The River of Stars, or the Necklace of Amaterasu, separated Ningen-do from Yomi. It was crossed by the Bridge of Lights, which allowed the spirits of the deceased to reach the spiritual realm through a journey of thirty five days. On either side of this road lie two bright stars, the Weaver Star and the Cowherd Star. These two stars were said to be lovers who could meet only once a year on the ninth night of the ninth month.