The 28 Lunar Mansions (二十八宿 — Èr Shí Bā Xiù)
The 28 Lunar Mansions (宿 Xiù) are the Chinese astronomical system that divides the celestial equator into 28 unequal sectors, each defined by a prominent star. Used in Feng Shui for selecting auspicious burial directions, timing major construction activities, and advanced Luopan calibration.
The Four Celestial Palaces
The 28 Mansions are grouped into four palaces of seven mansions each, corresponding to the four cardinal directions and their guardian spirits:
- Eastern Blue Dragon (東方青龍): Jiao (角), Kang (亢), Di (氐), Fang (房), Xin (心), Wei (尾), Ji (箕) — Spring / Wood
- Northern Black Tortoise (北方玄武): Dou (斗), Niu (牛), Nü (女), Xu (虛), Wei (危), Shi (室), Bi (壁) — Winter / Water
- Western White Tiger (西方白虎): Kui (奎), Lou (婁), Wei (胃), Mao (昴), Bi (畢), Zui (觜), Shen (參) — Autumn / Metal
- Southern Vermilion Bird (南方朱雀): Jing (井), Gui (鬼), Liu (柳), Xing (星), Zhang (張), Yi (翼), Zhen (軫) — Summer / Fire
Practical Applications in Feng Shui
- Determining the precise burial direction within the 24 Mountains framework
- Timing construction activities (开工 Kai Gong) for maximum Qi alignment
- Advanced Luopan ring reading for master-level site analysis
- Date selection (擇日 Ze Ri) coordination with astronomical cycles