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
Diagram of hexgrams of the I-Ching belonging to the German mathematician Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz
I-Ching Meanings
THE CREATIVE
HEAVEN OVER HEAVEN
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
2. THE RECEPTIVE
EARTH OVER EARTH
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
3. INITIAL DIFFICULTY
WATER OVER THUNDER
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.
4. INEXPERIENCE
MOUNTAIN OVER WATER
Beginner’s luck will run out. Seek support and guidance from an experienced teacher and be prepared to learn from your mistakes
5. WAITING
WATER OVER HEAVEN
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
6. CONTENTION AND CONFLICT
HEAVEN OVER WATER
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
7. DISCIPLINE
EARTH OVER WATER
Be steadfast in your purpose, resolve and exemplary in your actions. Be an inspiration to others. Enjoy their support towards achieving a worthy goal
8. UNION HOLDING TOGETHER
WATER OVER EARTH
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
9. TIMING FORCE
WIND OVER HEAVEN
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
10. TREADING CAREFULLY
HEAVEN OVER LAKE
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.
11. TRANQUILITY
EARTH OVER HEAVEN
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.
12. STANDSTILL
HEAVEN OVER EARTH
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.
13. FELLOWSHIP
HEAVEN OVER FIRE
You will work together with others towards a common goal. Deal with reservations and dissent earlier to head off problems down the road.
14. GREAT POSSESSION
FIRE OVER HEAVEN
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.
15. HUMILITY
EARTH OVER MOUNTAIN
Try to stay modest. You can deal with any challenge if you remain modest. Don’t lose sight of what is right
16. HAPPINESS
THUNDER OVER EARTH
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
17. FOLLOWING
LAKE OVER THUNDER
Accept the way things are and stay steady in response to events. Inner truth and acceptance will lead to contagious happiness
18. DISRUPTION
MOUNTAIN OVER WIND
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.
19. APPROACH
EARTH OVER LAKE
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.
20. OBSERVING
WIND OVER EARTH
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
21. CUTTING THROUGH
FIRE OVER THUNDER
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
22. ADORNMENT
MOUNTAIN OVER FIRE
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.
23. STRIPPING AWAY
MOUNTAIN OVER EARTH
Everything seems to be going wrong. Attempting to influence the situation will only prolong it. Withdraw now, wait patiently and allow everything to settle.
24. RETURNING
EARTH OVER THUNDER
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
25. INNOCENCE
HEAVEN OVER THUNDER
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
26. TAMING FORCE
MOUTAIN OVER HEAVEN
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
27. NOURISHMENT
MOUNTAIN OVER THUNDER
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
28. EXCESS
LAKE OVER WIND
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
29. THE ABYSS
WATER OVER WATER
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
30. THE CLINGING
FIRE OVER FIRE
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
31. SENSITIVITY
LAKE OVER MOUNTAIN
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
32. PERSISTENCE
THUNDER OVER WIND
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
33. WITHDRAWAL/RETREAT
HEAVEN OVER MOUNTAIN
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
34. THE POWER OF GREATNESS
THUNDER OVER HEAVEN
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
35. PROGRESS
FIRE OVER EARTH
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
36. DARKENING OF THE LIGHT
EARTH OVER FIRE
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
37. FAMILY
WIND OVER FIRE
Cultivate the acceptance, humility, modesty and gentleness to attract and develop healthy relationships
38. OPPOSITION
FIRE OVER LAKE
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
39. HALTING
WATER OVER MOUNTAIN
Take a break from the situation and examine yourself for attitudes that need correcting. Seek the advice of someone whose judgement you trust
40. LIBERATION
THUNDER OVER WATER
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.
41. DECREASE
MOUNTAIN OVER LAKE
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
42. INCREASE
WIND OVER THUNDER
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
43. BREAKTHROUGH
LAKE OVER HEAVEN
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
44. MEETING
HEAVEN OVER WIND
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
45. GATHERING TOGETHER
LAKE OVER EARTH
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
46. ASCENDING
EARTH OVER WIND
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
47. OPPRESSION
LAKE OVER WATER
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
48. THE WELL
WATER OVER WIND
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
49. CHANGE
LAKE OVER FIRE
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
50. THE CAULDRON
FIRE OVER WIND
Nourish what is good within yourself for the benefit of society at large
51. THE AROUSING
THUNDER OVER THUNDER
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
52. KEEPING STILL
MOUNTAIN OVER MOUNTAIN
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
53. DEVELOPMENT
WIND OVER MOUNTAIN
Your goal may seem a long way off but with patience and diligence you will achieve it. Keep at it
54. MARRYING MAIDEN
THUNDER OVER LAKE
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
55. ABUNDANCE
THUNDER OVER FIRE
Live for the present and make the most of this time of abundance and influence to achieve great gains
56. THE WANDERER
FIRE OVER MOUNTAIN
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
57. GENTLE
WIND OVER WIND
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
58. THE JOYOUS
LAKE OVER LAKE
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
59. DISPERSAL
WIND OVER WATER
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
60. RESTRAINT
WATER OVER LAKE
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
61. INNER TRUTH
WIND OVER LAKE
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
62. GREAT SMALLNESS
THUNDER OVER MOUNTAIN
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 disappear. They are a part of the natural order of things
63. COMPLETION
WATER OVER FIRE
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
64. BEFORE COMPLETION
FIRE OVER WATER
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