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Tai Sui
Traditional Chinese太歲
Simplified Chinese太岁
Literal meaninggreat years
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu Pinyintài suì
Yue: Cantonese
Jyutpingtaai3 seoi3
Southern Min
Hokkien POJThài-sòe
Tâi-lôThài-suè
Middle Chinese
Middle ChinesetʰɑiH siuᴇiH

Tai Sui is a Chinese name for stars directly opposite the planet Jupiter (Chinese: 木星; pinyin: Mùxīng) in its roughly 12-year orbital cycle. Personified as deities, they are important features of Chinese astrology, Feng Shui, Taoism, and to a lesser extent Chinese Buddhism.

Tai Sui General#1 (甲子太歲金辨大將軍)
Tai Sui altar in Singapore.
Tai Sui altar in Singapore.

The 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac were based on divisions of the Jovian orbital cycle, rather than as in the western zodiac—the apparent motion of the sun relative to the celestial sphere. The star thought to oppose Jupiter during each year of the cycle was personified as a heavenly general [zh] or cycle god and was believed to help the Jade Emperor control the mortal world.

By the Warring States period, the Tai Sui had become gods in the popular astrology; but no written records have been found of their worship prior to the Han dynasty. The earliest such record is found in Wang Chong's first-century Lunheng. There are several legends related to the Tai Sui,[citation needed] usually about people suffering disaster after disrespecting or ignoring them.

Their number later quintupled to sixty based on combinations of the twelve divisions (reckoned using the earthly stems) with the five Chinese elements of fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. Each of the gods' features and attributes signifies the well-being or mishap of that year. For example, if the Tai Sui of a year holds a pen,[who?] this signifies political unrest for that particular year.[why?] On the other hand, a Tai Sui of the year who holds a spear or sword,[who?] signifies a need to work hard and excel in that year.[why?]

Yin Jiao, leader of the sixty Taisui Xingjun (太歲星君) gods, doesn't govern any specific year in the 60-year cycle, and all of them were governed by one of the 60 subordinate Taisui. Yin Jiao in this context is called Taisui Tongling Yin Yuanshuai (太歲統領殷元帥, lit. Commander of the Tai Sui, General Yin). In Japan and Japanese folklore, however, "Taisui Xingjun" is just one singular god.[1][2][3]

Practices

[edit]
Main article: Sexagenary cycle

In Taoism, those whose birth signs or other features clash with the Tai Sui of the year face misfortunes or disturbances for that year. This applies in each year to people born under four of the twelve animal zodiac signs. In 2017 for example, it applied to people born in the years of the rat, rabbit, horse and rooster. In Taiwan, as the lunar year begins, people go to temples to seek peace and protection and drive away bad influences. This ceremony is known as "An Tai Sui" (安太歲) or pacifying the Tai Sui of the Year. In return, worshipers will receive a protective talisman from the temple which will give the person one year's spiritual protection.[4] This tradition is also practiced by other overseas Chinese communities.

In Chinese culture it has been traditionally considered taboo to build a house facing Taisui (or in the directly opposite direction) in the corresponding year of the Chinese zodiac. A similar belief is associated with moving houses and the line drawn through the old and new dwellings.[5][6]

No./

Order/

Year

Yang/ Yin Years

(30 Yang +

30 Yin Years)

Secret Name Talisman of the Tai Sui

(the Balance and Order

of the current Yang/ Yin Years)

Sexagenary Year of Tài-Suì

(Star God-Deity Presiding Over The Year)

Name of Dà-Jiāng-Jūn

(Heavenly Guardian General)

Associations

(Five Elements)

AD BC Current Cycle
Yin Talismans

– Name used

those born in

Yang Years

(in black)

Yang Talismans

– Name used

those born in

Yin Years

(in red)

Ten

Heavenly

Stem

Twelve

Earthly

Branch

(Chinese Zodiac)

Heavenly Stem-Earthly Branch Combination

(Mandarin Pinyin)

Mandarin Chinese Pinyin (Surname – Birth Name)
1 陽 Yang
甲 子 (Rat) 甲子太歲 Jiǎ-Zǐ Tài-Suì 金辨大將軍 Jīn Biàn Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Wood Rat 4 57 1984
2 陰 Yin
乙 丑 (Ox) 乙丑太歲 Yǐ-Chǒu Tài-Suì 陳材大將軍 Chén Cái Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Wood Ox 5 56 1985
3 陽 Yang
丙 寅 (Tiger) 丙寅太歲 Bǐng-Yín Tài-Suì 耿章大將軍 Gěng Zhāng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Fire Tiger 6 55 1986
4 陰 Yin
丁 卯 (Rabbit) 丁卯太歲 Dīng-Mǎo Tài-Suì 沈興大將軍 Shěn Xīng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Fire Rabbit 7 54 1987
5 陽 Yang
戊 辰 (Dragon) 戊辰太歲 Wù-Chén Tài-Suì 趙達大將軍 Zhào Dá Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Earth Dragon 8 53 1988
6 陰 Yin
己 巳 (Snake) 己巳太歲 Jǐ-Sì Tài-Suì 郭燦大將軍 Guō Càn Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Earth Snake 9 52 1989
7 陽 Yang
庚 午 (Horse) 庚午太歲 Gēng-Wǔ Tài-Suì 王濟大將軍 Wáng Jì Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Metal Horse 10 51 1990
8 陰 Yin
辛 未 (Goat) 辛未太歲 Xīn-Wèi Tài-Suì 李素大將軍 Lǐ Sù Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Metal Goat 11 50 1991
9 陽 Yang
壬 申 (Monkey) 壬申太歲 Rén-Shēn Tài-Suì 劉旺大將軍 Liú Wàng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Water Monkey 12 49 1992
10 陰 Yin
癸 酉 (Rooster) 癸酉太歲 Guǐ-Yǒu Tài-Suì 康志大將軍 Kāng Zhì Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Water Rooster 13 48 1993
11 陽 Yang
甲 戌 (Dog) 甲戌太歲 Jiǎ-Xū Tài-Suì 施廣大將軍 Shī Guǎng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Wood Dog 14 47 1994
12 陰 Yin
乙 亥 (Pig) 乙亥太歲 Yǐ-Hài Tài-Suì 任保大將軍 Rèn Bǎo Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Wood Pig 15 46 1995
13 陽 Yang
丙 子 (Rat) 丙子太歲 Bǐng-Zǐ Tài-Suì 郭嘉大將軍 Guō Jiā Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Fire Rat 16 45 1996
14 陰 Yin
丁 丑 (Ox) 丁丑太歲 Dīng-Chǒu Tài-Suì 汪文大將軍 Wāng Wén Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Fire Ox 17 44 1997
15 陽 Yang
戊 寅 (Tiger) 戊寅太歲 Wù-Yín Tài-Suì 魯先大將軍 Lǔ Xiān Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Earth Tiger 18 43 1998
16 陰 Yin
己 卯 (Rabbit) 己卯太歲 Jǐ-Mǎo Tài-Suì 龍仲大將軍 Lóng Zhòng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Earth Rabbit 19 42 1999
17 陽 Yang
庚 辰 (Dragon) 庚辰太歲 Gēng-Chén Tài-Suì 董德大將軍 Dǒng Dé Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Metal Dragon 20 41 2000
18 陰 Yin
辛 巳 (Snake) 辛巳太歲 Xīn-Sì Tài-Suì 鄭但大將軍 Zhèng Dàn Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Metal Snake 21 40 2001
19 陽 Yang
壬 午 (Horse) 壬午太歲 Rén-Wǔ Tài-Suì 陸明大將軍 Lù Míng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Water Horse 22 39 2002
20 陰 Yin
癸 未 (Goat) 癸未太歲 Guǐ-Wèi Tài-Suì 魏仁大將軍 Wèi Rén Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Water Goat 23 38 2003
21 陽 Yang
甲 申 (Monkey) 甲申太歲 Jiǎ-Shēn Tài-Suì 方傑大將軍 Fāng Jié Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Wood Monkey 24 37 2004
22 陰 Yin
乙 酉 (Rooster) 乙酉太歲 Yǐ-Yǒu Tài-Suì 蔣崇大將軍 Jiǎng Chóng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Wood Rooster 25 36 2005
23 陽 Yang
丙 戌 (Dog) 丙戌太歲 Bǐng-Xū Tài-Suì 白敏大將軍 Bái Mǐn Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Fire Dog 26 35 2006
24 陰 Yin
丁 亥 (Pig) 丁亥太歲 Dīng-Hài Tài-Suì 封濟大將軍 Fēng Jì Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Fire Pig 27 34 2007
25 陽 Yang
戊 子 (Rat) 戊子太歲 Wù-Zǐ Tài-Suì 鄒鐺大將軍 Zōu Dāng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Earth Rat 28 33 2008
26 陰 Yin
己 丑 (Ox) 己丑太歲 Jǐ-Chǒu Tài-Suì 傅佑大將軍 Fù Yòu Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Earth Ox 29 32 2009
27 陽 Yang
庚 寅 (Tiger) 庚寅太歲 Gēng-Yín Tài-Suì 鄔桓大將軍 Wū Huán Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Metal Tiger 30 31 2010
28 陰 Yin
辛 卯 (Rabbit) 辛卯太歲 Xīn-Mǎo Tài-Suì 范寧大將軍 Fàn Níng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Metal Rabbit 31 30 2011
29 陽 Yang
壬 辰 (Dragon) 壬辰太歲 Rén-Chén Tài-Suì 彭泰大將軍 Péng Tài Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Water Dragon 32 29 2012
30 陰 Yin
癸 巳 (Snake) 癸巳太歲 Guǐ-Sì Tài-Suì 徐單大將軍 Xú Dān Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Water Snake 33 28 2013
31 陽 Yang
甲 午 (Horse) 甲午太歲 Jiǎ-Wǔ Tài-Suì 章詞大將軍 Zhang Cí Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Wood Horse 34 27 2014
32 陰 Yin
乙 未 (Goat) 乙未太歲 Yǐ-Wèi Tài-Suì 楊仙大將軍 Yáng Xiān Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Wood Goat 35 26 2015
33 陽 Yang
丙 申 (Monkey) 丙申太歲 Bǐng-Shēn Tài-Suì 管仲大將軍 Guǎn Zhòng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Fire Monkey 36 25 2016
34 陰 Yin
Yang Year
 丁 酉 (Rooster) 丁酉太歲 Dīng-Yǒu Tài-Suì 唐傑大將軍 Táng Jié Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Fire Rooster 37 24 2017
35 陽 Yang
戊 戌 (Dog) 戊戌太歲 Wù-Xū Tài-Suì 姜武大將軍 Jiāng Wǔ Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Earth Dog 38 23 2018
36 陰 Yin
己 亥 (Pig) 己亥太歲 Jǐ-Hài Tài-Suì 謝太大將軍 Xiè Tài Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Earth Pig 39 22 2019
37 陽 Yang
庚 子 (Rat) 庚子太歲 Gēng-Zǐ Tài-Suì 盧秘大將軍 Lú Bì Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Metal Rat 40 21 2020
38 陰 Yin
辛 丑 (Ox) 辛丑太歲 Xīn-Chǒu Tài-Suì 楊信大將軍 Yáng Xìn Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Metal Ox 41 20 2021
39 陽 Yang
壬 寅 (Tiger) 壬寅太歲 Rén-Yín Tài-Suì 賀諤大將軍 Hè È Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Water Tiger 42 19 2022
40 陰 Yin
癸 卯 (Rabbit) 癸卯太歲 Guǐ-Mǎo Tài-Suì 皮時大將軍 Pí Shí Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Water Rabbit 43 18 2023
41 陽 Yang
甲 辰 (Dragon) 甲辰太歲 Jiǎ-Chén Tài-Suì 李誠大將軍 Lǐ Chéng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Wood Dragon 44 17 2024
42 陰 Yin
乙 巳 (Snake) 乙巳太歲 Yǐ-Sì Tài-Suì 吳遂大將軍 Wú Suì Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Wood Snake 45 16 2025
43 陽 Yang
丙 午 (Horse) 丙午太歲 Bǐng-Wǔ Tài-Suì 文哲大將軍 Wén Zhé Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Fire Horse 46 15 2026
44 陰 Yin
丁 未 (Goat) 丁未太歲 Dīng-Wèi Tài-Suì 繆丙大將軍 Miào Bǐng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Fire Goat 47 14 2027
45 陽 Yang
戊 申 (Monkey) 戊申太歲 Wù-Shēn Tài-Suì 徐浩大將軍 Xú Hào Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Earth Monkey 48 13 2028
46 陰 Yin
己 酉 (Rooster) 己酉太歲 Jǐ-Yǒu Tài-Suì 程寶大將軍 Chéng Bǎo Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Earth Rooster 49 12 2029
47 陽 Yang
庚 戌 (Dog) 庚戌太歲 Gēng-Xū Tài-Suì 倪秘大將軍 Ní Bì Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Metal Dog 50 11 2030
48 陰 Yin
辛 亥 (Pig) 辛亥太歲 Xīn-Hài Tài-Suì 葉堅大將軍 Yè Jiān Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Metal Pig 51 10 2031
49 陽 Yang
壬 子 (Rat) 壬子太歲 Rén-Zǐ Tài-Suì 丘德大將軍 Qiū Dé Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Water Rat 52 9 2032
50 陰 Yin
癸 丑 (Ox) 癸丑太歲 Guǐ-Chǒu Tài-Suì 朱得大將軍 Zhū Dé Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Water Ox 53 8 2033
51 陽 Yang
甲 寅 (Tiger) 甲寅太歲 Jiǎ-Yín Tài-Suì 張朝大將軍 Zhāng Cháo Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Wood Tiger 54 7 2034
52 陰 Yin
乙 卯 (Rabbit) 乙卯太歲 Yǐ-Mǎo Tài-Suì 萬清大將軍 Wàn Qīng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Wood Rabbit 55 6 2035
53 陽 Yang
丙 辰 (Dragon) 丙辰太歲 Bǐng-Chén Tài-Suì 辛亞大將軍 Xīn Yà Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Fire Dragon 56 5 2036
54 陰 Yin
丁 巳 (Snake) 丁巳太歲 Dīng-Sì Tài-Suì 楊彥大將軍 Yáng Yàn Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Fire Snake 57 4 2037
55 陽 Yang
戊 午 (Horse) 戊午太歲 Wù-Wǔ Tài-Suì 黎卿大將軍 Lí Qīng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Earth Horse 58 3 2038
56 陰 Yin
己 未 (Goat) 己未太歲 Jǐ-Wèi Tài-Suì 傅黨大將軍 Fù Dǎng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Earth Goat 59 2 2039
57 陽 Yang
庚 申 (Monkey) 庚申太歲 Gēng-Shēn Tài-Suì 毛梓大將軍 Máo Zǐ Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Metal Monkey 60 1 2040
58 陰 Yin
辛 酉 (Rooster) 辛酉太歲 Xīn-Yǒu Tài-Suì 石政大將軍 Shí Zhèng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Metal Rooster 1 60 2041
59 陽 Yang
壬 戌 (Dog) 壬戌太歲 Rén-Xū Tài-Suì 洪充大將軍 Hóng Chōng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yang Water Dog 2 59 2042
60 陰 Yin
癸 亥 (Pig) 癸亥太歲 Guǐ-Hài Tài-Suì 虞程大將軍 Yú Chéng Dà-Jiāng-Jūn Yin Water Pig 3 58 2043

Images of the Deities of the 60 Heavenly General of Tai Sui in correspondence to the previous detailed table above (refer to the Year number to Tai Sui and Heavenly General, e.g.: Year 1 – 甲子太歲 Jiǎ-Zǐ Tài-Suì 金辨大將軍 Jīn Biàn Dà-Jiāng-Jūn).

60 Heavenly Generals of Tai Sui
Year 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Name of Tai Sui (太歲)/

Name of Heavenly General (大將軍)

甲子太歲
金辨大將軍
乙丑太歲
陳材大將軍
丙寅太歲
耿章大將軍
丁卯太歲
沈興大將軍
戊辰太歲
趙達大將軍
己巳太歲
郭燦大將軍
庚午太歲
王濟大將軍
辛未太歲
李素大將軍
壬申太歲
劉旺大將軍
癸酉太歲
康志大將軍
Year 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Name of Tai Sui (太歲)/

Name of Heavenly General (大將軍)

甲戌太歲
施廣大將軍
乙亥太歲
任保大將軍
丙子太歲
郭嘉大將軍
丁丑太歲
汪文大將軍
戊寅太歲
魯先大將軍
己卯太歲
龍仲大將軍
庚辰太歲
董德大將軍
辛巳太歲
鄭但大將軍
壬午太歲
陸明大將軍
癸未太歲
魏仁大將軍
Year 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Name of Tai Sui (太歲)/

Name of Heavenly General (大將軍)

甲申太歲
方傑大將軍
乙酉太歲
蔣崇大將軍
丙戌太歲
白敏大將軍
丁亥太歲
封濟大將軍
戊子太歲
鄒鐺大將軍
己丑太歲
傅佑大將軍
庚寅太歲
鄔桓大將軍
辛卯太歲
范寧大將軍
壬辰太歲
彭泰大將軍
癸巳太歲
徐單大將軍
Year 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Name of Tai Sui (太歲)/

Name of Heavenly General (大將軍)

甲午太歲
章詞大將軍
乙未太歲
楊仙大將軍
丙申太歲
管仲大將軍
丁酉太歲
唐傑大將軍
戊戌太歲
姜武大將軍
己亥太歲
謝太大將軍
庚子太歲
盧秘大將軍
辛丑太歲
楊信大將軍
壬寅太歲
賀諤大將軍
癸卯太歲
皮時大將軍
Year 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
Name of Tai Sui (太歲)/

Name of Heavenly General (大將軍)

甲辰太歲
李誠大將軍
乙巳太歲
吳遂大將軍
丙午太歲
文哲大將軍
丁未太歲
繆丙大將軍
戊申太歲
徐浩大將軍
己酉太歲
程寶大將軍
庚戌太歲
倪秘大將軍
辛亥太歲
葉堅大將軍
壬子太歲
丘德大將軍
癸丑太歲
朱得大將軍
Year 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Name of Tai Sui (太歲)/

Name of Heavenly General (大將軍)

甲寅太歲
張朝大將軍
乙卯太歲
萬清大將軍
丙辰太歲
辛亞大將軍
丁巳太歲
楊彥大將軍
戊午太歲
黎卿大將軍
己未太歲
傅黨大將軍
庚申太歲
毛梓大將軍
辛酉太歲
石政大將軍
壬戌太歲
洪充大將軍
癸亥太歲
虞程大將軍

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tai Sui

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tai Sui (太岁), also known as the Grand Duke or Grand Duke Jupiter, refers to a series of 60 deities in Chinese astrology and Taoism who each preside over one year in the sexagenary cycle, governing the fortunes, blessings, and potential misfortunes of individuals based on their zodiac compatibility with the ruling deity. The concept originated during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), when ancient Chinese astronomers observed Jupiter's approximately 12-year orbit around the Sun and designated it the "Year Star" (歲星) to aid in timekeeping, later conceptualizing Tai Sui as a hypothetical celestial body moving in the opposite direction to complete the alignment with the 12 earthly branches of the zodiac. By the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 CE), the system evolved into the full 60-year cycle combining 10 heavenly stems and 12 earthly branches. Tai Sui was later personified, during the Song dynasty (960–1279 CE), as 60 celestial generals serving under the Jade Emperor, each embodying a specific year's energy and direction in feng shui practices. In practice, individuals whose birth zodiac animal clashes with the current year's Tai Sui—known as "Fan Tai Sui" (offending Tai Sui)—may experience heightened risks of instability, health issues, financial setbacks, or relational conflicts, a belief rooted in the Han dynasty's astrological traditions that persists in modern . To mitigate these influences, rituals such as Bai Tai Sui (worshipping Tai Sui) are performed at Taoist temples, typically involving offerings of , fruits, and talismans, often on the eighth day of the first , to seek , prosperity, and harmony for the year ahead. Additional remedies include wearing protective amulets like , avoiding construction or renovations in the Tai Sui direction (which shifts annually), and aligning with auspicious "He Tai Sui" zodiac signs for support. These beliefs underscore Tai Sui's enduring role in Chinese cultural life, blending astronomical observation with spiritual devotion to navigate the uncertainties of time and fate.

Origins and Etymology

The term "Tai Sui" (太歲) derives from ancient Chinese cosmology, where "Tai" (太) signifies "great" or "supreme," and "Sui" (歲) originally referred to the "year" or the planet Jupiter as the "Year Star" (歲星, Suìxīng), emphasizing its role as a paramount celestial timekeeper.

Astronomical Foundations

In ancient , Tai Sui (太歲) refers to the collective name for an imaginary celestial marker representing stars or a virtual point positioned directly opposite the planet (木星, Mùxīng), known as the Year Star (歲星, Suìxīng), during its approximately 12-year orbital cycle around the Sun. This concept arose from the need to regularize 's observed motion, as the planet's apparent retrograde path through the zodiac did not align perfectly with the 12-year calendar cycle used for timekeeping. By positing Tai Sui as an antipodal entity moving in the forward direction through the 12 zodiac stations, ancient astronomers created a balanced system where and Tai Sui together completed the full circuit of the . An ancient quote from the Shiji (Records of the Grand Historian) illustrates the significance of "岁" in this context: "故岁在金，穰；水，毁；木，饥；火，旱." Here, "岁" refers to the "Age Star," which is Jupiter, and the quote predicts agricultural outcomes—abundance when in metal, destruction in water, famine in wood, and drought in fire—based on Jupiter's position relative to the five elements. Ancient Chinese astronomers used Jupiter's approximately 12-year orbit around the sky to record years, known as the Jupiter year system, which formed the foundation for calendrical and predictive practices. Jupiter held a central role in ancient as a primary timekeeper, with its sidereal period of roughly 11.86 years approximated to 12 years to divide the celestial year into equal parts corresponding to the (地支, dìzhī) of the . Observers noted 's position relative to the 28 lunar lodges (宿, xiù) along the , grouping them into 12 stations (次, cì), each spanning about 30 degrees and associated with one earthly branch, such as Zi (子) for or Chou (丑) for . This division allowed for predictive calendrical alignments, where Jupiter's entry into a station marked the year's stellar influence, and Tai Sui's opposite position provided a complementary reference for the cycle's progression. Historical methods of observation relied on naked-eye tracking of Jupiter's heliacal risings and settings, often recorded in texts like the Wu xing zhan (五星占), a manuscript from the second century BCE, which detailed the planet's motion across lodges to forecast omens and synchronize earthly events with celestial patterns. These records emphasized empirical deviations from the ideal 12-year path, such as Jupiter's slight orbital irregularities, which Tai Sui conceptually offset to maintain the zodiacal framework without requiring complex adjustments. The resulting system formed the astronomical basis for annual designations tied to the 12 , establishing a non-personified celestial clock that later influenced mythological interpretations.

Historical Development

The concept of Tai Sui originated in ancient Chinese astronomical observations during the (475–221 BCE), where early texts noted 's antipodal stars as markers for alignment and timekeeping. These observations linked the 12-year orbital cycle of , known as Suixing, to the 12 , forming the basis for tracking annual influences without direct . The first explicit reference to Tai Sui appears in the Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), in Wang Chong's Lunheng (Critical Essays), where it is described as an invisible star or celestial entity opposite , believed to exert influence on earthly events through taboos and omens. Wang Chong critiqued these beliefs as superstitious, arguing that alleged disasters from conflicting with Tai Sui stemmed from erroneous interpretations rather than actual stellar power. During the Tang (618–907 CE) and (960–1279 CE) dynasties, Tai Sui evolved from a singular astronomical concept tied to 12 directional influences into a more integrated into official . This expansion incorporated the 10 and 5 elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) with the 12 , creating the 60-year Jiazi cycle for precise calendrical and astrological predictions. By the period, Tai Sui was personified into 60 distinct gods, each presiding over a year in the cycle, reflecting its deeper embedding in cosmological frameworks. In the Ming dynasty (1368–1644 CE), Tai Sui was fully formalized as annual deities within almanacs known as tongshu, which guided state rituals and popular practices. The imperial regime officially recognized the belief, establishing dedicated sacrificial altars to honor Tai Sui and mitigate its perceived influences on governance and society.

Mythology and Deities

The 60 Tai Sui Gods

The 60 Tai Sui gods constitute a pantheon of celestial deities in , with one god presiding over each year in the 60-year Jiazi cycle. This cycle arises from the systematic pairing of the 10 —Jia (甲), Yi (乙), Bing (丙), Ding (丁), Wu (戊), Ji (己), Geng (庚), Xin (辛), Ren (壬), and Gui (癸)—with the 12 —Zi (子), Chou (丑), Yin (寅), Mao (卯), Chen (辰), Si (巳), Wu (午), Wei (未), Shen (申), You (酉), Xu (戌), and Hai (亥)—yielding 60 distinct combinations that repeat every six decades. Each deity's identity and influence are tied to the elemental properties of its stem-branch pair, aligning with the five elements (, , , metal, ) to embody the year's cosmic energies. Overall leadership of these gods falls to Yin Jiao, known as Taisui Tongling Yin Yuanshuai (太歲統領殷元帥), the supreme marshal who coordinates the generals' duties under the direct authority of the Jade Emperor. This hierarchical arrangement positions the Tai Sui gods as a bureaucratic cadre in the heavenly administration, functioning as vigilant enforcers of temporal order who monitor human actions and impose penalties for violations against the presiding deity, while maintaining the potential for reconciliation within the divine system. Illustrative examples include Ji Jinbian, the deity for the Jia Zi year (associated with the Rat zodiac and wood element), depicted as a formidable general armed with a golden whip (jinbian) and linked to the northern directional palace. For the subsequent Yi Chou year (Ox zodiac, wood element), Chen Cai assumes the role, portrayed holding a red-tassel spear and connected to the northeastern direction, underscoring the martial and directional attributes common to these figures. Such personifications emphasize the gods' roles as dynamic celestial officers. The mythological origins of the 60 Tai Sui gods trace to the personification of stellar entities, particularly the stars positioned opposite (known as Tai Sui stars) during its approximate 12-year orbital cycle, which ancient Chinese cosmology adapted into a calendrical framework for tracking annual influences. Each god is envisioned as residing in a dedicated heavenly that corresponds to the directional alignment of the year's Tai Sui position, reinforcing their astronomical roots and integration into Taoist cosmology as subordinate enforcers beneath supreme deities like the .

Role in Chinese Cosmology

In Chinese cosmology, particularly within the Taoist and folk religious frameworks, the Tai Sui gods occupy a significant position in the celestial hierarchy as subordinate deities serving under the (Yuhuang Dadi), the supreme ruler of heaven. They function as generals within this bureaucratic structure, residing in stellar palaces from which they monitor human affairs and oversee the occurrence of , ensuring the maintenance of cosmic order across the mortal realm. This hierarchical arrangement reflects the broader Taoist view of a structured where divine entities enforce harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity. The primary duties of each year's Tai Sui revolve around upholding moral order, regulating weather patterns, and distributing fortune to individuals and societies. As the governing force of the annual cycle, the Tai Sui protects those aligned with its influence while punishing offenders, whose actions disrupt the fundamental (he) between celestial and terrestrial realms. Such disruptions can manifest as calamities, including illness, personal misfortune, or broader societal upheavals, underscoring the Tai Sui's role in linking individual conduct to universal balance. Tai Sui integrates seamlessly with other cosmological systems, notably the Five Elements theory (wuxing), which governs elemental interactions to sustain balance in nature and human life. This connection allows Tai Sui to influence the cyclical flow of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, affecting everything from personal vitality to environmental stability. Additionally, it aligns with the Yellow Emperor's calendar, a foundational temporal framework that structures the and assigns Tai Sui's annual governance over time-based cosmic events. Legends portray the Tai Sui as capable of unleashing like earthquakes or floods when disrespected, yet they also reward with and . These narratives emphasize the deity's dual nature in enforcing cosmic justice. In Taoist practice, the 60 Tai Sui gods act as operational agents fulfilling these overarching functions. Furthermore, venerating Tai Sui is believed to promote and by seeking with the year's cosmic energies.

Astrological Role

The Annual Cycle and Zodiac Conflicts

In , each lunar year is governed by a specific Tai Sui , determined by the position of , which completes a roughly 12-year around the sun and aligns with the 12 of the zodiac. This annual designation rotates sequentially through the zodiac animals, with the ruling Tai Sui embodying the dominant energy of that year; for instance, the 2025 Yi Si year, corresponding to the Wood Snake, is under the influence of General Wu Sui. The 12-year cycle ensures that each zodiac sign encounters the ruling Tai Sui once every dozen years, creating a predictable pattern of astrological influences tied to Jupiter's path. Zodiac conflicts with Tai Sui arise annually based on the relative positions of an individual's birth sign to the year's ruling branch, categorized into four main types that affect personal fortunes. Ben Tai Sui, or direct offense, impacts those born in the same zodiac as the current year, representing a head-on with the year's . Chong Tai Sui, or clashing, affects individuals whose sign is directly opposite, leading to oppositional forces; Hai Tai Sui, or harming, occurs when one's zodiac harms the year's zodiac according to traditional compatibility groups, leading to subtle disruptions; and Po Tai Sui, or breaking, involves a disruptive or breaking relationship with the year's . These conflicts can manifest as potential disruptions in or , though their severity varies by individual circumstances. A specific example occurs in 2025, the Year of the Snake, where Snake-born individuals face Ben Tai Sui, while Pig signs encounter Chong Tai Sui, Tiger signs experience Hai Tai Sui, and Monkey signs deal with Po Tai Sui, potentially heightening risks in professional endeavors or well-being. The broader 12-year Jupiter orbit distributes these influences evenly across all signs over time, but the full 60-year sexagenary cycle integrates the ten heavenly stems with the 12 earthly branches to provide more nuanced predictions beyond simple annual alignments. Astrologers often consult bazi, or four pillars charts, which analyze an individual's complete birth data—including year, month, day, and hour pillars—to evaluate personal vulnerability to Tai Sui influences more precisely than birth year alone.

Types of Tai Sui Offenses

In Chinese astrology, offenses against Tai Sui are categorized into four primary types based on the position of an individual's zodiac sign relative to the year's Tai Sui deity, each carrying distinct astrological implications and potential misfortunes. These categories stem from the annual rotation of Tai Sui through the 12 zodiac animals, influencing personal fortunes accordingly. Ben Tai Sui (值太岁, direct offense) occurs when an individual's birth zodiac matches the year's Tai Sui, representing a full confrontation that can lead to significant stagnation, health issues, or legal troubles. For instance, those born in the Year of the Snake experience this in a Snake year, often resulting in career plateaus or personal setbacks due to the direct alignment. Chong Tai Sui (冲太岁, clashing offense) arises when the birth zodiac is directly opposite the year's Tai Sui, creating a dynamic opposition that may manifest as travel accidents, strained relationships, or financial instability. An example is the Pig zodiac clashing with the Snake year, where volatility in wealth or partnerships is common. Hai Tai Sui (害太岁, harming offense) occurs when one's zodiac harms the year's Tai Sui zodiac according to the six harming groups in zodiac compatibility, leading to subtle disruptions such as minor illnesses, betrayals, or interpersonal conflicts. For the Tiger zodiac in a Snake year, this position can introduce hidden obstacles in daily life or professional dealings, as Tiger harms Snake. Po Tai Sui (破太岁, breaking offense) involves a destructive clash or self-punishing relationship between certain zodiac signs and the year's Tai Sui, symbolizing an erosion of stability that might cause disruptions, sudden losses, breakages in plans, relationships, or health, career reversals, family disputes, or gradual losses. For example, the Rooster zodiac breaking with the Horse Tai Sui, or the Monkey zodiac in a Snake year, potentially facing incremental challenges to long-term plans. The severity of these offenses varies according to an individual's complete Bazi (eight characters) chart, which analyzes the interplay of heavenly stems and earthly branches; Ben and Chong are generally deemed the most severe, often necessitating more robust astrological remedies, while the other eight zodiac signs experience no direct offense.

Religious and Cultural Practices

Appeasement Rituals

Appeasement rituals for Tai Sui, known as An Tai Sui or "pacifying ," are formal Taoist and folk ceremonies designed to mitigate potential misfortunes arising from zodiac conflicts with the year's presiding deity. These rituals seek divine protection by honoring the Tai Sui general through structured prayers and offerings, particularly for individuals in Ben Tai Sui (directly clashing) or other offending positions. Performed annually, they emphasize reverence and supplication to harmonize cosmic energies. Also referred to as Bai Tai Sui, these ceremonies are especially significant during Ben Ming Nian, the birth year zodiac conflict. A prominent example is the An Tai Sui ceremony held at temples such as Taipei's Xingtian Temple, Hong Kong's Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Taiwan's Longshan Temple, where devotees gather for communal prayers, light incense to invoke the deity, and receive protective talismans called . These are inscribed with the Tai Sui deity's name using red ink, symbolizing vitality and warding off negative influences, and are often carried or placed at home altars for ongoing . The ceremony typically involves a leading participants in bowing before the Tai Sui altar, fostering a collective appeal for safety and prosperity. Costs for these services vary by temple, ranging from hundreds to thousands of yuan as donations; for instance, at Wong Tai Sin Temple, the religious service fee for a Tai Sui prayer is HK$300, plus an admission fee of HK$100. Offerings during these rituals include , fresh fruits, flowers, pastries such as nian gao or tang yuan, and paper offerings such as gold ingots that are burned as a symbolic gift to the heavens, ensuring the deity's favor. Participants often provide personal details including name, birth date and time, and address to personalize the prayer document submitted to the temple. They may also receive a Tai Sui package containing blessed items like amulets, rice, or water, or wear Tai Sui clothing such as red garments for added protection. These elements underscore the ritual's role in bridging the earthly and divine realms. The procedure is timed to auspicious dates, such as from the eighth to the fifteenth day () of the first , or anytime during the year if needed, aligning with the lunar calendar's cyclical nature. Preparation involves purification, such as bathing and abstaining from meat, followed by registration at the temple with personal details and a donation. Central to the rite is the worship sequence: first honoring the main temple deity (such as Dou Mu Yuan Jun, the Mother of All Stars), then the current year's Tai Sui general, and finally the natal Tai Sui based on one's birth year. This includes lighting incense, igniting a Tai Sui lamp for the year, bowing multiple times, and chanting the Tai Sui Bao Gao, a sacred text that recites the deity's titles and petitions for mercy and blessings, recited in unison to amplify spiritual efficacy. Participants depart with blessed items such as amulets depicting the Tai Sui general, which serve as personal guardians against adversity. This structured sequence—preparation, invocation, offering, and dedication—ensures the ritual's potency in appeasing the year's Tai Sui. In modern contexts, especially for communities unable to visit temples, adaptations include setting up home altars for personal chanting of the Tai Sui Bao Gao, alongside simple offerings like incense and fruits. Online resources facilitate these practices, maintaining tradition amid . Such innovations preserve the ritual's essence while accommodating contemporary lifestyles. Additionally, a year-end gratitude ritual known as Xie Tai Sui is performed in the twelfth lunar month to thank the departing Tai Sui for protection and ensure a smooth transition, involving similar offerings and prayers at the temple. For 2025, the Year of the Wood Snake, rituals specifically target General Wu Sui, with a southeast directional focus to align with his astrological position; incorporations like yellow elemental colors, representing earth affinity, enhance the ceremony's harmony. Devotees are advised to orient altars or talismans southeastward during prayers to optimize protective energies.

Taboos and Protective Measures

Individuals offending Tai Sui are advised to avoid facing or directing activities toward the Tai Sui's annual position, determined using a compass known as the to precisely measure directions. For instance, in years associated with certain zodiacs like the , this position falls in the northeast, where renovations or construction should be strictly avoided to prevent disturbances that could invite misfortune. Such directional taboos emphasize maintaining harmony with the invisible energies governing the year. In years of Tai Sui offense, major activities such as , weddings, lawsuits, or moving house are typically postponed to minimize risks of setbacks or conflicts. Practitioners recommend exercising caution with significant decisions, opting instead for stability to navigate potential challenges without escalation. Protective measures often involve personal items like pendants or pi xiu amulets worn for warding off negative influences, as jade is believed to absorb and balance disruptive energies. For offenses such as Po Tai Sui (broken Tai Sui), which involves destructive clashes, blue or black accessories may also be worn to promote elemental balance and mitigate negative influences. Tai Sui amulets can be carried daily, while plaques or small statues are placed on home altars, oriented away from the offender's primary direction to symbolically deflect harm. These objects serve as constant reminders and safeguards in everyday life. Lifestyle adjustments include donating to charity, performing good deeds, and practicing to cultivate positive karma and maintain a humble mindset, countering the year's adversities, including those from Po Tai Sui, through virtuous actions. Consulting geomancers for personalized remedies, such as planting specific trees to harmonize elemental imbalances, helps tailor protections to individual circumstances. A strategy of "quiet navigation" encourages low-profile living during offense years, such as keeping activities subdued and avoiding clashes like wearing certain colors or unnecessary travel in conflicting directions. For severe cases, these measures may complement appeasement rituals.

Cultural Influence and Variations

In Chinese and Overseas Communities

In , Tai Sui beliefs are deeply embedded in contemporary folk practices through traditional almanacs and modern mobile applications that offer daily guidance on auspicious directions and zodiac conflicts. These tools, such as the widely used apps, help users navigate potential Tai Sui influences in routine activities like travel or renovations. State-sanctioned Taoist temples, including those in major cities like and , organize large-scale An Tai Sui ceremonies during the Spring Festival, drawing thousands for communal prayers to appease the deity and seek protection for the year ahead. In , Tai Sui observances remain prominent at Taoist temples in and other regions, where annual pilgrimages peak around the as devotees perform appeasement rituals to mitigate offenses. These practices extend to practical spheres, influencing business decisions; for instance, entrepreneurs often consult astrologers to avoid initiating major investments during Ben Ming Nian (one's birth zodiac year), viewed as periods of heightened conflict with Tai Sui. Among communities, Tai Sui rituals are sustained through local institutions tailored to needs. In , temples and community centers in and host dedicated An Tai Sui sessions, blending traditional offerings with accessible group events to foster cultural continuity. In Western locales like San Francisco's Chinatown, these beliefs integrate with broader consultations, often delivered via services that address Tai Sui alongside wellness approaches. Zodiac apps have further popularized notifications of Tai Sui clashes, enabling remote users to prepare rituals proactively. During the , virtual An Tai Sui prayers proliferated in networks, allowing participants in places like and to join ceremonies when physical temple access was restricted.

Adaptations in Other Cultures

In Vietnamese culture, the Tai Sui concept has been adapted as Thái Tuế, retaining its astrological role in the while integrating with local traditions influenced by centuries of Chinese cultural exchange. Offending the year's Thái Tuế, known as Phạm Thái Tuế, occurs when an individual's zodiac sign conflicts with the ruling , potentially causing disruptions in fortune, , and personal endeavors. Remedies mirror Chinese practices but often incorporate Vietnamese folk elements, such as temple visits for prayers, offerings of and fruit, and the use of protective talismans to seek harmony and avert misfortune. Thailand provides another prominent example of adaptation, where Tai Sui manifests as Pi Chong (cursed year), a belief introduced by Chinese immigrants during the reign of King (1824–1851) and blended with Thai Buddhist customs. Individuals whose zodiac signs clash with the year's Tai Sui—categorized by degrees of incompatibility (e.g., 100%, 75%)—may face obstacles in prosperity and well-being. To counteract this, Thais perform Kae Chong rituals at Sino-Thai temples like , involving prostrations before deities, donations, and acquisition of amulets for protection, often timed around . This syncretic practice underscores Thailand's embrace of within its multicultural framework. These adaptations in highlight Tai Sui's flexibility, evolving from a strictly Taoist cosmological element into localized systems that address everyday concerns while preserving the emphasis on annual zodiac alignments and .

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