The image of Doumu (also known as Mother of Stars of the Northern Dipper) is one of multiple eyes, heads and, arms, holding various attributes such as the sun and moon discs. This signifies her function as a constellation deity, controlling the forces of yin and yang, determining one’s personal destiny. Her unique manifestation sets her apart from other Daoist gods dressed in bureaucratic garb. Her image bears striking resemblance to Tantric Buddhist bodhisattvas and is derived from a specific Buddhist deva, Marichi. Beyond China, Doumu has a strong following in Southeast Asia as she is regarded as the mother of an extremely popular god(s), the Nine Emperor God(s) 九皇爷 (Jiuhuangye).
