I Ching

The Book of Changes

 I Ching
The Book of Changes

For countless centuries

emperor and peasant, scholar
and unlearned alike have
sought to understand the
timeless wisdom and eerie
divinations of the I Ching,
translated, the Book of
Changes. Using the simple
tools of three coins, one can
seek insight from the I Chlng
regarding whatever question
is on one's heart.

Using the
I Clling
The Question
There is a
question burning
in your heart and
mind. Think about
it and then write it
down, privately, on
a piece of paper. Writing the
question down helps you to
focus on the precise subject
being asked about. thereby
avoiding ambiguity. Be sure
to word your question so that
it requires a commentary type
of answer ... i.e., do not ask a
question that requires a 'yes'
or 'no' answer. For example.
ask "What if..." or "What is
this all about...?"
Casting the Coins
With your mind focused on
the question you've written
down, gather three coins of
the same size into your hands,
shake them until they are
randomly arranged in your
hand, then cast them gently
upon the table in front of you.
Notice how the coins have
landed with either beads' or
'tails' facing up.
Building a Trigram
Match the beads or tails'
pattern of the cast coins with
one of the 4 patterns shown
in the following table. Make
note of the associated line
form next to the matched
pattern and write it down.
(Note that if you cast three-
of-a-kind, the line form will
have a dot after it). Repeat
this coin casting process 2
more times. each time placing
the next line form on top of
the previous one. Having
done this 3 times, you will
have a 3 line figure known
as a trigram.
Example trlgram
3rdcast-+ - -
2ndcast -+
1st cast -+ - -
Building a Hexagram
You need to create 2
trigrams to make a full
hexagram. So, create a
second trigram using the same
process above. When done
you will have created a
hexagram consisting of a
lower trigram (the first one)
• and an upper trigram (the
second one).

~
® .\ @- '· -
~ @j, -- -
Example hexagram
I~
~/ \~~
.~ .~-..~ ~
Sth cast -+ Upper
ll!llltm,
'::::.:'l
llCiJtml
'::::.::Y ~
\~ - -·
Sth cast -+
4th cast -+ - -
trigram

((1 I\ ~
-
{£;)-- -· 3rd cast :-+
2nd cast-+
1stcast -+
-

-
-

-
•
Lower
trlgram

Finding the Hexagram
Cross reference the
lower trigram with the upper
trigram using the chart below.
For the moment, ignore any
dots that may appear beside
any of the line forms. Make
note of the hexagram number
that the two trigrams form,
and turn to the page with
that number.
Interpreting the
Hexagram
The hexagram you
have created contains words
of insight pertaining to your
question. Seek to apply the
words you're given to the
question you asked, in a
sincere and introspective way.
Suspend preconceptions that
may cloud your vision regard-
ing the subject under consid-
eration. Your intuition will

;::::. ---== == == == =
= =-= ==
confirm whether or not you
have been enlightened.
=: 1 "' s 21 11 a1 14

~ 25 51 3 77 24 42 21 17
Sometimes you may not
=:1.t02t4751MU
understand the full meaning of
.. 12 .. 52 15 .. .. 31
your hexagram, as it relates
12 11 • 23 2 "' ..... to the question you asked .
Whether or not so, be certain
13 11 13 ZZ • 71 10 •
that the question you asked
10 5' ., 41 11 11 • •
is the question that is truly
the one most on your mind at
the time you cast the coins.
Since the pattern of the must transform the current
falling coins is determined, in hexagram into its future form.
part, by the cosmic vibrations You do this by converting the
emanating from your mind, it dotted line forms into their
is possible for the I Ching to opposite forms, that is solid
answer the question that is lines become dashed lines and
really on your mind and not dashed lines become solid
the one you wrote down. if lines. For example ...
the two are not the same.
lJsingthe procedure
If your Hexagram described above, look up
contains any 'Dotted' the meaning of the second
line forms hexagram, realizing that this
You may have cast
Second Huagam
one or more "three-of-a-kind" changing to ...
patterns (3-heads or 3-tails). 61h cast
5th east
resulting in a 'dotted' line form 4thea.st --•-+
in your hexagram. If so, there 3rdcast - - - -
remains further information 2ndcaat
fstcast - -
• -+ - -
- -
for you from the I Ching.
The dotted line means that second hexagram is predicting
your hexagram is soon to a likely future condition
undergo a change. To learn regarding the question that
how it is going to change, you you've asked.
 Hexagram 1:
Heaven above
Heaven below.
Yielding.
The universe is united
in power. So too the
wise person execute
his actions with power
and creativity. Excep-
tional progress comes
by correct persistence.

Hexagram 2:
Earth above, Earth below.
Yielding.
The receptive earth is --
--
in power. The wise
person follows the
natural path of calm-
--
--
ness and correct per-
sistence. Others may
lead while you support
their goals.
 Hexagram 3: Hexagram 5:
Water above, Water above,
Thunder below. Heaven below.

--
--
--
Confusion.
Thunderclouds indi-cate
profound disquiet. Un-
Waiting.
Clouds of anxietyrise.
Do not be anxious, but
--
--
dertake no distant goal, wait with confidence.
but organize support. The moment wiJI arrive
Concern yourself with when correct persis-
the problems of the
tence brings progress.
moment.
Hexagram 6:
Hexagram 4: Heaven above,
Mountain above, Water below.
Water below.
Inexperience. Conflict.

--
-- As spring water collects Heaven and water,
--
--
-- at the base of the quiet
mountain, the enlight-
ened person fmds his
strength and profun-
dity, conflict. Avoid
confrontation. yield
with caution. persist
level through learning.
decisiveness, and cor- not against obstacles.
rect persistence.
 Hexagram 7:
Earth above, Water below.
Hexagram 9:
Wincf above,
Heaven below.
l
--
--
Cooperation.
The receptive earth
Restraint.
The winds of gradual
--
-- holds the water. and the
wise person will find
strength in the company
change. supported by
the strength of Heaven.
of many fellows. With shows that restraint
leadership there will be brings progress and sat-
correct persistence and isfaction. Make minor
good fortune. changes and conceal
all actions.
Hexagram 8:
Hexagram 10:

=
= ==
Water above, Earth below.
Unity. Heaven above,
Lake below.
The receptive earth Correct conduct.

J
beneath. with profundity
- - above, indicates the need The excessive beneath.
for unity and collective the strong above. Dis-
awareness of the goal. criminate between the
Do not procrastinate. inferior and superior to
Join with others and achieve progress.
return to the plan. Change gives way to
stability.

-
 Hexagram 11 : H exagram 13 :
Eartll above, Heaven above,
Heaven below Fire below.

--
--
Prosperity.
The strength of Heaven
mingles with the recep-
Community.
Strength ofheaven, de-
pendence of fire. Rec-
~§§

--
tive earth. The wise ognize the dependence
leader benefits from this of all upon their fel -
harmony. Good fortune lows. The wiseperson
approaches. seeks the collective
flow to gain advantage.

Hexagram 14:
Hexagram 12: Fire above,
Heaven above, Heaven below.
Earth below. Sovereignty.
Stagnation.
The strength of heaven ·-----

--
--
The strong and the re-
ceptive do not meet.
Strong persons give way
holds a fiery intelli-
gence, the maker of an
enlightened ruler. Re-
to the inferior. The en- sist evil; exalt good.
lightened person remains Proper Leadership
reserved to avoid mis-
brings great progress.
fortune. No advantage
in persistence.
 HexaRram 15:
Eartll above,
Mountain below.
--
--
--
Moderation.
The tranquil mountain
amid the receptive earth
indicates great progress
through the reduction of
excess. Progress comes
by equality of extremes.
Hexagram 16:
Thuncfer above,
Earth below.
--
--
Harmony
From the receptive earth
-- comes the loud thunder.
So from harmony with
supporters does the wise
person gain advantage.
Hexagram 17:
Lake above,
Thunder below.
Flexibility.
In the midst of excess.
growth and persistence
--
--
produces progress. The
enlightened person
adapts. and leads the
way from darkness to
comfort.
Hexagram 18:
Mountain above,
Wind below.
Repair.
Winds of gradual
change wear away the
mountain. Cultivate
--
--
--
action in others to bring
about repair and great
progress. If starting.
meditate on the future.
 Hexagram 19: Hexagram 21:
Earth above, Lake below. Fire above,
Thunder below.
--
--
Promotion.
111eearthabovereflects
Reform.
--
in the lake beneath. So
is the enlightened per-
son willing to teach and
learn from others.
111e turbulence of thun-
der and lightning indi-
cates the need for
change. Achieve prog-
--
--
Progress comes through ress through reform.
persistence. Administer justice.

Hexagram 20: Hexagram 22:

Wind above, Earth below. Mountain above,
Contemplation. Fire below.

--
--
As the wind moves over
the earth. so too the
Serenity.
Illumination reveals the
--
rulers of old travelled
the world. 11ley visited
its regions and contem-
foot of the immovable
mountain. So the wise
person perceives and
--
plated its many cultures. avoids disputes. No
Explore new ideas. progress except in small
matters.
 Hexagram 23: Hexagram 25:
Mountain above, Heaven above,
Earth below. Thunder below.

--
--
Deterioration.
The weak earth cannot
Spontaneity.
Strength above and ===
--
-- support the mountain.
The realm deteriorates.
En lightened people
activity below indicates
an alignment with a
natural state. Act with
stabilize their lives persistence and inspi-
through generosity ration. but without a
toward the needy true rgoal.

Hexagram 24: Hexagram 26:

Earth above, Mountain above,
Thunder below. Heaven below.
Repetition. Potential.
===
--
= The beginning of a new
cycle shows that repe-
The strength of the
Heavens comes from
--
tition brings new prog- within the mountain.
ress toward a goal. The enlightened per-
Friends return. The re- son studies the past's
peating cycle is part of wisdom to develops his
the Way. own character.
 Hexagram 27: Hexagram 29:
Mountain above, Water above,
Thunder below. Water below.
Nurturing. Danger.
=
=== Energy stirs beneath im- Profundity produces --
--
--
mobility. Support goals
that are above ques-
tion. but be cautious in
difficulty. The wise per-
son learns confidence
through danger. Remain
--
expression and avoid calm in mind. keep all
actions virtuous.
the negative. Correct
persistence brings one
goog fortune. Hexagram 30:
Fire above, Fire below.
Enlightened intelligence.
Hexagram 28:
Lake above, Wind below. Intelligence shines
above and below. The --
--
-- Imminent change.
The enlightened person
enlightened person
cultivates intelligence

-- withdraws from the

world to progress to-
ward an independent
and gains progress
through correct persis-
tence. Align yourself
goal. Stress is imminent. with goals that bring
enlightenment.
 Hexagram 31: Hexagram 33:
Lake above, Heaven above,
Mountain below. Mountain below.

--
--
Attraction.
Tranquility combined
Retreat.
The tranquil mountain

--
-- with excess produces
pleasure . Marriage
brings good fortune.
remains quiet under
Heaven'sgaze. So does
the enlightened person
Accept others and act maintain dignity in re-
openly. All change is treat. Persist only in
imminent. small matters. and avoid
mean conflict.
Hexagram 32:
Thunder above, Hexagram 34:
Wind below. Thuncfer above,
Continuity.
-- Activity and change
teach well the value of
Heaven below.
Power.
Activity in the light of ==
endurance. Stand firm
day. The wise person
and move with persis-
acts within convention
tence toward a goal.
and with persistence.
Freedom from error.
Use influence wisely.
 Hexagram 35: Hexagram 37:
Fire above, Earth below. Wind above, Fire below.
Progress. Family.

--
--
--
The sun rises above the
earth. So does the en-
lightened person reveal
Wmds of change issue
from intelligent action.
The enlightened per-
--
--
virtue. Conditionsfavor- son acts in an orderly
able for progress. Help and substantial way.
others through clever- Faith and loyalty must
ness and virtue. be nurtuted.

Hexagram 36: Hexagram 38:

Fire above, Earth below. Fire above, Lake below.
Contradiction.

--
--
--
Subtlety.
Intelligence is hidden
within the earth. Con-
Intelligence contradicts
excess. The enlightened
person acts only in
--
--
ceal goals, but do not
abandon them. Trying small matters. Maintain
conditions. but correct individuality
persistence brings one
advantage.
 Hexagram 39: Hexagram 41 :
Water above, Mountain above,
Mountain below. lake below.

--
--
--
Obstacles.
Profound movement
Decline.
Excess is held by im-
--
--
-- meets immobility. The
enlightened person
examines and peifects
mobility. The enlight-
ened person acts with
moderation. Avoid
his own behavior to anger, develop confi-
gain strength. dence. Sacrifice brings
good fortune, freedom
Hexagram 40: from error.
Thunder above,
Water below. Hexagram 42:

--
--
Liberation.
Rain and thunder indi-
Wind above,
Thunder below,

-- cate profound activity.

The enlightened person
finds good fortune in
quick action to restore
Benefit.
Growth brings benefit.
An enlightened person --
--
sees the good actions
normal conditions. For- of his fellows. Imitate
give others' faults. them and correct their
mistakes to make prog-
ress toward a goal.
 Hexagram 43: Hexagram 45:
Lake above, Lake above, Earth below.
Heaven below. Assembly.

-- Resolve. The earth receives --

--
Excess. drawn into
Heaven's gaze. produces
honesty. Do not use
excess. Unite with oth-
ers, make sacrifices, and
act with correct persis-
--
force. but rely on fair tence to achieve a goal.
judges. Know your goal. Act with sincerity,
tell your supporters. avoid suspicion, and
join with a wise leader.
Hexagram 44:
Heaven above, Hexagram 46:
Wind below. Earth above, Wind below.
Advancement.
Temptation.
~~~ Heaven's power makes
Gradual change. nour- --
--
--
: stronger the wind of
change . So too a ruler
issues commands that
ished by the receptive
earth. produces a path
to virtue. The enlight-
ened person persists in
become well known. Do
not create a relationship small matters to gain
with powe)ful persons fortune. Approach
or ideas. Exert discipline. leaders without fear.
 Hexagram 47: Hexagram 49:
Lake above, Water below. Lake above, Fire below.

--
--
Adversity.
Excess lacks profun-
Change.
Intelligent conscious- --
--
-- dity. The enlightened
person gains progress
through courage. Ad-
ness amid excess pro-
duces change. The en-
lightened person appre-
versity needs risks to ciates past experience
achieve fortune. Speak- and present opportu-
ing alone is uneffective. nity. Confidence and
progress only after
Hexagram 48: change is past.
Water above, Wind below.
Hexagram 50:
--
--
Insight.
Profound penetration Fire above, Wind below.

-- and change. Truth is

never exhausted. yet
Order.
Intelligence combined
--
never the same. The
enlightened person gains
insight into truth and
with penetration makes
progress and good for-
tune. The wise person
--
assists others to achieve aligns himself with the
it. If the truth is not established order.
heeded. bad fortune
follows.
 Hexagram 51: Hexagram 53 :
Thunder above, Wind above,
Thunder below. Mountain below.
Shock. Development.
--
-- Repeated activity pro-
duces sudden surprise
Penetrating change
moves the immobile --
--
and fear. The enlight- mountain. The enlight-
ened person seeks to ened person improves
improve himself and life through good con-
take advantage of the duct and correct per-
unpredictable. sistence. Marriage
brings good fortune.
Hexagram 52:
Mountain above, Hexagram 54:
Mountain below. Thunder above,
Meditation. Lake below.

--
--
Tranquility upon tran- Passivity.
--
quility. The enlightened
person turns his back
upon the larger situ-
Action above, excess
below. The enlightened
person in current diffi-
--
ation and loses self culty takes no action
awareness. Should he but considers the near
not notice anyone else. future. Seek no goal.
there is no error.
 Hexagram 55: Hexagram 57:
Thunaer above, Wind above, Wind below.
Fire below. Influence.
Peaking intelligence.

--
-- Intelligence combined
Penetrating change
above and below. The --
--
-- with activity. This is
the zenith of achieve-
ment. The enlightened
enlightened person acts
gradually and only
toward small goals.
person trusts his own Wait and consider
judgment and makes larger perspectives.
progress. Do not fear
decline, but shine like Hexagram 58:
the sun. Lake above, Lake below.
Encouragement.
Hexagram 56:
Fire above,
Openness and excess
above and below. The
--
--
Mountain below. wise person exchanges
Travel. ideas with others to

--
--
Illumination upon the
quiet mountain makes
conditions favorable for
find cooperation. Prog-
ress and advantage in
correct persistence.
travel. The wise person
is clear-minded and not
detained by disputes.
 Hexagram 59: Hexagram 61 :
Wind above, Water below. Wind above, Lake below.
Reunion. Understanding.

--
--
Gradual change above
the profound water.
Rulers meet with their
Penetrating change
above the open lake.
From a distance the
--
subordinates. Advan- wise person gains un-
tage in cooperation, derstanding. Moderate
correct persistence. and disputes. and must
the company offellows. avoid rigidity.

Hexagram 60: Hexagram 62:

Lake below, Water above. Thunder above.,
Limitation. Mountain below,
--
-- Profundity is held in
check by excess. The
Attention to detail.
As the mountain re- --
wise person develops
sound restraints and de-
cides proper conduct.
mains tranquil in activ-
ity. so the wise person
conducts himself with
--
Extreme limitation, dignity and control. Be
though. is no virtue. remorseful in losses and
frugal in expenses.
V\lhen birdsflytoo high,
none hear their song.
 Hexagram 63:
Water above, Fire below.

--
--
--
Precaution.
In consciousness is bred
profound difficulty. The
enlightened person de-
fends against forthcom-
ing adversity. Progress
only in small matters.
Confusion is imminent.

Hexagram 64:
Fire above, Water below.
Vigilance.
--
-- Consciousness above

-- the difficult water. The

wise person attends his
position and progress
carefully. Progress with
great vigilance.
ORl-3207