The I Ching divination is one of China's oldest predictive methods, with its core lying in obtaining a hexagram through specific procedures and then interpreting the auspicious or inauspicious outcomes based on the hexagram statements and line texts. For beginners, mastering a few basic methods of casting hexagrams is the most crucial first step.

The most traditional method is the yarrow stalk method, also known as the "Great Expansion" method. This approach requires fifty yarrow stalks and involves repeating the four steps—"dividing into two, setting one aside, counting by fours, and returning the remainder"—three times to derive a single line. A complete hexagram of six lines is formed after eighteen such changes. Although the process is intricate, its ceremonial nature helps the diviner achieve a state of calm and focus.

For modern practitioners, the three-coin method is more straightforward and practical. Take three identical coins, silently contemplate the question at hand, shake the coins, and then toss them. The outcome is determined by the heads and tails: three heads indicate an old yang (changeable) line, three tails indicate an old yin (changeable) line, two heads and one tail indicate a young yang (unchanging) line, and two tails and one head indicate a young yin (unchanging) line. Repeat this process six times, recording the lines from the bottom up to form a six-line hexagram.

Another simple method is the number-based hexagram casting: randomly choose three numbers. The remainder of the first number divided by 8 corresponds to the upper trigram, the remainder of the second number divided by 8 corresponds to the lower trigram, and the remainder of the third number divided by 6 corresponds to the changing line. This method is quick and convenient, suitable for urgent situations or when tools are unavailable.

Regardless of the method used, the mental state during hexagram casting is paramount. One must remain calm and focused on the question, avoiding distractions. The purpose of divination is not merely to predict the future but to gain insights from the hexagram to make better decisions.

It is particularly important to note that I Ching divination should not be performed too frequently. For the same matter, without significant changes, repeated divination is inadvisable. As the ancients said, "Repeated inquiries show disrespect; disrespect leads to no response," meaning excessive divination undermines its accuracy and solemnity.