LEARN · BAZI
What Is the I Ching? How an Online Reading Works
The I Ching (易经, Book of Changes) is a Chinese classic of 64 hexagrams, each made of six broken (yin) or solid (yang) lines. In divination, a question is asked, a hexagram is formed, and its text is interpreted to reflect on the situation. An online reading follows the same logic.
What is a hexagram?
A hexagram (卦) is a stack of six lines. A broken line is yin and a solid line is yang. Each hexagram is built from two trigrams of three lines, and the 8 trigrams combine into 64 hexagrams. Each hexagram has a name, such as Qian (the Creative), Kun (the Receptive) or Wei Ji (Before Completion), and a text that describes a situation and its tendency.
How does I Ching divination work?
- Ask one clear question about a situation or decision.
- Cast the lines using a traditional method, such as coins or yarrow stalks, to form a hexagram.
- Some lines are “changing”, which turns the first hexagram into a second one and describes movement over time.
- The reader interprets the hexagram texts in relation to your question.
What kind of question suits I Ching?
Clear, specific, time-sensitive questions work best, for example “Should I accept this offer now or wait?” Broad questions such as “What will my life be like?” are better suited to a Bazi reading.
I Ching vs Bazi
Bazi studies the structure of your birth chart and long-term timing. The I Ching addresses a current question. Many people use Bazi for life direction and I Ching for a specific decision. See our online I Ching divination page.
The eight trigrams
| Trigram | Name | Image |
|---|---|---|
| ☰ | Qian | Heaven |
| ☷ | Kun | Earth |
| ☳ | Zhen | Thunder |
| ☴ | Xun | Wind or wood |
| ☵ | Kan | Water |
| ☲ | Li | Fire |
| ☶ | Gen | Mountain |
| ☱ | Dui | Lake |
A hexagram is made from an upper and a lower trigram. For example, Qian over Qian is the hexagram Qian (the Creative).
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is the I Ching a fortune-telling book?
It is a classical text used for divination, but also studied as a book of wisdom about change. Many people use it as a prompt for reflection.
How many hexagrams are there?
There are 64, each made of six lines.
Can I get an I Ching reading online?
Yes. You send one clear question, and the reading is interpreted in practical terms. Message us for a quote.
Do I need to know Chinese to understand the answer?
No. The reading is explained in plain English or Chinese.
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