What kind of grass is used for divination in Zhouyi An Exploration of the Mysterious Grass

Divination has been an important part of Chinese culture for thousands of years, and the Zhouyi, also known as the I Ching, is one of the most well - known divination systems. In the process of Zhouyi divination, a specific kind of grass plays a crucial role. This blog post aims to explore What kind of grass is used for divination in Zhouyi.

The grass used for Zhouyi divination is called milfoil. Milfoil, scientifically known as Achillea millefolium, has a long - standing connection with Chinese divination traditions. In ancient times, people believed that milfoil had a certain spiritual power and could act as a medium between humans and the divine.

There are some reasons why milfoil was chosen for Zhouyi divination. Firstly, its appearance is unique. Milfoil has many thin, long leaves, which are thought to represent the complexity and variety of the universe. Secondly, its growth characteristics also add to its mystery. It often grows in natural and wild environments, giving it an air of being in harmony with nature.

The process of using milfoil for Zhouyi divination is quite elaborate. Here are the general steps: Prepare 50 stalks of milfoil. One stalk is set aside, representing the unchanging principle, and the remaining 49 are used for the actual divination. Randomly divide the 49 stalks into two groups, representing the separation of heaven and earth. Take one stalk from one of the groups and place it between the ring finger and little finger of the left hand, symbolizing the emergence of humanity. Then, count the stalks in each group in fours. The remainders are used to determine the hexagrams. Repeat the above steps several times to form a complete hexagram, which can be interpreted according to the Zhouyi text.

In conclusion, milfoil is the grass used for divination in Zhouyi. Its unique properties and the elaborate divination process associated with it have made it an important element in Chinese divination culture. Although modern people may view Zhouyi divination more from a cultural and historical perspective rather than a strictly superstitious one, the use of milfoil still adds a touch of mystery and tradition to this ancient practice.