Buzz
The I Ching (also known as the Book of Changes) has long been used as a method of divination in Chinese culture. While traditionally consulted using Yarrow sticks, a popular modern method involves tossing three coins, assigning values, and repeating the process six times to form a hexagram. For effective results, it's important to have a specific, open-ended question in mind as the I Ching does not provide simple yes or no answers.
Steps
Using the Coins for Casting
Prepare your coins. Any coins will suffice for consulting the I Ching. Pennies are commonly used, but for added significance, consider coins with personal meaning such as those from your birth year. Authentic Chinese coins can also be acquired for a more traditional approach.
- If consulting the I Ching regularly, it's beneficial to reserve three coins solely for this purpose. Keep them in a designated pouch to avoid mixing them with everyday change.
Formulate your inquiry. When consulting the I Ching, it's crucial to have a clear and concise question in mind. Take your time to craft your question, ensuring it is straightforward and open-ended for the most insightful results.
- Avoid yes/no questions; opt for inquiries like “What will my financial situation be this year?” instead of “Will I get rich?”
- Avoid overly complex questions with multiple parts. Simplify your query to focus on one aspect, such as “What are the implications of honeymooning in Bermuda?”
Coin Tossing Technique. Give the coins a gentle shake in your hand before tossing them onto a flat surface, preferably the lid of a box to prevent them from scattering.
- There’s no strict method for tossing; the key is to avoid influencing the outcome. You could simply drop them from your hand onto the table without peeking.
Deciphering Your Hexagram
Assigning Values. Each coin toss results in a sum. Heads are valued at three, tails at two, resulting in sums of 6, 7, 8, or 9. For instance, three heads yield 9, two heads and one tail yield 8, one head and two tails yield 7, and three tails yield 6.
Understanding I Ching Numbers. Each number corresponds to specific aspects within the I Ching system. The total value determines the line's yin or yang, its stability, and whether it’s represented as broken or unbroken.
- A sum of 6 (three tails) represents a changing yin, depicted as a broken line with an X. A sum of 9 (three heads) symbolizes a changing yang, depicted as a solid line with a circle.
- A sum of 7 (two tails, one head) signifies an unchanging yang, depicted as a solid line, while a sum of 8 (two heads, one tail) indicates an unchanging yin, represented by a broken line.
Repeat the process six times. Use the coins to generate six lines, forming your hexagram. After each toss, record the number and line type, placing the first line at the bottom and subsequent lines above it.
- Some I Ching references use the cumulative total of your numbers to determine the hexagram value, rather than focusing solely on the line pattern. For instance, six 6s would total 36, while six 9s would total 63.
Decoding Your Hexagram
Refer to a guidebook. With 63 (or sometimes 64) variations of the hexagram, an I Ching book can provide insights into your specific hexagram. Numerous translations of the ancient text exist, with the Wilhelm-Baynes version being particularly influential.
- If you don’t have a copy, consider borrowing one from your local library to interpret your hexagram.
- Interpretation typically involves matching the pattern with the list of possibilities and reading the corresponding description.
Explore online hexagram interpretations. Numerous websites offer extensive lists of potential hexagram variations, providing interpretations of your hexagram's significance.
- Remember, the I Ching doesn’t offer definitive answers, so relying on online resources is acceptable.
Use a hexagram calculator. Online tools allow you to input the results of each coin toss, selecting the corresponding line. After entering all six lines, the calculator identifies the appropriate hexagram and provides its meaning.
- For example, entering a total of 45 would yield the interpretation “Meeting” according to the I Ching.
Useful Tips
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The I Ching doesn't offer direct solutions or precise answers. Instead, it serves as a guiding tool, providing fresh perspectives on the challenges you face.
Essential Supplies
- Three coins
- Pen and paper
