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
The Chrysanthemum is a symbol of long life, contentment, and the wisdom that comes with age. It carries the energy of peace and detachment, encouraging you to step back from the chaos of daily struggles and find serenity in the present moment. This tile suggests longevity is not just about physical endurance but also about maintaining emotional and mental equilibrium. It may indicate a time of rest, reflection, or enjoying the simple pleasures of life. The Chrysanthemum reminds you to cultivate patience and embrace the slow unfolding of events rather than pushing for immediate results. Like its petals that open gradually, fulfilment comes through steady, mindful progress.
The Western tiles explore obstacles and strife caused by the Nucleus.
2: Western Tile 1
The Cat signifies intuition, silent vigilance, and stealthy observation. It embodies an acute sensitivity to subtle cues and the innate ability to ward off negative influences. This tile represents independence and self-reliance, encouraging you to trust your inner guidance when confronting uncertainties. The Cat's presence is a reminder to remain alert and perceptive, using observation to navigate social or personal situations. It emphasises balancing assertiveness with discretion, allowing you to act decisively without drawing unwanted attention. In essence, the Cat stands as a guardian in darkness, protecting your inner light while guiding you to move through challenges with measured insight and resolve.
3: Western Tile 2
The Toad represents resilience through hardship, resourcefulness, and the rewards of patience. Its presence suggests a time of struggle or slow progress, but also the wisdom gained from perseverance. The Toad is often associated with wealth and protection in folklore, signifying hidden treasures that will only be revealed through hard work and dedication. Ambition may be high, but it warns against reaching beyond one's means without preparation. This tile urges patience—difficulties will pass, leaving you stronger and more grounded in your pursuits. Look beyond surface-level frustrations to recognise deeper opportunities for learning and growth.
4: Western 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 Southern tiles represent current and near-future influences that are affecting the Nucleus.
5: Southern Tile 1
The Green Dragon symbolises the dawn of new endeavours, marking the threshold where old cycles conclude and fresh opportunities arise. It carries the energy of renewal, signalling that the time has come for a journey of transformation. In traditional lore, the Green Dragon is revered as the spirit of regeneration—its vibrant colour reflecting growth, healing, and the boundless potential of nature. It inspires a proactive embrace of change, encouraging you to initiate projects, relationships, or personal transformations with conviction and optimism. The Green Dragon's influence is subtle yet potent, urging you to trust the natural progression of events and to take that first step towards a future filled with promise.
6: Southern Tile 2
The Pearl represents hidden beauty, wisdom gained through hardship, and the treasures that lie within. This tile speaks of a situation where something valuable is being overlooked or where patience is required to uncover hidden potential. It is also a symbol of spiritual refinement, urging you to look beyond surface appearances to find deeper truths. The Pearl may indicate a reward after long effort, whether in personal growth, career, or relationships. It suggests that what you seek is already within your grasp—you only need the patience to recognise it. However, like a pearl formed through pressure, this reward often comes after struggle and perseverance.
7: Southern Tile 3
The White Tiger symbolises a potent force of assertive masculinity, protective strength, and determination. This tile embodies the qualities of bravery, vigilance, and the readiness to confront obstacles head-on. It calls upon you to embrace decisive, courageous actions that not only assert your position but also safeguard your interests in challenging circumstances. The White Tiger inspires a leadership rooted in clarity, discipline, and fairness. It also signifies the need to balance raw power with strategic insight, ensuring that your actions are both forceful and judicious. The White Tiger suggests that tapping into your inner strength and assertiveness will allow you to overcome adversities and carve out your rightful place with integrity. It challenges you to channel your determination into measured acts that defend what matters most.
The Eastern tiles are a composite of the factors in your personality that are influencing the Nucleus.
8: Eastern Tile 1
The Orchid is a symbol of elegance, integrity, and higher wisdom. It represents the pursuit of personal and spiritual elevation, urging you to rise above mundane distractions and embrace a more enlightened path. The Orchid is associated with those who dedicate themselves to knowledge and self-improvement. This tile suggests a time of refinement—whether in personal relationships, intellectual pursuits, or spiritual development. You are being called to cultivate grace, dignity, and a deeper understanding of the world around you. The Orchid also signifies that beauty and wisdom come from patience and cultivation, not force or haste.
9: Eastern Tile 2
The Heavens tile embodies the notion of completion, divine orchestration, and the transcendence of worldly endeavours. It signifies that a cycle in your life is drawing to a close, marking the culmination of efforts and the readiness to embrace new horizons. This tile suggests the forces beyond the mundane—cosmic energies, fate, or spiritual intervention—are aligning to bring your current journey to a purposeful end. With this closure comes a clarity that allows you to contemplate the next stage of your evolution. The Heavens remind you that every ending holds the seeds of a new beginning, and that your destiny is part of a grand, ever-unfolding cosmic design. Trust that the completion of this phase is not a termination, but a necessary prelude to the emergence of higher aspirations and more expansive possibilities.
10:: Eastern Tile 3
Water is the essence of flow, adaptability, and emotional expression. It represents the necessity of change and movement, encouraging flexibility in both thought and action. This tile suggests that a journey—physical, emotional, or metaphorical—may be necessary to resolve lingering issues or clear stagnation from your life. Water also governs communication, making this a time when honest and open dialogue is critical. Misunderstandings could arise if emotions are suppressed, so transparency is key. Like a river carving its way through stone, persistence in seeking truth will eventually overcome any obstacles in your path.
The Northern tiles indicate the outcome of the issue that the Nucleus represents.
11: Northern Tile 1
Winter represents stillness, endings, and the contemplation that comes before renewal. This tile signifies a period of quiet, where external activity slows, and the focus turns inwards. It may indicate a time of rest, solitude, or even loss—but within this stillness lies great wisdom. Winter teaches that endings are necessary for rebirth; it is a time to release old burdens, reflect on experiences, and prepare for a new cycle. Patience is required, as growth often happens beneath the surface before it becomes visible. Trust the process—this period of dormancy is temporary, and spring will come again.
12: Northern Tile 2
The Red Dragon is the embodiment of vibrant energy, success, and the fulfilment of destiny. It radiates warmth and vitality, symbolising the core drive that propels you towards achievement. In esoteric terms, the Red Dragon is not merely a sign of ambition but also a reminder to balance passion with moderation. Its fiery hue and central position reflect both the life force and the transformative power within, urging you to harness your inner courage to overcome challenges. As a harbinger of favourable outcomes, the Red Dragon warns against reckless pursuits, insisting that success arises from a harmonious integration of heart and mind. Its presence in a reading signals that your goals are within reach, provided you maintain clarity and determination amid the ebb and flow of life's challenges.
13: Northern Tile 3
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.
