Yichou Tai Sui General Chen Cai

Yichou Tai Sui General Chen Cai is one of the Sixty Jiazi Tai Sui deities who assume annual stewardship over human affairs. He presides specifically over years designated Yichou in the sexagenary cycle—such as 1985 and 2045—and oversees all blessings and misfortunes affecting humanity during his term. As the Ox is the zodiac sign associated with Yichou, those born in the Year of the Ox enter their benming nian (birth-year cycle), thereby sitting directly beneath Tai Sui—a condition requiring ritual appeasement. Conversely, those born in the Year of the Goat experience ‘clashing’ with Tai Sui (chong tai sui), also necessitating propitiation. According to folk custom, devotees thus visit temples to install and venerate Tai Sui effigies with solemn reverence, seeking the Stellar Lord’s protection and mitigation of adverse influences. The concept of Tai Sui originates in ancient stellar calendrics centred on Jupiter (the ‘Year Star’, or Sui Xing), and the traditional saying ‘One must not break ground where Tai Sui resides’ reflects the profound reverence accorded this celestial sovereign. Devotees commonly attend 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.