Changing-line reading rules
Count the changing lines first, then determine whether to read the primary judgment, resulting judgment or a particular line text. The rules are public and results can be checked.
Distinguish hexagrams and lines
The primary hexagram consists of the six yin/yang lines obtained in the cast. Values 6 and 9 are changing lines; their changes form the resulting hexagram. Zero through six changing lines select different sets of texts.
Text selection uses fixed rules and the same function as the result page, so the same example does not receive different conventions on different pages.
This site’s fixed convention
The rules refer to the seven-case framework in Yixue Qimeng. With three changing lines, the site consistently uses the simplified convention of reading both hexagram judgments, with the primary judgment taking precedence, and identifies this on the result page.
Read by changing-line count
| Changing lines | Texts to read | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| 0 changing lines | Primary hexagram judgment | All six lines unchanging |
| 1 changing line | That changing line’s text in the primary hexagram | That line takes precedence |
| 2 changing lines | Both changing line texts in the primary hexagram | The upper of the two takes precedence |
| 3 changing lines | Primary and resulting hexagram judgments | This site gives the primary precedence |
| 4 changing lines | Both unchanging line texts in the resulting hexagram | The lower of the two takes precedence |
| 5 changing lines | The sole unchanging line text in the resulting hexagram | That line takes precedence |
| 6 changing lines | Qian: Use of Nine; Kun: Use of Six; otherwise the resulting judgment | All lines transform |
Reading limits
Text selection for changing lines has textual variants and later interpretations. These are the site’s published reading conventions, not a claim to be the only tradition. Judgments and line texts support classical study and reflection, not medical, legal, investment or other real-world professional judgment.