Detailed Introduction
Kneeling before the altar with something weighing on your mind, the pair of crescent-shaped red blocks in your hands becomes your direct line to the deity. These half-moon wooden blocks -- jiaobei, or divination moon blocks -- let worshippers hold a simple "yes or no" conversation with the gods. Taiwanese people have been doing this for centuries, and it remains one of the most everyday sights in any temple.
Shape and Material
A pair of blocks: one side flat (the yang side), one side rounded (the yin side). Most are carved from wood or bamboo, though some temples use plastic. The more particular temples choose fine woods like sandalwood or camphor, consecrated through a blessing ceremony before they can truly "reach" the deity.
Getting Ready
Don't rush to throw. First raise the blocks above the main incense burner and circle them clockwise three times -- this is called "passing over the censer," letting the blocks soak up the energy of the incense smoke. Only after this purification do they gain the power to communicate. Some worshippers cup the blocks between their palms and rub them gently, like greeting the deity.
Stating Your Case and Asking
Kneeling or standing, the first thing you do is report your "name and details": your full name, lunar birthday, and home address, so the deity knows who is asking. Your question must be a yes-or-no one -- "This humble devotee asks: is this job right for me?" Make it clear and specific, never vague, and ask only one thing at a time.
How to Cast
Cup the blocks at chest height with both hands, then let them drop naturally and bounce on the floor. Don't hurl them down hard -- the deity wants sincerity, not force.
Reading the Answer
- Holy block (sheng jiao, one flat and one raised): the deity nods -- yes, agreed. Usually three holy blocks in a row are needed to count. For major matters like dividing a deity's spirit to a new temple or building one, you may need seven or even twelve consecutive holy blocks before the deity gives way.
- Laughing block (xiao jiao, both flat sides up): both faces up, as if the deity is smiling but not answering. Perhaps your question wasn't clear enough, the timing isn't right, or the deity finds it a little amusing. Rethink it and cast again.
- Negative block (yin jiao, both rounded sides up): both faces down -- the deity shakes its head. No. Don't stubbornly keep asking the same thing; approach it from another angle, or come back another day.
Standing Block (A Miracle)
Every so often, the whole temple holds its breath: a block lands and stands upright without toppling. This is a "standing block," rare enough to be counted a miracle, usually meaning the deity has something especially important to say. If it happens, don't interpret it yourself -- ask temple staff for help, and you may need to draw a fortune stick to understand the message fully.
Things to Remember
- Don't cast more than three times for the same question; asking too often is seen as disrespecting the deity's will.
- Always offer incense and state your case before casting -- otherwise those blocks are just two ordinary pieces of wood with no power at all.
- Once you've received the deity's answer, step forward and bow three times in thanks.
- Some temples now offer "online jiaobei" apps, but most older devotees still believe the block you cast in person, standing before the deity, is the one that truly works.