Photo: I Ching fortuneteller in Japan, 1914.
I Ching divination is an ancient method of fortune-telling. The I Ching text consists of sixty-four hexagrams, each made up of six lines representing the states of yin (broken) or yang (solid), and their commentaries. The divination process involves building up the lines of the hexagram using either 50 yarrow stalks or three coins. The resulting hexagram and its corresponding commentaries are studied and interpreted as an oracle.
Methods
Each hexagram is written as six lines, with each line representing a state of yin or yang, either old or young. The common methods for consulting the I Ching as an oracle produce a number for each line: 6 for old yin, 7 for young yang, 8 for young yin, and 9 for old yang. The lines are generated in order, starting from the first line and proceeding to the sixth. If there are old lines, they are changed to create a second hexagram, and the commentarial material for the new hexagram is also studied.
The method used to generate the hexagram(s) depends on the diviner's circumstances and beliefs. Traditionalists often use the yarrow-stalk method, appreciating its complexity and the time it takes to manipulate the stalks. Others may use coin methods or interpret the time, direction, or person instead of throwing coins or counting yarrow stalks. Each method has its own unique probabilities for obtaining the different types of lines.
Image: A bunch of 50 yarrow (Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium var. millefolium) stalks used for I Ching divination.
The yarrow-stalk method involves using 50 yarrow stalks, with one stalk set aside at the beginning. The remaining stalks are sorted into two piles, and one stalk is "remaindered" from the right-hand pile. The piles are then "cast off" in groups of four, and the remainders from each half are combined. This process is repeated three times, resulting in a total of three passes. The number of stalks in the remainder pile after each pass determines the line number.
Another common method is the three-coin method, which involves tossing three coins at once. Each coin is assigned a value of 2 or 3, depending on whether it lands heads or tails. The six tosses determine the hexagram, with some fortune-tellers using an empty tortoise shell to shake the coins before throwing them.
There are also variations of the three-coin method and other coin-based methods that aim to replicate the probabilities of the yarrow-stalk method. The use of two coins or even four coins can produce similar probabilities, ensuring a more accurate alignment with the traditional yarrow-stalk method.
The Rich History and Cultural Significance
The I Ching has a rich history and cultural significance, with records of divination practices dating back hundreds of years. The precursor to the I Ching is the turtle-shell oracle, known as plastromancy, which involved applying heat to a turtle shell and interpreting the resulting cracks. This practice predates the earliest versions of the Zhou Yi by hundreds of years.
Image: Yarrow Stalks prepared for regular usage.
The I Ching has also been associated with numerology, astrology, and feng shui . Taoist thought explores the connections between the I Ching, esoteric cosmology, and the Five Element theories. Neo-Confucian philosopher Shao Yung contributed advanced methods of divination, including the Plum Blossom Yi Numerology. The I Ching has been studied in relation to astrology, with the use of the eight trigrams and planetary positions to derive multiple hexagrams corresponding to each planet.
Modern Methods and Software Simulations
In addition to traditional methods, modern divination practices incorporate software simulations of the I Ching. These simulations aim to improve the randomness aspect of consulting the I Ching and provide a more intuitive and convenient experience. Users can use software to generate hexagrams and interpret their meanings, keeping in mind the need to pre-focus and prepare the mind before consulting the oracle.
Probability Analysis of I Ching Divination
Various analyses have been conducted to determine the probabilities of the coin method and the yarrow-stalk method. The coin method differs significantly from the yarrow-stalk method in terms of probabilities, with the former assigning equal probabilities to moving and static lines.
However, the calculation of frequencies for the yarrow-stalk method may contain errors, as some analyses overlook the exclusion of zero in the counting process. Andrew Kennedy proposes a modified method using sixteen objects that includes the exclusion of zero, resulting in calculated frequencies that align more closely with the traditional yarrow-stalk method.
Conclusion
I Ching divination is a fascinating and ancient practice that offers insights into various aspects of life. Whether using the yarrow-stalk method or coin methods, diviners engage in a ritualistic process to generate hexagrams and interpret their meanings. From the early turtle-shell oracle to modern software simulations, the I Ching continues to captivate and provide guidance to those who seek its wisdom.
