A book of change
Its recurring concern is how to respond to shifting circumstances with awareness, humility and appropriate action.
Ancient text, living tradition
What is the I Ching?
The I Ching—also written Yijing (易經), the Book of Changes—is an ancient Chinese classic with intertwined divinatory, philosophical and commentarial traditions.
Line by line
Six stacked yin or yang lines form each hexagram. Traditional texts attach names, judgments and line statements to these figures.
A mirror for reflection
Consultation can be approached as a structured pause for examining a situation and considering possible responses—not fixed prophecy.
Visual guide
The I Ching in 15 slides
Each image introduces one layer of the system. Select a slide to open the original 600 × 338 version.
The I Ching Decoded
The guide begins with the Book of Changes and follows the symbolic structure from two line types to complete hexagrams.
What Is the I Ching?
The Yijing can be read as a divination manual, philosophical classic and reflective framework for responding to change.
Yin & Yang: The Building Blocks
An unbroken line represents yang and a broken line represents yin. Their changing combinations create the figures used throughout the text.
From Trigrams to Hexagrams
Three lines make one of eight trigrams. An upper and lower trigram combine into one of 64 possible six-line hexagrams.
Qian · Heaven ☰
Three yang lines form Qian. Common associations include creative force, strength, initiative, the northwest and the father.
Kun · Earth ☷
Three yin lines form Kun. It is commonly associated with receptivity, nurturing support, the southwest and the mother.
Zhen · Thunder ☳
A yang line beneath two yin lines suggests a sudden jolt of movement. Associations include awakening, action, the east and the eldest son.
Xun · Wind ☴
A yin line beneath two yang lines evokes gentle but persistent influence. It is linked with the southeast, wood and the eldest daughter.
Kan · Water ☵
A yang line between two yin lines is associated with depth, danger and flow. Kan is linked with north, water and the middle son.
Li · Fire ☲
A yin line held between two yang lines suggests brightness that clings to fuel. Li is linked with south, fire and the middle daughter.
Gen · Mountain ☶
A yang line above two yin lines evokes deliberate stillness and a boundary. Gen is linked with northeast, earth and the youngest son.
Dui · Lake ☱
A yin line above two yang lines suggests open, joyful exchange. Dui is linked with west, metal and the youngest daughter.
Six Well-Known Hexagrams
The examples span pure yang and pure yin, harmony and standstill, plus the paired themes of completion and what remains unfinished.
How to Consult the I Ching
A common modern coin method begins with a clear question, builds six lines from bottom to top, notes changes and reads the related text.
Change Is the Only Constant
The closing idea is that no state remains fixed. A reading is less a permanent verdict than a picture of movement and possibility.
Two line types
Yin and yang build every figure
These line forms are relational rather than isolated opposites. Each gains meaning through position, combination and change.
Yang · unbroken
Traditionally associated with activity, firmness, expansion and initiating movement.
Yin · broken
Traditionally associated with receptivity, yielding, inwardness and responsive movement.
Eight trigrams · Bagua
A compact trigram reference
The directions, family roles and elements below follow the common Later Heaven arrangement summarized in the supplied slides.
Qian · Heaven
Creative force, strength, initiative and persistence.
Father · Northwest · Metal/HeavenKun · Earth
Receptivity, nurturing, support, devotion and patience.
Mother · Southwest · EarthZhen · Thunder
Action, awakening, shock, movement and initiative.
Eldest son · East · WoodXun · Wind
Gentleness, flexibility, influence and gradual change.
Eldest daughter · Southeast · WoodKan · Water
Danger, depth, flow, perseverance and the unknown.
Middle son · North · WaterLi · Fire
Clarity, illumination, beauty, attachment and insight.
Middle daughter · South · FireGen · Mountain
Stillness, rest, meditation, boundaries and introspection.
Youngest son · Northeast · EarthDui · Lake
Joy, openness, communication, pleasure and satisfaction.
Youngest daughter · West · Metal
Among 64 figures
Six frequently discussed hexagrams
Translations and nuances differ among editions, but these familiar English titles provide a useful orientation.
| No. | Name | Common English title | Brief theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Qian 乾 · ䷀ | The Creative | Pure yang; creative initiative and the responsibility to act with awareness. |
| 2 | Kun 坤 · ䷁ | The Receptive | Pure yin; support, responsiveness and knowing when not to force an outcome. |
| 11 | Tai 泰 · ䷊ | Peace | Heaven and earth in communication; flow, balance and favorable conditions. |
| 12 | Pi 否 · ䷋ | Standstill | Heaven and earth out of touch; blockage, stagnation and the need for restraint. |
| 63 | Ji Ji 既濟 · ䷾ | After Completion | A transition achieved, with continuing care needed to preserve what works. |
| 64 | Wei Ji 未濟 · ䷿ | Before Completion | Near the threshold but not finished; patience and attention remain essential. |
Reflective practice
A simple coin-method overview
The supplied slides present the three-coin method commonly used today. Detailed line values vary by convention, so use one trusted edition consistently.
Ask a clear question
Frame one genuine, specific situation. Open questions about perspective or action are more useful than demands for certainty.
Cast six lines
Toss three coins six times and record each line from the bottom of the hexagram upward.
Note changing lines
Depending on the coin values, certain results mark an old yin or old yang line that changes into its opposite.
Read the text
Consult the primary hexagram, relevant line statements and, when changing lines are present, the resulting hexagram.
Further reading: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy — Chinese Philosophy of Change (Yijing).