Guanyin Oracle · Lot 87

Balanced

What it means

A lot of being stuck midway, relying on heaven. You are halfway, the light is fading and the way ahead is hard. Cao Cao's army was lost in the Taihang and only emerged after a night in the snow. Don't force your way now; stop, steady yourself and seek help, and when day breaks there will be a path.

By matter

Line by line

1. 人行半嶺日啣山
   Halfway up the ridge, the sun touches the peaks.
2. 峻險巉巖未可攀
   The steep cliffs cannot yet be climbed.
3. 仰望上天垂護佑
   You look up to heaven for protection,
4. 此身猶在太虛間
   still suspended between earth and sky.

Classic commentary

此卦人處險境之象。凡事有貴人之兆也。

困厄之境。無處安身。求神庇佑。祈可放心。

The image: a person in danger, yet with signs of a helper. The verdict: in hardship with nowhere to rest; pray for protection, and you may be at ease. (Another version gives the image as panning gold from sand.)

The story · Cao Cao Lost on the Ram's-Gut Trail

Crossing the Taihang Mountains in snow, Cao Cao's army could barely move. Cao Hong said only a ram's-gut trail remained; then the bridge was out, they detoured, and by nightfall were still lost. The army endured a night in the snow and only emerged the next afternoon. Cao Cao recorded it in his poem "Bitter Cold".

Reference: Lot 87 of the Guanyin Oracle at Mengjia Longshan Temple, Taipei, with its traditional image, verdict, guidance and story. Story summaries are our own.