I CHING · BOOK OF CHANGES
I Ching Online: One Hexagram, One Question
A 3,000-year-old decision framework that answers one question at a time. Cast six lines with three coins, or cast instantly with Mei Hua Yi Shu — the hexagram is produced by deterministic rules, and every reading must cite the hexagram's own facts. Same input, same hexagram, reproducible.
Three ways in — pick by your question
What is I Ching divination
The I Ching (Book of Changes) took shape in China over three thousand years ago. It consists of 64 hexagrams and 384 lines: each hexagram stacks two three-line trigrams and describes one archetypal situation. You cast a hexagram, then read it through its Judgment, its Lines, and any moving lines it contains.
The classical casting methods are yarrow stalks and three coins (toss six times); the later Mei Hua Yi Shu casts instantly from numbers, the time, or Chinese character strokes. Different methods, same 64 hexagrams — the difference is resolution: coins can mark old yin and old yang (moving lines), carrying more information; Mei Hua is the fastest.
On this site, casting and interpretation are separate. The hexagram comes from a deterministic algorithm — the same input always yields the same chart. The AI only interprets within the facts of the cast (judgment text, moving lines, useful god, ti-yong relation) and flags what is uncertain. It is a structured perspective, not a replacement for your own judgement.
Three casting methods
Coin method (Liu Yao)
Toss three coins at once: heads count as yang, tails as yin; three of a kind marks a moving line (old yang or old yin). Six tosses stack into a hexagram, then the Najia chart is assembled by rule. The most common method — done in five minutes.
Yarrow stalks (classical)
The original method recorded in the Great Commentary: fifty yarrow stalks divided and counted repeatedly, yielding old yin, young yang, young yin or old yang. Moving lines arise more gradually in probability; traditionally the more solemn form, taking about half an hour.
Numbers / time / characters (Mei Hua Yi Shu)
The quick method codified by Shao Yong (Northern Song): any two numbers, the current moment, or character strokes can form a hexagram. Number casting is the most common — think of your question and give two numbers.
Browse the 64 hexagrams
Every hexagram has a reference page with its structure and the original Judgment and Line texts — and you can ask a question from any of them.
Frequently asked questions
How do I cast the I Ching online?
Two ways: toss three virtual coins six times on the Liu Yao page — closest to the classical coin method, and it marks moving lines — or cast instantly with Mei Hua Yi Shu from two numbers or the current time. Both assemble the hexagram by fixed rules: the same inputs always yield the same hexagram.
What is a hexagram?
A figure of six lines (broken = yin, solid = yang) stacked from the bottom up, formed by two three-line trigrams. The I Ching has 64 hexagrams, each describing an archetypal situation with a Judgment and six Line texts.
What are changing lines?
Lines cast as old yang or old yin. They flip to form the changed hexagram and are usually the key to the reading — the Line text of a moving line carries the most weight. With coins, three of a kind marks a moving line.
Is casting online as valid as coins at home?
The coin method here reproduces the same probabilities as physical coins and records every toss; the interpretation follows the actual cast rather than inventing a hexagram. The ritual is yours either way: hold one clear question before casting.
I Ching readings offer a structured perspective for reflection — not medical, financial or legal advice. For major decisions, combine them with real-world information and professional counsel.
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