A Chinese Literature Major‘s Unexpected Journey into Divination14

My name is Li Wei, and I’m a graduate of the prestigious Peking University, specializing in Classical Chinese Literature. My academic journey was, for the most part, a predictable one: immersed in the intricacies of ancient poetry, the philosophical depth of Confucian texts, and the elegant prose of Tang dynasty writers. I dreamt of a life dedicated to scholarship, perhaps teaching, maybe even contributing to a critical edition of a long-lost manuscript. Yet, fate, it seems, had a rather different path in mind for me. That path led me, unexpectedly, to the world of divination – a world seemingly at odds with my meticulously structured academic background.

The shift wasn't sudden or dramatic. It began subtly, with a growing fascination with the interwoven threads of mythology and folklore that permeated my studies. The *Shan Hai Jing*, the Classic of Mountains and Seas, with its fantastical creatures and cryptic descriptions, captivated me. The seemingly arbitrary placement of celestial bodies in ancient astronomical charts piqued my curiosity. I found myself increasingly drawn to the predictive elements embedded within these seemingly fantastical texts, the underlying logic attempting to explain the seemingly inexplicable events of the world. This wasn't mere academic interest; it was a yearning to understand something deeper, something beyond the confines of textual analysis.

My research into these areas naturally led me to the practice of divination itself. I began with the *I Ching*, or Book of Changes, a cornerstone of Chinese philosophical and divinatory thought. Its hexagrams, complex symbols built upon the interplay of yin and yang, presented a fascinating challenge. Initially, I approached it purely from a literary perspective, analyzing the accompanying texts, the commentaries of Confucius and his disciples, and the various schools of interpretation that emerged over the centuries. However, the more I delved into its complexities, the more I felt an urge to experience its practical application.

This wasn't a rejection of my literary training; rather, it was an extension of it. My linguistic skills, honed over years of studying Classical Chinese, proved invaluable in deciphering the nuances of the *I Ching's* archaic language and the subtle differences between various interpretations. My understanding of philosophical concepts, gleaned from studying Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism, allowed me to grasp the underlying principles that governed the practice. My ability to discern patterns and make connections, a crucial skill for literary analysis, translated seamlessly into the art of interpreting the hexagrams.

I started small, consulting the *I Ching* for myself, seeking guidance on personal matters. The experience was both humbling and enlightening. The hexagrams didn't offer straightforward answers; instead, they provided insights, suggestions, and perspectives that challenged my assumptions and broadened my understanding of my own situation. It wasn’t about predicting the future in a deterministic sense, but about gaining a deeper understanding of the present and navigating the uncertainties of the future with greater awareness.

Word of my growing expertise spread among my friends and colleagues. Soon, I was consulted for advice on matters ranging from career choices to relationship issues. I approached each consultation with the same rigor and intellectual honesty I applied to my academic work. I stressed the limitations of divination, emphasizing that it was a tool for self-reflection and understanding, not a crystal ball offering infallible predictions. I treated each consultation as a unique literary interpretation, carefully considering the context, the individual’s situation, and the specific hexagram presented.

My background in Chinese literature has proven indispensable in this unexpected career path. The rich tapestry of myth, legend, and philosophical thought that I encountered in my studies has provided me with a deep well of knowledge that informs my interpretations. The analytical skills I developed as a scholar allow me to approach each consultation with a keen eye for detail and a nuanced understanding of the complexities of human experience.

Naturally, combining my academic background with the practice of divination has raised eyebrows among some of my former professors and peers. There’s a perception, still prevalent in certain academic circles, that divination is incompatible with rigorous scholarship. However, I believe that this is a misguided notion. Divination, when approached with intellectual honesty and scholarly rigor, can be a fascinating field of study, offering valuable insights into the human condition and the relationship between humans and the cosmos. It’s a practice that has been woven into the fabric of Chinese culture for millennia, deeply influencing its literature, philosophy, and art.

My journey from a Classical Chinese literature major to a practitioner of divination is far from over. I continue to study, to learn, and to refine my understanding of both the ancient texts and the human experience. My unique background allows me to bridge the gap between scholarly analysis and practical application, creating a unique and valuable perspective in the field. The path I've taken may have been unexpected, but it's a path I embrace with passion and intellectual curiosity, constantly striving to deepen my understanding of the fascinating intersection between literature, philosophy, and the art of divination.

And so, my story is a testament to the unexpected connections that can be forged between seemingly disparate disciplines. It is a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey, full of surprises and unforeseen opportunities. The texts I studied in my youth have led me to a life far removed from the academic cloisters of Peking University, but one that is nonetheless richly rewarding and intellectually stimulating. It’s a journey of continuous learning, driven by a deep-seated curiosity and a profound respect for the rich cultural heritage that has shaped both my academic pursuits and my current vocation.

2025-06-17

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