Eques Peregrinus Posted July 5, 2016 It is possible to cast an oracle with coins, but, traditionally, it was done with yarrow stalks and this technique is still practiced today, despite the longer time it needs to cast the lot. Therefore, I am wondering about the importance of the virtue of the yarrow in Yijing. Is the accuracy of the oracle effectively increased by the mediation of this plant? Which lead to an other question. Today, in Europe and probably also in North America, by yarrow we means generally the plant called Achillea millefolium, but was it really this plant which was intended? Could it also have been Achillea alpina which is commonly called Chinese yarrow? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Taoist Texts Posted July 5, 2016 (edited) the importance of the virtue of the yarrow in Yijing. Is the accuracy of the oracle effectively increased by the mediation of this plant?Good question. Yes, it was thought to be a special plant 蓍生七十岁生一茎，七百岁生十茎。神灵之物也，故生迟留，历岁长久，故能明审。 If it grows for 70 years, it has one stem, if 700 – 10. It is a spiritual plant, that’s why it grows slow and long, and can divine. 夏殷欲卜者，乃取蓍龟，已则弃去之，以为龟藏则不灵，蓍久则不神。 The diviners of Yin dynasty hunted fresh millefoil and turtle, divined only once and threw those out, because the stored turtle has no soul, and kept millefoil has no spirit. but was it really this plant which was intended? Could it also have been Achillea alpina which is commonly called Chinese yarrow?It is the latter Achillea sibirica Ledeb. — The Plant List Achillea sibirica Ledeb. is a synonym of Achillea alpina L. Edited July 5, 2016 by Taoist Texts 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
