I-Ching

The 64 hexagrams of the I Ching are composed of all the possible combinations of six lines; either broken, yin lines or unbroken, yang lines. These six lines can further be analyzed into their component trigrams, the 8 possible configurations of three lines. The 8 trigrams, composed of all the possible combinations of 3 lines, each have elements of meanings of their own and combine together to signify the meanings of the hexagrams. Moreover, the position of each line has its own significance, so we can see that the seemingly cryptic glyphs of the hexagrams are actually densely packed with information for those who can read them. Using the diagram of the Tai hexagram, you can see that each hexagram is made up of 4 trigrams, the main and more dominant trigrams, (upper) K'un, (lower) Ch'ien, and two nuclear trigrams Chen and Tui. Meanings and influences from these four trigrams give Tai its meaning, peace.

The 8 trigrams, composed of all the possible combinations of 3 lines, have meanings of their own and combine together to signify the meanings of the hexagrams. In the beginning, before I Ching was compiled in a form like that which we see today, the trigrams were used alone in divination, but obviously 8 trigrams lack the subtlety and richness of 64 hexagrams. In fact, the 64 hexagrams can be combined further to create 4096 total possible readings.

I Ching readings are traditionally performed using a series of coin or yarrow stick tosses, though it has now expanded to card decks and even software programs. An I Ching reading usually consists of creating two hexagrams that represent the current condition, most desirable course of action and a possible outcome.

While the I Ching, as a method of divination is very complex and involved in nature, it is a very beneficial way to find answers to questions, new perspectives and guidance, and enrich our spiritual lives as we gain a higher understanding of ourselves and our destiny.