31. Influence 咸
Xian · Mountain over Lake
The Judgment
Genuine connection arises when two parties influence each other through openness rather than force. Like a courtship where the strong approaches with respect and the receptive responds freely, mutual attraction flourishes when each stays sincere and unforced. Keeping your heart open and your motives honest brings good fortune and lasting union.
The Image
Like a lake resting gently on a mountain, receptive above and steady below, the wise person stays open and welcoming, drawing others in by keeping the heart unguarded.
What it means
Influence is about the chemistry of mutual attraction—how people and forces affect one another when there's openness on both sides. Real connection can't be coerced; it grows from sincere responsiveness.
The key is to remain genuinely receptive while staying true to yourself. Approach others with respect, let yourself be moved by what's real, and don't manipulate or push. Influence that works flows both ways.
This hexagram favors new relationships and partnerships formed in good faith. Lead with sincerity, keep your heart open, and let attraction develop naturally rather than forcing the pace. Connection built this way has roots.
Love and relationships
This is a hexagram of genuine attraction and courtship—stay open, sincere, and unforced, and a mutual, lasting bond can form.
Career and decisions
Build influence through authentic, mutual rapport rather than pressure; partnerships and collaborations formed in good faith open real doors.
The six lines
- 1. Nine at the beginning
The very first stirring of attraction is faint—just a flicker in the toes. It's too early to act; simply notice the pull.
When changing: A changing line marks an initial, subtle attraction not yet ready for movement.
- 2. Nine in the second place
Acting on an impulse to move before the right moment brings trouble; staying put brings good fortune. Don't rush the connection.
When changing: Changing here warns against premature action—wait rather than lunge forward.
- 3. Six in the third place
Following every impulse and clinging to whatever pulls at you leads to regret. Don't let yourself be dragged along by passing urges.
When changing: A changing line cautions against being swept up and losing your own direction.
- 4. Six in the fourth place
When your heart is steady and sincere, influence flows naturally and no harm comes. But if you scheme and flit anxiously, only those caught up in your restlessness will follow.
When changing: Changing here favors calm, honest influence over agitated, calculating effort.
- 5. Six in the fifth place
Influence felt only at the surface, never reaching the heart, has limited effect but causes no real harm. Shallow connection is just shallow.
When changing: A changing line notes a connection that stays superficial without doing damage.
- 6. Nine at the top
Influence expressed only in talk—words from the jaw and tongue—lacks substance. Move from speech to sincere feeling if you want it to matter.
When changing: Changing here warns that mere words, without genuine feeling, won't truly move anyone.
Related hexagrams
咸 Influence
Cast this for your questionOn-page guidance is original modern synthesis for reflection, informed by the public-domain Legge text. It is not a reproduction of any copyrighted translation, and not a prediction.