10♎43 to 17♎22

The 28th Chinese lunar mansion is named 軫宿 Zhen Su, “Chariot Mansion.” It is the seventh of the seven mansions of the Vermilion Bird of the South.

The first asterism of the Chariot Mansion is also named 轸 Zhen, “Chariot.” It equates to the constellation Corvus. The four stars of Zhen are also known as Tianche. 

The next three asterisms of the Chariot Mansion are attached to the Chariot Asterism, and they each contain only one star: Changsha, Zouxia (left linchpin) and Youxia (right linchpin). Together, these first four asterisms form the image of a chariot. ^[1]

2000*	Asterism	IAU	Chinese	Western	Orb
10♎43	Zhen	γ Crv	Zhen Su Yi	Gienah	2°10′
11♎40	Zhen	ε Crv	Zhen Su Er	Minkar	1°50′
13♎27	Zhen	δ Crv	Zhen Su San	Algorab	1°50′
17♎22	Zhen	β Crv	Zhen Su Si	Kraz	2°10′
13♎48	Changsha	ζ Crv	Changsha	Changsha	1°00′
13♎49	Zouxia	η Crv	Zuoxia	Zouxia	1°10′
12♎15	Youxia	α Crv	Youxia	Alchiba	1°20′

Constellation Zhen the Chariot

10♎43 to 17♎22

The four stars of the Zhen constellation govern the prime minister and his advisors, as well as chariots and carriages. Military movements are determined by observing the stars in the Zhen constellation. It also governs wind and death/mourning. ^[2]

Those born under the Zhen constellation are quick-witted, adaptable, steady, and insightful. They prefer to keep a low profile and are capable of great things. Because of their low-key nature, they are better suited to working behind the scenes or in decision-making roles.

It belongs to the water element and is associated with the earthworm. It is the seventh constellation in the south, residing at the tail of the Vermilion Bird, whose tail is used for navigation. In ancient times, the crossbar at the back of a chariot was called “Zhen,” and its position corresponds to the Zhen constellation ‘s location within the Vermilion Bird’s domain, hence its name. The Zhen constellation was also known as “Tianche” in ancient times, and “Zhen” carries connotations of sorrow, thus the Zhen constellation is often considered inauspicious.

The inauspicious star Zhen is unbearable; it brings separation from people, loss of wealth, and even death.
Burial and marriage are both unfavorable; there will be constant fear and unease.

The character轸 (zhen) is written as 车 (che) on the lacquered box lid of the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng. The *Records of the Grand Historian*, in the section on celestial offices, states: “轸 represents a chariot.” The * Suoyin * commentary explains: “The four stars of 轸 are in the center, with two more stars forming the left and right axles, symbolizing a chariot.” The *Shuowen Jiezi* defines 轸 as “the crossbar at the back of a chariot.” The axle refers to the small iron rod inserted into the axle to prevent the wheels from falling off. The four stars of 轸and the left and right axles all belong to the constellation Corvus. The *Western Steps to Heaven Song* states: “The four stars of 轸 are not of equal size, a black star hidden in the middle of Changsha.” ^[1]

War Chariot.
      The Zhen constellation is the celestial war chariot. Like modern tanks, they were symbols of a state’s military power. Changes in the constellation foreshadowed the mobilization and outbreak of war. According to the Book of Jin, Treatise on Astronomy, the four stars of Zhen symbolized “chariots and cavalry” and “carrying duties,” that is, war chariots and war missions. ^[3]

Zhen Transits

A bright and large Zhen star indicates the emperor’s carriage is ready; a shifting constellation signifies the emperor’s distress; a gathering constellation foretells war.

A solar eclipse indicates distress for generals and ministers, and warns officials in charge of carriages and carriages, also signifying unease for the ruler.

A halo around a moon indicates war and the fall of cities; observe the direction from which the moon faces to attack for victory, also indicating the ruler’s displeasure.

A lunar eclipse indicates distress for the queen and high officials. A lunar halo indicates war, drought, and strong winds.

When Saturn invades Zhen, it brings war and earthworks; if it enters Zhen, the army will be defeated; if it moves in retrograde, the empress will suffer; if it moves out, in, out, or stays, war will break out within sixty days, and there will be a great drought.

When Jupiter invades Zhen, it brings fire, plague, worry for ministers, and punishment for those in charge of the treasury; if it enters Zhen, the country will perish; if it guards Zhen, the country will suffer loss; if it does not move for seven days, there will be a pardon, and it also means the ruler will suffer.

When Mars invades Zhen, there will be rebellious armies; if it enters Zhen, generals will cause chaos, floods will damage crops, and the people will spread rumors; if it moves in retrograde, it brings fire and war.

When Venus invades Zhen, war will break out, and the land will be gained; if it enters Zhen, it will bring war; if it guards Zhen, the land will be lost, and the general will suffer; if it rises from the left horn (Spica) and moves in retrograde to Zhen, the land will be lost; if it passes through the sky, the fields will be filled with soldiers.

When Mercury invades Zhen, there will be plague, worry for ministers, and loss of a noble in China; if it guards Zhen, there will be great floods; if it enters Zhen, the world will suffer from fire, and it also means the country will suffer loss.

A guest star entering Zhen signifies war and mourning; its entry indicates land reclamation, high grain prices, and the arrival of envoys from feudal lords; its exit signifies the ruler sending envoys to feudal lords; its presence indicates border wars and famine; its presence indicates military officials’ worries.

A comet entering Zhen signifies war and mourning; its red color indicates the ruler’s misconduct, and also signifies the emperor raising an army and the deposition of princes. A comet in the constellation Zhen also signifies war and mourning, and also signifies the inferior plotting against the superior, indicating the ruler’s worries.

A meteor entering Zhen signifies war and mourning, and within a year, the treasury will be empty; its presence in spring and summer signifies the need for leather goods; its presence in autumn and winter signifies drought and flood. ^[2]

References

1. Twenty-Eight Mansions – Baidu Encyclopedia.
2. Song History, Volume 51, Chapter 4, 1346.
3. Notes on Ancient Chinese Astronomy (8) – Swift as the Wind.