Why is Clarity worth joining?

[hilary]

Yes, I am fishing shamelessly for compliments. I'm trying to encourage more people to join Clarity and the I Ching Community - it's trickier nowadays, with most people experiencing the online world through social media and/or AI, to explain the value of a forum. I'd love to have some quotable comments from happy members! (Un-quotable feedback welcome too, of course, any time.)

So...

• what's your favourite thing about being a member of the I Ching Community?
• if you were an I Ching beginner when you joined, how did that work for you?
• if you're an experienced user, why is it still worth being here?
• anything else you'd say to someone wondering whether to join?

Thanks!

 

[Azul77]

I like to belong to this forum because I find real stories of people and life, of their entanglements, doubts, events, decisions that are not so far from what can happen to me and that makes you connect and feel that you can come back, whenever you need to.
This meeting place to understand and learn the oracle is good, it is valuable for me. All the members bring their experiences and ideas so that in the end it is like a big library in which to internalise many good concepts.
I used to use Yi to try to make things happen... And here, in this forum, I have learned the opposite and what is very true, things are happening and questions are being asked, or at most you can ask for advice if you do such a thing...
I think it's worth to become a member of this forum, even when you think you know everything, new questions are always coming...

 

[Sparhawk]

"Why is Clarity worth joining?"​

For someone like me, that's a trick question and the answer is obvious: Why would you NOT join Clarity? There's no downside. There never was. Again, as someone like me, who knows Hilary from forums like Hex-8 and Midaughter, hailing from the mid to late 90's, before Clarity even existed (ahem, I even remember celebrating her 28th birthday in one of those forums, she was still a baby... ), the question sounds odd. I love that Clarity exists. It was needed at its inception--you are all lucky Hilary jumped at the opportunity to fill that vacuum because I was considering something similar at that time and even started a Clarity-like forum in Spanish that later died from lack of administrative time and neglect--, it is needed today and will be extremely necessary in the future. This is a refuge for people who, perhaps casually, encounters the Yi, finds it mildly interesting, starts reading about it and then suddenly have the epiphany that "Boy, that Yijing thing is a bottomless pit. Let me jump in!".

Clarity is a place where everyone, and I mean, EVERYONE, from newbies to seasoned old Yijing wizards (my friend Bradford Hatcher, wearing a pointy hat in a picture I can't find now, comes to mind) will find kinship around the classic. I don't participate much at all as I used to but I wouldn't dream not being able to participate here, with folks who, like me, find immense value in the Yi. Here, I gave (and took back...) a lot of opinions over the years. I made many friends, and even those with whom I vehemently disagreed with, I came to appreciate for their convictions. They are all my kin under the Yi.

But enough about us folks. Do you have any idea what you have here? Do you realize that Clarity has some 25 years of accumulated readings, freely shared wisdom and opinions? Yes, you can certainly take a number of courses here that will fast track you in the use of the Yijing, like no other tool available out there, put together by Hilary's dedication, but it is the vast archive that exists in Clarity where the real treasure is. Every single changing line, or every combination of changing lines, every single hexagram and text, almost every possible question, situation and heartache possibly occurring to a fellow human, has been contemplated here and it is available through simple searches. You can't buy that anywhere but it is offered to you here, just by participating in the pool. You will have no choice but to learn much faster that which would take you decades of solo learning and musings over the inexhaustibly exegesis that surrounds the Yijing. Seriously, how could you NOT join Clarity if the Yijing is mildly interesting to you?

I'll dedicate the last few words to Hilary, you know, that young lady I once met online all those years ago, that reminds me of those tough detectives (DCI's ?) of the British procedural crime dramas I love. Hilary is Clarity and Clarity is Hilary. I mean, when the universe put in her mind that Clarity was needed, the universe could not find a better vessel to put that idea forward. She has dedicated the better part of her life to that cause, and believe me, it takes dedication and love to keep something like Clarity humming along all these years. So, to her go my heartfelt "Thank you!" for putting together and maintaining Clarity.

Cheers,

 

[DayKnight]

Clarity weaves a grand tapestry of human connections. There's a lot of experience with the Yi Jing in this remarkable community. It's a great site for learning about the Book of Changes, because there's a ton of resources that make this ancient Chinese classic more accessible. And the intimate sincerity of people from all over the world offers a broad array of personal reckonings, urgent reflections, humor and wisdom that can help us find our own humanity among the endless ways in which we are changed by luck, loss, and love.

 

[Catela]

Hilary has done the impossible in creating a site with bottomless useful learning resources as well as a friendly community for practice. It's my absolute favorite place online, across any topic.

And for me as a relative I Ching beginner, it's been an incredibly rich learning experience. I was an unpaid subscriber for a while and became a paid subscriber because of the yet-more-amazing resources available at that level.

Florence

 

[avatorotava]

I don’t feel sophisticated enough to express these concepts directly in English, so I’ve used a translator.
Please bear with me — these thoughts are mine, and the experience is personal.

My opinion is very simple: in 40 years of relationship with the I Ching, given the complexity of the text and its interpretation, Hilary’s approach is the best I have found.

I own at least twenty different translations and every commentary I’ve been able to get my hands on. Whenever I see a new book, I can’t help but buy it.
But in the end, what I return to is always Hilary’s book.

So for me, the blog is above all a deepening and extension of this approach — and of the book — which, in my modest view, I would dare to call quite unique.
The answers I find in Hilary’s comments are always enlightening, and seeing the humanity behind all the questions and responses helps me put my own experiences into perspective.

I always begin with the book, and I always end up searching the blog’s database for examples of interpretation.
But the very best thing for me — as I was saying — is Hilary’s approach to interpretation. I wouldn’t know how to define it, but I found it beautifully explained in all the recorded courses available on the site.

Even though I must admit that navigating the vast number of pages and links on the site can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, I haven’t found anything better in 40 years.

best
Carlo

 

[CarolineK]

I was so grateful and so impressed when I discovered the online clarity forum. Truly like finding a well in the desert. For decades my previous encounters with various translations were somewhat dusty and often more puzzling than helpful at the time.

With onlineclarity I discovered Hilary’s warm, wise and incredibly relevant translation. I bought the physical book with the full commentary on the lines -which is the most down to earth un-esoteric & human I have found. Yet clearly drenched in academic understanding. The free forum itself was astonishing -with kind and experienced responses to my hexagram questions from Hilary and others. The whole resource is a huge- the step-by-step recorded lessons on how best to approach the Iching are wonderful at unpacking a dense subject beautifully. I did join change circle as a paid resource -though there is such a generosity in the free resource that it can keep you well nourished indefinitely- dive in! Thank you Hilary!

Love , Caroline

 

[Sasha Green]

I don't recall how many years ago I discovered the Clarity forums and was so pleased to have a resource to ask questions about interpreting the readings I was doing. There is such a large resource base of people making comments about various hexagrams and moving lines, as well commentary on the odd wording that sometimes baffles me in the I Ching ... What a relief to find some useful comments on what it might mean to be faced with 'beds splitting' or 'finding help in the southwest not the northeast' [that one is paraphrased... it may not be exactly that wording in the I Ching].
For me, the I Ching was a solitary practice for many years, and Clarity has been a trusted resource.

Lately, as I've dipped in deeper to the Beginners Course, I'm sorry I waited so long to discover the many many resources that I didn't discover when just doing a search for a particular line or hexagram.

Many thanks for all who've built this resource into such a rich treasure trove over the years,
Sasha

 

[jumpingship]

I can’t remember how I found Hilary and Clarity, and I haven’t posted here before. I read and consult Hilary’s free readings, her extended essays, and these thread discussions, often. I’m writing now because I want to shout out for Hilary!

The Book of Changes is a powerful way to think through cross-roads and log-jams, crunchy everyday things, There are other I Ching websites, but there’s only one Clarity! Hilary’s interpretations of The Book are generous and thoughtful, and just plain good - intelligent, warm, wise. I love that in the forum there are so many different voices and real-life examples for the readings and how to unfold them. Clarity has become like a friend, or friends, I have occasional cups of tea with to talk something over. Sometimes it’s difficult situations or new ventures, sometimes it’s musings, and the readings and discussions don't always tell you what you'd like to hear. That’s what makes Hilary’s book and this website and forum so precious – it’s real, and for me, immensely, sometimes uncannily, helpful.

I think it maybe time for me to start speaking up in the forum to tell some of my stories with the Yi. As a way to say thank you for all the stories that have helped me.

 

[Birgit Katharina]

CLARITY...... I can think of a many key words like a library, a resource, an 'Oxford Dictionary' for the Yi Jing, a modern concept of the Yi Jing representing the Zeitgeist etc.
But the best reason for me is to have a place to go when there is nowhere else to go, when questions can no longer be answered through the usual ways. A place where it is safe to ask. A place where the Clarity community takes me to gently understand and interpret the answers the Yi Jing provides.
It is simply good to know that the Clarity community is there and that I am not alone in times of a trouble.

 

[rosada]

I asked the I Ching “Why is Clarity worth joining?” I received 55.1.3.4 - 2
Hexagram 55, represents "Abundance", suggesting that joining OnlineClarity offers an abundance of resources and joining can be a rich experience. The lines and the resulting hexagram particularly describes the benefits of being able to 2. Receive guidance and learn from experienced practitioners.
Thus the I Ching is saying joining OnlineClarity is worth it as it offers a bountiful exchange of knowledge and a supportive community that fosters personal insight and growth. You'll not only gain from the abundant resources available but also have the opportunity to share your own experiences, enriching the experience for others as well. A total win-win!

 

[surnevs]

I'm not sure, but I think I stumbled upon it around 2008 while searching for something. Until then, I have been on my own with it for a long time. Thinking about a 3000-year-old phenomenon, and even one where the main language is Chinese, is not a capable task for a Westerner being on his own... I followed it (online clarity) incognito, so to speak, and decided to raise a question (think it was about the meaning of the 3 foxes mentioned in a hexagram, but not sure) and found that the difference between being all on your own with this complex and comprehensive study, which I Ching is, and joining a community was striking.

 

[IrfanK]

When I first came across Yi way back in the 1980s, it was through a small group of friends, all of whom used it, with a couple of them considered by the rest of us to be quite knowledgeable, so they acted as some kind of teachers. But that didn't last long, a few years before everyone drifted apart. After that, I just used it on my own. It was the pre-internet days, there weren't many books or other resources available, so it was just me and Wilhelm's translation. I don't know how I stumbled across Clarity, but I was intrigued by the idea of a forum where you could actually TALK about Yi and your readings, that someone had designed courses to understand it. Sometimes, that's very useful. Although there are other times when now I prefer to just work on my own again. Still, it's great that the resource is available.

 

[blankpage]

The Clarity site and forum has provided me an amazing resource to deepen and grow my love for the iching! I have learned a lot from Hilary about these hexagrams, especially the prioritizing of the primary hex (as opposed to just paying attention to the changing lines). The forums are a treasure trove full of information you can't get anywhere else on this topic. Can't tell you how many things I've learned being on there. Finally, my favorite is the monthly Well Gatherings, although I can't always attend, but they make me feel connected to a rich tradition and wise community that would not be accessible to me otherwise. thank you Clarity!!

 

[priscillastudio]

Yes, I am fishing shamelessly for compliments. I'm trying to encourage more people to join Clarity and the I Ching Community - it's trickier nowadays, with most people experiencing the online world through social media and/or AI, to explain the value of a forum. I'd love to have some quotable comments from happy members! (Un-quotable feedback welcome too, of course, any time.)

So...

• what's your favourite thing about being a member of the I Ching Community?
• if you were an I Ching beginner when you joined, how did that work for you?
• if you're an experienced user, why is it still worth being here?
• anything else you'd say to someone wondering whether to join?

Thanks!

When I think about my journey with Yi, it feels like I was wandering around on my own for decades, knowing there was something valuable there but often unable to grasp it. Studying with Hilary has helped me profoundly - I can tell because there are more "aha" moments than there used to be. I'm grateful for the Clarity community, especially the courses I've taken here and WikiWing. And I love listening to Hilary's Clarity podcasts. It's like sitting in on a reading, because you actually *are* sitting in on a reading! How often does one get the opportunity to do that? (Hint: about once a month!-) There's still so much more to learn, and it helps to be part of the vibrant community that Clarity is made of.

 

[zhecosta]

When you have a minute, please would you visit the thread and add your thoughts about why Clarity's worth joining?
. . . . . . .
Thank you for the clarity, comfort, challenges to growth, and profound wisdom you share.
With sincere appreciation,
José

 

[dobro p]

Clarity's the best online I Ching community resource in the world. For the purposes of learning, help and support, and belonging, there's nothing like it. Thumbs up.

 

[Louisefincham]

Onlineclarity.co.uk is a wonderful resource both for students and for long time practitioners of the iChing. I have been consulting the iChing for fifty years on a daily basis as a spiritual resource and for answers to difficult challenges in my life. The Master is always right, but his words of wisdom, encouragement and sometimes anger at my stupidity are not always easy to interpret. Every assistance is an enormous help. Best regards from South Africa.

 

[hilary]

Onlineclarity.co.uk is a wonderful resource both for students and for long time practitioners of the iChing. I have been consulting the iChing for fifty years on a daily basis as a spiritual resource and for answers to difficult challenges in my life. The Master is always right, but his words of wisdom, encouragement and sometimes anger at my stupidity are not always easy to interpret. Every assistance is an enormous help. Best regards from South Africa.

Thanks, Louise!
I don't think I've ever had the feeling the I Ching was angry with me for being stupid. Just ready and willing to point out the stupidity (again).

 

[buzzurro]

Although, for some reason that I can't fully understand either, I can no longer find the time to participate in discussions, or even to consult the Yijing as often as I would need it, I remain a member of this community, partly to support Hilary's splendid work, but also because the rare times I can consult the Yijing I can't help but come and read the WikiWing.
And if I have particular difficulties with interpretation I also use Hexagram search to read the forum, which I did regularly in the good old days.
As has already been said, the comparison of ideas and experiences is a very important part of the invaluable wealth of information found here. Not being able to participate is a big loss, but I don't lose hope...

 

[hilary]

Thank you so much for the responses, everyone. I have things to brag about on the 'join' page and on Facebook to encourage people to jump in, and this is massively helpful. Also I have lots of warm fuzzy feelings and I'm full of gratitude for everyone who makes the forums a community.

 

[jtolkoff]

Sorry for the delay with my feedback about Clarity. Clarity is an essential resource whether you are a beginner or a seasoned reader. One of the powerful aspects of the site is the diversity of insight that is available for all the hexagrams and changing lines. I come to the site when I need more nuance, more depth, a different point of view or to enjoy the wit of Hilary and her gang. The website is deep with so much to discover and learn. I am most grateful that Clarity exists.

 

[Emy Paris]

5 years ago, in 2020, I joined Clarity, shortly after the COVID confinement in Paris. I am an American living in Paris and our confinement was one of the strictest worldwide. Clarity saved me from going insane during lockdown. I had been trying for months to figure out the how and why of YI Ching. The sticks, the coins, moving lines, hexagrams, trigrams, what???. I was so intrigued but it seemed overwhelming. Much to my surprise I discovered Clarity surfing for YI Ching info on the Internet. I was amazed it even existed. It was a real surprise to receive the FREE newsletter from Clarity. Hilary Barrett is one of the reasons Clarity works so well. Hilary is a wonderful guide to help one use the Yi Ching as a tool in daily issues. I finally got some CLARITY on what this ancient Chinese system was all about - her courses explain a system I thought was unexplainable. I rapidly enrolled in the beginners course and slowly but surely the mystery of the Yi Ching began to unfold. (Although mystery seems to actually be part of the Yi and his/her answers.) The beginning course, in addition to being quite informative gave me a community and I looked forward to our weekly sessions. You cannot imagine the wealth of material available upon joining Clarity. Members share their readings, members ask for help with readings, members are welcome to attend the monthly Well Gathering - a time when one of us shares a reading and all are free to comment. There are Podcasts where members bring a reading to Hilary and discuss it. As a member you have access to the library, forums, interacting with other members at any hour of the day. Clarity is very creative and continually offers new materials, often downloads to expand our knowledge of YI CHING. I have met amazing people through this worldwide community. Listening to other peoples life challenges has helped me develop compassion and empathy for others and realise I am not the only one with 'issues'. I am so grateful to Hilary and the community for all I have learned about myself, others and continued character development. Merci Hilary.

 

[always here]

Yes, I am fishing shamelessly for compliments. I'm trying to encourage more people to join Clarity and the I Ching Community - it's trickier nowadays, with most people experiencing the online world through social media and/or AI, to explain the value of a forum. I'd love to have some quotable comments from happy members! (Un-quotable feedback welcome too, of course, any time.)

So...

• what's your favourite thing about being a member of the I Ching Community?
• if you were an I Ching beginner when you joined, how did that work for you?
• if you're an experienced user, why is it still worth being here?
• anything else you'd say to someone wondering whether to join?

Thanks!

I began reading the IChing around 20 yrs. ago then I found Hillary and it was mind-blowing to meet all of you I, thank you for everything mostly your time, help & research.