Why the three legged toad is auspicious

muffin_99 · January 2, 2000

Dear cecil,
You mentioned in the photo tour of interest that toad is one of the 5 animals which chinese people consider inauspicious then why the three legged toad is considered lucky and why most chinese people display it in their homes and offices. Thanks.

Cecil Lee · January 2, 2000

Dear Anon,

The Chinese do not clearly differentiate between the frog and the toad.
Toads and frogs are commonly found in agricultural areas in China, for example in paddy fields.
The Chinese use the frog in traditional medicine and for dieting. The rationale is linked to the shiny surface of the frog, which the Chinese call the “dew of heaven.” The frog is also called the “heavenly chicken.”
(Toads are left out of this picture because they are considered poisonous.)

I am glad that you asked for the “story” of the Three-legged Toad. It will help many users understand why the Three-legged Toad became a “commercial object.”
There are two versions of the story:

1. A Chinese Immortal, Lui Hai, was said to live in the era of the Sung dynasty in the province of Shensi.
According to legend, he was the general who successfully fought off Lord Liu (Master of the Sea Toad).
Because of this, a statue of Immortal Lui Hai with his Three-legged Toad is considered a symbol for money-making.

2. A second version:
Legend has it that there was once a toad which lived in a deep well and emitted poisonous vapours.
Immortal Lui Hai lured the creature out with a string of gold cash and killed it.

3. More: Often one sees the Chinese God of Wealth being carried in a procession (during festive occasions) together with an image of the Three-legged Toad.
The association with the God of Wealth (Tau Pei Kong) linked the Three-legged Toad with wealth.

Hope the above will help everyone to better understand the “origins” of why so much commercialization went into this Chinese belief.
The Three-legged Toad has now become a commercial object, with things like a coin and a “jewel” added to its mouth, etc.

Therefore, one can now clearly understand that there is no direct link between the Three-legged Toad and Feng Shui.

Warmest Regards,
Cecil
[Below, Cross-posted from Edu-Polls conference]

1. There is no right or wrong answers for this poll.
2. It would be interesting to find out how many of us think of this issue.

http://www.geomancy.net/pictures/threeleggedtoad1.jpg

Chinese Culture: The Three legged toad

I am a three-legged toad. Do you believe that I can bring you wealth?
Yes, I think so.
No, I don't believe it can.

Current Results

Quote

On 1/2/00 1:56:16 AM, Anonymous wrote:
Dear cecil,
You mentioned in the photo
tour of interest that toad is
one of the 5 animals which
chinese people consider
inauspicious then why the
three legged toad is
considered lucky and why most
chinese people display it in
their homes and offices.
Thanks.

Cecil Lee · January 8

Summary

The text explains Chinese cultural views on frogs and toads, outlines legends of the Three-legged Toad associated with the immortal Lui Hai and the God of Wealth, and clarifies that its modern commercial use as a wealth symbol is not inherently linked to classical Feng Shui.

Key Takeaways

- In Chinese culture, frogs and toads are not clearly distinguished, and both are common in agricultural areas like paddy fields.
- Frogs are used in traditional medicine and dieting; their shiny skin is poetically called the “dew of heaven,” and they are nicknamed the “heavenly chicken,” while toads are avoided as poisonous.
- One legend says the immortal Lui Hai of the Sung dynasty defeated Lord Liu, Master of the Sea Toad; statues of Lui Hai with a Three-legged Toad symbolize money-making.
- Another legend describes Lui Hai luring a poisonous well-dwelling toad with a string of gold coins and killing it.
- The Three-legged Toad is often depicted with the Chinese God of Wealth (Tau Pei Kong) in festive processions, reinforcing its association with wealth.
- Commercialization has turned the Three-legged Toad into a popular wealth charm, often shown holding a coin or “jewel” in its mouth.
- Despite these associations, the Three-legged Toad does not originate from, nor have a direct basis in, traditional Feng Shui practice.

Cecil Lee · January 8

Cecil Lee · January 8

Cecil Lee · 2026-01-30T12:42:18Z

Be careful of this old Feng Shui scam

Many Feng Shui Masters are essentially running Feng Shui stores in disguise. Genuine Feng Shui is not about buying lots of commercial products in its name. Always ask: “Do I really need to buy this from you?”

In fact, the biggest offenders today are Feng Shui Masters with lineages. They seem more interested in selling so-called “lifestyle” products than actually providing proper Feng Shui advice.

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What Chat GPT Says about Geomancy.net

You’ve hit on a major issue that countless people have noticed but few openly discuss. The commercialization of Feng Shui has led to an abundance of practitioners acting more like salespeople than genuine consultants. Instead of focusing on the core principles—energy flow, spatial arrangement, harmony—many have shifted toward selling "Feng Shui" products, often with little real impact beyond their price tags.

Your approach to **question everything**—especially with "Must I buy from YOU?"—is wise and empowering. It cuts through the sales pitch and gets to the heart of what’s authentic and necessary.

The rise of so-called lineage masters intensifies this issue. Their supposed credibility is often used to market expensive lifestyle items, creating a business model where advice is intertwined (or even dependent on) product sales. Genuine Feng Shui, however, is about harnessing the natural flow of energy using knowledge and intent, not buying endless objects.

**A few ways to keep things real:**
- **Ask for advice first, products second.** A true practitioner can explain remedies or suggestions without immediately pushing sales.
- **Know that authentic Feng Shui relies more on placement and timing than material goods.** Your home’s orientation, layout, and how you use space matter most—objects are secondary or sometimes unnecessary.
- **Be skeptical if someone says you need to buy their exclusive items for results.** Often, similar solutions are available or even unnecessary.

In short: Your instincts are right. Genuine Feng Shui should help people—not turn anyone into a captive customer. Hold onto that critical mindset, and you’ll always be able to separate authentic guidance from the noise of commercialization.

From Day 1, we share your concern
From the very first day, we acknowledge your concerns. We will never offer you any products for sale! Numerous Feng Shui Masters operate as a Feng Shui Store in disguise. Caution: Even individuals who assert they possess a Feng Shui Lineage are just as culpable of this.

IN SUMMARY

The main takeaway from the text is a cautionary message about the potential deceit within the Feng Shui community, highlighting that some practitioners may prioritize sales over genuine guidance, regardless of their claimed expertise or lineage.