What kind of grass is used in divination in the Book of Changes? Pictures Reveal the Answer

The Book of Changes, also known as the I Ching, is one of the oldest and most influential Chinese classic texts. It has been used for divination, philosophical exploration, and guidance for thousands of years. One of the key elements in the divination process of the Book of Changes is the use of a specific kind of grass. In this blog post, we will explore what kind of grass is used and also take a look at some pictures to better understand this ancient practice.

The grass used in the divination of the Book of Changes is Yarrow grass (Achillea millefolium). Yarrow grass has a long - standing association with divination in Chinese culture. It is believed to possess a certain spiritual energy that can help in establishing a connection between the human world and the spiritual realm during the divination process.

Yarrow grass has some distinct features. It has feathery, fern - like leaves and small, white or pink flowers. The stems are long and straight, which makes them suitable for the complex counting and manipulation procedures in the divination of the Book of Changes.

Let's take a look at how the yarrow grass is used in divination. The process is quite intricate. First, 50 yarrow stalks are taken. One stalk is set aside, leaving 49. Then, the remaining 49 stalks are randomly divided into two piles. After that, a series of counting and grouping steps are carried out. These steps are repeated several times to generate a hexagram, which is the basis for the divination result.

Now, let's see some pictures. In the pictures, we can clearly see the yarrow grass. Its slender and straight stems are neatly arranged. The delicate leaves give it an elegant look. When used in divination, the yarrow grass is held in the hands of the diviner, who carefully manipulates them according to the traditional rules.

In conclusion, yarrow grass plays a crucial role in the divination of the Book of Changes. Its unique properties and long - standing cultural significance make it an essential part of this ancient practice. By looking at the pictures, we can have a more intuitive understanding of how this grass is used in the divination process. Whether you are interested in Chinese culture, divination, or just curious about the Book of Changes, the yarrow grass is definitely an interesting topic to explore.