The Oracle of Changes

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Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000326O7
• Item model number: VN-2
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 24, 1999
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #8,655 in Software (See Bestsellers in Software)

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  #1 in	Software > Programming > Database > Oracle
  #93 in	Software > Programming > Programming Languages

• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

We wanted to like this software, at least for the promise mentioned on its cover: "Better Decisions. Better Relationships. Less Stress." Who wouldn't want those things? Software based on the I Ching has limitless possibilities, allowing simplicity to be brought to this ancient means of self-realization. Again, the software promised thousands of readings of the I Ching, in versions that are "poetic, relevant and non-sexist." With academic interviews tossed in for good measure, it would seem like a package most could benefit from.

The problem lies in the execution: tinny, MIDI-like music, for example (Peruvian flutes being the best, the option for adding "Random Frogs" the worst). The choice of warm earth tones for the image palette was a good one, as was the strong black border, which transforms the ordinary white space of computers that normally house Microsoft Word documents and Web search engines. But ultimately, it's the small things that disappoint: the interview with a professor where the narrator sits in front of what appears to be a cubicle wall, for example, or the smallness of the font in the book's layout.

As a chance to take a break, breathe, and think about life's choices, The Oracle of Changes could prove quite useful. But as a gift to a friend in need, or to yourself, you'd be best off curling up with a copy of the book itself, in any of its many translations. --Jennifer Buckendorff

Manufacturer Description

An enlightening experience of ancient wisdom based on the wisest oracle, the I Ching or Book of Changes.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great pick for the novice or expert!, September 12, 2000

By	Dr. Sunyatta Amen (East coast, USA) - See all my reviews

As a physician, columnist and lecturer (on natural health and spiritual systems), I am always searching for new presentations of ancient material. The Oracle of Changes CD is a refreshing take... and wondered why no one had done this sooner! I found the music soothing (perhaps a decent set of speakers is best for the full effect). I enjoyed the rendering of the 'cave of the oracle' I entered and the 'pool of reflection' I "sat" in front of to begin the reading. Realistic hands throw the coins for you 6 times and the lines appear on the screen. The artwork that accompanied each hexagram is full of imagery and purpose (longtime students of the I Ching may recognize the deeper meanings). The explanation of the hexagrams and line changes is given by a VERY soothing and clear female voice. Bonuses: The CD allows the user to save the answers in a journal for later reference. You can type in the number of any hexagram in stead of a question and get to that answer without a full reading. The CD also allows yarrow or coin toss odds; it's the user's choice. A great pick!

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It could be better, April 30, 2003

By	Jeanne Garner "msreadsalot" (Lexington, OK USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In fact, at one time, it WAS better. The same people that produced this version had a much better one back when they published their DOS version years ago. I had hoped for something approaching that excellent package--and in truth, this one approaches it, but doesn't quite reach it.

In the minus column, you have to run it from the CD. I truly dislike software that makes me do that. They seem to have loaded it up with features I don't want or need, including music that is distracting and graphics that, while nice, don't really add to the I Ching readings.

In the plus column, however, those graphics are really beautiful and they're very well done. The readings are fine, especially if you have a copy of one of the I Ching volumnes handy to shed a little more light on the subject. I am not convinced that these readings are as insightful as those on the original DOS package, but these generally outshine other computer generated I Ching readings.

If not for the need for the CD every time I run it, I'd give this one four stars--but the CD requirement is an annoyance I'd rather do without. I'll use it, but not as often as I would otherwise.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Which I could rate this with 10 stars, January 24, 2002

By	E. Palladino "epalladino" (Bronx, NY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

When I first encountered the Oracle of Changes in the free online version I was dubious that anyone could develop a useful computerized way to cast an I Ching reading. I was intrigued with how useful, practical, and on-target the readings were that I was receiving. Since there were certain advantages to purchasing the CD-ROM over using the free online version I decided to buy the CD-ROM. I love this product. It was very easy to install and works just like it was supposed to work. The one thing I love best is the new translation used for this I Ching oracle. It is one of the best and most insightful translations I have ever seen. The one advantage is that it's not just a literal translation from Chinese into English, but a very poetic one that helps you to interpret this classic of Chinese wisdom. For myself, since I can't carry my computer around with me everywhere, I would love to see the developers of this software publish this translation in a book that I would carry around with me anywhere that I could toss a few coins. If this book would contain a literal translation of the I Ching along with the interpretive translation included on the CD-ROM I think it could become one of the best I Ching books out there. I would certainly purchase this book if they ever developed it.