Detailed Introduction
Drawing fortune sticks (qiuqian, also called "drawing lots" or "seeking fortune poems") is one of the best-known divination methods in Taiwanese temples, ranking alongside moon block divination as the most important channel of communication between humans and deities. Unlike moon blocks, which only provide simple "yes" or "no" answers, fortune stick poems convey the deity's richer and deeper guidance through poetic verse.
Types and Structure of Fortune Poems
The fortune poem systems used in Taiwanese temples mainly include:
- Sixty Jiazi sticks: A set of 60 poems arranged according to the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches (Jiazi, Yichou, Bingyin, etc.). This is the most common system in Taiwan. Each poem consists of four lines of seven-character verse, classified into grades such as "Great Fortune," "Upper Fortune," "Middle Fortune," "Fair," and "Lowest."
- Guanyin's Hundred Poems (Guanyin Lingqian): A set of 100 poems primarily used in Buddhist temples dedicated to Guanyin (Avalokitesvara).
- Guan Di's Hundred Poems: A set of 100 poems commonly found at temples dedicated to Lord Guan (Guan Yu), with poem content often referencing tales from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
- Mazu poems: Sets of 60 or 100 poems exclusive to Mazu temples, some containing references to maritime safety.
In addition to the main poetic text, each fortune poem typically includes a vernacular interpretation, a related story or allusion (such as Lu Mengzheng in poverty or Han Xin fishing), and predictions for various aspects of life (career, marriage, wealth, health, etc.).
Proper Procedure for Drawing Fortune Sticks
1. Offer incense and state your case: First offer incense to the deity, clearly stating your name, lunar birthday, address, and the matter you wish to ask about. The question should be specific (for example: "I humbly ask whether this job is suitable for me") and not vague or ambiguous.
2. Draw a stick: Pull one stick from the fortune stick container (or let a stick naturally leap out). The container is usually a bamboo cylinder holding several dozen numbered bamboo sticks.
3. Confirm with moon blocks: After drawing a stick, do not go directly to read the fortune poem. You must first cast moon blocks before the deity, asking: "Is this the stick that the deity intends for me?" Only after receiving three consecutive holy blocks is the stick confirmed. If the result is not a holy block, draw again.
4. Retrieve the fortune poem: After confirmation, note the stick number (e.g., "Stick Number 23") and retrieve the corresponding fortune poem slip from the poem cabinet.
5. Interpretation: You may read the poem yourself or visit the temple's "interpretation desk" to have a master or volunteer explain it. Many temples provide dedicated fortune poem interpreters who read the poem in the context of the worshipper's specific question.
Famous Temples for Fortune Sticks
- Longshan Temple in Wanhua: Features 100 Guanyin fortune poems; one of the busiest temples for fortune stick drawing.
- Xingtian Temple: Known for Guan Di sticks and its famous "shoujing" (fright-calming) service; also very popular for fortune sticks.
- Xiahai City God Temple in Taipei: Renowned as one of the most effective temples for drawing romance-related fortune sticks; extremely popular with singles.
- Lukang Tianhou Temple: Known for Mazu fortune poems, particularly accurate for travel and maritime fortune.
- Nankunshen Daitian Temple: The "National Fortune Stick" drawn on the first day of the Lunar New Year predicts Taiwan's fortunes for the entire year and makes national headlines.
The Art of Interpretation
Interpreting fortune poems is more art than science. The same poem can be read differently depending on what was asked. A skilled interpreter first understands the worshipper's specific situation, then combines the poem's allusion, poetic meaning, and various fortune aspects into a comprehensive reading. A "top fortune" poem does not mean everything is perfect (it may carry a warning against arrogance), and a "lowest fortune" poem does not mean all is lost (it may hint that things can only get better from here). Worshippers should approach fortune poems with equanimity, viewing them as reminders and advice from the deity rather than as immutable fate decrees.