How to Cast I Ching with Coins

A step-by-step guide to authentic Liu Yao hexagram analysis using three coins. Master the ancient art of hexagram casting.

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Coin-to-Line Quick Reference

✦US Dollar Coins (Recommended)

H
H
H
3 Heads (9) — Old Yang
⚊○ — Changing line
H
H
T
2 Heads, 1 Tail (8) — Young Yin
⚋⚋ — Static line
H
T
T
1 Head, 2 Tails (7) — Young Yang
⚊ — Static line
T
T
T
3 Tails (6) — Old Yin
⚋× — Changing line

What You Need to Know

Heads = Yang (3 points) — The "active" side with the portrait

Tails = Yin (2 points) — The "receptive" side with the building

Old Yang (9) and Old Yin (6) are "changing lines" — they transform, revealing future development.

Young Yang (7) and Young Yin (8) are "static lines" — they remain as they are.

You cast 6 times to build a hexagram from bottom (Line 1) to top (Line 6).

Pro Tip: Use three identical coins of the same denomination for consistency. US quarters or pennies work perfectly.

US Penny Example (WikiHow)

US penny coin casting guide showing 3 heads = Old Yang

3 Heads = 9 (Old Yang) | 3 Tails = 6 (Old Yin) | 2H1T = 8 (Young Yin) | 1H2T = 7 (Young Yang)

Traditional Chinese Coins

Traditional Chinese coins - character side (Yang) vs reverse side (Yin)

Character side (字) = Yang | Reverse side (背) = Yin

The Complete Casting Process

Follow these six phases to receive authentic I Ching guidance. Each phase builds upon the last, creating a ritual of focus and intention.

1

Preparation & Sacred Space

Before casting, create an environment conducive to focused intention. This is not superstition — it is the practical psychology of entering a receptive state.

Find Quiet Space
Turn off notifications. Close the door. Let others know you need 10 minutes of uninterrupted focus.
Gather Your Tools
Three identical coins, a notebook, and a flat surface. A small cloth or tray to catch the coins is helpful.
Center Yourself
Take three deep breaths. Feel your feet on the floor. Let your mind settle like still water.

Best Times to Cast

Early MorningYin energy, clarity
MiddayYang energy, action
EveningReflection, insight
AvoidWhen angry or rushed
The I Ching responds to sincerity, not convenience. Choose a time when you can be fully present.
2

Formulate Your Question

The quality of your question determines the quality of your answer. A vague question yields a vague response.

Good Questions

"Should I accept the job offer from Company X, and what should I watch for?"
"What is the true nature of my relationship with [Name], and how should I proceed?"
"What do I need to understand about my current health situation?"

Avoid These

"Will I win the lottery?" — The I Ching guides decisions, not gambling.
"What is [someone else] thinking?" — Ask about your own situation only.
"Should I do this or that?" — Frame as "What should I understand about..."

The Golden Rule: Ask about process and understanding, not outcomes and predictions. Instead of "Will I get the job?" ask "What energy surrounds my application, and how should I approach it?"

3

The Casting Ritual

Each cast generates one line of your hexagram. You will cast six times total, from Line 1 (bottom) to Line 6 (top).

1. Cup the Coins

Place three coins in your dominant hand. Cup them gently, feeling their weight and temperature.

2. Focus Intention

Hold your question clearly in mind. Let it resonate in your heart.

3. Shake & Release

Shake the coins gently 6-9 times, then release them onto your flat surface.

The Shake Count

Traditionally, coins are shaken 6 or 9 times — numbers sacred in Taoist numerology. Use whatever number feels natural, but be consistent across all six casts.

Some practitioners shake while silently reciting their question. Find what creates the strongest sense of connection for you.
4

Record the Result

Immediately after each cast, record the result before the pattern is disturbed. This is your raw data — treat it with respect.

Recording Template

⚊○
Old Yang (9)
3 Heads
⚋⚋
Young Yin (8)
2 Heads + 1 Tail
⚊
Young Yang (7)
1 Head + 2 Tails
⚋×
Old Yin (6)
3 Tails
Record immediately
Do not rely on memory. Write down or sketch the result before touching the coins.
Note the order
Line 1 is the first cast (bottom of hexagram). Line 6 is the last cast (top).
Mark changing lines
Circle or highlight Old Yang (9) and Old Yin (6). These are crucial for interpretation.
5

Build the Hexagram

After six casts, you have all the data needed to construct your hexagram — the pattern of your situation made manifest.

Assembly Method

1
Start from the Bottom

Line 1 (first cast) goes at the bottom. Line 6 (last cast) goes at the top.

2
Draw the Lines

Yang (7, 9) = solid line ———. Yin (6, 8) = broken line — —.

3
Mark Changes

Circle Old Yang (9) and cross Old Yin (6). These lines will transform.

Example Hexagram

×
○
Line 6: Old Yin (6) — Changing ×
Line 5: Young Yang (7)
Line 4: Young Yin (8)
Line 3: Young Yang (7)
Line 2: Old Yang (9) — Changing ○
Line 1: Young Yang (7)
This hexagram has 2 changing lines, creating a second "future" hexagram.
6

Interpretation & Reading

The hexagram is not a fortune — it is a mirror reflecting the energy pattern of your situation and the natural path of transformation.

Read the Main Text

Start with the Gua Ci (hexagram text) for your primary hexagram. This gives the overall theme.

Study Changing Lines

If you have changing lines (6 or 9), read their Yao Ci (line texts). These are the most specific guidance.

Check Future Hexagram

If lines changed, the second hexagram shows where your situation is heading.

Reading Principles

1. The I Ching speaks in archetypes, not specifics. "The dragon rises from the deep" means your potential is emerging — not that you will literally encounter a dragon.

2. Changing lines are the "active" energy in your situation. They represent what is in motion and what requires attention.

3. The text is a starting point, not a command. Use it as a framework for your own intuition and reasoning.

4. Return to the text over days or weeks. The I Ching often reveals deeper layers with time.

Interactive Practice

Practice the casting process. Choose your preferred method: use real coins and record results, or generate digitally.

ProgressLine 1 of 6

Shake three real coins, then click the coin icons to match your result

HHeads
HHeads
HHeads

Your Hexagram

Select your casting method above to begin

Video Guide

Watch the complete casting process demonstrated step by step.

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Part 1: Understanding the Basics

Learn the fundamentals: Yin and Yang, line values, and how coins form hexagrams.

Coin identification • Line values • Recording methods
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Part 2: Full Casting Ritual

Watch a complete reading from preparation through interpretation in real time.

Preparation • Six casts • Hexagram assembly • Reading

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Common Questions

Ready to Cast Your First Hexagram?

Now that you understand the method, try it yourself. Our digital reading tool faithfully replicates the coin-casting process.

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