Black Tortoise

The Black Tortoise (Chinese玄武, Pinyin Xuán Wǔ, means " black warrior " ) is one of the four symbols of the Chinese constellations. Strictly speaking, this is a mythical creature that is a combination of tortoise and snake. The essence is also called the Black Warrior of the North (北方 玄武) and represents the north and the winter.

The Black Tortoise of the Chinese was also adopted by Vietnamese, Koreans and Japanese. In Japanese it is called Gembu, in Korean Hyeon -mu ( 현무 ) and Vietnamese Huyen Vũ.

The seven houses of the black turtle

In Chinese astrology each of the four symbols include seven houses that reflect the specific positions of the moon in the sky. The houses of the Black Turtle are:

• Trowel (斗, Dǒu )
• Ox (牛, Niu )
• Girls (女, Nǚ )
• Empty (虚, Xu )
• Gable (危, Wei)
• (Tent ) warehouses (室, Shì )
• Wall (壁, Bì )

Background

In ancient China, the tortoise and the snake symbolized longevity. During the period of the Han Dynasty a lot of jewelry was worn from turtle shells. Because of the cultural influence on Japan is often referred to therein honorary title on turtles or images of them.

Over time, a legend that female turtles were able to mate only with snakes emerged. Then were men who were cheated by their wives, referred to as turtles. Therefore, the turtle slowly disappeared as a symbol of good luck.