Asterism Lou – Bond – Astrology King

STARS: Major | All | Constellations | Chinese | About

03♉11 to 07♉40

The 16th Chinese lunar mansion is 婁宿 Lóu Su, “Bond Mansion.”
The 1st asterism of the Bond Mansion is also called 婁 Lou, “Bond,” representing the lasso used to hang the sacrificed animal and the sickle used to cut the harvest. It is composed of 3 stars in the constellation Aries. ^[1]

2000	2050	IAU	Chinese	Orb
03♉58	04♉41	β Ari	Lou Su Yi (1)	2°00′
03♉11	03♉53	γ Ari	Lou Su Er (2)	1°10′
07♉40	08♉22	α Ari	Lou Su San (3)	2°10′

Constellation Lou the Bond

03♉11 to 07♉40

In ancient Chinese culture, the Lou constellation primarily relates to animal husbandry, herding sacrifices, gathering people and raising troops. In Taoism, Lou belongs to metal and is known as the Golden Dog. ^[2]

The Gongyang Commentary (c. 300 BC) says, “cattle and horses are tied to Lou,” with the note saying, “tethering horses is called Wei, tying cattle is called Lou.” ^[3]

The Treatise on Celestial Offices in the Records of the Grand Historian (91 BC) says Lou is “for gathering the masses” and “in charge of sacrificial animals, ancestral temples, the five sacrifices, and pastures,” responsible for raising the sacrificial animals used for sacrifices. ^[3]

By extension, Lou Su also “presides over matters of raising troops and gathering crowds,” thus being associated with military operations. In folk culture, the Lou constellation symbolizes “the joy of a newlywed couple.” In Taoism, the Lou constellation belongs to metal and is commonly known as the Golden Dog. ^[2]

The Shuowen Jiezi (c. 100 AD) says Lou means “to gather and tether.”

The Jiyun (1037 AD) says, “to tether, also written as Lou.” ^[3]

Lou Personality

Lou Su is quick-witted, efficient, energetic, inquisitive, and helpful. However, a cold side reveals a subconscious tendency toward willfulness and rebellion, amplifying individualistic tendencies. ^[3]

People born under the Lou constellation are diligent, meticulous, highly capable, often multi-talented, and enjoy doing righteous, kind things. They rarely fall ill, understand medicine well and have unique ways of thinking; their ideas are forward-thinking, and their perception is strong. In their work, the Lou person is steady and reliable, able to carry out ongoing work in a solid, stable manner. Many wealthy people are born under the Lou constellation. They are generous, have abundant land, and many servants. They are suited to serve virtuous people. ^[4]

Sun in Lou

The constellation Lou is auspicious for marriages and sacrifices, bringing prosperity. Using this day to open doors and release water will bring official rank within three years. ^[2] Lou is auspicious for urgent matters, selling goods, riding horses and elephants, and giving, obtaining, and preparing medicine. ^[4]

Lou Advice

No one likes being constantly criticized, including Lou Su himself. Although Lou Su sometimes means well, he could have a more positive influence on those around him if he spoke more tactfully and directly and improved his interpersonal skills.

A strong desire for control is often present, but control has two sides. If you can’t let go easily, that desire will control you. Sometimes, taking it easy will let you see the world differently.

When Lou is focused on work, he truly forgets everything else around him. Lou needs to prioritize his health above all else; only with good health can he work more efficiently. ^[4]

Mansion 16 – Lou (Bond)

Ma Duanlin (1317)

Lou’s three stars are unevenly spaced and close to one end. At 12 degrees, it is 9 feet below the midline of the sun and moon. It is also the Heavenly Prison, in charge of pastures, sacrificial animals, and supplies for suburban sacrifices, as well as raising troops and gathering people.

If it is unstable, people will gather; if the stars are straight, someone will hold the emperor’s command; if they gather, the country will be uneasy. If Venus and Mars guard it, war will break out within the palace. Solar and lunar eclipses indicate chaos within the palace. Venus, Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn in conflict are inauspicious; Mercury in conflict is auspicious, indicating the rise of troops. A lunar halo indicates both armies will retreat. ^[5]

Song History (1346)

Lou consists of three stars and represents the heavenly prison. It governs pastures and sacrificial animals for offerings at suburban rites; it also governs raising troops and gathering crowds for war.

If they are bright and large, then taxes and levies will be collected in due season. If the stars align straight, someone will seize control of the ruler’s authority; if they cluster together, the state will be unstable.

A solar eclipse in Lou indicates the prime minister or high-ranking officials will be affected, and the gods will not receive offerings at suburban sacrifices. A solar halo indicates war, and many high-ranking officials will die.

A lunar eclipse indicates sorrow for the empress and concubines, and famine for the people. A lunar halo in spring indicates a general amnesty within 180 days. It also indicates high grain prices; if rain occurs within three days, this omen is resolved.

When the Moon transgresses Lou, frequent hunting will occur; its corresponding region will face worries, generals will die, and people will become displaced. Another source says many unjust legal cases will occur.

When Mercury transgresses Lou, punishments will be severe, and floods and droughts will be frequent; high ministers will worry. The Emperor can eliminate these troubles through an amnesty. If it resides here with sharp points, shaking movement, or a red-black color, then subordinates will raise arms in rebellion.

When Venus transgresses Lou, there will be gatherings of people; if it remains here, war will break out within 30 days, and the people will suffer famine.

When Mars transgresses or remains in Lou, it indicates drought and fire, with grain becoming expensive. Another source says that if it stays here for 20 days or more, a high-ranking minister will die. A moving star indicates many deaths. If Mars retrogrades into the 勾巳 “Gou-Si” (Hook-Snake) position, disaster will befall the state granaries.

When Jupiter transgresses Lou, many cattle will die, grain prices will drop, and the state will grant amnesty. If it remains in position, the state will enjoy peace. Another interpretation is that it indicates many epidemics among the people, high livestock prices, and the end of war.

When Saturn transgresses Lou, the Emperor should guard against border incursions and avoid long journeys; military campaigns will bring misfortune. If it remains here, grain will be abundant and people content. If it moves backward, then petitions from women will increase; if it lingers over Lou, foreign troops will arrive.

If a guest star transgresses Lou, a great war will follow; if it remains here, the five grains will not mature. Another source says: ministers will deceive their ruler and seize power, leading to many legal disputes in the year; if it circles around for three days, a great amnesty will follow.

If a comet transgresses Lou, people will starve to death; if it emerges from Lou, drought will come first, followed by floods; grain prices will soar, livestock will fall ill, and granaries and treasuries will empty out. Another source says the country will suffer a great war.

A 孛 “bo” star (a hairy or hazy tailless comet) signals war or famine.

If a meteor (falling star) emerges from or transgresses Lou, laws will be enacted to clear the prisons.

If blue or red clouds enter Lou, it signifies war and mourning; if black clouds enter, it signifies great floods.

According to the Han Yongyuan Copper Instrument, Lou is measured as twelve degrees; according to the Tang Kaiyuan Traveling Instrument, it measures thirteen degrees. Previously recorded as eighty degrees from the celestial pole. Jingyou measurements determine Lou Xiu at twelve degrees, with its central bright star eighty degrees from the celestial pole and eleven degrees within the ecliptic. ^[6]