I Ching Book of Changes The hexagrams were obtained from an I Ching program named ching, it is available via anonymous ftp from vixen.cso.uiuc.edu in the games/ching directory. Last modified: September 16, 1994 These directions are extremely terse. I am a novice and would require much more experience before I would feel qualified to try to explain any more than I have. To generate the hexagram, you will need three coins. Old Chinese bronze coins are not necessary, but are a nice touch. The head side (or the blank side) of the coin is yang, while the tail side (or enscripted side) is yin. The coins are tossed, and by assigning values to yin (2 points) and yang (three points), each of the six lines in the hexagram are generated. The original method uses yarrow stalks, and while many say this gives better readings, I have not used it and wouldn't dare try to explain it. Directions: 1. Reflect and meditate on your question. Hold the question in your mind. 2. Throw the coins in the air, being mindful of the question. 3. Add up the total of the coins using 2 points for yin (tails) and 3 points for yang (heads). 4. Draw the first line (remember to start at the ground), Value Line Meaning ----------------------------------- 6 --x-- old/moving Yin line 7 ----- Yang line 8 -- -- Yin line 9 --o-- old/moving Yang line 5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all six lines have been drawn. 6. Read the appropriate hexagram definition. Remember to read the line explanations for any moving lines. 7. If there are moving lines, draw a second hexagram by "aging" the old lines, i.e. an old Yin line (6) becomes a Yang line, and an old Yang line (9) becomes a Yin line. Read this hexagram. ------ ------ Ch'ien, The Creative Heaven, Sky ------ Attribute: Strength, creativity Animal: horse Body: head Family: father Direction: Northwest -- -- -- -- Chen, The Arousing Thunder ------ Attribute: Movement, initiative, action Animal: dragon Body: foot Family: eldest son Direction: East -- -- ------ K'an, The Abysmal Water, moon, the deep -- -- Attribute: Danger Animal: pig Body: ear Family: second son Direction: North ------ -- -- Ken, Keeping still Mountain -- -- Attribute: Stillness, stopping Animal: dog Body: hand Family: youngest son Direction: Northeast -- -- -- -- K'un, The Receptive Earth -- -- Attribute: Docility, receptivity Animal: ox Body: belly Family: mother Direction: Southwest ------ -- -- Li, The Clinging Sun, fire ------ Attribute: Brightness Animal: pheasant Body: eye Family: second daughter Direction: South ------ ------ Sun, The Gentle Wind, wood -- -- Attribute: Penetration, following Animal: fowl Body: thigh Family: eldest daughter Direction: Southeast -- -- ------ Tui, The Joyous Lake, mist, marsh ------ Attribute: Pleasure, joy, attraction Animal: sheep Body: mouth Family: youngest daughter Direction: West | TOP | ----- -- -- -- -- ----- -- -- ----- ----- -- -- | ----- -- -- ----- -- -- -- -- ----- -- -- ----- | ----- ----- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ----- ----- | Ch'ien Chen K'an Ken K'un Sun Li Tui Bottom | Heaven Thunder Water Mountain Earth Wood Sun Marsh -------------+-------------------------------------------------------------- --- Ch'ien | --- Heaven | 1 34 5 26 11 9 14 43 --- | | - - Chen | - - Thunder | 25 51 3 27 24 42 21 17 --- | | - - K'an | --- Water | 6 40 29 4 7 59 64 47 - - | | --- Ken | - - Mountain | 33 62 39 52 15 53 56 31 - - | | - - K'un | - - Earth | 12 16 8 23 2 20 35 45 - - | | --- Sun | --- Wood | 44 32 48 18 46 57 50 28 - - | | --- Li | - - Sun | 13 55 63 22 36 37 30 49 --- | | - - Tui | --- Marsh | 10 54 60 41 19 61 38 58 --- | 1. Ch'ien / The Creative ----- ----- above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- ----- ----- below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- The Judgement The Creative works sublime success, Furthering through perseverance. The Image The movement of heaven is full of power. Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Hidden dragon. Do not act. Nine in the second place means: Dragon appearing in the field. It furthers one to see the great man. Nine in the third place means: All day long the superior man is creatively active. At nightfall his mind is still beset with cares. Danger. No blame. Nine in the fourth place means: Wavering flight over the depths. No blame. () Nine in the fifth place means: Flying dragon in the heavens. It furthers one to see the great man. Nine at the top means: Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent. When all the lines are nines, it means: There appears a flight of dragons without heads. Good fortune. 2. K'un / The Receptive -- -- -- -- above K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- -- -- -- -- below K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- The Judgement The Receptive brings about sublime success, Furthering through the perseverance of a mare. If the superior man undertakes something and tries to lead, He goes astray; But if he follows, he finds guidance. It is favorable to find friends in the west and south, To forego friends in the east and north. Quiet perseverance brings good fortune. The Image The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character Carries the outer world. The Lines Six at the beginning means: When there is hoarfrost underfoot, Solid ice is not far off. () Six in the second place means: Straight, square, great. Without purpose, Yet nothing remains unfurthered. Six in the third place means: Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works, but bring to completion. Six in the fourth place means: A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise. Six in the fifth place means: A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune. Six at the top means: Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow. When all the lines are sixes, it means: Lasting perseverance furthers. 3. Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning -- -- ----- above K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- -- -- -- -- below Ch^en The Arousing, Thunder ----- The Judgement Difficulty at the Beginning works supreme success, Furthering through perseverance. Nothing should be undertaken. It furthers one to appoint helpers. The Image Clouds and thunder: The image of Difficulty at the Beginning. Thus the superior man Brings order out of confusion. The Lines () Nine at the beginning means: Hesitation and hindrance. It furthers one to remain persevering. It furthers one to appoint helpers. Six in the second place means: Difficulties pile up. Horse and wagon part. He is not a robber; He wants to woo when the time comes. The maiden is chaste, She does not pledge herself. Ten years-then she pledges herself. Six in the third place means: Whoever hunts deer without the forester Only loses his way in the forest. The superior man understands the signs of the time And prefers to desist. To go on brings humiliation. Six in the fourth place means: Horse and wagon part. Strive for union. To go brings good fortune. Everything acts to further. () Nine in the fifth place means: Difficulties in blessing. A little perseverance brings good fortune. Great perseverance brings misfortune. Six at the top means: Horse and wagon part. Bloody tears flow. 4. M^eng / Youthful Folly ----- -- -- above K^en Keeping Still, Mountain -- -- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement Youthful Folly has success. It is not I who seek the young fool; The young fool seeks me. At the first oracle I inform him. If he asks two or three times, it is importunity. If he importunes, I give him no information. Perseverance furthers. The Image A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain: The image of Youth. Thus the superior man fosters his character By thoroughness in all that he does. The Lines Six at the beginning means: To make a fool develop It furthers one to apply discipline. The fetters should be removed. To go on in this way brings humiliation. () Nine in the second place means: To bear with fools in kindliness brings good fortune. To know how to take women Brings supreme good fortune. The son is capable of taking charge of the household. Six in the third place means: Take not a maiden who, when she sees a man of bronze, Loses possession of herself. Nothing furthers. Six in the fourth place means: Entangled folly brings humiliation. () Six in the fifth place means: Childlike folly brings good fortune. Nine at the top means: In punishing folly It does not further one To commit transgressions. The only thing that furthers Is to prevent transgressions. 5. Hsu / Waiting (Nourishment) -- -- ----- above K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- ----- ----- below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- The Judgement Waiting. If you are sincere, You have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. The Image Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. Thus the superior man eats and drinks, Is joyous and of good cheer. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Waiting in the meadow. It furthers one to abide in what endures. No blame. Nine in the second place means: Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip. The end brings good fortune. Nine in the third place means: Waiting in the mud Brings about the arrival of the enemy. Six in the fourth place means: Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit. () Nine in the fifth place means: Waiting at meat and drink. Perseverance brings good fortune. Six at the top means: One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them, and in the end there will be good fortune. 6. Sung / Conflict ----- ----- above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement Conflict. You are sincere And are being obstructed. A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune. Going through to the end brings misfortune. It furthers one to see the great man. It does not further one to cross the great water. The Image Heaven and water go their opposite ways: The image of Conflict. Thus in all his transactions the superior man Carefully considers the beginning. The Lines Six at the beginning means: If one does not perpetuate the affair, There is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes. Nine in the second place means: One cannot engage in conflict; One returns home, gives way. The people of his town, Three hundred households, Remain free of guilt. Six in the third place means: To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance. Danger. In the end, good fortune comes. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works. Nine in the fourth place means: One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, Changes one's attitude, And finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune. () Nine in the fifth place means: To contend before him Brings good fortune. Nine at the top means: Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed on one, By the end of a morning It will have been snatched away three times. 7. Shih / The Army -- -- -- -- above K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement The Army. The army needs perseverance And a strong man. Good fortune without blame. The Image In the middle of the earth is water: The image of the Army. Thus the superior man increases his masses By generosity toward the people. The Lines Six at the beginning means: An army must set forth in proper order. If the order is not good, misfortune threatens. () Nine in the second place means: In the midst of the army. Good fortune. No blame. The king bestows a triple decoration. Six in the third place means: Perchance the army carries corpses in the wagon. Misfortune. Six in the fourth place means: The army retreats. No blame. () Six in the fifth place means: There is game in the field. It furthers one to catch it. Without blame. Let the eldest lead the army. The younger tran I Ching Book of Changes The hexagrams were obtained from an I Ching program named ching, it is available via anonymous ftp from vixen.cso.uiuc.edu in the games/ching directory. Last modified: September 16, 1994 These directions are extremely terse. I am a novice and would require much more experience before I would feel qualified to try to explain any more than I have. To generate the hexagram, you will need three coins. Old Chinese bronze coins are not necessary, but are a nice touch. The head side (or the blank side) of the coin is yang, while the tail side (or enscripted side) is yin. The coins are tossed, and by assigning values to yin (2 points) and yang (three points), each of the six lines in the hexagram are generated. The original method uses yarrow stalks, and while many say this gives better readings, I have not used it and wouldn't dare try to explain it. Directions: 1. Reflect and meditate on your question. Hold the question in your mind. 2. Throw the coins in the air, being mindful of the question. 3. Add up the total of the coins using 2 points for yin (tails) and 3 points for yang (heads). 4. Draw the first line (remember to start at the ground), Value Line Meaning ----------------------------------- 6 --x-- old/moving Yin line 7 ----- Yang line 8 -- -- Yin line 9 --o-- old/moving Yang line 5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all six lines have been drawn. 6. Read the appropriate hexagram definition. Remember to read the line explanations for any moving lines. 7. If there are moving lines, draw a second hexagram by "aging" the old lines, i.e. an old Yin line (6) becomes a Yang line, and an old Yang line (9) becomes a Yin line. Read this hexagram. ------ ------ Ch'ien, The Creative Heaven, Sky ------ Attribute: Strength, creativity Animal: horse Body: head Family: father Direction: Northwest -- -- -- -- Chen, The Arousing Thunder ------ Attribute: Movement, initiative, action Animal: dragon Body: foot Family: eldest son Direction: East -- -- ------ K'an, The Abysmal Water, moon, the deep -- -- Attribute: Danger Animal: pig Body: ear Family: second son Direction: North ------ -- -- Ken, Keeping still Mountain -- -- Attribute: Stillness, stopping Animal: dog Body: hand Family: youngest son Direction: Northeast -- -- -- -- K'un, The Receptive Earth -- -- Attribute: Docility, receptivity Animal: ox Body: belly Family: mother Direction: Southwest ------ -- -- Li, The Clinging Sun, fire ------ Attribute: Brightness Animal: pheasant Body: eye Family: second daughter Direction: South ------ ------ Sun, The Gentle Wind, wood -- -- Attribute: Penetration, following Animal: fowl Body: thigh Family: eldest daughter Direction: Southeast -- -- ------ Tui, The Joyous Lake, mist, marsh ------ Attribute: Pleasure, joy, attraction Animal: sheep Body: mouth Family: youngest daughter Direction: West | TOP | ----- -- -- -- -- ----- -- -- ----- ----- -- -- | ----- -- -- ----- -- -- -- -- ----- -- -- ----- | ----- ----- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ----- ----- | Ch'ien Chen K'an Ken K'un Sun Li Tui Bottom | Heaven Thunder Water Mountain Earth Wood Sun Marsh -------------+-------------------------------------------------------------- --- Ch'ien | --- Heaven | 1 34 5 26 11 9 14 43 --- | | - - Chen | - - Thunder | 25 51 3 27 24 42 21 17 --- | | - - K'an | --- Water | 6 40 29 4 7 59 64 47 - - | | --- Ken | - - Mountain | 33 62 39 52 15 53 56 31 - - | | - - K'un | - - Earth | 12 16 8 23 2 20 35 45 - - | | --- Sun | --- Wood | 44 32 48 18 46 57 50 28 - - | | --- Li | - - Sun | 13 55 63 22 36 37 30 49 --- | | - - Tui | --- Marsh | 10 54 60 41 19 61 38 58 --- | 1. Ch'ien / The Creative ----- ----- above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- ----- ----- below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- The Judgement The Creative works sublime success, Furthering through perseverance. The Image The movement of heaven is full of power. Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Hidden dragon. Do not act. Nine in the second place means: Dragon appearing in the field. It furthers one to see the great man. Nine in the third place means: All day long the superior man is creatively active. At nightfall his mind is still beset with cares. Danger. No blame. Nine in the fourth place means: Wavering flight over the depths. No blame. () Nine in the fifth place means: Flying dragon in the heavens. It furthers one to see the great man. Nine at the top means: Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent. When all the lines are nines, it means: There appears a flight of dragons without heads. Good fortune. 2. K'un / The Receptive -- -- -- -- above K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- -- -- -- -- below K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- The Judgement The Receptive brings about sublime success, Furthering through the perseverance of a mare. If the superior man undertakes something and tries to lead, He goes astray; But if he follows, he finds guidance. It is favorable to find friends in the west and south, To forego friends in the east and north. Quiet perseverance brings good fortune. The Image The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character Carries the outer world. The Lines Six at the beginning means: When there is hoarfrost underfoot, Solid ice is not far off. () Six in the second place means: Straight, square, great. Without purpose, Yet nothing remains unfurthered. Six in the third place means: Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works, but bring to completion. Six in the fourth place means: A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise. Six in the fifth place means: A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune. Six at the top means: Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow. When all the lines are sixes, it means: Lasting perseverance furthers. 3. Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning -- -- ----- above K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- -- -- -- -- below Ch^en The Arousing, Thunder ----- The Judgement Difficulty at the Beginning works supreme success, Furthering through perseverance. Nothing should be undertaken. It furthers one to appoint helpers. The Image Clouds and thunder: The image of Difficulty at the Beginning. Thus the superior man Brings order out of confusion. The Lines () Nine at the beginning means: Hesitation and hindrance. It furthers one to remain persevering. It furthers one to appoint helpers. Six in the second place means: Difficulties pile up. Horse and wagon part. He is not a robber; He wants to woo when the time comes. The maiden is chaste, She does not pledge herself. Ten years-then she pledges herself. Six in the third place means: Whoever hunts deer without the forester Only loses his way in the forest. The superior man understands the signs of the time And prefers to desist. To go on brings humiliation. Six in the fourth place means: Horse and wagon part. Strive for union. To go brings good fortune. Everything acts to further. () Nine in the fifth place means: Difficulties in blessing. A little perseverance brings good fortune. Great perseverance brings misfortune. Six at the top means: Horse and wagon part. Bloody tears flow. 4. M^eng / Youthful Folly ----- -- -- above K^en Keeping Still, Mountain -- -- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement Youthful Folly has success. It is not I who seek the young fool; The young fool seeks me. At the first oracle I inform him. If he asks two or three times, it is importunity. If he importunes, I give him no information. Perseverance furthers. The Image A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain: The image of Youth. Thus the superior man fosters his character By thoroughness in all that he does. The Lines Six at the beginning means: To make a fool develop It furthers one to apply discipline. The fetters should be removed. To go on in this way brings humiliation. () Nine in the second place means: To bear with fools in kindliness brings good fortune. To know how to take women Brings supreme good fortune. The son is capable of taking charge of the household. Six in the third place means: Take not a maiden who, when she sees a man of bronze, Loses possession of herself. Nothing furthers. Six in the fourth place means: Entangled folly brings humiliation. () Six in the fifth place means: Childlike folly brings good fortune. Nine at the top means: In punishing folly It does not further one To commit transgressions. The only thing that furthers Is to prevent transgressions. 5. Hsu / Waiting (Nourishment) -- -- ----- above K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- ----- ----- below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- The Judgement Waiting. If you are sincere, You have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. The Image Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. Thus the superior man eats and drinks, Is joyous and of good cheer. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Waiting in the meadow. It furthers one to abide in what endures. No blame. Nine in the second place means: Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip. The end brings good fortune. Nine in the third place means: Waiting in the mud Brings about the arrival of the enemy. Six in the fourth place means: Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit. () Nine in the fifth place means: Waiting at meat and drink. Perseverance brings good fortune. Six at the top means: One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them, and in the end there will be good fortune. 6. Sung / Conflict ----- ----- above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement Conflict. You are sincere And are being obstructed. A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune. Going through to the end brings misfortune. It furthers one to see the great man. It does not further one to cross the great water. The Image Heaven and water go their opposite ways: The image of Conflict. Thus in all his transactions the superior man Carefully considers the beginning. The Lines Six at the beginning means: If one does not perpetuate the affair, There is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes. Nine in the second place means: One cannot engage in conflict; One returns home, gives way. The people of his town, Three hundred households, Remain free of guilt. Six in the third place means: To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance. Danger. In the end, good fortune comes. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works. Nine in the fourth place means: One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, Changes one's attitude, And finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune. () Nine in the fifth place means: To contend before him Brings good fortune. Nine at the top means: Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed on one, By the end of a morning It will have been snatched away three times. 7. Shih / The Army -- -- -- -- above K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement The Army. The army needs perseverance And a strong man. Good fortune without blame. The Image In the middle of the earth is water: The image of the Army. Thus the superior man increases his masses By generosity toward the people. The Lines Six at the beginning means: An army must set forth in proper order. If the order is not good, misfortune threatens. () Nine in the second place means: In the midst of the army. Good fortune. No blame. The king bestows a triple decoration. Six in the third place means: Perchance the army carries corpses in the wagon. Misfortune. Six in the fourth place means: The army retreats. No blame. () Six in the fifth place means: There is game in the field. It furthers one to catch it. Without blame. Let the eldest lead the army. The younger tran I Ching Book of Changes The hexagrams were obtained from an I Ching program named ching, it is available via anonymous ftp from vixen.cso.uiuc.edu in the games/ching directory. Last modified: September 16, 1994 These directions are extremely terse. I am a novice and would require much more experience before I would feel qualified to try to explain any more than I have. To generate the hexagram, you will need three coins. Old Chinese bronze coins are not necessary, but are a nice touch. The head side (or the blank side) of the coin is yang, while the tail side (or enscripted side) is yin. The coins are tossed, and by assigning values to yin (2 points) and yang (three points), each of the six lines in the hexagram are generated. The original method uses yarrow stalks, and while many say this gives better readings, I have not used it and wouldn't dare try to explain it. Directions: 1. Reflect and meditate on your question. Hold the question in your mind. 2. Throw the coins in the air, being mindful of the question. 3. Add up the total of the coins using 2 points for yin (tails) and 3 points for yang (heads). 4. Draw the first line (remember to start at the ground), Value Line Meaning ----------------------------------- 6 --x-- old/moving Yin line 7 ----- Yang line 8 -- -- Yin line 9 --o-- old/moving Yang line 5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all six lines have been drawn. 6. Read the appropriate hexagram definition. Remember to read the line explanations for any moving lines. 7. If there are moving lines, draw a second hexagram by "aging" the old lines, i.e. an old Yin line (6) becomes a Yang line, and an old Yang line (9) becomes a Yin line. Read this hexagram. ------ ------ Ch'ien, The Creative Heaven, Sky ------ Attribute: Strength, creativity Animal: horse Body: head Family: father Direction: Northwest -- -- -- -- Chen, The Arousing Thunder ------ Attribute: Movement, initiative, action Animal: dragon Body: foot Family: eldest son Direction: East -- -- ------ K'an, The Abysmal Water, moon, the deep -- -- Attribute: Danger Animal: pig Body: ear Family: second son Direction: North ------ -- -- Ken, Keeping still Mountain -- -- Attribute: Stillness, stopping Animal: dog Body: hand Family: youngest son Direction: Northeast -- -- -- -- K'un, The Receptive Earth -- -- Attribute: Docility, receptivity Animal: ox Body: belly Family: mother Direction: Southwest ------ -- -- Li, The Clinging Sun, fire ------ Attribute: Brightness Animal: pheasant Body: eye Family: second daughter Direction: South ------ ------ Sun, The Gentle Wind, wood -- -- Attribute: Penetration, following Animal: fowl Body: thigh Family: eldest daughter Direction: Southeast -- -- ------ Tui, The Joyous Lake, mist, marsh ------ Attribute: Pleasure, joy, attraction Animal: sheep Body: mouth Family: youngest daughter Direction: West | TOP | ----- -- -- -- -- ----- -- -- ----- ----- -- -- | ----- -- -- ----- -- -- -- -- ----- -- -- ----- | ----- ----- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ----- ----- | Ch'ien Chen K'an Ken K'un Sun Li Tui Bottom | Heaven Thunder Water Mountain Earth Wood Sun Marsh -------------+-------------------------------------------------------------- --- Ch'ien | --- Heaven | 1 34 5 26 11 9 14 43 --- | | - - Chen | - - Thunder | 25 51 3 27 24 42 21 17 --- | | - - K'an | --- Water | 6 40 29 4 7 59 64 47 - - | | --- Ken | - - Mountain | 33 62 39 52 15 53 56 31 - - | | - - K'un | - - Earth | 12 16 8 23 2 20 35 45 - - | | --- Sun | --- Wood | 44 32 48 18 46 57 50 28 - - | | --- Li | - - Sun | 13 55 63 22 36 37 30 49 --- | | - - Tui | --- Marsh | 10 54 60 41 19 61 38 58 --- | 1. Ch'ien / The Creative ----- ----- above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- ----- ----- below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- The Judgement The Creative works sublime success, Furthering through perseverance. The Image The movement of heaven is full of power. Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Hidden dragon. Do not act. Nine in the second place means: Dragon appearing in the field. It furthers one to see the great man. Nine in the third place means: All day long the superior man is creatively active. At nightfall his mind is still beset with cares. Danger. No blame. Nine in the fourth place means: Wavering flight over the depths. No blame. () Nine in the fifth place means: Flying dragon in the heavens. It furthers one to see the great man. Nine at the top means: Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent. When all the lines are nines, it means: There appears a flight of dragons without heads. Good fortune. 2. K'un / The Receptive -- -- -- -- above K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- -- -- -- -- below K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- The Judgement The Receptive brings about sublime success, Furthering through the perseverance of a mare. If the superior man undertakes something and tries to lead, He goes astray; But if he follows, he finds guidance. It is favorable to find friends in the west and south, To forego friends in the east and north. Quiet perseverance brings good fortune. The Image The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character Carries the outer world. The Lines Six at the beginning means: When there is hoarfrost underfoot, Solid ice is not far off. () Six in the second place means: Straight, square, great. Without purpose, Yet nothing remains unfurthered. Six in the third place means: Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works, but bring to completion. Six in the fourth place means: A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise. Six in the fifth place means: A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune. Six at the top means: Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow. When all the lines are sixes, it means: Lasting perseverance furthers. 3. Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning -- -- ----- above K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- -- -- -- -- below Ch^en The Arousing, Thunder ----- The Judgement Difficulty at the Beginning works supreme success, Furthering through perseverance. Nothing should be undertaken. It furthers one to appoint helpers. The Image Clouds and thunder: The image of Difficulty at the Beginning. Thus the superior man Brings order out of confusion. The Lines () Nine at the beginning means: Hesitation and hindrance. It furthers one to remain persevering. It furthers one to appoint helpers. Six in the second place means: Difficulties pile up. Horse and wagon part. He is not a robber; He wants to woo when the time comes. The maiden is chaste, She does not pledge herself. Ten years-then she pledges herself. Six in the third place means: Whoever hunts deer without the forester Only loses his way in the forest. The superior man understands the signs of the time And prefers to desist. To go on brings humiliation. Six in the fourth place means: Horse and wagon part. Strive for union. To go brings good fortune. Everything acts to further. () Nine in the fifth place means: Difficulties in blessing. A little perseverance brings good fortune. Great perseverance brings misfortune. Six at the top means: Horse and wagon part. Bloody tears flow. 4. M^eng / Youthful Folly ----- -- -- above K^en Keeping Still, Mountain -- -- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement Youthful Folly has success. It is not I who seek the young fool; The young fool seeks me. At the first oracle I inform him. If he asks two or three times, it is importunity. If he importunes, I give him no information. Perseverance furthers. The Image A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain: The image of Youth. Thus the superior man fosters his character By thoroughness in all that he does. The Lines Six at the beginning means: To make a fool develop It furthers one to apply discipline. The fetters should be removed. To go on in this way brings humiliation. () Nine in the second place means: To bear with fools in kindliness brings good fortune. To know how to take women Brings supreme good fortune. The son is capable of taking charge of the household. Six in the third place means: Take not a maiden who, when she sees a man of bronze, Loses possession of herself. Nothing furthers. Six in the fourth place means: Entangled folly brings humiliation. () Six in the fifth place means: Childlike folly brings good fortune. Nine at the top means: In punishing folly It does not further one To commit transgressions. The only thing that furthers Is to prevent transgressions. 5. Hsu / Waiting (Nourishment) -- -- ----- above K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- ----- ----- below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- The Judgement Waiting. If you are sincere, You have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. The Image Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. Thus the superior man eats and drinks, Is joyous and of good cheer. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Waiting in the meadow. It furthers one to abide in what endures. No blame. Nine in the second place means: Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip. The end brings good fortune. Nine in the third place means: Waiting in the mud Brings about the arrival of the enemy. Six in the fourth place means: Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit. () Nine in the fifth place means: Waiting at meat and drink. Perseverance brings good fortune. Six at the top means: One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them, and in the end there will be good fortune. 6. Sung / Conflict ----- ----- above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement Conflict. You are sincere And are being obstructed. A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune. Going through to the end brings misfortune. It furthers one to see the great man. It does not further one to cross the great water. The Image Heaven and water go their opposite ways: The image of Conflict. Thus in all his transactions the superior man Carefully considers the beginning. The Lines Six at the beginning means: If one does not perpetuate the affair, There is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes. Nine in the second place means: One cannot engage in conflict; One returns home, gives way. The people of his town, Three hundred households, Remain free of guilt. Six in the third place means: To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance. Danger. In the end, good fortune comes. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works. Nine in the fourth place means: One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, Changes one's attitude, And finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune. () Nine in the fifth place means: To contend before him Brings good fortune. Nine at the top means: Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed on one, By the end of a morning It will have been snatched away three times. 7. Shih / The Army -- -- -- -- above K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement The Army. The army needs perseverance And a strong man. Good fortune without blame. The Image In the middle of the earth is water: The image of the Army. Thus the superior man increases his masses By generosity toward the people. The Lines Six at the beginning means: An army must set forth in proper order. If the order is not good, misfortune threatens. () Nine in the second place means: In the midst of the army. Good fortune. No blame. The king bestows a triple decoration. Six in the third place means: Perchance the army carries corpses in the wagon. Misfortune. Six in the fourth place means: The army retreats. No blame. () Six in the fifth place means: There is game in the field. It furthers one to catch it. Without blame. Let the eldest lead the army. The younger tran I Ching Book of Changes The hexagrams were obtained from an I Ching program named ching, it is available via anonymous ftp from vixen.cso.uiuc.edu in the games/ching directory. Last modified: September 16, 1994 These directions are extremely terse. I am a novice and would require much more experience before I would feel qualified to try to explain any more than I have. To generate the hexagram, you will need three coins. Old Chinese bronze coins are not necessary, but are a nice touch. The head side (or the blank side) of the coin is yang, while the tail side (or enscripted side) is yin. The coins are tossed, and by assigning values to yin (2 points) and yang (three points), each of the six lines in the hexagram are generated. The original method uses yarrow stalks, and while many say this gives better readings, I have not used it and wouldn't dare try to explain it. Directions: 1. Reflect and meditate on your question. Hold the question in your mind. 2. Throw the coins in the air, being mindful of the question. 3. Add up the total of the coins using 2 points for yin (tails) and 3 points for yang (heads). 4. Draw the first line (remember to start at the ground), Value Line Meaning ----------------------------------- 6 --x-- old/moving Yin line 7 ----- Yang line 8 -- -- Yin line 9 --o-- old/moving Yang line 5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all six lines have been drawn. 6. Read the appropriate hexagram definition. Remember to read the line explanations for any moving lines. 7. If there are moving lines, draw a second hexagram by "aging" the old lines, i.e. an old Yin line (6) becomes a Yang line, and an old Yang line (9) becomes a Yin line. Read this hexagram. ------ ------ Ch'ien, The Creative Heaven, Sky ------ Attribute: Strength, creativity Animal: horse Body: head Family: father Direction: Northwest -- -- -- -- Chen, The Arousing Thunder ------ Attribute: Movement, initiative, action Animal: dragon Body: foot Family: eldest son Direction: East -- -- ------ K'an, The Abysmal Water, moon, the deep -- -- Attribute: Danger Animal: pig Body: ear Family: second son Direction: North ------ -- -- Ken, Keeping still Mountain -- -- Attribute: Stillness, stopping Animal: dog Body: hand Family: youngest son Direction: Northeast -- -- -- -- K'un, The Receptive Earth -- -- Attribute: Docility, receptivity Animal: ox Body: belly Family: mother Direction: Southwest ------ -- -- Li, The Clinging Sun, fire ------ Attribute: Brightness Animal: pheasant Body: eye Family: second daughter Direction: South ------ ------ Sun, The Gentle Wind, wood -- -- Attribute: Penetration, following Animal: fowl Body: thigh Family: eldest daughter Direction: Southeast -- -- ------ Tui, The Joyous Lake, mist, marsh ------ Attribute: Pleasure, joy, attraction Animal: sheep Body: mouth Family: youngest daughter Direction: West | TOP | ----- -- -- -- -- ----- -- -- ----- ----- -- -- | ----- -- -- ----- -- -- -- -- ----- -- -- ----- | ----- ----- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ----- ----- | Ch'ien Chen K'an Ken K'un Sun Li Tui Bottom | Heaven Thunder Water Mountain Earth Wood Sun Marsh -------------+-------------------------------------------------------------- --- Ch'ien | --- Heaven | 1 34 5 26 11 9 14 43 --- | | - - Chen | - - Thunder | 25 51 3 27 24 42 21 17 --- | | - - K'an | --- Water | 6 40 29 4 7 59 64 47 - - | | --- Ken | - - Mountain | 33 62 39 52 15 53 56 31 - - | | - - K'un | - - Earth | 12 16 8 23 2 20 35 45 - - | | --- Sun | --- Wood | 44 32 48 18 46 57 50 28 - - | | --- Li | - - Sun | 13 55 63 22 36 37 30 49 --- | | - - Tui | --- Marsh | 10 54 60 41 19 61 38 58 --- | 1. Ch'ien / The Creative ----- ----- above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- ----- ----- below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- The Judgement The Creative works sublime success, Furthering through perseverance. The Image The movement of heaven is full of power. Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Hidden dragon. Do not act. Nine in the second place means: Dragon appearing in the field. It furthers one to see the great man. Nine in the third place means: All day long the superior man is creatively active. At nightfall his mind is still beset with cares. Danger. No blame. Nine in the fourth place means: Wavering flight over the depths. No blame. () Nine in the fifth place means: Flying dragon in the heavens. It furthers one to see the great man. Nine at the top means: Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent. When all the lines are nines, it means: There appears a flight of dragons without heads. Good fortune. 2. K'un / The Receptive -- -- -- -- above K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- -- -- -- -- below K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- The Judgement The Receptive brings about sublime success, Furthering through the perseverance of a mare. If the superior man undertakes something and tries to lead, He goes astray; But if he follows, he finds guidance. It is favorable to find friends in the west and south, To forego friends in the east and north. Quiet perseverance brings good fortune. The Image The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character Carries the outer world. The Lines Six at the beginning means: When there is hoarfrost underfoot, Solid ice is not far off. () Six in the second place means: Straight, square, great. Without purpose, Yet nothing remains unfurthered. Six in the third place means: Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works, but bring to completion. Six in the fourth place means: A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise. Six in the fifth place means: A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune. Six at the top means: Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow. When all the lines are sixes, it means: Lasting perseverance furthers. 3. Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning -- -- ----- above K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- -- -- -- -- below Ch^en The Arousing, Thunder ----- The Judgement Difficulty at the Beginning works supreme success, Furthering through perseverance. Nothing should be undertaken. It furthers one to appoint helpers. The Image Clouds and thunder: The image of Difficulty at the Beginning. Thus the superior man Brings order out of confusion. The Lines () Nine at the beginning means: Hesitation and hindrance. It furthers one to remain persevering. It furthers one to appoint helpers. Six in the second place means: Difficulties pile up. Horse and wagon part. He is not a robber; He wants to woo when the time comes. The maiden is chaste, She does not pledge herself. Ten years-then she pledges herself. Six in the third place means: Whoever hunts deer without the forester Only loses his way in the forest. The superior man understands the signs of the time And prefers to desist. To go on brings humiliation. Six in the fourth place means: Horse and wagon part. Strive for union. To go brings good fortune. Everything acts to further. () Nine in the fifth place means: Difficulties in blessing. A little perseverance brings good fortune. Great perseverance brings misfortune. Six at the top means: Horse and wagon part. Bloody tears flow. 4. M^eng / Youthful Folly ----- -- -- above K^en Keeping Still, Mountain -- -- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement Youthful Folly has success. It is not I who seek the young fool; The young fool seeks me. At the first oracle I inform him. If he asks two or three times, it is importunity. If he importunes, I give him no information. Perseverance furthers. The Image A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain: The image of Youth. Thus the superior man fosters his character By thoroughness in all that he does. The Lines Six at the beginning means: To make a fool develop It furthers one to apply discipline. The fetters should be removed. To go on in this way brings humiliation. () Nine in the second place means: To bear with fools in kindliness brings good fortune. To know how to take women Brings supreme good fortune. The son is capable of taking charge of the household. Six in the third place means: Take not a maiden who, when she sees a man of bronze, Loses possession of herself. Nothing furthers. Six in the fourth place means: Entangled folly brings humiliation. () Six in the fifth place means: Childlike folly brings good fortune. Nine at the top means: In punishing folly It does not further one To commit transgressions. The only thing that furthers Is to prevent transgressions. 5. Hsu / Waiting (Nourishment) -- -- ----- above K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- ----- ----- below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- The Judgement Waiting. If you are sincere, You have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. The Image Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. Thus the superior man eats and drinks, Is joyous and of good cheer. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Waiting in the meadow. It furthers one to abide in what endures. No blame. Nine in the second place means: Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip. The end brings good fortune. Nine in the third place means: Waiting in the mud Brings about the arrival of the enemy. Six in the fourth place means: Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit. () Nine in the fifth place means: Waiting at meat and drink. Perseverance brings good fortune. Six at the top means: One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them, and in the end there will be good fortune. 6. Sung / Conflict ----- ----- above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement Conflict. You are sincere And are being obstructed. A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune. Going through to the end brings misfortune. It furthers one to see the great man. It does not further one to cross the great water. The Image Heaven and water go their opposite ways: The image of Conflict. Thus in all his transactions the superior man Carefully considers the beginning. The Lines Six at the beginning means: If one does not perpetuate the affair, There is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes. Nine in the second place means: One cannot engage in conflict; One returns home, gives way. The people of his town, Three hundred households, Remain free of guilt. Six in the third place means: To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance. Danger. In the end, good fortune comes. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works. Nine in the fourth place means: One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, Changes one's attitude, And finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune. () Nine in the fifth place means: To contend before him Brings good fortune. Nine at the top means: Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed on one, By the end of a morning It will have been snatched away three times. 7. Shih / The Army -- -- -- -- above K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement The Army. The army needs perseverance And a strong man. Good fortune without blame. The Image In the middle of the earth is water: The image of the Army. Thus the superior man increases his masses By generosity toward the people. The Lines Six at the beginning means: An army must set forth in proper order. If the order is not good, misfortune threatens. () Nine in the second place means: In the midst of the army. Good fortune. No blame. The king bestows a triple decoration. Six in the third place means: Perchance the army carries corpses in the wagon. Misfortune. Six in the fourth place means: The army retreats. No blame. () Six in the fifth place means: There is game in the field. It furthers one to catch it. Without blame. Let the eldest lead the army. The younger tran I Ching Book of Changes The hexagrams were obtained from an I Ching program named ching, it is available via anonymous ftp from vixen.cso.uiuc.edu in the games/ching directory. Last modified: September 16, 1994 These directions are extremely terse. I am a novice and would require much more experience before I would feel qualified to try to explain any more than I have. To generate the hexagram, you will need three coins. Old Chinese bronze coins are not necessary, but are a nice touch. The head side (or the blank side) of the coin is yang, while the tail side (or enscripted side) is yin. The coins are tossed, and by assigning values to yin (2 points) and yang (three points), each of the six lines in the hexagram are generated. The original method uses yarrow stalks, and while many say this gives better readings, I have not used it and wouldn't dare try to explain it. Directions: 1. Reflect and meditate on your question. Hold the question in your mind. 2. Throw the coins in the air, being mindful of the question. 3. Add up the total of the coins using 2 points for yin (tails) and 3 points for yang (heads). 4. Draw the first line (remember to start at the ground), Value Line Meaning ----------------------------------- 6 --x-- old/moving Yin line 7 ----- Yang line 8 -- -- Yin line 9 --o-- old/moving Yang line 5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all six lines have been drawn. 6. Read the appropriate hexagram definition. Remember to read the line explanations for any moving lines. 7. If there are moving lines, draw a second hexagram by "aging" the old lines, i.e. an old Yin line (6) becomes a Yang line, and an old Yang line (9) becomes a Yin line. Read this hexagram. ------ ------ Ch'ien, The Creative Heaven, Sky ------ Attribute: Strength, creativity Animal: horse Body: head Family: father Direction: Northwest -- -- -- -- Chen, The Arousing Thunder ------ Attribute: Movement, initiative, action Animal: dragon Body: foot Family: eldest son Direction: East -- -- ------ K'an, The Abysmal Water, moon, the deep -- -- Attribute: Danger Animal: pig Body: ear Family: second son Direction: North ------ -- -- Ken, Keeping still Mountain -- -- Attribute: Stillness, stopping Animal: dog Body: hand Family: youngest son Direction: Northeast -- -- -- -- K'un, The Receptive Earth -- -- Attribute: Docility, receptivity Animal: ox Body: belly Family: mother Direction: Southwest ------ -- -- Li, The Clinging Sun, fire ------ Attribute: Brightness Animal: pheasant Body: eye Family: second daughter Direction: South ------ ------ Sun, The Gentle Wind, wood -- -- Attribute: Penetration, following Animal: fowl Body: thigh Family: eldest daughter Direction: Southeast -- -- ------ Tui, The Joyous Lake, mist, marsh ------ Attribute: Pleasure, joy, attraction Animal: sheep Body: mouth Family: youngest daughter Direction: West | TOP | ----- -- -- -- -- ----- -- -- ----- ----- -- -- | ----- -- -- ----- -- -- -- -- ----- -- -- ----- | ----- ----- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ----- ----- | Ch'ien Chen K'an Ken K'un Sun Li Tui Bottom | Heaven Thunder Water Mountain Earth Wood Sun Marsh -------------+-------------------------------------------------------------- --- Ch'ien | --- Heaven | 1 34 5 26 11 9 14 43 --- | | - - Chen | - - Thunder | 25 51 3 27 24 42 21 17 --- | | - - K'an | --- Water | 6 40 29 4 7 59 64 47 - - | | --- Ken | - - Mountain | 33 62 39 52 15 53 56 31 - - | | - - K'un | - - Earth | 12 16 8 23 2 20 35 45 - - | | --- Sun | --- Wood | 44 32 48 18 46 57 50 28 - - | | --- Li | - - Sun | 13 55 63 22 36 37 30 49 --- | | - - Tui | --- Marsh | 10 54 60 41 19 61 38 58 --- | 1. Ch'ien / The Creative ----- ----- above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- ----- ----- below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- The Judgement The Creative works sublime success, Furthering through perseverance. The Image The movement of heaven is full of power. Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Hidden dragon. Do not act. Nine in the second place means: Dragon appearing in the field. It furthers one to see the great man. Nine in the third place means: All day long the superior man is creatively active. At nightfall his mind is still beset with cares. Danger. No blame. Nine in the fourth place means: Wavering flight over the depths. No blame. () Nine in the fifth place means: Flying dragon in the heavens. It furthers one to see the great man. Nine at the top means: Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent. When all the lines are nines, it means: There appears a flight of dragons without heads. Good fortune. 2. K'un / The Receptive -- -- -- -- above K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- -- -- -- -- below K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- The Judgement The Receptive brings about sublime success, Furthering through the perseverance of a mare. If the superior man undertakes something and tries to lead, He goes astray; But if he follows, he finds guidance. It is favorable to find friends in the west and south, To forego friends in the east and north. Quiet perseverance brings good fortune. The Image The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character Carries the outer world. The Lines Six at the beginning means: When there is hoarfrost underfoot, Solid ice is not far off. () Six in the second place means: Straight, square, great. Without purpose, Yet nothing remains unfurthered. Six in the third place means: Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works, but bring to completion. Six in the fourth place means: A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise. Six in the fifth place means: A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune. Six at the top means: Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow. When all the lines are sixes, it means: Lasting perseverance furthers. 3. Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning -- -- ----- above K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- -- -- -- -- below Ch^en The Arousing, Thunder ----- The Judgement Difficulty at the Beginning works supreme success, Furthering through perseverance. Nothing should be undertaken. It furthers one to appoint helpers. The Image Clouds and thunder: The image of Difficulty at the Beginning. Thus the superior man Brings order out of confusion. The Lines () Nine at the beginning means: Hesitation and hindrance. It furthers one to remain persevering. It furthers one to appoint helpers. Six in the second place means: Difficulties pile up. Horse and wagon part. He is not a robber; He wants to woo when the time comes. The maiden is chaste, She does not pledge herself. Ten years-then she pledges herself. Six in the third place means: Whoever hunts deer without the forester Only loses his way in the forest. The superior man understands the signs of the time And prefers to desist. To go on brings humiliation. Six in the fourth place means: Horse and wagon part. Strive for union. To go brings good fortune. Everything acts to further. () Nine in the fifth place means: Difficulties in blessing. A little perseverance brings good fortune. Great perseverance brings misfortune. Six at the top means: Horse and wagon part. Bloody tears flow. 4. M^eng / Youthful Folly ----- -- -- above K^en Keeping Still, Mountain -- -- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement Youthful Folly has success. It is not I who seek the young fool; The young fool seeks me. At the first oracle I inform him. If he asks two or three times, it is importunity. If he importunes, I give him no information. Perseverance furthers. The Image A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain: The image of Youth. Thus the superior man fosters his character By thoroughness in all that he does. The Lines Six at the beginning means: To make a fool develop It furthers one to apply discipline. The fetters should be removed. To go on in this way brings humiliation. () Nine in the second place means: To bear with fools in kindliness brings good fortune. To know how to take women Brings supreme good fortune. The son is capable of taking charge of the household. Six in the third place means: Take not a maiden who, when she sees a man of bronze, Loses possession of herself. Nothing furthers. Six in the fourth place means: Entangled folly brings humiliation. () Six in the fifth place means: Childlike folly brings good fortune. Nine at the top means: In punishing folly It does not further one To commit transgressions. The only thing that furthers Is to prevent transgressions. 5. Hsu / Waiting (Nourishment) -- -- ----- above K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- ----- ----- below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- The Judgement Waiting. If you are sincere, You have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. The Image Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. Thus the superior man eats and drinks, Is joyous and of good cheer. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Waiting in the meadow. It furthers one to abide in what endures. No blame. Nine in the second place means: Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip. The end brings good fortune. Nine in the third place means: Waiting in the mud Brings about the arrival of the enemy. Six in the fourth place means: Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit. () Nine in the fifth place means: Waiting at meat and drink. Perseverance brings good fortune. Six at the top means: One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them, and in the end there will be good fortune. 6. Sung / Conflict ----- ----- above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement Conflict. You are sincere And are being obstructed. A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune. Going through to the end brings misfortune. It furthers one to see the great man. It does not further one to cross the great water. The Image Heaven and water go their opposite ways: The image of Conflict. Thus in all his transactions the superior man Carefully considers the beginning. The Lines Six at the beginning means: If one does not perpetuate the affair, There is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes. Nine in the second place means: One cannot engage in conflict; One returns home, gives way. The people of his town, Three hundred households, Remain free of guilt. Six in the third place means: To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance. Danger. In the end, good fortune comes. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works. Nine in the fourth place means: One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, Changes one's attitude, And finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune. () Nine in the fifth place means: To contend before him Brings good fortune. Nine at the top means: Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed on one, By the end of a morning It will have been snatched away three times. 7. Shih / The Army -- -- -- -- above K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement The Army. The army needs perseverance And a strong man. Good fortune without blame. The Image In the middle of the earth is water: The image of the Army. Thus the superior man increases his masses By generosity toward the people. The Lines Six at the beginning means: An army must set forth in proper order. If the order is not good, misfortune threatens. () Nine in the second place means: In the midst of the army. Good fortune. No blame. The king bestows a triple decoration. Six in the third place means: Perchance the army carries corpses in the wagon. Misfortune. Six in the fourth place means: The army retreats. No blame. () Six in the fifth place means: There is game in the field. It furthers one to catch it. Without blame. Let the eldest lead the army. The younger tran I Ching Book of Changes The hexagrams were obtained from an I Ching program named ching, it is available via anonymous ftp from vixen.cso.uiuc.edu in the games/ching directory. Last modified: September 16, 1994 These directions are extremely terse. I am a novice and would require much more experience before I would feel qualified to try to explain any more than I have. To generate the hexagram, you will need three coins. Old Chinese bronze coins are not necessary, but are a nice touch. The head side (or the blank side) of the coin is yang, while the tail side (or enscripted side) is yin. The coins are tossed, and by assigning values to yin (2 points) and yang (three points), each of the six lines in the hexagram are generated. The original method uses yarrow stalks, and while many say this gives better readings, I have not used it and wouldn't dare try to explain it. Directions: 1. Reflect and meditate on your question. Hold the question in your mind. 2. Throw the coins in the air, being mindful of the question. 3. Add up the total of the coins using 2 points for yin (tails) and 3 points for yang (heads). 4. Draw the first line (remember to start at the ground), Value Line Meaning ----------------------------------- 6 --x-- old/moving Yin line 7 ----- Yang line 8 -- -- Yin line 9 --o-- old/moving Yang line 5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all six lines have been drawn. 6. Read the appropriate hexagram definition. Remember to read the line explanations for any moving lines. 7. If there are moving lines, draw a second hexagram by "aging" the old lines, i.e. an old Yin line (6) becomes a Yang line, and an old Yang line (9) becomes a Yin line. Read this hexagram. ------ ------ Ch'ien, The Creative Heaven, Sky ------ Attribute: Strength, creativity Animal: horse Body: head Family: father Direction: Northwest -- -- -- -- Chen, The Arousing Thunder ------ Attribute: Movement, initiative, action Animal: dragon Body: foot Family: eldest son Direction: East -- -- ------ K'an, The Abysmal Water, moon, the deep -- -- Attribute: Danger Animal: pig Body: ear Family: second son Direction: North ------ -- -- Ken, Keeping still Mountain -- -- Attribute: Stillness, stopping Animal: dog Body: hand Family: youngest son Direction: Northeast -- -- -- -- K'un, The Receptive Earth -- -- Attribute: Docility, receptivity Animal: ox Body: belly Family: mother Direction: Southwest ------ -- -- Li, The Clinging Sun, fire ------ Attribute: Brightness Animal: pheasant Body: eye Family: second daughter Direction: South ------ ------ Sun, The Gentle Wind, wood -- -- Attribute: Penetration, following Animal: fowl Body: thigh Family: eldest daughter Direction: Southeast -- -- ------ Tui, The Joyous Lake, mist, marsh ------ Attribute: Pleasure, joy, attraction Animal: sheep Body: mouth Family: youngest daughter Direction: West | TOP | ----- -- -- -- -- ----- -- -- ----- ----- -- -- | ----- -- -- ----- -- -- -- -- ----- -- -- ----- | ----- ----- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ----- ----- | Ch'ien Chen K'an Ken K'un Sun Li Tui Bottom | Heaven Thunder Water Mountain Earth Wood Sun Marsh -------------+-------------------------------------------------------------- --- Ch'ien | --- Heaven | 1 34 5 26 11 9 14 43 --- | | - - Chen | - - Thunder | 25 51 3 27 24 42 21 17 --- | | - - K'an | --- Water | 6 40 29 4 7 59 64 47 - - | | --- Ken | - - Mountain | 33 62 39 52 15 53 56 31 - - | | - - K'un | - - Earth | 12 16 8 23 2 20 35 45 - - | | --- Sun | --- Wood | 44 32 48 18 46 57 50 28 - - | | --- Li | - - Sun | 13 55 63 22 36 37 30 49 --- | | - - Tui | --- Marsh | 10 54 60 41 19 61 38 58 --- | 1. Ch'ien / The Creative ----- ----- above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- ----- ----- below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- The Judgement The Creative works sublime success, Furthering through perseverance. The Image The movement of heaven is full of power. Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Hidden dragon. Do not act. Nine in the second place means: Dragon appearing in the field. It furthers one to see the great man. Nine in the third place means: All day long the superior man is creatively active. At nightfall his mind is still beset with cares. Danger. No blame. Nine in the fourth place means: Wavering flight over the depths. No blame. () Nine in the fifth place means: Flying dragon in the heavens. It furthers one to see the great man. Nine at the top means: Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent. When all the lines are nines, it means: There appears a flight of dragons without heads. Good fortune. 2. K'un / The Receptive -- -- -- -- above K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- -- -- -- -- below K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- The Judgement The Receptive brings about sublime success, Furthering through the perseverance of a mare. If the superior man undertakes something and tries to lead, He goes astray; But if he follows, he finds guidance. It is favorable to find friends in the west and south, To forego friends in the east and north. Quiet perseverance brings good fortune. The Image The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character Carries the outer world. The Lines Six at the beginning means: When there is hoarfrost underfoot, Solid ice is not far off. () Six in the second place means: Straight, square, great. Without purpose, Yet nothing remains unfurthered. Six in the third place means: Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works, but bring to completion. Six in the fourth place means: A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise. Six in the fifth place means: A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune. Six at the top means: Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow. When all the lines are sixes, it means: Lasting perseverance furthers. 3. Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning -- -- ----- above K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- -- -- -- -- below Ch^en The Arousing, Thunder ----- The Judgement Difficulty at the Beginning works supreme success, Furthering through perseverance. Nothing should be undertaken. It furthers one to appoint helpers. The Image Clouds and thunder: The image of Difficulty at the Beginning. Thus the superior man Brings order out of confusion. The Lines () Nine at the beginning means: Hesitation and hindrance. It furthers one to remain persevering. It furthers one to appoint helpers. Six in the second place means: Difficulties pile up. Horse and wagon part. He is not a robber; He wants to woo when the time comes. The maiden is chaste, She does not pledge herself. Ten years-then she pledges herself. Six in the third place means: Whoever hunts deer without the forester Only loses his way in the forest. The superior man understands the signs of the time And prefers to desist. To go on brings humiliation. Six in the fourth place means: Horse and wagon part. Strive for union. To go brings good fortune. Everything acts to further. () Nine in the fifth place means: Difficulties in blessing. A little perseverance brings good fortune. Great perseverance brings misfortune. Six at the top means: Horse and wagon part. Bloody tears flow. 4. M^eng / Youthful Folly ----- -- -- above K^en Keeping Still, Mountain -- -- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement Youthful Folly has success. It is not I who seek the young fool; The young fool seeks me. At the first oracle I inform him. If he asks two or three times, it is importunity. If he importunes, I give him no information. Perseverance furthers. The Image A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain: The image of Youth. Thus the superior man fosters his character By thoroughness in all that he does. The Lines Six at the beginning means: To make a fool develop It furthers one to apply discipline. The fetters should be removed. To go on in this way brings humiliation. () Nine in the second place means: To bear with fools in kindliness brings good fortune. To know how to take women Brings supreme good fortune. The son is capable of taking charge of the household. Six in the third place means: Take not a maiden who, when she sees a man of bronze, Loses possession of herself. Nothing furthers. Six in the fourth place means: Entangled folly brings humiliation. () Six in the fifth place means: Childlike folly brings good fortune. Nine at the top means: In punishing folly It does not further one To commit transgressions. The only thing that furthers Is to prevent transgressions. 5. Hsu / Waiting (Nourishment) -- -- ----- above K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- ----- ----- below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- The Judgement Waiting. If you are sincere, You have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. The Image Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. Thus the superior man eats and drinks, Is joyous and of good cheer. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Waiting in the meadow. It furthers one to abide in what endures. No blame. Nine in the second place means: Waiting on the sand. There is some gossip. The end brings good fortune. Nine in the third place means: Waiting in the mud Brings about the arrival of the enemy. Six in the fourth place means: Waiting in blood. Get out of the pit. () Nine in the fifth place means: Waiting at meat and drink. Perseverance brings good fortune. Six at the top means: One falls into the pit. Three uninvited guests arrive. Honor them, and in the end there will be good fortune. 6. Sung / Conflict ----- ----- above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement Conflict. You are sincere And are being obstructed. A cautious halt halfway brings good fortune. Going through to the end brings misfortune. It furthers one to see the great man. It does not further one to cross the great water. The Image Heaven and water go their opposite ways: The image of Conflict. Thus in all his transactions the superior man Carefully considers the beginning. The Lines Six at the beginning means: If one does not perpetuate the affair, There is a little gossip. In the end, good fortune comes. Nine in the second place means: One cannot engage in conflict; One returns home, gives way. The people of his town, Three hundred households, Remain free of guilt. Six in the third place means: To nourish oneself on ancient virtue induces perseverance. Danger. In the end, good fortune comes. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works. Nine in the fourth place means: One cannot engage in conflict. One turns back and submits to fate, Changes one's attitude, And finds peace in perseverance. Good fortune. () Nine in the fifth place means: To contend before him Brings good fortune. Nine at the top means: Even if by chance a leather belt is bestowed on one, By the end of a morning It will have been snatched away three times. 7. Shih / The Army -- -- -- -- above K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement The Army. The army needs perseverance And a strong man. Good fortune without blame. The Image In the middle of the earth is water: The image of the Army. Thus the superior man increases his masses By generosity toward the people. The Lines Six at the beginning means: An army must set forth in proper order. If the order is not good, misfortune threatens. () Nine in the second place means: In the midst of the army. Good fortune. No blame. The king bestows a triple decoration. Six in the third place means: Perchance the army carries corpses in the wagon. Misfortune. Six in the fourth place means: The army retreats. No blame. () Six in the fifth place means: There is game in the field. It furthers one to catch it. Without blame. Let the eldest lead the army. The younger tran I Ching Book of Changes The hexagrams were obtained from an I Ching program named ching, it is available via anonymous ftp from vixen.cso.uiuc.edu in the games/ching directory. Last modified: September 16, 1994 These directions are extremely terse. I am a novice and would require much more experience before I would feel qualified to try to explain any more than I have. To generate the hexagram, you will need three coins. Old Chinese bronze coins are not necessary, but are a nice touch. The head side (or the blank side) of the coin is yang, while the tail side (or enscripted side) is yin. The coins are tossed, and by assigning values to yin (2 points) and yang (three points), each of the six lines in the hexagram are generated. The original method uses yarrow stalks, and while many say this gives better readings, I have not used it and wouldn't dare try to explain it. Directions: 1. Reflect and meditate on your question. Hold the question in your mind. 2. Throw the coins in the air, being mindful of the question. 3. Add up the total of the coins using 2 points for yin (tails) and 3 points for yang (heads). 4. Draw the first line (remember to start at the ground), Value Line Meaning ----------------------------------- 6 --x-- old/moving Yin line 7 ----- Yang line 8 -- -- Yin line 9 --o-- old/moving Yang line 5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all six lines have been drawn. 6. Read the appropriate hexagram definition. Remember to read the line explanations for any moving lines. 7. If there are moving lines, draw a second hexagram by "aging" the old lines, i.e. an old Yin line (6) becomes a Yang line, and an old Yang line (9) becomes a Yin line. Read this hexagram. ------ ------ Ch'ien, The Creative Heaven, Sky ------ Attribute: Strength, creativity Animal: horse Body: head Family: father Direction: Northwest -- -- -- -- Chen, The Arousing Thunder ------ Attribute: Movement, initiative, action Animal: dragon Body: foot Family: eldest son Direction: East -- -- ------ K'an, The Abysmal Water, moon, the deep -- -- Attribute: Danger Animal: pig Body: ear Family: second son Direction: North ------ -- -- Ken, Keeping still Mountain -- -- Attribute: Stillness, stopping Animal: dog Body: hand Family: youngest son Direction: Northeast -- -- -- -- K'un, The Receptive Earth -- -- Attribute: Docility, receptivity Animal: ox Body: belly Family: mother Direction: Southwest ------ -- -- Li, The Clinging Sun, fire ------ Attribute: Brightness Animal: pheasant Body: eye Family: second daughter Direction: South ------ ------ Sun, The Gentle Wind, wood -- -- Attribute: Penetration, following Animal: fowl Body: thigh Family: eldest daughter Direction: Southeast -- -- ------ Tui, The Joyous Lake, mist, marsh ------ Attribute: Pleasure, joy, attraction Animal: sheep Body: mouth Family: youngest daughter Direction: West | TOP | ----- -- -- -- -- ----- -- -- ----- ----- -- -- | ----- -- -- ----- -- -- -- -- ----- -- -- ----- | ----- ----- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- ----- ----- | Ch'ien Chen K'an Ken K'un Sun Li Tui Bottom | Heaven Thunder Water Mountain Earth Wood Sun Marsh -------------+-------------------------------------------------------------- --- Ch'ien | --- Heaven | 1 34 5 26 11 9 14 43 --- | | - - Chen | - - Thunder | 25 51 3 27 24 42 21 17 --- | | - - K'an | --- Water | 6 40 29 4 7 59 64 47 - - | | --- Ken | - - Mountain | 33 62 39 52 15 53 56 31 - - | | - - K'un | - - Earth | 12 16 8 23 2 20 35 45 - - | | --- Sun | --- Wood | 44 32 48 18 46 57 50 28 - - | | --- Li | - - Sun | 13 55 63 22 36 37 30 49 --- | | - - Tui | --- Marsh | 10 54 60 41 19 61 38 58 --- | 1. Ch'ien / The Creative ----- ----- above Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- ----- ----- below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- The Judgement The Creative works sublime success, Furthering through perseverance. The Image The movement of heaven is full of power. Thus the superior man makes himself strong and untiring. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Hidden dragon. Do not act. Nine in the second place means: Dragon appearing in the field. It furthers one to see the great man. Nine in the third place means: All day long the superior man is creatively active. At nightfall his mind is still beset with cares. Danger. No blame. Nine in the fourth place means: Wavering flight over the depths. No blame. () Nine in the fifth place means: Flying dragon in the heavens. It furthers one to see the great man. Nine at the top means: Arrogant dragon will have cause to repent. When all the lines are nines, it means: There appears a flight of dragons without heads. Good fortune. 2. K'un / The Receptive -- -- -- -- above K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- -- -- -- -- below K'un The Receptive, Earth -- -- The Judgement The Receptive brings about sublime success, Furthering through the perseverance of a mare. If the superior man undertakes something and tries to lead, He goes astray; But if he follows, he finds guidance. It is favorable to find friends in the west and south, To forego friends in the east and north. Quiet perseverance brings good fortune. The Image The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character Carries the outer world. The Lines Six at the beginning means: When there is hoarfrost underfoot, Solid ice is not far off. () Six in the second place means: Straight, square, great. Without purpose, Yet nothing remains unfurthered. Six in the third place means: Hidden lines. One is able to remain persevering. If by chance you are in the service of a king, Seek not works, but bring to completion. Six in the fourth place means: A tied-up sack. No blame, no praise. Six in the fifth place means: A yellow lower garment brings supreme good fortune. Six at the top means: Dragons fight in the meadow. Their blood is black and yellow. When all the lines are sixes, it means: Lasting perseverance furthers. 3. Chun / Difficulty at the Beginning -- -- ----- above K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- -- -- -- -- below Ch^en The Arousing, Thunder ----- The Judgement Difficulty at the Beginning works supreme success, Furthering through perseverance. Nothing should be undertaken. It furthers one to appoint helpers. The Image Clouds and thunder: The image of Difficulty at the Beginning. Thus the superior man Brings order out of confusion. The Lines () Nine at the beginning means: Hesitation and hindrance. It furthers one to remain persevering. It furthers one to appoint helpers. Six in the second place means: Difficulties pile up. Horse and wagon part. He is not a robber; He wants to woo when the time comes. The maiden is chaste, She does not pledge herself. Ten years-then she pledges herself. Six in the third place means: Whoever hunts deer without the forester Only loses his way in the forest. The superior man understands the signs of the time And prefers to desist. To go on brings humiliation. Six in the fourth place means: Horse and wagon part. Strive for union. To go brings good fortune. Everything acts to further. () Nine in the fifth place means: Difficulties in blessing. A little perseverance brings good fortune. Great perseverance brings misfortune. Six at the top means: Horse and wagon part. Bloody tears flow. 4. M^eng / Youthful Folly ----- -- -- above K^en Keeping Still, Mountain -- -- -- -- ----- below K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- The Judgement Youthful Folly has success. It is not I who seek the young fool; The young fool seeks me. At the first oracle I inform him. If he asks two or three times, it is importunity. If he importunes, I give him no information. Perseverance furthers. The Image A spring wells up at the foot of the mountain: The image of Youth. Thus the superior man fosters his character By thoroughness in all that he does. The Lines Six at the beginning means: To make a fool develop It furthers one to apply discipline. The fetters should be removed. To go on in this way brings humiliation. () Nine in the second place means: To bear with fools in kindliness brings good fortune. To know how to take women Brings supreme good fortune. The son is capable of taking charge of the household. Six in the third place means: Take not a maiden who, when she sees a man of bronze, Loses possession of herself. Nothing furthers. Six in the fourth place means: Entangled folly brings humiliation. () Six in the fifth place means: Childlike folly brings good fortune. Nine at the top means: In punishing folly It does not further one To commit transgressions. The only thing that furthers Is to prevent transgressions. 5. Hsu / Waiting (Nourishment) -- -- ----- above K'an The Abysmal, Water -- -- ----- ----- below Ch'ien The Creative, Heaven ----- The Judgement Waiting. If you are sincere, You have light and success. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to cross the great water. The Image Clouds rise up to heaven: The image of Waiting. Thus the superior man eats and drinks, Is joyous and of good cheer. The Lines Nine at the beginning means: Waiting in the meadow. It furthers one to abide in what endures. No blame. Nine in the second place me