16♊20 to 28♊46
The 21st Chinese lunar mansion is named 参宿 Shēn Su, “Shēn Mansion.” It is the 7th of the 7 mansions of the Vermilion Bird of the South.
The 1st asterism of the Shen Mansion is also called 参 Shēn, “Three Stars.” It represents the 3 stars of Orion’s Belt with 2 stars on each side. It is composed of 7 bright stars of the constellation Orion. [1]
| 2000 | 2050 | IAU | Chinese | Orb |
| 24♊41 | 25♊23 | ζ Ori | Shen Su Yi (1) | 2°20′ |
| 23♊28 | 24♊10 | ε Ori | Shen Su Er (2) | 2°20′ |
| 22♊22 | 23♊04 | δ Ori | Shen Su San (3) | 2°10′ |
| 28♊46 | 29♊28 | α Ori | Shen Su Si (4) | 2°40′ |
| 20♊57 | 21♊40 | γ Ori | Shen Su Wu (5) | 2°20′ |
| 26♊24 | 27♊06 | κ Ori | Shen Su Liu (6) | 2°10′ |
| 16♊20 | 17♊32 | β Ori | Shen Su Qi (7) | 2°40′ |
Constellation Shen the Three Stars
16♊20 to 28♊46
Those born under the constellation Shen are talented and trustworthy, calm under pressure, but lack patience, are prone to impulsiveness, and may have a rebellious or restless streak. If they cannot tolerate criticism and blame from others, they may find themselves isolated.
The constellation Shen has seven stars, with three stars in the middle and two stars on each side. All seven stars are very bright and conspicuous in the sky. It is directly opposite the star Antares, hence the saying “disagreements are like the stars of Orion and Antares” and “brothers who are not on good terms do not meet.”
It belongs to the water element and is associated with the ape. It is the seventh constellation in the west, located on the chest of the White Tiger. Although it is the last of the seven constellations, it is the most vital part, hence the constellation Shen is generally considered auspicious.
Construction under the constellation of Shen will bring prosperity, wealth and glory surpassing even that of Shi Chong, and auspicious burials and marriages will be blessed with abundant clothing, food, cattle, and horses.
The constellation Shen (参) is described in the Xibu Tiange as: “The seven stars of Shen (参) illuminate the night sky, with two shoulders, two feet, and three forming the waist.” This illustrates the striking prominence of Shen in the night sky. From winter to early summer of the following year, Shen is one of the most prominent constellations. The Tang Feng states: “Three stars, Shen (参).” Shen is a pictographic representation, symbolizing the three stars of the belt. The Zuo Zhuan says: “In the past, Emperor Gaoxin had two sons, the elder named Ebo and the younger named Shishen. They lived in a remote forest and could not get along. They fought each other daily. Later, the emperor disapproved and moved Ebo to Shangqiu, where he was put in charge of Chen (辰). The Shang people followed this, hence Chen is the Shang star. Shishen was moved to Daxia, where he was put in charge of Shen (参).” Chen is the constellation Antares (心宿). The right ascension of Shen (参) and Antares (心宿) differs by approximately 180 degrees, meaning people in the same location cannot see them at the same time. Hence the saying, “Shen and Shang cannot see each other.”
The Water Ape: Zi Cong Guan, Zhong Shen, is presided over by the Star God Shen. There are eight Zhong Shen, surnamed Tong, named Xu Shu, wearing yellow and scarlet robes, carrying swords, and presided over by the Star God Shen. [2]
Ma Duanlin (1317)
The three stars of Orion invade each other; the two shoulders and two feet form the heart, and the three stars of the calamity are deep within the feet. The four stars of the Jade Well are on the right foot, the two screen stars are on the south side of the well, and the four stars of the Army Well are on the screen. The four stars of the left foot are below the Heavenly Toilet, and below the toilet is something that sinks into the heavenly excrement.
The constellation Shen (参) is located at ten degrees, above the central axis of the five planets, the sun, and the moon. Gan Shi (甘氏) says that Shen represents the son of a loyal, virtuous, filial, and respectful person. When it is bright and large, it signifies loyal ministers and filial sons, peace and good fortune; when it moves, it signifies the killing of loyal ministers. It is also called Shenfa (参伐), Dachen (大辰), Tianshi (天市), and Fuyue (鈇钺), signifying execution and slaughter. It also represents the Heavenly Prison, signifying killing, slaughter and warfare. Furthermore, it represents the balance of power, used for fairness and order. It also governs border cities and is associated with the nine interpreters, hence its movement is discouraged. Shen resembles a white beast, with three stars arranged horizontally within it, representing three generals. The northeast is called the left shoulder, representing the left general; the northwest is called the right shoulder, representing the right general; the southeast is called the left foot, representing the rear general; and the southwest is called the right foot, representing the detached general. Therefore, in the Huangdi Zhan (黄帝占), Shen corresponds to seven generals, and the three small stars in the center are called Fa (伐), representing the Heavenly Commandant, signifying the states of the Hu, Xianbei, Rong, and Di, hence its brightness is discouraged. It is also said that when all seven generals are bright, the army of the world is well-trained. When the Way of the King is lacking, sharp edges and horns appear. When the stars of the stars Shen and Ming are in harmony, ministers plot rebellion, and war breaks out. When the star Shen loses its color, the army is scattered and defeated. When the stars are bright and swaying, border troubles arise, and war breaks out throughout the land; it also signifies a major battle and matters of beheading and annihilation. [3]
Song History (1346)
Shen Su consists of ten stars: one is called Canfa, another Tian Shi, a third Dachen, and the fourth Fusue. They oversee the cutting down or harvesting of all things to assist yin energy; they also represent Heaven’s prison, governing execution and wielding authority to carry out punishment. Additionally, they symbolize scales and weights, used for fairness and justice. Furthermore, they preside over border cities and serve as a conduit for nine levels of translation; their movement is undesirable. Shen represents the body of the White Tiger.
Among its stars, the three arranged horizontally are the Three Generals: – The one in the northeast is called Zu Jian (Left Shoulder), representing the Left General; – The one in the northwest is You Jian (Right Shoulder), representing the Right General; – The star in the southeast is Zu Zu (Left Foot), symbolizing the Rear General; – The star in the southwest is You Zu (Right Foot), signifying the Deputy General. Shen corresponds to seven generals; the three small central stars are called Fa, representing Tian Duyi (Heaven’s Chief 尉), who oversees Xianbei and foreign nations. It is undesirable for these stars to be bright. If the seven generals’ stars are all bright and prominent, it signifies a well-disciplined and powerful military force. If royal virtue declines or governance is lacking, their star patterns may appear sharp-edged (mangjiao) as if stretched outward. If the Fa stars shine equally with Shen, ministers will conspire, and warfare erupts; should they lose color, armies disband in defeat. If these stars display sharp edges or movement, urgent military action is taken along the borders, and executions or punitive campaigns follow. If their positions shift, it indicates that outsiders will attack the sovereign.
If the shoulder stars (Betelgeuse and Bellatrix) are faint or dim, the realm’s military strength weakens. If the left foot star (Rigel) enters Yu Jing (the Jade Well), warfare erupts; Qin territory experiences great floods and mourning, with mountains and stones displaying strange phenomena.
If these stars appear irregular or misaligned, royal ministers become disloyal. If the left thigh star disappears, it is inauspicious and unwise to wage war in the southeast. The right thigh star governs the northwest region. It is also said that when Shen’s foot stars shift northward, it signifies advancement; generals will emerge and achieve success. If they move southward, it indicates retreat or decline, and generals lose their influence. If the three main stars of Shen appear widely spaced, laws and decrees become strict and oppressive.
A solar eclipse signifies that high-ranking ministers face distress; subordinates will turn against one another in violence, and a yin-aligned nation or force grows powerful. If the Sun is encircled by a halo (sun ring), it indicates that someone will come seeking peace through marriage alliances; alternatively, this portends a great famine.
If the Moon is eclipsed in this region, warfare ensues; subordinates plot against their superiors. A high-ranking minister will be executed. In its corresponding territory, a great famine occurs; foreign generals die, and new decrees or policies are issued across the realm. If a halo forms around the Moon, it signifies that a general will die, people will suffer misfortune, and warfare will become chaotic or disadvantageous.
If the Moon transgresses Shen Su, high-ranking ministers face anxiety; warfare erupts, and people suffer from famine. If it transgresses Canfa (the stars of Shen), a deputy general will die.
If Jupiter transgresses this region, floods and droughts occur unpredictably; a great plague breaks out, leading to famine. If it remains over Shen Su for an extended period, war erupts, and plagues afflict people. If it enters this area, the realm undergoes political change or reform.
If Mars transgresses the Shen Su region, it signifies warfare or internal unrest in the territories of Qin and Yan. If Mars remains over this area for an extended period, droughts and military conflicts will occur, causing instability in all directions. If Mars moves backward (retrograde) into this region, great famine follows.
If Saturn transgresses the Shen Su area, there will be rebellious ministers. If it remains over this region for a long time, its corresponding territory faces destruction; treacherous ministers plot rebellion. Some sources say that mourning follows, affecting the queen or imperial concubines. If Saturn moves in reverse (retrograde) and lingers here, warfare erupts.
If Venus transgresses Shen Su or remains over this region for an extended time, it signifies that the realm mobilizes its armies. High-ranking officials will rebel, causing chaos; the state undergoes political upheaval, and fierce battles erupt among border populations.
If Mercury transgresses the Shen Su constellation, it signifies flooding or warfare; a high-ranking minister will be demoted or dismissed. If Mercury appears in the west alongside Shen (the Three Stars), drought follows and a high-ranking official is executed. If it remains over this region in retrograde motion, warfare erupts. Alternatively, If Mercury lingers here while moving backward (retrograde), military conflict ensues.
If a guest star enters and transgresses Shen Su, there will be executions or punitive actions within the realm. If it remains over this area, border regions lose territory; if cloud formations encircle it, border generals face similar fates of execution or suppression.
If a comet transgresses Shen Su, border forces suffer defeat, and the ruler perishes; this may occur within three years. If the comet passes directly through this region with white coloration, it signifies warfare or mourning. If a star suddenly flares up (Bo) in the Shen Su constellation, both the ruler and ministers face anxiety, and the state’s military forces suffer defeat.
If a meteor enters and transgresses this region, whoever first raises an army will perish. The Yisi Zhan states: “If a meteor emerges with bright and smooth light, the borders will be at peace; there will be an amnesty, and prisons will empty.”
If blue cloud formations enter and transgress Shen Su, the Son of Heaven will construct border cities. If bluish-white, it signifies ministerial rebellion; if red, internal warfare erupts. Yellow clouds with a moist luster indicate that a high-ranking general receives rewards or honors. Black clouds portend water disasters and distress for senior ministers. If white cloud formations pass through Shen Su, generals will die, and the emperor will fall ill.
According to the Han Dynasty’s Yongyuan Bronze Instrument, Shen Su spans eight degrees in size. Previously recorded as 94 degrees from the celestial pole (North Ecliptic Pole). During the Jingyou measurements and verification, Shen Su’s ten stars span a total of ten degrees; its right foot star extends into the Bi constellation by thirteen degrees. [4]