Six lines before a numbered hexagram
The received Zhouyi is organized into 64 hexagrams, each with a judgment and six line statements. A yin line is broken; a yang line is unbroken. The bottom three lines form the lower trigram and the top three form the upper. Line one is at the bottom.
Qian has six yang lines and Kun six yin lines. We look up each pattern in the received King Wen sequence. Binary representation describes the pattern; it is not the traditional hexagram number.
The three-coin method
The coin method is a later divination practice, not a modern random algorithm recorded in the Zhouyi itself. Each round independently generates three fair values of 2 or 3. Six rounds build the hexagram upward.
| Sum | Line | Changes? | Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Old yin | Yes · yin → yang | 1/8 |
| 7 | Young yang | No | 3/8 |
| 8 | Young yin | No | 3/8 |
| 9 | Old yang | Yes · yang → yin | 1/8 |
Primary, changing, and relating patterns
The primary hexagram treats 6/8 as yin and 7/9 as yang. Only 6 and 9 switch polarity in the relating hexagram. Without changing lines the pattern stays the same; with multiple changes we display them all without declaring one uniquely correct. All-changing Qian and Kun include their special statements.
Distinguish the text from its commentaries
The judgments and line statements are distinct from commentaries such as the Tuan, Xiang, and Xici. “Heaven moves vigorously…” belongs to the Xiang commentary, not Qian’s judgment. We do not equate coins with yarrow stalks or merge this method with Plum Blossom, Najia, or birth-chart systems.
Primary texts you can consult
《周易》· Chinese Text Project ↗
Read the judgments and line texts separately from the later commentarial Wings. Traditional authorship accounts are not treated as established historical fact.
Zhouyi, received text · Digital Chinese Classics ↗
Each hexagram’s classical text is extracted from its chapter. Traditional characters and editorial punctuation are retained; modern annotations are not reproduced.
A. E. Waite · The Pictorial Key to the Tarot ↗
First published in 1910; our reference is the 1911 text transcribed by Sacred Texts. Written by A. E. Waite, with original card designs by Pamela Colman Smith.