1.The whole book is divided into three parts. The first part is the foundation Studies , namely Volume One; the second part is the advanced Studies, namely Volume Two; the third part is the In-depth Research, namely Volume Three.First is a brief introduction of Research Motivation..
2.Research Motivation
I have long been curious about the evolution of ancient Chinese culture, especially prehistoric astronomy. As I grow older, I possess more spare time. The COVID-19 pandemic confined me at home, providing sufficient time for research. Furthermore, many viewpoints in existing books contradict my own, and quite a few contain obvious errors. I hold it necessary to clarify these disputed academic views.
3.Main Content of Volume One
3.1My research commenced with Heavenly Stems and dizhi(Twelve Earthly Branches) . These symbols appeared on oracle bone inscriptions, proving their remote origins and inherent links to ancient astronomy. I resolved to trace their origins and evolutionary course, and conducted comprehensive research on Heavenly Stems, Yueming, Suiyang and Yueyang.
Although the ultimate origin remained undiscovered, regular evolutionary patterns were identified. These elements generally evolved from four forms to eight, and then to ten. Yueyang feature unique traits and are closely related to celestial constellations, following similar evolutionary trends. Yueming developed gradually from four, eight, ten to twelve categories.
Research indicates the phonology of Dizhi(Earthly Branches )is closely tied to Qincheng(aviary symbols), instead of Suiyin symbols. Qincheng(aviary symbols) served as mnemonic marks for the Twenty-Eight Mansions. They acted as substitutes for written characters in preliterate eras and gradually evolved into formal writing.The study failed to reach the initial research objective, yet achieved abundant gains and made pioneering progress in the study of Heavenly Stems and Dizhi(Earthly Branches).
3.2Establishing Coordinate Systems for Celestial Observation
Ancient people observed starry skies without standardized coordinate systems, yet applied relevant concepts unconsciously. Coordinate standards shifted along with observation methods. Based on rational scientific thinking, I established coordinate systems to sort out ancient sky marking methods.
I have been keen on ancient astronomical calendars since the 1990s. I collected and read numerous works, including The Lost Heavenly Scripture, History of Astronomy of China's Ethnic Minorities and Chinese Astroarchaeology.
A turning point emerged during my study of astronomical records from the Puyang clam shell tomb at Xishuipo Site. Its interpretation differed greatly from my understanding, making me doubt prevailing academic conclusions. Further reference to authoritative astronomical works still failed to settle relevant questions.
Ancient astronomy is a discipline based on spatial geometry, which inevitably involves coordinate systems. I set up multiple coordinate models matching ancient observation modes, which confirmed major mistakes in mainstream interpretations. Xiantian(Primordial), Houtian(acquired), Mingtang(Bright Hall )and horizontal coordinate systems were constructed, blazing a trail for scientific research on prehistoric astronomy.
These coordinate systems were adopted to analyze astronomical charts of Zeng Houyi Tomb, relics of Puyang clam shell tomb and Chu silk manuscripts. The analysis shows modern scholars misinterpret these unearthed documents mainly due to improper coordinate application. Such misinterpretation has persisted since the Warring States and Han dynasties.
All the above contents belong to the introductory volume. The establishment of the Mingtang(Bright Hall) coordinate system clarifies its operational mechanism, resolving a long-standing academic puzzle.
3.3Application and Exploration of Coordinate Systems
I conducted research on the Puyang clam shell tomb in-depth, Zeng Houyi Tomb and Chu silk manuscripts with self-established coordinate theories. The coordinate method serves as a key to decipher these ancient cultural relics and has yielded preliminary research results.