Moon Block Divination

A Quick Guide to Moon Block Divination

Before the ritual, state your name, age, address, and what you are asking about. Clasp the blocks together, bow to the deity, then cast them. Many temples — and households that keep a shrine — have a pair of blocks on hand for consultations.

What the Block Sides Mean

Each block has two sides: the flat side is the "Yin side" (shaded face), while the full, rounded side is the "Yang side" (front). When divining: if both Yin sides face up, it is called the "Laughing Answer" — your wish is unclear, the right time (fate) has not yet come, or the spirit has given you no specific instructions. If both Yang sides face up, it is the "Yin Answer" (also called the "Cover Answer") — the spirit will not respond, or your request is not a satisfactory one. The best result is the "Sacred Answer" (one Yin and one Yang), meaning the spirit will grant your wish or request.

• Sacred Answer (Sheng Jiao): One flat and one rounded side — the deity permits and agrees, and matters will go smoothly. Also called the Permitted Answer.
• Laughing Answer (Xiao Jiao): Two flat sides — the deity smiles, does not understand, or is still considering, so the situation is unclear. You may cast again to ask the deity, or restate your request more clearly.
• Yin Answer (Yin Jiao): Two rounded sides — the deity declines, is displeased, or it is not a good time to act. You may cast again later. Also called the Crying Answer, the Dark Answer, or the No Answer.

Things to Keep in Mind

Ask only one question per casting, and respect the result. Changing your question just to get the answer you want is not only disrespectful to the deity — it defeats the whole purpose of divination.

How to Cast the Blocks

1. Take two bamboo pieces of the same size, place them before the incense burner, and turn them clockwise three times.
2. Hold the two pieces with their flat sides together at chest height, the concave side facing you and the convex side facing the deity.
3. Kneel before the deity and state your name, birthday, and address, along with what you want to ask about today (say every word slowly, without rushing).
4. After conveying your message, silently ask for an answer three times, then gently toss the blocks toward the ground.
5. If the Sacred Answer appears three times, hold the blocks, press your palms together, and bow three times in heartfelt thanks. A Laughing Answer may mean your thanks were not expressed clearly — pray sincerely and cast again. If the Yin Answer appears many times in a row, do not force or endlessly repeat the cast; casting over and over defeats the purpose of the ritual.