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Meaning and Context
Sound casting exemplifies the Plum Blossom principle that any phenomenon can trigger divination. When a sound occurs at a significant moment—while asking a question or when something demands attention—it can be converted to a hexagram.
- Source: Any countable sound (knocks, calls, bells, etc.)
- Method: Count the sounds; convert to trigrams via modulo 8
- Timing: Sound should occur naturally at a meaningful moment
- Philosophy: The universe responds through all sensory channels
Spontaneity
Sound casting works best when sounds arise naturally and unexpectedly. Deliberately generating sounds misses the point of this method.
Classical Roots
The Meihua Yishu documents this method:
From Meihua Yishu
「闻声音亦可起卦，以声数起之。」
Plain translation
"Upon hearing sounds, one can also cast a hexagram, using the number of sounds to generate it."
The underlying principle:
From Meihua Yishu
「有感则应，感而遂通。」
Plain translation
"Where there is stimulus, there is response; through stimulus, understanding is achieved." Sounds serve as natural stimuli for divination.
How Sound Casting Works
Methods for converting sounds to hexagrams:
- Single sound sequence: Count sounds; number mod 8 = upper trigram; same or second count mod 8 = lower trigram
- Two sound sequences: First sequence mod 8 = upper; second sequence mod 8 = lower
- Combined with time: Sound gives one trigram; time of occurrence gives another
- Moving line: Total sound count mod 6
Example: While pondering a question, you hear a bird call 5 times, then 3 times. 5 mod 8 = 5 → Xun (Wind); 3 mod 8 = 3 → Li (Fire). Combined = Hexagram 50 "The Cauldron."
How to Read It
Interpreting sound-cast hexagrams:
- Note the sounds that occur at the moment of inquiry
- Count the sounds (or sound sequences)
- Convert to trigrams using mod 8
- Calculate moving line using mod 6
- Interpret the hexagram as with any casting method
Sound symbolism
The type of sound can inform interpretation. Bird calls may relate to messages or freedom; knocking to visitors or opportunities; thunder to sudden changes.
How It Shows Up in FateFolio
In FateFolio's I Ching tool:
- Number input can represent counted sounds
- Automatic conversion to hexagram
- Full interpretation provided
- Sound casting is conceptually supported through numeric input
Common Misconceptions
Common misunderstandings about sound casting:
- Deliberately making sounds to generate a desired hexagram—defeats the purpose
- Ignoring sounds that don't seem "special"—any naturally occurring sound at the moment of inquiry is valid
- Overthinking which sounds to count—trust initial perception
- Forgetting to note the moving line
Sources and Quotes
FAQ
What kind of sounds can I use?
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Any naturally occurring, countable sounds: bird calls, knocks on a door, clock chimes, thunder claps, car horns, phone rings, etc.
The key is that the sounds should occur spontaneously at or near the moment you are formulating your question, not be deliberately produced.
What if I lose count of the sounds?
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Use your best estimate or the number that comes to mind. In Plum Blossom practice, your initial impression often carries significance.
Alternatively, some practitioners would take the uncertainty itself as a sign to wait for a clearer moment or use a different casting method.