Hexagram Guide

1. How to Cast a Hexagram

This site uses the Three-Coin Method for divination, the most common approach in Wen Wang (King Wen) hexagram casting:

1. Calm your mind and focus on the question you wish to ask
2. Click "Start Tossing" to simulate tossing three coins simultaneously
3. Each toss produces one line (yáo); six tosses are needed, arranged from bottom to top
4. Once all six lines are complete, the system automatically forms the hexagram
5. Choose a master interpreter to receive a full reading of the primary, transformed, and mutual hexagrams

The key to divination lies in sincerity. Before casting, take a moment to calm your mind and clearly focus on your question. You should not repeatedly divine the same matter — the first result stands.

2. Coin Toss Results

Each coin has a heads side (character side, value 3) and a tails side (flower side, value 2). Three coins are tossed together; the sum determines the nature of that line:

3. Yin & Yang Lines

Lines (yáo) are the building blocks of hexagrams. There are two types: yang lines and yin lines:

Yang lines symbolise strength, initiative, brightness, and activity. They correspond to values 7 (young yang) or 9 (old yang).

Yin lines symbolise gentleness, receptivity, stillness, and passivity. They correspond to values 8 (young yin) or 6 (old yin).

Yin and yang are not opposites — they are interdependent and in constant flux. The core idea of the I Ching is: when yang reaches its peak, yin is born; when yin reaches its peak, yang is born — this is why "old yang" and "old yin" undergo transformation.

4. Line Positions

Each hexagram consists of six lines, arranged from bottom to top. Each position carries a specific name and meaning:

The bottom three lines (1st, 2nd, 3rd) form the inner trigram (lower trigram), representing the self, the internal, and the root of the matter. The top three lines (4th, 5th, top) form the outer trigram (upper trigram), representing the external, others, and the development of the matter.

5. The Eight Trigrams — Origin of All Things

The eight trigrams are the fundamental symbols of the I Ching, each composed of three lines, representing eight natural phenomena. Two trigrams stacked together form one of the 64 hexagrams.

6. Composition of the 64 Hexagrams

The 64 hexagrams are formed by stacking two trigrams: the top three lines form the upper trigram (outer), and the bottom three lines form the lower trigram (inner) — 8 × 8 = 64 combinations.

Each hexagram has a name, a hexagram statement (overall meaning), and six line statements (specific guidance for each line). Here are some examples illustrating hexagram structure:

7. Primary · Transformed · Mutual Hexagrams

Each divination produces up to three hexagrams, each representing a different aspect:

8. Changing & Static Lines

Changing lines are the key to interpretation. They mark the positions in a hexagram where transformation is occurring, and are the main focus of the interpreter's reading.

Changing lines (old yin, old yang) represent positions where energy has reached its extreme and is about to transform. They are highlighted with special colours in the hexagram, and their line statements often contain the most direct guidance.

Static lines (young yang, young yin) represent positions with stable, unchanging energy. They form the 'background' of the hexagram and provide overall context.

The number of changing lines affects the method of interpretation:

1. No changing lines — read only the primary hexagram statement; the situation is stable
2. One changing line — focus on that line's statement; the guidance is most specific
3. Two to three changing lines — synthesise the statements of all changing lines
4. Four or more changing lines — the transformed hexagram takes priority, with the primary as supplement
5. All six lines changing — for Qián use the "all nines" text; for Kūn use the "all sixes" text; otherwise read the transformed hexagram

9. Divination Example

Suppose the results of six coin tosses are: 7, 8, 7, 6, 9, 8

The binary from 1st to top line is 101001 (yang=1, yin=0), which corresponds to Hexagram 37: Wind over Fire — The Family (Jiā Rén).

The 4th line (old yin) flips to yang, the 5th line (old yang) flips to yin. The transformed binary is 101110, giving Hexagram 61: Wind over Lake — Inner Truth (Zhōng Fú).

The mutual hexagram takes the 2nd–4th lines (010) as the lower trigram and the 3rd–5th lines (001) as the upper trigram, giving Hexagram 4: Mountain over Water — Youthful Folly (Méng).

The interpreter synthesises the hexagram statements, the changing line statements, and the querent's question to provide a comprehensive reading and guidance.

10. Glossary

Hexagram (Guà)

A symbol composed of six lines. There are 64 in total, each with unique symbolic meanings and guidance on fortune.

Line (Yáo)

The basic strokes that make up a hexagram: yang lines (solid ⚊) and yin lines (broken ⚋). Each hexagram has six.

Eight Trigrams (Bā Guà)

Qián, Kūn, Kǎn, Lí, Zhèn, Xùn, Gèn, Duì — fundamental three-line symbols representing eight natural phenomena.

Upper Trigram

Also called the outer trigram. Formed by the top three lines (4th, 5th, top) of a hexagram, representing the external environment.

Lower Trigram

Also called the inner trigram. Formed by the bottom three lines (1st, 2nd, 3rd) of a hexagram, representing one's own state.

Primary Hexagram

The hexagram obtained directly from the six coin tosses, representing the current situation.

Transformed Hexagram

The hexagram formed by flipping the changing lines, representing the direction and final outcome.

Mutual Hexagram

Formed by recombining the 2nd–4th lines as the lower trigram and 3rd–5th as the upper. Represents the process behind events.

Changing Line

Old yin (6) and old yang (9) — lines at their energetic extreme, about to transform. The key to interpretation.

Static Line

Young yang (7) and young yin (8) — lines with stable, unchanging energy.

Hexagram Statement (Guà Cí)

An overarching interpretation of the hexagram as a whole, traditionally attributed to King Wen.

Line Statement (Yáo Cí)

Specific interpretations for each line, traditionally attributed to the Duke of Zhou. Six per hexagram.

Image Statement (Xiàng Cí)

An explanation of the hexagram's symbolic meaning, guiding the superior person in self-cultivation and conduct.

King Wen Sequence

The arrangement of the 64 hexagrams attributed to King Wen: beginning with Qián and Kūn, ending with Jì Jì and Wèi Jì — embodying a profound philosophical structure.