The Method of Interpretation

Hexagram Mandada with Yin Yang symbol

 A Unique and Innovative Approach to I Ching Interpretation

This approach is explained in full detail in my book, Wise Decisions with the I Ching. This approach is based on holistic perception: Perceiving the big picture in the result of a reading and perceiving all the texts in the context of the big picture.

Holistic Perception

Holistic perception implies that an interpretation should start with the resulting hexagram(s) as whole symbols, because only they can form the big picture. This requires that the focus must be on the applicable meanings of those hexagram(s) for a given reading and how those meanings combined form motifs or significant patterns that can be expressed as coherent phrases.

Theme of the Reading

The phrase that most deeply relates to the reading is the theme of the reading. The theme is essential for understanding the answer. This phrase may point to the answer, the present situation, the future situation, or the main issue. The resulting texts—moving line(s) if present, image(s), and judgment(s)—are then interpreted in the context of the theme. The answer may be in the theme, in a resulting text, or could be simply absent, in which case it is negative or unfavorable, but it usually suggests a new perspective or course of action.