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I Ching Interpretations
I Ching interpretations using the Book Of Changes, require reflection on the written texts.
Taking an example, if the derived hexagram is like this:
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----o----
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Hexagram 31, Xian (Mutual Influence)
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(change to)
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Hexagram 45, Gui (Bringing Together)
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From the example above, the first hexagram is Hexagram 31,
Xian (Mutual Influence).
Refer to the Book Of Changes (in this example, we use Alfred
Huang's version). Go to that page and read the main text for
that hexagram. Xian means "Mutual Influence". Reflect
on the texts.
Look at the changing line 3. Turn the pages to almost the end
of the chapter of Hexagram 31. Look at the line that says
"Third Nine....". This is the meaning for the changing
line 3.
Lastly turn the pages to resultant Hexagram 45 Gui (Bringing
Together), and reflect on its main text.
Note that there are many books stating different ways of
reading the texts.
There will be incidents where results can be confusing due to
too many moving lines. According to Alfred Huang in his book, the
solution is to follow this rule:
- Where there are 2 moving lines, one Yin and one Yang,
consider the Yang moving line.
- Where the two moving lines are similar, take the lower.
- Where there are 3 moving lines, consult the middle.
- Where there are 4 moving lines, consult the upper of the 2
non-moving lines.
- Where there are 5 moving lines, consult the non-moving
line.
- Where there are 6 moving lines, consult the resultant
hexagram.
Ultimately it is an individual choice. It is however,necessary
to decide on which set of rules you want to apply before diving.
This will prevent doubts later on.
This procedure is simple and easy to learn, but reflecting on
the text may not be so easy. Sometimes it's better to put the
book down, and reflect on it over the course of the day. The
ideas will work in your subconscious.
VI. Deeper Analysis Of the Hexagrams
The hexagrams are each represented by descriptive texts.
Reading the texts and reflecting on them can give enlightenment
to the diviner.
Hexagrams have also meaningful imagery. reflecting on the
image of the hexagram allows for a wider understanding that words
alone cannot describe.
The main considerations would be:
- Upper and Lower Trigram type. For example Hexagram 10,
represents "Heaven over Lake":
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Hexagram 10, Lu
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Upper trigram = Qian (Heaven)
Lower Trigram = Dui (Lake)
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Relating the Upper Trigram and Lower Trigram to objects,
directions that related to the situation.
Looking at the Ancient Chinese Ideograph that describes each
Hexagram. The images of the ideographs and description of them
can be found in the book by Alfred Huang
"The Complete I Ching"
. Ancient Chinese writings are pictorial and
descriptive. Those are the precursors of Chinese writing today.
Analyzing the Ancient writing, acn give an image of the real
meaning behind the hexagram.
The individual line placements:
There are only 2 types of lines, the Yin and the Yang line.
The order at which the Yin and Yang lines are place has
significance in I Ching. Line 1 represents the bottom line and
Line 6 The top Line. General understanding is that, Line 1, Line
3 and Line 5 are "Yang" places; while Line 2, Line 4
and Line 6 are "Yin" places. A Yin line in a Yang place
and vice versa is considered a less than satisfactory
placement.
Line 5 and Line 6 represent the place of "Heaven",
Line 3 and Line 4 represent the place of "Man", and
Line 1 and Line 2 the place of "Earth".
Line 1 and Line 4 is in the Lower position, Line 2 and Line 5
in the Middle Position, and Line3 and Line 6 in the Upper
Position.
Let the messages work without actually forcing the answers
into your head. Often these need time for reflection. Sometimes
the answers will come when you are not thinking about it, while
doing a chore, or before / after sleep.
The reason why you should have a clear mind and be fixed on
what "rules" of divination method to follow before
casting the coins, is to eliminate unnecessary doubt about
technique. If you need to consult again, wait a few days.
Check here for more I Ching Interpretations Books and Resources.
¦ The I Ching Oracle
¦ I Ching Hexagrams
¦ Casting the Coins
¦ Classical I Ching Method
¦ Plum Blossom Divination
¦ Na Jia Divination
¦ I Ching Intepretations
¦ I Ching Resources ¦
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