Tao Oracle: An Illuminated New Approach to the I Ching [Box set] [Paperback]

Ma Deva Padma (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 18, 2002

The Tao Oracle is a visual I-Ching- a beautiful and dazzling new tool for self transformation, enlightenment, and personal growth

"Meditation is that hundred and eighty degree turn that strengthens our capacity to trust, as it puts us in touch with a silent, guiding force that is far greater than ourselves in its wisdom, support and sustaining capacity. To relax into the flow of the Tao in its unfoldment is to experience being 'at home in life.' This meditation takes us to what has been called the still point, the center of the cyclone, the great silence, the inner Himalayan peaks." --Ma Padma
The Tao Oracle is a "visual I-Ching." It features no coins, no sticks, but cards featuring paintings, symbols, colors and key words, along with a clear, simple book to help you interpret the results. The Tao Oracle speaks to the individual through a language of archetypes and symbolism that can expose a deeper truth of the dynamics of change as it impacts our daily lives.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A painter and the designer of the Osho Zen Tarot, Padma combines principles of tarot and the symbols of the I Ching in this illuminated approach to divination. "Tarot is a pillar of wisdom from the West; the I Ching, a pillar of wisdom from the East," she writes. "They are different esoteric paths approaching the same mountain peak." With the aim of helping seekers "look within," Padma offers this dual system. The directions, which are a bit confusing for those unfamiliar with casting, require the seeker to use three coins in order to access the changing nature of his or her question; the lushly illustrated tarot deck gives answers to the question, and the accompanying booklet offers interpretations of these answers. This method not recommended for the novice or the impatient, but it's an interesting new approach for those already comfortable with divination.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Ma Deva Padma is a painter, illustrator, and designer.  She is the creator of the best selling Osho Zen Tarot and The Tao Oracle: An Illustrated New Approach to the I Ching. Padma lives and works with her artist husband, at their studio in Australia. Her fine art has been exhibited in the United States, Europe, and Asia.  She is a lecturer on tarot art as a means for meditation and self awareness. 

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press; 1st edition (September 18, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312269986
• ISBN-13: 978-0312269982
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.4 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #135,079 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age > Divination > I Ching
  • #93 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Other Eastern Religions & Sacred Texts > Taoism

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 37 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A stunning artistic rendering of the ancient I-Ching December 27, 2002

By Barbara A. Bolek

Format:Paperback

Deal with the here and now effectively with this in-depth divination tool. The ancient Chinese method of acquiring wisdom, the I-Ching, comes alive through the awesome art work of the Tao Oracle by Ma Deva Padma. This deck makes the I-Ching entirely accessible to beginners, and the cards' depth and beauty is sure to captivate even advanced practitioners of divination.

From my dabblings with divinatory devices, I believe I can go out on a limb and say that this is the best new divination tool of the year 2002. Padma is also known for the beautiful Osho Zen Tarot, a Tarot deck designed for those concerned with living fully in the present moment. Besides artwork you can just melt right into, there are a lot of other things going for the Tao Oracle.

First, I don't know how you could just pass this deck up on the shelf without giving it a second, or third look. Its earth-toned, sturdy outer packaging depicts card #27, "The corners of the mouth". The card shows a meditative, serene face with a white flowering tree superimposed over the right side of the face. It denotes the importance of achieving body-mind balance towards maintaining good health.

The cards themselves are named, numbered, and each includes extremely helpful word associations. The card's I-Ching symbol appears in the lower right and special symbols created by Padma are on the lower left to help emphasize the natures at work in the I-Ching symbol.

At the top, a Yin-Yang symbol depicts the colors associated with the hexagram, which again, reinforce the duality of forces at work on the card. Sometimes these forces are in harmony, reinforcing each other, sometimes they conflict, showing challenges to be overcome.

The well-organized accompanying text contains direct, thorough interpretations of the cards and Padma shows us that her talents for visualization are not just through art, but through words as well. There is a detailed interpretation of the card followed by an interpretation of the individual lines of the card's hexagram.

There are some well-crafted spreads at the back of the book, including a one-card daily "pearl of wisdom" reading. Should you want more information on the "pearl", or, on the card in the "insight" position in the other layouts, you can use 3 coins like you would when consulting the traditional I-Ching, in order to create a new hexagram.

This is where it gets a little complicated so be sure to carefully read the section on this, it's not that hard to follow, and it will be worth your while. You will be surprised at the new insights you will obtain when you add this step into your reading.

What I especially like is the Tao Oracle's emphasis on the present moment...not some far-flung future predictions. It focuses readers' attention on the thought patterns, habits or actions they are dealing with presently. The future will come about based on what one is doing today -- that's where attention really needs to be focused.

All in all, the Tao Oracle is a feast for the eyes as well as for the spirit. Though fine for the bright beginner, advanced practitioners of divination will more immediately appreciate the depth of this tool for self-awareness. It's an incredibly beautiful, well-designed divination tool at a very reasonable price.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful October 28, 2002

By Lisa Lee

Format:Paperback

I have worked with the I-Ching for years and also Tarot. I also love Ma Deva Padma's artwork. So, when I saw this oracle, I just had to get it! The artwork is beautiful and really captures the meanings behind the I-Ching hexagrams. You dont even have to look at the book. But the book adds alot to the reading.. is very well written and easy to understand. A must-buy for anyone who wants a fresh view of the I-Ching.. or for anyone wanting to try a new oracle.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Tao Oracle: An Illuminated New Approach to the I Ching February 3, 2007

By Karen V. Reider

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I own several Tarot decks but love this one, by far, the most. The artwork is extratordinary and the information beautifully and clearly written. Several friends have visited and pulled a card or two, left speechless by the appropriateness of the explanation. You are left facing what you most need to know, and ambitious to move through it.

I highly recommend it.