I Ching

One of my students, Chris, is a handsome bright young man and has attended my classes for almost two semesters, so when he offered to tell my fortune through the ancient art of I Ching I willingly gave him my birthdate, birth time, and the latitude and longitude of my birthplace!  He took his task most seriously and showed up last week with my hand-written fortune--not in one but TWO versions which I share here.  Because I just can't resist, I have put my responses in parentheses.  (You knew I'd want to comment, right?)

First Version

My mother would be very beautiful (she was) and would strongly influence me (boy howdy...).  I would have misunderstandings with my parents, but the bonds of love would still be strong in spite of the generation gap. (In the absence of a couch, we'll just let this suffice.  Misunderstandings?  How could you NOT?)

My life will be influenced by moves (I lost count at 25...) which would reduce the capacity for wealth.  (At this point I became somewhat of a believer in this whole I Ching!)  My life's work would be related to education/arts/liberal arts and my talents would lean towards writing--perhaps reporting. (That explains why I have such snoop tendencies, I guess.)

I can expect some sorts of problems with my digestive system (oh great...), but through it all, I will have strong determination and servants/friends who will be willing to help in case I need them.

Kids?  That was less open and clear.  (I'm sort of glad that part was vague.  I don't want to rock any boats...)

Partner?  (Here's where it gets interesting.)  I will have different opinions from my partner.  Marry late to avoid this!!!  (NOW you tell me!)  But if I marry late, we will respect each other, and I will be granted freedom!  (Paco has truly liberated me!)

Siblings?  We will not have much time for each other.  (how tragic!)

Real Estate?  I should try to keep it.  (Alpacas and all.)


2nd Version

My life will be stable and lucky.  (Define that!  We have a stable.  Does that count?)

I will always be on the move.  (A theme.)

I should pay attention to mouth/throat problems.  (They lead to my stomach, right?)

I will prefer to make money on my own.  (As opposed to stealing it, I guess.)

Kids?  (Ah, here it is!)  Honest.  (Sometimes too.)  Government work?

Marriage should be late, and my husband will be gentle.  (That he is.)

Siblings?  OK.  (Maybe that's because we won't have much time for each other!  Ha Ha.  The time we have is GREAT!)

So there you have it.  No crystal balls, no palms, no spitting into livers.  Just a three thousand year old Chinese art.