How to Cast a Hexagram

Casting a hexagram is the first step in I Ching divination. Regardless of the method, the goal is to generate six lines through a random process to form a hexagram. Here are the most common methods.

Before You Begin

Divination is not a casual game — it's a dialogue with your inner self. Before casting:

• Find a quiet space and calm your mind
• Formulate a clear, specific question
• Stay open-minded — don't assume the answer
• Don't ask the same question repeatedly

Method 1: Three-Coin Method (Most Popular)

The simplest and most widely used method. All you need is three identical coins.

Steps

1. Hold three coins in both hands
2. Focus on your question
3. Toss all three coins and record the result
4. Repeat six times — record each line from bottom to top

Reading the Lines

Assign heads = 3, tails = 2. The sum of three coins determines the line type:

• 6 (three tails) → Old Yin ⚋✦ — yin line, changing
• 7 (two tails, one head) → Young Yang ⚊ — yang line, stable
• 8 (two heads, one tail) → Young Yin ⚋ — yin line, stable
• 9 (three heads) → Old Yang ⚊✦ — yang line, changing

Method 2: Yarrow Stalk Method (Traditional)

The original method described in the I Ching uses 50 yarrow stalks. It involves four operations — "divide, suspend, count by fours, gather remainders" — repeated three times per line. While complex, it's considered the most authentic approach.

Method 3: AI-Assisted Casting (Recommended for Beginners)

Modern technology makes divination accessible to everyone. On 51yijing.com:

1. Type your question
2. Click "Start Divination"
3. The system generates a hexagram using cryptographically secure randomness
4. AI provides a personalized interpretation based on your question

The randomness of AI casting is mathematically equivalent to the coin method, with the added benefit of deeper, contextual analysis.

"The master of the I Ching does not divine" — true mastery means perceiving change in everyday life. But for beginners, divination is the best way to start.

After Getting Your Hexagram

After casting, you'll get a "primary hexagram." If there are changing lines (old yin or old yang), those lines transform to produce a "relating hexagram." Interpretation considers both hexagrams and the changing lines.

Want to understand changing lines? Continue to How to Read Changing Lines.

Or start your first divination right now!