The essence of mysterious Chinese culture—designed to help you ward off misfortune and avoid calamity. It is simple and easy to use, allowing you to practice it yourself at home, anytime, anywhere.

A mysterious Chinese object used to consult the gods.

The *Shengbei* (also known as *Jiaobei* or *Beijiao*) is a traditional tool used for communicating with deities and divining fortune. It consists of two crescent-shaped pieces of wood or bamboo, each with one flat side (representing *Yang*) and one convex side (representing *Yin*). Interpreting the divine will requires considering the specific casting method, the number of attempts, and the combination of flat and convex sides facing up after the pieces land.

I. Casting Method and Procedure

1. Preparation and Petition: Before casting, one must cleanse one's hands, burn incense, and bow respectfully to the deity. Hold the two pieces together in your hands and circle them clockwise three times over the incense burner (to invite the deity's presence). Clearly state your name, date of birth, address, and the matter at hand (ask about only one issue at a time).

2. Casting Action: Gently toss (or lightly throw upwards) the pieces onto the ground and allow them to settle naturally; do not manipulate them or slam them down forcefully.

3. Number of Casts: Generally, a single cast suffices. However, for important matters, it is customary to cast three times consecutively or to continue until "three consecutive *Shengbei*" (three affirmative results) are obtained to ensure certainty.

II. Meanings of the Landing Results (Interpreting Combinations)

*Shengbei* (One *Yin* and One *Yang*)
· Form: One flat side facing up and one convex side facing up (one flat, one convex).
· Meaning: Divine approval, consent, and great auspiciousness. It indicates that the requested matter is feasible and will proceed smoothly. A single *Shengbei* is sufficient for minor matters, whereas major events (such as weddings or significant decisions) require three consecutive *Shengbei* to confirm the deity's firm approval.

*Xiaobei* / "Laughing Cup" (Two *Yang* / Two Flat Sides)
· Form: Both flat sides facing up (two flat).
· Meaning: The deity smiles without answering; the decision is undecided, the statement was unclear, or the timing is not yet right. It indicates an unclear situation or that the answer is already determined and further questioning is unnecessary. One should rephrase the request, clarify the details, and cast again.

*Yinbei* (Two *Yin* / Two Convex Sides)
· Form: Both convex sides facing up (two convex).
· Meaning: Divine denial, disapproval, or an inauspicious omen. Indicates that the matter at hand cannot proceed or is meeting with obstacles, or that the deity is displeased; it signals a need to pause, cut losses, or seek guidance again.

Special Phenomenon (Upright Cup / Spinning Cup)
· Appearance: The cup remains upright without falling over, or spins continuously after landing.
· Meaning: A grave warning from the deity, implying domestic unrest, a major upheaval, or an extremely inauspicious omen; extreme caution is required. Note: *Shengbei* (divination cup) casting is a traditional folk custom; results are for reference only and should be viewed rationally in light of actual circumstances.