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
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Northern |
Nucleus |
Southern |
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Eastern |
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1: The Nucleus
Symbol: Scholarship
The Bamboo tile indicates an adaptable, useful spirit. The Bamboo tile is also associated with scholarly pursuits.
The Western tiles explore obstacles and strife caused by the Nucleus.
2: Western Tile 1
Symbol: Wood
Generally the East Wind tile represents the querent. The tiles nearest the East tile in a reading have added importance.
3: Western Tile 2
Symbol: The Unknown
The White Dragon tile denotes unknown factors in your reading. Exactly what these factors are is beyond our vision, but they will have an impact on your life.
4: Western Tile 3
A cunning and wily hunter, though aloof and somewhat of a loner. The cat's eyes are said to drive evil spirits away, especially at night because of the way they seem to glow in the dark. The cat is symbolic of night-time and represents a light in the dark, a guiding spirit.
The Southern tiles represent current and near-future influences that are affecting the Nucleus.
5: Southern Tile 1
Symbol: Heavens
The Heaven tile suggests completion. This tile denotes a time for you to consider moving on to your next goal.
6: Southern Tile 2
Symbol: Sword
The Sword tile indicates a decision must be made before attainment of your goals can be reached.
7: Southern Tile 3
Symbol: The Fisherman
The tile of The Fisherman suggests success can be attained through the application of common sense and careful management of your time and relationships. The Fisherman is thorough and patient. He knows that while his efforts will be rewarded as long as he does not give up.
The Eastern tiles are a composite of the factors in your personality that are influencing the Nucleus.
8: Eastern Tile 1
Symbol: Water
The North Wind tile indicates there will be difficult moments ahead. These can be cancelled out if the South Wind Tile is in your reading as well.
9: Eastern Tile 2
A proud and dominant animal who likes to strut his stuff. The rooster is the ultimate symbol of reliability and punctuality, as he never misses his morning duty of crowing at the dawn. Naturally this creature symbolises new beginnings. Also, he is a protector of the home domain.
10:: Eastern Tile 3
Symbol: Phoenix
The Phoenix tile indicates great happiness and joy. The Phoenix is said to be reborn out its ashes. Accordingly, the Phoenix tile also denotes sure recovery from any setbacks encountered.
The Northern tiles indicate the outcome of the issue that the Nucleus represents.
11: Northern Tile 1
Symbol: The Scholar
The Scholar represents gain through intellectual pursuits. The Scholar's mind is sharp and finds solutions to the most difficult problems.
12: Northern Tile 2
Symbol: Knot
The Knot tile represents both bonding and severing. If the Sword tile (2 Wan) is in your reading then the time to sever ties with someone or something is at hand. Conversely if the Duck tile (2 Bamboo) is in your reading then there is bond that will strengthen. If both appear in your reading, then you have a relationship of some kind that is of undecided value.
13: Northern Tile 3
Symbol: Dragon
The Dragon tile indicates good luck and large fortunes. Effort is not a prerequisite for the gain suggested by the Dragon tile. You cannot work towards acquiring the Dragon's gifts. They will come when they come, and will most likely be a surprise.
