Coin Casting Method: How to Consult the I Ching

The coin casting method (掷卦法, Zhi Gua Fa) is one of the traditional methods for consulting the I Ching. It uses three coins to generate hexagram lines, providing a bridge between random chance and archetypal guidance.

Hold three coins in both hands, focus on the question, then drop them. Count the result: 3 tails = yang (solid line, value 3); 2 tails + 1 head = yin (broken line, value 2). Repeat six times to generate the six lines from bottom to top.

Each casting produces a line value: 3 (three yang/tails) becomes yang; 2 (two yin, one yang) becomes yin. The sum of six castings creates the hexagram. Moving lines are identified when the same casting produces the same result as before.

Record each casting from first (bottom) to sixth (top) to build the hexagram. The first casting forms the lowest line; the sixth casting forms the highest line. Once the hexagram is complete, look up its meaning in the I Ching text.

Coin casting is a focusing ritual that helps center attention on the question. The hexagram received reflects the question's archetypal situation. Interpretation requires thoughtful application of the text to the specific context, not blind faith in the result.