This app provides a modern approach to the ancient practice of I Ching divination. With both traditional methods and new fractal-based insights, you can explore the wisdom of the I Ching in a way that suits your personal style. Here’s how to utilize the app’s features:
Explore the ancient wisdom of the I Ching in a way that aligns with your intuitive practices. Whether you prefer the spontaneity of digital coin tosses, the deliberate nature of manual input, or the innovative approach of fractal-based divination, this app is designed to adapt to your preferences.
Select line type:
This script generates hexagrams using the color data from a fractal image of the Zaslavsky web map. Click or drag on the canvas to draw. The image is generated using the mouse coordinates + system time, so it rarely repeats.
The I Ching (pronounced “yee jing”), also known as the Book of Changes, is one of the oldest Chinese classical texts, originating around 1000-750 BCE, although some components are believed to date back even further. It is a deeply philosophical, spiritual, and divinatory work that explores the nature of change and the interaction of opposing yet complementary forces in the universe, often referred to as Yin and Yang. The I Ching serves as both a manual of ancient wisdom and a tool for divination, used to gain insight into personal and universal situations.
The I Ching consists of 64 hexagrams, each composed of six stacked lines that can either be broken (representing Yin) or unbroken (representing Yang). These hexagrams symbolize various states of change, situations, and archetypal patterns of life. Each hexagram has a unique meaning and is associated with philosophical teachings, providing guidance and reflection for various situations.
A hexagram is a combination of two trigrams, each made up of three lines. The eight possible trigrams are:
Each hexagram’s meaning depends on the combination and interaction of these trigrams. Additionally, each line within a hexagram can change, indicating different aspects of the reading and the potential transformations in the situation.
Performing an I Ching reading involves creating a hexagram by determining the state (broken or unbroken) of each of the six lines. There are several traditional methods to do this, including using yarrow stalks, coins, or a more simplified modern approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide using the coin method, which is one of the most accessible ways to conduct a reading.
Before beginning the reading, find a quiet, calm space where you won’t be disturbed. Many consider it helpful to take a moment to clear your mind and focus on the question or situation you seek guidance on. Formulate your question clearly, as this will guide the interpretation of the hexagram.
For the coin method, you will need:
You will create a hexagram by throwing the coins six times, each throw representing a line of the hexagram, starting from the bottom (first line) and building upward to the top (sixth line). For each throw:
After six throws, you will have constructed a hexagram starting from the bottom line to the top. Each hexagram corresponds to a number between 1 and 64, which you will refer to in the I Ching text or translation.
Once you have your hexagram, look up its meaning in an I Ching book or a translation. Each hexagram has an associated name, symbolism, and explanation of its meaning. It is also accompanied by a description of the individual lines, especially if you have any changing lines (those that are 6 or 9). The changing lines add depth to the reading, suggesting areas of change or potential transformation.
Suppose you toss the coins six times and get the following results (from bottom to top):
This hexagram corresponds to a specific number in the I Ching, which you then look up. The presence of changing lines (in positions 3 and 5) indicates that the situation is not static and may evolve. The reading involves interpreting both the initial hexagram and the one formed after applying the changes.
The I Ching is as much a tool for meditation and reflection as it is for divination. Its teachings offer wisdom on how to align oneself with the natural flow of events and to act harmoniously in response to life’s changing circumstances. By understanding its hexagrams and the inherent dynamics between Yin and Yang, one can gain insight into personal situations and the larger patterns of life.
When doing an I Ching reading, approach it with an open mind, allowing its philosophical depth to guide your thoughts and actions in dealing with the situation at hand.