I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 31 with Changing Lines 2, 3, 5 to Hexagram 40

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 31.2.3.5 -> 40

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 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 3 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"咸其股,執其隨,往吝。"
(Xián qí gǔ, zhí qí suí, wǎng lìn.)
English Translation:
“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 5 Changing

This line reads:
Original Chinese:
"咸其脢,无悔。"
(Xián qí méi, wú huǐ.)
English Translation:
“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:

40. Deliverance (解 Xiè)

Trigrams

Above
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
Below
☵ Kǎn (Water)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 40

Hexagram 解 (Xiè) symbolizes release from difficulty or deliverance. This hexagram speaks of a time when tensions ease, obstacles are removed, and liberation is possible. Success comes from seizing the opportunity to move forward after a period of difficulty.

Hexagram 40 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"解,利西南。无所往,其來復吉。有攸往,夙吉。"
(Xiè, lì xī nán. Wú suǒ wǎng, qí lái fù jí. Yǒu yōu wǎng, sù jí.)
English Translation:
“Deliverance. It is favorable to go southwest. If there is nothing to pursue, returning brings good fortune. If there is something to pursue, setting out early brings good fortune.”

This hexagram advises taking advantage of the easing of difficulties to move forward. If there is nothing urgent to pursue, it is best to return and rest. However, if there is a goal, starting early brings success.

Hexagram 40 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷雨作,解。君子以赦過宥罪。"
(Léi yǔ zuò, xiè. Jūn zǐ yǐ shè guò yòu zuì.)
English Translation:
“Thunder and rain set in: The image of Deliverance. The superior person pardons mistakes and forgives offenses.”

The image of thunder and rain symbolizes the release of tension and the clearing away of obstacles. The superior person, in a time of deliverance, shows mercy and forgiveness, helping others to move forward.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team