There was a fifth direction - the center, representing China itself - which carried its own seishuku. Each of the four groups of seven is associated with one of the four celestial creatures. Further, each corresponds to a quadrant in the sky, with each quadrant containing seven seishuku, or star constellations (also called the 28 lunar mansions or lodges for charts, see this outside site). Each creature has a corresponding season, color, element, virtue, and other traits. In China, the four date back to at least the 2nd century BC. See 28 Constellations.įour Guardians of the Four Compass Directions.Īssociated closely with China’s Five Element Theory.Īt the heart of Chinese mythology are four spiritual creatures (Sì Shòu 四獸) - four celestial emblems - each guarding a direction on the compass. Red Bird (Phoenix) = South, Summer, Red, FireĮach is associated with seven constellations. ![]() White Tiger (Kirin) = West, Fall, White, Metal Tortoise (Black Warrior) = North, Winter, Black, Water Also known in JapanĪs the Shijū 四獣, Shishō 四象, or Shirei 四霊.Ĭlick images to jump to specific creatures. Four Guardians of the Four Compass Directions
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