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http://dx.doi.org/10.14406/acu.2019.029

Ancient Chinese Astronomical Analysis of the Chapter, Wigi Haeng in Youngchu (Spiritual Pivot)  

Ur, Woosen (Department of Third Medicine, Professional Graduate School of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University)
Publication Information
Korean Journal of Acupuncture / v.36, no.4, 2019 , pp. 252-263 More about this Journal
Abstract
Objectives : This research aimed to 1) analyze the true meanings of the chapter, 'Wigi Haeng (Wei Qi Xing), the movement of guard qi' in Youngchu (Ling Shu) from the point of view of ancient Chinese Astronomy, 2) calculate the speed of Wigi over 24 Chinese seasons, 3) analyze the true meaning of daytime and nighttime in the chapter. Methods : 1) The chapter 'Wigi Haeng' was analyzed using concepts of ancient Chinese astronomy, 2) the records of angular distances of 28 constellations in the Book of Han (Han Shu) were used to analyze the meanings, and 3) the records of lengths of daytime and nighttime in the Book of Hou Han (Hou Han Shu) were used to calculate the speed of Wigi. Results : 1) The author of the chapter 'Wigi Haeng' did not consider the irregularity in the angular distances of the 28 Chinese constellations (Su). 2) The commentary in the Huangjenaegyong Taeso (Huang Di Nei Jing Tai Su) about the constellations in the chapter is correct. 3) The speed of Wigi changes in daytime and nighttime depending on the seasons. 4) When the speed of Wigi increases in daytime, the speed in nighttime decreases, and vice versa. 5) The beginning of daytime in 'Wigi Haeng' is not the time of sunrise but the time of dawn (2.5 Gak before sunrise). The nighttime ends 2.5 Gak after sunset. Conclusions : 1) The chapter 'Wigi Haeng' demonstrates the ancient astronomical point of view on the universe and the movement of Wigi. The speed of Wigi is variable. 2) This chapter does not address the irregularity in the angular distances of the 28 Su. 3) More research is needed on the meaning of daytime and nighttime in 'Wigi Haeng'.
Keywords
Wigi; Chinese constellation; ancient astronomy; Spiritual Pivot; Yellow Emperor; Ling Shu;
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