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Meaning and Context
In I Ching divination, not all lines are static. Some lines are "old" or "changing"—they have reached their extreme and are about to transform into their opposite.
- Old Yang (老阳, 9): Yang line about to become Yin
- Old Yin (老阴, 6): Yin line about to become Yang
- Young Yang (少阳, 7): Stable Yang line, not moving
- Young Yin (少阴, 8): Stable Yin line, not moving
Moving lines are the focal points of a reading. They show where change is happening and carry specific line texts (爻辞) that speak to your situation.
Key insight
The moving line is where the situation is most dynamic. Pay special attention to its text and position—this is where the I Ching is speaking most directly to your question.
Classical Roots
The Xici explains that change arises from the interaction of opposites:
From Yijing · Xici
「刚柔相推而生变化。」
Plain translation
"Firm and yielding push against each other and produce change." Moving lines embody this cosmic principle of transformation through tension.
The Meihua Yishu emphasizes the practical importance:
From Meihua Yishu
「有动爻则应事之机，无动爻则观卦之体。」
Plain translation
"When there are moving lines, they reveal the pivot of the matter; without moving lines, observe the hexagram as a whole."
How Moving Lines Work
When you cast a hexagram using traditional methods:
- Each line is determined to be one of four types: old Yang (9), young Yang (7), old Yin (6), young Yin (8)
- Old Yang and old Yin are moving lines—they will transform
- Old Yang (—) becomes Yin (– –) in the changed hexagram
- Old Yin (– –) becomes Yang (—) in the changed hexagram
- Young lines remain stable and unchanged
The result: you have a primary hexagram (本卦) showing the current situation, and if moving lines exist, a changed hexagram (变卦) showing where things are heading.
How to Read It
Interpreting moving lines:
- Note which lines are moving (could be 0 to 6)
- Read the specific line texts for each moving line
- Consider the position meaning (1st line = beginning, 5th = peak, etc.)
- Look at both the primary hexagram and the changed hexagram
- The changed hexagram shows the outcome or trajectory
Multiple moving lines
When multiple lines move, different traditions have different rules. Some read all moving line texts; others focus on specific ones. FateFolio provides all relevant texts for your consideration.
How It Shows Up in FateFolio
In FateFolio's I Ching tool:
- Moving lines are clearly highlighted with a change indicator
- The transformation from primary to changed hexagram is visualized
- Line texts for moving lines are prominently displayed
- Both hexagrams are interpreted together for full context
Common Misconceptions
Common misunderstandings about moving lines:
- Ignoring the changed hexagram when moving lines are present
- Reading only the moving line without the overall hexagram context
- Thinking more moving lines means a more significant reading
- Assuming no moving lines means nothing is happening—it may indicate stability
Sources and Quotes
FAQ
What if my hexagram has no moving lines?
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A hexagram with no moving lines indicates a stable situation. There is no changed hexagram—the primary hexagram alone describes your circumstances.
This can mean the situation is settled, or that the forces at play are in balance. Read the overall hexagram judgment and image for guidance.
What if all six lines are moving?
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When all six lines move, the entire hexagram transforms into its opposite. This indicates a fundamental, complete change of situation.
Traditionally, you might read both hexagram judgments and consider the transformation as describing a total shift from one state to another.