Sixty Jiazi Oracle No. 39: Geng-Chen (庚辰)
Lot 39 of the sixty, numbered Geng-Chen. Below are the original Chinese poem, our English translation, a plain reading and a tip.
The poem
意中若問神仙路
勸爾且退望高樓
寬心且守寬心坐
必然遇得貴人扶
If you would ask the immortals for the way,
Step back, I urge you, and look out from a high tower.
Keep calm, hold on, and sit at ease;
A benefactor will surely lend a hand.
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. 39 | Geng-Chen 庚辰 | White Wax Metal | Metal: favors autumn and the west |
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
If you want the gods to show you the way, step back first and take the long view. Wait calmly and someone will help you.
Tip: Step back in order to move forward, and wait for help to arrive.
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. 38 Geng-Yin. Next: No. 40 Geng-Wu.
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
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Oracle No. 39: common questions
What is the poem for Sixty Jiazi Oracle No. 39 (Geng-Chen)?
In Chinese: "意中若問神仙路，勸爾且退望高樓，寬心且守寬心坐，必然遇得貴人扶". In English: If you would ask the immortals for the way, / Step back, I urge you, and look out from a high tower. / Keep calm, hold on, and sit at ease; / A benefactor will surely lend a hand.
What does oracle No. 39 mean?
If you want the gods to show you the way, step back first and take the long view. Wait calmly and someone will help you. Tip: Step back in order to move forward, and wait for help to arrive.