"Wealth", "health" and "study" are the wishes people ask about most. The table below gives a primary and a secondary recommendation following folk tradition; the links go straight to the matching category on the official WoTangKa site. The same deity carries a slightly different emphasis in different situations.
HealthHealth · averting harm, extending life
Family well-being and recovery as wished
Primary Medicine Buddha·Also consider Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life / White Tara
The Medicine Buddha’s original vow is to avert disaster, extend life and heal suffering. When wishing an elder good health, folk practice most often turns to the Three Long-life Deities (Amitayus, Ushnishavijaya and White Tara).
WisdomWisdom · Study · Exams
Study, further education, clear thinking and decisions
Primary Manjushri Bodhisattva·Also consider Akashagarbha Bodhisattva
Manjushri governs wisdom and is teacher to the seven buddhas; he is the most common choice for study and exams. Akasagarbha is known for "wisdom vast as space, memory and merit", and is also often chosen by those preparing for exams or further study.
WealthWealth · Career · Business
Opening and running a business, advancing a career
Primary Vaishravana·Also consider Yellow Jambhala
Vaishravana is the Northern Guardian King, keeper of the treasury and protector of rightful livelihood, and the most widely venerated in Tibet. Yellow Jambhala heads the five Jambhalas and governs increase in legitimate wealth - often invoked when opening a business.
PurityAverting harm and clearing obstacles · peace of mind
Clearing troubles, sweeping away obstacles, seeking peace of mind
Primary Vajrasattva·Also consider Green Tara / Thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara
Vajrasattva is the deity of purification in tantric practice, invoked for confession and the clearing of karmic obstacles. Green Tara, swift to rescue, and Avalokiteshvara, who answers every plea from a thousand places, are both commonly invoked for protection from harm.
AffinityMarriage · Harmony · Family
Smooth relationships, a harmonious household
Primary Green Tara·Also consider Four-armed Avalokiteshvara / Maitreya Buddha
Green Tara is the deity of rescue, often invoked for good connections and harmonious relationships; Maitreya, forever smiling, carries the meaning of harmony giving rise to joy.
GuardGuarding the home · warding off harm
Moving into a new home, protecting a company
Primary Six-armed Mahakala·Also consider Acala, the Immovable One / Yamantaka
Mahakala is the most important wisdom protector in Tibetan Buddhism, upholding beings in his wrathful form; Acala holds his ground unmoving. Both are invoked to protect the home and one’s livelihood.