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. 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 stars). 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. The Southern River is also called the Southern Garrison, the Southern Palace, the Yang Gate, the Yue Gate, and the Power Star, governing fire. 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.
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.
A bright star signifies good fortune; a dim or wavering star indicates border conflicts, rebellion by distant peoples, and general worry.
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.
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.
If Saturn travels along the south river, it signifies drought and people’s worry; if it guards this position, it signifies war and impassable roads.
If Venus occupies this position for thirty days, rivers will overflow; it also signifies treachery; if it guards the two rivers, it signifies war.
If a guest star guards this position, it signifies drought and plague.
If a comet or a comet appears, it signifies war; if it guards this position, it signifies drought.
If a meteor appears, it signifies war, mourning, and worry for the border regions. 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.
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. [4]