This article explains the deep connection between the oldest oracle in the world, the I Ching, and the oldest astrological system.

The I Ching remains unsurpassed as a model for the universe. Therefore, its longevity as the oldest book in continuous use is not surprising. The universal laws embodied in the trigrams and hexagrams of the 5,000-year-old treatise mean that their application has for millennia spanned all fields of human endeavor, including medicine, philosophy, religion and, of course, astrology.

As WA Sherrill and WK Chu conclude in their 1977 classic, “An Anthology of I Ching”: “This is based on the concept that the I Ching describes the evolution of the world and encompasses everything in and of the world. This makes an astrology derived from it, not only possible, but inevitable.” The ancient Chinese regarded humans as elements of time and, as in Western astrology, the moment of birth determines and reflects our character and personality. In I Ching Astrology, the Astrological profile is built from the Birth, Inner and Outer Stars, which are all represented by a particular trigram.

Whether any of us are an “inevitable” product of the I Ching depends on its proven track record of mapping the Laws of Evolution and Change. The time-tested oracular power of the revered text meant that ancient astrologers found it possible to track an individual’s progress through life with some degree of precision. However, the interpreters of the I Ching have always pointed out that destiny is always subject to the operation of free will. Predisposition is one thing; other result. But observing the nine year, month and week cycles of I Ching Astrology means that we can remain aware of the “best” times to do what we need to do. Man’s position as the midline in the trigrams, above earth but below heaven, reflects the daily interplay of the mental, physical, and spiritual as we go about the business of life.

In 1949, Carl Jung challenged the world to explore the I Ching in these words: “The I Ching does not offer itself with evidence and results; it does not boast of itself, nor is it easy to approach. Like a part of nature, it expects until it is discovered. It offers neither facts nor power, but for lovers of self-knowledge, of wisdom – if there is any – it seems to be the right book. To one person its spirit seems as clear as day. to another, bleak like twilight, to a third, dark as night. He who is dissatisfied with it does not have to use it, and he who is against it is not obliged to find it true. world for the benefit of those who can discern its meaning.”

These same truths apply to I Ching Astrology. I hope you enjoy exploring what I have always found, an endlessly fascinating system.

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