Question 1

What are I Ching yarrow stalks?

Accepted Answer

Yarrow stalks are the original and oldest I Ching consultation method, predating the coin method. 49 stalks are divided and counted in a meditative 18-step process to obtain each hexagram.

Question 2

How is it different from the coin method?

Accepted Answer

The probabilities differ: with stalks, stable yin lines are more frequent (7/16) and changing yang lines are rarer (3/16). This makes yarrow readings more conservative and reflective.

Question 3

Who used yarrow stalks?

Accepted Answer

The stalks method dates back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC) and was used by Confucius and the sages of ancient China. The yarrow plant (Achillea millefolium) was considered sacred.

Question 4

Is it more reliable than the coin method?

Accepted Answer

Both methods are valid. Stalks are considered more traditional and produce more refined probabilities, while coins are more practical. What matters is the concentration and intention of the consultant.

Yarrow Stalk Reading