How to Cast a Hexagram

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The most convenient method of casting a hexagram uses three coins. The coins are tossed simultaneously to fall randomly. It is most important that no attempt be made to control which side up the coins fall. The way they fall yields a Yang or Yin ‘line’, as described below. This is repeated six times, to give a pattern of six Yang or Yin lines – a hexagram.

The only requirement in choosing coins is that every coin has an equal chance of falling with either side up; that is, there is no bias built into the coins themselves. Some people may choose coins with a special significance; I just use the change in my pocket. Small coins of the same size are what I find most convenient.

There is no requirement of setting or location. It can be done whenever and wherever you are comfortable. Nor is there a particular state of mind or attitude required. Scepticism is quite acceptable. However, in light of the introspection involved I do recommend that the Oracle be consulted in a private setting rather than, say, as a party game.

It is not necessary to ask a question. The message delivered will be indicative of your most pressing spiritual needs, whether or not that coincides with any question you have in mind. I have learned that it is best to have my mind free of questions and expectations while casting a hexagram and only later, when interpreting the hexagram, do I consider if it pertains to any questions I may have.

Toss your three coins. Let the coins fall on an even surface so they fall without hindrance. If you are unhappy with a toss, say because a coin got tangled in clothing, repeat it, but don't repeat it simply because you don't like the result.

Record the resulting pattern as follows :

Record two tails and one head as a Yang line:
Record two heads and one tail as a Yin line:
Record three heads and no tails as an accented Yang line:
Record three tails and no heads as an accented Yin line:

(It is irrelevant which way you assign Yang and Yin to heads and tails. If you prefer the opposite order to the one illustrated, feel free to use it as long as you are consistent.)

Toss the coins again and again, six times altogether. Record each successive line on top of the preceding line, so that the first line is at the bottom of the hexagram and the sixth line at the top.

After the sixth toss the hexagram is complete. Find its interpretation using the lookup table and read the text, mindful of the interpretation guidelines provided.

To illustrate the process, I am going to cast a hexagram:

My first toss is two tails and one head. My partial hexagram therefore looks like:
My second toss is three tails and no heads. My partial hexagram now looks like:
My third toss is two tails and one head. My partial hexagram now looks like:
My fourth toss is two heads and one tail. My partial hexagram now looks like:
My fifth toss is three heads. My partial hexagram now looks like:
My sixth toss is also three heads. The hexagram is complete:

I consult the lookup table and find the corresponding hexagram, in this case 37 'Family'. (Note how I have ignored the accents for the purpose of finding the hexagram.) I read its text and interpret, with accents, according to the guidelines.