Guanyin Oracle Lot 2: Su Qin fails to gain office
The Verse
The whale, not yet transformed, must bide in rivers and lakes;
Its time has not yet come to rise beyond the blue waves.
One day, magnificent, it will take another form,
And clear Yu's Dragon Gate in a single leap.
Translation by MyFate.AI. The Chinese original is the authoritative text.
AI readingThe whale has not yet become a dragon and must remain in the water for now. The right moment has not arrived, so do not force advancement or make rash changes. Endure patiently and wait for the days ahead. When the time is ripe, you can leap through the Dragon Gate and rise to prosperity and distinction. For now, hold your position rather than press forward.
The Story Behind the Lot
Su Qin fails to gain office
Su Qin was a renowned diplomatic strategist of the Warring States period. In his youth, he studied the arts of diplomacy and alliance-building under Guiguzi. Filled with ambition, he traveled west to Qin and submitted a proposal to King Hui of Qin advocating a horizontal alliance. He presented his arguments in ten successive memorials, but the king never adopted them. With his traveling funds exhausted and his black sable coat worn to tatters, Su Qin returned home on foot, destitute and dejected. When he arrived, his wife would not leave her loom to greet him, his sister-in-law refused to cook for him, and his parents would not speak to him. Their cold treatment filled him with shame. Determined to improve himself, he shut himself away and studied the Yinfu, the Book of Hidden Strategies. When he grew sleepy late at night, he stabbed his thigh with an awl until blood ran down to his feet. He spent years studying intensively in obscurity. Eventually, he persuaded six states to form a vertical alliance, wore the seals of chief minister of all six, and rose to prominence. This story symbolizes a time when fortune has yet to turn and one must accept a subordinate position. Present circumstances bring obstacles and setbacks. Only through patient endurance, diligent preparation, and waiting for the right opportunity can the clouds finally clear. It is a moderately unfavorable omen calling for patience and quiet preparation.
The Story Behind the Lot (alternate version)Another traditional version, for reference
Jiang Taigong Fishes by the Wei River
Jiang Ziya, whose personal name was Shang, was a sage of the late Shang and early Zhou periods. Though gifted with the ability to govern the realm, he found no one who recognized his talents and was still living in retirement without an official appointment at the age of eighty. He often fished beside the Wei River, but his hook was straight and hung three chi above the water. When asked why, he replied, "Let those who are willing take the hook." He was fishing not for fish, but for an enlightened ruler who would recognize his abilities. Year after year, he waited quietly in this way. Before setting out on a hunt, King Wen of Zhou, Ji Chang, received an auspicious divination. He duly encountered Jiang Shang beside the Wei River and was deeply impressed by their conversation. He honored Jiang as his teacher and brought him home in his carriage. Jiang Shang helped King Wen and King Wu overthrow the Shang and establish the Zhou, accomplishing great deeds, and was granted the state of Qi as his fief. This story teaches that even the worthy may have to endure long years of obscurity and wait patiently. Opportunities cannot be forced before their time. Once an enlightened ruler appears, however, one may rise to greatness in a single leap. Wait for the favorable moment without impatience or haste.
Readings by Topic
- Career
- The whale has not yet become a dragon. This is not a favorable time to change jobs or start a business. Remain where you are, prepare quietly, and wait for the right opportunity; forcing progress will bring setbacks.
- Wealth
- Returns are meager, and losses or expenses are frequent. Avoid large investments for now; preserving what you have is best.
- Relationships
- The relationship is not yet ready to mature. Do not rush into an engagement; patient waiting offers greater stability.
- Home and Family
- There is unrest at home, with frequent arguments and gossip. The oracle counsels sincerely fulfilling vows made in prayer to seek peace and safety.
- Personal Outlook
- Your fortune is at a low ebb, as though you were trapped in the water. Quiet your mind, pray for blessings, fulfill your vows, and gather strength.
- Health
- Physical weakness may lead to recurring symptoms and a lingering illness. Continue recuperation, with prayer for blessings if you wish. Serious illness requires professional medical care.
- Travel
- Long journeys face many obstacles and may be difficult to complete. Stay home in peace where possible and limit outings.
- Finding Someone
- The person can be found, but you may have to wait a long time before any trace appears.
- Business
- Deals are difficult to conclude. Postpone partnerships and wait for a better time.
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy may involve complications. The oracle counsels sincere prayer, rest, and care to protect the pregnancy. Seek professional prenatal care, and obtain prompt medical attention for serious symptoms.
- Legal Matters
- Seek a private settlement and be willing to yield. Fighting to the bitter end may leave you with substantial losses.
- Lost Property
- The item was lost to the southeast and may be found after some time.
- Relocation
- Moving is unfavorable at present. Remaining settled in your current home is the best course.
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