Stick #68: At the End of One's Resources (Unfavorable)
山穷水尽疑无路，绝境之中莫放弃。坚持再走三五步，往往林尽见清溪。
Plain reading
Mountains end and waters fail — the road seems gone. Yet walk three or five steps more; often beyond the trees a clear stream appears.
Interpretation
This is an unfavorable lot titled "At the End of One's Resources." The path seems exhausted — yet "walk three or five steps more and often beyond the grove lies a clear brook" shows the turn often waits at the final stretch. Though the lot is unfavorable, it hides the chance of "willows dark, flowers bright."
Situation notes
- Career: No path seems open — send ten more applications; one interview may come.
- Relationships: Love seems at its end — ask once more "what can we still do"; a thread may remain.
- Wealth: Income seems cut — cut spending once more, seek one side job — life may continue.
Common misread
Auspicious tiers (such as Unfavorable) are tone, not a verdict. Name one action you control before redrawing.
Advice
When you think there is no road, try three different methods, ask three people, wait three days — many turns appear after "just one more try."
From Lu You's "Visiting Shanxi Village": "Mountains multiply, streams double, I doubt there is a road; willows darken, flowers brighten, another village appears" — the poet found change at the dead end; do not quit at the last steps.
Related sticks
- Stick #67: Surrounded on All Sides — neighboring lot for tone contrast
- Stick #69: No Way Out — neighboring lot for tone contrast
Editorial note: entertainment and cultural reference. Source last revised: 2026-09-14. See Methodology and fortune stick guide.