The Ancient Chinese consult the I Ching to resolve their doubts pertaining to great matters such as marriage ceremonies. During the Shang Dynasty (1766 - 1122BC) they divined with the tortoise shell and the procedures of divining with tortoise shells was complicated. During the Zhou Dynasty (1122 - 221BC) the fifty Yarrow Stalks was widely used. However, during the Southern Sung Dynasty the 3 Coins oracles method was introduced. During the Tang Dynasty (618 – 917AD) this was popularized by eminent scholar, Shao Yun in the Southern Dynasty (1127 – 1279). Since then it is commonly used especially by the Westerner as a method in divining the I Ching Oracles.
Most Chinese people consult the I Ching Oracles when they are facing uncertainty, confusion or a crisis. They may also seek advice and wisdom from the I Ching Oracles as it is connoted with ancient Chinese wisdom and ethical values contributed by the most revered Chinese sage, Confucius (551 BC – 479 BC) to became the book of wisdom.
Everything in the world is constantly changing; it is not the same today, tomorrow and the future. The world today is changing at a very fast pace and we are living in a time of profound changes. So, it is imperative and crucial for us to adapt to the changes. Otherwise we only invite troubles. We should not only adapt to the changes but must be prepared to face the challenges even at good times and more so at bad times.
We shall divulge various scenarios to give you a clearer picture on the situations or circumstances on why people divine. They probably want to know their present circumstances as well as their future potentials.,/p>
In fact we can briefly summarize the situations into; immediate/short, short/medium and medium/long term in 7 scenarios. With such segregations we can identify our definite situation presently so that we can formulate a comprehensive plan to address our problems or issues as and when the situation arises.
The following are the scenarios why we consult the I Ching. An overview of the 7 scenarios is shown in Diagram 1.
The following are the scenarios on why we consult the I Ching :
In our daily lives, most of us will encounter doubt, pain, confusion, stress or fear. Under such situation we are unsettled and lost confidence in whatever things we do and do not have a clear direction of where we are heading. Though it may be normal recurring occurrences, if left unchecked and unresolved will turn it into bigger and more complicated issues. Such bad habit to leave pending issue dangling will affect us drastically and reflect in our expressions and behavior.
Firstly, we must clear such doubts or uncertainties so that we can resolve such problems or alleviate our fear. One must be brave enough to know what the fear or doubt is and willing to face the challenge or situation. Upon revealing and understanding the nature of the present situation or challenge then we can take appropriate actions to resolve or mitigate it.
Sometimes we may encounter a situation where some career or financial offers that seemingly look good but your intuition sense it may not be right. Our conscious mind will also tell us not to be taken in or accept such offer. Our instinct may tell us not to get involved in such scam or we may sense it is too good to be true. Since our infinite intelligence tells us to beware of such offer and our consciousness reminds us to be suspicious, so we must decline and distance ourselves from such offer. Otherwise, we’ll definitely get into trouble and get trapped in the scam especially in a society full of unscrupulous people. In such a situation, our intuition is always right and divining the I Ching Oracles will confirm it.
We may face a situation that we need to take certain decision and action to resolve an issue that needs immediate attention. This pressing issue requires resoluteness to resolve the problem before it gets out of hand or else it is too late if not resolved immediately. In such a situation we must tread carefully, otherwise it may cause dire consequences as the problem becomes more complicated. This often happens when there contentious issues or misunderstandings and uncompromising attitudes or pride of not admitting our mistakes we need an immediate solution especially in business or marital partnerships.
There are instances where one may face a crisis, crossroad or encounter a dilemma. In such a critical situation one needs resoluteness, steadfastness, perseverance, astuteness and willingness to face the challenge like undertaking responsibilities and having a clear vision to handle and overcome it. Without understanding the nature of your present situation and what it takes, will make it more difficult for you resolve it amicably. Many problems will come at the same time and with mounting pressure, it will put a toll on you if you lose confidence and succumb to it easily without putting a good fight. You should give it thorough thought and seek advice and help from the right people as you could not resolve it alone.
In our lifetime we are likely to encounter a crossroad especially in deciding the choices when pursuing a career, changing employment, migration, the types of business or course to take. The most important decision in life for everyone of us to make is usually the decision to make a commitment like marriage, things that require personal commitments or undertaking of heavy financial responsibilities. Upon encountering a crossroad we often have to make a critical assessment and examination of each choice to determine the course of our career, our soul mate or lifetime commitment.
When such scenario arises it is often a very difficult decision for us to make. We will take a lot of time to ponder before making a decision. Very often we become very confused and seeking advice is one of the options to make. Normally, the more choices we have the more difficult it is for us to deliberate since there are many pros and cons to consider. In such a situation one of the best options is to consult the infinite intelligence and wisdom resident in your subconscious mind by divining the I Ching Oracles.
Often it is critical for us to make a major decision as it may affect us dramatically. Such decision can affect our life in the long run as it can change the course of our career, financial position or relationship with loved ones. If we need to make a major decision on an investment involving a substantial amount of our wealth, we must assess and evaluate the risk that we are willing to undertake. Sometimes such investments may involve big loans so we must bear the financial responsibilities if the investment failed. We cannot only expect high returns without considering the nature of the risks involved and we have a choice. Generally, risks and returns are interrelated; higher returns usually involve higher risks. Similarly, lower risks usually involve lower returns.
We may face a major relationship problem especially involving our spouse, potential soul mate or business partners. Very often we may experience a threat of a pending breakup or separation when a relationship has reached a critical level. This is likely to happen if earlier signs of any misunderstandings were not properly addressed. Then it may end up in miscommunication between the partners if we take too much pride in us, very stubborn and not willing to admit our mistakes. Ultimately, we may need to seek reconciliation through an arbitrator or counselor. Hence, it is crucial to understand the causes of our present situation in order to resolve our differences or misunderstandings. If we do not resolve it immediately it can escalate into a complicated one and become more difficult to reconcile.
We are living in a global village and whatever development elsewhere has a certain impact on us. So, we must know and also update ourselves on the current world affairs; be it political, business, economics, social or natural calamities. Knowing the current worldly affairs is not good enough since we do not take precautionary measures or take proactive actions or geared ourselves towards that direction in anticipation of the future phenomena or events. Our career, investments and financial affairs to a very large extent are influenced and affected by the developments in other parts of the world especially the major economies like USA, Europe, China, Japan and so on.
You can also consult the I Ching on matters relating to worldly affairs. Our subconscious mind is also an omnipresent universal mind since most of us do not change and think very much alike; such as needs, beliefs, fears, prejudices or expectations. Hence, it is possible to read the collective subconscious minds; as a group, race, community or country particularly involving world affairs in politics, business and economics.
Now we present an overview on how to benefit by consulting the I Ching. Through divination of the I Ching Oracles we are presented with a clearer picture and gain the perspective on our present situation, stages of development in certain circumstances and the outcome of the present situation. The presentation of the present information about our entire situation enables us to make appropriate and better judgment-decision and action. At the same time by knowing the future potentials of the entire situation we can take appropriate precautionary measures or take proactive actions provided in the texts in order to enhance our fortune or mitigate our misfortune. Otherwise, we are blurred by fear, prejudices, doubts or confusion and likely to make erroneous and faulty judgments.
See I in the following diagram for a summary of the benefits and the following sections on the Immediate/Short Term benefits and Short/Medium benefits.
Consulting the I Ching Oracles on a regular basis will help to improve and enhance our luck. When we do the right things, obviously our luck improves; it motivates and inspires us to perform better. Likewise, if we do the wrong things, our luck deteriorates and if we become demoralized and unmotivated, our luck will worsen.
The regular consultation and right and consistent application of elements shown above will enhance and improve our luck by enhancing fortune and mitigating misfortune. These small successes are the constituents and contributions that enabled us to become more successful in whatever endeavors undertaken including having better relationships with others and improve our quality of life. See B2 in Diagram 2.
Now we shall present the Short and Medium Term benefits by taking appropriate actions and relevant advices. We summarize the benefits under Overall Improvements; See III of Diagram 3.
Our regular and timely consultation in order to monitor our reviews and revisions will enable us to perform better or cultivate better relationship with others. In this manner it indirectly plays an important role as a major contributor in enhancing our luck or mitigating our problems in the long-run. Such consistent and regular reviews and revisions will improve our luck and successes tremendously, thus contributing to our overall successes. See C3 in following diagram.
Diagram on Scenarios & Contributions to Our Luck by Consulting the I Ching Oracles
We can harness the benefits if we could use the I Ching Oracles to improve our life in most aspects. The various improvements and benefits derived can be broadly described as; career development, spiritual needs, harmonious family, better social life, better working life, better off financially, lead a less stressful & meaningful life, better productivity and become a happier and more understanding person.