Yijing CompassI Ching reading
All hexagrams

Hexagram 31 · King Wen sequence

Mutual Influence

咸 · xián

Modern reflection

Influence works through receptivity, respect, and mutual response.

Lower trigram: 艮 Mountain
Upper trigram: 兌 Lake

Historical source

Hsien indicates that, (on the fulfilment of the conditions implied in it), there will be free course and success. Its advantageousness will depend on the being firm and correct, (as) in marrying a young lady. There will be good fortune.

(The trigram representing) a mountain and above it that for (the waters of) a marsh form Hsien. The superior man, in accordance with this, keeps his mind free from pre-occupation, and open to receive (the influences of) others.

James Legge, 1882, public domain. Historical wording is shown for source transparency, not as a guaranteed prediction.

Changing-line passages

  1. Line 1The first six, divided, shows one moving his great toes.
  2. Line 2The second SIX, divided, shows one moving the calves of his leg. There will be evil. If he abide (quiet in his place), there will be good fortune.
  3. Line 3The third NINE, undivided, shows one moving his thighs, and keeping close hold of those whom he follows. Going forward (in this way) will cause regret.
  4. Line 4The fourth NINE, undivided, shows that firm correctness whi.ch will lead to good fortune, and prevent all occasion for repentance. If its subject be unsettled in his movements, (only) his friends will follow his purpose.
  5. Line 5The fifth NINE, undivided, shows one moving the flesh along the spine above the heart. There will be no occasion for repentance.
  6. Line 6The sixth six, divided, shows one moving his jaws and tongue.

Ready to build a six-line reading?

Cast a hexagram