I Ching, the Oracle: A Practical Guide to the Book of Changes: An updated translation annotated with cultural & historical references, restoring the I Ching to its shamanic origins

Excellent text for learning I Ching. Easily understood and implemented. Highly recommend!

In I Ching, the Oracle, Benebell Wen presents a work shaped by a lifelong relationship with the Book of Changes. Her journey began during a summer visit to Taipei, when her parents brought her and her sisters to a sprawling bookstore and told them each to choose one book. At around eleven years old, she selected Kerson Huang’s I Ching: The Oracle, a choice she could barely comprehend yet which planted the seed of connection. Over the years the text became a source of comfort, ancestral contact, and spiritual practice. She writes with humility, acknowledging her separation from her family’s cultural homeland, her lack of formal academic training, and the question of whether she has the right to contribute to this immense tradition. Rather than detached scholarship or unexamined mysticism, Wen offers a retranslation and annotation of the Oracle that restores its shamanic foundations while serving as a practical guide. The book moves through myths, cultural heroes, and centuries of discourse, from early Chinese schools of thought to Western psychology and occultism. Wen explores interpretive traditions of the hexagrams, the symbolic depth of the eight trigrams, the Five Phases of Change, and a range of divination methods, culminating in her complete translation of all sixty-four hexagrams. Later chapters situate the I Ching within ancestor veneration and Taoist shamanism, reconnecting it to ritual practice. Appendices on solar terms, trigrams, feng shui, and esoteric correspondences make it both scholarship and manual. If there is one book to own on the I Ching, it should be this one. Issued in a stately hardback with a ribbon bookmark, it has the presence of a true tome. Beginners and seasoned practitioners alike will find value in its pages. As Wen writes at the close of the introduction: “The I Ching isn’t Taoist; it inspired Taoism. It isn’t Confucian; it inspired Confucianism. There is a universality of sacred wisdom to be found here that transcends culture and history, so no matter who you are, where you come from, or where you’re going, I hope this book inspires you.”

The I Ching is second to none of all the many thousands of Chinese philosophical books. Ms. Wen has produced a huge book of 926 + pages of tight sized font. Her translation and commentaries are also second to none. The book cover says it costs $39.95 in the USA. Amazon sold it, new, February, 2026 to me for $22.99 shipping included. I live in Cambridge MA. Bless you Benebell Wen and all others involved in getting this out to the public!

I have a lot to say about this book, first of all it's overwhelming. I basically use this as my I ching bible and a few other books. If your looking for more of the traditional uses and magical implements of Chinese tradition, then this is the book for you. Not only is the I ching in it but a lot about the history of it and Toaist magic as well. The artist Benebell is amazing. I found a few mistakes in this book as one of the hexagrams is incomplete. I emailed her and she responded giving me a page form for the missing information in the book. She has stated that she is exceptionally upset about this and had several conversations with the publishing company who forced her hand to accept things she didn't want to. I had a few pages in the back that I had to separate as it looks like the cutter didn't cut all the way through my book. It's only the index so it wasn't that big of a deal. I also got her tarot deck which was drawn by her. She is an amazing teacher. Her research is unlike anything I've ever seen except in my own extensive research. Everything is notated for you and there are so many practices in this book that she works with you. It's almost like having her sit with you in your reading nook and workspace and is holding your hand through the whole book. Listen to her instruction as there is a point in the book where she tells you to close the book. Think of this book as a book of rituals that's going to take several months to complete. Although I didn't go through the curriculum that way. I actually draw an oracle I ching every day and listen to the ancient wisdom. It works with the 13th month 28-day Calander as well since the I ching is in the Mayan Calander as well. This is an exception gem of knowledge and the fact that she responded very quickly the next day in fact with my questions was top notch. If your looking for a genuine person who cares about not only the reader but her work as well. She's the one.

I’ve got several books on the subject. This is remarkable in its depth and scope. Not only does the author have a grasp of the information, she expresses difficult concepts with remarkable clarity. Especially helpful is her knowledge of the various threads of Daoist thought and its applications to philosophy, psychology and Chinese medical practices. Other books may weave the Confucian and Daoist threads into somewhat of patchwork of vaguely interrelated themes, but usually don’t connect them with such clarity and thought provoking ways.

I have been studying this Oracle for many years, Taoist Master Alfred Huang has been my mentor through his work, this book has taken everything I have learned to the next level! Benebell Wen speaks to those of us with a Buddhist or Taoist background, who happen to practice ceremonial Magick, and have been looking for the connections between the systems. She not only draws the map, but also navigate the pathways! Her work not only validates my intuition but also, expands upon principles existent in many other disciplines including Kabbalah, Greek and Roman mythologies, and perhaps a knowingly even African Mythos with exposition of parallels between the Diloggun system. The only constructive manner I know in which to express this, so many authors have dipped their toes in both systems and drawn arbitrary parallels between the two. This is an author who has completely emerged within the mess of Western mysteries and Chinese mysticism, and has effectively navigated both, giving a map based upon experience rather than theory, practicality rather than speculation! Other than this, I also highly recommend Tao of Craft for the construction of practical talismans, especially as she encourages the Western symbolism while dissecting the essential components. Of course it's better if you're able to read kanji! Having grown up Buddhist, and being trained in Golden Dawn talisman construction, this is taking my practice to a whole new level! Anyone interested in Western esoteric tradition with an Asian heritage or initiatory connection, this work will speak to you on a whole new level! Many Blessings!

Thank you, Benebell, for this marvelous compilation of material on the I Ching and subjects related to it. It is a thoroughly easy read, considering the size. For the small price, considering the massive 926 page "masterpiece", I consider it your gift to me. Please continue your good literary works in esoteric Asian arts for the rest of the world that does not read Chinese. Your ancestors must be very proud of your accomplishments and keep a very close eye to see what you'll do next to make them smile! May you and yours be always blesses.

Fantastically syncretic and thorough. For anyone interested in Daoism, Buddhism, or the esoteric side of Western traditions, in perspectives on traditional East Asian medicine and folklore (or on spiritual medicine or magic and folklore in general, regardless), this is one of the most important books ever written. Any seeker will appreciate. Includes perspectives on the major western translations of the I Ching, which is helpful for making useful comparisons in context. Packed full of wonderful ideas and perspectives. Although the author does not claim to be a lineage master, the expertise is self-evident. It stands tall with Alfred Huang and Wilhelm/Baynes, and any of the esoteric and revelatory texts alluded to within It (and is uniquely strong bridging, across the entire esoteric world). The author ought be regarded as The Real Deal. The spirit in which The Book was written is the spirit in which It is received. As a Living Focus for thousands of years of magical tradition and investigation, I Ching: The Oracle should be on the minds and in the hands of seekers for many thousands more. ♾️🖖🙏☯️

Some ideological views may swoop into the text, but looking past that, the content is still good

I have consulted various translations of the I Ching for over forty years. I previously liked the R.L. Wing translation "The I Ching Workbook" and then preferred the Gnostic I Ching (free PDF online). I consulted other translations that were less accessible for me during past periods of my life. Since I bought Benebell Wen's "I Ching The Oracle" I only consult this. Choosing a translation is quite personal and some translations will likely resonate with people at different periods of life. The introduction to "I Ching The Oracle" provides fascinating background history and theory of the I Ching. It also practically explains how to consult the oracle in various ways. The Hexagram descriptions are well written and allow sufficient scope for personal creative interpretation. I checked out the author's website and noted her comments on the printed edition which I have. The printer made some minor errors and the author gives instructions on how to correct the errors by writing on some pages in the book. I highly recommend this translation.

This book is underpriced. Extremely detailed, and well-written. I would have gladly paid twice or more for something of such quality.

I actually enjoy all Benebell does. I like how much research she puts in everything and I also enjoy her style. I can’t comment on anything yi jing related, as I am not a specialist, but I have to say the quality of the book is impressive. I connect the quality of the material with the quality of the information, I think one would make careful choices when there is a lot of work behind the product, and this book makes me trust the information. I love holding it, flipping the pages and I get lost in the yi jing world when I read it. I immerse in the stories and I find it so relaxing and calming! Time well spent each time I can read a few pages. Her explanation of the hexagrams is also very good and usefull, at least to me. I have quite a few yi jing books and I find the interpretation offered by Benebell very user friendly, I can make sense of it easily. I really like the fact she colour-coded the interpretation pages, you will see the grey shaded area on the side of the pages, for easy access. I also ordered the audio version, especially since she will be reading it, I love her videos and listening to her voice. Must say, I was devastated when I got the email stating it will be now available in November instead of March, I was soooo looking forward to it 🥺. A great boom from all points of view!

There is a slight error, one hexagram line six is missing. Would love that all pages of the hexagrams would have the number of the hexagram to make it easier on the consultation. Rather than that I am loving this book!