Choosing a question for the I Ching
Why the question is important
The question is where any I Ching reading begins - how you open your conversation with the oracle, and create a 'container' for it out of your own desires and expectations. It's like the bucket you bring to reach the water in the Well. If you don't bring a bucket, it doesn't matter how pure, fresh and plentiful the water might be: it stays out of reach.
The time you invest in finding the best question to ask will be abundantly rewarded. Actually, this is true even if you never ask the I Ching your question. Just working out what you need to know is both helpful in practical terms (it helps you see the next step to take), and also encouraging in its own right, as the problem starts to look more manageable. (If you'd like to talk with me and get some help with this - with no obligation to order anything - please browse to the I Ching readings pages and use the contact forms there to get in touch.)
When you ask the I Ching your question, you really do get a direct answer. So it is well worth spending a little while thinking about what you need to know
The best questions to ask
In my opinion, general questions are often the best, as they allow the I Ching to reach past our preconceptions. For example, a naturally defensive person asking 'What should I guard against?' would be missing the opportunity to learn a less mistrustful attitude. If she asks 'how should I prepare?' or 'what can I expect?', the I Ching will tell her soon enough if there is anything that needs to be guarded against!
Personally, I most often use the I Ching to help me to cope with difficult situations. There are two kinds of question that help here: asking for understanding, and asking for advice. I generally find that, unless I'm already very confident of what I'm facing (and sometimes even when I am!), it's best to ask for understanding first. So I'll ask 'what's involved here?' or 'why do I…?' before asking 'What if I…?' or 'How should I…?' Asking for insight first helps me to apply the advice.
Four steps to finding your question
- Think carefully about what is involved and how you feel - you might like to write your thoughts down.
- Decide what you really need to know. Is it about a general attitude or outlook (such as 'What if I go ahead?'), or something more specific (such as 'How will it affect my relationship with x if I go ahead?')?
- Phrase your question. Ask for a forecast, advice or image with questions such as 'What if I...?', 'What attitude should I take to...?', 'What should I do about...?', 'What is the best way to...?'. Remember the I Ching only answers one question at a time, so don't ask 'Should I do x or y?', but 'What if I do x?'
- Once your question is clear in your mind, write it down. This is an important stage, as it saves you from uncertainty later. 'What should I do about this job offer?', for example, is a very different question from 'What if I accepted this offer?', and you will only be able to understand the answer if you are absolutely sure what your question was!
For more information, you'll find a whole lesson devoted to finding the true question in both the advanced I Ching course and the Beginners' Course available in the Members' Area.
