10♐23 to 27♐57
The 24th asterism of the Ziwei (Purple Forbidden) Enclosure is named 天棓 Tianbei, “Celestial Flail.” It represents the agricultural implements used for threshing grain and contains 5 stars in the constellation Draco and Hercules. The five stars of Tianbei form an irregular quadrilateral at the head of Draco. [1]
| 2000 | 2050 | IAU | Chinese | Orb |
| 24♐44 | 25♐26 | ξ Dra, Grumium | Tianbei Yi (1) | 1°30′ |
| 10♐23 | 11♐06 | ν² Dra, Kuma | Tianbei Er (2) | 1°00′ |
| 11♐57 | 12♐39 | β Dra, Alwaid | Tianbei San (3) | 2°00′ |
| 27♐57 | 28♐39 | γ Dra, Etamin | Tianbei Si (4) | 2°10′ |
| 19♐52 | 20♐35 | ι Her | Tianbei Wu (5) | 1°30′ |
Asterism Tianbei, the Celestial Flail
10♐23 to 27♐57
Tianbei Star Official is located in the west of Ziwei Enclosure and northeast of Nüchuang (Maiden’s Bed asterism), belonging to the central palace or Ziwei Enclosure. It symbolizes the weapons that guard the Ziwei Enclosure. It is the forerunner of the emperor, in charge of strife and punishment, and also in charge of storing troops to defend against difficulties and prepare for emergencies. Together, the asterisms Tianbei (Celestial Flail) and Tianqiang (the Heavenly Spear) are referred to as “Gun and Club.”
In the ancient star system, Tianbei also belongs to the Kang constellation among the Twenty-Eight Mansions. According to the Records of the Grand Historian, “The five stars to the right of the Purple Palace are called the Heavenly Pillars.” [2]
Ma Duanlin (1317)
The five stars of the Heavenly Pillar are located northeast of the Nüchuang (女床) palace, representing the emperor’s vanguard and defense against calamities. If they are not visible, war will break out. Another interpretation is that they govern disputes. When they are bright, it is very inauspicious but slightly auspicious. [3]
Song History (1346)
The five stars of the Heavenly Pillar are north of the Maiden’s Bed (asterism Nuchuang), representing the emperor’s vanguard, governing disputes, punishments, and hidden weapons, also used for warding off calamities and preparing for unforeseen events. If one star is missing, war will break out in that country; brightness indicates worry; smallness is auspicious. The entry of a guest star indicates war and loss. The presence of a comet indicates war. The presence of a meteor indicates many disputes among feudal lords. Clouds gathering, pale white or black, are inauspicious. [4]