Return Tai Sui (还太岁) is an essential ritual in Chinese astrology performed at the end of the lunar year to express gratitude to the Tai Sui (太岁), also known as the Grand Duke Jupiter. For those who have sought Tai Sui’s protection or have been affected by Fan Tai Sui (犯太岁) during the year, this ritual ensures harmony and concludes the year’s spiritual connection positively.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what Return Tai Sui 2024 is, who should perform it, when to conduct the ritual, and how to carry it out step by step.
Table of Contents Return Tai Sui 2024
What Is Return Tai Sui (还太岁)?
Return Tai Sui (还太岁) is a ritual performed to “repay” or conclude your prayers to Tai Sui at the end of the year. It symbolises gratitude for the blessings, protection, and guidance received throughout the year.
In Chinese astrology, individuals whose zodiac signs clash with Tai Sui (犯太岁) often perform Tai Sui Prayers (安太岁) at the start of the year. These prayers are meant to seek Tai Sui’s protection from misfortunes. The Return Tai Sui (还太岁) ritual completes this spiritual process, expressing thanks and ensuring a smooth transition to the following year.
Who Should Perform Return Tai Sui in 2024?
The following individuals are encouraged to perform the return tai sui 2024 ritual:
- Those Affected by Fan Tai Sui in 2024 (犯太岁):
- Dragon (龙): Self-Offending Tai Sui (自刑太岁)
- Dog (狗): Direct Clash Tai Sui (冲太岁)
- Ox (牛): Harming Tai Sui (害太岁)
- Sheep (羊): Side Clash Tai Sui (刑太岁)
- Rooster (鸡): Conflict Tai Sui (破太岁)
- Those Who Performed Tai Sui Prayers:
If you visited a temple to seek Tai Sui’s blessings or wore Tai Sui talismans in 2024, it is customary to conclude the year with a Return Tai Sui ritual. - Anyone Seeking Harmony for the Coming Year:
Even if your zodiac sign wasn’t directly affected by Tai Sui, showing gratitude can invite positivity and blessings for the upcoming year.
When Should You Perform Return Tai Sui?
The optimal time to perform the return tai sui 2024 ritual is during the 12th lunar month (农历腊月), which typically falls between January and February 2024 in the Gregorian calendar.
Key Dates to Consider:
- Lunar 15th Day (Full Moon, 元宵节): Symbolic of completion and wholeness.
- Lunar 30th Day (Year-End, 除夕): Marks the conclusion of the lunar year.
Check your local temple for specific auspicious dates to conduct the ritual.
How to Perform the Return Tai Sui Ritual
Follow these steps for a meaningful and effective return tai sui 2024 ritual:
Step 1: Visit a Tai Sui Temple
Find a reputable temple that worships the Tai Sui deity. Notable Tai Sui temples include:
- Wong Tai Sin Temple (Hong Kong)
- Thian Hock Keng Temple (Singapore)
- Local Taoist or Chinese temples in your area
If visiting a temple is not possible, you can perform the ritual at home with a small altar setup.
Step 2: Prepare the Offerings
Prepare the following items for the ritual:
- Incense Sticks (香): Symbol of reverence.
- Candles (蜡烛): Red candles are preferred for prosperity.
- Fruits (水果): Such as oranges or apples for abundance.
- Tai Sui Talisman (太岁符): If you have worn a talisman, return it as part of the ritual.
- Paper Offerings (金纸): To express gratitude and respect.
Step 3: Perform the Ritual
- Light the Incense:
Begin by lighting three incense sticks. Hold them with both hands and bow three times to the Tai Sui plaque or altar. - State Your Intentions (报心意):
Speak your gratitude and intentions aloud. Example:- “我，(姓名)，出生于(生肖年)，感谢太岁的庇佑。愿新的一年一切顺利，平安吉祥。”
(“I, [Name], born in the year of the [Zodiac], express gratitude to Tai Sui for protection. May the coming year be smooth, peaceful, and auspicious.”)
- “我，(姓名)，出生于(生肖年)，感谢太岁的庇佑。愿新的一年一切顺利，平安吉祥。”
- Offer the Items:
Place your offerings, including fruits and paper talismans, on the altar. - Burn Paper Offerings:
If the temple allows, burn the paper offerings as a final act of respect.
Step 4: Take Home New Blessings
Many temples provide new Tai Sui talismans for the upcoming year. Collect one to ensure continued protection and harmony in the year ahead.
Why Is Return Tai Sui Important?
Return Tai Sui ensures a respectful closure to your prayers and demonstrates humility and gratitude. In Chinese culture, this practice aligns with the belief that expressing thanks invites continued blessings and clears any lingering karmic debts.
Skipping this ritual might symbolically leave your connection with Tai Sui unresolved, which some believe could lead to unnecessary challenges in the new year.
Tips for a Successful Return Tai Sui Ritual
- Wear red clothing for good fortune.
- Avoid using harsh or negative language during the ritual.
- Perform additional acts of kindness, such as donating to charity, to amplify positive karma.
What Is Return Tai Sui (还太岁) and How Does It Differ from Thanking Tai Sui (谢太岁)?
While discussing the return tai sui 2024 ritual, it’s essential to distinguish between two closely related terms: 谢太岁 (xiè tài suì) and 还太岁 (huán tài suì). Both rituals involve showing respect and gratitude to Tai Sui (太岁), but they serve slightly different purposes.
谢太岁 (xiè tài suì): Thanking Tai Sui
- Literal Meaning: “Thanking Tai Sui”
- Purpose: This focuses on expressing gratitude for Tai Sui’s protection, guidance, and blessings throughout the year. It is a way of showing appreciation for safety and smooth progress, especially if you performed 安太岁 (ān tài suì), or prayers to Tai Sui, at the beginning of the year.
- When to Perform: Typically done as part of the year-end rituals to acknowledge Tai Sui’s support.
还太岁 (huán tài suì): Returning to Tai Sui
- Literal Meaning: “Returning to Tai Sui”
- Purpose: This ritual involves “returning” the connection or protection established with Tai Sui. It symbolizes completing the spiritual cycle by resolving the relationship with Tai Sui respectfully. It often includes returning Tai Sui talismans and offerings.
- When to Perform: Conducted during the last lunar month to conclude the year in harmony.
How Are They Related?
The act of 谢太岁 (thanking Tai Sui) is often included within the broader 还太岁 (returning Tai Sui) ritual. While 谢太岁 focuses solely on gratitude, 还太岁 encompasses the entire process of closing the year’s spiritual relationship with Tai Sui, including returning talismans and other offerings.
When performing the return tai sui 2024 ritual, you are both thanking Tai Sui (谢太岁) and completing your spiritual obligations (还太岁). This ensures a smooth transition into the next year and invites continued blessings and harmony.
Remember to Return Tai Sui in 2024
The return tai sui 2024 ritual is a powerful way to close the year with gratitude and invite prosperity for the next. Whether you are performing it as a sign of respect or to conclude a challenging year influenced by Fan Tai Sui, the act of returning to Tai Sui strengthens the cycle of blessings and harmony.
As the saying goes: “Gratitude unlocks the full potential of blessings.” Make the most of this opportunity to align your energies for a smooth and auspicious year ahead.
1. What if I never return Tai Sui?
Failing to perform the return tai sui (还太岁) ritual may symbolically leave your connection with Tai Sui unresolved. This could invite lingering negativity or challenges in the following year. While not mandatory, returning Tai Sui is a respectful gesture that helps conclude the year’s spiritual cycle on a positive note.
Can I return Tai Sui earlier than the end of the year?
Yes, you can perform the return tai sui ritual earlier, particularly if you won’t be available during the final lunar month. However, it’s most auspicious to perform it during the 12th lunar month, which symbolizes closure and transition.
Can someone else return Tai Sui for me?
Yes, a family member or trusted person can return Tai Sui on your behalf, especially if you’re unable to visit the temple yourself. Ensure they bring your Tai Sui talisman and perform the ritual with sincerity and respect.
Do I need to return Tai Sui if I didn’t pray to Tai Sui at the start of the year?
If you didn’t perform 安太岁 (Tai Sui prayers) at the beginning of the year, returning Tai Sui is not necessary. However, performing the 谢太岁 (thanking Tai Sui) ritual can still be a meaningful way to show gratitude for blessings received throughout the year.
What happens during the return Tai Sui ritual?
During the return tai sui ritual, you:
Visit a Tai Sui temple.
Offer incense, candles, fruits, and paper offerings.
Return or burn the Tai Sui talisman.
Express gratitude and conclude the connection with Tai Sui.
This process symbolises respect and ensures harmony for the coming year.
Can I return Tai Sui at home?
Yes, you can perform a simplified version of the return tai sui ritual at home. Set up a small altar with offerings (e.g., incense, fruits, and candles) and express your gratitude to Tai Sui. If you have a talisman, you can respectfully dispose of it by burning it.
Is it necessary to visit a temple to return Tai Sui?
While visiting a temple is traditional and preferred, it’s not mandatory. Many people perform the ritual at home if they cannot access a temple. What matters most is sincerity in expressing gratitude to Tai Sui.
Can I combine return Tai Sui with welcoming the new year’s Tai Sui?
Yes, many people combine the return Tai Sui ritual with 安太岁 (welcoming Tai Sui) for the coming year. This ensures you end the current year with gratitude and start the new year with blessings and protection.
What if I forget to return Tai Sui before the year ends?
If you miss the ideal time, you can still return Tai Sui in the early part of the new year. However, it’s best to perform the ritual as close to the end of the lunar year as possible to maintain the cycle’s harmony.
Do all zodiac signs need to return Tai Sui?
Not all zodiac signs are required to return Tai Sui. This ritual is especially recommended for those who performed Tai Sui prayers earlier in the year or whose signs were affected by Fan Tai Sui (犯太岁).
