twenty-eight Chinese asterisms; lunar mansions
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
twenty-eight lunar mansions; Chinese asterisms
formalA fundamental system in traditional Chinese astronomy and astrology, used to map the celestial sphere and track the motion of the moon. Each 'xiù' (宿) refers to a constellation or asterism.
The Twenty-Eight Mansions are an important creation of ancient Chinese astronomy.
The ancients used the Twenty-Eight Mansions to formulate calendars and conduct divination.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
This star chart depicts all twenty-eight asterisms.
noun
the four celestial symbols (Azure Dragon, Black Tortoise, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird) and their seven mansions each
formalRefers to the specific grouping of the twenty-eight mansions into four celestial symbols, each governing a cardinal direction and associated with a mythological creature.
The Azure Dragon of the East comprises the seven mansions of Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, and Ji.
The system of the Twenty-Eight Mansions also influenced the astronomy of ancient India and Arabia.