"According to Chinese mythology, those born in the years of the Horse, Rat, Ox and Rabbit will clash with Tai Sui, a heavenly general. Luckily, there are ways to appease Tai Sui. Shanghai's Jade Buddha Temple sells kits: a red envelope stuffed with incense, paper offerings and amulet like the one in this photo saying, 'Wishing you peace and blessings throughout your zodiac year' for 40 yuan ($5.80)."
"On the envelope, a British friend of mine born a Horse writes down her name, birthdate and address. A Chinese friend suggests she add her passport number too (I guess in case there is another person with the same surname born a Horse). Then it's time to light the incense and pray. My friend keeps the amulet for protection and leaves the rest of the kit for burning."
"Before year's end, she must return to thank Tai Sui. Ignore the ritual at your peril. The year my zodiac clashed with Tai Sui, I did and broke my wrist."
According to Chinese mythology, individuals born in the years of the Horse, Rat, Ox, and Rabbit experience a clash with Tai Sui, a heavenly general. To mitigate potential misfortune, temples like Shanghai's Jade Buddha Temple sell appeasement kits for approximately 40 yuan. These kits contain red envelopes, incense, paper offerings, and protective amulets inscribed with blessings. The ritual requires writing personal information on the envelope, lighting incense, and praying. Participants keep the amulet for protection throughout the year and burn the remaining contents. Before year's end, individuals must return to thank Tai Sui. Neglecting this practice reportedly carries consequences, as evidenced by personal accounts of injury during clash years.
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