I Ching and the Tarot
While the Western world uses Tarot and its derivative oracles to delve into the subtle influences of the psyche, the eastern hemisphere has traditionally used the I Ching, or Book of Changes, when pondering the best course of action to take in certain situations.
The authorship of the I Ching is unknown, but it is possibly the oldest written work in the world. As oral parables, the I Ching were handed down from generation to generation for not less than 3,000 years. These philosophies and laws of transformation illustrating the cycles of existence that humans normally encounter during their lives were recorded in book form about 3,000 years ago.
While the occidental world has viewed any intuitive tool with attitudes ranging from humorous disbelief to derisive contempt, the oriental viewpoint is much different. Eastern countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam have relied upon the Book of Changes from remote antiquity until the present to help them make decisions. Confucius is said to have relied heavily upon the I Ching in developing the code of living named for him. The Samurai used the I Ching to form one of the best fighting forces in the world, and the Japanese owed much of their early military victories to the guidance provided in this oracle.
While the I Ching is considered to be fluid and changing, giving advice in very much the same way as a wise friend would, there are many close correlations between the I Ching and Tarot. The Tarot utilizes seventy-eight cards that describe the different facets of a person's life, and the I Ching contains sixty-four primary parables that detail the various stages of transformation through the cycle of life. Both the I Ching and Tarot's divination principles are based upon the theory of synchronicity, or an incredible coincidence that enables them to provide reliable and accurate readings. Additionally, both oracles can help us delve into the more subtle nuances of human behaviour and interaction.
There are several ways to consult the Book of Changes. The traditional oriental method is to utilize an elaborate method of throwing yarrow sticks—the way the sticks fall determine the answer. Another method of divination is to toss three coins to obtain an appropriate answer. I Ching cards, which can be used by randomly drawing a card, have been developed for those who feel more comfortable with such a system. Some students of the I Ching have dispensed with the yarrow sticks, coins, and cards altogether, and simply open the book to a random page. The answer to the question will be found within the text.
When consulting the I Ching, the querent may sometimes receive an answer, which seems to have no correlation to the question asked. In instances like this, his or her higher self may be trying to bring to light a situation that needs attention. For this reason any response, regardless of how absurd it seems, needs to be given careful consideration.
Each parable of the I Ching corresponds to a specific card in the Tarot, enabling greater understanding of both oracles if they are used interchangeably and studied for greater clarity.