I Ching online, reading, interpreting and understanding your I Ching reading results

The I Ching is a Chinese system of philosophy and divination contained in a book that is over 3000 years old. It has had a major influence on the course of Chinese cultural development for all that time. It could justifiably be said that the wisdom of thousands of years has gone into the making of the I Ching.

I Ching Oracle - What do I do?

Telling your fortune is the goal so firstly you must decide on the question to ask. Is it to be about your love life? Is the new love the right one at last? Perhaps you want insight into your employment. A new job, is promotion possible, being downsized? So, first frame your question then concentrate on it until you are calm and focused. Then click the reading link in the left menu. Your answer will be displayed in a format described below.

Fig. 1

The I Ching as a system of divination is based on 64 hexagrams. A hexagram is returned in response to a users question or query. Traditionally the hexagram is produced by tossing three identical coins six times or by a system using 49 yarrow stalks. Each hexagram is a picture consisting of six horizontal lines. For example Fig. 1 shows the hexagram T'ung Jen, hexagram 13 or Fellowship with men.

Each line can be one of four types.

1.   Yang
2.   Yin
3.   Changing Yang
4.   Changing Yin

Notice that two of the lines in Fig.1 are so called changing lines. Line 2 ( count from the bottom of the hexagram) is a changing Yin line. Line 5 is a changing Yang line. A hexagrams changing lines are significant. The changing lines indicate that the situation represented by the hexagram is evolving to another form. This other form is also represented by a hexagram. In the example in Fig. 1 the two changing lines create the new hexagram Ta Yu hexagram 14 or Possession in great measure. Changing lines will not be produced every time a divination is performed. Take careful note of their meaning should they occur.

Example reading.

Enter your name and question and select a reading type from the form (If you wish you can just click the Get your reading button without doing this). You will then get an answer such as the one below.

9   Hsiao Ch'u / The Taming Power of the Small	For more details on this hexagram click here
	Above: Sun The Gentle Wind
	Below:Ch'ien The Creative Heaven
The Judgement
The Taming Power of the Small has success. Dense clouds no rain from our western region.
The Image
The wind drives across heaven: The image of The Taming Power of the Small. Thus the superior man refines the outward aspect of his nature.
The Lines
Nine at the top means: The rain comes there is rest. This is due to the lasting affect of character. Perseverance brings the woman into danger. The moon is nearly full. If the superior man persists misfortune comes.
Nine in the fifth place means: If you are sincere and loyally attached You are rich in your neighbor.
Nine in the third place means: The spokes burst out of the wagon wheel. Man and wife roll their eyes.
Nine in the second place means: He allows himself to be drawn into returning. Good fortune.
Nine at the beginning means: Return to the way. How could there be blame in this? Good fortune.

Reading interpretation

The pertinent parts of the reading are the Name of the hexagram, the Judgement, the image and any moving lines you have drawn. The moving lines relevant to you show how the situation defined in the first hexagram are changing into the situation described in the second hexagram. If there are any moving lines the second changed hexagram will appear under the first, as below. There will be no moving lines in the second hexagram.

Second Hexagram

The changed hexagram
2   K'un / The Receptive	For more details on this hexagram click here.
	Above: K'un / The Receptive
	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.

Summary of interpretation

Look at the first hexagrams Judgement, then consider the Hexagrams Image. If there were any moving lines consider their meaning. Finally look at the second hexagrams Judgement and Image.

To return to ask another question click the get new reading button in the left side menu.

Happy auguries!