68

The Prince of Fenyang's Birthday

Neutral

The poem

The gate and courtyard full of unusual joy,a house that has stored up good deeds prospers greatly;marriage, fields and silkworms, everything goes well,and sickness meets the right medicine and is well.

Original: 门廷吉庆喜非常 / 积善之门大吉昌 / 婚姻田蚕诸事遂 / 病逢妙药即安康

The story

Guo Ziyi, Prince of Fenyang, served four Tang emperors and held the empire together through decades of war, strict and generous by turns with his troops. At his great birthday feast his kin filled the hall; his seven sons and eight sons-in-law were all high officials, and the audience tablets they laid on the couch covered it entirely.

What it means

This is the sign of a household full of blessing, and matters go smoothly. Marriage, harvest and the rest all succeed, and illness finds its remedy. The sign is careful to name the cause: a family that stores up good deeds has a surplus of good fortune, and a loyal house sits under a lucky star. None of this is accident, but a seed planted earlier that is fruiting now. Since the celebration has arrived, keep on giving, and the blessing lasts longer.

By area of life

Wealth

Spring is the strong season and luck is running with you. Remember to take the harvest in rather than always reaching for more.

Love

Old kindness is bearing fruit as a good match. If someone attracts you, go after it wholeheartedly, for this pairing will hold.

Work

Matters are stable and merit is returning to you. The path ahead is bright; lead by character rather than by force.

Health

The illness meets the right medicine and health returns. Gladness of heart is itself a real part of the cure here.

Travel

Good cheer travels with you. Leaving home to build something can bring real distinction, and the journey itself goes easily.

Advice

Today's good fortune is an echo of yesterday's kindness, so go on being kind.