How to Consult the I Ching: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Embark on a journey of wisdom and self-discovery as you learn how to consult the I Ching using our innovative app, or even traditional coins. Regardless of your reason to consult the I Ching, whether it's for advice on current concerns or a search for general guidance, this ancient text holds the answers you seek. Some enthusiasts even consult the I Ching daily, utilizing it as a daily source of inspiration and direction. The frequency of consultation varies for everyone, but what remains consistent is the necessity to approach the I Ching with an open mind for optimal benefit.

Meet the Sage

Throughout your consultation with the I Ching, you'll often come across references to 'the Sage.' This terminology can correspond to 'God,' 'Allah,' 'my higher self,' 'the universe,' or any term you resonate with, depending on your personal beliefs. Feel free to replace these references with a term that best suits your comfort. Read on further for our I Ching how to.

How to Consult I Ching using the App

A hexagram in the I Ching consists of six lines. Each hexagram starts from the bottom, with line 1, progressively moving up to line 6 at the top. These lines can either change or remain constant. Our I Ching AI app, based on the I Ching coin method, will randomly generate these six lines. For example, consider the following Hexagram:

this is hexagram 63 guide to using the coin method

1st line is closed, 2nd is open but is grey, which means it is a changing line, 3rd line is closed, 4th line is open, 5th line is closed but also grey and is a changing line, and the 6th is closed.

This combination makes up Hexagram 63. By clicking on the Hexagram, the app will take you to the meanings and interpretations of Hexagram 63. Please read all the passages and their associated lines. In this case, the app will display lines 2 and 5. You will read these for additional guidance.

Since there are changing lines, we convert this Hexagram to its opposite. Read the text of the second Hexagram to illuminate the instruction of the first Hexagram. In this case, we change lines 2 to closed and 5 to open. This combination produces hexagram 11.

How to use the I Ching with Coins

While technology has revolutionised the way we interact with ancient wisdom like the I Ching, there's a unique and enriching value in embracing the traditional practices that these texts originate from. One such practice is the coin method of casting hexagrams, a physical act that has been part of I Ching divination for centuries.

Using the coin method to consult the I Ching is about more than just casting hexagrams—it's a ceremonial practice that connects us with the rich history and cultural context of the I Ching. Each coin toss is a tactile and mindful act, grounding us in the present moment. This immersion in the process helps foster a stronger connection to the wisdom of the I Ching. It can deepen our understanding of the hexagrams as we physically engage in their creation, enhancing the sense of personal relevance and making the teachings of the I Ching feel even more applicable to our lives.

Step 1 Toss three coins with a shake of your cupped hands, and let them fall.

Step 2 Count heads as three and tails as two, and add the value of all three coins.

Three heads equals 9
Two heads and one tail equals 8
One head and two tails equals 7
Three tails equals 6

Step 3 Generate the second line of your Hexagram by giving the coins another toss. Then, place this line above the initial line.

Step 4 Continue the process until you have 6 lines.

Step 5 As an example, let's assume the following was rolled.

Note 6 and 9 are changing lines. Even numbers 6,8 are drawn as open. Odd numbers 7,9 are drawn as closed.

Step 6 Determine your Hexagram by cross-referencing with the hexagram key. The bottom trio of lines forms the lower trigram, while the upper trio constitutes the upper trigram. The Hexagram can be identified by the number where the lower and upper trigrams intersect. In this case it is Hexagram 63.

Step 7 Read the text for that Hexagram up to the section that says 'First Line.' Beyond that, read only the sections for those lines which 'changed' in your Hexagram. Changing lines are those with a value of 6 or 9. In the example above, lines 2 and 5 are changing lines.

Step 8 Now that you've read the Hexagram's meaning and corresponding changing lines, it's time to switch them to their counterparts.

Step 9 In the above example, line 2 now becomes closed, and line 5 becomes open. Using the hexagram key, locate where the new lower and upper trigram intersect—this forms Hexagram 11.

Step 10 To enhance the understanding of the initial Hexagram, delve into the text of the second Hexagram. Remember to concentrate only on the introductory sections. Avoid reading the text for any lines, and ignore lines 1 to 6. The focus is exclusively on the appropriate lines in the first Hexagram.

Whether you prefer the traditional coin method or the convenience of an app to consult the I Ching online, this guide is designed to facilitate your journey towards understanding and applying the wisdom of the I Ching. Whether you refer to it as 'i ching consult,' 'i ching consultation,' or 'consulting the i ching,' the process remains a transformative practice aimed at enhancing self-awareness and personal growth. So, let's embark on this enriching journey together!

How to read iching / consult I Ching online you can begin reading the hexagram here starting with hexagram 1

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