The Gallbladder Xiu (宿) : Dou (斗) and Niu (牛)
Dou (斗) “Dipper”
The Dou constellation stands at the head of the Black Tortoise of the North. The character, 膽, for Gallbladder is an image of calling out from a cave, and it is interesting to note here that the tortoise image is of a head coming out of the cave formed by it’s shell.
Walter’s says that its “ancient astrological symbolism is based on its being likened to a liquid measure: it is the sign of recompense, satisfaction, and completion; filling up, finishing, and rewards for tasks which have been fulfilled.”
The Gallbladder is in charge of executing the decisions of the Liver. Therefore, it is interesting to note that the Gallbladder would be in charge of receiving those decisions (thus filling), executing them, and then collecting the results of the tasks.
Niu (牛) “Ox”
Niu is the constellation that represents the oxherd, or ox-boy that is the consort of the Weaving Maiden (which is the next constellation that goes with the Liver). The Sun god had seven daughters, one of which was engaged to the oxherd. Once they were married, the Weaving Maiden and the oxherd became so engrossed with each other that none of their work was getting done. Upon seeing this, the Sun god separated them in the sky, only allowing to see each other on the 7th day of the 7th month.
In many versions of the legend, the oxherd tricks the Weaving Maiden into marrying him by stealing her clothes while she is bathing.
Because this constellation is associated with an oxherd leading his ox to pasture, there is the symbolism of roads, paths, fields and barriers. This symbolism can be used to remember the Gallbladder’s link to the Sanjiao in the six conformation of Shaoyang.
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