Guanyin Oracle Lot 49: Wang Xiang lies on the ice
The Verse
Plans and schemes melt away like ice; why toil in greed and strain?
Sit quietly, rest your mind, and wait; when change comes, doubt not again.
Translation by MyFate.AI. The Chinese original is the authoritative text.
AI readingPlans made now may melt away like ice and will not last. Do not grasp or force things through greed. Wait calmly for circumstances to change, and an opening will come.
The Story Behind the Lot
Wang Xiang lies on the ice
Wang Xiang was a renowned filial son of the Western Jin dynasty and is counted among the Twenty-Four Paragons of Filial Piety. His mother died when he was young, and his stepmother, Lady Zhu, treated him harshly. She repeatedly slandered him, causing him to lose his father’s affection. Yet Wang Xiang served his parents with the utmost devotion and never complained. One bitter winter, his stepmother fell ill and wanted fresh carp. The river was frozen solid, and no fish could be found. Wang Xiang therefore removed his clothes and lay bare on the ice, hoping his body heat would melt it so he could catch fish. Suddenly, the ice split open on its own, and two carp leapt out. Overjoyed, Wang Xiang took them home to feed his stepmother. His sincere filial devotion eventually moved her, and the family lived in harmony. This story teaches that those who quietly honor their parents, desire no excess, and treat others sincerely may receive Heaven’s protection. As an omen, it counsels you to keep to your duties, clear your mind of excessive desires, and avoid forcing matters or acting rashly. Wait calmly and sincerely for a change in circumstances; impatience and hasty action must be avoided.
The Story Behind the Lot (alternate version)Another traditional version, for reference
Crown Prince Dan Honors Jing Ke
Near the end of the Warring States period, Crown Prince Dan of Yan was held hostage in Qin and endured great humiliation. After escaping home, he saw Qin tightening its grip and the other states nearing collapse, and became desperate to take revenge and avert disaster. He searched everywhere for a brave warrior and eventually found the assassin Jing Ke. He welcomed Jing Ke as an honored guest, showing him the greatest respect and lavishing him with fine horses, food, and every other comfort. He asked only that Jing Ke assassinate the King of Qin and relieve the threat to Yan. Jing Ke entered Qin and revealed the dagger hidden in a map, but the assassination failed. Jing Ke was killed, the Qin king was enraged, and Yan’s downfall only came sooner. Crown Prince Dan’s impatience and his hopes pinned on a desperate, forced gamble were like trying to melt solid ice by human effort: the hope vanished in an instant, and all was in vain. This story warns that rushing a plan and demanding quick results often bring the opposite of what one hopes for. Paired with Wang Xiang’s story, this omen cautions against impatience and forcing matters. Stay calm, wait patiently for the right time, and treat this lowest omen with great care.
Readings by Topic
- Career
- Plans may melt away like ice and come to nothing; wait patiently and do not force matters
- Wealth
- Money is hard to come by, with little prospect of gain; forcing it is futile, so pause for now
- Relationships
- A bond may be as short-lived as melting ice; forcing a match will not help, so wait calmly
- Home and Family
- There is unease at home and trouble may be brewing; stay calm and pray for resolution
- Personal Outlook
- Fortune is dim; keep calm and avoid greed or rash action
- Health
- The illness may linger and be slow to improve; follow medical advice, and pray as you wait
- Travel
- A traveler’s return may be delayed by obstacles; wait and avoid long journeys
- Finding Someone
- Wait calmly; the missing person will eventually be found
- Business
- Trade is obstructed and unlikely to succeed; wait for circumstances to change
- Pregnancy
- The pregnancy may be at risk; pray sincerely for protection and a safe pregnancy
- Legal Matters
- The case may drag on without resolution; seeking a settlement is best
- Lost Property
- The lost item may vanish like melting ice, leaving no trace and proving difficult to recover
- Relocation
- After a period of stillness, change may bring good fortune; moving to a new home is auspicious
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