What Are I Ching Coins Used For? Unlocking Their Role in Divination and Feng Shui

I Ching coins are more than just decorative antiques or cultural tokens. These small, round, brass or bronze coins, typically with a square hole in the centre, are deeply rooted in ancient Chinese tradition. Whether used for ching divination or placed strategically for feng shui, these coins carry powerful symbolism and are still widely used today.

But what are I Ching coins used for exactly? From casting the I Ching in personal readings to enhancing prosperity and harmony in your home or business, these coins serve dual purposes—spiritual insight and energetic alignment. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use three coins to consult the I Ching, how coins relate to Taoist and feng shui practices, and what their structure and symbolism mean.

Whether you’ve seen these coins online, tied with red string in a shop, or in your own I Ching reading, this article will reveal their history, energy, and how to harness their power.

What Are I Ching Coins?

I Ching coins are round coins with a square hole in the middle, commonly made of bronze or brass, and often inscribed with Chinese characters. These coins are used in ching divination to generate hexagrams, symbolic figures made of six lines that reveal energetic patterns.

The coin is often tied with red string—a symbol of unity and vitality—and used in feng shui to invite wealth and protection. The design stems from ancient Chinese currency and reflects both yin and yang principles the circle (heaven) and the square (earth).

How Do You Use Coins to Consult the I Ching?

The most common method to consult the I Ching today is the coin method, which uses three coins tossed six times to form a hexagram. Each toss determines whether the resulting line is yin (broken), yang (unbroken), or changing (in transition).

Here’s a simple overview

• Assign heads = 3 and tails = 2

• Toss the three coins and add the numbers

• The total determines the type of line

• Repeat six times, stacking the lines from bottom to top

You’ll then refer to the hexagram meanings for your ching reading.

Why Are There Three Coins in the I Ching Method?

The use of three coins allows for four possible outcomes:

• 6 old yin (changing into yang)

• 7 young yang

• 8 young yin

• 9 old yang (changing into yin)

This four-way division reflects the dynamic nature of the I Ching. The method is quicker than the traditional yarrow stalk method and still honours the changing lines that add richness to each reading.

Taoist master Alfred Huang considers this method one of the most intuitive ways to enter the world of the Book of Changes.

What Does Each Coin Toss Mean?

Each coin toss contributes to one line in the hexagram. Here’s a breakdown:

• Three heads (9) = a changing yang line

• Two heads and one tail (8) = stable yin

• Two tails and one head (7) = stable yang

• Three tails (6) = a changing yin line

Each line of the hexagram is meaningful, and changing lines are interpreted with special significance—they indicate transformation in the situation. You throw the coins 6 times to create 6 lines.

The top line represents culmination, while the first line (at the bottom) marks the foundation. Each toss shapes the energetic message in a ching divination.

What’s the Connection Between Coins and Hexagrams?

A hexagram is formed by stacking six lines—each generated by tossing the coins once. The lines are either yin (broken) or yang (solid), depending on the result.

The hexagram represents a situation in life, while the changing lines reveal how it is shifting. There are 64 hexagrams, and the coin method provides a way to enter this symbolic system.

The complete I Ching contains rich commentary on each hexagram, providing insight into change, challenge, and opportunity.

How Are Coins Used in Feng Shui?

In chinese feng shui, coins are used not for divination, but for attracting qi (life energy) and enhancing prosperity. The use of coins strung together is a common remedy for money problems, energy imbalances, and even protection.

Typically, three, six, or ten coins are tied with red string and placed

• Near the front door to attract wealth

• In a cash register, wallet, or cash tins etc.

• In the southwest and centre zones of a home or business (according to the feng shui bagua map)

Taoist traditions often recommend placing coins in cars, desks, or beds for wu lou xiu hu protection.

Where Should I Place Feng Shui Coins?

Placement depends on your intention. Here are some general tips:

• Carry four coins for support in business.

• Place three coins in your wallet or safe for wealth.

• Hang six coins in the northwest to honour mentors and helpful people.

• Place these coins under a floor mat at your front entrance to welcome prosperity.

The belief is that coins represent wealth and activate dormant energy fields. While money doesn’t like noise, coins placed with intention can stimulate the flow of abundance in subtle but powerful ways.

What Symbolism Is Behind the Shape of the Coins?

The coin’s shape holds ancient symbolism:

• Circle = Heaven

• Square hole = Earth

This duality reflects the fundamental balance of yin and yang. The coin is often seen as a microcosm of the universe—a small, portable device for invoking harmony.

Many feng shui coins also feature two characters symbolising prosperity and protection. Some versions have coins with trigrams etched into them, combining I Ching and feng shui symbolism.

What’s the Difference Between Old Coins and Modern Coins?

Authentic old coins from the Qing or Ming dynasty are considered especially auspicious, but modern replicas are widely used. As long as the coins are round, have a square hole, and are made of metal (typically bronze coins), they are acceptable.

Collectors often prefer coins with clear inscriptions and good sheng energy. Avoid coins that feel “off” energetically or are too light.

Some people also purchase these coins from Taoist temples for greater energetic resonance.

Can I Use Any Coins for I Ching Divination?

Yes, you can use three coins of equal size and weight—even if they aren’t Chinese coins. However, identical coins work best, and it helps to assign heads and tails consistently.

Here’s a simple method

• Use coins with a clear face and back

• Shake the coins gently between cupped hands

• Toss the coins onto a cloth surface

• Record results for each toss to build your hexagram

While ching coins have traditional value, the I Ching is a living system. The sincerity of your question and focus matters more than the coins you use.

Summary: What Are I Ching Coins Used For?

• I Ching coins are round coins with a square hole, traditionally used in ching divination and feng shui.

• In divination, three coins are tossed six times to form a hexagram, revealing insights into a question or situation.

• Coins represent yin and yang energies, and changing lines indicate transformation.

• In feng shui, coins are placed or carried to attract wealth, protection, and good fortune.

• Coins strung together in sets of 3, 6, or 10 are commonly used in homes, cars, and businesses to enhance qi.

• The symbolism of circle and square reflects heaven and earth, echoing Chinese cosmology.

• You can use any set of identical coins for I Ching readings if traditional coins aren’t available.

Useful Links

1. Revolutionary I Ching App to harness Insights for Personal Growth, Download AI Ching App
2. What is the I Ching
3. How to consult the I Ching
4. Consult the I Ching Online
5. Discover the ‘Daily I Ching’ for universal guidance.
6. Access all the I Ching Hexagrams 1 to 64
7. Buy the book, Embracing Life’s Journey Your Guide to Personal Growth with the I Ching
8. Little Panda Learns the Tao: Stories of Nature’s Balance. Download on Amazon
9. Discover Inner Peace, one day at a time

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