Previous Next

The I-Ching is an ancient method of divination formulated by the wily Chinese more than four thousand years ago. Puzzled orientals would consult the oracle seeking guidance or re-assurance throughout their rice-encrusted lives. It was a source of great revelation. And now Tao has gone hi-tec with the release of this novel program from Virgin. You too will be able to delve into the mystical world of oriental philosophy!

The I-Ching itself is composed of sixty-four individual hexagrams, each one accompanied by an appropriate text. Upon loading you'll be able to construct this hexagram using the space bar. It's important that you bear in mind your question to the oracle as you do this, as an insincere poser will raise a scowl on the brow of the High Ching.

Once complete the hexagram is entered into the system and a message appears. Enlightenment is yours! Apparently based on the original works of one King Weng, the text is couched in a wonderful pseudo-mystical rhetoric that's guaranteed to raise a smile. "The superior man gives careful thought to criminal cases and hesitates before invoking the death penalty," it declares, before adding - rather ominously - "In the eighth month there will be evil."

I find it hard to believe that anyone might take this at all seriously, but for unrelenting oddness it's hard to beat. To be loaded with tongue firmly in cheek, grasshopper!