A Taoist Study of Magic in The Earthsea Cycle
College of Foreign Languages and Cultures, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
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Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Religions 2021, 12(3), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12030144
Submission received: 25 January 2021 / Revised: 20 February 2021 / Accepted: 20 February 2021 / Published: 24 February 2021
(This article belongs to the Section Religions and Humanities/Philosophies)
Abstract
The Earthsea Cycle by Ursula. K. Le Guin is a fantasy work in Western literature that shines with ostentatiously idiosyncratic sparks of Taoist philosophies. Resorting to Taoism (also translated as Daoism) and its representative work Tao Te Ching, this article aims at exploring the Earthsea magic, a ubiquitous motif in fantasy, with Taoist thoughts and theories including the law of relativity, harmonious dialectics, and equilibrium. This article reconstructs the magical Earthsea world within a Taoist framework and reveals the Taoist connotations of magic. Finally, this article concludes that, radically distinct from its traditional image, magic in Earthsea serves to heal the physical, mental, and spiritual wound of separation; set up harmony of the opposites in binaries; and preserve the delicate equilibrium insusceptible to the ravages of time. Magic in The Earthsea Cycle works miracles in a Taoist manner.
By Tony Lai
February 12, 2024
What can we expect in the Year of the Dragon? Who will fare better? Which sectors in Macau can enjoy robust growth? A Macau-based feng shui master shares his predictions
It’s time to unleash the roar! As we usher in 2024, the Chinese zodiac for this year will be the dragon, symbolising power, emperors, and royalty in Chinese traditions. Besides representing majesty, a Macau-based feng shui master indicates that 2024 also represents a new start.
In Chinese feng shui, there is a concept of a mega cycle that spans 180 years and is divided into nine 20-year phases. According to Master Sam Pou (森寶師傅), the world has just concluded the Eighth Phase, which spanned from 2004 to 2023, and this year marks the beginning of the Ninth Phase, which is between 2024 and 2043.
The last three years before the end of a phase, such as the 2021-2023 period for the Eighth Phase, typically bring financial turmoil, says Master Sam Pou. “But we have put the worst behind us for now,” he continues.
As the Eighth Phase represented the element of earth, with robust sectors in infrastructure and real estate during the past two decades, the Ninth Phase stands for the element of fire, according to the feng shui master. “Thus, the Ninth Phase will be a huge boost for the city’s development in hi-tech, healthcare, and high-end tourism sectors,” he adds.
In addition, during the Year of the Dragon, it is worth noting that the east corner of a place—be it a home or an office—represents strong romance and interpersonal relationships, while the south corner signifies financial loss. The south-eastern direction is associated with illnesses, the west indicates severe illnesses, the north symbolises good wealth and career, and the north-eastern direction is linked to academic excellence.
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Predictions for 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs
As we celebrate the Year of the Dragon, which begins on 10 February, Master Sam Pou outlines his forecasts for the 12 Chinese zodiac signs in terms of wealth, career, health, and love.
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