How Rabbits can appease the tai sui in the Year of the Horse 2026, and what to watch out for

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.

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Year of the Horse predictions: how will your Chinese zodiac animal fare?

Year of the Horse predictions: how will your Chinese zodiac animal fare?

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.