For over 40 years, the I Ching has been a trusted companion for clinical psychologist and College of Psychic Studies tutor Dr. Lisa Langer. While many misconstrue the I Ching as a fortune-telling device, Lisa teaches it as a mirror for self-reflection. In this interview, Lisa shares how she first fell in love with the Book of Changes, why psychology and the I Ching's ancient wisdom aren't as far apart as they seem, and how to begin your own relationship with this timeless oracle.
What is the I Ching, and how does it help?
For me, the I Ching – The Book of Changes – has become one of the wisest companions in my life through more than 40 years of mindfulness practice and my work as a clinical psychologist. It is rooted in the Taoist tradition and reminds us that change is the one constant in our lives.
Although many people think of it as a tool for predicting the future, I've always experienced it differently. For me, it creates a reflective space, helping us step outside our habitual thinking and see ourselves and our lives from a fresh perspective. Rather than giving answers, it invites us to ask deeper questions and helps us listen to the wisdom already within us.
How did you first come across the I Ching?
I first came across the I Ching when I was 25, living in Los Angeles and going through a divorce. I was studying at the Taoist Institute in West Hollywood when my Tai Chi teacher introduced me to it.
Honestly, I fell in love.
I was drawn to its beautiful language and its symbolic imagery, but mostly to the depth of reflection it asks of us. Over the years, I've returned to it during times of uncertainty, transition, and growth. It has been a trusted companion for more than four decades, always reminding me to listen beyond fear and certainty. And that "perseverance furthers" is a theme that repeats throughout the book.
You're a clinical psychologist by training. How did that path lead you to I Ching?
People often assume psychology and the I Ching are in different worlds, but I've never experienced them that way.
Through psychology we understand why we think, feel, and behave as we do. The I Ching offers another perspective through symbol, metaphor, and reflection. Together with mindfulness, they've become complementary paths in both my personal life and my work.
I've never felt as though I had to choose between science and spirituality. Both explore what it means to be human, and both encourage us to become more aware, ask better questions, and live with greater intention. To me, they share the same goal: helping us wake up to ourselves.
Was there a specific moment in your own life where the I Ching gave you real clarity?
One experience that stands out occurred this past Winter Solstice in December 2025. I was thinking about the year ahead, so I asked the I Ching for guidance about my workshop teaching and several important family decisions.
I received Hexagram 46, Pushing Upward, changing to Hexagram 24, Return (The Turning Point). I wasn't looking for a prediction – I was looking for perspective and, honestly, some encouragement. The reading encouraged patience, steady growth, and trust in the unfolding process. As I approached another birthday, the symbolism of Return felt especially meaningful: a new cycle, another revolution around the sun, and an invitation to continue moving forward with confidence.
The I Ching didn't remove my uncertainty, but it helped me meet uncertainty with greater wisdom, patience, and trust.
Some find the I Ching intimidating or confusing. What's the biggest misconception?
I think the biggest misconception people have is that the I Ching predicts the future. That has never been my experience. I don't see it as a fortune-telling tool, but as a catalyst for self-reflection and a way of strengthening my own intuition. It doesn't tell us what will happen; it helps us understand what is happening within us. The I Ching invites us to pause, ask thoughtful questions, and consider our lives from a different perspective. That's what makes it so timeless and relevant.
What's a good 'first question' to ask the I Ching if we've never done it before?
I usually encourage people to begin with a question they're genuinely living rather than one they're simply curious about. Instead of asking, "What will happen?" I suggest asking, "What do I need to understand about this situation?" or "What is the wisest way to approach this, getting to the heart of my life?"
It's the quality of our questions that shapes the quality of the insight we receive. The I Ching isn't about certainty. It's about being in a deeper conversation with yourself.
What can we bring to the I Ching – big life decisions or smaller day-to-day stuff?
Both. People often consult the I Ching during major life transitions – relationships, career changes, health concerns, or grief – but it can be just as helpful with everyday questions. After years of working with the oracle, I've come to believe that the I Ching is less interested in the size of the decision than in the quality of our attention. It encourages us to approach our lives with greater honesty, patience, and awareness, whether we're facing a crossroads or simply trying to understand ourselves more deeply.
Do you still consult the I Ching yourself?
Yes, absolutely! Although I don't consult it every day, I return to it whenever I'm navigating an important decision or simply want to reflect more deeply on a situation. After more than 40 years, it remains a trusted friend. What continues to inspire me is that the same hexagram can reveal something entirely new as I grow and change. In many ways, the I Ching has grown with me.
Is there a ritual you like to do when consulting the I Ching?
When I turn to the I Ching, I keep it very simple. I like to find a quiet space, take a few slow breaths, and spend a moment settling my mind before asking a sincere question. I approach the I Ching with respect and curiosity rather than urgency. For me, the ritual isn't about doing something elaborate—it's about being present enough to hear what the I Ching may be trying to communicate. And many times, it's not what I expected to hear!
Any recommendations to get started with the I Ching, alongside your course?
I'd encourage people to begin with curiosity rather than trying to master the I Ching all at once. Choose a good translation, ask simple and sincere questions, and allow yourself time to reflect on the answers rather than rushing to interpret them.
Learning to throw the hexagrams may feel a little complicated at first, but like anything worthwhile, it becomes easier with practice.
More than anything, I hope people come away feeling less intimidated by the I Ching and excited to begin their own relationship with this extraordinary book. It has been a trusted companion in my own life for more than 40 years, and I continue to be humbled by its wisdom.
With over 40 years of dedicated practice, Dr. Lisa Langer brings a rare blend of psychological insight and contemplative depth to her teaching. Studying the I Ching with her at The College of Psychic Studies offers an opportunity to learn from someone who has lived alongside this ancient wisdom for decades, working with it as a practice of self-reflection and development. Learn with Dr Lisa Langer.
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