I Ching Hexagram 31 · Xian

Hexagram Information

• Hexagram Number: Hexagram 31
• Hexagram Name: Influence
• Hexagram Image: Dui ☱ Gen ☶ (a lake above a mountain)
• Hexagram Quality: an upper-middle hexagram, governing responsiveness, mutual influence, and joyful attraction

• Primary Hexagram: Influence (Hexagram 31)
• Nuclear Hexagram: Coming to Meet (Hexagram 44)
• Opposite Hexagram: Decrease (Hexagram 41)
• Inverse Hexagram: Duration (Hexagram 32)

Influence is the hexagram of responsiveness. Its value lies in sincerity, receptivity, and proper mutual influence, especially as shown in the attraction between man and woman and in human relationships generally.

What This Hexagram Is Saying

Influence. Success. Constancy is beneficial. Taking a wife brings good fortune.

The Hexagram Influence symbolizes smooth and natural responsiveness. Good fortune comes from remaining upright and steadfast. Matters of marriage and union are especially auspicious.

The Great Image and Core Spirit

The Image says: There is a lake on the mountain: Influence. The noble one receives others with openness.

The mountain signifies stillness, and the lake signifies joy. With a lake on the mountain, softness is above and firmness below, and the two respond to one another. Observing this image, the noble one should keep an open and humble mind, receiving others with modesty. Only then can true responsiveness arise and harmony be achieved.

The Hexagram Influence reveals this: responsiveness is not something to force, but something that flows naturally through openness and uprightness. If a person is sincere at heart, all things will respond of themselves. But if one is driven by fixation and reckless impulse, the influence becomes improper and instead gives rise to trouble and harm.

The Progression of the Six Lines

1. First Six: Influence in the big toe

   Responsiveness has only just begun and remains at a superficial level. Insight: when feeling first stirs, do not rush forward rashly.

2. Six in the Second Place: Influence in the calves, misfortune; remaining still brings good fortune

   One wishes to follow and move, but the time has not yet come. Insight: holding to the center and keeping still instead turns things toward good fortune.

3. Nine in the Third Place: Influence in the thighs; clinging to what follows brings humiliation if one goes on

   Blindly following others leaves one without balance in advance or retreat. Insight: do not lose your own judgment because of emotional impulse.

4. Nine in the Fourth Place: Constancy brings good fortune, remorse vanishes; restlessly going back and forth, friends follow your thoughts

   Through sincere mutual influence, hearts and intentions come into accord. Insight: if you act while remaining upright, resonance can be found.

5. Nine in the Fifth Place: Influence in the back of the neck, no remorse

   The responsiveness is deep, yet true union is hard to achieve. Insight: where there is feeling but no destined bond, it is better to stop without regret.

6. Top Six: Influence in the jaws, cheeks, and tongue

   Too many words give rise to disputes. Insight: when feeling leads to excessive speech, it instead becomes trouble of the mouth and tongue.

Guidance for Daily Life

Key Themes and Overall Guidance:

You are likely to enjoy good rapport with others and many opportunities, but you must remain upright and balanced, guarding against emotional imbalance.

Work and Finances:

Success lies in harmony and communication. Move others through sincerity, and cooperation can succeed; do not blindly follow the crowd.

There are signs of changing fortune and active circulation, making this favorable for brokerage, trade, and cooperative efforts to seek wealth.

Love and Relationships:

This is an auspicious hexagram for love. Responsiveness comes naturally, and if intentions are pure and upright, marriage can endure.

Physical and Emotional State:

This suggests relative weakness or depletion. It is best to nourish body and mind, and to moderate emotions and desires.

The above content is for everyday self-care reference only; if physical or emotional discomfort persists or worsens, please consult a qualified medical or mental health professional first.

One-Sentence Reminder

The way of Influence lies in moving others through openness and responding through uprightness; when feelings are stirred without losing what is right, true resonance can endure.