Dionne's Corner

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 1-7-09

dionne marie78 — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:21:00 GMT

~ Stick # 44 ~

Competing fiercely to become spring's queen,
The garden flowers blossom to their full beauty.
Who will win the golden crown of glory?
Among them all, only the peony stands out.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
Your attempts to gain wealth and fame are likely to be successful, and your personal relationships will turn out well. You need only search to find many opportunities for advancement. Do not hesitate to put your plans into operation, and it is a good idea to commit yourself more strongly to your current relationships. With care, you can remain both physically and mentally fit.

REFLECTION
The peony is the beloved flower of Chinese poets and artists, for it has a strong sexual overtone, being (in its elongated bud stage) the example par excellence of the male member and the yang principle. But its multitude of opening petals is the symbol of the female, of sex, and of the yin principle. Thus it combines the yin and yang symbolism. It is saying: be complete, both yin and yang, and you will be able to progress. Do not rely on just one aspect of your personality, nor should you be too modest. In Chinese slang, a peony is a stunningly beautiful and sexy young woman. Do not hide your light under a bushel! If you have skills and attributes, use them, show them to others, and they will appreciate you and help you to advance.

~ Stick # 27 ~

Your plans are carefully constructed,
But fear stops you from completing them.
When the time is right, a noble patron
Will help you establish a comfortable home.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
Your life is like a peaceful and wealthy mansion defended by a strong fence. You can enjoy peace and prosperity and safety, and both you and your family are largely free from danger. If you try to make more money quickly, though, you will find difficulties, and you should make long-term investments instead. Existing problems will drag out for some time, but will turn out all right in the end. For instance, illnesses will most likely be prolonged but have no lasting effects.

REFLECTION
You have everything planned, but somehow you cannot ever let yourself go and thus do what you keep planning. To do so you may need to seek help from someone who can stand back from the issues and cast a calm, detached eye over your plans. Look for such a person, and listen to their advice. If it seems sound, do not hesitate.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 1-6-09

dionne marie78 — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 19:33:00 GMT

~ Stick # 20 ~

ALL names in Heaven are unique,
And even earthly things cannot be the same.
Your future is set within the Book 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.

REFLECTION
You 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 # 45 ~

The meek will overcome the violent;
The kind-hearted will receive infinite rewards.
Their deeds of kindness bestow to such great merit,
That heavenly ambrosia will quench their thirst.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
Your best chance to gain the favor of fortune is to be kind and tender towards others. If you perform good deeds, your reputation will improve, and others will be more likely to aid you. Autumn will be your most prosperous season, although you will remain peaceful and safe throughout the year. You should be the victor in any outstanding disputes, because you are most likely in the right.

REFLECTION
The Tao Te Ching stresses how water wears away huge rocks, and the weak wears down the strong. The Taoist way is not to confront but simply to be, to flow round and under obstacles rather than try to overwhelm them. Be natural. Be considerate. Be thoughtful. Hurdles will fall, melt away, or after a while, will cease to be important.

~ Stick # 13 ~

Grandfather Kiang fished all day,
Though once a minister, he'd put such things away.
But when the country needed him again,
He ceased his fishing to ease the country's pain.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
The time is not ripe for whatever plans you have at present and you should wait a while before putting them into effect. It is better at the moment to remain inactive and enjoy your hobbies, but wealth and status are in store in the future. It may take you some time to recover from any current health problems, but legal difficulties should soon clear up. Somebody important to you who is currently absent will return soon.

REFLECTION
This poem is about duty. It cites the famous case of a wise official who longed for the peace and quiet of retirement but who, when duty called, took up the burden of high office and responsibility again. There are things you have to do, responsibilities you must fulfill. It is no good trying to leave them to others or pretending that it is not up to you, because it is.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 1-5-09

dionne marie78 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 20:22:00 GMT

~ Stick # 17 ~

The river's reeds are tipped with morning dew,
Moonlight bathes the stone courtyard steps.
I hear the neigh of horses on the soft breeze,
Swiftly following the bell's call to rise.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
While you have a decent chance of being both respected and admired for your actions, wealth will not necessarily accompany this. It is time to make firm decisions about your relationships: either committing yourself definitely or breaking away for good. In general, your life will progress fairly smoothly without major upsets. If you feel depressed, you should start thinking about helping other people rather than yourself.

REFLECTION
The most beautiful time of day is early in the morning, exquisitely recalled in this poem. But there is another meaning. So the story goes, a young servant, up early in order to enjoy the morning air and ready to work, heard upon the wind the faint sound of enemy soldiers approaching on horseback to attack the palace. He raised the alarm just in time. Be alert. Be ready. You have no idea when the peace and quiet will be broken by changing events.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 1-2-09

dionne marie78 — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 18:33:00 GMT

~ Stick # 22 ~

The drunken poet wrote of wine and love.
His Emperor, Ming, loved verse and song.
When they were introduced, they found
Mutual friendship in the balm of poetry.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
This is an excellent fortune, predicting great opportunities for you, both personally and professionally. Sown you will have the chance to form a new friendship, providing you with the emotional support you may be missing currently. Problems, especially legal ones, will resolve themselves naturally if you do not create more troubles for yourself. Your social and financial position may soon improve, and your family and close friends may also prosper as a result of your new found wealth.

REFLECTION
This delightful image - of the laid-back drunken Taoist poet and the hard-working Confucian Emperor finding solace in each other's company -has a simple message: do not reject or turn away from those who at first glance seem totally different from you. It may just be that you are both what the other needs. Take time to find out. Do not judge too hastily.

~ Stick # 52 ~

In the royal canal love poems floated on leaves,
Written by a maid in service at the court.
A scholar responded by the same means,
And at last the leaves brought the lovers together.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
While happiness awaits you, it may take many years for your current difficulties to mend. Expect a gradual recovery from your problems rather than a sudden solution. You may well find your friends are your best source of support. If you are considering committing to a relationship, this would be a very good time, as the relationship is likely to be long-lasting and successful.

REFLECTION
An impossible chasm seems to be set between yourself and another. Yet this gulf can be bridged. Be honest about what you feel, and see if such honesty brings a change on the other side. Even if it does not, you will have acted appropriately.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 12-31-08

dionne marie78 — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 20:23:00 GMT

~ Stick # 5 ~

A gale tore apart the garden's flowers,
Leaving only broken plants in every bed.
Kind folk took pity upon the shattered lawn,
Planting new seeds for its rebirth.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
Be cautious in your plans because they can easily go wrong at this point. Disaster lurks just around the corner, but can be avoided with forethought and discretion. Your personal relationships may be difficult for a while, and you may have business difficulties, but your friends will eventually come through for you. Take care over details, particularly in selecting medical treatment or planning a journey.

REFLECTION
Gardening was one of the great arts of China - a visible attempt by humanity to impose order without destroying the overarching order of the Tao (Nature). This image reminds us that even the most lovely of things, done for the best of reasons, can be destroyed by the very forces we are trying to work with. But the image goes on to show that after such a disaster you must start again. Do not give in - you have to carry on.

~ Stick # 15 ~

The hill walker faints from the heat of the sun,
So Nature's curse will soon strike you down too.
Like a bird driven by predators from its nest,
You'll only find solace in the depths of the forest.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
As a bird seeks shelter in the forest, you will encounter hardship and troubles at first, but all your troubles will eventually be over. Do not seek revenge on people who have hurt you, nor should you attempt false reconciliations; simply live and let live. Be cautious about your personal safety, as there is a chance of an accident. Existing relationships will grow stronger, but few new ones are likely to be formed soon. Your work will go well, and you may be offered a promotion.

REFLECTION
Troubles have come upon you. Perhaps you have overstretched yourself or have been unlucky. Your ordinary, settled way of life has been turned upside down. Do not pretend this is not happening. It is. What you need to do is learn from this. Go deep within yourself, go deep within your own faith, and find at the center of your own dark forest the strength to recover, to learn, and to start again. It is there.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 12-30-08

dionne marie78 — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:23:00 GMT

~ Stick # 26 ~

The shadows of flowers hang about the doorposts,
And the moon reflects the traveler's weary face.
A crane's mournful cry breaks the silent night,
Urging the wanderer to hurry back to his home.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
When you embark on any endeavor, you should look out for warning signs that the enterprise may not be as successful as you hoped. If you find any such clues, cut your losses as soon as possible. Do not waste your energy in useless persistence, and remember that good times cannot last forever. For you, success in anything depends on both choosing the right moment and ensuring that you have a safe refuge if things go badly.

REFLECTION
The good times do not last! You have had it good for some time, but look for the signs of inevitable change and decay. There is nothing to be afraid of in this. Change is inevitable, as the I-Ching always reminds us. The Buddha saw dependency on what is bound to change as one of the main causes of human misery. And Jesus said to live each day as if it were your last. So watch for the shadows of change, and welcome them as you would the cool of autumn after the heat of summer.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 12-29-08

dionne marie78 — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 19:43:00 GMT

~ Stick # 41 ~

In the moonlight the boat floated among the stars,
Bringing together lovers that fate has set apart.
For her love he became a distant planet.
Nobody knows how much he has suffered.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
It is time to look around for chances for profit, friendship, or romance. While an element of deceit may be involved, you are likely to form strong new bonds soon. Your plans will be realized, provided you are prepared to work hard for them. Physically, you will likely remain fit and healthy, but somebody close to you may fall ill. Visitors are likely to arrive soon, probably with good news.

REFLECTION
Stories of ill-fated lovers turned into stars that are allowed to meet occasionally are great favorites in China. The moral is that some loves are fated not to be fulfilled, but that love is nevertheless of boundless worth. It may be that fate frustrates your plans, but still hold true to that which you have glimpsed.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 12-23-08

dionne marie78 — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 18:47:00 GMT

~ Stick # 43 ~

The prince went to a great banquet,
Fearing traitors' knives at any moment.
Abandoning pride, he sneaked away,
Saving himself to assume the throne.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
Discretion is often the better part of valor, and you should try to avoid risks now, as they may turn out to be more dangerous than you think. With caution, you can rise to high status, but you will have to travel far to find romance. You should not have any difficulties in business, and legal problems are likely to be resolved your way.

REFLECTION
Wisdom is often more useful than boastful valor. If you suspect all is not well, listen to your heart, and take suitable action. Do not be foolhardy, confronting where wisdom would tell you to walk away. If your senses warn you to beware, then listen to them.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 12-22-08

dionne marie78 — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:54:00 GMT

~ Stick # 15 ~

The hill walker faints from the heat of the sun,
So Nature's curse will soon strike you down too.
Like a bird driven by predators from its nest,
You'll only find solace in the depths of the forest.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 12-18-08

dionne marie78 — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:05:00 GMT

~ Stick # 8 ~

The turtle dove invades the home of the magpie,
Leaving one a thief, one homeless, both discontent.
When plants of different natures twist together,
Nobody can possibly tell what they hide.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
This fortune suggests that, unless you change your ways, you are likely to bring only disharmony and trouble for yourself and others. Unless you take great care in what you say, you are likely to be the target of harmful gossip. You should be extremely careful about your health, and it would be unwise to make any new business decisions. Traveling is undesirable, and you have little chance of financial success in the immediate future.

REFLECTION
This poem is a warning. Do not mix together that which Nature keeps separate. The turtle dove and the magpie are birds whose symbolism in China could not be more different. To bring them together like this is nonsensical to the Chinese. The poem says that whatever or whoever you are caught up with, in ways that are unnatural or wrong, will only bring you grief. Go your separate ways, or if you stay together be honest about the problems this will bring.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 12-17-08

dionne marie78 — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:40:00 GMT

~ Stick # 47 ~

The envoy traveled hard over a thousand miles
To claim a province for his master from another.
The king said nothing, but tears streaked his face,
Knowing he was too weak to save the province.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
Events will take a long time to be resolved and may not turn out in your favor. Periods of misfortune are likely to be particularly severe, and you will be overshadowed with worries for a good while. Committing yourself to a relationship now could be a fatal mistake. Only kind words and patience will get you through this tricky period - your friends may well be your greatest source of support.

REFLECTION
Serving faithfully one who is not able to honor your service can be seen as the highest level of loyalty... or as an act of great foolishness. It is up to you to decide. Either way, your integrity is assumed. But what outcome do you desire most of all? Remember that you always have a choice.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 12-16-08

dionne marie78 — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 19:37:00 GMT

~ Stick # 25 ~

Emperor Ming slew his one true love,
But a shaman took pity and eased his heart,
With dreams of roaming upon the moon,
His beloved mistress forever at his side.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
While you seem to have suffered a great loss at the moment, some kind of reconciliation will occur, although it may only be a partial and unfulfilling one. Things will set themselves right but not for a while. Your professional prospects are better than your personal ones, so it may be a good idea to take some time off work to attend to your private life. Maybe you have been neglecting the spiritual side of your personality.

REFLECTION
What is gone is gone and you must now learn to live with that. Recall and enjoy the best of what was, but also move on. You will never get over what has happened because it is now part of you, but this can strengthen and guide you rather than hang around your neck like some sort of curse.

~ Stick # 57 ~

Close your ears to rumour and scandal;
Your lot is a harvest of food and fine clothes.
Put all sorrow and woe out of your mind,
Place your trust in me and joy will be yours.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
This fortune is like a mother's lullaby to her baby. Just as a devoted mother cradles and protects her child, so you are protected by fate. Everything is well looked after at the moment, so you should have very few worries. It is wise to stay where you are and avoid travel, as your current situation is well-favored by fortune. Also, it would probably be a good idea to make long-term investments.

REFLECTION
Think not of what others say, but remain true to the child within. Have faith. Trust those around you who have your best interests at heart. Ignore those who try to provoke you or who offer suspect advice. Listen to your conscience and your heart, and find the right way forward.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 12-15-08

dionne marie78 — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 19:01:00 GMT

~ Stick # 58 ~

One state stood above the other six
And sought to conquer the whole of the land.
But one man united the six together,
And resisted the aggression of the seventh.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
This is a very promising fortune, but your fate ultimately lies with your own ability to make decisions and take the initiative. You should strive to be firm and assertive in order to overcome your problems. Although you may be suffering from illness now, it is not likely to have serious consequences. Now is a very good time to form close personal relationships.

REFLECTION
The brutal triumph of the Chin Emperor in 221 bc has left a deep scar on the Chinese psyche. The Chin kingdom defeated the other kingdoms and crushed all resistance. Thus this poem, which says what might have been, warns you to resist the growth of threatening forces by cooperating with others in the same situation. To allow division and disagreement to stand in the way of united opposition would be to leave yourself vulnerable to attack and takeover.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 12-12-08

dionne marie78 — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 18:57:00 GMT

~ Stick # 62 ~

Holding a piece of fine jade is a rare treat.
It should be valued and loved as a worthy item.
Only great wealth can buy such beauty;
Great things deserve great honour, after all.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
While your current goal (whether it is recovering from sickness, making a long journey, or starting a business) will take a long time to succeed, patience will eventually lead to affluence. Profits, both financial and personal, may seem small at the moment, but they will eventually accumulate into great riches. Let reason and logic be your guide, and wait for the perfect moment to put a plan into effect.

REFLECTION
You have been privileged, but do not think it will last forever. Good fortune is like a piece of jade. The rare jade has passed through many hands of many centuries-those who thought they owned it are dust now, but the jade still exists. Treat fortune like that, and recognize that it passes on to others and is only with you for a moment.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 12-08-08

dionne marie78 — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:23:00 GMT

~ Stick # 10 ~

Disease afflicts all folk alike,
No matter how upright their conduct.
Even a faithful student of Confucius
Became a leper and died alone.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
Although your personal conduct is good, troubles may lie ahead. Your personal reputation is in jeopardy, and you should be aware that others may be spreading rumors about you. Unless you are careful and restrained, you may be faced with many creditors and lawsuits. This is not a good time to start new projects; instead, you should try to defend what you already have.

REFLECTION
The story of the Confucian student who died sick and alone is well known in China. Sickness was often seen as a judgment meted out by the deities to those who had done wrong. But what 'wrong' had the student of Confucius done? This is rather like the Book of Job in the Bible which asks 'Why?' to the issue of sickness and disaster. Ultimately this poem reminds us that wealth, power, and fame are meaningless to disease. In the end, we are all but human and weak.

~ Stick # 16 ~

Though his stepmother slandered him to his father's face,
The faithful son loved her despite all her faults.
When her illness had brought her near the gate of death,
He found her medicine and warmed her heart forever.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
Any divisions in your life at the moment will require a lot of time and effort to settle, but this is not too large a price to pay for peace, as the consequences of letting disagreements continue could be horrendous. Your chances of personal gain are slim and your health uncertain, but you can work to help others. Place other people before yourself, and their gratitude will make your life much easier.

REFLECTION
The famous legend of Shun the Filial, whose father left him to the attacks of his new wife and her family, is one of the classics of Confucian piety. The moral of the story of selfless obedience to the rules of filial piety was that the Emperor Yao heard of this and appointed Shun to be his successor. Troubles borne bravely now will bring rewards in the future.