The Four Stars of Solitude and Void

A vertical rectangular diagram illustrates various symbolic sigils arranged in four distinct rows. The top row contains a square-like shape with curved sides flanking four vertical wavy lines. The second row features a three-pronged trident symbol on the left, four vertical wavy lines in the middle, and a curved square on the right. The third row shows three vertical cross-like symbols with curved bars. The bottom row displays a curved square on the left with two horizontal wavy lines beside it. The entire set of symbols is enclosed within a double-lined border, titled "The Four Stars of Solitude and Void" original: 孤虛四星.

The concept of "Solitude and Void" (Guxu) is a cornerstone of ancient Chinese chronomancy used in military planning. By calculating which directional "branches" are empty during a specific ten-day period, a commander identifies the Void. The opposite direction is the Solitude. These sigils or fu (talismans) are ritualistic representations of these celestial positions. They were used to provide spiritual concealment for troops.

Guxu (Solitude and Void): A divination technique used to find favorable directions by identifying gaps in the interaction between the ten Heavenly Stems and twelve Earthly Branches.

Fu (Talisman): Sacred diagrams or sigils. Practitioners believed these symbols could command spirits or influence cosmic forces.