Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume 4: Astronomy

The Pole original: "Ji" (極) is called the Celestial Pivot (Tianshu): The central axis of the rotating heavens because it stretches across the center and remains unmoving. A "pivot" is effectively an axle. The Great One original: "Taiyi" (太乙), a name for the supreme celestial deity or the pole star itself is like a sovereign ruler, while the North Pole is like the Imperial Capital. The Celestial Pivot indicates the location of the court where the sovereign resides.

The many stars are attached to the Chronograms (Chen): The twelve divisions of the sky or celestial bodies in general; indeed, any part of the sky where there are no stars is also considered a "Chronogram." The Northern Chronogram is the empty space in the heavens beside the third star among the five stars of the North Pole; this is the true hinge and pivot of the heavens. The small star located there is the Pole Star, which is what is meant by the "Great One."

Generally, the movement of the heavens original: "Tianyun" (天運) revolves to the left while turning to the right. This describes the perceived motion of the celestial sphere versus the relative motion of the planets. While the sun, moon, and all the many stars are in constant motion, only the North Pole—which rises thirty-six degrees above the earth—remains completely unmoving.

Celestial Pivot: The axle of the sky.
Great One: The sovereign ruler of the stars.
North Pole: The imperial capital of the heavens.
Hinge: The central point of rotation.
Many Stars: The celestial bodies attached to the sky.
Thirty-six Degrees: The specific elevation of the pole above the horizon.
Celestial Movement: The rotation of the heavens.