Yarrow Stalks (7 Inch)

They’re perfect for consulting the oracle. Makes your focus, your presence and your mindfulness ready to Be Here Now.

Some reviews have complained the stalks are fragile, but hey--they're plant stalks. Duh. But I think they seem plenty durable for counting and casting lines for hexagrams. And I like the shorter length (7 inches), making them easier to manipulate and hold while dividing and counting. My set came with exactly the promised 50. (One was a little knobby on one end. So I just use that stalk to set aside for the process, which only uses 49 anyway.) And I received the bundle super fast--several days before predicted. But I do recommend finding something to store them when not using. My solution was to use a cardboard cylinder I got that used to hold incense sticks. I also like the natural texture: They just feel good between my fingers and make me feel more connected to the tradition. Kinda sets the mood and puts me in the zone.

Just what you purchase. A bit expensive

I got the bollingen series I ching years ago, don't have that anymore (or these), but it is neat to have this when you do it, seeing as how it takes longer, much longer, to get to the answer with this method, so it gives you time to focus on the question, or, truthfully, gives you more time to zone out and do this drawn out method, letting your brain go and reach into the universe INSTEAD of fixating on the question, flipping some coins, and getting a quick(er) answer. plus it just feels like a time honored way of doing it, ummm cause it is!

Excellent

These are indeed sticks. If they looked just like the sticks in the picture they would not be worth 18 dollars, but I wouldn't be leaving this poor review. My sticks are of differing diameter, with rough spots and uneven edges. They are sloppily whittled, a few were cut too deep leaving wide channels. They are not tied together with twine as the description states but rubber bands, one of which was broken. If I was going to sell sticks like these for such a ridiculous price, I think I'd take the time to bind them together with some natural looking hemp string and include a little slip of paper that went on about how special they were. Or at least include some nonsense Chinese characters. Also, count your sticks. I received 51 instead of 50 which may be the one positive thing I have to say. Extra stick included! The company that makes these is not to blame though. I am. For paying 17.99 for a bundle of sticks. So if you, like me have an interest in the I Ching, and are tempted to add this to your order of a new French press because you're on your 6th miller high life of the night and it sounds like a good idea, I urge you to see reason! The subconscious or the universe or whatever is at play when one consults the I Ching, works just as well with drink mixing straws or match sticks as it does with this overpriced product.

That's all. If you don't like sticks, no matter what you're reasons are to buy them, just don't?

Product quality is good - But.... the shipping was sloppy, at best. The package at my door had two sticks outside on the floor. When I picked it up, another fell out - The cardboard outer covering was open on both sides and the poor quality band did not hold the sticks and the paper Amazon band was broken. Luckily when I counted the sticks there was still 51. Amazon should review its shipping procedures for this product.