The Lunar Mansions

Contents:
1. The Arabic Lunar Mansions (manzils)
2. The Hindu Lunar Mansions (nakshatras)
3. The Chinese Lunar Mansions (sieu)


Allen’s explanation of the Lunar Mansions here


From The Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology,

Vivian E. Robson, 1923

CHAPTER III, p.68 – 91.

In considering the classification of stars into groups, and the influences attaching to these divisions, it is necessary to include the lunar mansions, which are probably much older than either the constellations or the ordinary solar zodiac now in use. These mansions form a lunar zodiac of 28, or sometimes 27 divisions, each one of which roughly marks the distance travelled by the Moon in one day, and, although they undoubtedly underlay all the ancient systems of astrology, and three separate series have come down to us from Arabia, India and China respectively, all of which appear to be variants of some single lost system, our knowledge of their several influences is exceedingly meagre. More details are available of the Arabian system perhaps than of the others, and in this the influence of each mansion will be found to correspond more or less closely with the Ptolemaic nature of the stars included in it.

The method of employing the lunar mansions in practical astrology is not at all properly understood, and it is even doubtful how they should be measured. As given here they are in their original form and refer to groups of stars. Thus they are exactly analogous to the zodiac of constellations and may be used in the {69} same way as that is. All the early series of mansions began with the star Alcyone, and presumably were fixed when that star marked the vernal equinox, but since then the starting point has been changed and in each case now lies in Aries, the 1st mansion being the 27th in the lists here given. Used in this way they form a subsidiary series of constellations, each of which probably exercises a specific influence upon the bodies falling within its boundaries.

It is quite conformable to modern astrological practice, however, to refer the mansions to the ecliptic circle, making them each of equal extent, namely, 12 51′, and beginning the 27th mansion in the lists from 0 Aries. In this way they would correspond to the zodiac of signs and retain their constellation influence sympathetically, just as the signs correspond in effect, though not in space, to the constellations. The former method is the original one and is still in use among Hindu astrologers, while the latter is utilized in the theory of the pie-natal epoch in which it is found that the initial degree of each mansion of 12 51′ influences the determination of sex. Furthermore it is known that many planets in these degrees bring fame or notoriety, the nature of which depends upon their sign and house position in the horoscope, and that the directional passage of the Moon from one mansion to another marks a change in the general current of events. Beyond this, however, we have no information, and the whole matter needs careful investigation. When referred to the ecliptic in this way, the initial degrees of the mansions are as follows: {70}

Aries Cancer Libra Capricornus – 0 0′,   12 51′,    25 43′.

Taurus Leo Scorpius Aquarius – 8 34′,   21 26′.

Gemini Virgo Sagittarius Pisces – 4 17′,   17 9′.

In the following lists will be found the three main systems, namely the Arabic manzils, the Hindu nakshatras, and the Chinese sieu (Houses), with the longitude of the determinant star for 1st January, 1920 (updated to 2007), and as much information as possible as to the nature of each so as to form a basis for future study and research.

THE ARABIC MANSIONS (manzils)

[p.70] 1. Al Thurayya. eta Taurus [Alcyone]. 0GEM05′ in 2007. The Many Little Ones. Profitable to sailors, huntsmen and alchemists. With Moon here in the case of an election, plant and sow but do not marry or travel by water.

2. Al Dabaran. alpha Taurus [Aldebaran]. 9GEM52′ in 2007. The Follower. Causes the destruction and hindrances of buildings, fountains, wells, gold mines, the flight of creeping things, and begets discord. With Moon here, pursue business, travel, marry and take medicine.

3. Al Hak’ah. lambda [Meissa] with phi Orion .  23GEM47′ in 2007. A White Spot. Helps the return from a journey, the instruction of scholars, building, and gives health and goodwill. With Moon here, begin war but do not sow or undertake any good. {71}

4. [p.71] Al Han’ah. gamma Gemini [Alhena]. 9CAN11′ in 2007. A Brand or Mark. Favorable for hunting, besieging towns, and the revenge of princes, destroys harvests and fruits, and hinders the operation of the physician. With Moon here, plough, sow, but do not travel.

5. Al Dhira. alpha with beta Gemini (Castor and Pollux). 20CAN19′ in 2007. The Forearm. Favorable for gain and friendship and for lovers, and destroys magistracies. With Moon here, travel and take medicine.

6. Al Nathrah. 44 M Cancer (PRAESAEPE). 7LEO25′ in 2007. The Gap or Crib. Causes love, friendship and society of fellow travelers, drives away mice, afflicts captives and causes their imprisonment. With Moon here, navigate.

7. Al Tarf. lambda Leo (Alterf). 17LEO57′ in 2007. The Glance (of the Lion’s Eye). Hinders harvest and travelers and causes discord. With Moon here, plant, build, marry, but do not travel.

8. Al Jabhah. alpha [Regulus] with gamma [Algieba], zeta [Adhafera], and eta [Al JabhahLeo. 29LEO55′ in 2007. The Forehead. Strengthens buildings, promotes love, benevolence, and help against enemies. With Moon here, sow, plant, release prisoners but take no purgatives.

9. Al Zubrah. delta [Zosma] with theta Leo [Coxa]. 11VIR24′ in 2007. The Mane. Good for voyages, gain by {72} merchandise, redemption of captives. With Moon here, plant, marry but do not navigate.

10. Al Sarfah. beta Leo [Denebola]. 21VIR42′ in 2007. The Changer (of the weather). Gives prosperity to harvest and plantations, hinders seamen, good for the bettering of servants, captives and companions. With Moon here, travel, navigate, sow, plough, marry and send messengers. [p.72]

11. Al Awwa. beta [Zavijava] with eta [Zaniah], gamma [Porrima], delta [Auva], and epsilon [VindemiatrixVirgo. 27VIR14 in 2007. The Barker. Gives benevolence, gain, voyages, harvests and freedom of captives. With Moon here, sow, plant, take medicine but do not travel or marry.

12. Al Simak. alpha Virgo [Spica]. 23LIB55′ in 2007. The Unarmed. Causes marital love, cures the sick, helps sailors but hinders journeys by land. With Moon here, dig but do not marry or travel.

13. Al Ghafr. iota [Syrma] with kappa Virgo. 3SCO53′ in 2007. The Covering. Favorable for extracting treasures, digging pits, helps divorce, discord, the destruction of houses and enemies, and hinders travelers. With Moon here, unfortunate for anything.

14. Al Jubana. alpha [Zuben Elgenubi] with beta [ZubenelschemaliLibra. 15SCO10′ in 2007. The Claws. Hinders journeys and marriage, harvest and merchandise, favorable for redemption of captives. With Moon here, buy cattle but do not navigate {73}

15. Iklil al Jabhah. beta [Acrab] with delta [Dschubba] and pi Scorpius. 3SAG12′ in 2007. The Crown of the Forehead. Improves misfortune, makes love durable, strengthens buildings and helps seamen. With Moon here, build, sow, plant, navigate but do not marry.

16. Al Kalb. alpha Scorpius [Antares]. 9SAG51′ in 2007. The Heart. Causes discord, sedition, conspiracy against princes and rulers, and revenge from enemies, but frees captives and helps building. With Moon here, plant, sow, travel and go to war.

17. Al Shaulah. lambda [Shaula] with upsilon Scorpius [Lesath]. 24SAG40′ in 2007. The Sting. Helps in besieging cities, taking towns, driving men from their places, destruction of seamen and captives. With Moon here, buy cattle, hunt but do not marry.

18. Al Na’am. zeta [Ascella] with sigma [Nunki], tau, and phi Sagittarius. 13CAP43′ in 2007. The Ostriches. Helps the taming of wild beasts, strengthening of prisons, destroys the wealth of societies and compels a man to come to a certain place. With Moon here, build, ask favors but do not marry.

19. Al Baldah. pi Sagittarius [Albadah]. 16CAP20′ in 2007. The City or District. Favorable for harvest, gain, buildings, and travelers, but causes divorce. With Moon here take medicine, navigate and put on new clothes. {74}

20. Al Sa’d al Dhabih. alpha [Giedi Prima] with beta [DahibCapricornus. 4AQU08′ in 2007. The Lucky One of the Slaughterers. Helps the escape of servants and captives and the curing of diseases. With Moon here, take medicine, travel, but do not lend money or marry.

21. Al Sa’d al Bula. mu with nu Aquarius. 13AQU05′ in 2007 (Alan lists Epsilon (ε) AquariusAlbali, as the brightest star in this mansion). The Good Fortune of the Swallower. Causes divorces, liberty of captives and heals the sick. With Moon here, marry, sow, take medicine and lead an army.

22. Al Sa’d al Su’ud. beta [Sadalsuud] with xi Aquarius. 23AQU29′ in 2007. The Luckiest of the Lucky. Gives marital happiness, victory of soldiers but prevents the execution of government. With Moon here, build, marry, make friends and travel.

23. Al Sa’d al Ahbiyah. gamma [Sadalbachia] with alpha [Sadalmelik], zeta, eta and pi, Aquarius. 6PIS48′ in 2007. The Lucky Star of Hidden Things or Hiding Places. Favorable for besieging and revenge, destroys enemies, causes divorce, helps prisons and buildings, hastens messengers, hinders childbirth and hinders the action of the body. With Moon here, unfortunate for everything except taking medicine.

24. Al Fargh al Mukdim. beta [Scheat] with alpha [MarkabPegasus. 29PIS17′ in 2007. {75} The Fore-spout (of the Water-bucket). Causes union, health of captives, and destroys buildings and prisons. With Moon here, plant, sow, bargain, marry but do not navigate.

25. Al Fargh al Thani. gamma [Algenib] with the former delta Pegasus which is now alpha Andromeda [Alpheratz]. 9ARI14′ in 2007. The Second, or Lower, Spout (of the Water-bucket). Increases harvests, revenues, gain, heals infirmities, hinders building, upholds prisons, causes danger to seamen and destruction of enemies. With Moon here, marry, take medicine, pursue business but do not travel or lend money.

26. Al Batn al Hut. beta Andromeda [Mirach]. 0TAU29′ in 2007. The Belly of the Fish. Increases harvest and merchandise, helps travelers through danger, strengthens prisons and causes marital happiness and loss of treasure. With Moon here, travel and take purgatives.

27. Al Sharatain. beta [Sheratan] with gamma [MesarthimAries. 4TAU03′ in 2007. The Two Signs. Causes discords and journeys. With Moon here, buy cattle, plant and take voyages. This mansion is now considered to begin the series.

28. Al Butain. delta [Botein] with epsilon Aries. 21TAU01′ in 2007. The Belly. Helps the finding of treasures and retaining of captives. With Moon here, buy and sell but avoid the sea.

THE HINDU LUNAR MANSIONS (nakshatras)

1. Krittika. eta Taurus [ALCYONE]. 00GEM 05′ in 2007. The General of the Celestial Armies. Symbol, a Flame or Razor. Regent, Agni, god of fire. Ruled by the Sun. A soft and sharp mansion or asterism belonging to the Brahmin caste and producing mixed effects. Those born on the lunar day will delight in white flowers, perform sacrifice, and will be magicians, metaphysicians, diggers, barbers, potters, priests or astronomers. With the Moon here at birth the native will be a glutton, adulterous, handsome and famous. Rules forests and the head. [p.76.]

2. Rohini. alpha Taurus [ALDEBARAN]. 9GEM52′ in 2007. A Red Deer. Symbol, a Temple or Wagon Regent, Prajapati, the creator. Ruled by the Moon. A stable asterism belonging to the Shudra caste and favorable for coronations, expiatory ceremonies, planting of trees, sowing of seeds, building of towns, and matters of a permanent nature when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be devout, rich, merchants, rulers, drivers, possessed of wealth and cattle. With Moon here at birth native will be truthful, polite, steady, handsome, cleanly and uncovetous. Rules vinegar pots and the forehead. [p.76.]

3. Mrigasiras. lambda Orion [Meissa]. 23GEM47′ in 2007. The Head of the Stag. Regent, Soma, the Moon. {77} Ruled by Mars. A soft asterism belonging to the serving caste and favorable for friendship, married love, purchase and making of clothes and ornaments, music, and auspicious deeds when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will deal in perfumes, flowers, ornaments, and animals, will be lascivious and good writers or painters. With Moon here at birth native will be timid, capricious, skilful, talkative, rich, fond of pleasure. Rules cots and the brows.

4. Ardra. alpha Orion [Betelgeuse]. 28GEM51′ in 2007. Moist, so called because of its stormy influence. Symbol, a Gem. Regent, Rudra, the storm god. Ruled by the Dragon’s Head. A sharp asterism belonging to the butcher caste and favorable for punishment, torture, imprisonment, exorcism, mesmerism and separation or union when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will deal in pod-grains, black magic, sorcery, exorcism, and will delight in murder, torture, lying, theft, cheating and adultery. With Moon here at birth native will be insincere, proud, ungrateful, cruel, sinful, deceitful and wicked. Rules temples and the eyes.

5. Punarvarsu. beta Gemini (Pollux). 23CAN18′ in 2007. The Two Good Again. Regent, Aditi, the sky goddess. Ruled by Jupiter. An asterism belonging to the Vaisya caste and favorable for shaving Those born on the lunar day will be truthful, generous, cleanly, respectable, handsome, famous and wealthy, {78} fond of service, friendly with painters and sculptors, honorable merchants. With Moon here at birth native will be devout, quiet, happy, good-tempered, of wrong views, sickly, thirsty and pleased with trifles. Rules granaries and the nose.

6. Pushya. gamma Cancer (ASELLUS BOREALIS). 7LEO36′ in 2007. A Flower. Symbol, a Crescent on the Head of an Arrow. Regent, Brihaspati, the teacher of the gods. Ruled by Saturn. A light asterism belonging to the Kshattriya caste and favorable for sales, art, sculpture, learning, marital love, wearing of ornaments, medicine and purchase of carriages when containing the moon. Those born on the lunar day will deal in barley, cereals, crops, will be ministers or rulers and will live by water. With Moon here at birth, native will be popular, self-controlled, learned, wealthy, and charitable. Rules houses and the face or upper lip.

7. Aslesha. epsilon Hydra. 12LEO26′ in 2007. The Embracer. Symbol, a Wheel. Regents. Sarpas, the Serpents. Ruled by Mercury. A sharp asterism belonging to the lowest caste and favorable for punishment, torture, imprisonment, exorcism, mesmerism and separation or union when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will deal in perfumes, roots, fruits, reptiles and poison, will be skilled in medicine and dishonest. With Moon here at birth native will be dishonest, ungrateful, a clever swindler and a promiscuous eater. Rules dust heaps and the ears or lower lip. {79}

8. Magha. alpha Leo [Regulus]. 29LEO55′. in 2007 The Mighty. Symbol, a House. Regents, the Pitris (the spirits of the dead ancestors), Fathers. Ruled by the Dragon’s Tail. A severe asterism belonging to the Shudra caste and favorable for acts of disgrace, destruction, deceit, imprisonment, beating, burning and poison when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be wealthy, fond of hills, merchants, valiant, and women haters. With Moon here at birth native will be wealthy, religious, contented, well served, and fond of life. Rules grain boxes and the lips and upper mouth.

9. Purva Phalguni. delta Leo [Zosma]. 11VIR24′ in 2007. The Former Bad One. Symbol, a Bed or Couch. Regents, the Adityas, Aryaman and Bagha. Ruled by Venus. A severe asterism belonging to the Brahmin caste and favorable for acts of disgrace, destruction, deceit, imprisonment, beating, burning and poison when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be fond of women, dancing, art and trade, will remain youthful and deal in natural produce. With Moon here at birth native will be generous, handsome, submissive, of wandering habits and good speech. Rules uninhabited houses and the right arm.

10. Uttara Phalguni. beta Leo [Denebola]. 21VIR42′ in 2007. The Latter Bad One. Symbol, a Bed or Couch. Regents, the Adityas, Aryaman and Bagha. Ruled by the Sun. A stable asterism belonging to the Kshattriya caste and favorable for coronations, {80} expiatory ceremonies, planting of trees, sowing of seeds, building of towns, and matters of a permanent nature when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be mild, cleanly, wealthy, virtuous, generous, learned, modest and heretical and will have influential friends. With Moon here at birth native will be popular, learned, free from cares and will have an enjoyable life. Rules lakes and the left arm.

11. Hasta. delta Corvus [ALGORAB]. 13LIB32′ in 2007. The Hand. Regent, Savitar, the Sun. Ruled by the Moon. A light asterism belonging to the Vaisya caste and favorable for sales, art, sculpture, learning, marital love, wearing of ornaments, medicine, and purchase of carriages when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be thieves, dealers in large animals, painters, merchants, handsome and religious. With Moon here at birth native will be active, resourceful, shameless, merciless, and a thief and drunkard. Rules tanks and the fingers.

12. Citra. alpha Virgo [Spica]. 23LIB55′ in 2007. Bright. Symbol, a Lamp or Pearl. Regent, Tvashtar, the artificer. Ruled by Mars. A soft asterism belonging to the serving caste and favorable for friendship, married love, purchase and making clothes and ornaments, music and auspicious deeds when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be mathematicians, surgeons, oculists, weavers, writers, singers, manufacturers of perfumes and dealers in jewels and cloth. With {81} Moon here at birth native will be fond of clothes and flowers of many colors and will have beautiful eyes and limbs. Rules water banks and the neck.

13. Svati. alpha Bootes (Arcturus). 24LIB19′ in 2007. The Good Goer, or Sword. Also called Nishtya, Outcast. Symbol, a Coral Bead, Gem, or Pearl. Regent, Vayu, the god of the wind. Ruled by the Dragon’s Head. A mutable asterism belonging to the butcher caste and favorable for commencing work of an impermanent or moving character. Those born on the lunar day will be weak, abstemious, skilful, fond of animals and changeable in friendship. With Moon here at birth native will be quiet, polite, self-controlled, skilful, kind-hearted and charitable. Rules rice fields and the breast.

14. Visakha. alpha Libra [Zuben Elgenubi]. 15SCO10′ in 2007. Branched. Symbol, a Decorated Gateway. Regent, Indragni. Ruled by Jupiter. A soft and sharp asterism belonging to the lowest caste and producing mixed effects. Those born on the lunar day will be religious, dealers in produce, and fond of red flowers. With Moon here at birth native will be jealous, mean, miserly, good-looking, clever in speech, and quarrelsome. Rules cotton fields and the nipples.

15. Anuradha. delta Scorpius [Dschubba]. 2SAG39′ in 2007. Propitious or Successful. Symbol, a Row or Ridge. Regent, Mitra, one of the Adityas. Ruled by Saturn. A soft asterism belonging to the Shudra caste and favorable for friendship, married love, {82} purchase and making of clothes and ornaments, music and auspicious deeds when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be valiant, influential and keep vehicles. With Moon here at birth native will be wealthy, of wandering habits, unable to bear hunger and resident abroad. Rules fields overgrown with flowers, and the stomach.

16. Jyestha. alpha Scorpius [Antares]. 9SAG51′ in 2007. Oldest. Symbol, a Pendent Ear Jewel. Regent, Indra, the sky goddess. Ruled by Mercury. A sharp asterism belonging to the serving caste and favorable for punishment, torture, imprisonment, exorcism, mesmerism and separation or union when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be valiant, wealthy, famous, well born, somewhat dishonest, fond of travelling and in a high position. With Moon here at birth native will be cheerful, irascible, charitable, but will have few friends. Rules deserts and the right side of the body.

17. Mula. lambda Scorpius [Shaula]. 24SAG40′ in 2007. The Root. Symbol, a Lion’s Tail. Regent Nirrity, Calamity. Also called Vicritau, the Two Releasers, as the stars in this mansion were thought to bring relief from lingering diseases. Ruled by the Dragon’s Tail. A sharp asterism belonging to the butcher caste and favorable for punishment, torture, imprisonment, exorcism, mesmerism and separation or union when containing the Moon. {83} Those born on the lunar day will be druggists, dealers in flowers and fruit, rich and fond of gardening. With Moon here at birth native will be conceited, wealthy, luxurious, kind-hearted, happy and resolute. Rules stables and the left side of the body.

18. Purva Ashadha. zeta Sagittarius [Ascella]. 13CAP43′ in 2007. The Former Unconquered. Symbol, an Elephant’s Tusk, or, together with the next asterism, a Bed. Regents, Apas, Waters, and Visve Devas, the Combined Gods. Ruled by Venus. A severe asterism belonging to the Brahmin caste and favorable for acts of disgrace, destruction, deceit, imprisonment, beating, burning and poison when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be truthful, cleanly, wealthy, fond of fruit and flowers and sea voyages. With Moon here at birth native will be conceited, proud, constant in friendship and will have an agreeable life. Rules thatched houses and the back.

19. Uttara Ashadha. delta Sagittarius [Kaus Medius]. 4CAP40′ in 2007. The Latter Unconquered. Symbol and Regent the same as for the last asterism. Ruled by the Sun. A stable asterism belonging to the Kshattriya caste and favorable for coronations, expiatory ceremonies, planting of trees, sowing of seeds, building of towns, and matters of a permanent nature when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be honorable, handsome, happy, religious, fond of large animals and will be soldiers or wrestlers. With Moon here at birth native will be obedient, {84} polite, popular, grateful and have many friends. Rules wash-houses and the hips.

20. Abhijit. alpha [Vega]. 15CAP24′ in 2007. Victorious. Symbol, a Triangle or Three-Cornered Nut. Under its influence the Gods vanquished the Asuras. It is an asterism belonging to the Vaisya caste and is used only in horary astrology.

21. SRAVANA. alpha Aquila [Altair]. 1CAP 52′ in 2007. The Ear. Symbol, a Trident. Regent, Vishnu. Ruled by the Moon. A mutable asterism belonging to the lowest caste and favorable for commencing work of an impermanent or moving character. Those born on the lunar day will be cunning, active, bold, truthful, virtuous, religious and skilful. With Moon here at birth native will be rich, learned, famous, and have a good wife. Rules parade grounds and private parts.

22. Sravishtha. beta Delphinus [Rotanev]. 16AQU25′ in 2007. Most Favorable. Symbol, a Drum or Tabor. Regents, the Vasus, Bright or Good Ones. Ruled by Mars. A mutable asterism belonging to the serving caste and favorable for commencing work of an impermanent or moving character. Those born on the lunar day will be shameless, rich, generous, women haters and will have few friends. With Moon here at birth native will be wealthy, liberal, fond of music, valiant, niggardly. Rules mills and the excretory system. {85}

23. Catabhishaj. lambda Aquarius. 11PIS40′ in 2007. The Hundred Physician. Regent, Varuna, goddess of the waters. Ruled by the Dragon’s Head. A mutable asterism belonging to the butcher caste and favorable for commencing work of an impermanent or moving character. Those born on the lunar day will be fishermen, washermen, or dealers in wine, fish and birds. With Moon here at birth native will be eloquent, harsh in speech, truthful, adventurous, thoughtless, independent, gambler, fond of bad women, murderer of enemies. Rules streets and the right thigh.

24. Purva Bhadra-Pada. alpha Pegasus [Markab]. 23PIS34′ in 2007. The Former Beautiful, Auspicious, or Happy Feet. Symbol, a Couch. Regents, Aja-Ekapat, the One-footed Goat and Ahi Budhya, the Bottom Snake. Ruled by Jupiter. A severe asterism belonging to the Brahmin caste and favorable for acts of disgrace, destruction, deceit, imprisonment, beating, burning and poison when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be wicked, mean, deceitful, shepherds, thieves, torturers, and irreligious. With Moon here at birth native will be sorrowful, wealthy, clever, submissive to women, miserly and of distinct speech. Rules the southeast of houses and the left thigh.

25. Uttara Bhadra-Pada. gamma Pegasus [Algenib]. 9ARI14′ in 2007. The Latter Beautiful Feet. Symbol and Regents as in the last asterism. Ruled by Saturn. A stable asterism belonging to the Kshattriya {86} caste and favorable for coronations, expiatory ceremonies, planting of trees, sowing of seeds, building of towns, and matters of a permanent nature when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be generous, devout, rich, and in influential positions. With Moon here at birth native will be happy, eloquent, charitable, and possess children and grandchildren. Rules swamps and the knees.

26. Revati. zeta Pisces. 20ARI05′ in 2007. Rich. Symbol, a Drum or Tabor. Regent, Pusha, the Nourisher. Ruled by Mercury. The determinant star of this asterism marked the beginning of the celestial sphere in about 572 A.D., when it was 10′ west of the vernal equinox. A soft asterism belonging to the Shudra caste and favorable for friendship, married love, purchase and making of clothes and ornaments, music and auspicious deeds when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be dealers in flowers, perfumes, or ornaments and may be boatmen. With Moon here at birth the native will be popular, a warrior, wealthy, of strict principle, uncovetous and will have a well-developed body. Rules flower gardens and the ankles.

27. Asvini. beta Aries [Sheratan]. 4TAU03′ in 2007. The Horsemen. Symbol, a Horse’s Head. Regents, the Asvini Devas. Ruled by the Dragon’s Tail. This mansion superseded Krittika as leader at about 400 B.C. It is a light asterism belonging {87} to the Vaisya caste and favorable for sales, art, sculpture, learning, marital love, wearing of ornament, medicine and purchase of carriages when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be physicians, military commanders and dealers in horses. With Moon here at birth native will be polite, fond of ornaments, handsome, popular and intelligent. Rules towns and the upper part of the feet.

28. Bharani. 35 Aries. 17TAU01′ in 2007. Bearer. Regent, Yama, God of Death. Ruled by Venus. A severe asterism belonging to the lowest caste and favorable for acts of destruction, deceit, burning and poison when containing the Moon. Those born on the lunar day will be wicked, and dealers in precious stones. With Moon here at birth native will be faithful, persevering, healthy, successful and free from cares. Rules streets and the soles of the feet.

Only 27 mansions or Nakshatras are commonly employed in Hindu astrology, Abhijit being included only in certain systems of horary astrology. When referred to the circle of the ecliptic they are made to consist of 13 20′ each, beginning with Asvini at 0Aries. In the above descriptions the term “lunar day” refers to the day of the Full Moon that falls in the mansion. {88}

THE CHINESE LUNAR MANSIONS (sieu )

1. Mao. eta Taurus [ALCYONE]. 00GEM05′ in 2007. The Constellation. Ruled by the Sun.

 2. Pi. alpha [ALDEBARAN] or epsilon [AINTaurus. 9GEM52′ in 2007. A Hand-net or Rabbit-net. Ruled by the Moon.

 3. Tsee. lambda [Meissa] and phi Orion. 23GEM47′ in 2007. The Beak or Pouting Lips. Ruled by Mars.

 4. Shen. delta Orion [Mintaka]. 22GEM29′ in 2007. Three Side by Side. Ruled by Mercury.

 5. Tsing. alpha with beta Gemini (Castor and Pollux). 20CAN19′ in 2007. A Well or Pit. Ruled by Jupiter.

 6. Kwei. phi with 44M (PRAESAEPE) and eta Cancer. 7LEO25′ in 2007. Specter. Ruled by Venus.

7. Lieu. delta Hydra. 10LEO23′ in 2007. A Willow Branch. Ruled by Saturn. This asterism governed the planets and was worshipped at the summer solstice as an emblem of immortality.

8. Sing, alpha Leo [Regulus]. 29LEO55′ in 2007. A Star. Ruled by the Sun.

9. Chang. upsilon Hydra. 5VIR47′ in 2007. A Drawn Bow. Ruled by the Moon. {89}

10. Yen. alpha Crater [Alkes]. 23VIR46′ in 2007. Wings or Flanks. Ruled by Mars.

11. Tchin. gamma [GIENAH (CRV)] with beta [KRAZ], delta [ALGORAB], and epsilon [MINKAR] Corvus. 9LIB41′ in 2007. The Cross-piece of a Chariot. Ruled by Mercury

12. Kio. alpha [Spica], with zeta Virgo. 23LIB55 in 2007. The Horn or Spike. Ruled by Jupiter.

13 Kang. kappa with iota [Syrma] and upsilon Virgo. 4SCO35′ in 2007. A Man’s Neck. Ruled by Venus.

14. Ti. alpha [Zuben Elgenubi] with beta [ZubenelschemaliLibra. 15SCO10′ in 2007. Bottom. Ruled by Saturn.

15. Fang. pi with beta [Acrab], delta [Dschubba], and rho Scorpius. 3SAG01′ in 2007. A Room or House. Ruled by the Sun. This asterism was connected with the rearing of silkworms.

16. Sin. sigma with alpha [Antares] and tau Scorpius. 7SAG53′ in 2007. The Heart. Ruled by the Moon.

17. Wei. mu with epsilon, zeta [Grafias], eta, theta [Sargas], iota, kappa, upsilon [Lesath], and lambda [ShaulaScorpius. 16SAG14′ in 2007. The Tail. Ruled by Mars.

18. Ki. gamma [Alnasl] with delta [Kaus Medius] and epsilon [Kaus AustralisSagittarius and beta Telescopium. 1CAP21′. A Sieve. Ruled by Mercury.

19. Tow. phi, with lambda [Kaus Borealis] and mu [PolisSagittarius. 10CAP13′ in 2007. A Ladle or Measure. Ruled by Jupiter. {90}

20. Nieu. beta [Dahib] with alpha [Giedi Prima], nu [Alshat], omicron, pi [Oculus], and rho [BosCapricornus. 4AQU08′ in 2007. The Ox. Ruled by Venus. This asterism was connected with the rearing of silkworms.

21. Mo. epsilon [Albali] with mu and nu Aquarius. 11AQU49′ in 2007. A Woman. Ruled by Saturn.

22. Heu. beta Aquarius [Sadalsuud]. 23AQU29′ in 2007. Void. Ruled by the Sun.

23. Gui. alpha Aquarius [Sadalmelik] with epsilon [Enif] and theta [BihamPegasus. 3PIS26′ in 2007. Steep or Danger. Ruled by the Moon.

24. Shih. sigma with beta [ScheatPegasus. 23PIS34′ in 2007. A House. Ruled by Mars.

25. Peih. gamma [Algenib] with delta Pegasus and alpha [AlpheratzAndromeda. 9ARI14′ in 2007. A Wall or Partition. Ruled by Mercury.

26. Goei. beta Andromeda [MIRACH]. 0TAU29′ in 2007. The Man Striding or the Striding Legs. Ruled by Jupiter.

27. Leu. beta [Sheratan] with alpha [Hamal] and gamma [MesarthimAries. 4TAU03′ in 2007. The Train of a Garment. Ruled by Venus.

28. Oei. 35 with 41, 33 and 39 Aries. 17TAU01′ in 2007. Belly. Ruled by Saturn.

At the earliest period the Chinese mansions or sieu began with No. 12, Kio, at the September equinox. They were grouped into four sets of seven sieu, each set forming one of the huge constellation figures into which the heavens were divided, the arrangement being as follows :

Nos.12 to 18 formed the constellation of the Azure Dragon. Number 19 to 25; Black Warrior. Numbers 26 to 4; White Tiger. Numbers 5-11; Red Bird

No information as to the influence of these constellations is available.