celestial guardians

Three divine guardians - a Chi Lin, a Fu Dog, and a Pi Xiu - celestial creatures sent to Earth by the God of Heaven to safeguard the trinity of Tien Ti Ren. Together, they form the trusted antidote to subdue the viciousness of the Three Killings (Sarm Saat or three conflicts). 

Feng Shui (wind water in English) is the Chinese art of arranging external structures and inside decor to harmonize people within an environment. This concept operates on the theory that living things have a life force or Qi (Chi or Ki). 

celestial guardian figurines

Feng Shui Three Killings are a combination of three sha - year sha, robbery sha, and disaster sha. Year Sha are obstacles that impede or set back. Robbery Sha could lead to financial loss. Disaster Sha cause accidents, problems, or trouble.

These three celestial guardians lend their powers to prevent and protect. The Chi Lin helps prevent losing our loved ones. The Fu Dog protects our reputation. The Pi Xiu defends against loss of wealth. 

embroidered qilin, Qing dynasty

Placing three-dimensional symbols of these divine protectors in vulnerable areas invoke their spiritual presence - shielding and sheltering all from harm who reside within their territory. 

The Chi Lin is a mythical four hooved chimera symbolizing wisdom, prosperity, good luck, and longevity. In Asia, its other names are Qilin in China or Kirin in Japan. The Chi Lin is also depicted as a dragon horse or oriental unicorn. 

personal artwork by Mahala Urra

The Chi Lin is found all over Asia with slight variations - generally its head is of a dragon, one or two horns, a deer or horse body, a tail of an ox, and the scales of a carp. Sometimes the body wears a coat of fiery flames - its dominant element being fire. 

Another guardian harnessed is the Fu Dog or imperial guardian lion - these stone temple dogs are a traditional Chinese architectural ornament with origins dating back to older Indian Buddhist traditions. These guardian lions are also used to ward off evil and harm from entering one's domain. 

Qing-era guardian lion pair in the Forbidden City

Fu Dogs are mythical animals and guardians of the heavenly gate. They possess fear-inspiring faces and muscular bodies - the better to ward off evil influences and spirits. Their task is to probe the mind and intentions of the entering guest. They also attract Chi to enter and bring more good fortune. 

These guardians usually come in pairs. The male has a ball under his paw to symbolizes the world and control of one’s domain - the yang protection energy for the whole external structure. The female has a puppy under her paw to reflect her yin nurturing nature to protect the people who reside within.

a neighborhood female Fu Dog

Often a pair of Fu Dogs will feature one with the mouth closed (inhaling), the other with the mouth open (exhaling) to represent the balanced breath. The suggested placement of these guardians (facing their front) - the female should be on the left and the male should be on the right. 

Feng Shui practice requires that the size of the guardians be in proportion to the size of the structure or area it is protecting - a bigger space would need bigger guardians. 

one of a pair of pi xiu statues from the Yongning Tomb of
Emperor Wen, Chen Dynasty - Qixia District, Nanjing

The Pi Yao or Pi Xiu is a mystical creature of extreme power and an auspicious talisman of good fortune. Its voracious appetite for gold, silver, and jewels is infinite and because it does not have an anus what it consumes enters and never comes out. 

A definite must have guardian for business establishments and entrepreneurs. This figure is prominently displayed in a place of honor where owners hope to attract more business and wealth. Pi Xiu possesses a protective, obedient, and loyal nature. 

a pair of neighborhood pixiu

Always doing its best to fulfill its owner’s wish and safeguard their health and welfare. Ushering wealth by attracting good luck, warding off evil, bringing good fortune as it provides protection to the home and its residents. 

It is no wonder that the practice of placing these three mythical beasts has grown - helping many and protecting us all from being at the mercy of annual growing threats. Good and effective Feng Shui can deflect many of our current troubles and provide more peace in our lives.