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TL;DR: Thái Bạch is considered the most inauspicious star in Cửu Diệu, bringing financial loss and betrayal. Those affected should perform a ritual on the 15th lunar day monthly, facing West, with 8 lamps and white paper.
What is Thái Bạch?
In the Cửu Diệu system (9 stars affecting one's destiny), Thái Bạch is one of the three inauspicious stars, alongside La Hầu and Kế Đô. According to folk belief, Thái Bạch is considered the most inauspicious star, bringing misfortunes, especially related to wealth and health.
Origin and Position
Thái Bạch's full title is Đức Thái Bạch Tây Phương Canh Tân Kim Thái Bạch Tinh Quân, belonging to the Metal element and the West direction. In ancient astronomy, Thái Bạch is the planet Venus, one of the brightest celestial bodies. Ancient observers tracked Venus's movements to predict fortune, leading to the worship of this star.
What does Thái Bạch mean in folk belief?
Wealth and Career
The most feared effect of Thái Bạch is financial loss. People believe they may suffer monetary losses through bad investments, fraud, theft, or legal troubles. Career may face obstacles, slander, or betrayal by others.
Health
Thái Bạch is associated with respiratory, lung, skin, and bone diseases due to the Metal element. Affected individuals should pay extra attention to health, especially in the 2nd and 8th lunar months, considered the worst periods.
Relationships
Thái Bạch is also believed to cause conflicts within family and society, leading to anger, disputes, or harassment by petty people. Caution in speech and interactions is advised.
How do you perform the ritual to pacify Thái Bạch?
Timing and Direction
Each star has a specific day for worship. For Thái Bạch, the best time is the 15th lunar day monthly, from 7 PM to 9 PM, facing West.
Offerings and Ritual Items
- 8 oil lamps or candles (symbolizing the number 8, representing the Qian hexagram to dissolve negative energy)
- White paper (color of Metal)
- Red ink for writing the prayer
- Incense, flowers, tea, fruits, votive paper, salt, rice
- Yellow hat, betel nuts, clean water
Write "Đức Thái Bạch Tây Phương Canh Tân Kim Thái Bạch Tinh Quân" on the votive tablet. After the ritual, burn the tablet, votive paper, and prayer.
Prayer
The prayer begins by invoking deities like the Jade Emperor, North Star, and other star lords, then states the devotee's name, birth date, address, and purpose. It asks for protection and removal of bad luck.
What is an objective perspective on Thái Bạch?
Belief in stars and rituals is an ancient cultural tradition. Many find peace and motivation. However, no scientific evidence proves direct influence of stars on destiny. Approach with an open mind, avoid excessive superstition, and focus on positive living and hard work.
Quick-Reference Table: star Thái Bạch
| Aspect | Content |
|---|---|
| Folk classification | inauspicious |
| Reading | Thái Bạch is the most notorious inauspicious star among the Nine Luminaries - a folk saying warns it can "sweep a household clean" - associated with financial loss. In a Thái Bạch year, be especially careful with investments, loans, and major contracts. |
| Lunar ages affected (men) | 4, 13, 22, 31, 40, 49, 58, 67, 76, 85, 94 |
| Lunar ages affected (women) | 8, 17, 26, 35, 44, 53, 62, 71, 80, 89, 98 |
Figures in this table match the results of the lookup tools on Nhật Nguyệt.
