Interpreting Yarrow Stalk Results - Probabilities, Symbolism, and Depth

Once you have meticulously cast your hexagram using the yarrow stalk method, understanding the nuances of its results is key to unlocking the I Ching's wisdom. The yarrow stalk method is not just a random number generator; its process and outcomes have specific characteristics, probabilities, and symbolic layers that contribute to the depth of its interpretations.

1. The "Four Symbolisms" and Line Determination

A significant characteristic of the yarrow stalk method is its connection to what is sometimes termed the "four symbolisms." This refers to the four possible states of a line:

• Old Yin (Sum of 6): A Yin line that is changing.
• Young Yang (Sum of 7): A Yang line that is stable.
• Young Yin (Sum of 8): A Yin line that is stable.
• Old Yang (Sum of 9): A Yang line that is changing.

The yarrow stalk process, with its three distinct operations yielding values that sum to 6, 7, 8, or 9, directly generates these four states. This is sometimes contrasted with the basic coin method if it were simplified to only consider "three symbolisms" (e.g., just Yin, Yang, and one type of change). The standard three-coin method as we've discussed (Yin=2, Yang=3) also yields these four states, but the probabilities of achieving them differ significantly from the yarrow stalk method.

2. Probabilities: A Biased Random Number Generator

The yarrow stalk method is, in effect, a biased random number generator. This means the four possible outcomes (6, 7, 8, 9) are not equally probable. This inherent bias is a crucial feature of the method and influences the character of the readings.

Probabilities for each line type (Standard Method):

• Sum of 6 (Old Yin - changing): Probability is 1/16
• Sum of 7 (Young Yang - stable): Probability is 5/16
• Sum of 8 (Young Yin - stable): Probability is 7/16
• Sum of 9 (Old Yang - changing): Probability is 3/16

Implications of these Probabilities:

• Stable Lines are More Common: Young Yin (8) is the most probable outcome, followed by Young Yang (7). Together, stable lines (7 and 8) account for 12/16 (or 3/4) of all possibilities.
• Changing Lines are Less Common: Old Yang (9) is more probable than Old Yin (6). Together, changing lines (6 and 9) account for 4/16 (or 1/4) of possibilities.
• Yang is More Likely to Change than Yin: An Old Yang (9) is three times more likely to appear than an Old Yin (6).
• Bias Towards Stability and Yin: Overall, the method has a tendency towards stable lines, and among stable lines, Yin is slightly more favored.

Your source material notes that the method reportedly inclines towards "advice to slow down." This could be interpreted through the higher probability of stable lines, suggesting a prevailing condition that is not in rapid flux, or through the specific texts associated with more frequently occurring lines or hexagrams. The "probability problems" mentioned in your source might refer to these unequal distributions, which differ markedly from the coin method (where 6 and 9 are each 1/8, and 7 and 8 are each 3/8).

3. Line Number Meanings (6, 7, 8, 9) Revisited

As consistently emphasized, these numbers are key:

• 6 (Old Yin): Represents a situation or aspect that is Yin in nature and is at a point of maximum receptivity or decline, thus holding the energy to transform into Yang. These lines often carry critical advice.
• 7 (Young Yang): Represents a stable, developing Yang energy. It is strong and assertive but not yet at a point of transformation.
• 8 (Young Yin): Represents stable, receptive Yin energy. It is yielding and adaptive, not currently in a state of flux.
• 9 (Old Yang): Represents a situation or aspect that is Yang in nature and has reached its peak, thus holding the energy to transform into Yin. These lines, like 6s, are highly significant.

While your source mentions "slightly conflicting terminologies for which number maps to which 'Younger' or 'Elder' state," the functional interpretation of 6 and 9 as changing lines, and 7 and 8 as unchanging (stable) lines, is the consistent and practical standard for interpretation.

4. Suitability for "Big Questions" and Depth of Insight

The yarrow stalk method is often considered more powerful or appropriate for "Big Questions"—those inquiries that are deeply personal, spiritually significant, or concern major life directions. Several factors contribute to this perception:

• The Ritualistic Process: The lengthiness and meticulousness of the stalk manipulation are not mere mechanics. This ritual immersion can help the diviner enter an altered state of consciousness, a more receptive and intuitive frame of mind. This focused engagement can activate what some call "sympathetic magic" or intensify personal qi.
• Time for Reflection: The slowness of the process allows ample time for the question to settle, for intuition to surface, and for a deeper connection with the oracle to be forged.
• Numbers as "Phenomenal Form of the Law": The numbers derived from the yarrow stalk counts are not seen as arbitrary but as the "phenomenal form of the law governing the situation." They are believed to reflect the underlying principles and patterns at play, helping one to understand and master the situation by aligning with these cosmic laws.
• Likened to Music: The process is sometimes likened to plucking the strings of an instrument and creating music that must then be interpreted. Each step, each count, contributes to the overall "melody" of the reading.

5. Interpreting the Hexagrams

Once the primary hexagram (and secondary, if changing lines are present) is determined:

• Primary Hexagram: Reflects the current situation in relation to the query.
• Changing Lines (6 or 9): These are often the focal point of the reading, offering the most specific advice or highlighting the most dynamic aspects of the situation. The texts for these specific lines in the I Ching are paramount.
• Secondary Hexagram: Indicates the potential future state, the direction the situation is tending, or an underlying aspect that will become more prominent as the changes unfold.

The unique probabilities of the yarrow stalk method mean that certain hexagrams or line combinations will naturally arise more or less frequently than with the coin method, potentially leading to a different "flavor" or emphasis in the guidance received over many readings.

By understanding these interpretive characteristics, you can approach your yarrow stalk readings with greater appreciation for the subtle yet profound ways this ancient method communicates the wisdom of the I Ching.

Next, we will delve into "Article 8: The Ancient Lineage - A History of Yarrow Stalk Divination."