This is a specified relationship layout that uses nine tiles to analyse where a romantic relationship is at and where it is headed. The first tile shows where it is at now, and can be considered the significator. The second and third tiles determine where your partner stands and how it relates to where you are at personally.
Above the stem, the three-card base of the layout, a cup forms. Tiles #4 and #5 show each person's desires, meaning what they want to get out of this coupling. Above this, Tiles #6 and #7 show the challenge that this pairing presents to each individual. The final two tiles at the top form the rim of the cup, symbolic of the taste of the relationship to each person, which shows how things will turn out on each side.

The Future Outcome (To be read in tandem with the tile below)![]() East Wind |
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The Future Outcome (To be read in tandem with the tile above)![]() Winter |
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Challenges Which May Arise for You![]() Circles 2 |
Challenges Which May Arise for Your Lover![]() Summer |
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Desires in Relation to Your Question![]() Bamboo 9 |
Your Lover's Desires![]() Bamboo 3 |
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Nature of Your Issue![]() Wan 5 |
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Your Lover's Current Position![]() Bamboo 8 |
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The Current State of Things![]() Wan 4 |
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The Current State of Things
The Lute suggests that it would be a great time to take a vacation. Relaxation and a temporary disconnection from the duties of everyday life would be especially beneficial at this time. If you can't get away too long, at least take a break and meditate. The clarity will surprise you.
The Mushroom represents variety and uniqueness. It reminds that surprises can spring up anyplace at any time and leave lasting impressions. Persistence, progress, and regeneration are strong with this sign.
The House stands not for the family, but for the place of dwelling itself, its architecture and character. Depending upon your past, the house can represent a place of love and shelter or a place of confinement and torment.
The Willow stands for diplomacy and adaptability, especially regarding tough times and harsh environments. Strength and flexibility are traits of this sign, as the willow bends but will not break. This sign often foretells a need for compromise.
The Toad represents an ugly time that cannot pass soon enough for you. However, you will get through these troubling times soon and all will be well. Be careful not to bite off more than you can chew.
The Pine Tree symbolises firmness, strength, and resolve. It sometimes foretells of a powerful man with diplomatic talents, someone who knows exactly what he wants.
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 East Wind tile represents you. Tiles adjacent to the East tile in a reading should be given added weight.
Green, spring, wood, dragon
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.