THE CHARACTER OF THE LINES

The character of the lines is designated as :

• firm or yielding
• central, as correct
• not central or not correct

• The undivided lines are firm (or rigid)
• the divided lines are yielding (or weak)

The middle lines of the two primary trigrams, the second and the fifth, are central irrespective of their other qualities.

A line is correct when it stands in a place appropriate to it - e.g., a firm line occupying the first, third, or fifth place, or a yielding line occupying the second, fourth, or sixth place.

Both firm and yielding lines may be favorable or unfavorable, according to the time requirement of the hexagram.

When the time calls for firmness, firm lines are favorable.

When the time requires giving way, yielding lines are favorable.

This holds true to such an extent that correctness may not always be of advantage.

When the time requires giving way, a firm line in the third place, although correct in itself, is harmful because it shows too much firmness, while conversely a yielding line in the third place can be favorable because its yielding character compensates for the rigidity of the place.

Only the central position is favorable in the great majority of cases, whether associated with correctness or not.

A yielding ruler in particular may have a very favorable position, especially when supported by a strong, firm official in the second place.