I Ching Oracle Result: Transformation from Hexagram 31 with Changing Lines 3, 5 to Hexagram 16

Yin Yang symbol, representing balance

Yì Jīng’s Response: Hexagram 31.3.5 -> 16

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 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:

16. Enthusiasm (豫 Yù)

Trigrams

Above
☳ Zhèn (Thunder)
Below
☷ Kūn (Earth)

The Symbolism of Hexagram 16

Hexagram 豫 (Yù) represents enthusiasm, excitement, and a sense of shared purpose. This hexagram speaks of a time when energy and joy fuel collective actions. Enthusiasm drives forward progress and creates harmony among people.

Hexagram 16 Judgment

The Judgment reads:
Original Chinese:
"豫,利建侯行师。"
(Yù, lì jiàn hóu xíng shī.)
English Translation:
“Enthusiasm. It is beneficial to appoint helpers and set armies marching.”

This hexagram signifies a time when enthusiasm drives collective action. It is a good time to delegate tasks to others, appoint capable helpers, and move forward with large plans. Progress is made with shared energy and excitement.

Hexagram 16 Image

The Image reads:
Original Chinese:
"雷出地奋,豫。先王以作乐崇德,殷荐之上帝,以配祖考。"
(Léi chū dì fèn, yù. Xiān wáng yǐ zuò yuè chóng dé, yīn jiàn zhī shàng dì, yǐ pèi zǔ kǎo.)
English Translation:
“Thunder comes bursting out of the earth: The image of Enthusiasm. The ancient kings made music and offered it in honor of virtue. They worshiped with reverence at the temple of their ancestors.”

The image of thunder erupting from the earth represents the energy and power of enthusiasm. The ancient kings used this energy to create harmony through music and honor their ancestors. In modern terms, this means using the joy of collective effort to build on past virtues and create a better future.

Peace and wisdom on your journey!

With gratitude,
The I Ching Team