The 64 hexagrams

Browse every hexagram by number, search by name or theme, or filter by element.

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No. 1乾QiánThe CreativeNo. 2坤KūnThe ReceptiveNo. 3屯ZhūnDifficulty at the BeginningNo. 4蒙MéngYouthful FollyNo. 5需XūWaitingNo. 6讼SòngConflictNo. 7师ShīThe ArmyNo. 8比BǐHolding TogetherNo. 9小畜Xiǎo ChùSmall TamingNo. 10履LǚTreadingNo. 11泰TàiPeaceNo. 12否PǐStandstillNo. 13同人Tóng RénFellowshipNo. 14大有Dà YǒuGreat PossessionNo. 15谦QiānModestyNo. 16豫YùEnthusiasmNo. 17随SuíFollowingNo. 18蛊GǔWork on the DecayedNo. 19临LínApproachNo. 20观GuānContemplationNo. 21噬嗑Shì KēBiting ThroughNo. 22贲BìGraceNo. 23剥BōSplitting ApartNo. 24复FùReturnNo. 25无妄Wú WàngInnocenceNo. 26大畜Dà ChùGreat TamingNo. 27颐YíNourishmentNo. 28大过Dà GuòGreat PreponderanceNo. 29坎KǎnThe AbysmalNo. 30离LíThe ClingingNo. 31咸XiánInfluenceNo. 32恒HéngDurationNo. 33遯DùnRetreatNo. 34大壮Dà ZhuàngGreat PowerNo. 35晋JìnProgressNo. 36明夷Míng YíDarkening of the LightNo. 37家人Jiā RénThe FamilyNo. 38睽KuíOppositionNo. 39蹇JiǎnObstructionNo. 40解XièDeliveranceNo. 41损SǔnDecreaseNo. 42益YìIncreaseNo. 43夬GuàiBreakthroughNo. 44姤GòuComing to MeetNo. 45萃CuìGathering TogetherNo. 46升ShēngPushing UpwardNo. 47困KùnOppressionNo. 48井JǐngThe WellNo. 49革GéRevolutionNo. 50鼎DǐngThe CaldronNo. 51震ZhènThe ArousingNo. 52艮GènKeeping StillNo. 53渐JiànDevelopmentNo. 54归妹Guī MèiThe Marrying MaidenNo. 55丰FēngAbundanceNo. 56旅LǚThe WandererNo. 57巽XùnThe GentleNo. 58兑DuìThe JoyousNo. 59涣HuànDispersionNo. 60节JiéLimitationNo. 61中孚Zhōng FúInner TruthNo. 62小过Xiǎo GuòSmall PreponderanceNo. 63既济Jì JìAfter CompletionNo. 64未济Wèi JìBefore Completion

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

  1. 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.

  2. Line 5 · Leadership in Influence

    Strong leadership enhances the influence and connection.

    Lead with sensitivity and respect. Your influence will inspire others.

  3. Line 4 · Deepening Connection

    The connection deepens. Focus on mutual growth and support.

    Deepen your connections. Focus on mutual growth and support.

  4. Line 3 · Overcoming Barriers

    Barriers may arise, but they can be overcome with sensitivity.

    Stay sensitive and attentive. Overcome barriers with understanding.

  5. Line 2 · Building Harmony

    Harmony is built through mutual respect and attraction.

    Focus on building harmonious relationships. Mutual respect is key.

  6. 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.

Change by line:

If only one line of this hexagram changed in your cast, you would arrive at:

  1. Line 1 changing → Hexagram 49 · 革 · Gé
  2. Line 2 changing → Hexagram 28 · 大过 · Dà Guò
  3. Line 3 changing → Hexagram 45 · 萃 · Cuì
  4. Line 4 changing → Hexagram 39 · 蹇 · Jiǎn
  5. Line 5 changing → Hexagram 62 · 小过 · Xiǎo Guò
  6. Line 6 changing → Hexagram 33 · 遯 · Dùn