The I Ching oracle is traditionally determined by using coins or yarrow sticks. At no2DO.com we go a different way and use a mixture of human factor and a computer generated random number.
The main difference – besides convenience and speed – are the numerical values that are generated by the different oracle methods:
- no2DO oracle: 7 or 8.
- coin or yarrow oracle: 6 or 7 or 8 or 9
6 or 9 are changing lines. This means that the hexagram may transform into another hexagram. Example:
- no2DO oracle: 787777 (13 – fellowship with men).
- Coin or Yarrow oracle:
- either 787777 (13 – fellowship with men)
- or 767777 (13 – fellowship with men = original hexagram) transforms to 777777 (1 – determination = transformation hexagram)
On no2DO we do not consider changing lines (a reason is given here), but of course it is open to everyone to consider the transforming hexagram as well. This is possible on no2DO at any time, just go to the corresponding interpretation page: Overview Hexagrams
Here are some further details how the oracle number is calculated on no2DO: As long as you move the mouse within the playing field, the mouse movement’s x and y coordinates are added up; the longer you move the mouse, the greater the numerical value.
If you finally click the mouse a random number is generated and multiplied twice with the previously calculated sum of x and y coordinates. Subsequently, the respective next integer is determined (through eliminating decimal places) and, depending on whether it is odd or even, a solid (Yang) or a broken (Yin) line is drawn.
Thus, as long as the querist moves the mouse, he actively influences the numeric value. Just like with coins or yarrow sticks the result is determined by the querist – and no a “random number” as with most online oracles.
