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21♋40 to 25♋47
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 3rd asterism of the Well Mansion is called 南河 Nánhé, “South River.” It represents the River south of Jingxiu and is also called the Southers Garrison. It is composed of 3 stars of the constellation Canis Minor. [1]
| 2000 | 2050 | IAU | Chinese | Orb |
| 21♋40 | 22♋22 | ε CMi | Nanhe Yi (1) | 1°00′ |
| 22♋12 | 22♋54 | β CMi, Gomeisa | Nanhe Er (2) | 2°00′ |
| 25♋47 | 26♋29 | α CMi, Procyon | Nanhe San (3) | 2°40′ |
Asterism Nanhe, the South River
21♋40 to 25♋47
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. Between the two garrisons lies the constant path of the three luminaries (the sun, the moon, and the stars). If the River Garrison is disturbed, war will break out in China. [3]
Song History (1346)
The three stars of Nan He (the Southern River) and Bei He (the Northern River) flank Jing (the Eastern Well); it is also called the Celestial Gate and oversees bridges and passes. The Southern River is also called the Southern Garrison, the Southern Palace, the Yang Gate, the Yue Gate, and the Power Star. It governs fire-related matters. Between the two River Garrisons lies the constant path of the Sun, Moon, and five planets.
If the stars in Nan He or Bei He appear unstable or shift, military conflict arises within China. If the river stars are incomplete or missing, then roads and passages become blocked, and floodwaters overflow.
If the Moon enters or exits between Nan He and Bei He along the central path, then people will be at peace, the year will be prosperous, and there will be no warfare; if it moves south of this central path, the ruler dislikes it, and high-ranking ministers will not remain loyal.
If these stars appear bright and clear, it is a sign of good fortune; if they are dim or unstable in position, then border military conflicts arise, distant people rebel, and the ruler feels worried.
If the Moon transgresses Nan He, it signifies worry for the central kingdom; some sources say this indicates warfare, mourning events, droughts, or epidemics. If the Moon moves southwest, there will be military conflicts and droughts; if it enters Nan He, an epidemic among the people follows.
If a halo appears around the moon, earthworks projects are initiated. If the Moon with a halo passes over Nan He, warfare erupts in all directions. If it travels south of Nan Shu, then punishments and legal decrees become unjust or misapplied.
If Jupiter transgresses Nan He (South River), the northern regions face worry.
If Mars transgresses either Nan He or Bei He, military conflict follows. If it lingers for more than thirty days in this region, rivers overflow; if it stays over Nan He (South River), crops fail to mature, and the queen consort will worry; if it guards the west of Nan He, fruit will not be harvested; if it is in the east, there will be attacks and wars.
If Saturn passes over Nan He (South River), drought follows, and the people worry; if it lingers there, warfare arises, and roads become impassable.
If Venus remains in this region for thirty days, rivers overflow; some sources say it indicates the presence of treacherous plots. If Venus guards both Nan He and Bei He (the two rivers), military conflict arises.
If a guest star resides in or lingers near this region, droughts and epidemics follow.
If a comet or brilliant meteor appears in this area, warfare follows; if it remains there for an extended time, drought occurs.
If meteors appear in this region, they signify war and mourning events, with worries arising at border garrisons or frontier posts. If a meteor passes between the two rivers, there will be calamity throughout the land.
If pale blue or white clouds intrude into this region, river passages become impassable; if they emerge and appear red, the emperor’s forces will march against feudal lords. If yellow-colored clouds enter, virtuous decrees or edicts are issued; if they emerge from it, disaster follows. [4]