Pixiu or Pi Yao (Chinese: 貔貅; pinyin: píxiū, Wade-Giles: P'i-hsiu), originally[citation needed] known as Bixie (Chinese: 辟邪; pinyin: bìxié; "to ward off evil spirits"), is a Chinese mythical hybrid creature considered to be a very powerful protector to practitioners of Feng Shui.[1] It resembles a winged lion. Pixiu is an earth and sea variation, particularly an influential and auspicious creature for wealth. It is said to have a voracious appetite towards only gold and silver. Therefore traditionally to the Chinese, Pixiu has always been regarded as an auspicious creature that possessed mystical power capable of drawing Cai Qi (財氣 wealth) from all directions.[2][3] Thus, it is helpful for those who are going through a bad year according to Chinese zodiac. There are two different types of Pixiu. The difference is with their horns. The one with two horns is known as Pi Ya (possibly a corruption from pi xie (辟邪)) and the one with one horn is called Tian Lu (天祿) (Pi Chen). Tian Lu (天祿) - is in charge of wealth. Displaying Tian Lu at home or in the office is said to prevent wealth from flowing away. Pi Ya - wards off evil. It is also believed that Pi Ya has the ability of assisting anyone who is suffering from bad Feng Shui that is due to having offended the Grand Duke Jupiter (also called as Tai Sui (太岁)). Pixiu is the ninth offspring of the dragon. Pixiu craves the smell of gold and silver and it likes to bring his master money in his mouth. Statues of this creature are often used to attract wealth in feng shui.[citation needed] Today, Pixiu is also a popular design on jade pendants.
