What Are Pou Khaunn?

Pou Khaunn (筊杯, also called jiaobei or "moon blocks") are a pair of crescent-shaped wooden or bamboo blocks used in Chaoshan (Teochew) and Minnan folk religion. Each block has two distinct sides:

• Yang (阳) — Flat face: The smooth, cut surface showing natural wood grain.
• Yin (阴) — Convex face: The rounded outer surface, lacquered in red with gold trim.

Purpose

People toss these blocks before a deity or ancestor altar to seek divine guidance — asking for permission, blessing, or answers to important life decisions. This ritual is central to temple visits, traditional ceremonies, and the qiu qian (求签) fortune-stick practice across Chaoshan, Fujian, and Taiwan.

Three Possible Results

How to Use

1. Clear your mind and silently state your question or wish (one question at a time).
2. Hold the pair of blocks in both hands, palms together.
3. Toss them gently onto the ground or altar cloth.
4. Interpret the result based on how they land.

Important Wish Rule (3 Sheng Rule)

For major life decisions, a single Sheng is not enough. Tradition requires three consecutive Sheng Bei for the deity's firm blessing. If a Xiao or Yin appears at any point, you must restart the streak.

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