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

~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.


~ 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 08-28-08

~ Stick # 9 ~

Why bother with the pains of hate and greed?
Just as the full moon lights up the traveler's path,
So too can your conscience guide your life.
Let your heart be like that moon: full, bright and clear.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
The full moon in this fortune represents hope for the future. Though things may seem confused at the moment, if you follow your conscience, everything will become clear. You need to make a clear division between right and wrong in your life. If you do this, it will be a good time for you. Your newfound clarity will benefit both your personal life and your business. The relationship with your family, particularly with your parents, will improve.

REFLECTION
You know what is right and what is wrong. Stop pretending otherwise. All may seem obscure and troubling around you, but let your conscience dictate, and you will find the right path to follow.

~ Stick # 29 ~

Fish on my plate; flowers by my side.
I enjoy the cool evening with a sip of fine wine.
The tide is rising; the boat is moving.
My heart is joyous; my spirit is high.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION

This fortune depicts a man enjoying the pleasures of late summer and waiting for the move into a gentle autumn. Like him, you should delight in the diversions available to you now, and not worry yourself about future problems, as good luck and well-being are largely assured. Your hopes and dreams will eventually realize themselves, and you only need to continue as you are to move smoothly into a pleasant and prosperous season of your life.

REFLECTION
Be at peace. You have worked hard, and now it is time to rest. Your fiery, energetic yang nature has been dominant. Now it is time for your quieter, calmer, and more reflective yin nature to take over. You need to rest if you wish to enjoy what you have gained and to sample again the simple delights of life.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 08-27-08

~ Stick # 48 ~

The humble partridge becomes the great roc;
A freedom that no other bird can know.
Higher and higher he soars into the sky,
Leaving miles of clouds far below him.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
A dramatic change is about to occur in your life - whether this is for good or bad depends on your actions. Be prepared for things to change completely, and learn to adapt with circumstances. While you may have difficulties forming new relationships, existing ones will probably be successful. Business deals will probably be delayed for some time but will prove profitable in the end.

REFLECTION
This is about contrasts. The roc was a vast, mythological creature and the partridge but a small, dull bird. Yet, says the poet, that which was humdrum and ordinary can become transformed, different. You can be in charge of your own destiny if you want to. Your actions ca make you a better person. It is in your power. See if you, also, are able to change.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 08-26-08

~ 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.


~ 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.


~ Stick # 19 ~

On the kitchen floor the kitten lies,
Lazily warming herself in the afternoon sun.
Graceful animals always bring good luck,
And should be protected whenever possible.


TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
This is a very good fortune, and it predicts great luck in anything you do. Your best path to happiness, however, is through romance: you will only ultimately find yourself by looking in another. Do not allow apparent obstacles to deter you - remember that love eventually finds a way. Foreign travel will probably be extremely successful.

REFLECTION
The imagery here echoes an older poem in which a lovesick soldier on duty in the cold north recalls his lover's kitten, relaxed, warm, and content in her house in the south. In his mind he travels to be with her. This poem says you should appreciate what you have and, if you leave it, treasure it and seek to be reunited as soon as possible. You may be striving to achieve great things, but really you would like to be your beloved's cat!

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 08-25-08

~ Stick # 61 ~

The oracle is ambiguous; who can read it?
To some it means rebel and you will succeed.
But the honest general read it otherwise,
And found to his cost that this meaning was true.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
Your future teeters on a thin line between prosperity and disaster. Any decision you make now may well affect your life forever, but leaving things as they are will only make affairs worse. Do not act rashly; consider plans carefully before rushing into disaster. Calamity may well be prevented only at the very last moment.

REFLECTION
Not all divination can reassure. Sometimes you will be brought face to face with harsh, painful decisions; perhaps the very opposite of what you had hoped. Bite the bullet, and face the consequences. Do not dodge the difficult, but deal with it instead.

~ Stick # 1 ~

The Han dynasty began with the fall of a great city;
Two generals strove to be the conqueror,
One threw up walls around it, but the mightiest
Could break them down to claim his throne.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION

Just as the general in this story became an Emperor, this predicts that you will rise to a high position, so long as you seize the opportunities given to you and strike while the iron is hot. In particular, this is a very good fortune for anything to do with business affairs, although it is possible you will have difficulties with a particularly tenacious rival. It is also a fortunate moment for you to commit yourself to any kind of relationship, and existing relationships will grow stronger

REFLECTION
The symbol of the fall of a great city means that, in what you are about to do, you must think big. The odds may seem stacked against you, but in reality the time is right. Yes, you will meet opposition but this should not deter you. In particular, if those who oppose you are guilty of oppression or abuse of power, then the need to overcome them is greater.

~ 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.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 08-24-08

~ 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 # 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 sown improve, and your family and close friends may also prosper as a result of your newfound wealth.

REFLECTION
This delightful image - of the laid-back drunken Taoist poet and the I,rd-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 hurt you are both what the other needs. Take time to find out. Do not judge too hastily.

~ Stick # 21 ~

Marriage is a blessed union indeed,
When done in accordance with yin and yang.
The dragon and the phoenix coil together,
Uniting in a sweet dream of love.


TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
This fortune describes the harmony of the universe, with the dragon and phoenix representing yang and yin respectively. It prophesies good fortune, especially in love. If you are currently single, you will probably find a new partner soon, and existing relationships will he strengthened. In general, everything will go harmoniously for you. and your own health and safety - if you maintain the right balance of yin and yang in your life - is guaranteed.

REFLECTION
All things will work out positively. Yin and yang are the basic building blocks of the universe and, when in balance, all goes well. You need to find someone who will complement you, bring a sense of balance and harmony to your life, Forget excitement and danger: you need someone who can offer you what is missing from the dynamics of your life. It is for you to work out whether that is yin or yang!

~ 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.

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 # 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 08-23-08

~ Stick # 19 ~

On the kitchen floor the kitten lies,
Lazily warming herself in the afternoon sun.
Graceful animals always bring good luck,
And should be protected whenever possible.


TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
This is a very good fortune, and it predicts great luck in anything you do. Your best path to happiness, however, is through romance: you will only ultimately find yourself by looking in another. Do not allow apparent obstacles to deter you - remember that love eventually finds a way. Foreign travel will probably be extremely successful.

REFLECTION
The imagery here echoes an older poem in which a lovesick soldier on duty in the cold north recalls his lover's kitten, relaxed, warm, and content in her house in the south. In his mind he travels to be with her. This poem says you should appreciate what you have and, if you leave it, treasure it and seek to be reunited as soon as possible. You may be striving to achieve great things, but really you would like to be your beloved's cat!

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

~ 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.

~ Stick # 35 ~

When Heaven chooses a man for greatness,
It first makes him suffer terribly in body and soul.
Happiness does not come to anyone easily.
There is always a good reason for wealth or poverty.


TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
As this fortune says, you will not achieve anything without experiencing a fair amount of worry and suffering along the way. Be careful and discriminating before embarking on a new scheme, but throw all your efforts into whatever you eventually decide to do. Do not be dissuaded by the difficulties you encounter, as you will win through in the end. Try to anticipate problems before they occur so you are prepared to deal with them. Try your best to reconcile yourself with any friends or family you are currently estranged from, and do not be afraid to commit yourself to a relationship.

REFLECTION
Too often we assume today that we have a right to be happy, that nothing is worth struggling for. We assume that if we are not enjoying ourselves we should move on and abandon relationships or situations. But this belief in happiness is so damaging for it leads us to give up before we have even started. You must persevere.. The struggle is necessary for a sense of true worth to arise. Stick with it and you will find, perhaps not happiness exactly, but something even better - contentment.


~ Stick # 2 ~

The dead trees break into green once more;
The woods are alive with buzzing life.

The immortal peach tree gives forth its fruit,
And all the lost find their way home.


TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
In this verse, winter turns to spring, and new life is born. Your own affairs will prosper in time, given the natural course of things. All you need to do is let Nature take its course- opportunities will naturally come your way, especially with a little self-discipline. Though your gains will not be great, they will come steadily and certainly, whether in business or in personal relationships. Prosperity is just a matter of time.

REFLECTION
This is a vision of wonder and joy- not just because spring is on the way, but because the immortal peaches are ripe. This only happens once every thousand years. All the signs suggest that this is a most auspicious time.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 08-21-08

~ Stick # 37 ~

A great scholar knows the laws of Nature,
Seeing that as you sow, so shall you also reap.
There is no use praying to Heaven for your sins.
You will only find redemption in righteous living.


TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION

Words are of no use without deeds to accompany them. You should try to settle the problems you have now, and (as always) kind deeds are the best way to assure a good fortune. Wealth and status are beyond your reach at the moment, but personal relationships are more favored by fate. Sickness will only pass if you seek some medical assistance.

REFLECTION
This poem seems to echo the words of Jesus. Not only did He say you reap what you sow, but He also said that those who simply prayed would not enter Heaven; only those who cared for the sick, the poor, those in prison, for example, would get there. This poem says the same. Forget religious practices and rituals, meditation or crystal gazing. Unless you live a life of service to others, how can you expect Heaven's favors?

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 08-20-08

~ Stick # 53 ~

The prince's court housed three thousand guests,
Nobody could say which was the greatest.
One of them complained of being ignored,
Claiming his worth was above all others.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
You should contemplate carefully the ramifications of any plan you attempt at the moment, as well as heeding the advice of others. If traveling, you are likely to experience many inconveniences and delays. Relationships will probably be happy and contented, and there is little chance of accident or illness within your family. You, however, should take care to keep healthy.

REFLECTION
No detail is too small, no concern too minor, to ignore at present. If you try to do things on too grandiose a scale, you may by accident ignore those of true worth while leaving yourself open to attack by the pompous and the ignorant. Take care in all you do. Focus on quality, not quantity. Listen, watch, be available, and you may be able to undertake great things without losing either yourself or others.

~ 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. Soon 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 newfound 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.

Chinese Fortune Stick Reading of the Day 08-19-08

~ 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 # 32 ~

He endured the bleak north for nineteen years,
His captured banner trailing upon the distant sands.
Snow was his only food; his heart was full of woe,
And his only companions the sheep he tended.


TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION

This fortune refers to a famous Chinese general, So Wu, who was taken prisoner by the northern barbarians and forced to work as a shepherd. Like him, at the moment you may seem to be in a position below your true worth. You must seek to take pride and pleasure in the work you do, rather than dreaming of past or future glories. learn to bear adversity with good will, and you may attain the status you truly deserve.

REFLECTION
This very famous story is about steadfast loyalty. The general was captured by the Mongols, who at first tried to bribe him into betraying the Emperor. When that failed, they sent him into the wilds to guard the sheep. Yet he refused to deny his Emperor. Loyalty is what will bring you through. Do not be tempted by easy solutions, nor expect that things will go smoothly. Stay the course, and you will have done the right thing.


~ Stick 46 ~

For the sake of one child, the ruler's command
Was the death of all children in his own city.
But the orphan was hidden in a far-off state,
And, when a man, earned revenge for his father.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
This is a risky time, and you should avoid overreaching yourself. Do not get embroiled in conflicts with others, and try not to strive for wealth and fame, lest you encounter disaster along the way. You may have a tricky time in your personal life, but patience and tolerance will let you win through.

REFLECTION
Stories of special children being hunted at birth are to be found worldwide-the baby Krishna and Child Jesus are just two examples. The moral here is that rash, fearful, or vengeful actions will rebound. Trying to destroy what you fear may well lead to that fear returning a hundred times worse. In Greek legend, the basis of the tragic notion was the attempt to kill children destined to overthrow you.

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

~ 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 # 19 ~


On the kitchen floor the kitten lies,
Lazily warming herself in the afternoon sun.
Graceful animals always bring good luck,
And should be protected whenever possible.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
This is a very good fortune, and it predicts great luck in anything you do. Your best path to happiness, however, is through romance: you will only ultimately find yourself by looking in another. Do not allow apparent obstacles to deter you - remember that love eventually finds a way. Foreign travel will probably be extremely successful.

REFLECTION
The imagery here echoes an older poem in which a lovesick soldier on duty in the cold north recalls his lover's kitten, relaxed, warm, and content in her house in the south. In his mind he travels to be with her. This poem says you should appreciate what you have and, if you leave it, treasure it and seek to be reunited as soon as possible. You may be striving to achieve great things, but really you would like to be your beloved's cat!

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

~ Stick # 59 ~

A simple maid was married to a noble lord,
Her perfect beauty proved the ruin of the king.
Another, though ugly, tried to match her smile.
But can the pheasant wear the phoenix's clothes?

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION

This is generally a precarious and tricky time for you, and it would be a very bad idea to make new plans. Any wealth you are enjoying at the moment is likely to be wasted, unless you invest it wisely. You should pay more attention to your health, or you may suffer considerable pain. The best way to find peace for yourself and avert these problems is to perform good deeds for others.

REFLECTION
The infamous courtesan who drains the powers of the decadent Emperor is a common story of the demise of various dynasties. This is a warning to avoid people who might divert you from what is right and proper. Be yourself, warts and all, as trying to be something that you are not is a true recipe for disaster.

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

~ Stick # 56 ~

The hidden dagger in water becomes a dragon,
Soaring far into the sky over thousands of miles.
A story like this can mean nothing but good.
You will rise higher as the result of an ordeal.


TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
While a significant test is approaching in your life, you will gain enormously if you succeed in it. This is a very opportune time to put any plans into action. Although you will encounter difficulties, remember that persistence is the best solution - splendid opportunities await you, and you can persevere despite your troubles. Events may take some time to turn to your advantage, but eventual success and a happy life are most likely.

REFLECTION
Whatever is troubling you now will (if handled well) become a source of great joy and success for you. The dagger symbolizes the danger or problems you currently face. The dragon symbolizes the ability to rise above your present circumstances and emerge triumphant.

~ Stick # 47 ~

The envoy travelled 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 08-14-08

~Stick # 61 ~

The oracle is ambiguous; who can read it?
To some it means rebel and you will succeed.
But the honest general read it otherwise,
And found to his cost that this meaning was true.


TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
Your future teeters on a thin line between prosperity and disaster. Any decision you make now may well affect your life forever, but leaving things as they are will only make affairs worse. Do not act rashly; consider plans carefully before rushing into disaster. Calamity may well be prevented only at the very last moment.

REFLECTION
Not all divination can reassure. Sometimes you will be brought face to face with harsh, painful decisions; perhaps the very opposite of what you had hoped. Bite the bullet, and face the consequences. Do not dodge the difficult, but deal with it instead.

~ Stick # 37 ~

A great scholar knows the laws of Nature,
Seeing that as you sow, so shall you also reap.
There is no use praying to Heaven for your sins.
You will only find redemption in righteous living.


TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
Words are of no use without deeds to accompany them. You should try to settle the problems you have now, and (as always) kind deeds are the best way to assure a good fortune. Wealth and status are beyond your reach at the moment, but personal relationships are favored by fate. Sickness will only pass if you seek some medical assistance.

REFLECTION
This poem seems to echo the words of Jesus. Not only did He say you reap what you sow, but He also said that those who simply prayed would not enter Heaven; only those who cared for the sick, the poor, those in prison, for example, would get there. This poem says the same. Forget religious practices and rituals, meditation or crystal gazing. Unless you live a life of service to others, how can you expect Heaven's favors?

~ Stick # 39 ~

The message has come from afar distant horizon.
Its meaning is obscure -just worthless nonsense.
You cannot turn a stone into a polished mirror;
So do not waste your time, save your labour instead.

TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION

You are being foolish in attempting things beyond your ability. Although you craft a thousand schemes, all of them will probably fail. Opt for patience rather than rashness, and try to be content with your lot. Be careful of your own safety, as a serious accident may occur soon. This is not a good time to commit to relationships - let things cool off for awhile, and think about them calmly.

REFLECTION
The image of trying to polish a stone in order to make a mirror is very common in China. Traditional mirrors were made by polishing brass or copper, but, whereas these can be brought to such perfection as to afford a reflection, an ordinary stone cannot. So with you as well. Do not expend time and energy trying to make one thing into something it cannot ever be. Allow each to be true to its own innate nature, as Chuang Tzu the sage so often said. To force one thing to become what it is not is to fail twice.
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