THE S TAR MAP

THE STAR MAP 9

closure, while two stars of the conventional asterism are detached

(Fig. i B). An unusually large number of ministers and high

officials are included (e.g. No. 35), and their relative positions

have been somewhat altered. The designation "Celestial Prison"

(No. 23) was omitted, whether intentionally or not is conjectural.

The Beautiful Palanquin (No. 41), or processional canopy, used

by the emperor in a royal parade corresponds to two asterisms on

the Korean chart (Fig. i C).

the object named outstrips that required for the conventional

occidental constellations, as the sweep of a full quadrant of the

zodiac is required for each animal. Isolation of the seven lunar

mansions of the Blue Dragon from the maze of surrounding and

occasionally overlapping asterisms aids the imagination (Fig. 2A).

The Red Bird of the south is similarly treated (Fig. 2 B).

A C

HORNS

NECK

TAIL HEART

WING

FIG. 2. A, the Blue Dragon; B, the Red Bird

The walls of the Celestial Market Place (in the Eastern

Division) have been modified considerably. Here merchants of

various remote countries mingled in trade; representatives of

some regions were omitted and others included, and the relative

positions of the individual stars representing these countries

were rearranged. Again, the walls are more seclusive, and the

Meeting Place, or Market Circle (Eastern Division,,No. 4), is

better organized. Members of the royal family and officials of

state are included. Standardized weights and measures are pro-

vided to ensure fair transactions.

The wall or compound of the Secret Court (Privy Council) in

the Southern Division has been completely changed in regard to

the symbolism in the names of its individual stars. Schlegel's list

of gates along the walls is replaced by a list of generals and

officials of various ranks (Southern Division, Nos. 2-3). Outside

the walls there is better conformity.

GENERAL DISCUSSION

As a rule, the conventional number of stars in an asterism was

observed; but the shape may vary considerably. The Eight

FIG. I. The Imperial Court

A, the walls of the Purple Court; B, the Emperor and

guards; C, the royal palanquin~. Upper diagram

from the Soochow Chart; lower one from Yi Tai-jo

SPECIAL FEATURES

The twenty-eight zodiacal asterisms comprising the four

ancient mythical animals quite naturally remain unchanged.

The broad imagination necessary to note resemblance of form to