Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 10-12-08
~ Stick # 20 ~
ALL names in Heaven are unique,
And even earthly things cannot be the same.
Your future is set within the Rook of Fate,
Which never confuses praise and blame.
TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION Although your fate is partially predetermined, your own actions can alter your destiny. Good deeds, especially those which genuinely cost you time and effort, and particularly any that involve traveling, will rebound to your benefit. Your future prosperity depends upon your own kindness. Be careful about your family's safety as well. Your personal relationships will remain in a state of flux for some time.
REFLECTIONYou are both determined by fate and have your future within your own hands! Chinese belief says certain things are fixed-such as when you are born, where, and into what sort of a family - and beyond that everything else is in your power to change. Your fortune should not be confused by the things people around you say or suggest. Act with integrity in all that you do, and do not be swayed by praise or hints of glory.
~ Stick # 31 ~
Two scholars went to the capital for examinations;
One passed and stayed, one failed and returned
Carrying a letter from his friend. He fell ill,
But eventually- thank Heaven! - came home
TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATIONYou may be beset with worries at the moment, but your life will improve, step by step, over time. There will be no miraculous solutions to your problems but instead a gradual recovery. Old friends may soon arrive to help you, and the time is ripe to make firmer commitments in your personal life. In the long run, happiness really does he ahead.
REFLECTIONThe aim of every scholar in China was to go to the capital to take the final Imperial exam. Being successful opened the way to glory, power, and wealth. But not to pass the exam meant failure and great disappointment. This story, however, makes the following point. Although the one who failed had to return home, the strain of failure made him ill. Being ill made him realize how much he longed for the security, love, and friendship of home - even if he did not come home in triumph. Appreciate what you have.