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05♋48 to 20♋28
The 2nd asterism of the Ziwei (Purple Forbidden) Enclosure is named 四輔 Sìfǔ, “Four Advisors.” It represents the four ministers who assisted the ancient Emperor Chen on the left and right. It contains 4 stars in the constellations Ursa Minor and Camelopardalis. [1]
The four Sifu stars in the Stellarium map above are from the “Chinese Medieval” selection. Other sources have some different stars listed, but they do not correlate to the ancient descriptions of “Each is located four degrees away from the pole star.” [2]
| 2000 | 2050 | IAU | Chinese | Orb |
| 20♋28 | 21♋10 | HD 99945 (Cam) | Sifu Yi (1) | 1°00′ |
| 12♋07 | 12♋49 | HD 89571 (Cam) | Sifu Er (2) | 1°10′ |
| 05♋48 | 06♋30 | HD 107192 (UMi) | Sifu San (3) | 1°00′ |
| 17♋02 | 17♋44 | HD 133002 (UMi) | Sifu Si (4) | 1°00′ |
Sifu the Four Advisors
05♋48 to 20♋28
The Four Auxiliary Star Officials (Four Advisors) are named after the structural features of their orbits around the Tian Shu star (Σ 1694, Celestial Pivot), one of the five stars of the North Pole (Beiji), symbolizing the assistant ministers of the North Pole Heavenly Emperor.
They symbolize the assistant ministers of the North Pole Heavenly Emperor, presiding over the etiquette between the ruler and his ministers, and assisting in the governance of all nations. [3]
Ma Duanlin (1317)
The four stars embracing the North Pole are called the Four Assistants, assisting the North Pole in governing. Zhang Heng said: “The smaller stars embracing the North Pole represent the positions of ministers, who assist in managing all affairs. Small and bright is auspicious; too bright or with sharp points indicates ministers pressuring the emperor; dimness indicates incompetence in governance.” [4]
Song History (1346)
The Sifu Si Xing (Four Advisors Star Official), also known as the Sibi, is located near the pole star. These four stars are called the Four Neighbors of the Emperor; they serve to assist and support the North Pole Star (Σ 1694, Celestial Pivot) in measuring celestial degrees and bestowing governance. Each is located four degrees away from the pole star.
Hong Yun stated: “Sifu is also known as Zhongdou.” Some mistakenly consider it to represent the imperial harem; this interpretation is incorrect.
Wu Mi said: “If its light floats and moves, it is an ill omen; if bright but small, it is auspicious; if dim, then governance will be neglected.” If a guest star transgresses it, high-ranking ministers will suffer worries. If a comet transgresses it, powerful ministers will die. If a shooting star transgresses it, a high-ranking minister will be dismissed from office. If yellow or white clouds enter, the Sifu (Four Assistants) will experience good fortune. If white clouds enter, it indicates that a prime minister will lose his position. [2]