Cao Guojiu Becomes an Immortal
Auspicious
The poem
Original: 金乌西坠兔东升 / 日夜循环至古今 / 僧道得知无不利 / 士农工商各从心
The story
Cao Jingxiu, brother of an empress of the Song, had a younger brother who used the family's imperial standing to seize land and abduct women. Unable to reform him, and convinced that the good prosper and the wicked perish, Cao gave away his wealth to the poor, withdrew into the mountains to cultivate the Way, and took his place among the Eight Immortals.
What it means
The image is yin waxing and yang waning; matters go as you wish. The sun sinks, the moon rises, and the cycle has turned from ancient times until now. What should retreat retreats and what should rise rises, and the balance of the situation is tipping in favour of the receptive side. Monks and Daoists find nothing but advantage here, and everyone else follows their own heart. This lot particularly favours the inward: women, interiority, thought, service, cultivation. The strength that lifts you from the bottom comes from work done inside.
By area of life
Wealth
Simple acquisition is not especially favoured. If you want to win at investing, build inner steadiness and trade less on impulse.
Love
The woman taking the initiative is favoured. The unattached find someone, the interested progress, couples get along, and the separated may reunite.
Work
Choose the receptive side of a field: a female employer, work that requires thought, or service that satisfies people inwardly.
Health
To heal the body, treat the mind. Clear out what has accumulated there and the physical trouble follows it out.
Travel
Eastern countries suit you, and ventures connected with the inner life, the mind or personal service run most smoothly. Choose the receptive option wherever you have a choice.
Advice
What should fall is falling and what should rise is rising, so working inwardly will do more for you now than fighting outwardly.