The Mystical and Astrological Perspectives on “Northern Gale Winds”

In ancient cultures, strong winds were often seen as a “clash between the energies of heaven and earth” or a “celestial warning.” Early civilizations developed rituals to appease the Wind Deity , such as sealing northern windows, hanging wind-calming talismans, and adjusting living spaces. However, in modern times, while folklore remains intriguing, scientific weather forecasting and disaster prevention are essential for practical defense.

Below, we explore the connections between gale winds and Chinese metaphysics, astrology, and celestial phenomena.

I. Celestial & Astrological Perspectives

1. Jupiter’s Influence (The Year Star )

• In traditional Chinese astrology, Jupiter  is associated with the Azure Dragon and the Wood element, governing growth, movement, and wind.

• Ancient scholars believed that when Jupiter’s orbit reached certain critical points (e.g., perihelion or opposition), it could trigger abnormal wind patterns.

2. The Ji Constellation  – The Wind Star

• The “Ji Star” , part of Sagittarius in Western astronomy, was considered the “Wind Master’s Star” .

• The “Kaiyuan Divination Classic”  states: “When the Ji Star shines brightly, great winds arise.”

• If this constellation appeared unusually bright or was afflicted by other stars, it was seen as an omen of storms.

3. Seasonal & Five Elements Theory

• If strong winds occurred between Frost’s Descent and Start of Winter, it was believed that “Metal (Autumn) recedes, Water (Winter) ascends.”

• Since “Metal generates Water”, wind acts as the intermediary, leading to turbulent air currents.

4. Comets & Disaster Stars

• Folklore claims that “broom stars” (comets) passing by could trigger violent winds.

• The “Yue Bo”, a hypothetical “disaster star” in Chinese astrology, was also linked to wind-related calamities when crossing critical celestial sectors.

II. Yijing & Divination Perspectives

1. The Xun Trigram  – Symbol of Wind

• In the I Ching , the Xun Trigram (☴) represents wind—gentle yet penetrating.

• If Xun was emphasized (e.g., as the “Month Hexagram” or “Day Hexagram”) or combined with Qian (Heaven ☰) or Kan (Water ☵), it could signify extreme weather.

• Example: The “Wind-Water Dispersion” hexagram might suggest turbulent winds.

2. Qimen Dunjia – The Nine Heaven Goddess

• In Qimen divination, if the “Nine Heaven” deity aligned with the “Pillar Star” (associated with destruction) and clashed with the “Open Gate” ( in the Qian Palace), it was interpreted as a sign of violent winds, especially from the North (associated with Water, which strengthens wind in Five Elements theory).

3. Heavenly Stems & Earthly Branches 

• If the wind occurred during “Jia-Yin” or “Yi-Mao”  days (when Wood energy is extreme), it was seen as a wind disaster omen.

• The “Chen” branch (linked to the “Water Reservoir”) could also trigger wind if activated.

• A “Four Corners Clash”  in the year or month pillar was another traditional warning sign.

III. Folk Beliefs & Feng Shui

1. Earth Qi Disturbance

• Feng Shui holds that if dragon veins are disrupted (e.g., by construction or landslides), “Earth Qi rises, transforming into wind calamity.”

2. Evil Wind & Feng Shui Remedies

• Extreme winds were sometimes attributed to “Five Yellow Disaster” or “Three Killings” energies.

• Folk remedies included:

  • Hanging wind chimes to disperse negative energy.

  • Placing Bagua mirrors to deflect “wind sha.”

IV. Scientific Perspective

From a modern meteorological standpoint:

• Gale winds (9–12) are typically caused by:

  • Cold air surges from Siberia-Mongolia high-pressure systems.

  • Extratropical cyclones and pressure gradient forces.

  • Terrain effects (e.g., wind tunnels between mountains).

• While solar activity and astronomical cycles may indirectly influence weather, no direct divinatory correlation has been scientifically established.

Conclusion

Ancient Chinese metaphysics linked wind patterns to celestial movements, hexagrams, and Feng Shui, offering fascinating cultural insights. However, modern science remains the most reliable tool for predicting and mitigating wind disasters.

Wisdom lies in balancing tradition with technology—respecting the past while embracing the future.