I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 31 with Changing Lines 3, 4, 6 to Hexagram 20
Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 31.3.4.6 -> 20
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 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 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:
20. Contemplation (觀 Guān)
Trigrams
- Above
- ☴ Xùn (Wind)
- Below
- ☷ Kūn (Earth)
The Symbolism of Hexagram 20
Hexagram 觀 (Guān) symbolizes contemplation and observation. This hexagram represents a time to pause and reflect, gaining insight through careful observation rather than immediate action.
Hexagram 20 Judgment
"觀,盥而不薦,有孚顒若。"
(Guān, guàn ér bù jiàn, yǒu fú yǒng ruò.)
“Contemplation. Washing the hands, but not making an offering. With sincerity and awareness, clarity comes.”
This hexagram speaks of taking time to reflect before making decisions or taking action. By cultivating sincerity and careful observation, clarity and insight are gained. It advises patience and deep contemplation.
Hexagram 20 Image
"風行地上,觀。先王以省方,觀民設教。"
(Fēng xíng dì shàng, guān. Xiān wáng yǐ xǐng fāng, guān mín shè jiào.)
“The wind blows over the earth: The image of Contemplation. The ancient kings made tours of inspection to observe the people and teach them.”
The wind blowing over the earth symbolizes the power of observation. The superior person uses this time to observe, learn, and understand, much like the ancient kings who traveled to see the state of their people and teach them accordingly.
Peace and wisdom on your journey!
With gratitude,
The I Ching Team