How to Interpret the Hexagram Lines in Human Design
- Elemental Healing
- May 5
- 3 min read
In Human Design, each gate in the BodyGraph has a line number—from 1 to 6 based on the I Ching Hexagram lines. These lines are like lenses through which the gate's energy is expressed. They also reflect a developmental journey we all move through—not just in our charts but in life.
Whether contemplating your design or reading for others, this approach helps you interpret the lines as part of an ongoing learning cycle. Here's a breakdown of each line, how it is expressed, and how you can use this insight for clarity and growth.
The Hexagram Lines:
Hexagram Line 1: Discover
Keywords: Learn, research, absorb, build a foundation
The first phase is gathering knowledge. Line 1 is the investigator, the student, and the builder of strong roots. When a gate expresses through Line 1, it's asking you to go deep, explore theories, ask questions, and feel secure in what you know.
In a chart: This person needs to feel prepared. Give them time and resources to learn.
Hexagram Line 2: Feel Into It
Keywords: Turn inward, nurture, natural expression, sensitivity
Line 2 doesn't try to prove anything. It feels its way forward. This is the energy of the "natural" — someone who often doesn't realise how talented or intuitive they are until others reflect it.
In a chart: These people need alone time to let their gifts emerge. They thrive with gentle encouragement, not pressure.
Hexagram Line 3: Test It
Keywords: Trial and error, experience, resilience, learning by doing
Line 3 is the experimenter. It takes what Lines 1 and 2 have gathered and tests it. Mistakes are not failures here — they're required steps in refining wisdom.
In a chart: These people need space to fall and get back up. They're meant to learn through life, not textbooks.
Hexagram Line 4: Share It With Your Circle
Keywords: Network, connection, trust, opportunity
After the first three personal lines, Line 4 is the first external one. It's about sharing wisdom with your close community—friends, family, and trusted circles. The Line 4 energy thrives in familiar environments where trust is built.
In a chart: Their growth is tied to relationships. Opportunities often come through personal connections.
Hexagram Line 5: Bring It to the World
Keywords: Leadership, practical solutions, broad impact
Line 5 steps out of the personal and into the collective. This is where insights go public. These people often carry a projected quality — others look to them for solutions.
In a chart: Their message must be authentic. When they embody their truth, their influence is magnetic.
Hexagram Line 6: Embody and Evolve
Keywords: Role model, overview, completion, preparation for the next cycle
The Line 6 phase is about integration and wisdom. It stands back, observes patterns, and prepares to elevate or transcend what has come before. It's not about doing more — it's about being more.
In a chart: These people are here to guide and inspire through embodiment. Their lives unfold in three phases: trial, observation, and wisdom.
Why This Line Progression Matters
Each gate is more than just a number — it's a story in motion. Whether you're a Line 1 needing to study deeply before you act or a Line 3 learning everything the hard way, you are exactly where you're meant to be in your process.
When you look at your chart and notice the lines of your gates, ask yourself:
What part of the cycle am I in?
Am I being called to learn, to share, or to evolve?
Understanding your lines can turn frustration into grace and allow you to move at your own rhythm.
This is more than a system — it's a map of human development. Your lines show you how you express energy and when you're ready to share, teach, or simply be.
Are you curious about what line themes show up most in your chart? Let's explore them together—contact me or book a session!
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