Guanyin Oracle Lot 19: Guo Ziyi is made a prince
The Verse
You launch your boat where rushing rapids churn;
With wild winds raising waves, what can you achieve?
Wait until the waves grow calm and winds subside;
Then bring your laden boat safely home.
Translation by MyFate.AI. The Chinese original is the authoritative text.
AI readingYour present circumstances resemble a boat navigating fierce rapids amid surging wind and waves. Do not advance rashly. Wait for the turmoil to settle before acting, so that you can proceed safely. Put your plans on hold for now.
The Story Behind the Lot
Guo Ziyi is made a prince
Guo Ziyi was a celebrated general who helped restore the Tang dynasty, serving under four emperors: Xuanzong, Suzong, Daizong, and Dezong. When the An Lushan–Shi Siming Rebellion broke out, the realm was thrown into turmoil and the fires of war spread everywhere. Entrusted with command in this crisis, Guo Ziyi led troops against the rebels. A cautious commander with a keen understanding of changing circumstances, he avoided rash action when the rebels were at their strongest and conditions were perilous. He temporarily kept clear of their main force, secured his positions, and advanced steadily, waiting until the time was ripe to launch his offensive. He ultimately recovered the two capitals, quelled the rebellion, and restored the Tang state. Throughout his life he repeatedly achieved extraordinary victories. Although his influence extended throughout the realm, the court did not resent him; although his accomplishments surpassed those of his contemporaries, his sovereigns did not distrust him. He was enfeoffed as Prince of Fenyang and enjoyed wealth, honor, and longevity, bringing his life to a fortunate close. This lot draws on Guo Ziyi’s willingness to withdraw temporarily from danger and wait for turmoil to subside before achieving success. It suggests that, when circumstances are unstable and obstacles threaten, you should avoid forcing your way forward. Remain composed, keep clear of the immediate danger, and quietly await a turning point. In this way, peril can give way to safety and great achievements can eventually follow.
The Story Behind the Lot (alternate version)Another traditional version, for reference
Yang Xiong Serves the Xin Dynasty
Yang Xiong was a major writer and thinker of the late Western Han dynasty, renowned for his rhapsodies and also the author of The Supreme Mystery and Model Sayings. His learning was extensive, but he lived in troubled times: the Western Han declined, Wang Mang usurped the throne and established the Xin dynasty, and the realm fell into unrest. Unwilling to remain in obscurity, Yang Xiong entered the service of the Xin court as a grandee and collated texts in the Tianlu Pavilion. Unfortunately, in an age shaken by upheaval and a court full of unpredictable intrigue, his abundant learning brought him little opportunity for accomplishment. Instead, he became implicated through his student Liu Fen. Overcome by fear, he threw himself from the Tianlu Pavilion in an attempt to end his life and nearly died. His later years were bleak, and his lifelong ambitions came to nothing. This lot draws on Yang Xiong’s decision to serve during an age of disorder and the difficulty of accomplishing anything amid instability. It suggests that, when events are turbulent and foundations remain insecure, forcing matters is unlikely to produce results and may instead invite disaster. Withdraw from prominence, hold your position, and wait quietly for stability; this is the way to preserve yourself. It is a moderately unfavorable lot counseling stillness and patience until the right time.
Readings by Topic
- Career
- Your industry is turbulent, like rapids in a storm. Postpone new projects until conditions stabilize.
- Wealth
- Present turmoil makes profits difficult to obtain. Wait quietly for calmer conditions and the right opportunity.
- Relationships
- A relationship is unlikely to come together for now. With difficulties unresolved, wait for a better opportunity.
- Home and Family
- Pray sincerely for blessings and stability, and quietly await the end of the turmoil.
- Personal Outlook
- Seek blessings and the averting of misfortune. Postpone action and stay clear of the center of the upheaval.
- Health
- Pray for blessings if you wish, care for your recovery, and remain calm while your condition stabilizes. Serious illness requires professional medical care; do not delay treatment while waiting for improvement.
- Travel
- The traveler can reach the destination, but the journey involves many dangers and obstacles.
- Finding Someone
- The search is difficult. With circumstances unsettled, news is hard to obtain.
- Business
- Postpone finalizing the deal. Negotiations will be more secure once the turmoil has subsided.
- Pregnancy
- Concerns are likely to prove a false alarm. Rest and attend prenatal checkups on schedule.
- Legal Matters
- A settlement is advisable. A stubborn contest carries considerable risk.
- Lost Property
- The lost item will be difficult to recover and may have been swept away.
- Relocation
- Remaining in your present home is best. Avoid a hasty move amid unsettled conditions.
Ask with a sincere heart: draw this lot yourself in the MyFate workbench.
Draw a lot online →