19♋06 to 23♋12
The 22nd Chinese lunar mansion is named 井宿 Jǐng Su, “Well Mansion.” It is the 1st of the 7 mansions of the Vermilion Bird of the South.
The 4th asterism of the Well Mansion is called 北河 Běihé, “North River.” It represents the River north of Jingxiu and is also called the Northern Garrison. It is composed of 3 stars of the constellation Gemini. [1]
| 2000 | 2050 | IAU | Chinese | Orb |
| 19♋06 | 19♋48 | ρ Gem | Beihe Yi (1) | 1°20′ |
| 20♋14 | 20♋57 | α Gem, Castor | Beihe Er (2) | 2°20′ |
| 23♋12 | 23♋55 | β Gem, Pollux | Beihe San (3) | 2°30′ |
Asterism Beihe, the North River
19♋06 to 23♋12
The North River and the South River are actually garrisons. In winter, they form a crossing point between the Milky Way and the ecliptic called the “gateway on the ecliptic.” The North and South Rivers, situated on either side of the ecliptic, guard this vital passageway, also called the “Heavenly Gate.” [2]
Ma Duanlin (1317)
There are three stars each in the north and south rivers, flanking the eastern well. One is called Tian Gao, the gate of heaven, in charge of passes and bridges. The south river is called Nan Xu, Nan Guan, Yang Men, Yue Men, and Quan Xing, in charge of fire. The Northern River is also called the Northern Garrison, the Northern Palace, the Yin Gate, the Hu Gate, and the Heng Star, and it governs water. Between the two garrisons lies the constant path of the three luminaries (sun, moon, and planets). If the River Garrison is disturbed, war will break out in China. [3]
Song History (1346)
The three stars of the Southern River and the Northern River flanking the Eastern Well are also called the Gate of Heaven, governing passes and bridges. Between the two River Garrisons lies the constant path of the Sun, Moon, and five planets.
If the River Garrison is disturbed, war will break out in China. If the River Stars are not complete, roads will be impassable, and waters will overflow. A bright star signifies good fortune; a dim or wavering star indicates border conflicts, rebellion by distant peoples, and general worry.
The appearance, entry, stay, or presence of the five planets in the Northern River indicates war; their transgression indicates the death of a woman; their presence signifies sorrow for the north.
When the Moon rises or falls between the two Rivers, the people will be at peace, the year will be bountiful, and there will be no war; if it rises south of the middle path, the ruler will dislike it, and ministers will not be loyal.
If the moon occupies this position, it signifies worry for the central state, including war, mourning, drought, and plague; if it travels southwest, it signifies war and drought; if it enters the southern border region, it signifies plague among the people; a halo around the moon indicates earthworks; if it is accompanied by a moon, war will break out in all directions; if it passes through the south and guards the south, it signifies punishments will be lost.
If Jupiter occupies this position, the north signifies worry. When Jupiter enters the Northern Garrison, a high-ranking official is executed.
If Mars occupies the two rivers, it signifies war; if it stays there for more than thirty days, rivers will overflow; if it stays in the south of the river, grain will not ripen, and the empress will worry; if it stays in the south and guards the west, fruit will not be harvested; if it is in the east, there will be attacks and wars. When Mars enters the Northern Garrison from the west, there will be a death within sixty days; if it enters from the east, there will be war within ninety days. Another interpretation is that if it leaves the Northern Garrison and guards it, a border general who attacks a foreign country without consulting the emperor will be victorious.
When Saturn guards the Northern Garrison, war breaks out, but there will be a pardon within sixty days; another interpretation is that there will be land reclamation; if it guards the western garrison, the five grains will not ripen.
If Venus occupies this position for thirty days, rivers will overflow; it also signifies treachery; if it guards the two rivers, it signifies war. When Venus leaves the Northern Garrison, there will be a death for a woman within thirty days and internal strife; if it guards it, war will break out throughout the land within one hundred days.
When the planet Mercury guards the Northern Garrison, foreign armies rise, and border officials plot. If it remains stationary, armies will rise in all directions.
If a guest star guards this position, it signifies drought and plague. When a guest star invades the Northern Garrison, there will be loss abroad, and traitors within. If it enters from the east, armies will rise, lasting ninety days; if it enters from the west, there will be loss, lasting sixty days. If it guards it, there will be great floods.
When a meteor passes between the two rivers, there will be calamity throughout the land. If it enters, it means northern armies will invade China, and passes will be blocked.
If a comet or a comet appears, it signifies war; if it guards this position, it signifies drought.
When pale clouds enter, rivers become impassable; when they emerge red, the emperor’s army turns against the feudal lords. When yellow clouds enter, there is a virtuous decree; when they emerge, disaster strikes. When pale clouds invade the Northern Garrison, there will be border wars, epidemics, and worries for the northern ruler.
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