Pixiu (pronounced “pi-syou”) is a powerful Chinese mythical creature that is believed to bring good luck, fortune and protection. Known as the “Chinese mythic beast” and pronounced “pee-shoe”, this legendary animal is a common charm or jewelry piece worn by people seeking prosperity and wealth.
The name comes from two Chinese words – “pi” meaning violent or aggressive, and “xiu” meaning auspicious or prosperous. Pixiu is therefore seen as an aggressive protector that doesn’t distinguish between good and bad fortune – it indiscriminately grabs wealth for its owner. For this reason, Pixiu charms and jewelry are extremely popular feng shui cures for attracting and accumulating riches.
Pixiu charms come in many forms including statues for the home/office, jewelry like rings and pendants, and tiny “cures” placed in a wallet or purse. The most popular are probably a Pixiu bracelet or necklace. Those seeking wealth and abundance will wear Pixiu nearest to the heart chakra or facing outward to attract more good luck.
With its fierce lion-like creature and vigorous wings, Pixiu makes for a powerful charm whether worn as an amulet or displayed prominently in the home or office. Keep reading to learn more about this mythical Chinese beast and how it can help attract fortune and prosperity into your life.
Origin Story and Legends
According to Chinese mythology, the Pixiu was a beast tasked by the celestial Jade Emperor to hunt and collect precious jewels, gold and treasures from the earth and bring them back to heaven. Its duty was to gather and protect wealth for the gods.
The most famous legend about the Pixiu tells the story of how it got its sealed anus. The Jade Emperor had commanded the Pixiu to devour all the precious jewels and treasures of the earth, but he noticed it had an anus and was concerned it would eventually lose the treasures through defecation. To prevent this, he sealed the Pixiu’s anus shut so that whatever it ingested would be permanently trapped within its belly. This is why Pixiu statues and amulets always depict the creature with a sealed anus – to symbolize its ability to gather and hold onto wealth.
According to other myths, the Jade Emperor sent the Pixiu down to earth on a shooting star to battle evil monsters and demons who were stealing China’s natural resources and treasures. After vanquishing the enemies, the Pixiu was tasked to roam the earth protecting precious jewels and preventing evil spirits from taking them. Thanks to its sealed rear end, any treasures it swallowed would be stored in its stomach for eternity.
Male vs Female Pixiu
There are distinct differences between male and female Pixiu that relate to their symbolic meanings and uses. The most noticeable difference is in their antlers – male Pixiu have one antler, while female Pixiu have two.
According to Chinese legends, the male Pixiu uses its single antler to locate and gather precious treasures and wealth for its master. It is seen as the hunter and collector of riches, sent out into the world to seek fortunes on your behalf. Its fierce and bold energy makes it well-suited for going out and aggressively seeking wealth.
The female Pixiu, denoted by her two antlers, has the duty of guarding and protecting the home and wealth that has already been accumulated. Her gentle and docile energy ensures that she will watch over your home and belongings vigilantly. The female Pixiu’s two antlers sense danger and ward off bad luck or evil spirits trying to steal your fortune and prosperity.
Because of these differing but complementary abilities, Feng Shui followers will often use a pair of Pixiu – one male and one female – to attract and safeguard wealth. The bold male Pixiu bracelet or necklace can be worn outside the home as you go about your business, scouting opportunities and gathering fortune. The calmer female Pixiu statue can be placed inside the home or office, protecting your assets. Together, they make the perfect duo for harnessing Pixiu’s full power to call in prosperity and prevent loss or misfortune.
Pixiu’s Powers and Benefits
In Chinese culture, the mythical Pixiu is believed to have powerful abilities to attract, accumulate, and protect wealth and good fortune. Wearing or displaying Pixiu is thought to activate its powers to bring money and luck your way.
Specifically, Pixiu is said to have three main powers or benefits:
Attracting and Accumulating Wealth
Pixiu’s most famous power is its ability to draw money and valuables towards its owner. With its fierce protector instincts and Chinese dragon ancestry, the legendary beast can seek out precious items to accumulate for those who keep it close by. It uses its keen senses to find opportunities to gather wealth, almost like a magnet attracting coins and other treasures from everywhere.
Offering Protection and Luck
In addition to pulling in prosperity, Pixiu offers safety from misfortune or bad luck. Its reputation as a guardian creature means it can help ward off evil spirits, obstacles, illness, or other negative forces seeking to prevent good fortune. Displaying Pixiu creates an invisible protective shield, so blessings and luck can freely flow in while harm is deflected.
Wards Off Evil Spirits or Bad Luck
Pixiu is especially protective against Tai Sui, the Grand Duke of Jupiter, who oversees people’s good fortune each new year. Offending Tai Sui risks many strokes of bad luck. But keeping a Pixiu close is believed to protect against Tai Sui’s wrath, along with shielding from evil spirits and black magic curses. Its presence scares away bad luck to give smooth flowing good chi.
So in summary, this Chinese mythical creature uses its powers to attract wealth, offer safety from misfortune, and ward off evil or bad luck. That’s why it remains such a popular Feng Shui symbol to invite good fortune.
How to Properly Wear Pixiu Jewelry
To activate the power of Pixiu and properly harness its energy, it’s important to follow some basic rules when wearing Pixiu jewelry or charms.
Pixiu Bracelet
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Wear your Pixiu bracelet on your left hand. In feng shui, the left side of the body is associated with wealth and prosperity.
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The Pixiu bracelet should face outward, away from your body, so it can “attract” wealth and good fortune towards you.
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Never turn your Pixiu bracelet inward towards your wrist. This is thought to trap or prevent wealth.
Pixiu Ring
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Wear your Pixiu ring on your left hand. As with the bracelet, the left side activates the Pixiu’s powers.
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The Pixiu ring should face outward, away from your body.
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As the rings sits on your finger, the Pixiu’s head should point toward your fingertips, as though it’s pulling fortunes into your life.
Pixiu Necklace
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The Pixiu pendant on a necklace should hang facing away from your chest, so it can draw in money and luck.
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Do not turn the pendant around towards your chest, as this can symbolically block your wealth.
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For optimal results, the Pixiu pendant should rest somewhere between your heart and belly button chakra.
Pixiu in Feng Shui
In feng shui, Pixiu is commonly displayed in homes and offices to invite wealth and abundance. Its fierce protective energy is used to safeguard wealth and drive away evil spirits and bad luck.
There are certain feng shui rules for placing your Pixiu statue properly to activate its full power:
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Face your Pixiu statue toward your main door to draw in money. Never have its back to the door.
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Place Pixiu in the wealth area of your home or office. The best spot is diagonally across from your front door in the far left corner.
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Display Pixiu on a desk, shelf, or tabletop. Don’t place it on the floor where its energy can be suppressed.
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Pair Pixiu with the Three Legged Toad, Ru Yi, or Wu Lou symbols to enhance its auspicious energy.
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In the bedroom, you can place Pixiu next to the bed. Never position it so it’s facing the bed directly.
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Avoid placing Pixiu in the bathroom, laundry room, kitchen, or storage areas.
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If using a Pixiu statue, choose one made from natural materials like jade or bronze. Avoid plastic.
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Maintain good feng shui around the Pixiu by not cluttering its area with too many objects or papers.
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Dust the Pixiu statue regularly and gently tap it with a coin to activate it. You can also place offerings of coins, gold ingots, or jewelry on it.
Properly harnessing Pixiu’s vibrant energy in the home or office is said to not only improve wealth luck but also prevent wealth from being drained away. Displaying this charming and powerful feng shui cure brings vitality to your space.
Caring for Your Pixiu
Pixiu charms and statues require some care and respect to maintain their power and avoid trapping negative energy. Here are some tips:
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Gently touch or tap your Pixiu frequently, as this activates its power. Pixiu absorbs wealth energy from its surroundings, so frequent touching helps “feed” it.
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Use a soft cloth to gently clean your Pixiu now and then to keep it looking its best. Take care not to touch its eyes, mouth or anus. These areas are considered portals through which energy flows in and out.
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You can feed your Pixiu symbolically by holding it over incense or placing it near fruits, gold coins, or jewels. This nourishes it with chi energy.
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If your Pixiu breaks, treat it with respect. The proper way to dispose of a broken Pixiu is to wrap it in a red cloth and bury it in soil. Never throw it in the trash, as this dishonors it.
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Burying it avoids trapping any negative energy that may have built up. Let your Pixiu return to nature this way. You can then replace it with a new one.
The Meaning of Pixiu Tattoos
Pixiu tattoos have become popular due to the creature’s powerful symbolism and striking appearance. The motif typically depicts a dragon-like beast with the head of a Chinese lion, energetic wings, and a visible sealed anus.
Pixiu Iconography in Tattoos
Pixiu is rich in iconography and makes for an eye-catching tattoo. Key elements include:
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Wings – Represents speed and mobility in pursuing wealth.
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Horns – Signifies aggression in hunting down money and valuables. The male has one antler, while the female has two.
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Sealed Anus – Denotes the creature’s ability to collect fortunes but inability to spend or lose them.
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Sharp Teeth – Displays Pixiu’s ferociousness in guarding assets and devouring evil spirits.
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Scales – Indicates impenetrability from external harm or forces trying to diminish its treasury.
Placement and Direction
Proper placement is key for optimizing the tattoo’s feng shui. Popular locations include:
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Front Leg – Favored spot to attract money that “walks in” to you. Face pixiu forward.
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Back Neck – Ensures fortune follows behind you. Position pixiu facing backward.
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Upper Arm – Draws financial gains and prosperity toward you. Face pixiu down the arm.
Combining with Other Chinese Symbols
Pixiu is often incorporated into larger Chinese-themed tattoo designs:
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With Chinese coins or gold ingots – Emphasizes wealth and value accumulation.
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Paired with dragons or phoenixes – Boosts mythical powers and good luck.
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Alongside the ruyi scepter – Represents authority over one’s destiny and wishes coming true.
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Mixed with plum blossoms or peonies – Adds the meaning of nobility, luxury, and social ascendance.
A pixiu tattoo combines a striking image with layers of cultural significance for a meaningful and versatile design. Proper placement amplifies its powers to attract good fortune.
Pixiu in Chinese Culture
Pixiu have long been an important part of Chinese culture and folklore. They are especially prevalent in China and other parts of Asia where feng shui practices are common.
In traditional Chinese culture, Pixiu are highly revered as powerful protectors and harbingers of good fortune. According to legend, Pixiu were so honored that the forbidden city in Beijing only allowed Pixiu statues to face outward – all other feng shui creatures had to face inward towards the emperor. Pixiu were even featured on ancient Chinese charms and amulets.
Nowadays, the prevalence of Pixiu in modern Chinese culture is more varied. Some people still believe strongly in the myths and benefits of Pixiu for wealth and fortune. Others view Pixiu more lightheartedly as a symbol of Chinese tradition. But Pixiu imagery remains highly recognizable.
Pixiu continue to appear widely in Chinese media and pop culture. They have been featured in many Chinese television shows, movies, video games, and web novels. The prominent use of Pixiu in high profile Chinese media reinforces their cultural importance. Pixiu have also become more stylised and simplified in modern depictions. The mythical creature is now commonly represented by just the essential features – a winged body with the head of a Chinese dragon.
So while views on Pixiu have shifted over time, they remain an integral part of the Chinese cultural landscape. From ancient legends to modern pop culture, Pixiu continue to be a prevalent symbol intertwined with China’s history and belief systems. Their endurance speaks to the longevity of Chinese traditions.
Conclusion
Today, the Pixiu is a powerful symbol of wealth and good fortune in Chinese culture. Traced back to ancient Chinese mythology, Pixiu is a winged creature with the fierce head of a dragon and sealed-up anus said to be capable of devouring money but unable to expel it. Displaying its statue or wearing its charm is believed to attract and protect wealth for its owner, while warding off misfortune and evil spirits.
The key benefits of the Pixiu stem from its reputation as a “treasure hunting” beast from legends. Male Pixiu with one antler hunts for precious gems and gold to bring home fortune, while female Pixiu with two antlers guards wealth and prevents financial loss. Whether in the form of a feng shui statue, bracelet, pendant or ring, the Pixiu offers those who properly harness its power the promise of good luck, prosperity, and lasting abundance.
By understanding the origins and purpose of the Pixiu, we gain insight into this iconic Chinese charm. While its mythical powers remain debatable, embracing Pixiu’s bold spirit can inspire us to pursue good fortune and cherish the wealth we have. The Pixiu’s resilience and determination as shown in legends reveal why this fantastic creature has endured in Chinese culture. For devotees who believe in its capabilities, the Pixiu remains a treasured guardian and magnet for prosperity.
