The Seishi Of The Heavens

The Seishi of the Heavens

Tamahome, Hotohori, Nuriko... the peculiar and romantic names of the Seishi who protect Miaka, the Suzaku no Miko, are derived from the 28 constellations from the star chart that originated from ancient China. The constellations were divided into 28 constellations situated on the celestial sphere's ecliptic. Originally it came into existence in order to indicate the position of the moon on the celestial sphere. It's easy to understand if you consider that the moon passes a constellation a day for 28 days making a revolution across the heavens. Incidentally the brightest star in the western extremity of each constellation is called "kyosei" and is the mark of the constellation. The 28 constellations are grouped 7 constellations per direction, east, west, south, and north. Each direction is linked with the Shinjuu that's in charge of them. (The 4 gods "Southern Suzaku", "Northern Genbu", "Eastern Seiryuu", and "Western Byakko") The star records that link the 4 gods map with the 28 constellation map are widely circulated in Chinese culture circles, and even in Japan, the maps were left behind on the murals of Nara's Takamatsu-zuka tomb and Kitora tomb. Translation by Tasuki no Miko *Translation Note: Kyosei literally means "distant star"

28 Constellation Comparison Table

Southern Constellations (Suzaku)Chinese Name Japanese Name Kyosei Chichiri Gemini mu TamahomeCancer theta Nuriko Hydra delta Hotohori Hydra alpha Chiriko Hydra nu Tasuki Crater alpha Mitsukake Corvus gamma

Eastern Constellations (Seiryuu)Chinese Name Japanese Name Kyosei Suboshi Virgo alpha Amiboshi Virgo kappa Tomo Libra alpha Soi Scorpio pi Nakago Scorpio gamma Ashitare Scorpio mu 1 Miboshi Sagittarius phi

Northern Constellations (Genbu)Chinese Name Japanese Name Kyosei Hikitsu Sagittarius phi Inami Capricorn beta Uruki Aquarius epsilon Tomite Aquarius beta Urumiya Aquarius alpha Hatsui Pegasus alpha Namame Pegasus gamma Western Constellations (Byakko)Chinese Name Japanese Name Kyosei Takaki Andromeda zeta Tatara Aries beta Kokie Aries 35 Subaru Taurus 17 Amefuri Taurus epsilon Karasuki Orion delta Toroki Orion phi