Tian Tong, the Blessed Star
In a Nutshell
The fourth star of the Southern Dipper, whose transformed breath is Blessing, element Ren Water — governing good fortune and easy rapport.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rank | 4th star of the Southern Dipper |
| Element | Ren Water |
| Transformed breath | Blessing (Fu); lord of the Fortune palace |
What is the Tian Tong star?
The Tian Tong star is one of the fourteen major stars of Zi Wei Dou Shu, the fourth star of the Southern Dipper. In the star system the Southern Dipper majors are headed by Tian Fu, and Tian Tong stands fourth in the Southern Dipper line. Its transformed breath is "Blessing," its element Ren Water, and tradition ties it to good fortune, popularity, and ease — the star of blessing and good cheer in the system.
The *Complete Book of Zi Wei Dou Shu* (Book 1, "Questions and Answers on the Stars") calls Tian Tong a Water star, the fourth star of the South and master of the Palace of Fortune and Virtue, transformed into Fortune. Traditional commentaries build on that word, reading Tian Tong as goodwill, blessings, ease and a mild temper. The original passage is quoted below.
In combination imagery, pairings of Tian Tong with Tian Liang, Tai Yin, and others were much discussed by the old writers — names like "Tong and Liang together" are later labels built on star natures. A good way to learn it: read Tian Tong as the symbol of "blessing and good cheer" — whichever palace it lands in, that palace's affairs take on an easy, popular coloring; the details still need the stars sharing and facing its palace. Noting which palace Tian Tong lands in and which stars share or face it is a standard step in reading; its palace is traditionally read together with the Fortune palace. A full Zi Wei chart lays out the stars and palaces at a glance. This page covers only the star's basic meaning and its source, and makes no predictions.
Classical sources
"The Tian Tong star belongs to Water; it is the fourth star of the South, master of the Palace of Fortune and Virtue. It is also said: transformed into Fortune, it most delights in meeting auspicious stars, which add to its blessings."
Plain words: Tian Tong is Water, the fourth star of the Southern group, ruler of the Palace of Fortune and Virtue; its transformed breath is Fortune.
Source: *Zi Wei Dou Shu Quan Shu* (Complete Book of Zi Wei Dou Shu), Book 1, "Questions and Answers on the Stars" · "What does Tian Tong govern?" — original: 天同星属水，乃南方第四星也，为福德宫之主宰。复云：化福最喜遇吉曜，助福添祥。
*For entertainment purposes only.*