EDITOR'S COMMENTS

     This issue of The Caldron is devoted to the ancient Chinese book of wisdom, the I Ching, or Book of Changes as it is also called. I was first introduced to this holy book back in the mid-sixties and have studied it ever since. It has always taught me how to be the superior person in the various patterns that my life has taken me through. It has always helped me to stay on the path called the Tao. Over time, it has also taught me a different way of being in the world, profoundly changing my consciousness.


     In this issue, "Wisdom's Corner" samples some of the wisdom that is expressed in the I Ching. The wise sayings contained in eleven of the sixty-four hexagrams that make up this book are highlighted.

     My essay, "Understanding the I Ching", describes the book itself, its prefaces and introductions as well as the three books that together make up the I Ching. It also describes the contents of the book itself - the sixty-four hexagrams, the judgements, the images, the eight trigrams, and the two different sorts of lines, the yielding, or open, lines and the firm, or closed, ones. In addition, an example of how to consult the I Ching is presented, with a discussion centered upon the answer that is received.

     For this issue of The Caldron, I asked the I Ching a question. I asked "How may we be superior and conscious in today's world?" The answer that I received was quite enlightening. We can all learn from this answer. It may be found in the piece called "The Answer."

     My essay, "The wisdom of the I Ching is more personal. In it, I recount my long and spiritually fulfilling relationship with this holy book. From the time I was first introduced to this book, I realized that I somehow had a deep spiritual connection with it. I still have this connection today, as I now offer some of what I have learned from it to the world at large.

     Ariana Saraha has suggested an on-line version of Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching. It's useful for those times when we can't access our own copies.

     In "Seeds from Plot 509, Aspen Marks celebrates the beginning of spring.

     "BeHereNow highlights an odd phenomenon - the amazing explosion of comet 17P/Holmes last October. The Hopi say this is the Blue Kachina that heralds the transition from the fourth to the fifth world. There is also discussion of the meaning of 2012 and the possibility of a magnetic pole shift at that time.

     Stephen Colbert has something to say about the government trying to protect some of the phones companies, especially ATT, from being prosecuted for breach of confidentially. They let the government tap our phones! As always, Colbert is funny - and leaves us thinking.

     "Dogs or children" is an amusing romp through the world of childhood that only parents see. I'd take children any day, although I do miss my old Malamute running alongside me in the mountains of California. But she would never have been able to carry my heavy pack as I get older. In a few years my boys will be able to help me with that. But hey! It's a good thing I don't have to choose. I can have both.

     Enjoy,

     Eugene Marks, Editor