Introduction: Chinese fortune sticks (Kau Cim) are a vital part of Taiwan’s religious culture. Whenever people face life’s dilemmas, they visit temples to seek guidance from deities. But standing before the bamboo cylinder, questions arise: “Do I pray first or draw first?”, “Which stick counts?”, “Is one Divine Cup enough, or do I need three?”. Based on local expert advice and temple traditions, using Chinese fortune sticks is a rigorous ritual of communication between humans and gods. This article provides a complete guide, from a simple 4-step intro to a professional 8-step SOP, answering all your queries about this divine practice.
Chapter 1: Basics & Significance of Chinese Fortune Sticks
1.1 What are Chinese Fortune Sticks?
Using Chinese fortune sticks (also known as Kau Cim) is a religious ritual used to communicate with deities through poetic verses. Originating from ancient divination culture, it has developed a unique form in Taiwan. Believers shake a bamboo cylinder to obtain a stick, confirm it via moon blocks (Bwa Bwei), and then read the corresponding poem to resolve doubts.
1.2 Cultural Value & Modern Meaning
In modern society, drawing fortune sticks is not just superstition but a form of spiritual counseling and cultural identity.
- Psychological Support: In times of confusion, the verses often provide comfort and stability.
- Decision Aid: When rational analysis fails, divine guidance often serves as a final reference.
- Cultural Heritage: The verses often contain rich historical stories and moral teachings.
Chapter 2: Simple 4-Step Intro for Beginners
For beginners or tourists, a complex ritual might be intimidating. Here is a simplified 4-step process often taught in temple classrooms:
Step 1: Preparation & Calming
Adjust your mindset to be sincere. Think clearly about your specific question, observe the temple environment, and follow basic etiquette.
Step 2: Announce to the Deity
Clearly state your name, address, date of birth (Lunar preferred), and detail your purpose and question, asking the deity for guidance via a stick.
Step 3: Draw a Stick
Gently shake the cylinder until one stick falls out naturally (or pick the highest one). Memorize the number but don’t take the slip yet.
Step 4: Confirm & Interpret
Use moon blocks to confirm if this stick is correct (Traditionally requires three consecutive Divine Cups). Once confirmed, get the paper slip corresponding to the number and ask staff for interpretation.
Pros: Clear process, suitable for general visitors or first-timers.
Chapter 3: Complete 8-Step SOP for Chinese Fortune Sticks
If your question is very important, it is recommended to follow a more rigorous 8-step SOP for better accuracy:
Step 1: Buy Offerings
Prepare flowers, fruits (odd numbers like apples, oranges), cookies/candies, and spirit money. Avoid taboo fruits like pears (separation) or guavas.
Step 2: Place Offerings
Arrange offerings neatly on the table, keeping spirit money on the sides. Maintain a respectful attitude.
Step 3: State Your Question (Self-Intro & Inquiry)
This is crucial. Please recite silently using the format below:
🙏 Online Prayer Generator
Step 4: Offer Incense (Re-announce)
Light three incense sticks, hold them at chest level, repeat your introduction and question, then insert them into the burner. Wait 10-15 minutes (to let the deity check your records).
Step 5: Ask for Permission (Moon Blocks)
You must ask first: “May I ask the deity for guidance on this matter via a fortune stick?”
- Divine Cup: Agreed, you may proceed.
- Yin/Laughing Cup: Disagreed or question unclear. Rephrase or come back another day.
Step 6: Draw the Stick
Shake the cylinder gently. Let one stick fall out naturally. Maintain a calm mind; do not pick deliberately.
Step 7: Confirm the Stick (Crucial Step)
This is where most people get stuck. Holding the stick, ask: “Is this stick number [X] the one you intend for me?”
- Three consecutive Divine Cups are required for confirmation.
- If you get a Laughing or Yin Cup, put the stick back and repeat Step 6.
Step 8: Retrieve & Interpret
Once confirmed, go to the cabinet to get the poetry slip. Read it yourself first, then ask temple staff for assistance to interpret it in context.
Chapter 4: Which Stick Counts? Expert Advice
The most common confusion: “Which stick counts? Is it the first one that falls out?” According to temple experts:
4.1 Core Principle: Divine Confirmation is Key
It does not matter which stick falls first; what matters is whether it gets confirmed by the deity. Even if a stick falls out, if the moon blocks say “No,” it doesn’t count.
4.2 The “San Sheng Jiao” Rule (Three Sacred Cups)
This is the strictest standard for Chinese fortune sticks:
- First confirmation: “Is this stick for me?” → Divine Cup
- Second confirmation: “If yes, please grant another Divine Cup.” → Divine Cup
- Third confirmation: “Please grant a final Divine Cup to confirm.” → Divine Cup
Note: If any Yin or Laughing Cup appears in between, the stick is invalid. You must put it back, shuffle (“wash”) the sticks, and draw again.
4.3 The Importance of “Washing” Sticks
Experts emphasize “washing” the sticks before redrawing. Lift the whole bundle and twist them back down (like a bamboo-copter). This clears the aura of previous users and resets the selection.
Chapter 5: On-Site Tips & Tricks
5.1 Preparation While Waiting
Give the Deity Time: After offering incense, wait about 15 minutes. It’s like waiting for a clerk to find your file; the deity needs time to look up your case.
5.2 Operational Tips
- Purify Blocks: Pass the temple’s moon blocks over the incense burner three times to purify them before use.
- Re-state Data: Before tossing blocks, since time has passed, briefly state your name and question again to ensure the deity knows who is asking.
- Environment: Find the drawing area and check the instructions on the cylinder. If crowded, wait patiently.
Video Guide: How to correctly perform the ritual in a Taiwanese temple.
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting & Common Issues
6.1 Consecutive Laughing Cups?
This means the deity is “smiling without answering.” Possible reasons:
- The question is unclear, or the deity thinks it’s not a problem.
- You already know the answer but seek validation.
- The timing isn’t right.
Solution: Rephrase your question to be more specific, or ask “Is it unsuitable for me to ask for a stick now?”
6.2 Can’t Get a Divine Cup?
If you’ve drawn many sticks and none get confirmed, maybe the deity doesn’t want to answer via a stick. Suggestion:
- Switch to asking Yes/No questions directly with moon blocks.
- Take a break and come back another day.
- Check if you have unfulfilled vows.
6.3 What if I Get a “Bad” Omen Stick?
Don’t panic! Chinese fortune sticks are warnings, not sentences. A bad omen usually means “current timing is bad, better to stay put.”
- Positive Thinking: Thank the deity for the warning so you can avoid danger.
- Do Good Deeds: Accumulate good karma to resolve disasters.
- Burn the Stick: Some customs involve burning the bad slip with spirit money to “send away bad luck.”
Chapter 7: Asking Specific Questions
7.1 Career & Work
Good Question: “Is it suitable for me to take the job at Company A?” or “Is this year good for starting a business?”
Bad Question: “When will I be rich?” (Too vague)
7.2 Love & Marriage
Good Question: “Is [Name] my true destiny?” or “Is there a chance for marriage this year?”
Note: Do not ask about others’ privacy or subjective questions like “Does he love me?”
7.3 Health
Good Question: “Is this surgery option suitable for me?”
Important: Always prioritize professional medical advice. Fortune sticks are for spiritual peace, not diagnosis.
Chapter 8: Taboos & Precautions
- Taboo 1: Asking Twice. Don’t ask the same question twice; it shows distrust.
- Taboo 2: Immoral Questions. Deities won’t help with bad deeds.
- Taboo 3: Emotional Instability. An unsettled mind leads to inaccurate results.
- Taboo 4: Unclear Proxy. If asking for family, clearly state their details.
- Taboo 5: Discarding the Slip. Treat the slip respectfully; do not throw it away casually.
Chapter 9: Practical Checklist
✅ Before Going
- Check temple hours.
- Prepare offerings and change.
- Formulate a specific question (write it down).
✅ At the Temple
- Place offerings, light incense.
- Wait 15 minutes.
- Ask permission to draw (1 Divine Cup).
- Draw a stick.
- Confirm stick number (3 Divine Cups).
- Retrieve paper slip.
✅ After Leaving
- Interpret rationally.
- Return to give thanks if the wish comes true.
Chapter 10: FAQ
The process involves two main methods: a simple 4-step guide (Prepare, Announce, Draw, Confirm) and a complete 8-step SOP (Buy offerings, Place offerings, Pray, Offer incense, Ask for permission, Draw a stick, Confirm with blocks, Retrieve & Interpret). Sincerity and proper confirmation with moon blocks are key.
According to traditional temple customs, it’s not about ‘which number’ stick falls out first, but ‘which stick gets confirmed’. You must obtain three consecutive ‘Divine Cups’ (Sheng Jiao) with moon blocks to confirm that the stick represents the deity’s will. If you get a Laughing or Yin cup, you must redraw.
Common taboos include: Avoid asking during late hours or emotional instability; never ask immoral or harmful questions; do not ask the same question twice (distrust); women during menstruation might want to avoid touching ritual items depending on temple rules. Always approach the oracle with a rational and open mind.
Questions must be specific and clear, preferably in a ‘Yes/No’ format or asking for guidance on a specific path. Set a clear timeframe (e.g., within this year). Example: ‘Is it suitable for me to switch to Company A?’ rather than ‘How is my career luck?’.
Yes. But you must state clearly: “Disciple [Your Name] is asking on behalf of [Their Name],” and provide their birth date and address details. Immediate family members usually yield better accuracy.
Conclusion
The process of using Chinese fortune sticks is essentially a dialogue with oneself and a way to clarify thoughts. Through the rigorous steps, our minds calm down, allowing divine wisdom to enter. Regardless of the result, it is a compass for direction, not an unchangeable fate.
Remember the expert advice: Patience in confirmation, sincerity makes it effective. May you find wisdom and answers at your life’s crossroads through this ancient ritual.