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
Symbol: Mushroom
The Mushroom tile represents eternal life and oddity. It gets these attributes from the fact that mushrooms in nature always seem to regenerate and often popup where they are unexpected. The notion of oddity is derived from the mushroom seemingly having the nature of a plant, but lacking leaves. The Mushroom tile foretells the coming of unexpected events that will have a lasting impact on you.
The Western tiles explore obstacles and strife caused by the Nucleus.
2: Western Tile 1
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.
3: Western Tile 2
Symbol: Toad
The Toad tile indicates some troubling moments along your life's path, but these aches will heal. It also suggests your ambition may be greater than your reach.
4: Western Tile 3
Symbol: Heavens
The Heaven tile suggests completion. This tile denotes a time for you to consider moving on to your next goal.
The Southern tiles represent current and near-future influences that are affecting the Nucleus.
5: Southern Tile 1
Symbol: Refinement
The Orchid tile suggests there may be rare and refined experiences coming into your life. Enjoy them!
6: Southern 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.
7: Southern Tile 3
Symbol: Entering
The Entering tile indicates that barriers you now face will soon be lifted. Opportunity and success are ahead, but you must have the courage and energy to take advantage of them.
The Eastern tiles are a composite of the factors in your personality that are influencing the Nucleus.
8: Eastern Tile 1
Symbol: Scholarship
The Bamboo tile indicates an adaptable, useful spirit. The Bamboo tile is also associated with scholarly pursuits.
9: Eastern Tile 2
Symbol: Willow Tree
The Willow Tree tile represents adaptability and survival in the face of harsh conditions. The Willow bends before the bitter winter winds, but does not break. The Willow tile suggests compromise. You must be willing to give some to get some.
10:: Eastern Tile 3
Symbol: Lotus Flower
The Lotus Flower tile represents birth or rebirth. On a spiritual level it may indicate you are about to reach new heights in your understanding of your place in the cosmos. Physically it may suggest a child is coming, or a new project is about to emerge. The Lotus Flower tile also speaks of regeneration, and may indicate a time of recovery from hardship; a new beginning.
The Northern tiles indicate the outcome of the issue that the Nucleus represents.
11: Northern Tile 1
Symbol: Insect
The Insect tile indicates short-term gain through a short flurry of hectic work. It is important to realise that the gains the Insect tile offers are not lasting, or of long-term importance. At best they are a stopgap until more substantial goals come along.
12: Northern Tile 2
Symbol: Peacock
This is the first tile of the first suit in a Mahjong set. Overall, it represents success. However, it also warns that success sometimes turns to arrogance, which can lead to loss of everything that has been gained. The Peacock tile also suggests a change in your life path is forthcoming.
13: Northern Tile 3
Symbol: Peach
The Peach tile represents the female spirit in its purest form. Where the Peach tile appears, it is likely a woman or possibly a young girl will play an important role in outcome of your reading.
