Shi Asterism – Room (Encampment)

The 13th Chinese lunar mansion is named 室 Shi, meaning “Room” or “Encampment.” It contains 11 asterisms from the constellations Aquarius, Pisces and Pegasus.

The first asterism of this lunar mansion is also called Shi. It represents a military camp and is composed of the 2 main stars of Pegasus: ^[1]

2000	Chinese	Western	Orb
23♓29	Shi Su Yi, Room 1	α Peg, Markab	2°10′
29♓23	Shi Su Er, Room 2	β Peg, Scheat	2°10′

The Constellation Shi

21♓19 to 01♈33

The constellation 室 (Shi) represents the Emperor’s palace, the ancestral temple, and the granaries of the king’s three armies, hence the presence of the Imperial Guards. It also represents the walkways of the detached palace. ^[2]

Shi is the sixth mansion in the north (Black Tortoise of the North). It is named “Shi” because its star clusters resemble a house (like a house covering a tortoise and a snake). A house is a place to live and a necessity for people, so the Shi mansion is mostly auspicious. In ancient times, the appearance of this constellation was believed to signify the need to build houses in preparation for the harsh winter. ^[1]

The ancients observed the brightness of the Shi constellation to predict national prosperity or widespread chaos. The Room constellation governs human affairs such as official residences, government offices, documents, military supplies, and treasuries, and is also responsible for matters of stagnation and obstruction. ^[3]

Shi (室) is associated with:
1. The emperor’s temporary palaces and detached residences.
2. Civil engineering and construction projects.
3. The northern battlefield where the Emperor personally led his troops.

In astrology, Shi gives a strong, competitive, fierce and aggressive nature. People born under Shi are generally fortunate, capable individuals who experience hardship in their youth but gradually gain fame in middle age and enjoy a smooth old age.

Those born under Shi enjoy socializing and are ambitious, but also self-centered. They possess an independent spirit in their careers and are suitable for a variety of industries. They have good financial luck, but may also be prone to overspending and relying on loans. ^[4]

Shi Personality

People born under Shi are decisive and fierce. Their nature is prone to anger, lust, and robbery. They can walk at night without fear. However, they are impulsive, irritable, and lack compassion. They are suited to performing solemn and serious deeds, investigating and punishing wrongdoing, and eliminating villains. They should not engage in deceitful or hostile acts.

Outwardly confident and strong-willed, this heroic individual, believing themselves to be a chosen one, is highly driven towards their goals, holds themselves to high standards, and craves attention. However, they also have a vulnerable side; criticism from those around them can easily cause them great distress. While their everyday interactions may appear aloof, they possess strong family values and a high sense of responsibility. Because they are fully focused as they climb towards their goals, they can achieve outstanding results more quickly.

On the surface, people born under Shi are carefree and easygoing, but in reality, they are very sensitive and adept at observing others’ psychology. However, because they tend to say whatever comes to mind, they are easily taken advantage of or deceived. While they enjoy being admired and adorn themselves with flashy, high-end items, their true passion lies in more classical things. Poetry, calligraphy, and painting can nourish them, and antiques and artifacts are also areas of interest.

Those born under the Shi constellation may not have the best fortune in their youth, but their luck will peak in middle age. One interpretation of this constellation is that in old age, accumulated wealth is easily schemed against and taken away by others. However, if one pays close attention to those around them in their youth, accumulates good karma, and has faith, they can enjoy a happy old age surrounded by children and grandchildren.

Men born under this constellation are often strong-willed, decisive, and chauvinistic. They enjoy being admired and worshipped, and therefore pay particular attention to their appearance. In their youth, they often have many ambiguous relationships with women. If they have the means, they like to buy luxury cars and expensive watches. Men born under this constellation will not miss out on any possessions that can attract attention.

Women tend to be diligent and capable, and relatively low-key. They are hardworking and meticulous, earning the respect of those around them. Rather than focusing on outward appearances, they pay more attention to improving their personal qualities, enjoying activities like exercising to maintain their figure or taking a world trip to broaden their horizons.

During his childhood, he came from a relatively well-off family and was known as the “bully” among children. He would sometimes lead a group of kids to bully the weak, causing his parents a lot of headaches. His physical education grades were more outstanding than his academic performance. He was often the center of attention in class and liked to do daring things to attract others’ attention. However, his physical health wasn’t very good during childhood, and he frequently suffered from bruises, sprains, or fevers.

During their youth, their physical condition improves, and their financial fortune also rises. Those born under Shi may feel that academic qualifications are not the most important thing, so whether they get into a good university depends entirely on their willingness. During this period, those born under Shi tend to be superficial in their actions, acting impulsively to create something extraordinary, simply to attract attention. However, their overconfidence can easily lead to gossip and trouble. In this respect, women born under Shi are much more stable than men. Although women may feel they are the most adorable and outstanding, they are more tactful in their dealings with others, strive to improve themselves, and are relatively more stable.

In reality, while those born under Shi enjoy being hailed as heroes, they also secretly exert themselves in ways worthy of heroism. By striving to be the best Room person possible, regardless of the sacrifices required, they will naturally achieve respectable results.

Shi Love Life

Both men and women born in the Room constellation are work-oriented and tend to invest less energy in relationships. Even after starting a relationship, they won’t let it interfere with their work.

The Shi constellation is actually very suitable for marriage. It represents a sense of interconnectedness, meaning that as a family, if I am well, then you are well too. If you are not well, I will not be well either. Therefore, the Room constellation represents a strong family-oriented type. Among the lunar mansions, it is the most doting on children.

Men

Men tend to be quite chauvinistic in relationships, preferring supportive partners who understand and support their dreams. Often, after the initial infatuation fades, they become less talkative, preferring to tell friends how much they love their partner rather than directly revealing it. They also frequently neglect their girlfriends, focusing solely on work. A small percentage of Shi men have many romantic interests, believing that these women are not as important as their girlfriends, yet they stubbornly prevent their girlfriends from interfering with their friendships, causing them great hurt.

Because of the abundance of potential partners in their youth, entering into marriage may face obstacles. There’s also a possibility of marriage due to a premarital pregnancy. The more mature a person is, the more responsible they are, so later marriage is generally better. After marriage, men born under the “Room” sign will work extremely hard, doing their utmost to ensure their wives and children don’t suffer. They desire to be seen as the sun at home, hoping their wives and children can enjoy a happier life because of their presence. ^[5]

Men of this zodiac sign may have homosexual tendencies. They are emotionally rich and persuasive towards women, and can win their hearts with sweet words. However, some men cherish their beloved partners and are hedonists. People of this zodiac sign tend to marry early and have good fortune with their families and children. As long as their desires are not too strong, they can have happy marriages and successful careers. ^[6]

Women

Women born in Shi are attracted to glamorous men as boyfriends. They are incredibly devoted in relationships and shower their partners with care. Even if something in their relationship makes them unhappy, it won’t affect their work. While outwardly strong and independent, Room women become incredibly affectionate and considerate in love. They don’t need to see their partners every day and trust them implicitly, not being clingy. They are content with enjoying romantic moments together outside of work.

Women born under Shi fall into two categories: those who marry young and are more likely to fully dedicate themselves to family life, putting their husbands first and sacrificing everything for their families; and independent, confident career women who choose to marry late or remain single due to busy work schedules or the belief that they can live a fulfilling life without marriage. Even after marriage, they will still prioritize their families. ^[5]

Women of this zodiac sign are not flirtatious; they are strong-willed, have a hearty laugh, are popular with men, and possess the charm of ancient beauties. They may marry young, pursue a romantic life, and become the eldest sister in their family after marriage, with successful husbands. ^[6]

Shi Careers

Those born under Shi are enthusiastic and enjoy showcasing themselves, making them well-suited for the performing arts. Trade industries requiring significant travel are also highly suitable. Those with strong ambitions are well-suited for careers in finance and real estate. Furthermore, their innate interest in classical objects makes them well-suited for businesses dealing in calligraphy, paintings, and antiques, or as appraisers. ^[5]

People of Shi are independent and well-suited for business or independent careers. They can leverage their eloquence to pursue careers as lawyers, teachers, or in the tourism, catering, and service industries. Women are well-suited for professions such as tour guides, nurses, performers, designers, and flight attendants. Utilizing their strong interpersonal skills to find suitable work will greatly increase their chances of success. ^[6]

Shi Transits

With Sun: If the house is built and the fields are farmed, then generations of descendants will be close to kings and nobles.
May wealth and glory descend from heaven, and may you live as long as Peng Zu, eight thousand years.
Opening the door and releasing water brings wealth and prosperity, and harmonious marriages bring forth noble children.
If the burial is carried out on this day, the family will prosper and enjoy endless blessings.
Suitable for: weddings, relocation, construction, sacrifices, and well-digging.
Taboo: Funeral ceremonies.
People born on this day may experience setbacks in their youth, but will have hope in their old age. They should be careful to avoid losing items while traveling. ^[6]

A bright star signifies national prosperity.

A dim or small star indicates that sacrifices to gods and spirits will not be offered.

Movement indicates construction work; incompleteness indicates worry for descendants.

No light and no movement indicate peace throughout the land.

A solar eclipse in Shi signifies the ruler’s worry, the king’s military campaign, or, in another interpretation, the army running out of food and soldiers dying. A solar halo signifies national worry, and the empress’s worry leading to her deposition.

A lunar eclipse, in its portion, indicates construction work and famine. A lunar halo represents water, fire, and wind. If the moon encroaches upon it, it signifies construction work and weeping.

If Jupiter encroaches upon it, there will be an emergency and war; if it enters it, the emperor will grant amnesty, and titles and rewards will be bestowed upon the people; if it is east of Shi, many people will die; if north of Shi, the people will worry; it is also said that if it is guarded, there will be many fires in the palace, the ruler will be uneasy, and the people will suffer from plague.

When Mars afflicts Shi, the harvest will be poor; if it guards the heavens, there will be minor disasters, such as drought or fire, and grain prices will be high; if it guards the heavens in retrograde motion, ministers will plot rebellion; if it enters the heavens, palaces will be built and renovated; if it forms a conjunction with the constellation Gou Si, the emperor will lose his palace.

When Saturn afflicts Shi, there will be war; if it guards the heavens, the emperor will move his palace, the empress and consorts will be worried, passes and bridges will be blocked, and many nobles will die; if it guards the heavens for a long time, the high officials will dislike it, and it will be resolved with a pardon, which is auspicious; if it moves in retrograde motion, the empress will be unrestrained in her comings and goings; if it stays for sixty days, construction projects will begin.

When Venus afflicts Shi by about five inches, the emperor’s decrees will not be effective; if it guards the heavens, there will be great fear of war, and it will be resolved with a pardon; it also means that the crown prince and empress are plotting; if it guards the heavens in Gou Si or moves in retrograde motion, the emperor will depose the empress and consorts, there will be a great funeral, and palace women will be unrestrained; if it is one foot away from the palace, the emperor’s authority will not be effective; if it stays for sixty days, the emperor will die; if it enters the heavens, there will be violent armies.

When Mercury afflicts Shi, there will be water; if it enters the heavens, the empress will be worried, and the feudal lords will rise up in the northwest.

When a guest star enters Shi, the emperor will be involved in military affairs; the army will be hungry; the general will leave; and foreign troops will arrive. If it appears in the house, the first to start the war will be defeated.

When a comet appears, the same divination applies; if it enters or exits the palace, the emperor is weak and unable to fight; if it enters or exits the palace, the one who starts the war first will win. Another interpretation is that if it appears in the house, it signifies a great flood. If a comet enters or exits the palace, the one who starts the war first will win; if it appears, there will be minor disasters and chaos in the harem. Wu Mi said: “When a comet appears, its meaning is war and loss; according to the Daoist canon, the house specifically governs war.”

When a meteor enters Shi, the army will lack provisions; in spring and summer, the general will be demoted; in autumn and winter, floods will occur. The divination for the year Yi Si states: “When a meteor appears or exits, if it is yellow and lustrous, the army will have abundant provisions, the five grains will be plentiful, and the country will be peaceful and the people happy.”

When clouds enter Shi, yellow indicates earthworks; pale indicates the emperor’s displeasure; red indicates war and disease among the people; black indicates the emperor’s worry. ^[2]