About Cleromancer

Understanding the ancient wisdom of the I Ching and how this modern app brings it to life

About the I Ching

The I Ching (易經), or Book of Changes, is a 3,000-year-old oracle and philosophical system that maps the patterns of change in the universe. Originating in ancient China, it has been studied by philosophers, poets, and seekers across centuries.

At its heart, the I Ching is not about predicting a fixed destiny—it is a mirror for self-reflection. It helps us understand the patterns of change in life, offering perspective on challenges, decisions, and opportunities.

The Mechanics of Change

The system is built on the binary interplay of Yin (receptive, broken line) and Yang (creative, solid line). These lines combine into eight trigrams, which in turn form the 64 hexagrams—each representing a unique archetypal situation or stage of transformation.

A hexagram is always built from the bottom up, line by line, reflecting the natural progression of events from their roots to their full manifestation.

Understanding Changing Lines

One of the most profound aspects of the I Ching is the "changing line." When you cast the coins, each line is assigned a numerical value:

6 (Old Yin) — A changing line that flips to Yang. 7 (Young Yang) — A stable solid line. 8 (Young Yin) — A stable broken line. 9 (Old Yang) — A changing line that flips to Yin.

Changing lines represent points of tension or imminent movement. They transform the Primary Hexagram (the present state) into a Relating Hexagram (the potential future or underlying trend), providing a narrative of how a situation is evolving.

Cleromancer: Ancient Meets Modern

Cleromancer bridges these millennia of wisdom with state-of-the-art technology, providing a modern way to connect with the I Ching while preserving the spirit of its traditional practice.

Set Your Intention — Before generating a hexagram, take a moment to center yourself and form a clear question or reflection. The quality of your intention shapes the clarity of the response.

Digital & Manual Ritual — We use quantum-based true randomness to simulate the organic nature of coin tossing, or you can toss real coins yourself and input the results. Detailed instructions guide you through the process.

AI Interpretation

The interpretation provided in this app is generated by a state-of-the-art language model. The goal is to make hexagram readings more digestible and accessible for modern users.

While the AI aims to stay true to the spirit of the I Ching, it offers a modern perspective rather than traditional commentary. Use these AI-generated insights as a starting point for your own reflection, blending ancient wisdom with modern technology.

About Randomness and Meaning

Quantum True Randomness — This app uses the CURBy Project, which leverages quantum mechanics for truly unpredictable randomness. Unlike pseudo-random algorithms, CURBy generates genuine randomness that is mathematically proven to be unbiased.

Physical Coin Tosses — Many practitioners value the tactile ritual of tossing coins. The rhythm, sound, and presence of chance in the physical world create a meditative atmosphere, making the reading feel more alive and personal.

Privacy & Encryption

We believe your spiritual journey should be private. Cleromancer is built with a privacy-first approach to ensure your reflections and questions remain yours alone.

Server-Managed Encryption — When private consultations are enabled, your intentions and interpretations are encrypted on the server. This ensures your data remains secure and private, accessible only to you across all your devices.

Data Ownership — You have full control over your data. Encryption is enabled by default to provide the highest level of security from your very first reading.

Why Use the I Ching?

The I Ching does not give simple yes-or-no answers. Instead, it offers images, metaphors, and wisdom that encourage reflection. By contemplating the response, you may discover new perspectives, inner clarity, or a deeper connection with the flow of life.

Whether for daily meditation, decision-making, or curiosity, this app makes the I Ching accessible and meaningful.

Support the Project

Cleromancer is a passion project created and maintained by a single person. While we offer a free tier, running this app comes with real costs:

Infrastructure — Storing your reading history and keeping the app online requires reliable database and hosting services.

AI Interpretations — Each AI-powered insight uses advanced language models, which incur usage costs.

Continuous Development — New features, bug fixes, and improvements take time and dedication.

If you find value in Cleromancer, consider supporting its development. Your support helps keep this project alive and growing.

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Roadmap

What's coming next for Cleromancer

Yarrow Stalks Method

Traditional 50-stalk divination method for a more authentic, meditative experience.

Changing Lines & Transformed HexagramsIn Progress

Full support for changing lines with automatic calculation of the transformed hexagram.

Improved AI Interpretations

Multiple AI models to choose from, with deeper contextual understanding and personalized insights.

Reading Journal & Notes

Add personal notes to your readings and track patterns in your consultations over time.