31. Influence (Wooing) (咸 Xián)

Trigrams

Above

☱ Dui (Lake)

Below

☶ Gèn (Mountain)

Symbolic Meaning

咸 (Xián) symbolizes influence, attraction, and the power of mutual response. This hexagram speaks of relationships, attraction, and how one person or force influences another. Success comes from subtle influence rather than force.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"咸，亨，利貞。取女吉。"
(Xián, hēng, lì zhēn. Qǔ nǚ jí.)

"Influence. Success. Perseverance furthers. Taking a wife brings good fortune."

This hexagram advises subtle influence and mutual attraction. Success comes from steady, gentle influence, not force. In relationships, like marriage, mutual respect and attraction bring good fortune.

Image

Original Chinese:
"山上有澤，咸。君子以虛受人。"
(Shān shàng yǒu zé, xián. Jūn zǐ yǐ xū shòu rén.)

"Lake on the mountain: The image of Influence. The superior person is open to receiving others."

The image of the lake on the mountain represents openness and receptivity. The superior person, like the lake, is open to receiving others and is influenced by their surroundings. This receptiveness allows for mutual influence and growth.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"咸其拇。"
(Xián qí mǔ.)

"Influence begins with the toes."

This line describes the beginning of influence, which starts with small, subtle movements, like the toes. It suggests that influence starts gradually and grows over time.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"咸其腓，凶，居吉。"
(Xián qí féi, xiōng, jū jí.)

"Influence reaches the calves. Misfortune. Staying still brings good fortune."

This line warns against rushing forward too quickly. Influence has spread to the legs, but moving too fast leads to misfortune. Staying still and waiting for the right moment brings good fortune.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"咸其股，執其隨，往吝。"
(Xián qí gǔ, zhí qí suí, wǎng lìn.)

"Influence reaches the thighs. Holding on to those who follow brings regret."

This line describes influence that has spread to the thighs, but holding too tightly to those who follow leads to regret. It advises allowing others the freedom to move and make their own choices.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"貞吉，悔亡。憧憧往來，朋從爾思。"
(Zhēn jí, huǐ wáng. Chōng chōng wǎng lái, péng cóng ěr sī.)

"Perseverance brings good fortune. Regret disappears. Those who come and go are friends who follow your thoughts."

This line advises perseverance in maintaining one's influence. As people come and go, they are naturally drawn to follow your thoughts and intentions. By remaining true to oneself, good fortune follows and regret fades.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"咸其脢，无悔。"
(Xián qí méi, wú huǐ.)

"Influence reaches the back. No regret."

This line speaks of influence that has become deeply internalized, reaching the back and spine. It suggests that by maintaining steady influence, there will be no regret. The influence is now fully integrated.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"咸其頰、舌。"
(Xián qí jiá, shé.)

"Influence reaches the jaws and tongue."

This line describes influence that has reached the level of speech and communication. It advises being mindful of how words influence others and using communication to strengthen relationships and mutual respect.