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The best type of seeds to use are Cassia Tora. However, any type of small seeds, or short grain rice can be used. I used beads when I tried this method out. I have not yet come across any rituals for consecrations of seeds. However, I suspect that, with some modifications, the consecration ritual given for the yarrow stalks is suitable
One enters one's sanctuary, performs three kowtows, and lights the incense and the candle(s). One then meditates upon one's question for the duration of time the incense smolders, until it is out. S/he then prostrates himself/herself before the altar three times, lights another stick of incense and meditates upon being within the spirit of the Dao. After this stick of incense smolders away, one then lights a third stick, saying the following:
Invariable, kind virtues of the Multiverse,
Please Respond to the variable question of my human life.
Show me the consequences of the matter
« state your question here »
Tell me through the hexagram and line what my sincere mind seeks.
One then picks up a few seeds between the middle finger and thumb. Carefully and respectfully place them on a clean sheet of paper. Repeat this process six times, keeping each cluster of seeds in a separate pile --- each pile represents one line. One then counts the number of seeds in each cluster, starting with the first pile, which is the base line. If there is an even number of seeds, then the line is yin, otherwise the line is yang --- except if there is one seed, in which case one redoes that line.
One then asks the question again, and picks up one more cluster of seeds. Count the number of seeds you have, then keep subtracting six, until you have six seeds or less. This gives you the number of the line that specifically represent your situation. It is not a moving Line. If you do not understand your answer, you may rephrase the question, and ask it a second time. However, you may not ask the same question three times: To do so will usually result in the following:
Go ahead to enlighten the undeveloped ones.
It should be the undeveloped one who makes the request,
not the teacher;
He should approach with sincerity.
This is the Way to consult the Yi Jing.
The correctness of the answer depends
upon the sincerity of the request.
If the same question is asked many times,
the mind will become scattered and the energy violated.
This is also called The Method of Sixteen. I first came across this method, using beads. It can. however, be applied to any small objects of the same size and shape. Whincup (1986: 227) suggests shells or pebbles. Hacker (1993) recomends using 48 beads, as that makes it easier to mix the beads up. Glass mosaic tiles might be preferable, as they are large enough to easilly handle.
| Quantity | Color | Energy | Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | White | Yin | 8 |
| 5 | Yellow | Yang | 7 |
| 3 | Red | Old Yang | 9 |
| 1 | Black | Old Yin | 6 |
I used a small bottle that had formerly contained oil « Ecunomicon 1988 » which I thouroughly cleaned. I used beads bought from a local store « Alexandra's » in $1.50 containers. Originally, I was going to use 48 beads, but the bottle appeared to be to "empty". I consequently went with 144 beads. As it is, the bottle is still fairly empty, but I like the rattle it makes, when I shake it, prior to pouring out the beads. Keep both the beads, and the container in a secure place.
To obtain a hexagram, gently shake the container, then blindly pull one object out. Write down what the object was. Put it back, and gently shake the container. Repeat this process untill you have six lines. Construct the hexagram and interpretation in the usual way.
Since I use a small bottle, I pour the beads out, and watch where they roll. After the sixth bead has left the container, I put it upright, and straighten the beads up in a line, with the first bead out indicating line number one, etc. I don't replace the beads until the entire hexagram is constructed. The statistical probabilities if one does not replace the item that was removed, are slightly different than if one does replace the item. If one replaces the beads, the statistical probabilites are th same as using 50 yarrow stalks. Source: Hacker (1993: 146) attributes its invention to Schoenholtz(1975: 82)
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