23♋00 to 01♌58
The 21st asterism of the Ziwei (Purple Forbidden) Enclosure is named 內階 Nèijiē, “Inner Steps.” It represents the Heavenly Ladder connecting the Purple Palace and the Wenchang Palace and contains 6 stars in the constellation Ursa Major. [1]
| 2000 | 2050 | IAU | Chinese | Orb |
| 23♋00 | 23♋42 | ο UMa | Neijie Yi (1) | 1°40′ |
| 29♋18 | 00♌00 | 16 UMa | Neijie Er (2) | 1°00′ |
| 24♋58 | 25♋41 | 6 UMa | Neijie San (3) | 1°00′ |
| 00♌50 | 01♌32 | 23 UMa | Neijie Si (4) | 1°40′ |
| 25♋54 | 26♋36 | 5 UMa | Neijie Wu (5) | 1°00′ |
| 01♌58 | 02♌40 | 17 UMa | Neijie Liu (6) | 1°00′ |
Neijie the Inner Steps
23♋00 to 01♌58
The Inner Steps connects Ziwei Palace (in heaven) to Wenchang Palace (on earth), forming a “stairway to heaven” for the Supreme God to visit the Emperor. [2]
Ma Duanlin (1317)
The Six Stars of the Inner Steps are north of the Literary Star, representing the Emperor’s steps. Brightness brings good fortune; movement and tilting bring misfortune. [3]
Song History (1346)
The six stars of Neijie (Inner Steps) are located northeast of Wenchang (Administrative Center). They represent the steps to the celestial emperor’s throne. Another interpretation is that they represent the inner steps of the Imperial Academy, where the Supreme God visits.
Brightness signifies good fortune; movement signifies worry. If a comet, a guest star, or a shooting star transgresses Neijie, it symbolizes the ruler’s need to yield and avoid misfortune. [4]