Dear Fellow Visionary,
As an I-Ching student and software developer, I founded Visionary
Networks in 1988 with a vision of putting computers to a higher use. We were
ahead of our time, but over the years our work has been discovered and supported
by people (like you) who understand what we are trying to do.
During a chaotic "information age," bombarded as we are by conflicting messages
and commercial propaganda, there is a greater need than ever for intuitive decision-making
support. Nothing can do this better than an enlightened counselor -- or an authentic
divination experience.
Giving humanity universal, do-it-yourself access to authentic classical divination systems is my life's work. We do it as aesthetically as we can, using interactive technology to stimulate your intuition, to empower the individual's ability to divine for themselves. It is with passion that we offer the world our family of Tarot, Astrology, I-Ching and Numerology websites -- mathematically and energetically authentic deliveries
of the world's oldest and wisest oracles.
As long as a divination experience is programmed so that the computer
does not control the ritualistic aspects (unlike most Tarot sites where the
computer picks the cards for you, for instance), interactive technology can deliver a mathematically and energetically authentic experience. Add interpretive content that is deep and rich (beyond fortune cookie treatment) and voila!
Although the Tarot and I-Ching can point to probable outcomes and potentials,
true divination is not fortune-telling. Oracles help one focus on the present
moment and make better decisions. They give you a deeper understanding of what is happening now
-- the only time there really is. This is helpful when you are confronted by
dilemmas that logic can't handle (you know the ones I mean). Classical oracles
are powerful means for stimulating your intuition and receiving guidance around
important issues, including relationships, office or family politics, negotiations,
etc.
I thank our customers for their patronage, as well as the input we continually
receive about our work. You belong to a spiritually elite, if rapidly growing,
community. While we deeply appreciate and rely upon customer support of our work,
the most gratifying aspect of what we do comes from seeing how it helps people
stay inspired, hopeful and confident in the midst of rapid change. Thank you
for participating in this with us!
All the best in changes,
Paulo
Check out the latest posts on Paul O'Brien's blog.
Paul's Vita
My involvement with classical oracle systems began when, as a teenager, I was
introduced to the I-Ching by a young woman at a commune for draft resisters
(Vietnam era) in California. I liked her, so I thought I'd humor her and toss
the coins. I was being a smart-aleck and basically making fun of the whole thing.
The I Ching completely ignored my question and returned Hexagram #4, "Youthful
Folly." The way it reflected my flippant intent rather than my query caught
me by surprise. Curiosity aroused, I immediately asked another question -- this time to test it.
Again, the oracle ignored my ego-driven query and returned a line that "questioned
the sincerity of the seeker." I was stunned ... and converted. Since that day,
I have used classical oracle systems like the I Ching and Tarot whenever I have
a dilemma logic can't handle. As a result, I have been saved from making stupid
mistakes more times than I can recount.
My involvement in software began in 1973, when I became fascinated with a video game programmed to run on an oscilloscope connected to a "mini-computer"(although it had way less power than my current lap-top, it took up a large room). This was more than 5 years before 'Pong' the first video game. The idea that experiences could be created from nothing inspired me as a form of wizardry. At that time, my employer, the non-profit Oregon Research Institute, was also a user of Arpanet, the network you are using as you read this, now known as "the Internet."
After 15 years in software marketing, in 1988 I took a leap from a lucrative VP position in a soul-less company and founded Visionary Software to create and publish the world's first interactive divination software program -- which I called "Synchronicity." It didn't come to light until 10 years later that I was the "Father of Interactive Divination" because of it.. This was a pre-destined labor of love, considered by all my professional friends to be a "folly" at the time.
Synchronicity was so far ahead of its time, that I had to develop software products in the time management and corporate training areas in order to keep the new company afloat. In 1994, I sold Visionary's non-divination titles to the company's management team, retaining ownership of Synchronicity, which I always considered to be the "soul" of the company. After working for two years on the Oracle of Changes CD-ROM and website -- while serving as Director of the non-profit Oregon Multimedia Alliance -- I restarted Visionary to continue the evolution of interactive divination. From now on, I intend to only create experiences I feel passionately about.
I am an ordained minister (non-fundamentalist) and also a Buddhist meditation teacher (no conflict). My spiritual training includes 2 years residency in monasteries and spiritual communities around the world. Shunning "ists" and "isms", my personal philosophy is most influenced by Taoism and Buddhism, the essence of the Master Jesus's teachings as well as the goddess-oriented traditions. I see authentic divination experiences as most appropriate spiritual rituals of the Aquarian age, eliminating the need for priests or any kind of middleman, giving each individual equal and direct access to the divine wisdom within her or himself -- limited only by the development of one's spiritual maturity.
For the past 19 years, I have also served as the host of Pathways, a weekly interview program on KBOO FM radio in Portland, Oregon which focuses on issues of personal and cultural transformation (Sundays 8:30 am, 90.7 FM). A member of the Oregon Speakers Bureau, I am asked to speak on a variety of subjects -- including boot-strap entrepreneurism, intuitive decision-making, etc.
My personal interests include writing, public speaking, interactive design, art, literature and a variety of activities including salsa dancing, skiing, golf, hiking, tennis, racquetball, ping-pong. I support the Oregon Ballet, the Portland Trail Blazers, Zero Population Growth, Male Goddess Worshippers (an experiential 'religion' I invented), environmental causes and Tibetan sovereignty. Currently single, I have a very cool son named Shane (in his 20's), and a cantankerous but loveable 15-year old cat named Eggroll (a lovebunny/wildcat who still catches mice).
Written works: My Visionary I-Ching is soon to be published and I am working on a new book, "Intuitive Decision Making in an Age of Chaos," which you can preview parts of by reading back issues of the Synchronicity Newsletter
