Self and Response lines: “me” and “the other”
The Self line represents the querent; the Response line represents the other party or the matter asked about. Their positions follow the hexagram’s place within its palace, and their elemental relationship provides the framework for many readings.
What do Self and Response represent?
The Self line represents the querent or their side. The Response line represents the other party: a partner, competitor, destination or matter to be handled.
- For cooperation, examine whether the Self and Response lines generate or combine with one another.
- For competition, compare the strength of the Self and Response lines.
- For travel, examine how the Response line, representing the destination, relates to the Self line.
Where is the Self line?
Each palace’s eight hexagrams have a fixed order that determines the Self line. The Response line is always separated from it by two intervening lines.
| Position within the palace | Self line (世爻) | Response line (应爻) |
|---|---|---|
| Palace’s original hexagram (one of the eight pure hexagrams) | Top line | Third line |
| First-generation hexagram | First line | Fourth line |
| Second-generation hexagram | Second line | Fifth line |
| Third-generation hexagram | Third line | Top line |
| Fourth-generation hexagram | Fourth line | First line |
| Fifth-generation hexagram | Fifth line | Second line |
| Wandering Soul hexagram (游魂卦) | Fourth line | First line |
| Returning Soul hexagram (归魂卦) | Third line | Top line |
Qian is the original hexagram of the Qian palace: Self is at the top and Response at the third line. Gou is its first-generation hexagram: Self is at the first and Response at the fourth line.
Common traditional interpretations
- Response generates or combines with Self: traditionally read as support from the other party and an easier path to agreement.
- Self generates Response: traditionally read as a need to contribute or make concessions.
- Self controls Response: traditionally read as being able to direct the situation, but with effort.
- Response controls Self: traditionally read as the other party being stronger, favoring a defensive rather than an advancing stance.
- The focal significator is strong but Self is weak: traditionally read as favorable circumstances that may exceed the querent’s capacity.
This page introduces traditional culture knowledge for reference only; it makes no predictions or guarantees about fate, health, relationships or wealth.