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

Example trlgram hexagram consisting of a lower trigram (the first one) 3rdcast-+ -- 2ndcast -+ • and an upper trigram (the 1st cast -+ -- second one).

~ . \ ® @- '· - Example hexagram ~ I ~ ~/ \~~ @j, -- - Sth cast -+ Upper .~ .~-..~ ~ ll!llltm, llCiJtml ~ - -· Sth cast -+ trigram '::::.:'l ' ::::.::Y \~ 4th cast -+ -- 3rd cast :-+ -- Lower ((1 I\ ~ {£;)- - -· 2nd cast-+ • trlgram - 1stcast -+ -- Interpreting the Finding the Hexagram Hexagram Cross reference the The hexagram you lower trigram with the upper have created contains words trigram using the chart below. of insight pertaining to your For the moment, ignore any question. Seek to apply the dots that may appear beside words you're given to the any of the line forms. Make question you asked, in a note of the hexagram number sincere and introspective way. that the two trigrams form, Suspend preconceptions that and turn to the page with may cloud your vision regard­ that number. ing the subject under consid­ eration. Your intuition will --- confirm whether or not you ;::::. = =-======have been enlightened. =: 1 "' s 21 11 1 14 a Sometimes you may not ~ 25 51 3 77 24 42 21 17 understand the full meaning of =:1.t02t4751MU your hexagram, as it relates .. 12 .. 52 15 .. .. 31 to the question you asked . 12 11 • 23 2 "' ..... Whether or not so, be certain that the question you asked 13 11 13 ZZ • 71 10 •

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. Waiting. -- Thunderclouds indi-cate Clouds of anxietyrise. profound disquiet. Un­ -- -- 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 strength and profun­ -- -- mountain, the enlight­ dity, conflict. Avoid -- -- confrontation. yield ened person fmds his level through learning. with caution. persist decisiveness, and cor­ not against obstacles. rect persistence. Hexagram 7: Hexagram 9: Earth above, Water below. Wincf above, l Cooperation. Heaven below. Restraint. The receptive earth -- The winds of gradual -- holds the water. and the -- wise person will find change. supported by -- strength in the company 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: Water above, Earth below. Hexagram 10: Unity. Heaven above, Lake below. == The receptive earth Correct conduct. = = 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. J return to the plan. Change gives way to stability. - Hexagram 11 : H exagram 13: Eartll above, Heaven above, Heaven below Fire below. Prosperity. Community. -- The strength of Heaven Strength ofheaven, de- ~§§ -- mingles with the recep­ 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 holds a fiery intelli- -- ceptive do not meet. gence, the maker of an -- Strong persons give way 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: Hexagram 17: Eartll above, Lake above, Mountain below. Thunder below. Moderation. Flexibility. -- The tranquil mountain In the midst of excess. -- -- amid the receptive earth growth and persistence -- -- indicates great progress produces progress. The -- through the reduction of enlightened person excess. Progress comes adapts. and leads the by equality of extremes. way from darkness to comfort. Hexagram 16: Thuncfer above, Hexagram 18: Earth below. Mountain above, Harmony Wind below. -- From the receptive earth Repair. -- comes the loud thunder. -- Winds of gradual -- So from harmony with -- change wear away the -- supporters does the wise -- mountain. Cultivate person gain advantage. -- 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, Promotion. Thunder below. Reform. -- 111eearthabovereflects -- in the lake beneath. So 111e turbulence of thun­ -- der and lightning indi­ -- is the enlightened per­ cates the need for -- son willing to teach and -- learn from others. 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 Serenity. -- the earth. so too the Illumination reveals the -- rulers of old travelled foot of the immovable -- the world. 11ley visited mountain. So the wise -- its regions and contem­ 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. Spontaneity. The weak earth cannot Strength above and === -- support the mountain. activity below indicates -- -- The realm deteriorates. an alignment with a -- En lightened people 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 The strength of the --== cycle shows that repe- 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 difficulty. The wise per­ -- that are above ques­ son learns confidence -- tion. but be cautious in 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. Hexagram 28: Enlightened intelligence. Lake above, Wind below. Intelligence shines Imminent change. above and below. The -- enlightened person -- -- The enlightened person cultivates intelligence withdraws from the and gains progress -- world to progress to­ through correct persis­ ward an independent 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. Retreat. -- Tranquility combined The tranquil mountain with excess produces remains quiet under -- pleasure. Marriage Heaven'sgaze. So does -- brings good fortune. 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. Heaven below. Activity and change Power. -- teach well the value of endurance. Stand firm Activity in the light of = = 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 Wmds of change issue -- earth. So does the en­ from intelligent action. -- -- lightened person reveal The enlightened per­ -- -- son acts in an orderly virtue. Conditionsfavor­ 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. Subtlety. Contradiction. Intelligence is hidden Intelligence contradicts excess. The enlightened -- -- within the earth. Con­ -- -- ceal goals, but do not person acts only in 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. Decline. Profound movement Excess is held by im­ -- meets immobility. The mobility. The enlight­ -- -- enlightened person ened person acts with examines and peifects 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. Wind above, Rain and thunder indi­ Thunder below, -- Benefit. -- cate profound activity. -- The enlightened person Growth brings benefit. finds good fortune in An enlightened person -- quick action to restore 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 excess. Unite with oth­ -- -- Heaven's gaze. produces ers, make sacrifices, and -- honesty. Do not use 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. Temptation. Advancement. Gradual change. nour­ ~~~ Heaven's power makes -- : stronger the wind of ished by the receptive -- change . So too a ruler earth. produces a path -- to virtue. The enlight­ issues commands that become well known. Do ened person persists in 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. Change. -- Excess lacks profun­ Intelligent conscious­ -- -- dity. The enlightened ness amid excess pro­ -- person gains progress duces change. The en­ -- through courage. Ad­ 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. Insight. Hexagram 50: Profound penetration Fire above, Wind below. -- Order. -- and change. Truth is never exhausted. yet Intelligence combined -- never the same. The with penetration makes -- enlightened person gains progress and good for­ -- insight into truth and 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 Penetrating change -- duces sudden surprise 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 Action above, excess -- -- person turns his back below. The enlightened -- upon the larger situ­ 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. Penetrating change -- Intelligence combined above and below. The -- -- with activity. This is enlightened person acts -- -- the zenith of achieve­ gradually and only ment. The enlightened 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: Openness and excess -- Fire above, above and below. The Mountain below. wise person exchanges -- Travel. ideas with others to Illumination upon the find cooperation. Prog­ -- quiet mountain makes ress and advantage in -- conditions favorable for 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 Penetrating change -- the profound water. above the open lake. -- -- Rulers meet with their 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 Attention to detail. -- check by excess. The As the mountain re­ -- wise person develops mains tranquil in activ­ -- sound restraints and de­ ity. so the wise person -- cides proper conduct. 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.

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