TWIK006: I-Ching

The I-Ching, or Book of Changes, is an ancient divination manual.

In this episode we talk about the development and use of the I-Ching from divination to moral philosophy to divination again.

The Yarrow Stalk Method

This is the means of using the I-Ching for divinatory purposes laid out in the Confucian commentary.

One takes fifty yarrow stalks, of which only forty-nine are used. These forty-nine are first divided into two heaps (at random), then a stalk from the right-hand heap is inserted between the ring finger and the little finger of the left hand. The left heap is counted through by fours, and the remainder (four or less) is inserted between the ring finger and the middle finger. The same thing is done with the right heap, and the remainder inserted between the forefinger and the middle finger. This constitutes one change.


Now one is holding in one’s hand either five or nine stalks in all. The two remaining heaps are put together, and the same process is repeated twice. These second and third times, one obtains either four or eight stalks. The five stalks of the first counting and the four of each of the succeeding countings are regarded as a unit having the numerical value three; the nine stalks of the first counting and the eight of the succeeding countings have the numerical value two.


When three successive changes produce the sum 3+3+3=9, this makes the old yang, i.e., a firm line that moves. The sum 2+2+2=6 makes old yin, a yielding line that moves. Seven is the young yang, and eight the young yin; they are not taken into account as individual lines.

The three coins method is much easier, faster, and generally more accessible.

Links

Ghosts of Shaolin, book 5 in the Galvanic Century series, contains a scene where the I-Ching is consulted.
You can give yourself online I-Ching readings here.
Good paperback edition of the I-Ching (affiliate link)
Handy affordable ebook edition of the I-Ching (affiliate link)
If you feel like you need them, handy I-Ching coins (affiliate link)

Personally, I just use quarters.

This is one of those things where if I get enough Patreon supporters I’d do a google hangout or a special backer-only episode where I did a live i-Ching reading.

 

Questions? You are invited to either leave a comment below, or ask directly through the comment form.

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