🃏 Tarot & Divination −23%

I-Ching, the Oracle (B/H)

✍️ Huang K
Reader Score
4.6
(1 review)
$61.00 $80.00 Save $19.00 (23%)
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This edition pairs the original Chinese text directly with an English translation that uses archaeological discoveries to clarify ancient passages. It traces the historical development of the oracle through the Shang dynasty, the Zhou court, and the era of Confucius. The text details the shift in divination practices from counting yarrow stalks to tossing coins, while explaining the underlying system of binary principles, eight elements, and sixty-four hexagrams.

🃏
Tarot & Divination
🏛 World Scientific Publishing Company 📅 1984 📖 194 pages 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9789971966249
Fun Fact
Huang K's "I-Ching, the Oracle" is a monumental achievement, offering a translation that feels both ancient and refreshingly new. Its use of archaeological data truly unearths lost layers of meaning, while the poetic language makes it a joy to read. This isn't just another I Ching; it's a re-discovery. It may disappoint those seeking a bare-bones divinatory handbook, but for anyone desiring a profound, scholarly, yet accessible engagement with this timeless text, it's indispensable.

📝 Description: I-Ching, the Oracle (B/H)

K. Huang presents an English translation of the ancient Chinese classic, printed side-by-side with the original Chinese text. The book opens with an introductory section exploring the historical and philosophical roots of the work. The first chapter discusses the dual nature of reality, the primary elements, the hexagram framework, and the concept of change. The second chapter traces early history, the Bronze Age, King Zhou, Heaven's mandate, and ancient oracle traditions. The third chapter looks at China's name, Confucius, and sacred writings, while the fourth chapter examines Shang dynasty oracle bone findings. The volume combines historical narrative with archaeological discoveries that illuminate long-obscured passages, delivering the text in a poetic voice. It details how historical figures viewed the work, including Confucius, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, and Carl Jung, alongside its applications ranging from ethics to psychological exploration of the unconscious and stock market prediction. The historical tradition traces consultation methods from counting yarrow reed stalks in the Zhou court to tossing coins, extending into modern computer software consultations. This edition suits readers who want a side-by-side bilingual translation backed by archaeological context, historical narrative, and poetic expression. It appeals to those reading the text as self-discovery, poetry, or divination. It is not intended for readers who seek a modern commentary without the original Chinese text alongside it.

📑 What's inside

  1. Preface
  2. Preface to first edition
  3. Acknowledgement
  4. Part I. About the I Ching
  5. 1. Introduction
  6. The Binary Nature of Things
  7. The Eight Elements
  8. The Sixty-Four Hexagrams
  9. The Idea of Change
  10. About this Book
  11. 2. Legend of the I Ching
  12. In The Beginning
  13. The Dawn of History
  14. The Great Bronze Age
  15. Jou The Terrible
  16. The Mandate of Heaven
  17. The Oracle of Change
  18. 3. The Legacy of Confucius
  19. Every Five Hundred Years
  20. China Got Her Name
  21. I Chinfi Enshrined
  22. 4. Roots of the I Ching
  23. Fact of Fiction?
  24. The Oracle Bones of Shang
  25. Mystery of the Dragon Bones
  26. Wang Hai the Ancestor
  27. Wu Ding's Boar Hunt
  28. Perseverance Brings Disaster
  29. Rummaging Among Old Books
  30. 5. Meaning of the I Ching
  31. Hexagram Order
  32. Hexagram Names
  33. Editors and Scribes
  34. The Medium
  35. The Message
  36. The Many Faces of the I Ching
  37. Where is God?
  38. 6. How to Use the I Ching
  39. The Coin Oracle
  40. Layout of the I Ching
  41. Reading the Message
  42. Basic Rules
  43. The Yarrow Oracle
  44. Numerology
  45. Part II. The Hexagrams
  46. 1. Heaven Qian
  47. 2. Earth Kun
  48. 3. Retrenchment Tun
  49. 4. Blindness Meng
  50. 5. Watting Xu
  51. 6. The Court Song
  52. 7. The Army Shi
  53. 8. Support Bi
  54. 9. Small Cattle Xia ochu
  55. 10. Treading LU
  56. 11. Peace Tai
  57. 12. Stagnation Pi
  58. 13. Gathering Tong Ren
  59. 14. Great Harvest Da You
  60. 15. Modesty Qian

Showing the first 60 entries.

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
This edition breathes new life into the I Ching by combining a groundbreaking English translation with original Chinese text, illuminated by modern archaeological insights. It is an excellent choice for readers who value historical context and poetic nuance, offering a comprehensive introduction to the philosophical tapestry of Chinese civilization. However, it may not suit those seeking a quick, simplified summary or purely mystical interpretations devoid of scholarly rigor. The book demands engagement with both linguistic beauty and historical depth. While it successfully retains the poetic essence of the original work, making it accessible yet profound, readers expecting a purely casual or superficial guide might find the dense integration of archaeology and philosophy too demanding. It is best for those willing to dive deep into the layers of meaning lost for centuries.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a deeper, more nuanced engagement with the I Ching will find immense value in this edition. It is ideal for those who appreciate the poetic essence of ancient texts but desire clarity through modern archaeological insights that illuminate previously obscure passages. Whether you approach the oracle as a source of poetic inspiration, a tool for profound self-discovery, or a practical divinatory guide, this translation makes the work accessible without sacrificing its depth. The comprehensive introduction provides essential context on the historical and philosophical tapestry of Chinese civilization, ensuring you understand the roots of this wisdom. If you want to unlock millennia of ancient knowledge through a lens that respects both tradition and contemporary scholarship, this book offers a groundbreaking path to the oracle's true depths.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★★
If you seek a deeper, more authentic connection to the I Ching, this edition is for you. Whether you're a seasoned diviner, a student of ancient philosophy, or someone exploring paths of self-discovery through profound wisdom literature, prepare to be enlightened by its newly revealed depths.

Reader rating

4.6
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
E
Esoterica Books editorial team

This edition breathes new life into the I Ching by combining a groundbreaking English translation with original Chinese text, illuminated by modern archaeological insights. It is an excellent choice for readers who value historical context and poetic nuance, offering a comprehensive introduction to the philosophical tapestry of Chinese civilization. However, it may not suit those seeking a quick, simplified summary or purely mystical interpretations devoid of scholarly rigor. The book demands engagement with both linguistic beauty and historical depth. While it successfully retains the poetic essence of the original work, making it accessible yet profound, readers expecting a purely casual or superficial guide might find the dense integration of archaeology and philosophy too demanding. It is best for those willing to dive deep into the layers of meaning lost for centuries.

❓ Frequently asked questions

This edition uniquely integrates modern archaeological findings to clarify passages previously misunderstood for centuries, offering a more accurate and profound understanding. It also distinguishes itself by preserving the original text's poetic beauty.
Absolutely. While offering depth for experienced practitioners, its comprehensive introductory sections lay out the historical and philosophical context, making it highly accessible for newcomers eager to explore this ancient oracle.

📖 Who should read this

If you seek a deeper, more authentic connection to the I Ching, this edition is for you. Whether you're a seasoned diviner, a student of ancient philosophy, or someone exploring paths of self-discovery through profound wisdom literature, prepare to be enlightened by its newly revealed depths.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Unveiling Ancient Divination

This edition revitalizes the I Ching's role as a profound oracle, presenting a translation informed by archaeological breakthroughs. It allows the modern practitioner to engage with its hexagrams and judgments with unprecedented clarity, moving beyond traditional interpretations to grasp the text's original, powerful divinatory intent for guidance and insight.

Historical & Cultural Context

Delve into the rich tapestry of ancient Chinese civilization that shaped the I Ching. The book provides an extensive introduction, tracing the historical lineage and philosophical underpinnings of this classic. It highlights key figures and events, offering readers a deeper appreciation for the text's origins and its enduring influence on thought.

Poetic Self-Discovery

Beyond its divinatory function, this translation champions the I Ching as a wellspring of personal wisdom and artistic expression. Its poetic rendition invites readers to explore its verses for self-reflection, understanding their own paths, and engaging with the text as a mirror to the soul, fostering individual interpretation and growth.

📜 Historical context

The I Ching stands as one of the world's most enduring wisdom texts, a foundational pillar of Chinese thought for millennia. Revered by Confucius for its ethical insights and admired by thinkers like Leibnitz for its mathematical structure, it has continually served as a unique oracle for self-exploration, influencing philosophy, psychology, and even modern computing. This translation upholds its grand tradition of offering diverse interpretations.

📚 Glossary

I Ching
Hexagram
Divination

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. How might understanding the historical context of the I Ching deepen your personal interpretation of its wisdom?
  2. If you were to approach the I Ching purely as poetry, what new insights into your own life or the world might emerge?
  3. Consider a current challenge in your life. How could consulting the I Ching, as presented in this translation, offer an unexpected perspective or path forward?

✍️ More books by this author Huang K

All books by this author →
I-Ching, the Oracle (B/S)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Huang K
I-Ching, the Oracle (B/S)
$33.00
86

🏛 Books from this publisher World Scientific Publishing Company

All books from this publisher →
I-Ching, the Oracle (B/S)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
Huang K
I-Ching, the Oracle (B/S)
$33.00
86

You might also like

See more →
I-Ching, the Oracle (B/S)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Huang K
I-Ching, the Oracle (B/S)
$33.00
86
Tarot: The Open Labyrinth--40th Anniversary Edition: Understanding Your Journey Through the Cards -13%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
1
Rachel Pollack, Zoe Matoff, Mat Auryn
Tarot: The Open Labyrinth--40th Anniversary Edition: Understanding Your Journey Through the Cards
$18.95 $22.00
92
Mambila Divination: Framing Questions, Constructing Answers Zeitlyn, David -30%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Zeitlyn, David
Mambila Divination: Framing Questions, Constructing Answers Zeitlyn, David
$61.99 $89.00
86
The Tarot: The Quintessence of Hermetic Philosophy -29%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Sadhu, Mouni
The Tarot: The Quintessence of Hermetic Philosophy
$60.00 $85.00
86
Reading Russian Fortunes: Print Culture, Gender and Divination in Russia from 1765 Wigzell, Faith
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.8
5
Wigzell, Faith
Reading Russian Fortunes: Print Culture, Gender and Divination in Russia from 1765 Wigzell, Faith
$60.00
86
Fortune-Tellers and Philosophers: Divination in Traditional Chinese Society
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Smith, Richard J
Fortune-Tellers and Philosophers: Divination in Traditional Chinese Society
$59.99
86
The Transparent Tarot: (2nd Edition, Tarot Kit Box Set with 78 Cards and Guide Book)
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Carding, Emily
The Transparent Tarot: (2nd Edition, Tarot Kit Box Set with 78 Cards and Guide Book)
$59.99
86
The Fortune-Telling Book: The Encyclopedia of Divination and Soothsaying -56%
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Buckland, Raymond
The Fortune-Telling Book: The Encyclopedia of Divination and Soothsaying
$59.95 $137.00
86

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist