Introduction to the I Ching

A foundation in the Book of Changes with Stuart Alve Olson

Four recorded classes · Self-study program · $108

Lifetime access to the videos and course materials

Start at the Beginning

If you have been curious about the I Ching but unsure how to approach it, this course begins with the basics. No previous knowledge is required.

The I Ching, also known as the Book of Changes, explores change through 64 symbolic images called hexagrams. Each image consists of six broken or unbroken lines. Understanding those images and the teachings associated with them provides a way to reflect on questions, situations, and our responses to change.

In four recorded classes, Stuart explains the structure and ideas of the I Ching, demonstrates ways of working with it, and guides you through interpreting an example question. Suzanne Nosko participates in the demonstrations and discussions, helping you see how the teachings are put into practice.

What You Will Learn

How Yin and Yang lines form three-line images called trigrams and six-line images called hexagrams
How the eight trigrams relate to nature and other traditional associations
How to form a clear question for the I Ching
How to cast a hexagram using three coins and record the result
What changing lines are and how they affect your reading
How to consider a hexagram’s name, its written guidance, its trigrams, and its individual lines
How Stuart distinguishes divination from calculation and approaches each
How study, observation, and practice help develop your interpretation and intuition

The Four Classes

Class 1: Understanding the I Ching

An introduction to its meaning, origins, Yin and Yang, trigrams, hexagrams, translations, and traditional correlations. Stuart introduces the distinction between divination and calculation.

Class 2: Asking, casting, and beginning to interpret

Guidance on forming a question, casting with coins, recording an image, understanding changing lines, and developing intuition, with demonstration and discussion.

Class 3: Working through an example

Suzanne casts an example question, and Stuart walks through the interpretation. The class considers the hexagram’s written guidance, upper and lower trigrams, individual lines, and how a changing line would affect the reading.

Class 4: Divination, calculation, and continued study

Stuart develops the distinction between divination and calculation, discusses the use of image correlations, and answers questions about interpretation and further study.

Learn from Stuart’s Teaching

Stuart Alve Olson (1950–2025), founder of Sanctuary of Tao and author of the Book of Sun and Moon, brought decades of study and teaching to his work with the I Ching.

Recorded in the summer of 2023, these classes preserve his explanations, demonstrations, and responses to students’ questions. You can study at your own pace and return to the material as your understanding develops.

For the coin-casting lessons, have three coins, a notebook, and The Book of Sun and Moon (I Ching) available.

A Foundation for Further Study

This program introduces ways of consulting and interpreting the I Ching and provides a foundation for Sanctuary of Tao’s further I Ching teaching.

If you are interested in our Life Map workshop/program, the course will help you become familiar with the images and language used there. The workshop applies the Book of Sun and Moon method to a complete birth-based reading.

Continue Your Studies Through Our Membership

The Sanctuary of Tao Membership offers a way to continue learning after this introductory course. Explore Stuart’s recorded I Ching talks and join monthly discussions of his Book of Sun and Moon with Suzanne Nosko and Patrick Gross.

Membership also includes teaching and practices in Taoist philosophy, meditation, Qigong, and Taijiquan.

Membership is offered for a suggested donation of $18 per month. If you would like to arrange a different donation amount, please contact us.

Learn more about the Sanctuary of Tao Membership

Program Details

Format: Four recorded classes, divided into 23 video lessons
Teacher: Stuart Alve Olson, with Suzanne participating in demonstrations and discussion
Experience needed: None
Access: Lifetime access to the videos and course materials
Price: $108