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Correspondence from Karl Germer to Philip Kaplan
West Point, Calif. Box 173
March 23, 1959.
Dear Philip:
The Equinox always causes much letter-writing for me, so I also send you my Spring-Equinox greetings.
No wonder that the Yi King (or I Ching, or I GING as [Richard] Wilhelm has it in German) begins to fascinate you. A.C. used to say that of all systems (except the Tarot) it is the safest, cleanest, and clearest, as well as the most reliable. Other systems take a pleasure in deceiving you, playing tricks, or lead you astray. The Yi has nothing but six simple sticks, and once you get familiar with it somewhat, you can get clear answers. I can tell you that it has taken a long time for me to learn to use it with advantage.
I must tell you that A.C. had six sticks made of tortoise shell. They are black, 6" x 1". He left on side black, and painted himself on the other side red markings, also 1" wide. This gives the Yang on one, the Yin on the other.
Since I knew him in 1925 he simply took the six sticks in his hand, concentrated on the problem for which he wanted an omen, turned the sticks during the process in his hand, then laid them down.
I have adopted this simple method and have found it satisfactory. Wilhelm, as you know, in the last section of his book, gives more complicated, traditional methods of divination. I believe every one can reach a stage when the simple way is as good. You will have to find out for yourself. This applies of course only to the oracle part, if one wants to use it; the philosophical side of the books pays all the work and effort one puts into it. I have not gone very far in this. As you probably know, A.C. took an omen every morning for the coming day, and took the advice it gave.
Personally, I feel fine, though often impatient. The climate in this part is simply wonderful; unlike the East, which must have had one of its worst years, we had sunshine up to last week, then a heavy snow, 18", which melted in a few days, since then mostly sunshine again. What we need is rain.
With best wishes, yours,
Karl.
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