also: はちしょうじん
eight directional gods (Onmyōdō)
In Onmyōdō, these eight gods govern the auspicious and inauspicious directions for each year according to the traditional calendar. A specialized term encountered in historical or esoteric contexts.
See also: 陰陽道
In Onmyōdō, the eight directional gods are said to preside over the lucky and unlucky directions each year.
Standard kanji spelling. The reading はっしょうじん is more common than はちしょうじん.
Alternate reading, less common. May be encountered in older or specialized texts.
From 八 (eight) + 将 (general/leader) + 神 (god). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the term is associated with Onmyōdō directional lore.