Tortoise Moon

SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL: 01/10/09

Filed under: Uncategorized — admin January 9, 2009 @ 2:50 pm

The biggest full moon of 2009…

If skies are clear Saturday, go out at sunset and look for the giant moon rising in the east. It will be the biggest and brightest one of 2009, sure to wow even seasoned observers.

January Moon names: Winter, Holiday, Cold, Cooking, Moon of the Terrible, Quiet, Ice, and Wolf
In China the Black Tortoise represents the winter position of the moon. Genbu or the Black Tortoise is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese Constellation. He is also known as the Black Warrior of the North and represents winter and the north regions. Although Genbu’s English translation is Black Tortoise, it is usually depicted as a snake coiled around a tortoise. Genbu is said to be the god of the north.  If Genbu is the north, we have Suzaku in the south, Shiryu in the east and Byakku in the west. Just like the other Four Symbols of the Chinese Constellation, Genbu has seven mansions that represent the position of the moon. The seven mansions are Dipper, Ox, Girl, Emptiness, Rooftop, Encampment, and Wall.

Ancient Chinese believe that Genbu represents long life, wisdom and strength. The tortoise and the snake are seen as spiritual creatures that symbolize longevity. It is common knowledge that tortoises in general have long life therefore they are associated with immortality. It was during the Han Dynasty that citizens of China started wearing jade pendants in form of tortoises. It is also through the influence of ancient China on Japan that honor titles in Japan usually refer to the image of tortoises or tortoises themselves.

According to Taoist legend, Genbu was a prince of a Chinese Emperor. He was not interested in replacing his father and decided to become a Tao monk. At the age of 15, he left home and whet on a path of enlightenment. Legend has it that he became a god and was worshipped as the god of the northern skies.

In the classic novel Journey to the West, Genbu was referred to as the king of the North. He had two generals serving him. They were a Tortoise General and Snake General. The king had a temple or shrine at the Wudang Mountains in Hubei. That’s the reason why there is a Snake Mountain and a Tortoise Mountain on both sides of a river in Wuhan, which is the capital of Hubei.

1 Comment

  1. I saw the full moon rise on Sunday at about 5:00 PM in N.J. I was still light so it was even more amazing Monday evening at 6:oo when the sky was already dark and the orange glow could be seen coming over the horizon. I also love to watch the full moon set just before dawn. It’s the only time I don’t mind it when my dogs wake me up that early!

    Comment by J Brady — February 10, 2009 @ 11:04 am

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