Yue Lao Oracle Lot 34 · Fair, steady

仍舊貫，如之何？何必改作？ Keep to the old ways, what harm is there in that? Why rebuild at all?

The lot

Background: what the original says

When the state of Lu planned to rebuild its treasury, Min Ziqian asked why it could not simply be kept as it was, and why it needed rebuilding at all.

The Xianjin chapter of the Analects records that the people of Lu planned to rebuild a storehouse called the Changfu. Confucius's disciple Min Ziqian said: why not keep it as it was? What need is there to rebuild? Confucius commented that this man seldom spoke, but when he did, he hit the mark.

Min Ziqian was known for his devotion to his parents and was counted among Confucius's students of virtuous conduct. On the surface he was talking about a building, but his objection was to spending the people's labor and changing established ways without good reason. The Analects does not say why the rebuilding was planned. The Zuo Zhuan records that Duke Zhao of Lu once used the Changfu as his base to attack the powerful Jisun family, lost, and fled to Qi; some commentators guess the rebuilding was connected, though this is only one reading. Confucius praised a calm voice saying "the old way will do" when others were eager for change.

What it means

Keeping things as they are is fine for now; there is no need to rush into change. The existing relationship is still workable, so do not be quick to replace someone or make drastic moves.

Reminder: Before you change anything, get clear on what is actually wrong right now.

This is a plain reading of the words and their source. How it applies to your own question is best settled with the interpreter at the temple where you drew it.

How to ask Yue Lao for a lot

1. Yue Lao, the Old Man under the Moon, usually has a side shrine inside a larger temple, such as a City God temple or a Mazu temple. Follow the temple's route: pay respects to the main deity first, then go to Yue Lao.
2. Tell Yue Lao your name, birth date and address, describe where you are in love right now, and state the one question you want to ask (for example, "Will this relationship last?" or "When will I meet someone?").
3. 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 and cast again to confirm it. Many temples ask for three yeses in a row; if not, draw again.
4. Collect the slip with the matching number. Yue Lao lots are quotations from old books, so the meaning often depends on the original passage. If it is unclear, ask the temple's interpreter.

Ask about one thing at a time; the more specific the question, the easier the lot is to apply. Yue Lao lots are for love and marriage only; for other matters, use the temple's general fortune poems.

Common misunderstandings

Previous: Lot 33; next: Lot 35.