College of Thelema: Thelemic Education

@Galahad said

"For some reason, I was prompted to study the Yi King this morning and cast coins for the first time. I worked off the instructions and hexagram interpretations in Liber 216. However, I was unclear about what role the 'moving line' should play in interpreting a hexagram. For example, I cast a 39 today (Kien - Moon of Earth), with the moving line in Line 5 (second from the top) - what are some possible ways to interpret this positioning?"

My understanding and experience have revealed that the moving lines are a secondary step in the process. They may be able to indicate a more specific reference to the current situation that you are asking about. In this case, the moving line at 5 indicates that although you are struggling with an obstacle(s), friends will help.

Once you've analyzed the question and response thoroughly then you can look at the hexagram that the changing lines create. In this case the solid line in the fifth position changes to a broken line, creating Hexagram number 15: Chi'en/Modesty. This gives you an idea of the future situation if you heed the advice from the initial hexagram. The I Ching primarily tells you what's going on now and what* could* happen in the future, just like any proper oracle.

@Galahad said

"In Liber 216, Crowley also refers readers to another book, "Magick," where he apparently discusses the Yi King in greater depth - does this refer to the brief discussion of divination in Magick in Theory and Practice? Or is there another source I should look for? Other, non-Crowley sources would be appreciated, as well. "

Although I appreciate Crowley's interpretation and utilize his perspective in readings, I find it extremely valuable to reference multiple sources: Wilhelm, Blofeld, Legge, Karcher, Wing, et al... as we are translating not only a language, but an entire abstract symbol set from an ancient and distinctive culture. You can find pdf's online but I also suggest getting yourself a hard copy.

I hope this helps and please feel free to ask any more questions about the reading. I absolutely adore the I Ching-It's never steered me wrong!

@raven27 said

"Hi Aurea, thanks for responding. Do you know Which volume of Black Pearl it is in? I found the pentagram ritual but could not find the hexagram one. I tried the ritual hexagram from the link ...it felt weird to me to say IAO Iacchus, Asi, Orus. I am used to Virgo being Isis and femenine and not father which is masculine, do you know if that makes sense to be calling Virgo father? I thought about how Lucifer is associated with Venus and so is Virgo. Iacchus is a Greek deity, I don't know what Asi and Orus are I guess they could be Greek too."

If it "feels" weird with those words you may consider not doing it. It is a planetary ritual and you want to make sure you feel good and confident about it. This is the sequence for the Analysis of the Keyword: INRI, Yod, Nun, Resh, Yod; Virgo, Isis, Mighty Mother; Scorpio, Apophis, Destroyer; Sol, Osiris, Slain, And Risin; Isis, Apophis, Oisris, IAO.

@Jim Eshelman said

"The hexagram article never appeared in BP. It was going to be in No 6, which was already oversized, and then was going to be up No 12, which never appeared. The only place tye article has appeared in full is in Pearls of Wisdom."

Alas, it is not in Black Pearl. Sorry about that. I've been referencing 776 1/2 for rituals. Pearls of Wisdom expounds even further upon this ritual and others, including a vastly expanded exposition of the Star Ruby and Star Sapphire. Also, Lon Milo DuQuette has a good book entitled, "The Magick of Aleister Crowley: A Handbook of the Rituals of Thelema" which further explains this and other rituals.

@raven27 said

"Hi...They say you should do a LBRP before doing the LBRH...I was wondering if replacing the LBRP with the Star Ruby would work alright?"

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This is a great question! Personally, I would stick with the LBRP at first. Crowley calls the Star Ruby, "a new and more elaborate version of the Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram..." In my experience, the Star Ruby is very expansive in clearing out the way for working. This could be beneficial or not, depending on what you're doing. For instance, performing the Star Ruby may bring more energy into your space, something that may be distracting if doing a meditation. Although, a bit of experimentation is necessary in finding what works for you. I would suggest keeping track of what you do and what the results are.

@raven27 said

"If anyone could look at this thelemic LBRH that I came across here www.thelemicgoldendawn.net/documents/hexagramrite.htm and let me know what you think about it, I would appreciate it . I'm thinking a may experiment with it."

Some of the terminology is a bit antiquated. And ARARITA is an acronym. I'd highly recommend checking out the Hexagram rituals detailed in James A. Esheleman's books, 776 1/2 and Pearls Of Wisdom. The ritual can also be found in Black Pearls, the College Of Thelema's periodical from the 90's. That series can be downloaded here:

www.thelema.org/publications/bp.html

Hope this helps and it'd be great to hear the results!

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