Chosun prophecy game

Abstract

The Chosun Prophecy Game is a unique fortune-telling game which incorporates the ancient Chinese philosophy of the I Ching with concepts of the Tarot. The game consists of sixteen sets of eight different I Ching trigram cards, in which two sets or sixteen trigrams are randomly selected and then placed, by eight randomly picked Chosun Prophecy Coins, into eight specific prognosticative sites, filling both the upper and lower sections of each, forming a pattern of eight hexagrams on the game board. A psychic reading is formulated by relating the I Ching context of the eight unified hexagrams with specific line analysis to their game board inscriptions as this data applies to the query.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

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REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

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BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a fortune telling game and particularly to a game having a board with eight prognosticative sites, each divided into an upper and lower section. Eight Chosun Prophecy Coins are used as organizational identifiers to randomly place two sets of eight or sixteen randomly selected trigram cards, forming eight hexagrams, onto a Tarot inscripted game board. A psychic reading is formulated from the created hexagram pattern for fun and entertainment.

The following patents U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,818 issued to Allal (1995), U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,870 issued to Nichols, U.S. Pat. No. 3,796,432 issued to Beakley, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,852 issued to Tallian (2002) all have a game board with specific locations and a set of cards signifying these locations for the placement of other playing cards. Also, U.S. Pat. No. 6,488,282 issued to Portela has coins or chips with data on their surfaces indicating card placement. In our game the eight prophesy-Identifier coins have a similar function in that they not only signify eight numerical game board sites for sixteen selected trigram cards and also designate how these trigram cards are placed to either an upper or lower section, however in doing so a hexagram figure in each of the eight numerical game sites is formed, thereby, creating a hexagram pattern that is unique and essential for a one of a kind psychic reading. No other fortune-telling game has this feature. U.S. Pat. No. 3,603,593, issued to Chew (1971), and others such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,957,452 issued to Patton (1999), U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,682 issued to Blok et al. (1997), U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,564 issued to Brozas (1993), and U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,930 issued to Griffith (1990), have specific methods for composing each line in the formation of an I Ching hexagram, which include both the yin and yang type lines. However, in the Chosun Prophecy Game after the eight hexagrams are formed by the random unification of two trigrams each, a specific line in each hexagram is randomly chosen and evaluated, creating an even more relevant and precise prognosticative reading for the querant.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Chosun Prophecy Game is a unique, fortune-telling game played with sixteen sets of eight different I Ching trigram cards (FIG. 3), that are randomly picked to form eight different hexagrams from a possible set of sixty-four different combinations (FIG. 4). Eight randomly selected Chosun Prophecy Coins (FIG. 5) are used as positional and sectional identifiers for two sets of trigram cards, which when placed on a Tarot inscribed game board (FIG. 2), create an eight hexagram pattern. To develop an even more detailed and precise reading, a specific line from each hexagram is randomly selected and analyzed. The Chosun Prophecy Game provides unique and detailed psychic readings with a maximum set of outcomes with a minimal amount of preparation. Other advantages and essential details of the game will become apparent from subsequent description of preferred embodiments, the drawings, and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the game board of this invention showing the eight numbered (10) outlined location boxes (11), having both an upper (11U) and lower (11L) section with their respective prognosticative inscriptions (12A to 12H). The central design is an eight sided pattern of the I Ching and the school patch of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy (14), which Sabumnim Cook has graciously let me use.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the game board of this invention showing (during a play) the placement of two selected trigrams (21) and (22) forming a unified hexagram (23), which is hexagram No. 54 as catalogued in Table 2 in (FIG. 4). Also shown is a randomly selected line (24), which is line #5 (65) in (FIG. 6), flagged by an amulet (67), and used as additional oracular data during the psychic reading.

FIG. 3 is a table for reference illustrating the eight possible trigram combinations, when two different type lines, yin (69A) and yang (69B) (FIG. 6) are taken three at a time. Other meanings, labels and definitions from the I Ching are also included.

FIG. 4 is a table for reference illustrating the sixty-four possible hexagram combinations developed from an eight by eight two dimensional trigram array. Other information includes the I Ching hexagram numbers (40) and symbols (41).

FIG. 5 is a view of this invention illustrating the eight numbered Chosun Prophecy Coins (50) used as the positional and organizational identifiers for the placement and orientation of the sixteen randomly selected trigram cards. Each numbered coin ranging from “one” to “eight” is shown with its “Symbol” side up (50A), and when flipped over, shown with its “Written” side up (50B).

FIG. 6 illustrates a hexagram (60) unified from two trigrams (Thunder) over (Lake) with its composing yin (69A) and yang (69B) type lines numbered from position one (61) to position six (66) on the hexagram. Line #1 of the hexagram is positioned closest to the game board, while subsequent lines sequentially radiate outward to line #6, which is furthest from the game board. A standard six-sided die (68) is used to randomly determine which of said six lines will be analyzed for each of the eight hexagrams, during a reading. An amulet (67) is placed on the selected line for reference.

FIG. 7 illustrates a worksheet page of the invention used to collect, organize and record all pertinent data and information from which a psychic reading can then be formulated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Book of Change or I Ching is the most ancient and profound of the Chinese classics, venerated for millennia as an oracle of fortune, a guide to success and a dispensary of wisdom. Its origin dates back to mythical antiquity and to a legendary person named Fu Hsi, who according to tradition, lived about three thousand years ago. The father of much of Chinese culture, he is credited with originating the duality of the Yin/Yang system. The “Wu Chi” represented the primordial state of the universe before the Big Bang. It is the state of pure potential energy or “yin” from which everything we experience arose. Developing from the yin condition came the “yang” or “Tai Chi” phase, which is the moving and kinetic form of energy. Five elements coexisted these two forces. The Yin became associated with Earth, water, and wood with meanings of shady, secret, dark, mysterious, and cold, representing everything about the world that was dark, hidden, passive, receptive, yielding, cool, soft, and feminine. Yang was connected to fire, the hottest, and metal, the hardest substances, respectively. Therefore, yang meant clear, bright, the sun, heat, Heaven, portraying everything about the world that was illuminated, evident, active, aggressive, controlling, hot, hard, and masculine, or the direct opposite of the yin. From these opposing forces, a complete system of antitheses was developed. Of the two basic Chinese “Ways”, Confucianism became identified with the yang philosophy, while the aspects of Taoism became synonymous with the yin perspective.

The circular sinusoidal pattern of Yin and Yang represents the Infinite or Absolute, which unifies the two forces, as they flow about each other. The interior dots form the idea that each force contains the seed of the other, so that they do not merely replace each other but actually transform, by either waxing or waning, into one other. A good example of a yang force is a hurricane. Yet, in its center is the “eye” or the calm component of yin, which eventually consumes and overtakes the aggressive force of yang when the hurricane dissipates out.

About 1150 B.C. during the Shang Dynasty, questions that could be answered with a “yes” or “no” were written on tortoise shells. The shells were heated, then doused in water, which caused them to crack. A broken crack, , was interpreted as a “no” answer and portraying a “yin” response, while an unbroken crack, , as a “yes” and representing a “yang” reply. The Yin/Yang combination is essentially a system of binary mathematics similar to that of Morse Code and identical to the logic used by today's modern computers chips. A combination of these two lines, taken three at a time forms a trigram pattern. There are eight possible combinations of these trigrams or Kwae combinations (FIG. 3). Oracles using these eight trigrams formed a balanced wheel developing a sequence called the Hsien Tien or Pre-Heaven arrangement, which represented the Chinese way of thought, spirit and nature. This paradigm with the yin/yang at its core creates the central design for the Chosun Prophecy Game board (FIG. 1).

To gain a more profound understanding of the cosmos, to unify the absolute with the forces of the Yin and Yang, and to explain all the combinations of experience and knowledge found within our universe, a more complete kwae guide was formulated by the I Ching. If an eight by eight two dimensional array (FIG. 4) is generated from two sets of eight trigrams (42), sixty-four different hexagrams are formed (Table 2). Their philosophical and fundamental meanings are formulated and catalogued in an I Ching handbook or manual by number (40) and shape (41). These definitions comprise the basis of divination for the Chosun Prophecy Game.

The Chosun Prophecy Game is a unique, yet simple fortune-telling game, played with any I Ching handbook or manual, consisting of a game board (FIG. 1), having eight prognosticative sites (10), each divided into an “Upper” (11U) and a “Lower” section (11L). There are eight Chosun Prophecy Coins (50) (FIG. 5), each one having a number, symbol (50A) relating to one of said prognosticative sites, printed on one side and the same number written (50B) on the other. A standard, six-sided die (68), eight indicator amulets (67) (FIG. 6) and a note pad (FIG. 7), complete the game's components.

The following inscribed prognosticative headings (13) (FIG. 1) define said eight outlined location sites used for the placement of eight randomly formed hexagrams on the game board:

• • Site “I” signifies the “Query” and question to be analyzed and discussed (13A);
  • Site “II” signifies the “Past Circumstances” concerning the query (13B);
  • Site “III” signifies the “Present Influences” as they apply to the query (13C);
  • Site “IV” signifies the “Obstacles to Overcome” blocking the progress of the querent (13D);
  • Site “V” signifies the “Methods for Solution” to overcome the obstacles (13E);
  • Site “VI” signifies any “Hidden Influences” concealing other conditions associated with the query (13F);
  • Site “VII” signifies the “Time Frame” encompassing the situation (13G);
  • Site “VIII” signifies the “Future Possibilities” and the best possible scenario that can be obtained with regards to the query (13H);

The following procedural steps should be adhered to when playing the Chosun Prophecy Game.

• 1. To start the game, the Querent picks a trigram card randomly from a pouch containing 16 sets of eight different trigram cards (FIG. 3). Then a Chosun Prophesy Coin is selected randomly from a second pouch and placed onto the center of the board.
• 2. The selected trigram card is now placed in the numbered site illustrated on the faced-up coin. If the coin is “Heads” or “Symbol-side up” (50A), the trigram card is placed in said “Upper” section (11U) of that site; if the coin is “Tails” or “Written-side up” (50B), the trigram card is placed in said “Lower” section (11L) of that site (FIG. 2). The coin is replaced in its pouch.
• 3. The Querent now selects a second trigram card and coin randomly, and follows the same procedure as in said steps 1 & 2. If the same coin is selected for a second time, said picked trigram is placed into the unfilled section in that site regardless of said coin's side up. When both the ‘Upper and Lower” sections in a particular site are filled with trigram cards, that coin is not used or needed for the current play anymore.
• 4. Follow procedures 1, 2, & 3 until sixteen trigram cards are placed on the game board, filling in all numbered sites, including both the “Upper” and “Lower” sections of each;
• 5. Starting with the hexagram created in Site I (60) (FIG. 6), the Querent rolls the die (68) and places an indicator amulet (67) onto said line which is signified by the die number rolled. Line #1 (61) on a hexagram is located closest to the game board, while subsequent lines radiate outward to line #6 (66). Continue with this procedure for all eight hexagrams.
• 6. The Reader now consults an I Ching handbook or manual and formulates a prognosticative reading by relating the information of the eight unified hexagrams with selected line analysis and game board data to the query.
• 7. Use the notepad (FIG. 7) for collecting, organizing, and analyzing the I Ching data.

A unique feature of this game is the use of eight Chosun Prophecy Coins, which randomly generate the eight board-site locations (10) and sections (11U) and (11L) for sixteen randomly selected trigram cards, which then forms an eight hexagram pattern used for an oracular reading. Even though there are only sixty-four hexagram combinations (FIG. 4), this game allows for these sixty-four possibilities to be accessed for each of the eight game sites, thus providing a permutation of 64⁸=2.8×10¹⁴ potential psychic readings with only 128 trigram cards. It would take 512 hexagram cards (64×8) to produce the same result.

In conclusion, the Chosun Prophecy Game is a unique fortune-telling game of novel format, having the ability to yield an almost “one-of-a-kind” prognosticative result, whereby, informing a querent how his/her past and present life based situations (referred to as the “eternal-now” in I Ching) may predict possible future outcomes and solutions. It is designed for the skills of both the novice students of divination while challenging those prophets with more advanced psychic abilities. This game allows players to peek into that ancient Chinese metaphysical world of the I Ching by using their inner eye and their powers of “Chi”, while experiencing hours of fun and entertainment.

Claims

1. The Chosun Prophecy Game is a unique fortune-telling game that consists of a game board having eight specific location sites, numbered “I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII”, with each site having an upper and lower section, with each site having its own prognosticative inscription, and eight two-sided Chosun Prophecy Coins, whereby, each coin is inscribed with a numeric symbol from “1” to “8” non repeating on one side of said coin and the same number written on its reverse side, and sixteen sets of eight different I Ching trigram cards, along with one standard six-sided die, eight indicator amulets and a worksheet note page designed for compiling data, and played with an I Ching handbook, wherein, the Querent first selects a trigram card randomly from a pouch of said 128 cards and then selects a Chosun Prophecy Coin, whose numerical value of said coin signifies the numbered site the trigram is transferred to, while the side facing up denotes the section, either “upper” or “lower” of that site where said trigram is then placed, wherein, the querent repeats this procedure until all eight location sites including their corresponding “upper” and “lower” sections are filled with sixteen trigram cards, such that, each site has one trigram stacked on top of another forming a unique hexagram pattern of eight around the board, at which time the Reader now formulates a statistically generated 1 in 2.8×1014 psychic reading from the contexts of the eight unified hexagrams, relating their meanings, obtained from an I Ching handbook, to their positional game-board-site inscriptions as they apply to the query, and to further broaden the intent of all eight prognosticative sites, one line from each hexagram is randomly selected by the throw of said die, marked with an amulet, and analyzed, creating an even more profound and unique oracular rendition.

2. The game board, as described in claim 1, has eight outlined card location sites numbered “I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, and VIII”, which include the following specific prognosticative inscriptions: whereas, each of said location sites are divided into an “upper” section and a “lower” section, such that the “lower” section borders the game's central design, while the “upper” regional section is located furthest from the game's central pattern.

Site “I” signifies the “Query” and question to be analyzed and discussed;

Site “II” signifies the “Past Circumstances” concerning the query;

Site “III” signifies the “Present Influences” as they apply to the query;

Site “IV” signifies the “Obstacles to Overcome” blocking the progress of the querent;

Site “V” signifies the “Methods for Solution” to overcome the obstacles;

Site “VI” signifies any “Hidden Influences” concealing other conditions associated with the query;

Site “VII” signifies the “Time Frame” encompassing the situation;

Site “VIII” signifies the “Future Possibilities” and the best possible scenario that can be obtained with regards to the query;

3. The eight Chosun Prophecy Coins, as described in claim 1, have inscribed a numerical symbol identifier associating one number per coin which include “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, “7”, “8” on one face and its said number written on the other surface, which includes “one”, “two”, “three”, “four”, “five”, “six”, “seven”, “eight”, whereby, said coins function as a random chance generator for the placement of the trigrams by designating the location site by its number and the section of said site by its surface face, such that if the symbol side is orientated upward, the trigram is placed in the “upper” section, and conversely, if the written side is facing upward, the trigram is placed in the “lower” section of that numbered site, such that when combined, each location site generates a unified hexagram which in turn forms an eight hexagram pattern around the game board from which a psychic reading is then formulated.

4. The eight trigrams, as described in claim 1, are portrayed as the following lined diagrams, which when two sets of said eight trigrams are combined; two trigrams at a time; with one trigram stacked on top of another trigram; randomly filling in both the “upper” and “lower” sections for each of the prognosticative board sites, sixty-four different hexagram combinations are possible in each site whose I Ching meanings then ascertain a psychic reading.

5. A unified hexagram, as described in claim 1, is composed of two randomly selected trigrams, whereby, one trigram is stacked on top of another trigram, such as, “Thunder” over “Lake” which produces hexagram number #54 whose meaning can be ascertained from an I Ching handbook and applied to the psychic reading.

6. A unique reading, as described in claim 1, can be statistically calculated from two sets of eight different trigrams taken two at a time for each of the eight different prognosticative site locations on the game board, and shown to yield (8×8=) 64 possible hexagrams per site, whereby, each hexagram of one site has 64 possible hexagram partners for the next site which continues over 8 sites which yields (648=)2.8×1014 possible hexagram relationships all accomplished with only 128 trigram cards offering a maximum probability with a minimum amount of cards, and to further embellish on this probability and uniqueness, a single line from each hexagram is randomly picked by the throw of a six sided die and whose data is added to the reading.