Consulting the I Ching

The I Ching has long been shrouded in mystery. The name itself is intriguing, surely it would take years to master this ancient tool! On the contrary, the I Ching isn’t something that can be learned.  Rather, it is something that is done.  Accessing this ancient wisdom is relatively easy.

To begin, you will need a copy of the I Ching, a pen and paper and three coins. Once you have gathered your supplies you will first  ask a question. This question does not need to be asked out loud, but you do need to concentrate. Your question shouldn’t be something that requires an instant answer, rather ask something that can be developed over time.  This will help guide you to the manifestation of what your soul truly desires.

As you contemplate your question, toss the coins.  Look at them from the bottom to top, not the top to bottom as our Western minds tend to glance.  Now record the results and compare them:

2-tails with 1-head this is the Yang /solid line

1-tail with 2-heads this is the Yin/broken line

3-heads Changing Yang/solid line with a knot in it.

3 tails Changing Yin/line broken x.

Do this six times to indicate a hexagram

If your coins  indicate no change in the Yin or Yang you will skip your next step.  If there is a changing Yin or Yang, cast the coins again to draw a second hexagram to use the opposite symbol

Look up the hexagram or hexagrams in the I Ching. If you have two hexagrams, the first represents the current situation.  The second hexagram represents the answer to the question.  You can find charts that will direct you to one of the 64 corresponding chapters of the I Ching.

The I Ching readings will not give you an instant, straightforward reading.  You will need to mediate on the reading and your answers will sink into you.   The readings are merely suggestions to lead you to the right place.  Now that you have guidance, answering the questions is up to you.