posted on Sunday, August 10, 2008 9:11 PM
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1 The Diviner and the Divinatory Process – Introduction
Some time ago I wrote about two perspectives of approaching the I Ching as a divinatory tool. I promised to write about the divinatory space and what happens there.
This is an introduction to a series which will explore the divinatory process.
When we divine with the I Ching we can enter what is often called a divinatory space. I think of this as being in a bubble where the diviner’s awareness engages with new and shifting ideas and perspectives. The diviner’s awareness shifts around until there is a sense that they can perceive the situation being enquired about in terms of the nature of the time and the changes taking place within it. The result is a better sense of the pattern of change being asked about and the questioner’s part within it.
Ideally the questioner, for whom the divination carried out, will then gain a clearer understanding of the forces of change acting on and around them together with the choices they can effectively make. They are better able to orientate themselves to what is happening both in their world and inside themselves.
There is perhaps also a knowing or intuited awareness which flows into this bubble to inform the diviner. In addition the diviner also brings the nature of who they are into the process. This is their persona, their values, beliefs and disbeliefs. So to understand the divinatory moment we need to look at the diviner as well.
In exploring this space and the processes which take place within it we will visit some interesting places such as the nature of wisdom and why the regular use of the I Ching brings a heightened awareness of our surroundings. Also how it can help us stay centred and experience a greater peace within ourselves.
Finally I will explore ways of creating the divinatory space so that the process results in more clarity and less divinatory confusion.
These ideas can only outline this process which I think goes far and beyond the human ability to comprehend. For this reason I would say, “Don’t believe in any of it. Understand it then try it. That is the litmus test.”
This work is the fruit of a long journey which has involved me in a ruthless cutting away of fanciful ideas and a painful dumping of ideas which I have wanted to be true in order to get at a simple workable truth about divination and ways of increasing its effectiveness.
My starting point in the next piece is, “Why do we need divination?” and "What does practice of divination do to the diviner?"
Kevin
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