Journaling Yi -- Advice, Guidance, Stories and Best Practices

[modestlearner]

Hi, Just wondering whether others would be willing to share their advice, guidance, and suggestions for best practices. I know any form of journaling is quite personal, but just interested in those who have systems for journaling yi replies that would like to share them with the rest of us.

• Digital vs. Paper Methods
• What to do for Easy Retrieval
• Journaling the Yi for readings for others vs for yourself
• Journaling Yi within a Journal...does it work?
• Categorization by Hexagram?
• ETC

Thanks,
Modest Learner

 

[answeredquestions]

Hi Modestlearner,

This is a good topic. I hope to hear other people's way's of cataloging their readings.

**When I first started doing readings, I used a notepad that was about 8 by 6inches. For each reading I would use one piece of paper, and I had a layout that I stuck to. I used yarrow stalks most of the time and would include that work/math on the paper.

Here is an example(Something I still sometimes use):

There are so many things that you could add or subtract from this example. Obviously you want to include the exact question and the whole answer (with changing lines). I use symbols that I am comfortable with like the arrows to say if a line is changing. I have seen someone use the traditional __x__ or __o__. Any way that works for you.

I think the main thing of importance is to keep it the same so that you do not get confused and can look back and know what the reading entitled. Also, I think the 'Notes' section is important. Because the Yi deals so much with the time of inquiry, you will get ideas and symbols that are shown to you at that specific time. When you look back, if you have written those thoughts down, it will help you understand your frame of mind and reference. So, if you jot them down I think it helps

In the 'notes' I usually say what I think the Yi is trying to say AKA the answer.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------

**I do use one other method while I am at work, which is a completely different way of cataloging my readings.. I use "virtual yarrow" from LiSe Heyboer's site: http://www.yijing.nl/i_ching/index.html
When I receive the answer I always copy and paste (CTRL + PRINT SC) the page because it states the question and then the answer at the top. Then I crop it and save it in a folder with the date.

Example:

You can see it doesn't give the number of the changed hexagram, but it can either be figured out or added in through MSPaint.


I am sharing what I do, but I am very interested to upgrade or expand. Hope to hear some other ways! Especially if people have a layout they use for each reading. Paper or digital.

 

[russell]

I had this idea that I would keep a journal of computer files (I like to use Notepad); I did it maybe a few times. Now I just use regular sheets of paper. I have several going at any given time, at home and work, etc. Could be better-organized. I write the date, then my question or issue; I think it works better to write it down first. I sometimes make a note or two about the circumstances to remind myself later. Then I write the results, something like 29:4-47/22 (hexagram 29 with moving line 4, changing to 47; 22 is the anti-hexagram). If I use coins, I will sketch the hexagrams as I generate them. I may or may not write the names of the hexagrams or key points from the line texts; it is assumed that I can look them up again if I want to come back to them later. I write small; the paper ends up looking like a page out of a logbook, which I guess it would be if I ever gather the papers together.

I find it easiest to look up the hexagrams using the pang tong yao page; they are listed in binary order, and the resulting hexagram and anti-hexagram are pairs.

russellcottrell.com/VirtualYarrowStalks/pangTong.htm

—Russell

 

[answeredquestions]

I sometimes make a note or two about the circumstances to remind myself later.

Goooood idea. I am going to add this for sure. I might make blank "forms" and print them out to fill in. Then I can take some to work and have some at home. And keep them in a designated I Ching folder.

 

[sooo]

I must vanquish the past to move forward. My 'method' is a sheet of paper which is covered with readings numbers, very little order to it, other than some mark of distinction so I could return to it later. But their shelf life is usually no more than 24 hours, 3 days, tops. So they just fill up the sheet. Then I flip it over usually and do the same to the other side. Then I throw it away and get a fresh sheet. For me, it's always been this way. I've had software to track readings, that I felt were about as useless as tits on a bull.

I think we start to remember what relates to our impacted moments after a few hundred times. It's like crossing a stream on the dry rocks: it's probably a little different each time you cross. But then, there is no crossing; it seems one moment I am here, the next I am there. I'm talking about my own personal readings, not trying to interpret for another, which I'm tentative about usually, more so now than ever. The looking glass is multifaceted, and another's delicate circumstances surrounding their question deserve my respect.

 

[Trojina]

Hi, Just wondering whether others would be willing to share their advice, guidance, and suggestions for best practices. I know any form of journaling is quite personal, but just interested in those who have systems for journaling yi replies that would like to share them with the rest of us.

• Digital vs. Paper Methods
• What to do for Easy Retrieval
• Journaling the Yi for readings for others vs for yourself
• Journaling Yi within a Journal...does it work?
• Categorization by Hexagram?
• ETC

Thanks,
Modest Learner

As far as I am concerned my castings resist all such 'methods' and categorisation...they just don't like it. I've tried but it just doesn't work...because for me it just doesn't work like that.

I draw my castings usually in the same big book/journal I have for everything I need to express to myself....so my journals have castings..with questions by the side..(I guess i have learned to do that from irritation with years worth of castings with no questions written I can get alot out of looking back to old journals including amusement...I often find things I wrote years before quite hilarious when they were deadly serious at the time,) but the castings are alongside shopping lists, and to do lists, rants, doodles and other rubbish.

Its all a bit like compost ...the readings are all part of the compost, and its organic compost too...you can't compartmentalise compost really, it would belike trying to compartmentalise your mind


I have got a good memory though and i think the important connections between readings and experience become over time etched into my mental compost


Of course all this could merely be a rationalisation for the fact that I have not yet found anyway to record readings....and that when I have tried i find I hate doing it, readings are afterall always of the moment. While we do remember the kind of 'lightbulb' readings or just ones that stay with us for some reason....well those are the ones that stay with us for a reason. I think its okay to let the rest drift downstream, not to try to hold them too close. We take something from them and it gradually builds understanding for us but nothing we can pin down so much

I find the idea of storing my readings on computer abhorrent. Yet i do very much value the hexagram index on this site, put together by Ewald I think...thats a great resource

 

[rodaki]

I must vanquish the past to move forward. My 'method' is a sheet of paper which is covered with readings numbers, very little order to it, other than some mark of distinction so I could return to it later. But their shelf life is usually no more than 24 hours, 3 days, tops. So they just fill up the sheet. Then I flip it over usually and do the same to the other side. Then I throw it away and get a fresh sheet. For me, it's always been this way. I've had software to track readings, that I felt were about as useless as tits on a bull.
I think we start to remember what relates to our impacted moments after a few hundred times. It's like crossing a stream on the dry rocks: it's probably a little different each time you cross. But then, there is no crossing; it seems one moment I am here, the next I am there. I'm talking about my own personal readings, not trying to interpret for another, which I'm tentative about usually, more so now than ever. The looking glass is multifaceted, and another's delicate circumstances surrounding their question deserve my respect.

that makes a lot of sense
. . the underlined always amazes me (in a good way) when it happens though because often my readings demand a lot of work for me or I might get too slow or sometimes I regress into my own doodling

As far as I am concerned my castings resist all such 'methods' and categorisation...they just don't like it. I've tried but it just doesn't work...because for me it just doesn't work like that.

(. . .) but the castings are alongside shopping lists, and to do lists, rants, doodles and other rubbish.

Its all a bit like compost ...the readings are all part of the compost, and its organic compost too...you can't compartmentalise compost really, it would belike trying to compartmentalise your mind


I have got a good memory though and i think the important connections between readings and experience become over time etched into my mental compost

that makes a lot of sense too



Occasionally I have given various journalling Yi methods a try but nothing has stayed yet. Too often I'll find that I have too much stuff around and I need to let it go so keeping diaries becomes redundant in the end . .
I think cataloguing and keeping archives doesn't work too much for me in general, it sort of weighs down my understanding instead of enriching it . . but that's all about my personal readings too, because they are things I process in my mind, I don't need written proof to remind me -things get a bit more complex when it comes to others'.

Sometimes I find that I like reading the archives here, precisely because they get me out of my own headspace but then sometimes that very same thing might blur or mess the connection I am looking for . . I guess that's why people often end up looking into the chinese characters, into the roots of the meaning

Anyway, I digressed a bit here . . for those interested there was a discussion about journalling programs here in the past, it should be somewhere in the archives . .

 

[sooo]

Anyway, I digressed a bit here . . for those interested there was a discussion about journalling programs here in the past, it should be somewhere in the archives . .

 

[rodaki]

 

[sooo]

my readings demand a lot of work for me or I might get too slow or sometimes I regress into my own doodling

Never underestimate the unearthing powers of regressive doodling. I suppose that's yet a third way to cross the stream, regressive doodling along. And then the soft crunch, of landing onto the other side. Readings sometimes do inspire one to doodle, in whatever form moves them along.

 

[rodaki]

. . 'the soft crunch'. . that's definitely a reassuring sound to get after going thru a brainstorming doodle and coming out on the other side of it . . It almost sounds like the echo the world makes upon my pillow just as I get washed onto its mornings
-have to admit, doodles do seem to carry lots of crossing potential!

 

[dilson]

Hi Modest Learner,
My way of keeping the information received during a reading is by writing it on a notebook. I usually put the date and the question about which the reading refers to.
I do read the answer again after some time has gone by.
I hope that helps!
Dilson

 

[modestlearner]

I had this idea that I would keep a journal of computer files (I like to use Notepad); I did it maybe a few times. Now I just use regular sheets of paper. I have several going at any given time, at home and work, etc. Could be better-organized. I write the date, then my question or issue; I think it works better to write it down first. I sometimes make a note or two about the circumstances to remind myself later. Then I write the results, something like 29:4-47/22 (hexagram 29 with moving line 4, changing to 47; 22 is the anti-hexagram). If I use coins, I will sketch the hexagrams as I generate them. I may or may not write the names of the hexagrams or key points from the line texts; it is assumed that I can look them up again if I want to come back to them later. I write small; the paper ends up looking like a page out of a logbook, which I guess it would be if I ever gather the papers together.

I find it easiest to look up the hexagrams using the pang tong yao page; they are listed in binary order, and the resulting hexagram and anti-hexagram are pairs.

russellcottrell.com/VirtualYarrowStalks/pangTong.htm

—Russell

Russell, this was helpful. Appreciate your taking the time. Out of curiosity, how often do you find yourself reviewing old casts?

Modest Learner

 

[modestlearner]

I've had software to track readings, that I felt were about as useless as tits on a bull.

Sooo, oh please, now I MUST know the name of this software!

Modest Learner.

 

[modestlearner]

Trojan: okay, i am properly spooked. i could have written your post. And, I used the Hexagram Search every time I am on this site.

Modest Learner.

 

[modestlearner]

Never underestimate the unearthing powers of regressive doodling. I suppose that's yet a third way to cross the stream, regressive doodling along. And then the soft crunch, of landing onto the other side. Readings sometimes do inspire one to doodle, in whatever form moves them along.

Think: "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"


Modest Learner.

 

[sooo]

Sooo, oh please, now I MUST know the name of this software!

I do not recall the name of it, but if LiSe happens to catch this, I know she has used it in the past too. Perhaps she can help you. Hilary quite possibly has a published link here somewhere. It's a Chinese name, two words. It worked very well and I liked the translation and treatment, but it was too small on my screen, and I'm just not inclined to save things. It did record ones question and answer, room for comments. Was quite good. If they're still around, quite possibly they've made the appearance larger. If I think of it I'll post it here.

There's a few links for I Ching journal software, maybe you've searched before. Use at your own risk.
https://sites.google.com/site/ichingsoftware/
http://www.downloadtyphoon.com/mb-i-ching-software/infowhpihbmr
http://www.files32.com/downloads.asp?software=mb+i+ching+software

Maybe Luis, Brad or Tom know what I'm talking about.

 

[modestlearner]

Sooo,

Thanks! I laughed a lot when I read your post about how useful they are.... I am torn between paper and digital...

Have the same issue with diaries... in the end, I break down and use paper and pen... but am open...


Modest Learner.

 

[heylise]

Soo is talking about San Shan. It was really nice, but its way to find things back was terrible. When my list of readings got really long, it got some kind of glitch, and then I had to hit "previous one" 50 times to find the reading of 50 readings ago...

Now I use the one of Justin Farrell, and that works wonderfully! And when something doesn't, you write it to him and two days later it works!

It is clear and easy and has enough space for notes and a lot more, gives the relating hex for every line, has Legge and you can enter any translation you want. And best of all, its search-feature works great. Search on keyword, hexagram, line, anything.

https://sites.google.com/site/ichingsoftware/

 

[modestlearner]

I do digital casts... anyone want to talk me out of it? I have never used coins or yarrow...

Modest Learner.

 

[russell]

. . . Out of curiosity, how often do you find yourself reviewing old casts?

Modest Learner

I look over my old entries fairly often, probably once or twice a month, just out of curiosity. I used to do it more often, when I was exploring all the different ways of interpreting the lines (transitional hexagrams, steps of change, patterns of change, etc.) Now I am a little more settled in how I do it.

p.s. Yarrow stalks are fun to try a few times. Lately I have been selecting coins out of a dish as previously described.

—Russell

 

[sooo]

I do digital casts... anyone want to talk me out of it? I have never used coins or yarrow...

Modest Learner.

Nope. So do I, and it's proven every bit as accurate and relevant as physical methods. I attribute that to the same basic binary duality at work, either way. Whether numbers are randomly generated, or whether they're generated by releasing three physical coins, the number of options are the same. Either synchronicity is operating or it's not, in either medium, or in virtually any medium*.

But I don't mean to underestimate the value of ritual. If coins or sticks puts someone more in touch with "it", than it seems like a good thing to use conventional methods. I think anyone who is serious should learn at least the coin/book(s) method and use it awhile, get a feel for it. It can help ground someone in the book. We shouldn't be reliant upon computers for a Yi reading. Eventually, not even a book.

for the Story part of your original post..

*A moment before posting this, I noted two turkey buzzards in the road, one house down. They were finishing off a suicidal young rabbit. I say suicidal because they seem too dumb and innocent to run away. And this time of year, they're extremely abundant. Nevertheless, I walked away from the window feeling a little sad for the rabbit, and felt some contempt for those two big birds. Then I woke up, and saw the good fortune bestowed upon the buzzards, and the world was balanced again. The window oracle caused reconciliation of opposites.

One looked so cute and cuddly and soft and friendly, the buzzards looked like big, ominous bullies by comparison - so it was easy to decide who was good and who was bad. But the rabbit had been struck by a car and was dead or dying anyway, so that was good, except for the rabbit, that was bad. But for that purpose had it been born, so that's good. The two big ominous thugs that were bad, are good, so that's good.

 

[modestlearner]

sooo--

darwianism -- totally new view


Modest Learner.

 

[modestlearner]

For those folks who throw coins...any stories about what you use, how long you been using them, and any rituals (superstitious rituals ;-) ) Do you carry them everywhere?

Modest Learner.

 

[Trojina]

For those folks who throw coins...any stories about what you use, how long you been using them, and any rituals (superstitious rituals ;-) ) Do you carry them everywhere?

Modest Learner.

I always use coins and always have. Seem to use 5p pieces all the time...but they don't have to be the same ones. Actually I occasionally do use the online oracle for a quick answer or something but I don't really like it. I feel much more connected with a coin cast answer.....thats just how i feel plus I find I just don't really want the computer even on when I'm wanting to 'commune' with the Oracle....I'm aware that sounds precious but to me consulting is something I want to seperate apart from clicking mouses with screens flickering...all that mental noise.

I have no rituals except I hate it when coins roll and hit furniture or fall off the table and usually abandon the cast till another time when that happens. Also occasionally the coins just keep leaping out of my hands while I am trying to cast and thats another signal to me to leave it for a while...i don't know why it is...it just seems to have become my signal to me to leave off


FWIW I personally don't think beginners should start by using the online tool...it leads to the situation where a newbie has done 20 casts and has no idea what any of them mean....so they post them here instead of taking time to think about them. At least casting by coins takes real time, the mind has time to be there...and hand casting naturally limits the number of questions...I mean past 30 your arms start aching lol

 

[modestlearner]

I look over my old entries fairly often, probably once or twice a month, just out of curiosity. I used to do it more often, when I was exploring all the different ways of interpreting the lines (transitional hexagrams, steps of change, patterns of change, etc.) Now I am a little more settled in how I do it.

p.s. Yarrow stalks are fun to try a few times. Lately I have been selecting coins out of a dish as previously described.

—Russell

Thanks, Russell...

Do you ever place past casts side-by-side in month to notice patterns or evolution?

Modest Learner.

 

[modestlearner]

I always use coins and always have. Seem to use 5p pieces all the time...but they don't have to be the same ones. Actually I occasionally do use the online oracle for a quick answer or something but I don't really like it. I feel much more connected with a coin cast answer.....thats just how i feel plus I find I just don't really want the computer even on when I'm wanting to 'commune' with the Oracle....I'm aware that sounds precious but to me consulting is something I want to seperate apart from clicking mouses with screens flickering...all that mental noise.

I have no rituals except I hate it when coins roll and hit furniture or fall off the table and usually abandon the cast till another time when that happens. Also occasionally the coins just keep leaping out of my hands while I am trying to cast and thats another signal to me to leave it for a while...i don't know why it is...it just seems to have become my signal to me to leave off

FWIW I personally don't think beginners should start by using the online tool...it leads to the situation where a newbie has done 20 casts and has no idea what any of them mean....so they post them here instead of taking time to think about them. At least casting by coins takes real time, the mind has time to be there...and hand casting naturally limits the number of questions...I mean past 30 your arms start aching lol

We need you. No throwing off of arms only arms (weapons)...

Put the coins down! (instead of "put the gun down")

I want to try this...I want coins to jump for me, too!

Your new nickname "Trojan the Terminator." Sounds almost Viking.

Modest Learner.

 

[sooo]

Weird when one stands on end or slides into a crack. I'm a "call it where it lands" and not a "do over" kind of coin thrower. But if it rolls under a couch or bed, I feel the flow is interrupted, not due to any shortcoming of Yi, but of my own focus.

On a bit different note, I think and feel that it's disrespectful to be thinking of several things while asking for an answer for one. I've read arguments supporting either calm, centered and grounded approach, verses a full on emotionally charged up approach. It reminds me of "I know your deeds (needs?), that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm–neither hot nor cold–I am about to spit you out of my mouth."