I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 31 with Changing Lines 1, 2, 4, 6 to Hexagram 9

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 31.1.2.4.6 -> 9

31. Influence (Wooing) (咸 Xián)

Trigrams

Above
☱ Dui (Lake)
Below
☶ Gèn (Mountain)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 31

Hexagram 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.

Hexagram 31 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"咸,亨,利貞。取女吉。"
(Xián, hēng, lì zhēn. Qǔ nǚ jí.)
English Translation:
“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.

Hexagram 31 Image

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

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"咸其拇。"
(Xián qí mǔ.)
English Translation:
“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 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"咸其腓,凶,居吉。"
(Xián qí féi, xiōng, jū jí.)
English Translation:
“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 4 Changing

This line reads:
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.)
English Translation:
“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 6 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"咸其頰、舌。"
(Xián qí jiá, shé.)
English Translation:
“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.

Changing to:

9. The Taming Power of the Small (小畜 Xiǎo Chù)

Trigrams

Above
☴ Xùn (Wind)
Below
☰ Qián (Heaven)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 9

Hexagram 小畜 (Xiǎo Chù) represents the power of restraint and the ability to control small things. This hexagram emphasizes the importance of tending to details, self-discipline, and preparing for future success by controlling one's impulses and desires.

Hexagram 9 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"小畜,亨。密云不雨,自我西郊。"
(Xiǎo chù, hēng. Mì yún bù yǔ, zì wǒ xī jiāo.)
English Translation:
“The Taming Power of the Small brings success. Dense clouds, no rain, come from the western outskirts.”

This hexagram speaks of success that comes through careful restraint and moderation. Although there is potential, represented by the clouds, the time is not yet ripe for action (no rain). Patience and preparation are needed before the full potential can be realized.

Hexagram 9 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"风行天上,小畜。君子以懿文德。"
(Fēng xíng tiān shàng, xiǎo chù. Jūn zǐ yǐ yì wén dé.)
English Translation:
“The wind blows across the heavens: The image of The Taming Power of the Small. The superior person refines the outward appearance of his or her virtue.”

The image of wind moving across the sky suggests a subtle but persistent force. The superior person uses this time to refine their actions and cultivate their virtue. It advises paying attention to the details and ensuring that small things are in order before larger tasks are undertaken.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team