19 - Approach

This hexagram signals the approach of beneficial influences and growth. For this, going in with a proper attitude and a steadfast modesty, patience and tolerance will be helpful.

When the first line is changing, be certain to hold a good attitude.
When the second line is changing, accept external conditions and maintain discipline.
When the third line is changing, be weary of falling into irresponsibility.
When the fourth line is changing, remain open to the abilities of others.
When the fifth line is changing, help from others is attracted by modesty and proper behaviour.
When the sixth line is changing, a greathearted person achieves great success.

18 - Decay

When you see this hexagram, it is a sign that self-improvement is required. Now is a time to fight against stagnation and to seek growth. With self-improvement there will be good fortune.

When the first line is changing, it is time to let go of spoiled way of behaviour or thought.
When the second line is changing, fear is keeping you away from the truth.
When the third line is changing, effort is a good thing but be weary of being too vigourous.
When the fourth line is changing, don't tolerate what is wrong.
When the fifth line is changing, aiding or accepting a wrong will not be helpful.
When the sixth line is changing, improving yourself will be of aid.

17 - Following

In order to gain a following, a person needs to understand how to be a follower and how to gain loyalty with their own behaviour. It is also necessary to accept the way things are in the now in order to better understand how to change the situation.

When the first line is changing, listen to others with attention and discuss things peacefully.
When the second line is changing, avoid clinging to poor behaviour.
When the third line is changing, sometimes it is best to let go of habits.
When the fourth line is changing, be weary of flattery.
When the fifth line is changing, success begins with good behaviour.
When the sixth line is changing, be steadfast in attaining what you need.

16 - Enthusiasm

This a hexagram that points out enthusiasm can be useful tool if properly founded. If the enthusiasm is founded on a desire for things such as wealth, power and recognition, it invites disaster. When after attaining and expressing inner truth and balance, it invites fortune.

When the first line is changing, it warns against arrogance.
When the second line is changing, it tells to learn the signs of poor behaviour and to self-correct that.
When the third line is changing, it warns against relying on others for self-improvement.
When the fourth line is changing, it tells that sincerity helps bring in success.
When the fifth line is changing, now is a time to self-reflect.
When the sixth line is changing, it tells that self-correction helps bring in success.

15 - Modesty

Now is a time where modesty is a means of improving the current situation. It isn't a time for boasting or arrogance but rather a time for openness and seeking opportunities.

When the first line is changing, it warns against seeking recognition or reward.
When the second line is changing, it tells modesty will be of great use.
When the third line is changing, it warns against pausing progress.
When the fourth line is changing, it warns of making a show of modesty.
When the fifth line is changing, now is a time for progress.
When the sixth line is changing, it warns against anger, self-righteousness, pride and self-pity.

14 - Possession In Great Measure

This is a time of clarity and, provided you remained principled, a time of prosperity and success. If you seek to improve your behaviour, your influence will spread.

When the first line is changing, maintaining humility, detachment and alertness will be of use.
When the second line is changing, being modest and independent will help.
When the third line is changing, now is a time to try to self-improve.
When the fourth line is changing, avoid comparing yourself to others.
When the fifth line is changing, don't try to force influence.
When the sixth line is changing, maintain a level of modesty and seek to do the right thing.

13- Fellowship With Others

This hexagram is one about relationships and is usually a sign that some sort of self-correction is needed.

If the first line is changing, it warns hidden intentions and/or agendas will cause issues.
If the second line is changing, it warns of forming factions due to poor behaviour.
If the third line is changing, it warns of being mistrustful and secrecy as it will backfire.
If the fourth line is changing, it warns that fighting will cause problems.
If the fifth line is changing, it warns of a separation.
If the sixth line is changing, it warns against reservations towards wisdom.

12 - Stagnaton

There are people who are of poor quality who ascend but this does mean you should as well. Looking inwards and towards doing what's right, the truth and progress can prevail.

When the first line is changing, now is a time influencing matters is not possible.
When the second line is changing, patience is now needed. Persevering with humility and openness will provide of aid.
When the third line is changing, stay on the path of what's right.
When the fourth line is changing, concentrate on doing the right thing and remaining modest as it will lead to an improved situation.
When the fifth line is changing, be weary of your ego as a change is coming but good fortune can come only to those that are cautious and behave properly.
When the sixth line is changing, the stagnation can end by correct behaviour.

11 - Peace

Now is a time of peace and prosperity for those who maintain their ego and practice long term planning and proper behaviour.

If the first line is changing, as long as you stay humble it is a good time to act.
If the second line is changing, bear with difficult people and situations and work through dealing with it.
If the third line is changing, when difficulties arise, accept the situation and hold on firmly.
If the fourth line is changing, avoid trying to impress or influence people.
If the fifth line is changing, remain modest and patient as that will help bring goo fortune.
If the sixth line is changing, this warns of a waning period. Confront it with a calm patience.

10 - Treading

Now is a time to tread carefully and with caution. Self-development is also preferable and needed for any lasting influence. During this time of self-development, condemning or correcting others is not a duty.

When the first line is changing, be weary of being too ambition and restless.
When the second line is changing, it warns of entanglements and conflict.
When the third line is changing, avoid taking up what's beyond your own skills.
When the fourth line is changing, be cautious as you move forward.
When the fifth line is changing, be sure to keep a level of friendliness, humility, detachment and inner independence.
When the sixth line is changing, acceptance and inner balance is a must for progress. Good conduct will aid you.

9 - The Taming Power Of The Small

Now is a time of restraints, the need to accept that quietly and for taking small steps to make progress. It's a time of focus, determination and adaptability.

When the first line is changing, it is best to avoid forcing change and being impatient.
When the second line is changing, it is time to be devoted to he truth.
When the third line is changing, it warns o rushing things. To do so will bring misfortune.
When the fourth line is changing, be sure to treat others with gentleness and dignity while maintaining a detached stance.
When the fifth line is changing, be loyal to proper principals and it will eventually pay off.
When the sixth line is changing, success is immediate provided if you move forwards cautiously. Rushing things will not be of help.

8 - Holding Together

Now is a time for creating unions with people to allow for assistance of each other. Now is a time for community building. This also means it is a time to remain innocent, balanced and correct in behaviour.

When the first line is changing, a genuine commitment to the truth is needed.
When the second line is changing, it warns of poor influences.
When the third line is changing, it warns of poor alliances. Independence and integrity is needed during this time alongside making sure you have good alliances.
When the fourth line is changing, it tells of the need to keep to proper principals.
When the fifth line is changing, it warns against clinginess, to be humble and devoted to the truth and to allow people to come in and out of your life.
When the sixth line is changing, to tells to proceed with caution and to pay attention to every step you take.

The Dhammapada (Translation by Gil Fronsdal)

Short, put into smaller segments and written in a poetic, easy to understand style, it is not that hard why this particular Buddhist text has stood the test of the time. The translation is nicely done and it makes the Dhammapada more assessable to the speaking English world. All this makes recommending this book easy to do to those interested in learning more about Buddhism.

7 - The Army

Now is a time to act humanely, cautiously, modestly and with the goal of peace. It's a time to preserve balance and behave even-handedly. Success will come as long as you're alert, just, modest, independent and advance cautiously.

When the first line is changing, be certain your cause is just and your behaviour is modest, generous and balanced. If not, disaster is approaching.
When the second line is changing, reassure yourself in your behaviour.
When the third line is changing, poor influences have influenced the situation. Patience and disengagement is best now.
When the fourth line is changing, detachment and equanimity is needed.
When the fifth line is changing, evil has arisen and lashing out will worsen misfortune.
When the sixth line is changing, it is warning that lasting progress is won slowly.

6 - Conflict

This is a time for neutrality and not giving in to anger. It warns of inner conflict and how you're not obliged to pursue this. Patience will be of aid here.

When the first line is changing, it tells how the beginning of a conflict is the best time to end it.
When the second line is changing, it warns of an inflated ego and how humility will be an ally.
When the third line is changing, it tells to avoid fighting for attention.
When the fourth line is changing, warns to stick to a path. Success comes from this.
When the fifth line is changing, tells to avoid conflict.
When the sixth line is changing, it warns how achieving a temporary gain will have greater costs in the long run and how letting go will be needed.

5 - Waiting

When this hexagram appears, it warns of a situation that cannot be corrected by force. Now is not a time for doubt or agitation and to not give in to fear. Instead, now is a time for being balanced, modest and independent.

When the first line is changing, a challenge lies ahead and anxiety will not help you.
When the second line is changing, now is a time to avoid rash actions as there is danger coming soon.
When the third line is changing, avoid being swayed from a more proper attitude as it will do more harm than any good.
When the fourth line is changing, danger is looming and being humble will be your best asset.
When the fifth line is changing, a moment for rest is coming. Be sure to make good use for the time.
When the sixth line is changing, waiting with an open mind will help you when a solution arises.

4 - Youthful Folly

This hexagram tells how in youth people tend to lack wisdom due to lack of experience and how there is no shame in asking for guidance. This hexagram tells how personal growth can be achieved at a much faster rate by being taught by those who are wiser and know better. It is just a matter of taking small steps to achieve larger goals as large goals can typically be broken down into multiple smaller and easier to achieve goals that lead to the desired outcome.

When the first line is changing, self-discipline and contemplation are needed but one should be weary of overwork.
When the second line is changing, it is stated that if influence is desired at this time that inner strength and calmness will be most practical.
When the third line is changing, seeking truth and its value will be useful.
When the fourth line is changing, letting go of the ego and fear is needed. Humility will help aid in avoiding misfortune.
When the fifth line is changing, seeking the truth in an open manner will be of aid.
When the sixth line is changing, it is okay to be a fool but learning from foolish behaviour should be done.

3 - Difficulty At The Beginning

Now is not the time o be impatient. Rather, it is a time of patience and bearing the load of any difficulties. Success will come but it will take some time.

The first changing line states that there will be difficulty at the beginning and that giving up is a bad idea.
The second changing line states a solution to a problem will eventually arise and patience will be needed.
The third changing line states acting on your own will be a poor idea and that patience will help.
The fourth changing line states humility, sincerity and faithfulness will be helpful during this time.
The fifth changing line states forcing the completion of any projects is not a good idea.
The sixth changing line states negative emotions will be detrimental but holding to the truth and preserving will be useful.

2 - The Receptive

This hexagram is about self-reflection and asking if you're seeking to better the world with sincerity or are justing following an agenda. It tells you to let go of any concerns about the conduct of others and the progress of any worldly ambitions.

When the first line is changing, it tells you to avoid defensive or aggressive postures and to return to quiet usage of proper principals.
When the second line is changing, it states that solutions to every situation is there as long as you remain open minded
When the third line is changing, it warns of vanity and that sincerity and humility shall be your aid.
When the fourth line is changing, it is a warning of future danger, not to resist and to work towards fixing the issue.
When the fifth line is changing, it tells to not worry about influencing others while working towards doing good.
When the sixth line is changing, it warns of an inflated ego and how negative emotions will be self-destructive.

1 - The Creative

When this hexagram appears, it tells of a positive time. It is a time of being receptive to the gods, self-improvement and allowing poor habits to die. This allows for good fortune to flow.
It is a time for conduct that allows for meeting part way, not overextending yourself and giving attention to the truth to allow for eventual rewards.

When the first line is a changing line, it tells to be patient and warns to not act prematurely.
When the second line is a changing line, it warns to not let your ego to take control and to be modest.
When the third line is changing, it warns of ambition and following an agenda. It is a time to pay attention to what's right.
When the fourth line is changing, there is a possibility of progress in multiple things and success lies in allowing intuition guiding you.
When the fifth line is changing, attention to proper conduct has allowed for good fortune to begin  and influence to flow without the need of intervening.
When the six line is changing, arrogance with personal ambitions and conduct is bringing self-destruction. Modesty will help here.

Ace of Swords

Upright, this card tells of being triumphant and victorious via determination. In reverse, this card warns of winning but with disastrous results.

The Wonderland Tarot

Well, this is a weird tarot deck if I had to describe it as anything. That shouldn't be too surprising as the deck is all about a certain Alice and her appearances in two particular books. What surprises me is how the deck can be used as a deck of playing cards. That was a surprise to see when I first got it to see two cards useless to the deck, only to learn that these were the Joker cards when I ended up looking at the cards and seeing the usual suits and numbers that appear on a typical playing cards deck. Even the size of the cards is what you would expect of many playing card decks.

The unusual thing about the deck is how the usual minor arcana is slightly changed. Instead of stuff like wands and swords, we have flamingos and hats. The guide that comes with the book is a great help and explains what each of the minor arcana corresponds to and explains what each card means both upright and in reverse. The suits on the cards is also helpful in remembering what each of the minor arcana usually is but it can take some time getting used to.

Artwork wise, it has a nice, old fashioned look to it. If you're into the art from older decks, you'll enjoy seeing what this deck has to offer with its own art. The back of each card also has three rows of a vine with some leaves and flowers on it. The design for this is simple and, truth be told, would make a fantastic tattoo design to wrap around a wrist or ankle.

2 Of Swords

Upright, this cad tells of indecision and the need to look to harmony or friends. In reverse, this card warns of disloyalty and of someone making trouble.

3 of Swords

When upright, this card tells of upheaval and the need for discarding what is unnecessary. When in reverse, this card tells of a lesser degree of loss.

4 of Swords

When upright, ths card tells of banishment and of upcoming change for the better. In reverse, this card tells of qualified success.

Fingers Pointing Towards The Moon by Wei Wu Wei

This is one of those books a person has likely heard of if they're familiar with Buddhist and Daoist texts in English thanks to Wei Wu Wei mixing the teachings of both into this book. If you're into reading those type of books, this is going to be a must read with it being one of those books great to pick up and read piece by piece over an extended period of time and then reread several times to help understand what this book is all about. The author knew what he was doing with this book and it the need to take it slow with what he was writing about, making it a book worth keeping close at all times for whenever you have a couple minutes to read.

5 of Swords

Upright, this card tells of a stalemate and that preparing to move forward is a good idea. n reverse, this card warns of being prideful, of empty victories and to be weary of interference.

6 of Swords

When upright, this card tells of journeys and a bright future. In reverse, this card tells to face whatever problems there are head on.

7 Of Swords

When this card appears upright, it tells of arguments, reason and a warning that you shouldn't take what isn't yours. In reverse, this card tells of courage and how you haven't finished what you started.

8 Of Swords

Upright, this card tells of bondage, betrayal, a crisis and helplessness. In reverse, this card tells of a mistake and jealously.

9 of Swords

Upright, this card warns of suffering, a burden, suffering and a need to bide your time. In reverse, this card tells to be patient and that time will heal.

The Mythology Bible by Sarah Bartlett

By the title, it is obvious this book is an ambitious one and it is a decently thick one. Despite this, this book could be a lot thicker. The content in the book is good and the writing is nice to read with its straightforward nature, making the lack of what could be in the book disappointing. It gives a desire to want more and if the writer could work on a revision with a lot more added in, that would be amazing. It's a fantastic book held back by only adding a bit of each mythology and the lost potential is depressing to see.

10 of Swords

Upright, this card tells of difficulties with plans and how things can only improve. In reverse, this card this tells of the courage to rise again.

Tattoo Tarot: Ink & Intuition

For tarot, I cannot say I am not the most interested in the various decks on offer yet this particular deck stole my heart immediately. Olivia Munden, or Megamunden as he is credited under with this deck, has created a beautiful deck with an interesting tattoo theming. As someone who appreciates the aesthetics of traditional western tattoos, seeing all the personal interpretations Olivia Munden has given the cards is amazing.

The designs given to each card had thought put into each one and it shows. Each individual card had research put into them for their meaning and/or history and it shows if you know a thing or two about tarot. Even if you're unfamiliar with tarot, understanding each card when they are upright is made easier with how the design each card has received.

Even the guide that comes with the deck has had a lot of work put into it. The most useful part of the guide is obviously the parts detailing the meanings of each card and the upright meanings of the cards is given plenty of detail. This also brings me to my one complaint I do have and that is the lack of meanings for when the cards are in reverse. Everything else has been done right, from the cards, box design and the upright meanings of the card, so the lack of meanings for when the cards are in reverse are a bit of a surprise.

Page of Swords

Upright, this card tells of messages delivered and vigilance. In reverse, this card warns of imposters, cunning and to expect the unexpected.

Knight of Swords

Upright, this card tells of courage, foresight and victory. In reverse, this card warns of being a braggart and impatient.

Queen of Swords

When upright, this card tells of being alone and gracefulness. In reverse, this card warns of being unreliable and bigoted.

The Te Of Piglet by Benjamin Hoff

If you have heard of The Tao of Pooh you will have also heard of this book. The two together serve as companion books and to the misfortune of this book, The Tao of Pooh is a much greater book. It is not that The Te of Piglet has poor writing, it is more of a case being a product of its times.

The book focuses a bit on historical footnotes more relevant to the time of the books release and on the political climate in the US during the time period, placing the book as stuck in early 90's America. It does discuss Daoism as expected but putting a part of the political climate of the time and what is often a forgotten part of world history into a book that teaches on Daoism was not a wise move. The book requires context and one that means a history lesson. Not something I think of when I think of books explaining the beliefs within Daoism.

King of Swords

Upright, this card tells of authenticity and original ideas. In reverse, this card warns of domination and maliciousness.

Ace of Wands

When upright, this card tells of fortune and of a new venue beginning. In reverse, this card tells of frustration with a new start.

2 of Wands

Upright, this card tells of waiting for results of a particular desire. In reverse, this card tells of frustration, empty fear and a lack of anything happening.

3 of Wands

Upright, this card tells of realisation of hopes. In reverse, this card tells of unrealistic and impractical plans.

4 of Wands

Upright, this card tells of success and status in your career due to hard work. In reverse, this card warns of lack of foresight and the need for replanning.

Unworldly Wise by Wei Wu Wei

If you seek a book that invokes Daoism but in a more western context, this is a book to go to. It is different with how it tries to get its message out and this is how it gets your attention. It works and thanks to how short this book is, it is easy to just read through this book in a sitting.

5 of Wands

When upright, this card tells of competition, struggle and the need to use strength to overcome this. When in reverse, this card tells the need to eliminate old ways.

6 of Wands

Upright, this card tells of good news after struggle and planning. In reverse, this card tells of delayed success.

7 of Wands

Upright, this card tells of success against opposition. In reverse, this card warns how indecision leads to missed opportunities.

8 of Wands

Upright, this card tells to go ahead and of possible journey. In reverse, this card warns of hasty actions.

The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff

If you're new to Daoism and trying to learn about it this is the book to go to. It is easy to understand and is written in a way accessible to everyone. If you are already knowledgable on Daoism the book will act more of a curiosity as if are already well read on Daoist texts but have not read this book it doesn't have much to offer aside from being a rather notable book.

9 of Wands

When upright, this card tells of a pause in struggle and the need to remain defensive. When in reverse, this card warns of being caught off guard and the need to adapt.

2 of Swords

When upright, this card warns of indecision. When upright, this card also acts as a warning but towards disloyalty and someone causing trouble.

10 of Wands

When this card appears upright, it warns of selfishness, aggressive behaviour and overextending yourself. In reverse this card also acts a warning of deliberate failure.

Page of Wands

Upright, this card tells of courage, being honourable and sudden good news. In reverse, this card warns of gossip and exaggeration.

Knight of Wands

When this card is upright, it tells of ambitions, being hasty and how travelling may help. In reverse, this card warns of being jealous and demanding.

Dreams by Carl Jung

If you are into dreams in any way this book is going to be of interest, but also if you have interest in alchemy the book itself can be of interest due to the alchemical imagery and talk of relation to it despite seeming to be rather unrelated but it is pushed within the book to be related. Of course symbolism within the book is talked about and that is what stands out best within the book itself.

Queen Of Wands

Upright, this card tells of love at home and kindness. In reverse, this card warns of revengefulness, unfaithfulness and being quick to take offence.