OverviewWong Tai Sin Sign 37
- Name
- Wang Xizhi Goes Fishing
- Grade
- Very Good
- Use
- Start with the poem and story, then choose the life topic that matches your question.
Sign 37
Wong Tai Sin Sign 37 · Wang Xizhi Goes Fishing
王羲之釣魚
Under the autumn moon fishing is a pleasure, For the perches here are big and delicious.
Come and fill your cup with my homemade wine, Drink to our friendship, dear friend of mine.
Traditional fortune poem
Wang Xizhi Goes Fishing
Wang Xizhi lived in 4th-century China and remains the most celebrated calligrapher in Chinese history. His flowing brush strokes basically defined what beautiful Chinese writing should look like for the next 1,600 years. But here's what makes this story interesting — despite being incredibly talented and holding high government positions, Wang Xizhi chose to retire early from court life. He spent his later years enjoying simple pleasures: practicing calligraphy, hosting friends, and yes, fishing under moonlight. The fishing scene represents his philosophy that true success means knowing when you have enough. Wang Xizhi could have climbed higher in politics, accumulated more wealth, gained more fame. Instead, he chose contentment. He'd rather catch fish with friends and share homemade wine than chase endless ambitions. This wasn't about being lazy or giving up — it was about recognizing that life's best rewards often come from appreciating what you already have.
Six Short Readings
Career
Wang Xizhi did not abandon his brushes when he went out to fish under the autumn moon; he trusted that the work he had already done was steeping somewhere beneath the surface.READLove
Wang Xizhi by the river, line in the water, wine cup ready for whoever wanders past — that's the figure this stick puts in front of you, and it's worth sitting with for a moment.READHealth
Wang Xizhi could have spent every autumn night perfecting another brushstroke.READStudy
Wang Xizhi by the river, line in the water, autumn moon overhead — this is the calligrapher who burned his own drafts when they failed him, now letting himself catch a fish and pour a cup of wine.READFamily
Wang Xizhi could have spent every hour chasing rank at court.READThe whole situation
Wang Xizhi could have stayed at court, climbed another rank, signed his name on more decrees.READ
Wang Xizhi did not abandon his brushes when he went out to fish under the autumn moon; he trusted that the work he had already done was steeping somewhere beneath the surface.READLove
Wang Xizhi by the river, line in the water, wine cup ready for whoever wanders past — that's the figure this stick puts in front of you, and it's worth sitting with for a moment.READHealth
Wang Xizhi could have spent every autumn night perfecting another brushstroke.READStudy
Wang Xizhi by the river, line in the water, autumn moon overhead — this is the calligrapher who burned his own drafts when they failed him, now letting himself catch a fish and pour a cup of wine.READFamily
Wang Xizhi could have spent every hour chasing rank at court.READThe whole situation
Wang Xizhi could have stayed at court, climbed another rank, signed his name on more decrees.READ