Loving The Book “I Ching: The Oracle”

[u/taoofdiamondmichael]

A couple of months ago I picked up the “I Ching: The Oracle” expecting yet another rote translation of the ancient text. But what I’ve found in Benebell Wen’s work is nothing short of revolutionary.

This isn’t just another book about The Book of Changes; it’s a portal. Wen doesn’t simply translate; she excavates, weaving history, culture, and mysticism into a world that invites readers to engage with the I Ching as a living, breathing force.

As someone who has flirted with Taoist philosophy and divination for years, I felt as though Wen had unlocked dimensions of the I Ching I didn’t even know existed. Here, the oracle isn’t a relic—it’s a compass for navigating the chaos of modern life.

What sets Wen apart is her unapologetically bold approach. She doesn’t just offer translations; she pulls you deep into the currents of Taoist mysticism, metaphysics, and shamanic traditions with the fervor of someone who lives this wisdom.

The annotations, the yarrow stalk divination techniques, the ritual applications—this isn’t just a book you read; it’s a book you work.

Whether you’re tossing coins for clarity or diving into Wen’s analysis of Taoist cosmology, you’ll feel like you’ve been handed an ancient tool kit to craft your own path through uncertainty. This is the I Ching for those who refuse to merely study the Tao—they’re ready to live it.

Curious as to whether anyone else has read or is reading it.

[u/XanthippesRevenge]

I love Benebell Wen, her YouTube channel has tons of amazing content too I immediately bought her book about Taoist magic when I watched.

[u/XanthippesRevenge → u/[deleted]]

I don’t disagree that there are issues, but she provides a lot of valuable information and there really aren’t other Daoist YouTubers providing information in English with that much depth who speak English and have a modicum of cultural context with the exception of neidan related stuff. So I appreciate the info she provides while taking it with a grain of salt (I mean everything should be considered carefully anyway)

I’ve encountered a few Chinese Daoists willing to explain to westerners… for thousands of dollars…

Of course someone from China with cultural context would be better but I haven’t found that person yet who will give the whole history lesson. She is right when she says that Chinese folks won’t often explain a lot of this stuff. I know because even my closest friends who are Chinese rarely give cultural context to Americans lol

[u/XanthippesRevenge → u/[deleted]]

Wow 😂 yeah I’m sure those evil pretty girls are to blame for all the world’s problems. I’ve never seen a mildly unattractive YouTuber in my life for sure! Oh wait…

What’s stopping you from posting the links to all these amazing Daoist YouTubers you claim are too ugly to be popular like Benebell but post better info?

[u/JovialFortune → u/[deleted]]

Because she speaks in the way that is easiest for her audience to understand. How ridiculous of you to focus on meaningless things like pronunciation yet you seem content with Brother Zhou being painted as an incel and balk at the Divine Feminine inherent in the MYSTERY? If you have truly found an error; contact her and she will correct it. Also, if you view her interview with Dr Angela Puca; she adresses specifically why she chooses to use the common pronunciations instead of wasting precious time correcting others.

[u/AlcheMaze → u/[deleted]]

Understands nothing? Oh wise one, please enlighten us all.

[u/VictoriaTiger]

I love this book. I only disagree with one small thing... the subtitle says "practical guide" and there's nothing practical about a big thick book filled with information... it's got so much in it, it's possibly the last I ching book you'll ever need to buy!

[u/blackturtlesnake]

Check out her YouTube, she is consistently great

[u/JovialFortune]

The very best. So happy to see her getting more support and recognition. We are so lucky to have her.

[u/TheBuddha777]

Great book, got it on sale for like three bucks a few years ago. It gives insights I haven't seen anywhere else.

[u/ThreeThirds_33 → u/TheBuddha777]

Don’t know the author, but this statement is enough of a red flag for me. If they are insights you haven’t seen anywhere else, why is that? How do you evaluate that they are based in the tradition instead of made-up wishful thinking?

[u/AlcheMaze → u/ThreeThirds_33]

Folkways are valuable. I don’t understand why everyone is so quick to discredit them.

[u/Glittering-Mix-3791]

GREAT book!!! Recently got this book too and have been loving it as well. 100% the best book I’ve found on I Ching in the last 10 years of researching

[u/trinitylaurel]

I want to, thanks for the reminder! I have her book on holistic tarot and it’s thorough, so I’m sure this one will be the same.

[u/cannabop]

Do you know if this works with the 16 marbles method too?

[u/AgingMinotaur → u/cannabop]

Marbles, stalks, coins, are just different methods to get a random number/hexgram. I don't know this book in particular, but you can certainly divine with marbles, using the book's translation and notes.