Astronomicon
From Warhammer 40k
The Astronomicon is the Emperor of Mankind's psychic aura emanating from him in his Golden Throne. This aura is able to be "seen" by ship "Navigators", thus allowing people to travel through the Warp while having a point of reference so that they don't get lost. It may also have an affect on prolonging Necron stasis.
Before the Emperor's near fatal battle with his traitor son Horus, the Emperor used his immense psychic power to keep the Astronomicon alight. Navigators would use the position of the Astronomicon as a means of orientation while in the warp. Without the Astronomicon as a reference point warp travel would be quite impossible using the current technology of the Imperium of man. After the Emperor was mortally wounded, he instructed Rogal Dorn to insert his body into the golden throne so that he could maintain the Astronomicon. Though the Golden throne has proven only a temporary solution. Emperor’s strength is no longer enough to maintain the Astronomicon so rogue psykers are used by the thousands to make sure the Astronomicon stays lit. The Astronomicon draws so much power that these psykers are soon burned out (both physically and mentally) and must be replaced with fresh recruits.
Navigators do not all see the Astronomicon the same way. Some may experience it as a powerful smell, sound, taste, or in a completely inexplicable way. This has to do with the unusual and inconsistent nature of the mutations that allow a Navigator to perform their function. Some receptive psykers and even latent psykers may experience a glimpse of the Astronomicon for reasons unknown, much like a vision, but it is often believed to be a gift from the Emperor or good luck (unless the inquisition happens to find out). The Inquisition often takes the stance that such claims of visions from the Emperor are heresy.
On a side note a structure similar to the Astronomicon on Terra is located on a battle barge owned by the Blood Raven Chapter of Adeptus Astartes. This structure has lost its original purpose but is mentioned by Farseer Macha of the Eldar Craftworld of Biel-Tan as being some kind of protection from the Necron. (Dawn of War book Series)
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