Method of 16

Keywords:I Ching

The Method of 16 is, in my opinion, a much better way to do the I Ching 
than the Three Coin Method.  First, I'll explain the Method of 16, then 
I'll tell you why it's better.

The Method of 16 uses 16 small, aesthetically attractive objects, such as 
beads, shells, coins, buttons, pebbles etc..   They must all be of the 
same size and shape, but you must be able to choose from four different 
patterns or colors.  Select 7 items of one pattern or color (7 pink 
beads, for example), 5 of a different pattern or color (5 blue beads, for 
example), 3 of another pattern or color (3 white beads), and 1 of a 
unique pattern or color (1 black bead).  Each of the four groups now 
represent a different type of line: 7/16 (the pink beads) = 8 (a broken 
unchanging line [young yin]), 5/16 (the blue beads) = 7 (a solid 
unchanging line [young yang]),  3/16 (the white beads) = 9 (a solid 
changing line [old yang]), and finally, 1/16 (the black bead) = 6 
(a broken changing line [old yin]).   To complete the ritual's 
paraphernalia, thoughtfully select a small bowl and a small container to 
store the 16 items when not in use.

Mix the 16 items together in the small bowl and randomly choose one.  
Note which of the four possible lines it represents, record it as the 
first line of the hexagram (building from the bottom up), then place it 
back in the bowl. (of course, don't look as you select)  It is extremely 
important to place each item back into the bowl so there is always 16 
objects to choose from!  Randomly choose again, and record the second 
line.  Replace it, and continue in a similar manner until the six lines 
of the hexagram have been obtained.  As one performs the ritual, keep in 
mind the question you are inquiring about, and maintain an appropriate 
attitude.

The main advantage of the Method of 16 over the Three Coin Method, though 
certainly not it's only advantage, is a statistical one.  With the Yarrow 
Stalk Method, which will remain the purist's choice, the probabilities of 
obtaining each of the four different kinds of lines are not the same.  
For example, the chances of getting a broken unchanging line (8- -), are 
7 out of 16; the odds of getting a solid unchanging line (7---), are 5 
out of 16; for a solid line that changes (9-o-), 3 out of 16; for a 
broken line that changes (6-x-), the odds are only 1 out of 16.

Using the Three Coins Method, the chances of obtaining either type of 
unchanging line is 6 out of 16, and the chances of obtaining either type 
of changing line is 2 out of 16.  The Method of 16 precisely duplicates 
the probabilities of the Yarrow Stalk Method, something that the Coin 
Method obviously does not do!

I found this method in "The I Ching: An Illustrated Guide to the Chinese 
Art of Divination", illustrated by Tan Xiaochun and translated by Koh Kok 
Kiang.  According to that book, Larry Schoenholtz proposed this method in 
his book, "New Directions in the I Ching".  I switched from using the 
Coins Method which I had used for over 20 years.  

Good luck.  Perhaps this method will suit you.

Signed,  Dr. Lightning

Francis Szot
szot@bcfreenet.seflin.lib.fl.us