Asterism Kàng – Neck – Astrology King

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03♏48 to 06♏57

The second Chinese lunar mansion is named 亢宿 Kang Su, “Neck Mansion.” It is the second of the seven mansions of the Azure Dragon of the East.
The first asterism of the Neck Mansion is also called 亢 Kàng, “Neck.” It represents the Azure Dragon’s neck and is composed of 4 stars in the Virgo constellation shaped like a winnowing basket. ^[1]

Note: 45 Oph is called 糠 Kāng. It is the only star of the asterism 糠 Kāng in the seventh Mansion Jī (Winnowing Basket).

2000	2050	IAU	Chinese	Orb
04♏29	05♏12	κ Vir	Kang Su Yi (1)	1°20′
03♏48	04♏30	ι Vir	Kang Su Er (2)	1°20′
05♏27	06♏09	φ Vir	Kang Su San (3)	1°00′
06♏57	07♏39	λ Vir	Kang Su Si (4)	1°20′

Constellation Kang the Neck

03♏48 to 06♏57

Those born under the Kang constellation are shrewd and persuasive in their decisions, but their plans often lack thoroughness. They tend to act impulsively, with a fighting spirit but fluctuating fortunes. They are also easily tempted to act rashly. They often suffer losses due to arrogance and vanity. ^[1]

People born under this constellation are capable leaders, speak eloquently, and manage wealth. They are clean-cut, well-dressed, and enjoy good food and household items. They are devoted to good deeds and contribute to their family’s reputation. ^[2]

Kang belongs to the metal element and represents the dragon. It is the second constellation in the east and is the neck of the Azure Dragon. The dragon’s neck is protected by its horns, and its transformation involves the entire body; hence, it is generally considered auspicious. ^[1]

Kang is auspicious for seeking things; marriage and sacrifices have auspicious origins; burial will surely produce officials and nobles; opening doors and releasing water will produce dukes and marquises. ^[1]

Kang Constellation is suitable for training horses, mules, and donkeys, which are easy to tame and efficient; for teaching drums and other musical instruments, marriage, and making friends; for venting grievances; for not acting independently; for planting pine trees, grains, beans, soybeans, and hemp. ^[2]

Kang Jinlong: Yi is an official, a Yin spirit, and is governed by the Kang Star God. There are four Yin spirits surnamed Fu and named Sima. They have horse heads, bare bodies, wear red silk robes, and carry swords; they are governed by the Kang Star God. ^[1]

Kang Su Advice

Being completely unable to listen to others’ advice is a fatal flaw of the Kang constellation. They are solely focused on themselves, busy implementing their own will, and unable to see the surrounding circumstances. This sometimes makes them seem strange and out of place. Most importantly, others’ opinions are often valuable and can help them see things from different perspectives. Therefore, learning to listen is crucial advice the Kang constellation must always remember.

Excessive analysis and suspicion often lead to self-inflicted harm. While it may be appropriate in certain situations, a gentleman’s friendship is like water—pure and simple. As long as you treat others with courtesy, don’t worry too much about what others might be plotting against you. The real danger is that too much analysis can make you lose sight of the bigger picture.

Those born under the sign of Kang who fight for justice should pay more attention to the influence of art and philosophy. Maintaining a humble attitude to appreciate all the beauty in the world can fundamentally change one’s destiny. ^[2]

Ma Duanlin (1317)

The four stars of the Neck constellation resemble a bent bow. They are the central axis of the sun and moon, governing the emperor’s inner court and the rites and laws of the world. It is also said to oversee all matters reported to the emperor, hear lawsuits, handle cases, and record merits. It is also the temple of Shu, governing diseases and epidemics.

If its star is bright and large, the four seas will submit to the king, ministers will be loyal, and people will be free from diseases and epidemics; movement will cause illness; if it is not seen, the world will be in turmoil and droughts and floods will occur. ^[3]

Song History (1346)

The four stars of the Kang (Neck) Mansion represent the Emperor’s inner court, overseeing all matters submitted from across the realm. They govern the hearing of lawsuits, the administration of justice, and the recording of merits. Also known as the Shū miào (the sparse temple, or the temple of Venus), it governs epidemics and diseases.

If the stars are bright and large, loyal ministers will help maintain public safety; if they move or waver, many illnesses will follow. They represent the Emperor’s throne and serve as a celestial omen. If invisible at the Autumn Equinox, grain crops suffer, and prices soar.

If the Sun transgresses Kang Su, feudal lords will plot against the state, causing the ruler anxiety. A solar halo indicates that high ministers in its region will suffer misfortune; heavy rains will follow, leading to famine and epidemics among the people.

If the moon transgresses Kang Su, either the ruler or a high minister will suffer; the left side signifies floods, the right signifies warfare. A lunar halo here favors the side that initiates hostilities first; in winter, it brings anxiety to high-ranking figures.

If Mercury transgresses Kang Su, it signifies floods and major warfare; if it lingers, rice prices rise, disease spreads, drought strikes, bandits emerge, and social discord prevails.

If Venus transgresses Kang Su, the country will suffer loss and its people disaster; if it moves in retrograde, military chaos will follow; rays or spikes indicate the execution of high officials; if it lingers, floods, droughts, or royal mourning occur.

If Mars transgresses Kang Su in a Yang position (in the Sun), it signifies good news; if in Yin position (in the shadows), it indicates concern. If it displays rays or spikes, high officials face misfortune. A prolonged stay by Mars over Kang Su brings public worry, heavy rains, and also war.

If Jupiter transgresses Kang Su, there will be a pardon and a bountiful harvest; if it lingers, there will be warfare and widespread illness. If it lingers for more than thirty days, there will be another pardon. It is also said: “If it transgresses, rebellious ministers will cause chaos.”

If Saturn transgresses Kang Su, crops will be damaged, and people will perish; retrograde motion signals a woman usurping power and plots by disloyal ministers; if it lingers, warfare ensues.

If a “Guest Star” (nova or comet) transgresses Kang Su, the state becomes unstable; a red color signifies war and drought; yellow signifies major earthworks or construction; greenish-black signifies trouble for envoys; lingering indicates crop damage. Some sources predict an amnesty; black signifies that the people will be displaced or become refugees.

If a comet transgresses Kang Su, disaster will strike the country; its appearance brings floods, war, epidemics, and ministerial rebellion; a white color signifies death or mourning.

If a bō xīng (a hairy, hazy, or rayed star) transgresses Kang Su, the nation is in peril, and floods and war will follow; its entry causes mass displacement; its exit brings famine.

If a meteor or falling star enters Kang Su, foreign envoys will arrive, and crops will mature; if it exits, the Emperor dispatches envoys and issues amnesties. Li Chunfeng stated: “If a meteor enters Kang, a favored minister dies.”

If clouds or vapors transgress Kang Su: bluish-green brings epidemics; white signifies earthworks or construction projects; black signifies floods; red signifies imminent warfare. Another interpretation says: if white, the people suffer from violent diseases; if yellow, it indicates earthworks or construction projects. ^[4]