Handbook Of Divination And Prognostication In China

The first book that systematically explores the manifold aspects of divination and prognostication in traditional and modern China.

In China, the art of divination (the act of seeking prophetic information to avoid misfortune) had a profound influence on the rise of medicine, science, government, and, most importantly, philosophy and religion. This compact volume begins by explaining how divination evolved in Chinese society from the New Stone Age until the classical period and goes on to discuss how new forms of divination developed directly and indirectly out of the ancient traditions.Comprehensive and up-to-date, "Ancient Chinese Divination" will acquaint readers with not only the origin and evolution of a significant and fascinating traditional Chinese art, but also a sampling of its most important practical applications, some of which, such as feng shui, have achieved a near-universal level of appreciation and relevance.

Providing an analysis of Chinese divination as a means of organizing and interpreting reality, Richard Smith examines a wide variety of mantic techniques - from the use of the hallowed Yjing to such popular practices as siting (geomancy), astrology, numerology, physiognomy, the analysis of written characters, meteorological divination, the use of mediums (including spirit-writing), and dream interpretation. As he explains the pervasiveness and tenacity of divination in China, the author explores not only the connections between various mantic techniques but also the relationship between divination and other facets of Chinese culture, including philosophy, science and medicine. He discusses the symbolism of divination, its aesthetics, its ritual aspects, and its psychological and social significance, pointing out that in traditional China divination helped to order the future, just as history helped to order the past, and rituals the present.

In Chinese Character Manipulation in Literature and Divination, Anne Schmiedl analyses the historical development and linguistic properties of Chinese character manipulation, focusing on a late imperial work on this subject, the Zichu by Zhou Lianggong (1612–1672).

This easy-to-use guide explains the ancient Chinese divination system of I Ching, enabling anyone to master basic interpretation of the sixty-four hexagrams.

Coping with the Future: Theories and Practices of Divination in East Asia offers contributions to various practical and theoretical aspects of divination from antiquity to the present in East Asia.

Baffled by Chinese astrology? Confused by Feng Shui? Author Sasha Fenton delves into 11 major Chinese divination systems based on ancient practices, providing easily accessible introductions and instructions so the beginner can put these methods to use. Included are the following: Chinese astrology Feng Shui I Ching Chinese hand reading Face reading Lunar oracle Mah Jong reading Lo Shu Square Weighing the bones Yarrow stick divination Four Pillars of Destiny