Some lines in a hexagram may change during divination, known as "changing lines." These indicate shifts in the situation or outcomes, providing crucial insight for interpretation.

1. What are Changing Lines?

In the I Ching, a hexagram consists of six lines. These lines are made up of either Yang (solid lines, --) or Yin (broken lines, - -). Changing lines refer to those that transform or shift, signaling a transition in the situation.

A Yang line (--) may become a Yin line (- -), or vice versa. Changing lines are dynamic; they represent moments when something is in flux or undergoing change, often revealing the underlying movement of a situation. These changing lines are key to understanding how a situation is developing or evolving. When you receive a hexagram with changing lines during a divination, the changing lines show you the transition from the present state to a new phase or future outcome.

2. The Role of Changing Lines in Divination Changing lines serve as indicators of transformation. The presence of changing lines in your hexagram suggests that you are not just dealing with a static state of affairs. Instead, the situation is fluid and evolving, and your actions or circumstances might lead to a new outcome.

Changing lines show where the energy or focus of a situation is shifting. Interpretation of the changing lines provides guidance on how to manage these shifts — whether to act in harmony with the change or resist it. For example, the changing lines in a hexagram may indicate:

A need to adjust your actions to align with the changing circumstances. The transformation of a particular phase of your life, from a period of rest to a time of action, or vice versa. The outcome of a conflict or situation, indicating how things will unfold over time.

3. Old Yin and Old Yang Lines In the context of changing lines, there are two important types: Old Yin and Old Yang.

Old Yin (6): When a Yin line changes (i.e., it becomes a Yang line), it indicates receptivity transforming into action. A shift from passivity to activity, from waiting to initiating.

Old Yang (9): When a Yang line changes (i.e., it becomes a Yin line), it signals activity transforming into receptivity. A shift from assertive action to a more reflective, adaptive approach.

These changing lines point to an ongoing transformation in the situation or in the querent’s approach to it. They indicate that the situation is no longer in its original form, and actions must be taken to adapt to the change.

4. The Secondary (or Dynamic) Hexagram When a hexagram has changing lines, a new hexagram is formed by changing only the lines that are changing. This new hexagram is called the secondary hexagram or dynamic hexagram, and it represents the future state of the situation once the changes have fully taken place.

The secondary hexagram provides additional guidance and insight, showing the end result or the potential future that is being shaped by the changing lines. It gives a deeper understanding of the ultimate direction the situation is heading and offers advice on how to navigate it effectively.

5. Practical Examples Let’s consider an example of how changing lines work in practice:

Hexagram 1: Qián (The Creative) — It represents power, strength, and dynamic action. If you receive changing lines, such as:

Old Yang line (Line 1): “At the beginning of things, act with caution. You are in the early stages, and while you may be full of energy, be careful not to overstep.” This suggests that in the current moment, you may have the potential for great strength but need to act wisely and avoid rushing into the situation. The change indicates that you will likely need to transition from a state of initial excitement into a more controlled, balanced action.

If the changing line is in a position where it becomes a secondary hexagram, the guidance might point to Hexagram 2 (Kūn - The Receptive), representing receptivity and support, suggesting that after taking action, you will need to adopt a more reflective and passive approach to let things unfold naturally.

6. Key Predictions Through Changing Lines Shifting energy: Changing lines often mark a shift in energy — from active to passive, from resistance to acceptance, or from chaos to order. Timing: Changing lines are key to understanding timing. If the changing line occurs in a higher position, it may indicate that the change is near completion or is at a mature stage. Adjustment of actions: The line statements offer specific advice on how to adjust your approach to the changing situation, whether you should be proactive, cautious, or let things unfold naturally.