I Ching, the Oracle: A Practical Guide to the Book of Changes: An updated translation annotated with cultural & historical references, restoring the I Ching to its shamanic origins

I have been studying this Oracle for many years, Taoist Master Alfred Huang has been my mentor through his work, this book has taken everything I have learned to the next level! Benebell Wen speaks to those of us with a Buddhist or Taoist background, who happen to practice ceremonial Magick, and have been looking for the connections between the systems. She not only draws the map, but also navigate the pathways!Her work not only validates my intuition but also, expands upon principles existent in many other disciplines including Kabbalah, Greek and Roman mythologies, and perhaps a knowingly even African Mythos with exposition of parallels between the Diloggun system.The only constructive manner I know in which to express this, so many authors have dipped their toes in both systems and drawn arbitrary parallels between the two. This is an author who has completely emerged within the mess of Western mysteries and Chinese mysticism, and has effectively navigated both, giving a map based upon experience rather than theory, practicality rather than speculation!Other than this, I also highly recommend Tao of Craft for the construction of practical talismans, especially as she encourages the Western symbolism while dissecting the essential components. Of course it's better if you're able to read kanji! Having grown up Buddhist, and being trained in Golden Dawn talisman construction, this is taking my practice to a whole new level!Anyone interested in Western esoteric tradition with an Asian heritage or initiatory connection, this work will speak to you on a whole new level!Many Blessings!

I have been a student of I Ching for 40 years and have amassed a number of books and translations. Most have been a rehash of Wilhelm or based on pop culture. Benebell Wen's book is a refreshing entry to the I Ching literature. Reading her work displays her deep knowledge of the I Ching, history, culture, and divination. Her voice is clear and understandable. This is a perfect book for anyone wanting to learn about the I Ching.

Among the seven some translations I have of the I Ching, I have not, until reading this one, understood the deep spiritual value of this text. Having studied physics to the level of a PhD, until this book, I thought magic to be at best slight of hand and wishful thinking. Consulting the I Ching contained in this awesome book changed my mind. This book is a genuine grimoire in the truest sense intended for the sincere Daoist who seeks Oracular guidance on the Way. I have studied to their depths both science and the esoteric paths of the major religions and I know no other book that surpasses the spiritual depth and power that I find in this translation. Benebell's translation is an ineffable and crystal clear guide to those who seek the Way. Come prepared and treat this book with the caution and reverence that it is due.

From the preface to the end of the 996 pages, this book is a complete translation of the Chinese oracle. It includes everything from Confucius to Carl Jung to the mathematician Leibniz, the inventor of calculus, and the meaning and practice of divination. It is an important read.

I have a lot to say about this book, first of all it's overwhelming. I basically use this as my I ching bible and a few other books. If your looking for more of the traditional uses and magical implements of Chinese tradition, then this is the book for you. Not only is the I ching in it but a lot about the history of it and Toaist magic as well. The artist Benebell is amazing. I found a few mistakes in this book as one of the hexagrams is incomplete. I emailed her and she responded giving me a page form for the missing information in the book. She has stated that she is exceptionally upset about this and had several conversations with the publishing company who forced her hand to accept things she didn't want to. I had a few pages in the back that I had to separate as it looks like the cutter didn't cut all the way through my book. It's only the index so it wasn't that big of a deal. I also got her tarot deck which was drawn by her. She is an amazing teacher. Her research is unlike anything I've ever seen except in my own extensive research. Everything is notated for you and there are so many practices in this book that she works with you. It's almost like having her sit with you in your reading nook and workspace and is holding your hand through the whole book. Listen to her instruction as there is a point in the book where she tells you to close the book. Think of this book as a book of rituals that's going to take several months to complete. Although I didn't go through the curriculum that way. I actually draw an oracle I ching every day and listen to the ancient wisdom. It works with the 13th month 28-day Calander as well since the I ching is in the Mayan Calander as well. This is an exception gem of knowledge and the fact that she responded very quickly the next day in fact with my questions was top notch. If your looking for a genuine person who cares about not only the reader but her work as well. She's the one.

TL;DR - finally someone with a felt sense of Chinese cosmology expressed the I Ching in Chinese and English in a way that anyone can understand.Benebell is the first of her kind to express the I Ching in such an inclusive and inviting way. She offers a hundred paths into practice and divination. Her discussion of Chinese characters in an accessible way is incredible. I have spent years trying to pry my way into understanding Chinese cosmology, only to crash into the dusty work of old men who refuse to admit a personal relationship to the occult despite an obvious fascination. Their translations indicate an unwavering interest but offer no paths into the work.Enter: Benebell! She provides a wealth of well researched cosmological information and grounds it in practice. She explains the rationale and history of the I Ching, while also offering insight into Chinese characters.Benebell has given us a gift beyond measure in sharing this work.