Introduction to I Ching

To generate the hexagram, you will need three coins. Old Chinese bronze coins are not necessary, but are a nice touch. The tail side (or the blank side) of the coin is yang, while the head side (or inscribed side) is yin. The coins are tossed, and by assigning values to yin (2 points) and yang (three points), each of the six lines in the hexagram are generated.

The original method uses yarrow stalks, and while many say this gives better readings, I have not used it and wouldn't dare try to explain it.

Directions

1. Reflect and meditate on your question. Hold the question in your mind.
2. Throw the coins in the air, being mindful of the question.
3. Add up the total of the coins using 2 points for yin (heads) and 3 points for yang (tails).
4. Draw the first line (remember to start at the ground),

       Value  Line    Meaning
       -----------------------------------
         6    --x--   old/moving Yin line
         7    -----   Yang line
         8    -- --   Yin line
         9    --o--   old/moving Yang line
   

5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all six lines have been drawn.
6. Read the appropriate hexagram definition. Remember to read the line explanations for any moving lines.
7. If there are moving lines, draw a second hexagram by "aging" the old lines, i.e. an old Yin line (6) becomes a Yang line, and an old Yang line (9) becomes a Yin line. Read this hexagram.

Rick Le Mon, web@littlestcat.com