So, I have been consulting the I Ching as an Oracle for 50 years now much the same as C J Jung. (The I Ching Oracle is the basis for the Matrix character of the same name, btw)
The I Ching (Book of Changes), one of the oldest books on the planet, wasn’t written by a single author at one time, but was instead compiled in stages over several centuries.
(The Core Text: The earliest layer, known as the Zhou Yi, was assembled from earlier oral traditions between the 10th and 4th centuries BC. Modern scholars primarily date its compilation to the 9th century BC during the Western Zhou dynasty.
The Commentaries: The philosophical appendices known as the Ten Wings were added around the 3rd century BC, further transforming it from a divination manual into a profound ethical manuscript.)
So, I asked a question of the Oracle:
“What will it take to defeat Donald Trump & save Democracy?”
[I’ve always been struck by how a random division of 50 yarrow stalks (ancient method), or throwing 3 coins 6 times can produce an answer specifically pertinent to the question, every time.]
So, in answer to the question: “What will it take to defeat Donald Trump & save Democracy?”,
the I Ching casting produced Hexagram 43, with a line of change in the 1st position, changing to Hexagram 28.
The I Ching literature interprets this reading as a warning that premature, impulsive action driven by raw force will fail, requiring instead immense inner strength, careful preparation, and structural reinforcement to handle a crisis. Here is a summation of what the literature says about this specific combination, without a verbatim transcription (well worth asking an AI to produce the actual verbatim text. The Wilhelm translation reads like poetry, and its imagery is pure art, but too lengthy for inclusion in this already quite long essay).
Hexagram 43: Breakthrough (Guai)
* Core Meaning: Resolutely weeding out corruption or a powerful, negative force.
* The Strategy: It requires bringing the issue to light openly rather than fighting it with covert tactics or raw violence.
* The Warning: You must resolve your own inner weaknesses first, or you cannot defeat the external threat.
The Changing Line: First Line (9 at the Bottom)
* The Text: "Powerful in the toes that advance. Going and not being equal to it makes a mistake."
* The Pitfalls:
* Activating force too early.
* Rushing forward blindly out of sheer enthusiasm or hatred.
* Misjudging the adversary's strength.
* The Outcome: The literature explicitly states that charging forward at this stage leads to failure and blame.
Hexagram 28: Preponderance of the Great (Da Guo)
* The Context: The structure is sagging or at a breaking point, traditionally described as "the ridgepole sags."
* The Weight: The burden of the situation is extraordinary, threatening to collapse the system.
* The Remedy: This hexagram demands extraordinary measures, absolute independence, and the willingness to stand alone without fear to shore up the foundations.
Strategic Synthesis
To achieve the goal outlined in your question, the I Ching literature suggests:
* Halt Immediate Attacks: Cease aggressive, ill-prepared frontal assaults that only strengthen the opponent.
* Assess Vulnerabilities: Recognize that the democratic "structure" is currently overloaded and fragile (Hexagram 28).
* Build Foundations First: Focus on internal unity and systemic reinforcement before attempting a major breakthrough (Hexagram 43).
As you can see, the answer is a perfectly applicable response to the question. Blows my mind, sometimes.
The Coin Oracle Method for Consulting the I Ching
The I Ching (Book of Changes) is an ancient Chinese divination system based on 64 hexagrams. Each hexagram consists of six lines, either solid (yang) or broken (yin). The coin oracle is the most common modern method to generate a hexagram.
Materials Needed
• Three identical coins (traditional Chinese coins with a square hole are ideal, but pennies, quarters, etc., work fine).
• A quiet space and something to write with (paper/pen or a notebook).
• The I Ching text or a reliable reference (book or app) with hexagram interpretations.
Step-by-Step Process
1. Formulate Your Question
Be clear and open-ended. Good examples:
• “What should I understand about my career situation right now?”
• “What is the likely outcome if I take this action?”
Avoid yes/no questions. Write your question down.
2. Center Yourself
Take a few deep breaths, relax, and focus on your question. Some people light incense, sit quietly, or hold the coins while concentrating.
3. Cast the Coins (Six Times)
You will build the hexagram from the bottom line upward (this is traditional).
For each of the six lines:
• Hold the three coins in your hands and shake them while focusing on your question.
• Toss the coins onto a flat surface.
• Count the result -
Heads = 3
Tails = 2
Write the lines like this from the bottom up (Position # 1 is the bottom line)
9 - H, H, H Solid line with a circle in the middle
8 - H, H, T Line with gap in the middle
7 - H, T, T Solid line
6 - T, T, T Broken line with an X in the gap
• Old lines (6 or 9) are “changing” lines — they are important for a second, transformed hexagram.
• Draw the line on your paper (bottom to top).
4. Repeat until you have all six lines. You now have your primary hexagram.
5. Create the Transformed Hexagram (if applicable)
If you have any changing lines (6s or 9s):
• Change them: 6 → 7 (old yin becomes young yang), 9 → 8 (old yang becomes young yin).
• This gives you a second hexagram, showing how the situation may evolve.
6. Look Up the Hexagram(s)
Number your lines 1 (bottom) to 6 (top).
Convert the pattern into a hexagram number using a standard I Ching chart (or app).
Example patterns:
• All solid lines = Hexagram 1 (The Creative)
• All broken lines = Hexagram 2 (The Receptive)
Read the Judgment (main text), Image, and especially the changing lines if you have any. Then read the transformed hexagram for additional insight.
Quick Reference for Line Symbols
• Solid line (7 or 9): ----------
• Broken line (6 or 8): ---- ----
• Mark changing lines with an “X” or “O” in the center so you remember to transform them.
Tips for Better Readings
• Do one reading per question. Don’t keep casting until you get an answer you like.
• Traditional timing: Many people consult the I Ching early morning or at important decision points.
• Changing lines are often the most specific advice.
• The I Ching speaks in poetic, archetypal language — reflect on how it applies to your situation rather than expecting literal instructions.
• Over time, keep a journal of your readings to see patterns and improve your interpretation skills.
The coin method is considered slightly less “traditional” than the yarrow stalk method, but it is widely used because it is fast and accessible. Both methods are valid
The Stalk Layout & Division
1. Set the Observer: Start by taking a single stalk from your bundle of 50 and placing it flat in front of you. This stalk represents Tai Chi (the absolute beginning) and remains untouched for the rest of the cast.
2. Heaven and Earth: Take the remaining 49 stalks and divide them randomly into two piles (left pile, right pile).
3. Humanity: Pick up a single stalk from the right pile and tuck it between your little finger and ring finger on your left hand. This represents humanity bridging heaven and earth.
The Counting Process
1. Count the Left Pile: Take the remaining stalks in your left hand and count them off by fours (symbolizing the four seasons). Continue removing groups of four until 4 or fewer stalks remain. Tuck these remaining stalks between your ring finger and middle finger.
2. Count the Right Pile: Now pick up the right pile and do the same. Count through them by fours until 4 or fewer stalks are left. Place these remainder stalks between your middle finger and index finger.
3. Tally the Stalks: You are now holding a specific number of stalks between your fingers (from step 3 of the layout and the two remainders from steps 1 & 2 of the counting process).
• First count tally: The total in your hand will either be 5 or 9.
• Subsequent counts: When you repeat this process for the second and third counts, the total left in your hand will be 4 or 8. [1, 2, 4]
Building the Line
To determine the type of line you've cast, you must perform these 3 operations sequentially. The remaining stalks from all 3 operations dictate the numerical value of the line: [1]
• Value 9 (Old Yang): Casting an Old Yang line is achieved by getting a 5 on the first count and a 4 on the second and third counts. This is an active line that transforms into a Yin line.
• Value 8 (Young Yin): Achieved by combinations that yield a total of 8 remaining stalks (e.g., 9 + 4 + 4, or 5 + 8 + 4, etc.). This is a stable, unchanging Yin line.
• Value 7 (Young Yang): Achieved by combinations that yield a total of 7 remaining stalks (e.g., 9 + 8 + 4, etc.). This is a stable, unchanging Yang line.
• Value 6 (Old Yin): Achieved by getting a 9 on the first count and an 8 on the second and third counts. This is an active line that transforms into a Yang line. [1, 2, 3]
Generating the Hexagram
1. Perform the 3-step counting process to get your bottom line (Line 1).
2. Collect all 49 stalks and repeat the 3-step process to generate Lines 2 through 6. Build the hexagram continuously from the bottom to the top.
3. If you cast any Old Yang (9) or Old Yin (6) lines, you also create a second, "transformed" hexagram representing the future state of the situation)
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