Surprising Revelation: Su Shi, a Millennium Ago, Identified as Capricorn and Blamed His Misfortunes on the Constellation

Introduction: A Star-Crossed Legacy

Imagine discovering that one of history’s greatest literary minds, Su Shi (also known as Su Dongpo) from the Song Dynasty, believed his life’s struggles were tied to his zodiac sign—Capricorn. This fascinating anecdote, drawn from his work Dongpo Zhilin, reveals how ancient Chinese scholars like Su Shi and Han Yu interpreted celestial influences on their fates. While they viewed Capricorn (then referred to as “” or “Mo Xie”) as a bearer of hardship and criticism, modern astrology offers a more nuanced perspective, highlighting Capricorn’s strengths such as resilience, ambition, and practicality. Let’s delve into this captivating blend of history, culture, and astrology, and explore why Capricorns, then and now, are often misunderstood.

Su Shi and Han Yu: Blaming the Stars

In Dongpo Zhilin · Ming Fen, Su Shi references a poem by the Tang Dynasty scholar Han Yu, titled Samsung Xing (Three Stars). Han Yu lamented that his birth under the “” (Dou Xiu) constellation—akin to Capricorn—caused a life filled with praise and slander. Su Shi identified with this, writing, “I, too, have Mo Xie as my fate palace; throughout my life, I’ve faced endless criticism and acclaim, much like an incurable ailment.” Both men perceived Capricorn as an unlucky sign, attributing their professional setbacks and personal trials to its influence. However, this perspective overlooks the positive traits Capricorns embody: determination, discipline, and a steadfast nature that often leads to long-term success.

The Early Arrival of the Zodiac in China

Contrary to popular belief, the twelve zodiac signs—or the “Huang Dao Shi Er Gong” (Yellow Path Twelve Palaces)—were not a modern Western import but had deep roots in ancient China. Evidence suggests they arrived as early as the Northern and Southern Dynasties, around the 6th century, through various channels like Buddhist scriptures, Daoist texts, astronomy, astrology, and literature. For instance, star maps adorned Buddhist paintings, depicting constellations such as Aries, Aquarius, and Capricorn, which were believed to govern human fortunes. Interestingly, names like “” (Gemini) were called “Yin Yang” or “Double Birds,” while “” (Virgo) was referred to as “Tian Nu” (Heavenly Maiden), reflecting cultural adaptations. By the Tang and Song Dynasties, zodiac-based fortune-telling flourished among intellectuals, with poets and scholars incorporating these concepts into their works.

Capricorn in Ancient Context

Capricorn, specifically, was associated with the earthly branch “” (Chou), symbolizing steadfastness and sometimes stubbornness. Historical records, such as those from the Northern Song scholar Fu Hong’s Crab Manual, mention “” (Cancer), showing how widespread zodiac knowledge was. Despite its popularity, this system competed with indigenous Chinese astrological methods, which were often monopolized by the imperial court for predicting national fortunes, leaving commoners to explore foreign imports like the zodiac.

Comparing Eastern and Western Astrology

While Su Shi and Han Yu blamed Capricorn for their woes, Chinese astrology offered an alternative through the “Four Pillars” or Bazi system, which divides life into stages and uses “Ten Gods” to describe personality traits. For example:

• (Bi Jian): Similar to a mild-mannered Aries, representing freedom-loving but aimless individuals.
• (Jie Cai): A blend of Virgo’s critical nature and Taurus’s practicality, focused on profit.
• (Zheng Guan): embodies discipline and nobility, akin to a Capricorn’s structured approach.

This system emphasizes that destiny is shaped by character evolution over time, rather than fixed stellar influences. Capricorns, in particular, are praised in modern astrology for their leadership and endurance—qualities that Su Shi and Han Yu might have overlooked due to their circumstantial challenges.

Conclusion: Beyond the Stars

Su Shi’s attribution of his misfortunes to Capricorn highlights a timeless human tendency to seek external explanations for life’s complexities. Yet, his own story—rising to prominence as a top scholar and surviving political scandals—demonstrates the power of character over constellation. Capricorns are not doomed to hardship; instead, they are natural leaders who thrive through perseverance. By understanding our inherent traits, whether through zodiac signs or Bazi, we can harness our strengths and navigate life’s ups and downs. So, if you’re a Capricorn, embrace your pragmatic and ambitious spirit—it might just be your greatest asset.