Mazu Fortune Stick No. 18 · Xiao Chu Hexagram
汝是懸崖一樹梅，一塵不染向春開，待得綠葉成蔭後，結子滿枝調鼎來。 You are a plum tree on the cliff's edge, blooming toward spring without a speck of dust. Wait until the green leaves give shade, then fruit will crowd the boughs to season the great cauldron.
The poem
汝是懸崖一樹梅
You are a plum tree on the cliff's edge,
一塵不染向春開
blooming toward spring without a speck of dust.
待得綠葉成蔭後
Wait until the green leaves give shade,
結子滿枝調鼎來
then fruit will crowd the boughs to season the great cauldron.
| Lot | Hexagram |
|---|---|
| No. 18 第十八首 | Xiao Chu 小畜 (Small Taming) |
Beyond the poem: your own chart Cast a free BaZi chart →
Reminders by topic (written by us)
| Topic | Reminder |
|---|---|
| Career & exams | With both character and ability, a good ranking is in reach 品格與實力兼具，名次可期 |
| Business | Steady, solid work brings a fine return 穩紮穩打，收穫可觀 |
| Pregnancy | For pregnancy and childbirth, please follow your doctor's advice and prenatal checkups 懷孕生產請遵從醫師與產檢 |
| Marriage | You suit each other, and the bond feels fresh and bright 兩人相配，感情明亮清新 |
| Travel | Warmth everywhere, and outings go well 處處和暖，出門順利 |
| Household | Keep a good heart and your descendants will benefit 存好心，子孫受惠 |
| Seeking wealth | Refuse dishonest gain and honest money will come 不義之財不取，正財自會到來 |
| Luck of the times | Blossoms first, fruit later, so wait patiently for it to ripen 先開花後結果，耐心等它成熟 |
| Lost items | If you cannot find it now, calm down and look again 一時找不到，靜下心再找 |
| Farming & livestock | The harvest is decent, so keep caring for it closely 收成尚可，繼續細心照顧 |
| Lawsuits | Keep your conduct clean and the case should go smoothly 立身清白，訴訟可望無礙 |
These short reminders are written by us from the poem and its hexagram; they are not the readings printed on the temple's slip, so for a real reading go by the temple where you drew the lot. The temple's list also has an "illness" topic, which we leave out, and the pregnancy topic is always a reminder to follow your doctor. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.
What it means
Like a plum tree blossoming clean on a cliff edge, you keep your integrity. Once the leaves grow thick, you will bear fruit and do great things.
Background: "Seasoning the cauldron" is an old image for serving as a chief minister.
Reminder: Guard your character first; achievement follows.
This is a plain reading of the words. How it applies to your own question is best settled with the interpreter at the temple where you drew it.
How to draw a lot
- Light incense and tell Mazu your name, birth date and address, then state clearly the one matter you are asking about.
- Cast the moon blocks (jiaobei, two crescent-shaped wooden blocks) to ask whether you may draw. One face up and one face down means yes; then pull one stick from the cylinder.
- Cast the blocks again to confirm that this is your stick. Many temples ask for three yeses in a row; if not, put it back and draw again.
- Collect the poem with the matching number. Read the whole poem, then find the topic below that fits your question. If it is unclear, ask the temple's interpreter.
Ask about one thing at a time; the more specific the question, the easier the poem is to apply.
Common misunderstandings
A gloomy poem means the matter is doomed.
Most poems are reminders and directions. The same poem means different things for different questions, so look at the topic that matches yours.
You can keep drawing on the same question until you get a good poem.
By custom you ask once per matter. If you are still unsure, ask the temple's interpreter, or wait a while and ask again.
Previous: No. 17; next: No. 19.
A straight word: fortune poems are a matter of faith, and the meanings here are ours
The Chinese text and hexagram names follow a widely circulated edition, checked line by line against three other versions; we only corrected obvious copying errors, and every page shows the base text's original wording wherever we changed it. The topic reminders, English translations and plain-English meanings are our own reading of the words and the hexagram, not the temple's readings or official interpretation. For a real reading, ask at the temple where you drew the lot. For legal, medical or financial questions, see a professional, and if you feel unwell, see a doctor. Everything on this site is for reference and entertainment.
Beyond the poem: your own chart
Enter your birth date to cast a free BaZi Four Pillars chart and see your Five Elements and Ten Gods.
Mazu fortune stick No. 18: questions
What does Mazu fortune stick No. 18 say?
「汝是懸崖一樹梅，一塵不染向春開，待得綠葉成蔭後，結子滿枝調鼎來」 In English: You are a plum tree on the cliff's edge, blooming toward spring without a speck of dust. Wait until the green leaves give shade, then fruit will crowd the boughs to season the great cauldron. It is paired with the Xiao Chu hexagram.
What does Mazu fortune stick No. 18 mean?
Like a plum tree blossoming clean on a cliff edge, you keep your integrity. Once the leaves grow thick, you will bear fruit and do great things. Reminder: Guard your character first; achievement follows.