Anne,
As a result of this 1897 storyline, I find that I'm particularly interested in the ancient Chinese practice/discipline of the I Ching. In fact, whenever I'm in Barnes & Noble, I always peruse the New Age section, looking for books on the I Ching. (You never know, the lovely Amanda Harris might be standing there, checking out the paranormal titles!)
Of course, we all know that the 49th Hexagram, the hexagram of change, is frequently "selected," whenever a Dark Shadows character tosses those I Ching wands onto the table. (You know, something does not seem kosher, what with the 49th Hexagram seemingly always turning up. Maybe the Amazing Randi or the late Jimmy the Greek could have unearthed the apparent scam behind that particular hexagram?)
In any event, I once suggested that the 39th Hexagram, might, in fact, be the hexagram of indigestion (or the hexagram of "agita"). However, our very insightful and witty, friend and colleague, Gerard, speculated that, I believe, the 59th Hexagram was the hexagram of constipation. (You know, I think that I like that hexagram the most!)
Can anyone speculate on any of the other many hexagrams that, apparently, no Dark Shadows character ever "selected" when they tossed those I Ching wands onto the table?
Bob the Bartender
PS After watching last night's TV Land's Award program, I'm inclined to believe that actress Halle Berry, who presented the Groundbreaking Award to the wonderful (and, most deserving) Diahnn Carroll, must have, at some point, tossed the I Ching wands herself, selecting the 19th Hexagram, specifically, the hexagram of unremitting narcissism!