Good Fortune and how to attract it by Titania Hardie © 2008 Quadrille
Publi****ng ISBN 978-1-84400-577-2 304 pages Hardcover $22.50 (U.S.)
The basic concept of THIS book is simple - update the 3,000 year old
classic - the I Ching (Book of Changes). After all, that is the
foundation
of the original work - change. Ms. Hardie has eliminated many of the
assumptions inherent in ancient Chinese life. The author has included
three
uniquely designed coins to be used with the book. She has taken a classic
method of providing insight into one's life and made it more appealing to
the modern reader.
The sixty four forecasts in this book, while still quite broad in their
basic interpretations, have been additionally fine-tuned by the addition
of
family position and a personality profile modified by the season of birth.
The symbols have changed (suns and moons instead of simple lines) but
these
are merely cosmetic changes. The method for determining the symbols
remains
the same, as does the method of transmuting the moving lines.
It goes without saying, but I will say it anyhow, that this is a book
which
is designed to be used, not read. You won't gain any benefit from sitting
down and reading it, without putting in the effort to use it.
This book is filled with color. Each page is vibrant and eye-catching.
Fortunately, the text is set in a basic black format, which makes it
easier
to read. Each forecast is given, and is then followed by the meaning of
the
moving lines (if any).
Each explanation of the moving lines is preceded by the relevant
instructions, reminding the reader that the first line is on the bottom
while the sixth line is at the top. Although this may seem overly
repetitious, it serves a useful purpose since (in the Western world) we
tend
to think top to bottom. This repetition helps to avoid confusion.
Each forecast has two images, relating to family position, associated with
it. The lower trigram image is in the lower left, while the upper trigram
is in the upper right. A glance at these can reveal extra significance if
either (or both) matches the symbol of your family position.
Each forecast image page also contains a representation of the coins which
compose the trigram, which is a nice reminder.
Overall, I was impressed by the quality of this book on multiple levels.
In
terms of the format - it is easy to use and understand the layout. In
terms
of its appearance - it is a convenient size, nicely bound and (with its
distinctive plum-colored cover, easy to spot. In terms of its content -
it
captures the wisdom of its ancient predecessor while taking into account
the
necessary evolution caused by changing cultures (ancient Chinese thought
is
very different from modern Western thinking), our understanding of
familial
relation****ps, and other varying factors.
If you have never used the I Ching system before this is an excellent
introduction to it. If you have used the original system, this may help
you
expand your understanding. In either case, I strongly recommend this
book.
It offers new insights coupled with advice which has stood the tests of
time.
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