Early roots of chinese astrological thinking in the theology of Di

Abstract

This article investigates the possible influence of Shang dynasty beliefs on Chinese astrological thought. The astrological tradition popular during the Warring States period and early imperial period is characterized by the emphasis placed on proper timing, conforming to the will of Heaven, a distant and unbiased power, envisaged in abstract and disanthropomorhic way. This way of thinking, which is attested in both transmitted and recently excavated texts, has been contrasted with earlier beliefs that centered around the ruler’s personal and privileged link with the divine through his deified ancestors. The aim of this paper is to replace this view of a strong contrast with one emphasizing the continuity of developments. In light of recent research, the roots of
astrological thinking can be identified in the Shang theology of the high god Di: an impersonal, distant and abstract entity, associated with the stellar pole and the sky.