I sorta missed all the stuff about some old lady you guys are talking about xD So here, I've gatehred some facts that I think might be ..good?
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From Lelola.net
CHINESE MYTHOLOGY IN FUSHIGI YUUGI The book that Miaka and Yui get pulled in is called the Universe of the Four Gods. In fact, this one book is the entire storyline of the anime. No, the title doesn't come from creator Yuu Watase's imagination. The legends that talk about the four imminent and well-worshipped gods are really interesting.
Well, the ancient Chinese always associated the four gods with each of the four seasons; each god with their own traits and significance to life on earth. These four gods were particularly held in higher esteem than most other gods. Also, they were different in the sense that they were beast gods, as opposed to human deities. In Fushigi Yuugi, these four gods are the protectors of the four kingdoms in ancient China.
In Chinese astrology, these four mythical animals are in fact rulers of 'kingdoms' in the skies. The sky is divided into four specific regions, and each of these four gods is set on a cardinal point, on each of the four directions - north, south, east and west. Each of the four regions has their own set of seven constellations. Which is why there are 28 constellations observed in ancient Chinese astrology.
The theory of these seven constellations, and the idea of the four beast gods, plays a huge role in Fushigi Yuugi. Following is some info on each of the gods - their colour, their direction, their season, their planet, their element, their names, and some mythological background. Following is my interpretation of how all of this comes together in Fushigi Yuugi, the series. For your convenience, I've also included the seven constellations (these are real constellation names, by the way), which are used to name the seven senshi of each god.
The Turtle
Colour: Black
Cardinal Point/Direction: North
Season: Winter
Planet: Mercury
Element: Water
Chinese Name: Xuan Wu
Japanese Name: Genbu
Mythological background: Because the turtle has a thick, solid shell that serves as protection - this animal is associated with stability. Also, because it moves slowly, it is associated with longevity. Remember the fable of the race between the rabbit and the turtle and how the turtle smartly won. What was the saying - "Slow and steady wins the race"? Yep, the turtle also stands for wisdom and divination. Even the planet Mercury represents wisdom. Also, in Feng Shui (the Chinese myths behind choosing a house), the black turtle's solidity is used to protect from cold northern winds.
Fushigi Yuugi: The beast god Genbu protects the Hokkan country, where one of the sacred Shinzaho is located. Miaka and the others had to penetrate quite a barrier to get to the Shinzaho! Just like the solid, unyielding shell of a turtle. Even the two Genbu senshi were really wise in that they didn't trust the treasure-seekers right away. Also, Hokkan is situated in the north of China. Also, it has a really cold climate, with lots of snow-capped mountains.
Constellations/Senshi: Hatsui, Hikitsu, Inami, Namame, Tomite, Umiyame, Uruki
The Phoenix
Colour: Red
Cardinal Point/Direction: South
Season: Summer
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Chinese Name: Feng-huang
Japanese Name: Suzaku
Mythological Background: The phoenix is the highest and most revered force in the skies. It's associated with power and prosperity, because it is the king of all birds. Mars brings about intense love, passion, and even aggression. It is given the best traits of all beasts - its different parts come from different animals. The five mystical colours in its plume are black, white, red, green and yellow. The Phoenix is a very auspicious aspect in Chinese mythological culture; and its symbol is used only with royalty.
Fushigi Yuugi: Konan, the southern country protected by the Phoenix, is a very prosperous country, with generally happy and lively people. The similarities to the Phoenix are actually brought about by the Emperor Hotohori, and his character. He is deeply respected and cares a lot about his country; and the royalty he lives in, is just immense. Even Mars' characteristics are reflected in him - he deeply loves Miaka and his empire; and he's stubborn enough to keep loving her even after he knows she'll never be his. He is also the image of 'perfectionism' for his subjects to look up to. Also, Konan has varied types of people (just like the plume's colours) - everything from royalty to poverty to slave-traders and mountain gangs.
Constellations/Senshi: Chichiri, Chiriko, Hotohori, Mitsukake, Nuriko, Tamahome, Tasuki
The Dragon
Colour: Green
Cardinal Point/Direction: East
Season: Spring
Planet: Jupiter
Element: Wood
Chinese Name: Long-wang
Japanese Name: Seiryuu
Mythological Background: Yes, the dragon represents everything you think of when you think of a dragon - fearsome and invincible. Also, it is greatly respected just because of that fact. The dragon has a very protective aspect to it. Even Jupiter reminds you of intense smashing power. The dragon is almost always surrounded by rain-bearing clouds and fog; and the appearance of its constellation always signals rainfall and lightning. It's also a symbol of authority worn by the nobility and the imperial class.
Fushigi Yuugi: The Kutou empire does lie to the east of Konan. Also, when you think of the dragon, think of Nakago. The thought just springs up to mind - his desire to possess unlimited power; and his cruelty. The Seiryuu Seven in Fushigi Yuugi are portrayed to bring disaster and destruction to the Suzaku Seven (which is kinda like a thunderstorm). Nakago is a very feared person because of his power; and also, he's the shoujun (general) of the Kutou empire (there, you have nobility!).
Constellations/Senshi: Amiboshi, Ashitare, Miboshi, Nakago, Soi, Suboshi, Tomo
The Tiger
Colour: White
Cardinal Point/Direction: West
Season: Autumn
Planet: Venus
Element: Metal
Chinese Name: Bai Hu
Japanese Name: Byakko
Mythological Background: The tiger is associated with strength and the desire for a challenge. It is also associated with hope to win, or rather, the blooming season. It is also linked to meandering, or the ability to be in contact with a lot of aspects. The tiger also stands for war and soldiers fighting to the end, for the sake of their country.
Fushigi Yuugi: Sairou is the country protected by Byakko. It is in the west, and it is composed largely of desert and ruins, just like a war-torn country. This is where Tomo creates the illusion (and wars are basically led by illusions). But the three of the Byakko Seven who we meet, demonstrate the tiger's qualities in lots of ways. They are really friendly, and they were eager to help the Suzaku gang (unlike the Genbu people). They played a huge part in helping them get the Shinzaho. Tatara also gave Miaka and Tamahome hope to believe in their love. The three senshi proved to be very valiant in their battle against evil and treachery.
Constellations/Senshi: Amerufi, Ekie, Kagasuki, Subaru, Tatara, Tokaki, Toroki