Guanyin Oracle Lot 52: Drunken Li Bai scoops the moon
The Verse
To catch the moon in water is toil in vain; all that effort comes to naught.
Pay no heed to idle talk or empty claims; you will waste your strength and gain nothing.
Translation by MyFate.AI. The Chinese original is the authoritative text.
AI readingChasing an illusion is like trying to catch the moon’s reflection in water: it wastes your effort. Do not trust rumors; stay grounded, and you may find a real way forward.
The Story Behind the Lot
Drunken Li Bai scoops the moon
Li Bai was a renowned Tang dynasty poet, known for his free-spirited nature and love of wine and the moon. According to legend, late in life he was sailing on a river when, drunk, he saw the moon’s lovely reflection in the water. He leaned over to catch it, but, captivated by an illusion, lost his footing and fell into the water. Though this tale is a later popular embellishment, it vividly portrays the folly of chasing what is unreal and mistaking an illusion for truth. The moon in the water is only a reflection: you can see it, but cannot grasp it, and all your effort will come to nothing. This omen warns you not to pursue empty goals like flowers in a mirror or the moon in water, or act rashly on hearsay and gossip. Otherwise, you will labor in vain and bring trouble upon yourself. This is a sign of the lowest fortune; in all matters, it is better to hold back than advance.
Readings by Topic
- Career
- Chasing an illusion is like trying to catch the moon in water; it wastes effort and is unlikely to succeed
- Wealth
- Finances are middling, with little chance of major gain; greedily forcing the issue will come to nothing
- Relationships
- A relationship may be as illusory as flowers in a mirror or the moon in water; forcing it will not make it work
- Home and Family
- There is unease at home and trouble may be brewing; act cautiously and pray for resolution
- Personal Outlook
- Fortune is unfavorable; do not believe rumors, and stay grounded to avoid trouble
- Health
- The illness may be serious; seek professional medical care promptly and follow your clinician’s advice, while prayer may offer comfort
- Travel
- Travel may bring misfortune; if it cannot be avoided, take extra precautions
- Finding Someone
- Even if you meet, there may be danger; search with caution
- Business
- The transaction is unlikely to succeed; forcing it will only waste effort, so stop for now
- Pregnancy
- There may be a risk of miscarriage; pray for protection and seek appropriate prenatal care
- Legal Matters
- The case may be costly and difficult to win; seek an early settlement and avoid prolonging it
- Lost Property
- The lost item is like the moon in water, leaving no real trace and proving difficult to recover
- Relocation
- Moving brings little benefit; stay in your current home and avoid rash changes
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