彗、孛犯，權臣死。 流星犯，大臣黜。 黃、白氣入，四輔有喜。 白氣入，相失位。
The Four Assistants are four stars, also called the Four Supports, flanking the pole star. Called the emperor's four neighbors, they aid the Celestial Pivot and hand down governance through the degrees of heaven. Each lies four degrees from the pole star. Hong says: 'The Four Assistants are also called the Central Dipper.' Some identify them with the inner palace—this is incorrect. Wu Mi says: 'When their light wavers and shifts, disaster follows; a small yet steady brilliance brings good fortune; dimness signifies disorder in government.' When a guest star transgresses them, high ministers are in distress. When a comet or broom star transgresses them, powerful ministers die. When a meteor transgresses them, high ministers are dismissed. When yellow or white vapor enters, the Four Assistants receive good fortune. When white vapor enters, the chancellor falls from office.
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五帝內坐五星，在華蓋下，設敘順，帝所居也。 色正，吉； 變色，爲災。 客星犯紫宮中坐，占爲大臣犯主。 彗、孛犯之，民饑，大臣憂，三年有兵起。 流星犯，爲兵起、臣叛； 出，爲有誅戮。 雲氣入，色黃，太子即位，期六十日，赤黃，人君有異。
The Five Emperors Inner Seat comprises five stars beneath the Canopy, set in proper sequence—the emperor's celestial dwelling. When their color holds true, fortune follows; when their color shifts, calamity ensues. When a guest star transgresses the inner seat of the Purple Palace, it is read as a minister overstepping his sovereign. When a comet or broom star transgresses it, famine follows, ministers are anxious, and war arises within three years. When a meteor transgresses it, war arises and ministers rebel; its emergence portends executions. When cloud vapor enters in yellow, the crown prince will ascend within sixty days; red-yellow heralds irregularity in the sovereign.
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六甲六星，在華蓋杠旁，主分陰陽，配節候，故在帝旁，所以布政教、授農時也。 明，則陰陽和； 不明，則寒暑易節； 星亡，水旱不時。 客星犯之，色赤，爲旱； 黑，爲水； 白，則人多疫。 彗、孛犯，女主出政令。 流星犯，爲水旱，術士誅。 雲氣犯，色黃，術士興。 蒼白，史官受爵。
The Six Jia are six stars beside the Canopy's crossbeam. They govern the balance of yin and yang and mark the seasonal divisions; stationed near the emperor, they disseminate law and set the times for planting and harvest. When bright, yin and yang fall into harmony; when dim, cold and warmth exchange seasons out of turn; when the stars vanish, floods and droughts come at the wrong times. When a guest star transgresses them in red, drought follows; in black, floods; in white, pestilence spreads among the people. When a comet or broom star transgresses them, the chief consort issues edicts and governs. When a meteor transgresses them, flood or drought follows and diviners are executed. When yellow cloud vapor transgresses them, diviners rise to prominence. Pale vapor means historiographers receive ennoblement.
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柱史一星，在北極東，主記過，左右史之象。 一云在天柱前，司上帝之言動。 星明，爲史官得人； 不明，反是。 客星犯之，史官有黜者。 彗、孛犯，太子憂，或百官黜。 流星犯，君有咎。 雲氣犯，色黃，史有爵祿。 蒼白氣入，左右史死。
The Pillar Scribe is a single star east of the North Pole. It governs the recording of transgressions and represents the Left and Right Scribes. Another tradition places it before the Heavenly Pillar, overseeing the Celestial Lord's speech and conduct. When the star shines bright, worthy men fill the historiographical offices; when dim, the reverse holds. When a guest star transgresses it, scribes are dismissed. When a comet or broom star transgresses it, the crown prince is in distress, or officials throughout the bureaucracy are dismissed. When a meteor transgresses it, fault falls upon the sovereign. When yellow cloud vapor transgresses it, scribes receive ennoblement and stipends. When pale vapor enters, the Left and Right Scribes die.
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女史一星，在柱史北，婦人之微者，主傳漏。
The Female Scribe is a single star north of the Pillar Scribe—a minor feminine presence governing the relay of the water clock.
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天柱五星，在東垣下，一云在五帝左稍前，主建政教。 一曰法五行，主晦朔、晝夜之職。 明正，則吉，人安，陰陽調； 不然，則司曆過。 客星犯之，國中有賊。 彗、孛犯，宗廟不安，君憂，一曰三公當之。 雲氣赤黃，君喜； 黑，三公死。
The Heavenly Pillar comprises five stars beneath the eastern rampart. One tradition places them just ahead of the Five Emperors to the left; they govern the founding of law and learning. They are also said to embody the Five Phases and oversee calendrical duties of new moon, full moon, day, and night. When bright and steady, fortune follows—the people are at peace and yin and yang are in balance; otherwise the calendar officers fall into error. When a guest star transgresses them, bandits arise within the realm. When a comet or broom star transgresses them, the ancestral temple is unsettled and the sovereign is troubled—or, by one account, the Three Excellencies bear the calamity. Red-yellow cloud vapor brings joy to the ruler; black portends the death of the Three Excellencies.
14
女御四星，在大帝北，一云在勾陳腹，一云在帝坐東北，御妻之象也。 星明，多內寵。 客星犯之，後宮有誅，一云自戮。 孛、彗犯，後宮有誅。 流星犯，後宮有出者。 一云外國進美女。 雲氣化黃，爲後宮有子，喜； 蒼白，多病。
The Female Attendants are four stars north of the Great Emperor. One tradition sets them in the belly of the Hook Array; another, northeast of the Emperor's Seat—they represent the sovereign's consorts. When the stars shine bright, the inner palace teems with favored consorts. When a guest star transgresses them, bloodshed follows in the inner palace—or, by one account, suicide. When a broom star or comet transgresses them, executions follow in the inner palace. When a meteor transgresses them, women leave the inner palace. One tradition reads this as a foreign power sending beauties as tribute. Cloud vapor turning yellow means a child born in the inner palace—a cause for celebration; pale vapor foretells widespread illness.
15
尚書五星，在紫微東蕃內，大理東北，《晉志》在東南維，一云在天柱右稍前，主納言，夙夜咨謀，龍作納言之象。 彗、孛犯之，官有叛，或太子憂。 流星若出，則尚書出使； 犯之，諫官黜，八坐憂。 雲氣入，黃，爲喜； 黃而赤，尚書出鎮； 黑，尚書有坐罪者。
The Imperial Secretariat comprises five stars within the eastern rampart of the Purple Forbidden, northeast of the Grand Judge. The Jin Treatise locates them at the southeast corner; another tradition places them just before the Heavenly Pillar to the right. They govern the presenting of counsel and deliberation night and day—the celestial image of the dragon who speaks truth to power. When a comet or broom star transgresses them, officials rebel or the crown prince is in distress. If a meteor appears to emerge from them, ministers of the Secretariat will be dispatched abroad; a meteor transgressing them means dismissals among remonstrating officials and anxiety among the Eight Seats. Yellow cloud vapor entering brings celebration; yellow turning red means a minister of the Secretariat takes a frontier command; black portends criminal charges among them.
16
大理二星，在宮門左，一云在尚書前，主平刑斷獄。 明，則刑憲平； 不明，則獄有冤酷。 客星犯之，貴臣下獄； 色黃，赦； 白，受戮； 赤黃，無罪； 守之，則刑獄冤滯，或刑官有黜。 彗犯，獄官憂； 流星，占同。 雲氣入，黃白，爲赦； 黑，法官黜。
The Grand Judge comprises two stars to the left of the palace gate—or, by one account, before the Imperial Secretariat. They govern the weighing of punishments and the judgment of cases. When bright, justice is even-handed; when dim, the prisons fill with cruel wrongs. When a guest star transgresses them, noble ministers are thrown into prison; a yellow hue—amnesty; white—execution; red-yellow—innocence established; Stationary over them, cases languish unjustly in prison, or penal officials face dismissal. A comet transgressing them troubles the prison officials; a meteor—the reading is the same. Yellow-white cloud vapor entering means amnesty; black portends the dismissal of judges.
17
陰德二星，巫咸圖有之，在尚書西，甘氏云：「陰德外坐在尚書右，陽德外坐在陰德右，太陰太陽入垣翊衛也。」 《天官書》則以「前列直鬥口三星，隨北耑銳，若見若不見，曰陰德。」 謂施德不欲人知也。 主周急振撫。 明，則立太子，或女主治天下。 客星犯之，爲旱，饑； 守之，發粟振給。 彗、孛犯，後宮有逆謀。 流星犯，君令不行。 雲氣入，黃，爲喜； 青黑，爲憂。
The Hidden Virtue comprises two stars found in Wu Xian's star chart west of the Imperial Secretariat. Master Gan says: 'The outer seat of Hidden Virtue lies to the right of the Imperial Secretariat; the outer seat of Yang Virtue lies to the right of Hidden Virtue—the Moon and Sun enter the rampart as attendant guards.' The Treatise on the Celestial Offices describes them differently: 'Three stars in the front rank, aligned with the Dipper's mouth, trailing the northern tip to a sharp point—visible one moment, gone the next—called Hidden Virtue.' This signifies dispensing grace in secret, without desire for recognition. It governs succor in times of crisis and the comforting of the afflicted. When bright, a crown prince will be enthroned—or the chief consort will rule the realm. When a guest star transgresses them, drought and famine follow; If it stations itself there, grain is distributed to succor the afflicted. When a comet or broom star transgresses, treason is plotted in the inner palace. When a meteor transgresses, the sovereign's commands go unheeded. Yellow cloud vapor entering portends joy; bluish-black portends sorrow.
18
天床六星，在紫微垣南門外，主寢舍解息燕休。 一曰在二樞之間，備幸之所也。 陶隱居云：「傾則天王失位。」 客星入宮中，有刺客，或內侍憂。 彗、孛犯之，主憂，大臣失位。 流星犯，后妃叛，女主立，或人君易位。 雲氣入，色黃，天子得美女，後宮喜有子； 蒼白，主不安，青黑，憂； 白，凶。
The six stars of the Heavenly Bed lie beyond the south gate of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure; they govern chambers of rest, respite, and the sovereign's easeful repose. Some place them between the Two Pivots—the lodging prepared for the emperor's visits. Tao Hongjing observes: 'When it tilts, the Heavenly Sovereign is displaced.' When a guest star enters the palace, assassins appear—or the eunuch attendants are gripped with fear. When a comet or broom star transgresses them, the ruler falls into distress and high ministers are dismissed. When a meteor transgresses, consorts revolt, a woman takes the throne, or the ruler is overthrown. Yellow cloud vapor entering means the Son of Heaven gains a fair consort, and the inner palace celebrates the birth of an heir; pale blue-white—the sovereign's peace is disturbed; bluish-black—grief; white bodes ill.
19
華蓋七星，杠九星，如蓋有柄下垂，以覆大帝之坐也，在紫微宮臨勾陳之上。 正，吉； 傾，則凶。 客星犯之，王室有憂，兵起。 彗、孛犯，兵起，國易政。 流星犯，兵起宮內，以赦解之； 貫華蓋，三公災。 雲氣入，黃白，主喜； 赤黃，侯王喜。
The Canopy comprises seven stars; the Pole, nine—shaped like a canopy with a pendant handle, spread above the Great Thearch's throne. It stands within the Purple Forbidden Palace, poised over the Hook Array. When upright—auspicious; if tilted—calamity follows. When a guest star transgresses it, the royal house is troubled and war breaks out. When a comet or broom star transgresses, war erupts and the realm changes hands. When a meteor transgresses, strife rises within the palace, but a general amnesty may lift the curse; A star streaking through the Canopy portends disaster for the Three Excellencies. Yellow-white cloud vapor entering brings joy to the ruler; red-yellow brings gladness to the feudal lords.
20
傳舍九星，在華蓋上，近河，賓客之館，主北使入中國。 客星犯，邦有憂； 一曰客星守之，備奸使； 亦曰北地兵起。 彗、孛犯，守之，亦爲北兵。 黑雲氣入，北兵侵中國。
The nine stars of the Relay Inn rest upon the Canopy, close to the River—a celestial guesthouse governing emissaries from the north entering the Middle Kingdom. When a guest star transgresses, the realm is troubled; Some say that when a guest star stations itself there, one must beware of deceitful emissaries; others read it as war stirring on the northern frontier. When a comet or broom star transgresses and stations there, northern armies are likewise foretold. Black cloud vapor entering foretells northern armies marching upon the Middle Kingdom.
21
八穀八星，在華蓋西、五車北，一曰在諸王西。 武密曰：「主候歲豐儉，一稻、二黍、三大麥、四小麥、五大豆、六小豆、七粟、八麻。」 甘氏曰：「八谷在宮北門之右，司親耕，司候歲，司尚食。」 星明，吉； 一星亡，一穀不登； 八星不見，大饑。 客星入，穀貴。 彗星入，爲水。 黑雲氣犯之，八穀不收。
The eight stars of the Eight Grains lie west of the Canopy and north of the Five Chariots; some place them west of the Various Lords. Wu Mi writes: 'They oversee the year's harvest—whether bounty or want: first rice, second millet, third barley, fourth wheat, fifth soybeans, sixth mung beans, seventh grain, eighth hemp.' Master Gan adds: 'The Eight Grains stand to the right of the palace's north gate, charged with the sovereign's first furrow, the watching of the harvest, and the provisioning of the imperial table.' When the stars shine bright—auspicious; one star vanishes—one crop fails; all eight stars disappear—famine stalks the land. When a guest star enters, grain prices soar. When a comet enters, floodwaters rise. When black cloud vapor transgresses them, none of the eight grains can be gathered in.
22
內階六星，在文昌東北，天皇之階也。 一曰上帝幸文館之內階也。 明，吉； 傾動，憂。 彗、孛、客、流星犯之，人君遜避之象。
The six stars of the Inner Steps lie northeast of Literary Glory—the celestial staircase of the Heavenly Sovereign. Some identify them as the inner staircase of the Literary Hall, where the Supreme Lord holds audience. When bright—auspicious; when they tilt and tremble—anxiety follows. When a comet, broom star, guest star, or meteor transgresses them, it presages the ruler's abdication or retreat.
23
文昌六星，在北斗魁前、紫微垣西，天之六府也，主集計天道。 一曰上將、大將軍，建威武； 二曰次將、尚書，正左右； 三曰貴相、大常，理文緒； 四曰司祿、司中、司隸，賞功進； 五曰司命、司怪、太史，主滅咎； 六曰司寇、大理，佐理寶。 所謂一者，起北斗魁前近內階者也。 明潤色黃，大小齊，天瑞臻，四海安； 青黑微細，則多所殘害； 動搖，三公黜。 月暈其宿，大赦。 歲星守之，兵起。 熒惑守之，將凶。 太白守、入，兵興。 填星守，國安。 客星守，大臣叛。 彗、孛犯，大亂。 流星犯，宮內亂。
The six stars of Literary Glory stand before the Dipper's bowl, west of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure—Heaven's six ministries, charged with tallying the courses of the celestial Way. The first corresponds to the Grand General and Commander-in-Chief—establishing martial majesty; the second to the Lieutenant General and Master of Writing—keeping the court in order; the third to the Noble Counselor and Grand Steward—overseeing the realm's literary affairs; the fourth to the Directors of Salary, of the Center, and of Penal Supervision—rewarding merit and advancing the deserving; the fifth to the Directors of Fate and of Prodigies, and the Grand Historian—charged with warding off misfortune; the sixth to the Director of Criminal Matters and the Grand Judge—assisting in the administration of justice and the royal treasury. The first of these begins before the Dipper's bowl, close by the Inner Steps. When they shine bright and golden, evenly matched in magnitude, heavenly blessings descend and all under Heaven knows peace; when they turn bluish-black and dim, bloodshed multiplies; when they quake—the Three Excellencies fall from power. When the Moon halos their asterism, a general amnesty is proclaimed. When the Year Star stations itself there, war breaks out. When the Sparkling Deluder stations itself there, disaster befalls the generals. When the Great White stations itself there or enters, war flares up. When the Stationary Star stations itself there, the realm enjoys stability. When a guest star stations itself there, high ministers turn traitor. When a comet or broom star transgresses, the realm is plunged into chaos. When a meteor transgresses, turmoil erupts within the palace.
24
三公三星，在北斗杓南及魁第一星西，一云在斗柄東，爲太尉、司徒、司空之象。 在魁西者名三師，占與三公同，皆主宣德化、調七政、和陰陽之官也。 移徙，不吉； 居常，則安； 一星亡，天下危； 二星亡，天下亂； 三星不見，天下不治。 客星犯，三公憂。 彗、孛及流星犯之，三公死。
The three stars of the Three Excellencies lie south of the Dipper's ladle and west of its leading star; some place them east of the handle—they embody the Grand Commandant, the Minister over the Masses, and the Minister of Works. Those west of the bowl are named the Three Preceptors; their portents match the Three Excellencies—all signs of officers charged with disseminating virtue, regulating the seven powers, and harmonizing yin and yang. When they shift from their places—ill fortune; when they hold their accustomed stations—all is well. One star vanishes—the realm teeters on the brink; two vanish—chaos spreads across the land; all three disappear—the realm knows no governance. When a guest star transgresses, the Three Excellencies are beset with worry. When a comet, broom star, or meteor transgresses them, the Three Excellencies perish.
25
天牢六星，在北斗魁下，貴人之牢也，主繩愆禁暴。 甘氏云：「賤人之牢也。」 月暈入，多盜。 熒惑犯之，民相食，國有敗兵。 太白、歲星守，國多犯法。 客星、彗星犯之，三公下獄，或將相憂。 流星犯之，有赦宥之令。
The six stars of the Heavenly Prison hang beneath the Dipper's bowl—a celestial jail for the exalted, charged with punishing transgression and curbing brutality. Master Gan reads them differently: 'A prison for the common people.' When the Moon's halo crosses them, theft proliferates. When the Sparkling Deluder transgresses them, men devour one another and the armies are routed. When the Great White and Year Star station themselves there, lawlessness spreads through the realm. When a guest star or comet transgresses them, the Three Excellencies are imprisoned—or generals and ministers fall into despair. When a meteor transgresses them, an edict of clemency is issued.
26
勢四星，在太陽守西北，一曰在璣星北。 勢，腐形人也，主助宣王命，內常侍官也。 以不明爲吉，明則閹人擅權。
The four stars of Power lie northwest of the Sun Guardian; some place them north of the Ji Star. Power signifies those of corrupted form—eunuchs who assist in promulgating the royal will, the officers of the inner attendants. Dimness is counted auspicious; brightness means eunuchs seize the reins of power.
27
天理四星，在北斗魁中，貴人之牢也。 星不欲明，其中有星則貴人下獄。 客星犯，多獄。 彗、孛犯之，國危。 赤雲氣犯之，兵大起，將相行兵。
The four stars of Heavenly Principle rest within the Dipper's bowl—a celestial prison for the highborn. These stars ought not shine brightly; should a star glimmer within them, the nobility fills the dungeons. When a guest star transgresses, the prisons overflow. When a comet or broom star transgresses them, the realm faces ruin. When red cloud vapor transgresses them, war engulfs the land and generals and ministers march to battle.
28
相一星，在北斗第四星南，總百司，集衆事，掌邦典，以佐帝王。 一曰在中鬥文昌之南，在朝少師行大宰者。 明，吉； 暗，凶； 亡，則相黜。
The Minister Star, a solitary star south of the Dipper's fourth, oversees the hundred bureaus, gathers every matter of state, and holds the kingdom's laws—in service to the throne. Some locate it south of Literary Glory in the Central Dipper—the celestial counterpart of the Junior Preceptor serving as Grand Steward. When bright—auspicious; when dim—ill fortune; when it vanishes—the chief minister is removed.
29
太陽守一星，在相星西北、鬥第三星西南，大將、大臣之象，主設武備以戒不虞。 一曰在下臺北，太尉官也，在朝少傅行大司馬者。 明，吉； 暗，凶。 客、彗、孛犯之，爲易政，將相憂，兵亂。 雲氣入，黃，爲喜； 蒼白，將死； 赤，大臣憂。
The Sun Guardian, a single star northwest of the Minister Star and southwest of the Dipper's third, embodies the great general and minister—it presides over martial readiness against unforeseen peril. Some place it north of the Lower Terrace—the seat of the Grand Commandant, the Junior Tutor wielding the authority of Grand Marshal. When bright—auspicious; when dim—calamity. When a guest star, comet, or broom star transgresses it, the regime is overturned, generals and ministers are imperiled, and armies clash in confusion. Yellow cloud vapor entering portends rejoicing; pale blue-white—a general's death; red—ministers consumed with dread.
30
內廚二星，在紫微垣西南外，主六宮之內飲食及后妃夫人與太子燕飲。 彗、孛或流星犯之，飲食有毒。
The two stars of the Inner Kitchen stand beyond the southwest of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure; they govern the victuals of the six inner palaces and the banquet companionship of empresses, consorts, noble ladies, and the crown prince. When a comet, broom star, or meteor transgresses them, food and drink turn poisonous.
31
天廚六星，在扶筐北，一曰在東北維外，主盛饌，今光祿廚也。 星亡，則饑； 不見，爲凶。 客星、流星犯之，亦爲饑。
The Celestial Kitchen comprises six stars north of the Holding Basket—or, by one account, outside the northeast corner. They govern lavish banquets and represent the Director of Imperial Commissary. When the stars vanish, famine follows; when they cannot be seen, calamity follows. When a guest star or meteor transgresses them, famine also follows.
32
天一一星，在紫微宮門右星南，天帝之神也，主戰鬥，知吉凶。 明，則陰陽和，萬物盛，人君吉； 亡，則天下亂。 客星犯，五穀貴。 彗、孛犯之，臣叛。 流星犯，兵起，民流。 雲氣犯，黃，君臣和； 黑，宰相黜。
Celestial One is a single star south of the star at the right gate of the Purple Palace—the numen of the Celestial Thearch. It governs warfare and discerns fortune from calamity. When bright, yin and yang fall into harmony, all things flourish, and the ruler is blessed; when it vanishes, the realm falls into chaos. When a guest star transgresses it, the five grains grow costly. When a comet or broom star transgresses it, ministers rebel. When a meteor transgresses it, war arises and the people take flight. When yellow cloud vapor transgresses it, ruler and ministers are in harmony; in black, the chancellor is dismissed.
33
太一一星，在天一南相近一度，亦天帝神也，主使十六神，知風雨、水旱、兵革、饑饉、疾疫、災害所在之國也。 明，吉； 暗，凶； 離位，有水旱。 客星犯，兵起，民流，火災，水旱，饑饉。 彗、孛犯，兵、喪。 流星犯，宰相、史官黜。 雲氣犯，黃白，百官受賜； 赤爲旱、兵； 蒼白，民多疫。
Grand One is a single star about one degree south of Celestial One, close by—also a numen of the Celestial Thearch. It commands the sixteen spirits and discerns where wind and rain, flood and drought, war, famine, pestilence, and disaster will strike which kingdom. When bright, the omen is auspicious; when dim, calamity follows; when displaced from its position, flood and drought follow. When a guest star transgresses it, war arises, the people flee, fires break out, flood and drought afflict the land, and famine follows. When a comet or broom star transgresses it, war and mourning follow. When a meteor transgresses it, the chancellor and historiographers are dismissed. When yellow-white cloud vapor transgresses it, officials throughout the bureaucracy receive gifts; red portends drought and war; pale vapor means widespread pestilence among the people.
34
天槍三星，在北斗杓東。 一曰天鉞，天之武備也，故在紫微宮左右，所以禦難也。 明，吉； 暗、小，兵敗； 芒角動，兵起。 客星、彗星、流星犯，皆爲兵、饑。
The Celestial Spear comprises three stars east of the Dipper's ladle. Also called the Celestial Battle-axe—the celestial armory. Therefore it stands on either side of the Purple Palace to ward off adversity. When bright, the omen is auspicious; when dim and small, armies suffer defeat; when its rays and horns shift, war arises. When a guest star, comet, or meteor transgresses them, all portend war and famine.
35
天棓五星，在女床北，天子先驅也，主分爭與刑罰藏兵，亦所以禦難，備非常也。 一星不具，其國兵起； 明，有憂； 細微，吉。 客星入，兵、喪。 彗星守，兵起。 流星犯，諸侯多爭。 雲氣犯，蒼白、黑，爲凶。
The Celestial Club comprises five stars north of the Woman's Couch—the vanguard of the Son of Heaven. It governs contention, punishment, and the storing of arms, and also wards off adversity and prepares for the unexpected. When one star is incomplete, war arises in that kingdom; when bright, trouble is at hand; when fine and faint, the omen is auspicious. When a guest star enters, war and mourning follow. When a comet stations itself there, war arises. When a meteor transgresses them, feudal lords quarrel far and wide. When pale or black cloud vapor transgresses them, calamity follows.
36
天戈一星，又名玄戈，在招搖北，主北方。 芒角動搖，則北兵起。 客星守之，北兵敗。 彗、孛、流星犯之，占同。 雲氣犯，黑，爲北兵退； 蒼白，北人病。
The Celestial Halberd is a single star, also called the Dark Halberd, north of the Brandish. It governs the north. When its rays and horns waver, northern armies rise. When a guest star stations itself there, northern armies are defeated. When a comet, broom star, or meteor transgresses it, the reading is the same. When black cloud vapor transgresses it, northern armies retreat; pale vapor means illness among northerners.
37
太尊一星，在中臺北，貴戚也。 不見，爲憂。 客、彗、流星犯之，並爲貴戚將敗之徵。
Grand Honor is a single star north of the Central Terrace—the noble kinsmen of the throne. When it cannot be seen, trouble follows. When a guest star, comet, or meteor transgresses it, all alike portend the imminent fall of noble kinsmen.
38
按《步天歌》載，中宮紫微垣經星常宿可名者三十五坐，積數一百六十有四。 而《晉志》所載太尊、天戈、天槍、天棓皆屬太微垣，八穀八星在天市垣，與《步天歌》不同。
According to the Song of Pacing Heaven, within the Central Palace Purple Forbidden Enclosure there are thirty-five named regular asterisms, totaling one hundred sixty-four stars. Yet the Jin Treatise places Grand Honor, Celestial Halberd, Celestial Spear, and Celestial Club all within the Supreme Palace Enclosure, and the Eight Grains' eight stars within the Celestial Market Enclosure—differing from the Song of Pacing Heaven.
39
太微垣
The Supreme Palace Enclosure
40
太微垣十星，《漢志》曰：「南宮朱鳥，權、衡。」 《晉志》曰：「天子庭也，五帝之坐也，十二諸侯之府也。 其外蕃，九卿也。 一曰太微爲衡，衡主平也； 又爲天庭，理法平辭，監升授德，列宿受符，諸神考節，舒情稽疑也。 南蕃中二星間曰端門。 東曰左執法，廷尉之象。 西曰右執法，御史大夫之象。 執法所以舉刺凶邪。 左執法東，左掖門也。 右執法西，右掖門也。 東蕃四星：南第一曰上相，其北，東太陽門也； 第二曰次相，其北，中華東門也； 第三曰次將，其北，東太陰門也； 第四曰上將，所謂四輔也。 西蕃四星：南第一曰上將，其北，西太陽門也； 第二曰次將，其北，中華西門也； 第三曰次相，其北，西太陰門也； 第四曰上相，亦曰四輔也。」 《漢志》：「環衛十二星，蕃臣：西，將； 東，相； 南四星，執法； 中，端門； 左右，掖門。」 《乾象新書》：十星，東西各五，在翼、軫北。 其西蕃北星爲上相，南門右星爲右執法。 東西蕃有芒及動搖者，諸侯謀上。 執法移，刑罰尤急。 月、五星入太微軌道，吉； 其所犯中坐，成刑。 月犯太微垣，輔臣惡之，又君弱臣強，四方兵不制； 犯執法，《海中占》云：「將相有免者期三年。」 月入東西門、左右掖門，而南出端門，有叛臣，君憂； 入西門，出東門，君憂，大臣假主威。 月中犯乘守四輔，爲臣失禮，輔臣有誅。 月暈，天子以兵自衛。 一月三暈太微，有赦。 月食太微，大臣憂，王者惡之。 歲星入，有赦； 犯之，執法臣有憂； 入東門，天下有急兵； 守之，將、相、執法憲臣死； 入端門，守天庭，大禍至； 入南門，出東門，旱； 入南門，逆出西門，國有喪； 逆行入東門，出西門，國破亡。 填星、熒惑犯之，逆行入，爲兵、喪； 犯上將，上將憂； 守端門，國破亡，或三公謀上，有戮臣； 犯西上將，天子戰于野，上相死； 入太微，色白無芒，天下饑； 退行不正，有大獄； 犯太微門，左右將死； 入天庭在屏星南，出左掖門左將死，右掖門右將死，直出端門無咎； 入太微，淩犯、留止，爲兵，入二十日，廷尉當之，留天庭十日有赦； 犯太微東南陬，歲饑，執法大臣憂； 犯上相，大臣死。 填星犯入太微，有德令，女主執政。 若逆行執法、四輔，守之，有憂； 守太微，國破； 守西蕃，王者憂。 太白犯入太微，爲兵，大臣相殺； 留守，有兵、喪； 與填星犯太微中，王者惡之； 入右掖門，從端門出，貴人奪勢； 晝見太微，國有兵、喪。 月掩太白於端門外，國受兵。 辰星犯太微，天子當之，有內亂； 入天庭，後宮憂，大水； 守左右執法，入，兵起，有赦； 入西門，後宮災，大水； 入西門，出東門，爲兵、喪、水災。 客星犯入太微，色黃白，天子喜； 出入端門，國有憂； 左掖門，旱； 右掖門，國亂； 出天庭，有苛令，兵起； 入太微三十日，有赦； 犯四輔，輔臣凶。 彗星犯太微，天下易； 出太微，宮中憂，火災； 犯執法，執法者黜； 犯天庭，王者有立； 孛於翼，近太微上將，爲兵、喪； 孛於西蕃，主革命； 孛五帝，亡國殺君。 流星出太微，大臣有外事； 出南門甚衆，貴人有死者； 縱橫太微宮，主弱臣強； 由端門入翼，光照地有聲，有立王。 雲氣出入，色微青，君失位。 青白黑雲氣入左右掖，爲喪； 出，無咎。 赤氣入東掖門，內兵起。 黃白雲氣入太微垣，人主喜，年壽長。 入左右掖門，天子有德令。 黑及蒼白氣入，天子憂，出則無咎。 黑氣如蛇入垣門，有喪。
The Supreme Palace Enclosure comprises ten stars. The Han Treatise says: 'The Vermilion Bird of the Southern Palace—Balance and Scales.' The Jin Treatise says: 'The court of the Son of Heaven, the seat of the Five Emperors, the offices of the twelve feudal lords. Its outer ramparts represent the Nine Ministers. It is also said that the Supreme Palace is the Scales, and the Scales govern equity; it is also the Celestial Court, where law is weighed and words balanced, promotions are overseen and virtue bestowed, the ordered stars receive their mandates, the spirits examine the seasons, feelings are expressed and doubts examined. Between the two stars at the center of the southern rampart lies the Upright Gate. To the east is the Left Enforcer—the image of the Commandant of Justice. To the west is the Right Enforcer—the image of the Censor-in-Chief. The Enforcers exist to expose and impeach wickedness. East of the Left Enforcer lies the Left Side Gate. West of the Right Enforcer lies the Right Side Gate. The eastern rampart's four stars: the southernmost is called the Chief Minister; north of it lies the Eastern Gate of the Great Yang; the second is called the Second Minister; north of it lies the Eastern Gate of Central Splendor; the third is called the Second General; north of it lies the Eastern Gate of the Great Yin; the fourth is called the Chief General—the so-called Four Assistants. The western rampart's four stars: the southernmost is called the Chief General; north of it lies the Western Gate of the Great Yang; the second is called the Second General; north of it lies the Western Gate of Central Splendor; the third is called the Second Minister; north of it lies the Western Gate of the Great Yin; the fourth is called the Chief Minister—also called the Four Assistants.' The Han Treatise: 'Twelve stars in circlet guard—the rampart ministers: west, generals; east, ministers; the four southern stars, the Enforcers; at the center, the Upright Gate; to left and right, the Side Gates.' The New Book of Heavenly Images: ten stars, five east and five west, north of Wings and Chariot Axle. The northern star of the western rampart is the Chief Minister; the right star of the southern gate is the Right Enforcer. When either eastern or western rampart shows rays or shifting, feudal lords plot against the sovereign. When the Enforcers shift position, punishments grow especially severe. When the Moon or the Five Planets enter the orbit of the Supreme Palace, the omen is auspicious; the celestial seat they transgress signifies completed punishment. When the Moon transgresses the Supreme Palace Enclosure, the aides take it as ill omen; moreover the ruler grows weak and ministers strong, and armies in the four quarters run beyond control; transgressing the Enforcers—the Treatise of the Central Sea says: 'Among generals and ministers, some will be dismissed within three years.' When the Moon enters the eastern or western gates or the left or right Side Gates, then passes south through the Upright Gate, a rebellious minister appears and the sovereign is troubled; entering the western gate and exiting the eastern, the sovereign is troubled and great ministers borrow the ruler's authority. When the Moon in its course transgresses or stations itself upon the Four Assistants, ministers are guilty of impropriety and aide-ministers face execution. When the Moon is halated, the Son of Heaven arms himself for protection. Three halations of the Supreme Palace within one month—a general amnesty follows. A lunar eclipse of the Supreme Palace means anxiety among high ministers and ill omen for the king. When Jupiter enters, amnesty follows; transgressing it, the Enforcer-ministers are in distress; entering the eastern gate, the realm faces urgent war; stationing itself there, generals, ministers, and Enforcer censor-ministers die; entering the Upright Gate and guarding the Celestial Court, great calamity arrives; entering the southern gate and exiting the eastern, drought follows; entering the southern gate and retrograde exit through the western, mourning within the realm; retrograde entry through the eastern gate and exit through the western, the kingdom is destroyed. When Saturn or Mars transgress it and enter retrograde, war and mourning follow; transgressing the Chief General, the Chief General is in distress; stationing at the Upright Gate, the kingdom is destroyed—or the Three Excellencies plot against the sovereign and a minister is executed; transgressing the western Chief General, the Son of Heaven battles in the open field and the Chief Minister dies; Entering the Supreme Palace, white and without rays, famine spreads across the realm; Irregular retrograde motion portends a major trial. When it transgresses the Supreme Palace gate, the left and right generals perish. Entering the Celestial Court south of the Screen stars: exit by the left side-gate and the left general dies; by the right side-gate and the right general dies; pass straight out the End Gate and no harm follows. Entering the Supreme Palace, transgressing and lingering, brings war; linger twenty days and the Court of Justice bears the omen; linger in the Celestial Court ten days and an amnesty follows. When it transgresses the southeast corner of the Supreme Palace, famine follows that year and the Law Enforcer ministers are in distress. When it transgresses the Upper Chancellor, high ministers die. When the Stationary Star transgresses and enters the Supreme Palace, a decree of virtue is issued and the empress holds the reins of government. If it retrogrades at the Law Enforcers or Four Assistants and stations itself there, trouble is at hand. When it stations itself at the Supreme Palace, the realm is shattered. When it stations itself at the western rampart, the sovereign is in distress. When Venus transgresses and enters the Supreme Palace, war follows and high ministers turn on one another. When it stations itself and lingers, war and mourning follow. When it transgresses the heart of the Supreme Palace together with the Stationary Star, the sovereign takes it as a dire omen. Entering by the right side-gate and leaving through the End Gate, the great nobles are stripped of power. When it is seen by day at the Supreme Palace, war and mourning afflict the realm. When the Moon occults Venus outside the End Gate, the realm is beset by war. When Mercury transgresses the Supreme Palace, the Son of Heaven bears the omen and rebellion stirs within. When it enters the Celestial Court, the inner palace faces calamity and great floods follow. When it stations itself at the left and right Law Enforcers and enters, war breaks out and an amnesty is granted. When it enters the western gate, the inner palace suffers disaster and great floods follow. Entering by the western gate and leaving by the eastern, war, mourning, and flood disaster follow. When a guest star transgresses and enters the Supreme Palace, wan yellow-white in hue, the Son of Heaven rejoices. When it enters and exits the End Gate, the realm faces trouble. At the left side-gate, drought follows. At the right side-gate, the realm falls into disorder. When it exits the Celestial Court, harsh edicts are issued and war breaks out. When it enters the Supreme Palace and remains thirty days, an amnesty follows. When it transgresses the Four Assistants, disaster befalls the chief ministers. When a comet transgresses the Supreme Palace, the realm changes hands. When it exits the Supreme Palace, the palace faces calamity and fire disaster follows. When it transgresses the Law Enforcers, the justices are removed from office. When it transgresses the Celestial Court, a new sovereign is enthroned. When a broom star appears at Wings, near the Supreme Palace Upper General, war and mourning follow. When a broom star appears at the western rampart, revolution is at hand. When a broom star appears at the Five Emperors, the state falls and the sovereign is killed. When a meteor issues from the Supreme Palace, high ministers are drawn into foreign affairs. When many meteors exit the southern gate, nobles among the great die. When it crisscrosses the Supreme Palace, the sovereign weakens and his ministers grow powerful. Passing from the End Gate into Wings, its light floods the earth with thunderous sound—and a new king is enthroned. When cloud vapor drifts in and out, faintly green in hue, the sovereign loses his throne. When green, white, and black cloud vapor enters the left and right flanks, mourning follows. When it exits, no harm follows. When red vapor enters the eastern side-gate, war breaks out within the palace. When yellow-white cloud vapor enters the Supreme Palace Enclosure, the sovereign rejoices and enjoys long life. When it enters the left and right side-gates, the Son of Heaven issues a decree of virtue. When black and ashen vapor enters, the Son of Heaven is in distress; once it exits, no harm follows. When black vapor like a serpent enters the enclosure gate, mourning follows.
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內五帝坐五星，內一星在太微中，黃帝坐，含樞紐之神也。 天子動得天度，止得地意，從容中道則明以光，不明則人主當求賢以輔法； 不則奪勢。 四帝星夾黃帝坐，四方各去二度。 東方，蒼帝靈威仰之神也。 南方，赤帝赤熛怒之神也。 西方，白帝白招拒之神也。 北方，黑帝葉光紀之神也。 黃帝坐明，天子壽，威令行； 小，則反是，勢在臣下； 若亡，大人當之。 月出坐北，禍大； 出坐南，禍小； 出近之，大臣誅，或饑； 犯黃帝坐，有亂臣。 抵帝坐，有土功事。 月暈帝坐，有赦。 《海中占》：月犯帝坐，人主惡之。 五星守黃帝坐，大人憂。 熒惑、太白入，有強臣。 歲星犯，有非其主立。 熒惑犯，兵亂； 入天庭，至帝坐，有赦。 太白入之，兵在宮中。 填逆行，守黃帝坐，亡君之戒。 五星入，色白，爲亂。 客星色黃白抵帝坐，臣獻美女。 彗星入，宮亂； 抵帝坐，或如粉絮，兵、喪並起。 流星犯之，大臣憂； 抵四帝坐，輔臣憂，人多死。 蒼白氣抵帝坐，天子有喪； 青赤，近臣欲謀其主； 黃白，天子有子孫喜。 月犯四帝，天下有喪，諸侯有憂。 五星犯四帝，爲憂。
The Inner Five Emperors Seat comprises five stars; one within the Supreme Palace is the Yellow Thearch Seat—the numen of Pivot-and-Hinge. When the Son of Heaven moves, he keeps heaven's measure; when he rests, he holds earth's intent; at ease upon the middle way his seat shines bright—if it does not shine, the sovereign must seek worthy men to uphold the law. Otherwise power is wrested from him. The Four Thearch stars flank the Yellow Thearch Seat, two degrees apart in each direction. In the east stands the Azure Thearch—the numen Spirit Awe-Inspiring. In the south stands the Red Thearch—the numen Red Blaze Fury. In the west stands the White Thearch—the numen White Summoning Repelling. In the north stands the Black Thearch—the numen Leaf Light Record. When the Yellow Thearch Seat shines bright, the Son of Heaven enjoys long life and his commands carry weight. If it dims, the reverse holds—power passes to the ministers below. If it vanishes from sight, a great man bears the omen. When the Moon passes north of the seat, great calamity follows. When it passes south of the seat, the calamity is lesser. When it passes close by, high ministers are executed—or famine follows. When it transgresses the Yellow Thearch Seat, treason stirs among the ministers. When it reaches the Imperial Seat, major earthworks are undertaken. When a halo rings the Imperial Seat, an amnesty follows. The Prognostication of the Sea Center: when the Moon transgresses the Imperial Seat, the sovereign takes it as a dire omen. When the Five Planets station themselves at the Yellow Thearch Seat, the great man is in distress. When Mars and Venus enter, powerful ministers arise. When the Year Star transgresses, a usurper is enthroned. When Mars transgresses, military disorder follows. When it enters the Celestial Court and reaches the Imperial Seat, an amnesty follows. When Venus enters it, war erupts within the palace. When the Stationary Star retrogrades and stations itself at the Yellow Thearch Seat, it warns of a dying sovereign. When the Five Planets enter, wan and white in hue, disorder follows. When a guest star, yellow-white in color, reaches the Imperial Seat, a minister presents beautiful women to the throne. When a comet enters, the palace falls into disorder. When it reaches the Imperial Seat—or spreads like drifting fluff—war and mourning rise together. When a meteor transgresses it, high ministers are in distress. When it reaches the Four Thearch Seats, the chief ministers are in distress and many perish. When pale white vapor reaches the Imperial Seat, mourning falls upon the Son of Heaven. Green streaked with red: close ministers plot against their sovereign. Yellow-white in hue: the Son of Heaven rejoices in his descendants. When the Moon transgresses the Four Thearchs, mourning spreads under heaven and the feudal lords are in distress. When the Five Planets transgress the Four Thearchs, trouble is at hand.
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太子一星，在帝坐北，帝儲也。 儲有德，則星明潤。 雲氣入，黃爲喜，黑爲憂。 太白、熒惑、客星、流星守、犯，皆爲憂。 一云金、火守之，或入，太子不廢則爲篡逆之事。
The Heir Apparent is a single star north of the Imperial Seat—the sovereign's chosen successor. When the heir possesses virtue, the star shines bright and lustrous. When cloud vapor enters, yellow portends joy and black portends trouble. When Venus, Mars, a guest star, or a meteor stations itself there or transgresses it, trouble follows in every case. One account holds that when Metal and Fire station it or enter, if the Heir Apparent is not deposed, usurpation follows.
43
內五諸侯五星，在九卿西，內侍天子，不之國也。 《乾象新書》：在郎位南，辟雍禮得，則星明； 亡，則諸侯黜。
The Inner Five Feudal Lords comprise five stars west of the Nine Ministers—lords who attend the Son of Heaven at court rather than returning to their fiefs. The New Book of Heavenly Appearances: south of the Official Lodgings—when the Piyong rites are properly performed, the star shines bright. If it vanishes from sight, the feudal lords are removed from office.
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從官一星，在太子北，侍臣也。 以不見爲安，一曰不見則帝不安，如常則吉。
The Attendant Official is a single star north of the Heir Apparent—the seat of attendant ministers. Its absence from sight brings peace; one account holds that if it vanishes the emperor grows uneasy—when it appears as usual, fortune follows.
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幸臣一星，在帝坐東北，常侍太子，以暗爲吉。 《新書》：在太子東，青、赤氣入之，近臣謀君不成。
The Favored Official is a single star northeast of the Imperial Seat, ever attending the Heir Apparent—a dim star brings good fortune. The New Book: east of the Heir Apparent—when green and red vapor enters, close ministers plot against the sovereign but fail.
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內屏四星，在端門內，近右執法。 屏者，所以擁蔽帝庭也。
The Inner Screen comprises four stars within the End Gate, near the Right Law Enforcer. The Screen exists to shield and enclose the imperial court.
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左右執法各一星，在端門兩旁，左爲廷尉之象，右爲御史大夫之象，主舉刺凶奸。 君臣有禮，則光明潤澤。 《乾象新書》：在中台南，明，則法令平。 月、五星及客星犯守，則君臣失禮、輔臣黜。 熒惑、太白入，爲兵。 流星犯之，尚書憂。
The Left and Right Law Enforcers are single stars flanking the End Gate—the left embodies the Court of Justice, the right the Censor-in-Chief; together they expose and impeach treachery. When ruler and ministers observe proper ritual, the stars shine bright and lustrous. The New Book of Heavenly Appearances: south of the Middle Terrace—when bright, laws and decrees are even-handed. When the Moon, the Five Planets, or a guest star transgress or station themselves there, ruler and ministers abandon ritual and chief ministers are removed. When Mars and Venus enter, war follows. When a meteor transgresses them, the Masters of Writing are in distress.
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郎位十五星，在帝坐東北，一曰依烏郎府也。 周之元士，漢之光祿、中散、諫議、議郎、郎中是其職，主衛守也。 其星不具，后妃災，幸臣誅。 星明大，或客星入之，大臣爲亂，元士憂。 彗、孛犯，郎官失勢。 彗星、枉矢出其次，郎佐謀叛。 熒惑守之，兵、喪。 赤氣入，兵起； 黃白，吉； 黑，凶。
The Official Lodgings comprise fifteen stars northeast of the Imperial Seat—also called the Crow-perched Official House. Zhou's primordial scholar-officials; under Han the Palace Attendant, Palace Regular, Remonstrance Adviser, Discussion Gentleman, and Palace Gentleman filled these roles—guarding and defending the throne. When the stars are incomplete, the empress consort faces calamity and favored officials are executed. When the stars blaze large and bright, or a guest star enters them, high ministers rebel and the scholar-officials are in distress. When a comet or broom star transgresses them, the court officials lose power. When a comet or Wayward Arrow emerges from their ranks, the officials' aides plot rebellion. When Mars stations itself there, war and mourning follow. When red vapor enters, war breaks out. Yellow-white portends good fortune. Black portends disaster.
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郎將一星，在郎位北，主閱具，以爲武備也。 若今之左、右中郎將。 《新書》曰：在太微垣東北。 明，大臣叛。 客星犯、守，郎將誅。 黃、白氣入，則受賜。 流星犯，將軍憂。
The Official General is a single star north of the Official Lodgings—overseeing the review of arms and the readiness of the guard. The counterpart of the Left and Right Central Palace Gentlemen-General. The New Book places it northeast of the Supreme Palace Enclosure. When bright, high ministers turn traitor. When a guest star transgresses or stations itself there, the Official General is put to death. When yellow or white vapor enters, honors and gifts are bestowed. When a meteor transgresses it, the generals are in distress.
50
常陳七星，如畢狀，在帝坐北，天子宿衛虎賁之士，以設強禦也。 星搖動，天子自出將； 明，則武兵用； 微，則弱。 客星犯，王者行誅。
The Regular Array comprises seven stars in the shape of the Net, north of the Imperial Seat—the Son of Heaven's tiger guard, posted for stout defense. When the stars tremble, the Son of Heaven leads the army in person. When bright, martial force is deployed. When faint, the guard grows weak. When a guest star transgresses them, the sovereign metes out executions.
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九卿三星，在三公北，主治萬事，今九卿之象也。 《乾象新書》：在內五諸侯南，占與天紀同。
The Nine Ministers comprise three stars north of the Three Excellencies—overseeing all affairs of state, the celestial image of the Nine Ministers. The New Book of Heavenly Appearances: south of the Inner Five Feudal Lords—its prognostications match those of the Celestial Regulator.
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三公三星，在謁者東北，內坐朝會之所居也。 《乾象新書》：在九卿南，其占與紫微垣三公同。
The Three Excellencies comprise three stars northeast of the Court Presenter—the inner seat where the court assembles. The New Book of Heavenly Appearances: south of the Nine Ministers—its prognostications match those of the Three Excellencies in the Purple Forbidden Enclosure.
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謁者一星，在左執法東北，主贊賓客、辨疑惑。 《乾象新書》：在太微垣門內，左執法北。 明盛，則四夷朝貢。
The Court Presenter is a single star northeast of the Left Law Enforcer—receiving envoys and resolving doubts. The New Book of Heavenly Appearances: within the gate of the Supreme Palace Enclosure, north of the Left Law Enforcer. When bright and flourishing, the four quarters send tribute.
54
三台六星，兩兩而居，起文昌，列抵太微。 一曰天柱，三公之位也。 在人曰三公，在天曰三台，主開德宣符。 西近文昌二星，曰上臺，爲司命，主壽； 次二星曰中台，爲司中，主宗室； 東二星曰下臺，爲司祿，主兵，所以昭德塞違也。 又曰三台爲天階，太一躡以上下。 一曰泰階，上階上星爲天子，下星爲女主； 中階上星爲諸侯三公，下星爲卿大夫； 下階上星爲士，下星爲庶人，所以和陰陽而理萬物也。 又曰上臺上星主兗、豫，下星主荊、揚； 中臺上星主梁、雍，下星主冀； 下臺上星主青，下星主徐。 人主好兵，則上階上星疏而色赤。 修宮廣囿，肆聲色，則上階合而橫。 君弱則上階迫而色暗。 公侯皆叛，率部動兵，則中階上星赤。 外夷來侵，邊國騷動，則中階下星疏而橫，色白。 卿大夫廢正向邪，則中階下星疏而色赤。 民不從令，犯刑爲盜，則上階下星色黑。 去本就末，奢侈相尚，則下階上星闊而橫，色白。 君臣有道，賦省刑清，則上階爲之戚。 諸侯貢聘，公卿盡忠，則中階爲之比。 庶人奉化，徭役有敘，則下階爲之密。 若主奢欲，數奪民時，則上階爲之奪。 諸侯僭強，公卿專貪，則中階爲之疏。 士庶逐末，豪傑相淩，則下階爲之闊。 三階平，則陰陽和，風雨時，谷豐世泰； 不平，則反是。 三台不具，天下失計。 色明齊等，君臣和而政令行； 微細，反是。 一曰天柱不見，王者惡之。 司命星亡，春不得耕。 司中不具，夏不得耨。 司祿不具，秋不得獲。 一曰三台色青，天下疾； 赤，爲兵； 黃潤，爲德； 白，爲喪； 黑，爲憂。 月入，君憂，臣亂，公族叛。 月入而暈，三公下獄。 客星入之，貴臣賜爵邑； 出而色蒼，臣奪爵； 守之，大臣黜，或貴臣多病。 彗星犯，三公黜。 流星入，天下兵將憂； 抵中台，將相憂，人主惡之。 雲氣入，蒼白，民多傷； 黃白潤澤，民安君喜； 黃，將相喜； 赤，爲憂； 青黑，憂在三公； 蒼白，三公黜。
The Three Terraces comprise six stars arranged in pairs, rising from Wenchang and running toward the Supreme Palace. Also called the Pillar of Heaven—the celestial seat of the Three Excellencies. On earth they are the Three Excellencies; in heaven the Three Terraces—opening virtue and proclaiming the sovereign's mandate. To the west, near the two Wenchang stars, stands the Upper Terrace—the Director of Fate, governing longevity. The next pair forms the Middle Terrace—the Director of Center, governing the imperial clan. The eastern pair forms the Lower Terrace—the Director of Emolument, governing military affairs, displaying virtue and restraining wrongdoing. They are also called the Heavenly Stairs, which Grand Unity treads in ascending and descending. Also called the Grand Stairs: the upper star of the upper stair is the Son of Heaven, the lower the chief consort. The upper star of the middle stair is the feudal lords and Three Excellencies; the lower, the ministers and grandees. The upper star of the lower stair is the scholar-officials; the lower, the common people—thereby harmonizing yin and yang and ordering all things. The Upper Terrace's upper star governs Yan and Yu; its lower star, Jing and Yang. The Middle Terrace's upper star governs Liang and Yong; its lower star, Ji. The Lower Terrace's upper star governs Qing; its lower star, Xu. When the sovereign loves war, the upper star of the upper stair grows sparse and turns red. When he builds palaces and pleasure grounds and indulges in music and women, the upper stairs draw together and lie crosswise. When the ruler weakens, the upper stairs crowd close and their light dims. When dukes and marquises rebel and raise armies, the upper star of the middle stair turns red. When foreign peoples invade and the borderlands are in turmoil, the lower star of the middle stair grows sparse and crosswise, turning white. When ministers and grandees abandon righteousness for wickedness, the lower star of the middle stair grows sparse and turns red. When the people defy the law and turn to banditry, the lower star of the upper stair turns black. When men abandon the essential for the trivial and vie in extravagance, the upper star of the lower stair spreads wide and crosswise, turning white. When ruler and ministers hold to the Way, taxes are light and justice clear—the upper stairs draw close together. When feudal lords send tribute and the great ministers serve with full loyalty, the middle stairs draw near one another. When the common people accept the transforming influence of rule and corvée labor proceeds in order, the lower stairs grow dense. When the sovereign indulges his desires and repeatedly steals the people's seasons for labor, the upper stairs scatter apart. When feudal lords grow overmighty and the great ministers grow greedy, the middle stairs spread sparse. When scholar-officials and commoners chase profit and the bold prey on one another, the lower stairs spread wide. When the three stairs stand level, yin and yang harmonize, rain and wind arrive in season, grain fills the granaries, and the age knows peace. When they are not level, the reverse holds. When the Three Terraces are incomplete, the realm loses its bearings. When their color is bright and even, ruler and ministers live in harmony and edicts are obeyed. When they are faint and uneven, the reverse holds. One account holds that if the Pillar of Heaven vanishes from sight, the sovereign takes it as a dire omen. When the Director of Fate star vanishes, spring brings no plowing. When the Director of Center is incomplete, summer brings no hoeing. When the Director of Emolument is incomplete, autumn brings no harvest. One account holds that when the Three Terraces turn green, pestilence spreads under heaven. Red portends war. Yellow and lustrous portends virtue. White portends mourning. Black portends trouble. When the Moon enters, the sovereign is in distress, ministers rebel, and the imperial clan turns traitor. When the Moon enters and a halo rings it, the Three Excellencies are thrown into prison. When a guest star enters them, noble ministers receive ranks and fiefs. When it exits, wan and ashen, ministers are stripped of their ranks. When it stations itself there, high ministers are dismissed—or noble ministers fall gravely ill. When a comet transgresses them, the Three Excellencies are removed from office. When a meteor enters, generals throughout the realm are in distress. When it reaches the Middle Terrace, generals and chancellors are in distress and the sovereign takes it as a dire omen. When pale white cloud vapor enters, many among the people suffer harm. When yellow-white cloud vapor enters, lustrous and bright, the people live in peace and the sovereign rejoices. Yellow portends joy for generals and chancellors. Red portends trouble. Green-black portends trouble for the Three Excellencies. Pale white portends the dismissal of the Three Excellencies.
55
按上臺二星在柳北，其北星入柳六度。 中台二星，其北入張二度。 下臺二星在太微垣西蕃北，其北星入翼二度。 武密書：三臺屬鬼，又屬柳、屬張。 《乾象新書》：上臺屬柳，中臺屬張，下臺屬翼。
The two Upper Terrace stars lie north of Willow; their northern star stands six degrees into Willow. The two Middle Terrace stars: their northern star stands two degrees into Extended Net. The two Lower Terrace stars lie north of the western rampart of the Supreme Palace Enclosure; their northern star stands two degrees into Wings. Wu Mi's book assigns the Three Terraces to Ghost, and also to Willow and Extended Net. The New Book of Heavenly Appearances assigns the Upper Terrace to Willow, the Middle Terrace to Extended Net, and the Lower Terrace to Wings.
56
長垣四星，在少微星南，主界域，及北方。 熒惑入之，北人入中國。 太白入，九卿謀，邊將叛。 彗、孛犯之，北地不安。 流星入，北方兵起，將入中國。
The Long Rampart comprises four stars south of the Lesser Microcosm—governing the borderlands and the north. When Mars enters them, northerners invade the Middle Kingdom. When Venus enters, the Nine Ministers conspire and border generals rebel. When a comet or broom star transgresses them, the northern frontier falls into turmoil. When a meteor enters, war breaks out in the north and will sweep into the Middle Kingdom.
57
少微四星，在太微西，士大夫之位也。 一名處士，亦天子副主，或曰博士官，一曰主衛掖門。 南第一星處士，第二星議士，第三星博士，第四星大夫。 明大而黃，則賢士舉。 月五星犯守處士，女主憂，宰相易。 歲犯，小人用，忠臣危。 火犯，賢德退。 土犯，宰相易，女主憂。 金犯，大臣誅，又曰以所居主占之。 客星、孛星犯之，王者憂，奸臣衆。 彗星犯，功臣有罪，一曰法令臣誅。 流星出，賢良進，道術用。 雲氣入，色蒼白，賢士憂，大臣黜。
The Lesser Microcosm comprises four stars west of the Supreme Palace—the seat of scholar-officials. Also called the Recluse; the Son of Heaven's deputy sovereign, or the seat of the Doctorate; by one account it governs the guarding of the side-gates. The southernmost star is the Recluse; the second, the Discussion Scholar; the third, the Doctor; the fourth, the Grandee. When the stars shine bright, large, and yellow, worthy scholars are raised up. When the Moon or the Five Planets transgress or station upon the Recluse, the empress faces trouble and the chancellor is replaced. When Jupiter transgresses it, petty men are put to use and loyal ministers fall into peril. When Mars transgresses it, the virtuous and worthy withdraw from office. When Saturn transgresses it, the chancellor is replaced and the empress is troubled. When Venus transgresses it, great ministers are executed; another account says the omen should be read according to whichever star it stations upon. When a guest star or broom star transgresses them, the king is troubled and treacherous ministers multiply. When a comet transgresses them, meritorious ministers are found guilty; one account says officials charged with law and ordinance are executed. When a meteor issues forth, the worthy and good are promoted and masters of the Way are put to use. When pale cloud vapor enters, scholars are troubled and great ministers are dismissed.
58
靈台三星，在明堂西，神之精明曰靈，四方而高曰台，主觀雲物，察符瑞，候災變也。 武密曰：與司怪占同。
The Spirit Tower comprises three stars west of the Bright Hall. A numen's clear brilliance is called 'spirit'; square and lofty is called 'tower.' These stars govern the observation of cloud forms, the discernment of portents and auspicious signs, and the watching for calamities and change. Wumi says: the prognostication is the same as that for the Overseer of Prodigies.
59
虎賁一星，在下臺星南，一曰在太微西蕃北、下臺南，靜室旄頭之騎官也。 明，則臣順，與車騎星同占。
The Tiger Guard is a single star south of the Lower Terrace star—or, by one account, north of the western rampart of the Supreme Palace and south of the Lower Terrace. It is the riding officer of the Quiet Chamber and Banner Head. When bright, ministers are obedient; the reading is the same as for the Chariots and Cavalry star.
60
明堂三星，在太微西南角外，天子布政之宮。 明吉，暗凶。 五星、客星及彗犯之，主不安其宮。
The Bright Hall comprises three stars outside the southwest corner of the Supreme Palace—the palace where the Son of Heaven promulgates government. When bright, the omen is auspicious; when dim, inauspicious. When the Five Planets, guest stars, or comets transgress them, the sovereign cannot dwell securely in his palace.
61
右上元太微宮常星一十九坐，積數七十有八，而《晉志》所載，少微、長垣各四星，屬天市垣，與《步天歌》不同。
Above right: within the Supreme Palace Enclosure there are nineteen named regular asterisms, totaling seventy-eight stars. Yet the Jin Treatise places the four stars each of Lesser Subtlety and Long Rampart within the Celestial Market Enclosure—differing from the Song of Pacing Heaven.
62
天市垣
The Celestial Market Enclosure
63
天市垣二十二星，在氐、房、心、尾、箕、鬥內宮之內。 東蕃十一星：南一曰宋，二曰南海，三曰燕，四曰東海，五曰徐，六曰吳越，七曰齊，八曰中山，九曰九河，十曰趙，十一曰魏。 西蕃十一星：南一曰韓，二曰楚，三曰梁，四曰巴，五曰蜀，六曰秦，七曰周，八曰鄭，九曰晉，十曰河間，十一曰河中。 象天王在上，諸侯朝王，王出皋門大朝會，西方諸侯在應門左，東方諸侯在應門右。 其率諸侯幸都市也亦然。 一曰在房、心東北，主權衡，主聚衆。 又曰天旗庭，主斬戮事。 《乾象新書》曰：市中星衆潤澤，則歲實。 熒惑守之，戮不忠之臣。 彗星掃之，爲徙市易都。 客星入，爲兵起； 出，爲貴喪。 《天文錄》曰：天子之市，天下所會也。 星明大，則市吏急，商人無利； 小，則反是； 忽然不明，糴貴； 中多小星，則民富。 月入天市，易政更弊，近臣有抵罪，兵起。 月守其中，女主憂，大臣災。 五星入，將相憂，五官災； 守之，主市驚更弊。 又曰：五星入，兵起。 熒惑守，大饑，火災。 或芒角色赤如血，市臣叛。 填星守，糴貴。 太白入，起兵，糴貴。 辰星守，蠻夷君死。 客星守，度量不平； 星色白，市亂； 出天市，有喪。 彗星守，穀貴； 出天市，豪傑起，徙易市都； 掃帝坐，出天市，除舊佈新。 流星入，色蒼白，物貴； 赤，火災，民疫。 一曰出天市，爲外兵。 雲氣入，色蒼白，民多疾； 蒼黑，物貴； 出，物賤； 黃白，物賤； 黑，爲嗇夫死。
The Celestial Market Enclosure comprises twenty-two stars within the Inner Palace of Root, Room, Heart, Tail, Winnowing Basket, and Dipper. The eastern rampart has eleven stars: from the south, the first is Song; the second, South Sea; the third, Yan; the fourth, East Sea; the fifth, Xu; the sixth, Wu and Yue; the seventh, Qi; the eighth, Zhongshan; the ninth, Nine Rivers; the tenth, Zhao; the eleventh, Wei. The western rampart has eleven stars: from the south, the first is Han; the second, Chu; the third, Liang; the fourth, Ba; the fifth, Shu; the sixth, Qin; the seventh, Zhou; the eighth, Zheng; the ninth, Jin; the tenth, Hejian; the eleventh, Hezhong. It represents the Celestial King above and the feudal lords attending upon the king. When the king exits the Gaomen Gate for a great court assembly, the western feudal lords stand to the left of the Ying Gate and the eastern feudal lords to the right. The same arrangement holds when he leads the feudal lords to visit the capital market. One account places it northeast of Room and Heart. It governs scales and balance and the gathering of the multitude. It is also called the Celestial Banner Court and governs executions and slaughter. The New Book of Heavenly Images says: when the stars within the market are many and lustrous, the year yields abundantly. When Mars stations itself there, disloyal ministers are executed. When a comet sweeps across it, the market is relocated and the capital is moved. When a guest star enters, war arises; when it exits, nobles die. The Record of Astronomy says: the Son of Heaven's market is where all under Heaven gathers. When the stars are bright and large, market officials grow harsh and merchants gain no profit; when small, the opposite holds; when they suddenly grow dim, grain grows costly; when many small stars appear among them, the people grow wealthy. When the Moon enters the Celestial Market, government changes, abuses are reformed, close ministers face punishment, and war arises. When the Moon stations itself within it, the empress is troubled and great ministers face calamity. When the Five Planets enter, generals and chancellors are troubled and the Five Officials face calamity; when one stations itself there, the market is alarmed and abuses are reformed. Another account says: when the Five Planets enter, war arises. When Mars stations itself there, great famine and fire disaster follow. Sometimes its rays and horns turn red as blood, and the market officials rebel. When Saturn stations itself there, grain grows costly. When Venus enters, armies are raised and grain grows costly. When Mercury stations itself there, barbarian chieftains die. When a guest star stations itself there, weights and measures are unjust; when the star is white, the market falls into chaos; when it exits the Celestial Market, mourning follows. When a comet stations itself there, grain grows costly; when it exits the Celestial Market, heroes rise up and the market and capital are relocated; sweeping the Emperor's Seat and exiting the Celestial Market means eliminating the old and spreading the new. When a pale meteor enters, goods grow costly; in red, fire disaster and pestilence among the people follow. One account says: exiting the Celestial Market means foreign armies. When pale cloud vapor enters, the people suffer widespread illness; in dark blue-black, goods grow costly; when it exits, goods grow cheap; in yellow-white, goods grow cheap; in black, the chief steward dies.
64
帝坐一星，在天市中，天皇大帝外坐也。 光而潤澤，主吉，威令行； 微小，大人憂。 月犯之，人主憂。 五星犯，臣謀主，下有叛； 熒惑，尤甚。 客星入，色赤，有兵； 守之，大臣爲亂。 彗、孛犯，人民亂，宮廟徙。 流星犯，諸侯兵起，臣謀主，貴人更令。
The Emperor's Seat is a single star within the Celestial Market—the outer seat of the Celestial Great Thearch. When bright and lustrous, the sovereign is blessed and his commands of authority are enforced; when small and faint, great men are troubled. When the Moon transgresses it, the ruler is troubled. When the Five Planets transgress it, ministers plot against the sovereign and rebellion breaks out below; Mars—most especially severe. When a red guest star enters, war arises; when it stations itself there, great ministers make trouble. When a comet or broom star transgresses it, the people fall into chaos and palaces and temples are relocated. When a meteor transgresses it, feudal lords raise armies, ministers plot against the sovereign, and nobles change their commands.
65
候一星，在帝坐東北候，一作後
The Await is a single star at the northeast await of the Emperor's Seat; one variant reads 'Rear'
66
，主伺陰陽也。 明大，輔臣強； 細微，國安； 亡，則主失位； 移，則不安居。 太陰犯之，輔臣憂。 客、彗守之，輔臣黜。 孛犯，臣謀叛。
It governs the observation of yin and yang. When bright and large, aide-ministers are strong; when fine and faint, the realm is secure; when it vanishes, the sovereign loses his throne; when it shifts, he does not dwell securely. When the Grand Yin transgresses it, aide-ministers are troubled. When a guest star or comet stations itself there, aide-ministers are dismissed. When a broom star transgresses it, ministers plot rebellion.
67
宦者四星，在帝坐西南侍，主刑餘之臣也。 星微，吉； 失常，宦者有憂。
The Eunuchs comprise four stars attending southwest of the Emperor's Seat and govern castrated officials. When the stars are faint, the omen is auspicious; when abnormal, eunuchs face trouble.
68
鬥五星，在宦者南，主平量。 《乾象新書》：在帝坐西，覆則歲熟，仰則荒。 客、彗犯，爲饑。
The Dipper comprises five stars south of the Eunuchs and governs balanced measure. The New Book of Heavenly Images: west of the Emperor's Seat—when tilted downward, the year yields abundantly; when tilted upward, famine follows. When a guest star or comet transgresses it, famine follows.
69
斛四星，在鬥南，主度量、分銖、算數。 其星不明，凶； 亡，則年饑。 一曰在市樓北，名天斛。
The Hu Measure comprises four stars south of the Dipper and governs weights and measures, fractional ounces, and reckoning. When the stars are dim, the omen is inauspicious; when they vanish, famine follows in that year. One account places them north of the Market Tower, where they are called the Celestial Hu.
70
列肆二星，在斛西北，主貨金、玉、珠、璣。
The Arrayed Shops comprise two stars northwest of the Hu and govern goods of gold, jade, pearls, and jewels.
71
屠肆二星，在帛度東北，主屠宰、烹殺。 《乾象新書》：在天市垣內十五度。
The Butcher Shops comprise two stars northeast of Silk Measure and govern slaughter and boiling-killing. The New Book of Heavenly Images: within fifteen degrees of the Celestial Market Enclosure.
72
車肆二星，在天市門中，主百貨。 星不明，則車蓋盡行； 明，則吉。 客星、彗星守之，天下兵車盡發。 《乾象新書》：在天市垣南門偏東。
The Chariot Shops comprise two stars within the gate of the Celestial Market and govern a hundred kinds of goods. When the stars are dim, chariots and canopy carriages all depart; when bright, the omen is auspicious. When a guest star or comet stations itself there, chariots of war throughout the realm are fully deployed. The New Book of Heavenly Images: east of the southern gate of the Celestial Market Enclosure.
73
宗正二星，在帝坐東南，宗大夫也。 武密曰：主囗司宗得失之官。 《乾象新書》：在宗人西。 彗星守之，若失色，宗正有事。 客星守之，更號令也； 犯之，主不親宗廟。 星孛其分，宗正黜。
The Director of Ancestral Affairs comprises two stars southeast of the Emperor's Seat and represents the ancestral grand officer. Wumi says: it governs the office that oversees gains and losses in ancestral affairs. The New Book of Heavenly Images: west of the Ancestral Kindred. When a comet stations itself there and loses color, the Director of Ancestral Affairs faces trouble. When a guest star stations itself there, commands and ordinances are changed; transgressing it, the sovereign does not personally attend the ancestral temple. When a broom star afflicts their territorial division, the Director of Ancestral Affairs is dismissed.
74
宗人四星，在宗正東，主錄親疏享祀。 宗族有序，則星如綺文而明正； 動，則天子親屬有變。 客星守之，貴人死。
The Ancestral Kindred comprises four stars east of the Director of Ancestral Affairs and governs records of kin near and far and sacrificial offerings. When the clans are well ordered, the stars resemble brocade patterns, bright and upright; when they shift, the Son of Heaven's kinsmen undergo change. When a guest star stations itself there, nobles die.
75
宗星二星，在候星東，宗室之象，帝輔血脈之臣。 《乾象新書》：在宗人北。 客星守之，宗支不和； 暗，則宗支弱。
The Ancestral Stars comprise two stars east of the Await star—the image of the imperial clan and blood-relation ministers who aid the emperor. The New Book of Heavenly Images: north of the Ancestral Kindred. When a guest star stations itself there, branches of the clan fall out of harmony; when dim, the clan branches grow weak.
76
帛度二星，在宗星東北，主度量買賣平貨易者。 《乾象新書》：在屠肆南。 星明大，尺量平，商人不欺。 客星、彗星守之，絲綿大貴。
The Silk Measure comprises two stars northeast of the Ancestral Stars and governs weights and measures for buying, selling, and fair trade. The New Book of Heavenly Images: south of the Butcher Shops. When the stars are bright and large, the foot-rule and measures are fair and merchants do not cheat. When a guest star or comet stations itself there, silk and cotton grow greatly costly.
77
市樓六星，在天市中，臨箕星之上，市府也，主市賈律度。 其陽爲金錢，陰爲珠玉，變見，各以其所占之。 《乾象新書》：主闤闠，度律制令，在天市中。 星明，吉； 暗，則市吏不理。 彗星、客星守之，市門多閉。
The Market Tower comprises six stars within the Celestial Market, overlooking the Winnowing Basket star. It is the market administration and governs market merchants and regulations. Its bright side represents gold and coin; its dark side, pearls and jade. When they change in appearance, each is interpreted according to what it governs. The New Book of Heavenly Images: it governs market gates and lanes, weights, statutes, and ordinances within the Celestial Market. When the stars are bright, the omen is auspicious; when dim, market officials neglect their duties. When a comet or guest star stations itself there, market gates are mostly closed.
78
七公七星，在招搖東，爲天相，三公之象也，主七政。 明，則輔佐強； 大而動，爲兵； 齊政，則國法平； 戾，則獄多囚； 連貫索，則世亂； 入河中，糴貴，民饑。 太白守之，天下亂，兵起。 客星守，歲饑，主危。 流星出其分，主將黜。
The Seven Lords comprise seven stars east of the Brandish. They serve as celestial chancellor, embody the Three Excellencies, and govern the Seven Regulators. When bright, aides and assistants are strong; when large and shifting, war follows; when orderly in government, the realm's laws are equitable; when perverse, prisons hold many captives; when linked with Coiled Prison, the age falls into chaos; entering Hezhong, grain grows costly and the people face famine. When Venus stations itself there, the realm falls into chaos and war arises. When a guest star stations itself there, famine follows in that year and the sovereign is endangered. When a meteor issues from their territorial division, commanders-in-chief are dismissed.
79
貫索九星，在七公星前，賤人之牢也。 一曰連索，一曰連營，一曰天牢，主法律，禁強暴。 牢口一星爲門，欲其開也。 星在天市垣北。 星皆明，天下獄繁； 七星見，小赦； 五星、六星，大赦； 動，則斧鑕用； 中空，改元。 石申曰：一星亡，則有賜爵； 三星亡，大赦，遠期八十日； 入河中，爲饑； 中星衆，則囚多。 辰星犯之，主水，米貴。 彗星出，其分中外豪傑起。 客星入，有枉死者； 色黃，諸侯獻地； 青，爲憂； 赤，爲兵； 白，乃爲吉。 流星入，女主憂，或赦； 出，則貴女死。 雲氣入，色蒼白，天子亡地； 青，兵起； 黑，獄多枉死； 白，天子喜。
Coiled Prison comprises nine stars before the Seven Lords—the prison of common men. Also called Linked Cords, Linked Encampments, and Celestial Prison, it governs laws and restrains violence. One star at the mouth of the prison serves as the gate—they wish it to stand open. The stars lie north of the Celestial Market Enclosure. When all the stars are bright, prisons throughout the realm overflow; when seven stars appear, a minor amnesty follows; when five or six stars appear, a major amnesty follows; when they shift, axes and branding irons are employed; when the center is empty, the era name is changed. Shi Shen says: when one star vanishes, ennoblements are granted; when three stars vanish, a major amnesty follows, effective in eighty days; entering Hezhong, famine follows; when the central stars are many, captives are numerous. When Mercury transgresses them, the sovereign faces flood and rice grows costly. When a comet issues forth from their territorial division, heroes rise up inside and outside the realm. When a guest star enters, there are those wrongly executed; in yellow, feudal lords cede territory; in green, trouble follows; in red, war follows; in white, the omen is auspicious. When a meteor enters, the empress is troubled, or an amnesty is granted; when it exits, noble women die. When pale cloud vapor enters, the Son of Heaven loses territory; in green, war arises; in black, many die wrongly in prison; in white, the Son of Heaven rejoices.
80
天紀九星，在貫索東，九卿之象，萬事綱紀，主獄訟。 星明，則天下多訟； 亡，則政理壞，國紀亂； 散絕，則地震山崩； 與女床合，則君失禮，女謁行。 客星守之，主危，民饑。 客星犯，諸侯舉兵。 彗、孛犯之，地震。 客星、彗星合守，天下獄訟不理。
Celestial Regulations comprises nine stars east of Coiled Prison—the image of the Nine Ministers, the thread of all affairs, governing lawsuits and litigation. When the stars are bright, lawsuits proliferate throughout the realm; when they vanish, governance collapses and the realm's statutes fall into disorder; when scattered and broken, earthquakes and mountain collapses follow; joining with Woman's Couch, the ruler loses propriety and women meddle in affairs of state. When a guest star stations itself there, the sovereign is endangered and the people face famine. When a guest star transgresses it, feudal lords raise armies. When a comet or broom star transgresses them, earthquakes follow. When a guest star and comet jointly station themselves there, lawsuits throughout the realm go unresolved.
81
女床三星，在天紀北，後宮御女侍從官也，主女事。 明，則宮人恣； 舒，則妾代女主； 不動，則吉； 不見，女子多疾。 客星、彗星守之，宮人謀上。 客星入，女子憂，後宮恣動，女謁行。 雲氣出，色黃，後宮有福； 白，爲喪； 黑，凶； 青，女多疾。
Woman's Couch comprises three stars north of Celestial Regulations—officials of the rear palace who attend upon women and govern women's affairs. When bright, palace women grow unrestrained; when extended, concubines replace the empress; when unmoving, the omen is auspicious; when invisible, women suffer widespread illness. When a guest star or comet stations itself there, palace women plot against the sovereign. When a guest star enters, women are troubled, the rear palace grows restless, and women meddle in affairs of state. When yellow cloud vapor exits, the rear palace receives blessing; in white, mourning follows; in black, the omen is inauspicious; in green, women suffer widespread illness.
82
右天市垣常星可名者一十七坐，積數八十有八。 而市樓、天斛、列肆、車肆、鬥、帛度、屠肆等星，《晉志》皆不載，《隋志》有之，屬天市垣，與《步天歌》合。 又貫索，七公、女床、天紀，《晉志》屬太微垣。 按《乾象新書》：天紀在天市垣北，女床屬箕宿，貫索屬房宿，七公屬氐宿。 武密以七公屬房，又屬尾； 貫索屬房，又屬氐、屬心； 女床屬於尾、箕。 說皆不同。
Above right: within the Celestial Market Enclosure there are seventeen named regular asterisms, totaling eighty-eight stars. Yet the Market Tower, Celestial Hu, Arrayed Shops, Chariot Shops, Dipper, Silk Measure, Butcher Shops, and the like—the Jin Treatise records none of them; the Sui Treatise includes them, assigning them to the Celestial Market Enclosure—agreeing with the Song of Pacing Heaven. Also Coiled Prison, Seven Lords, Woman's Couch, and Celestial Regulations—the Jin Treatise assigns them to the Supreme Palace Enclosure. According to the New Book of Heavenly Images: Celestial Regulations lies north of the Celestial Market Enclosure; Woman's Couch belongs to the Winnowing Basket constellation; Coiled Prison to the Room constellation; Seven Lords to the Root constellation. Wumi assigns Seven Lords to Room, and also to Tail; Coiled Prison to Room, and also to Root and Heart; Woman's Couch to Tail and Winnowing Basket. The various accounts all differ.