Tai Sui

The Tai Sui 太岁 are stars directly opposite of Jupiter. They influence the Chinese zodiac, and are also a theory in Taoism and Feng Shui.
In the Chinese zodiac, there are sixty heavenly generals who assist the Jade Emperor in taking charge of the well-being of the Mortal World. Each of them takes turn to be in charge for a year. Due to most of them having a military background, they are normally known as the Military Generals, or as the Cycle Gods. Each of their features and weapons signifies the well-being of that year. For example, if the Tai Sui of the year is one who holds a pen, it signifies political unrest for that particular year. On the other hand, if the Tai Sui of the year holds a spear or sword it signifies the need to work hard and excel for that year.
In Taoism, those who offended, or by their sign conflict with the Tai Sui of the year are advised to go through a prayer session with a Taoist Priest to ask for blessing in obtaining Peace and Good Fortune throughout the year. Talismans thought to protect again Tai Sui are sold in many areas.

The Taoist calendar is organized into a series of twelve "earthly branches" which rotate according to the five elements. The result is a sixty year cycle (in Chinese, the first year in the cycle is the "jia" year, while the last year in the cycle is the "zi" year). Taoists believe that the Heveanly heirarchy, under the leadership of the Jade Emperor, has assigned sixty Heavenly Generals, each with their own characteristics, temperments, abilities, etc., to rule the years of the Jiazi Cycle. People tend to take on the personalities of the Taoist Deity governing the year of their birth. The Deity also takes a special interest in the lives and affairs of those born under his reign. He functions in that respect as a type of "Guardian Angel." The Heavenly Generals are frequently asked to intercede on behalf of their "God-children" in matters dealing with higher ranking Taoist Deities. A normal person, for instance, rarely calls upon the Jade Emperor, but might frequently ask his or her Heavenly General to do so on their behalf.

In Feng Shui, the area of the house corresponding with the position of that year's Tai Sui is to be left undisturbed or misfortune will befall the residence.

Next year's (2008) Tai Sui General will be General Zou Dang.

Those whose chinese Zodiac sign - Rat , Rabbit, Horse and Goat are advise to pray to the Taisui.