Zao Jun

Zao Jun, also known as Tsao Shen or "kitchen spirits", are spirits whose nature encompasses metal and fire, and are associated with alchemy and homemaking. They are mostly small spirits, usually linked to a kitchen in a single home, although they can also be found in conjunction with forges and alchemical laboratories.

They are among the most familiar spirits to most people, as they are among the most likely to interact with peasants on an individual or family basis. Given their association with a particular home, they are best placed to be favorably influenced by gifts or the payment of respect, and can develop longstanding relationships with a given family that last for many generations. A solid relationship with your family Zao Jun can be of great value, as it can form the basis for a reputation for fair dealing that smooths interactions with others such as agricultural spirits, landscape spirits, or village patron spirits.