Horses, Rats, Oxen and Rabbits clash with the tai sui in the Year of the Fire Horse. Here’s how you can mitigate the adverse effects.
Anyone familiar with their Chinese zodiac sign is likely to have encountered the term tai sui and discovered that their animal sometimes conflicts with this guardian deity.
The 12 zodiac signs correspond to Jupiter’s 12-year orbit of the sun. Each lunar year is also linked to a different celestial figure that opposes Jupiter, called the heavenly general, the cycle god, the Grand Duke of Jupiter or the tai sui.
A clash between one’s zodiac sign and the tai sui is traditionally seen as a portent of difficulty or disruption. Detailed charts specify which sign conflicts with which of the 60 tai sui deities, and based on their attributes, foretell the challenges one might encounter.
According to Chinese mythology, the most widespread custom to appease the tai sui is to conduct the sip tai sui ritual at a temple with a dedicated shrine. This ceremony provides a protective talisman believed to guard against misfortune in the year ahead.
It is considered essential to return to the temple before the following Lunar New Year to offer thanks; not doing so could extend the period of bad fortune.
Further safeguards include wearing specific talismans or adjusting one’s home or workspace according to feng shui principles.
The zodiac animals that will conflict with the tai sui in the Year of the Fire Horse are Horses, Rats, Oxen and Rabbits.
Horse (1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)
Those born in the Year of the Horse harm the tai sui this year, which will result in significant life changes. Celebratory events such as getting married, having a child, buying a property or starting a business can help counter the negative effects of the clash.
Shifts may occur in relationships, career, finances, home or health for Horses who cannot participate in such joyful occasions.
Additionally, the influence of a curse star means that Horses may become more withdrawn and internally conflicted. Interpersonal tensions could rise, with misunderstandings easily leading to disputes.
Fortunately, Horses are also supported by several auspicious stars this coming year, which signify strong financial prospects, enhance leadership and suggest favourable career advancement. This is especially beneficial for those in disciplined or authoritative fields such as the military, law enforcement, construction or engineering.
Nevertheless, due to the combined influence of the birth-year clash and curse stars, fortunes may fluctuate considerably throughout the year. Several inauspicious stars are also present in the charts, which leaves Horses vulnerable to injury from metal objects, so special caution should be observed while travelling and avoidance of high-risk activities is advised.
Another curse star brings about challenges in family or home affairs, and it is recommended to donate blood or have teeth cleaned during the fifth and 11th lunar months to symbolically offset risks of blood-related mishaps.
Horses can wear pendants or jewellery that feature tigers or dogs to help appease the tai sui this coming year.
Rat (1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020)
Those born in the Year of the Rat will clash with the tai sui this coming year, which is expected to cause frequent fluctuations in fortune. However, entering this challenging year with a celebratory event can help achieve a smoother and more peaceful transition.
Although the year will lack major auspicious stars, the Year of the Horse is generally favourable for Rats in terms of career advancement. Luck will favour those who are proactive rather than passive, so Rats should take the initiative.
Positive life events such as marriage, purchasing property, having a child or starting a business can effectively counteract the instability brought by the clash with the tai sui.
Those who are unable to take such steps may face unsettled fortune. It will be essential for Rats to navigate gossip and petty people with extra caution. Be mentally prepared for significant upheaval and change, as setbacks are highly likely. Maintaining a cautious and prudent attitude will be crucial.
The absence of auspicious stars and the presence of several evil ones will make the coming year a demanding one for Rats. It is wise for Rats to fortify their mindset to better meet challenges. An evil star will bring potential financial loss, so high-risk investments or speculation are inadvisable. Another evil star will bring hurdles, which means new endeavours may face difficulties and setbacks.
It is recommended that Rats visit a temple to appease the tai sui after lichun, or the beginning of spring. Rats should also consider donating blood or getting their teeth cleaned in the fifth and 11th lunar months to symbolically ward off blood-related mishaps. They should avoid visiting the sick or attending funerals to ensure they are not affected by bad vibes.
Rats can wear pendants or jewellery featuring dragons to appease the tai sui this year.
Ox (1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021)
For people born in the Year of the Ox, their interpersonal relationships will be affected by their sign’s clashing with the tai sui in the Year of the Horse. Fortunately, the influence is relatively minor.
For those born in the Year of the Rabbit, the new year brings a conflict with the tai sui.
While the negative influence is relatively mild, there will be disruption to interpersonal relationships, which may affect emotional and social ties this year. Luckily, Rabbits’ overall fortune for the Year of the Horse is good, which can help mitigate the impact of this clash.
This is projected to be a year of material abundance, where you will reap the benefits of your hard work. Under the protection of several potent auspicious stars, those born under the Rabbit sign can anticipate meaningful progress in both career and wealth.
The arrival of a positive peach blossom star (relationship star) brings a series of celebratory events, including marriage, the birth of a child or other celebrations. The presence of another auspicious star will help things make a turn for the better, which will avert difficulties and challenges.
Another star brings strong support from benefactors, while one more in the charts brings good fortune to your doorstep. So for Rabbits, even though it is a year of clashing with the tai sui, there is potential to transform risk into safety, receive timely help and overcome challenges.
However, there are some inauspicious stars that, coupled with the Rabbit conflicting with the tai sui, will affect interpersonal relationships and family harmony, which may cause a lot of strain.
This is a year where verbal disputes and potential legal issues will arise; it is advised to exercise caution in communications and to avoid direct confrontations. Another curse star may impact family well-being and health.
Additionally, the presence of the romantic peach blossom star signals a risk of extramarital entanglements. Married individuals should navigate emotional matters with care to avoid complicated romantic situations.
In summary, although the Rabbit conflicts with the tai sui, the support of multiple auspicious stars promises improvement in career and financial fortunes, balancing out the negative effects.
Rabbits can also wear pendants or jewellery that feature sheep or pigs to help appease the tai sui this year.
Faith’s Treasures 