09♈09 to 14♈19
The 14th Chinese lunar mansion is named 壁宿 Bì Su, “Wall Mansion.” It is the 7th of the 7 mansions of the Black Tortoise of the North.
The 1st asterism of the Wall Mansion is also called 壁 Bì, “Wall.” It resembles a wall and is also called Dong Bi, “Eastern Wall, symbolizing the celestial library. Bi is composed of 2 stars of the constellations Andromeda and Pegasus. [1]
Note: The name “Bi” appears again in Chinese astronomy. The 19th mansion is named 畢 Bì, “Net.”
Constellation Bi the Wall
09♈09 to 14♈19
Those born under the Bi constellation are introverted and calm, with meticulous thoughts and thorough handling of affairs. They easily gain the trust of their superiors, but their interpersonal relationships are not particularly good. Their stubbornness and aloofness may cause others to misunderstand their inherent sense of justice. It is best for them to stay away from places of trouble and avoid gossip.
The constellation of Bi belongs to the water element and is associated with the animal Yu. Its shape resembles the wall surrounding the Shi mansion, hence the name Bi, “wall.” The constellation of Bi is auspicious and favorable, bringing good fortune to sacrifices and construction projects. Building or installing doors on this day will bring wealth within three to seven days.
The constellations Bi (Wall) and Shi (Room) are connected, and were anciently known as Ying Shi (Encampment) and Dong Bi (East Wall). Ying Shi originally consisted of four stars forming a square, with two stars each on the east and west sides, resembling a palace. Later, Dong Bi separated from Ying Shi, becoming the two constellations Shi and Bi.
The four stars of Dong Bi (Eastern Wall) and Xi Bi (Western Wall) form the famous quadrilateral of Pegasus. During the Spring and Autumn Period, the constellation Shi appeared in the southern sky at dusk in late autumn and early winter. This was the farming off-season, and people used the time to build houses in preparation for winter, hence the name Ying Shi. [1]
Bi is named for its resemblance to a wall because it is located east of Shi Mansion. Also called Dong Bi, “Eastern Wall,” it symbolizes the celestial library. It is in charge of the Heavenly Treasury and construction. In astrology, it symbolizes the library and is responsible for literature.
Ancient observers regarded Bi (Eastern Wall) as a concrete representation of the celestial library. The Guanxiang Wanzhan records that it “governs literature and is responsible for compiling and editing secret documents,” and is closely related to cultural and educational activities. The Book of Jin, Treatise on Astronomy records: “The two stars of the Eastern Wall govern literature and are the secret library of the world’s books.” The Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Yue wrote: “The Eastern Wall is the library, and the Western Garden is the forest of calligraphy and painting.”
In astrology, the constellation Wall is given a dual nature: Materially, it symbolizes the barrier of the homeland. The spiritual aspect is related to the inheritance of knowledge, which led to the function of managing the secret archives of articles and books. [2]
Bishui Mastiff
The Bi person is kind and compassionate, tending to prioritize feeling over logic and theory. They have a special appreciation for art and the beautiful things in life. They cannot stand idly by when others suffer, and are willing to sacrifice themselves for others. They may be easily manipulated by wicked people. However, because they are generally optimistic, they can recover quickly even from setbacks.
This person is destined to receive the favor of the king. They are careful and frugal in their dealings with their family, and have romantic relationships. They are good at making offerings to gods and Buddhas and are generous in giving alms. They are not particularly fond of studying Buddhist scriptures.
It is advisable to perform rituals for longevity and increased benefits. Traveling south is not advisable. Building cities is suitable. Acquiring clothing, wealth, marriage, and other auspicious activities are all auspicious.
Wall Constellation Advice
Those born under the Wall constellation are easily influenced by the atmosphere and may do things beyond their plans. Remember to stay true to your original intentions. Don’t let momentary feelings lead you to do things that are too outrageous, or you’ll regret it in the end. If you can learn to strengthen yourself and help others on a broader scale, not only will your efficiency increase, but your own losses will also be less. Wouldn’t that be better?
Machiavellianism is something you truly know how to use. A small number of Wall people, when they turn dark, are extremely adept at manipulating power. They themselves might even become deeply involved because they find it exciting and fun. There’s always something higher, and playing with fire can easily lead to self-destruction. If you use your calm, observant side to spread positive energy and help others, you will feel more of the world’s need for you and find true happiness.
Sometimes, you may be swindled out of a large sum of money because they are greedy for small, immediate gains. If they can recognize this, they can help themselves to stop themselves from going astray. [3]
Ma Duanlin (1317)
The Wall, at nine degrees, nine feet below, is the central axis of Heaven, governing literature and the secret repository of all books and documents in the world, as well as earthworks. When it is bright, books and documents gather, Taoist arts flourish, petty people retreat, and virtuous people advance. When stars lose their color, or vary in size, the emperor gains importance, military officials are lowly, scholars and books are hidden, and relatives and cronies turn away from evil. When stars move, earthworks occur; separation and relocation occur, concerning fields and houses. Solar and lunar eclipses harm virtuous officials. When the five planets collide, war breaks out, and earthworks are undertaken. [4]
Song History (1346)
The two stars of the Bi (Wall) Mansion govern literature and serve as the repository for the realm’s secret texts and records. When they shine brightly and large, a virtuous ruler rises, moral teachings prevail, and the nation abounds with men of noble character. If the stars lose their luster or vary abnormally in size, the ruler favors martial pursuits over classical scholarship, and the study of texts falls into neglect; if the stars stir or shift, major construction projects involving earthworks are imminent.
A solar eclipse in the Bi Mansion signifies the waning of yang and the rise of yin; it portends harm to the populace and a failure to employ talented men. A solar halo brings anxiety to eminent scholars.
A lunar eclipse causes distress among high officials, sidelines men of letters, and brings epidemics to the people. A lunar halo heralds wind and floods, and brings misfortune to the region associated with the mansion.
If the Moon encroaches upon it, the state faces trouble—specifically famine—and military conflict arises in the territory of Wei.
If Mercury encroaches, the state will focus on stockpiling and defense, and the ruler will enforce penal laws strictly; if it lingers, close ministers will face anxiety—interpretations include: a death or military conflict in the region; treacherous ministers plotting; or, if it lingers while in retrograde motion, bridges becoming impassable.
If Venus encroaches upon it by one or two cun [one cun = one finger’s width], the feudal lords will obey orders; if it lingers there, civil and military measures will be employed in tandem—interpretations include: an army exists but does not engage in battle; deaths occur involving the military; floods and heavy wind and rain; or frequent fires.
If Mars encroaches upon it, the territory of Wei faces trouble; if it lingers there, the state suffers drought, and the people go hungry, while the virtuous go unemployed; another interpretation holds that the King faces a major calamity.
If Jupiter encroaches upon it, water damages the five grains; if it lingers or encroaches and forms a gou-si (hook-like) pattern [stations retrograde or direct], war breaks out.
If Saturn encroaches upon or lingers at the position, state records and maps flourish, the King enjoys longevity, the realm sees abundant harvests, and the virtuous are employed; another interpretation holds that crops fail and the people suffer widespread illness; if it moves in retrograde to form a gou-si pattern [stations retrograde or direct], major earthworks are undertaken, and within sixty days, a new king ascends to the throne.
If a guest star encroaches, scholars and writers will die, or there will be mourning or casualties; if it enters, it signifies earthworks and flooding; if it lingers, the year will see much wind and rain; if it stations there, many cattle and horses will die.
If a comet encroaches, it signifies warfare and fire, or alternatively, great floods and the displacement of the populace.
If a bei star (a type of broom star or hazy comet) encroaches, it signifies warfare, fire, and floods.
If a meteor encroaches, literary pursuits will fall into neglect; however, the Yi-si Zhan states: “If the color is yellow-white, scholars and writers across the realm will be employed.”
If red cloud-vapor enters it, it signifies warfare; if black, the state beneath it will fall; if yellow, foreign states will offer tribute, or a hero of great mettle will rise in the realm.
According to the Han Dynasty Yongyuan copper instrument, the two stars of the Wall (Bi) asterism span nine degrees. Previously, their polar distance was recorded as eighty-six degrees. Measurements taken during the Jingyou era confirmed that the two stars of the Wall asterism span nine degrees, with the southern star at a polar distance of eighty-five degrees. [5]