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Why Tigers should take precautions in Year of the Snake with conflict in the stars

The Tiger is one of the zodiac signs in conflict with the guardian deity in the coming lunar year. What this means, and what to do

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A tiger bestrides Shanghai’s Yuuan Garden during the Lantern Festival in 2022. Tigers in the Year of the Snake face strife on the health and home fronts, but can take steps to mitigate their bad luck. Photo: Shutterstock
From snake-themed events to whether your luck is in: discover all you need to know about the coming Lunar New Year in our Year of the Snake 2025 series.
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Anyone who reads their Chinese zodiac would have come across the term tai sui or found their sign in conflict with, or offending, the tai sui – the guardian deity for that year.

The 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac are tied to Jupiter’s 12-year orbital cycle, with each lunar year associated with a celestial figure believed to oppose Jupiter. This figure is known as the heavenly general, cycle god, Grand Duke of Jupiter, or tai sui.

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Year of the Snake predictions: How will your Chinese zodiac animal fare in 2025?

Year of the Snake predictions: How will your Chinese zodiac animal fare in 2025?

If your zodiac sign clashes with the tai sui, it is thought to herald a period of adversity or upheaval. A detailed chart outlines which zodiac sign conflicts with one of the 60 tai sui deities and, based on their attributes, predicts the nature of the challenges you might face.

To appease the tai sui, the most common practice is to visit a temple with a dedicated shrine to perform a ritual known as sip tai sui. This ceremony grants a protective talisman to shield you from misfortune in the coming year.

Tigers are in conflict with the guardian deity in the Year of the Snake, affecting their health and home life especially. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez
Tigers are in conflict with the guardian deity in the Year of the Snake, affecting their health and home life especially. Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

It’s important to return to the temple before the next Lunar New Year to express gratitude, as failing to do so may prolong any unresolved bad luck.

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Additional protective measures include wearing specific talismans or incorporating feng shui elements into your home or workplace.

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