第5課：如何起卦：金錢卦法
⏱ 預計閱讀10分鐘
How to Cast a Hexagram: A Beginner’s Guide to 起卦 (Qǐ Guà)
Welcome! You are about to learn one of the most ancient and fascinating methods of self-inquiry: **起卦 (qǐ guà)**, or “casting a hexagram.” This practice comes from the **I Ching (Yì Jīng)**, the “Book of Changes,” a Chinese classic over 2,500 years old. The I Ching is not fortune-telling in the sense of a fixed future. Instead, it is a tool for reflection. By casting a hexagram—a figure of six stacked lines—you create a symbolic snapshot of the energy of a moment, helping you understand a situation, a question, or a decision.
This lesson is for complete beginners. We will focus on the simplest and most accessible method: the **three-coin method**. By the end, you will be able to cast your own hexagram, read its basic structure, and begin to interpret its meaning.
---
Key Concepts: The Foundation of 起卦
Before you toss a single coin, you must understand the building blocks of the I Ching. These concepts are not optional; they are the grammar of the language you are learning.
### The Two Primal Lines: Yin and Yang
Every hexagram is built from two fundamental line types:
* **A Solid Line (—)** : This is called **Yáng (阳)** . It represents the active, masculine, bright, creative, and firm principle. Think of the sun, strength, movement, and assertion.
* **A Broken Line (- -)** : This is called **Yīn (阴)** . It represents the receptive, feminine, dark, yielding, and nurturing principle. Think of the moon, softness, stillness, and acceptance.
These two lines are the binary code of the cosmos. A hexagram is simply a stack of six of these lines, read from the bottom up (like building a house).
### Trigrams and Hexagrams
A hexagram is not just a random pile of lines. It is composed of two **trigrams** (三卦, sān guà)—groups of three lines. The lower three lines form the **Inner Trigram** (also called the Lower Trigram), representing your inner world, the situation’s foundation, or what is coming from within. The upper three lines form the **Outer Trigram** (also called the Upper Trigram), representing the external world, the situation’s influence, or what is coming from without.
There are eight possible trigrams, each with a name, an image, and a family relationship. You will encounter them constantly. Learn their names:
| Trigram | Image | Family Role | Symbol |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| ☰ (Qián) | Heaven | Father | Creative, strong, powerful |
| ☷ (Kūn) | Earth | Mother | Receptive, yielding, devoted |
| ☳ (Zhèn) | Thunder | First Son | Arousing, shocking, action |
| ☵ (Kǎn) | Water | Second Son | Dangerous, deep, flowing |
| ☶ (Gèn) | Mountain | Third Son | Stillness, stopping, resting |
| ☲ (Lí) | Fire | Second Daughter | Clinging, brightness, clarity |
| ☴ (Xùn) | Wind/Wood | First Daughter | Gentle, penetrating, flexible |
| ☱ (Duì) | Lake | Third Daughter | Joyful, open, relaxing |
When you combine any two of these trigrams, you get one of the 64 possible hexagrams. For example, **Trigram of Thunder below** and **Trigram of Heaven above** creates Hexagram 25: **Wú Wàng** (Innocence).
### Changing Lines (动爻, Dòng Yáo)
This is the most important concept for beginners to grasp. **A hexagram is not static.** When you cast the coins, some lines may be **changing lines**. A changing line is a line that is in the process of transforming from Yin to Yang, or Yang to Yin.
* If a line is **old Yang** (a changing Yang line), it will eventually become a Yin line.
* If a line is **old Yin** (a changing Yin line), it will eventually become a Yang line.
This creates a **second hexagram**—the future hexagram that results from these changes. The **primary hexagram** (the one you cast) represents your current situation or the question as it stands. The **changing lines** represent the dynamic energy, the advice, or the key areas of transformation. The **resultant hexagram** (after changes) represents the outcome or the future state if you follow the advice.
Do not worry if this sounds complex. We will practice it step by step.
---
The Three-Coin Method: A Step-by-Step Practical Example
Let’s cast a hexagram together. You will need three identical coins (any coins work—US pennies, Chinese yuan, whatever you have). Designate one side as **Yáng** (heads) and the other as **Yīn** (tails). For this lesson, we will say heads = 3, tails = 2. (The numbers matter for determining changing lines.)
### Step 1: Formulate Your Question
Sit quietly. Take three deep breaths. Hold your coins in your cupped hands. Focus your mind on a clear, open question. Avoid questions that are vague (“Will I be happy?”) or overly specific (“Will I get the job at 2:00 PM on Tuesday?”). Instead, ask something like:
* “What do I need to know about my current career situation?”
* “How should I approach this conflict with my friend?”
* “What energy is surrounding my creative project?”
### Step 2: Toss the Coins Six Times
You will toss the coins **six times**, once for each line of the hexagram. **Remember: the first toss builds the bottom line (Line 1), and the sixth toss builds the top line (Line 6).**
For each toss, count the total value:
* **Three heads (3+3+3 = 9):** This is **Old Yang** (a changing Yang line). Draw a solid line and mark it with an "x" or a circle to show it changes.
* **Two heads, one tail (3+3+2 = 8):** This is **Young Yin** (a static Yin line). Draw a broken line (- -).
* **One head, two tails (3+2+2 = 7):** This is **Young Yang** (a static Yang line). Draw a solid line (—).
* **Three tails (2+2+2 = 6):** This is **Old Yin** (a changing Yin line). Draw a broken line and mark it with an "x" or a circle.
### Practical Example: Let's Cast!
Let’s say you ask: “What energy surrounds my relationship with my partner?”
**Toss 1 (Bottom line, Line 1):** Two heads, one tail. Total = 8. This is **Young Yin**. Draw a broken line at the bottom.
**Toss 2 (Line 2):** Three tails. Total = 6. This is **Old Yin** (changing). Draw a broken line with a mark (x).
**Toss 3 (Line 3):** One head, two tails. Total = 7. This is **Young Yang**. Draw a solid line.
**Toss 4 (Line 4):** Three heads. Total = 9. This is **Old Yang** (changing). Draw a solid line with a mark (x).
**Toss 5 (Line 5):** Two heads, one tail. Total = 8. This is **Young Yin**. Draw a broken line.
**Toss 6 (Top line, Line 6):** One head, two tails. Total = 7. This is **Young Yang**. Draw a solid line.
Your **Primary Hexagram** (from bottom to top) looks like this:
```
Line 6: — (Young Yang)
Line 5: - - (Young Yin)
Line 4: — (Old Yang, changing)
Line 3: — (Young Yang)
Line 2: - - (Old Yin, changing)
Line 1: - - (Young Yin)
```
Now, identify the trigrams:
* **Lower Trigram (lines 1-3):** Yin, Yin, Yang. That is ☳ (Thunder, Zhèn).
* **Upper Trigram (lines 4-6):** Yang, Yin, Yang. That is ☲ (Fire, Lí).
So your **Primary Hexagram** is **Hexagram 55: Fēng (Abundance)** , formed by Thunder (below) and Fire (above).
### Step 3: Create the Resultant Hexagram
Now, apply the changes. Any line marked as changing (Old Yin or Old Yang) flips to its opposite.
* Line 2 was Old Yin (- -) → becomes Young Yang (—).
* Line 4 was Old Yang (—) → becomes Young Yin (- -).
All other lines stay the same. Your **Resultant Hexagram** (the future state) becomes:
```
Line 6: — (stays)
Line 5: - - (stays)
Line 4: — becomes - - (changed)
Line 3: — (stays)
Line 2: - - becomes — (changed)
Line 1: - - (stays)
```
New trigrams:
* **Lower Trigram:** Yin, Yang, Yang. That is ☴ (Wind, Xùn).
* **Upper Trigram:** Yang, Yin, Yin. That is ☷ (Earth, Kūn).
Your Resultant Hexagram is **Hexagram 20: Guān (Contemplation)** .
### Step 4: Interpret the Hexagram
This is the heart of the practice. You now have three things to look up:
1. **The Primary Hexagram (55: Abundance):** This describes your current situation.
2. **The Changing Lines (Lines 2 and 4):** These are the specific advice or focal points.
3. **The Resultant Hexagram (20: Contemplation):** This suggests the direction or outcome.
For a beginner, do not try to memorize all 64 hexagrams. Use a reliable I Ching book or an online resource. For our example, a typical interpretation might be:
* **Primary Hexagram 55 (Abundance):** This suggests a time of fullness, prosperity, and success. However, the name also implies a “greatness” that can become overwhelming. The image is of fire (clarity, passion) over thunder (action, movement). Your relationship is vibrant and active, but there is a risk of burnout or overstimulation.
* **Changing Line 2 (Old Yin):** The text for Hexagram 55, Line 2 often speaks of a “darkness at noon” or a hidden flaw. It advises you to look beneath the surface of your partner’s (or your own) emotions. The line says: “The curtain is so thick, you cannot see the stars.” This suggests a hidden frustration or a lack of transparency that needs gentle revelation.
* **Changing Line 4 (Old Yang):** This line often warns of a “thunderclap” or sudden insight. It says: “He meets his ruler. Good fortune.” This suggests that a direct, honest conversation (the “ruler”) will bring clarity. The change from Yang to Yin implies you must soften your approach—don’t be aggressive.
* **Resultant Hexagram 20 (Contemplation):** This hexagram is about observing, reflecting, and understanding the bigger picture. It suggests that after the “abundance” (Phase 1), the relationship needs a period of quiet observation. Instead of trying to fix everything, you are advised to step back and see the patterns clearly. The outcome is wisdom, not immediate action.
---
Summary
You have now learned the core method of 起卦. Let’s recap the essentials:
1. **Purpose:** 起卦 is a tool for reflection and insight, not a prediction of a fixed fate. It helps you see your situation from a new perspective.
2. **Key Concepts:**
* **Yin and Yang** are the two fundamental energies—receptive (broken line) and active (solid line).
* **Trigrams** are groups of three lines. Eight trigrams create the foundation for 64 hexagrams.
* **Changing Lines** are the dynamic element. They transform the primary hexagram into a resultant hexagram, showing the movement from present to future.
3. **The Three-Coin Method:**
* Formulate a clear, open question.
* Toss three coins six times.
* Record each line from bottom to top.
* Use the coin totals (6,7,8,9) to determine if a line is static or changing.
* Identify the primary hexagram and the resultant hexagram.
4. **Interpretation:** Look up the meaning of the primary hexagram, the specific changing lines, and the resultant hexagram. The changing lines are the most important—they are the “weather report” for the situation.
Remember: The I Ching is a mirror. The answer is already within you; the hexagram simply helps you see it more clearly.
---
Practice
To become comfortable with 起卦, you must do it. Here are three exercises to build your skills.
### Exercise 1: Coin Toss Drill (No Interpretation)
This exercise is purely mechanical. Do not look up any meanings. Simply practice the process.
1. Take three coins and toss them 6 times.
2. Write down the total for each toss (e.g., 8, 7, 9, 6, 8, 7).
3. Draw the primary hexagram lines (e.g., Young Yin, Young Yang, Old Yang, Old Yin, Young Yin, Young Yang).
4. Circle or mark any changing lines.
5. Draw the resultant hexagram by flipping the changing lines.
6. **Do not look up the hexagram numbers.** Just practice the physical act of casting and recording. Repeat this 3 times until the steps feel automatic.
### Exercise 2: Identify the Trigrams
Take the following primary hexagrams (drawn from bottom to top). Identify the lower and upper trigrams, and then find the hexagram number using an I Ching chart (or look it up online).
* **Hexagram A:** Line 1: —, Line 2: —, Line 3: - -, Line 4: —, Line 5: —, Line 6: —.
* **Hexagram B:** Line 1: - -, Line 2: —, Line 3: —, Line 4: - -, Line 5: - -, Line 6: —.
* **Hexagram C:** Line 1: —, Line 2: —, Line 3: —, Line 4: - -, Line 5: - -, Line 6: - -.
*Answers: A = Hexagram 10 (Treading, Heaven over Lake), B = Hexagram 42 (Increase, Wind over Thunder), C = Hexagram 11 (Peace, Earth over Heaven).*
### Exercise 3: A Real Cast
Now, do a full reading for a real question. Choose something low-stakes—not “Should I marry this person?” but something like: “What is the energy of my day today?” or “How can I best approach this homework assignment?”
1. Cast the hexagram using the three-coin method.
2. Write down the primary hexagram and the resultant hexagram.
3. Write down the line numbers of any changing lines.
4. Look up the meaning of the primary hexagram and the changing lines in a book or online resource. (The Wilhelm/Baynes translation is the classic. Free websites like "I Ching Online" are fine for beginners.)
5. Write a short paragraph summarizing what you think the hexagram is saying about your question. **Do not worry if it feels vague or wrong.** The goal is practice, not perfection.
**Pro Tip:** Keep a journal of your casts. Write down the date, your question, the hexagram, and your thoughts. After a week, look back. You will often see patterns that were invisible at the time. This is how the I Ching teaches you.
You are now ready to begin your journey with 起卦. Cast with respect, interpret with an open mind, and remember: the hexagram is a conversation, not a command. Happy casting!