36

Han Xiangzi Meets Lu Dongbin

Neutral

The poem

Illness and lawsuits before you need not trouble you;in this rich ground, wealth and means may all be sought.Just like a monkey slipping out of a golden lock,it returns to its own cave and comes and goes at ease.

Original: 眼前病讼不须忧 / 宝地资财尽可求 / 恰似猿猴金锁脱 / 自归山洞去来悠

The story

Han Xiangzi, grand-nephew of the statesman Han Yu, was wild, refused to study and preferred wine. Sent to the academy he bullied his classmates; sent to a monastery he was reported for insolence. Then the immortal Lu Dongbin came and awakened him, and he took his place among the Eight Immortals, carrying his basket of flowers.

What it means

The image is a monkey slipping its lock: hard first, easy afterwards. The illness and litigation in front of you need not worry you, and whatever gain is available should be taken; like a monkey out of its golden lock, you return to your own cave and come and go freely. The word is release. The restraint on you is loosening, and what follows is a stretch of freedom that may not produce anything immediately. Do not rush to find a use for that empty space. Enjoy it, and look for the right road when the time comes.

By area of life

Wealth

Gain is strongly favoured, though deals must wait. If a position is stuck, leave it be; its day comes later.

Love

Being single is nothing to grieve over. Use this free stretch to travel and see things. Do not seek reconciliation; enjoy the quiet.

Work

Being briefly out of work is a rare freedom. Enjoy it now and look for the job afterwards; use a slack season to regroup.

Health

Do not worry about this illness. Relax, travel, and it will often resolve on its own in a way that surprises you.

Travel

Going abroad is obstructed for now, so explore locally instead. When the lock is fully off, travel as you please.

Advice

The lock is already open, so enjoy this freedom instead of hurrying to fill it.