Yue Lao Oracle Lot 58 · Fair

惟舊婚媾，其能降以相從乎？ Just like old in-laws, will you bend a little and go along with me?

The lot

Text notes (in Chinese): 流通本作「帷舊婚媾」，改「惟」; 《左傳》原作「如舊昏媾，其能降以相從也」.

Background: what the original says

Duke Zhuang of Zheng told a minister of the state of Xu that whenever Zheng made a request in the future, he hoped Xu would humble itself and go along, the way longtime in-laws do.

In the autumn of 712 BC, the Zuo Zhuan records, Duke Zhuang of Zheng joined Qi and Lu in attacking the small state of Xu. The Zheng officer Ying Kaoshu carried the duke's banner up the wall first, only to be shot down from below by Gongsun E, a colleague he had quarreled with over a chariot. Another officer took up the banner, Zheng's troops poured in, and the ruler of Xu fled. Lu declined Xu when it was offered, and the city passed to Zheng.

Duke Zhuang did not annex it. He had the Xu minister Baili install the ruler's younger brother in the eastern part of the city, and spoke humbly: Heaven had punished Xu and merely used his hand; a man who could not live in peace with his own brother would hardly dare claim Xu. If Heaven one day restored Xu's ruler, he hoped Xu would bend to Zheng's requests as old in-laws do, and not let outsiders crowd in. The chronicle praised his propriety.

What it means

An old acquaintance or old flame may have a chance to rekindle, but it depends on whether the other person is willing to set pride aside, and whether you are too.

Reminder: If you want to get back together, first repair the crack that split you apart.

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 57; next: Lot 59.