Moon blocks or jiaobei, also poe, are wooden divinationtools originating from China, which are used in pairs and thrown to answer a yes or no question. They are made out of wood or bamboo and carved into a crescent shape. A pair of clam shells can also be used. Each block is round on one side and flat on the other. It is one of the more commonly used items found in Chinese traditional religion and are used in temples and home shrines along with fortune sticks, both of which are often used together when requesting an answer from the gods.
Practice
Moon blocks can be used separately to receive a straightforward answer, or they are accompanied by fortune sticks to clarify an oracle. When used alone, moon blocks are first purified by revolving the blocks around the incense burner three times. The querent then kneels and says their name, date of birth, residence, and question while cupping the blocks between their hands in prayer. After the querent poses the question to the gods, the blocks are dropped to the floor and land in a specific position. There are four possible answers that the moon blocks can produce:
Shèngjiǎo : One block flat and another block round is a 'yes' answer.
Nùjiǎo also kūjiao : Both blocks round is a 'no' answer. It is said that the gods are displeased by the question, and this is shown in the way the blocks directly fall flat on the floor.
Xiàojiǎo : Both blocks flat have different interpretations; either it can be an emphasized 'no' answer and a sign that the gods are laughing at the question, or that they are laughing because the querent should know the answer, or that the answer to the question is obvious. One characteristic of this answer is when the blocks swayback and forth when dropped, a symbolic show of laughter.
Lìjiǎo : One or both blocks fall but stand erect on the floor indicate that the deities do not understand the referent's question, therefore the question is nullified and the procedure must be repeated.
When used alone without the fortune sticks, the blocks are thrown three times in order to maintain accuracy of the deity's answer, a successful answer usually being three consecutive throws showing shèngjiǎo, or best two out of three throws.
Usages
Aside from questioning the deities on mundane affairs, moon blocks are also used to verify a range of issues, such as proper ritual protocol, spiritual presence of the gods or if they have eaten the offerings presented to them.
