The day I started writing my book, I recognized the commencement of a major life transition. Finding the starting point and then taking that all-important first step, is a difficult undertaking for anyone. When the path knocks at the door, many people are too busy looking for the path to recognize and answer the call. Moreover, when they do find it, the road before them will flicker in and out of sight. It requires diligent effort to remain focused, or it will mysteriously vanish, repeatedly, like a beautiful dream that leaves, and try, as you will, you cannot reenter. The Summer of 1995 I recognized that I was at the starting point, the path was knocking.

It began with a "reading" from the computerized version of the I Ching, the "book of changes."

The entire response was of great interest and spurred me on to begin a book of my adventures:

"Great power becomes even greater when it is harnessed, and held in check. Like a river, which has been dammed, the restraint of power

produces enormous potential. During normal times, daily ritual and habit help keep life ordered and serene; but in moments of great

opportunity, the force of a powerful personality is required. Even so, focused attention is required to achieve supreme success.

This reading indicates that you have considerable reserves of energy and support to draw upon. This is the right time, Dr. Turner, to nurture

creativity by collecting and organizing your good ideas and plans. In this way, even great and difficult undertakings can be successful.

A hidden source of power for the great is the study of the past. The lives of wise and successful men and women are like treasures buried

in the earth.

Great good fortune comes to those who unearth these valuable treasures by applying the lessons of the ages to current events.

Changes could take the form of one or a combination of the following two conditions:

Early precautions taken to restrain a wild force prevent misfortune. Just as in ancient times, a board was fastened to the forehead of young

bulls to render their horns harmless, so it is smart to restrain reckless forces before they do great damage. When disruptive forces threaten,

extraordinary precautions are necessary. Do not rule out the possibility that the disruptive force, in this instance, is inside you, Dr. Turner.

When confronting a powerful force, it is often best to meet the challenge through indirect action. The matador restrains the bull not by

blocking its path, but by deftly stepping aside, and draining its force bit by bit.

Creative Power

This represents the quality of likely opportunities and challenges arising from Changes that are in process now.

This is the rarest and most potent of all readings -- the moment of creation. An unstable condition, it is difficult to maintain; but while it lasts,

the air is ripe with imagination, inspiration and energy. You are now in position to begin a great activity, Dr. Turner.

Worthy goals will bring success, but only if the spark of creativity and leadership is kindled by you. If your actions are big-hearted and in

alignment with the general good, your creativity will be rewarded with the greatest success. In political or business affairs, it is a time to

assert leadership.

But be forewarned: success can turn to failure if strength turns to arrogance.”