This in-depth eight-card layout shows various aspects of your personal journey. It is good for exploring generalised personal questions, but can also be used to explore relationships if the couple is viewed as a whole.
This layout progresses through eight stages similar to the tarot deck's Major Arcana, beginning with birth and the realm of fertility. After birth comes the initial growth which leads to a period of adaptation, change, and re-balancing oneself. Once the process has grown enough, security comes into focus, as it is necessary to protect what has been earned. After this, once again growth is important, but concerning the mind and creativitity this time, leading to another phase of personal changes. Finally upon completion of the journey, the rewards become evident, and beyond that, one's spiritual development level will have noticeably risen.
| Matters of Completion, Rewards and Luck.  Summer |
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Matters of Change and Metamorphosis. North Wind |
Matters of Inner Strength and Spiritual Guidance. Bamboo 1 |
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Matters of Learning, Art and Creativity. Wan 9 |
Matters of Beginnings, fertility and birth. Winter |
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Matters of Protection and Defense. West Wind |
Matters of Growth, Flow and Energy. Orchid |
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Matters of Changes, Polarities and Balance. Wan 8 |
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Matters of Beginnings, fertility and birth.
The Scholar represents the cultured mind, prudence, and spiritual development. Some think of this tile more specifically as Confucius. This is the sign of refinement of the intellect and the mastery of intellectually oriented tasks.
The Orchid represents refinement, luxury, and the attainment of rare and precious things. Enjoy these times, but be careful not to give it to excess.
The Knot tile stands for both tying and setting loose. If this tile appears in the reading with the Sword tile (2 Wan), it suggests that the time to sever your connection to someone or something has arrived. However, if the Duck tile (2 Bamboo) is in this reading, this indicates the strengthening of an existing bond.
The West Wind tile signifies some kind of obstacle blocking your path that must be overcome before you can make true progress.
White, autumn, metal, tiger
The Heaven tile signifies achievement, completion, and fulfilment. It suggests perfect contentment and a time you can be free to kick back and feast upon the fruits of your labours.
The North Wind tile warns that you may hit a rough patch in your journey. Be watchful and you can navigate this bump in the road without losing much. If the South Wind is also present, this tile will be nullified.
Black, winter, water, tortoise
The Woodcutter represents success through activity. The woodcutter puts Fire, Wood and Metal to work for him in his craft. He represents skilled labour, ambition, and creativity.
The first tile of the mah-jong set represents success in general. At the same time the "peacock" also warns that success can lead to egotism and arrogance. A positive change in your life path is foretold.