Hexagram 31 of 64
Influence
xian · 咸
TL;DR
- ◈Hexagram 31, Influence, is summarized by the Judgment: Influence. Success. Perseverance furthers. To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.
- ◈Its structure is Lake above Mountain; read the trigram interaction before treating it as a simple label.
- ◈Core keywords: attraction, influence, relationships, sensitivity.
By the Numbers
- #31
- King Wen Order
- Influence in the 64-hexagram sequence.
- 2
- Trigrams
- Lake above Mountain.
- 6
- Lines
- Each hexagram is read from bottom to top.
Classical Context
Hexagram 31, Xián (咸), is the hexagram of Influence — the mutual attraction between receptive and creative forces, the foundation of all relationships. Composed of Duì (☱ Lake) above and Gèn (☶ Mountain) below: the lake rests above the mountain, its moisture seeping downward while the mountain's stability anchors from below. This is the image of mutual feeling — each touching the other.
This expanded note is adapted from the long-form hexagram draft as cultural and textual context; a live reading still depends on the question, changing lines, and the full transformation pattern.
Six-Line Theme Map
I Ching lines are read from the bottom upward. This map runs from the initial line to the top line so the Judgment, Image, and moving-line position can be read together.
- L1
初六 · 咸其拇
Influence on the great toe — first stirring
- L2
六二 · 咸其腓凶
Influence on the calves — rushing brings misfortune
- L3
九三 · 咸其股
Influence on the thighs — following others
- L4
九四 · 贞吉悔亡
Perseverance, regret vanishes
- L5
九五 · 咸其脢
Influence on the back — no regret
- L6
上六 · 咸其辅颊舌
Influence on jaws, cheeks, tongue — mere words
Deep Reading
Influence begins before words
Xian opens the Lower Canon with the human problem of attraction and response. The line sequence moves from toe to calf, thigh, heart position, back, and finally mouth. Influence begins as a subtle stirring before it becomes speech, persuasion, or promise.
- •The great toe marks the first faint movement.
- •The calf warns against rushing after a feeling too soon.
- •The thigh can follow others without inner steadiness.
- •The fourth line is the turning point where perseverance clears regret.
Empty enough to receive
The Image says the noble person receives people through emptiness. This is not self-erasure; it is the space that makes mutual influence possible. A lake can rest on a mountain only where there is a hollow. Real influence requires openness, boundaries, and responsiveness from both sides.
- •Influence is mutual, not one-sided pressure.
- •The back line suggests influence that is felt but not anxiously performed.
- •The top line warns that words alone can become empty influence.
- •Xian pairs with Heng: attraction needs duration to become relationship.
Reading Xian in a live question
- New relationship or attraction
- Notice the first response, but do not rush to act on it. Let mutuality and sincerity become clear.
- Persuasion or influence
- Influence works best through receptivity and felt trust. Words without real contact are weak.
- Boundaries
- Being empty enough to receive does not mean accepting coercion. Keep consent, timing, and reciprocity central.
Source Notes
- Primary text
- This reading follows the Zhouyi Xian Judgment, Image, and line statements, especially influence, taking a maiden, the body sequence, perseverance clearing regret, and receiving people through emptiness.
- Zhouyi: Xian Judgment, Image, and line statements
- Method boundary
- Xian is a symbolic model for mutual influence and attraction. It should not be used to justify coercion, manipulation, or one-sided pressure.
- CosmicTao editorial method note
Interpretation
Yes. Mutual attraction — excellent for relationships.
Upper Trigram
Lake
Lower Trigram
Mountain
The Judgment (King Wen)
Influence. Success. Perseverance furthers. To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.
The Image
A lake on the mountain: the image of Influence.
Keywords
FAQ
What is Hexagram 31 (Influence)?
Influence. Success. Perseverance furthers. To take a maiden to wife brings good fortune.
What is the geometric structure of Hexagram 31?
Hexagram 31 acts with the upper trigram Lake and the lower trigram Mountain.
What are the core themes of Influence?
The core themes and meanings include: attraction, influence, relationships, sensitivity.