Li Jing Returns to the Mountain
Neutral
The poem
Original: 欲待身安运泰时 / 风中灯烛不相宜 / 不如收拾深堂坐 / 庶免光摇静处明
The story
Li Jing was one of the great generals of the early Tang, ennobled as Duke of Wei, and in legend the pagoda-bearing heavenly king who helped Jiang Ziya overthrow the Shang. When the work was done he did not cling to office but withdrew into the mountains to cultivate the Way. A candle in a draught keeps no light; carried indoors it burns steady.
What it means
The image is a candle shaken by wind: keep to the ordinary and it goes well. You ask when your health will be sound and your fortune good, and the verse answers plainly: at the moment you are a candle standing in a draught, barely able to protect yourself, and this is no place to press forward. Rather than letting the flame be blown about, gather yourself and sit in the inner hall, where quiet makes light. Stillness beats motion now and defence beats attack; provoking trouble is certainly no blessing.
By area of life
Wealth
Some gain is available, but do not dance to every swing of the market. Hold quietly and time will produce the harvest.
Love
The relationship has cooled almost to freezing and separation is possible. Do not force interaction now; stillness on your side is what lets the warmth return.
Work
This is not the moment to look for work. Hold your post and find your opening quietly. Those in business should be conservative.
Health
You are a candle in the wind and your health needs care. Stay home, avoid exertion, rest, and quiet the spirit with prayer.
Travel
This is not the time for a long journey. Stay in your own region and develop there rather than lighting a candle in a gale.
Advice
You are a candle standing in a draught right now, so take yourself indoors and let the flame steady.