Question 1

Why do the Yarrow Stalk and Coin methods yield different mathematical probabilities for the changing lines?

Accepted Answer

The probabilities are structurally different due to the mechanics of the casting. In the Three-Coin method, generating an Old Yin (3 tails) has a 2 in 16 (12.5%) chance, and generating an Old Yang (3 heads) also has a 2 in 16 (12.5%) chance. The odds are perfectly symmetrical. However, the Yarrow Stalk method's complex division algorithm creates an asymmetrical probability. With yarrow stalks, the chance of generating an Old Yang is 3 in 16 (18.75%), while the chance of generating an Old Yin is only 1 in 16 (6.25%). Traditionalists argue the yarrow probability is superior because Yin (darkness/stillness) is naturally more stable and less likely to change than Yang (light/activity).

Question 2

Do I need to believe in a deity or spirits for the I Ching to work?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. While the Shang Dynasty origins involved ancestral spirits, the I Ching evolved over thousands of years into a secular, philosophical model of universal mechanics. Modern practitioners, secular humanists, and psychologists use it purely as a tool to access their own subconscious and analyze structural dynamics. The system works through Carl Jung's concept of synchronicity and the mathematical modeling of archetypes, requiring zero belief in supernatural entities.

Question 3

Which translation of the I Ching is the best for a complete beginner?

Accepted Answer

The Wilhelm/Baynes translation remains the definitive classic, but its Victorian-era language can be dense for modern readers. For a complete beginner, "The I Ching or Book of Changes" translated by Brian Browne Walker is highly recommended for its clear, stripped-down actionable advice. For those who want deep historical accuracy and a return to the original Chinese shamanic roots without the later Confucian moralizing, the translation by David Hinton or Alfred Huang's "The Complete I Ching" are considered modern masterpieces.

Question 4

What does it mean if I receive a hexagram with no changing lines?

Accepted Answer

A static hexagram (zero changing lines) indicates that the situation you are asking about is currently locked, stable, or beyond your ability to alter through immediate action. The energy is not in transition. In this case, you only read the main Judgment and the general Image of the primary hexagram. It is a signal from the oracle to focus on the overarching theme of the situation rather than looking for tactical, step-by-step actions to change it.

Question 5

Can I cast the I Ching on behalf of someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it requires strict parameters. You can cast for a third party if they have explicitly asked for your help and given you permission to inquire on their behalf. When doing so, you must hold their specific situation clearly in your mind while throwing the coins. However, casting the I Ching to spy on someone else's private affairs without their consent usually results in nonsensical readings or Hexagram 4 (Youthful Folly), as the oracle reflects the inappropriate nature of the inquiry rather than answering the question.

Question 6

How often can I cast the I Ching for the same situation?

Accepted Answer

You should cast the I Ching exactly once per specific question or situation. The ancient texts are explicit that asking the same question repeatedly because you dislike the first answer shows a lack of sincerity and breaks the synchronous connection. You may only cast again on the same topic if a significant amount of time has passed (usually weeks or months) or if a major, paradigm-shifting event has fundamentally altered the variables of the original situation.

I Ching Hexagram Cast

Command Palette