Pixiu (貔貅, pí xiū) is a winged, lion-like creature from Chinese mythology. Legend says it eats gold and silver and never lets any out, so in feng shui it stands for drawing wealth in and keeping it. It is also a guardian that wards off bad luck, which is why Pixiu bracelets and rings are worn for both prosperity and protection.
What a Pixiu looks like
A Pixiu has a dragon-like head, a lion's body and often a pair of wings. Pixiu are traditionally a pair. In many pairs one has a single horn and the other has two. The one-horned Pixiu is said to gather wealth and the two-horned one to guard it, which is why some bracelets carry two Pixiu side by side.
Why Pixiu means wealth
A popular folk story tells how Pixiu relieved itself on the floor of the heavenly palace. The Jade Emperor punished it by sealing its rear, so from then on Pixiu could only take things in. Its diet of gold and silver turned it into a symbol of money that comes to you and stays.
How to wear a Pixiu bracelet
Feng shui practitioners pass on a few customs for wearing Pixiu. They are folk guidance, not rules:
- Left wrist. The left hand is said to receive, so a wealth charm goes on the left.
- Head facing out. Turn the Pixiu so its head points toward your hand, ready to catch what comes your way, rather than toward your body.
- Yours alone. Many people believe a Pixiu bonds with its owner and prefer not to let others handle it.
- Keep it from knocks. Take it off for heavy work and store it somewhere clean at night.
Pixiu with obsidian, citrine and mantras
Pixiu charms are often set on black obsidian beads, a stone feng shui associates with protection. Citrine, a golden stone, is linked with wealth. Pixiu rings are sometimes engraved with Buddhist mantras such as the Heart Sutra.
