OHM's September BOTM
OHM's latest BOTM is now here!!
September's offering is called 'Chi Chi Sticks', and are inspired by Chinese fortune telling. Kau Cim, Kau Chim or Lottery poetry is a fortune telling practice that originated in China in which the querent (person asking the question) requests answers from a sacred oracle lot. The practice is often performed in a Taoist or Buddhist temple in front of an altar. Kau Cim is often referred to as Chien Tung or Chinese Fortune Sticks by westerners. In the USA, a version has been sold since 1915 under the name Chi Chi Sticks. Kau Cim is also sometimes known as "The Oracle of Kuan Yin" in Buddhist traditions.
The prediction begins with the cup storing a number of the sticks. After the querent has finished their devotions to the main deity, the querent purifies the cylinder by revolving it around the incense burner three times and mixing the sticks by hand. The querent kneels in prayer, holding the cup between their palms and asking their question to the deity, either aloud or by whispering. This part needs to be done decisively as one should not shift questions or hesitate on the question in the middle of the rite. The shaking of the cylinder, which is usually tipped slightly downward, results in at least one stick leaving the cylinder and being dropped onto the floor. In most cases, if multiple sticks leave the cylinder, those fortunes do not count and must be shaken again. Each stick, with its designated number, represents one answer.
When a single stick falls out, the number will correspond to one of the hundred written oracles with an answer on it. The writing on the piece of paper will provide an answer to the question.
In OHM's interpretation, the bead only has one stick inside which has a phrase written in one of many languages (don't worry though there is a translation in the tube). However, in the packaging, a rather beautiful wooden cylinder, there are several Chi Chi sticks to which you can write your own fortunes and advice for guidance. This is a lovely touch to what is an already beautifully designed item.
Once again OHM have put an incredible amount of detail into their BOTM, both bead and packaging, and as always we can't wait to see what they come up with next.
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