The night sky of Orbe is illuminated by ten nebulas that traverse the firmament throughout the year. In most cultures on this planet, the passage of one nebula to the next at the zenith marks the progression of months, as it brings about different meteorological phenomena that give rise to the seasons. This, coupled with their distinctive forms, leads to the attribution of personalities and powers to them in the mythologies of the various cultures that populate the world.
The different nebulae are, by the names they are known for, as follows:
–The Mantle, The Bird, Sigrak, Lord of Rain; Zeng-shu, The Flying Fish… is the turquoise constellation. Its appearance at the zenith is accompanied by precipitation and cold, making its month considered the beginning of winter. Its nights are the longest.
–The Mist, The Seer, Ivna, Water Witch; Song-shu ya, The Wife… is the gray nebula. The month it hovers over a land, the weather is cold and humid, bringing snowstorms or rain depending on the location. Some religions or traditions associate it with the figure that follows.
–The Prestidigitator, the Masked One, Ningú the Trickster, Feng-shu, The Sorcerer… are the names attributed to the blue nebula, bearer of snow and rain. Its passage brings a gradual increase in temperatures. Certain cultures believe it is the spouse of the gray nebula.
–The Maiden, The Dancer, Zagruz the human slave, Xiu-shu, The Concubine… the purple cosmic cloud signals the arrival of spring and warmth, although it does not dispel precipitation. The pleasant temperature and rain bring about the rebirth of nature, marking the beginning of the year for many civilizations.
–The Prey, The Spirit of the Forest, Ingmar, Prince of all rivers; Fa Syang-shu, The Animal… during the month of magenta nights, plants bloom, and animals return to the forests along with good weather.
–The Demon, the Goat, Numriu, King-Priest of the Gods; Sen-shu, The Genius… the red nebula is the symbol of the arrival of summer. Its appearance brings heat and very short nights. In some civilizations, it is believed to be the peak of magic, and its power brings nighttime terrors to the mortal world.
–The Predator, The Lion, Karaba, the Destroyer; Kai-shu, The Scourge of the Desert… the brown cloud is the hottest and driest month of the year. In the East, it is considered that its figure is that of a powerful and malevolent titan that plunged the continent into chaos.
–The Monkey Man, The Wise One, Giramasarek, the Master of Secrets, Hanu-shu, The Monkey Warrior… the orange cloud is the month of fertility, when the heat ceases to be oppressive, and trees bear fruit. Its arrival marks the beginning of the harvest in many places.
–The Insect, Marek, God of Life; Niang-shu, The Crustacean… with the yellow month, the first rains return, the weather moderates, and the summer is considered over.
–The Beast, Ishar, God of Cattle; Tae-shu, The Walking Jungle… the green nights bring the rainiest and windiest month of the year. Moderate temperatures once again depart. The hunting season ends here.
