Sixty Jiazi Oracle No. 20: Ding-Mao (丁卯)
Lot 20 of the sixty, numbered Ding-Mao. Below are the original Chinese poem, our English translation, a plain reading and a tip.
The poem
前途功名未得意
只恐命內有交加
兩家必定防損失
勸君且退莫咨嗟
Ambitions on the road ahead are not yet met;
I fear your fate is tangled up in snags.
Both sides must guard against a loss;
Step back, I urge you, and do not sigh.
The Chinese is the original: four lines of seven characters. The English is our own translation, aiming for the sense and a little of the rhythm.
| Lot | Stem-branch | Nayin | Attribute |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. 20 | Ding-Mao 丁卯 | Fire in the Furnace | Fire: favors summer and the south |
Chinese text from the Jieqian Ge version; wording varies a little between temples. The attribute is worked out from the Nayin element of the lot’s stem-branch pair and matches what traditional printed slips say.
What it means
Success has not come yet, and things are tangled. Both sides should guard against losses. Take a step back; there is no need for regret.
Tip: Treat retreat as a way of holding your ground.
This is a plain reading of the words. How it applies to your own question is best asked at the temple where you drew it.
How to draw a lot and read it
- Light incense and tell the deity your name, date of birth and address, then state clearly the one question you want to ask.
- Ask permission by casting the moon blocks (筊, jiaobei), two crescent-shaped wooden pieces. One flat side up and one round side up is a "holy answer" (聖筊): yes, go ahead. Then shake the bamboo cylinder until one stick falls out.
- Cast the blocks again to confirm this is your stick. Many temples ask for three holy answers in a row; if you do not get them, draw again.
- Take the poem with the same number, read it as a whole, and hold it up against your question. If it is unclear, the temple’s volunteers can explain it.
Ask about one thing at a time. The more specific the question, the easier the poem is to apply.
Common misunderstandings
A poor-sounding poem means it will definitely fail.
Most poems are reminders and directions, and the same poem means different things for different questions. Understanding the advice and adjusting what you do matters more than whether it sounds lucky.
You can keep drawing until you get a better one.
By custom you draw once per question. If you are still unsure, ask the temple to explain the poem, or come back and ask again after some time.
Previous: No. 19 Ding-Chou. Next: No. 21 Ding-Si.
A straight word: the poem is faith; the meaning is our plain reading
The Chinese text follows the version compiled by the Jieqian Ge ("Oracle Reading Pavilion") site, checked word by word against other sources; temples differ slightly in wording. The English verse, meaning and tip on each page are our own plain reading of the words, not the temple’s official interpretation. For a real reading, ask the temple where you drew the lot. A poem can offer direction and comfort, but for legal, medical or money problems, please see a professional. Everything on this site is for reference and entertainment.
Beyond the oracle: your own chart
Enter your date of birth to cast your free BaZi Four Pillars chart and see your elements and Ten Gods.
Oracle No. 20: common questions
What is the poem for Sixty Jiazi Oracle No. 20 (Ding-Mao)?
In Chinese: "前途功名未得意，只恐命內有交加，兩家必定防損失，勸君且退莫咨嗟". In English: Ambitions on the road ahead are not yet met; / I fear your fate is tangled up in snags. / Both sides must guard against a loss; / Step back, I urge you, and do not sigh.
What does oracle No. 20 mean?
Success has not come yet, and things are tangled. Both sides should guard against losses. Take a step back; there is no need for regret. Tip: Treat retreat as a way of holding your ground.