Hexagram 31 · 咸 · Xián
Influence
- Element:
- Lake over Mountain
- Key themes:
- attraction, connection, harmony, mutuality, sensitivity
Image
A lake above a mountain, symbolizing the natural attraction and influence between elements.
Overall message
Hexagram 31 represents the concept of influence and attraction. It emphasizes the importance of building harmonious connections, mutual respect, and sensitivity. Success comes from the natural flow of energy and the power of influence.
Embrace the power of influence and attraction. Build harmonious connections with others. Success comes from mutual respect, sensitivity, and the natural flow of energy.
Classical text (Legge, 1882)
Judgment. Hsien indicates that, (on the fulfilment of the conditions implied in it), there will be free course and success. Its advantageousness will depend on the being firm and correct, (as) in marrying a young lady. There will be good fortune.
Image. (The trigram representing) a mountain and above it that for (the waters of) a marsh form Hsien. The superior man, in accordance with this, keeps his mind free from pre-occupation, and open to receive (the influences of) others.
From James Legge's translation of the I Ching (Sacred Books of the East, vol. XVI, 1882). Public domain.
The six lines
Line 6 · Completion of Influence
The period of influence is complete. Reflect on the journey.
Reflect on the experience and learn from it. Use this knowledge to guide future connections.
Line 5 · Leadership in Influence
Strong leadership enhances the influence and connection.
Lead with sensitivity and respect. Your influence will inspire others.
Line 4 · Deepening Connection
The connection deepens. Focus on mutual growth and support.
Deepen your connections. Focus on mutual growth and support.
Line 3 · Overcoming Barriers
Barriers may arise, but they can be overcome with sensitivity.
Stay sensitive and attentive. Overcome barriers with understanding.
Line 2 · Building Harmony
Harmony is built through mutual respect and attraction.
Focus on building harmonious relationships. Mutual respect is key.
Line 1 · Initial Attraction
The beginning of a connection. Be open to new influences.
Welcome new connections and influences. Stay open and receptive.
Related hexagrams
Opposite: If every line of this hexagram were inverted (yang to yin and vice versa), you would have Hexagram 41 · 损 · Sǔn. This is the hexagram's structural counterpart — the situation it could become if every dynamic flipped.
Nuclear: The hexagram hidden inside this one, built from lines 2-3-4 and 3-4-5, is Hexagram 44 · 姤 · Gòu. The nuclear hexagram describes the inner pattern that produced this situation — what is going on underneath.
If only one line of this hexagram changed in your cast, you would arrive at:
- Line 1 changing → Hexagram 49 · 革 · Gé
- Line 2 changing → Hexagram 28 · 大过 · Dà Guò
- Line 3 changing → Hexagram 45 · 萃 · Cuì
- Line 4 changing → Hexagram 39 · 蹇 · Jiǎn
- Line 5 changing → Hexagram 62 · 小过 · Xiǎo Guò
- Line 6 changing → Hexagram 33 · 遯 · Dùn