Incendie mystérieux

Chapitre 1

The Astrology Hall: A Place with Flesh and Blood

Astrology basics Q&A related to the work

(Ask any questions you may have – feel free to ask! This page will be updated regularly.)

Q: What are the twelve zodiac signs?

A: The origin of constellations can be traced back to Greek and Roman mythology. It wasn't until the 17th century that astronomers divided the sun's orbit (the ecliptic plane) into twelve equal parts, each thirty degrees, thus creating the twelve constellations. This is the origin of the twelve constellations we know today.

Q: Why do people of the same zodiac sign have different personalities?

A: Of course, people of the same zodiac sign can have different personalities! This is because most people refer to their sun sign (for example, someone born on March 25th is an Aries), but they ignore the influence of other planets, angles, and houses on an individual. This is why people of the same zodiac sign can have different personalities.

Q: What is a birth chart?

A: Simply put, a birth chart (also called a personal natal chart) is a map of the celestial bodies at the time of a person's birth, including the positions of the ten major planets such as the Sun and Moon. From an astrological perspective, a birth chart can be considered a personal life map. Through this blueprint, one can understand a person's personality, potential traits, and even see various possibilities for their future.

Q: What is a sun sign?

A: This is a common topic of conversation among people, referring to the relative zodiac position of the Sun on the ecliptic, with a person (of course, on Earth) as the center. In astrology, the Sun's placement is the most authoritative and influential planet in the birth chart, affecting your worldview and personality. Generally, if the Sun strongly influences your birth chart, you will appear particularly brave, proactive, confident, and undaunted by difficulties, often becoming a leader among your peers. If the Sun is well-positioned, such people are usually physically healthy and robust.

Q: What is the Moon sign?

A: This refers to the position of the moon in the corresponding constellation, determined by looking up an ephemeris based on an individual's birth date and time. The sun influences the inner and outer aspects of a person's personality, much like how sunlight casts both a visible and a shadow; the sun sign is the visible entity, while the rising sign is the shadow. However, the formation of this visible entity is determined by the moon sign.

The moon sign doesn't affect outward personality expression, but it does influence personality formation. If the sun represents the true self, then the moon symbolizes the emotions and consciousness surrounding that self. Compared to the sun's fiery nature, the moon is more feminine, strongly influencing a person's latent traits—traits often overlooked deep within, yet constantly shaping all behavior and certain ineffable yet undeniably present characteristics.

Q: What is the rising sign?

A: The rising sign is the zodiac sign that rises in the eastern sky at the moment of your birth; it's also the starting point of the first house in your birth chart. Generally speaking, the rising sign influences a person's appearance, temperament, first impression, and how they interact with others. The rising sign has a significant impact on an individual, especially after the age of thirty, as it governs their values and attitude towards life.

Q: What is phase angle?

A: "Aspect angle" refers to the angle formed between planets. For example, when someone was born, the Sun was at a 90-degree angle to Saturn, or today Saturn is at a 0-degree angle to someone's natal Sun. It can be used to interpret destiny and analyze fortune; it is a very important astrological tool, far more important than knowing a person's Sun sign.

Q: What are inner planets? What are outer planets? What influence do they have?

A: Inner planets refer to planets that are relatively close to Earth, such as the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, and Mars. They have a significant impact on an individual's short-term fortune.

Outer planets refer to planets that are relatively far from Earth, such as Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto. Because of their distance and long orbital periods, outer planets typically have a more significant impact on an individual's long-term fortune. For example, Jupiter takes about a year to orbit a constellation, so its influence on an individual can last for up to a year.

Q: What are the four aspects of astrology?

A: In astrology, there is a concept similar to the Chinese Five Elements, called the "Four Elements," which refers to the four basic elements that constitute everything: wind, water, fire, and earth.

Using these four elements to categorize the twelve zodiac signs, Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius belong to the fire signs; Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn belong to the earth signs; Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius belong to the air signs; and Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces belong to the water signs.

Q: What are the twelve houses?

A: The twelve houses, also known as the "twelve houses of the zodiac," are regions in the sky corresponding to the zodiac constellations, determined by the birthplace and time. Different "houses of the zodiac" represent different areas of activity, and the planets appearing in individual "houses of the zodiac" can alter their meanings. The specific meanings are as follows:

First House: Ascendant – The House of Childbirth

Second House: House of Wealth – The House of "Material Goods" and "Resources"

Third House: House of Siblings – The House of "Mind" and "Communication"

Fourth House: The House of Property – The House of Emotions

Fifth House: House of Children – House of "Life"

Sixth House: House of Servants – House of “Material”

Seventh House: The House of Marriage – The House of “Face-to-Face Relationships”

Eighth House: House of Illness – The House of “Rebirth”

Ninth House: The House of Travel and Migration – The House of "Life"

Tenth House: Career House – The House of “Material”

Eleventh House: House of Fortune and Virtue – The House of “Group Relationships”

The Twelfth House: The House of Appearance – The House of the "Soul"

Q: What are astrological aspects?

A: The so-called astrological aspects refer to the angles between various celestial bodies in the sky at the moment of your birth. Some of the more important angles include:

Conjunction: The angle between two celestial bodies is close to 0 degrees, which means they coincide.

Trine: This is an excellent aspect, with the two celestial bodies forming a 120-degree angle.

Sextile: This is also a favorable aspect, with the two celestial bodies forming a 60-degree angle.

Opposition: Two planets are opposite each other, forming a 180-degree angle. This is an unfavorable aspect, which can be described as "opposition".

Square aspect: This is also an unfavorable aspect, with the two planets at a 90-degree angle.

Other less important phases, such as 45 degrees and 150 degrees, are generally not considered.

Related to the work: A Harvard graduate student who emerged from "Tyrant"

I wrote the story "The Tyrant" because I suddenly remembered one of my classmates.

From the day I met her, she was always the unattainable North Star in everyone's eyes, shrouded in a mysterious and dazzling halo. She was beautiful, tall, and, most envied by parents, her grades were always number one. Especially in her senior year of high school, she was the undisputed number one in every mock exam, with her total score far ahead of mine by at least fifty points—and keep in mind that I was also in the top ten of the grade. Sure enough, she became the top scorer in the college entrance examination, but she didn't apply to Peking University or Tsinghua University, and like me, she went to K University—simply because Tsinghua University was too far from home, her mother refused to give her the opportunity to be recommended to Tsinghua, and also disagreed with her going to Beijing.

All of this was simply because her father was in Beijing.

Her father, who often brought her meals during junior high, disappeared after high school. It's said that her parents divorced around that time, and her mother, a laid-off worker with a disabled, squinting eye, struggled to raise her. It was almost unbelievable that her mother, with her withered appearance, could give birth to such a smart and beautiful daughter, yet it was true. Her father held deeply ingrained feudal ideas, insisting on having a son to carry on the family line. Unfortunately, her mother had given birth to her, and even more unfortunately, due to the realities of Chinese society, they couldn't have a second child. So her father began beating his wife, trying to force her to divorce him, and naturally, he treated his young daughter coldly as well. It seems there were several times when she was nearly thrown to the ground by her father while still in his arms, but fortunately, her mother protected her in time. The father's beatings became increasingly severe, and to give her daughter a complete family, her mother silently endured her husband's abuse until one of her eyes was permanently damaged…

Quite a legendary story, isn't it? Unfortunately, it is indeed true. Perhaps because she excelled from a young age, her father gradually began to cherish her, but his relationship with his disabled wife did not improve at all. They eventually divorced, and her mother forbade her father from seeing her again. Her mother's only requirement for her was that she succeed!

So I finally understand why she studied so hard from a young age. Even after consistently ranking first, she would still stay up until 2 a.m. every day, to the point that her mother went to her homeroom teacher, begging her to stop studying so late. This is also why she could program in the computer lab without sleep until she collapsed. She was so outstanding that Harvard University only admitted three fully funded international students from all over China that year, and she was one of them. Every time I think about this, I can't help but wonder: if her mother had given birth to a son as her husband wished, could he have reached her level? The only thing I'm certain of is that her son would never have had her ambition. He might have gone to an ordinary university, graduated, and become an ordinary employee. Compared to her current life in the United States, which path would her father have found more happiness and pride?

For the same reason, I wish Ye Zi from "The Tyrant" a peaceful and happy life in the future.

The artwork is more enigmatic than flowers, more fragrant than jade – Birthday Flower Language

Okay, I've made a single post about it. Feel free to ask me any questions about flower meanings! ^_^

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to Purple Silk

February 26th

Birthday flower: Lesser periwinkle

Flower language: Adaptation

The periwinkle is a climbing vine that twines or climbs on trees and rocks. Once it starts growing, it reproduces rapidly and can cover the entire garden. It's easy to transplant, as it's a plant that can take root almost anywhere and is quite adaptable. Therefore, the periwinkle's flower language is – adaptability.

Those born under the blessing of this flower are fearless in the face of adversity, possessing the mental fortitude to cope with any harsh environment or situation. One or two heartbreaks are hardly significant setbacks. **********************************************************************

To baifanfensi0

March 29th

Birthday flower: Common Fumitory

Flower language: Fantasy

The Chinese tallow tree (Hu Yan Su) has a nickname: "Mist of the Earth," probably because its lush greenery makes it look like mist rising from the ground. Even on a bright, sunny day, there's mist—a truly fantastical scene. Therefore, its flower language is—fantasy.

Those born under the blessing of this flower enjoy quiet contemplation. Your ideal partner is also someone quiet and reserved, so that you can both enjoy moments of tranquility together.

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to the Lone Goose in the Cold Night

January 26th

Birthday flower: Coltsfoot (Butterbur)

Flower language: Justice

Numerous small, pinkish-purple flowers bloom from the ends of the coltsfoot stems, but because its leaves are so large, it is often used as an umbrella or for sunshade. Therefore, the flower language of coltsfoot is – fairness.

Those born under the blessing of this flower love fairness and justice, making them ideal referees in disputes and sporting events. Because they truly adhere to their own standards of judgment, it is hoped that you will also utilize this ability when choosing a partner.

September 6th

Birthday flower: Autumn Hawkbit

Flower language: Temptation

The flowers of the autumn dandelion contain abundant nectar, attracting swarms of bees whenever it blooms. Therefore, its flower language is – temptation.

Those born under the blessing of this flower are naturally graceful and alluring, possessing an innate sex appeal that can easily captivate the opposite sex. However, if you harbor this mindset, even if you encounter a romantic relationship, you will be unable to cultivate true love. Therefore, please remember that while one needs passionate and intense romances in life, one also needs stable and growing relationships.

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Don't call me fickle.

June 5th

Birthday flower: Dog Rose

Flower language: Traveler's Sentiment

The saint represented by the dog rose is Saint Boniface, an 8th-century Christian missionary who led an English delegation to northwestern Europe. Therefore, the flower's meaning is "travel sentiment".

Those who receive the blessing of this flower view life as a long journey, a journey marked by both gatherings and partings. Therefore, they believe that all good things must come to an end, and consequently, they don't place as much importance on gains and losses, successes and failures. Thus, they are individuals with mature values, and they often silently endure the pain of heartbreak.

July 1st

Birthday flower: Agrimony

Flower language: To act coquettishly (Dolikeababy)

Agrimony is a plant that produces apricot-yellow flowers, and its fruits are covered with a layer of fuzz. Anyone or any animal that passes by will pick up its seeds, thus spreading it widely. Therefore, its method of reproduction relies on others, and the flower language of agrimony is – coquetry.

People born under the blessing of this flower are particularly dependent and lack self-confidence. However, they have quite a few friends of the opposite sex who like this personality, so it seems that being charming and coquettish is indeed a winning weapon in the game of love.

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To willow catkins:

March 25th

Birthday flower: Marigold

Flower language: Relief

People in Europe and America like to cut the stems of marigolds and display them in vases. Because the marigold is the flower that announced the Virgin Mary's pregnancy, its flower language is - relief.

Those born under the blessing of this flower are very maternal, radiating a gentle and all-encompassing glow, which can sometimes be mistaken for romantic love. Therefore, those already in a relationship should be careful not to cause misunderstandings.