Methods of Diviniation

[pembs]

Hi All

I would love to hear of your views on specific methods of diviniation.

I got into the I Ching last year and have always used the coin method for casting hexagrams. However, I have recently read that the Yarrow Stalk method is by far the most efficient way of obtaining a more accurate reading (due to the mathematics being more correct?) and that the coin method can sometimes be a bit 'hit and miss'!

I am now questioning my own method of using the coins as a result.

I would be very grateful to hear your thoughts!

Warmest Wishes
Claire

[sparhawk]

(due to the mathematics being more correct?) and that the coin method can sometimes be a bit 'hit and miss'!


Pardon me for stating the obvious, but "the coin method can sometimes be a bit 'hit and miss'" sounds oxymoronic... :D Really, we are talking about a "divination tool" not a flight schedule (and we know how accurate those are...) LOL!

Relax, just pick the one method that you feel most comfortable with and mind the circumstances of the drawing. Personally, I prefer the yarrows (only because I feel bad about hunting some of the snapper turtles that abound in South Jersey... :D) but I would only use them if the environment leads to their use (i.e. I have time and privacy to do it), otherwise I've no qualms about using coins. And yes, the probabilities of each method is different, but, the one factor that for me counts the most is "synchronicity."

Your pragmatic diviner, :bows: :D

[dobro]

I'm a firm adherent of the Sparhawk School of Diviniation, myself. Never fails.

[pembs]

Thanks both of you for your helpful feedback. I will continue to toss my coins!

What are your thoughts on the reliability of using the computer to cast hexagrams? For example, Hilary's Free I Ching Reading?

Thanks in advance!

Claire

[manci]

In the beginning I was sceptical about the divining with a computer program , how accurate can it be?, but I realizied that it is just as reliable as the coins. I am using eclecticenergies.com, it has always worked for me, I have never tried Hilary's.
The answers there are sometimes more clear to me than answers with the coins, it always amazes me how precise they are! For interpretation I use my books as well.

[pembs]

Hi Manci

I have have just used the virtual coin to divine on the website you recommended - it was fabulous!

In fact, it pretty much mirrors the hexagrams I have been getting from throwing my coins recently!

I will certainly be using this site frequently! Is it by the same Ewald who contributes to this site?

Thanks again . . .
Claire

[manci]

You are welcome, I am happy to hear that it works for you as well.
I remember reading Ewald's thread where he mentioned something about this website, so I believe he is the same person.;)

[hilary]

You're right - there's just one Ewald :)

He also created the hexagram search for this forum (click 'search' at the top to find it, if you haven't already).

[pembs]

Thought it must be the same Ewald - thanks Hilary!

Claire

[bradford]

Hi All
I got into the I Ching last year and have always used the coin method for casting hexagrams. However, I have recently read that the Yarrow Stalk method is by far the most efficient way of obtaining a more accurate reading (due to the mathematics being more correct?) and that the coin method can sometimes be a bit 'hit and miss'!
Claire

I personally favor the coins and their symmetrical odds or probabilities.
While it is known that stalks were used from the beginning, there is no evidence at all that the method used now is the original one - this method might be no older than 800 years.
I disagree that the Yi is intentionally skewed toward modern yarrow stalk probabilities.
There is at least an advantage to pondering your reading longer with the stalks, or getting into more of a meditative trance state during a throw. But this can be done just as easily by slowing yourself down when tossing the coins.

[pembs]

Thanks Bradford!

Best WIshes
Claire

[fyreflye]

Since it's all in your head anything you do will "work." Methods exist merely to enforce the delusion that it's happening somewhere else.