The Roles of Shi Yao and Ying Yao in a Reading
The first step when you receive a hexagram is to locate the Shi Yao (Self Line) — this is the foundation of Liu Yao interpretation. For a question like "should I resign," which is essentially "should I take a certain action," the Shi Yao represents the querent: your state of mind, your subjective intentions, your current circumstances. The Ying Yao (Response Line) represents the other party — in a resignation reading, that typically means your current employer, the organization, or the position itself.
This correspondence is not absolute; it needs to be confirmed against the six relatives (Liu Qin) within the hexagram. In a resignation reading, the Guan Gui Yao (Officer/Ghost Line) also often stands for the job. Sometimes the Guan Gui Yao and the Ying Yao point to the same thing; other times it is cleaner to read them separately. The basic framework, however, holds: the Shi Yao governs "me" and the Ying Yao governs "the other side."
What It Means When the Shi Yao Moves
A moving Shi Yao indicates that the querent is in a state of flux — unsettled in mind, or actively pushing something forward. In a resignation context:
- Shi Yao moves and controls (ke) the Ying Yao: the querent has a clear aversion to the current job and a strong drive to leave.
- Shi Yao moves and generates (sheng) the Ying Yao: somewhat contradictory — you want to leave, yet you still feel attached to or dependent on the job. Action is likely to be hesitant.
- Shi Yao moves and transforms into a Jin Shen (advancing spirit): strong forward momentum; the likelihood of actively resigning is high.
- Shi Yao moves and transforms into a Tui Shen (retreating spirit): movement that retreats — things will most likely fizzle out without a conclusion.
- Shi Yao moves and transforms into a Hui Tou Ke (returning controlling transformation): the line moves and then injures itself; forcing a resignation could backfire on you, so caution is warranted.
One point beginners often miss: a moving Shi Yao does not guarantee the matter will conclude. Movement reflects active subjective intention. Whether it actually comes to pass still depends on the Shi Yao's strength or weakness, whether the month and day clash or control it, and the condition of the Yong Shen (useful god) — typically the Guan Gui or Cai (Wealth) line here.
What It Means When the Ying Yao Moves
A moving Ying Yao means change is occurring on the other side. In a resignation reading this is somewhat more complex than a moving Shi Yao, because it can point to several very different situations.
Ying Yao moves and controls the Shi Yao: the company or employer is applying pressure — possibly forcing you out through a demotion, pay cut, role change, or even a direct layoff. The resignation is largely passive; it is not entirely your own choice.
Ying Yao moves and generates the Shi Yao: the company is offering you benefits — retention packages, raises, promotions are all possible. In this case, leaving becomes much harder.
Ying Yao moves and combines (he) with the Shi Yao: there is entanglement between the two parties — not a clean leave or stay. Negotiations, agreements, or non-compete clauses may be involved; you cannot simply read this as "will leave" or "will stay."
A situation that is easy to misjudge: the Ying Yao moves and then transforms into emptiness (hua kong). The other side appears to be moving, but it is an empty movement. Whatever threat or retention offer the company makes may never actually materialize, so do not over-interpret it.
Reading Both Lines Moving Simultaneously
When both the Shi Yao and Ying Yao move at the same time, the hexagram is relatively difficult to interpret because both parties are in flux.
The traditional reference point is to examine the relationship between the two transformed lines (bian yao). If the transformed lines combine, both sides may ultimately compromise and reach some kind of resolution. If the transformed lines clash, the situation tends to get stuck, the resignation process may be contentious, and the probability of a dispute rises.
Personally, I find it is better not to rush to a conclusion when both lines are moving. First clarify the influence of the month stem (yue jian) and day stem (ri chen) on both the Shi Yao and Ying Yao, then examine the six relatives produced by the moving lines. Sometimes what looks busy on the surface has actually had one of the lines scattered by the month or day, making it effectively inactive.
Common Misreadings to Watch For
In resignation readings, I have seen many people make the same category of error: equating a moving Shi Yao directly with "you will resign" and a moving Ying Yao directly with "something changed at the company," then stopping there. Both equations are too simplistic.
Shi Yao moves and controls the Ying Yao — strong intent to leave, yes — but if the Shi Yao is weakened by the month and day, it lacks the force to actually control the Ying Yao. That desire to leave stays in the mind and never translates into action.
Ying Yao moves and controls the Shi Yao — company is applying pressure, yes — but if the Shi Yao is prosperous and strong, it absorbs the control without being damaged. The situation may actually rebound against the company's intentions rather than playing out the way they want.
Beyond this, the six spirits (Liu Shen) and the six relatives cannot be ignored in a resignation reading. The state of the Guan Gui Yao and whether the Fu De Yao (Blessed Virtue Line, i.e., the Zi Sun Yao) appears both bear directly on the practical costs and benefits of leaving or staying. Looking only at whether the Shi Yao and Ying Yao are moving is just the entry point — not the whole picture.
Articles in this column are for cultural and educational purposes only and do not constitute life advice.