Page:Chinese Life in the Tibetan Foothills.djvu/143

Rh A vegetable knife, scales, three pairs of chopsticks, one charm, one sorcerer's tablet called a shih tao (師刀) or master's knife, are collected. The tablet and charm are the property of the sorcerer, while the other things belong to the family. These things the sorcerer gathers together in one hand, swings them round his head, and drops them behind his back; and then all the persons gather round and listen to the reading of the omens of these articles as they lie on the floor and give indications as to the outcome of the sickness. If the three pairs of chopsticks lie in order, recovery is considered to be probable. These chopsticks are spoken of as the lu ma (祿馬), emolument horses; if lying in order it means the patient will need them and use them.

The scissors in this affair are known as the chu ch‘üeh (朱雀), or red bird. Birds are all reckoned unlucky because their beaks are pointed, but birds with red patches or red beaks are much more so, and make trouble or even death in the family. The vegetable knife is spoken of as the white tiger (白虎). If the sharp edge of this knife should lie near the rope handle of the scales, it is reckoned to be a very unpropitious omen; as white is the sign of mourning and the tiger is the most ravenous of wild beasts. The scales are reckoned to be the sick man's body, and whatever falls near this is reckoned to be falling near the sick man himself. If the ling p‘ai (令牌) or charm falls near the scales it is an indication that the spirits are protecting. The writing inside the tablet is said to be the Pearly Emperor's name. The arm jutting out with the three crosses is said to be the three pure ones, who are believed to be peculiarly fitted for the work of frightening away demons.

The next proceeding is fên kua (分卦), to read the diagrams. These are made of two pieces of bamboo which fit closely and exactly together. The two parts are thrown into the air; if the two flattened sides fall with their faces to the ground, that is called yin kua (陰卦), female diagram; if the flat sides face upwards that is called a yang kua (陽卦), male diagram; if one flat and one round side lie upwards that is called a shên kua (神卦), spirit diagram. The female diagram is reckoned very unlucky, while the male and spirit