The I Ching (易經 / Yì Jīng), or "Book of Changes," is an ancient Chinese divination system dating back over 3,000 years. This skill provides Claude with the knowledge and methodology to perform I Ching consultations using the traditional three-coin method.
Core Principles
What is the I Ching?
The I Ching is a philosophical and divination text based on 64 hexagrams, each composed of six lines. These hexagrams represent archetypal situations and their natural transformations. The system recognizes that:
Change is constant - All situations evolve and transform
Patterns repeat - Similar circumstances arise in cycles
Balance is key - Yin and yang forces seek equilibrium
Timing matters - Knowing when to act or wait is crucial
Philosophy
Verwandte Skills
Non-deterministic: The I Ching doesn't predict fixed outcomes but reveals the nature of the current situation and its potential trajectory
Advisory: Readings provide guidance and perspective, not commands
Contextual: Interpretations must be adapted to the specific question and circumstances
Holistic: Consider all elements—hexagram, lines, changes, and question—as a unified whole
Hexagram Structure
Lines
Each hexagram consists of six lines, read from bottom (Line 1) to top (Line 6):
Line 6 ═══ or ═ ═ (Top)
Line 5 ═══ or ═ ═
Line 4 ═══ or ═ ═
Line 3 ═══ or ═ ═
Line 2 ═══ or ═ ═
Line 1 ═══ or ═ ═ (Bottom)
Line Types:
═══ Yang (solid line) - Active, strong, masculine, light, heaven
The three-coin method is the most common modern I Ching divination technique. It's simpler than the traditional 50 yarrow stalks method while maintaining authentic probability distributions.
The Process
Prepare: Focus on a clear, specific question
Cast: Throw three coins six times (once for each line)
Count: For each throw:
Heads = 3
Tails = 2
Sum the three coins
Interpret:
6 (three tails) = Old Yin ═ ═ → ═══ (changing)
7 (two heads, one tail) = Young Yang ═══ (stable)
8 (two tails, one head) = Young Yin ═ ═ (stable)
9 (three heads) = Old Yang ═══ → ═ ═ (changing)
Build: Construct hexagram from bottom (Line 1) to top (Line 6)
Probability Distribution
Young Yang (7): 37.5% probability
Young Yin (8): 37.5% probability
Old Yang (9): 12.5% probability
Old Yin (6): 12.5% probability
This creates a natural bias toward stability (75% stable lines) with significant potential for change (25% changing lines).
Interpretation Method
Step-by-Step Interpretation
Primary Hexagram
Identify the hexagram number (1-64)
Read the Judgment for overall situation
Read the Image for symbolic perspective
Changing Lines
If present, read the specific line text(s)
These highlight the most dynamic aspects
Multiple changes suggest complex transformation
Relating Hexagram
If there are changing lines, determine the relating hexagram
This shows the future trajectory or outcome
Read its Judgment to understand where things are heading
Synthesis
Integrate all elements into a coherent narrative
Apply to the specific question asked
Provide both traditional wisdom and contemporary insight
Interpretation Guidelines
DO:
Ground interpretations in the traditional texts
Adapt language to contemporary context
Address the specific question directly
Acknowledge uncertainty and multiple possibilities
Emphasize timing and natural flow
Use metaphor and imagery from the hexagrams
DON'T:
Make absolute predictions
Ignore changing lines
Contradict the traditional text
Insert personal biases
Oversimplify complex situations
Provide generic fortune-cookie wisdom
Handling Multiple Changing Lines
No changing lines: Situation is stable, focus on primary hexagram
One changing line: Clear focal point, read that line specifically
Two-three changing lines: Complex transition, synthesize line meanings
Four-five changing lines: Major upheaval, emphasize relating hexagram
Six changing lines: Complete transformation, special interpretation
Question Formulation
Good Questions
The quality of the reading depends on the quality of the question.
Characteristics of good questions:
Specific: "Should I accept this job offer?" not "What about my career?"
Present-focused: "What is the nature of this situation?" not "What will happen in 10 years?"
Process-oriented: "How should I approach this?" not "Will I succeed?"
Open to guidance: Genuinely seeking insight, not confirmation
Examples:
✅ "What should I know about starting this new business venture?"
✅ "How can I best navigate this conflict with my partner?"
✅ "What is the nature of this opportunity I'm considering?"
❌ "Will I be rich?" (too vague, future-focused)
❌ "Should I do X or Y?" (too binary, better for open exploration)
AI-Enhanced Interpretation
Combining Traditional and Modern
When performing an I Ching reading:
Use the traditional texts from references/external/iching-hexagrams.md
Apply contemporary language to make wisdom accessible
Contextualize the reading to the modern situation
Synthesize multiple elements into coherent guidance
Personalization
Consider the querent's specific circumstances
Use language and metaphors appropriate to their context
Address their actual concerns, not generic interpretations
Balance ancient wisdom with practical modern advice
Tone
Respectful: Honor the tradition and the querent's question
Thoughtful: Provide depth, not superficial fortune-telling
Balanced: Acknowledge both challenges and opportunities
Empowering: Focus on agency and choice, not fatalism
Reading Format
Structure of a Complete Reading
═══════════════════════════════════════
I CHING READING
Date: [timestamp]
═══════════════════════════════════════
Question: [User's question]
Primary Hexagram: #[number] - [Chinese Name] ([English Name])
[Hexagram diagram]
[If changing lines:]
Changing Lines: Line [n], Line [m]
[Specific line interpretations]
[If relating hexagram:]
Relating Hexagram: #[number] - [Chinese Name] ([English Name])
[Hexagram diagram]
═══════════════════════════════════════
TRADITIONAL INTERPRETATION
═══════════════════════════════════════
Judgment: [Traditional text from database]
Image: [Traditional text from database]
[If changing lines:]
Line [n]: [Traditional line text]
Line [m]: [Traditional line text]
═══════════════════════════════════════
PERSONALIZED READING
═══════════════════════════════════════
[AI-synthesized interpretation that:
- Addresses the specific question
- Integrates primary hexagram meaning
- Incorporates changing line wisdom
- Shows trajectory to relating hexagram (if applicable)
- Provides practical, actionable insight
- Maintains respectful, thoughtful tone]
═══════════════════════════════════════
Common Hexagram Themes
Understanding Key Concepts
Creative (1) vs Receptive (2)
The fundamental polarity of yang and yin
Active initiation vs responsive adaptation
Know when to lead and when to follow
Difficulty (3, 39, 47)
Obstacles are natural and temporary
Perseverance and patience required
Seek help when needed
Waiting (5) vs Action (24, 25)
Timing is everything
Sometimes action, sometimes patience
Trust the natural rhythm
Conflict (6) vs Peace (11)
Discord can be resolved through understanding
Harmony requires effort to maintain
Balance opposing forces
Progress (35) vs Retreat (33)
Advance when the time is favorable
Withdraw when prudence demands
Both are necessary movements
Change (49) vs Constancy (32)
Transformation is sometimes necessary
Stability provides foundation
Know what to change and what to preserve
Skill Usage
When to Use This Skill
This skill should be invoked when:
User types /iching [question]
User asks for I Ching consultation
User requests divination or oracle guidance
What This Skill Provides
Complete hexagram database - All 64 hexagrams with traditional texts
Three-coin method simulation - Authentic probability distribution
Interpretation framework - How to synthesize readings
Best practices - Question formulation, reading structure, tone
Integration with /iching Command
The /iching command handles:
Accepting user questions
Simulating coin tosses
Building hexagrams
Calculating changes
Formatting output
Saving to journal
This skill provides:
Hexagram meanings and texts
Interpretation methodology
Traditional wisdom
Synthesis guidance
Ethics and Responsibility
Divination as Guidance
The I Ching is a tool for reflection and insight, not fortune-telling
Readings should empower choice, not remove agency
No guarantees or absolute predictions should be made
Users are responsible for their own decisions
When to Decline
Do not perform readings about harm to others
Do not make medical, legal, or financial predictions
Do not use I Ching for trivial or disrespectful questions
Redirect users to appropriate professionals when needed
Respect for Tradition
Honor the ancient wisdom while making it accessible
Acknowledge the cultural and historical significance
Don't trivialize or mock the practice
Maintain the philosophical depth
Resources
Primary Reference
All hexagram texts, judgments, images, and line interpretations are in:
/home/dazman/shocks-ehcp/.claude/skills/iching/references/external/iching-hexagrams.md
Further Study
For deeper understanding:
Wilhelm/Baynes translation (classic English version)
Blofeld translation (accessible modern version)
Huang's I Ching (scholarly interpretation)
The I Ching Workbook by R.L. Wing (practical guide)
Summary
This skill enables Claude to perform authentic I Ching consultations using the three-coin method, providing readings that combine ancient wisdom with contemporary relevance. Use the traditional texts as foundation, apply thoughtful interpretation, and help users gain insight into their questions.
Remember: The I Ching is not about predicting the future, but understanding the present and recognizing the patterns of change. Every reading is an invitation to deeper awareness and wiser action.