Hexagrams are revealed through either of two methods, flipping or dropping coins, and counting the stalks of the Yarrow plant.

Coin Method:

In the Coin Method, three coins are used. One side representing Yang energy, the other side Yin energy. The coins are flipped or dropped all together and the outcome determines the quality of each of the six lines of the Hexagram.

The bottom line is revealed first, then the 2nd line and so on until all six lines are determined. If during the flipping process one or more of the coins does not rest flat, then all three coins are flipped or dropped again. Refer to the exhibit "Coins" to find the value and visual representation of each line. Use the sample worksheets found in Chapter #8 - "The Process" to record the results and identify the Hexagram reflecting the Creative Energy operative in the present moment experience.

Stalk Method:

In the Stalk Method, 50 stalks of the Yarrow plant are used. Yarrow was chosen because it is a common and readily available plant in China where the I Ching was first conceived and used. The I Ching was intended to be a common practice, with common tools.

One stalk is removed from the entire group of 50 stalks and is placed horizontally on the counting space at the top. This stalk is the Leader of the Counting and represents the perspective of the person revealing the Hexagram.

The remaining 49 stalks are picked up and split apart into two groups representing the two contrasting powers of Yang and Yin. The Yang group (in the right hand) is placed vertically on the right side of the counting space, and the Yin Group in the left hand is placed vertically on the left side.

One stalk is removed from the Yang (right side) group as is placed between the small and ring fingers of the left hand. This stalk is the leader of the 1st (bottom) line of the Hexagram.

The Yin group is placed in the palm of the left hand and is counted through by the right hand by fours. As the groups of four are counted, they are placed back in the left hand position of the counting space. The remainder of four stalks or less is placed between the ring finger and middle finger of the left hand.

The Yang group is then placed in the left hand is counted through by the right hand by fours. As the groups of four stalks are counted, they are placed back in the right hand position of the counting space. The remainder of four stalks or less is placed between the middle finger and first finger of the left hand.

The total of the stalks now held in the left hand is either five or nine. If any number of stalks other than five or nine is held, regroup all 49 stalks and repeat the process.

The Line Leader is taken from between the little and ring fingers and placed below the Hexagram Leader in the counting space. The remaining four or eight stalks are grouped together and placed horizontally at the bottom of the counting space.

The remaining Yang and Yin groups are picked up and placed together again and then split apart into new groups, one placed on each side of the counting space. Again, one stalk is chosen from the Yang (right side) group and placed between the little and ring fingers of the left hand.

The Yin group is then placed in the palm of the left hand and is counted through by the right hand by fours. As the groups of four are counted, they are placed back in the left hand position of the counting space. The remainder of four stalks or less is placed between the ring finger and middle finger of the left hand.

The Yang group is then placed in the left hand is counted through by the right hand by fours. As the groups of four stalks are counted, they are placed back in the right hand position of the counting space. The remainder of four stalks or less is placed between the middle finger and first finger of the left hand.

The total of the stalks now held in the left hand is either four or eight. If any number of stalks other than four or eight is held, regroup the stalks and repeat the process. The remaining four or eight stalks are grouped together and placed horizontally in the middle of the counting space.

This process is repeated one more time, the remaining four or eight stalks placed horizontally above the previous group.

Each of the six lines of the Hexagram are revealed from the bottom, or 1st line up to the top, or 6th line. Use the exhibit "Stalk Method" to determine the value and visual representation of each line. Then use the sample worksheets found in Chapter #8 - "The Process" to record the results and identify the Hexagram reflecting the Creative Energy operative in the present moment.

Moving Lines

In both the Coin and Stalk Methods, an individual line may be active, or moving. A value of 9, visually represented by a solid line with a sphere through the middle, will change into a divided line with a value of 8. A line with the value of 6, visually represented by a divided line with an X in the middle will change into a solid line with a value of 7.

A new Hexagram is formed after the moving lines change, revealing the energy pattern resulting from the current Hexagram. The Worksheets allow for both the original and resulting Hexagrams formed by the flipping or counting process.

Read more about moving lines in the next chapter "The Three Stages of Change of Yang and Yin".