skycultures/modern_journey_to_the_west/description.md
Journey to the West is a classic of Chinese God and devil novels. It is written in the 16th-century Ming dynasty. It mainly chronicles the epic pilgrimage of the monk Xuanzang (Tang Monk) as he travels westward to obtain sacred Buddhist scriptures. He is accompanied by his three formidable disciples: the rebellious and powerful Monkey King, Sun Wukong; the humorous yet often gluttonous Zhu Bajie; and the steadfast Sha Wujing. Throughout their journey, they encounter a captivating array of celestial beings, demons, and deities, battling hardships and overcoming eighty-one tribulations to reach their ultimate goal.
For a detailed introduction to Journey to the West, please refer to:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journey_to_the_West
This sky culture is based on Journey to the West, in which the author replaces the figures of Greek mythology with characters, demons, and magical artifacts from the novel. For example, Sun Wukong substitutes for Hercules, and Zhu Bajie takes the place of Perseus. Similar to how Arab and Persian figures replaced Greco-Roman images in the Book of Fixed Stars, this can be seen as an effort to localize constellation imagery within a Chinese cultural context. Just to let you know, this unique sky culture is not related to the historical journey of Xuanzang to India, nor was it created in the 16th century when the novel was published. It never existed historically and is purely an artistic reinterpretation of modern constellations. When switching to "byname" display mode, you can still view the standard IAU constellation names（The Journey to the West sky culture includes 84 of the 88 IAU standard constellations. The four constellations Circinus, Pictor, Pyxis, and Telescopium have no corresponding figures or elements in the story.）
The purpose of creating this sky culture is to attract more children—especially in China and East Asia—to learn about constellations. Journey to the West holds greater influence in these regions than Greek mythology, and the author hopes it will enhance beginners' interest and memorization, much like how H. A. Rey used imaginative constellation lines and English labels to make the stars more accessible.
If you wish to learn more about the Journey to the West sky culture or to own a beautifully illustrated constellation map based on the story, we highly recommend the books and celestial charts authored and illustrated by Xu Gang.
https://item.jd.com/14924220.html
https://item.jd.com/14406961.html
Corresponding to the modern constellation Ursa Minor.
A golden-furred marten spirit who captured Tang Monk and wounded Sun Wukong's eyes with his Samadhi Wind. Lingji Bodhisattva later subdued him.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Ursa Major.
A monster from Black Wind Mountain who stole Tang Monk's precious robe. He was later tamed by Guanyin and converted to Buddhism.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Draco.
The supreme ruler of the Four Seas and all aquatic creatures, appointed by the Jade Emperor.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Cepheus.
The supreme ruler of Heaven.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Bootes.
Also known as the True Lord Erlang, nephew of the Jade Emperor. A powerful deity who once captured Sun Wukong.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Corona Borealis.
A monastic hat bestowed upon Tang Monk by Emperor Taizong of Tang, named for the Vairocana Buddha image adorning it.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Hercules.
After defeating the Heavenly armies, Sun Wukong was given the hollow title "Great Sage Equalling Heaven." He was put in charge of the Peach Orchard but ended up stealing the peaches and ruining the Peach Banquet, leading to his rebellion.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Lyra.
The lute held by Dhṛtarāṣṭra (the Heavenly King of the East).
Corresponding to the modern constellation Cygnus.
A divine bird similar to a phoenix, often found in celestial mountains and blessed lands in Journey to the West.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Cassiopeia.
The head of all female divinities. She hosts the Peach Banquet at the Jade Pool, which Sun Wukong famously disrupted.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Perseus.
In Chapter 79, Zhu Bajie kills a white-faced fox demon and drags it by the tail to present to the King of Bhīṣaṇa.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Auriga.
The lowly official title given to Sun Wukong when he was tricked into ascending to Heaven, tasked with tending horses.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Ophiuchus.
One of the Four Heavenly Kings, a divine general who guards the Heavenly Gate. His sacred treasure is the snake he holds.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Serpens.
The magical implement of Virūpākṣa is a serpent imbued with immense spiritual power.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Sagitta.
One of the fire tools of the Fire Virtue Star Officer, used to assist Sun Wukong in a fire attack.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Aquila.
A mighty demon who established himself as king in the Kingdom of Lion-Camel. He allied with the Lion and Elephant demons to capture Tang Monk and was finally subdued by Buddha.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Delphinus.
Zhu Bajie transforms into a catfish and swims into the Hot-Filth Spring to harass the seven spider spirits.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Equuleus.
A denizen of the Underworld with a horse's head and a human body.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Pegasus.
Divine horses are kept in the Heavenly stables.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Andromeda.
A celestial maiden who resides in the Moon Palace.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Triangulum.
Owned by Zhenwu, the Celestial Honored One. In Chapter 33, Nezha unfurls this flag at the South Heaven Gate, blotting out the sun, moon, and stars.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Aries.
One of the three master magicians of Tarrycart. An antelope spirit who competes with Sun Wukong meets his end in a pot of boiling oil.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Taurus.
Also known as the Great Sage Who Pacifies Heaven. A former sworn brother of Sun Wukong, his true form is a great white bull.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Gemini.
Two boys who tended Laozi's furnace. They stole five of Laozi's treasures and became demons on Earth.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Cancer.
A general serving under the Dragon King.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Leo.
The mount of the Savior Celestial Honored One. He descended to the mortal world and was worshipped as a patriarch by other lions.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Virgo.
The ruler of an all-female kingdom who wished to marry Tang Monk.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Libra.
The pole carrying the luggage of the pilgrimage team.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Scorpius.
A demoness who captured Tang Monk with a whirlwind as the pilgrimage team passed the Womanland.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Sagittarius.
One of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions, who helped Sun Wukong capture three rhinoceros spirits.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Capricornus.
The third son of the Dragon King of the Western Sea. As punishment, Guanyin transformed him into a white horse to carry Tang Monk. The image captures his hybrid dragon-horse form during transformation.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Aquarius.
The Bodhisattva who inspired the pilgrimage and frequently aided the team. Her vase can hold an entire ocean's worth of water.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Pisces.
Two minor fiends under the Dragon King of the Green Wave Pool—a catfish and a black fish spirit—were captured by Sun Wukong.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Cetus.
The mount of the Bull Demon King, a mythical beast capable of traveling through the sky and sea.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Orion.
The Third Lotus Prince, son of Pagoda-Bearing Heavenly King Li. He assisted Sun Wukong in capturing the Bull Demon King.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Eridanus.
The place where Sha Wujing was exiled, a river so wide and treacherous that goose down would sink.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Lepus.
The immortal hare of the Moon who pounds the elixir of life. She fled to the mortal world, disguised as a princess, and tried to marry Tang Monk.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Canis Major.
Originally, the Wood Wolf (Kui) of the Lunar Mansions. He became a demon to be with a mortal princess he loved.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Canis Minor.
One of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Hydra.
A massive python that occupied Mount Seven Extremes.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Crater.
The cup that Sha Wujing accidentally broke during a Peach Banquet, leading to his banishment.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Corvus.
One of the fire tools of the Fire Virtue Star Officer.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Centaurus.
One of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions that helped capture the rhinoceros spirits.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Lupus.
A minor fiend under the South Mountain King, appointed as a vanguard after capturing Tang Monk.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Ara.
A mountain range of fire was created when Sun Wukong kicked over Laozi's furnace, causing bricks to fall to Earth.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Corona Australis.
A treasure from Buddha used by Tang Monk to subdue Sun Wukong. It tightens and causes an immense headache when the Tight-Fillet Spell is recited.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Piscis Austrinus.
A goldfish from Guanyin's lotus pond that achieved powers by listening to sutras. He occupied the Tongtian River, and his weapon was an unopened lotus bud.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Coma Berenices.
To reform a king who vowed to kill 10,000 monks, Sun Wukong used magic to shave the heads of the entire royal court overnight.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Crux.
A magical weapon of Nezha, sometimes depicted in a cross shape.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Columba.
A yellow-feathered, red-beaked, white parrot, the pet of Guanyin, is often seen accompanying her.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Camelopardalis.
The mount of the Star of Longevity, who caused trouble in the Bhīṣaṇa Kingdom.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Monoceros.
The Green Bull, the mount of Laozi, who stole the Vajra Noose and caused trouble on Earth.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Apus.
One of the Twenty-Eight Lunar Mansions.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Chamaeleon.
A crocodile official in the Dragon Palace.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Dorado.
A strategist who advised freezing the Tongtian River to capture Tang Monk.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Grus.
The crane mount of Tai Bai Jin Xing, the Chinese deity of Venus.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Hydrus.
A snake spirit disguised as a scholar, killed by Sun Wukong.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Indus.
A king was punished for hunting and harming a pair of peacocks, offspring of the Peacock Buddha Mother.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Musca.
A small insect that causes drowsiness.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Pavo.
The offspring of the Peacock Buddha Mother, shot by the prince who would become the King of Purpuria.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Phoenix.
A nine-headed monstrous bird who married the dragon princess and stole a sacred relic.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Triangulum Australe.
A triangular flag with the character "Ling" (Command), used by both heavenly troops and demons.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Tucana.
The god of thunder, depicted with a bird-like beak.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Volans.
An aquatic officer in the Eastern Sea who presented a halberd to Sun Wukong.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Canes Venatici.
Erlang Shen's sleek hound, which assisted in capturing Sun Wukong.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Lacerta.
The nephew of the Dragon King of the Western Sea, who caused trouble in the Black River.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Leo Minor.
A lion spirit who stole the weapons of the pilgrims.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Lynx.
A leopard spirit who captured Tang Monk using a clever stratagem.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Scutum.
A common type of round shield in ancient times.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Sextans.
The weapon of the Yellow Lion Spirit. "Siming" refers to the sun, moon, stars, and cosmos; its blade resembles a 60-degree arc.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Vulpecula.
The adoptive mother of the Golden and Silver Horn Kings, killed instantly by Sun Wukong.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Antlia.
A sack controlled by the Wind Mother, capable of releasing great gales.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Caelum.
The tool used by the Duke of Thunder to create thunder.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Fornax.
Laozi's alchemical furnace was used to refine elixirs. Sun Wukong was trapped inside for 49 days.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Horologium.
A bamboo or wooden clapper used by minor fiends for alarms or telling time.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Mensa.
Located in the Western Paradise, it is the site of the Temple of Great Thunderclap, where Buddha resides—the final destination of the pilgrimage.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Microscopium.
A treasure of Heavenly King Li that reveals a demon's true form.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Norma.
Used by the Patriarch Bodhi to hit Sun Wukong three times, hinting at a secret midnight lesson.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Octans.
The Star of Longevity, whose identity is fused with the star Canopus. It is also known as the "South Pole Star" because Canopus was the southernmost bright star observable in ancient China.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Reticulum.
Web spun by the spider spirits, used to trap Tang Monk and Zhu Bajie.
Corresponding to the modern constellation Sculptor.
A jade seal used to stamp the Travel Rescript (passport).
Corresponding to the modern constellations Carina, Puppis, Vela.
A 1,300-year-old turtle that carried the pilgrims across the Tongtian River.
[#1]: Xu Gang. (2025). Monkey King Star Quest: A Guide to the Constellations （《大闹星空：读西游识星座》 ）. Beijing: Posts & Telecom Press. ISBN 9787115653604.
[#2]: Xu Gang. (2025). Monkey King Star Quest: Celestial Chart （《大闹星空：西游星座图》）. Beijing: Posts & Telecom Press. ISBN：9787115658395.
This sky culture was contributed to Stellarium by Xu Gang, He Yuan and Sun Shuwei.
Paintings & Text: Xu Gang（徐刚）, [email protected]
Stellarium Integration: He Yuan（何原）, [email protected]
Revision & Pinyin Transliteration: Sun Shuwei（孙殳玮）, [email protected]
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0