Yue Lao Oracle Lot 70 · Good, steady

利有攸往。 It is favorable to go forward.

The lot

Background: what the original says

This is a common verdict in the Book of Changes, meaning that setting out toward a goal brings benefit.

"Advantageous to have somewhere to go" is a stock phrase in the Book of Changes (Yijing), found in the judgments of several hexagrams, including Heng (Duration) and Yi (Increase). The Yijing began as a Zhou-dynasty manual of divination, so its judgments tell no story; their meaning depends on the hexagram.

Under Heng, the judgment reads: success, no blame, it pays to be steadfast, advantageous to have somewhere to go. The "Sequence of the Hexagrams" commentary explains why Heng follows Xian: Xian is about the attraction between man and woman, and since the way of husband and wife must endure, Duration comes next. The "Tuan" commentary compares this to heaven and earth, whose way never ceases; going forward is favorable because every ending brings a new beginning, as the sun and moon keep shining and the seasons keep turning. Because Xian and Heng have long been read as the hexagrams of marriage, the oracle's choice of this phrase most likely has Heng in mind.

What it means

You can act; taking the first step forward works in your favor.

Reminder: Take action instead of standing still.

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 69; next: Lot 71.