Before turning to the I Ching, it is helpful to shape the inquiry so that it invites insight rather than a fixed prediction. The classic approach is to ask open-ended questions that begin with phrases such as “How should I…?” or “What is the nature of…?” rather than questions that can be answered with yes or no. Such questions allow the oracle to describe the situation, the tendencies at work, and the appropriate attitude, instead of being pressed into forecasting a rigid outcome. Emphasis is placed on guidance: “What is the best way to approach this?” or “What should be understood about this situation?” This kind of phrasing aligns with the text’s strength in illuminating patterns and possibilities rather than certainties.

A well-formed question also centers on one’s own stance, conduct, and responsibility. Rather than probing another person’s private thoughts or demanding to know what someone will do, the focus rests on one’s role and appropriate response: “How should one conduct oneself in this relationship now?” or “What is the appropriate way to proceed with this opportunity?” In this way, the consultation becomes an exercise in self-examination and ethical reflection, not an attempt to control others or pry into their inner world. The oracle is then invited to clarify what attitude, behavior, or perspective is called for in the present circumstances.

Clarity and specificity are important, but they are best balanced with a certain spaciousness. The situation, people involved, and relevant timeframe can be named so that the question is grounded, for example: “How should this situation be approached over the next few months?” or “What is the present situation regarding this plan, and how should one proceed?” At the same time, the wording should avoid being so narrow or emotionally charged that it merely seeks confirmation of a desired outcome. Questions that demand, “Will this succeed?” or “Will this person return?” tend to close off the broader, more nuanced counsel that the I Ching can offer.

Equally significant is the inner attitude brought to the act of questioning. Before casting, it is beneficial to quiet the mind, concentrate on a single, well-formed question, and approach the text with sincerity and respect. The inquiry is most fruitful when there is a genuine willingness to be corrected, to see one’s own part in the situation, and to receive guidance that may challenge existing preferences. When the question is framed as a request for understanding—“What needs to be understood about this conflict?” or “How can one best navigate this challenging period?”—the I Ching is given room to reveal the underlying dynamics and to suggest a way of proceeding that is both practical and reflective.