A new person on the block... and about methods

[eubie]

Hello everyone,

The I Ching has been something that has fascinated me for getting on for 20 years, and although my use of the oracle hasn't been what you might call constant or extensive, I find now that I'm using it increasingly (though I try to ensure I never overdo it!)

I followed Hilary's recommendation of buying Stephen Karcher's book "How To Use The I Ching" and find that really brilliant. I find the language a lot more positive and somehow relevent than the Wilhelm version I have used for so long - perhaps I find the social relationships somehow obscure the message. I intend (when finances allow!) to buy the complete Karcher translation of the oracle and if I'm feeling extra well off (I am expecting a tax rebate!) will possibly buy Master Huang's too.

Now I want to mention methods. I like Hilary's 'two coin' method very much, but personally like to use a 'ritualistic' method. I was interested in how the yarrow stalk method worked, and by way of trying it out found that I could take a normal pack of cards, take 50 of them, put one to the side and work from there by cutting the deck before counting out the fours. In fact that worked so well, that I have continued to use the cards to do my readings.

Of course, there are bound to be as many methods are there are people using the oracle, since use of the book is such a personal thing. And that's what I love so much about it.

Anyway, that's all for now... this is a really marvellous site, and just seems to get better all the time. Well done Hilary.

Euan

 

[candid]

Welcome Euan!

 

[lindsay]

Dear Euan,

I also think Karcher?s ?How To? book is a better handbook for everyday divination than the venerable Wilhelm translation. But don?t throw away your copy of Wilhelm yet ? you may want it later. He gives you a better flavor of the traditional Chinese Yi than Karcher does, and Karcher is more interested in resonant imagery than abstract philosophy. Also, be aware that Huang is very Chinese in his approach. Many people like his book, but he lacks (IMHO) psychological insight. For that you might enjoy looking at Sarah Dening?s little book. ?She?s so simple to read and easy to understand, how can she be any good?? some of my friends say. But like the old Taoists, Dening somehow does without doing. Not that she?s at all mystical, she?s just plain right on target much of the time. Not bad for a one-size-fits-all commentary. Her remarks usually fit me a lot better than these bargain socks I bought last week.

I really like your idea of using a deck of cards instead of sticks. It?s the kind of idea you wonder why you didn?t think of yourself, simple enough to be a classic. Thank you very much for sharing it.

Lindsay