“本命年 (Ben Ming Nian) The Twelve-Year Curse”
2021, Is it going to be your best year ever?
Well, if you were born under the ox sign, that may not be the case. You might have initially thought that the Year of the Ox is the best time to achieve your dreams and goals but, sadly, it’s actually the opposite. In Chinese astrology, a zodiac sign’s year is the most unlucky for the person born in that year. It is also known as the “threshold year”. You have questions about this concept, and we’ll share explicit answers we’ve unearthed from within ancient Chinese folklore to satiate your inquiries.
It is said that every twelve years, a person has a year of change and readjustment, and unfortunately for all you oxen out there, it is associated with extremely bad luck.
Thus, it is called “本命年( běn mìng nián) The Twelve-Year curse”. And when a person arrives at their particular zodiac year, their lives will start to experience some changes. This will occur when they are 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84 years old, and so on.
This belief is rooted deep in ancient Chinese astrology and is based on the position of the stars, which are said to cause conflict with certain zodiac signs.
Why is it unlucky though?
It’s stated that the people during the Ben Ming Nian easily encounter “太岁 tài suì”, who is the legendary God in charge of people’s fortune. Their fortune usually fluctuates during the year. Many negative circumstances such as illness, financial loss, extramarital affair, etc. may occur yet it’s not necessarily an entirely negative year for people in that zodiac year. It varies greatly from individual to individual. Some people may indeed have good fortune instead of bad luck. But in general, marriage, moving house, travel, or starting a business are thought to be worthy of great attention during the year.
But who exactly is this “太岁 tài suì” character?
Well, simply, 本命年 is itself classified as a “star”. It is known as the “God of Age” Star (太岁). But Tai Sui doesn’t actually exist as a real star! It roughly corresponds to Jupiter, which takes 11.86 years to orbit the earth, and is probably where the idea for the star came from.
Don’t Offend “太岁 tài suì”
If you wish to survive your “本命年( běn mìng nián)”, The trick is not to offend “太岁 tài suì”. Here are the most effective ways to lessen the unlucky consequences.
1.Pray to “太岁 tài suì” at the beginning of the lunar year. is one of sixty heavenly generals who take turns in caring for our earthly well-being. Praying to the “太岁 Tài Suì” is said to negate any bad luck caused by your “本命年( běn mìng nián)”.
2.Some jewelry accessories may also help, such as pendants and bracelets with auspicious images. Jade jewelry can be worn anywhere on the left side of the body to increase your luck during this unfortunate year. It has to be a gift from someone else though, you can’t buy your own lucky jewelry. For extra luck-enhancing benefit, small icons of your zodiac sign are recommended.
3.And the best is to Face Away from Tai Sui. This year the position of Tai Sui is Northeast (30 °). Chinese people have been known to adjust the direction of beds, seats, desks, and even where they live and work to face away from Tai Sui, “to get Tai Sui behind them”, in an effort to incur good luck. This is a form of “风水 (fēng shuǐ )”.
4.Use a “貔貅 (pí xiū) mythical wild animal” icon that will repel evil spirits, attract wealth and bring happiness and good luck. During your zodiac year of birth, you should place a small statue of this auspicious animal, and in 2021 you should place it in the southwest facing the northeast.
5.The most popular solution is wearing red underwear, socks, scarf, or waist belts given by elders, for red is believed to bring good luck.
Why all the Red?
Red is seen as a form of exorcism and auspiciousness. This notion has existed early in Chinese history as red is the color of the sun, blood, and fire. As time went on, this idea of upholding red as a way to dispel bad luck has never changed.
The Positive Side
Not all is lost, however. Oftentimes, on a person’s “本命年 ( běn mìng nián)” they will receive expensive gifts for their birthday.
In general, to cope with the big rise and fall in one’s “本命年 ( běn mìng nián)”, it is ill-advised to make big moves in one’s career or life such as starting a new business or making a large investment to avoid great economic loss. Especially moving to a new home or getting married during this year are all considered ominous. It is easier to get entangled in problems and disputes as well. It is crucial to keep to yourself if you are an ox lest you draw the attention of “太岁 tài suì”! Therefore, the best thing that you can do is spend time in natural settings and don’t take things personally as they are beyond your control.
Do you believe in the bad luck involved with your “本命年 ( běn mìng nián)”? Think back to the years when you were 12, 24, 36, or 48. How’d those turn out for you?
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