Guichou Tai Sui General Zhu De

Guichou Tai Sui General Zhu De is one of the Sixty Jiazi Tai Sui deities who assumes duty during the Guichou year (e.g., 2033 and 2093), overseeing all human fortune and misfortune for that year. As the Ox is the zodiac sign associated with Guichou, those born in the Year of the Ox experience their benming nian (natal year), thereby sitting directly beneath the Tai Sui—a condition requiring ritual appeasement. Conversely, those born in the Year of the Sheep clash with the Tai Sui (chong tai sui), necessitating similar rites. According to folk custom, both groups should visit temples to install and venerate the Tai Sui effigy with sincere devotion, seeking the Star Lord’s protection and mitigation of adverse influences. The Tai Sui concept originates from the ancient stellar calendar based on Jupiter’s twelve-year orbital cycle (the ‘Year Star’ or Sui Xing); the saying ‘Dare not disturb the earth above the Tai Sui’ reflects the profound reverence accorded this celestial sovereign. Devotees commonly attend Daoist temples on the 8th day of the 1st lunar month—the traditional auspicious date for worshipping the Tai Sui—to pray for disaster avoidance, longevity, and smooth passage through the year.