Chapter Thirty-Two: Chien Tung Chien Tung
Kau Cim, or Chien Tung, is a fortune telling practice that originated in China. The practice begins where the person asking the questions requests answers from a sacred oracle lot. Traditionally, it's performed in a Taoist or Buddhist temple in front of an alter. But more modernly, it can be performed even in the comfort of one's own home.
The Practice of Chien Tung:
The flat sticks are stored in a tube and resemble wide, flat incense sticks. Often they are painted red at one end, with a single number, either Arabic numerals or Chinese characters or both, inscribed on each stick. In the traditional set, there's a total of 100 sticks, although the variation sold in most stores has only 78 sticks.
The practice begins with a person kneeling and silently thinking or whispering their question to the diviner, while holding the cup between their palms. The question in mind should be decisive and non-hesitant. The next part consists of the shaking of the tube, tipped slightly downward, which result in at least one stick falling out onto the floor. If multiple sticks drop out, those fortunes would not count and the process must start over. Each stick, designated by a number or character, is representative of one fortune.
Following a successful fortune, interpretation may be needed to comprehend the answer.
Interpreting Chien Tung:
1. Some important news is coming your way.
2. You will soon go on a long journey which you will bring many benefits.
3. You will soon receive very important news.
4. Do not behave too extravagantly. It will not help your situation.
5. You will be lucky in any risks or speculations you make.
6. You will achieve what you desire.
7. You will move to a new home within the next year. Home is where the heart is.
8. You have a rival you are not aware of.
9. You will be tempted and tantalised by something in the near future.
10. There are many changes ahead of you.
11. You will lose a friend.
12. Beware of arguments about trivial matters.
13. You will lose a long-standing male friend who you have depended on in the past.
14. If you work hard you will receive great rewards.
15. You will unfortunately have to experience something unpleasant or expensive, however in the end you will benefit from it.
16. You will go on a sudden journey with an agreeable companion.
17. You will be unexpectedly deceived by someone you trust.
18. Someone new will enter your life and bring you rewards and pleasure.
19. You will receive negative news from a friend.
20. Trust yourself! Your own ability will be your strongest asset.
21. You may receive an inheritance from a relative you do not know well.
22. You will soon face an important decision that you will need to make on your own.
23. You will have impressed someone whose opinion you value greatly.
24. Try to change your bad habits before they cause you regret.
25. An unknown foreigner will bring you benefits and riches.
26. You will soon be annoyed by a fair woman.
27. You will experience changes every seven years.
28. You will receive a surprise and sleep in an unfamiliar place.
29. You will not marry your first love, but this will work out for the best.
30. Someone is looking for revenge for an imagined slight.
31. You will soon receive important news that will change where you live.
32. Listen to the good advice of trusted friend.
33. A dark woman will cause you trouble.
34. You will receive a letter with an unusual proposal very soon.
35. You will soon embark on an enjoyable adventure.
36. You will receive unexpected financial and emotional joy.
37. You will soon have to cope with someone who is ungrateful.
38. You will have an enjoyable evening which will have negative consequences.
39. You have made a promise without thinking, but it is one you are now bound to keep.
40. You will receive a message which will create temporary trouble for you.
41. A jealous person around you will soon cause an argument.
42. A position in life you have long desired will soon be yours.
43. You will soon receive great honours.
44. A friend will deceive you.
45. A person with a dark complexion is jealous of you.
46. A friend you trust is secretly against you.
47. You will soon receive a large promotion.
48. You will soon receive a valuable package that has been delayed.
49. You will experience trouble because of physical violence.
50. You will be treated unjustly by a close relative.
51. You will create difficulty for yourself by acting in an extravagant manner.
52. You will argue about something unimportant.
53. You will soon make a new friend who will be of great benefit to you.
54. You will soon find a lost item which you value.
55. Something seemingly unimportant will occur which will be to your great advantage.
56. You will soon find out who your real friends are.
57. You will settle on a plan that will prove to be advantageous to you.
58. One of your many friends is jealous of your happiness.
59. You will hear something of great importance to you in the next month.
60. You will receive unexpected financial gain when you least expect it but most need it.
61. You will soon hear that a suggestion you have made has been accepted.
62. Your rival will soon be defeated to your benefit.
63. You will soon receive a pleasant surprise from a man with a fair complexion.
64. You will soon receive an unusual proposition from a stranger.
65. A man with a dark complexion and a fair woman will soon annoy you.
66. Keep a secret you have for at least a month.
67. You will soon have to choose between two friends, and in the process make an enemy.
68. You will soon receive a message containing good news.
69. You will soon receive news that will benefit you.
70. Be careful of damage or loss by fire.
71. Someone is taking advantage of information you have provided.
72. Your love life seems to be going wrong but will be fixed soon by a friend.
73. You will soon overcome your present difficulties and be happy with the result.
74. You will benefit financially through marriage.
75. You will receive some valuable jewellery.
76. Something unexpected will bring you financial rewards.
77. Beware of a jealous friend.
78. You will be presented with an wonderful opportunity.
NOTE: Most information in this Chapter must be credited to
Kau Cim and
Chien Tung, by Serena.