The Chinese Calendar

The Chinese Calendar 
The Chinese calendar is a somewhat complex one, based on lunar months within the solar-based annual cycle of seasons. A report showing the solar and lunar months for the year of the current chart has been included in The Imperial Astrologer for two main reasons:
1) To display the starting dates of the lunar and solar months and when the solar periods fall within the year. Also, by calling up this feature within a reading, it gives a handy reminder of which calendrical system is in use. 2) For purposes of predictive work, in order that the exact timings for the solar and lunar months can be seen.
The following example shows the Chinese calendar months during the year of birth of the Prince Charles (1948).
CHINESE CALENDAR
CHART: PRINCE OF WALES, CHARLES Date/Time: 14 Nov 1948, 9:14 pm (+0:00) Adjusted: 14 Nov 1948, 9:13 pm (LMT +0:00:32)
 
Calendar Data - Lunar Year 1948 For timezone -8.0 Month 1 = 10 Feb 1948 11:01 am     Solar Point 1 = 20 Feb 1948 1:36 am (Rain water) Month 2 = 11 Mar 1948 5:14 am     Solar Point 2 = 21 Mar 1948 0:56 am (Spring equinox) Month 3 = 9 Apr 1948 9:16 pm     Solar Point 3 = 20 Apr 1948 12:24 pm (Corn Rain) Month 4 = 9 May 1948 10:30 am     Solar Point 4 = 21 May 1948 11:57 am (Corn sprouting) Month 5 = 7 Jun 1948 8:55 pm     Solar Point 5 = 21 Jun 1948 8:10 pm (Summer solstice) Month 6 = 7 Jul 1948 5:08 am     Solar Point 6 = 23 Jul 1948 7:07 am (Great Heat) Month 7 = 5 Aug 1948 12:12 pm     Solar Point 7 = 23 Aug 1948 2:02 pm (Heat finishes) Month 8 = 3 Sep 1948 7:21 pm     Solar Point 8 = 23 Sep 1948 11:21 am (Autumn equinox) Month 9 = 3 Oct 1948 3:41 am     Solar Point 9 = 23 Oct 1948 8:18 pm (Frost descends) Month 10 = 1 Nov 1948 2:02 pm     Solar Point 10 = 22 Nov 1948 5:28 pm (Little Snow) Month 11 = 1 Dec 1948 2:44 am     Solar Point 11 = 22 Dec 1948 6:33 am (Winter solstice) Month 12 = 30 Dec 1948 5:44 pm     Solar Point 12 = 20 Jan 1949 5:08 pm (Great Cold) Month 1 = 29 Jan 1949 10:42 am
A lunar month is a period starting at a new moon and ending at the next new moon. The lunar calendar month is deemed to begin at the beginning of the day during which the exact new moon occurs, regardless of the precise time of day at which it occurs. Therefore each calendar lunar month consists of either 29 or 30 calendar days.
Note that the calendar day during which the new moon occurs varies according to location around the earth. This is due to the fact the new moon occurs at the same instant everywhere, but that it falls at different local times and dates according to the local time zone. The traditional Chinese calendar is based on the dates of new moons according to Chinese Civil Time (eight hours ahead of Greenwich). However, it must be noted that if the calendar were to be based on a different location and time zone, then some differences to the lunar months could occur.
10 2 Background and Basic Concepts  
The lunar year is deemed to start on the day of the new moon preceding the Sun’s conjunction with 0° Pisces (330°) in tropical longitude. In other words, the Chinese New Year starts on the new moon of Aquarius, in western astrological terms.  
There can be either twelve or thirteen lunar months in each lunar year. In those years in which there are thirteen lunar months, one of those months is called an “intercalary” or “leap” month, and is given the same month number as the previous lunar month. Consequently, the lunar month number is always limited to twelve. The leap month is usually the lunar month during which there is no Solar Point. The following example is for the year 1944, in which there was no Solar Point during the fifth lunar month. Therefore, the fifth lunar month is assigned the same lunar month number as the previous month ie. Month 4.
Calendar Data - Lunar Year 1944 For timezone -8.0 Month 1 = 25 Jan 1944 11:24 pm     Solar Point 1 = 20 Feb 1944 2:27 am (Rain water) Month 2 = 24 Feb 1944 9:58 am     Solar Point 2 = 21 Mar 1944 1:48 am (Spring equinox) Month 3 = 24 Mar 1944 7:36 pm     Solar Point 3 = 20 Apr 1944 1:17 pm (Corn Rain) Month 4 = 23 Apr 1944 4:43 am     Solar Point 4 = 21 May 1944 12:50 pm (Corn sprouting) Month 4 = 22 May 1944 2:12 pm     Leap Month Month 5 = 21 Jun 1944 0:59 am     Solar Point 5 = 21 Jun 1944 9:02 pm (Summer solstice) Month 6 = 20 Jul 1944 1:42 pm     Solar Point 6 = 23 Jul 1944 7:55 am (Great Heat) Etc…
A solar month is a period during which the Sun traverses each sign of the tropical zodiac. There are therefore always twelve solar months per year, corresponding to the twelve signs of the zodiac. The dates on which the Sun enters each new sign are called the Solar Points. The first solar month starts at 0° Pisces (330°) in tropical longitude (in contrast to western astrology in which Aries is considered to be the first sign of the zodiac).
As Prince Charles was born on the 14th November, you can see that this occurred in the 10th Lunar Month (1st Nov to 1st Dec), and in the 9th Solar Month (23rd Oct to 22nd Nov).
Further, each day is divided into twelve “double-hours”, each of which is equal in length to two western hours. The first Chinese hour of the day runs from 11pm to 1 am, and subsequent Chinese hours consist of two-hour intervals following this. Consequently, a western time between midnight and 1am is deemed to be in the first Chinese hour of the day, and equally a western time between 11pm and midnight is also deemed to be in the first Chinese hour of the day.

Background and Basic Concepts Chinese Astrology

 Background and Basic Concepts Chinese Astrology 
“What’s your animal sign?”  
When we hear the words “Chinese astrology” we automatically think of the animal that describes the Chinese year in which a person is born. We think with amusement that we might be a Rat, a Dog, a Pig, a Horse or even a Dragon.  
However, there is much more to Chinese astrology than the twelve animal signs one finds on the place mats in Chinese restaurants. Chinese astrology is actually an ancient, august system of divination that has evolved quite independently from the rest of the world and is, in fact, the sister system to the astrology we know in the West, giving us the missing pages of a long-sought chapter on the mysteries of astrological art and practice.  
Our first exposure to Chinese Astrology is usually only a look at the Year animal. But, this is only 1/8 of the birth data from which the Chinese astrologer would work.  
When we give a Western astrologer our birth details—date of birth, time of day and place of birth—we get a natal horoscope derived from that, which is simply a map of the planetary positions at the moment of our birth. From the Chinese astrologer (a good one, that is), besides getting the natal chart, we get quite a bit more than that. We are given what are known as The Four Pillars (Year, Month, Day and Hour)—the foundation of their Fate Calculation systems—the possibility of at least one hundred derived “stars” in addition to the planets, the further subdivision of the zodiacal wheel into 28 lunar mansions with all those resultant meanings and the inclusion in the analysis of many other cycles--planetary and otherwise—of which Western astrology knows little or nothing.  
For instance, most of us know about the animal associated with a person’s year of birth. But, there are “animals” associated with the month, day and hour, as well as one of Five Chinese Elements associated with each one and twenty-eight extra animals, each associated with a day of the month. The learned Chinese astrologer would smile quietly to him/herself at the blissful ignorance of the restaurant patrons so delighted with their new animal labels. The depth of analysis a good Chinese Astrologer would give to the Four Pillars goes far beyond the Year Pillar, where the animal for the year is found. In fact, the Year Pillar does not really describe the person. Instead, it describes social contacts, ancestors and extended family. It is the Day Pillar that describes the self.
Much of Chinese astrology in the public domain is actually what is known as Ming Shu - Fate Calculation - which does not use the actual planetary positions at all. The reason for this goes back to ancient China where astrology was reserved for the Imperial Court and for people of real importance within the state. Possession of star charts by commoners was a crime punishable by death. This was because the Emperor was considered as the representative of Heaven on Earth, so someone outside the Imperial court to be in possession of star charts would present a danger to the state as they would essentially be in possession of state secrets and in a position to usurp the power of the throne–if they knew what to do with the information. Fate calculation was used in the court as well, but its secrets were so subtle and the veiling of the true cycles and meanings so complete that safety in the hands of the public was assured. The motions of the stars are obvious. The operation of more esoteric cycles is not apparent to the average person.  
There are many different methods of Ming Shu, some quite simple and others very complex, such as the Tzu Wei (Purple Palace) system. The latter, though complex, is not the be-all and end-all of Ming Shu, however. There are some methods that are amazingly exact, but these are generally kept from public view and, due to the nature of the calculations involved, are prohibitively expensive for the incomes of most Chinese.
It may be of interest to note that schooled Chinese astrologers do not use the animals at all in their delineations. Instead, they use the Branch, which the animals represent. A Branch is simply a notation of a portion of the greater cycle. It is always a division of the cycle by twelve. As an equivalent, we could say that Aries would be the first Branch in Western astrology. These Branch numbers have no numerical values. They are simply labels. Animals are a convenient tool for memorizing the intrinsic meaning of each Branch and there is some parallel between the zodiacal signs (Aries=1) as phases of the Western Zodiac and the Chinese Branches, although the 1st Month Branch (Rat) corresponds loosely with Aquarius, not Aries. Seeming inconsistencies aside, the animal symbolism in Chinese astrology is actually an esoteric blind for a much more profound meaning and mechanism.  
As an aside, there is a method of Ming Shu which can actually give one their birth weight, among other things. It is called San Shi Xiang Fa—Three Worlds Physiognomy Rules—is reasonably accurate and it is based upon the Four Pillars. Each Pillar is assigned a weight, the summation of which yields the person’s weight at birth. This system is well known in China and it appears in many dictionaries there. There is another form of Ming Shu called “Plum Flower” I Ching, which relates astrology to the I Ching, or Book of Changes. This is one of the more accurate systems of Fate Calculation, but it is virtually unknown in the West. Yet another one is called “Iron/Wood” Ming Shu—having as its basis a plethora of calculations all done on a slide rule (the “Iron/Wood”), which also yields remarkable results.  
The question arises as to how this all works if not based on planetary cycles, this being one of the more obscure parts of Chinese astrology. All these methods of Ming Shu and the Four Pillars themselves are, in fact, based upon real planetary cycles, even though there is no correspondence with the actual orbital positions of the planets. Just as everyone has their own physical cycles, such as respiration, heartbeat, sleep, etc, so we also have cycles associated with our psyches. Just as we breathe in and out ceaselessly through life so, too, does the psyche.
To use a simple analogy, there are periods when we are outwardly focussed and times when we withdraw inwards, and these have their own cycles and timing. As surely as we do this, so do the Great Planetary Lives as well. The esotericist will recognize these periods of in-breathing and out-breathing of the psyches of the planets as “Ray cycles”. “Ray” is a term used by esotericists to describe what might be called the psychic ebb and flow of a planetary Life, or Lord. Ray cycles are indeed bona fide planetary cycles, and they condition the psyche of humanity, the lower kingdoms and all other kingdoms in nature throughout the solar system. To show how this might work, consider the following:
For many centuries the Chinese have used a cycle of nine years in their Feng Shui calculations to determine a person’s orientation within the environment. This yields what is known as the Nine Star Ki numbers for a person. They list this cycle as the lesser cycle of Saturn, their Earth Planet. Saturn, as we know in the West, governs a person’s placement within the greater scheme of things, astrologically defining the boundaries within which we must work. For the most part, this is a subjective matter governing our place upon the earthly sphere through the power of our thinking. This number nine is also recognizable as a subdivision of one of the Ray cycles elucidated in the Alice Bailey material.  
Although this particular cycle of nine does not figure prominently in Chinese astrological calculations, there is another one that does—the number five, which is a lesser subdivision of the Ray cycle for Jupiter. As it turns out, the entire Five- element, twelve Branch hexagesimal cycle (cycle of sixty) is governed by Jupiter, the Branches being governed by its twelve-year orbital cycle, and the cycle of the Five Elements (Stem cycle) being governed by its Ray cycle. Jupiter is said to be the Year 8 Planet, or that planet whose orbit maps out the course of the Great Year. There are similar Ray cycles embedded throughout Chinese astrology, but all we are doing here is indicating that these fate cycles are not simply fanciful, but have evolved through many generations of careful observation and study, for which the ancient Chinese were renowned.
This program works only with various aspects of Fate Calculation—Ming Shu. Since this is an introductory program, these methods are the best place to start unravelling the mysteries of Chinese Astrology. They are comparatively simple with regard to the wider scope of Chinese Astrology and they form the backbone of it. Future versions of the Imperial Astrologer will include more complex and comprehensive systems of divination and Fate Calculation, but what we have here can, on its own, tell us quite a bit about a person.
Before looking at the systems of Fate Calculation, we must first become familiar with the Chinese Calendar, which is a calendar based on lunar months, as distinct from the western calendar, which has no lunar influence.

The 12 Indicators For The Day

The 12 Indicators For The Day
Chien—Establish: Auspicious. This is the day when the 10,000 things are generated. It is a good day for beginning all types of ventures.  Avoid long journeys and outdoor activities. This is a day for beginning small things and getting small things done. It is not a day on which to finish things, redress things from the past or to embark on major projects. It is best for indoor activities, including shopping and commerce. Good for short journeys as well.
Chu—Discard: Cleaning day. This is the day for the “spring clean”. General body maintenance and health matters are best addressed on this day. All sports activities are favorable, though. All organized activities are best avoided on this day.
Man—Fullness: This is the day for big events, not for menial events. Important meetings and tasks are done on this day.
Ping—Even: All things begun on Man days can be continued with confidence. If things have concluded, it is time to sit and reflect and to plan for future events. It is a day for taking stock of things.
Ting—Arrange: This is a day for getting back to work and tending to one’s own affairs. All kinds of activities are favorable.
Chih—Grasp: All domestic activity is favored on this day, except for moving house. All travel is contraindicated. It is a good day for staying indoors. Home weddings are good, though.
Po—Ruin: An unfortunate day. Things just seem to go wrong. Avoid conflicts of all kinds—especially with the law. It is a good day for catching criminals, though. It is a good day for outdoor leisure, too.
Wei—Danger: There is little of use on this day. It is a good day to have a party and drink. Everything else goes wrong.
Cheng—Completion: A good day for long journeys. All things are favored this day, but one should not interfere in the affairs of others on this day.
Shou—Acceptance: This is a good day for schooling and education. Outdoor activities are favored. Funerals should be left for Pi days, though. Arranging weddings on these days will bring success. It is a day for saving and drawing on savings.
Kai—Open: This is a good day for recovery from illness, for sending messages, and for corresponding. Business records should be updated. It is also a good day for practicing arts and crafts, but no heavy labor.
Pi—Shut: A good day for burials, setting up monuments and for hoarding. It is also good for instituting diets and making resolutions. This is a good day for corresponding—not much else. 

The Stars in the Tzu Wei System

The Stars in the Tzu Wei System 
What follows are the equivalents for most of the 100+ Tzu Wei stars which one is likely to encounter in this and in other programs/systems.

Tzu Wei Star Equivalents  
No. Star Equivalents & Nature 1. Tzu Wei Purple Star; Emperor’s Star; The King 2. Lien Chen Pure Virtue Star; Wickedness; Virgin 3. T'ien K'uei Heavenly Leader Star; Laureate; Angel I; Leader 4. Tso Fu and Yu Pi Left and Right Assistant Stars; Deputies Iⅈ Aid and Support, resp. 5. Hua Ch'uan Transforming Authority Star; Power 6. T'ien Chi Heavenly Secret Star; Mercy; Motor 7. T'ien T'ung Heavenly Unity Star; Lucky Star; Servitor 8. T'ai-yang The Sun 9. T'ai-yin The Moon 10. T'ien Hsiang Heavenly Minister Star; General 11. T'ien Ts'un Heavenly Store Star; Angel II 12. T'ien Yueh Heavenly Halberd Star 13. Chu Men Great Door Star; Giant Gateway; Gloomy 14. Ch'i Sha Seven Killings Star; Star of Power; Seven Swords 15. Hua Lu Transforming Salary Star; Prosperity; Fortune 16. Wu Ch'u Military Music Star; Dance 17. T'ien Fu Southern Star; Treasury 18. T'an Lang Greedy Wolf Star; Flirting; Aphrodite 19. T'ien Liang Heavenly Roof-Beam Star; Blessing; Honest 20. P'o Chun Broken Army Star; Ruinous; Demolisher 21. Hua K'o Transforming Examination Class Star; Success; Fame 22. Fire Star Huo Xing; Mars 23. Ringing Star Ling Xing; Thunder 24. Yang Jen Sheep-Blade Star; Troublesome; Lance : 25. T'o Lo Hump-Back Star; Armor; Worrisome 26. Hua Chi Transforming Jealousy Star; Cloud; Annoyance 27. T'ien K'ung Heavenly Void Star; Tien Ma 28. Ti Chieh Earthly Robbery Star; Calamity; Fate 29. Wen Ch'u Literary Music Star; Intelligence; Dissertation 30. Wen Ch'ang Literary Prosperity Star; Intellect; Discourse 31. I-ma  Travelling Star 32. T'ien Yao Heavenly Beauty Star; Robe; Romance; Elegance 33. T'ien Hao Heavenly Destroyer Star; Worries 34. Hung Luan Red Phoenix Star; Cordon 35. T'ien Hsi Heavenly Happiness Star; Joy; Birth 36. T'ien Hsing Heavenly Punishment Star; Stern 39. Foong Hao (star of the Yin God. Creativity in arts, painting. Eloquent, artistic. Fond of caring for loved ones.) 45. Tien Ma Heaven Horse Star; Pegasus 46. Kung Wang Death Star 49. Fei Lien (creates jealousy in the Ming palace) 50. Lu Chun (dexterity, spiritual and metaphysical aptitude, education, philosophy) 51. Tien Wu (same as 50) 56. Phan Yang (cuts and injuries from knocks, A “head” star—migraines, injuries, tumors, lack of concentration) 63. Sum Tai (fortunate, compassionate, honest, but can stretch the truth, compulsive) 64. Luin Ee (gives bad judgement) 65. Fu Pin (strong and wilful character, strongly sexual) 69. Tien Ter (neutralizes effects of bad stars) 71. Yang  Nutrition; (brains, titles and diplomas—intelligence and writing, esp.) 

Tzu Wei Stars Interpretations

Tzu Wei Stars Interpretations
Tzu Wei [The King of stars, or the Emperor’s Star] This is the star of destiny. It is generally considered to be the best of all stars to have in a palace. It confers honors, recognition, energy, good fortune and increase. Most importantly, it magnifies the importance of the Palace in which it is posited and the influence of any other stars in that Palace. In its positive expression it gives a reflective, refined nature and confers wealth, health, fame, a long and fortunate life, support from family, partner and peers, and successful children. Even when negatively placed with other stars the omens are not too bad, though it can cause rifts and problems from people whose status interferes with one’s own destiny. It has the character of the Sun and Jupiter elevated and in aspect to each other in Western terms. Lien Chen [Purple Virtue] this is the star of the Virgin, or Pure Virtue. It is generally considered to be unlucky, having the character of Saturn with Virgo. At its best it brings the growth of wealth, both steadily and unexpectedly. This is only when the person is willing to put in a lot of hard work and when other fortunate stars are present. By itself it gives a stern and austere demeanor and confers shortness of life and unhappiness. When placed with negative stars it confers distance from people, hard work for no reward, and loss. It can also bring about unexpected circumstances that test the virtue of a person. Its best indications are for wealth through hard work—material or otherwise, no matter what area of life is at issue. Tien Chi [Heavenly Secret] this star brings out latent qualities in a person or circumstance. It also confers surprises. It is an accentuating influence, rather than a primary one. It works best in the areas of cultural and literary affairs. By itself it gives the native a hot temper, health problems and both benefits and liabilities in foreign lands. It also brings great benefits through sidelines (avocations and side businesses) and religious affairs. It is generally considered to have a fortunate contribution and brings support. It has the character of a Venus/Uranus conjunction in the 5th or 11th house. Tien Tung [Heavenly Unity] this star carries the character of Venus in general. It is gentle, modest and warm. It confers good relations, kindness and affinity with the feminine. It inclines to service work and handicrafts. The indications are not good for ownership of property, though. It is a supporting star, and accentuates what is already in a Palace. In educational matters it inclines toward doctoral studies and scholastic achievement. When adversely aspected it makes the native too soft and yielding. Tai Yang [The Sun] the Sun brings renown, position, energy, enterprise, activity, hard work, and support.  It brings success in business and politics.  It produces movers and shakers, and good children.  It indicates the father and men and in health matters governs the eyes [light]. Wu Chu [Military Music] (the Dancing Star) the star produces a strong will, a strong voice, a quick wit, and a hot temper.  It yields financial success and success in
business and politics.  In education it produces a broad knowledge base.  It tends to produce speculation and busyness.  With negative stars it produces separations, arguments, disharmony in the home, scars and nasal problems.  It also produces success in transport and finance. It has the character of a Mars/Moon conjunction.  Tien Fu [the Southern Star] (a.k.a. Treasury and Palace Star) this star has the character of Jupiter trine Saturn.  It can bring extreme material well-being and good fortune, as well as great success in business and politics.  It gives high position, a splendorous lifestyle, help from siblings, a successful social life which also yields many opportunities in business, ability to save money, many siblings and benefit from them, marriage for life, a very capable partner who can also bring in substantial material support, prosperous children, many children, support from inferiors and great authority.  With negative stars it dampens the enthusiasm, which also peters out, as well as a harsh life in later years.  In terms of character it gives a gentle and polite personality, hard-working and progressive, clever and peaceful. In health matters it gives gallbladder and mental problems with negative stars. Tai Yin [The Moon] the Moon produces a polite and gentle character and gives opportunities for good education.  In occupation it yields reflective work such as astrology, religion, etc. It governs all aspects of the feminine and women, produces a big family, grants a good-looking partner and brings steady occupation.  It yields a high position in society when well aspected and produces benefits from real estate, building and service industries.  It especially produces property in the countryside and the rules the mother.  With negative stars it produces overindulgence, family trouble, trouble with women, and "female troubles”. Tien Hsiang [Heavenly Minister or General] this star has the character of the Sun with Jupiter.  It gives a strong persona with periodic displays of temper.  It can give a lot of strength, and makes one very attractive to the opposite sex.  It produces a fondness of display, the love of uniforms and a good general dress sense.  In occupation it produces success through politics.  The general tone is of moderate increase in strength.  It grants help. Chu Men [Great Door or Giant Gate] this star has the character of Moon square Mars.  It yields an obstinate temperament, an appearance of aloofness, great intensity of focus, high intelligence, quarrelsomeness, judgmentalism, and an authoritative air.  The general indications are that of trouble with all types of intimate relationships.  This person does better working alone.  It gives success in business.  In health it tends toward skin and stomach trouble. It marks one as being always active. Chi Sha [Seven Killings or Seven Swords] this star has the character of Saturn with Pluto.  It gives a stern and serious demeanor, a hot temper and quickness of mind.  It marks one as being uncompromising.  It can bestow nobility and high success, but it can also bring accidents, sudden illness, domestic violence, intimacy issues, and financial disaster.  The best occupations are in heavy industry, the police force or the army.  It can also bring success in travel and business.  It is not generally good around property. It tends to give a hard life and the early death of one parent.

Tan Lang [the Greedy Wolf or the Flirting Star] this star has the general character of Scorpio.  In its more positive expression, it gives good planning skills, a realistic and firm outlook, authority and intelligence.  Its usual expression is of greed and lust for fame, money and sex.  That produces intimacy problems, deviousness and rifts.  In occupation it works best through the entertainment and cultural fields.  Physically it produces protruding bones and venereal problems.  Unusual features in the persona can bring wealth.  In general indicates a hard life, rifts with parents and marital catastrophes. Tien Liang [the Roof Beam Star] (Honesty and Blessings) this star has the character of Venus trine Jupiter. It gives leadership qualities, cleverness but sincerity, and a disdain for display of talents.  It tends toward peaceful surroundings, good looking partners, respect, and creative and successful children.  In occupation it does best through cultural affairs, published works and education.  It also brings success through religion.  In its negative associations it brings disrepute from the opposite sex and separations.  It brings official success. Po Chun [broken Army] (the Demolisher) this star has the character of the Sun in Leo square Saturn.  In its more positive expression it brings authority and wealth, and many brothers and sisters.  In health it gives boils and weak lungs.  In occupation it brings best success through the transport industry, army or police force.  It tends toward speculation.  The general indications are marital troubles, hard-working with little enjoyment, parental trouble, a harsh life abroad and rebellion by inferiors. Fire Star [Mars] this star is generally considered to be unlucky.  In its best expression it can bring authority, wealth and a successful social life through forthrightness and energy.  Its usual indications are rifts, upheavals, disharmony, accidents and disasters.  In occupation it tends toward simple labor rather than professions.  In health it can bring disabilities and deformities. Ringing Star [Thunder] this star has the same connotations as the Fire Star. Wen Chu [Literary Dissertation] this star confers fine facial features, high intelligence, the love of study, and refined conduct.  It gives the native great care over appearance.  It tends toward harmony and discourse and has the general character of Mercury.  It can bring great wealth through writing.  It also carries the connotations of the ninth house in Western astrology. Wen Chang [Literary Discourse] this has the same general meanings as Wen Chu.  It carries the meanings of the third house in Western astrology and confers cleverness and an outstanding mentality.  It gives a strong, sound body and a good mind for business.  In health it can contribute to nervous complaints and it makes one good with money.  It can also confer renown. Yang Ren [the Sheep Blade Star] (Lance) this star has the general character of Sun square Uranus.  It is generally considered unlucky.  In its most positive expression it confers courage, decisiveness, great wealth and a long life.  In general though, it indicates losses and especially losses through accident and lack of thought.

To Lo [The Hump Back Star] (Armour) the indications for this star are troublesome.  It carries the more negative character of Saturn, and is associated with disasters, disablement, robbery, ruined property, financial difficulties, short life, loneliness, few siblings, envy and suspicion, accidents and illness, harsh life with little reward, broken bones, lack of support, and death at work.  In occupation it brings the best energy through the army or police work.  In health it tends toward eye problems and broken bones. Tien Kuei [Heavenly Leader] (Laureate) this star has the general character of Venus trine Saturn.  It gives a refined, but stern, nature.  It confers help from siblings, happiness, outstanding children, increase, regular and comfortable financial returns, good health, support, and land in the country.  In occupation it attends toward community and charity projects.  Negatively, it can bring recurrent illnesses. Tien Tsun [Heavenly Store] this star has the general character of Taurus.  It confers physical strength, a long and wealthy life, support, harmony, material pleasures, great benefit through property, few children, and great wealth.  In occupation it works best through politics and business. Tien Yueh [Heavenly Halbard] this star has the same meaning as Tien Kuei. Tso Fu [Left Assistant] this star has the character of Venus trine Uranus.  It gives a sedate and gentle nature, but with a competitive edge.  It inclines toward a good social life, especially with the opposite sex and it gives predestined attachment to money and people.  It assists other factors in a palace.  It confers harmony, cooperation, obedient children and works prodigiously in middle age.  In occupation it works best in business and politics. Yu Pi [Right Assistant] same as Tso Fu. I Ma [Traveling Star] (Steed) this star has the general character of well-aspected ninth and tenth houses in the Western horoscope.  It confers the love of travel and travel through work, wide travel in foreign lands, and the enjoyment of beautiful views in foreign lands. Tien Kung [Heavenly Void] this has all the same qualities of the other negative stars and is usually read with them.  It has the character of Pisces and Pluto combined.  Its best manifestation is through managerial work. Other than that it confers distress in marriage, heartbreak through children, disappearing children, many illnesses, great losses in foreign lands, rebellious inferiors, loss of inherited property, hard-working, and weak connections with people and money.  This indicates a deep caring for brothers and sisters, but causes the native worry.  It is disastrous in marriage. Ti Chieh [Earthly Robbery] same as Tien Kung. Tien Hao [Heavenly Destroyer] this star is only active in the Ming Palace.  It has the character of Venus square Jupiter, and causes the native to spend money like water, yielding fluctuating finances.

Huang Luan [Red Phoenix] (Cordon) this star is only active in the Ming Palace.  It has the character of Venus trine Mars, conferring a copious sexual magnetism, of which the native may take advantage. Tien Hsi [Heavenly Happiness] this star has the lighter character of Sun square Jupiter without the financial implications.  It operates only in the Ming Palace.  The reading is of a person who takes nothing seriously and is always happy. Tien Yao [Heavenly Beauty] (Romance) this star has the character of Venus Mars and Neptune combined.  The general indication is of sexual excesses along with substance abuse.  It also indicates that the native enjoys making friends with the opposite sex. Tien Hsing [Heavenly Punishment] this star has the general character of Saturn in the seventh house.  It confers a stern nature, loneliness and legal difficulties. Hua Chuan [Transforming Authority] (Power) this star has the general character of Mars trine Saturn.  It indicates the native will obtain power and authority, a great amount of money, promotion and good progress at work, and works best through managerial roles. Hua Lu [Transforming Salary] (Prosperity and Fortune) this star has the general character of Jupiter in the Midheaven.  It confers many chances through promotion, a wealthy lifestyle, and two to three opportunities for making money. Hua Chi [Transforming Jealousy] (Cloud, Annoyance) this star has the general character of Mars square Saturn.  It confers easily missed opportunities (bad judgment), sacrifices, rifts with partners, harm to children, no attachment to money, physical weakness, early death, work for low wages, rebellious inferiors, great losses, fluctuating fortunes, loss of property and hard-work with no enjoyment. Hua Ko [Transforming Examination] (Success and Fame) This star has the general character of Sun trine Jupiter.  It confers luck in exams, success, admiration of others for one's skills, and a consistent prosperity.