WEN-CHANG

[Chinese] The popular Chinese Taoist god of literature and writing, invoked by scholars to assist them in their labors. He is especially venerated by people who require help with their entrance examinations for an official career. Wen-chang is believed to be the author of extensive literary works, which were revealed to man in various, miraculous ways. In reality, Wen-chang is a constellation of six stars in the vicinity of the Great Bear. It is said that when these stars are bright, literature flourishes. He visits the Earth frequently in human shape. Taoists texts mention seventeen separate existences of the stellar deity on Earth He is represented dressed as a mandarin, holding a wish-fulfilling scepter (ru-yi) in his hand. His companions are Kui-xing and Zhu-yi, the Red Robed One.