Han Yu Meets the Snow
Neutral
The poem
Original: 云开雾罩山前路 / 万物圆中月再圆 / 若得诗书沉梦醒 / 贵人指引步天台
The story
Han Yu memorialised against receiving the Buddha's bone relic, angered Emperor Xianzong, and was exiled to Chaozhou. At Lan Pass deep snow closed the road and his horse would not go on, exactly as his grand-nephew Han Xiangzi had foretold in a poem. He understood only then; later tradition says he gave up office, dispersed his property and withdrew to the mountains.
What it means
The image is flowers opening after spring has gone, and the change comes late. Only when the cloud lifts do you see the road, and things go round again to fullness. If the books can wake you out of this dream, someone will lead you up the terrace. The exile, the blocked pass and the loss you are suffering are what force you to stop and learn again. Later effort is rewarded here, and those willing to be taught are the ones for whom the road opens.
By area of life
Wealth
If you want money to behave better later, get the underlying knowledge now, or find someone qualified to guide you through.
Love
Nothing arrives for the moment. A match here is likely to depend on an introduction made by a good go-between.
Work
Apply what the books actually teach and you can walk out of this gloom, and the business revives from there.
Health
Follow experienced advice and cooperate fully with the regimen. Reciting, singing and quiet daily occupation genuinely help the recovery along.
Travel
Do not regret the decision. Plan properly and learn from what others have already done, and things will unfold well.
Advice
When the snow stops the horse at the pass, stop and read.