The Yarrow Stalk Method - An Overview of the Ancient Art

Welcome to our in-depth exploration of the yarrow stalk method for consulting the I Ching, the ancient Chinese Book of Changes. While the more commonly known three-coin method offers a path to the I Ching's wisdom, the yarrow stalk method, known in Chinese as bu shi (卜筮), stands as one of the oldest, most traditional, and arguably most profound techniques for engaging with this venerable oracle.

What is the Yarrow Stalk Method?

The yarrow stalk method is a meticulous and ritualized process involving the manipulation of fifty yarrow stalks (though one is set aside, and 49 are actively used) to generate the lines of an I Ching hexagram. Through a series of divisions and counting, specific numerical outcomes are derived, which then determine whether each of the six lines of a hexagram is Yin or Yang, and whether it is stable or changing. It is a more complex and time-consuming process than the coin method, reflecting its deep historical roots and the reverence with which it has traditionally been held.

Ancient Origins

The use of yarrow stalks for divination is profoundly ancient, with its origins tracing back at least to the Early Zhou dynasty (circa 1046–771 BC) in China, and possibly even earlier. It is intrinsically associated with hexagram divination and the development of the I Ching itself. This technique evolved alongside, and not initially in place of, even older divination forms like oracle bone and shell divination.

Significance: Why Choose This Method?

While requiring more patience and dedication, many choose the yarrow stalk method for its:

  • Traditional Importance: It is widely considered the classical and most authentic method for consulting the I Ching, directly linked to the text's earliest strata.
  • Depth of Engagement: The intricate process itself can be a meditative experience, fostering a deeper connection with the query and the oracle.
  • Suitability for "Big Questions": Due to its solemnity and the focused intention it demands, the yarrow stalk method is often preferred for inquiries of significant personal or spiritual importance.

The Symbolic Meaning of Shì (筮)

The very Chinese character for I Ching divination, shì (筮), offers insight into the method's essence. This character is a compound, often interpreted as combining the character for shaman or spirit-medium (巫 wu) with the radical for bamboo (竹) or, by extension, yarrow stalks (often represented by the same radical ⺮). This connection underscores the ancient link between shamanistic practices, the sacred plants used, and the act of divination. Some even note that the opening operations in yarrow stalk divination visually resemble the structure of the character for shaman (巫).

Comparison to the Coin Method

It's important to acknowledge that the yarrow stalk method is considerably more involved and time-consuming than the three-coin method. Where the coin method offers speed and accessibility, the yarrow stalk method emphasizes ritual, process, and a slower, more deliberate engagement with the oracle.

Roadmap for This Workshop Series

This series of articles will guide you comprehensively through the yarrow stalk method:

  • Article 1: The Yarrow Stalk Method - An Overview of the Ancient Art (You are here!)
  • Article 2: The Yarrow Stalks - Acquiring, Preparing, and Honoring Your Divination Tools: Delving into the stalks themselves.
  • Article 3: Preparing for Divination - Ritual, Mindset, and Sacred Inquiry: Setting the stage for a meaningful consultation.
  • Article 4 & 5: The Standard Yarrow Stalk Count (Parts 1 & 2): A detailed step-by-step guide to the traditional casting process.
  • Article 6: Alternative Yarrow Stalk Methods - Short Form & Trigram Casting: Exploring variations.
  • Article 7: Interpreting Yarrow Stalk Results - Probabilities, Symbolism, and Depth: Understanding the unique characteristics of yarrow stalk readings.
  • Article 8: The Ancient Lineage - A History of Yarrow Stalk Divination: Tracing its historical path.
  • Article 9: The Deeper Meaning - Philosophical and Spiritual Dimensions of Yarrow Stalks: Exploring the profound underpinnings of the practice.

Join us as we embark on this journey into one of the most venerable divination arts, connecting with a tradition that has offered guidance and wisdom for millennia.

Previous Next