STARS: Major | All | Constellations | Chinese | About
29♈19 to 03♉36
The 18th Chinese lunar mansion is 昴宿 Mǎo Su, “Hairy Head Mansion.”
The 5th asterism of the Hairy Head Mansion is called 芻蒿 Chúhāo, “Hay.” It represents hay for cattle and horses and is composed of 6 stars in the constellation Cetus. [1]
| 2000 | 2050 | IAU | Chinese | Orb |
| 29♈43 | 00♉26 | ρ Cet | Chuhao Yi (1) | 1°00′ |
| 03♉36 | 04♉18 | 77 Cet | Chuhao Er (2) | 1°00′ |
| 29♈42 | 00♉25 | 67 Cet | Chuhao San (3) | 1°00′ |
| 02♉58 | 03♉40 | 71 Cet | Chuhao Si (4) | 1°00′ |
| 29♈19 | 00♉02 | HD 14691 | Chuhao Wu (5) | 1°00′ |
| 03♉21 | 04♉03 | ε Cet | Chuhao Liu (6) | 1°00′ |
Chuhao, Hay
29♈19 to 03♉36
The Chuhao asterism is named after the fodder used to feed military horses, symbolizing the logistical supply for the northwestern battlefield. Shi’s Classic of Stars, the Shi Shi Xing Jing (375 BC), records that fodder is also known as “Tian Ji Xing” (Heavenly Accumulation Star), and that its name relates to the royal military system. [2]
Ma Duanlin (1317)
The large star of Chugao, west of the gardens, provides fodder for cattle and horses. It is also called Tianji, the emperor’s treasury. Its abundance indicates a bountiful year; its scarcity indicates the dissipation of wealth. Zhang Heng (78 – 139 AD) said that if it is not visible, cattle will die suddenly; if it is guarded by fire (Mars), a fire will break out. [3]
Song History (1346)
Chugao (Hay) consists of six stars located west of Tianyun (Celestial Meadows) or south of Tianqun (Circular Celestial Granary); it governs matters related to fodder and straw stockpiles. It is also known as Tianji (Celestial Storehouse) and represents the imperial treasury (storehouse).
When the stars shine brightly, fodder prices rise; when they are numerous or prominent, all storehouses will be well stocked; if the stars are absent, the stores are dispersed.
If the moon transgresses Chugao, treasures and valuables will be lost or removed from storage.
If Mercury or Mars transgresses Chugao, the fodder stockpiles face the risk of fire or flood.
If red clouds transgress it, fires will occur; if yellow clouds do so, good fortune or joy is indicated. [4]
References
- Pleiades Constellation – Baidu Encyclopedia.
- Artemisia annua – Baidu Encyclopedia.
- General Examination of Literature, Volume 279, Part 2, Ma Duanlin, 1317.
- Song History, Volume 50, Chapter 3, 1346.