Cultural guide
Names and practices differ by temple and community. This article introduces cultural practices; it is not official guidance from a temple.
What are Jiaobei (Chinese moon blocks)?
Jiaobei, often called moon blocks or divination blocks in English, are a pair of curved objects used in Chinese folk religious traditions. A participant poses a question that can be answered with yes or no, then interprets the arrangement of their flat and curved sides after a cast.
Read article ↗GUIDE · 02Sacred, laughing, or negative blocks: what do the results mean?
Three combinations are widely recognized in Jiaobei casting: one flat and one rounded side up is often a sacred (affirmative) result; both flat sides up is laughing (not a clear answer); both rounded sides up is negative (often read as no). Temple and regional interpretations can differ.
Read article ↗GUIDE · 03How does traditional Jiaobei casting work?
A common sequence is to prepare one clear yes-or-no question, follow the setting’s appropriate customs, hold the two blocks together, cast them gently, and interpret the way their flat and curved sides land. Follow the instructions of the temple you are visiting.
Read article ↗GUIDE · 04What is the connection between Jiaobei and fortune sticks?
Fortune-stick drawing and Jiaobei casting are related but distinct traditions. A numbered stick points to a corresponding poem or reading. At some temples, moon blocks are then used to confirm a drawn stick. The required sequence and number of confirmations are not universal.
Read article ↗GUIDE · 05Online Jiaobei vs. casting at a temple: what changes?
An online Jiaobei experience simulates casting with software-generated random results and can help people learn basic concepts. At a temple, the physical act belongs to a specific religious and social setting with local customs. An app cannot replace that setting or speak for a temple.
Read article ↗Jiaobei app results are random and cannot predict the future. Buying Pro does not affect the outcome.