Guanyin Oracle · Lot 84

Cautionary

What it means

A lot warning against sacrificing virtue for face. When pride is wounded, grudges or hasty revenge cost more. Li Guang killed a man over a few words and was judged for it ever after. Don't move or compete now, and avoid decisions made after drinking or in anger; wait until your mind is as cool as pine shade.

By matter

此籤六甲煞旺。諸事不利。禳災保安。

This lot carries strong ill omens; most matters are unfavourable. Pray to ward off misfortune and keep safe.

Line by line

1. 因名喪德不和同
   Losing virtue for the sake of reputation brings discord.
2. 切忌忙中變作凶
   Above all, don't let haste turn things bad.
3. 醉後不知何處去
   After drinking, you don't know where you've gone,
4. 青松影裡睡矇矓
   and doze off in the shade of green pines.

Classic commentary

此卦寒魚離水之象。凡事不可移動也。

寒魚離水。美中不足。若問營謀。不如莫起。

The image: a fish out of cold water; do not move. The verdict: like a winter fish out of water, something is missing; as for plans, better not to start.

The story · Li Guang Hunts by Night at Baling

The Han general Li Guang, demoted to commoner after defeat, went hunting one night after drinking with a friend. At Baling the drunken post officer stopped him: not even a serving general may travel at night, let alone a former one. Li swallowed the insult, but when restored to command he summoned the officer to his army and had him killed, a stain on his name.

Reference: Lot 84 of the Guanyin Oracle at Mengjia Longshan Temple, Taipei, with its traditional image, verdict, guidance and story. Story summaries are our own.