The Tai Sui or favorably known as The Grand Duke in Feng Shui has much legend and folklore behind his identity.
One fable tells the story of how he was born. Queen Jiang his mother was said to be taking a stroll in the garden and accidentally stepped into what was described as the footprint of a giant. This resulted in Tai Sui being born nothing more than fleshy ball. Frightened by this premonition, the king ordered the fleshy ball to be thrown out into the desert.
Through divine intervention the fleshy ball survived and was discovered by Master Shen, who immediately recognized it as being an immortal embryo. Cutting open the ball of flesh, he came upon a baby he later named Yin Jiao.
Yin Jiao eventually took revenge upon his father and overthrew with the aid of King Wu. His ferocity and courage were unmatched upon the war ground, for this he was later crowned Virtuous Tai Sui by King Wu.
Unfortunately, Tai Sui was worshipped due to the fact that he was feared rather than the reverence of the people. Traditionally Tai Sui become entwined with the worship of the heavenly bodies and even today, the direction of the Grand Duke is relative to the location of Jupiter in our solar system.
You may have heard of the term offending the Grand Duke. This is a term that is commonly used when the animal sign of that person corresponds with the year¹s animal sign. For example, in the year 2000, those born in the year of the Dragon (2000,1988,1976, 1964, 1952, 1940Šetc) are said to have offended Tai Sui.
Those whose religious sensitivities may permit, can choose to appease the Grand Duke, by praying and making offerings at many Chinese temples. Others who may not favor this approach can celebrate their birthdays twice which is a symbolic attempt to shift your birthday a year forward.
Animal signs that are said to be clashing with the Grand Duke are signs that are in direct opposition with the animal sign of that year. Refer to the graph below to learn more about opposing signs.
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