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Feng
Shui Books - Books on Feng Shui
Jon Sandifer Book Reviews The Authentic I Ching - Reviews
Outstanding. A Breakthrough Book, June 13, 2003
Congratulations to Wang Yang and Jon Sandifer for writing a clear, user-friendly book on classic and powerful I Ching prediction methods. This is the first book that allows the western to apply these methods immediately. This is an outstanding book, revealing professional level I Ching divination and theory. I recommend this book to anybody interested in Taoist Arts and Chinese Metaphysics. This is the best book in English on this topic. David Twicken
The Authentic I Ching The Three Classic Methods of Prediction
By Dr Wang Yang & Jon Sandifer 278 pages, Watkins Publishing, London 2003-09-14
This book is not just another translation of the I Ching (or Yi Jing, for those who are more familiar with the pinyin transliteration), in fact this part of the book occupies just 64 pages at the end of the book. The key to the essence of the book is in its sub-heading, for it expands the usual Western perception that there is only one way to consult this ancient Chinese classic.
Every Westerner who has ever skimmed through an edition of the I Ching knows that divination is performed by casting 3 coins six times, or by shuffling a bunch of yarrow sticks. From this one of the 64 possible hexagrams is discovered. This is looked up in the book, and a divinatory meaning interpreted straight from the text of the I Ching. Then a further hexagram is generated if any of the 6 lines of the hexagram flip to their opposite (i.e. yin to yang or vice versa). This second hexagram is then interpreted as an outcome, from the corresponding text in the book. The authors refer to this as the Classical method of divination, but it is far from being the only method.
So far so simple. What Jon and Dr Wang have done in this book is to open the readers’ eyes a bit further, by unveiling two other ways of dealing with the I Ching. These two methods are called the Mei Hua Method and the Na Jia Method. As far as I am aware neither of these important methods are available in currently published books in English. And these are not just two other methods of divination, but a doorway to the understanding of the use of the I Ching in China, and indeed the mechanics of luck.
This book also introduces the West to a further dimension of feng shui. The I Ching is fundamental to feng shui, with its usage of trigrams and their changing lines to describe changes in the tides of ch'i, and hence of the distribution of luck in a particular building or site. By becoming aware of the significance of individual lines in the hexagram you prepare yourself for an understanding of the important Da Gua feng shui technique. In fact the first 56 pages are an excellent summary of basic ideas behind both the I Ching and feng shui, including Stems and Branches, and the calculation of a Four Pillar (ba zhai) chart.
It is often said by Western commentators that the I Ching is good at predicting, but does not give exact times. The reverse is in fact true, and this ancient book can provide exact dates and time. The Mei Hua Method generates its hexagram from the time of the question, and analyses separately the top and bottom trigrams of the hexagram so generated. In fact this method is quite like Western horary astrology, a part of astrology that has fallen out of favour over the last two centuries. Far from being an obscure method, the Mei Hua is one of the most popular divination methods in China today. Jon provides some pretty amazing examples of how this method has given very specific answers, even in terms of numbers or dates to specific questions.
Na Jia relates the trigrams to time as expressed by the Chinese solar calendar (specifically the Four Pillars), and to the hidden Heavenly Stems which are an important part of feng shui theory and practice. The Na Jia method is even more important, dating back over 2000 years, and is known in China as the ‘orthodox school’s great method’. It is not nearly as reliant upon the text of the I Ching as the other methods. There is greater depth to this method than is revealed in this book, but this book is definitely the place to start.
The Authentic I Ching is unique in giving access to these methods, and should be read by anyone who wants to widen their knowledge of the I Ching beyond the fairly narrow perspective currently available in the West.
- Stephen Skinner
Making Waves – Denny Fairchild, September 2003 Feng Shui Quarterly
“My favorite and most brilliant words of the season are those of gentleman Jon Sandifer and co-author Dr. Wang Yang (whatta great name, eh?) from the new book titled The Authentic I-Ching: The Three Classic Methods of Prediction (ISBN1-84293-052-4; Watkins, paperback; $19.95). No one should be allowed to speak above a whisper about the I-Ching until they have read and worked this title. I am a major fan and supporter of Sandifer because his pages are always personal and enlightening as well as educational, instructional. Although not an easy read, like the subject, it’s very deep and very, very good. Be sure to catch Mr. S in March at the 2004FS Conference- he’s a gem, as is this new book about the Classical, Mei Hua and Na Jia methods. Holy hexagrams!”
Feng Shui Astrology – Reviews
good book to read and learn, February 24, 2003 Reviewer: milan mandic (see more about
me) from Melbourne Victoria Australia This is my second book Re Ki.There is new information
re gender character. This is useful information for therapists to understand
clients and readers to understand themselves. One think I would like
to point out to Mr Sandifer that these books are hard to workout for
beginners. However it is a good book. best book on 9 star ki for the lay person, April 13, 2002 Reviewer: A reader from USA Sandifer covers a lot of ground in this book
and uses easy to use language and charts. It's hard to put down once
you start. Also, I had a question so I e-mailed him about it and he
responded to me in less than a day. This is Japanese astrology, not
Chinese, so people should know that if they're thinking it's Chinese,
it will be a little different. My main reason for getting into 9 star
was through feng shui, and although there are many other types of astrology
used, this seems to be the easiest, yet applicable for Westerners who
are used to getting answers quickly and easily. As long as you know
someone's birth date, you can figure out their chart, no need for exact
hour or minute of birth. Well worth the price! Clear, concise and easy to put to immediate use.,
September 18, 1999 This book is deceptively thin! It is rich in information, extremely well-written, and beautifully organized. I was able to put the techniques into immediate use in my feng shui practice. I find it gives much more depth to my understanding of people and relationships, as well as guidance regarding timing of decisions, direction of travel, etc. This is the only book I keep on my desk, and consult virtually daily in my work. I highly recommend it to anyone as a very practical and refined guide, and thanks to Jon for his wonderful work. Design Your Destiny with Feng Shui Astrology, April 28, 1999 Reviewer: AAjmera999@aol.com (Aroon Ajmera)
from London, UK Feng Shui Astrology is already helping me as a very valuable tool for guiding me along the path of my destiny by unfolding the mysteries of TIME, SPACE and MOVEMENT. Jon Sandifer has, in simple terms, explained the 'Life Cycle' or the flow of nature and the journey inside the structure of Time and Space. This fascinating book reveals the understanding of one's energies of time through the movement of all stations or spaces in one's life using the Magic Square of 9 houses. 9 star ki Astrology in this volume brings another perspective to Feng Shui from the ancient Chinese culture. The presentation of calculation methods of numbers against the backdrop of the meanings of Yin and Yang, Five Transformations, The I Ching and the Magic Square makes it a very useful reference publication, not just for the Feng Shui enthusiasts but for everyone. There are detailed character descriptions of the each of the nine types of characters with comments on their health, occupations and personal developments with examples of well known figures falling under each category. Elemental relationship cycles are also amplified. Unsafe directions for travels or moves, monthly and yearly predictions and creation of 81 combinations of personalities makes this a unique reference guide in any system of Astrology. It is an ideal extension to the superb 9 star ki book by Michio Kushi for complete understanding of this oriental science. Jon's background of being an author of several books in addition to over 20 years' experience of both teaching and consultancy work makes him one of the worlds greatest contributors in this area and deservedly crowns him with the chairmanship of the Feng Shui Society of the United Kingdom. I have benefited from this book immensely and describe it as a light for guiding everyone in understanding themselves and others in the context of the energies of their time and space to enable them to "Go with the Flow" and live harmonious and successful lives. Jon expertly & easily explains the ancient art of 9 Star Ki, May 18, 1998 Reviewer: Mitchell Coffman from Somewhere
Harmoniously in My Space Want to know what type of car you are, who's driving that car and how they drive that car...then check out Jon Sandifer's Feng Shui Astrology which explores one's innate Character, Principle, Childhood and Energetic Qualities. Maybe your a Mountain or perhaps full of fire...now it becomes clear. Jon applies aspects of the I Ching, Feng Shui and the Five Elements in this short read on 9 star ki, which will result in a life time of clarity and harmony. Feng shui practitioners will love it and so will you...not to mention your friends and family. If you have an opportunity, attend one of Jon's lectures...brilliantly engaging, exciting and hilarious...afterwards, get yin and raise a pint with him...
Feng Shui for Life: Mastering the Dynamics between Your Inner World and Outside Environment – Reviews
My first book on feng shui, September 7, 2001 Reviewer: gowestman2001 (see more about
me) from CA United States This is an awesome book for both the first-timer and anyone looking for a little more detailed information about improving your life with feng shui. It covers the philosophy and concepts of feng shui, along with how to determine who you are, where you are, and where you are going. It has a self-assessment section which addresses possible health problems you may have and how to remedy them. Part 4 is all about feng shui in the home. I started reading this book and couldn't put it down until 2 in the morning. Then I got right up the next morning and finished reading it. It is easy to understand but not so simple to make you feel like a "dummy." It is wonderful as a straight read-through and also will work as a reference to come back to many times. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about feng shui and what it can do for you.
Feng Shui (Piatkus Guides) - Reviews
Explore the science of Feng Shui (Fung Schway), September 25, 2000 Reviewer: two_bears (see more about me) from Tennessee,
USA Mr. Sandifer clearly and concisely explains Feng Shui to the average person. Mr. Sandifer lightly touches on the early "Form School" of Feng Shui, but then devotes most of the space in the book to the newer "Compass school" of Feng Shui. The Compass school deals with placement of items according to direction. A MUCH easier form to understand in my opinion. I only noticed one minor error on page 10. "Our chi, our spirit, feels lively, sometimes excited, and definitely invigorated." Chi is not spirit. Ch'i (Qi) is potential energy that can be converted to shen (spirit) but it is not spirit. If you have questions or comments E-Mail Me. Two Bears. Wah doh Ogedoda
One of the best books on feng shui around today, September 18, 1999 This small red book looks quite modest. But
it's one of the few to be so comprehensive and fair in its representation
of different methods of feng shui. It also gives very clear and easy
to understand information on how to look at your space and put feng
shui to immediate use. Jon is able to write simply yet in depth, so
you come away with a solid foundation about the subject. Most other
books on the market present a very one-sided, superficial view of feng
shui. This book is at the other end of the spectrum and I highly recommend
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