Eastern cultures have been worshipping Kwan Yin, Kuan Yin, Quan Yin, Kannon, and Guan Yin, as the Most Compassionate Goddess of Mercy.

She was immediately connected to the worship of Virgin Mary (when Christianity was introduced into Asia), as she is the embodiment of Compassion, a motherly figure said to bestow children on the faithful, protect those at sea, protect all children and be there for anyone in need of her compassion and love.

Kwan Yin is said to hear all prayers. The name Kuan Shih Yin literally means "The one who observes, watches and hears the cries of the world".

Legend says Kuan Yin was originally a princess who forsook marriage, and lived her saintly life in a convent, against her father (the King’s) will.

She became a Buddhist Bodhisattva (a mortal who has achieved enlightenment and earned the right to enter Heaven or Nirvana).

It is said that as she approached the gates of Heaven, she heard a cry for help, turned immediately back, and vowed that she would stay on Earth to do all she could to ease our suffering.

She vowed she would not enter Heaven until everyone all could go with her.

In sheer numbers of humanity, Kwan Yin is the most venerated Goddess of all. She is revered by all Chinese (over 2 billion people), most Japanese, and all Buddhists everywhere, due to her unconditional love, compassion and mercy.

She is generally regarded by many as the protector of women and children. By this association she is also seen as a fertility goddess capable of granting children. She is also seen as the champion of the unfortunate, the sick, the disabled, the poor, and those in trouble.

The maritime people of China regard her as the protector of fisherman, sailors and generally people who are out at sea. Recently she has been called a sort of Asian St. Christopher, as the protector of air travellers.

Chinese business people and traders venerate her as a Goddess of Luck and Fortune, as well as anyone who believes in her.

Centuries ago, enlightened Buddhist monks wrote 100 verses that they attribute to their meditations on Kwan Yin, and believe these actually came from her by inspiration.

These form the basis of an oracle that is consulted with great regularity in Asian culture. In a bamboo cup, 100 numbered slivers of bamboo are shaken until one falls out. This number corresponds to one of the 100 poems of Kwan Yin, and reveals wise counsel and advice on your problems and necessary action you should take.

A Buddhist priest can interpret them for you, or as the poems are so exact, you can interpret them for yourself. The experience is quite calming and reassuring.

One does not have to be a Buddhist to consult Kwan Yin and her Oracle, and if you believe in the Tarot, Astrology or other forms of divination, you will find the Oracle of Kwan Yin very helpful and enlightening.