I Ching

I loved the I Ching when I was in my teens and twenties. I understood it perfectly. I understood a lot of stuff then that baffles me now.

As is traditional with oracles, the I Ching tends to be very obscure. Additionally, the cultural references are a real stretch. Some of the readings are actually pretty scary. (See “Bowl of Worms, No Hope”). With the single exception of the Kwan Yin I Ching, it is totally sexist.

I get bored with most of the interpretive books, and figuring out just which side of the coin is ying and which is yang gives me a headache. Yarrow sticks are altogether impossible for me to read.

I wouldn’t recommend this form of divination for children. If your kid is really interested in I Ching, get a good children’s book on the topic. There are several available. When they figure it out, explain it to me.

Ouiji Boards

Trash it! The thing is dangerous and nasty. Using a Ouiji Board is like leaving your front door open with a big sign outside: “VICTIM’S RESIDENCE -- INQUIRE WITHIN”! You invite just any old spirit in without any safeguards. Requesting a specific person just does not always work. And they lie!