I Ching Algebra: Introduction

Introduction

Why another web page about the Yi Jing...?
The First Step
I must admit to having been and being a little unsure about starting out on this, the latest manifestation of my ongoing relation ship with the Yi Jing. But then, the ideas expressed here have been brewing for a number of years now, and it feels like time to share the drink...
I generally see the book as descriptive rather than predictive. Nonetheless, I tend to ask its opinion of things. So I asked what it though of the idea of getting these pages up, and I got the following result through the coins. The thoughts given here are my brief interpretation of the reading.

The Taming Power
of the Small This is a project that I've been thinking about for a long
time, in one way or another, and things have slowly been
coming together. Most things seem to be in place now.
Start small, with what I have at the moment, and let it
grow as things naturally come to fruition.
Partly it's about having the courage to expose my personal
views on the subject. This seems to be addressed by the
changing line.
The last element drops into place - it's time to go for it.

The Creative

Background
Firstly, this isn't intended to be a beginners' guide to the Yi. On the other hand, neither do I mean to imply that it's an advanced text :-). I just think you should know that I assume that the reader has some experience of the book. I'd recommend the Stephen Karcher's version as a starting point for the book. Karcher's translation of the Ta Chuan, the core chapters of the Yi, is also highly recommended. Also, Cleary's translations are excellent works once the reader is more familiar with the Yi.
Next, I should state the obvious: this is very much the view of a westerner. In particular, a western logican and computer scientist with Taoist inclinations. As such it shows a strong preoccupation with the structural aspects of the symbolism of the changes. When I was doing my doctorate, I once suggested to a cognitive science discussion group that I though the I Ching should be recommended reading for all logicians and psychologists. I still believe that to be the case. I know my own view of reasoning has been heavily influenced by the book, and it doesn't seem to have impared my ability to function effectively as a software engineer.