金虎與玄水虎

1950/62/2022

Aqua de Vida

An episode with a chalice ― from the "Santiago" ― and a magic compass

幽

水

Tigers are not panserbjørne and were never meant to be metalsmiths. Like the bears, they are solitary creatures and consequently, gold tigers are very knowledgable in the uses of their own Golden Compass. Yet, ironically they do not appreciate iron— ₂₆Fe — the most stable element in the whole cosmos, that lustrous metallic with a grayish tinge that easily turns magnetic. Overstabilisation, rigidity cannot define their nomadic lives. So they suffer that imposed duress patiently, knowing bathing and rejuvenating proper time shall come. For they do love water, instinctively knowing how to cross the flow, no matter how strong the current might be. At that precise moment, they shall find their way to cross the fjord after the Ox of the Ancient Master has gone through, however dark the waters might be. And the metal they shall keep will be mostly off out of this world though they also are aware of the fact that the body of an adult contains about 4 grams (0.005% body weight) of iron, mostly in haemoglobin and myoglobin; that these two proteins play essential roles in vertebrate metabolism, respectively oxygen transport by blood and oxygen storage in muscles. and that to maintain the necessary levels, iron metabolism requires a minimum of iron in the diet. Iron is also the metal at the active site of many important redox enzymes dealing with cellular respiration and oxidation and reduction in plants and other animals.

February the fourth is the first day of the Tiger month and the mark of the Rising of Spring which matches and suits their bouncing abilities. Subsequently, the 39th 壬寅 revolution of the present sexagenary cycle shall see them optimising the cleansing opportunities provided all along the lunisolar yearlong.

茅坤 Máo Kūn Map 『茅元儀 武備志』鄭和航海圖 

Originally given to the esteemed and great navigator 武陵 Wu Ling, who was known for going on various journeys to the mysterious gates of the afterlife, this map was prized above all other charts. It used meridian arcs, equatorial divisions, geographic landmarks and magic keys to guide one's spiritual passage. The map would later be owned by the Pirate Lord of Singapore, 嘯風 Sao Feng. After Will Turner attempted to steal them, Feng would have given the charts to Hector Barbossa and his crew, who would take the route to the Farthest Gate. It soon made its way to Jack Sparrow, who used the map in his quest to try and find the Fountain of Youth, 青春之泉.