The Book of Changes, also known as the I Ching, is a Chinese method of divination.In the past it was consulted using Yarrow sticks, but a common way is to toss three coins, assign a certain value to them, record the value, and repeat a total of six times to create a hexaGRAM.If you have a specific, open-ended question in your mind as you consult the I Ching, it will not return any answers.
Step 1: Bring your coins.
You can use your coins to consult the I Ching.Pennies are a good choice.If you want to add significance to the process, you can use coins from your birth year.If you want to add authenticity to the process, you can purchase old Chinese coins.It is a good idea to keep these three coins since they are used for this purpose.You can put them in a small pouch to keep them separate from your change.
Step 2: You should write down your question.
It is important to have a clear and simple question in order to get some clarity about the dilemma you are facing.Write down your question and think about it as you do the consultation.An open-ended question is better than a yes/no question.You don't want to think and write a complex question with too many parts, for example, "Will I become rich?" might not yield as clear results as "What will my finances look like this year?"Instead of writing, you could ask "What will happen if I travel to Bermuda for my honeymoon?"
Step 3: Put the coins in a container.
If you shake the coins in your hand, you can toss them onto the smooth surface.It might be a good idea to put the coins in the box so that they don't roll around.The method you use for this step is up to you.As long as you don't try to get the coins to fall in a certain way.You could simply lay your hand on the table and let them fall.
Step 4: There is a number to assign.
A certain amount will be added to each toss of the coins.Any coins that are heads or tails will have a value assigned to them.Your roll can be as high as 6, 7, 8, or 9.There are three heads that add up to 9.There are two heads and one tail.There are two tails and one head.There are three tails.
Step 5: There is a meaning to the numbers in the I Ching.
There are a few things in the I Ching system.The sum of numbers on each side of the coin determines whether the line is broken or not.6 (3 tails) is considered a changing Yin and is drawn as a broken line with an X in the middle.The drawing of 9 (3 heads) is a solid line with a circle in the middle.7 is drawn as a solid line.8 is a broken line and is considered an unchanging Yin.
Step 6: The process must be repeated six times.
The coins can be used to come up with six lines.When throwing the coins, record the number and line type.Draw each successive line above the previous one by putting the first line as the bottom.You can use the total score that your numbers added up to to find the value, rather than the line pattern.This adds up to 36 if you get six 6s.63 9s would add up.
Step 7: It is a good idea to consult a book.
Variations of the hexagram pattern can be found in 63 or 64 systems.You can read the meaning of your specific hexagram if you have an I Ching book.There are many translations of the ancient text.One of the most influential translations is the Wilhelm-Baynes translation.If you don't want to buy a book, you can check it out at the library or consult it while you are there.Matching up the pattern with the list of possible patterns and reading the description of what that pattern represents is the basic way of interpreting your hexagram.
Step 8: There's an online list of interpretations.
You can find a lot of websites with lists of possible variations of the I Ching.Interpretations of what the meaning of your hexagram could be will be offered by these.The I Ching isn't meant to give exact answers to your questions, so it's okay to trust an online guide.
Step 9: Enter your results into the calculator.
You can input the results of your coin tosses by selecting the line that showed up on the website.The meaning will be given to you once you enter all six lines.If your numbers add up to 45, you would get the interpretation of "Meeting" from the I Ching.