The I Ching Oracle: A Guide Through the Human Maze

The Dowdles, a husband and wife team, debut with an accessible introduction to the mysteries of the ancient Chinese divination tool known as the I Ching. It’s a 4,000-year-old template of 64 hexagrams, each consisting of six solid or broken lines that can be consulted for wisdom and guidance on situations faced in everyday life. To begin, the authors write, one formulates a question (“Should I buy this house?”; “Should I look for a different job?”) before choosing a random selection method—such as tossing coins or sticks—to generate numbers. Following the authors’ instructions on converting the numbers into a hexagram diagram, readers then find the corresponding hexagram in the book that offers solutions to the question. The authors provide straightforward descriptions of all 64 hexagrams, their representations, and modern methods of interpretation. For example, hexagrams describe life paths that can bring one into conflict, achieve peace, or assist in starting a project. Beginners can use the authors’ thorough descriptions as a primer, while experienced users will learn fresh interpretations. It’s a great starting point for anyone interested in dabbling in divination. (Oct.)