The analysis of lines (yao) in the Six-Line I-Ching Method involves identifying each line’s position (such as Initial Nine/Six, Second Nine/Six, etc.), its Yin–Yang nature, its associated Five Phases (Wu Xing), and its generative or controlling relationships with the Significator Line (Shi), Opposing Line (Ying), and the Month/Day Branches (Yue Jian / Ri Jian). These factors together reveal the pattern of transformation and the ultimate outcome of the hexagram, with primary emphasis on moving lines, which generate the Primary Hexagram and its corresponding Transformed Hexagram. These outcomes are then applied to the matter being divined.
Fundamental Elements in Line Interpretation
1. Identifying the Lines
Yang Line (—): A solid line, read as Nine (Jiu) — e.g., Initial Nine (Jiu Chu), Nine in the Second, Nine in the Third, etc. Yin Line (– –): A broken line, read as Six (Liu) — e.g., Initial Six (Liu Chu), Six in the Second, etc. Lines are read from bottom to top: Line 1 = Initial Line (Chu) Line 6 = Top Line (Shang)
2. Five-Phase Attribution of Lines
Each line—and each trigram/hexagram—corresponds to one of the Five Phases:
Qian (☰): Metal Kun (☷): Earth Kan (☵): Water Zhen (☳): Wood Xun (☴): Wood Li (☲): Fire Gen (☶): Earth Dui (☱): Metal
3. Shi (Significator Line) and Ying (Opposing Line)
Shi Line (Hào Thế): Represents the querent or the subject under examination. Ying Line (Hào Ứng): Represents the counterpart or external object/party in the situation. The generative/controlling relationship (sheng–ke) between Shi and Ying is a major interpretive axis.
4. Ri Jian (Day Influence) & Yue Jian (Month Influence)
Each day and month carries its own Heavenly Stem & Earthly Branch, with inherent Five-Phase attributes. The Month and Day can strengthen (generate) or restrain (overcome) specific lines, affecting their relative power.
5. Moving and Static Lines
Moving Line (Dong Yao): Lines marked by 6 or 9; these shift to their opposite polarity (Yang → Yin, Yin → Yang). Moving lines are the core mechanism that produces the Transformed Hexagram and indicates dynamic change. Static Line: A line that remains unchanged.
Basic Method of Divination Analysis
1. Establishing the Hexagram
Using a divination method (coins, yarrow stalks, or other traditional systems), determine the Primary Hexagram (Ben Gua) and, through moving lines, derive the Transformed Hexagram (Bian Gua).
2. Examine Shi/Ying and Month/Day Influences
Assess whether the Shi line is strong or weakened—is it supported by the Month/Day or controlled by them? Examine the Ying line similarly. Determine which elements are prosperous (vibrant) or declining relative to the temporal context.
3. Analyze the Moving Lines (Most Critical Step)
Identify how each moving line changes polarity and how this creates the Transformed Hexagram. Evaluate both the original line and the transformed line: What is their Five-Phase interaction with Shi and Ying? Are they in a relation of Generation (Sheng), Control (Ke), Combination (He), Clash (Chong), or Break/Destruction (Po)? Determine the narrative of change produced by the moving lines and how this outcome aligns with the situation under inquiry
