On this page
Meaning and Context
The yarrow stalk method is the classical procedure described in the Xici commentary of the I Ching. It uses 50 stalks of the yarrow plant (Achillea millefolium), one of which is set aside, leaving 49 for the actual divination.
- Origin: Described in the Xici (Great Commentary), attributed to Confucius or his school
- Equipment: 50 yarrow stalks (or substitute sticks/rods)
- Time required: 20-30 minutes for a complete hexagram
- Distinguishing feature: Each line requires three operations; probabilities differ from coin method
Historical significance
This method connects the practitioner to thousands of years of tradition. The meditative pace encourages deep contemplation.
Classical Roots
The Xici provides the definitive description:
From Yijing · Xici
「大衍之数五十，其用四十有九。分而为二以象两，挂一以象三，揲之以四以象四时。」
Plain translation
"The great expansion number is 50; 49 are used. Divide into two to symbolize the Two Powers; set one aside to symbolize the Three Powers; count by fours to symbolize the four seasons."
The Xici also praises the yarrow itself:
From Yijing · Xici
「蓍之德圆而神，卦之德方以知。」
Plain translation
"The virtue of yarrow is round and spiritual; the virtue of hexagrams is square and wise."
The Method Step by Step
The complete procedure for one line (simplified):
- Set aside 1 stalk permanently (49 remain)
- Divide the 49 stalks into two random piles
- Take one stalk from the right pile and place between left ring and little fingers
- Count off the left pile by fours; place remainder between left middle and ring fingers
- Count off the right pile by fours; place remainder between left index and middle fingers
- Set aside the stalks between your fingers
- Repeat steps 2-6 two more times with remaining stalks
- The final count determines the line value (6, 7, 8, or 9)
This must be done six times to complete a hexagram, building from bottom line to top.
How to Read It
Understanding the probabilities:
- Old Yang (9): probability 3/16 — solid moving line
- Young Yang (7): probability 5/16 — solid stable line
- Young Yin (8): probability 7/16 — broken stable line
- Old Yin (6): probability 1/16 — broken moving line
Key difference from coins
The yarrow method makes old Yang much more common than old Yin (3:1 ratio), while coins give them equal probability. This affects interpretation in traditional practice.
How It Shows Up in FateFolio
In FateFolio's I Ching tool:
- Yarrow stalk probabilities available as an option
- Simplified interface—no physical stalks needed
- Results reflect traditional probability distribution
- Educational content explaining the classical method
Common Misconceptions
Common misunderstandings about the yarrow method:
- Thinking it's the "only authentic" method—coin casting is also valid and ancient
- Believing physical yarrow stalks are essential—any counting sticks work
- Skipping operations or miscounting—precision matters
- Assuming it gives "better" answers—it gives different probability distributions
Sources and Quotes
The Xici (Great Commentary) remains the primary source. Various commentarial traditions elaborate the procedure.
FAQ
Where can I get yarrow stalks?
+
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a common plant available at garden centers or growing wild in many regions. The stalks are dried before use.
Alternatively, any thin, uniform sticks work—bamboo skewers, wooden dowels, or even chopsticks. The counting procedure, not the material, is what matters.
Is the yarrow method more accurate than coins?
+
Not more accurate, but different. The methods produce different probability distributions for moving lines. Yarrow makes changing Yang (9) three times more likely than changing Yin (6).
Some practitioners prefer yarrow for the meditative quality and traditional connection; others prefer coins for simplicity. Both are legitimate.