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21♋40 to 25♋47
The 22nd Chinese lunar mansion is named 井宿 Jǐng Su, “Well Mansion.” It is the 1st of the 7 mansions of the Vermilion Bird of the South.
The 3rd asterism of the Well Mansion is called 南河 Nánhé, “South River.” It represents the River south of Jingxiu and is also called the Southers Garrison. It is composed of 3 stars of the constellation Canis Minor. [1]
| 2000 | 2050 | IAU | Chinese | Orb |
| 21♋40 | 22♋22 | ε CMi | Nanhe Yi (1) | 1°00′ |
| 22♋12 | 22♋54 | β CMi, Gomeisa | Nanhe Er (2) | 2°00′ |
| 25♋47 | 26♋29 | α CMi, Procyon | Nanhe San (3) | 2°40′ |
Asterism Nanhe, the South River
21♋40 to 25♋47
The North River and the South River are actually garrisons. In winter, they form a crossing point between the Milky Way and the ecliptic called the “gateway on the ecliptic.” The North and South Rivers, situated on either side of the ecliptic, guard this vital passageway, also called the “Heavenly Gate.” [2]
Ma Duanlin (1317)
There are three stars each in the north and south rivers, flanking the eastern well. One is called Tian Gao, the gate of heaven, in charge of passes and bridges. The south river is called Nan Xu, Nan Guan, Yang Men, Yue Men, and Quan Xing, in charge of fire. Between the two garrisons lies the constant path of the three luminaries (the sun, the moon, and the stars). If the River Garrison is disturbed, war will break out in China. [3]
Song History (1346)
The three stars of Nanhe (Southern River), together with Beihe (Northern River), flank the Dongjing (Eastern Well) asterism, known as the “Gateway of Heaven”; they govern passes and bridges. Nanhe is also called Nanshu (Southern Garrison), Nangong (Southern Palace), Yangmen (Yang Gate), Yuemen (Yue Gate), or Quanxing (Star of Authority), and it governs the element of Fire. The space between these two “river garrisons” is the regular path for the sun, moon, and five planets.
If the stars of the river garrisons waver or shake, warfare breaks out in the Central Kingdom. If the stars are incomplete or missing, travel routes are blocked, and waters overflow.
If the moon passes along the central path between the two rivers, the people are at peace, the harvest is bountiful, and there is no war; if it passes south of the central path, the ruler faces misfortune and high officials become disloyal.
Bright stars are auspicious; if they are dim or wavering, border wars arise, distant peoples rebel, and the ruler suffers anxiety.
If the moon encroaches upon them, the Central Kingdom faces trouble—specifically war, mourning, drought, or epidemic; if it moves southwest, war and drought ensue; if it enters Nanhe, the people suffer epidemics; a halo indicates major earthworks; if the moon rides over the stars, war breaks out in all directions; if it passes south of Nanhe, there are errors in the administration of justice.
If Jupiter encroaches upon them, the northern ruler faces anxiety.
If Mars encroaches upon the two rivers, war ensues; if it lingers for over thirty days, rivers overflow; if it lingers at Nanhe, the grain harvest fails and the female ruler faces anxiety; if it lingers west of Nanhe, fruit crops fail; if to the east, armed conflict occurs.
If Saturn rides over Nanhe, drought occurs and the people suffer; if it lingers there, war breaks out and travel routes are blocked.
If Venus stations itself there for thirty days, rivers overflow—or a treacherous plot is afoot; if it lingers at the two rivers, war breaks out.
If a guest star lingers there, drought and epidemics occur.
The appearance of a comet signals war; if it lingers, drought follows.
A shooting star signals war and mourning, and trouble at the border garrisons.
If pale or white clouds enter the area, river routes are blocked; if they emerge red, the Emperor’s forces are marching against the feudal lords. If yellow clouds enters, virtuous decrees are issued; if it emerges, disaster follows.
Notes about Both Rivers, from Beihe (Northern River).
If a meteor passes between the Two Rivers (Beihe and Nanhe), the realm faces calamity; if it enters the asterism, northern forces invade the Central Kingdom, and passage through mountain passes and across bridges is blocked. [4]