I often get emails asking what the I Ching is and how to get started. And while there is enough to reflect on in the I Ching and its traditions to keep anyone engrossed for several lifetimes, getting started with it is absurdly simple.
I was reminded just how simple last weekend, when I met up with some people at a local bar to read for them. Since they’d never encountered the oracle before, I started out by pointing to the hexagrams in the book to show what we’d be casting, and explained how each line of the hexagram would be selected. Within an hour or two, the woman I was reading for was jumping in happily with ideas and interpretations, all of them absolutely on target. That’s how long it takes to become confident and start a productive conversation with the oracle.
So… you will need:
- A decent translation of the oracle. I Ching book reviews here; superb downloadable free translation here.
- Some means of consultation – the coins in your purse will do fine.
- Time.
I’ve written a detailed introduction to the oracle in this site’s ‘Practical I Ching‘ section, where you can read about what the I Ching is, how to choose a question, and how to cast a hexagram. And/or there’s a free I Ching email course that introduces the absolute basics.
But the essential is just to get started, open the conversation. Maybe start by asking the oracle what it can be for you, or how you can best approach it. There’s always more to learn – but there is really very little you need to know to get underway.