I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 31 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 7
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 31.2.3.4.5 -> 7
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
"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.
Hexagram 31 Image
"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 2 Changing
"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 Changing
"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 Changing
"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 Changing
"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.
Changing to:
7. The Army (師 Shī)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☷ Kūn (Earth)
- Below
- ☵ Kǎn (Water)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 7
Hexagram 師 (Shī) represents the army and the discipline and organization required to achieve victory. This hexagram speaks of leadership, collective effort, and the strength derived from unity and command.
Hexagram 7 Judgment
"师贞，丈人吉，无咎。"
(Shī zhēn, zhàng rén jí, wú jiù.)
“The Army needs perseverance and a strong leader. Good fortune. No blame.”
An army, or any collective effort, requires perseverance and a capable leader to succeed. When these conditions are met, good fortune follows, and no harm comes to those involved.
Hexagram 7 Image
"地中有水，師。君子以容民畜众。"
(Dì zhōng yǒu shuǐ, shī. Jūn zǐ yǐ róng mín xù zhòng.)
“Water is within the earth: The image of The Army. The superior person nourishes the people and builds a great community.”
The image of water within the earth represents the hidden strength and resources of a collective group. The superior person understands how to nurture and unite these resources, creating a strong and cohesive community.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team