The Method Used by This Oracle (Traditional)
This oracle employs a traditional coin casting method. When you use the "Automatic" casting feature on this site, or if you are manually casting coins and wish to follow this site's interpretative framework, this is the method applied. The I-Ching traditionally uses three coins to determine each line of the hexagram. Each outcome corresponds to a line type and an inherent numerical value:
- 3 Heads: Results in a Yin marked (changing line). This outcome has a numerical value of 9.
- 3 Tails: Results in a Yang marked (changing line). This outcome has a numerical value of 6.
- 2 Heads + 1 Tail: Results in a Yang (solid, unchanging line). This outcome has a numerical value of 7.
- 2 Tails + 1 Head: Results in a Yin (broken, unchanging line). This outcome has a numerical value of 8.
Ancient Chinese texts describe these numerical associations for coin outcomes, for example:
"今則用錢。以三少為重錢，重錢則九也。三多為交錢，交錢則六也。兩多一少為單錢，單錢則七也。兩少一多為拆錢，拆錢則八 也。"
In this system, the pattern of heads and tails directly determines the line's nature (Yin/Yang, Changing/Unchanging) and its corresponding numerical value (6, 7, 8, or 9), which is then used to build the hexagram.
Alternative Coin Casting Method (Numerical Assignment)
While this oracle adheres to the method detailed above, it's important to be aware of other widely practiced approaches. One common alternative involves assigning a numerical value to each side of the coin first, and then summing these values. This method is described in various resources, including guides such as this one on WikiHow
In this alternative system
- Assign a value of 3 to any coin that lands Heads
0 . - Assign a value of 2 to any coin that lands Tails
0 .
After tossing three coins, the sum of their assigned values determines the line
- Sum of 9 (from 3 Heads: 3+3+3=9): This is a Changing Yang line (a solid line, often marked with a circle 'o')
0 . - Sum of 8 (from 2 Heads + 1 Tail: 3+3+2=8): This is an Unchanging Yin line (a broken line '-- --')
0 . - Sum of 7 (from 1 Head + 2 Tails: 3+2+2=7): This is an Unchanging Yang line (a solid line '----')
0 . - Sum of 6 (from 3 Tails: 2+2+2=6): This is a Changing Yin line (a broken line, often marked with an 'x')
0 .
This method provides a different framework for deriving the line types from the coin throws, though it ultimately arrives at the same fundamental line types (Yin, Yang, Changing Yin, Changing Yang) with their respective numerical values (6,7,8,9).
A Note on Divination Methods
The coin casting method, regardless of the specific interpretative rule set chosen (be it the traditional one used by this site or the numerical assignment alternative), introduces an element of synchronicity and chance into the divination process. This allows the patterns of the universe, as reflected in the coin toss, to guide the answer to your question.
The changing lines (those with values 6 or 9) are particularly significant, as they often represent areas of particular importance, dynamic energy, or transition in your situation.
The Oracle's Perspective: Consistency is Key
Ultimately, the I-Ching oracle is a tool for introspection and guidance. While different traditions for casting and interpreting coins exist, the "oracle" itself doesn't prefer one over the other. The most crucial aspect is consistency. Whichever method you choose to learn and use for your personal divinations, apply it consistently for each of the six lines of your hexagram. This ensures a coherent and meaningful reading based on the system you have adopted.