16th Cim – Bingwu– of the Water Element favoring Winter – The North is blessed

Fortunes is not made nor found,

For every effort put into her will lead to naught,

Those in mortal world will not know the underworld,

For misdeeds will always meet justice.

Intepretation:

Fortune is neither found nor created. One can use every means and effort to seize fortune, but the end will always be disappointing. For those in the mortal world will never know about the next life. The deeds in this world will always be judged in the hereafter. Those with misdeeds will be imprisoned and punished fittingly.

This cim poem reminds the recipient that fortune, whether good or bad, is not a result of your own efforts but fated by the Heavens as a recompense to your soul. It is said that “houses that accumulate charity will have bountiful celebrations”, while those who accumulate evil will meet a disastrous end. Do not think that the heavens will neglect misdeeds. Punishment will come at a fitting time. If your good deeds have not been recompensed, or your business undertakings have yet to make returns, or that your financial undertakings had been giving zero profit, there is no need to complain or compel for profits. Put in more effort, accumulate more charity, and the heavens will eventually grant you fortune.

For current fortunes – the omens are uncertain.

For fame – progress will be difficult.

For marriages – your time for union has not yet come; consummation will be difficult.

Moving and traveling will be unfavorable. It is best to stay put than to move.

For legal matters – calm your emotions; do not fight for the sake of face; it is best to go for a settlement.

For pregnancies – a boy will come, followed by a girl.

For ailments – have no fear once day of Chenwei has passed.

Lost items will be hard to find, but recovery may be possible on the day of Chenwei.

Watch out for wind and storms on all matters. Take a step back in undertakings. On family matters, adverse changes might occur. On Family fortunes appear to be dark, plead the Gods to reverse the fortune. Marriages will not be in harmony as demons sow the seeds of discord. Pleas for children should not be made. Pregnancies will lead to a boy, followed by a girl (or not forthcoming). Financial undertakings will be favorable in spring and summer, but stagnant in Autumn and Winter. Pleas for fame will be hard to achieve. The Age Lords are adrift. Ailments may be a grave danger as the Lords of the underworld interfere, but have no fear once half-moon (day of Wei) has passed. Travelers should watch out for dangers. Business undertakings will be difficult to succeed and there may be financial loss. Visitors will be delayed. Shipping will not operate smoothly, with possible losses as well. Moving is discouraged. Lost items are hard recover, but will still be there until half-moon (day of Wei). Rains will come in a few days. Legal matters may involve criminal law. Farm animals should not be collected. Farming will have no harvests. Construction is discouraged. Burials and graves will have unfavorable grounds. Fishing will have little hauling due to the work of underworld spirits. Fisheries will face difficulties, but one must bear with it. Fish-fry hatcheries may encounter losses, and success will be difficult to attain. The monthly commands foresee financial losses. Those looking for someone will not meet them as yet. Letters from faraway will definitely be lost.

The Ancients Say: Li Shimin tours the underworld