New Oracle on the Block
For weeks I've been thinking about divination tools. As someone who is challenged by making decisions, I've used a variety of oracles in my life to help - some ancient and renowned, others of a very questionable, commercial, or downright funky nature. We're talking the I-Ching, cowrie shells, tarot cards, which are ancient and generally respected, through game-marketed oracles like the ouija board and the magic 8-ball. There have been some make-your-owns in my life, like the folded paper with numbers, colors, and "fortunes" (what is the name of this one?) that kids use, and even my secret informal one, which relies on an everyday experience for getting a rough take on the energy of the day.
In part this thinking about divination began as related to a project for an upcoming exhibition I'll be participating in with four other artists at the Korean Cultural Service. I wanted to work with the five elements: earth, air, water, fire, and wood. The I-Ching came to mind, though I haven't consulted it for many years, because of its powerful connection with these elements. This connection opened a line of ideas.
I was interested in learning about the Korean connection with the I-Ching, since I was aware of its Chinese origin. It is also used by Koreans, I learned from the (very superficial) research I did. It occurred to me that for the interactive part of the show I could do I-Ching readings at the gallery. But I soon realized how absurd this would be - I am completely self-taught, and far from an expert, or even very experienced, except when I used to ask for help and do my own readings fairly frequently. I have never seen the traditional way of reading the I-Ching, with 50 yarrow sticks - except for the other day on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBdV8D4l9To .
In the process of trying to reacquaint and educate myself further, I realized it felt extremely strange to even consider offering I-Ching readings to others, especially when they could potentially have a great deal more experience with the oracle than I do.
Other divination systems, especially the tarot, made me think about oracles in general and to consider the underpinnings of their conceptual frameworks. It's very interesting to compare them and the way they convey their messages, or tell their stories. Basically the I-Ching, while in some ways a cultural reference, is heavily based on nature - the presence of mountains, wind, water - and their interaction depending on the hexagram (six lines) thrown by the questioner. The Tarot seems much more devoted to human behavior and characteristics, at least as it's been interpreted by Europeans.
In part this thinking about divination began as related to a project for an upcoming exhibition I'll be participating in with four other artists at the Korean Cultural Service. I wanted to work with the five elements: earth, air, water, fire, and wood. The I-Ching came to mind, though I haven't consulted it for many years, because of its powerful connection with these elements. This connection opened a line of ideas.
I was interested in learning about the Korean connection with the I-Ching, since I was aware of its Chinese origin. It is also used by Koreans, I learned from the (very superficial) research I did. It occurred to me that for the interactive part of the show I could do I-Ching readings at the gallery. But I soon realized how absurd this would be - I am completely self-taught, and far from an expert, or even very experienced, except when I used to ask for help and do my own readings fairly frequently. I have never seen the traditional way of reading the I-Ching, with 50 yarrow sticks - except for the other day on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBdV8D4l9To .
In the process of trying to reacquaint and educate myself further, I realized it felt extremely strange to even consider offering I-Ching readings to others, especially when they could potentially have a great deal more experience with the oracle than I do.
Other divination systems, especially the tarot, made me think about oracles in general and to consider the underpinnings of their conceptual frameworks. It's very interesting to compare them and the way they convey their messages, or tell their stories. Basically the I-Ching, while in some ways a cultural reference, is heavily based on nature - the presence of mountains, wind, water - and their interaction depending on the hexagram (six lines) thrown by the questioner. The Tarot seems much more devoted to human behavior and characteristics, at least as it's been interpreted by Europeans.
© 2008 Priscilla P. Stadler
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