On this page
Meaning and Context
The 28 Lunar Mansions divide the celestial sphere into segments, each named after a constellation. In date selection, each day is assigned a mansion that influences its quality.
- Er Shi Ba (二十八): Twenty-eight
- Xiu (宿): Mansion, lodge, constellation
- Grouped into four directions (四象): Azure Dragon (East), Black Tortoise (North), White Tiger (West), Vermilion Bird (South)
- Each mansion has traditional associations with specific activities
Classical Roots
From Xieji Bianfang Shu
「二十八宿者，周天之星宿，以纪日之吉凶。」
Plain translation
"The Twenty-Eight Mansions are the constellations circling heaven, used to record the fortune of days."
The Four Directions
The 28 mansions are divided into four groups of seven:
- Azure Dragon (东方青龙): Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, Ji
- Black Tortoise (北方玄武): Dou, Niu, Nü, Xu, Wei, Shi, Bi
- White Tiger (西方白虎): Kui, Lou, Wei, Mao, Bi, Zi, Shen
- Vermilion Bird (南方朱雀): Jing, Gui, Liu, Xing, Zhang, Yi, Zhen
How It Shows Up in FateFolio
In FateFolio's date selection tool, the daily lunar mansion is displayed as one of several factors influencing day quality. Some mansions are traditionally more favorable for certain activities.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking mansions alone determine day quality — they're one factor among many
- Confusing with Western zodiac constellations — different system and divisions
- Assuming all practitioners weight mansions equally — some emphasize other factors more
FAQ
How important are Lunar Mansions compared to other factors?
+
The importance varies by practitioner and tradition. Some schools give significant weight to the daily mansion, while others prioritize factors like the Twelve Day Officers or specific sha. In general, mansions are considered a secondary factor that adds nuance rather than being the primary determinant.