Eastern Decoded

What is Gu Sorcery? What Happens If You’re Cursed?

Gu Sorcery (Gu Shu, 蛊术), in the ancient legends of some southern Chinese regions, is a type of curse created using venomous creatures and dark arts. Simply put, the practitioner places multiple highly poisonous insects or creatures inside a sealed container. They are forced to fight and consume each other. The sole survivor becomes the “Gu,” a vessel imbued with sinister power.

What is Hua Pi?

Hua Pi (The Painted Skin, 画皮) describes one of the most terrifying acts by a ghost or demon in Chinese supernatural tales. Simply put, it is when an evil spirit or monster drapes itself with a meticulously painted human skin to disguise itself as a person, most often a beautiful woman. From a metaphysical perspective, this is not merely a disguise.

What is a Fox Spirit? Can They Really Turn into Beautiful Women? Are They Good or Evil?

The Fox Spirit (Hu Li Jing, 狐狸精), in Chinese folklore, is a type of supernatural being born from a fox that has undergone prolonged cultivation. Its most famous ability is shapeshifting, particularly into the form of a stunningly beautiful woman. From a metaphysical perspective, the nature of a Fox Spirit is not absolutely good or evil.

What Are the Four Pillars of Destiny, and Why Is a Person’s Fate Said to Be Within Them?

The Four Pillars of Destiny (Ba Zi, 生辰八字), simply put, is a person’s “birth code” or “time password.” It consists of four pairs of characters: two for the year, two for the month, two for the day, and two for the hour of birth.

Why Do Many Chinese People Celebrate Two Birthdays?

In China, it is common for many people to celebrate two birthdays: one based on the solar calendar and one based on the lunar calendar.