The I Ching, or Book Of Changes, is an ancient Chinese oracle that has been
in use for centuries as a source of wisdom and advice.
The text of the Oracle (as it is sometimes known) consists of sixty-four
Hexagrams, each symbolized by a particular arrangement of six straight
(---) and broken (- -) lines. These lines have values ranging from six
through nine, with the even values indicating the broken lines.
Each hexagram consists of two major sections. The Judgement relates
specifically to the matter at hand (For instance, "It furthers one to have
somewhere to go.") while the Image describes the general attributes of the
hexagram and how they apply to one's own life ("Thus the superior man makes
himself strong and untiring.").
When any of the lines has the value six or nine, it is a moving line; for
any such line there is an appended judgement which becomes significant.
Furthermore, the moving lines are inherently unstable and change into their
opposites; a second hexagram (and thus an additional judgement) is formed.
Normally, one consults the oracle by fixing the desired question firmly in
mind and then casting a set of changes (lines) using yarrow-stalks or
tossed coins. The resulting hexagram will be the answer to the question.
The impatient modern may prefer to settle for Chinese cookies; try Fortune.
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