Xinhai Tai Sui General Ye Jian

Xinhai Tai Sui General Ye Jian is one of the Sixty Jiazi Tai Sui deities who assumes duty during the Xinhai year (e.g., 2031, 2091), overseeing all human fortune and misfortune for that year. The zodiac sign for Xinhai is the Pig; thus, those born in the Year of the Pig experience their benming nian—directly ‘sitting upon’ Tai Sui—while those born in the Year of the Snake encounter ‘clashing’ Tai Sui (chong tai sui). According to folk custom, both groups should enshrine and reverently worship Tai Sui at temples to seek the Star Lord’s protection and harmonisation. Tai Sui 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 Tai Sui’ reflects the profound reverence accorded to Tai Sui as the supreme celestial sovereign governing the year. Devotees commonly visit Daoist temples on the 8th day of the 1st lunar month to worship Tai Sui, praying for disaster avoidance, longevity, and smooth passage through the year.