I Ching
Interpreted by wu wei

The Statistics

Either the coin method or the yarrow stalk method yields lines numerically. The final numbers obtainable with both methods are 6, 7, 8, and 9. The following tables show the probability of obtaining those numbers with both methods.

Yarrow Stalk Method

• 6 = 1 in 16
• 9 = 3 in 16
• 7 = 5 in 16
• 8 = 7 in 16

Coin Method

• 6 = 12 in 16
• 9 = 2 in 16
• 7 = 6 in 16
• 8 = 6 in 16

As you can see, there is a difference in the probability of achieving the various numbers with the two methods. The main difference occurs in obtaining the numbers 6 and 9. Looking at the chart, you can see that the probability of obtaining a 6 or a 9 with both methods is the same: 4 in 16. However, with the coins the probability of obtaining a 6 or a 9 is equal, but with the yarrow stalks, the probability of obtaining a 9 is three times greater than obtaining a six.
Most importantly, in the manipulation of the yarrow stalks, which takes about twenty minutes to accomplish, you are engaged in spiritual communion with All That Is, which is the heart and soul of the process. The coin method takes only about two minutes.