Introduction to I Ching Divination

The I Ching is an important ancient Chinese text, comprising two parts: the "Classic of Changes" (Yijing) and the "Ten Wings" (Yizhuan). Together with the "Lianshan" and "Guicang," it is known as the "Three E's." The "Lianshan" and "Guicang" were lost during the Qin and Han dynasties. In the Han Dynasty, the I Ching and the Yizhuan were collectively referred to as the "Classic of Changes" or simply the "Changes." The I Ching's formation went through three periods, completed by three sages: the ancient Fuxi who left the symbols of heaven and earth, the middle ancient King Wen of Zhou who interpreted the way of the I Ching, and the recent ancient Confucius and his disciples who annotated the I Ching to form the Yizhuan. The I Ching primarily contains sixty-four hexagrams and three hundred and eighty-four lines, each with corresponding hexagram texts and line texts used for divination.

I Ching Divination Essentials

1. Life Choices and I Ching's Reminders

Life presents countless choices, leading to fortune or misfortune. How can one make choices to ensure safety and avoid disaster? The I Ching reminds us to pay attention to: virtue (as desire can cause blindness and obsession); ability (with ability comes confidence); and wisdom (fully utilizing the power of reason, complemented by life experience).

2. Divination and Wisdom

In terms of "wisdom," divination can offer assistance. The so-called "without teachers or protectors, as if in front of parents," and "human plans and divine plans, the people can do" (Xi Ci, Chapter 2).

3. The "Three Do Nots" Principle

When both reason and experience cannot provide a clear judgment, divination can be performed. First, adhere to the "Three Do Nots" principle:

• Do not divine without sincerity: This is a request to the divine, with sincerity being paramount.
• Do not divine without righteousness: Questions that are not in line with propriety and rationality need not be asked.
• Do not divine without doubt: It must be about matters that reason cannot fathom.

4. Questioning Method

• One question at a time: The question is: Now there is a choice, what will be the consequences once decided? For example, if a child can choose between two schools, they must be divined twice to see which outcome is more favorable. Or, if one wants to buy a certain house, divination can be used to see if it is feasible. Of course, one can also divine about personal fortune, business, marriage, career, health, offspring, etc.
• The same question, different ways of divination: Once a result is obtained, it must wait for three months (a season) before divining again.

5. The Best Time for Divination

The best time for divination is in the early morning when the mind is clear and thoughts are concentrated. Prepare the question, paper, and pen. Take out the divination tools, hold them in hand, and silently recite: "By the constant use of your great divination, I (your name) now present this matter, not knowing whether it is appropriate. I submit my doubts to the spirit of the divine, regarding fortune or misfortune, gain or loss, regret or anxiety, only you who are divine can clearly inform me."

6. Divination Steps

Then follow the divination steps carefully.