Asterism Huagai – Canopy of the Emperor

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29♉09 to 14♊39

The 18th asterism of the Ziwei (Purple Forbidden) Enclosure is named 華蓋 Huāgài, “Canopy of the Emperor.” It represents the umbrella-shaped covering emperors used. The original ancient asterism contains 7 stars in the constellation Cassiopeia.
The 19th asterism of the Ziwei Enclosure is named 杠 Gāng, “Canopy Support.” It is a vassal of Huagai and represents the canopy’s handle. The original ancient asterism contains 9 stars in the constellations Cassiopeia and Cepheus. ^[1]
Asterism Huagai is the more significant grouping. Much astrological information exists about Huagai, but little about Gang.
Asterism Huagai (29♉09 to 06♊11)
Asterism Gang (03♊34 to 14♊39)

2000	2050	IAU	Chinese	Orb
01♊55	02♊37	48 Cas	Huagai Yi (1)	1°10′
06♊11	06♊53	SU Cas	Huagai Er (2)	1°00′
04♊33	05♊15	HD 16769	Huagai San (3)	1°00′
02♊14	02♊56	ι Cas	Huagai Si (4)	1°10′
29♉09	29♉51	ω Cas	Huagai Wu (5)	1°00′
29♉31	00♊13	42 Cas	Huagai Liu (6)	1°00′
01♊41	02♊23	40 Cas	Huagai Qi (7)	1°00′

21♊55	22♊37	HD 25007	Gang Yi (1)	1°10′
18♊39	19♊21	HD 18778	Gang Er (2)	1°00′
17♊09	17♊51	HD 16458	Gang San (3)	1°00′
12♊44	13♊26	HD 12927	Gang Si (4)	1°00′
09♊44	10♊26	HD 12005	Gang Wu (5)	1°30′
09♊07	09♊49	47 Cas	Gang Liu (6)	1°00′
07♊46	08♊28	49 Cas	Gang Qi (7)	1°00′
05♊01	05♊43	HD 12173	Gang Ba (8)	1°00′
03♊34	04♊16	50 Cas	Gang Jiu (9)	1°30′

Huagai and Gang, the Canopy of the Emperor

29♉09 to 14♊39

The canopy symbolizes nobility and majesty, and Huagai is an auspicious, unique, unconventional and mysterious asterism associated with loneliness, arrogance, religious faith, extensive knowledge, exceptional talent and profound insights.

Huagai in the natal chart brings aloofness, cynicism, transcendence and a keen sixth sense, with a detached, otherworldly mindset. These people are typically quiet, solitary, and dislike socializing, preferring to immerse themselves in their own world. They like helping the weak and can endure loneliness and poverty.

Yet Huagai people are also proud, dignified, straightforward and uninhibited, with strong practical abilities and the potential to become practitioners and fortune-tellers. They are often skilled in numerology, astrology, philosophy, religion, metaphysics, research, art, crafts, and the five arts. ^[2]

Well-aspected, Huagai brings academic success and literary talent. Harsh aspects can denote a reclusive hermit or a wanderer of the world.

Ascendant conjunct Huagai: Suitable for monks and Taoists but not for ordinary people. Well-aspected, it brings high achievement and reputation. With a steadfast character and assistance from noble people, it foretells a meteoric rise to prominence.

Midheaven conjunct Huagai: Inclined to seek truth, religion, and skills.

Mars conjunct Huagai: Arrogant, enjoys a life of pleasure, possesses special skills. ^[3]

Ma Duanlin (1317)

The sixteen stars of Huagai and Gang are like the handle of a Huagai, and there are nine stars connected on the canopy, called Chuanshe, like a row of Ding.

The Canopy has seven stars, and its supporting nine stars, totaling sixteen stars, above the Hooked Serpent, directly over the Great Emperor, thus covering the Great Emperor’s seat. Brightness and uprightness bring good fortune; movement and tilting bring misfortune. ^[4]

Song History (1346)

The seven stars of Huagai and the nine stars of Gang are like a canopy with a handle hanging down, covering the emperor’s seat. They are located in the Ziwei Palace above Gouchen. If they are upright, it is auspicious; if tilted, it is ominous. If a guest star invades, the royal family will be worried, and war will break out. If a comet invades, war will break out, and the country will change hands. A meteor streaks across the sky, war breaks out within the palace, to be averted by an amnesty; if it pierces the canopy, disaster befalls the three dukes. Clouds entering, yellow or white, bring joy to the ruler; red or yellow, bring joy to the kings and princes. ^[5]