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05♌25 to 10♌18
The 23rd Chinese lunar mansion is named 鬼宿 Guǐ Su, “Ghost Mansion.” It is the 2nd of the 7 mansions of the Vermilion Bird of the South. It represents the head and eyes of the Vermilion Bird.
The Ghost Mansion contains 7 star officials (asterisms) and 29 stars, distributed in the constellations Cancer, Hydra, Pyxis and Vela. [1]
Note: The name Gui is used twice in Chinese astronomy:
鬼 Guǐ, “Ghost,” is the name of the 23rd lunar mansion and its 1st asterism.
龜 Guī, “Turtle,” is the name of the 3rd asterism of the 6th lunar mansion.
| # | Asterism | English | 2000 | Constellations | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Guǐ | Ghost | 05♌25 | Cancer | 4 |
| 2 | Jīshī | Cumulative Corpses | 07♌21 | Cancer | 1 |
| 3 | Guàn | Beacon Fire | 28♋55 | Cancer | 4 |
| 4 | Tiāngǒu | Celestial Dog | 25♌28 | Pyxis / Vela | 7 |
| 5 | Wàichú | Outer Kitchen | 10♌05 | Hydra | 6 |
| 6 | Tiānshè | Celestial Earth God's Temple | 27♌22 | Vela | 6 |
| 7 | Tiānjì | Judge for Estimating the Age of Animals | 11♍12 | Vela | 1 |
Mansion Gui the Ghost
05♌25 to 10♌18
Those born under the Ghost Star are approachable, righteous, and easily popular. They are emotionally rich and experience significant life changes. They can quickly forget unpleasant things, dislike being restrained, and lack perseverance, easily missing opportunities.
The four stars of Guixiu are said to be responsible for gathering horses, soldiers, cloth, and gold and jade.
It belongs to the metal element and is associated with the sheep. It is the second constellation in the south, resembling a hat worn on the head of the Vermilion Bird. When birds are frightened, the feathers on their heads form a crest. People call the things they fear most, which do not actually exist, “ghosts,” hence the name Ghost Constellation. It governs fright and is therefore mostly inauspicious.
When the Ghost Constellation is in power on a particular day, it is not a light matter; all requests will be met with alarm. Business and profit-making will be unfavorable, and misfortune will befall the family.
The Ghost, also known as the Carriage Ghost. The character “Yu” in the Jiyun dictionary means “many,” so “Carriage Ghost” can be understood as meaning a multitude of ghosts. The Shuowen Jiezi defines “Yu” as “the bottom of a cart.” The four stars of the Ghost constellation are square, resembling a cart, which may also have another meaning. The Bu Tian Ge says, “The four stars are square like a wooden cabinet; the white in the center is the accumulated corpse qi.” The Guanxiang Wanzhan says, “The white, powdery substance in the center of the Ghost constellation is called accumulated corpse qi. It is also called the Heavenly Corpse, which governs death and funerals.”
Gui Jin Yang: Zhen, the eldest son of Qian, is ruled by the Ghost Star God. There are five eldest son gods, surnamed Zuo, given name Tu Yu. They have snake heads, black bodies, carry swords, and wear red wild robes. They are ruled by the Ghost Star God. [1]
Ghost Golden Sheep
People born under the Ghost Star (鬼宿) possess deep compassion and are adept at caring for others. When others encounter misfortune, they feel deeply for them and find it difficult to ignore it. Sometimes, they even choose to sacrifice themselves to help or save others. This kind-hearted nature is complemented by keen insight; when they sense that someone they are interacting with is not sincere, they will choose to distance themselves. However, the Ghost Star’s insight is often based on emotional judgment, so if they encounter a cunning person, they can easily be manipulated without realizing it, or only become aware of it later.
This person is born under this sign. They are upright and honest in their conduct, without any eccentricities, and possess great mental strength. They are well-read, have many wives and concubines, and abundant wealth. They are capable of discernment and are also very affectionate.
All their endeavors will be auspicious. Seeking fame, longevity, or engaging in any business, as well as wearing dignified attire, receiving official rank, or pursuing any desired outcome, will all bring good fortune and increased blessings. Furthermore, it is auspicious for long journeys, travel, hair repairs, wearing new clothes, and bathing.
Ghost Advice
They are prone to making rash decisions driven by emotion, and in romantic relationships, they may even blame their partner. If those born under the Ghost Star can confront their emotions and learn to control them, it will help them navigate life more smoothly.
I apologize for having to address a rather serious topic: cases of death from overwork are not uncommon among those born under the Ghost Star (鬼宿). This is because they are extremely responsible at work, giving their all to complete any task assigned to them, no matter how demanding, while neglecting their own health. Those born under the Ghost Star need to understand that those who assign them work do so out of trust and appreciation. They certainly don’t want to see you overwork yourself. Maintaining good health leads to better work efficiency. Under all circumstances, your health must always be your top priority.
Having a religious belief can help Ghost Constellation relieve inner pressure and find suitable values and a worldview, which will be very beneficial. [2]
Ma Duanlin (1317)
Gui Sixing is square like a wooden cabinet, with a white center containing accumulated corpse energy. The four stars above the Ghost Star are the Crimson Position, and the seven stars below the Ghost Star are the Heavenly Dog Star. The six rooms of the Outer Kitchen are Willow and Star Order. The six arcs of the Heavenly Shrine lean eastward, and the one star east of the Shrine is the Heavenly Cycle.
The constellation Yu Gui (Ghost), at its second degree, is located in the center of the sun, moon, and five planets, and governs death and disease. Zhang Heng said it governs ancestral rites, the sun and moon, and also vision, enabling the discernment of treacherous schemes. The northeastern star governs the accumulation of horses; the southeastern star governs the accumulation of soldiers; the southwestern star governs the accumulation of cloth and silk; and the northwestern star governs the accumulation of gold and jade. Their changes indicate their significance. The central star is called Ji Shi (Cumulative Corpses), also known as Ji Shi Qi, which only indicates visible qi and governs death, mourning, and sacrifices. It is also called Fu Zhi, which governs executions.
When the Gui star is bright, the six grains are harvested; when it is dim, people scatter. When it moves and shines, taxes are heavy, and corvée labor is abundant; when the star moves, people are distressed, and government decrees are urgent. Gui Zhi desires to be dim and unclear for peace; when it is bright, war breaks out, ministers plot against the ruler, and the lower classes flee. Gan Shi said that when Ji Shi shakes and loses its color, disease, ghostly cries, and human desolation occur.
The four stars west of Xuanyuan are called Guan (Beacon Fire), also known as Feng Guan, which govern beacon fires and emergency preparedness. The divination indicates obscurity and tranquility; a bright and clear star signifies an emergency at the border; similarly, a shaking or sharp point indicates danger. It is also said that brightness brings good fortune, while obscurity brings misfortune.
The seven stars of the Heavenly Dog (Tiangou) are southwest of the Ghost Star, north of the Wolf Star (Sirius), and lie across the river, guarding against thieves. Their movement indicates war; if Venus and Mars guard them, people will eat each other.
The six stars of Waichu the Outer Kitchen (Waichu) are south of the Willow Star, representing the emperor’s outer kitchen; their divination is the same as that of the Heavenly Toilet Star (Ce).
The six stars south of the Arc Star are the Heavenly Soil Star (Tianshe), southeast of the Old Man Star (Canopus), resembling a willow; their direct brightness indicates good fortune. The Sui Shu states that Goulong, son of Gonggong, could control water and soil, hence he was worshipped alongside the Soil Star, and his essence became stars.
The star south of the Outer Kitchen Star is called Tianji (Judge for Estimating the Age of Animals), which governs the age of birds and beasts. If Venus and Mars guard it, many birds and beasts will die.
The Two Dynasties Astronomical Records state: The four stars of the Ghost Star are 69.5 degrees from the southwest star. The four stars of the Crimson Star are 60.5 degrees from the northwest star, entering the Well constellation at 29 degrees. The seven stars of the Heavenly Dog Star are 102 degrees from the west star, entering the Well constellation at 22 degrees. The six stars of the outer kitchen are 92.5 degrees from the pole of the Great Star, entering the Ghost Constellation at 2 degrees. The six stars of the Heavenly Society are 134 degrees from the Southwest Star, entering the Well Constellation at 12 degrees. The one star of the Heavenly Records is 11.5 degrees from the pole of the Great Star, entering the Willow Constellation at 5 degrees. [3]
Song History (1346)
The five stars of Yu Gui (Ghost) govern the observation of treacherous schemes and are considered the “eye of heaven” (Tianmu). The northeast star governs the accumulation of horses, the southeast star the accumulation of soldiers, the southwest star the accumulation of cloth and silk, and the northwest star the accumulation of gold and jade; their influence varies with the stars. The central star is the “accumulation of corpses” (Jishi), signifying death, mourning, and sacrifices; it is also called “Axe and Scythe” (Fu Tan), signifying executions and beheadings.
A bright and large star indicates a poor harvest; an unclear star indicates the scattering of the people. The scythe (Tan star) should be dim and unclear; if it is bright, war will break out, and high officials will be executed; if it moves and shines, taxes will be heavy, and labor will be burdensome, causing resentment among the people.
A solar eclipse indicates national unrest, a major mourning, and sorrow among nobles. A solar halo indicates war in the area it occupies, and the execution or demotion of high officials.
A lunar eclipse indicates sorrow among nobles and the empress, lasting for a year. A lunar halo can also indicate drought or a pardon.
If the Moon transgresses Yugu (Ghost Cart), the ruler of the Qin region suffers from worry; some sources say military generals die, high-ranking officials and female rulers face distress, while epidemics affect the people.
If Mercury transgresses Yugu, the five grains do not mature or are harvested poorly; if it guards this region for an extended duration, mourning follows with concern affecting high-ranking individuals.
When Venus enters and transits Yugu, there will be war and rebellious ministers within the state; it also signifies the impending execution of generals. If it passes through this region aggressively (guan zhi er nu), there will be rebellious ministers below. If it guards the constellation for a long time, there will be war below, drought, fire, and nothing will grow.
When Mars invades the constellation, loyal ministers are executed; some sources say that warfare breaks out and the queen loses power. If it enters this region, both the empress and the prime minister are worried; alternatively, it signifies a traitor at the emperor’s side, war, and loss. If Mars stations here, the realm issues amnesty. If it remains here for ten days, feudal lords suffer consequences; if twenty days pass, the crown prince faces trouble. If Mars completes a full circuit around this region (gou si huanrao), the emperor loses ancestral temple rites or suffers from loss of imperial legitimacy.
If Jupiter transgresses Yugu, crops are damaged, and famine follows, with the ruler neglecting state affairs; if it transgresses Tan (the execution star), law-enforcing ministers face execution.
When Saturn invades the constellation, high-ranking ministers and the empress will suffer. If it guards this region for an extended time, the suffering will be in the inner palace, and there will be drought and earthworks. If it enters the constellation of Ji Shi (accumulated corpses), the ruler will dislike it. If it transgresses Ji Shi, its position determines who is affected: in the yang direction for the emperor, yin direction for the empress, central position for the crown prince, and to the right side for high-ranking ministers; ill omens follow according to where it remains.
If a guest star transgresses Yugu, those who rise to power without proper authority will fail; some sources say excessive earthworks projects occur. If it enters this area, matters related to curses, oaths, and ancestral temple rituals become prominent.
If a comet transgresses Yugu (the Ghost Cart), warfare erupts, and the realm becomes unstable or in turmoil; one should cultivate virtue and perform rituals to ward off evil.
When a meteor appears here, mourning events and military conflict occur beneath its influence; it is advisable to cultivate virtue and perform rituals to avert disaster. If meteors transgress Tan (the execution star) in Yugu, there are cases of people being executed or killed; if they enter this area instead, four foreign states come to pay tribute.
If white cloud formations enter Yugu, epidemics arise; if black clouds appear, the empress is worried. Red-colored clouds indicate drought; yellow ones signify earthworks projects. If they intrude upon Jishi (Accumulated Corpses) star, high-ranking ministers face distress. Green or blue clouds portend illness and disease.
According to the Han Dynasty Yongyuan Bronze Instrument, Yugu spans four degrees in celestial measurement. Previously recorded as being 68 degrees away from the North Celestial Pole. During the Jingyou astronomical observations, Yugu was measured at three degrees, with its southwest star located 68 degrees from the North Celestial Pole. The measurement of celestial positions and distances is crucial for understanding the precision of ancient Chinese astronomy in mapping the heavens.
The four stars of Guan (Beacon Fire) are located northwest of Gui (Ghost) or west of Xuanyuan. They represent beacons and signal fires used for border defense, serving as warnings for urgent military alerts at frontier outposts. When these stars remain dim or invisible, it signifies peace; if they become bright and prominent, it indicates that the borders face an alert or threat of conflict. If red-colored cloud formations enter this region, beacon fires across the realm are activated simultaneously as a warning system is triggered.
The Seven Stars of the Heavenly Dog (Tiangou), located north of the Wolf Star (Sirius), govern those who guard and protect wealth and treasure. If these stars shift or move from their usual positions, warfare erupts, famine occurs, bandits increase in number, and rebellious forces arise. If Saturn guards Tiangou, people resort to cannibalism due to extreme hardship or famine conditions. If a guest star or comet remains in this area, widespread banditry and rebellions emerge across the land.
The Wai Chu Six Stars represent the emperor’s outer kitchen, responsible for cooking and slaughtering sacrificial animals to supply offerings at ancestral temples. Its divinatory interpretations are the same as those of Tianchu (Heavenly Kitchen).
Jishi Qi, a single star located within the Yugu constellation, appears as a faint or dim object entering one and a half degrees into Yugu. It is recorded at 69 degrees from the North Celestial Pole and lies 22 degrees inside the celestial equator. This star governs matters of death, mourning rituals, ancestral worship, and temple ceremonies.
Tianji, a single star located to the south of Wai Chu (Outer Kitchen), governs the teeth or aging of domesticated and wild animals. If Venus or Mars guards or transgresses Tianji, domestic and wild animals die in large numbers, causing unrest among the people. If a guest star remains over this region (Tianji), political order collapses or governance becomes corrupt.
The Tianshe Six Stars (Celestial Earth God’s Temple, or Heavenly Earth Deity) are located to the south of Hushi (Bow and Arrow). In ancient times, Gonggong Shi’s Kuolong (Hooked Dragon) was able to control floods and manage the land, so he was honored in sacrifices as a companion to the earth deity. His spiritual essence ascended to become these stars. If these stars remain bright and stable, the state (society) is secure; if they appear dim or shift in position, subordinates plot against their superiors. If Venus or Mars transgresses Tianshe, the state and its foundations face instability or danger. If a guest star enters this region, sacrificial rites are conducted within the realm; if it departs from here, such ceremonies occur abroad or in foreign lands.
According to the Jin Records, Guan Four Stars belong to the Tian Shi Yuan (Heavenly Market Enclosure), and Tiangou Seven Stars are located north of the Seven Stars constellation. Wu Mi classified Tiangou as belonging to Niu (Ox) constellation, and also associated it with Yugu. The Qian Xiang Xin Shu (New Book of the Celestial Phenomena) assigned it to Jing (Well) constellation instead. Wai Chu Six Stars, according to the Jin Records, are located south of Liu (Willow) constellation. Wu Mi’s records also associate them with Liu, while both the Qian Xiang Xin Shu and Bu Tian Ge assign them to Yugu constellation instead. Tianji, a single star, is classified by Wu Mi’s records and the Qian Xiang Xin Shu as belonging to Liu constellation. Only Bu Tian Ge assigns it to the Yugu (Ghost) constellation. Tianshe Six Stars, according to Wu Mi’s records, belong to Jing constellation and are also associated with Yugu constellation. The Qian Xiang Xin Shu classifies the westernmost star as belonging to the Jing constellation, the central one to the Yugu constellation, and the last (southernmost) star to the Liu constellation. Currently, following the Bu Tian Ge, all these stars are assigned to the Yugu constellation, while various other interpretations remain preserved for reference. [4]