Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 咸 (Xián) |
| English Name | Influence / Wooing / Attraction |
| Trigrams | Lake over Mountain (兑上艮下) |
| Number | 31 of 64 |
The Text (Yijing Classic)
Judgment (卦辞 Guàcí)
Influence. Success. Perseverance furthers. To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.
The Image (象辞 Xiàngcí)
A lake on the mountain: the image of Influence. Thus the superior man encourages people to approach him by his readiness to receive them.
The Six Lines (爻辞 Yáocí)
| Line | Position | Text | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 初六 | Bottom | The influence shows itself in the big toe. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 六二 | 2nd | The influence shows itself in the calves of the legs. Misfortune. Tarrying brings good fortune. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 九三 | 3rd | The influence shows itself in the thighs. Holds to that which follows it. To continue is humiliating. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 九四 | 4th | Perseverance brings good fortune. Remorse disappears. If a man is agitated in mind, only those friends on whom he fixes his conscious thoughts will follow. | Favorable outcome; stay the course |
| 九五 | 5th | The influence shows itself in the back of the neck. No remorse. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
| 上六 | Top | The influence shows itself in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue. | Reflect carefully on the situation before acting |
Core Meanings
Essence (本质)
- Mutual attraction; influence through receptive openness
- Upper trigram Lake (joyous and open) over lower trigram Mountain (still and grounding)
- Embodies the qualities of attraction, influence, sensitivity and courtship, openness, connection
Keywords
AttractionInfluenceSensitivityCourtshipOpennessConnection
Divination & Prediction
★★★★☆Auspicious
| Aspect | Prediction |
|---|---|
| Overall | Favorable conditions ahead. Mutual attraction; influence through receptive openness Channel the energy of attraction and influence for maximum benefit. |
| Timing | Conditions favor action now. Move forward with confidence. |
| Challenge | Maintain focus on sensitivity to avoid complacency in favorable times. |
Applications in Life
Business & Career
In business, this hexagram counsels attraction and influence. The Lake trigram above suggests joyous and open energy in your outer dealings, while the Mountain trigram below points to still and grounding foundations. Conditions favor bold moves and expansion.
Health & Wellness
Focus on mouth and respiratory and hands and back. Your vitality is strong — channel it through regular exercise and disciplined routines.
Relationships
In relationships, embody attraction and influence. Openness and confidence strengthen bonds. Take initiative in resolving issues.
Education & Growth
For learning, this hexagram emphasizes sensitivity and courtship. Excellent conditions for mastery. Pursue ambitious studies.
Practical Wisdom
Do
- Cultivate attraction in all your actions
- Practice influence consistently
- Embrace sensitivity as your guiding principle
- Develop courtship through daily practice
Don’t
- Neglect the importance of openness
- Abandon connection under pressure
- Act impulsively without considering consequences
Comparative Hexagrams
| Hexagram | Relationship |
|---|---|
| 32. Héng (恒) | Duration — the lasting form of influence |
| 41. Sǔn (损) | Decrease — emptying oneself to receive |
| 49. Gé (革) | Revolution — transformation through mutual influence |
Sample Reading Dialogue
Querent: “I've met someone special. Is this relationship worth pursuing?”
You received Hexagram 31, Influence. The judgment says: 'Influence. Success. Perseverance furthers. To take a maiden to wife brings good ...' Mutual attraction; influence through receptive openness This is a favorable sign. The energy of attraction supports your intention. Move forward with sensitivity, but remain mindful of proper timing.