To use the I Ching, all you need is a copy of the I Ching and three coins that have heads and tails. You will also need a piece of paper and a writing utensil. Start by holding the coins in your hand and think of a question you would like to answer. When you have a clear idea of the question you would like to ask, flip the coins. Take a look at the results. Each head is worth 3 and each tail is worth 2. So add up the value. For example, suppose you toss the coins and the coins come up as two heads and one tail. That means the total would be 8. 3 + 3 + 2 = 8. So for the first line, you would record an 8. Repeat this process five more times, writing the numerical values in a vertical sequence from bottom to top. Once you have these 6 numerical values, you are ready to start building your hexagram.
To build a hexagram, you will simply write a dashed line for each even value and a solid line for each odd value. Once you have 6 lines, you will have made a hexagram. When your hexagram is formed, you must now look it up in your copy of the I Ching. Usually on the last page of your I Ching there will be a box that makes it easy to find the hexagram. When you find your hexagram, read the chapter of the I Ching that corresponds to the hexagram.
Take a look at your hexagram. Do you have any six or nine? If so, you will need to read the text below the line which is six or nine. Usually this will be written in your I Ching as first line, second line, etc., or in some cases described as first six, second nine, etc. These are known as the changing lines. The text in this section refers specifically to you and your question. You will now make a second hexagram.
For the second hexagram, you will need to change all lines with a six to nine, and all lines with a nine to a six. Leave the rest of the lines the same. Then find the resulting hexagram the same way you did the first time, including lines six and nine. Finally, after you’ve done all this, you’ll then ‘verify your work’ using the rtcm (Three Coin Retrospective Method). This is a method I learned from reading a book by Carol Anthony, who is a leading writer on the I Ching. To use this method, simply form a theory about what you think the I Ching is trying to tell you. When you have a theory, keep it in your mind and toss the coins. If you get three heads, it means yes. Three tails is no. Two heads is yes, but… and two tails is no, but… keep doing this until you have a clear idea of what the I Ching is telling you. When asked if a certain interpretation of the reading is correct, toss the coins and all three come up heads, you know you have hit on a correct interpretation.
