Silver-Inlaid Sun Palace, Moon Manor, Six Stars, and Seven Stars Cup
| Material | Lightning-struck Jujube Wood |
| Dimensions | Diameter 4cm Height 9cm |
Sacred Cup Symbolism
| Lightning-struck Wood | Core material. Specifically refers to jujube wood that survived being struck by lightning. In Taoism and folk beliefs, it is believed to carry the "thunder energy," which is the most yang and potent, making it the preferred material for crafting high-level ritual implements. It possesses extremely strong protective and evil-repelling energy. |
| Sun Palace and Moon Mansion | Symbolizes the power of the sun and moon. Represents the balance of yin and yang and the regularity of heaven and earth's operation, bestowing the ritual implement with the authority to harmonize yin and yang and connect heaven and earth. |
| Six-Seven Stars | Refers to the Six Stars of the Southern Dipper and the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper. The Southern Dipper governs birth and longevity, while the Northern Dipper governs death and dispels calamities. Together, they symbolize control over life and death, fortune and misfortune, and the dispelling of calamities and resolution of difficulties. |
| Sacred Cups (Divination Blocks) | Usage. These are divination tools, crescent-shaped, with one flat side (yin) and one convex side (yang). Believers toss the cups to consult deities for good or ill fortune and for decisions. |
Usage
Interpretation of Divination Blocks: After tossing the sacred cups, there are three possible outcomes, each representing a different meaning:
● Sacred Cup (one flat, one convex): Indicates divine approval or agreement; things will go smoothly.
● Laughing Cup (two flat): Indicates the deity is undecided, or the questioner's query is unclear; a re-consultation is needed.
● Negative Cup (two convex): Indicates divine disapproval; this matter is not feasible or will not go smoothly.
Precautions
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Maintain Reverence: Before use, one should wash hands and burn incense, and before the deity, state one's name, birth date, and the matter being sought.
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Avoid Contamination: As a medium for communicating with deities, it should be kept away from cluttered or unclean places to maintain its spirituality.
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Material Aversion to Water: Lightning-struck wood should not be soaked in water for extended periods to prevent cracking or affecting the wood quality.