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02♒30 to 05♒13
The 9th Chinese lunar mansion is named 牛宿 Niu Su, “Ox Mansion.” It is the 2nd of the 7 mansions of the Black Tortoise of the North.
The 1st asterism of the Ox Mansion is also called 牛 Niu, “Ox.” It represents an ox hanged by the rope and is composed of 6 stars of the Capricornus constellation that are shaped like ox horns. [1]
| 2000 | 2050 | IAU | Chinese | Orb |
| 04♒03 | 04♒45 | β¹ Cap | Niu Su Yi (1) | 1°50′ |
| 03♒51 | 04♒33 | α² Cap | Niu Su Er (2) | 1°40′ |
| 02♒30 | 03♒12 | ξ² Cap | Niu Su San (3) | 1°00′ |
| 04♒43 | 05♒25 | π Cap | Niu Su Si (4) | 1°00′ |
| 05♒13 | 15♒55 | ο Cap | Niu Su Wu (5) | 1°00′ |
| 05♒10 | 05♒52 | ρ Cap | Niu Su Liu (6) | 1°00′ |
Constellation Niu the Ox
02♒30 to 05♒13
People born under the sign of the Ox have a strong sense of self-esteem, are competitive, and never admit defeat. They are even more energetic and talented when facing strong competitors. They are not scheming or manipulative, but rather down-to-earth, hardworking, and methodical. They do not usually express their true feelings.
The day of the Ox constellation is not auspicious; all construction and repair work will bring disaster. If you use this day for burial or other construction, you will sell all your fields and estates and forget about your village. [1]
Ma Duanlin (1317)
The six stars of the Ox constellation are near the riverbank; although it has two horns on its head, it always lacks a leg on its belly.
The ox, at seven degrees, is the Heavenly Bridge, the central point of the Sun, Moon, and Five Planets, and governs sacrifices. The two stars to its north are called the Road (ξ²) and the Gathering Fire (α²). It is also said that the upper star (ξ²) governs roads, the next two (α², β¹) govern bridges, and the next three (π, ο, ρ) govern the Southern Yue.
Gan Shi says that the upper two stars (ξ², α² ) govern roads, the next two (β¹, ρ) govern bridges, and the next two (π, ο) govern the Southern Yi. The central star (β¹) governs the ox; its movement brings misfortune to the ox. Its brightness and size indicate a prosperous royal rule. Its curve indicates high grain prices. It is also said that a bright and large star indicates smooth passage through passes and high prices for cattle; an angry star indicates high prices for horses; an unclear and abnormal star indicates a poor harvest; a small star indicates low prices for cattle. If the central star moves up or down, many cattle will die. If a small star disappears, many cattle will suffer from disease. A halo around the moon indicates the loss of calves. If Venus and Mars are involved, there will be war; if Mercury and Saturn are involved, it is auspicious. [2]
Song History (1346)
The Ox asterism consists of six stars that serve as the celestial passes and bridges, governing matters related to sacrificial animals. Of the two stars to the north, one is known as Jilu “Road” (ξ²) and the other as Juhuo “Gathered Fire” (α²). It is further said that the uppermost star (ξ²) governs roads; the next two (α², β¹) govern passes and bridges; and the remaining three (π, ο, ρ) govern the region of Nanyue.
If the stars shine brightly and large, the royal way flourishes, thoroughfares remain open, and the price of oxen rises; if they appear agitated, the price of horses rises; if they are disturbed, disaster strikes the oxen, leading to high mortality. If they appear yellow upon first rising, the price of soybeans drops; if red, the beans will be infested with insects; if green, the price of soybeans rises. If the stars appear in a straight line, the price of grain is low; if curved, the price is high.
A solar eclipse signals the division of forces and the outbreak of war; a halo around the sun signifies distress for a yin-natured state and the onset of hostilities.
A lunar eclipse heralds warfare; a lunar halo presages floods, the prominence of women, crop failure, widespread sudden deaths among cattle, and frequent illness among children. If a lunar halo appears during the three months of winter, an amnesty will be granted within 140 days; if a large star appears in the center of the halo, a high-ranking general will be executed.
If the moon encroaches upon the asterism, floods and cattle deaths will occur, and the state will face misfortune.
If Mercury encroaches, armies will be defeated and generals replaced, and ministers will conspire against their lords.
If Venus encroaches, communications between feudal lords will be severed; if it lingers, war will break out in the state; if it enters the asterism, military plots will be hatched, and there will be heavy loss of life.
If Mars encroaches upon it, feudal lords will fall ill and ministers will plot against their rulers; if it lingers, crops will fail and war will erupt; if it enters or exits while lingering south of the Dipper, an amnesty will be granted.
If Jupiter enters or encroaches upon it, feudal lords will fail to meet their obligations; if it lingers there, cattle will suffer epidemics and crops will be damaged; if positioned to the east, it bodes ill for children; to the west, it brings wind and snow; to the north, it causes the displacement of the populace; if it moves in retrograde, fire will break out within the palace; if it remains for thirty to ninety days, the world will enjoy peace, and virtue and righteousness will prevail.
If Saturn encroaches upon it, earthworks will be undertaken; if it lingers there, rain and snow will fall, and both people and livestock will fall ill.
If a guest star encroaches upon or lingers at the asterism, the price of cattle and horses will rise, and war will erupt in the region of Yue; if it departs, many cattle will die, earthquakes will occur, and the price of horses will rise.
If a comet encroaches, war will break out in the territory of Wu; if it appears, grain prices will soar and cattle will die.
If a broom star (bo) encroaches, the reign title will be changed, grain prices will rise, many cattle will die, war will break out between Wu and Yue, and a usurper will rise from the ranks of the common people.
If a meteor encroaches, the ruler will seek to alter state affairs; if this happens in spring or summer, the grain harvest will be bountiful; if in autumn or winter, grain prices will be high; if the meteor is black, cattle and horses will thrive, and tribute will flow through the passes and bridges.
If a pale, bluish-grey cloud formation cuts across the asterism, it heralds war and mourning; if red, it also signifies war; if yellow-white vapor enters, cattle will multiply; if black, cattle will die. [3]
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