Tai Sui, Chinese Zodiac & Story

Chinese Zodiac

The Chinese zodiac, also known as Shengxiao, is a classification system based on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal sign. The zodiac is widely used in Chinese culture and astrology to determine personality traits, compatibility, and predict future events.

The 12 animal signs of the Chinese zodiac are:

1. Rat: Those born in the Year of the Rat are considered clever, adaptable, and resourceful.
2. Ox: People born in the Year of the Ox are believed to be diligent, dependable, and methodical.
3. Tiger: Those born in the Year of the Tiger are thought to be courageous, competitive, and confident.
4. Rabbit (or Cat): People born in the Year of the Rabbit (or Cat) are considered gentle, sensitive, and compassionate.
5. Dragon: Those born in the Year of the Dragon are believed to be ambitious, charismatic, and powerful.
6. Snake: People born in the Year of the Snake are thought to be wise, intuitive, and elegant.
7. Horse: Those born in the Year of the Horse are considered energetic, independent, and adventurous.
8. Goat (or Sheep): People born in the Year of the Goat (or Sheep) are believed to be gentle, artistic, and harmonious.
9. Monkey: Those born in the Year of the Monkey are thought to be intelligent, witty, and playful.
10. Rooster: People born in the Year of the Rooster are considered observant, hardworking, and confident.
11. Dog: Those born in the Year of the Dog are believed to be loyal, honest, and protective.
12. Pig (or Boar): People born in the Year of the Pig (or Boar) are thought to be kind, generous, and easygoing.

Each animal sign is also associated with one of the five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, or water—creating a 60-year cycle. This combination of animal signs and elements is used to provide further insight into an individual’s character and fortune within the Chinese zodiac system.

Zodiac Story

The myth behind the Chinese zodiac

The Chinese zodiac story is a legend that explains the origins of the 12 animal signs in the Chinese zodiac. The story goes as follows:

Long ago, the Jade Emperor, the ruler of the heavens, wanted to find a way to measure time and organize the animal kingdom. He decided to hold a great race and invited all the animals to participate. The first 12 animals to cross the finish line would be given a place in the zodiac, and their order would determine the years they would represent.

On the day of the race, the animals gathered at the starting line. The clever Rat, knowing that it was not a strong swimmer, approached the powerful Ox and asked for a favor. The Rat asked if it could ride on the Ox’s back and promised to repay the Ox’s kindness later. The Ox, being kind-hearted, agreed, and they set off together.

As they reached the river that marked the finish line, the Rat saw the opportunity to win. Just as the Ox was about to step onto the shore, the Rat leaped off its back and crossed the finish line first. The Ox finished in second place, unaware of the Rat’s trickery.

Soon after, the powerful Tiger arrived, having swum across the river. The Jade Emperor welcomed the Tiger as the third animal in the zodiac. The next animals to arrive were the Rabbit, who hopped across the river on stepping stones, and the Dragon, who was delayed because it stopped to help a village suffering from a drought. The Dragon’s act of kindness resulted in being named the fifth animal in the zodiac.

The other animals followed in the order they arrived: the Snake, the Horse, the Goat (sometimes referred to as the Sheep), the Monkey, the Rooster, the Dog, and finally, the Pig. Each animal was granted a position in the zodiac based on their performance in the race.

The story of the Chinese zodiac teaches various moral lessons, such as the value of intelligence and resourcefulness (demonstrated by the Rat), the importance of kindness (shown by the Dragon), and the significance of perseverance and cooperation (as demonstrated by the Ox). These animal signs are believed to influence a person’s personality traits and determine their compatibility with others based on the year they were born.

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About Tai Sui

Tai Sui, also known as the Grand Duke Jupiter or Grand Commander of the Year, is a concept in Chinese astrology and Taoist belief. It is believed to be a celestial deity responsible for the energy or influence of a particular year. According to the Chinese zodiac, each year is associated with one of the 12 animal signs, and one of the animal signs is said to offend or clash with the Tai Sui.

In Chinese culture, it is believed that Tai Sui is a powerful and influential deity who governs the energy of a specific year. The presence of Tai Sui can bring both positive and negative effects on individuals depending on their zodiac sign. It is believed that if a person’s zodiac sign clashes with Tai Sui in a particular year, they may experience bad luck, obstacles, or misfortunes.

To appease Tai Sui and mitigate any potential negative effects, people often observe certain rituals and practices. These may include making offerings, wearing specific colors or accessories, and avoiding certain activities or directions that are believed to offend Tai Sui. Many individuals also seek spiritual guidance from Taoist priests or astrologers to understand and navigate the influence of Tai Sui in their lives.

It’s important to note that beliefs and practices related to Tai Sui are predominantly followed in Chinese culture, particularly during the Lunar New Year and throughout the corresponding zodiac year.