The 6 Lines of the Hexagram

The six Lines in Human Design are the foundation of the hexagram structure, and they represent six archetypal ways of being in the world. Each Line has its own unique theme, its own way of expressing itself, and its own role in the grand scheme of things. Understanding the Hexagram Lines is essential when studying Profile, or the qualities of any Gate activation in a chart. Let’s explore each Line:

1st Line: The Investigator

The 1st Line is all about foundation. It’s the base, the starting point, the bedrock. People with a strong 1st Line energy are natural investigators. They need to understand things deeply, to build a solid foundation of knowledge before they feel secure. This is the Line of curiosity, of research, of digging into the details. But it’s also a Line that can feel insecure if it doesn’t have that foundation. The 1st Line asks, “What do I need to know to feel safe in this world?”

2nd Line: The Hermit

The 2nd Line is the natural. It’s about innate talent, about being gifted at something without even trying. But here’s the thing: the 2nd Line doesn’t always see its own gifts. It’s like a hermit hiding away in a cave, content to be left alone. Yet, the world calls it out. The 2nd Line is here to be recognized, to be drawn out by others who see its potential. It’s a Line of duality—wanting solitude, yet needing interaction to fulfill its purpose.

3rd Line: The Martyr

The 3rd Line is the experimenter. It’s here to learn through trial and error, to bump into life and discover what works and what doesn’t. This is not a Line of perfection, it’s a Line of process. The 3rd Line is resilient, adaptable, and practical. But it can also feel like life is a series of failures. The truth is, those “failures” are its greatest teachers. The 3rd Line asks, “What can I learn from this experience?”

4th Line: The Opportunist

The 4th Line is all about relationships. It’s the networker, the connector, the one who builds its life through its connections with others. This is a Line of influence, of opportunity that comes through people. The 4th Line thrives in community, in friendship, in mutual support. But it’s also a Line that needs stability in its relationships to feel secure. The 4th Line asks, “Who are my allies, and how can we support each other?”

5th Line: The Heretic

The 5th Line is the problem-solver. It’s here to project solutions, to offer practical guidance to the world. But it’s also a Line of projection—others see in the 5th Line what they want to see, not necessarily what’s true. This can be a heavy burden, as the 5th Line often feels misunderstood. Yet, it’s also a Line of great potential, capable of bringing transformative change. The 5th Line asks, “What can I offer to help the world?”

6th Line: The Role Model

The 6th Line is unique. It’s the only Line that operates in three distinct stages over a lifetime. In the first stage (birth to Saturn return), it lives like a 3rd Line, experimenting and learning through trial and error. In the second stage (Saturn return to Kiron return), it “goes on the roof,” stepping back to observe life and integrate its experiences. In the third stage (post-Kiron return), it comes down as a Role Model, embodying leadership and authenticity. The 6th Line is here to show others what’s possible when you live true to yourself. It asks, “What example can I set for the world, by simply being myself?”

The Lower and Upper Trigrams

Each Line of a Hexagram belongs to one of two trigrams that together reflect a fundamental duality in the nature of experience. Lines 1 through 3 form the lower trigram, which is personal, inwardly focused, and concerned with individual process and survival. Lines 4 through 6 form the upper trigram, which is transpersonal, outwardly oriented, and concerned with how we connect and influence others. This division creates a dynamic interplay between the self and the world, individuality and interaction—laying the foundation for the Profile system and the expression of purpose through role.