Great encyclopedia. Fortune telling and predictions

5.2. Divination by the “Book of Changes”

The Chinese calendar (Tong Shu, the “red calendar”) — in China, even today such calendars are published every year, where it is directly written: what day it is, which animal symbolizes it, what is auspicious, and what should be avoided. For ordinary people this Tong Shu Calendar (Almanac) is very convenient and practical, since nothing needs to be calculated or worked out.

In this calendar, which is published annually, each day is described for one or another human activity, i.e., what the day is suitable for, and what it is not suitable for. People turn to the almanac when they want to choose, for example, a date: a wedding, conception of a child, signing a contract, making a large purchase, moving, starting construction or renovation, as well as for choosing a favorable date to visit a doctor, begin medical procedures, undergo surgery or start a diet, and also for many other significant events in a person’s life.

These dates are chosen for everyone, but not for each individual. And, nevertheless, professional predictors and astrologers also need to know it, since it can provide additional information for choosing a date. In essence, the Almanac is one of the first steps in choosing a favorable date, a kind of initial filter for this purpose.

Each day, from the point of view of Chinese metaphysics, is governed by one of the 12 Spirits, which are called Officials. They are responsible for different things and events, including various types of activities that a person may perform on a given day, as well as those activities that are forbidden on that day. Thus, human activities are divided into those that can be performed on a certain day, and those that are prohibited! In this way, many problems can be avoided if one follows the correct Official.

Online services and applications — nowadays it is easy: just type into the search “Chinese zodiac day calculator” or “Chinese calendar day animal.” There you enter the date (for example, August 17, 2025) — and you get the animal sign.

The algorithm (if you want manually) — each day really follows in the order of the 12 animals. Knowing at least one reference date, you can count from it. For example: February 10, 2024 (the beginning of the Year of the Dragon) was a Rat day, then it goes in a circle — February 11 is an Ox day, February 12 is a Tiger day, and so on. If you know your year, month, and day animal, you can see how the day affects your energy. For example, if you were born in the Year of the Goat, then Rat or Ox days may be a “challenge,” while Rabbit and Horse days may be supportive. It’s like the “weather of destiny” — sometimes the day is sunny and light, sometimes stormy, and it’s better to postpone important decisions.

Let us give a clear example. Let us take September 1, 2025 as a starting point. Now let’s see which animal corresponds to September 1, 2025, and what it means symbolically. On a specialized Chinese calendar website — for example, on the site Your Chinese Astrology — one can see information about the “day pillar,” i.e., the symbols of the day, including the animal. According to the site, September 1, 2025 (Gregorian date) corresponds to the Earth Horse as the day pillar. This means that within the Chinese theory of the pillars of destiny (the Four Pillars of Destiny — year, month, day, and hour), the animal of this day is the Horse, and the element is Earth.

What does the day “Earth Horse” mean? The symbol of the Horse in Chinese culture is the energy of movement, freedom, confidence, and determination, especially vividly expressed under the patronage of the Earth element, which adds stability, practicality, and organization. Thus, September 1, 2025 is a day when the Horse’s energy manifests steadily and in balance. This is not a passionate Fire Horse, but a more pragmatic one, directed toward results, restraint, and mindfulness.

How can this be used in life? Plan important actions precisely on this day, because it is ideally suited for meetings, public speaking, completing projects, for everything that requires confidence and stability. It is important to track compatibility with personal signs: if, for example, your yearly animal is the Rat, then a Horse day may be neutral or even create tension (in the Chinese astrological context, this is considered refreshing but indirect energy). If you are a Horse (yearly sign), then the day “gathers,” amplifying your basic strength.

The Earth Horse favors routine, plans, schedules — one can use this day to structure tasks, organize processes, restore order, and focus. The Earth Horse gives a sense of stable life rhythm and productive potential — an excellent moment for action, if you act thoughtfully. And in this way, one can compose a Chinese daily horoscope for every day.

In ancient China, the ability to read heavenly signs was considered an art no less elevated than calligraphy or poetry. Emperors kept entire staffs of astrologers at court, for the accuracy of their predictions determined the fate not only of one person but of the whole country. It was believed: if the ruler lives in harmony with Heaven, then the Under-Heaven prospers; if he goes against the rhythms of time, then wars, droughts, and disasters come.

The Chinese horoscope is built not only on the years of animals, known to us from the 12-year cycle, but also on the entire system of the “Four Pillars of Destiny” (Ba Zi). It considers:

• the year of birth — sets the general basis of character, like the foundation of a house;

• the month of birth — reveals the “season of the soul” and relationship to family;

• the day of birth — shows the true “self” and life energy;

• the hour of birth — reveals secrets of the future, children, the inner path.

Each pillar consists of two levels — the Heavenly Stem (element) and the Earthly Branch (animal). Together they form a marvelous alloy of symbols: for example, a “Metal Dragon” or a “Water Tiger.” It is in these combinations that the unique imprint of destiny is born.

But Chinese predictions do not end there. There also existed such practices as:

• I Ching (“The Book of Changes”) — the most ancient oracle, in which destiny was interpreted through 64 hexagrams symbolizing states of the world.

• Feng Shui — the art of choosing the right place and time in order to act in harmony with the energy of space.

• Zi Wei Dou Shu (“Purple Star Astrology”) — the most complex system of calculations, allowing one to predict the key stages of a person’s life.

Thus, the Chinese horoscope is not simply “you are a Rat, and your friend is a Tiger,” but a whole cosmic language where time, space, and personality weave into a single pattern. Let us examine more closely each of these steps. And let us begin with the “Book of Changes.”

The “I Ching, Book of Changes” — is not just a book, but a living system of communication with the world. It was already used in the Shang era (about 3000 years ago!), and to this day it remains one of the deepest oracles in human history. The basic idea is simple: the world constantly changes, and each moment carries within itself the seeds of the future. If we can see these changes, we can act in harmony with them.

The symbols of the “I Ching” are 64 hexagrams — figures of six lines: solid (———) — symbol of Yang, active, masculine principle; and broken (— —) — symbol of Yin, soft, feminine principle. In each hexagram, Yin and Yang intertwine, creating the image of a situation or state of the world — from “Silence” to the “Great Breakthrough.”

There are several methods of divination with the Book of Changes. The most ancient is with 50 yarrow stalks (the ritual lasted for hours!). Today a simpler method is more often used — three coins. Let us get to know it more closely.

What is the ritual of the THREE COINS?

So, take three identical coins. Formulate a clear question that excludes double interpretation, for example — not “will I be happy?,” but “what will be the outcome of my new job?,” and so on. Toss the coins 6 times. Coins are always thrown together, all three at once. Each toss gives one line:

o Heads (eagle) = 2,

o Tails (crest) = 3.

Add up the three coins:

o 6 = old Yin (changing broken line),

o 7 = Yang (solid line),

o 8 = Yin (broken line),

o 9 = old Yang (changing solid line).

Start with the bottom line and build the hexagram from bottom to top. The resulting hexagram is your answer. If there are “changing lines” (6 or 9), they show dynamics and give a second hexagram — the image of the future.

In the “I Ching” each hexagram has its own:

• Name and image (for example, “Qian — Creativity,” “Kun — Receptivity”);

• Commentary by Confucius and sages — how this manifests in life;

• Advice for action — what to do to be in harmony.

For more clarity let us give an example. If in divination the hexagram Qian (Creativity) appears, this is the sign of pure Yang force. It advises acting actively, with confidence, for the time favors growth. If the lines are changing, one can see what this active action will lead to.

So, as we can see, each day, month, and year in Chinese astrology is not just a date on the calendar, but the breath of the vast Cosmos, where rhythms and symbols follow one another. Guardian animals and elements are like actors on a stage, each of whom appears at the right time to play their role in your destiny. The Horse brings movement, the Rabbit — gentleness, the Tiger — strength, and thus this ancient Zodiac spins endlessly. And when we begin to notice these patterns, aligning ourselves with the rhythms of time, our life becomes more harmonious. We stop fighting the wind and learn to go along with it. After all, Chinese astrology is not about strict rules and fatal judgments, but about the ability to hear the melody of the Universe and find your place within it.

To understand the energy of the moment — whether it is worth starting a task or better to wait. To see the hidden course of events — which forces are at work in your situation. And to attune yourself to harmony. The I Ching does not predict “yes/no,” but teaches how to see the rhythm of changes and act in accordance with it. Thus, the “Book of Changes” is not merely divination, but a mirror of the Universe. Each answer is not a forecast like “will it happen or not,” but a key to understanding: how life flows and how to enter its current properly.

To better understand, I suggest we consider an example of divination. So, let us conduct a virtual I Ching divination right here. First, we must undoubtedly ask a question; for example, it could sound conditionally like this: “Should I start a new project this month?” You can ask any question you like during a divination. But for now, we will stick to our example. After that, we need to make six throws of three coins simultaneously, as in the classical method. For simplicity, I will generate them randomly:

After this, we construct the hexagram. We record the lines from bottom to top:

— 8 — Yin

— 9 — Old Yang → changing

— 7 — Yang

— 8 — Yin

— 6 — Old Yin → changing

— 8 — Yin

So, the current hexagram:

• Yin — changing

• Yang — changing

• Yang

• Yin

• Yin — changing

• Yin

This figure corresponds to Hexagram No. 24 “Return” (Fu). Now we need to interpret it correctly.

• General meaning: “Return” indicates that the time is favorable for a reset, a return to the origins, and correcting mistakes. This is a period when it is worth reviewing old plans, clearing space, and preparing for a new cycle.

• Changing lines (6 and 9) indicate dynamics: old problems gradually recede, and energy for new things emerges.

• Advice: do not rush, move gradually, listen to your intuition. Actions should be in harmony with the rhythm of the situation — do not impose events, but lead the process gently yet confidently.

Let us summarize our divination with the I Ching. Our new project can proceed, but the key to success is smooth movement and preparation, returning to the foundation, and awareness of past experience. I think it will be useful to clarify some terms to resolve possible questions, for example, what these terms mean in the I Ching:

— Simple lines

— • Yang (whole line) — 7: — — —

— Active, creative, masculine energy. Symbolizes movement, initiative, strength.

— • Yin (broken line) — 8: — —

— Soft, receptive, feminine energy. Symbolizes calm, acceptance, intuition.

— “Old” or “changing” line

— • Old Yang — 9 (whole, changing)

— This is a Yang line preparing to change into Yin.

— Interpretation: Yang energy is strong now, but its form will soon transform. In divination, this is a sign of dynamics and development — a warning: act, but be ready for changes.

— • Old Yin — 6 (broken, changing)

— This is a Yin line preparing to change into Yang.

— Interpretation: soft, receptive energy is present now, but activity will soon manifest. In divination, this signals preparation, accumulation of strength, and careful action.

— Why this matters

— • Simple lines (7 and 8) — stable, showing the current flow of events.

— • Changing lines (6 and 9) — dynamics, indicating that the situation is not static and will transform.

If you get a 9 (Old Yang) line in the lower part of the hexagram, it means: start acting actively, but the situation will soon change — flexibility is required.

For greater clarity and understanding, let us analyze our example in detail. Let us examine our virtual Hexagram No. 24 “Return” (Fu) line by line from bottom to top and see what they specifically mean for your project question.

Lines of our hexagram:

— 8 — Yin (broken)

— Signal: the beginning of the path now requires gentleness and observation. Do not force events. This is the foundation — preparation, gathering information, careful steps.

— 9 — Old Yang (changing)

— Signal: active energy is present; action is possible, but be ready for changes. It is important to seize the moment — take decisive steps while responding flexibly to shifts.

— 7 — Yang (whole)

— Signal: stable strength and determination. Here, energy is fully steady, so ideas can be realized, and the project managed confidently.

— 8 — Yin (broken)

— Signal: it is necessary to listen to intuition, leaving room for flexibility. Not everything can be controlled — trust the process.

— 6 — Old Yin (changing)

— Signal: soft, receptive line preparing to transition into active action. In the project, this is an area requiring patience and gradual movement toward action.

— 8 — Yin (broken)

— Signal: the top of the hexagram — the outcome of the situation. It reminds: do not rush, trust the natural cycle. In conclusion — it is better to wait for the right moment to address key issues.

Let us summarize:

• At the beginning and end of the hexagram — Yin, softness, preparation, observation.

• In the middle — Yang and changing lines, energy of active actions, determination, and transformation.

• I Ching advice: your project can be started, but smoothly, in harmony with the rhythm of the situation. First — preparation, then — active steps, followed by adjustment and observation. Overall, it can be said that now is a time to return to fundamentals, review, and act consciously, rather than make hasty decisions.

After we have immersed ourselves in the wisdom of the I Ching, learned to see the rhythms of time, understand changing lines, and distinguish Yang and Yin energy, the natural next step is Feng Shui — the art of harmonizing space and interacting with the flows of life energy Qi. If the I Ching teaches us to read time, understand cycles, and use intuition for actions, then Feng Shui shows how to build a space around us that enhances these rhythms and helps destiny develop in the right direction.

5.3. Feng Shui

When we leave behind the wise lines of the I Ching, feeling how the world begins to breathe around us, as if revealing the invisible threads of destiny, we are ready to take the next step — the step into Feng Shui. Imagine: you enter a room and feel how the air moves, how energy touches every object, how life itself begins to guide you where to step and where to pause. This is Feng Shui — the art of listening to space and turning it into an ally.

At the core of everything lies the flow of Qi — life energy. It is invisible to the eye, but perceptible to the heart. If Qi moves freely, each day is filled with ease, ideas are born effortlessly, and events fall into place like a puzzle. A cluttered corner, a sharp object, furniture standing across the way — and the flow slows, like a river tangled among rocks.

This is where the five elements come into play: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. They are not just symbols, but living forces that can be directed. Imagine a fountain in the southeast corner of the house, where the wealth and abundance zone is located. Water flows there, Qi awakens, and money and opportunities begin to stream. And if you light a red candle in the south, the fame zone — the fire energy activates your reputation, helping you manifest in the world, to make yourself known.

To understand space more deeply, Feng Shui masters use the Bagua — an eight-sided map that divides your home or room into zones: love, career, wealth, health, knowledge, family, and others. Open the northwest — the travel and helpful friends zone, east — health and family. And already according to these sectors, you can determine where to add plants, a fountain, crystals, or simply remove the unnecessary so that energy flows freely.

But Feng Shui is not only about shapes and objects. It is also about divinations and forecasts. Masters look at the Luo Pan compass to accurately determine the direction of energy, analyze birth dates according to Ba Zi to understand each person’s potential, and sometimes simply study the hot spots in the home — places where Qi stagnates — to gently return it to movement.

Imagine a small rose quartz crystal on the table — and the love zone begins to softly shine, revealing hidden possibilities in relationships. Or a fountain in the corner of the room — and money and ideas begin to come naturally, as if by magic. And a red candle for the fame zone awakens inner confidence and energy for action.