The Lung Xiu (宿) : Shi (室 ) and Bi (壁)
Shi (室 ) “House”
The Shi 室 constellation is made of two stars, α and β in the Pegasus constellation. When joined with the two stars for Bi 壁, a square room, or house, is formed. These two constellations were originally one, but were divided to ensure that the Winter constellations would number seven. The character ying 謍 often proceeds 室, and shows a palace in flames. Most likely this “house” was constructed for the purpose of being burnt down (according to Walter) for some sort of sacrifice. By itself, 謍 can mean “to regulate”, and 謍室 would have the meaning “to build a house.”
Bi (壁) “Eastern Wall”
The Bi 壁 constellation is also made of two stars, α in the Andromeda constellation and ɣ in the Pegasus constellation. At one time, Bi and Shi made up the constellation, Ting 定, “Forehead.” The ancient significance of this astrological symbol had something to do with a state repository or archive. The original meaning may have had something to do with a treasury, and the constellation probably presided over literature. Another possibly symbology considered it to be a fish’s mouth from which lies would emit. (Walter)
(The reference to Walters here is for Derek Walters and his book, The Complete Guide to Chinese Astrology).
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