Guanyin Oracle Lot 3: Dong Yong meets an immortal maiden
The Verse
Through driving wind and rain you go, then come again,
Toiling without rest, like a swallow on the wing.
You carry mud until a nest at last is built,
Only to see it crumble back to mud.
Translation by MyFate.AI. The Chinese original is the authoritative text.
AI readingLike a swallow flying through wind and rain, carrying mud to build its nest, you expend your strength and thoughts all day. Yet even what you painstakingly construct may ultimately collapse and come to nothing. Effort is great and rewards are small; the fruits of labor are difficult to sustain. Avoid committing too much.
The Story Behind the Lot
Dong Yong meets an immortal maiden
Dong Yong was a filial son of the Han dynasty. His family was poor, and when his father died, he had no money for the burial. He therefore sold himself into servitude to pay for his father's funeral. His filial devotion moved Heaven. The Celestial Emperor sent the Seventh Celestial Maiden down to earth to marry him. Skillful and dexterous, she wove ten bolts of fine silk in a single night, helping Dong Yong repay his debt early and regain his freedom. Their happiness, however, was short-lived. The Celestial Emperor's command could not be defied, and once the maiden had completed her mission, she was ordered to return to the celestial court. Husband and wife could only bid each other a tearful farewell beneath the shade of a scholar tree. Though their love between mortal and immortal moved Heaven and earth, it could not endure. By invoking this story, the oracle warns that even if helpful benefactors, a happy union, or other blessings appear before you, they may prove as elusive as flowers reflected in a mirror or the moon reflected in water. What has been painstakingly built will eventually face dissolution and separation. This is a most unfavorable omen of uncertain unions and partings, and happiness that does not last.
The Story Behind the Lot (alternate version)Another traditional version, for reference
A Yan General Holds Liaocheng Alone
During the Warring States period, a general of Yan captured Liaocheng, a city belonging to Qi. Later, someone slandered the general before the king of Yan. Knowing that returning home would mean his death, he dared not withdraw and remained trapped in Liaocheng with his isolated army, struggling to hold the city for more than a year. Food ran out, all hope of relief vanished, and the soldiers suffered terrible casualties. The inhabitants exchanged their children to eat, so desperate were their circumstances. Lu Zhonglian, a distinguished man of Qi, wrote a letter and had it shot into the city on an arrow. He laid out the advantages and dangers, explaining that the general could neither advance nor retreat and that continued resistance served no purpose. After reading it, the Yan general could see no way forward or back. He wept bitterly for several days, then cut his own throat. Liaocheng subsequently fell. Years of stubborn defense had come to nothing. This story symbolizes isolation without support and obstinate resistance. Even exhausting every effort may fail to avert defeat, and all one's labor may be swept away. It is a perilous omen of futile effort and toil without achievement.
Readings by Topic
- Career
- Like a swallow carrying mud, you work hard and rush about but struggle to achieve lasting results. Do not take on too many complicated tasks.
- Wealth
- Even if small gains come, money is difficult to retain and can easily be spent or lost.
- Relationships
- The relationship takes an emotional toll, with repeated separations and reconciliations. Growing old together may be difficult.
- Home and Family
- Initial disturbances give way to peace. Remain vigilant against theft, arguments, and gossip in daily life.
- Personal Outlook
- Constant toil drains your energy, and your achievements may come to nothing. Exercise extra caution in all matters.
- Health
- The illness may recur and be slow to resolve. Follow professional medical advice and treatment; serious illness requires professional medical care. You may also fulfill vows made in prayer to seek peace.
- Travel
- Journeys bring wind, rain, and exhausting travel, with a risk of minor mishaps and dangers.
- Finding Someone
- A meeting is possible, but it is likely to involve arguments or quarrels.
- Business
- A deal may just be concluded, but persistent disputes afterward will make peace difficult to find.
- Pregnancy
- Pregnancy may bring alarming developments and strain. Take extra rest and pray for blessings if you wish. Seek professional prenatal care and prompt medical attention for serious symptoms.
- Legal Matters
- Even if you are in the right, a settlement is advisable. Fighting on will only waste effort and drain your energy.
- Lost Property
- Considerable effort may recover the item, but take care that it is not lost again.
- Relocation
- Moving brings fruitless labor and repeated upheaval. Remaining where you are offers greater peace.
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