The Beginners Guide To Divination With The I-Ching

What is the I-Ching?

The I-Ching usually is translated as the Book of Changes. It is based on a system of trigrams and hexagrams which are patterns of broken and unbroken lines. These represent Yin and Yang. Fu Hsai, the father of Chinese civilisation, is credited with creating the 8 triagrams which are based on 8 natural forces (From The Mammoth Book Of Ancient Wisdom by Cassandra Eason.)

The first 8 trigrams were discovered by studying the patterns of a tortoise shell. The primeval tortoise was considered a magical and sacred creature because of its long life. In ancient China, the tortoise shells were heated in a fire until cracked and then they were interpreted by a diviner. These were the trigrams.

The more formal I-Ching as we know it today was first created by King Wen who was the founder of the Chou or Zhou dynasty, around 1143 BC. He created 64 hexagrams, using 6 lines, a mixture of Yin and Yang energies. He gave them names. The natural forces featured in the hexagrams are Heaven, Earth, Water, Thunder, Mountain, Wind, Lake and Fire. The hexagrams are usually made with yarrow sticks. However, you could in theory use matchsticks or sticks found in your garden or out in nature when you are practising.

Dried stalks from the Yarrow plant are used for I-Ching divination

Dried stalks from the yarrow plant are used for I-Ching divination
Diagram of the I-Ching hexagrams

Diagram of hexgrams of the I-Ching belonging to the German mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz

1. THE CREATIVE

HEAVEN OVER HEAVEN

The Creative - Heaven over Heaven in the I-Ching

Be true to yourself and the creative forces of the Universe will be at your disposal. Trust that fate works in ways that are sometimes difficult to understand, but that you are learning lessons that will serve you well in life.

4. INEXPERIENCE

MOUNTAIN OVER WATER

Inexperience - Mountain over Water in the I-Ching

Beginner’s luck will run out. Seek support and guidance from an experienced teacher and be prepared to learn from your mistakes.

7. DISCIPLINE

EARTH OVER WATER

Discipline - Earth over Water in the I-Ching

Be steadfast in your purpose, resolve and exemplary in your actions. Be an inspiration to others. Enjoy their support towards achieving a worthy goal.

10. TREADING CAREFULLY

HEAVEN OVER LAKE

Treading carefully - Heaven over Lake in the I-Ching

Be careful not to step on other’s toes and offend. Do not be subservient to those about you or domineering to those below you. This will give you the confidence you need to succeed.

13. FELLOWSHIP

HEAVEN OVER FIRE

Fellowship - Heaven over Fire in the I-Ching

You will work together with others towards a common goal. Deal with reservations and dissent earlier to head off problems down the road.

16. HAPPINESS

THUNDER OVER EARTH

Happiness - Thunder over Earth in the I-Ching

Now is a good time to begin a new undertaking, but make sure your inner foundation is strong. You have the momentum and energy to see plans through. Avoid egocentricity.

19. APPROACH

EARTH OVER LAKE

Approach - Earth over Lake in the I-Ching

Good times are approaching. Your undertakings will meet with success. People above you will offer help and support. Don’t lose sight of what brought you here.

22. ADORNMENT

MOUNTAIN OVER FIRE

Adornment - Mountain over Fire in the I-Ching

You are a person that does not try too hard to be attractive but cultivates devotion to the simplicity of possessing inner truth, grace and beauty that is obvious to everyone.

25. INNOCENCE

HEAVEN OVER THUNDER

Innocence - Heaven over Thunder in the I-Ching

Do not anticipate the future or hold on to the past at this point. Nip cynicism in the bud, so intuition can flow and you can be receptive to the advice of a wiser adult.

28. EXCESS

LAKE OVER WIND

Excess - Lake over Wind in the I-Ching

You are under unbearable stress. It is likely you’ll give in. You understandably want to escape the situation but that will only delay the inevitable. Constantly running weakens your resolve and worsens your problems. A time to stand firm. You are ready. Rely on your inner truth and integrity and you will emerge stronger.

31. SENSITIVITY

LAKE OVER MOUNTAIN

Sensitivity - Lake over Mountain in the I-Ching

Following the right plan will bring about a happy union that is mutually beneficial to both parties involved. Be open-minded and diplomatic to receive benefits from external influences. To have a beneficial influence on others you need to maintain inner independence and integrity, acting from a position of quiet inner truth and humility.

34. THE POWER OF GREATNESS

THUNDER OVER HEAVEN

The power of greatness - Thunder over Heaven in the I-Ching

You’re gaining power and strength but beware of complacency. Maintain patience, humility, calmness and detachment. Wait for the appropriate time to act and stay balanced. Avoid misguided beliefs in your power to influence things to your own benefit as the resulting misfortune will be great.

37. FAMILY

WIND OVER FIRE

Family - Wind over Fire in the I-Ching

Cultivate the acceptance, humility, modesty and gentleness to attract and develop healthy relationships.

40. LIBERATION

THUNDER OVER WATER

Liberation - Thunder over Water in the I-Ching

When faced with obstacles, look within yourself and see if there are any negative attitudes that are presenting difficulties. Correcting them will bring relief. The work you have done on yourself will bring release, presenting the way for steady progress. Now is the time to step forward with confidence. Don’t brood on what has gone. Just forgive and forget the past. They were lessons you needed to reach this point.

43. BREAKTHROUGH

LAKE OVER HEAVEN

Breakthrough - Lake over Heaven in the I-Ching

Resist egotistical influences in order to make a breakthrough. By resisting emotional over-reactions, it is possible to diffuse the situation before it causes problems.

46. ASCENDING

EARTH OVER WIND

Ascending - Earth over Wind in the I-Ching

Great progress can be made at this time by continuing along with the right set of plans. Ask for help from those willing to give it. Nothing can stand in your way if you push steadily towards completion.

49. CHANGE

LAKE OVER FIRE

Change - Lake over Fire in the I-Ching

Changes are underway. Analyse your motives and instill the necessary change of heart that will set things in motion. By acting selflessly, success is assured.

52. KEEPING STILL

MOUNTAIN OVER MOUNTAIN

Keeping still - Mountain over Mountain in the I-Ching

What is needed is a calm observation. It is not possible to be still with strong emotions, so abandon them. Know when to lie still, and when to act.

55. ABUNDANCE

THUNDER OVER FIRE

Abundance - Thunder over Fire in the I-Ching

Live for the present and make the most of this time of abundance and influence to achieve great gains.

58. THE JOYOUS

LAKE OVER LAKE

The Joyous - Lake over Lake in the I-Ching

To make life better we must have this or must do that, but the material gains do not bring lasting joy as there will always be something else to have or do. I Ching says that to be fulfilled we need to devote ourselves to the principles of humility, detachment, modesty and acceptance.

61. INNER TRUTH

WIND OVER LAKE

Inner truth - Wind over Lake in the I-Ching

It is not possible to reach any kind of understanding if we indulge in such feelings as pride, anger or self-pity. I Ching counsels us to leave emotional responses behind and to try to understand the truth of a situation.

64. BEFORE COMPLETION

FIRE OVER WATER

Before completion - Fire over Water in the I-Ching

During times of renewal and transformation, there is intense pressure to succeed but to get anywhere worthwhile you need to proceed carefully, affirming devotion to higher principles.

2. THE RECEPTIVE

EARTH OVER EARTH

The Receptive - Earth over Earth in the I-Ching

Try to remain open-minded and open to criticism and feedback. This will allow you to grow and become wise. This is your time to follow since you do not have enough experience to lead or initiate change. Maintain and develop your inner strength for when you’ll need it in the future.

5. WAITING

WATER OVER HEAVEN

Waiting - Water over Heaven in the I-Ching

Now is the time to wait and have faith in the natural order of things. Take stock of yourself and your situation. Work on any insecurities that cause internal inbalance.

8. UNION HOLDING TOGETHER

WATER OVER EARTH

Union holding together - Water over Earth in the I-Ching

Examining your own actions and words for their sincerity will lead to stronger bonds with others. Be steadfast in your principles. Don’t give in to temptations and difficulties. Be true and sincere and you will achieve a lot.

11. TRANQUILITY

EARTH OVER HEAVEN

Tranquility -Earth over Heaven in the I-Ching

Now is a time of growing potential. It is possible to grow to great heights but keep your inner balance that has brought you here. Do not become complacent now.

14. GREAT POSSESSION

FIRE OVER HEAVEN

Great possession - Fire Over Heaven in the I-Ching

By being honest and true to yourself, you will enter a period of great abundance. Now is an opportunity for you to shine, but don’t forget your humility and integrity. If you abuse your strength, you will lose it.

17. FOLLOWING

LAKE OVER THUNDER

Following - Lake over Thunder in the I-Ching

Accept the way things are and stay steady in response to events. Inner truth and acceptance will lead to contagious happiness.

20. OBSERVING

WIND OVER EARTH

Observing - Wind over Earth in the I-Ching

You are receptive to the wisdom of the Universe. Assess yourself and the situation and see things the way they are instead of the way you want them to be. The creative power of the Universe works in mysterious ways, influencing situations and people

23. STRIPPING AWAY

MOUNTAIN OVER EARTH

Stripping away - Mountain over Earth in the I-Ching

Everything seems to be going wrong. Attempting to influence the situation will only prolong it. Withdraw now, wait patiently and allow everything to settle.

26. TAMING FORCE

MOUTAIN OVER HEAVEN

Taming force - Mountain over Heaven in the I-Ching

Remain calm and detached in the face of hostile provocations from others who seek to undermine your resolve. You character is being tested. Use these difficulties as opportunities to understand the situation better. Some people may be afraid and jeaous of your spiritual progress. Ignore them and stay focused.

29. THE ABYSS

WATER OVER WATER

The Abyss - Water over Water in the I-Ching

Be at peace with the forces of change in life instead of struggling against them. Open your heart and adopt a detached, receptive state that will allow the Universe to work everything out.

32. PERSISTENCE

THUNDER OVER WIND

Persistence - Thunder over Wind in the I-Ching

You’re facing a time of endurance which requites perseverance and stamina. Be calm and sincere and be careful to stay true to your path and you will succeed. Remain steadfast. Do not yearn or hope for better things and do not give in to pessimism. Remain constant and unwavering. Do what needs to be done with calmness, detachment and integrity.

35. PROGRESS

FIRE OVER EARTH

Progress - Fire over Earth in the I-Ching

Great progress. Keep your actions pure and simple or your judgement will become impaired. Work on progress for its own sake rather than in the pursuit of selfish goals.

38. OPPOSITION

FIRE OVER LAKE

Opposition - Fire over Lake in the I-Ching

Resisting the flow of creative energy compounds negative attitudes inside us, which in turn increases resistance in a vicious circle. Everything we experience gives us an opportunity to learn and grow, but we must be willing to scratch beneath the surface.

41. DECREASE

MOUNTAIN OVER LAKE

Decrease - Mountain over Lake in the I-Ching

A period is coming which requires a return to simplicity. Restrict the demands of the ego to strive for success and the achievement of your goals. Your power is limited but by retreating inward and exercising self-discipline, it is possible to rely on inner strength to get through this lean period.

44. MEETING

HEAVEN OVER WIND

Meeting - Heaven over Wind in the I-Ching

There is a warning here that ignoring problems or dealing with them in a half-hearted manner allows them to fester and multiply. Listen to your intuition and examine any suspicions you have closely.

47. OPPRESSION

LAKE OVER WATER

Oppression - Lake over Water in the I-Ching

These are trying times with seemingly intractable problems and little progress. Face this time of adversity with calmness and equanamity. Take the time to self-assess.

50. THE CAULDRON

FIRE OVER WIND

The Cauldron - Fire over Wind in the I-Ching

Nourish what is good within yourself for the benefit of society at large.

53. DEVELOPMENT

WIND OVER MOUNTAIN

Development - Wind over Mountain in the I-Ching

Your goal may seem a long way off but with patience and diligence you will achieve it. Keep at it.

56. THE WANDERER

FIRE OVER MOUNTAIN

The Wanderer - Fire over Mountain in the I-Ching

The best way to proceed is to stay alert, cautious, reserved and respectful of others that you meet. Follow your instincts and avoid the cultivation of unneccessary emotional attachments.

59. DISPERSAL

WIND OVER WATER

Disperal - Wind over Water in the I-Ching

Be like a warm, Spring wind which blows gently but with great persistence over the Winter ice, gradually melting it and allowing the river to flow freely again.

62. GREAT SMALLNESS

THUNDER OVER MOUNTAIN

Great smallness - Thunder over Mountain in the I-Ching

When faced with difficult circumstances it is tempting to be aggressive, but acting this way will only make things worse. Better to follow a course of patient non-action, relying on the principles of humility, modesty and acceptance. Difficulties will eventually reappear. They are a part of the natural order of things.

3. INITIAL DIFFICULTY

WATER OVER THUNDER

Initial Difficulty - Water over Thunder in the I-Ching

You are facing a period of potential growth and a fresh start, maybe with some initial difficulty. The new situation can develop in any direction. Accept any help that is offered to you and stick to your plan. Allow the situation to resolve itself.

6. CONTENTION AND CONFLICT

HEAVEN OVER WATER

Contention - Heaven over Water in the I-Ching

By forcing your viewpoint, instead of accepting what comes, you are facing opposition. Let go of your fears, doubts and impatience. Communicate with others to develop an understanding that will resolve conflict. Accept and respect the advice of someone wiser than you are.

9. TIMING FORCE

WIND OVER HEAVEN

Timing force - Wind over Heaven In The I-Ching

Forcing your way will only bring misfortune. Remain focused on your plan and surpass obstacles with gentleness and decorum. Plant the seeds for success now and reap a bountiful harvest in the future. Cultivate tolerance, patience, detachment and adaptability. Understand that you have all the power to change yourself.

12. STANDSTILL

HEAVEN OVER EARTH

Standstill - Heaven over Earth in the I-Ching

A difficult period is approaching. Your run of good fortune has begun to wane. Retreat into yourself and have faith that things will improve, sooner if you stick to your plans and don’t give up.

15. HUMILITY

EARTH OVER MOUNTAIN

Humility - Earth over Mountain in the I-Ching

Try to stay modest. You can deal with any challenge if you remain modest. Don’t lose sight of what is right.

18. DISRUPTION

MOUNTAIN OVER WIND

Disruption - Mountain over Wind in the I-Ching

There is disorder. There is an opportunity to fix the situation by righting wrong ideas and attitudes. You need strength of character and decisive action, but first figure out where the source of disorder is. When you have identified this then work quickly.

21. CUTTING THROUGH

FIRE OVER THUNDER

Cutting through - Fire over Thunder in the I-Ching

There is an obstacle here, possibly an incorrect attitude that needs to be dealt with. Try to see the problem clearly. Forcefulness will bring misfortune. Use your inner strength to withdraw.

24. RETURNING

EARTH OVER THUNDER

Returning - Earth over Thunder in the I-Ching

Now is a time of increasing fortune. Watch and wait as things progress on their own. Consolidate your strength and energy for the time of growth that is coming soon.

27. NOURISHMENT

MOUNTAIN OVER THUNDER

Nourishment - Mountain over Thunder in the I-Ching

By feeding the desires of the ego we encourage the growth of inferior qualities such as envy, self-pity and disgust. Through meditation we cultivate tranquility and receptiveness that allows wisdom to flow in.

30. THE CLINGING

FIRE OVER FIRE

The clinging - Fire over Fire in the I-Ching

Sticking to the right principles will give you the strength to live a joyful and fulfilling life, able to face difficulties with composure and attain independence.

33. WITHDRAWAL/RETREAT

HEAVEN OVER MOUNTAIN

Withdrawal or Retreat - Heaven over Mountain in the I-Ching

Accept the fact that you are faced with unfavourable odds. Withdraw in order to set a strategy in place for a more favourable time to move forward.

36. DARKENING OF THE LIGHT

EARTH OVER FIRE

Darkening of the light - Earth over Fire in the I-Ching

When surrounded by difficult circumstances, keep your inner light burning to help guide you through difficulties. Giving in to weakness or feelings of despair when progress stalls dims the brightness within. Set aside distracting emotions and continue to work hard at maintaining your inner truth. You will enjoy slow but steady progress, so have faith in the creative power of the Universe.

39. HALTING

WATER OVER MOUNTAIN

Halting - Water over Mountain in the I-Ching

Take a break from the situation and examine yourself for attitudes that need correcting. Seek the advice of someone whose judgement you trust.

42. INCREASE

WIND OVER THUNDER

Increase - Wind over Thunder in the I-Ching

Great progress can be made at this time. Beware of compacency and remember the source of your good fortune. Be generous and share with others in a humble and sincere way.

45. GATHERING TOGETHER

LAKE OVER EARTH

Gathering together - Lake over Earth in the I-Ching

When a group acts together in a spirit of peace and harmony, its strength is magnified. This needs a strong leader and a need to deal with the outside world in a calm manner.

48. THE WELL

WATER OVER WIND

The Well - Water over Wind in the I-Ching

The I Ching as a wellspring of spiritual sustenance that is available to anyone who wishes to draw from it but it is also a reminder to treat that deep wisdom with respect and not to muddy its waters with frivolous queries or indifference.

51. THE AROUSING

THUNDER OVER THUNDER

The Arousing - Thunder over Thunder in the I-Ching

Do not be shaken off course by externalities. If you are then take a long, hard look at yourself and correct any deficiencies you see. The truly powerful person is unmoved by such occurrences, being in complete harmony with the laws of the Universe.

54. MARRYING MAIDEN

THUNDER OVER LAKE

Marrying maiden - Thunder over Lake in the I-Ching

To act on desires is to fail to follow the right principles. There will always be desires and problems in relationships but by following proper conduct their effects will be minimal.

57. GENTLE

WIND OVER WIND

Gentle - Wind over Wind in the I-Ching

Gently overcome any impasses that are in your way. Be consistent and have well-defined goals to focus on. This way changes will have a long-term and far-reaching effects.

60. RESTRAINT

WATER OVER LAKE

Restraint - Water over Lake in the I-Ching

If you know and respect your personal limits, you will have greater freedom of expression within them. It is wise to restrain the desires and fears that are the cause of troubled thinking.

63. COMPLETION

WATER OVER FIRE

Completion - Water over Fire in the I-Ching

Out of chaos comes order. This can quickly change. Avoid complacency, don’t forget what got you this far. It is necessary to be on guard against falling into chaos again.