玄げん武ぶ

noun

Black Tortoise; Genbu

One of the Four Symbols in Chinese mythology, guardian of the north. Often depicted as a tortoise entwined with a snake. Used in astrology, feng shui, and traditional iconography.

See also: 四神

• 玄げん武ぶは北きたの方ほう角がくを守まもる神しん獣じゅうです。

  Genbu is a divine beast that guards the northern direction.

• 京きょう都との玄げん武ぶ神じん社じゃは、この神かみを祀まつっています。

  Genbu Shrine in Kyoto enshrines this deity.

noun

seven northern mansions

In Chinese astronomy, the seven constellations of the northern sky associated with the Black Tortoise. Technical term used in historical and astronomical contexts.

See also: 二十八宿

• 玄げん武ぶは二に十じゅう八はっ宿しゅくのうち、北ほっ方ぽう七しち宿しゅくを指さします。

  Genbu refers to the seven northern mansions among the twenty-eight lunar lodges.