How to use the Beast in the Classic of Mountains and Seas Tarot?
The Origins of the Four Divine Beasts
In ancient star worship traditions, the stars in the sky, as observed from Earth, were divided into four distinct regions known as the "Four Symbols." Depending on their arrangement, they formed different patterns, each corresponding to a mythical figure: in the East, a dragon（Qing Long）; in the West, a white tiger（Bai Hu）; in the South, a large bird (the Zhu Que); and in the North, a tortoise-snake hybrid (Xuan Wu). As the Earth orbits the Sun, the star patterns change with the seasons. Each season corresponds with the appearance of one of these beasts: the Qing Long （Azure Dragon） in winter-spring, the Zhu Que（Vermilion Bird） in spring-summer, the Bai Hu（ White Tiger） in summer-autumn, and the Xuan Wu（ Black Tortoise） in autumn-winter, collectively known as the "Four Divine Beasts."
Later, with the rise of Taoism in the East, these four beasts, due to their unique astrological features, became ideal for divination, direction marking, and assigning attributes. Over time, various formations based on the Four Divine Beasts emerged, giving them the symbolic meaning of protective deities, a conclusion drawn after thousands of years of ancestral testing.
The Meanings of the Four Divine Beasts
Qing Long（Azure Dragon）
The Qing Long is a wood-element beast, the god of spring, symbolizing vibrant vitality, emotional outbursts, and renewal. Positioned in the East, where the sun rises, it represents hope, rebirth, and new beginnings. The inscriptions on the base of our bronze beast use the ancient script known as Jinwen (The literal meaning can be understood as "the text inscribed on ritual vessels (such as ding) used for blessings." The history is from around the 13th century BCE) with characters conveying hope and renewal.
(If you receive the Qing Long, you should place it at the left of your spread, ideally copying the inscriptions on the base onto a clean white sheet or stamping it with red ink while silently contemplating your question. Place the paper under the beast before drawing the cards.)
Bai Hu(White Tiger)
The Bai Hu is a metal-element beast, the god of autumn, symbolizing harvest, maturity, and wealth. Positioned in the West, the Bai Hu was often carved on military equipment, representing bravery. People believed that this masculine energy could protect homes and ward off evil spirits. The inscriptions on the base of our bronze beast use Xiaozhuan (Small Seal Script, from the 8th century CE) with characters related to autumn, harvest, and wealth.
(If you receive the Bai Hu, you should place it at the Right of your spread, copying the inscriptions on a clean white sheet or stamping it with red ink while silently contemplating your question, and then place the paper under the beast before drawing the cards.)
Zhu Que (Vermilion Bird)
The Zhu Que is a fire-element beast, the god of summer, symbolizing the sun, brightness, and strong vitality. Positioned in the South, the Zhu Que represents the sun, and many ancient tribes evolved totems from this bird, which was also known as the Sun God Bird (found in the San Xing Dui site from around 2000 BCE). The Zhu Que also symbolizes the prosperity of a nation. The inscriptions on the base of our bronze beast use Dazhuan (Large Seal Script, from 872 BCE) with characters related to brightness and vitality.
(If you receive the Zhu Que , you should place it at the bottom of your spread, copying the inscriptions on a clean white sheet or stamping it with red ink while silently contemplating your question, and then place the paper under the beast before drawing the cards.)
Xuan Wu（Black Tortoise）
The Xuan Wu is a water-element beast, the god of winter, symbolizing longevity, health, and wisdom. Positioned in the North, the Xuan Wu is a combination of a tortoise and a snake; the snake shedding its skin symbolizes rebirth, while the tortoise is a long-lived creature, making the Xuan Wu a symbol of enduring vitality. The inscriptions on the base of our bronze beast use Jinwen with characters related to longevity, health, and wisdom.
(If you receive the Xuan Wu, you should place it at the top of your spread, copying the inscriptions on a clean white sheet or stamping it with red ink while silently contemplating your question, and then place the paper under the beast before drawing the cards.)
Why Use Bronze?
Bronze is a material with a long history, known for its excellent corrosion resistance and the ability to develop a unique patina through oxidation. Many ancient statues in the East were cast from this material.
In traditions, people believe in handling specific auspicious items to create more interaction with the body’s magnetic field, endowing the item with a unique spirituality. Over time, they develop a distinctive luster. You can frequently rub the beast in your palm, and if possible, apply a small amount of essential oil to your hands. Over time, your beast will develop a beautiful, vintage sheen.
