Fanyao

 

  The fanyao is the corresponding line in the relating hexagram when one line changes. It is like a reflection in a mirror or like seeing a landscape from a different direction.
  The subject is not very different, but you get another view on it. Your answer is just the one you cast, but the mirorring one might be useful.
  Maybe another angle is interesting, or it might be how another person sees it, or what you desire or fear, or how it used to be or may become.

  An example: hex.1 line 1 changing to hex.44 line 1.
  Trigram Heaven in hex.1 changes to trigram Wind in hex.44. In hex.1 the laws of Heaven are (or should be) part of one's mind, actions, timing. In 44, with trigram Wind, they are what one knows one should do, or learn to do, or maybe teach others.

  1.1 Act acording to the demands of the time, of timing, of your conscience, or to the 'facts' of the situation. When acting is too early, then simply stay put. But - seen from the other side, 44.1 - if there is any urge to move anyway, then retain it securely.

  Its usefulness: in this example there is a difference between following your conscience (1.1) or following your common sense (44.1). A conscience (or heaven's law) is demanding, common sense is smart. Of course one can follow one's conscience without thinking of the consequences or of what it will take, but it can be useful to take a look at those things. What your conscience or belief demands might be harmful to someone else, or impossible to carry out. The fanyao might give you more of an overview of what is happening. You will be more aware of what you're about to do, and more aware of other options.

The fanyao is like a mirrorred image of a 'shadow' of the changing line.