Chinese Fairy Book, Chapter 20: THE MORNING AND THE EVENING STAR

# THE MORNING AND THE EVENING STAR

*From "The Chinese Fairy Book" - Section: Legends of the Gods - Chapter 20 of 74*

Translation

Once upon a time there were two stars, sons of the Golden King of the Heavens. The one was named Tschen and the other Shen. One day they quarreled, and Tschen struck Shen a terrible blow. Thereupon both stars made a vow that they would never again look upon each other. So Tschen only appears in the evening, and Shen only appears in the morning, and not until Tschen has disappeared is Shen again to be seen. And that is why people say: "When two brothers do not live peaceably with one another they are like Tschen and Shen."

Note: Tschen and Shen are Hesperus and Lucifer, the morning and evening stars. The tale is told in its traditional form.

Practical Reading

The Morning Star and Evening Star are lovers who can never meet—some trade-offs are permanent. In strategic decisions, some choices foreclose others. The path you take determines which paths become impossible. Choose carefully; some doors close forever.