Guanyin Oracle · Lot 92

Auspicious

What it means

An auspicious lot for both wealth and career. The diligent and thrifty will be rewarded beyond expectation; business and job-seeking both go well. Li Guyan, honest and unassuming, won top honours with a little help from the willow spirit. Stay true to yourself and work steadily; good fortune is on its way.

By matter

Line by line

1. 經商得利稱心懷
   Business profits and your heart is content.
2. 福祿榮華倍獲財
   Blessing, honour and wealth multiply.
3. 若問進身謀望事
   If you ask about advancement,
4. 秀才一舉狀元回
   the scholar sits once and returns as top graduate.

Classic commentary

此卦自小為商之象。凡事勤儉無憂也。

自小至大。無阻無礙。作意營謀。功名順遂。

The image: trading since childhood; diligence and thrift bring no worry. The verdict: from small to great without obstacle; plan with care and success follows.

The story · Li Guyan's Robe Dyed by Willow Sap

Li Guyan of the Tang was a farmer's son, honest and simple, often mocked by relatives when he went to the capital for the exams. Legend says that before his success he passed an old willow and heard its spirit say it had dyed his robe with willow sap, and asked to be thanked with jujube cakes once he earned the blue robe of office. Soon after he came first in the exams (Taiping Guangji).

Reference: Lot 92 of the Guanyin Oracle at Mengjia Longshan Temple, Taipei, with its traditional image, verdict, guidance and story. Story summaries are our own.