On the table or between your fingers?

[youngyin]

Hello everyone

I've been exploring the I Ching for three or four years, after happening upon a Richard Wilhelm translation in a charity shop...

As a complete novice, I found the written description of how to ask a question with stalks confusing, so I looked on YouTube to see a visual demonstration.

The first video I found shows the stalks laid on a table, in a way that seems to be the same as putting the stalks between your fingers.

I wondered I anyone knows anything about this particular way of using the stalks (the video is called 'original' I Ching Reading, for instance; does anyone know its history?).

I used this method exclusively until very recently. I like it because of the feel of the stalks clacking and clashing on the table.

A link to the video is here:

 

[Liselle]

I've never used yarrow stalks, but I've tried a few other casting methods (coins, 16 marbles in a bowl, various computer simulations of various methods). I've gotten helpful readings from all of them enough that I'm happy to believe Hilary when she says Yi isn't fussy about things like this.

In particular I doubt it matters to Yi whether the stalks are in your hands or on the table. Which means it's fine to do it however you like, however you feel most comfortable. Put your energy into engaging with your question and the answer Yi gives you.