Fan Tai Sui (犯太岁)
You mean we have a god of bad luck?
With Chinese New Year just around the corner, I wanted to share something that is commonly discussed in many Chinese families around the world, especially among older folks.
My mother-in-law, for example, gives specific instructions to my wife and her siblings on how to take the necessary countermeasure when we Fan Tai Sui (犯太岁) this Chinese New Year. I never knew what it was all these years, and so decided to find out.
What is Fan Tai Sui?
Fan Tai Sui refers to the phenomenon of clashing with or offending the god Tai Sui, also known as the Grand Duke Jupiter or the Guardian God of the Year. When it happens, it can lead to bad luck in various aspects of your life in the coming year, especially in health, relationships and finances.
This belief, which dates back to the Warring States period (475 BCE to 221 BCE), typically affects individuals born under the zodiac sign that corresponds with the current year, known as Ben Ming Nian (本命年), a.k.a. Zodiac Year, along with three to four other signs.
So in the coming year of the snake, those born under the year of the snake (6th) are said to Fan Tai Sui. The direct opposite, Pig (which is 12th) and the two quarters Monkey (which is 9th, and Tiger (which is 3rd) will also offend Tai Sui, though to a lesser degree.
Parents and older folks will be busy planning for remedies and countermeasures to reduce the impact of Fan Tai Sui. These will include praying and making offerings at the local temple, wearing amulets and specific colours (especially red), associating with people of favourable zodiac signs, and performing good deeds to reduce negative impacts.
But who is Tai Sui?
Tai Sui (太岁), also known as the Grand Duke Jupiter, is a significant deity in Chinese astrology and culture. He governs the fortunes of individuals for a specific year, influencing various aspects of life such as health, wealth, career, and relationships.
The concept of Tai Sui originated from the planet Jupiter, which has a 12-year cycle that aligns with the 12 zodiac signs in Chinese astrology. Multiplied by the 5 elements, there are 60 Tai Sui deities, each presiding over a year in a 60-year cycle.
Tai Sui is often personified as a celestial general serving under the Jade Emperor. It is more like an appointment that rotates with different deities.
Each Tai Sui deity is associated with a specific direction and has its own characteristics and influences. This is important in Feng Shui practices and in fortune-telling.
The deity ruling is referred to as the “Liu Nian Tai Sui” (流年太岁, “yearly deity”), and is crucial for determining who will have good or bad luck based on their zodiac sign.
When individuals clash with Tai Sui, they may encounter obstacles, difficulties or misfortunes throughout the year. This typically affects those born under the zodiac sign corresponding to the current year, along with several others.
Your fortune in 2025
In 2025, General Wu Sui (吴造大屠) is the governing Tai Sui in the Year of the Wood Snake. The associated direction is South-Southeast.
So those born in the Year of the Snake will clash with Tai Sui in 2025. According to astrologists, they may face health issues, misfortunes, and other emotional troubles.
Other signs affected are:
Those born in the Year of the Pig will be in direct conflict with Tai Sui (冲太岁). It is considered the most severe form of offending Tai Sui. They may experience major changes in life, financial troubles or instability, health issues, relationship challenges, and just overall poor luck.
Those born in the Year of Tiger will be 害太岁 - Hai Tai Sui, or harming Tai Sui. Astrologists say this is less serious than being in direct conflict. They may face challenges such as betrayals, conflicts in interpersonal relationships, and emotional instability.
Finally, those born in the Year of the Monkey will be 破太岁 - Po Tai Sui, or “Destroying Tai Sui”. This is the mildest form of offense against Tai Sui. They might encounter financial losses, relationship breakdowns, or interpersonal conflicts.
The negative effects are almost similar, but the gravity of each differs accordingly.
What can you do?
To appease Tai Sui and mitigate the effects, there are several common remedies recommended:
You can Pray:
This is countermeasure 101. Visiting a Tai Sui temple to offer prayers is the most basic method. Offerings usually include incense, fruits, and other symbolic items. However, when praying, remember to provide personal information such as your full name, date and time of birth, and your address to establish rapport with Tai Sui. So he knows who’s praying.
You can display a Tai Sui Statue at home:
After all, Tai Sui will not harm the people in the home where he lives. Placing a Tai Sui statue invokes Tai Sui’s protection and goodwill. These items should be prominently displayed, particularly in the direction associated with Tai Sui for that year.
You can wear red:
Clothes, scarves, and even undergarments. Red is a powerful colour in Chinese traditions. It symbolises good fortune, happiness, and prosperity. It is deeply embedded in cultural practices, from festive decorations to wedding attire, and is believed to ward off evil spirits.
You can carry protective charms:
Carrying protective charms such as the Tai Sui talisman or Pixiu amulet can help ward off negative influences. These are protective objects in Chinese astrology and Feng Shui, designed to mitigate the negative effects of offending Tai Sui and attract good fortune.
You can focus on doing more good deeds:
One of the most important countermeasures is to engage in charitable activities and being kind to others. It is an effort to accumulate good karma, which is thought to counter negative effects of Fan Tai Sui. It is also encouraged that you do your part to create harmony at home and in the workplace.
Avoid making major changes:
This means avoid taking unnecessary risks. Refrain from significant decisions like marriage, moving, investments, or major renovations during the year of Fan Tai Sui, as these actions may exacerbate negative influences.
Celebrate auspicious events:
This is also unique to Chinese traditions. When met with a string of bad luck or misfortune, families sometimes throw a huge feast to celebrate an occasion. It’s like a “hard reboot” to reset your fortunes.
Auspicious events can help “flush out” the bad luck associated with Fan Tai Sui. This includes celebrating birthdays or other significant milestones. I think such celebrations can change a person’s mindset so that they are more optimistic and positive about going forward.
All these may not be just superstitions. In fact, I think there is a deep and significant purpose that is grounded in philosophy and even psychology.
The Practical and Philosophical Aspects of Fan Tai Sui
Life is full of ups and downs, and fortune is no exception. The concept of Fan Tai Sui in Chinese astrology serves as a reminder that sometimes, when things don’t go your way, it’s not always your fault. That certain years may bring challenges because of astrological clashes with Tai Sui also offers practical advice for navigating difficult times.
It is also aimed at harmonizing one’s energy with the influence of Tai Sui throughout the year.
Fortune Changes—It’s Not Always Your Fault
One of the central teachings of Fan Tai Sui is the acceptance of change. Just as the seasons shift, so too does fortune, good and bad. Experiencing setbacks, whether in health, wealth, or relationships, doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong.
Fan Tai Sui serves as a framework to externalize misfortunes, allowing individuals to acknowledge challenges without excessive self-blame or guilt.
Do Whatever You Can to Improve Your Life
When facing a year of Fan Tai Sui, be proactive. These include praying to Tai Sui, giving to charity, and performing acts of kindness. While these actions are rooted in religious traditions, their purpose is universal: That is to shift your focus toward the positive. Towards improving the status quo.
By doing the positive things, you’re creating opportunities for improvement in your life. Kindness, generosity, and mindfulness can transform your mindset and, often, improve your circumstances. It can be infectious and attract others to help you.
Wait It Out
Fan Tai Sui teaches that bad fortune is cyclical. No matter how difficult the year may seem, it will eventually pass. This perspective can be incredibly grounding. Rather than fighting against circumstances beyond your control, sometimes the best approach is to wait. The inevitability of change is a comforting truth that can help you endure even the hardest of times.
Cultural Wisdom for Mental Health
At its core, Fan Tai Sui embodies cultural wisdom that extends beyond superstition. It provides a structured way to process misfortune and encourages resilience. The practice of engaging in rituals, offering prayers, or simply acknowledging the concept of Fan Tai Sui can have a calming effect on mental health.
By framing hardships as part of a greater cosmic cycle, individuals are encouraged to cultivate patience and resilience. These qualities, over time, can lead to personal growth and long-term well-being.
Resilience Will Pay Off
Enduring difficulties with grace and perseverance is one of the greatest lessons of Fan Tai Sui. Resilience is not just about surviving challenges, but about learning from them and growing stronger. By adopting this mindset, you’re better prepared to face future adversities with confidence and clarity.
Conclusion
Fan Tai Sui is more than a tradition; it’s a profound reminder of life’s ebb and flow. When fortune falters, it’s an opportunity to reflect, act, and grow. Pray, give, and be kind. Trust that even the hardest times will pass, and resilience will see you through. This blend of practicality and philosophy is a gift—one that helps us navigate life’s inevitable challenges with grace and hope.
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