What is I Ching
(Book of Changes)?

I Ching is one of the classical Chinese books (ching), dating back to the time of Fu Hsi and the Yin Dynasty, about 2900 BC.

It was used as divination method, at the disposal of the skings and princes.

The Book escaped the arson of books ordered by the first Chinese emperor, in 213 AD, because it was consulted by him. This proves its great popularity and recognition.

Known also as the Chou-I ( the Changes of Chou), the name "I Ching" may be also translated as Book of Changes, that is, dealing with the permanent changes which affect everything in the universe including people,  society as well.

• Content of the Book

I Ching is a collection of short essays assigned to 64 lineal figures consisting of six continuous (____) and/or broken (__  __) lines. These lines may be assigned the well-known symbols of yin and yang.

These 64 figures are called hexagrams.

Each Hexagram has a title and offers a prognostication and/or advice in order to avoid failure and finally attain your goals. Read more...

• Usage of the Book

I Ching was consulted Whenever you need to know if a project will succeed or fail you may consult the I Ching oracle.

There are two classic methods of consulting: with yarrow stalks and coins, learn more... and the modern one, with our I Ching online device.

Ths I Ching answers were interpreted by professional diviners, well trained in the art of understanding its meanings. Read more...

Read also:

• History of I Ching
   
• The philosophy of change in I Ching
   
• Hints on I Ching 0nline consulting method

Introductory essays
(worth reading):

• Introduction to I Ching by R. Wilhelm
   
• Introduction to I Ching by Carl Jung

Further study

Learn more about the I Ching oracle - its content, method of consultation and the art of interpreting the answers - by taking our email course intended for beginners. Read more...