Zi Wei, the Emperor Star
In a Nutshell
The first of the fourteen major stars of Zi Wei Dou Shu — hailed as the Celestial Emperor Star — element Earth.
Quick facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rank | Head of the Northern Dipper; first of the fourteen major stars |
| Element | Earth |
| Also called | The Celestial Emperor Star, the Imperial Seat |
What is the Zi Wei star?
The Zi Wei star is the first of the fourteen major stars of Zi Wei Dou Shu, hailed as the "Celestial Emperor Star." In the star system Zi Wei is lord of the Northern Dipper: like an emperor seated at the center with the other stars arrayed around in attendance, tradition takes it as the head of all stars. When stars are laid out, Zi Wei's position is fixed first and the rest follow — the whole chart unfolds around it. In the system Zi Wei and Tian Fu stand north and south, one head of the Dipper and one head of the Southern Dipper, and the tie between the two is a key thread in reading any chart.
The Questions and Answers on the Stars says of Zi Wei: Zi Wei belongs to Earth; it is the honored star of the central heavens, the Imperial Seat — master of creation's pivot, ruler of human life; relying on the Five Elements it nurtures all things, and for human fate it fixes the destined pattern. This passage is the classic statement of Zi Wei's imperial standing. See the Classical sources section below for the full wording.
In a real chart, noting which palace Zi Wei lands in and which stars share it is the starting point of reading. A full Zi Wei chart lays out the stars and palaces at a glance, and there are lookups for the Life palace's major star. This page covers only the star's basic meaning and its source, and makes no predictions.
Classical sources
"Zi Wei belongs to Earth; it is the honored star of the central heavens, the Imperial Seat — master of creation's pivot, ruler of human life. Relying on the Five Elements it nurtures all things, and for human fate it fixes the destined pattern."
Plain words: Zi Wei belongs to Earth and is the honored star of the central heavens, the Imperial Seat — master of creation's pivot and ruler of human life, nurturing all things through the Five Elements and fixing the destined pattern of human fate.
Source: Zi Wei Dou Shu Quan Shu (Complete Book of Zi Wei Dou Shu), Questions and Answers on the Stars · "What does Zi Wei govern?"
*For entertainment purposes only.*