Between Heaven and Earth: A Historical Study of Astronomical Divisions
By Qiu Jingjia  Publisher: Zhonghua Book Company
Paper Back
2025-06-13 | ISBN: 9787101169973
Rights Manager: Wang Ruiyu
Email: wangruiyu@zhbc.com.cn
Introduction
The theory of Fenye (field allocation) system, derived from traditional Chinese astrology, constitutes a systematic framework for understanding the correspondence between heaven and earth. Serving as both the theoretical foundation of Chinese astrology and a significant component of ancient geography, it also embodies the Chinese cosmology and worldview, making it of considerable academic value. Adopting a historical perspective and an interdisciplinary approach, this book presents the first systematic study of the historical development, theoretical paradigms, intellectual transmission, and political and cultural implications of astronomical divisions in ancient China. It comprehensively traces the origins, definitions, and typologies of the theory, with particular focus on the formation, standardization, and evolution of the influential systems of the Twenty-Eight Mansions and the Twelve Terrestrial divisions. The book further examines the pivotal role these systems played in imperial politics and how they embodied the ancient Chinese concept of tianxia (all under Heaven). Through the lens of Fenye, it also offers a comparative analysis of Eastern and Western worldviews, thus presenting a global outlook.