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Three weeks ago!? Haha, I think you got your review copy at least two weeks ahead of when I received my author copies. =) And I *totally* agree that it would have been ideal if the trigram to hexagram reference table was printed on those end papers. In terms of layout design, there really could have been more done to make the translations section easier to navigate, so yeah, I'm with you. For my personal working copy I definitely will need to add labeled sticky tabs. =P Thank you so much for this thorough review. So grateful for your commentary and thoughts!
😄 Benebell, how can I or any practitioner ever thank you enough for both the quality and accessibility of the work with which you grace the modern magic practitioners' universe? What you've given us here is, once again, priceless, beyond words, and will elevate the understanding and skill of anyone who reads even a single chapter, which in turn brings up the standard across the entire magical space. Thank you from me and from the entire community for your commitment to quality in every single respect. We're so lucky to have you! 😄🙏
Loved your review! I've been totally obsessed with Benebell ever since I discovered her channel recently and started binge watching lol ! I already have her other two books and as soon as it becomes available for me, I'm odering this one as well! :-) I knew this book would be amazing but thank you for confirming it with a flip- through!🙂
Wonderful video! I had quite a few chuckles, thank you, because I often can't remember a word or phrase that I use all of the time and will snark at myself about it later! I bought this amazing book when it became available and am looking forward to delving in soon. Her previous two books are phenomenal so I knew this would be, too. Your review has me even more excited to get started. As always, bravo to you, and brava to Benebell Wen.
Picked up my copy today at the bookstore. It was such a fresh arrival that it wasn't on the shelves yet and my guide had to go into the store room to retrieve the book for me. I adore that she goes into depth of the different methods and different schools of practicing. I own the Richard Wilhem and Aflred Huang translations; and as they both offer their own insights this translation will also be a regular go-to for my readings.
I can't wait for mine to arrive: I had already ordered it since the first time this channel talked about the book. Even more so now after this review! 🎉
I only ever had the Wilhelm Baynes long, long ago. I take your criticisms as valid, formatting is not unimportant, the layout people get so attached to their idea they forget about customers. The book looks wonderful. I did find the use of yarrow stalks improved the coherency of the readings for me, probably by preparing my mind. I was so inept in my use of it back in the day, always was looking for something that wasn't there. Wonderful review. Here's praying there will be more.
I've been exploring this book for the past couple days and it's an amazing resource. I think Confusius said something along the lines of, if he could live life again he would devote himself to the study of the i ching, and the depth covered in this book shows it's definitely possible to devote many lifetimes to its study and application.
Eagerly awaiting the arrival of my copy. Bought soon after her talk with Dr Puca on her Tarot book. Nice overview (about the table an idea might be re draw it by hand so you have interaction and just fill in the #'s with a pencil ..least I think that's what I'll be doing.) Anyway...great vid as always! ✌️🙂
Hi, Denis! Do you know Klaus Holitzka’s I Ching deck? There are a few I Ching decks out there, but i find that one really appealing and sober, I prefer using cards instead of other I Ching consultation methods 🙂Just a random recommendation to check out, hehe. I’m waiting for Benebell’s book publication here in Mexico for immediate purchase. I’ve just ordered Spirit Keepers Tarot (i’m very excited to get my hands on it). Thanks for all your hard work with the channel. Blessings my friend 🙏🏼
Thank you so much for sharing this review! I am thinking about getting the book after I watched Benebell Wen's video because it sounds so good! Now your video just adds a bit urgency for me to get the book.
I have been following benebell wen for a number of years now… maybe 6-7 years… I am a massive fan of her Fu Talisman book. Her earlier videos on Taoist Magic, especially Poison Magic, was absolutely fantastic. I have no doubt this book will be a masterpiece… I eagerly await my copy in the mail. Blessed be 🌹 and congratulations Benebell, for another amazing book on Taoism.
It is great that there are still a lot of people watching this review video!! I got the book since I watched your video sometime ago. I start reading it and it is really good! It also gets me to do more research and find out that there are a lot of new information about I Ching from recent archaeological discoveries. What I find is really amaze me. So much so I just made a video about how I Ching impacted on Confucian Ethics. I would love to hear what anyone has to say about I Ching and Confucius!!
Yup, ya did it, Denis- ya pushed me over the edge and I had to grab a copy using your referral link. I was originally going to get it for Kindle because I have Tao of Craft on my Kindle, but the Kindle price is only $5 less than the hardcover's preorder price, so I'm going with a physical copy! Can't wait to dig in to this! Thanks!
Hi, I received my copy yesterday and it’s beautiful ! When I opened it up, I realised that the cover was put on upside down, the book back to front. Seemed very appropriate ! 😊
“ Beautiful book and it looks to be filled with the charts and functional graphics that make a good working text. “I tossed my coins the way I always do…” said Denis with an air of hesitant expectation. This would be the first line in a fiction story about an aspiring esotericist
I also really love this copy of the I Ching. I use this and the one by Alfred Huang as my two favorites. I agree that navigating to the hexagram of choice is awkward and could have been better. I actually added little stickies to the hexagram pages to make them easier to find. I use the lookup table from the other book, so I haven't been frustrated by the lookup table. The other thing that I wish were different in this copy is the breakdown between the different parts of each hexagram. All 10 wings are sort of lumped together into one set of text, so its difficult to know when her translation is the judgement, and when it is the comments on the image, etc. But overall, this copy of the I Ching is AMAZING and wonderful.
Very compelling review, indeed, Sir! That enthusiasm radiating from your tone tells us all, rather vividly! Not to overlook this one, OR take for granted the astounding length of hours and expertise put into such a great work of Divining Art ^,^ I have my eyes set out to add this book to my collection so thank yoooouuuu LOL At least as soon as I can catch up on all the others I've impulsively bought in a short time, Ha! Thx again!
Did she discuss the Red Moon Block system of divination? I purchased a set of them from a woodworking artist a couple of years ago. She was the person who introduced me to them. Would love to continue learning from her.
Her work is amazing. I’ve loved her books ever since I randomly picked up “The Tao of Craft”. I didn’t even know about this book coming out but I’m definitely going to be picking it up!
Recently I found an old 1950s copy of the I Ching (the one with a forward by Carl Jung) in perfect condition from the thriftstore. Am actually quite happy with it - even though I've seen plenty more modern editions. _This_ one by Benebell Wen, however, looks like easily the most beautiful and gratifying to page through. Thanks for reviewing!
It seems to be a Yi Jing guide based on the Confucian texts and interpretations based off the pages I can see in the video; can anyone clarify? Is there interpretation of the judgment of lines of each hexagram? Or Liu Yao method with stems and branches (Tian Gan and Di Zi) etc? Has anyone who has studied tradtional Daoist Yi Jing comment please?
I preordered this back in November (so, yes, a fan of BW’s work in all things), so am extra thrilled to see your review! Thank you! Was fun to experience your excitement over sharing the book, as well - can hardly wait to start my journey into this masterpiece on the I Ching and Taoism. Blessed Be!
I like the humor, even if intentional. It doesn't deterr from the content, and it gives the review a light note, so, erm, keep up the good job. PS: once again you convinced me on buying a book.
I know nothing of the I Ching but I guess that's going to change: this book looks cool and I, as usual, have no self control. Her Holistic Tarot looks interesting as well. My wallet once more opens itself at your bidding.
Hi! I noticed a difference between the coin method on this book by Benebell Wen and the one in your "I Ching Tutorial for Complete Beginners" video. Your video and the book both show that 6 (3 tails) corresponds to a changing yin line. However, the book indicates that the fixed yin line is 2 tails and 1 head, which sums to 7, not 8 as mentioned in the video. Could you clarify this discrepancy? Thank you!
Are you sure I said fixed yin is 3 heads? Fixed yin is 2 heads 1 tail. I may have made a mistake in the video, but I'd be surprised, since I've been using this method for about 20 years ...
@@FoolishFishBooks I'm sorry i may have phrased that wrong, both the video and book showed 6 (3 tails) as a changing yin while 9 (3 heads) is changing yang line. the difference between Benebell's book and your video is that in your video 8 (2 heads + 1 tail) is a fixed yin, where as on the book (diagram 7-4) fixed yin line is actually 7 (2 tails + 1 head). I noticed on the book also the odd/even separation was used by Benebell in the yarrow stalk method but on the coin method, 6 and 7 corresponds to yin and 8 and 9 are yang.
What's your opinion on writing in books? Would you consider writing in the number for the hexagrams as you've suggested? Maybe you could use a bit of a post-it note if you find writing on the actual paper unpalatable.
The perfect version is from Richard Wilhelm no doubt about that for who knows their facts. I dont know if it was properly translated into english because its german. He brought the I Ching to the west, studied the chinese culture, lived there 10 years or so, translated the book back AND forth with a chinese master to be sure everything gets grasped. Most I Ching books nowadays arent translations from the chinese version, they are based on Wilhelms version... for a reason. 100 years ago in 1923 it was released still perfect. Im still very curious to look into Benebell Wens book! Thx
I have used Wilhelm's edition for years, but his translations are generally terrible. He translates the Chinese literally to a fault, which often leads him to completely wrong translations. This is not terrible with the I Ching, but most of his other works are simply mistranslated because he did not know any thing about basic Buddhist or later Taoist termonology. This often leads him into hilariously wrong interpretations of the texts (his translation of the Golden Flower is the most egregiously bad example). This is not exactly his fault - he had no access to modern scholarship.
I love your work and learned so much from you. But I do not agree the praise for Benebell's books. None of her work. She gatheres tones of info available from top writers who know their subject, and scrambles it together in one, probably using AI, and it is all chaotic, wordy and there are much better books on each individual subject elsewhere. I regret buying the Iching book, and returned it, it is again one of these copy pasted contents, confusing, badly organised, useless for me. Much prefer other academic translations and Wilhelms too. The free content for the Iching book shows and is a good example of the same chaos, mish mash scrambled info. I wonder who reads her books before giving praise, just impressed by the volume...so thank you for at least aknowledging that you kept your Wilhelms in your last video. The text of Benebells book is not referenced below the text like an academic writer would do. And the bibliography is also scrambled together, easy to do with AI or else, the text in the book cannot be refered back to any of the listed books in the bibliography.
I strongly disagree with this. The fact that she uses end-notes rather than footnotes is just a matter of taste, and I have read her book cover to cover, and can absolutely testify to how logically it's organised, and how clearly it's displayed. AI was absolutely not a thing seven years ago when she produced a work of similar length and quality on Fu Talismans, and even earlier on the Tarot. AI is a threat to the creative industry, but I would suggest doing a spot of research (and actually bothering to read more than a few pages before returning a book) before publicly defaming such an obviously conscientious, methodical, and hard-working author.
❤ Thank you, Foolish Fish! ❤ I can absolutely guarantee no AI was used whatsoever. Not by me, not by the publisher, at no stage of the book was AI used. And there is quite a lot of content in the book that has never before been published in English. ❤
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Three weeks ago!? Haha, I think you got your review copy at least two weeks ahead of when I received my author copies. =)
And I *totally* agree that it would have been ideal if the trigram to hexagram reference table was printed on those end papers. In terms of layout design, there really could have been more done to make the translations section easier to navigate, so yeah, I'm with you. For my personal working copy I definitely will need to add labeled sticky tabs. =P
Thank you so much for this thorough review. So grateful for your commentary and thoughts!
😄 Benebell, how can I or any practitioner ever thank you enough for both the quality and accessibility of the work with which you grace the modern magic practitioners' universe? What you've given us here is, once again, priceless, beyond words, and will elevate the understanding and skill of anyone who reads even a single chapter, which in turn brings up the standard across the entire magical space. Thank you from me and from the entire community for your commitment to quality in every single respect. We're so lucky to have you! 😄🙏
Loved your review! I've been totally obsessed with Benebell ever since I discovered her channel recently and started binge watching lol ! I already have her other two books and as soon as it becomes available for me, I'm odering this one as well! :-) I knew this book would be amazing but thank you for confirming it with a flip- through!🙂
Wonderful video! I had quite a few chuckles, thank you, because I often can't remember a word or phrase that I use all of the time and will snark at myself about it later! I bought this amazing book when it became available and am looking forward to delving in soon. Her previous two books are phenomenal so I knew this would be, too. Your review has me even more excited to get started. As always, bravo to you, and brava to Benebell Wen.
Picked up my copy today at the bookstore. It was such a fresh arrival that it wasn't on the shelves yet and my guide had to go into the store room to retrieve the book for me. I adore that she goes into depth of the different methods and different schools of practicing. I own the Richard Wilhem and Aflred Huang translations; and as they both offer their own insights this translation will also be a regular go-to for my readings.
Wow, Benebell knocked it out of the park! So excited to see you review this gem 🥰❤🔥🐟
Haha! Does she ever not?! 😄🙏
Looking forward to this one. Love Benbell Wen's books and tarot.
wow what a wonderful review thank you and I hope Benebell fully embraces this what an amazing accomplishment.
Oh interesting 😮 thank you for sharing brother!
I bought this book too!
I'm excited to check this out!
I can't wait for mine to arrive: I had already ordered it since the first time this channel talked about the book. Even more so now after this review! 🎉
Thanks. Looking forward to my copy.
I only ever had the Wilhelm Baynes long, long ago. I take your criticisms as valid, formatting is not unimportant, the layout people get so attached to their idea they forget about customers. The book looks wonderful. I did find the use of yarrow stalks improved the coherency of the readings for me, probably by preparing my mind. I was so inept in my use of it back in the day, always was looking for something that wasn't there. Wonderful review. Here's praying there will be more.
Loved the peanut gallery comments, really funny--good laughs.
Great review! Can’t wait!!!
Haha! 😆 glad you enjoyed the video!
I've been exploring this book for the past couple days and it's an amazing resource. I think Confusius said something along the lines of, if he could live life again he would devote himself to the study of the i ching, and the depth covered in this book shows it's definitely possible to devote many lifetimes to its study and application.
Yes! Good point! And I'm so glad you received your copy 😄❤️
Eagerly awaiting the arrival of my copy. Bought soon after her talk with Dr Puca on her Tarot book. Nice overview (about the table an idea might be re draw it by hand so you have interaction and just fill in the #'s with a pencil ..least I think that's what I'll be doing.) Anyway...great vid as always! ✌️🙂
Hi, Denis! Do you know Klaus Holitzka’s I Ching deck? There are a few I Ching decks out there, but i find that one really appealing and sober, I prefer using cards instead of other I Ching consultation methods 🙂Just a random recommendation to check out, hehe. I’m waiting for Benebell’s book publication here in Mexico for immediate purchase. I’ve just ordered Spirit Keepers Tarot (i’m very excited to get my hands on it). Thanks for all your hard work with the channel. Blessings my friend 🙏🏼
Thank you so much for sharing this review! I am thinking about getting the book after I watched Benebell Wen's video because it sounds so good! Now your video just adds a bit urgency for me to get the book.
I have been following benebell wen for a number of years now… maybe 6-7 years… I am a massive fan of her Fu Talisman book.
Her earlier videos on Taoist Magic, especially Poison Magic, was absolutely fantastic.
I have no doubt this book will be a masterpiece… I eagerly await my copy in the mail. Blessed be 🌹 and congratulations Benebell, for another amazing book on Taoism.
It is great that there are still a lot of people watching this review video!! I got the book since I watched your video sometime ago. I start reading it and it is really good! It also gets me to do more research and find out that there are a lot of new information about I Ching from recent archaeological discoveries. What I find is really amaze me. So much so I just made a video about how I Ching impacted on Confucian Ethics. I would love to hear what anyone has to say about I Ching and Confucius!!
Right as you said the results of your I-Ching reading, I noticed the vid had 77 likes. (I was 78.). GOTTA get this book, lol.
Yup, ya did it, Denis- ya pushed me over the edge and I had to grab a copy using your referral link. I was originally going to get it for Kindle because I have Tao of Craft on my Kindle, but the Kindle price is only $5 less than the hardcover's preorder price, so I'm going with a physical copy! Can't wait to dig in to this! Thanks!
You won't regret it, it's incredibly good value!
And thank you so much for taking the trouble to use the associate links! 😄🙏
Love this review!
Hi, I received my copy yesterday and it’s beautiful ! When I opened it up, I realised that the cover was put on upside down, the book back to front. Seemed very appropriate ! 😊
😂👌
“
Beautiful book and it looks to be filled with the charts and functional graphics that make a good working text.
“I tossed my coins the way I always do…” said Denis with an air of hesitant expectation.
This would be the first line in a fiction story about an aspiring esotericist
😂
I am so using this line!
I also really love this copy of the I Ching. I use this and the one by Alfred Huang as my two favorites. I agree that navigating to the hexagram of choice is awkward and could have been better. I actually added little stickies to the hexagram pages to make them easier to find. I use the lookup table from the other book, so I haven't been frustrated by the lookup table.
The other thing that I wish were different in this copy is the breakdown between the different parts of each hexagram. All 10 wings are sort of lumped together into one set of text, so its difficult to know when her translation is the judgement, and when it is the comments on the image, etc.
But overall, this copy of the I Ching is AMAZING and wonderful.
Very compelling review, indeed, Sir! That enthusiasm radiating from your tone tells us all, rather vividly! Not to overlook this one, OR take for granted the astounding length of hours and expertise put into such a great work of Divining Art ^,^ I have my eyes set out to add this book to my collection so thank yoooouuuu LOL At least as soon as I can catch up on all the others I've impulsively bought in a short time, Ha! Thx again!
Thank you for your review, it was very helpful, so I clicked on the link and purchased a copy. Thanx again. Mike.
Thank you🥳 bought it
Did she discuss the Red Moon Block system of divination? I purchased a set of them from a woodworking artist a couple of years ago. She was the person who introduced me to them. Would love to continue learning from her.
I'm not sure that's something I remember from this book, I'm afraid. Sounds fascinating!
very helpful video!!
Thank you. ❤
Her work is amazing. I’ve loved her books ever since I randomly picked up “The Tao of Craft”. I didn’t even know about this book coming out but I’m definitely going to be picking it up!
Recently I found an old 1950s copy of the I Ching (the one with a forward by Carl Jung) in perfect condition from the thriftstore. Am actually quite happy with it - even though I've seen plenty more modern editions. _This_ one by Benebell Wen, however, looks like easily the most beautiful and gratifying to page through. Thanks for reviewing!
It seems to be a Yi Jing guide based on the Confucian texts and interpretations based off the pages I can see in the video; can anyone clarify? Is there interpretation of the judgment of lines of each hexagram? Or Liu Yao method with stems and branches (Tian Gan and Di Zi) etc? Has anyone who has studied tradtional Daoist Yi Jing comment please?
Yes, Benebell covers all of these aspects and much, much more in the book! It's unbelievably comprehensive.
Thank you for getting back to me, much appreciated@@FoolishFishBooks
i need this book
Yaaay Benebell! Can't wait to get my pre- ordered copy. Like literally everything she puts out is pure gold at the price of a lightweight feather!
Absolutely right!
I preordered this back in November (so, yes, a fan of BW’s work in all things), so am extra thrilled to see your review! Thank you! Was fun to experience your excitement over sharing the book, as well - can hardly wait to start my journey into this masterpiece on the I Ching and Taoism. Blessed Be!
Just a week to go before the release!
All of Benebells Works are top tier!
More people should recommend Sifu Wen!
Ordered my copy. Will you review Benebell’s other book Holistic Tarot? Want to know what you think of that one.
The comments about the "endpapers" made me laugh harder than i should
Well done Foolish Fish. So proud 😂
I like the humor, even if intentional. It doesn't deterr from the content, and it gives the review a light note, so, erm, keep up the good job.
PS: once again you convinced me on buying a book.
I know nothing of the I Ching but I guess that's going to change: this book looks cool and I, as usual, have no self control. Her Holistic Tarot looks interesting as well. My wallet once more opens itself at your bidding.
😄❤️😅😆
She is the real deal … wow!
Is this similar to geomancy?
There is definitely some crossover, if only in the binary nature of the lines
Entertaining and educational
Hi! I noticed a difference between the coin method on this book by Benebell Wen and the one in your "I Ching Tutorial for Complete Beginners" video. Your video and the book both show that 6 (3 tails) corresponds to a changing yin line. However, the book indicates that the fixed yin line is 2 tails and 1 head, which sums to 7, not 8 as mentioned in the video. Could you clarify this discrepancy? Thank you!
Are you sure I said fixed yin is 3 heads? Fixed yin is 2 heads 1 tail. I may have made a mistake in the video, but I'd be surprised, since I've been using this method for about 20 years ...
@@FoolishFishBooks I'm sorry i may have phrased that wrong, both the video and book showed 6 (3 tails) as a changing yin while 9 (3 heads) is changing yang line. the difference between Benebell's book and your video is that in your video 8 (2 heads + 1 tail) is a fixed yin, where as on the book (diagram 7-4) fixed yin line is actually 7 (2 tails + 1 head).
I noticed on the book also the odd/even separation was used by Benebell in the yarrow stalk method but on the coin method, 6 and 7 corresponds to yin and 8 and 9 are yang.
@@keslergo ah! Quite possibly. I think as long as you stick to one system, it works 😊👍
If I were to own only one book of the I CHING, for practice and theory. Would you say that’s the one?
Yes
What an incredible book, can't wait to receive my copy of it! Thanks for the thorough review, this book looks like everything I imagined it would be ✨
What's your opinion on writing in books? Would you consider writing in the number for the hexagrams as you've suggested? Maybe you could use a bit of a post-it note if you find writing on the actual paper unpalatable.
Good ideas :)
Cette édition est très intéressante. Elle complètera certainement celle que Thomas Cleary présente aux Éditions Shambala.
So im dyslexic and when i first read the thumbnail i thought it said "the ichong" and was very confused.
😅
This is all overwhelming what kind of magic is this. How can i use this?
I'll be releasing a short tutorial tomorrow 😉
@@FoolishFishBooksI appreciate it definitely can't wait thank u for getting back to me
I Ching the Oracle is nice
Creative power awakens the Dragon.
The perfect version is from Richard Wilhelm no doubt about that for who knows their facts. I dont know if it was properly translated into english because its german. He brought the I Ching to the west, studied the chinese culture, lived there 10 years or so, translated the book back AND forth with a chinese master to be sure everything gets grasped. Most I Ching books nowadays arent translations from the chinese version, they are based on Wilhelms version... for a reason. 100 years ago in 1923 it was released still perfect.
Im still very curious to look into Benebell Wens book! Thx
I have used Wilhelm's edition for years, but his translations are generally terrible. He translates the Chinese literally to a fault, which often leads him to completely wrong translations. This is not terrible with the I Ching, but most of his other works are simply mistranslated because he did not know any thing about basic Buddhist or later Taoist termonology. This often leads him into hilariously wrong interpretations of the texts (his translation of the Golden Flower is the most egregiously bad example).
This is not exactly his fault - he had no access to modern scholarship.
I wish the book can be more convenient to read outside. The paper is too thick and heavy
When I saw how fat that book was... I bought it immediately.
Iiiiiiinteresting. I was just getting back into Taoism. Edit: I went for it.
😄🙏 you're in for a treat!
@@FoolishFishBooks Just got it last night. So far it's chock full of very cool history and lore. I'm loving it. What a great recommendation!
I love your work and learned so much from you. But I do not agree the praise for Benebell's books. None of her work. She gatheres tones of info available from top writers who know their subject, and scrambles it together in one, probably using AI, and it is all chaotic, wordy and there are much better books on each individual subject elsewhere. I regret buying the Iching book, and returned it, it is again one of these copy pasted contents, confusing, badly organised, useless for me. Much prefer other academic translations and Wilhelms too. The free content for the Iching book shows and is a good example of the same chaos, mish mash scrambled info. I wonder who reads her books before giving praise, just impressed by the volume...so thank you for at least aknowledging that you kept your Wilhelms in your last video. The text of Benebells book is not referenced below the text like an academic writer would do. And the bibliography is also scrambled together, easy to do with AI or else, the text in the book cannot be refered back to any of the listed books in the bibliography.
I strongly disagree with this. The fact that she uses end-notes rather than footnotes is just a matter of taste, and I have read her book cover to cover, and can absolutely testify to how logically it's organised, and how clearly it's displayed. AI was absolutely not a thing seven years ago when she produced a work of similar length and quality on Fu Talismans, and even earlier on the Tarot. AI is a threat to the creative industry, but I would suggest doing a spot of research (and actually bothering to read more than a few pages before returning a book) before publicly defaming such an obviously conscientious, methodical, and hard-working author.
❤ Thank you, Foolish Fish! ❤ I can absolutely guarantee no AI was used whatsoever. Not by me, not by the publisher, at no stage of the book was AI used. And there is quite a lot of content in the book that has never before been published in English. ❤