The World line (世)
What it means
The World line (世爻) represents the 'self' in the hexagram, indicating the person asking the question. For divination about one's own illness, lifespan, travel fortune, or any matters that affect oneself, the World line is the Use Spirit. If the World and Response lines generate or combine with each other, the host and guest get along well and undertakings succeed easily. If they clash or conflict, the relationship is troubled, and even good matters require effort. The World line should be strong and vibrant. In self-divination, it is most taboo for the World line to be empty or moving — 'World empty, World moving, my heart is idle' — indicating that the querent is lazy and matters are delayed. Additionally, following officer into tomb, assisting ghost to harm the body, and encountering clash at a combination point are the three ominous signs of the World line; if seen, one must guard against disadvantage to oneself.