Spiritual and introspective practices to make decisions in difficult times.

Have you or someone you know ever used your horoscope, palm reading, divination, or other techniques to consult someone for guidance.

Why is it that people can find it bring clarity and peace of mind and an ability to move forward with an emotionally charged or difficult decision.

Is this the equivalent of the placebo effect?

In many cultures such as India and China it is not unusual to seek a fortune teller, Astrologer or other divination expert for their counsel or advice.

Have you ever wondered why some people find peace and a way of moving forward by consulting the bible or going to a spiritualist or other person or healer.

A positive frame of mind is so important in helping us deal with problems and find a way through particularly when we need to take a different perspective.

Why is it that the vague guidance can open a different perspective?

How can one access our subconscious or inner self to make decisions.

Today we often use rational techniques to make decisions but the beauty of the mind is that it can use more vague techniques to sometimes arrive at decisions and access different perspectives particularly when we are stressed and overwhelmed and our "rational mind" doesn't work and can often bring "peace of mind" to a stressed or overwhelmed mind.

I-Ching

The Chinese symbol for the I Ching, or "Yi Jing" as it's spelled in Pinyin (the romanization system for Chinese characters), is 易经. These two characters together form the name of this ancient divination text.

• 易 (Yì) means "change" or "easy."
• 经 (Jīng) means "classic" or "scripture."

So, the term "易经" (Yì Jīng) can be translated as "The Classic of Changes" or "The Book of Changes." This title reflects the core theme of the I Ching, which is the understanding of change as a fundamental principle of the universe and human existence.

I Ching, also known as the Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese divination text and one of the oldest of the Chinese classics. It has been used for centuries as a method of gaining insight and guidance in the face of challenges and decisions. Here are some perspectives on how the I Ching can be helpful in solving life's challenges:

1. Decision-Making Guidance: The I Ching is often used as a tool for decision-making. It doesn't predict the future but offers a framework for considering different perspectives and potential outcomes.
2. Self-Reflection: Consulting the I Ching can lead to deep introspection. It often prompts users to reflect on their situation, their actions, and their motivations, fostering a greater understanding of themselves and their circumstances.
3. Philosophical Insights: The I Ching encompasses a wide range of philosophical ideas rooted in Taoism and Confucianism. Its wisdom can offer new ways of thinking about life's problems and challenges.
4. Stress Relief: For some, using the I Ching is a meditative and calming practice that can reduce stress and anxiety, especially in times of uncertainty.
5. Cultural and Historical Connection: Engaging with the I Ching can also be a way of connecting with Chinese cultural and historical wisdom, providing a sense of continuity and perspective.
6. Symbolic Interpretation: The hexagrams and their interpretations in the I Ching are symbolic and open to personal interpretation, which can be a powerful way of finding personal meaning and guidance.
7. Potential for Misinterpretation: I Ching’s advice is subject to interpretation, and over-reliance on or decision-making can be problematic. It's best used as a tool for gaining new perspectives rather than as an absolute authority.

Other techniques

1. Tarot Reading: Tarot cards are used for gaining insight, self-reflection, and considering different perspectives on life's situations. Like the I Ching, Tarot readings are open to interpretation and can be a meditative process.
2. Meditation and Mindfulness: These practices encourage a deep connection with the self, fostering introspection and clarity of thought, which can be invaluable in decision-making and dealing with challenges.
3. Astrology: Astrological readings, based on the positions of celestial bodies, offer insights into personality traits, life events, and decision-making. Many find astrology helpful for gaining a different perspective on their situations.
4. Journaling: Writing in a journal can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and problem-solving. It allows individuals to clarify their thoughts and feelings, consider different angles of a situation, and make more informed decisions.
5. Counseling or Therapy: Speaking with a counselor or therapist offers guided introspection and professional insights. This can be particularly helpful for understanding deeper emotional responses and patterns in decision-making.
6. Yoga and Body-Mind Practices: These practices often integrate physical postures with mindfulness and meditation, offering a holistic approach to self-awareness and mental clarity.
7. Philosophical and Spiritual Texts: Reading and reflecting on philosophical or spiritual texts from various traditions can provide new perspectives and insights, much like the I Ching.
8. Divination Practices: Other forms of divination, like runes, crystal gazing, or the use of pendulums, can also offer guidance and a framework for introspection.
9. Dream Interpretation: Analysing and interpreting dreams can be another path to understanding subconscious thoughts and feelings, aiding in decision-making and personal growth.

So if you are curious about an alternative perspective or just want to have fun, try it.

The 64 Hexagrams are

1. Qian (乾) - The Creative: Heaven, strong action, the active principle.
2. Kun (坤) - The Receptive: Earth, receptiveness, the passive principle.
3. Zhun (屯) - Difficulty at the Beginning: Sprouting, challenge in starting.
4. Meng (蒙) - Youthful Folly: Inexperienced, education.
5. Xu (需) - Waiting: Patience, waiting for the right moment.
6. Song (訟) - Conflict: Dispute, the need to resolve conflicts.
7. Shi (师) - The Army: Collective force, discipline.
8. Bi (比) - Holding Together: Unity, support, finding allies.
9. Xiao Xu (小畜) - The Taming Power of the Small: Cultivation, small gains.
10. Lu (履) - Treading: Conduct, cautious action.
11. Tai (泰) - Peace: Harmony, balance.
12. Pi (否) - Standstill: Stagnation, decline.
13. Tong Ren (同人) - Fellowship: Community, working with others.
14. Da You (大有) - Great Possession: Abundance, achievement.
15. Qian (謙) - Modesty: Humility, modest approach.
16. Yu (豫) - Enthusiasm: Encouragement, joy.
17. Sui (隨) - Following: Adaptability, following.
18. Gu (蠱) - Work on What Has Been Spoiled: Repair, correcting past mistakes.
19. Lin (臨) - Approach: Coming closer, arrival.
20. Guan (觀) - Contemplation: Observation, looking inward.
21. Shi He (噬嗑) - Biting Through: Breakthrough, resolving.
22. Bi (賁) - Grace: Beauty, refinement.
23. Bo (剝) - Splitting Apart: Decline, decay.
24. Fu (復) - Return: Renewal, return to normal.
25. Wu Wang (無妄) - Innocence: Naturalness, spontaneous action.
26. Da Chu (大畜) - The Taming Power of the Great: Restraint, potential energy.
27. Yi (頤) - The Corners of the Mouth: Nourishment, providing care.
28. Da Guo (大過) - Preponderance of the Great: Excess, overstretched.
29. Kan (坎) - The Abysmal: Water, danger, the unknown.
30. Li (離) - The Clinging: Fire, clarity, dependence.
31. Xian (咸) - Influence: Attraction, interaction.
32. Heng (恆) - Duration: Persistence, endurance.
33. Dun (遁) - Retreat: Withdrawal, retreat.
34. Da Zhuang (大壯) - The Power of the Great: Strength, vigor.
35. Jin (晉) - Progress: Advancement, progress.
36. Ming Yi (明夷) - Darkening of the Light: Adversity, concealment.
37. Jia Ren (家人) - The Family: Family matters, domesticity.
38. Kui (睽) - Opposition: Divergence, conflicting interests.
39. Jian (蹇) - Obstruction: Difficulties, obstacles.
40. Jie (解) - Deliverance: Relief, solving problems.
41. Sun (損) - Decrease: Reduction, cutting back.
42. Yi (益) - Increase: Gain, improvement.
43. Guai (夬) - Breakthrough: Resolute action, decision.
44. Gou (姤) - Coming to Meet: Encounter, meeting opposition.
45. Cui (萃) - Gathering Together: Uniting, coming together.
46. Sheng (升) - Pushing Upward: Advancement, promotion.
47. Kun (困) - Oppression: Exhaustion, adversity.
48. Jing (井) - The Well: Resources, nourishing.
49. Ge (革) - Revolution: Change, transformation.
50. Ding (鼎) - The Caldron: Establishment, solidifying.
51. Zhen (震) - The Arousing: Thunder, shock, awakening.
52. Gen (艮) - Keeping Still: Stillness, pause.
53. Jian (漸) - Development: Gradual progress, growth.
54. Gui Mei (歸妹) - The Marrying Maiden: Transition, uncertain union.
55. Feng (豐) - Abundance: Fullness, abundance.
56. Lu (旅) - The Wanderer: Travel, transient.
57. Xun (巽) - The Gentle: Wind, penetration.
58. Dui (兌) - The Joyous: Lake, joy, openness.
59. Huan (渙) - Dispersion: Dissolution, dispersing.
60. Jie (節) - Limitation: Discipline, moderation.
61. Zhong Fu (中孚) - Inner Truth: Authenticity, inner conviction.
62. Xiao Guo (小過) - Preponderance of the Small: Small excesses, minor details.
63. Ji Ji (既濟) - After Completion: Completion, achievement.
64. Wei Ji (未濟) - Before Completion: Incompletion, transition.

Each hexagram is a complex symbol with a rich interpretation that can vary depending on the context of the question and the specifics of the individual hexagram, including changing lines if present. The I Ching is a deep and nuanced text, and its full understanding requires study and often consultation with experienced practitioners.

Coin Toss Method

1. Gather Coins: Traditionally, three coins are used. Any coins will do, but some prefer coins that are meaningful or significant to them.
2. Define Heads and Tails Values: Assign a numerical value to each side of the coins. Typically, heads are assigned the value of 3, and tails are assigned the value of 2.
3. Toss the Coins: Toss the coins six times, each time recording the sum of the values. This will give you a number between 6 and 9 for each toss.
4. Determine the Lines:A total of 6 or 8 is a broken line (yin).A total of 7 or 9 is an unbroken line (yang).A 6 (old yin) and 9 (old yang) are considered changing lines, indicating a transformation or transition.
5. Build the Hexagram: After six tosses, you will have a six-line hexagram, starting from the bottom (first toss) to the top (last toss).
6. Consult the I Ching: Look up the interpretation of the hexagram in the I Ching. The text provides insights and philosophical advice based on the hexagram.
7. Interpret Changing Lines: If you have any changing lines (6 or 9), these suggest dynamic changes in your situation. These lines change to their opposite (a 6 changes to a 9 and vice versa) to form a second hexagram, which can be looked up for further insight.