Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the App

The following questions and their answers were taken from the FAQ in the app.

Why should I write a question?

Writing a question will give you something to focus on during the reading. It will also help you recognize the reading if you decide to save it.

Why should I select a category?

If one of the categories suits your question, select it. The interpretations will be more relevant to you question than if you did not select a category.

Why can't I get a straight "yes" or "no" answer?

The YiJing does not lend itself easily to "yes" or "no" answers. It is also known as the Book of Changes for a reason. The responses focus more on the changes in the situation surrounding the question. A good compromise is to ask two questions. One question should concentrate on a the positive outcome. And, the other should concentrate on the negative outcome. Judging from the responses, you can decide on the actions to take or what path to follow.

Why do I have to tap six times? Why can't I just tap once?

In a typical reading, you would have to toss the coins or split the yarrow stalks once of each line. The algorithms to generate the lines were written to be faithful to those outcomes. Each tap gives the you the opportunity to participate more directly in what is supposed to be your reading.

Other apps have at most two hexagrams. Why are there so many in my reading?

The traditional way is to change all the changing lines of the first hexagram to product a result hexagram. So, you get a starting point and an end point. Somehow you have to work the changing lines into the reading. The YiJing Oracle, on the other hand, gives more details about how the situation will change. If you think of the result hexagram as your "destination", each  transitional hexagram is a "turn" you have to take to get there.

How accurate is the YiJing?

The short answer is: It is as accurate as your free will allows it. You can think of the reading as a "snapshot" of what is possible. So, what comes out of the reading is not set in stone. If the outlook looks good or not so good, you can change your actions or thoughts and take a different approach.

Can I look into someone else's future?

Unless the other person is there to consent to a reading and to tap the screen, the reading can apply only to you. It would unadvised and unethical to do a reading for someone else without their permission.

Is the YiJing better than Tarot cards?

Each form of fortune telling is different, but they try to accomplish the same goal: They try to give you insight into your question so you can make better decisions.

Where can I find directions on how to cast using three coins?

From the Start screen, tap Documents, and then tap Three Coins.

Where can I find directions on how to cast using the yarrow stalks?

From the Start screen, tap Documents, and then tap Yarrow Stalks.

Why aren't the changing lines marked with "X's" or "O's" instead?

The changing lines can be better seen if they are colored red. In future versions marking the changing lines that way might be an option to choose in Settings.

How many times should I ask the same question?

Asking the same question again and again will only confuse or frustrate you. If you want to ask the same question again, allow another day or two to pass. But, is that what you really want to ask? Is there something about the question that you should ask instead?

As a suggestion, use the Notes feature and write about your attitudes about the responses that you receive. When you ask again, you can compare the two readings and see how some time has helped you.

I did not like the outcome of my reading. What should I do?

Without realizing it, you have changed the possibilities, so the outcome is sure to change. The app has most likely presented you with aspects of the situation that you are unwilling to face. But, you might want to ask yourself if your question is the one you really want to ask. Nevertheless, give yourself some time, for example a day or two, before asking again.