After the Lunar New Year, Xiao Ming encountered a series of minor setbacks, so he went to the temple and asked, “Can I perform the ‘An Tai Sui’ ritual more than once?” The temple caretaker smiled and said that many people have the same question. Generally speaking, the “An Tai Sui” ritual is performed to address those who are in conflict with the Tai Sui that year. The common practice is to perform it once a year, around the Lunar New Year or the beginning of spring, as a symbol of “renewal” and to pray for blessings; it is not necessary to repeat the ritual multiple times in the same year. If you feel particularly anxious or encounter special circumstances, it’s acceptable to perform the ritual again or visit a different temple to seek guidance and pray for peace. However, it’s advisable to consult with the temple staff first and respect each temple’s specific practices and procedures. Most importantly, sincerity is key. Practicing kindness and accumulating virtue in daily life, as well as acting with caution, often brings greater peace of mind and positive change than a single ritual.

Table of Contents

• Basic Concepts of "An Taosui" and Why Some People Might Consider Performing It More Than Once
• The Rationale for Repeatedly Performing the "An Tai Sui" Ritual from the Perspectives of Temple Traditions and Feng Shui Experts
• How to Determine Whether You Need to Perform the "An Tai Sui" Ritual Based on Your Chinese Zodiac Sign, Personal Experiences, and Worship Records
• The Correct Procedure for Repeating the "An Tai Sui" Ritual, Etiquette Guidelines, and Feasible Alternatives
• Q&A
• Summary

Basic Concepts of "An Taosui" and Why Some People Might Consider Performing It More Than Once

The Rationale for Repeatedly Performing the "An Tai Sui" Ritual from the Perspectives of Temple Traditions and Feng Shui Experts

Once, at an old temple in northern Taiwan, I performed the “An Tai Sui” ritual for a young man who had returned from Malaysia to celebrate the Lunar New Year after working abroad for many years. It was his first time performing the ritual at a temple in his hometown. A few months later, due to a job transfer and move, he performed the ritual again at a temple near his new workplace. His family asked me if this was unnecessary. That incident prompted me to begin compiling the perspectives of temple authorities and astrology experts, and I’ve since developed several practical criteria and approaches based on common situations I encounter.

Can you perform the "An Tai Sui" ritual more than once?

Traditional Practices of Temple Administrations and Common Reasons

Traditionally, in agrarian societies, it was believed that people whose zodiac signs clashed with or were in conflict with the ruling Tai Sui of the year would visit a temple at the start of spring to obtain a Tai Sui amulet or a Tai Sui plaque. They would then take it home to worship or set up an altar within the temple to enshrine it, burning incense and paying homage to seek protection and ward off misfortune. Many temples offer services such as the “An Tai Sui” ritual and “Lights of Enlightenment” during the Spring Festival each year. People typically perform these rituals at the start of the Lunar New Year, but if they miss the opportunity, they can make up for it during other solar terms. [[1]][[3]]

Differences Between Astrology Experts and Practitioners

Astrologers typically provide advice on whether one “must” or “may not” perform the “An Tai Sui” ritual based on an individual’s Ba Zi, the annual Tai Sui and Sui Po, and the compatibility or conflict between zodiac signs. From a professional perspective, performing the Tai Sui ritual is sometimes a ceremonial act intended to provide psychological reassurance, and other times it serves as a specific remedy tailored to an individual’s needs; therefore, the decision on whether to repeat the ritual should be based on the individual’s annual fortune, recent changes, and actual needs—rather than simply on the notion that “doing it multiple times is definitely better.”

Under What Circumstances Is It Reasonable to Perform the “An Tai Sui” Ritual More Than Once? (Practical Guidelines and Case Studies)

• After major life changes—such as moving, changing jobs, or immigrating to another country—if the location of the temple where the “An Tai Sui” ritual was originally performed no longer aligns with the center of one’s life, some people perform the ritual again in their new location for peace of mind. I have helped several friends working in New Zealand and mainland China handle this situation.
• Initially, only a simple offering or the lighting of a "light of wisdom" is performed: Some people, at the start of spring, perform only a symbolic "lighting of the lamp" or receive an amulet; afterward, they feel the need for a full enshrinement ceremony or to have a memorial tablet installed. In such cases, repeating the process serves to reinforce and complete the ritual.
• In the event of a sudden disaster or a change in family circumstances: If a family has experienced an accident or a change in family structure, family members may choose to perform the “An Tai Sui” ritual again to seek peace of mind and to re-establish a sense of ritual.
• Different temples or different Tai Sui deities: Some people may register once at a temple in their hometown and once at a temple in their current place of residence, or they may wish to register with different Tai Sui deities due to differences in their beliefs. While this is not uncommon in practice, it is important to explain the reason to the temple authorities to avoid misunderstandings caused by duplicate registrations.

I have encountered the situations described above time and again throughout my more than twenty years of professional experience. Repeatedly performing the “An Tai Sui” ritual is often driven by practical needs such as “psychological reassurance,” “supplementing the ritual,” or “adapting to local circumstances.”

Temple Services: Scope and Timing (and Transparency Regarding Actual Costs)

Temples offer a wide variety of common services, such as “An Tai Sui,” “Light of Enlightenment,” and “Wenchang Lamps,” allowing people to choose the option that best suits them; Services and fees may vary from temple to temple. Some temples offer options such as “An Tai Sui” or engraving names on a stele forest for a fixed annual fee per person. Before proceeding, people should inquire about the ritual procedures and what is included. [[2]]

My Practical Advice for Taiwan (Easy-to-Follow Steps)

• First, identify your needs: Are you seeking peace of mind, performing a ritual, or seeking to mitigate the effects of the annual astrological cycle? Once you’ve clarified your purpose, decide whether to repeat the “An Tai Sui” ritual.
• Consult the temple authorities and a fortune-teller: Check with the temple office or a fortune-teller you trust to confirm the current status of the deity’s enshrinement and whether you need to complete the process. This is especially important if you initially only lit a lamp or received an amulet; in such cases, you can usually complete the full enshrinement ritual later.
• Record and Keep Receipts: Keep the temple’s receipts, photos of the memorial tablets, or registration information to avoid confusion if you register at different temples in the future.
• Take Advantage of Common Time Frames: Traditionally, the best time falls around the period from the Lunar “Sending Off the Gods” Day to the Lantern Festival; however, if you miss the Spring Festival, you can make up for it during other solar terms. Specifically, the period between the 24th day of the 12th lunar month and the Lantern Festival is a common window of opportunity. [[3]]
• Avoid Blind Repetition: If the goal is simply to “be on the safe side by having one more memorial tablet,” I would suggest first evaluating your expectations against the actual situation and, if necessary, making other ceremonial adjustments.

In my practice, once family members understand the purpose and limitations of the “An Tai Sui” ritual, most choose a clear and ceremonial approach. Whether they perform the ritual at the original temple or establish a new altar in their current location, they emphasize sincerity and a complete set of procedures, rather than simply accumulating the number of times it is performed.

How to Determine Whether You Need to Perform the "An Tai Sui" Ritual Based on Your Chinese Zodiac Sign, Personal Experiences, and Worship Records

I have been serving as a Taoist priest in Taiwan for over twenty years, and I frequently encounter the same question: If I’ve already performed the Tai Sui ritual, is it necessary to do it again? Drawing on my practical experience, the relationships between the Chinese zodiac signs, and records of worship ceremonies, I will share case studies and key considerations from my work in Taiwan and overseas (Malaysia, mainland China, and New Zealand) for your reference.

When determining whether it is necessary to perform the “An Tai Sui” ritual again, I usually examine three aspects simultaneously: the relationship between the person’s zodiac sign and the Tai Sui of that year; recent changes in the person’s life or recurring misfortunes; and the thoroughness of past rituals and the maintenance of talismans. If warning signs appear in all three areas simultaneously, it is usually worth considering a renewal; if only one of these applies, a gentler approach to adjustment or observation may suffice.

I. First, let’s look at the relationship between the Chinese zodiac signs and the Tai Sui.

There are several common scenarios regarding the interaction between the Tai Sui and the Chinese zodiac signs: "Zhi Tai Sui" (facing the Tai Sui), "Chong Tai Sui" (clashing with the Tai Sui), and "Xing Hai" (punishment and harm). In Taiwanese folk traditions and at temples, these relationships are used to determine whether one should perform the "An Tai Sui" ritual or which specific rituals to adopt. For example, in certain years, it is specifically noted which zodiac sign is “Facing the Tai Sui” and which is “Clash with the Tai Sui.” Such information is explained in local temples and folklore articles and can serve as a reference [[1]][[2]].

• Facing the Tai Sui: It is generally recommended to perform the Tai Sui ritual or visit a temple to obtain a protective amulet, especially before major life changes.
• Clashing with the Tai Sui or Suffering from Harmful Influences: If an individual frequently encounters unexpected events or relationship conflicts, re-establishing harmony, seeking a master’s blessing, or relocating the talisman may be viable options.
• General Impact: Some zodiac signs are only slightly affected; this can be mitigated by setting up an altar at home, increasing the frequency of worship, or performing small blessing rituals.

II. Determining Genuine Needs Based on Personal Experiences and Life Records

The first question I often ask is: “Have the difficulties you’ve encountered over the past two years been one-time occurrences, or have they been recurring and already affecting your daily life?” If they involve recurring incidents, work-related bottlenecks, or interpersonal conflicts, this usually indicates that a more comprehensive approach is needed than a one-time “An Tai Sui” ritual. I once consulted with a client whose zodiac sign was in adverse alignment with the year. Although he had performed the “An Tai Sui” ritual the previous year, he subsequently experienced a series of minor car accidents and contract disputes; After re-examining the altar arrangements in their home, their work schedule, and personal habits, I arranged for a repeat “An Tai Sui” ritual, an update to the household talisman, and a life-balancing ceremony. The client reported that the situation has gradually stabilized (this is a case study; results may vary from person to person).

III. Reviewing Worship Records and Maintaining Altar Arrangements

The “follow-up maintenance” after performing the “An Tai Sui” ritual is often overlooked. Ask yourself a few questions: After the ritual, do you regularly return to the temple to pay respects or renew the talisman at the start of the new year? Is the Tai Sui talisman placed in a clean and respectful spot in your home? Have you ever taken the talisman outside, or allowed it to be exposed to moisture or become soiled for an extended period? If your worship records are incomplete or the talisman is not properly maintained, even if the ritual has been performed, the effectiveness may be diminished due to energy imbalances or insufficient reverence during the ceremony. In such cases, you may need to have the area cleansed, replace the talisman, or perform the An Taosui ritual again. Local temples often provide explanations of the An Taosui process and precautions, which can serve as a reference for the procedure.[[3]]。

IV. Sharing of Practical Case Studies from Taiwan and Overseas (Avoiding Specific Details but Retaining Key Takeaways)

In Taiwan, I met a middle-aged friend whose zodiac sign did not clash strongly with the Tai Sui of that year, but she had been experiencing a series of minor problems at home and at work in recent years. She had performed a ritual once but rarely returned to the temple afterward. To address this, I first conducted a talisman and altar inspection, guided her in restoring the basic etiquette for her home altar, and arranged a small remedial ritual within three months. Throughout this process, she gradually resumed her worship practices, and the energy in her home felt more stable.

In one overseas case, an overseas Chinese living in Malaysia had neglected his home altar due to prolonged business trips. Upon returning to Taiwan, he asked us to perform a talisman cleansing and a “An Tai Sui” ritual. After learning about the intermittent nature of his worship practices, we recommended focusing on updating the talismans and performing brief home rituals. We also taught him how to maintain a sense of devotion and ritual while away from home, thereby reducing the need for frequent re-consecration.

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V. Practical Decision-Making Process (My Go-To Checklist)

I suggest that everyone go through the following self-assessment steps in order:

• The Relationship Between the Chinese Zodiac Signs and the Annual Tai Sui (such as "Zhi," "Chong," "Xing," and "Hai")
• Have you experienced recurring or exponentially increasing setbacks (such as accidents, relationship issues, or career changes) over the past year?
• Is the frequency of worship and the maintenance of the talisman’s placement sufficient after performing the “An Tai Sui” ritual?
• Are there any major life changes (marriage, bereavement, moving, long-term work abroad, etc.) that require additional blessings?

If two or more warning signs appear, you may consider consulting a Taoist master you know or the temple authorities to determine whether you need to perform another ritual, replace the talisman, or make further adjustments to your home altar.

VI. Practical Recommendations and Common Practices

In practice, if you’re unsure whether to perform the “An Tai Sui” ritual, it’s recommended to take a gradual approach: first, review your worship records and organize the altars in your home; then, depending on the situation, consider a small blessing ceremony or consult with the temple authorities; if problems persist or there is a clear conflict between your zodiac sign and the Tai Sui, arrange a formal “An Tai Sui” ceremony. Most temples in Taiwan provide public information regarding procedures and fees, which can serve as a reference; however, it is best to discuss a personalized plan with a Taoist master you are familiar with [[2]].

Finally, based on my experience, “An Tai Sui” is not a one-time guarantee, but rather a comprehensive process of adjustment that involves personal mindset, home rituals, and social interactions. Treating “An Tai Sui” as a ritual of renewal and an opportunity to reflect on one’s lifestyle habits yields more practical results than simply hoping that “doing it one more time will solve all problems.”

The Correct Procedure for Repeating the "An Tai Sui" Ritual, Etiquette Guidelines, and Feasible Alternatives

My many years of experience conducting “An Tai Sui” and ritual purification ceremonies have taught me that it’s actually not uncommon to encounter situations where “the same person has had their An Tai Sui performed by two different temples or two different priests”—especially in Taiwan, where family members, in an effort to ensure safety, each seek out different temples or masters to perform the ritual, leaving the person in question feeling at a loss. I have received several similar inquiries in Taipei, Taichung, and Kaohsiung, and the approach to handling these situations must respect the devotees’ piety while also adhering to proper rituals and customs.

Can you perform the "An Tai Sui" ritual more than once?

Frequently Asked Questions and Practical Observations

Generally speaking, there is only one Tai Sui for a given year, and most temples and fortune-tellers believe there is no need to perform the ritual multiple times for the same person. If, by mistake, the Tai Sui ritual is performed for the same person at different temples, the issue can usually be resolved through communication and a unifying ritual; it does not necessarily lead to the absolute conclusion that “misfortune will be compounded.” This point is frequently mentioned in media reports and temple guidelines, which emphasize that proper enshrinement can ward off misfortune; furthermore, if the enshrinement is not completed at the beginning of the year, it can be made up or addressed at any time throughout the year [[2]].

The Correct Procedure for Handling Duplicate “An Tai Sui” Rituals (Practical Steps)

I usually recommend that devotees follow the steps below, which are based on my years of experience handling cases and insights gained from working with clergy at various temples:

• First, verify and keep all documents related to the "An Tai Sui" ritual (amulets, receipts, vials, "Bright Light Lamp" memorial tablets, etc.).
• Contact the temple that the person trusts or visits most frequently, explain the situation, and ask the temple for guidance on how to proceed; most temples will be willing to assist in coordinating the arrangements or explain how to combine the worship rituals.
• If the same Tai Sui is enshrined repeatedly in the same year, you may ask one of the temples to perform a “combined talisman” or “combined altar” ritual, or follow the temple’s instructions to return the excess talismans to the furnace or burn them, allowing the main altar to continue the worship.
• If the temple authorities disagree, the altar should be dedicated to the one that the person involved considers the most sacred and familiar, and offerings should continue to be made in accordance with the temple’s rituals; the other altar may be converted into a “Light of Enlightenment” or “Light of Peace,” or the long-term enshrinement may be replaced with a donation of merit.

In practice, I once assisted a set of parents who wanted to perform the “An Tai Sui” ritual for their child at two different temples. After communicating with the administrators of both temples, we selected one main altar, while the other temple offered a “Light of Enlightenment” lamp as a substitute. Finally, I conducted a simple ritual to unite the two altars at the main altar. The family felt reassured, and this experience taught me that transparent communication is paramount [[1]].

Etiquette Guidelines (Regarding Worship and Offerings)

In Taiwanese temples, there are specific rituals for the “An Tai Sui” ceremony and daily worship. I would like to remind devotees to keep the following points in mind to show respect and avoid violating taboos:

• When visiting a temple, dress neatly and maintain a respectful demeanor; avoid overly flashy or casual attire.
• Offerings should be clean and simple. If the temple specifies certain types of offerings or has any restrictions (such as prohibiting the placement of raw food directly on the offering table), these guidelines should be followed in advance.
• If you wish to take a talisman or ampoule home for worship, please follow the temple’s instructions (regarding placement, the number of days to burn incense, and whether you need to return to the temple periodically to have it replaced).
• If you encounter a situation where amulets have been placed in duplicate, do not remove amulets from another temple on your own or dispose of them without informing the temple first; you should first communicate with the original temple.

Feasible Alternatives and Remedies

When a situation of duplicate "An Tai Sui" rituals does indeed arise, in addition to combining the talismans or prioritizing the main altar, there are several reliable alternative methods to consider:

• Lamp of Enlightenment/Lamp of Peace: Switching from lighting a Lamp of Enlightenment or a Lamp of Peace at another temple signifies praying for the well-being of the person in question and extending those blessings; the process is simple and widely accepted [[3]].
• Rituals to Mitigate the Influence of the Tai Sui or Public Altar Ceremonies: If devotees still have doubts, they may ask the presiding priest or the management of both temples to coordinate a disaster-averting or Tai Sui-pacifying ceremony to formally resolve these concerns through an official ritual.
• Personal Devotional Practices: Follow the temple’s instructions to offer incense, recite sutras, or pay respects at home as a way to show ongoing support for the main altar; there is no need to repeat two sets of elaborate rituals.

My Personal Experience and Insights

On one occasion, three generations of a family had their “An Tai Sui” rituals performed simultaneously by family members at different temples, which caused some tension at home. I first reviewed the certificates of consecration from each temple one by one, accompanied the family members to the temple they were most familiar with for an explanation at the main altar, requested that the second temple perform a standard ritual to return the talismans to the altar, and finally had the main altar arrange a simple joint ritual. Afterward, the family felt relieved and was better able to refocus on making practical changes in their daily lives—such as cultivating positive thoughts, performing good deeds, and maintaining good relationships with others.

Based on my experience serving in Taiwan and overseas (Malaysia, mainland China, and New Zealand), I’ve found that sincerity and transparency in the process are often more important than “whether the ritual is repeated.” Respecting the temple authorities and returning to the core of one’s faith can help people navigate the challenges of the annual ritual with peace of mind.

References and Additional Notes

To understand the general recommendations from the media and temple authorities on this issue, you may refer to local news reports and temple guidelines. These sources generally emphasize that as long as the ritual is performed properly, there is no need to repeat it; furthermore, if you miss the opportunity at the beginning of the year, you can make up for it or address the matter at any time during the year [[2]]. Case studies are also commonly shared in online discussions, reflecting that in practice, some people do end up performing the ritual twice, but these situations are typically resolved through communication [[1]]. If you are considering alternatives or supplementary practices, such as lighting a “Light of Enlightenment” lamp, you can refer to the temple’s explanations and guidelines for relevant procedures and taboos [[3]].

Q&A

1. Can you perform the "An Tai Sui" ritual more than once?
   Short Answer: In principleThere is no need to enshrine it againSince there is only one annual Tai Sui each year, a single proper enshrinement is sufficient to ward off conflicts and ensure peace; however, if an individual has a stronger need for spiritual devotion or feels that their wishes have not been fulfilled, some temple officials and folklorists suggest that a second enshrinement may be performed to strengthen one’s intentions. [[1]][[2]]
2. Is it permissible to enshrine a deity in multiple temples or in temples dedicated to the same deity?
   In practice, most recommendationsJust choose one place to enshrine it....to demonstrate devotion and respect; however, some people also light candles, perform the “An Tai Sui” ritual, or obtain peace amulets at different temples as supplementary measures. This is a flexible practice based on personal beliefs and the rules of each temple. If you wish to perform these rituals at multiple temples simultaneously, it is recommended that you inquire in advance with each temple regarding their specific rituals and taboos. Forum discussions also indicate that some people have, in practice, performed these rituals at different temples, but practices vary, and there are no uniform guidelines. [[3]]
3. If I missed the beginning of the year, can I still perform the "An Tai Sui" ritual?
   That’s fine. If you didn’t have time to perform the ritual at the beginning of the year, you can go to the temple to perform the “An Tai Sui” ritual or light a “Light of Wisdom” lamp at any time throughout the year. The key is to perform the ritual with sincerity and follow the temple’s procedures. [[1]]
4. What are the precautions and recommendations for repeating the "An Tai Sui" ritual?
   Before reinstalling the deity, we recommend considering the following points:
   • Check with the temple first to find out their rules.: Rituals, taboos, and fee structures may vary from temple to temple; checking in advance can help avoid misunderstandings.
   • With a Devout Heart as the Foundation: Many experts on temple affairs and folk customs emphasize that sincerity is most important, and that outward forms should reflect one’s inner sincerity and determination to change one’s behavior. [[2]]
   • Avoid confusion caused by duplicate names for the same primary deity: If you wish to pay respects at multiple locations at the same time, it is recommended that you find out whether they are all under the jurisdiction of the same principal deity and respect the temple’s recommendations and the order of worship. [[3]]
   • Focus on resolution, not on the number of attempts: In folk tradition, the emphasis is on sincere intentions and good deeds; repeatedly performing the enshrinement ritual should not become a blind pursuit of frequency. If you have any questions, please consult the chief priest or the elders at the temple.

Summary

In short, whether one can perform the “An Tai Sui” ritual more than once largely depends on personal beliefs and the temple’s regulations. It is recommended that you first familiarize yourself with the procedures of your local temple and the applicable lunar calendar periods, respect traditional rituals, maintain sincerity, and exercise sound judgment. If you have any questions, consult the temple authorities or individuals familiar with Daoist culture. Make a decision in consultation with your family based on your personal needs, so that the ritual can serve as a source of peace of mind and a means of connecting with the community. Some people choose to adjust the ritual annually based on the ruling Tai Sui of the year or their family’s circumstances, and keep records of past installations to avoid repetition. If family members or friends have differing opinions, it is advisable to communicate patiently and respect each other’s beliefs. By maintaining an open mindset, you can transform the ritual into a source of spiritual support and a part of cultural heritage.