Providing an analysis of Chinese divination as a means of organizing and interpreting reality, Richard Smith examines a wide variety of mantic techniques - from the use of the hallowed Yjing to such popular practices as siting (geomancy), astrology, numerology, physiognomy, the analysis of written characters, meteorological divination, the use of mediums (including spirit-writing), and dream interpretation.

Viewing the flowers from horseback; orthodox cosmology in the qing; the yijing in Qing society; the ways of wind and water; reading fate; spirit mediums and spirit messages.