Chapter 03: Shi, Ying, and Useful God

After completing this chapter, readers should understand:

1. The Self line, Other line, and Useful Line are the core of Liu Yao judgment.
2. The Self line usually represents oneself, the querent, the main party, or the current position.
3. The Other line usually represents the other party, external environment, cooperation object, or the responding side of the matter.
4. The Useful Line represents the matter being asked about, and is the key to judging whether the matter can succeed, whether it has strength, and where it is obstructed.
5. Different questions require different Useful Lines.
6. The Self-Other relationship can show interaction between oneself and the other party, or between oneself and the outside.
7. The Useful Line’s strength, generation and control, movement or stillness, emptiness, clash and combination determine the core state of the matter.
8. Liu Yao judgment cannot look only at the hexagram name; it must first clarify “where am I, where is the other party, and where is the matter?”

Liu Yao is more detailed than ordinary hexagram judgment because it divides one question into different roles.

A concrete question usually contains at least three parts:

1. Oneself: who is asking, and who must face this matter?
2. The other party or outside: who is on the other side of the matter, and what is the external environment like?
3. The matter being asked about: what is the real core concern?

In Liu Yao, these three parts usually correspond to:

For example, someone asks:

Will this client pay this week?

Here:

• The Self line represents oneself or the receiving side;
• The Other line may represent the client;
• The Wealth line is the Useful Line, representing the money, payment, and payment result.

If you only read Self and Other but not the Wealth line, you cannot know whether the money will arrive.

If you only read the Wealth line but not Self and Other, you cannot know the interaction between yourself and the client.

If you only read the hexagram name, that is even less sufficient.

Therefore, the first step of Liu Yao judgment is not to ask “is this hexagram auspicious?” but to ask first:

Where is Self? Where is Other? Where is the Useful Line?

The Self line is the main position in Liu Yao.

In most cases, the Self line represents:

• Oneself;
• The querent;
• The main party;
• The current position;
• One’s own state;
• One’s strength in this matter;
• Whether one can bear or control the matter.

For example:

Career question

Question:

Am I suitable to accept this position?

The Self line represents oneself.

If the Self line is strong, it shows that one currently has more strength and can better bear the requirements of the position.

If the Self line is weak, it may show insufficient preparation, lack of confidence, or a passive position.

Partnership question

Question:

Is this partnership suitable to continue moving forward?

The Self line represents your side.

If the Self line is strong, it shows that your side has initiative or carrying capacity.

If the Self line is weak, it shows that your side may be in a weaker position and should negotiate conditions carefully.

Relationship question

Question:

Should I actively contact the other person?

The Self line represents the querent.

If the Self line moves, it may show a change in one’s mindset, or that one wants to take action.

If the Self line is empty, it may show unstable state, uncertainty, or difficulty putting action into place for now.

The strength or weakness of the Self line is an important foundation in Liu Yao judgment.

When the Self line is strong, it usually indicates:

• One has strength;
• Initiative is relatively strong;
• One can bear the matter;
• The mindset is relatively stable;
• Resources or ability to act are present;
• One is not too passive in the question.

When the Self line is weak, it usually indicates:

• One’s strength is insufficient;
• One is more likely to be passive;
• Pressure is heavier;
• The mindset is unstable;
• Conditions are not mature;
• External support is needed.

But a strong Self line is not always good, and a weak Self line is not always bad.

For example, when asking whether to end an unsuitable relationship, a strong Self line may indicate the ability to make a decision.

When asking whether it is suitable to fight for dominance, an overly strong Self line may indicate being too forceful.

To judge the Self line, combine it with:

• The Useful Line;
• The Other line;
• Month Branch and Day Branch;
• Moving lines;
• Generation, control, clash, and combination;
• The question background.

The Other line usually represents the other party or the outside.

In different questions, the Other line can represent:

• The other party;
• A cooperation partner;
• A client;
• A competitor;
• The external environment;
• The responding side of a project;
• The other end of the matter.

For example:

Relationship question

Question:

Is the other person willing to continue communication?

The Other line often represents the other person.

If the Other line is strong, it may show that the other person has a strong state, clear opinions, and their own ideas.

If the Other line moves, it may show that the other person is changing or will take action.

If the Other line is empty, it may show that the other person’s state is unclear, temporarily absent, or the attitude has not landed.

Partnership question

Question:

Does the other party have genuine intent to cooperate?

The Other line represents the cooperation partner.

If the Other line generates the Self line, it may show that the other party helps oneself.

If the Other line controls the Self line, it may show that the other party is forceful or gives oneself pressure.

If the Other line combines with the Self line, it may show connection, cooperation, or entanglement.

If the Other line clashes with the Self line, it may show conflict of position, large changes, or instability.

Career question

Question:

Is this company suitable for me?

The Other line can represent the company, role environment, or external platform.

The action of the Other line toward the Self line can show how the external environment affects oneself.

The Self-Other relationship is a very important layer in Liu Yao judgment.

It helps us see:

How oneself interacts with the other party, the outside, or the matter.

Common Self-Other relationships are as follows.

Other generates Self

When the Other line generates the Self line, it usually means the outside helps oneself.

For example:

• The other party is willing to cooperate;
• The client is favorable to oneself;
• The platform supports oneself;
• External conditions can help oneself;
• The matter is relatively beneficial to oneself.

In partnership questions, Other generating Self is usually better.

In relationship questions, Other generating Self may indicate that the other person offers some support or response.

In work questions, Other generating Self may show that the position or platform helps oneself.

But the strength of the Other line still matters.

If the Other line is empty or weak, the help may be superficial or temporary.

Self generates Other

When the Self line generates the Other line, it usually means oneself gives more.

It may indicate:

• Oneself takes initiative;
• Oneself invests resources;
• Oneself enables the other party;
• Oneself is consumed by the matter;
• The other party benefits more.

In relationship questions, Self generating Other often shows that oneself cares more or acts more actively.

In partnership questions, Self generating Other shows that one’s side invests more.

In work questions, Self generating Other may show that one must spend more effort adapting to the environment.

If the Self line is strong, Self generating Other can be active contribution.

If the Self line is weak, it may be excessive consumption.

Other controls Self

When the Other line controls the Self line, it usually means the outside forms pressure on oneself.

It may indicate:

• The other party is forceful;
• External conditions are unfavorable;
• Partnership pressure is high;
• The other party demands a lot;
• Oneself is in a passive position;
• The matter restricts oneself.

In partnership questions, conditions should be negotiated carefully.

In relationship questions, it may show that the other person gives oneself pressure.

In work questions, it may show that the role or company has high requirements.

But Other controlling Self is not always entirely bad.

If asking about exams, training, or entering a strict organization, Other controlling Self may represent rules and pressure, and this pressure may also bring growth.

The key is whether oneself can bear it.

Self controls Other

When the Self line controls the Other line, it usually means oneself has control over the other party or outside.

It may indicate:

• Oneself is more active;
• Oneself can control the situation;
• Oneself can influence the other party;
• Oneself has bargaining power;
• Oneself can handle the problem.

But control also represents exertion.

If the Self line is weak but controls Other, it may mean wanting to control but lacking strength.

If the Self line is strong and controls Other, there is more real control.

In relationship questions, Self controlling Other may also show a stronger desire to control, so balance in the relationship should be considered.

Self and Other combine

When Self and Other combine, the two sides are connected.

This may be:

• Cooperation;
• Relationship;
• Attraction;
• Entanglement;
• Difficulty separating;
• Shared interests;
• Emotional or practical connection.

But combination is not necessarily good.

Sometimes combination means cooperation, sometimes being tied, and sometimes unclear entanglement.

You must see whether the combination is favorable or unfavorable, and also read the state of the Useful Line.

Self and Other clash

When Self and Other clash, there is opposition or change between the two sides.

This may be:

• Disagreement;
• Unstable relationship;
• Conflicting conditions;
• Different directions between the two sides;
• Separation, movement, or conflict imagery.

But clash is not necessarily bad.

If the original relationship is stagnant, clash may bring change.

If the clash opens an obstruction, a turning point may also appear.

Therefore, clash must be judged according to the question.

The Useful Line in Liu Yao is the core line representing the matter being asked about.

It is not the same as the Useful God in BaZi.

The BaZi Useful God is the key Five Element that balances and activates the natal structure.

The Liu Yao Useful Line is:

The type of line that best represents the object or result being asked about in this question.

For example:

• Ask about money: read the Wealth line;
• Ask about contracts: read the Parent line;
• Ask about work position: read the Officer/Ghost line;
• Ask about children: read the Children/Descendants line;
• Ask about friends: read the Sibling line;
• Ask whether a client will pay: read both the Wealth line and the Other line;
• Ask about relationships: select the Useful Line according to gender, question context, and relationship object.

When the Useful Line is chosen correctly, the judgment has direction.

When the Useful Line is chosen incorrectly, later analysis is easily wrong no matter how detailed it is.

In Liu Yao judgment, the hexagram name is only background.

To judge a specific matter, the Useful Line must be read.

For example, ask:

Will the client pay?

Even if the hexagram name looks favorable, if the Wealth line is empty, controlled, in tomb, or without qi, payment may still be difficult.

If the hexagram name looks ordinary but the Wealth line is strong, generates Self, and the Other line cooperates, there may still be a collection opportunity.

Another example, ask:

Can I pass the exam?

The key is to read related factors such as the Parent line, Officer/Ghost line, and Self line.

You cannot only see whether the hexagram name is “auspicious.”

Therefore, the core of Liu Yao is not:

Is this hexagram good?

But rather:

Does the Useful Line of the matter have strength?

What is the relationship between the Useful Line and the Self line?

Is the Useful Line supported by month and day?

Is the Useful Line moving?

Is the Useful Line empty, damaged, in tomb, combined, or clashed?

This is the focus of Liu Yao judgment.

Below are common beginner methods for choosing the Useful Line.

Asking about finance, collection, and income

The Wife/Wealth line is commonly taken as the Useful Line.

For example:

Can this money be recovered?

Will the client pay?

Will this project produce income?

Can this quotation close?

If the Wealth line is strong, generates Self, and moves with useful intention, it is usually more favorable.

If the Wealth line is empty, damaged, controlled, or in tomb, it often shows poor financial flow or temporary failure to arrive.

Asking about work, position, superiors, and pressure

The Officer/Ghost line is commonly taken as the Useful Line.

For example:

Can I pass this interview?

Is there an opportunity for this position?

Will work change?

Does my superior recognize me?

The Officer/Ghost line has different meanings in different questions.

In work questions, Officer/Ghost can represent position, superior, rules, and responsibility.

In illness questions, Officer/Ghost may represent illness imagery or pressure.

Therefore it must be read according to the question.

Asking about contracts, messages, certificates, exams, and documents

The Parent line is commonly taken as the Useful Line.

For example:

Can the contract be signed?

When will the message arrive?

Can the certificate be completed?

Is the exam result favorable?

Will document materials go smoothly?

The Parent line represents documents, information, proof, protection, elders, houses, and related matters.

Asking about children, products, output, and relief of pressure

The Children/Descendants line is commonly taken as the Useful Line.

For example:

How is the child’s situation?

Can the product be completed well?

Will this content be well received?

Can the pressure ease?

Is there a trend of improvement in illness?

The Children/Descendants line often carries imagery of relief, controlling Officer/Ghost, output, joy, products, and user experience.

Asking about friends, colleagues, competition, and partnership

The Sibling line is commonly taken as the Useful Line or as an important reference.

For example:

Will a friend help me?

Is the partner reliable?

Is competition intense?

How are relationships among colleagues?

Will someone divide away the benefit?

The Sibling line carries imagery of peers, friends, competitors, partners, and division of wealth.

When asking about money, a strong and moving Sibling line sometimes shows competition, profit-sharing, or loss of wealth.

But when asking about team cooperation, the Sibling line may also represent support from partners.

Choosing the Useful Line in relationship questions is more complex and should not be applied mechanically.

Traditional teaching often says:

• For a man asking about relationship, read the Wealth line;
• For a woman asking about relationship, read the Officer/Ghost line.

This is because, in the traditional Six Relatives system, the Wealth line often represents the wife image in a man’s chart, while the Officer/Ghost line often represents the husband image in a woman’s chart.

But modern relationship questions are more complex and must be read according to the specific question.

For example:

Asking about the other person’s attitude

The Other line is very important.

Because the Other line often represents the other person.

At the same time, the Six Relative corresponding to the other person should also be read.

Asking whether the relationship can continue

Read:

• The Self line;
• The Other line;
• The Self-Other relationship;
• The Useful Line representing the relationship object;
• Combinations and clashes;
• Moving lines;
• Whether the Parent line represents relationship commitment or paperwork;
• Whether Children/Descendants clashes or controls Officer/Ghost, and other specific conditions.

Asking whether to initiate contact

Read:

• The state of the Self line;
• The state of the Other line;
• Generation, control, combination, and clash between Self and Other;
• Whether Vermilion Bird, Parent line, or moving lines involve messages and communication;
• Whether the Useful Line moves.

Therefore, relationship questions cannot be judged from only one line.

A more mature approach is:

Use the Self-Other relationship as the main thread, use the relevant Useful Line as the core, and then judge together with moving lines, Six Spirits, month and day.

After finding the Useful Line, examine whether it has strength.

When the Useful Line has strength, the matter has a root.

When the Useful Line lacks strength, the matter is likely to be empty, weak, or difficult to complete.

To judge the strength of the Useful Line, mainly read:

1. Whether it receives generation or support from the Month Branch;
2. Whether it receives generation or support from the Day Branch;
3. Whether it moves;
4. Whether it is generated or supported by other lines;
5. Whether it is controlled;
6. Whether it is clashed and damaged;
7. Whether it is empty;
8. Whether it enters tomb;
9. Whether it changes into advancing or retreating;
10. Whether it changes into returning generation or returning control.

Beginners can first grasp several basic principles:

• A strong Useful Line has more force than a weak Useful Line;
• A Useful Line generating Self is more favorable than one controlling Self;
• A Useful Line in emptiness means the matter is temporarily not solid;
• A Useful Line being controlled means the matter is obstructed;
• A Useful Line that moves and generates Self often shows movement forward;
• A Useful Line that moves and changes into returning control may move first and then be blocked;
• A Useful Line entering tomb may be stored away, hidden, or temporarily hard to move.

The Useful Line represents the matter, while the Self line represents oneself.

Therefore, the relationship between the Useful Line and the Self line is very important.

Useful Line generates Self

The matter is favorable to oneself.

For example, when asking about money, Wealth line generating Self may mean the money benefits oneself.

When asking about work, Useful Line generating Self may mean the opportunity helps oneself.

Self generates Useful Line

Oneself gives to the matter.

This may mean actively pushing the matter, or it may mean one consumes more.

Useful Line controls Self

The matter gives oneself pressure.

For example, in work questions, the position demands a lot; in financial questions, financial pressure is heavy; in relationship questions, the other person or the relationship makes oneself uneasy.

Self controls Useful Line

Oneself can control the matter.

But it also means one must exert effort to handle it.

Useful Line combines with Self line

Oneself and the matter are connected.

This may be cooperation, relationship, or opportunity, but it may also be entanglement or restriction.

Useful Line clashes with Self line

There is conflict, change, or instability between oneself and the matter.

Whether this is good or bad depends on the question.

The Other line represents the other party or the outside.

The relationship between the Useful Line and the Other line is also important.

For example, when asking whether a client will pay:

• The Other line represents the client;
• The Wealth line represents the payment.

If the Wealth line is at the Other line, it may show that the money is with the other party.

If the Other line generates Wealth, it shows that the other party has payment action or resources.

If the Other line controls Wealth, it may show that the other party is unwilling to pay or that the money is obstructed.

If the Wealth line generates Self, it shows a tendency for the money to come to one’s side.

Another example, when asking about cooperation:

• The Other line represents the cooperation partner;
• The Useful Line represents the cooperation matter or key condition.

If the Other line generates the Useful Line, the other party is pushing the matter.

If the Other line controls the Useful Line, the other party may instead obstruct the matter.

If the Useful Line generates the Other line, the benefit of the matter may lean toward the other party.

Therefore, Liu Yao must read multiple layers of relationship, not only a single point.

When the Useful Line moves, it means the matter being asked about has movement and change imagery.

When the Useful Line does not move, it does not necessarily mean there will be no result, but it may show that the matter is currently still and requires month or day to activate it.

Useful Line moving

It may indicate:

• The matter is moving forward;
• The object being asked about takes action;
• Key conditions change;
• The result is forming;
• There is an obvious trend of change.

But after movement, the changed line must be read.

If the Useful Line moves and generates Self, it is often more favorable.

If the Useful Line moves and controls Self, pressure increases.

If the Useful Line moves and changes into returning control, it may move first and then meet obstruction.

If the Useful Line moves and changes into returning generation, later support may appear.

Useful Line still

A still Useful Line may indicate:

• The matter is temporarily not moving;
• The other party has no obvious action;
• One needs to wait for month or day activation;
• The current state is relatively stable;
• Change is not obvious.

But if the Useful Line is strong, even if it does not move, it still has force.

If the Useful Line is weak, empty, damaged, or trapped, even movement may not be enough to make the matter succeed.

The Useful Line falling into emptiness is a common situation.

It may indicate:

• The matter is temporarily not solid;
• Conditions have not been settled;
• The result has not arrived;
• The object is not in state;
• Information is uncertain;
• The plan is still at the level of idea.

For example:

When asking about money, an empty Wealth line may mean the money has not arrived for now.

When asking about messages, an empty Parent line may mean the message has not yet arrived.

When asking about relationship, an empty Useful Line for the other person may mean the other person’s attitude is unclear or the relationship cannot land for now.

But emptiness does not mean there will never be anything.

Sometimes when the line leaves emptiness, is clashed out of emptiness, or becomes filled, the matter changes.

Therefore, emptiness must be judged with time.

When the Useful Line is combined, the matter being asked about is held, connected, or tied by combination.

It may be:

• Cooperation;
• Connection;
• Relationship;
• Occupied by someone else;
• Bound by conditions;
• Temporarily unable to act freely;
• Dragged by a certain factor.

For example, when asking about payment, a Wealth line being combined may mean the money is stuck by a certain condition.

When asking about relationship, the other person’s Useful Line being combined may mean the other person already has a connection, or that there are other factors in the relationship.

When asking about a contract, a Parent line being combined may mean the paperwork is constrained by conditions.

Combination is not necessarily good or bad.

The key is who combines it, what is being held, whether the combination comes to generate Self, or whether it carries away the Useful Line.

When the Useful Line is clashed, the matter being asked about is stirred, opened, scattered, or changed.

It may be:

• The matter changes;
• The object’s state is unstable;
• Conditions are broken;
• The original situation is opened by clash;
• The result is unstable;
• There is sudden action.

For example, in partnership questions, a clashed Useful Line may mean that cooperation conditions change greatly.

When asking about messages, a clashed Parent line may mean the message moves, or it may mean documents are unstable.

When asking about relationship, the other person’s Useful Line being clashed may show that the other person’s state changes and the relationship is unstable.

Clash is not necessarily bad.

If the Useful Line is held by combination, meeting clash may open it.

If the Useful Line was originally stable, meeting clash may bring movement.

It must be judged according to the specific situation.

When the Useful Line enters tomb, the matter is stored away, hidden, and difficult to express.

It may be:

• The matter is pressed down;
• Conditions temporarily contract;
• The object is not obvious;
• Resources are hidden;
• Progress is slow;
• One needs to wait for the tomb to be clashed open.

For example, when asking about money, the Wealth line entering tomb may mean money is held down and not released.

When asking about messages, the Parent line entering tomb may mean the message does not come out.

When asking about relationship, the other person’s Useful Line entering tomb may mean the other person is emotionally closed and unwilling to express.

Entering tomb does not necessarily mean nothing forever.

Sometimes the matter appears only after the tomb is clashed open.

Liu Yao judgment cannot look at only one line.

Self, Other, and Useful Line must be read together.

For example, ask:

Will this client pay?

You can read:

1. Self line: what is one’s own state?
2. Other line: what is the client’s state?
3. Wealth line: does the money have strength?
4. Relationship between Wealth line and Self line: will the money come to oneself?
5. Relationship between Wealth line and Other line: is the money with the client?
6. Whether the Wealth line moves: is there payment action?
7. Whether the Wealth line is empty, in tomb, combined, or clashed: is payment stuck?
8. Whether month and day generate or support the Wealth line: does the time environment support it?
9. Whether moving lines generate or control Wealth: is someone pushing or obstructing it?

Only in this way can a complete judgment be formed.

Question:

Will this client pay this week?

Analysis route:

• Self line represents oneself;
• Other line represents the client;
• Wealth line represents the payment.

If the Wealth line in the hexagram is strong, moves and generates Self, and the Other line is neither empty nor damaged, there is a payment opportunity.

If the Wealth line is empty and is controlled by a moving Sibling line, it may mean the payment is temporarily not arriving, or there is competition, deduction, profit-sharing, or delay.

If the Wealth line is under the Other line but the Other line is held by combination, it may mean the money is with the client, but the client is held back by some condition.

If the Wealth line enters tomb, see whether the tomb is clashed open before there is a release opportunity.

A practical suggestion can be:

The payment is not completely without chance, but it may currently be limited by conditions or process. It is advisable to actively confirm the payment date, invoice information, and approval process, rather than only waiting passively.

Question:

Should I actively contact the other person?

Analysis route:

• Self line represents oneself;
• Other line represents the other person;
• Parent line or Vermilion Bird can assist in reading messages and communication;
• The relevant Useful Line of the relationship object should also be referenced.

If the Self line moves and generates the Other line, it shows that one wants to actively give.

If the Other line is strong and generates Self, it shows that the other person may respond to oneself.

If the Other line is empty, the other person’s state may be unclear for now.

If Vermilion Bird moves and generates Self, communication may be suitable.

If Officer/Ghost or White Tiger controls Self, contact may bring pressure afterward.

A practical suggestion can be:

You can first communicate lightly, but should not push for a result. The other person’s state is not fully clear yet. Use a simple and natural way to test the response, then decide how much to invest next.

This chapter should be remembered through the following key points:

1. The Self line usually represents oneself, the querent, or the main party.
2. The Other line usually represents the other party, the outside, or the responding side of the matter.
3. The Useful Line represents the matter being asked about and is the core of Liu Yao judgment.
4. The Useful Line is not the BaZi Useful God; the concepts are different.
5. Different questions require different Useful Lines.
6. Ask about money: read the Wealth line; ask about work position: read Officer/Ghost; ask about documents and messages: read Parents; ask about children or products: read Children/Descendants; ask about friends or competition: read Siblings.
7. Relationship questions should combine Self, Other, and relevant Useful Lines, and should not be judged mechanically.
8. Whether the Useful Line has strength depends on month and day, movement or stillness, generation and control, emptiness, clash and combination, entering tomb, and related factors.
9. The relationship between the Useful Line and the Self line determines whether the matter is favorable to oneself.
10. The relationship between the Useful Line and the Other line can show the other party’s relationship with the matter.
11. Useful Line moving shows change in the matter; Useful Line empty shows temporary unreality; Useful Line being combined, clashed, or entering tomb all require specific analysis.
12. Liu Yao judgment must integrate Self, Other, and Useful Line, not rely on one factor alone.

Does the Self line always represent oneself?

In most cases, the Self line represents oneself or the querent.

But in complex questions, it should also be understood flexibly according to the context.

Does the Other line always represent the other party?

In most questions involving another party, the Other line represents the other party.

But sometimes it can also represent the external environment, the responding side of the matter, or the guest side.

Is the Useful Line fixed?

No.

The Useful Line must be chosen according to the question.

Asking about money, work, relationship, or documents may all require different Useful Lines.

Does a strong Useful Line always mean success?

Not necessarily.

A strong Useful Line shows that the matter has strength, but you must also see whether it generates Self, whether it is clashed or combined, whether it moves and changes, and whether it fits the needs of the question.

Does Useful Line in emptiness always mean no result?

Not necessarily.

Emptiness means temporarily unreal or unsettled.

If later it leaves emptiness, is clashed out of emptiness, or becomes filled, there may still be a result.

Is Self-Other combination always good?

Not necessarily.

Self-Other combination means connection. It may be cooperation or attraction, but it may also be entanglement or being held back.

It must be judged together with the Useful Line and the question.

1. What does the Self line usually represent?
2. What does the Other line usually represent?
3. Why is the Self-Other relationship important?
4. What is the Useful Line in Liu Yao?
5. What is the difference between the Liu Yao Useful Line and the BaZi Useful God?
6. What is usually taken as the Useful Line for financial questions?
7. What is usually taken as the Useful Line for work or position questions?
8. What is usually taken as the Useful Line for contracts and messages?
9. Why can relationship questions not mechanically use only one Useful Line?
10. What factors should be read when judging the strength and weakness of the Useful Line?
11. What is the difference between Useful Line generating Self and Useful Line controlling Self?
12. What may Useful Line in emptiness, being combined, being clashed, and entering tomb indicate?
13. Why must Liu Yao judgment integrate Self, Other, and Useful Line?
14. If asking whether a client will pay, which lines should be emphasized?

Next chapter:

The next chapter will systematically explain:

• The true meaning of the Six Relatives;
• What Parents, Siblings, Children/Descendants, Wife/Wealth, and Officer/Ghost represent;
• Why Six Relatives cannot be understood only by their literal names;
• The imagery of Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, Hooked Chen, Flying Serpent, White Tiger, and Black Tortoise;
• How Six Relatives and Six Spirits combine to judge real-world questions;
• Why Six Spirits are only auxiliary and cannot independently determine good or bad.

After completing the next chapter, readers will understand:

The Six Relatives are Liu Yao’s human-and-matter classification system, and the Six Spirits are Liu Yao’s atmospheric support system. Together, they allow a hexagram to become a more concrete map of a real-world question rather than only an abstract symbol.