I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 31 with Changing Lines 3, 4, 5 to Hexagram 2

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 31.3.4.5 -> 2

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 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 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 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:

2. The Receptive (坤 Kūn)

Trigrams

Above
☷ Kūn (Earth)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 2

Hexagram 坤 (Kūn) represents the primal receptive force of the universe, the yin to Qián's yang. While Qián is active and creative, Kūn is passive, yielding, and receptive. This hexagram symbolizes the Earth, which nourishes and sustains all things by following the natural order. In human terms, Kūn reflects qualities of devotion, nurturing, and acceptance. It complements Qián's strength, providing the supportive framework necessary for growth and creation.

Hexagram 2 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"元亨,利牝马之贞。"
(Yuán hēng, lì pìn mǎ zhī zhēn.)
English Translation:
“The Receptive brings sublime success, furthering through the perseverance of a mare.”

The Receptive's power lies in its ability to yield and respond to the Creative. The metaphor of the mare signifies an animal that follows the lead of others but still possesses strength, agility, and endurance. In human terms, this hexagram advises being adaptable, knowing when to take a supportive role rather than leading. Success will come not from asserting one's own will, but from responding to the natural flow of events with wisdom and perseverance.

Hexagram 2 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"地势坤,君子以厚德载物。"
(Dì shì kūn, jūn zǐ yǐ hòu dé zài wù.)
English Translation:
“The earth's condition is receptive devotion. Thus the superior man who has breadth of character carries the outer world.”

The earth, with its capacity to carry and nurture all things, symbolizes the virtue of receptivity. Just as the earth sustains all living things without discrimination, the superior person develops broad-mindedness and a willingness to support others. This is not a position of weakness, but one of strength that comes from humility and service. It suggests that those who embrace their role as supporters and nurturers can wield immense influence.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team