The Reversed Compass Layout
Difficulty: Hard
This reading sets the tiles in the celestial form instead of the terrestrial format that is used in navigational compasses, following the traditions of Chinese philosophy. This complex reading is very flexible in that one may focus on a specific or general question, or no question at all when using it.
In the Reversed Compass Reading, each of the sets of tiles have an influence on the issue represented by the nucleus. To interpret this reading properly, all the tile sets should be compared to the nucleus.
Your Reversed Compass Reading
Western |
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Northern |
Nucleus |
Southern |
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Eastern |
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1: The Nucleus
The White Dragon stands as a mysterious symbol of the unseen forces at work in your life. It represents the enigmatic and unpredictable aspects of fate that lie beyond human perception. This tile invites you to acknowledge that not all elements in your journey are fully revealed or understood, and that there is wisdom in embracing uncertainty. The White Dragon's ethereal quality encourages openness to hidden influences that shape your destiny. It cautions against overreliance on clear-cut answers, reminding you that growth often comes from navigating ambiguity and exploring the realms of the unknown. The White Dragon, therefore, serves as both a guardian of secret knowledge and a catalyst for intuitive insight, urging you to trust that even the mysterious aspects of life contribute to your ultimate evolution.
The Western tiles explore obstacles and strife caused by the Nucleus.
2: Western Tile 1
The Sword tile embodies decisive judgement, clarity in decision-making, and the cutting away of ambiguity. It signals that a crucial choice or moment of truth is imminent—one that demands a swift yet thoughtful resolution. As a symbol of power and incisiveness, the Sword cleaves through confusion, separating what is essential from what is superfluous. This tile warns that indecision or hesitance may leave obstacles unchallenged, while a bold, clear action can dismantle the barriers standing in your way. It also serves as a reminder that decisions, once made, are irreversible; therefore, the integrity of your judgement is paramount. The energy of the Sword encourages you to trust your inner wisdom and take action confidently, knowing that the path forward becomes clearer once you have made a definitive choice.
3: Western Tile 2
A symbol of devotion, emotional stability, and harmony, the Duck embodies long-lasting relationships built on mutual trust and shared goals. Whether in love, friendship, or business partnership, this tile speaks of unwavering loyalty and the ability to weather hardships together. The Duck's presence reassures that unity and commitment will overcome all obstacles, leading to enduring companionship and shared prosperity. It also serves as a reminder to maintain balance in relationships—communication, reciprocity, and emotional nourishment are necessary to sustain the bond. If conflicts arise, this tile encourages reconciliation through patience and understanding rather than stubbornness or pride.
4: Western Tile 3
The Bamboo represents resilience, adaptability, and the power of communal strength. Unlike rigid trees that snap in strong winds, bamboo bends but does not break, symbolising the ability to endure challenges through flexibility and wisdom. This tile calls for a balance between strength and surrender, reminding you that sometimes the best way to overcome an obstacle is to yield rather than resist. It also speaks to the importance of interconnectedness—family, friendships, and alliances provide stability and support. The Bamboo encourages you to lean on those around you, knowing that cooperation leads to greater success than solitary struggle. Just as a single bamboo stalk is fragile, but a grove is unbreakable, your strength lies in your connections and willingness to adapt.
The Southern tiles represent current and near-future influences that are affecting the Nucleus.
5: Southern Tile 1
The Rat embodies industriousness and resourcefulness, symbolising the relentless pursuit of opportunity. It represents a mind that works methodically to accumulate essential resources and strategically prepare for future challenges. This tile speaks to shrewd decision-making, the skill of recognising hidden potential in everyday situations, and the disciplined work required for long-term security. At the same time, it cautions against excessive cunning and exploitation, reminding you that ethical conduct and balanced ambition are vital. The Rat encourages you to use vigilance and calculated planning to transform everyday actions into a robust foundation for success. It champions perseverance, continuous improvement, and the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances without compromising integrity. On the negative side, this creature can be cowardly, cunning, and cruel—and a major pest which spreads disease and destruction.
6: Southern Tile 2
The Peacock, as the first tile of the Bamboo suit, signifies prosperity, renewal, and the arrival of great fortune. Its dazzling plumage represents recognition, status, and elevated social standing, yet it carries a caution—pride and vanity can lead to downfall. Success should be embraced with humility, as arrogance may unravel what has been earned. The Peacock is also an omen of transformation; a major shift in your life path is imminent, requiring wisdom and grace to navigate. This tile suggests opportunities for growth and self-expression will soon present themselves, but they must be handled with balance and self-awareness to avoid overreaching.
7: Southern Tile 3
The South Wind is charged with the energy of Fire, symbolising passionate drive, transformative action, and the power to ignite change. This tile heralds a period where fervour and determination are paramount, urging you to confront challenges with a burning resolve. The Fire element here cleanses and refines, burning away obstacles and outdated patterns to reveal a clearer path forward. It demands harnessing your inner flame to propel decisive actions and breakthrough moments. The South Wind's influence is both catalytic and illuminating—demanding not only a bold embrace of change but also a careful management of the powerful, often volatile, energy that fuels it.
The Eastern tiles are a composite of the factors in your personality that are influencing the Nucleus.
8: Eastern Tile 1
Spring is the season of renewal, fresh opportunities, and the awakening of potential. This tile signifies the start of a new chapter—whether in relationships, career, or personal growth. Seeds that have been planted, either in the physical or spiritual realm, are beginning to take root. Now is the time for action, as the energy of creation and expansion is strong. However, like any new growth, this phase requires nurturing, patience, and care. Rushing ahead recklessly may damage delicate progress. Spring is also a time of hope and enthusiasm; embrace change with an open heart, knowing that the cycle of renewal is in your favour.
9: Eastern Tile 2
The Seven Stars tile represents the luminous force of creative energy and the expansive potential of your inner universe. It is a beacon of innovation, intellectual brilliance, and artistic expression, urging you to channel your imaginative capabilities into tangible achievements. This tile denotes a time when your visionary ideas can take flight, provided you harness them with disciplined creativity and structured planning. The Seven Stars inspire you to look beyond the mundane and see the hidden patterns that guide your destiny. They suggest that the power of creation lies in the synthesis of dreams and practical action, illuminating the path ahead with hope and the promise of new beginnings. Embrace the cosmic alignment of inspiration and effort, and you will find that creative power can manifest transformations in every area of your life.
10:: Eastern Tile 3
The House tile stands for the sanctuary of stability, comfort, and the intimate spaces where personal life unfolds. It symbolises not only a physical structure but also the psychological haven that supports your well-being. This tile suggests the quality of your environment—be it a home, workplace, or community—is deeply interwoven with your emotional state. In a positive reading, the House indicates a secure foundation where growth, nurturing relationships, and inner peace are fostered. Conversely, a challenging interpretation might point to stagnation, tension, or the need to reconfigure aspects of your personal domain to better support your aspirations. The House calls for careful introspection about where you reside, both externally and within, urging you to build or restore a setting that reflects your inner values and needs.
The Northern tiles indicate the outcome of the issue that the Nucleus represents.
11: Northern Tile 1
Summer represents the height of energy, ambition, and fulfilment. It is a time of flourishing—projects reach their peak, passions burn brightly, and desires manifest into reality. This tile signifies momentum, calling for confidence and bold action. If you have been waiting for the right moment to push forward, now is that time. However, summer's intense energy can also lead to exhaustion or burnout if not managed wisely. Balance is essential—do not let the fire of ambition consume you. This season encourages both celebration and productivity, but it also reminds you to rest sometimes.
12: Northern Tile 2
The Peach is an emblem of longevity, health, and divine favour. It is associated with immortality and the blessings of celestial beings. It signals a period of renewal and sustained well-being—both physically and spiritually. It suggests endurance, wisdom, and careful cultivation will bring lasting rewards. The Peach also represents rare and valuable opportunities that, once seized, can bring tremendous fortune and happiness. It may point to the presence of a nurturing force—whether a person or a vital inner quality—that fosters growth and compassion.
13: Northern Tile 3
The Insect tile represents a surge of rapid, energetic activity that delivers quick, albeit transient, successes. It emphasises the potential for short bursts of inspiration and effort that can lead to immediate gains, but it also serves as a reminder that these victories are temporary. This tile underscores the importance of recognising that rapid action can act as a catalyst—a bridge—towards establishing more enduring achievements. It invites you to harness these moments of heightened energy to spark initial progress, while also urging you to develop strategies that convert these brief surges into a stable, long-term foundation. The Insect teaches that while adrenaline-fuelled initiatives can provide a vital boost, lasting growth depends on careful planning and deliberate, sustained effort once the initial momentum has been captured. Use these episodes as signals to seize opportunity, then transition to more measured actions that secure lasting benefits.
