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In Chinese tradition, attracting good luck and minimizing bad luck is of utmost importance during the Lunar New Year. One common practice is consulting the Chinese almanac, which ensures that your zodiac does not offend the Tai Sui, the Grand Duke of Jupiter or the Grand Commander of the Year.
The Chinese Almanac is used by most Chinese astrologers to determine the best dates to carry out auspicious events. (Source: theSundaily.my)
Tai Sui is essentially the Guardian God of the Year, governing all the fortunes of a particular year. It is a concept primarily practiced by Chinese who follow Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. Those who practice Abrahamic faiths such as Christianity and Islam typically refrain from cultural practices related to other religious concepts, particularly polytheism.
The Chinese zodiac signs that ‘Fan Tai Sui’ in the Year 2022. (Credit: feng shui Beginner)
Chinese Astrology
The concept of Tai Sui is based on Jupiter's 12-year orbital cycle, which determines the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. Each lunar year, the star opposing Jupiter is personified as a heavenly general, cycle god, Grand Duke of Jupiter, or Tai Sui. It is common for Chinese lore to associate deities with stars and constellations in the night sky.
There are a total of 60 Tai Suis, derived from combining the 12 signs with the five Chinese elements of fire, earth, metal, water, and wood.
Five Elements Theory is a Chinese philosophy used to describe interactions and relationships between things. (Source: Facebook)
What Happens When We Offend The Tai Sui?
Offending the Guardian God of the Year, known as Fan Tai Sui or 犯太歲, is a concern for those born in the years of the monkey, tiger, snake, and pig in 2022. However, it's not all pessimistic. Facing challenges at work, experiencing a strained relationship, or suffering from poor physical condition could be indications of being in the Fan Tai Sui mode.
For example, the Year of the Water Tiger, starting on February 1, 2022, will be defined by the features and attributes of the Tai Sui. If the Tai Sui holds a pen, political unrest may occur. On the other hand, if the Tai Sui wields a spear or sword, it suggests a demanding year that requires tremendous effort.
A Tai Sui chart for 60 years. (Source: Xing Fu)
Battling Fan Tai Sui
To avoid a year of adversity or turmoil, it is crucial to find a remedy if your birth sign clashes with the Tai Sui of a given year. This remedy is based on a complex chart that predicts which signs will offend which of the 60 Grand Dukes. The chart also provides insights into the challenges that lie ahead, which vary according to the attributes of the Grand Dukes.
The 12 Chinese zodiacs. (Credit: Feng Shui Beginner)
Pleasing The Gods
There is a Cantonese saying that feng shui masters can cheat you for 8 to 10 years. Luckily, there are surefire ways to make the grand duke happy. One approach is to visit a temple with a Tai Sui shrine to perform Sip Tai Sui. Through this ritual, you will receive a protective talisman to ensure a smooth year ahead.
Just remember to express gratitude and show it through action by returning to the temple and thanking the grand duke before the year ends. Failure to do so may result in the gods "unfriending" you, leading to retributions in the form of bad luck that could carry over to the next year. Wearing talismans throughout the year and adjusting feng shui elements at home or the office can also help minimize the impact of Fan Tai Sui.
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