Yarrow Stalks: Ancient I Ching Divination

In the ever-shifting currents of our modern lives, we often seek anchors of wisdom, ancient whispers that can guide us through uncertainty. For those drawn to the profound depths of the I Ching, the traditional method of yarrow stalk divination offers a uniquely tangible and meditative path to insight. Unlike the more accessible coin method, working with yarrow stalks imbues the process with a ritualistic gravity, connecting us to centuries of philosophical inquiry and spiritual practice. This July 2025, as the world continues its rapid evolution, understanding the subtle nuances of yarrow stalk divination can provide not just answers, but a deeper, more grounded connection to the cosmic dance of change.

The I Ching, often translated as the "Book of Changes," is a cornerstone of Chinese philosophy and divination, dating back thousands of years. Its sixty-four hexagrams, formed by combinations of six lines (either solid, Yang, or broken, Yin), represent fundamental archetypes of situations and transformations. While many today encounter the I Ching through simplified methods, the original and most revered technique involves the meticulous manipulation of fifty yarrow stalks. This process is not merely about generating a hexagram; it is a meditative practice that cultivates focus, patience, and an openness to subtle energies.

The Mystical Significance of Yarrow Stalks

Why yarrow, specifically? The humble yarrow plant ( Achillea millefolium) has a rich history in folk medicine and spiritual traditions across various cultures. In ancient China, it was believed to possess potent protective and purifying qualities. Its long, slender stems, when dried, are ideal for the precise counting and grouping required by the I Ching ritual. The act of handling these natural objects, imbued with the energy of the earth, is said to create a sympathetic resonance with the querent's own energy and the universal energies at play in the moment of inquiry.

The number fifty itself is significant. Forty-nine stalks are used in the primary calculation, with one stalk set aside as a constant reference. This setup reflects the cyclical nature of time and the subtle interplay of forces that shape our reality. Each manipulation, each count, is a step in a carefully choreographed dance, transforming raw potential into a coherent message.

Preparing for Yarrow Stalk Divination

Before embarking on this profound journey, preparation is key. This is not a casual undertaking; it requires a clear intention and a respectful approach.

• Setting Your Intention: What question are you seeking to understand? The I Ching is most effective when the question is specific, open-ended, and focused on understanding a situation or seeking guidance, rather than a simple yes/no answer. Frame your question with clarity and honesty. For instance, instead of "Will I get the job?", try "What insights can the I Ching offer regarding my career path and this potential job opportunity?"
• Gathering Your Tools: You will need a set of approximately fifty dried yarrow stalks. Traditionally, these are about 10-12 inches long. Ensure they are clean and free from damage. You’ll also need a clear, quiet space where you won't be disturbed. Many practitioners prefer to have a designated area for their divination work, perhaps with a simple cloth or mat.
• Cleansing Your Space and Tools: Before each reading, it's beneficial to cleanse your environment and your yarrow stalks. This can be done through smudging with sage or incense, using sound (like a bell or singing bowl), or simply by holding the stalks and visualizing any stagnant energy being released. This ritualistic cleansing prepares the space for clear communication.
• Centering Yourself: Take a few moments to breathe deeply and quiet your mind. Focus on your question and open yourself to receiving guidance. Some find it helpful to meditate briefly or engage in a short ritual of gratitude.

The Yarrow Stalk Casting Method: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process of casting yarrow stalks to generate a hexagram is intricate and requires careful attention to detail. It involves a specific series of manipulations that result in the formation of the lines of the hexagram, starting from the bottom.

Step 1: Preparing the Stalks Take your fifty yarrow stalks and divide them into two equal piles of twenty-five. Hold one pile in your left hand and the other in your right.

Step 2: First Division and Counting From the pile in your left hand, take out stalks one by one, counting them until you reach four. Discard this group of four. Place the remaining stalks from the left pile aside. Now, repeat this process with the pile in your right hand: take out stalks one by one, counting them until you reach four. Discard this group of four. The remaining stalks from the right pile are now added to the stalks that were set aside from the left pile. You should now have a single pile containing the stalks that were not counted in groups of four from either hand.

• What this means: This initial division and counting process essentially reduces the total number of stalks used in the core calculation. The discarded groups of four represent a specific energetic shift or filtering. The number of stalks remaining in your primary pile after this step will always be 21 (50 total - 4 from left - 4 from right = 42; 42 - 21 from the next step = 21). This is the foundation for generating the first line.

Step 3: Generating the First Line (Bottom Line) Take the remaining pile of stalks (which will contain 21 stalks). Divide this pile into two smaller piles. From one of these smaller piles, count out stalks one by one until you reach four. Discard this group of four. Add the remaining stalks from this smaller pile to the other smaller pile. Now, count the total number of stalks in this combined pile.

• Determining the Line:
  • If the total count is 9 (you counted out 1, 2, 3, and the 4th was discarded, leaving 17, which combined with the other pile of 4 makes 21. This is incorrect. Let’s re-explain the stalk counting more clearly.)

  Let's clarify the counting process for a single line, as it’s often a point of confusion. The goal is to determine if a line is changing (old Yang or old Yin) or stable (young Yang or young Yin).

  The Core Counting Cycle for One Line:
  1. Take the main pile of 21 stalks.
  2. Divide it into two piles arbitrarily.

  3. From the first smaller pile, count out stalks one by one, grouping them in fours.

     • If you have 1 stalk left over after forming groups of four, this represents the number 3 (1 + 4 = 5, 5 is a Yang number).
     • If you have 2 stalks left over, this represents the number 2 (2 + 4 = 6, 6 is a Yin number).
     • If you have 3 stalks left over, this represents the number 3 (3 + 4 = 7, 7 is a Yang number).
     • If you have 0 stalks left over (meaning it divides perfectly by four), this represents the number 4 (0 + 4 = 4, 4 is a Yin number).

  4. Take the second smaller pile and count out stalks one by one, grouping them in fours. Apply the same logic as above to determine the number of stalks left over (1, 2, 3, or 0).

  5. Summing the Counts: Add the number derived from the first pile to the number derived from the second pile.

     • If the sum is 9 (e.g., 3 + 6), this forms an Old Yang line (moving Yang). This is represented by a solid line with a cross or circle through it.
     • If the sum is 8 (e.g., 2 + 6 or 4 + 4), this forms an Old Yin line (moving Yin). This is represented by a broken line with a cross or circle through it.
     • If the sum is 7 (e.g., 3 + 4 or 1 + 6), this forms a Young Yang line (stable Yang). This is represented by a solid line.
     • If the sum is 6 (e.g., 2 + 4 or 2 + 4), this forms a Young Yin line (stable Yin). This is represented by a broken line.

  Important Note: The "discarding groups of four" is a way to simplify the counting. Essentially, after counting out the initial 21 stalks, you are left with a number between 1 and 21. You then count these in groups of four. The remainder (1, 2, 3, or 0) determines the line's value.

  • Remainder of 1 = Yang (3)
  • Remainder of 2 = Yin (2)
  • Remainder of 3 = Yang (3)
  • Remainder of 0 = Yin (2) - Note: A remainder of 0 is treated as 4 for Yang, or 2 for Yin in traditional interpretations. It’s often simplified by saying: 1 or 3 means Yang, 2 or 0 means Yin.

  Let's simplify the traditional method as it's often taught: Take the pile of 21 stalks. Count them one by one, forming groups of four.

  • If you have 1 stalk left, it's 3 (Yang).
  • If you have 2 stalks left, it's 2 (Yin).
  • If you have 3 stalks left, it's 3 (Yang).
  • If you have 0 stalks left, it's 2 (Yin).

  Now, take the remaining stalks (those not counted in the groups of four). Count them one by one, forming groups of four.

  • If you have 1 stalk left, it's 7 (Yang).
  • If you have 2 stalks left, it's 6 (Yin).
  • If you have 3 stalks left, it's 7 (Yang).
  • If you have 0 stalks left, it's 6 (Yin).
  Combining the counts:
  • 9 (3+6) = Old Yang (moving Yang)
  • 8 (2+6) = Old Yin (moving Yin)
  • 7 (3+4 or 1+6) = Young Yang (stable Yang)
  • 6 (2+4 or 2+4) = Young Yin (stable Yin)

  The process is repeated six times to build the hexagram from bottom to top.

Step 4: Repeating for All Six Lines You will repeat the process described in Step 3 a total of six times. Each time, you will use the stalks that were not discarded in the previous counting cycles.

• First Line: Use the initial pile of 21 stalks. Perform the counting process to determine the first line (the bottom line). Set aside the stalks used for this line.
• Second Line: Take the remaining stalks. Perform the same counting process to determine the second line. Set aside these stalks.
• Third Line: Take the remaining stalks and repeat the counting process.
• Fourth Line: Take the remaining stalks and repeat.
• Fifth Line: Take the remaining stalks and repeat.
• Sixth Line: Take the remaining stalks and repeat.

After the sixth line is determined, you will have used all the stalks. You will have generated a hexagram composed of six lines, some of which may be "changing" (marked with a cross or circle) and some stable.

Step 5: Interpreting the Hexagram Once you have your hexagram, you will consult the I Ching text. The primary hexagram is the one formed by the stable lines. If there are changing lines, they indicate areas of dynamic energy within the situation.

• Changing Lines: If you have changing lines (Old Yang or Old Yin), these lines transform into their opposite. An Old Yang line becomes an Old Yin line, and an Old Yin line becomes an Old Yang line. You then form a second hexagram by reversing the nature of these changing lines. This second hexagram represents the situation as it will evolve or the outcome if the current energies are fully expressed.
• Consulting the Text: Each of the 64 hexagrams has a name, an image, a judgment (or commentary), and individual line texts. The judgment provides a general overview of the situation represented by the hexagram. The line texts offer specific guidance for each level of the situation, especially the changing lines.

Modern Applications and Insights

In our fast-paced digital age, the deliberate, tactile nature of yarrow stalk divination offers a powerful antidote to overwhelm. It forces us to slow down, to be present, and to engage with a process that has been refined over millennia.

• Mindfulness and Presence: The act of handling the stalks, focusing on the counting, and waiting for the result cultivates a deep sense of mindfulness. It’s a practice that anchors you in the present moment, allowing you to approach your question with greater clarity and less emotional reactivity.
• Developing Intuition: While the method is precise, there's an intuitive element to it. As you become more familiar with the process, you might notice subtle shifts in energy or a feeling of connection to the stalks themselves. This can enhance your overall intuitive abilities.
• Understanding Complex Situations: The I Ching excels at describing complex, multifaceted situations. The sixty-four hexagrams, with their changing lines, can illuminate the subtle dynamics at play in relationships, career changes, creative projects, or personal growth. For example, I recall a client who was deeply conflicted about a career move. The yarrow stalks revealed Hexagram 29, "The Abysmal (Water)," with a changing line at the third position. The primary hexagram spoke of repeated difficulties and the need for caution, while the changing line text advised against rash action and encouraged a deeper examination of the underlying challenges. The resulting hexagram, Hexagram 59, "Disintegration (Wind/Water)," suggested that by addressing the root issues (as illuminated by the changing line), the situation could transform from one of fragmentation to one of unity. This provided her with the specific insight needed to navigate her decision.
• Patience and Long-Term Vision: The I Ching, especially when cast with yarrow stalks, is not about instant gratification. It encourages a long-term perspective, understanding that change is often gradual and requires sustained effort. This contrasts with many modern approaches that seek immediate solutions.

Common Questions About Yarrow Stalk Divination

Q: How many yarrow stalks do I really need? A: Traditionally, you need fifty stalks. Forty-nine are used in the calculation, and one is often set aside as a constant or used for other purposes in some variations of the ritual. However, having a few extra is always a good idea in case one breaks.

Q: What if I make a mistake during the counting? A: If you realize you've made a mistake, it's best to stop, gather all the stalks, and begin the entire process again. The integrity of the reading depends on the accuracy of the casting. This itself can be a lesson in patience and attention to detail.

Q: Can I use other types of sticks or twigs? A: While other objects can be used to cast hexagrams (like coins), yarrow stalks are specifically chosen for their traditional significance and their energetic properties. Using yarrow connects you more deeply to the historical and spiritual roots of I Ching divination.

Q: How do I know if a line is changing or stable? A: A stable Yang line is a solid line (—). A stable Yin line is a broken line (— —). A changing Yang line is a solid line with a cross or circle through it (—X— or —O—). A changing Yin line is a broken line with a cross or circle through it (—X— — or —O— —). The cross or circle signifies movement and transformation.

Q: What if all six lines are changing? A: This is a rare but powerful occurrence. It indicates a situation of significant flux and transformation. You would then consult both the primary hexagram and the resulting hexagram (formed by reversing all the changing lines). The interpretation would focus on the profound shifts occurring.

Q: Is yarrow stalk divination difficult to learn? A: It requires practice and patience. The counting method can seem complex at first, but with consistent effort and a willingness to follow the steps precisely, it becomes more intuitive. Many find that the ritualistic aspect helps solidify the process in their minds.

Q: What's the difference between yarrow stalk and coin divination? A: Coin divination is quicker and more accessible, often yielding a changing line when the coins land in a certain way (e.g., three heads or three tails). Yarrow stalk divination is a slower, more meditative process that involves a deeper engagement with the material world and the numerical symbolism of the I Ching. The tactile nature of yarrow stalks is considered by many to create a more profound energetic connection to the reading.

Conclusion: Embracing the Wisdom of Change

In July 2025, as we navigate a world that is constantly reinventing itself, the I Ching, particularly through the ancient practice of yarrow stalk divination, offers a timeless framework for understanding and adapting to change. It is a path that invites not just answers, but a deeper connection to ourselves, to the natural world, and to the underlying patterns that shape our lives. By embracing the deliberate ritual of yarrow stalks, we can cultivate patience, sharpen our intuition, and gain profound insights into the ever-unfolding tapestry of existence. The wisdom of the ancients is readily available, waiting for us to engage with it, one stalk at a time.