I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 31 with Changing Lines 2, 4, 5, 6 to Hexagram 18
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 31.2.4.5.6 -> 18
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 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.
Line 6 Changing
"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.
Changing to:
18. Work on What Has Been Spoiled (蠱 Gǔ)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☶ Gèn (Mountain)
- Below
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 18
Hexagram 蠱 (Gǔ) symbolizes decay or corruption. This hexagram indicates a time when things have gone wrong, and one must work to repair and restore order. It speaks of correcting past mistakes and addressing harmful influences.
Hexagram 18 Judgment
"蠱，元亨，利涉大川。先甲三日，後甲三日。"
(Gǔ, yuán hēng, lì shè dà chuān. Xiān jiǎ sān rì, hòu jiǎ sān rì.)
“Work on what has been spoiled. Supreme success. It is favorable to cross the great water. Before the new beginning, three days; after the new beginning, three days.”
This hexagram suggests that addressing past mistakes leads to supreme success. It advises starting fresh, but careful preparation and reflection are necessary before moving forward. This process takes time but brings great reward.
Hexagram 18 Image
"風行山上，蠱。君子以振民育德。"
(Fēng xíng shān shàng, gǔ. Jūn zǐ yǐ zhèn mín yù dé.)
“The wind blows across the mountain: The image of Decay. The superior person stirs the people and nourishes virtue.”
The wind on the mountain represents the force of decay and the need for restoration. The superior person takes action to correct the situation, helping to revive the people and nourish their virtues. This is a time for renewal.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team