A Bright Light in the Darkness: A Modern Daoist Perspective on the Twelve-Animal Zodiac

A Bright Light in the Darkness presents the vast variety of Daoist perspectives on the twelve-animal zodiac together with its practical application. It introduced the concept of the inner and outer zodiac and explains their relationship to individual destiny and the acupuncture meridian system. This book provides both an easily accessible foundation of the system for beginners as well as deeper insights and expanded principles for knowledgeable experts. Illustrating the intricacies of the relationship between human life and animals, the book highlights the importance of respect for nature, the animal kingdom, and one another. It is enlightening and joyful to read, a pleasure and inspiration for everyone.

• Wu Baolin, Author

  Dr. Wu Baolin (b. 1954) is a senior master of Daoist taijiquan, Chinese medicine, and qi cultivation. Born in China, he now heals and teaches in Santa Monica, widely recognized as an authority in Chinese medicine and the martial arts. He is also the author of Dog Mother (Three Pines Press, 2022), and various other works on qigong, longevity, and health. Brent Christopher Wulf (b. 1982) began studying qigong under Dr. Baolin Wu in 2006 and has since studied other Daoist arts such as: taijiquan, swordplay and medical massage. He also earned a Master of Science degree in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in 2019. He is a California native.

• Kevin T. Hill, Author

  Kevin T. Hill (b. 1987) Kevin T. Hill is a student of Daoism, Chinese Medicine, the Yijing, and qi cultivation under Dr. Wu Baolin. Born and raised in Santa Monica, he holds a liberal arts degree from Santa Monica College and has studied and practiced martial arts, philosophy, and meditation for over twenty years.

• Intriguing! I found A Light in the Darkness as highly provocative and entertaining as it is informative. It presents an insightful and fresh perspective on an ancient system thousands of years old. Dr. Baolin Wu’s Daoist methodology is renowned for being comprehensive, concise, and always rooted in practical wisdom. In all these respects, this book does not disappoint. The authors have penned a unique guide that is filled with detailed information and yet remains understandable and easily accessible. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the twelve-animals zodiac or Daoist wisdom.
  —Robben Ford
• I was very excited to get my hands on Light in the Darkness. Once I heard that Dr. Wu—senior master of taiji quan, Daoist medicine, and qi cultivation—was going to write about the traditional twelve-animal zodiac with Kevin T. Hill—accomplished musician and student of Eastern and Western philosophies, history, and religion—I simply could not wait! Anyone, even those with little previous knowledge of Daoism and Asian philosophies, will find initial chapters of this book a fabulous introduction, as the authors take the time to explain important basic terms and relation Asian wisdom to similar concepts of the West. The second part provides an excellent reference guide to the zodiac of the twelve animals, in each cases explaining how they function as well as their key traits, abilities, cultural and spiritual concepts, internal and external aspects, and mutual compatibility. I highly recommend it to students of the Chinese zodiac and all those curious and enthusiastic about the insights and knowledge Daoism has to offer.
  —Thomas Durand