Description
Book SynopsisThe Magician's I Ching is a complete workbook for I Ching study, written in a serious but approachable style, for use from the beginner to the very advanced level, and for anyone who is interested in understanding the I Ching in both Theory and Practice. It includes: The complete core Zhou Yi text of the I Ching, in a new version designed for understanding the I Ching's teachings from the viewpoint of the western esoteric tradition, with commentary and a glossary of common terms and symbols of the I Ching. A format intended to be used as a practical divination tool, with easy-to-understand guidance for using the book as a raw beginner, intermediate, or advanced student. An overview of various methods of casting the I Ching, including a brand new method (the Four Staves method) that matches the probabilities of the traditional system while being easier to quickly apply, for the magician-on-the-go. An explanation of the secrets of how the I Ching understands reality and Time. The revelation of how I Ching is more than just a divination tool, but also works as a system of self-transformation; a handbook for performing the Great Work of embodying the Superior Individual. Study guidelines for how to integrate the I Ching into your spiritual or magical practices. Explanations of how the I Ching relates to western esoteric systems like the Qabalah, the western elemental system, and astrology. An overview of the history of the I Ching from Fu Xi to Aleister Crowley. A complete presentation of Shao Yung's "Plum Blossom" system of I Ching numerology, including how to generate an I Ching natal chart.The Magician's I Ching is an invaluable resource to any serious student, providing material for years of practical use.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements
About the Author
Preface
The Unfolding of the Changes
Note I: If You Are An Absolute Beginner at I Ching
Note II: If You Are A Western Magician
Introduction
Chapter One: The Esoteric Foundations of the I Ching
Tao, Yin, and Yang
The Trigrams
The I Ching, Taoism, and Confucian Thought (or True Will and the Great Work
Transformation Through Symbols (Taoist Study of Nature)
Fu Xi
Confucius: Seeking the Superior Individual (Philosophy of the Will)
Shao Yung
Zhang Shi, Zhu Xi, and the Law of Change
The Map of Time
“The I Ching is Not About You”
Chapter Two: How to Use the I Ching
I Ching Reading Methods
Method I: The “Four Stave” Method
Method II: The “Three Coin” Method
“Method III: The “Six Coin” Method
Method IV: The Intuitive Methods
A Note On Probabilities
How to Read the Hexagrams
A Guide to Common Phrases and Words in I Ching Hexagrams
Reference Table for the Hexagrams
General Notes on Interpreting A Reading
Rule 0: Look At What is Being Said, Don't Look For What You Want to Hear
A Case Study on the Subject—The Fall of the Shang
Further Guidelines
Chapter Three: The Text of the I Ching
Outline
A Note on Notes
The Core Text of the I Ching
Chapter Four: Advanced I Ching Studies
Permutations of the Hexagrams
Overturned Hexagrams and Opposite Hexagrams
Nuclear Hexagrams
Reversed Hexagrams
Directional Theories of the I Ching
Correspondences
I Ching Trigrams and Magical Elements
The Trigrams and Court Cards of the Tarot
The “Double Element” and “Big Element” Hexagrams
Planetary Correspondences
The I Ching and the Qabalistic Tree of Life
Yi-Fa as a Magical Word and Current
Chapter Five: The Shao Yung “Plum Blossom Method” of I Ching Numerology
Fate Trigram
Summary of the Plum Blossom Method Standard Procedure
Appendix I: Setting up a Daily I Ching Practice
Appendix II: Aleister Crowley and the I Ching
Appendix III: References
