TAI SUI (THE GRAND DUKE OF JUPITER) WU SUI, RESIDES IN SOUTHEAST IN 2025 

On the 3 rd of February 2025, begins the year of the Yin Wood Snake (Yi Si), marking a new yearly pillar and also a new path of Annual Flying stars, for the year ahead.

Tai Sui Wu Sui (The Grand Duke of Jupiter) – is in the southeast (142.5 - 157.5) in 2025

Tai Sui, Grand Duke of Jupiter or also known as “General of Time Gods” (Yin Jiao), is a very important aspect of Chinese Astrology, wielding significant influence over fortune, health, and luck. Tai Sui refers to stars directly opposite to Jupiter and sometime refers to the rotation of Jupiter. In any case they are known to influence the Chinese zodiac and are involved in religious Taoism and Feng Shui.

The Chinese Lunar Year Cycle has 60 years, and according to Taoist belief, there are sixty heavenly generals one of whom is the Year Authority, or Tai Sui, who is rotated within the 60 Jia Zi (Jupiter stars). Each has the duty of observing and managing the hour, day, month and year, as well as governing every heavenly body in the sky. They assist the Jade Emperor in taking charge of the well-being of the Mortal World. Each of them takes turn being in charge for a year at which time they are known as that year’s specific Tai Sui. Due to most of them having a military background and having an intangible energy body of War-like nature they are normally known as the Military Generals, or as the Cycle Gods.   Each of their attributes and weapons signifies the well-being of that year. For example, if the Tai Sui of the year is one who holds a pen it signifies political unrest for that particular year. On the other hand, if the Tai Sui of the year holds a spear or sword it signifies the need to work hard and excel for that year. Each year’s Tai Sui has the commanding post wielding his authority over all other deities for that particular year, the sole exception being The Jade Emperor. 

Suffice it to say; with such immense power and influence, no one dares to offend Tai Sui. At this juncture I would like to also add that Tai Sui (Grand Duke Jupiter) has usually been misunderstood as the dreaded punisher whereas, in fact, he is engaged by Heaven to tend to any mishaps and disasters and provide protection. A person's bliss, health, luck and misfortune are all governed under the care of Tai Sui. Pay heed, Tai Sui will note the good deeds and misdeeds of people and so bestow (exact, impose, dole out) rewards or punishments accordingly.

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This year’s Grand Duke Jupiter (Tai Sui) is General Wu Sui. He was a (wise and compassionate) scholar and magistrate during the Song Dynasty, renowned for his keen intellect and ability to solve even the most complex cases. His reputation, for being meticulous in thoroughly analyzing evidence, made him highly sought after by other magistrates who often requested assistance; thus, he was promoted to governor of Xiuning County.

During his tenure, a severe drought struck the region. General Wu Sui, determined to help his people, spent three days and nights praying at the temple. His prayers were answered, and rain fell on his county, while neighboring regions remained parched, leading to famine and chaos.

Despite fires, looting and widespread suffering in surrounding areas, Wu Sui’s County had furthermore thrived; this was due to Governor Wu Sui’s subsequent, apt measures. Through tax exemptions and relief efforts, peace and stability had been maintained, making his province a rare haven of order during such catastrophic (calamitous) times.   

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Moving on: each Tai Sui is linked to a specific direction, leading to potential conflicts with certain zodiac animals. These conflicts arise from the cosmic alignment and can significantly affect individuals' energy fields. Those in conflict with or offending Tai Sui may face adverse effects, impacting their health, finances, and relationships.

The effects of Tai Sui's influence aren’t just fleeting - they linger throughout the entire year, potentially turning one’s plans upside down if one is not careful.

Those whose Chinese Zodiac offends, or by their sign clash with the Tai Sui of the year, are advised to go through a prayer session with a Taoist Priest to ask for blessing in obtaining Peace and Good Fortune throughout the year. If for whatever reason one can’t do this then there are Talismans for protection against Tai Sui.

Chinese Zodiac signs that clashes with Tai Sui (WU SUI) in the Year of the Wood Snake 2025 are:

1-Snake - Conflict.  People born in the Year of the Snake will experience a year that is generally marked by challenges, including career difficulties.  Expect setbacks and obstacles that may hinder progress.  Tensions are likely to arise within family relationships. A decline in health is possible, with a higher risk of accidents or misfortunes.  The Snake should maintain a positive attitude and keep forging ahead despite challenges. Focus on emotional control and reconciliation to create a more favorable environment, as trust can lead to wealth and stability.

2. Tiger – Harm - Individuals born in the Year of the Tiger will be in a harmful position with Tai Sui in 2025, which can lead to tense (strained) interpersonal relationships, with increased likelihood of misunderstandings and conflicts. Existing health problems may become more pronounced.  The Tiger therefore should approach challenges with optimism and focus on maintaining harmonious relationships with loved ones. Prioritize family unity to enhance overall fortune.

3. Pig - Conflict with Tai Sui - Those born in the Year of the Pig will face a significant conflict with Tai Sui in 2025, characterized by major Changes. Expect notable shifts in various aspects of life, serious impacts on financial stability and overall health and a likelihood of feeling depressed or experiencing financial crises. Pig should therefore exercise caution in all their actions and decisions, avoid unnecessary conflicts and resistance to navigate through the year safely.

4. Monkey - Torturing Tai Sui - and Destruction of Tai Sui -Individuals born in the Year of the Monkey will face a dual clash with Tai Sui in 2025, encompassing both torturing and destructive influences. Expect financial challenges, increased risk of financial instability and crises. Tensions may arise due to the punitive nature of this year; hence, the monkey should focus on managing finances carefully to avoid falling into debt or financial difficulties.

By understanding these dynamics and taking proactive measures, those who clash with Tai Sui in 2025 can mitigate potential misfortunes and enhance their overall well-being throughout the year.

Here are few precautions to keep in mind, for all the Chinese Zodiac (Animal) signs:

Like all the annual afflictions, Tai Sui does not like being disturbed. The effects of Tai Sui can be good or bad depending on the annual flying stars that coincide with its location. If your front door is in the southeast during 2025, please try to avoid slamming the door as much as possible as this is a very quick way to anger Tai Sui. If you have a main bedroom or living space in the southeast this year, try to keep noise levels to normal volume and avoid playing the TV or music so loud that you can’t easily speak over the top of it. Avoid sitting or sleeping with your head pointing towards Southeast. Also do not directly confront Tai Sui in the dining room and at work, but it’s okay to have your back facing him. Conflicting with Tai Sui can invite disruptions, so it's crucial to take necessary precautions to avoid the adverse effects.  

It’s imperative to keep the Southeast sector calm and quiet. Avoid loud noises, disturbances, and construction work during this period. No renovations, repairs, digging, or even hammering a small nail in the Southeast, of home or office. Avoid sitting at desk and facing Southeast.

The traditional method to appease Tai Sui for the year of the Snake, regardless of zodiac sign, is to place a Wu Sui Tai Sui gold plated plaque or Pi Yao in the southeast of your home or workplace throughout the whole of 2025. This powerful symbol invites his support and protection throughout the year. Also, by paying respect to the Grand Duke of Jupiter, we can weaken or avoid the problems this can bring.

You may also carry protective amulets or talismans designed for the year, such as the Tai Sui Amulet 2025 or the Brass Feng Shui Piyao Biting Coin Amulet. Keeping a Tai Sui Metal Card 2025 or Tai Sui Card 2025 in your purse or wallet serves as an additional safeguard against negative influences.

Here are few more dos and don’ts for managing Tai Sui Conflicts:

Maintain Your Vehicle: Regularly check and service your car to ensure safe driving and prevent accidents. When driving, hang a Colorful Liuli Pair of Piyao Tassel or a Yellow Liuli Pair of Piyao Feng Shui Tassel in your car to ensure a safe journey.

Help others whenever possible to cultivate goodwill and remain in their favor. This generosity can create a protective buffer against potential challenges. Cultivate a positive mindset and steer clear negative thoughts. The law of attraction can influence your experiences significantly. Engage in happy gatherings and celebrations to soak up positive energies.

Limit Visits to Hospitals and Funerals: Try to avoid these places during this time, as they can bring negative energies.

Steer clear of high-risk investments, career changes, and extreme sports that could lead to unnecessary challenges.

If accessible, visiting a Tai Sui temple for prayers and offerings, especially on the 8th day of the first lunar month, can help secure Tai Sui’s favor.

Important Reminder: Tai Sui, as the God of the Year, changes annually. Do not reuse any Tai Sui amulets, plaques, or keychains from previous years. Instead, respectfully wrap them in paper, express gratitude for their past protection, and dispose of them properly.

 

Fin

 

Hungry Ghosts

Hungry Ghosts

In Ontario we have a rather short summer season, three months tops. In August, being the final month of summer, many will try to stack up as much fun and memorable events, evenings being no exception, before returning to the winter grind. They are completely oblivious or unaware of the serious significance and the dangers this month holds. That’s right; it is the “Hungry Ghost” period, known to most everyone with Oriental heritage.

Cultures from Europe to China all have traditional days of the dead or ghost days, many thousands of years old that were part of the tribal folk religions before the advent of Christianity in Europe and Buddhism in Asia. (Typically however, belief in "Hungry Ghosts" is now also part of Chinese Buddhism and Taoism.)

Historical records reveal that in Great Britain, Halloween had originated from the traditional holiday of Celts who believed that the last day of October was “the day of the dead” or “the ghost day” when ghosts crossed over the boundary between the living and the dead. The Chinese belief is similar. In many ways, this festival is reminiscent of Halloween or the Night of the Dead in Western countries.

The “Hungry Ghost” period (that falls in July or August in our Western calendar) and the resulting festival are celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. (Halloween comes just a tad later, depending on the growing season, and the harvest times.) Similarly, the Chinese believe that on the days of the Hungry Ghost Month, and especially on the night of the full moon, there is more of a bridge between the dead and the living and that the gates of hell are opened wide releasing all the hungry ghosts into the living realm. 

This is where it gets particularly interesting, for it is believed that the soul contains elements of both yin and yang. The yin is the kui, or demon part, and the yang is the shen, or spirit part. When death occurs, the kui should return to earth, and the shen to the grave or family shrine. The shen, or ancestral spirit is believed to watch over its descendants, and if properly worshipped, bring the living descendents a good fortune. If a ghost is neglected however, it will become a kui. Now the hungry ghosts can arise from the deceased that had had a violent end. Some of the unhappy circumstance or evil deeds that had lead them to being reborn or to becoming a hungry ghost are killing, theft, sexual misconduct, gluttony and greed.

There are some stipulations or precautions for dealing or honouring the dead and same time warding off the possible wrath, attacks or pranks of these discontented, deprived entities that have now been temporarily allowed to roam free in the living world.

Typically, the Hungry Ghost bent on mischief and harm can be appeased through tribute, such as the burning of “hell money (a valid currency in the underworld)”, or other forms of joss paper such as paper houses, cars and televisions. Meanwhile, it is best to keep in mind many of the superstitions and taboos surrounding the Hungry Ghost Festival. For instance, at night during this time it would be best to remain indoors or visit only well lit areas to avoid danger of being possessed by evil spirits. After all they are capable of assuming many forms, including snakes, moths, birds, foxes, wolves, and tigers. Some can even use the guise of a beautiful man or woman to seduce and possess.

Typically, there has been many such stories in existence; one such refers to a ghost who takes the form of a pretty girl and seduces a young man until a priest intervenes and sends the spirit back to hell. It is believed that possession can cause illness and/or mental disorders. Swimming is to be avoided as spirits may also cause drowning.

Families also pay tribute to other unknown wandering ghosts to avoid spiritual attacks and misfortune. Red painted paper lanterns are placed everywhere including business and residential areas and, because many believe it is important to appease the ghosts; this culminates in a very lively phase with many temple, street and market ceremonies being performed. 

During the festival shops are usually closed to leave the streets open for the ghosts. In the middle of each street stands an altar of incense with fresh fruit and sacrifices displayed on it. Behind the altar, monks will sing songs that it is believed only the ghosts can understand. This rite is called shi ge'r, meaning "singing ghost songs". After an offering has been burnt for the spirits, stepping on or near the burnt area must be avoided, as it is considered an "opening" to the spirit world and touching it may cause the person to be possessed. Do we really need to say this: one must also avoid sampling any of the food placed on the offering table, as doing this can result in "mysterious” illness.

The main ceremonies at the temples, organized by resident monks, typically begin at dusk. Usually a big feast is held for the ghosts on the 15th day of the 7th month, where people bring samples of food and place them on the offering table to both please the ghosts and ward off bad luck. Supposedly the ghosts won't do something terrible to the living or curse them after eating their sacrifices and while holding their money. 

Any person attending a show at indoor entertainment venues will notice the first row of chairs is left empty. These seats are reserved for the spirits, and it is considered bad form to sit in them. The shows are always put on at night and at high volumes, so that the sound attracts and pleases the ghosts. 

Additionally, during an evening incense is burnt in front of the doors of many homes for incense stands for prosperity and the more incense is burnt; the greater will be one's prosperity. Subsequently, at the end of fifteen days the Taoist monks chant to facilitate the ghosts’ departure and to send them back to whence they came from. The ghosts are thought to hate the sound of chant, and so scream and wail all the way back to the realm of the dead.

In the evening, people float lanterns on water and set them outside their houses in order to ensure that all the hungry ghosts find their way back to underworld. The ghosts are believed to follow the floating river lanterns away. These lanterns are made by setting a lotus flower-shaped lantern on a piece of board. When the lanterns all go out, it is a sign that the Hungry ghosts have by then found their way back to the nether region.

It is interesting to note that some people presume that the gates of heaven are also opened during this month, and they worship their ancestors from heaven too.

And finally, during The Chinese Hungry Ghost Festival here’s a summary of “not to do” list:

-Do not venture outside during the darkened hours. 

- If this is unavoidable, then walk by a wall or something else that is visible at your side view.

- Avoid standing or loitering under a tree in the middle of the night.

- Bad manners aside, restrain from spitting in the street or at a tree.

-Do not stare at the candlelight or lit fire.

- Avoid stepping on or kicking the offerings or the joss sticks left alongside of the road.

- Cover up your forehead at night; always pin or put up your hair as high as possible. Wearing any kind of a hat is a good idea.

- Do not play or loiter at the playground in the middle of the night, particularly the swings.

- Resist staring at an “apparition” if you happen to see one; swiftly look or walk away with calm composure. 

- Do not be disrespectful or utter funny jokes or comments on any display altar or offering items along the street

- Resist the urge to look underneath the altar table during a prayer session

- Do not shift your gaze from left to right or right to left repeatedly when you sense something akin to an apparition; instead, look straight ahead and advance toward your destination calmly.

- Should you detect an unexplained, pleasant or sweet smell ahead or around you, restrain from sniffing it. 

- It’s best to avoid using any Dark or Black color manicure at this particular time.

- Do not sit on the first few Front Rows of any performed entertainment.

- Do not wait around at any Bus Stop after Mid-Night especially when it has already passed the bus service operating hours

- You mustn’t whistle alone at night; if you detect someone singing when you know you are alone, do not accompany him or her.

- Do not open your umbrella at night, especially red color umbrellas

- It’s not advisable to wear red color costume with high heels and walk alone at night

- Resist any urge to pick up any unique items found on the street or road

- No swimming in the pool or lake in the middle of the night; something maybe waiting to pull your legs under

- Mustn’t hang your clothes out in the middle of the night

- Do not give answer or respond when someone calls you, especially from behind

- Do not turn around or turn your head when someone unexpected pats on your shoulders in the middle of the deserted street

- Avoid combing your hair in front of the mirror in the middle of the night

- Do not be rowdy; best not to shout or scream in the middle of the night. Remain as quiet as possible, particularly if you should feel a sudden, unexplained coldness or temperature drop. 

- Mustn’t’ be emotional and cry in the middle of the night

- Resist being a curious person or hero if you hear some "strange" sound or noise, especially a soft crying tone.

- Do not leave any fresh or bleeding wounds out in an open air; always cover the injury/ lesion with proper bandage materials.

- And finally, never respond to a dare or take up the challenge to enter cemetery area or abandoned houses.



The End