Interpreting the I Ching Reading

 

The Mechanics

In The Book of Changes and the Unchanging Truth, Master Ni Hua Ching recommends when casting the I Ching that we use a method which generates only one line changing. He considers this an effective and simpler method as multiple lines changing can prove confusing. His approach to casting for a single line is a seed method. A more modern approach is casting with a dice: designating odd numbers as yang lines and even numbers as yin lines, the first six throws comprise the hexagram (starting at the bottom) and the seventh throw denotes the changing line. When this method is used, the primary hexagram and the changing line provide the entire guidance, there is no movement to a secondary hexagram as discussed below.

Other teachers suggest that rather than shying away from the seeming complexity of casting multiple changing lines, that we embrace the diverse message which is being presented by them to us. Study and experiential application over time are recommended as the way to deepen our knowledge and skill with interpreting the meaning of changing lines and their hexagrams.

When we cast the I Ching, our resultant “reading” may be comprised of:

• A hexagram with no changing lines
• A hexagram with changing lines
  • This hexagram is the primary hexagram
  • The changing lines lead then to a secondary hexagram

When you receive a hexagram with no lines changing, this indicates a situation that is static or unchanging. One is meant to read the general text for this hexagram, i.e., the overview or introduction, and any commentary on the whole hexagram. You can read the lines to assist in getting a sense of the whole hexagram’s meaning, but your casting has not directed you to a specific line’s dynamics.

Multiple changing lines will result in both primary (i.e. what we cast) and secondary hexagrams as mentioned above. Our task is to read/study the general text of the primary hexagram and the specific lines which we cast; in the secondary hexagram we pay attention to the general text and guidance but not to the specific lines. The primary hexagram denotes the “now” of the situation. The secondary hexagram denotes “the future” – what the energy is moving towards or what results we can expect if we apply the guidance of the primary hexagram.

Changing lines provide further, more specific guidance in response to our inquiry. It indicates, in contrast to the static condition of no changing lines, that the energetics of a situation are at a point of transformation or change. The response of a hexagram with changing lines which you have received can include varying possibilities:

• A sequence of events or dynamics in the situation being mirrored in the sequence of the changing lines cast
• The situation may be unbalanced due to its changing nature
• The situation may be complex, with varying dynamics at play at the same time; thus both “favorable” and “unfavorable” lines could be shown.
• By way of the secondary hexagram that the changing lines transform to, an indication of the potential for forward movement or future dynamics of the situation
• Guidance as to the favorability (or not) of your proposed action or attitude
• Pointers towards achieving the aims you are inquiring about

In addition, there are energetic meanings to each specific changing line. A yang (unbroken) line which changes to a yin (broken) line may denote guidance towards withdrawal or receptivity. A yin line changing to a yang line may indicate guidance towards more active engagement.

Deriving Meaning

In actuality, what the I Ching provides us with is a symbol, a set of lines – that is our answer. The discursive analyses of the hexagrams/lines in various texts is an interpretation of the symbols. Over time, we can develop a deeper understanding of what we are receiving by studying the dynamics of each hexagram. The I Ching responds to our inquiries not with yes/no answers but with what the possible energy dynamics of a situation could be. Proper discernment of these dynamics requires contemplation of the reading: the hexagram(s), their trigrams and the specific line(s) we receive. By doing so, our answers provide a more generalized direction for our thoughts and decision-making; it raises our awareness regarding the inquiry rather than our relying upon it for a quick or definitive answer.

Much of what we derive from a reading will depend upon our level of sincerity and our motivation for asking the question. (See prior section on consulting the I Ching). A question asked from a calm and clear state of mind will generally result in a clear response, and vice versa. Reactivity, impulsiveness or skewed motivations may engender a muddy response that we cannot make heads or tails of. There is a clear cause-and-effect relationship between our state of mind when consulting the I Ching and the kind of response we will receive.

The I Ching may also address subtleties in our dynamics that we are less aware of when seeking an answer. Perhaps there is an underlying motivation it addresses, or a sentiment in the situation which we are not aware of. That’s why it is important not to dismiss an answer we don’t readily comprehend but to work with it, to let it play upon our consciousness and allow its meaning to deepen as experience unfolds.

In addition to inquiries about specific choices or circumstances, many practitioners of the I Ching use it as a tool for their self-evolution. Thus they ask for “daily guidance.” This is foremost an inquiry as to what we might be more aware of in our life today than usual. It also provides the opportunity to delve into the inner dynamics at play in our lives in general that the answer could point us to. For example, if for daily guidance we cast the 6^th Line of the 6^th Hexagram, “Transcending Conflict,” we might be on alert as to playing a part in an unnecessary conflict today due to our tendency to be right or prevail. In addition, throughout the day (or beyond), we can examine how this pernicious dynamic lives within us and is expressed in our interactions. This becomes an opportunity for change as we raise our awareness.

Another type of guidance we can ask for on a daily basis is “What can I be aware of today?” The answer may apply to us specifically, or it may apply to something in our environment – a situation, an issue or another person(s). The guidance we seek is not to give us a concrete, specific answer; it is to allow some understanding to unfold while holding our awareness open to the possibilities as we meet the day.

And this is the guidance in general – to allow a reading to penetrate our consciousness, more deeply over time as we observe its applicability to our inquiry. It is suggested that keeping a daily journal of our reactions to readings and how they may play out is an excellent tool for deriving meaning. It will deepen our relationship with the I Ching and our trust in comprehending its responses.

It is also useful, and highly recommended, to have varying texts of I Ching interpretations on hand. (See our Resources page for suggested texts.) Some are more literal interpretations and some are written specifically to provide modern-day guidance. Consulting more than one text can deepen our comprehension and the “applicability” of our casting. Using reliable texts from different authors, we will find not conflicting but rather complementary information to help us form a broader understanding. And at times, one interpretation or another will resonate with our inquiry more deeply.

And this ending brings us to a new beginning: The I Ching has given us a response. Now it is up to us to understand it, work with it and most importantly to apply it. It can be a tremendous tool for self-realization and change to the extent that we become an active, responsive partner with it. The opportunity is ours.