The 6th line stands alone from the other five lines of the hexagram, and is best described as sitting on the roof. Though sometimes perceived as disinterested, this aloof perspective provides the 6th line with a vantage point from which to look back over the other five lines, while also looking ahead toward Line 1 of the next hexagram. Whereas Line 5 is moving toward others, Line 6 eventually moves away from them in order to go through a unique 3-stage life process and emerge as the mature Role Model.
STAGE 1, from birth to approximately 30 years, is one of exploring and living life through the 3rd line process of trial and error, and bonds made and broken. Driven to seek a soul mate (a 6th line attribute), they generally do not until they complete Stage 2 around the age 50. 6th lines are not resilient like true 3rd lines, however, and the chaotic 'getting bumped into' process can lead to disillusionment and a pessimistic view of life by their late 20's. In order to regain their optimism, they look for a way to retreat physically and/or emotionally from the world. A 6th line's first Saturn return at approximately 28 years marks the climb up on the roof, and the external discovery process shifts to a more internal one.
STAGE 2, from about 30 to 50 years of age, is one of withdrawing from the chaos of the 3rd line experience in order to heal and reflect. "Going up on the roof" is a time to observe and discover what is trustworthy and really works in the world; to re-evaluate life and develop the resources they will need later. Their energy may feel more aloof to others, but they are also beginning to be looked to for their wisdoIl1. During this time of inner retreat, 6th lines generally feel the most secure as they start to settle in, choose a vocation, a mate and/or raise a family. Their 3rd line discoveries are now integrated, and become the foundation for the outer authority they will express as the Role Model.
STAGE 3, begins with the Chiron Return at approximately 50 years of age. They are now nudged or kicked off the roof to engage fully in the world once more, this time as their authentic, optimistic 6th line self. This can be a time of radical shifts in their lives, and they may be particularly vulnerable if they do not know how to make decisions as their own authority. The awake Role Model is a living example of an aware being living a unique purpose. Hypocrisy is very difficult for a 6th line to deal with. They are deeply trusting beings and model to us how we too can trust our own authority and live our unique life. By entering deeply into experiences when young, remaining aloof and healing through inner work in mid-life, and re-engaging and flowering into the world after age 50, 6th lines bring a unique perspective and wisdom to the way life can work. Theirs is an example of the transcendent life possible as a 9-centered being.
"Every 6th line being carries the magic of the future, it carries the magic of what's possible for a human being, what's possible for any human being if they're fortunate enough in this life to come in contact with this knowledge and they get to experiment with it and see for themselves." —Ra Uru Hu
The resources in the HDKB were pulled from several places, including The Definitive Book of Human Design by Lynda Bunnel, The Book of Destinies by Chetan Parkyn/Carola Eastwood, and various other source material recordings and PDF transcripts of Ra's lectures. If you find value in this content we suggest supporting the original creators.