The Eight Immortals are the patron saints of the Taoists. Their images are believed to be incredibly auspicious. Colourful stories surround the Immortals. Theirs is a world of magic and supernatural feats that bring benefits to those who invite them into their homes. The best way to do this is to hang a beautiful painting of all eight of them. Or you can invest in sculpted images of the Eight Immortals, each dressed to reflect individual worldly personas and holding their own symbols of magic.
The Eight Immortals each guard one of the eight directions, so their presence in the home ensures all round good feng shui. When you have them near you, there is nothing to fear. They bring longevity, good fortune, good descendents, wealth, good name and recognition. They also create compassion and generosity of spirit. Indeed, they are saints, so they stand for all things positive, pure and invigorating.
Han Xiang Zi
His direction is Southeast and his element is wood. He is an expert on the mysteries of Heaven and a Master of the Five Phases of Energy.The sacred knots on his robe are symbols of his success in combining the two energies of Yin and Yang into the One Original Energy.
He is often drawn with a bouquet of flowers carrying a flute, with which he plays the Six Healing Sounds. He is shown mounted on an Ox, a mythical beast.
Han Zhong Li
His direction is East and his element is wood. He is portrayed as bearded and thinly clad. His hair is gathered in two coils on the sides of his head. His symbol is a fan, which he uses to revive and reincarnate the souls of the recently departed. Over 1,800 years old, he is said to frequently visit the Earth realm as a messenger of the Gods of Heaven.
He is mounted on a Chi Lin, a mythical animal sacred to the Taoists. If you invite him into your home, he will bring honourable sons into your family and invoke the great support of the magical Tai Sui, also known as the Grand Duke Jupiter. It is said that if you have upset the Tai Sui, having his image in the home will appease the Tai Sui, thereby saving you from misfortune. He signifies longevity.
Chao Guo Jiu
His direction is Northeast and his element is earth. He is one of two royal brothers whose sister was a Sung Empress. His symbol are the castanets, which he plays in a soothing and relaxing rhythm to facilitate meditation and to help him journey through the universe.
He is mounted on a Pi Yao whose spirit helps him unveil the secrets of the Tao and Immorality. He is said to be still living on earth. Having him in the home is said to invoke his protective presence. He is like a powerful protector who guards you without you even knowing it. He is an excellent friend of those who want to be successful in their studies.
Zhang Guo Lao
His direction is North and his element is water. His symbol is a tube containing wands or “phoenix feathers” which he uses to forecast fortunes and misfortunes. He is believed to assist those who have passed on to reincarnate into good realms.
His image is best placed inside bedrooms, especially for those who are trying to have children. He is also said to be excellent at giving you the gift of prophetic dreams.
Lan Chai He
His direction is Northwest and his element is metal. He is the youngest of the Eight Immortals. His symbol is a flywhisk, together with plants and branches from trees associated with longevity, such as the chrysanthemum, peach blossom, pine and bamboo.
He is mounted upon an elephant, a symbol of wisdom, strength and prudence, and is also a friend of the crane. Having him in your home brings joyousness and attracts beautiful people into your life.
Lee Tie Guai
His direction is South and his element is fire. He is depicted as a beggar with an iron crutch and a magic staff. His symbols are the staff and gourd (a symbol of universal medicine). Having mastered the Five Phases of Energy and successfully combining Yin and Yang energy, he can metamorphose matter and concoct medicines and potions from his gourd.
He has a reputation for benevolence and is known to help those in need of money and those recovering from illness. He occasionally transforms into a dragon and flies to the Heavens, but frequently returns to Earth when called upon. He travels to Earth mounted on a Pi Yao or chimera, a mythical guardian animal symbolizing dignity and courage.
He Xian Gu
Her direction is Southwest and her element is earth. Taoists believe she is still alive but is now over 1,400 years old. She became immortal at 14 when she was given the precious Peach of Immortality.
She is shown holding a magic lotus blossom, the flower of divine brilliance, which symbolizes her power and purity. She sits on a deer, a symbol of energetic longevity. She helps those whose situations are desperate and in need of divine intervention. She brings marriage and family luck.
Lee Dong Bin
His direction is West and his element is metal. He is always portrayed with a double-edged “demon slaying” magic sword strapped on his back. This sword possesses supernatural powers and was given to him by a dragon. It makes him invisible to evil spirits and enables him to hide in the heavens.
Popularly known as Ancestor Lee, his three-part beard symbolizes the three Channels in the body that is used to attain the highest meditative levels. He is believed to have spent 400 years on earth, and periodically reappears. He can be accessed via channeling through mediums. High meditators can communicate directly with him. When you invite him into your home, you can be certain that no one with evil intentions can enter your house.