Empress Wu Takes the Throne
Neutral
The poem
Original: 红轮西坠兔东升 / 阴长阳消百事亨 / 若是女人宜望用 / 增添财禄福其心
The story
Wu was taken into the palace at fourteen and after Taizong's death became a nun. Recalled by Gaozong, she was made empress in 655. As the emperor's health failed, more of the government passed to her; widely read and formidably shrewd, she eventually took the throne herself, the only woman ever to rule China in her own name.
What it means
The image is yin waxing and yang waning: hard first, easy afterwards. The sun sinks and the moon rises, and the receptive side of things gains while the assertive side loses. Yin means the feminine, the west and north, the inward, the mental, the intuitive, autumn and winter; yang means the masculine, the east and south, the outward, the material, the rational, spring and summer. The situation is changing sides. If your question belongs to the yin half, act now and both wealth and peace of mind increase; if it belongs to the yang half, wait, and bitterness comes before sweetness.
By area of life
Wealth
Hold rather than reach, though deals are favourable. To profit, build inner steadiness; a few more degrees of composure add directly to returns.
Love
A woman who takes the initiative can have what she wants. A man has lost the initiative here and forcing it achieves nothing.
Work
Applications turn on inner substance, so lead with the depth of your expertise. Ventures that give people pleasure and comfort do best.
Health
Long illness is treated at the level of the mind. An open heart without ill will can cure a great deal; make an offering.
Travel
West and north are the favoured directions. Whether you flourish out there depends on your inner substance rather than on external advantages or introductions.
Advice
The balance is shifting toward your side of the scale, so take the initiative rather than waiting to be invited.