The Essential I Ching: 64 Degrees of Nature's Wisdom

by Kari Hohne

The I Ching is the oldest work of literature and while it has been used for centuries as an oracle, it is also a profound work of ancient Chinese philosophy. The Taoist philosophers observed nature to be a teacher and this compilation of the I Ching is especially rich in examining how nature can teach us about the human journey. By examining all possible ancient and modern interpretations The Essential I Ching offers the most comprehensive I Ching translation. All interpretations include quotes from the ancient masters of Chinese philosophy as well as being based on the power of nature which originally inspired the Book of Changes. Each line interpretation refers to the hexagram that would have been created by the line change for added insight. Additionally, each hexagram includes the Hu Gua (secondary influence) the Zong Gua (opposite influence) and even a quick reference to what the hexagram means when received as the changing hexagram. There is no other book on the I Ching that can compare to the research that has gone into preparing this text. The interpretations are based on nature, include quotes from ancient masters and are interpreted in a way that is modern and relevant to today. You can also explore our online free I Ching reading at www.cafeausoul.com

470 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2015

About the author

Kari Hohne is a dream analyst, motivational speaker, productivity consultant, and uses the power of nature as inspiration in writing her books "Nothing Bad Happens in Life: Natures Way of Success", "The Mythology of Sleep: The Waking Power of Dreams", "The Minds Mirror: Dream Dictionary" and "Tao te Ching: The Poetry of Nature." Her website www.WayofDreams.Com pulls over 2,000 users a month from around the world and her I Phone App: WayofDreams:Dream Dictionary is due to be released in Oct 09"

Reviews

[Michael Guest · Rating 4 out of 5]

This presents an inexpensive introduction to the magnificent I Ching. Interpretations of the hexagrams combine derivative meanings with original interpretation from the author. Furthermore, she covers some of the work's history and how to use it (how to generate the hexagrams by casting coins). While I am interested to see how the I Ching is adapted to a new-age perspective, I start hearing disturbing strains from time to time: "Well something's lost but something's gained in living every day" (Joni Mitchell).

For example, in considering hexagram 21, Hohne has: 'The best way to communicate during a time of Biting Through is to put personal agendas aside to truly understand the needs of the other party. Clarifying roles and boundaries might be in order or you may need to simply be there for someone while they figure out their own confusion'.

Thus she applies the key theme of Discernment traditionally derived from the I Ching. But wouldn't this seem to be the best way to communicate with someone at any time, not just through a 'time of Biting Through' as such? Perhaps one might find as valid advice in a newspaper horoscope; and there are readers who may find it of value.

I fear, however, that such a reading may run the risk of impeding the I Ching's 'own voice', a voice of great clarity and logic -- one that time and again demonstrates a phenomenal ability to address a reader's own specific situation. Moreover, we should be aware of I Ching as something of an existential blueprint and guide to personal development, such as is emphasized in Cleary's _Taoist I Ching_.