How to ask questions for I Ching divination? 5 principles to make your questions more effective
A Real Contrast Story
In September 2024, two users consulted Cast64 on the same day, both about job-hopping.
User A asked: “Should I change jobs?”
- Received the hexagram: Xū (Waiting)
- Their reaction: “Xū means waiting, so should I not change jobs? But the hexagram text says ‘beneficial to cross the great river,’ which sounds like it’s telling me to take a risk. I completely don’t understand it.”
- Outcome: After two weeks of indecision, the opportunity was missed, they didn’t change jobs, and their mindset was negatively affected.
User B asked: “If I accept this offer to be the CTO of a startup, what challenges will I face? What will be the development trend over the next 6 months?”
- Received the hexagram: Also Xū (Waiting), with a moving line in the sixth position (Line 4).
- Their understanding: “The Xū hexagram reminds me that a startup has limited resources (waiting in the blood, entering the cave), and Line 4, ‘Waiting in the blood, emerging from the cave,’ indicates that the early stages will be very difficult, but if I persevere, I can overcome the difficulties. The changing hexagram is Jìn (Progress), which represents advancement and development, indicating that in the long run, it will be good.”
- Decision: They accepted the offer, prepared mentally, and built up financial reserves. Six months later, the company secured funding, and they received stock options.
What’s the difference?
It’s not the hexagrams that are different, but the quality of the questions that is vastly different. User A’s “should I or shouldn’t I” was a closed-ended question, simplifying a complex decision into a binary choice; User B’s question included specific context, focus points, and a time frame, which gave the hexagram a clear space for interpretation.
Today’s article will teach you how to ask truly effective questions, just like User B.
Why Is the Way We Ask Questions So Important?
Before discussing the principles, let’s first understand a fundamental logic: the I Ching is not a fortune-telling machine, but a thinking tool.
How I Ching Divination Works
Psychologist Carl Jung’s theory of “Synchronicity” best explains this process:
- Your question = Activates your subconscious, bringing your true inner confusion to the surface.
- The randomness of the coin toss = Provides a “meaning-empty” vehicle.
- The interpretation of the hexagram = Your subconscious engages in self-dialogue through symbolic representation.
- The formation of a decision = The integration of reason and intuition.
Therefore, the clarity of the question = the depth to which the subconscious is activated.
Vague questions (“should I or shouldn’t I”) will only activate anxiety; specific questions (“what challenges will I face”) will activate your experience, judgment, and insight.
Three Layers of Impact of Question Quality
| Question Quality | Your Psychological State | Interpretive Space of the Hexagram | Final Decision Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Quality (“Should I or shouldn’t I”) | Anxious, avoids responsibility | Vague, difficult to map | More indecision |
| Medium (“How will this matter go?”) | Passive observation | Directional hints | Reference but not deep enough |
| High Quality (“What challenges will I face, and how do I deal with them?”) | Active thinking | Precise mapping | Clear action guidance |
💡 Core Insight: The question you ask already determines the upper limit of the answer you will receive.
Principle 1: Specific Context > Abstract Concepts
❌ Incorrect Examples
- “How is my career luck?”
- “Will my relationship be smooth?”
- “How is my fortune this year?”
Problem:
- Too broad; one hexagram cannot cover all dimensions.
- The time span is too long; the I Ching is suitable for specific events, not long-term predictions.
- Lacks action-orientation; even with an answer, you don’t know what to do.
✅ Correct Examples
- “If I accept this promotion opportunity as a project manager, what challenges will I encounter in the new team?”
- “My boyfriend and I are discussing meeting parents; is now suitable to bring it up? What should I pay attention to?”
- “I plan to start a side business next month; how should I balance funding and time allocation?”
Improvement Points:
- Specific events: promotion, meeting parents, starting a side business.
- Clear time: now, next month.
- Clear focus: challenges, timing, balance.
Real Case: From Abstract to Specific
Initial Question: “I want to know if my startup can succeed?”
After guided an inquiry: “I plan to resign and create a B2B SaaS product. My initial capital is only 500,000, and the team consists only of me and a tech partner. In the first 6 months of the cold start phase, what are the biggest risks?”
Outcome:
- Divined: Jiǎn (Obstruction), with a moving line in the fifth position (Line 5).
- Line 5 text: “Great obstruction, friend comes.” (Difficult times, help comes from friends.)
- Interpretation: Insufficient funds and manpower are the biggest risks (Jiǎn), but if suitable partners or external resources can be found (friend comes), the difficulties can be overcome.
- Decision: He postponed his resignation, first found a third co-founder (responsible for business), launched 3 months later, and successfully secured angel funding.
Insight: Specific questions lead to specific guidance.
Principle 2: Open-ended > Closed-ended
What is a Closed-ended Question?
A question with only “yes/no,” “can/cannot” as answers.
Why is the I Ching not suitable for Closed-ended Questions?
The 64 hexagrams of the I Ching represent 64 situational patterns, not simple “auspicious/inauspicious” binary judgments. Forcing a hexagram into a “yes/no” framework is like using a landscape painting to answer “what should I eat today?”—the tool is used incorrectly.
❌ Closed-ended Question Examples
- “Can I win her over?”
- “Will this investment make money?”
- “Should I choose company A or company B?”
What’s the Problem:
- Avoids deep thinking, seeking a simple answer.
- Even with a hexagram, you’ll struggle with “does this mean yes or no?”
- Loses the most valuable part of the I Ching: process insight.
✅ Open-ended Question Conversion
| Closed-ended | Open-ended (Recommended) |
|---|---|
| “Can I win her over?" | "In the process of pursuing her, what aspects should I pay attention to? What is the biggest obstacle between us?" |
| "Will this investment make money?" | "What are the main risks of this investment project? How should I control the risks?" |
| "Choose A or B?" | "If I choose company A, what will be the development like in the next year? What are the main challenges?” (Then consult separately for company B) |
Real Case: The Closed-ended Trap
A user asked: “Can I pass this exam?”
- Divined: Pǐ (Stagnation) (Heaven and Earth Stagnation, blocked).
- Their understanding: “Pǐ means bad, so I definitely can’t pass.”
- Actual situation: They gave up studying and consequently failed.
Problem Analysis:
- The true meaning of Pǐ is “poor communication, obstruction.”
- If asked, “What knowledge points am I weak in while preparing for the exam?”, and Pǐ is divined, it would be understood as “some key concepts are not fully grasped and need focused breakthrough.”
- Closed-ended questions led them to equate Pǐ with fate, losing the room for change.
Remember: The wisdom of the I Ching lies in “tending towards good fortune and avoiding misfortune,” not “predicting fate.” Open-ended questions activate this function.
Principle 3: Process-Oriented > Result-Oriented
Core Concept
The I Ching focuses on “how,” not “whether.”
❌ Result-Oriented Examples
- “Will this relationship have a future?”
- “Can my company grow big?”
- “Will I get promoted?”
Problem:
- Compresses a complex process into a single outcome.
- Ignores your agency in the process.
- Even if a “good” hexagram is received, you don’t know what to do.
✅ Process-Oriented Conversion
| Result-Oriented | Process-Oriented (Recommended) |
|---|---|
| “Will this relationship have a future?" | "In this relationship, how should I deal with our disagreements? What attitude is most conducive to relationship development?" |
| "Can my company grow big?" | "At this stage of the company, should I focus my energy on product refinement or market promotion? What should I pay attention to in team building?" |
| "Will I get promoted?" | "In the 3 months before my promotion evaluation, what aspects do I need to focus on improving? How can I communicate more effectively with my superiors?” |
Real Case: The Power of Process Thinking
User C’s question: “I am preparing to transition into product management, from a technical role to a management role. What is the biggest weakness I need to overcome during this transition?”
Hexagram:
- Primary hexagram: Jiàn (Gradual Progress)
- Moving Line: Line 2
- Line Text: “The wild geese gradually approach the cliff, eating and drinking contentedly. Good fortune.”
Interpretation:
- Jiàn emphasizes “do not rush for quick success.”
- Line 2 suggests “first establish a solid foundation” (cliff).
- Eating and drinking contentedly = learning and accumulating (eating) steadily and fully (contentedly).
User C’s Decision:
- He did not immediately resign and change careers but first applied to participate in product projects within his company.
- He spent 6 months accumulating product thinking and cross-departmental collaboration experience.
- When he later transitioned, he successfully received his desired offer due to practical project experience.
Insight: Questions focused on “how to do” lead to actionable path guidance.
Principle 4: Sincere Inquiry > Testing and Verification
Most Common Misconception
Many beginners think:
- “I’ll ask an unimportant question first to see if it’s accurate.”
- “I already have an answer in my mind; divination is just to verify it.”
- “I’ll ask the same question three times to see if the results are the same.”
The Problem with This Mindset:
- Your subconscious knows you’re not sincere and won’t truly engage.
- Divination becomes a “test” rather than a “dialogue.”
- It violates the ancient I Ching adage: “Consult the first time, disrespect the second and third time; if you disrespect, it will not answer.” (The first divination will yield insight; repeated divinations are disrespectful and will not be effective.)
✅ What is Sincere Inquiry?
| Testing Mindset | Sincere Mindset |
|---|---|
| ”Just asking a random question to try it out" | "I’m genuinely confused and need a framework for thinking" |
| "I’ve already decided; let’s see if the hexagram supports it" | "I’m willing to consider different perspectives, even if they’re contrary to my expectations" |
| "If divination isn’t accurate, I won’t believe it" | "I treat the hexagram as a mirror to see what it reflects” |
Three Standards of Sincerity
- You genuinely don’t know the answer: You have real confusion and indecision.
- You are willing to act: After divination, you will adjust your thoughts or actions based on the insights.
- You ask only once: Cherish this conversation and do not repeatedly test it.
Real Case: The Vast Difference Between Sincerity and Testing
Scenario 1: Testing Mindset
- A user had already decided to break up but asked: “Is there still hope for this relationship?”
- Divined: Fù (Return) (return, restart).
- Their reaction: “Impossible, I’m fed up; it must be inaccurate.”
- Outcome: Broke up, then wrote an article on Zhihu saying “I Ching divination is a scam.”
Scenario 2: Sincere Inquiry
- Another user asked: “What is the root cause of the recurring communication problems in this relationship? How can I change?”
- Also divined: Fù (Return).
- Her understanding: “The Fù hexagram reminds me that the problem might not be the other person, but my own old patterns repeating (Fù). I need to return to the beginning of the problem (Fù) and re-examine my communication style.”
- Action: She sought psychological counseling, discovered she had “people-pleasing” tendencies, and learned to express her true needs. Three months later, the quality of the relationship significantly improved.
Insight: The hexagram is a mirror; what you see depends on your mindset.
Principle 5: Moderate Detail > Too Broad or Too Trivial
Two Extremes
Extreme 1: Too Broad
- “What is my life’s direction?”
- “How can I live better?”
- “What is the truth of the universe?”
Extreme 2: Too Trivial
- “Should I wear a black or blue suit for the meeting at 3 PM today?”
- “Should I eat at the cafeteria or order takeout for lunch tomorrow?”
- “Should I take road A or road B to go home?”
Problem:
- Broad questions prevent the hexagram from mapping, and you can’t translate them into action.
- Trivial questions waste the value of the I Ching; these things can be decided by common sense.
✅ Criterion for Moderate Detail
3W1H Framework:
- What: Specific event or decision.
- When: Time frame (not too long, 3-6 months is appropriate).
- Why: The significance of this question to you.
- How: The specific aspects you want to know about.
Example: “I plan to launch a personal public account next March (When) (What), focusing on workplace growth content, which is my first step in exploring a side business (Why). What should I pay attention to in content direction selection and initial promotion (How)?”
Balancing Detail Level
| Dimension | Too Little | Just Right | Too Much |
|---|---|---|---|
| Context | ”I want to start a business" | "I want to create an education SaaS for primary and secondary schools" | "I had a startup idea on July 3, 2024, at 2 PM, and at that time I was…” |
| Time | ”Future" | "Next 6 months" | "Between March 15 and April 20, 2025” |
| Focus | ”How is it?" | "What are the main risks, and how to deal with them?" | "What is risk 1, what is risk 2, what is risk 3…” |
Remember: The I Ching is a strategic tool, not a tactical one. It is suitable for answering questions about “direction, key decisions, important turning points,” not daily trivial matters.
Questioning Formula: 3 Practical Templates
Summarizing the above 5 principles, here are 3 universal templates you can use directly.
Template 1: Decision-making Question
Within [time frame], regarding [specific event/decision],
if I [intended action],
what [challenges/risks/key points] will I face?
What should I pay attention to?Example:
- “Within the next 3 months, regarding accepting this overseas job opportunity, if I go to Singapore, what challenges will I face in terms of cultural adaptation and career development? What preparations should I make in advance?”
Template 2: Breakthrough Challenge Question
I am currently facing [specific problem] in [specific situation].
What is the root cause of this problem?
How should I [break through/improve/transform]?Example:
- “I am currently the CTO at a startup, and I’m encountering a problem with the team’s execution, constantly missing deadlines. Is the root cause of this problem inadequate management methods or team capability? How should I improve?”
Template 3: Trend Insight Question
Regarding [specific matter],
what is the current [state/situation]?
In [time frame], what direction will it develop towards?
What [strategy/attitude] should I adopt?Example:
- “Regarding the relationship with my partner, there’s currently a disagreement over profit distribution. In the next six months, what direction will this conflict develop towards? Should I adopt an attitude of win-win cooperation or moderate concession?”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will a long question affect the divination effectiveness?
A: No. The length of the question is not important; clarity is.
- A 100-word question, if clearly structured and focused, is 100 times more effective than a vague 10-word question.
- Suggestion: Summarize the core question in one sentence, then add 2-3 sentences of background explanation.
- Cast64’s AI interpretation feature is specifically designed to handle complex questions; your detailed description will help the AI provide a more accurate interpretation.
Q2: Can I ask multiple questions at once?
A: It is not recommended.
Reason:
- One hexagram maps to one situation; multiple questions will lead to confused interpretation.
- Your focus will also be divided, and your subconscious cannot concentrate.
Correct approach:
- If you have multiple questions, perform separate divinations (but don’t ask multiple questions consecutively on the same day).
- Or combine multiple small questions into one large question.
- For example, don’t ask “Should I change jobs + Is the new company good + How is the boss?”
- Instead, ask “Regarding changing to this new company, what aspects do I need to evaluate comprehensively?”
Q3: If I already have a preferred answer in mind, is it still suitable for divination?
A: It is suitable, but you need to adjust your mindset.
Key:
- ✅ Treat divination as a “decision review” rather than “seeking an answer.”
- ✅ Ask “What blind spots might my idea have? What have I overlooked?”
- ❌ Do not ask “Is my idea right or wrong?” (This is closed-ended.)
Example:
- You are inclined to change jobs; ask: “If I change jobs now, what risks might I be overlooking? What factors have I not considered?”
- If a dangerous hexagram is divined, you will seriously examine the risks; if an auspicious hexagram is divined, you will have more confidence.
Q4: How long after can I ask the same question again?
A: At least 3 months, and the situation must have indeed undergone significant changes.
Judgment standard:
-
✅ Can ask again: You have taken action, and are now facing a new stage.
- For example, 3 months ago, you asked “should I start a business?” After divination, you decided to prepare, and now the team is formed, you can ask “the timing of launching the product.”
-
❌ Do not ask again: The situation has not changed, you are just not satisfied with the previous answer.
- For example, a week ago you asked about job-hopping and got a hexagram of stagnation; you are not reconciled and want to ask again.
Principle: “Consult the first time, disrespect the second and third time; if you disrespect, it will not answer”—cherish every divination opportunity.
Q5: If my question is very private, will Cast64 protect my privacy?
A: Complete protection.
- Your divination records are private by default, visible only to you.
- You can choose to publish to the divination square (anonymously), but it’s entirely voluntary.
- Data transmission during AI interpretation is encrypted and will not be leaked.
- Suggestion: Even for private questions, you can ask them sincerely on Cast64; the system will not leak them.
Practical Exercise: Rephrasing Your Questions
Now, it’s your turn to practice. Below are 5 common low-quality questions; try to rephrase them using the principles learned today:
Exercise 1
Original Question: “Should I resign?”
Rephrasing Direction:
- Add specific context.
- Make it open-ended.
- Focus on process and risks.
Sample Answer: “I’ve been working at my current company for 3 years and feel my growth has stalled. I’m considering resigning. If I leave now, what challenges will I face in terms of career development and income stability? What preparations should I make?”
Exercise 2
Original Question: “Does he like me?”
Rephrasing Direction:
- Shift the focus from the other person to yourself.
- Add an action-oriented element.
Sample Answer: “I want to develop a relationship with him. In our upcoming interactions, how should I express my feelings? What should I pay attention to?”
Exercise 3
Original Question: “How is my fortune this year?”
Rephrasing Direction:
- Narrow the time frame.
- Specify a particular area.
- Add actionable focus points.
Sample Answer: “In the next 3 months of work, what obstacles might I encounter in project execution? What preparations should I make in advance?”
Exercise 4
Original Question: “Can this investment make money?”
Rephrasing Direction:
- Change from result-oriented to risk assessment.
- Add decision dimensions.
Sample Answer: “I’m considering investing 500,000 in my friend’s restaurant project. What are the main risks? What should I pay attention to in the investment agreement and exit mechanism?”
Exercise 5
Original Question: “Will my marriage be happy?”
Rephrasing Direction:
- Change from abstract expectation to concrete action.
- Focus on currently improvable aspects.
Sample Answer: “My spouse and I often misunderstand each other in communication. How should I adjust my way of expressing myself? What do I most need to improve in managing our marriage?”
Summary: 5 Golden Standards for Good Questions
Let’s use a checklist to help you quickly assess question quality:
✅ High-Quality Question Checklist
☐ Specific Context: Includes a clear event/decision/background.
☐ Open-ended: Not "yes/no," but "how/what."
☐ Process-Oriented: Focuses on "how to do" rather than "will it happen."
☐ Sincere Inquiry: You are genuinely confused and willing to receive insights.
☐ Moderate Detail: 3-6 month time frame, focusing on key decision points.
Bonus points:
☐ Includes your action tendency (let the hexagram assess this direction).
☐ Clearly defines your main concerns (risk/timing/strategy).
☐ Reflects your initiative (what I should do, rather than what will happen).If your question meets the first 5 points, it’s a qualified question; if it meets 7-8 points, it’s an excellent question.
Act Now: Ask Your First Question Using the New Method
Now, think of a real problem that’s bothering you and rephrase it using the methods learned today:
Step 1: Write down your original question
(Don’t self-censor; write whatever comes to mind)
Step 2: Rephrase using the 3W1H framework
- What: What specific matter?
- When: What time frame?
- Why: Why is it important?
- How: What aspect do you want to know?
Step 3: Check with the 5 golden standards
(Compare against the checklist above, item by item)
Step 4: Divinate on Cast64
Step 5: Record and Review
- Save your question and hexagram.
- Write down your understanding.
- Update the results in 3 months.
Important Reminder:
- Don’t aim for perfection; just ask and iterate through practice.
- Every divination is a learning opportunity.
- Your best teacher is your own divination log.
Advanced Learning: The Philosophy of Questioning
Once you’ve mastered the basic principles, you can ponder a deeper question: Why do we need divination to help us ask questions?
Divination as a “Forced Thinking” Tool
The problem for modern people is not a lack of information, but a lack of thinking:
- We are used to making quick decisions, lacking time for deep thinking.
- We are fed information by algorithms, losing the ability to ask proactive questions.
- We are afraid to face real confusion, using “busyness” as an escape.
The ritual of divination forces you to:
- Stop (no longer escape)
- Clarify your confusion (no longer be vague)
- Confront the voice of your subconscious (no longer suppress)
A good question is a mirror of self-awareness
The questions you ask reveal your:
- Cognitive level: Those who ask “can it be done” are still in binary thinking; those who ask “how” have entered systems thinking.
- Sense of responsibility: Asking “will it happen” is passive; asking “what should I do” is proactive.
- Growth stage: Beginners ask for results, experts ask for processes, and the wise ask for origins.
Therefore, the process of learning to ask questions is the process of improving self-awareness.
Recommended Articles
- 2025 I Ching Online Divination Complete Guide: From Traditional to AI, Master Decision-Making Tools in 3 Minutes
- I Ching Ultimate Guide for Beginners: Understanding the Universe from Scratch
- Divination Square: View Real User Divination Cases
References
- “Zhou Yi · Xi Ci Shang”: “The gentleman, when at rest, observes its imagery and contemplates its words; when in action, he observes its changes and ponders its divination.”
- Carl Jung, “Synchronicity: An Acausal Connecting Principle”, 1952
- Nan Huai-Chin, “Miscellaneous Discussions on the I Ching”, Fudan University Press
- Wang Bi, “Commentary on the Zhou Yi”, Zhonghua Book Company
Tags: #IChing #DivinationTips #QuestioningMethods #DecisionMakingTools #DivinationBeginners
Author: Cast64 Research Team First Published: 2025-10-22 Last Updated: 2025-10-22
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Cast64 - Good questions are the beginning of wisdom