We All Ching for I-Ching!

I have created a new blog for my Etsy store, 12th House Books, which you can find here. The 12th House Blog is where we share our love for the written word, one dusty tome at a time. Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like to be an Avid collector of rare books & seller of vintage occult books. Expect witty book reviews, quirky author profiles, and a healthy dose of bibliomania! You can read my first post below but I encourage you to click over to the 12th House Blog and follow us there. 

A Rare Find

Last week, I was browsing the shelves at my favorite second-hand bookstore in search of rare and vintage books for my Etsy store, 12th House Books, when I came across this interesting tome. At first, I thought it was a Bible, but upon closer inspection, I saw that it had this little flap attached to it containing some sticks. Upon closer inspection, I found that it was a 1977 copy of The I Ching or Book of Changes by Richard Wilhelm translated into English by Cary F. Baynes and with a forward by C.G. Young himself!

As you can (hopefully) see from the photograph, this leather was handmade and handstitched by the previous owner, or someone on their behalf. As near as I can tell, the symbol on the cover are Chinese characters that read Chou I, "Changes of Chou," an alternative name of the "Book of Changes." 

The sticks turned out to be wooden skewers which many people use in place of yarrow stalks or coins to generate their trigrams. From the aged appearance of the sticks, they appear to be quite old and often used. Clearly, this book was well loved, and I wonder if it was donated by the previous owner's child or grandchild who didn't completely understand or couldn't appreciate the worth of such a unique item. As for the original cover, you can see a photo here.

Found in the Pages

Flipping through the book, I found these two dried leaves which appear to be from a Maple Tree. Now what I find REALLY interesting is that if you look closely, you'll see a single (human?) hair pressed between the pages along with the Maple Leaves. According to Scott Cunningham in his book Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, maple leaves are used in love spells. This could quite possibly be a love spell to bring two people together!

I also found this receipt dated March 27th, 1988, from a Waldenbooks somewhere in California. This edition was printed in 1987, so it's not unreasonable to think this receipt is for this specific book 

What Does This Mean?

I'm not sure what to make of this find. It's possible that the previous owner of the book was a witch or a magician. Or it could be that they were simply a fan of The I Ching and wanted to add a personal touch to their book. In any case, I find it fascinating that this book has such a rich history. It's a reminder that books can be more than just words on a page. They can be portals to other worlds and other times.

I'm grateful to have found this book, and I'm excited to share it with you. If you're interested in learning more about The I Ching, I encourage you to check out my Etsy store, 12th House Books. I have a variety of books on divination and witchcraft, including many rare and vintage editions. I hope you enjoyed this blog post. If you did, please share it with your friends and family. And be sure to check back soon for more blog posts from 12th House Books. 

Full Moon in Cancer (2025)

 

Full Moon in Cancer 

The Lesson

This time is about making your home and family life a place of love and safety for everyone.

The Affirmation

I am healing my emotions and becoming a more loving and caring person.

Interpretation

You might feel more sensitive, nostalgic, and crave emotional comfort during this period. Family dynamics might be more prominent. Past emotional hurts could resurface, giving you a chance to heal and let go.

Aspects

You'll feel a strong need to express yourself and break free from old patterns. Exciting opportunities for personal growth will come your way, and you'll feel more independent. Embrace change, trust your gut feelings, and find your inner freedom.

Magical Correspondences

• Herbs: Use White Willow to help with pain, Lavender to relax, and Chamomile to calm your nerves.
• Essential Oils: Ylang-Ylang can uplift your mood, Sandalwood can promote relaxation, and Rose can open your heart.
• Crystals: Moonstone can enhance intuition, Pearl can bring peace, and Carnelian can boost your energy and creativity.

Carolina Dean 

Two Headed Astrology 

Transit North Node in Pisces South Node in Virgo

 

North Node in Pisces South Node in Virgo 

The Lesson 

To cultivate compassion, surrender to the flow of life, and embrace the mystical and the unknown, while shedding the need for perfection, overthinking, and excessive criticism

The Affirmation 

I embrace the mystical and surrender to the flow of life, trusting in the divine order while releasing the need for control and perfection.

Interpretation

Embrace self-care, spirituality, and escapism. Let go of perfectionism & over-responsibility. Time for healing & inner peace.

Aspects

NN in Pisces Trine Mars in Cancer 

The North Node in Pisces inspires spiritual growth and empathy, while Mars in Cancer provides the drive and emotional intensity to make a difference. This could manifest as volunteering, supporting social causes, or nurturing those in need.

Mercury in Capricorn (2025)

Mercury in Capricorn 

The Lesson

To master communication through discipline, responsibility, and a focus on long-term goals.

The Affirmation

I communicate with clarity, precision, and discipline, achieving my goals with focused intention.

Interpretation 

This transit sharpens focus and brings a practical, no-nonsense approach to communication. Expect serious conversations, delayed responses, and a focus on long-term goals. Time management and discipline are key

Aspects 

Mercury in Capricorn Square North Node in Aries and South Node in Libra 

You feel the urge to be more direct in your communication. You might usually avoid conflict or struggle to express yourself clearly. You're challenged to speak your mind assertively, even if it feels awkward at first. This will help you grow and achieve your goals.

Key Themes

• Control vs. Freedom:
• Logic vs. Intuition
• Responsibility vs. Self-Expression

Magical Correspondences

• Herbs: rosemary, sage, wintergreen
• Essential Oils: frankincense, cedar wood, black pepper
• Crystals: black obsidian, tourmaline, and onyx

Carolina Dean 

Two Headed Astrology 

 

Mars RX in Cancer

 

Mars RX in Cancer 

The Lesson

Consider how we express our assertiveness and to find inner peace before projecting our emotions. 

The Affirmation

I nurture inner strength and courage while navigating emotional depths with compassionate self-awareness

Interpretation 

A time for inner reflection on assertiveness & emotional expression. Past wounds may surface, prompting a need to heal & redefine boundaries.

Aspects 

Mars in Cancer opposite transit Pluto in Aquarius  

Intense emotional upheaval. Mars in Cancer brings raw, defensive anger. Opposed by Pluto in Aquarius, this energy clashes with the need for independence and freedom. Power struggles erupt, fueled by deep-seated emotional wounds and a desire for radical change. Expect unexpected events that force a reckoning with personal and collective power dynamics.

Key Themes

• Emotional explosions: Anger, resentment, and emotional outbursts are likely.
• Control issues: Battles for control arise in relationships and social groups.
• Deep-seated trauma: Past emotional wounds may surface and require healing.
• Radical change: This transit can trigger profound personal and societal transformations.
• Power struggles: Conflicts may arise over individual liberties vs. collective needs.

Magical Correspondences

• Herbs: lavender, chamomile, lemon balm 
• Essential Oils: rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang 
• Crystals: moonstone, clear quartz, carnelian.

Carolina Dean 

Two Headed Astrology 

Venus in Pisces (2025)

 

Venus in Pisces 

The Lesson

To learn how to love deeply & completely, without limits, & to appreciate the beauty in things that are spiritual, magical, and beyond the ordinary.

The Affirmation

I open my heart to unconditional love and cultivate deep, meaningful connections.

Interpretation

A time of heightened sensitivity and compassion. Love flows through empathy and shared dreams. Idealistic and romantic connections may flourish. Boundaries can blur, leading to self-sacrifice. Embrace intuition and surrender to the flow of love.

Magical Correspondences

• Herbs: yarrow, rose, and lavender
• Essential Oils: Rose, lavender, and sandalwood
• Crystals: rose quartz, moonstone, amethyst

Carolina Dean

Two Headed Astrology