TUTORIAL
// CONTENTS
// OVERVIEW
The I Ching (易經), also known as the Book of Changes, is a Chinese divination text first compiled more than 3,000 years ago. It works by generating one of 64 hexagrams: six-line figures that represent archetypal situations in life.
ASCII-Ching uses the traditional three-coin method to cast your hexagram, combined with curated ASCII art illustrations and distilled translations from multiple classical sources.
A complete reading takes about 2-3 minutes.
// STEP 1: ENTER YOUR QUESTION
1Formulate Your Question
When you first open ASCII-Ching, you'll see the ASCII Bagua: an interactive eight-sided symbol. Click any section to explore the site, or focus on the center to begin your consultation.
Type your question in the input field. Writing your question is optional. The oracle will work either way, but formulating it helps focus your mind on the situation.
The more specific your question, the more useful the answer. Instead of "What should I do?", try "What will happen if I take this new job?" or "How should I approach this relationship conflict?"
Yes/no questions like "Should I quit my job?" or either/or questions like "Should I stay or leave?" These are actually two questions in one. Better: "What will happen if I leave my job now?"
When ready, click [ Continue ] to proceed.
// STEP 2: THROW THE COINS
2Cast Your Hexagram
You'll see three spinning coins on the screen. Click [ Throw Coins ] to cast them.
Each throw builds one line of your hexagram, from bottom to top. You'll throw six times to complete the full hexagram.
How the Coins Work
Each coin has two sides:
- Yang (☰): the solid side, counts as 3
- Yin (☷): the broken side, counts as 2
Three coins thrown together give four possible totals:
| Total | Coins | Line Type | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 2+2+2 (3 Yin) | Old Yin | ▬▬ ▬▬ → changes to ▬▬▬▬▬ |
| 7 | 2+2+3 (2 Yin, 1 Yang) | Young Yang | ▬▬▬▬▬ (stable) |
| 8 | 3+3+2 (2 Yang, 1 Yin) | Young Yin | ▬▬ ▬▬ (stable) |
| 9 | 3+3+3 (3 Yang) | Old Yang | ▬▬▬▬▬ → changes to ▬▬ ▬▬ |
Changing lines (6 or 9) are special. They indicate movement and transformation in your situation. These appear highlighted in cyan.
Example hexagram with changing lines:
______ ______ |______| |______| Line 6 ________________ |________________| Line 5 ______ ______ |______| |______| Line 4 (changing) ________________ |________________| Line 3 ________________ |________________| Line 2 ________________ |________________| Line 1 (changing)
// STEP 3: READ YOUR HEXAGRAM
3The Cast Hexagram
After six throws, you'll see three tabs:
The Cast tab shows your primary hexagram. This describes your current situation, the forces at play, and general guidance.
Each hexagram includes:
- An ASCII art illustration capturing the hexagram's essence
- The hexagram name in English and Chinese
- The Judgment: the core message
- A Situation Analysis or Image: deeper interpretation
Each image was carefully curated to represent the hexagram's meaning visually.
// STEP 4: EXPLORE THE LINES
4The Lines Tab
Click the Lines tab to see interpretations for each line of your hexagram.
Changing lines are particularly important. They speak directly to what's in flux in your situation. If you have changing lines, these are highlighted and appear first.
Click on any line in the hexagram display to read its specific interpretation. Each line has its own ASCII art illustration showing the meaning in visual form.
Multiple Changing Lines
When you have more than one changing line, traditionally one is considered primary. Various methods exist for determining which line takes precedence:
| # of Changes | Traditional Approach |
|---|---|
| 0 | Read only the Cast Hexagram |
| 1 | Read that changing line |
| 2 | The upper changing line applies |
| 3 | The middle changing line counts |
| 4 | Read the lower NON-changing line |
| 5 | Read the only NON-changing line |
| 6 | Read the Transformed Hexagram |
However, all changing lines are relevant. Read each one for a fuller picture by clicking on them individually.
// STEP 5: THE TRANSFORMATION
5The Transformed Hexagram
Click the Transformed tab to see where your situation is heading.
When changing lines flip to their opposites (yang becomes yin, yin becomes yang), a new hexagram emerges. This Transformed Hexagram represents:
- The future situation after current changes resolve
- The outcome if you follow the oracle's guidance
- Where the energy is moving toward
If you have no changing lines, the Transformed Hexagram will be the same as the Cast Hexagram. Your situation is stable.
Cast: Hexagram 3 (Difficulty at the Beginning) with line 1 changing → Transformed: Hexagram 8 (Holding Together). The oracle suggests that initial struggles will lead to unity and alliance.
// UNDERSTANDING HEXAGRAMS
The Eight Trigrams
Each hexagram is made of two trigrams: three-line figures stacked on top of each other. There are eight trigrams, each with distinct attributes:
▬▬▬▬▬
▬▬▬▬▬
▬▬ ▬▬
▬▬ ▬▬
▬▬ ▬▬
▬▬▬▬▬
▬▬▬▬▬
▬▬ ▬▬
▬▬ ▬▬
▬▬ ▬▬
▬▬▬▬▬
▬▬ ▬▬
▬▬ ▬▬
▬▬▬▬▬
▬▬▬▬▬
▬▬▬▬▬
The lower trigram (lines 1-3) represents the inner situation or foundation. The upper trigram (lines 4-6) represents the outer situation or development.
// TRANSLATIONS
ASCII-Ching offers multiple translation sources. Use the translation bar below each hexagram to switch between them:
- DISTILLED: Our curated synthesis of 11 classical sources, modernized for clarity
- EMPOWER: Contemporary empowerment-focused interpretation
- WILHELM: The classic Richard Wilhelm translation
- CROWLEY: Aleister Crowley's esoteric interpretation
- LEGGE: James Legge's scholarly translation
- And several more academic and traditional sources...
Each translation offers a different perspective. The Distilled version is recommended for most users. It preserves the essential meaning while removing archaic language.
For a full list of sources, see References.
// SAVING YOUR READING
After completing a reading, you can save it for later reference:
- [ Save Reading ]: Downloads a formatted text file with your question, hexagrams, changing lines, all interpretations, and ASCII art
- [ Consult Again ]: Start a fresh reading
The saved file includes proper attribution and can be printed or stored for future reflection.
// TIPS FOR BETTER READINGS
Approach with Sincerity
The I Ching responds to genuine inquiry. Treat it with respect. Don't test it or ask frivolous questions.
One Question at a Time
Focus on a single situation or decision. If you have multiple concerns, do separate readings.
Stay Open
The oracle may not answer what you expected. Sometimes it addresses what you need to hear rather than what you asked.
Reflect Before Acting
Let the reading settle. Return to it after a day. Meanings often deepen with time.
Don't Ask Repeatedly
If you don't like an answer, resist the urge to ask again immediately. The I Ching has spoken. Repeated questioning weakens the connection.
The I Ching doesn't predict a fixed future. It illuminates the patterns and energies at work in your situation. The outcome remains in your hands.