Tian Fu, the Star of the Storehouse

Tian Fu (天府), the Heavenly Storehouse, is an earth star and the first star of the Southern Dipper. The classic text calls it the keeper of the treasury and the emperor's right-hand deputy, and says it has charge of wealth, property and livelihood. The commentary calls it a storehouse of prosperity (祿庫) and describes a person who is gentle, upright and refined.

A noticeable feature of this star is its dependability. The same commentary credits it with the ability to rein in difficult stars and turn some of them toward good, which is a way of saying that Tian Fu is the one that stabilizes whatever shares its palace. It is closely linked with Zi Wei as a counterpart: the emperor leads, the deputy keeps the household running.

We read Tian Fu as the generous host: careful with resources, good at making others feel looked after, a little conservative about change. It is a star of continuity rather than conquest, and often the person other people feel safe around.

A good reflection is what you are keeping in reserve, whether it is savings, energy or affection, and whether you are saving it for something or simply hanging on out of habit.