Can ancient scholars calculate divination?

First of all, ancient scholars basically read the Book of Changes, whether they wanted to be an official or live in seclusion in the mountain spring. The Book of Changes is a must for the three major religions. Scholars, Taoists and monks all have the opportunity to read the Book of Changes.

Secondly, the Book of Changes contains the content of divination, but it is not the same as divination. The Book of Changes was divided into two schools in later generations: the mathematical school and the righteous school. The former is engaged in divination, while the latter is engaged in philosophical research.

Third, the divination in Zhouyi is not the same as what we usually say. Divination in Zhouyi mainly depends on literary words. People who think deeply like Confucius will use Zhouyi to calculate. We usually talk about divination and fortune telling, which is a relatively independent school established by using the principles of yin and yang and five elements, combined with fixed methods and using the name of Yijing.

Therefore, ancient scholars may or may not calculate divination, and even if they do, it may not be what we understand.