Stick #64: Misfortunes Never Come Alone (Unfavorable)
屋漏偏逢连夜雨，祸不单行须忍之。先安内后图外事，熬过此关有转机。
Plain reading
When the roof leaks, the night rain follows — troubles arrive in chains. Settle what is within first, then face what is outside; endure this pass and change may come.
Interpretation
This is an unfavorable lot titled "Misfortunes Never Come Alone." Leak and storm together — harm arrives in sequence. "Settle within before outward plans; endure this pass for change" shows order in linked misfortune is itself a way through.
Situation notes
- Career: If unemployment meets family crisis, stabilize home first, then seek work.
- Relationships: If love and family both stir, align with your partner first.
- Wealth: If money is lost and new expenses hit, secure basic living before seeking income.
Common misread
Auspicious tiers (such as Unfavorable) are tone, not a verdict. Name one action you control before redrawing.
Advice
List every current problem; sort by "stop bleeding, then heal, then nourish." Solve only the most urgent one at a time. Ask family or trusted friends to share the load — do not carry all alone.
From Chen Lin's letter for Cao Hong: "Eclipse of sun and moon brings heaven's calamity" — in linked misfortune, ancient practice was to firm the root first; order brings passage.
Related sticks
- Stick #63: More Ill Than Good — neighboring lot for tone contrast
- Stick #65: Adding Frost to Snow — neighboring lot for tone contrast
Editorial note: entertainment and cultural reference. Source last revised: 2026-09-14. See Methodology and fortune stick guide.