I remember the first time I walked into my uncle’s home office and saw this fierce-looking, winged lion statue sitting right on his mahogany desk. It looked like a cross between a dragon and a dog, and honestly, I thought it was just a cool paperweight. When I asked him about it, he just grinned and said, “That’s my Pixiu. He’s the reason I don’t worry about the bills.”
At the time, I didn’t quite get it. But as I dove deeper into the world of Feng Shui and Chinese mythology, I realized that this “paperweight” was actually one of the most powerful symbols of wealth and protection in Asian culture. If you’ve ever wondered what is a pixiu and why you see them in jewelry, on desks, or guarding the entrances of massive banks, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down what makes this mythical creature so special—and why people are so protective of theirs.
So, What Exactly Is a Pixiu?
If you’re looking at one for the first time, you might be a bit confused about what you’re seeing. Is it a dragon? A lion? A bird? Well, it’s actually a hybrid. Traditionally, a Pixiu (pronounced pee-shoo) has the head of a Chinese dragon, the body of a lion, and sometimes a pair of wings. It’s a fierce, powerful-looking beast, and that’s exactly the point.
But here is the most important—and slightly weird—detail about its anatomy: the Pixiu has no anus. I know, it sounds funny, but in the world of Feng Shui, this is a massive deal. Because the Pixiu has an insatiable appetite for gold, silver, and jewels, but no way to “expel” them, it represents wealth coming in and never, ever leaving. It’s the ultimate symbol of wealth retention. While many symbols help you find money, the Pixiu is there to help you keep it.
The Two Types You Might Encounter
In ancient times, there were actually two different versions of this creature. You had the Tiān lù (the one with two horns), which was responsible for wealth, and the Pì xié (the one with one horn), which warded off evil spirits.
Nowadays, most people just refer to them both as Pixiu. However, if you see a pair of them, they’re often meant to represent a male and a female. The male is usually the one out there hunting for gold, while the female is the one guarding the home and protecting the “nest” of wealth. It’s a beautiful balance of energy if you can get your hands on a matched pair.
The Legend of the Greedy Pet
I’ve always loved the stories behind these symbols because they give them so much personality. The most famous legend about the Pixiu involves the Jade Emperor, who is basically the “big boss” of the heavens in Chinese mythology.
As the story goes, the Pixiu was the favorite pet of the Jade Emperor. It was a beautiful creature that spent its days eating nothing but gold and silver. One day, the Pixiu had a bit of an “accident” on the floor of the Emperor’s palace. The Emperor was so annoyed that he hit the Pixiu on its backside, sealing its “exit” forever.
From that day on, the Pixiu could only eat wealth, but it could never let it go. It became a symbol of perpetual prosperity. It’s a bit of a cautionary tale about where you go to the bathroom, I suppose, but for us, it means a powerful ally in our financial lives.
Why This Creature Is a Wealth Magnet
You might be wondering why someone would choose a Pixiu over, say, a Money Frog or a lucky cat. In my experience, the Pixiu is for people who want a more “active” protector. It’s not just sitting there looking cute; it’s a guardian. People look to the Pixiu for three main reasons:
- Attracting Wealth: It’s said to go out into the world and “sniff out” gold and bring it back to its owner.
- Protection: Because of its fierce appearance, it’s believed to ward off bad luck, “Sheng Chi” (negative energy), and people with bad intentions.
- Good Luck: It’s one of the five auspicious animals in traditional Chinese culture, right alongside the dragon, phoenix, tortoise, and kailin.
I’ve noticed that people who work in high-risk industries—like stock traders, business owners, or even gamblers—tend to be the most devoted to their Pixiu. They want that extra edge of protection against the volatility of the market.
How to Treat Your Pixiu (Because It’s Not Just Decor)
Here’s where a lot of people get it wrong. You can’t just buy a Pixiu, toss it on a shelf behind some books, and expect it to work its magic. In Feng Shui, your intention and how you treat the object matters just as much as the object itself. Think of it more like a pet than a statue. You wouldn’t ignore a dog and expect it to guard your house, right?
Placement Is Everything
If you have a Pixiu statue in your home or office, you need to be strategic about where it sits. Here are the “golden rules” I’ve picked up over the years:
- Face it outward: Your Pixiu should always face a door or a window. This allows it to “see” the wealth coming in and grab it for you.
- Never face the mirror: Mirrors are thought to reflect the light and distract the Pixiu, making it less effective.
- Keep it below eye level: You want to be the master of the creature, so don’t place it so high that it’s looking down on you.
- Avoid the bedroom: The Pixiu is a fierce, active creature. Placing it in the bedroom can lead to restless sleep because its energy is just too high for a space meant for resting.
The “No-Touch” Rule
This is a big one. You should never let anyone else touch your Pixiu. It’s supposed to be loyal to you and you alone. If a guest comes over and says, “Oh, what’s this?” and reaches for it, politely steer them away! If someone does touch it, many people recommend cleaning it with a little bit of salt water or sage to reset the energy.
On the flip side, you should touch it yourself. Many practitioners recommend “petting” your Pixiu daily to wake it up and strengthen your bond with it. Just avoid touching its eyes or its mouth—it needs those to see the wealth and grab it!
Choosing the Right Material
When you start looking for one, you’ll see them in everything from cheap plastic to solid gold. While the symbol itself is what matters most, the material can definitely change the “vibe” of the energy.
Jade: This is the classic choice. Jade is already a stone of luck and health in Chinese culture, so a jade Pixiu is like a double-whammy of good energy. It feels grounded and timeless.
Obsidian: If you feel like you’re dealing with a lot of negativity or “office politics,” black obsidian is a great choice. It’s a protective stone that helps shield you from bad vibes while the Pixiu does its wealth-hunting thing.
Gold or Brass: Since the Pixiu literally eats gold, having one made of metal (especially gold-colored metal) is thought to be very attractive to it. It’s like giving it a home that matches its favorite food.
A Few Things I’ve Learned Along the Way
When I first started incorporating Feng Shui into my life, I was a bit skeptical. But I’ve found that these symbols act as powerful psychological anchors. Every time I see the Pixiu on my shelf, it reminds me to be mindful of my finances. It reminds me to look for opportunities and to be grateful for what I’ve already kept.
One thing I discovered is that you don’t need the biggest, most expensive statue to see a shift in your mindset. I started with a small obsidian bracelet. It was a simple way to keep the energy with me throughout the day. Did I win the lottery the next morning? No. But I did find myself making smarter decisions and feeling more “protected” in my professional life.
Now, you might be wondering—does it actually work? Well, Feng Shui isn’t magic, but it is about alignment. When you surround yourself with symbols of prosperity and protection, you’re essentially training your brain to focus on those things. The Pixiu is just a very fierce, very cool-looking way to stay focused on your goals.
So, have you ever seen a Pixiu in the wild? Or maybe you’ve been thinking about getting one for your desk? Just remember to treat it with respect, keep it facing the door, and for heaven’s sake, don’t let anyone else pet it! It’s a loyal companion, and once you understand the history and the heart behind it, it becomes so much more than just a piece of decor.