Yu Yuan's fire phases from c. 1285 AD, (right) represents the later heaven, our plane of existence. The diagram show the North Star and the Big Dipper as the center of the cosmos. The circular movement of this wheel (clockwise) sets in motion the various cycles of time. In the center is Polaris and the Big Dipper.
It is surrounded by the four animals who represent the cardinal directions: North, Hexagram 1, is the black tortoise, South, Hexagram 30, the phoenix or vermillion bird, East, Hexagram 51, the green dragon, and West, Hexagram 58, the white tiger. Each rule over 7 constellations.
The swastika also is a lucky sign standing for the harmonious flow of time. The symbol is found among American Indians, Tibetans, and many others. The image represents the four directions and the four seasons flowing harmoniously as the natural order.
Diagram of the 5 cardinal directions (N, S, E, W, and center,) found on a silk manuscript at Mawangdui, c 100 BC. The swastika which is drawn in reverse, however, is considered evil and against the flow of time in the ancient religion of Tibet, Bon. This picture, which form part of a group of characters that spoke of a comet, considered a calamity in ancient times.
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