I Ching Divination Methods Guide
The Bridge Connecting Heaven, Earth, and Humanity
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Divination: Communicating with Heaven and Earth
Divination is the first and most important step in I Ching consultation. The essence of divination is to transform information from heaven, earth, and humanity into hexagrams through specific methods, thereby obtaining guidance for questions.
There are many divination methods, from the ancient yarrow stalk method to modern number divination, each with its own characteristics. Choosing a divination method that suits you and maintaining sincerity and right mindfulness is the key to obtaining accurate hexagrams.
Preparation Before Divination
Sincerity and Right Mindfulness Are the Foundation
Adjust Your Mindset
Before divination, maintain sincerity and right mindfulness, with no distracting thoughts. I Ching divination is not a game but a solemn ritual of communicating with heaven and earth. Only with reverence can you obtain accurate guidance.
With sincerity comes spiritual response; with confusion comes delusion.
Clarify Your Question
Before divination, clarify the question you want to ask. The question should be specific and clear, avoiding vagueness. You can write it on paper to help focus your attention.
The clearer the question, the more accurate the hexagram.
Choose Your Environment
Choose a quiet, undisturbed environment. You can light incense and candles to create a solemn atmosphere. A clean and quiet environment helps concentrate attention.
Choosing the environment reflects respect for divination.
Coin Divination (Money Divination)
The Most Commonly Used Method
Prepare Tools
Prepare three identical copper coins or regular coins. Traditionally, Qianlong Tongbao coins were used; modern times any three identical coins will work.
Coin divination is the simplest divination method.
Divination Steps
Hold the three coins in your hand, silently recite your question, then toss them. Record the heads and tails: three heads is Old Yang (O), three tails is Old Yin (X), two heads one tail is Young Yang (—), two tails one head is Young Yin (--).
Toss six times total, recording from bottom to top, forming a six-line hexagram.
Handling Changing Lines
Old Yang and Old Yin are changing lines that will transform into their opposites. Old Yang becomes Yin; Old Yin becomes Yang. Through changing lines, you can obtain the changed hexagram, providing more comprehensive information.
Changing lines are the essence of I Ching divination.
Yarrow Stalk Divination
The Most Ancient Method
Prepare Tools
Prepare 50 yarrow stalks or bamboo sticks. Yarrow stalk divination is the oldest divination method, traditionally attributed to King Wen of Zhou.
Yarrow stalk divination is complex but most orthodox.
Divination Steps
Set aside one stalk unused, use 49 for calculation. Through steps of dividing in two, hanging one, counting by four, and setting aside remainder, determine each line's Yin or Yang. Calculate 18 times total to obtain six lines.
The yarrow stalk calculation process symbolizes the generation of all things in heaven and earth.
Method Characteristics
Yarrow stalk divination is cumbersome and takes considerable time. But this very process allows the diviner to think deeply about the question and communicate with heaven and earth.
Modern people rarely use yarrow stalk divination, but understanding it helps comprehend I Ching.
Number Divination
Simple Divination Method
Divination Principle
Number divination uses numbers to cast hexagrams. You can use any three numbers, representing the upper trigram, lower trigram, and changing line respectively.
Number divination is simple and quick, suitable for modern use.
Divination Steps
The first number divided by 8 gives the remainder for the upper trigram; the second number divided by 8 gives the remainder for the lower trigram; the third number divided by 6 gives the remainder for the changing line. Number correspondence: 1 Qian, 2 Dui, 3 Li, 4 Zhen, 5 Xun, 6 Kan, 7 Gen, 8 Kun.
When remainder is 0, use 8 (for trigrams) or 6 (for lines).
Practical Application
You can use time, date, phone number, or any numbers for divination. For example, using current time: hour, minute, second as the three numbers.
Number divination is flexible and convenient, usable anytime, anywhere.
Time Divination
Divination Using Time
Divination Principle
Time divination uses the year, month, day, and hour of divination to cast hexagrams. This is the main divination method in Plum Blossom Numerology.
Time divination embodies the philosophy of 'unity of heaven and humanity.'
Divination Steps
The sum of year branch + month + day divided by 8 gives the remainder for the upper trigram; the sum of year branch + month + day + hour branch divided by 8 gives the remainder for the lower trigram; the sum of year branch + month + day + hour branch divided by 6 gives the remainder for the changing line.
Year branches: Zi 1, Chou 2... Hai 12; hour branches follow the same pattern.
Method Characteristics
Time divination holds that the time of divination itself contains the answer to the question. This method embodies the philosophy of 'timing' in I Ching.
Time divination is the core method of Plum Blossom Numerology.
Other Divination Methods
Flexible and Diverse Ways
Object Image Divination
Cast hexagrams based on surrounding objects. What you see, hear, or feel can all be transformed into hexagrams. This is an advanced application of Plum Blossom Numerology.
Object image divination requires keen observation and rich experience.
Sound Divination
Cast hexagrams based on the number or characteristics of sounds heard. Knocking sounds, speaking sounds, bird calls, etc., can all be transformed into hexagrams.
Sound divination embodies the philosophy that 'all things have numbers.'
Random Divination
Modern methods include computer random divination and drawing lots. These methods are simple but still require sincerity and right mindfulness.
Regardless of the method, sincerity is most important.
Divination Precautions
Ensuring Accurate Hexagrams
Maintain Sincerity
During divination, maintain sincerity and right mindfulness. Don't approach it with a testing or playful mindset. I Ching divination is serious business that requires reverent treatment.
With sincerity comes spiritual response; with confusion comes delusion.
One Question Per Divination
Each divination should ask only one question, not multiple questions simultaneously. The question should be specific and clear, avoiding vagueness.
One question per divination ensures accurate hexagrams.
Choose the Right Timing
Don't frequently divine the same question. If unsatisfied with the hexagram, don't immediately redo it. Instead, reflect on your understanding first.
I Ching says 'the first divination reveals, repeated asking is disrespectful, disrespect brings no answer.'
Divination Methods Summary
Divination is the first step in I Ching consultation, with various methods available. Coin divination is simple and practical; yarrow stalk divination is most orthodox; number and time divination are flexible and convenient. Regardless of the method, sincerity and right mindfulness are most important.
Divination is just the beginning; what's more important is understanding the meaning of hexagrams. Learning I Ching requires long-term accumulation and practice; mastering divination methods is only the first step.
FAQ
Questions About Divination
Which divination method is most accurate?
There is no most accurate method, only the most suitable one. The key lies in your mindset and sincerity during divination. Choose the method that feels most natural and comfortable for you.
Can I divine for others?
Yes, but you need the consent and cooperation of the person being divined. During divination, think about the question of the person being divined; it's best to have them participate personally.
Can I redo divination if unsatisfied?
It's not recommended to immediately redo. I Ching says 'the first divination reveals, repeated asking is disrespectful, disrespect brings no answer.' If you don't understand the hexagram, study and research first rather than redoing.
How to interpret when there are many changing lines?
The number of changing lines affects interpretation. No changing lines: read the original hexagram text; one changing line: read that line's text in the original hexagram; multiple changing lines: focus on the original hexagram while referencing the changed hexagram.