How can reminders from red and black chess pieces be used in personal practice?

Piece meanings can remind us what to adjust when facing situations. I discuss change through the red cannon, thinking and planning through the black advisor, an open and less attached heart through the black chariot, and human effort through the red soldier. More than guessing good or bad, ask whether you are too stubborn, have thought clearly and have done what needs doing.

In a card draw discussing Zhong Kui and opening ghost gates, I reminded people to remain cheerful, build good connections and work earnestly. In a separate year-end outlook, I discussed giving and effort through Master Ji Gong’s joy and ease. These were different occasions addressing particular questions, not a complete table linking every piece with a deity.

The black general’s guiding verse is “Keep the heart on the Dao firm; remember your original intention. Everything has a source; understanding lies within.” In difficulty, examine direction and roots, remembering why you began. Yet such reminders must fit the question and piece combination. The same piece does not give everyone an identical destiny.

Once a girl asked about her deceased mother and drew five pieces including both generals. Under the method taught then, we stopped drawing. The central main piece was a red cannon, interpreted as cultivation. From faith I told her her mother was practicing, reassuring her. Describing that reading as short and centered on one point referred to that occasion. Question, main piece and combination still matter; one piece cannot determine the same answer for all the deceased.

I also use card draws to remind people to settle, remain rational and then decide actions. These approaches can enter everyday practice, but explanations of that day’s wider circumstances belong to that time. A draw from a past year or day is not everyone’s present annual fortune.

Complete definitions require formal materials and guided teaching, not assuming a few shared passages complete the rules. After understanding a reminder, facing events, interacting and acting remain your own work.