Guanyin Oracle · Lot 14

Balanced

What it means

This lot is about breaking free. You may feel bound by a situation or relationship; the time has come to let go and seek a new world. Jiang Ziya refused to waste himself under a bad ruler and found his true stage. Bad first, good after: leaving is hard, and then the sky opens.

By matter

Line by line

1. 宛如仙鶴出樊籠
   Like a crane flying out of its cage.
2. 脫却羈縻處處通
   Free of restraints, every way is open.
3. 南北東西無障碍
   North, south, east and west are clear.
4. 任君直上九霄中
   Fly straight up to the highest heavens.

Classic commentary

此卦仙鶴離籠之象。凡事先凶后吉也。

任意無虞。路有亨通。隨心自在。逍遙如神。

The image: a crane leaving its cage; bad first, good after. The verdict: go as you please without worry; the road is open; free and at ease like an immortal.

The story · Jiang Ziya Leaves Office

In Investiture of the Gods, Jiang Ziya served as an official under King Zhou of Shang. When he protested the costly Deer Terrace and was ignored, he left office and the capital for Xiqi, where he later served the House of Zhou.

Reference: Lot 14 of the Guanyin Oracle at Mengjia Longshan Temple, Taipei, with its traditional image, verdict, guidance and story. Story summaries are our own.